Top tips for planning a romantic getaway

Top tips for planning a romantic getaway

Romantic getaways are a fantastic way to spend time with someone special, whether you’re developing a relationship, celebrating a milestone, or simply slipping off for some much-needed alone time. In this guide, we offer a few tips for planning perfect romantic breaks in the UK. We also highlight a few of our favourite destinations that provide the ideal setting for love and romance…

Where can I go for a romantic weekend away?

The better question to ask is, ‘where would my partner enjoy going?’!

When planning a romantic weekend away, it might be tempting to think about the places you would like to go. But considering what your special someone likes (or doesn’t like) is a good place to start.
For example, maybe he or she likes long scenic country walks and drives. If so, a rural or coastal destination with lots of beautiful natural areas to explore could be great choices for a romantic couples weekend away. Or maybe they would prefer to be surrounded by the excitement of a city, for great shopping, dining and nightlife.

Whichever location you choose, make sure that there are plenty of couples’ activities to enjoy together. These can be outdoor activities, such as sightseeing or golf (if you both enjoy a round, of course!). Inside activities, such as intimate restaurants and pubs with roaring log fires are wonderful places to enjoy a few hours of romantic small talk and relaxed downtime. Of course, luxurious spas are also wonderful additions to a romantic getaway.

 

How a spa can enhance a weekend getaway for couples

Blending calming surroundings, secluded relaxation spaces, and restful facilities, spas are an ideal backdrop to some, or even all, of your romantic couples’ escape. You can slip into a soft robe and slippers and enjoy unwinding together in an atmosphere of pure serenity and luxury.
Many spa packages feature a luxurious treatment or two, which are a great way to treat your partner (and yourself, of course!). At some venues, you can even indulge in dual treatments that allow you to share the experience. Popular choices include side-by-side massages and the (non-therapist) Rhassoul mud treatment.

When it comes to facilities, many venues feature a selection of thermal and water-based options that you can enjoy together. For example, you might like to book a romantic weekend break at a spa with a warm and welcoming hot tub or Jacuzzi. Some have glorious views over the grounds or countryside – perfect for an intimate couples’ experience.
You could also enjoy a swim in the venue’s pool, which may be a heated indoor or outdoor pool (or even a spectacular infinity pool). Additional facilities may include a sauna, steam room or experience showers, all of which are wonderful ways to relax together. For more, take a look at our dedicated guide to what to expect on your spa day.

If you’re ready to add some spa luxury to your romantic escape, we feature a range of great value overnight spa deals, including some 2-for-1 packages, each of which feature a range of wonderful inclusions, such as spa treatments and dining. If you prefer to book a standalone spa experience, take a look at our spa day deals, which do not include accommodation, so you are free to book the romantic hotel of your choice and enhance your time away with luxurious treatments and access to the spa’s leisure facilities. Book now.

For the ultimate in flexibility, we also offer spa gift vouchers – why not surprise your other half with a romantic spa break? Book now.

Adding extras to your romantic getaway

While choosing the perfect location and hotel are important parts of planning your perfect UK romantic getaway, it can be the extras that make your weekend break a memorable experience that really shows you care. For example:

1. Dining: Romantic getaways are the ideal opportunity to savour a delicious meal. Search out the best restaurants in the area and check the menu ahead of time to make sure your partner has plenty of choices (maybe he/she is vegan!). Book ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday (or planning to pop the question), the restaurant may be able to arrange some surprises to ramp up the romance.

2. Minimise interruptions: The whole point of a romantic weekend away is to focus on each other. So, we would advise suggesting a ‘device-free’ agreement, with phones (and tablets, laptops, etc.) used only for emergencies!

3. Romantic touches: Choose a hotel package that is designed for couples and often there will be romantic extras included, such as a bottle of wine or chocolates in the room on arrival. Even if these aren’t included, there’s nothing to stop you from taking a bottle of bubbly with you or arranging for the delivery of flowers to the room.
   Upgrades: Many couples’ UK weekend break packages include a night in a standard guest room. However, hotels often have a choice of more luxurious accommodation, such as extra-spacious suites, four-poster beds, and rooms on higher floors with superb views. Ask at the time of booking whether an upgrade is possible and wow your partner when you sweep open the door and show them where they are spending the night.

   Five-star luxury: If you really want to impress that special someone, why not go the extra mile and book a luxury hotel? You can both spend your couple’s weekend away enjoying sumptuous accommodation, fine dining and elegant surroundings, complemented by personal service and all those extra touches that come as standard at exclusive five-star venues.

    

SpaSeekers Suggestions - Best Romantic Getaway Locations in the UK

To bring you some inspiration for planning your next romantic getaway, we’ve handpicked a few of our favourite destinations across the UK that promise memorable weekends away for couples.
Yorkshire: With its rolling countryside, quaint villages, stunning coastline and buzzing towns, the county of Yorkshire offers a diverse and memorable romantic UK weekend away. In fact, there is so much to do here that it’s sure to become somewhere that you continue to visit and enjoy as a couple, year after year.
lake district: There are few more beautiful places than the Lake District. Enjoy leisurely lakeside walks, long evenings in cosy pubs, and a romantic aura that surrounds this lovely part of rural Cumbria. As such, it’s perfect for that special celebration or as a memorable destination for your very first romantic weekend away as a couple.

1. london: If the city is somewhere your partner would love to explore on your weekend away, destinations don’t come more exciting than the UK’s capital city. Spend your time away taking in the sights, indulging in some retail therapy at some of the world’s finest stores, and enjoying all the culture, fine dining, and entertainment on offer. You’ll both have a romantic whirlwind of a time!

2. Scotland: What is there to say about Scotland? From historic Edinburgh to the breath-taking Borders and Highlands areas, there is certainly no shortage of romantic interludes to be savoured in this diverse country. Visit picture-perfect castles and wallow in the excellent hospitality. Golfing couples can also enjoy a romantic afternoon playing a round or two on one of the world-renowned courses.

3. Wales: For maybe the ultimate relaxing rural escape, head to wonderful Wales. You’ll undoubtedly fall under the country’s tranquil spell, with endless countryside, pretty coastline and plenty of awesome natural beauty, including magnificent Snowdonia National Park. If you and your other half love exploring in the great outdoors, returning each evening to warm and welcoming hospitality, this may just become your favourite destination for romantic weekends away.

4. South-west England: You’ll be spoilt for choice when booking a romantic break in this glorious part of the world. From the beautiful beaches of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset to the majesty of Dartmoor National Park and several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is a destination that blends the best of the countryside and coast. Escape from it all and spend your romantic weekend away getting lost in the lovely south-west.