The 6 most romantic destinations to spend Valentine's Day

Sleep: Velaa Private Island, one of the best private islands to rent around the world, has a number of beautiful villas, but the Romantic Pool Residence is perfect for Valentine's. Only accessible by boat, this one bedroom escape is suspended above a lagoon with stunning ocean views. It has its own Jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym and spa, as well as a private chef and butler.

Eat: Choose from pan-Asian cuisine at Tavaru in an extraordinary semi-open structure, European dishes at the island-like Aragu, or a sumptuous wood-fired pizza from Athiri. For evening drinks head to the stunning Cru Champagne bar or descend into the decadent wine cellar to taste some rare vintages.

Unwind: Partake in a yoga or meditation class before curling up together in the library with a good book and a cup of coffee. Additionally, the spa offers a huge range of treatments, including a couple’s massage — enjoy all of the spa facilities with a bottle of Champagne or a fresh juice.

Play: Spend your days at the Velaa Golf Academy or indulge in a romantic escape on board the hotel’s luxury traditional Batheli. The hotel offers unparalleled diving as well as plenty of water sports to dabble in. Finally, if you fancy a spot of retail therapy, there are a number of luxury retailers for you to peruse at your leisure.

Sleep: Choose from resort view, bay view or penthouse for your romantic getaway in St Lucia. The one-bedroom penthouse suite is the ideal Valentine’s Day option with a private hot tub, large balcony, stunning views of Marigot Bay and all the amenities you could need.

Eat: Indulge in true Caribbean style by heading to the Rum Cave for tasting sessions and cigars before a sumptuous St Lucian supper. Nurse the hangover with a lavish breakfast at the Bayside Café with waterfront views.

Unwind: The Auriga Spa is one of the best luxury spas in the Caribbean and offers a number of different treatments, including the Auriga signature massage inspired by phases of the moon. For a spot more pampering get your hair and nails done at The Salon at Auriga. If you want to keep in shape while on vacation, sign up for a yoga, Pilates or fit fusion class at the fitness centre.

Play: The activities on offer are bountiful, especially for couples. There are classes in cocktail crafting, rum infusion, chocolate making and body scrub mixing so you can exercise your creative side. Otherwise, couples can go horseback riding on the beach, take a cruise to the Pigeon Island national park or explore the romantic Sapphire Falls.

Sleep: The one-bedroom beachfront signature villa with wellness room, complete with fitness equipment and wellness coach, offers the most luxurious stay. On arrival you’ll receive a welcome massage and if you fancy an indulgent dip afterwards, simply select your favourite from the bath amenity menu for the perfect ablution.

Your 24/7 villa host will prepare your breakfast while you enjoy your choice of newspaper, a Nespresso coffee and fruit that is replenished daily. For a private evening in, make use of the fire pit and telescope for romance under the stars.

Eat: There are a few different options for dining — you can enjoy locally sourced Mexican cuisine or fresh ceviche, but the top Valentine's option would have to be the Magic Dinner experience, a private dining option offering a gorgeous five-course menu. Guests will be entertained by a host who trained at the Las Vegas Magic & Mystery School, who will amaze with spectacular illusions and tricks.

Unwind: The Spa at Las Ventanas has a Four Elements menu of treatments including the opulent romance ritual for two, which comprises of an aromatic foot soak, full body exfoliation, Swedish massage and aromatherapy facial followed by a rose petal bath for two with cocktails. Additionally, you can opt for a manicure, pedicure, make up services or hair treatments at the salon.

Play: There are some incredibly unique activities to enjoy at Las Ventanas los Cabos — create your own fireworks display or head out on a peaceful sunset cruise with a bottle of Champagne. Try your hand at Mexican cuisine with a private cooking demonstration or go horse riding through the Los Cabos desert.

The Sea of Cortez is a diver’s dream, offering incredible reefs, shipwreck dives and canyons to explore. Water babies can stay in their comfort zone with kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing.

Sleep: The most private and luxurious option at Kauri Cliffs is the Owner’s Cottage — the property stretches over 390 square metres and includes a private infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and courtyard. The house features two bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes and elegant en-suites as well as a cosy study, al fresco dining areas and a barbeque. Additionally, it has stunning views of the golf course, the Cavalli Islands and the South Pacific.

Eat: The boutique resort provides an ever-changing menu of locally sourced dishes that can be enjoyed in the main dining room, on the veranda, on the beach or in your private accommodation. An in-house sommelier ensures that all of your meals have the perfect wine pairings and the pastry chef’s sumptuous offerings means that your sweet tooth will never go unsatisfied. For a more secluded affair, couples can enjoy a private beach barbeque or a picnic hamper.

Unwind: The stunning and secluded spa offers a huge range of signature treatments to make your vacation perfect — indulge in a Kiwi mud wrap, a Manuka honey healing cocoon or a waterfall massage complete with hydro and steam therapy. Additionally, you can request the services of a personal fitness, yoga or Pilates instructor, a hair stylist or a beauty therapist for manicures, pedicures and facials. Kauri Cliffs also has a fully-equipped gym, pool and Jacuzzi.

Play: Keep active with a spin around the stunning property on a mountain bike, a few games of tennis, a round of golf, a nature walk to the waterfall and Waiaua Bay or even a spot of surfing.

Alternatively, you can take an exciting trip around the Bay of Islands in the resort’s helicopter, take a wild lesson in quad biking or enjoy a horse-riding lesson. Slightly less hair-raising options include wine tasting events, guided farm tours, live performance art and trips to the Old Packhouse Market.

Sleep: Celebrate with a regal Valentine’s experience on board HMY Britannia and a stay at the nearby Balmoral Hotel. The Balmoral’s most luxurious suite is the Scone & Crombie, which comes complete with a working fireplace, dining table, walk-in wardrobe, full in-room bar and personalised concierge services — the perfect place to rest your head after an evening on Britannia.

Eat: On board the Britannia guests will sit down in the state dining room to a ten-courses dinner for two, with white caviar, edible gold leaf, vintage Krug Champagne and wine pairings throughout.

At The Balmoral, foodies are spoilt for choice — Hadrian’s Brasserie offers a fantastic array of Scottish favourites and classic dishes including a traditional Sunday roast, while the Number One restaurant serves more modern flavours with a Scottish twist, such as Balmoral salmon with quails egg and caviar.

For a sweet treat head to the Palm Court for an award-winning Champagne afternoon tea. Otherwise, cocktail connoisseurs can sip their favourite mixes in the famous Balmoral Bar and whisky lovers can sample from more than 500 malts, blends and vintages from the aptly named ‘Scotch’ bar.

Unwind: Escape into a beautiful oasis of luxury at The Balmoral’s Rocco Forte spa, which features an indoor lap pool, steam room and sauna, as well as a fully-equipped gym and exercise classes. The list of available treatments in dizzyingly long, so you can be assured that you’ll find something to your taste. Enjoy massages, facials, nail treatments, body wraps, salt scrubs and hot stone therapy, as well as the added option of a spray tan or beauty treatment.

Play: Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the royal yacht Britannia, with quayside arrival in a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce and private jet transfers to Edinburgh airport from anywhere in the UK. Additionally, you can sparkle the night away with a diamond suite of jewellery from Hamilton & Inches, including a collar necklace, earrings and cuff bracelet.

During dinner a classical string duo with serenade you and afterwards you can enjoy a glass of rare Hennessy Paradis Imperial Cognac from your own personalised bottle. Guests will finish their experience with a private fireworks display.

Sleep: The most exclusive accommodation at the Marbella Club is Villa del Mar, a majestic home set at the heart of the hotel behind vast wooden gates. With the villa comes 24-hour service, a private butler, maid, on-call dining staff, spa therapists and personal trainer, all your needs will be catered for in order for you to enjoy a romantic break.

Additionally, the six-bedroom property has a Jacuzzi, hammam, cinema and illustrious living spaces, complete with seven fireplaces. Outside there's an infinity pool, private zen garden, eight terraces on which to enjoy evening drinks and direct access to the beach.

Eat: The is a variety of dining options during your stay — The Grill is one of the most popular and elegant restaurants in the area and offers lavish seafood and game dishes, as well as a healthy menu. After dinner stroll over to the famous Champagne Room, one of the best bars in the Mediterranean, for a glass of bubbly or a cocktail and some caviar.

For something a little lighter head to the MC Café for sushi, salads and fresh juices, or to the MC Beach for a traditional Mediterranean lunch complete with a refreshing beverage and the sound of ocean waves. Of course, in-house dining is an option, so why not request a romantic dinner for two in your private garden, on the beach or on the pier?

Unwind: The Marbella Club Wellness offering covers all bases, with medical experts on site to guide your experience. There are five nutrition programmes so guests can enjoy personalised menus, fitness regimes and treatments throughout their stay. The Thalasso spa can provide massages, body wraps, scrubs and peels, physiotherapy, reflexology, facials, seawater shower treatments and many other rituals.

Fitness fanatics can enjoy a fully-equipped gym and range of classes, including yoga, Pilates and cross-training, as well as mountain hiking, beach activities and walks along the shoreline.

Play: Avoid the summer crowds and cycle along the beach promenade to Marbella's Old Town to explore its historical cobbled streets — you'll find a number of artisanal boutiques, art galleries and some of the best tapas in Andalucía. Alternatively, the hotel can organise horse riding in the mountains or a trip to the stunning olive groves.

Marbella is also famous for its golf facilities, so if you and your other half are keen to play a few rounds, have a private car take you to the Marbella Club Golf Resort for a relaxed afternoon of amicable competition.