From wellness retreats and off grid romance to treats for crafts, flowers or film fans, get inspired by these fun ideas to celebrate Valentine’s with your loved ones …
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1. For wellness warriors: Valentia Island Escape “Wellness in the Wilderness” weekends begin on February 14 and continue to the end of October. Guests can unwind in quirky accommodation including restored retro caravans, a double-decker bus, boathouse or a luxe chrome and crystal airstream. At the heart of the retreat is a 200-year-old stone cottage where hosts Josie and Brendan offer a personal touch to your stay. Each retreat includes two nights’ bed and breakfast (with an optional third night) with lunch and dinner inspired by the local landscape. You can even forage for seaweed and other coastal delicacies as part of the culinary experience! Activities include yoga sessions led by Josie while Brendan guides scenic hikes and e-bike excursions to explore the island, which is part of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. For a magical night, participants can combine forest bathing with storytelling under the stars. Costs range from €195 per person sharing for two nights/three days or €250 for solo travellers. Avail of a 20 per cent discount on the opening weekend. www.valentiaislandescape.com
SEE MORE: Travelling Toute Seule
2. For off grid romance: Airbnb has revealed a list of interesting “switch off” stays in its Off-the-Grid category that includes secluded escapes, treehouses and eco cabins. It’s in response to studies showing that “phubbing” – the act of snubbing your partner in favour of your phone! – is leading to high levels of relationship dissatisfaction. To reconnect, reignite the spark and have a much-needed digital detox surrounded by nature, try a rainforest oasis treehouse in West Cork or Shack Glamping in Skibberean.
SEE MORE: Coastal Retreats And Off-Grid Cabins
3. For coastal lovers: You can’t get more coastal than Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa hotel in Co Donegal on the Inishowen peninsula with a Month of Love offer from €209 per couple per room. The package includes bubbly, rose petals and chocolates as welcome gifts, a romantic dinner in the The Edge restaurant overlooking Lough Foyle, as well as a spa credit. www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com
4. For flower lovers: Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has teamed up with Bumblebee Flower Farm in Drimoleague to gift guests a bouquet of locally grown hyacinths and narcissus on arrival. As part of a two-night stay from €695 per couple, including a pre-dinner Valentine’s cocktail in the lounge and dinner in the Gulfstream restaurant. Also included is yoga in the Fastnet Studio, plus access to the Seawater Therapy Pool and relaxation areas. www.inchydoneyisland.com
5. For lunar lovers: If your idea of romance is a moonlit horse-drawn carriage ride for two, then you’ll love the Moonlit Valentine experience at the K Club, Co Kildare. Not only will you have an intimate carriage ride around the 550-acre resort, but other treats include roses and a champagne cocktail before dinner in the swish Barton Restaurant. As a final romantic flourish, an illustrator will work their way around the restaurant, capturing couples enjoying their evening before gifting the portrait as a special memento. From €365 per room. www.kclub.ie
6. For romantic walks: The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin is located on one of the prettiest residential streets in the city, minutes from the restaurants and bars of Camden Street. It’s a great base for romantic strolls around the city and its Valentine’s package includes overnight accommodation, breakfast and a picnic hamper, as well as the use of a Dublin bike, for €209 per night. I love the hotel’s discreet Gin & Tea Rooms – the ideal spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or cosy nightcap. www.thewilder.ie
7. For proposals: The shoreside sanctuary of Wineport Lodge in Athlone has created a proposal package, from €841, which includes practical help and inspiration to help lovebirds pop the question in style. Included in the offer is a Lakeview Suite with views over Lough Ree, filled with candles, flowers, balloons and a bottle of champers on ice. Dinner can be set up overlooking the shore, while breakfast in bed is also included. www.wineport.ie
8. For craft fans: The Conrad Dublin has a new Claddagh Package that combines a luxurious stay in a bespoke suite, dining in The Coburg restaurant and a Claddagh ring-making experience. Champagne on arrival sets the tone for this special overnight stay where guests will visit Silverworks to learn about silversmithing before creating matching rings – symbols of love, loyalty and friendship. Available on select dates to February 14, from €879, with other treats included. www.hilton.com
9. For film fans: The Irish Film Institute’s Ingmar Bergman programme is in full swing throughout the month – a chance to enjoy the refined, arty films of the prolific Swedish director. On Valentine’s Day, there will also be a special showing of David Lean’s classic Brief Encounter, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a great date night film and fab for fashion inspo, too! For further details, visit www.ifi.ie
10. For cinema fans: A new exhibition at Powerscourt House is sure to be of interest for film fans, too. “The Cinematic Thread: From Screen to Craft” highlights the creativity of local artisans, while paying tribute to Wicklow’s cinematic legacy. The exhibition is free and open to the public on February 15 until March 2 at the Entrance Hall of Powerscourt House. Combine a visit with a romantic walk around the Powerscourt Estate and a cuppa at Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa. www.powerscourt.com
11. For Bridget Jones fans: The latest film opens on Valentine’s Day. To celebrate, The Limerick Strand hotel has a new Bridget Jones-inspired Bottomless Brunch at The River Bar and Restaurant on February 16, available to book for residents and non-residents from 1 to 4 pm. A DJ will be playing the greatest hits from the films – including hits like All By Myself, It’s Raining Men and more – to sing along with a glass in hand, in true Bridget style! The brunch menu features tasty bites and desserts, plus bottomless Prosecco top-ups for €50 per person. Look out for a Mr Darcy cocktail special for €12 … www.strandhotellimerick.ie