Travel to one of the World's Most Romantic Settings this Valentine's Day.
1. ARGENTINA
Patagonia
Explore dramatic landscape while staying at a luxury lodge. Amidst majestic mountain ranges and windswept plains, Patagonia offers total seclusion as you explore on foot and by horseback, or as you kayak across its tranquil lakes. George, Jacada's Director of Travel Design, explains that it's this spectacular scenery and seclusion, combined with Argentina's exceptional red wine and hearty cuisine, that makes Patagonia truly romantic, adding that Jacada gets guests on luxury Patagonia tours to parts of Patagonia that others can't.
DON'T MISS See chunks of ice crash down from the immense Perito Moreno Glacier into its surroundings waters.
2. INDONESIA
Raja Ampat
Set sail across the Coral Triangle. You begin to realise the immensity of Indonesia when you travel to Raja Ampat, a group of Indonesian islands by New Guinea, and itself a vast archipelago of 1,500 islands and cays. Explore these emerald isles by sailing between them, while scuba diving in the marine-life rich waters and stopping off at islands to hike through rainforest to the waterfalls. As the sun goes down, step ashore for a candlelit seafood dinner on your private strip of sand.
DON'T MISS Snorkel and dive in this archipelago's Coral Triangle - said to be some of the world's richest waters in diverse marine life - where whale species are often seen.
3. MYANMAR
Bagan
Take a hot air balloon over ancient temple ruins. Many luxury Myanmar tours include exploration of the ancient city of Bagan, and justifiably too, with its vast temple dotted landscape that tells a fascinating story of the nation's past. At sunrise, drift over the landscape by hot air balloon to be greeted on landing with a Champagne breakfast. Combine your trip to Bagan with a stay at Lake Inle in Myanmar's highlands, where villas sit on the lake's peaceful shoreline.
DON'T MISS Cycle between the temples and pagodas, cooling down from the sun in their shaded interiors.
4. NEPAL
Dhulikhel
Trek through countryside that lies beneath the Himalayas. Just beyond Kathmandu Valley, the rural town of Dhulikhel - an authentic Newar settlement - is a scenic and culturally interesting base for trekking through countryside with views of the majestic Himalayas. Aside from being a rewarding spot for its outdoor adventure, Nepali heritage and local traditions, you can unwind back at your hotel with activities like meditation, pottery, painting and yoga.
DON'T MISS Take a guided trek to the Buddhist pilgrimage site of the Namo Buddhist Monastery.
5. NORWAY
Lyngen Alps
See the extraordinary glow of the northern lights. This incredibly remote region of Arctic Norway is blanketed in snow each winter, with sparkling lakes amidst the mountain-ranges that rise over a fjord. Skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling are all winter activities in Lyngen Alps, and until March there's a good chance of seeing the spectacular northern lights. After being out in the snow, warm up in a cosy lodge and sample the local cuisine.
DON'T MISS In the winter months, ski on the nearby slopes, without any crowds to contend with.
6. PERU
Northern Amazon
Cruise through the Amazonian rainforest. Explore the wilderness of northern Peru on-board a luxe river-cruiser; one of the most romantic luxury Peru tours you could set out on, with the privilege of gaining access to some of the most pristine areas of the Amazon that can be reached by travellers, including the flooded forest of Pacaya Samiria Reserve. These luxury cruisers have the comfort and style of a five-star hotel, with the undeniable romance of navigating the Amazonian jungle's waterways.
DON'T MISS Venture deeper into the rainforest on wildlife treks, led by expert naturalist guides.
7. SOUTH AFRICA
The Garden Route
Spot marine life and trek through verdant valleys. South Africa's Western Cape is an exceptionally scenic stretch of coast, with forested mountain slopes, valleys, lagoons and salt lakes, as well as the coastline's sandy shores. As its name suggests, the region has a diverse offering of lush flora, which in turn attracts wildlife to make its home there. It's the ocean's marine species that attract most of the attention though, with whale watching a particularly popular excursion on South Africa tours to this region.
DON'T MISS Seek out the Garden Route's exceptional wildlife on whale watching and dolphin spotting tours, or by hiking along its nature trails.
8. TANZANIA
South Serengeti
Set out on game drives in Tanzania's most wildlife-rich season. In Tanzania's great wilderness, stay in a safari lodge amidst vast national park that's home to astounding wild game. During the green season, immense herds of wildebeest and zebra settle and graze on the lush green plains of the South Serengeti for calving, in turn attracting many predator species. For both beach and safari, Tanzania safaris can be paired with a trip to the idyllic island of Zanzibar, with its intriguing fusion of African, Arabian and Indian culture, as well as pristine white-sand beaches.
DON'T MISS set out on game drives to witness the great spectacle of Tanzania's calving season.
9. THAILAND
Koh Kood
Travel to one of the lesser visited Thai islands. If an intimate island hideaway is your idea of the perfect Valentine's retreat, travel to the Thai island of Koh Kood. Despite being one of Thailand's largest islands, it is less populated and has far less tourism than most. Much of the island is taken up by rainforest that's fringed with a coconut tree-lined sandy coastline, with small fishing villages scattered along the coastline. Watch the sunset over the ocean from your luxury villa and infinity pool.
DON'T MISS Explore underwater at dive sites close to the island, then unwind on a sunset cocktail cruise.
10. THE SEYCHELLES
Stay on a private island. In this idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, stay on an exclusive private island, such as Desroches or Denis, for an unrivalled island escape. The islands' pristine beaches are backed by jungle and lapped by clear, calm waters, while the surrounding marine national parks are home to an abundance of marine species and colourful coral reef.
DON'T MISS Catch a boat over to Fregate Island to become acquainted with the island's giant Aldabra tortoises.
