Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and nothing is more romantic than treating your loved one to a weekend away. While classic romantic destinations such as Paris, Rome and Venice are tried and tested, why not surprise someone special with a trip to one of Splendia‘s alternative Valentine’s destinations, guaranteed to create memories neither of you will ever forget…
One way to truly see the sights of a city is from high up in the sky. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best places from which to take in spectacular views of 10 of our favourites.
Barcelona
The Christopher Columbus monument stands
tall at the bottom of the city’s bustling Las Ramblas, not far from the sea, inviting visitors to ascend to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the Catalan capital and Cataluña’s coastline. Or, head up one of the towers of the renowned Sagrada Família or to the rooftop terrace of Casa Milà.
Berlin
On a trip to the German capital, be sure to rise to the top of the Fernsehturm, the city’s TV Tower. Have a drink or snack in the revolving restaurant whilst enjoying a 360º vista of Berlin’s magnificent monuments.
For a truly unique stay, look no further than a boutique hotel for your next trip. Due to their smaller size, boutique hotels offer guests distinctive interior design and a much more personalised level of service. But you don’t need to pay the earth to stay in the best boutique hotels, we’ve put together just a small selection of what’s on offer for under €100 per night.
Ever-evolving, combining its eclectic past with contemporary influences, Istanbul is a fascinating city full of energy and vitality. Historic monuments and fantastic restaurants sit alongside the new bars and clubs that are regularly popping up all over the city, making Istanbul the place to party. Locals are embracing this change, enjoying the evolution of the city as it becomes one of the most happening cities of the moment.
Istanbul is a city of sound, taste, culture and innovation, and as a result, was voted by our Facebook fans as one of their favourite cities. We have to agree…
Sights to see
For a true appreciation of Istanbul’s
culture, head to the Hagia Sophia. Also known as the Church of the Divine Wisdom, its flat dome, which was erected in the sixth century, is still an impressive architectural innovation. Wander inside and be dazzled by the 30 million gold tesserae (tiny mosaic tiles) that date back 1,500 years.
Be sure to leave at least half a day to see the lavish and colourful Topkapi Palace, which was home to Selim the Sot. Admire the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III that sits just outside the Imperial Gate and take a tour of the Harem, before taking a stroll through the seemingly never-ending gardens. Continue reading
Going on holiday is all about leaving the mundane behind and experiencing something a little different… But these hotels have taken things one step further by creating magical, out-of-this-world stays; immerse yourself in flights of fancy and imagination at one of these spellbinding hotels, where you’ll live happily ever after (at least until your flight home).
Take a step back in time to the days of King Arthur at the magnificent Amberley Castle in South East England. Steeped in 900 years of history, this majestic hotel was once upon a time a fortress occupied by the Bishops of Chichester. Enjoy the traditional medieval architecture or views of the gardens from your regal room, complete with four poster bed.
Inspired by the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada, the L Mansion in Marrakesh oozes Eastern mystique. You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away on a magic carpet to an enchanting world more akin to a tale from Arabian Nights than modern-day Marrakesh. A medley of fragrant citrus gardens, rich colours and intricate mosaics combine to create a vibrant treat for the senses. The outdoor tearoom offers captivating views; visit at dusk to enjoy authentic Moroccan tea as the sun sets over the spectacular Atlas Mountains.
