Veni, Vidi, Amavi: We Came, We Saw, We Loved
Where will you be this Valentine’s Day? Where have you travelled to and then fallen in love, with the place or a person? In collaboration with travel bloggers, PackThePJs has compiled this A – Z of the most romantic destinations around the world. Today we are focusing on D – F: Dhonveli Resort in the Maldives; Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; Field of Lights at Uluru in Australia; Franschhoek in South Africa. We hope you enjoy our journey of love!
D: Dhonveli Resort, The Maldives
If you’re looking for one of the most romantic destinations in the world the Maldives is certainly the perfect to start! And for me that spot is Cinnamon Dhonveli. With all the beauty you’d expect from the Maldives – palm trees, clear waters and white sand beach – it really is postcard perfect.
Chill on the balcony of your overwater bungalow. Watch the sunset fall into the ocean as fish swim beneath you. Enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach and relax in paradise.
If your version of romance is a bit more on the quirky side too Dhonveli is also surrounded by some incredible scuba diving, So you can take your significant other under the water to cruise alongside manta rays and turtles.
Or if your idea of a perfect date involves a bit more adrenaline, Cinnamon Dhonveli also has it’s own private surf break. Here you can enjoy some incredible waves. If you don’t surf, you can kick back at the surfer bar with a cocktail and watch!
It’s the perfect romantic compromise – everyone wins!
Thanks to Backpacker Banter
E: Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Perhaps the best-known landmark in a city known for its love of love, there is likely no more romantic sight in the world than the graceful lines of the Eiffel Tower. Even better, your opportunities for how to experience it are almost endless. A bottle of wine on the lawn while you people-watch with your paramour might be enough low-key romance for you. Or, you could take it up a notch and hire a photographer for a lovely picnic and photo shoot in this icon’s shadow.
But you don’t even have to be on the same block with the tower to enjoy it. In fact, our favourite way to enjoy a romantic evening together in Paris is to book a table at a nice, rooftop restaurant nearby, so we can watch the sky darken and the tower begin to sparkle, from the comfort of a soft seat.
And romantic mornings are best on an apartment terrace, with espresso and a view of the city skyline, including – you guessed it – La Tour Eiffel. But the most important part? Share that gorgeous view with someone you love – even if that someone is you!
Thanks to Two Restless Homebodies
F: Field of Lights, Uluru, Australia
One of the most romantic things to do in Uluru is to book an evening at ‘The Sound of Silence’ dinner under the stars. You will be picked up before sunset and taken to a lookout point. Here you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne and some canapes as the sun goes down on Uluru Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta.
You then walk down to a buffet dinner at communal tables. During dinner, the in-house astrologer will tell you more about what you can see above your head. The famous Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro is right next to the dinner tables so, when the sun sets, the lights will be turned on giving an extra air of romance.
After dinner, you are free to walk around the installation made of 50,000 colour changing spheres for about 45 minutes before returning to your hotel.
Thanks to Once In A Lifetime Journeys
F: Franschhoek, South Africa
The little town of Franschhoek, 90km from Cape Town, South Africa is an ideal place for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Located in a picturesque valley between vineyards and mountains, with one of the best wine estates and restaurants in the country, Franschhoek has a lot to offer.
To start your day take a ride on a hop on/hop off wine tram – the best way to experience local wine farms. There are six different tram routes; each passes through 8 farms. Some of the best wine farms are Leopard’s Leap, Le Motte Winery, and Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate. During the ride you’ll get some information about the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the area.
To continue a perfect Valentine’s Day go for lunch at one of the local restaurants. Here you’ll have a great variety of food options from juicy steaks to exquisite vegetarian dishes. If you like scenic drives go over Franschhoek Pass to get some stunning views over the valley and the town. As for accommodation, there are many cosy home-style guesthouses for middle budget as well as boutique hotels and farm-cottages in the higher price range.
Thanks to Stingy Nomads
We hope you have enjoyed reading this post of our A – Z Series. Please come back tomorrow for the next three letters of the alphabet!
