This Valentine's Day I'll be watching Emerald Fennell's bonkbuster version of Wuthering Heights with friends - though I'd happily spend February 14th solo. Ideally somewhere far more alluring than grey London. And a recent visit to the charming Alpine village of Wengen was the perfect inspiration – my first trip as The Independent's assistant travel editor. The area's latest hotel opening, the five-star Grand Hotel Belvedere, is full of cosy corners to cuddle up in with a glass of crisp white wine or a hot cider. Plus, the nearby peaks in the legendary Jungfrau region provide plenty of runs which are guaranteed to get skier's hearts racing – including the world's longest cross country trail. While restaurants Brasserie Belvedere and Hotel Bellevue are perfect apres spots to indulge in mountains of cheese or classic Alpine comfort food, followed by desserts laden with Swiss chocolate. There's also the option to take a trip up to the "Top of Europe", with the train journey providing some of the most cinematic snowy vistas you'll ever clap eyes on. Plus, afternoons can be spent in the Susanne Kaufmann spa having a massage (there are couples' options if you're so inclined), which you will have you floating back to your room. Bliss. |
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Grand Hotel Belvedere in the charming, car-free village of Wengen (Grand Hotel Belvedere) |
Though if you're looking for somewhere with lower altitude for a romantic trip in 2026, then senior travel writer Natalie Wilson deems Denmark's capital the ideal destination. "Nowhere does candlelit quite like Copenhagen. The king of cosy capitals embraces visitors with canals to cruise, tantalising tasting menus, and the twinkling Tivoli Gardens is the perfect place to hold hands for extra hygge. Or, if like me, you're travelling with the girls, there's no shortage of mulled glögg to glug." Or, if you prefer somewhere where the mercury promises to shoot up much higher, our global travel editor Annabel Grossman says that Lefkara is the place to be. "The pretty little village in Cyprus makes a great spot for romance. It's not far from Larnaca airport, so is easy to reach, but is tucked away in the Troodos Mountains with beautiful hiking and cycling on your doorstep. For something a little closer to home, hotels expert Ianthe Butt has plenty of inspiration for UK hotels that you're bound to fall in love with. From grand country estates to intimate cabins and boutique openings that are new for 2026, she has couples' breaks covered. Personally, of all the gorgeous stays she's picked, I'd love to be hauled up at The Gallivant in Camber Sands. "With rolling golden dunes on the doorstep and Rye's cobbled streets a short drive away, the location of this adult-only boutique hotel is hard to beat," Ianthe promises. "Surroundings aside, this 20-room bolthole holds its own as a romantic destination, in no small part due to its dreamy Hamptons-style bedrooms." If you're travelling with a loved one then her hot tip is for guests to book "Drinks in the Dunes". Ianthe tells us: "Staff will pack a hamper with a blanket and homemade margaritas, hot toddies or rum coffees for two – ideal for barefoot, blissed-out sundowners." Read our article on alternative romantic breaks to book in 2026 |
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| Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in northern Croatia, has some deeply romantic locations. The beautiful port of Rovinj makes for an intimate escape, with delicious cuisine and wine to seal the deal. |
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| Lovebirds should fly into Lisbon or Porto and make their way along the ocean shore to the romantic resort of Nazaré. Enjoy superb coastal walks while the Atlantic rolls in like thunder to provide a natural soundtrack to adventures with affection. |
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| Need a break? Enjoy a one-night weekend stay at any Village Hotel from just £99 for two, plus get £50 to spend on food and drinks in the Pub & Grill. Available Thursday-Sunday until 29 March. Learn more. |
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| Make it a year to remember with 15% off Newmarket Holidays' worldwide tours. Explore the ancient ruins of Sicily, witness Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, and so much more – all with an expert tour manager handling every detail. But be quick, this flash sale ends 9 February. Learn more. |
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| Skip the airport stress with these great-value MSC cruise deals departing from Southampton. Discover some of Europe's most iconic destinations while enjoying world-class onboard entertainment, top dining options and excellent facilities. Learn more. |
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Cape Town, Wine Country & Waterberg Safari Escape |
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| | Experience the best of South Africa with Cape Town, Wine Country, Johannesburg and a luxury safari, including private transfers, handpicked hotels, gourmet dining and thrilling daily game drives. Find out more. |
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| Best women's waterproof jackets to keep you dry on every adventure |
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| From breathtaking valleys to intimate local wine bars, Ronda, in Spain's Andalusia, is a perfect winter sun spot. | |
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| After a year of grief and exhaustion, a Greek island escape was exactly what our writer and her husband needed. |
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The first empty-nester holiday is a rite of passage for any couple |
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| Heartstopping attractions |
Our writer spoke to the people who keep the UK's only scenic wooden rollercoaster trundling along. |
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| Everything you need to know about Oceania Sonata, a brand-new cruise with a luxe restaurant offering. | |
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Our Pick: Today's Top Deals |
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| Keep tabs on your belongings while travelling and get almost 30% off these Apple AirTags at Amazon. |
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| Keep your suitcase organized with this handy set of packing cubes – yours for under £10. |
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