Valentine’s Day can strike fear into the hearts of even the happiest couples.  The question of where to go and what to buy can leave you with palpitations and your Valentine with a sub-par gift.  If you really want to wow your loved one then ditch the tired bouquet and supermarket chocolates and try something more original.     

Do not buy: A bunch of roses.  Try: A Rose Cocoon Body Wrap

Skip the cliché red roses and indulge in a Rose Cocoon Body Wrap at Grayshott Spa .  The damask rose essential oil will uplift the mind and senses leaving you relaxed and revived.  Book in for the Valentine’s Day Indulgence special offer to enjoy a one night stay with champagne and a 40 minute Grayshott Valentine’s Facial or a Grayshott Classic Massage for each of you. From £210 per person. 

Do not buy: A box of chocolates.  Try: A Spa and Mmm. 

Surprise your Valentine with an imaginative take on the old favourite: chocolates.  Indulge in anything from cocktails to cake and champagne after creating your own couples treatment at The Spa in Dolphin Square.  Choose from a Salt Infused Steam or Tepidarium, Hammam Ritual or Rhassoul experienced together followed by a 55 min facial or massage.  The Spa & Mmm treatment is £125 per person for 1h 35mins.

 Alternatively, try a sumptuous Afternoon Tea at Flemings, Mayfair. Pink champagne, a selection of freshly made sandwiches, red velvet and white chocolate cake, chocolate covered strawberries and rose macaroons will give you and your love a sweet date. £75 for two.   

Do not buy: A bottle of wine.  Try: A Vinotherapy spa. 

Having just won its first Michelin star last November, The Yeatman luxury wine hotel is not only home to the world’s largest collection of Portuguese wines, but also a vast vinotherapie Spa where couples can enjoy treatments together, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel bath or body scrub.  Located amidst the historic port lodges of Oporto with panoramic views across the Douro river to the UNESCO World Heritage old town from every room, The Yeatman is a beautiful romantic getaway.  Prices from 150 Euros per person per night. 

Do not buy: An Indian takeaway.  Try: A romance in the Himalayas. 

If your idea of a romantic treat is a takeaway, then make sure you emphasise the ‘away’ with a magical trip to India’s Ananda in the Himalayas.  The Himalayan Romance package offers personalised yoga sessions, rose petal baths, reflexology, beauty treatments and massage to create an intimate experience for couples.  Prices from $2860 per person. 

Do not buy: Underwear.  Try: A healthy holiday. 

Anyone still holding on to a little holiday weight does not want to squeeze into ill-fitting underwear.  Instead, get back to health with the SHA Feeling package at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain.  Fusing the macrobiotic diet, yoga, tai chi, walks and healthy cooking lectures you will both leave svelte, glowing and ready for romance.  Prices from €450 for 2 days. 

Do not buy: The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo trilogy.  Try: A blissful trip to Stockholm. 

To see a more romantic side of Sweden check yourself into Nordic Life Spa and Fitness at The Grand Hotel Stockholm.  The Complete Works includes a three-night stay in a luxury suite complete with a menu of spa treatments specifically designed to give hours of pure, uninterrupted bliss.  Prices from SEK 65,000 (for 2 people). 

Do not buy: Breakfast in bed. Try: Breakfast in your own villa in Dubrovnik.

For the ultimate in luxury, guests can exclusively take over the Villa Agave at the iconic Excelsior Hotel’s. This package includes accommodation, return airport transfers, a bottle of champagne with chocolate truffles upon arrival, breakfast served daily on the villa’s terrace, a flower bath on the first night, a 5 course dinner on the terrace and 24 hour butler service. Guests will also have complimentary access to the hotel’s wellness and spa facilities. Available from 10 February until 1 May, with rates starting at €2,500 per person per night (including taxes). 

Do not buy: Perfume. Try: Mixing your own scent. 

Enjoy a one night dinner, bed and breakfast package at Tylney Hall Hotel in Hampshire with a Kerstin Florian Organic Aromatherapy Massage each and a perfume blending session completed with a take home perfume and cologne. Starts from £550.00 per night based on two adults sharing. 

Or let them choose something … 

The Winter Roman Package at The Pierre in New York offers round-the-clock Romance Designer services. From the comfort of your suite chose from a selection of gifts including sparkling crystals, his and hers perfumes, Molton Brown body oils, Godiva chocolates, and more.  Toast each other with a decadent cocktail from Two E Bar’s Chocolate Cocktail Festival selection and wake-up to enjoy the continental breakfast for two in Le Caprice.  Watch out for the surprise romance turndown amenity. Suite prices from approx. £420.

So if you still lose your Valentine with a clichéd gift, don’t say we didn’t warn you…