The Best Short-Haul Destinations For A Luxury Romantic Holiday

When it comes to wooing that special someone this Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to find the ultimate romantic holiday haven.

From intimate beachfront sanctuaries to idyllic island hideaways, a plethora of seductive short-haul destinations await much closer to home on the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and Canaries. Whether you plan to whisk your soul mate away without delay, or make a date in the future, you’ll find plenty of options for sensational weather, divine scenery, irresistible cuisine, captivating culture and much more besides. Maybe all-inclusive opulence would be a match made in heaven, or you may prefer adult-only serenity and seclusion beside soft sands and crystal clear waters. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve picked out five special short-haul destinations that you’re sure to fall in love with. Take a look at all of the delights that await and pick out your perfect romantic holiday match.

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Greece

The Mediterranean destination of Greece is the perfect place for a luxury romantic holiday. With a host of paradisiacal islands on offer to suit your needs, budget and itinerary, you can expect golden beaches, azure waters, picturesque harbours and stunning sea views. Intimate evenings can be enjoyed dining on local delicacies in cosy tavernas and al fresco on a soft sandy beach, as well as sipping on tantalising local wines made at vast Greek vineyards like those found in Kefalonia. Crete, the largest Greek island, boasts an array of divine resorts that ooze romance, including Sissi, a laidback slice of heaven with peaceful bays, and Malia, a lively hub for nightclubs, bars and pubs. Opt for a holiday to Santorini if you’re seeking the stunning backdrop of the white-washed buildings and blue-domed roofs that are synonymous with a Greece getaway. The capital, Fira, is a superb spot for a romance-filled retreat or unforgettable honeymoon.

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Cyprus

Offering a blissful blend of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, dazzling blue seas and powdery beachfronts, Cyprus is a sublime choice for your next short-haul romantic holiday. Paphos is a magical coastal city with a charming harbour and the longest coastline in Cyprus. You’ll find 27 different beaches in this resort alone, including one believed to be the birthplace of the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. How much more romantic can you get? For a bustling area filled with exciting attractions and all the amenities you would need, choose to stay in Limassol, Cyprus’ largest resort. Here you’ll discover a promenade with an array of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. If you and your other half are party goers searching for a lively holiday, we’d recommend Ayia Napa as this is where you’ll find the best selection of nightclubs, beach parties and late-night exploits.

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Canary Islands

Stunning beaches, seaside retreats, luxury resorts and a short-haul flight makes a romantic holiday to the Canary Islands the right choice for you. Enjoy endless sunny days as well as exciting activities, like dolphin-watching boat rides. Tenerife offers a variety of laidback locations and energetic resorts to ensure you experience your perfect romantic getaway. Playa de las Americas is the hotspot for good vibes, music and parties, while those searching for complete tranquillity will love the Costa del Silencio. The ultimate romantic spot in Tenerife is Los Cristianos due to its quaint marina and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Jet off to Lanzarote for spectacular mountain scenery and black, gold and white sandy beaches that border rich coral reefs and historical towns. While Costa Teguise may be small in size, this Lanzarote resort exudes luxury and romance, with numerous shopping, dining and nightlife options. You’ll also find plenty of romantic vibes in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

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Turkey

Visit Turkey with the love of your life on an unforgettable romantic escape. Discover spectacular scenery, culture, history, wellness, adventure and excitement while you soak up some rays and take advantage of the luxury facilities in your hotel. You won’t have to go far to experience a heavenly spa treatment thanks to this destination’s incredible Turkish Baths. Head to a local Hamman for traditional full body scrub, sauna and steam bath, as well as other relaxing activities, and enjoy a pamper session unlike any other with your soulmate. A magnet for sun seekers, Antalya is brimming with rustic harbours, bobbing boats, historical spots and ancient ruins. The Blue Flag beaches are the perfect place for water sports, including parasailing, paddleboarding and snorkelling, while the winding streets are a hub for Turkey’s deep-rooted culture. The resort of Side is a beautiful port city with gourmet restaurants, mythological ruins and a traditional bazaar where you can shop for the perfect souvenir.

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Malta

For history, culture, nature, excitement and relaxation alongside unrivalled romance and luxury, a holiday to Malta is a sublime option. Embrace your wanderlust and take in the natural beauty this island oozes by cycling, hiking or rock climbing with your soulmate. There’s also serene boat trips around the coast for even more romantic moments admiring the scenery. Discover the array of beaches, including Mellieha Bay, the largest expanse on the island and a hotspot for scuba diving in turquoise waters. The wondrous capital, Valletta, is hub for historical architecture and cobbled streets, where you can enjoy slow-paced romantic strolls with the love of your life while you browse the local shops, stop for a bite to eat or sip a beverage in the bustling squares. If you’re looking for a lively getaway where you can dance the night away with your partner, look no further than St Julian’s Paceville, the home of Malta’s nightlife, casinos, bars and clubs.

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“You have the most romantic destinations of Europe at your fingertips, so what’s stopping you from jetting off on a short-haul flight and making all your holiday dreams come true?

“Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or somewhere special to pop the question, the array of divine destinations in Europe will leave you spoilt for choice.

“Soak up the sunshine, culture, history, scenery, wellness and romance from island paradises like Malta, Cyprus and the Canaries, while there’s also the stunning resorts of Turkey and Greece and its islands, too.

“Get active with water sports or venture into nature for a relaxing hike, while in your hotel there’s plenty of amenities to keep you and your soulmate entertained.

“Book your luxury romantic holiday with Destination2 today – you won’t be disappointed.”

Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel, Cyprus

Seek out bliss on your sun-soaked escape to Cyprus. Perfect for couples and families alike, discover an array of facilities to suit all your needs at this seafront haven. The exclusive adult-only area offers intimacy and tranquillity, with access to a private swimming pool, sunbathing area and pool bar, while the children’s club, playground, paddling pools and Oasis Splash zone mean kids can make unparalleled memories too. The spa, wellness facilities, entertainment programmes and delectable restaurants will also take your luxury holiday to another level.

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Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel, Cyprus

Jet off on an exceptional adult-only getaway to this sensational resort. Serene surroundings combine with spectacular facilities to ensure you feel truly pampered. Relax in the spa with a treatment (or two), soak up the sunshine on the adjoining beach or take a dip in one of the four swimming pools. With five restaurants, showcasing flavours from the Mediterranean and beyond, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Upgrade to the Elite Class for even more perks in this paradisiacal location. Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel, Cyprus

Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Cyprus

Mediterranean serenity awaits on the shores of Cyprus at this 5-star Paphos hotel. While away the hours tanning or enjoying a dip in the swimming pools. The soothing jets of the jacuzzi promise pure bliss, while a treatment at the Elixar Spa will leave you feeling truly revitalised. Spacious and modern suites boast plush beds, luxury amenities and unmissable views. Dine on delicious Mediterranean cuisine in the multiple on-site restaurants, while the bars serve up tantalising beverages to enjoy with your loved ones.

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St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Crete

Experience an unforgettable Crete holiday thanks to the 5-star facilities waiting in this paradise. Located in a secluded cove, guests will have direct and private access to a wonderful white-sand beach, as well as the crystal-clear waters. Soak up the sun from the infinity pool, or head to the spa for a treatment that is to die for. Children will also love this hotel, with a cinema, kids’ club, games room and array of evening entertainment to keep them happy.

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Creta Maris Resort, Crete

Unrivalled delights await on the heavenly Greek island of Crete. This 5-star resort offers holidaymakers tranquil moments by the pool, on the beach, where water sports fun is available, and in the array of other incredible luxury facilities. Immerse yourself in local traditions with a Cretan cooking or dance class, before dining on delectable dishes in the superb restaurants. Spend your evenings enjoying the on-site entertainment, in the open-air cinema or in the bars as you overlook the stunning shoreline.

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Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort

Oceanviews and 5-star luxury makes this hotel a hotspot for superb Tenerife holidays. Stretch out on a sunlounger, topping up your tan and sipping on a tantalising cocktail, before heading to the spa for a sumptuous treatment that will leave you feeling rested and restored. Wellness is prioritised here, with a sleek fitness centre, paddle courts and multiple swimming pools, including an adult-only option. The dining venues are sure to wow you, with cuisine from across the globe being showcased.

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Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Crete

Luxury beach holidays are a promise in this 5-star paradise. A pristine, private beach is just a stone’s throw away from your idyllic accommodation, meaning you can spend your days in the glorious sunshine and refreshing crystal-clear shores of the Aegean Sea. Get active with water sports like scuba diving, wakeboarding, and canoeing, or prioritise wellness with a pilates class in the lush Botanical Garden. Greek cuisine is showcased here, with seasonal goodness served up in the delicious restaurants.

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Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort, Crete

This 5-star Greek haven invites you to soak up the scintillating Mediterranean sunshine alongside its luxury amenities on your next getaway. The recently-refurbished hotel promises an array of exciting exclusives, like the largest state-of-the-art fitness center in the region, which boasts a Pilates studio, yoga rooms and cutting-edge equipment. Other highlights include the Six Senses Spa, nine-hole golf course and array of child-friendly activities. The eight restaurants offer delectable dishes from around the world for even more exceptional experiences.

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