HARRY HITS SWEET SPOT
TOP BOYS
We’ve done Christmas and New Year and now it’s time to think about whisking your loved one away for Valentine’s Day. Here are some suitably romantic suggestions.
VIEWS IN VENICE: Nothing could be more romantic than sipping a cocktail from a rooftop bar taking in stunning views of the Grand Canal. The elegant Hilton Molino Stucky Venice (hilton. com) has rooms with Regency striped wallpapers, exposed wooden ceilings and antique furniture. It’s a ferry ride across the water to Venice itself where you can wander its labyrinth of lanes, sip a Bellini at Harry’s bar and ride on a gondola. Doubles on February 14 from €160, room only.
ROYAL TREATMENT IN WARWICK: Live like a King or Queen with a night in the Tower Suites at Warwick Castle (warwick-castle.com). A grand fourposter, draped in tapestries under stone-arched roofs, will impress. You’ll be following in the footsteps of Edward IV, imprisoned here in 1469. When the castle closes to the public you can explore grand halls and turrets from where you’ll enjoy views across Warwickshire. Doubles on February 14 from €692, B&B.
RAMBLE IN THE LAKES: Pull on your wellies and walk through the magnficent topiary gardens of the majestic Elizabethan mansion Levens Hall in the Lake District. Hole up nearby in the chocolate box village of Levens at The Hare and Hounds (hareandhoundslevens.co.uk) a gorgeous 16th century coaching inn. Start the evening with a cocktail made from artisan spirits before dining on hearty fare such as game pie, steaks and battered haddock. Then retreat upstairs for a night in one of four bright rooms, decorated in soft, soothing colours. Doubles on February 14 from €95, B&B.
SKI IN FRANCE: Enjoy a romantic getaway in Val d’isère, with VIP SKI (vipchalets.com). Check into the Penthouse Suite 8, on the top floor of Aspen Lodge. Cosy up in front of a roaring fire after a day’s skiing one of France’s most spectacular resorts. In the lounge area there’s a large screen for movies, pool table and three hot tubs where you can sit under the stars, while sipping a glass of bubbly. Seven nights from February 10 from €1,746, chalet board, includes return flights from Gatwick and transfers.
GOLF IN PORTUGAL: Couples who love golf will be on fairway heaven at the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort, Portimao, Portugal (penina.com). The adjacent wide sands are tempting and couples can enjoy a lavish picnic from a hot air balloon or hit a ball around one of three impressive on-site golf courses. Choose a room with views over the mountains or over the large pool in tropical gardens. Two nights’ B&B from €370pp, including hot air balloon experience.
CRUISE TO BELGIUM: Sail off on a romantic cruise with Fred.olsen Cruise Lines’ four-night Valentine’s in Antwerp and Amsterdam itinerary. Depart from Dover on February 13 for beautiful Antwerp with its renaissance buildings lining Grote Markt, the central square. Visit Rubens House for a close-up of the Flemish master’s spectacular works. Next it’s on to charming Amsterdam where you can hand-pick red roses from the floating flower market, take a bike tour and visit Anne Frank’s House.
Four nights on Boudicca from €450pp, full board, drinks extra. Departs Dover on February 13. fredolsencruises. com