There are many different Valentines; long-planned ones, late ones, simple-but-thoughtful ones, trying-to-be-different ones. There are gifts, getaways and great nights out. Here’s our round-up of the best of all types. We hope you find something that hits the spot on February 14th…
Limited Edition Bottle of Taittinger at the Royal Crescent, Bath
Let’s start with the basics. Champagne. This Valentine’s forget the boring bottle of bubbly in the hotel room and instead head to The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa for one of only 36 limited edition bottles signed by Vitalie Taittinger.
The Taittinger Time package is the ultimate experience, giving you the opportunity to indulge in one of the finest Champagnes, spectacular food and the luxurious surroundings of The Royal Crescent Hotel. During your two-night stay in one of their luxurious heritage suites, enjoy the delights of the Taittinger Flight in The Montagu Bar & Champagne Lounge before indulging in a 3-course dinner in the award winning Dower House Restaurant, complete with a Champagne themed dessert with accompanying Champagne cocktail. To complete your experience enjoy Afternoon Tea during your second afternoon, along with a signature glass of Taittinger Champagne.
For more information, visit www.royalcrescent.co.uk.
Bespoke Gifts from Picketts
The Mayfair gentleman’s outfitter has come up with a selection of delightful gifts to impress your loved one this Valentine’s. Here are our favourites…
For Her: Jewellery Roll
For avid travelers this soft lambskin leather jewellery roll is a must have. It is ideally sized to accommodate an assortment of different items and fit effortlessly into your luggage. It’s fully lined with Pickett’s signature suede featuring two zipped pockets, a pierced suede strip and cylindrical roll for rings. RRP £270.
For Him: Silk-Lined Gloves
The glove maketh the man. Men’s silk-lined gloves by Pickett are made using beautifully soft cape calf leather, available in black and brown, lined in luxurious silk. RRP £125.
Each product at Pickett is handmade in the UK and can be individually personalised with a range of details from simple block initials and lettering, to special messages or a logo, all done in store at Pickett to make that gift the little bit more memorable.
For more info, and more ideas, visit www.pickett.co.uk.
Massage Class for Couples at Rudding Park
Rudding Park, recently voted as the UK’s Best New Spa – not to mention the Arb’s coveted Spa of the Month – is offering something that little bit unique if you’re looking for a night or two away with their Duo Massage Masterclass or Couples Connect experience.
The Duo Massage Masterclass allows you and your partner to relax side by side as your spa therapists perform a back, neck and shoulder massage. You will then each be coached in the art of simple massage technique with time to practise on each other and you can take away these skills so you can continue massage relaxation at home.
Couples Connect focuses on reconnection, love and happiness. This top-to-toe massage ritual helps calm the nervous system and promotes reconnection on a physical and emotional level. Focusing on the heart, sacral and crown chakras, it draws on the strengths of three therapeutic oils along with warm Himalayan salt poultices to rebalance the mind and body.
The one-night Luxury Escape package also includes half a bottle of pink fizz and a pink rose in the room on arrival plus a five-course sharing menu at Clocktower, and a gift for your Valentine.
For further information, including details of other Valentine’s packages, visit ruddingpark.co.uk/valentines.
A Night of Mexican Seduction at Ella Canta
From 5 to 17 February, in celebration of El Día de San Valentín, critically-acclaimed Mexican maestra Martha Ortiz is serving a ‘Mexican Seduction’ tasting menu sharing Mexico’s enchanting stories of beauty and love through the dishes.
Each of the 7 courses has been carefully curated to arouse the senses and please the eye, with a romantic line of red running throughout. Dishes include Enticement, a scallop ceviche with cacao, vanilla and sesame seeds; Seduction with smoked trout, yellow mole and chayote; and Imagination, a prime rib of beef barbacoa style with pink peppercorn. Alongside the menu, Ella Canta’s bar will be serving an alluring range of Valentine’s Day cocktails.
The Mexican Seduction menu will be available at Ella Canta for lunch and dinner from 5–17 February, priced at £85pp. For more information visit www.ellacanta.com.
The Anti-Valentine Dinners from Veuve Clicquot
Veuve Clicquot is going the other way this year, taking over Granary Square Brasserie in King’s Cross on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th February 2018 for a series of anti Valentine’s dinners.
On both nights, a giant Veuve Clicquot Piñata heart will be hanging from the ceiling inviting guests to smash it for the chance to win some prizes. The table of friends, lovers or “just mates” who break the Piñata will receive a magnum of Veuve Clicquot Rosé.
So whether you are happily paired up, consciously uncoupled, or have just been ghosted and in need of a night out just with friends, Veuve Clicquot is ready to take on Valentine’s Day by your side.
For the Short-Haul Getaway
Having recently featured the Conrad Dublin, we thought we’d mention their ‘Over The Top Valentine’s Experience’ for those hoping to impress their loved one on the most romantic day of the year. The package includes a scenic helicopter ride over the city, use of a professional photographer throughout, a luxury picnic for two in the nearby Iveagh Garden or St. Stephen’s Green, plus a unique poem created for both guests by Conrad Dublin’s house poet. As part of the package, couples will spend three nights in the hotel’s Presidential Suite with panoramic views of the city, including daily breakfast and luxury amenities.
Conrad Dublin’s ‘Over-The-Top Valentine’s Experience’ starts from €5,000 (approx. £4,415) per person including 3 nights’ accommodation. To book, please visit www.conradhotels3.hilton.com or call +353 1 602 8900.
A Roman(tic) Break with a Difference
Forget Vespas, Peck and Hepburn, this is the ultimate Roman Holiday. Throughout February, couples staying at Rome Cavalieri can discover the city together in a vintage Fiat 500 or a vintage cabriolet Ape car as they drive around the city’s piazzas. On Valentine’s Day, lovebirds can feast on a delectable eight-course menu at La Pergola, Rome’s first and only three Michellin starred restaurant, with a menu delightfully paired with a fine selection of prestigious labels from La Pergola’s renowned cellar.
Nightly rates at Rome Cavalieri start from 290 Euros (approx. £254) in a Deluxe Room. To learn more or book, please visit www.waldorfastoria.com or call +39 06 35091.
For something simple and understated: a poetry recital at Keats House, London…
Poet John Keats lived at this Grade I listed Regency house from 1818 to 1820. This was where he wrote his famed ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ and met and fell in love with Fanny Brawne. Keats left London for Italy, where he tragically died at the age of 25. Fanny wore his engagement ring until her death, and it is now on display at the house, while their love story was immortalised in Jane Campion’s 2009 film Bright Star. Catch a poetry reading and soak up the atmosphere. For more information, visit www.visitheritage.co.uk.
And If You’re Staying In…
Stock up on Valentine’s Treats from the Mount Street Deli. The Deli is ready for romance, with Champagne Delamotte, Scott’s rose and Champagne chocolate truffles, 34 Mayfair’s chocolate & maraschino cupcakes and some delightfully romantic macaroons featuring heart and cherub designs. The star of the show this year is the Scott’s Valentine’s Day gift bag, including a Scott’s chocolate truffle box and a bottle of Champagne Delamotte – there’s no better way to treat a special someone on Valentine’s Day!
For gifts starting at £2.95 for chocolate and maraschino cupcakes to £65 for the complete Scott’s Valentine’s Day gift bag your gifting sweet treat needs are met this Valentine’s.
The deli’s Valentine’s Day treats are available for collection only, to pre-order please email info@themountstreetdeli.co.uk or call 020 7499 6843.
Whatever you decide, whether celebrating or commiserating, we wish you a wonderful Valentine’s…
