With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, here’s our pick of some extra-special loved-up places to stay…
No.131
Set in the heart of Cheltenham, our beautiful Georgian townhouse No.131 has all the ingredients for a wonderfully indulgent Valentine’s escape. Settle down in one of our sumptuous bedrooms, featuring emperor beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, sleek velvet sofas and deep roll-top baths.
The Beautiful Flower Company, just down the road, is on hand to set the scene with gorgeous bouquets which can be ordered in advance. Or snap up our ‘Get Lucky’ offer – an overnight stay at No.131 complete with exquisite flowers and a glass of Nyetimber on arrival. Downstairs, tuck into scrumptious seasonal food – we do a great Beef Wellington to share – before finishing with a mouth-watering chocolate soufflé. The following morning, take things slowly and make full use of our deliciously late check-out.
www.no131.com
Sea Containers, London
A stone’s throw from the Tate Modern, Globe Theatre and Borough Market, this Southbank hotel is an unabashed one-off. Designed by Tom Dixon, it’s a picture of 1920s glamour mixed with modern twists and striking art installations plus a fabulous all-white spa. The 161 modish-cool grey and burgundy rooms have knockout Thames views – book the 'Do Not Disturb' package which comes with a bottle of Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and breakfast in bed.
The buzzy brasserie-style restaurant is brilliant for couples with a special sharing four-course menu – seared scallops, foie gras with brioche and figs, pan-roasted Chateaubriand with a port jus before coming into land with a red velvet cheesecake. Lyaness, recently crowned ‘world’s best bar’, is perfect for a cocktail beforehand.
www.seacontainerslondon.com
Linthwaite House
Fresh from a £10 million renovation, Linthwaite House has all you could possibly want in a country house hotel. Overlooking Lake Windermere, sitting in 14 acres of grounds with croquet pitches, small lakes and rowing boats, this Arts and Crafts mansion is perfect for an amorous weekend – complete with glorious views. Book one of the Lake Suites dotted around the estate, each of which have a hot tub and a log fire pre-lit by the hotel butler.
You can also add on Afternoon Tea in the Tarn Cabin, a charming, heated summer house beside the hotel’s private lake, with mulled wine, hot chocolate or whiskey. Headed up by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, the restaurant boasts a delicious menu of sharing plates with the likes of venison carpaccio with salsify and egg yolk jam, followed by pine-smoked quail with honey and quince.
