Cupid's Corner

Are you looking forward to Valentine’s Day with gloom or glee? 

For those of us who are relationship challenged, it tends to be something to ignore or avoid. However, for those of you in a happy twosome, it can be an opportunity to celebrate those reasons your life is better because he/she is part of it.

Travel, whether a quick getaway or elaborate journey. is a wonderful way to create special memories and chance to share in new adventures? 

Here’s a list of romantic retreats both near and far to share with your sweetie.

Jamaica’s South Coast

You’ll have to endure a 2.5-hour drive along a bumpy, winding road, but once you’ve reached the idyllic shores of this uncommercialized retreat, it will all be worth it. 

There are no mega resorts or glitzy nightlife in this area, but those couples looking to truly escape will love exploring the rustic villages, hiking to tropical waterfalls and imbibing the local rums.

You can watch a Caribbean sunset atop the 500 metre drop of Lover’s Leap and check out the local hangout, The Pelican Bar. 

The closest resort is Sandals Whitehouse or you could consider renting bungalows or villas available in all price points.

Tofino or Ucluelet

Perfect year-round destination for nature and adventure loving couples. Long stretches of surf-pounding beaches are perfect for romantic hand in hand strolls. Whale watching, kayaking, surf lessons, rainforest hikes. 

There are no ends to the activities you can participate in. 

Spectacular hotels such as the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort or The Wickaninnish Inn offer romantic couples packages including spa treatments and fine dining.

Manhattan, New York

Manhattan is the perfect destination for the foodie and theatre buff. The variety of dining ranges from delectable street food to five star culinary experiences. 

Manhattan packs a big punch for a weekend getaway. Shopping, people watching, architecture and history all combine to keep the traveller engaged and entertained. Cycle through Central Park during the day and then tour via horse drawn carriage at night. 

New York truly is a city that never sleeps.

Tahiti

Tahiti is voted the  No. 1 lover’s destination year after year,

It tops the list as the world’s most romantic destination. Intimate resorts, peaceful laidback vibe and mile after mile of pristine white sand beaches guarantees that sought after “alone time”. 

Tahiti is best explored either by island-hopping or cruising to truly experience all that this South Pacific destination must offer. Wonderful Canadian resident pricing is available on the luxury Paul Gauguin cruise line.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the city of passion and tango and is known as the Paris of South America. 

Beautiful gardens and colonial architecture lend themselves to romantic strolls that simply go on forever. 

The boutique hotels of the Palermo Soho district market to lovers with luxury loft rooms, rooftop terraces and delectable wine and tapas bars. The scent of flowers permeates the streets. 

Argentines, young and old are very comfortable showing affection. You can’t help but fall in love all over again in this cosmopolitan city.

“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves, and we travel, next, to find ourselves," said Pico Iyer.

"We travel to open our hearts and eyes. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again — to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.” 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.