10 Most romantic hotels on Earth!

There are few times in an adult’s life that we are allowed to indulge in fantasy – fairy tales are for children, we are led to believe. However, there is one day of the year when we are actively encouraged to dream of our very own Prince Charming or Dream Girl. We are of course talking about, Valentine’s Day.

And so, when tasked with finding some of the best romantic getaways for this oh so romantic holiday, we decided not to hold back. For those lucky enough to be able to afford such luxuries, this compilation of hotels can act as a useful guide. For all those dreamers out there, see this as a form of escapism.

For a quintessentially English retreat, look no further than Cowarth Park in Berkshire – part of the Dorchester Collection. This luxurious country house hotel sits on the borders of Windsor Great Park and claims to offer, ‘high-end style without the stuffiness.’

Re-energise by dining from Restaurant Cowarth Park’s Best of British menu, or if it's comfort food that you’d prefer, head to The Barn where it is almost obligatory that guests keep their muddy boots on.

Feeling flush? Then after dinner retire to a Mansion House Premium Suite. Each of these exquisite spaces is blessed with views of the lime groves, meadows, polo fields and the picturesque 240-acre estate. The suites also feature a supremely comfortable sitting room, dining table, four-poster king-size bed, dressing room and roll top bath. 

A former Victorian railway hotel, the Caledonian Hotel – or ‘The Caley’ as it is affectionately known among the locals – nestles at the west end of Princes Street, Edinburgh. Perfectly situated for exploring Edinburgh Castle, the Caledonian has embodied the very best in Scottish hospitality for over a hundred years.

Its two restaurants – The Pompadour by Galvin and Galvin Brasserie de Luxe – are inspired eateries from renowned Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin and offer an unforgettable and elegant dining experience.

After dining or checking out the fashionable bars and designers stores of George Street, relax in the magnificent three-room suite, completes with stunning Castle views and charming decor.

Sitting pretty on the hillside of Fiesole, Hotel IL Salviantino is a breathtaking 15th-century villa with inspirational views of the rolling Tuscan landscape. Visitors get to enjoy the best of both worlds – the sprawling country landscape and the hustle and bustle of the city (the hotel is only 15 minutes away).

You’d be a fool to come all this way without spending time exploring the area, and the gorgeous weather provides ample opportunity for just that.  Additionally, The Spa IL Salviatino boasts a vast array of treatments and massages to ease you into your holiday.

When it’s time to retire, you’ll love lounging in the Dome View Deluxe room. Dramatic floor to ceiling windows offers unparallel views of the city landscape and the iconic Duomo. Rich, warm interiors also give the room a sophisticated feel.

Often cited as Africa’s ‘best kept secret’, Nkwichi Lodge offers a complete experience. Lost in the surroundings of eight secluded beaches, this untouched paradise is the ultimate way to savour the beauty of Rift Valley coastline.

Spend your days exploring secluded bays, untouched beaches, towering monoliths and more through a variety of water activities. Snorkelling safaris, canoeing, cruises and fishing trips are among the many exciting adventures you can your special someone can enjoy.

Whilst action is always guaranteed, the quality of rest you’ll experience is second to none. The ‘Lake of Stars’ bed offers you the chance to enjoy the African night sky on a deserted beach or on a private rock island close to the shore.

An eight-storey landmark built in 1928, the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris allows every guest to fully immerse themselves into Parisian culture. A short walk to Champs- Elysées and other wonderful landmarks, you couldn’t ask for a more exquisite location.

However, the real gem of this stunning hotel is La Galerie, which showcases beautiful Flemish tapestries, 19^th-century paintings and furniture, as well as objets d'art. The environment is made even more serene by the pianist, who plays every day from 3 pm. La Galerie also serves lunch, cocktails and dinner from 12.30pm until 10 pm every day, allowing you to dine and people watch.

When it comes to the rooms available, you couldn’t do better than The Penthouse – a remarkable display of luxury design, furnishings and amenities. Offering breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and your own private terrace, this is a splurge worth every penny.

Between 1848 and 1900, The Grand Hotel Kronenhof was established, quickly becoming the perfect example of class. With its interior and exterior under preservation order, it’s clear that this beautiful hotel provides you with a door to history as well as a relaxing experience.

Fresh air and the alpine panorama lure guests from across the globes, and with a multitude of sports and activities on offer, The Grand Hotel Kronenhof has the makings of a perfect holiday. The culinary delights are also not to be missed, with gourmet delights available at the Michelin Star-awarded Kronenstubli restaurant.

There are many stunning rooms however the Valentine Suite, located in the Ganzoni wing, is an ideal hideaway for couples. Tastefully designed with separate bedroom and living areas, you can also enjoy the luxuries of the open bathroom in grey marble.

The Maldives is known for being a relaxation destination, and Gili Lankanfushi provides this in spades. Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Malé Atoll, this sanctuary provides spacious villa accommodations perfect for anyone wanting to hide and be romanced.

Guests can savour grilled seafood over the water, sip champagne in a traditional dhoni as the sun sets, or venture into the underground cellar for a wonderful dining experience. Private dinners on a secluded island are also available for anyone wishing to surprise a special someone.

The Spa Suites will impress in every way, and are exclusively available in the Villa Suite and the Residence. Complete with an air-conditioned gym and steam room, this haven will provide the weary traveller with all the means of unwinding. 

Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi in Udaivilas is set on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Spread over fifty acres, the hotel offers spectacular views across the verdant gardens and also hosts a twenty-five-acre wildlife sanctuary with deer and wold boar.

The layout of the hotel’s interconnecting domes and corridors reflects Udaipur itself – whose seven lakes are linked by canals. Flooded with sunlight, every window and every door leads to breathtaking views impossible to look away from.

Sleep soundly in the gorgeous Kohinoor Suite, offering a private pool, dining room and spacious living areas. Guests will adore the master bedroom and twin bedroom (both ensuite), filled with comfortable and chic furnishings.

The Abel Tasman region of New Zealand is famous for its sheltered cerulean bays, superb produce, magnificent winemakers, trout fishing rivers, and the golden beaches of The Abel Tasman National Park. Edenhouse Luxury Lodge is ideally located for guests to enjoy all that Nelson has to offer.

Often included in top resort and hotel lists across the globe, Edenhouse showcases thoughtful design, home comforts and breathtaking atmosphere. The landscaped gardens, formal dining room, artist’s studio, den and library are among the many amenities available – each one a mini oasis in its own right.

The luxurious suites in the main lodge are air conditioned, and feature pure Irish linen sheets, luxury toiletries and stocked refrigerators. Your comfort is guaranteed in this private and luscious sanctuary.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is the United Arab Emirates’ fist integrated desert resort. Under Arabian skies, guests can enjoy relaxing in a spacious pool villa set within the wilderness of a desert nature reserve. Think of this place as a safe harbour featuring 4,000 square metres of dedicated Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities and a private beach.

The Al Khaimah Tented Pool Villa is designed in the style of a traditional Bedouin nomadic dwelling. The beauty of the space is that it provides luxury amenities without taking you away from the natural glory of the desert. Natural light floods through the whilist floor to ceiling glass windows elevates your experience to lush heights.

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Alison Cork is a home expert and journalist who writes for the Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard and Reader's Digest. She is the founder of the homeware brand Alison at Home and One Regent Place – an online outlet for heavily discounted furniture and accessories