This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on January 28, 2019

In the UK over the next few weeks? Ah, what a way to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. The Red Carnation Hotel Collection presents an array of unforgettable and extraordinary experiences within the UK to ensure that you make the most of quality time with your special someone come Valentine’s Day on Feb 14. From being serenaded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to a weekend by the countryside complemented by winter walks and warming hot scotch, there is bound to be something for every couple. To make a booking or for more information please call (0) 20 7834 6600 or email [email protected].

Valentine’s Day Opera Gala and The Rubens at The Palace

The five-star hotel The Rubens at The Palace presents an extra special evening begins a beautiful evening with a three-course Valentine’s dinner in The English Grill along with a glass of Lanson Champagne followed the Valentine’s Day Opera Gala concert performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Cadogan Hall. After the show, the couple can head to The Rubens’ New York Bar which is the ultimate place to find a cosy spot to sip on a night cap while listening to Sourya, the bar’s resident jazz singer, then retire to one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms. The special Valentine’s Day overnight experience is priced at £770 (RM4,145) (including executive transfers) or £890 (including Bentley transfers) for two guests in a double room. The offer is available for stays on Feb 14 only.

Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth would be to indulge in a selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, homemade chocolate chip and fruit scones with Cornish collated cream along with homemade pastries and cupcakes inspired by Coca-Cola slides, peanut buttercups and love heart macarons. An over-rated box of chocolate has nothing on the hotel’s overnight Valentine’s experience including a Sweetshop Afternoon Tea for two, romantically-inspired cocktails in the hotel’s Terrace Bar and a special sweets-inspired turndown with a bottle of champagne. The total price for two people is £320 (RM1,722)per room, per night. The offer is available for stays from Feb 1-28.

Intimate dining at The Milestone Hotel & Residences in Kensington

Private chapel turned romantic dining venue illuminated by candlelight holding promise of an extra-special evening and memorable night. For Valentine’s Day, the intimate The Oratory is available for private dining with a six-course menu served with a bottle of vintage champagne and can also assist with bespoke proposal surprises. The Milestone’s private, romantic dinner for two is priced from £650 (RM3,499) and includes the six-course menu, a bottle of vintage champagne, champagne sabrage experience, and a bouquet of flowers. Add-ons including chauffeur-driven transfers (from £225), wine pairing per course (£55 per person), and an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s rooms (from £500 per room) can be built in.

A Night Under the Stars at Hotel 41 in Belgravia

Hotel 41 is a beautiful retreat for couples visiting London for a getaway. The Conservatory Suite is an effortlessly romantic, glass-topped space looking up to the night sky. Spending a night under the stars in luxury with a telescope for star-gazing, an astrological map and a chance to name a star after your partner. Champagne and a hamper of treats can also be arranged should an extra-special moment under the moonlight be in the horizons. Priced from £1,358 (RM7,310) per night, the unforgettable Night Under The Stars hotel experience is available all year long.

‘Pawsecco’ Afternoon Tea at The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge

Valentine’s Day can be spent with a loved one, with friends and arguably most importantly with man’s best friend and most loyal furry companion. The Egerton’s afternoon tea for dogs includes a selection of treats for your pet including chicken and beef meatloaf, homemade dog biscuits and doggy ice-cream. Furry friends can also indulge in a glass of “Pawsecco” to celebrate the occasion. The hotel regularly takes bookings for puppy parties, as well as doggy double dates making it an amazing opportunity to dine with a fellow dog lover. The Doggy Afternoon Tea is priced at £25 (RM134.55) per dog, and the Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at £45 per person (£62 with Champagne). A stay at The Egerton House Hotel is priced from £500 per room, per night.

Countryside getaway at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa in Dorset

Couples enjoying a weekend away surrounded by Dorset countryside in the charming country house hotel of Evershot can plan a walk through frosted landscape with a warming flask of hot toddy or hot chocolate to take with them. Summer Lodge has curated the most romantic spots on countryside walks in the heart of idyllic Dorset to make Valentine’s weekend even more special. Couples returning from a long country walk will be welcomed into Summer Lodge’s restaurant which will be serving a delicious, locally-sourced seven-course tasting menu.  The Valentine’s experience at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is priced from £365 (RM1,965) per night based on two adults sharing a Classic Room. Valid for stays from Feb 1-28.

Escape on the grounds of Ashford Castle in the west of Ireland

The 13th Century Ashford Castle overlooking the Lough Corrib is a fairytale. Formerly the Castle’s boathouse, the cottage has been beautifully restored and features a breathtaking 180o lake view. Couples can enjoy the amenities provided within its 350-acre estate. With a host of personal touches and services including a room service attendant and housekeeper, couples are promised a luxurious unique Irish experience. Ashford Castle’s Hideaway Cottage accommodates two people exclusively, priced from €2,750 (RM14,802) per night and includes access to the Castle’s amenities and dining options, Jack Murphy jackets and wellington boots to take home, deluxe Voya toiletries, 24-hour in-room dining and concierge services.