MY 10 MOST ROMANTIC EXPERIENCES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Ok, so no prizes for guessing the inspiration behind the romantic nature of this post! Yes, St. Valentineβs Day mania is just about to descend upon us and like it or not commercialism will be telling us to declare our undying love for our significant other, or wannabe significant other! This shall be the day you book that cute little French bistro with a set menu, and sit gazing into each otherβs eyes whilst carefully violating that hot chocolate gooey centred pudding! Not to mention the over whelming red cards, red roses, the chocolate hearts and a plethora of the fizzy stuff possessing capabilities not short of sinking a ship! Lets not get started on the clichΓ©d mini-breaks to Paris, Rome or NYC or the wait for it, drum rollβ¦..Valentines Day proposals!! I apologise profusely if any of these apply to you, itβs onlyΒ MY opinion at the end of the day!Β
Head in hands and a huge sigh! Hands literally down throat wanting to be physically sick! The above is really not for me! If you tune into my little space on the internet regularly, you will know this is a million miles away from what I call romantic. My ideal romantic experience would involve spending quality time with my love, indulging in the things that we both enjoy, and no Iβm not just referring to the carnal desires! For Dr C and I that means exploring different locales and dabbling in the local cuisine and culture.
Photo Courtesy: Captured by Shoot My Travel Photographer, Claudia.
Dr C is your charming, chivalrous Mr Darcy character who is partial to cuddles, whereas I am a little more matter of fact, need my space, I donβt believe in love at first sight or anything pink and fluffy! Basically the point Iβm trying to get across is that the word romantic means very different things to each and every one of us. All in the name of St Valentine and his day of celebration, Iβve put together for your perusal a list of my personal favourite romantic moments from across the globe.
No. 1 A GRAND CANYON PROPOSAL
Following a conference in San Diego, Dr C whisked me off to the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. When the helicopter landed at the base of the canyon, we got out and he popped the question. After much deliberation, (well you gotta keep a guy waiting right!) I said yes. Β There was a beautiful champagne picnic awaiting me prepared by our pilot! I guess it wouldβve been a little rude to say no after chartering a helicopter! It was one of my happiest days ever and trust me, he set the bar so high that heβs never going to be able to pull off anything quite as spectacular but Iβm not complaining! It was a once in a lifetime gesture made by a once in a lifetime guy (Ok, thatβs a bit cheesy for meβ)
No. 2 A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS, LUXOR
It may have been a 4:00am start but gliding through the Valley of the Kings and Queens with an aerial view, in Luxor was one hell of a bucket list experience. Obviously this was made even more special with Dr C by my side, carrying a sick bag and wipes incase I was sick!! I wasnβt sick though and a romantic experience was enjoyed by both parties! In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to explore the area if youβre keen on Egyptology as you have a personal guide. Chocolates and flowers will last a few days but this is something I will never forget!
No.3 A NIGHT ON OUR VERY OWN DESERTED ISLAND
A portion of our honeymoon, involved a stay at The Evason Six Senses Hotel situated on a cove facing the Andaman sea in Phuket. The hotel owned their very own deserted Island, Bon Island. We stayed the night all alone in their only tree suite, which was a little unnerving at first. But you know what; this girl Friday most certainly had her very own Boy Friday to rescue her from creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night!
No.4Β A HELICOPTER RIDE WITH SOARING AERIAL VIEWS OF IGUAZU FALLS
Experiencing one of the most breath-taking falls in the world from the sky was truly what I call romantic. The silence as we floated above the force of the falls was golden. I remember looking at Dr C and feeling super lucky to be able to see such a wonder of the world. Get a glimpse of our trip and how else we experienced the falls right here.
No. 5Β A NIGHT AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
During our around the world trip, we planned a night at the iconic Sydney Opera House. It was my birthday and we watched The Nutcracker, one of my favourite ballets surrounded by the exquisite modern design of this emblematic architecture. Being a lover of the arts and culture this still remains a βpinch meβ memory!
No. 6Β WALKING WITH LLAMAS IN THE INCAN CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu is such an awe inspiring destination but when you are amongst the first there, when the gates open (perks of staying at The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge just outside the gates) allows you to see the citadel from a more laid back, romantic perspective. The serene atmosphere, the morning hue lifting over Huyana Picchu, and well the llamas with their fluffy coats that pass you every so often. Just magical!
No.7Β DANCING WITH DR.C ON THE STEPS OF SAN MINIATO AL MONTE
I had first seen the Church of San Miniato al Monte years ago when I visited Florence but it became the backdrop of our Flytographer shoot in Florence last year. I was beside myself when our photographer suggested the location and I think the shot below of Dr C and I twirling on the steps makes for a beautifully classy romantic memory.
Photo Courtesy: Captured by Flytographer Alberto in Florence.
Β No. 8Β FREE-FALLING 11,000 FEET OVER LAKE WAKITIPU IN QUEENSTOWN
This is a matter of opinion, but for a thrill seeking adrenalin junkie like myself, this is as high as you can get on romantic moments! Dr C and I did a tandem skydive towards the end of our time in Queenstown, New Zealand. Dr C jumped first and then I followed and I loved that he wasnβt too keen on the idea but did it because he couldnβt let me do it alone. Now, that really is true love and the heights one would go for love!
No.9Β DISCOVERING SECRET WATERFALLS AND LAGOONS IN COSTA RICA
Β You know the song, donβt go chasing waterfalls right! Well if youβre the adventurous type like us then you do go chasing waterfalls and lagoons in the remote Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica. Our daily hikes from our rainforest lodge led us to remote beachside locations with literally just the two of us and the beauty of an unspoilt coastline with maybe the appearance of the odd Puma from time to time!
No.10Β CHRISTMASΒ IN AN OVER-WATER VILLA ON A PRIVATE ISLAND
IN BORA BORA
This is the ultimate romantic Christmas present! Dr C and I treated each other to 5 glorious days of sun, sea, sand and lots of underwater adventures on the Sofitel Private Island Bora Bora. Our home was a traditional French Polynesian over-water bungalow with our very own Butler, surrounded by incredible ocean and volcanic views. Total, unadulterated bliss!
So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed a little insight into my most romantic moments around the globe? Now itβs your turn. Tell me all about what romantic means to you and what your most romantic moments have been in the comments below.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY LOVEBIRDS!
Γ BientΓ΄tβ¦
PIN FOR LATER
Laura
So many fantastic ones! Your very brave for doing a sky dive!
Bejal
LauraThanks Mrs B! I don’t know about brave but I am a bit of an adrenalin junkie!