Top 10 romantic holiday rentals
For the perfect romantic gift for Valentine's Day, or indeed any special occasion, sweep your loved one off their feet and whisk them away to an idyllic, private holiday home, where you can relax and unwind in total seclusion. On HomeAway.co.uk, the UK's number one holiday rentals website, there is plenty of choice, from chic city apartments to idyllic beach-side retreats. To provide some inspiration for couples looking for a special getaway, the site has created a collection of the top 10 romantic holiday homes and destinations in the world.
On a romantic break the main priorities are privacy and a breathtaking setting, which can be hard to find. Luxury hotels can be pricey and disappointing, but by opting for a holiday rental you can find a unique love-nest that won't break the bank. Sun, sea and sand lovers can find their own island paradise; chic city pads are a classic; or for hopeless romantics, perhaps a chateau suite, cosy cottage or chalet would suit. The top 10 below provides a great range of destinations and properties to appeal to every interest and budget.
With over 250,000 properties available to rent worldwide on HomeAway.co.uk, you are guaranteed to find your ideal romantic retreat. Whatever makes you go weak at the knees, there will be a holiday rental that is the perfect match.
Prices quoted are per property for Valentine's Day 2012 and correct at the time of going to press. Properties are arranged in order of price, from highest to lowest.
Top 10 romantic holiday rentals on HomeAway.co.uk
Caribbean
Modern apartment with large balcony on Marigot Bay, St Lucia
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. £1,700 per week
This stunning ground floor apartment is part of the luxurious Marigot Bay Hotel resort in Marigot Bay, renowned as one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean. The apartment was designed with luxury in mind and finished to the highest possible standard throughout. Each bedroom has its own gorgeous en-suite with walk in drench shower and slate floors and individual balconies all with sea views overlooking the bay. The resort has a marina, spa, shops and restaurants, a gym and two pools.
Bali
Boutique, high-end villa with pool in Seminyak
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2. £1,246 per week
This is a stunning stylish villa, combining artistic and spiritual features, such as a Buddha statue, a painting of twin dragons, a Feng Shui lobby area and a reception counter with dragon artwork. The property offers complete privacy and features a beautiful bedroom, bathroom and shower with direct access to the pool, living room with view to the garden and a semi-open air pavilion ideal for relaxation.
England
Beautiful duplex apartment on the shore of Lake Windermer
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5. £1,000 per week
A beautiful traditional home set in 3/4 acre gardens leading down to the edge of Lake Windermere, one of the most desirable areas in the Lake District. The property features a very spacious ground floor perfect for two and an extra bedroom on the first floor, making it ideal for either a couple or a small family. There is a spacious lounge, beautiful bedrooms and a kitchen with lake views to the mountains beyond. Guests have exclusive access to the Old England Hotel's gym, pool, steam, ice rooms as well as their extensive spa facilities.
Italy
Stunning period apartment with pool and lake views, Lake Como
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2. £798 per week
Located in wonderful Mezzegra, guests can enjoy the experience of staying in an antique villa apartment which has been lovingly restored to a splendid and luxurious standard. 'Brentano Nobile' comprises of a beautiful open plan reception room with compact kitchenette, dining and living area with comfortable sofa. Much attention has been paid to details including marble laid flooring, mirrored walls and stylish furniture and decoration. From the living room there is access through French doors to a very romantic balcony which is ideal for al-fresco dining.
Costa Rica
Tropical villa with pool in Playa Avellana
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. £777 per week
The villa is set in a quiet area, only four minutes from the entrance of Hacienda Pinilla, JW Marriott and its golf course and ten minutes away from Tamarindo Beach. All bedrooms have their own private bathroom and all bathrooms have exterior access direct from the shower. The kitchen was designed for chefs; it is fully equipped with a gas stove. There is also a wonderful outside living space under the large rancho, two private pools and a Yoga area.
Morocco
Exclusive romantic riad in Marrakech
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £90 per night
Located just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the souks, this is a small, luxurious and private riad featuring two large open-air sitting rooms, one indoor sitting room with fireplace, a large terrace with dining room shaded by a pergola and with views of the Atlas Mountains.
France
Spacious studio suite in Chateau des Sablons, Loire Valley
Studio, Sleeps 2. £411 per week
Château des Sablons is a beautiful 18th century château with a white stone façade. It is ideally situated on the edge of the medieval market town Bourgueil which is amidst some of the greatest castles in the heart of the Loire Valley. The Arbor View Suite is a particularly spacious studio suite that is ideal for a couple wanting to experience the romantic past of a French château. It is located on the top floor in the main wing of the château, and has beautiful views of the grounds and the surrounding countryside. Guests in the Arbor View Suite are able to enjoy the swimming pool and grounds of the château.
Croatia
Newly refurbished studio in the Old Town of Dubrovnik
Studio, Sleeps 3. £353 per week
Bastina Studio is located on the second floor of a typical Dalmatian stone building. The entire studio comprises of a sleeping, sitting and living area, kitchenette and bathroom. The studio has three large windows as well as a table with four chairs and two loungers suitable for some quiet moments with a book or a drink. The property is located in the heart of the famous walled old city of Dubrovnik only a few minutes' walk from the well known Stradun promenade.
Ireland
Traditional stone cottage in County Kerry
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5. £248 per week
'Doras Bui' is a cosy, comfortable, traditional stone cottage located up a quiet mountain track, but close to the Castlemaine Bay and the sea at Inch on the Dingle Peninsular. It boasts a large open fireplace in the living area and comprises two bedrooms, both with spectacular views of the Magillicuddy Reeks Mountains and Carantoul itself (Ireland's highest mountain). A constantly running stream runs adjacent to the property and access to the Slieve Mish Mountains behind is possible via a small track running adjacent to the cottage.
Spain
Traditional, cosy apartment with terrace and stunning views
Studio, Sleeps 2. £230 per week
The Casita is a traditional Andalucian property with terracotta tiled floors, chestnut beamed ceilings and a large wood burning fireplace. This apartment is comfortably furnished and has a double bed in a sleeping alcove and a double sofa bed and dining table in the lounge area. Two French doors lead out onto the partially covered west-facing balcony, offering inspirational views of the village and the mountains beyond.
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