Woo your loved one with a taste of the tropical

If the Big Freeze has lessened the appeal of a wintry Valentines mini-break, why not woo your loved one with a taste of the tropical instead this February with this selection of last minute deals; from Malta to the Maldives and a few treats in between.
 
MINI-MOON IN MALTA
Boasting balmy temperatures of between 15-25 degrees in February and memorable sea views at every turn, Malta is the perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day trip away from the cold. Only a few hours from the UK, the island is full of beautiful romantic hideaways for couples to enjoy, with a large selection of restaurants and hotels to suit every traveller.

airmalta.com is a one stop shop for flight, hotel and car hire bookings. Book by 31 January and travel from London Gatwick on selected departures from just £79 return including taxes and charges during February or choose from Heathrow, Manchester or Birmingham departures from £99 return. Splash out on accommodation at the five-star Hilton Malta in buzzing St Julians from as little as £88* including breakfast on Valentine’s night and it could work out cheaper than a UK mini-break!

*Based on current rates booked via airmalta.com  
 
UNDERWATER UNION
Couples looking to renew their vows in an unforgettable fashion will find an underwater ceremony perfect for making an eternal promise at the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa. Sail off on a decorated boat to the secret dive site, specially selected for its seclusion and natural beauty. The Dive Leader at The Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi is the Master of Ceremonies and will guide the couple to the underwater location where a sea full of corals and colourful fish are waiting as the witnesses. The symbolic exchange of vows – which involves ticking the “yes” box, and the traditional kiss, accompanied by bubbles – can be filmed for a lasting memory of the event.

Honeymoon couples receive complementary fruit display & champagne; half day excursion; one hour spa treatment and a 3-course romantic dinner at Flavours restaurant. Book by 31 January and Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.com) is offering a one-week holiday for £1,499 per person (based on two sharing) – a saving of 43 per cent (£1,143pp) departing on 9th February. The package includes seven nights’ B&B accommodation, BA flights from London Heathrow and seaplane transfers.
 
STARRY STARRY NIGHTS
See stars of the natural and Hollywood variety at the 31 room Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali resort on the north coast of the island, a favourite of Keira Knightley and an idyllic retreat for romance. By day, learn the art of Balinese massage to treat your partner and by night enjoy the unique (and complementary) StarGazing experience, a magical night spa activity, where guests are invited to relax on a giant floating mattress on the resort’s infinity pool. Combining the beauty of the starlit night sky with the hi-tech fusion of Ultra Meditation music, the brain is coaxed into a synchronized theta state of consciousness.

Bailey Robinson (baileyrobinson.com) is offering seven-nights for the price of five and free airport transfers from £1,070 per person for departures until 30 June 2010, saving £485 per couple. Price includes accommodation in a Kamar room, three meals of locally sourced organic Balinese cuisine per day, a daily spa treatment, international economy class flights, taxes and transfers as well as complementary in-resort activities – from Yoga to Stargazing. A champagne breakfast for two costs £135 per couple and includes a special four course breakfast menu featuring caviar, lobster and Champagne served in the privacy of your own room.

SAVE ON NEW SOLO SPA BREAK
Show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day by indulging in LykiaWorld Antalya’s new solo spa break. The resort has launched an exclusive spa experience for solo travellers who need a good pampering this February,

Prices start from just £323 pp and include three night’s accommodation at LykiaWorld Antalya on an all inclusive basis (including all meals at Leziz restaurant and selected non-premium drinks), plus the following spa treatments at Sanitas Spa & Wellness Centre; a Full Body Exfoliation, Sea Salt Peeling, Relaxing Sauna session and a Soothing Facial. Guests will also have access to the Wellness Centre which impressively spans 4000m² and boasts 24 treatment rooms, traditional hammams, Bio, Finnish and Russian saunas, a post sauna ice fountain, indoor Japanese pool area and massage showers.

Valid until 31 March 2010. Bookings can be made via uk@lykiaworld.com. Please quote ‘Solo Spa Break’ on booking. For more information on the resort visit lykiagroup.co.uk. British Airways flies from Gatwick to Antalya three times weekly from £156.70 return including taxes. Visit ba.com.
 
VALENTINES ADVENTURE
If simply sun-bathing leaves you cold, Tanjong Jara Resort, located on the East Coast of Malaysia, offers an extensive range of activities for all couples including cycling tours around traditional Malay villages to meet the friendly locals; gourmet cooking classes and market tours with the head chef; waterfall treks and even batik painting! With the philosophy of the resort being based on traditional Malay concepts; rejuvenation and refreshment of the body and spirit is guaranteed and a couples’ treatment at the award-winning Spa Village is a must.

Once you’ve had your fill of adventure, kick back in a perfumed candle-lit flower bath for two and enjoy a private dinner over-looking the star-lit South China Sea. Tropical Locations at W&O Travel  (WandOtravel.com) offers seven-nights room only in a Bumbung room, return international flights to Kuala Terengganu via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines and private return airport transfers from £1179 per person - saving £295pp - valid for travel between 16 January and 25 March 2010 for bookings made by 15 February 2010.
 
WATCH THE SEA LIFE AS YOU SPA
Nowhere will earn you more Valentines brownie points than the Maldives and at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island couples are treated to endless opportunities for romance; from gazing into the emerald Maldivian waters below as they receive tailor made treatments together in the glass floored treatment rooms at the Over Water Spa, to enjoying a private picnic on a deserted castaway island.

If Valentine’s coincides with a honeymoon, couples will receive complementary fruit basket & champagne; half day excursion; a romantic bath experience and three-course candle-lit dinner at Mandhoo Spa Restaurant.

A one-week Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.com) holiday at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island costs £2,699 per person – a saving of 41 per cent (£1,844pp). Departing on 9th February, the package includes seven night’s B&B accommodation, BA flights from London Heathrow and seaplane transfers, valid for bookings made by 31 January.
 
TEA FOR TWO LOVERS
At Cameron Highlands Resort, each experience embodies the plot of paradise on which it is set. This Valentines enjoy a once in a lifetime picnic experience deep in the ancient tea plantations of Malaysia. As you laze in the afternoon sunshine, your own private butler will serve champagne and a gourmet meal with just your loved one and endless views of tea plantations for company.

Suited to an active couple, journeys through the tea plantations, and exciting jungle treks, varying in difficulty and duration will also satisfy those who wish to go back to nature. Back at the resort, treat your loved one to the resort’s unique ‘Romantic Interlude’ package including everything from chilled champagne, chocolate and strawberries upon arrival to breakfast in bed. By day head to the Spa Village for a unique Rose Garden Couples treatment, then by night enjoy a romantic barbecue dinner served at the private gazebo by your own personal chef.

One-night accommodation in a deluxe room costs from £154. For further information visit cameronhighlandsresort.com or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my.
 
CAST AWAY YOUR WORRIES
Experience being shipwrecked on a real desert island with the one you love at Beach House Maldives, set to join The Waldorf Astoria Collection on 1 March 2010. With two private islands set aside for their unforgettable Castaway excursion packages, you will be left with the simplest of requirements, the company of your partner and the whole island for you to explore and experience together. The Castaway experience includes a boat trip to and from the uninhabited island, a bottle of champagne and a picnic.

Sovereign Luxury Holidays offers 7 nights B&B accommodation from £2,495 per person. Includes 37% hotel discount, VIP lounge access, seaplane transfers in resort and accommodation and is based on flights from London Gatwick departing 9th February 2010. For more information visit sovereign.com.
 
PRIVATE DINING ON THE WORLD’S BEST BEACH
The remote private island of Pangkor Laut in Malaysia provides an idyllic hideaway to relax and enjoy a memorable Valentine’s Day with the one you love. Begin at the four acre Spa Village and the chance to indulge in a specially designed spa experience for two in the luxurious seclusion of the Belian Treatment Pavilion, an exclusive retreat with its own outdoor whirlpool, yoga pavilion, nap gazebo, steam room and private treatment area.

Next take to the seas on a private cruise and be treated to a gourmet barbeque on a quite island beach before returning to enjoy sunset to the stunning back-drop of sparkling seas. Often cited as one the world’s best beaches, the powdery sand of Emerald Bay create a perfect location to indulge in an intimate candle-lit dinner, whilst those not keen to leave their Villa can enjoy the ultimate in private dining.

Tropical Locations at W&O Travel (WandOtravel.com) offers seven-nights room-only in a Garden Villa, return flights from London Heathrow with Malaysia Airlines and private return airport transfers and ferry transfers from £1389 per person - saving £179pp. Price is valid for travel between 16 January and 25 March 2010 for bookings made by 15 February 2010.
 
VOLCANIC VALENTINES
Warm up with a loved one this February in the volcanic mineral thermal spas located on the Furnas volcano of the Azores. For over 150 years people have been coming to Furnas to ‘take the waters’ and bathe in the thirty different springs; each with a different chemical composition determined by the area of land. Archipelago Azores offer an exclusive experience based at the art deco’ Hotel Terra Nostra in Furnas, which is situated in the botanical gardens. Guests have use of the indoor thermally heated pool and free use of the thermal pool in the gardens.

The tour included in the price provides a full day guided trip where you can learn about the volcanic forces which have created the islands and sample some of the waters.

A seven night holiday staying in a twin room with garden view at the Hotel Terra Nostra on a bed and breakfast basis on the island of Furnas costs from £840pp. The price includes return flights with SATA Internacional from Manchester or Gatwick, arrival transfer, four days car hire and a full day Spa/ Volcanology tour with lunch included. Archipelago Azores - azoreschoice.com.
 
X FACTOR BREAK IN ANTIGUA
Valentines isn’t just for couples, take a leaf out of Simon Cowell’s book and head away with your exes and mum to the paradise isle of Antigua and Barbuda for some TLC, as he did this December. Seven nights in Antigua with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Antigua, accommodation at the 4V The Verandah Resort & Spa on an all inclusive basis with transfers included starts from £1,079 saving up to £160.

Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing a standard room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures between 16 – 30 Apr 2010. Book by 31 Jan 2010. For more information visit virginholidays.co.uk.
 
SHARE THE LOVE – COUPLES SPA
Pamper in pairs this Valentine’s Day in the exclusive couple’s treatment rooms of Sanitas Spa & Wellness Centre at the highly rated LykiaWorld Antalya located on the Turkish Riviera from just £493 per couple.

Price includes three night’s accommodation in a standard double room on an all inclusive basis (all meals at Leziz restaurant and selected non-premium drinks), plus the following spa treatments at Sanitas Spa & Wellness Centre;Lovers Foot Ritual, Full Body Exfoliation and a Balinese Massage. In keeping with ancient traditions spa staff will also serve fresh fruit and wine during the treatment and to further promote relaxation. Valid until 31 March 2010.  Bookings can be made via uk@lykiaworld.com. Please quote ‘Couple Spa Break’ on booking. For more information on the resort visit lykiagroup.co.uk. British Airways flies from Gatwick to Antalya three times weekly from £156.70 return including taxes. Visit ba.com.