Five Isle of Wight retreats for Valentine’s romance

As Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, couples can make a weekend of it by crossing the Solent for a romantic break on the Isle of Wight.

From a smart boutique hotel or stylish country retreat to a luxurious self-catering barn, couples can indulge in gourmet delights, spend time soaking up the stunning coastal scenery, take romantic walks on the beach, or simply kick back and relax. Leading ferry operator Wightlink (wightlink.co.uk) has come up with its top five retreats for die-hard romantics to spend a special weekend with their loved one on the ‘Diamond Isle’.

BEST FOR GOURMET INDULGENCE: The Hambrough
Enjoy a romantic getaway in one of the seven exclusive rooms at The Hambrough, a smart boutique hotel facing the sea in Ventnor, South Wight. The luxury overnight stay includes a champagne breakfast and six-course dinner in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, prepared by Chef Patron Robert Thompson. Designed with romance in mind, the special Valentine’s tasting menu includes Champagne and Canapés, Oyster Tempura, Scottish Langoustine, Roasted Breast of Duck and Wild Strawberry Mousse. Also included in the luxury package is a bottle of champagne and a handmade sugar rose. Departing on Saturday 13th February, the one-night Valentine’s break at The Hambrough costs from £230 per person including dinner, champagne breakfast and Wightlink ferry crossings.

BEST FOR VICTORIAN ELEGANCE: Sentry Mead
Close to Totland, one of the Island’s most unspoiled beaches, the friendly family-run Sentry Mead hotel is elegant in style, with colourful gardens and an imaginative restaurant menu. Relax and unwind over the Valentine’s weekend at this imposing Victorian mansion by the seaside in undiscovered West Wight. A special celebration menu has been designed for Saturday 13th February, featuring Sea Bass, Paupiettes of Sirloin, Passion fruit Sorbet and Dipped Strawberries. A two-night break at Sentry Mead from 12th–14th February costs from £188 per person including B&B accommodation, dinner on Friday, a Valentine’s menu on Saturday night and Wightlink ferry crossings.

BEST FOR COASTAL SCENERY: The Seaview
Spend a romantic weekend by the sea at one of the Isle of Wight’s most famous small hotels, The Seaview, this Valentine’s Day. The informal, welcoming hotel, styled by former Ralph Lauren designers Keech Green, has two award-winning restaurants and a nautical-style pub, as well as a beauty and treatment room. A two-night Valentine’s break at The Seaview from Saturday 13th February costs from £150 per person and includes B&B accommodation, dinner on Saturday, a special Valentine’s menu – including Seared Scallops and Venison – on Sunday night and Wightlink ferry crossings.

BEST FOR ROMANTIC WALKS: Priory Bay
Relax on Valentine’s Day in the romantic setting of Priory Bay, a stylish country house hotel located between the coastal towns of Bembridge and Seaview on the Isle of Wight’s east coast. The elegant country retreat boasts award-winning cuisine, a six-hole golf course, tennis courts, private beach, plus 70 acres of woodlands and gardens – ideal for long romantic strolls. Departing on Sunday 14th February, the one-night Valentine’s package at Priory Bay Hotel is available from £130 per person including breakfast, a Valentine’s dinner with a special menu designed by Chef Alexis Gautier, handmade chocolates, flowers in the room and Wightlink ferry crossings.

BEST FOR HIDING AWAY: Niton Barns
Alternatively, escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and chill out in a luxurious converted barn in the picturesque village of Niton, South Wight. Individually converted with care to retain the traditional character, Tennyson Barn offers one large bedroom with a free-standing bath, a fully equipped kitchen, and living room with TV and DVD player – perfect for a couple wanting to get away from it all and relax over Valentine’s Day. Departing on Friday 12th February, a three-night self-catering Wightlink Green Getaways break in Tennyson Barn costs £220 per person including Wightlink ferry crossings. Alternatively, stay for a full week for just £280 per person.