The 10 most romantic places to stay this Valentine’s

From a floating Cambodian lodge, to a historic UK hotel or an eco resort in the Maldives, we check out the most romantic options for you and your loved one this Valentine’s day.

Variety is the spice of life, and its also an excellent condiment when it comes to love. Whether it’s state-of-the-art log cabins, floating eco lodges or historic hotels, why not follow our top ten guide to the hottest hotels for romance this Valentine’s day and enjoy a thrilling, one-of-a-kind escapade that’s guaranteed to kindle that amorous flame?

Where is it? The Uganda Nile Safari Camp is cocooned in dense papyrus forest on the banks of the Nile River and belongs to Uganda’s largest national park.

What’s so romantic? Breakfast served by your personal waiter on your elevated balcony with views of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles and other fauna cavorting in the river beneath your feet.

What can you do there? Enjoy remote bush restaurants where you can dine tête a tête with your lover; nights snuggled in your tree house listening to the call of the wild or take the awe-inspiring boat trip to Murchison falls.

Room tip? All of the rooms in this luxurious lodge are fab, but if you really want to impress book one of the tree-top chalets with amazing panoramic views.

Book? geolodgesafrica.com/nile_safari_lodge.htm

Where is it? Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection hotel housed in a 15th-century palazzo overlooks Venice’s Grand Canal.

What’s so romantic? Celebrities including writer Ernest Hemingway and actress Elizabeth Taylor have stayed in this magnificent Renaissance palace furnished with Murano glass chandeliers, priceless antiques and ancient frescos, which was once home to a 16th-century duke, Andrea Gritti. .

What can you do there? Enjoy spa treatments with luxurious Italian-made Acqua di Parma products; indulge in Michelin-starred dining; take a ride along the canal in the hotel’s private speedboat, or explore St. Mark’s Square and other iconic sights just next door.

Room tip? All 82 rooms are sumptuous, but if you really want to wow book into the breathtaking Peggy Guggenheim Patron Grand Canal suite.

Book? thegrittipalace.com

Where is it? Luxurious Maldivian resort Coco Bodu Hithi is a 30-minute seaplane ride from the Maldivian capital, Male.

What’s so romantic? Guests visiting this secluded island sanctuary for Valentine’s Day will be treated to intimate dining experiences, spa rituals and other romance-packed surprises.

What can you do there? Spot dolphins at sunset; enjoy a Romeo and Juliet themed beach dinner; take a moonlight cruise; search for turtles with a marine biologist or just relax and let your private butler organise your entire stay.

Room tip? All 100 villas on this secluded tropical island are well appointed, but if you want to impress choose an Escape Water Residences with separate jetty for extra privacy.

Book? cococollection.com/en/bodu_hithi

Where is it? Five-star Seaham Hall hotel sits on the UK’s wild and beautiful Durham coast, closed to Hadrian’s historic Wall.

What’s so romantic? Possibly one of the UK’s most romantic boutique hotels, this luxurious property is soaked in history: 19th century English nobleman and poet Lord Byron even married Lady Annabella Milbanke here in 1815.

What can you do there? Swim in the large indoor pool; luxuriate in a salt room or sauna; stroll through well-manicured gardens; sup on a traditional clotted cream and strawberry jam afternoon tea in the lounge or savour a special sharing menu dinner in the gourmet restaurant.

Room tip? All the suites are sumptuous, but if you’d like to go that extra mile book suite four, which has a Victorian bathing machine and private terrace with wood-fired hot tub.

Book it? seaham-hall.co.uk

Where is it? Finch Bay Puerto Ayora is on Santa Cruz Island. At the heart of the Unesco heritage-classed Galapagos islands, this sumptuous lodge overlooking a sheltered bay is a short plane ride from the Ecuadorian mainland.

What’s so romantic? With only the noise of waves crashing on the seashore, giant tortoises slithering across the rocks in front of you and rare birds sweeping across your sea view balcony, what’s not romantic about this eco-friendly hostelry?

What can you do there? There’s a private beach and a plethora of activities on offer, including kayak trips to see the sea turtles and horseback rides to explore the surrounding wilderness. Combine this stay with a visit to the nearby Unesco-heritage-classed town of Quito and really impress the one you love.

Room tip? All of the Finch’s rooms and suites are comfortable, but for that ‘extra something’ pick one of the six Ocean suites.

Book? metropolitan-touring.com

Where is it? The stunningly opulent five-star Le Meurice hotel stands right across from the glorious Tuileries gardens in one of Paris’s most upmarket areas, which is in walking distance of several major attractions, including the Louvre.

What’s so romantic? The interior of this palatial hotel in an 18th-century mansion is the work of French designer Philippe Stark; lavish Louis XVI period furnishings are matched by state-of-the-art modern amenities, ensuring a truly regal stay.

What can you do here? Soak together in the huge tub of your en-suite Italian marble bathroom; enjoy the superb facilities of the Valmont spa ; dine in the hotel’s three Michelin star restaurant or venture out to visit those world-class sights close by.

Room tip? All rooms and suites are stunning but if you really want to steal your partner’s heart ask for a suite with views of the Eiffel Tower.

Book? dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/le-meurice

Where is it? As its name suggests, The Four Rivers Floating Lodge Andet Island, just over the border from Thailand.

What’s so romantic? Accessible only by boat, this superb eco lodge surrounded by the Cardamom Mountains, home to rare species, including cloud leopards and Asian elephants, is ideal for adventurous couples who like to be active.

What can you do there? Head out on a jungle trek; paddle downriver to visit local villages in a kayak; have fun in the waterfalls or dine on fresh shrimp, green mango salad and other Khmer delights as you watch sunset descend over the surrounding jungle.

Room tip? With cosy rattan furniture, large-screen TVs and air conditioning, these luxury tents are all sumptuous.

Book? ecolodges.asia7

Where is it? Constance Tsarabanjina sits on its own private tropical island an hour’s boar ride from Nosy Be and a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Johannesburg.

What’s so romantic? Barefoot chic and beautiful beaches are guaranteed to seduce you on this uninhabited tropical island, which doesn’t have TV or Wi-Fi.

What can you do there? Laze on powder sand beaches surrounded by lush jungle; snorkel to see a fantastic array of marine life on the island’s house reef; take a boat and explore the ocean or enjoy candlelit dinners together beneath a canopy of stars

Room tip? All of the 25 thatched bungalows are stylish and very private, with ocean views and their own decks with daybeds.

Book it? constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/madagascar/tsarabanjina

Where is it? This thrilling adventure, organised by luxury specialists Black Tomato, leaves from Muscat and travels to numerous breathtaking locations.

What’s so romantic? Adventure loving couples will adore discovering Oman’s sandstone cities and sun-kissed dunes in style with Black Tomato, who organise every last detail of this glamping trip in order to make the stay as luxurious as possible.

What can you do there? Barter in the bustling souks of Muscat: explore the ancient forts and tombs of Oman’s own Grand Canyon and meet the Bedouin crossing the Wahabi desert.

Room tip? These luxury safari style tents with double beds and private bathroom tents are specially erected each evening so it’s up to you to chose the most romantic spot.

Book? blacktomato.com/destinations/oman/arabian-adventure-oman

Where is it? You can reach The Brando on Tahiti’s lush, beautiful and very remote Tetiaroa atoll, by taking a spectacular 20 minute flight from Papeete.

What’s so romantic? Once the summer playground of Tahitian royalty, this glorious island was the private retreat of actor Marlon Brando in the sixties and is now one of the globe’s most exclusive retreats.

What can you do there? Whether you plan to partake in candlelit picnics under the stars; laze together on unbelievably secluded white-sand beaches; whisper sweet nothings to each other as you paddle board in turquoise lagoons, or take Polynesian dance lessons hand-in-hand, this is place to relax and live your love to the full.

Room tip? You can hardly go wrong here, but if you want more space to pile all the flowers and chocolates choose a three bedroom villa with outdoor bathtub, and private plunge pool.

Book it? www.thebrando.com