By mid-February, the excitement of the holiday season has faded into memory and the winter can begin to seem long. Fortunately, a bit of mid-winter woe makes Valentine’s Day a perfect excuse to plan a getaway vacation with someone you love.
Wherever you live, there are likely to be dozens of nearby places where you can enjoy a quick break from your daily routine. But if you have the time and the desire for something outside the ordinary, consider one of these special destinations.
Alberta’s Lake Louise is a tiny hamlet nestled in the forests and mountains of Banff National Park. In winter, the lake’s jewel-toned water turns into a perfect ice-skating rink.
The fabulous and historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel overlooks the lake and is right next to one of North America’s largest ski areas. If you don’t ski or snowboard, you can strap on some snowshoes, take a sleigh ride, or settle into a comfortable seat in front of the hotel’s picture windows and drink in the view.
If a tropical location holds more appeal for you, the Caribbean island of St. Lucia has beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the sun and surf and some terrific snorkeling. At the Anse Chastanet Resort, you can stay in the rambling main building, or right on the beach in a three-walled Infinity Suite (the fourth side is open to a view of the Caribbean).
The Cappadocia region of Turkey has an unusual, moon-like landscape dotted with “fairy chimneys:” slim outcroppings of rock seemingly sculpted by a giant, unseen chisel.
It may be hard to believe that this mysterious and stark landscape could conceal luxurious hotels, but the town of Urgup is famous for the hotels built inside its caves.
The Sacred House cave hotel near Goreme offers has 12 elegant, uniquely decorated rooms.
On the Indonesian island of Bali, mountain peaks slope down to idyllic beaches of white or black sand, edged by coral reefs. The town of Ubud is the cultural center of the island, and the nearby Viceroy Bali resort is perched on a ridge overlooking the Valley of Kings. Each villa has private outdoor space, or you can soak in the view from the valley-top infinity pool or yoga pavilion.
For more ideas on Valentines Day getaways near and far, talk with your travel professional.
This travel column was written by BlueRibbonNews.com special contributor Robbert van Bloemendaal, an experienced world traveler, native of Australia, an Ambassador with the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce, and president of Travel Leaders of Rowlett.
Read Robbert’s Top Ten US Vacation Destinations for 2012
Read Robbert’s Top International Vacation Destinations for 2012
To submit your news and events or a guest column on your area of expertise, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
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