Top 10 boutique hotels for a vacay à deux

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, and if you’re planning a romantic break with the one you love it’s important to get things spot on. You may only have eyes for each other, but five-star luxuries against natural beauty and an array of delicious food will help set the mood on your charmed escape. And with leading hotels around the globe predicting a growing trend for luxury boutique hotels, where guests will be treated as friends and the food is hyper local, you can follow us on a tour of properties to jet off to and enjoy the Valentine’s time of your lives.

Where is it? La Reserve’s plush-furnished selection of pied-à-terres overlook the iconic Eiffel Tower near the ritzy place du Trocadéro, an address that is popular with celebrities.

What’s so special? Greeted at the door by smiling staff, you’ll be whisked up to one of 10 apartment-style suites with plenty of designer decor touches including fully equipped kitchens and vast jacuzzi tubs, and if you don’t feel like cooking, the attentive staff are on hand to deal with everything from your lunch to your laundry. Perfect for spending quality time gazing into each others eyes! Spend a day shopping along the Champs-Élysées and have dinner at Le Jules Verne, chef Alain Ducasse’s exclusive Parisian restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Staying longer? These really are luxurious homes away from home which you can book for as long as you like.

Romance factor? 5/5

What does it cost? All-inclusive from Dh7,853 per night for two at La Reserve.

Getting there: Dubai to Charles de Gaulle, Paris via Heathrow, London (economy) on British Airways, Dh4,165.

Where is it? Les Cinq Djellabas is an exclusive boutique property with ?10 hyper-chic bungalows set in palm plantations just outside of exotic Marrakesh.

What’s so special? Framed by the mighty Atlas mountains, the kasbah-style reception of this bijou resort leads to several plush eco lodges with thatched roofs, cosy four-poster beds and open fireplaces. Attentive service and the traditional Moroccan pancakes that are served at breakfast are just the icing on a very tasty cake. Notch up special memories watching snake charmers and acrobats at Unesco World Heritage site Djemaa el-Fna square, or visiting Le Bain Bleu, an authentic Moroccan hammam.

Staying longer? Spend a few nights at MonRiad, a cosy boutique property in the heart of Marrakech’s medina.

Romance factor? 4/5

What does it cost? Deluxe double room at the Cinq Djellabas from Dh946 for two per night.

Getting there: Dubai to Mohammed V, Casablanca on Emirates, then from Casablanca to Menara, Marrakech on Royal Air Maroc (economy), Dh4,050 in total.

Where is it? The Grecotel Pallas Athena is ideally situated along a quiet street near Athens’ hip Monastiraki neighbourhood, and within walking distance of the Acropolis.

What’s so special? Part of the family-run Grecotel collection, this glamorous, recently refurbished boutique hotel, whose walls are covered with the work of local artists, is a perfect haven at the heart of the Greek capital. Sixty-three rooms and suites each decorated by a different artist, have plump beds, elegant sofas, gleaming wood furniture and quirky design features, including life-size ostrich side tables and cheery mushroom lamps. Spend an afternoon hand in hand browsing the Monastiraki flea market for antique bargains to take home. A visit to the brand new Acropolis museum is also recommended, or watching live Cretan music at cult nightspot Kritiko Konaki. A must-stay for hipster couples who love to explore.

Staying longer? Jump on a plane to Crete and spend a few days on Greece’s biggest island, and enjoy warm hospitality at Palazzino di Corina, a luxury haven in Rethymnon’s picturesque old town.

Romance factor? 4/5

What does it cost? Double room at Grecotel Pallas Athena from Dh405 for two per night.

Getting there: Dubai to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos, via Istanbul (economy) on Pegasus, Dh2,099.

Where is it? Mashpi Lodge is a fabulously designed, glass-walled eco-friendly property set in a 3,000-acre reserve at the heart of Ecuador’s mythical cloud forest.

What’s so special? This magical eco-lodge has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on to centuries-old trees dotted with flowering creepers. Rooms are beautifully decorated, with giant comfortable beds, and the lodge has its own restaurant, serving seasonal specialities. Don’t shy away from skybiking through the jungle canopy in the lodge’s unique sky gondola or hiking out with registered guides Jose and David to watch toucans feed. Enjoy a tasting session of local chocolate organised by the lodge’s attentive staff.

Staying longer? Check into Quito’s historic Casa Gangotena hotel, an ideal boutique base at the heart of Ecuador’s historic capital city.

Romance factor? 4/5

What does it cost? Deluxe double room at Mashpi Lodge with full board from Dh4,426 for two per night.

Getting there: Dubai to Quito, Ecuador via Schiphol, Amsterdam (economy) on KLM Royal Dutch, Dh7,455.

Where is it? The Montcalm’s selection of super suites are situated in a listed Georgian building close to swanky Park Lane and the shopping hub of Oxford Street.

What’s so special? After being greeted by uniformed staff and selecting an aroma for your room, you’ll be led to your spacious retreat with comfortable king-size bed, espresso coffee machine, and bathroom stocked with luxurious Hermès toiletries. With a fitness centre and several gourmet restaurants on site, you won’t want to leave. For a romantic day out try a spot of shopping on Oxford Street, visit the iconic British Museum and catch a play at the historical Globe Theatre.

Staying longer? For similar luxury combined with old-fashioned charm try The Mandeville Hotel, whose restaurant serves some of best British comfort food in town.

Romance factor? 4/5

What does it cost? Deluxe double room at the Montcalm from Dh1,194 for two per night.

Getting there: Dubai to Heathrow, London, (economy) on British Airways, Dh2,387.

Where is it? A glorious half-hour speed boat trip from Male International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi sits on its own private atoll.

What’s so special? Ideal for would-be Robinson Crusoes, this idyllic collection of private villas grouped around a turquoise lagoon is a real tropical paradise where service comes with a smile. Although there’s plenty of water to splash in, each villa has its own pool and private deck with sun loungers, whilst beds are huge and bathrooms are stocked with luscious Molton Brown toiletries. Premium villas have private butlers and other extras. Indulge in the romance by watching films under the stars at the outdoor cinema, dive deep to see exotic fauna or take a boat trip to visit the neighbouring deserted islands.

Staying longer? Prolong your stay in paradise at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, a gorgeous resort known for its warm Maldivian hospitality.

Romance factor? 5/5

What does it cost? Private villa at Coco Bodu Hithi from Dh2,086 for two per night

Getting there: Fly direct from Dubai to Male, Maldives (economy) on Emirates, Dh3,253.

Where is it? A 20-minute drive from Atlanta airport and a half-an-hour’s drive from town, Serenbe’s stunning collection of luxury rooms and apartments belong to a private hamlet with shops and restaurants set on a vast plot of rural land.

What’s so special? Created by ?a local visionary just over a decade ago, this English-style hamlet with shops, restaurants and a resident theatre company is an exclusive oasis, where everyone knows their neighbour. Whether it’s delightfully decorated rooms at the Inn or one of the luxurious villa-style apartments scattered around the grounds, staying at this friendly haven close to busy Atlanta is like stepping back in time. A trip out to exclusive Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, a chic mall stocked with dozens of luxury brands, is a must for shopaholics. A swim with whale sharks at the Atlanta aquarium, or a bike tour to discover Atlanta’s cutting-edge underbelly with Bicycle Tours of Atlanta will satisfy the more adventurous couples.

Staying longer? The Sheraton Atlanta’s comfortable suites and attentive staff make this an ideal base for spending time in town.

Romance factor? 4/5

What does it cost? Rooms at Serenbe from Dh825 for two per night.

Getting there: Fly from Dubai to Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta via Charles de Gaulle, Paris (economy) on Air France for Dh4,264.

Where is it? Lucknam Park is an award-winning eco-friendly hotel with spa and Michelin-starred restaurant, near the historic town of Bath.

What’s so special? When you enter this palatial country mansion you’ll be taken ‘under the wing’ of the friendly staff, who ply you with drinks and snacks, before leading you to your room with a four-poster bed, open fireplace and bathroom stocked with Anne Sémonin toiletries. With horse riding, regular cookery classes, Chef Hywel Jones’s Michelin-starred restaurant and a personal trainer on the grounds, you won’t get bored.

Staying longer? For a cosy pad in the centre of town you can’t do better than Brooks, a luxurious guest house with very friendly staff. Dressing up in period costume at The Jane Austen Centre is a must, as is afternoon tea in the historic Regency Tea Rooms or plunging into warm mineral waters at Thermae Spa.

Romance factor? 3/5

What does it cost? Special packages for two at Lucknam Park, including half-day cookery class and use of spa facilities, from Dh1,925.

Getting there: Fly from Dubai to Heathrow, London, (economy) on British Airways for Dh2,387.

Where is it? Located at the heart of the legendary Golden Triangle, this plush boutique sleepery and elephant sanctuary offers impeccable service.

What’s so special? Set high on a ridge near Chiang Rai, the rooms at Anantara Golden Triangle amazingly have views of China, Laos and Myanmar, whilst the grounds are full of grazing elephants that belong to the hotel’s own registered sanctuary. Greeted by the resort’s friendly baby elephant and ?a fresh fruit mocktail, you and your loved one will be led to a large room with a canopied bed, gleaming teakwood floors and a terrazzo bathtub. After treatments in the spa or a splash in the pool you’ll head out to ride one of those elephants as you learn to be mahout during one of the resort’s thrilling half-day training courses.

Staying longer? The Sarojin on the tropical atoll of Khao lak is an ideal luxury beachside partner to this heavenly jungle haven.

Romance factor? 5/5

What does it cost? Two-night discovery package at Anantara Golden Triangle from Dh3,175 for two.

Getting there: Dubai to Chiang Rai airport via Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok (economy) on Thai Airways for Dh3,139.

Where is it? High on a cliff above the laid-back resort town of Negril, The Caves has carved stone staircases leading to the sandy beaches below. Blissful.

What’s so special? Superb sea views and discreetly attentive service characterise this quirky resort whose lush gardens are studded with hugely comfortable sunbeds. Greeted by the friendly staff, you’ll be led to your accommodation in one of several spacious villas decked out with designer rustic furniture, ranging from cane lampshades to colourful throws. Bathrooms have huge tubs to soak in come evening time and some villas have their own private pool. It can’t get more romantic – there’s horse riding through the sea, swimming with dolphins or visiting Reach Falls, the thundering waterfall that featured in the remake of Lord of the Flies. Plenty of experiences you’ll be relaying to your grandchildren in years to come.

Staying longer? Check into Round Hill Hotel and Villas, a family-run resort with Ralph Lauren room decor, where celebrities love to chill.

Romance factor? 5/5

What does it cost? Villas at The Caves from Dh2,026 for two.

Getting there: Fly from Dubai to Sangster, Montego Bay via Heathrow, London, and Miami (economy) on American Airlines for Dh5,754. (Transit visa for the US and UK may be required.)