Five of the best stylish romantic breaks

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, these elegant and stylish hotels offer a picture of romance for that special break. Whether you're after surreal style, casual elegance, striking design, or luxurious retreat, these romantic escapes, from dreamy Paris to the laidback appeal of Koh Samui and Goa or the wine and flowers of Madeira, will leave your other half smitten.

La Maison Champs Élysées, Paris

The entrance to the townhouse at No. 8 rue Jean Goujon is discreet, an address one must know to discover. Behind its doors, the stage is set for Maison Martin Margiela’s first hotel interior, La Maison Champs Élysées. The minimal, yet sophisticated and offbeat décor sets the stage for a show of romance.

Seventeen rooms and suites belong to the Couture Collection, and are decorated with a whimsical touch that plays with proportion and perception. Every space feels surreal, with each room different than the next.

Even in the newly opened Blind Bar and at the restaurant, La Table du 8, the chairs appear to be floating above the concrete floor, while oversized mouldings and pretend doors add to the illusion.

Here, romantic candlelight dinners are only enhanced by the exquisite, seasonal fare and fine selection of French wines. La Maison is just steps away from the Seine and numerous landmarks, ideal for a moonlit stroll with that special someone.

Hotel Gabriel Paris Marais, Paris

Close to one of Paris’s most vibrant districts, Hotel Gabriel Paris Marais stands out as a Zen haven of relaxation. Couples will be enchanted by the intimate interiors, celebrating minimalist charm in white and pastel.

The juxtaposition of linear furniture with cruise-liner portholes and curves creates a harmonious balance. The signature dancer design motif scattered throughout the property adds a whimsical touch to the dreamy 1930s feel, lending an air of grace to elements as mundane as cupboards and bathroom doors.

Hotel Gabriel is the first hotel to employ the NightCove sleep companion, giving guests a soothing rest with diffused light and sound according to melatonin levels. The hotel is situated close to some of the city’s best boutiques, art galleries and restaurants – great to discover together on foot, and returning to the hotel’s incredibly relaxing ambiance.

The Library, Koh Samui

On the idyllic coast of Koh Samui, 26 discreet, minimalist cabins hide amongst lush vegetation. The Library is an outpost for style, with a bold colour scheme emphasizing red and white elements, echoed by the signature red swimming pool and white library complex on-site.

The new Bookmark suite is the hotel’s most luxurious accommodation, where soft, flowing fabrics create a tactile contrast to sleek angular furnishings, and the impressive en-suite conservatory with Jacuzzi is why holidays in Thailand are a fantastic idea year round! The hotel can arrange western or traditional Thai-style weddings, with a golden beach, glimmering azure waters and the sound of crashing waves as an enchanting backdrop. Guests can enjoy the old-growth forest on the expansive 6,400 square metre grounds and the lively beach.

The Vine, Madeira

In the heart of the charming and picturesque capital city of Funchal, The Vine is the ideal retreat on Madeira, the island of flowers. The hotel’s namesake comes from the local vines used to make the world-renowned Madeira wine, and the four floors of the hotel feature design inspired by the seasonal changes of the island’s vineyards.

Vinotherapy treatments are offered at the hotel’s spa, sure to detox and revitalize the body while relaxing and refreshing the mind. The island’s stunning natural beauty provides the perfect romantic escape, with spectacular hiking trails through the lush nature.

Back at the hotel, Uva, the rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the harbour, offers “divine dining” using fresh produce from the island. Chef Antoine Westermann, distinguished with 3 Michelin stars, combines French savoir-faire with the best in regional fare.

Alila Diwa, Goa

A mere 500 metres from Gonsua beach, Alila Diwa Goa looks out to verdant paddy fields leading to the Arabian Sea. A blend of contemporary Goan architecture displays the region’s rich cultural traditions within a verdant surrounding landscape, a great choice for a romantic retreat.

From wedding ceremonies to honeymoons, Alila Diwa Goa has an array of facilities to make every occasion special. The resort’s 153 guestrooms and suites each feature private balconies with superlative views of emerald green paddy fields.

Couples can enjoy joint spa treatments blending ancient Asian healing techniques with traditional beauty recipes, or the views from the hotel’s infinity pool while sipping on cocktails. The three on-site restaurants and poolside Edge Bar serve delectable global exotic cuisine.

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