Jetsetting stars think nothing of whizzing their latest conquest away for a little steamy passion in an exotic location. Such romantic gestures needn't be the sole preserve of celebs, however. With Valentine’s Day almost here, why not splash out on a romance-filled break of your own? Here are four ideas to get you in the mood…
Cottage in the Caribbean, Antigua
If you fancy a romantic pied-à-terre in the sun, look no further than Rock Cottage in Antigua, perched on its own rocky outcrop with views to die for. Step down from your private deck into the sparkling blue Caribbean. Or cool off in your own private plunge pool and Jacuzzi. There’s a host of hi-tech toys to play with, including a 24ft powerboat to whizz you off to private beaches and islets. While this is the perfect place for romance, you can if you wish link up with other holidaymakers to make the most of the sports facilities and tropical gardens of the cottage’s owner, the Blue Waters Hotel, a few minutes away. But otherwise, keep things cosy and have your own cook serve up breakfast on your terrace and dinner à deux under the stars.
Love in Verona, Italy
The Italians call Verona “the greatest of our small cities” and Byron was so bewitched by it that he chipped a piece from the tomb of Giulietta (as in Romeo and…) as a memento of his visit. Verona’s heyday was in the 13th and 14th centuries when its rich merchants commissioned palazzo after palazzo as a sign of their wealth and standing – it’s believed one of these families gave Shakespeare the inspiration for his tragedy. Visit today, perhaps during the famous opera festival held in summer in Verona’s pink marble Roman amphitheatre, and you can stay in your own palazzo. The Hotel Due Torri Baglioni is the former residence of princes and has three rooms with balconies – so you can act out that famous scene for yourself. Riad Dar Les Cigognes in Morocco is converted from a traditional 17th-century house, built around secret courtyards.
