Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

All you need is love and to escape… Take your Valentine by the hand and lead her or him to a great experience.

 

Of course the ultimate romantic city break is Paris, the city of love, this has not changed. But if you feel up for more than a city break, more than a weekend break discover California on a gourmet tasting tour or a Paul Gauguin route on a memorable cruise.
This Valentine might be the one when you will propose or will say “I do”, if the need is not to go extreme, you want to be sure that you will enjoy remembering where you stood at this crucial moment.
If you do not feel like globe trotting the world around, see the Eiffel Tower from top to bottom; you can still make it happen at home. Be creative, be festive, be Valentine!

 

Follow your mood but do no break with lovely traditions. "Paris sera toujours Paris!" As the say goes, and the Ritz is still the spot to break a fast and start the day. Walk through the mythic aisles where luxurious goods are displayed in glass boxes, sit at your table and let the time flow. Share the love and the delicacies before going on a promenade in the Tuileries, one of the most visited gardens. The chic is to grab a chair and chill around. The surroundings and the history make it very unique and therefore ideal to slip a ring in a pocket.

Going on a very Parisian journey, walk your way along la Seine, stop at Dalloyau  where everybody will say "I love you" just for the sake of the unmissable hearty chocolate goodies; continue your route and cross the bridge to land at Ile St Louis. Charming store windows, the smell of bred and croissants and you about to unveil you love scoop…  Like the postcard?  Because you have done the famous and the known, innovate and create a surprise by setting the supper scene at the Pré Catelan. On the outskirts of Paris, this gastronomic restaurant has what it takes to create romance at first sight or to confirm a settled one.
You do not need to conclude in Paris, after dinner, the night has just begun… Point to Hotel Amour and drop Cinderella’s stilettos there. Someone has already tagged your room with “Amor” and whispers: "je t’aime".
Break the rules and go on a cruise.  The sea, the sun, the Pacific Ocean, all the ingredients are there to make it memorable. Would you be waiting for her on the dock passed midnight to declare your love? Will you be reading the financial news with your round intellectual frames and play “Some Like It Hot” with Marilyn? We love the idea of getting far to get close… And if it does not all happen according to plan, you should have enough great souvenirs in your box to share on Facebook.

For those that are seasick or just do not fancy the all-on board-for-days concept. Get some space in California and taste some golden grapes . Food and wine enthusiasts this is your call. By watching the sun-kissed vineyards, your will wet your appetite and crave a picnic of vino and pizza in the Russian River Valley’s photo stopping gardens. Last but not least, retreat and rest at the Calistoga Ranch that epitomizes relaxation and gives you some time off to build your American dream for two.

Not in the shape to break the bank, not in the mood to go far. Home is a perfect be -Valentine destination. Knowing where you step in and on what you step, the success of your Valentine 2011 experience depends on your ability to push the boundaries. Become a love genius thanks to a few tricks. Use your oven, I know it might be a shoe storage but hey, this time use it for what it is actually made for.

Bake heart shaped cookies, warm up a hot chocolate fondue or blend pink smoothies, colourful and sweet goodies bring Valentine’s Day on the table.

Bed the two of you in red roses, play your music and plug it heartedly. For the rest, show your guest around, create a chocolate tasting path from the entrance door to wherever you want it all to end or to begin.

For the record press play and say: “I love you – I loved you – I have loved you – I will love you – I should love you – I would love you – I need to love you- I must love you – I dare to love you – But do you love me?”

List of red recommendations:

 harrods.com

 Calistoga Ranch

 Paul Gauguin route

 Ritz

 Hotel Amour

 Pré Catelan

 Dalloyau

Text by Delphine Hervieu.

Source: Harrods.com, blacktomato.co.uk, hotelamourparis.fr/, La Durée, Dalloyau, Paul Gaugin Cruise, Pre Catelan, Christophe Roussel

TAGS: Valentine 2011 saint valentin 2011 Valentine's Day be Valentine Paris romance La Durée Dalloyau Christophe Roussel le Pré Catelan Paul Gauguin Cruise blacktomato.co.uk Harrods.com Hotel Amour Paris Hotel Ritz Le Ritz Paris Calistoga Ranch love cruise harrods.com Valentine chocolate fondue Valentine escape happy valentine 2011