Best Valentine’s Day holidays

Romantic weekend city breaks in Marrakech

Admit it, there's something pretty swoon-worthy about disappearing off through secret doors in medinas and sipping mint tea in ornately tiled cafes. Most of the hotels and riads in the romantic city of Marrakech come with sprawling rooftops, complete with luxurious daybeds and juicy green palms that sway happily in the 30 degree heat. By day, fall in love on a trek in the Atlas Mountains and cool off in ice cold waterfalls, or discover stunning botanical blooms and cobalt blue fashion houses at the Jardin Majorelle. By night, make memories with a trip to Jemaa El-Fnaa, the huge night market found in the centre of Marrakech. Marvel at twisting and turning acrobats, dip a spoon in the bubbling vats of food and shop at stalls that twinkle with trinkets under the stars. Valentine’s breaks don’t get any more magical than this.

Average temperature in February: 29°C

Flight time from London: 3 hours, 35 minutes

Beach holidays without the long flight in Cape Verde

In just over six hours, you'll land on the silky soft sands of Cape Verde. There's not much there, but that's the beauty of it. Enjoy huge strips of sand all to yourself, bask in the winter sun and soak up the Vitamin D with temperatures hitting a toasty 25 degrees. Splash about together with a spot of kite surfing, head off on a whale watching trip or grab a snorkel and see what you can find. After a romantic meal on the sand, be entertained by Cape Verde's traditional live music – it combines European and Latin instruments to create the perfect romantic soundtrack.

Average temperature in February: 25°C

Flight time from London: 6 hours

Snuggle up together in Iceland

Not all Valentine’s Day breaks have to be about the heat. Lather up in face masks and get some much needed R&R in Iceland's geothermal Blue Lagoon. The milky blue water's rich in silica and minerals and is said to have lots of healing, calming properties, so you'll come out of there feeling like a new couple. There are plenty of spa treatments available if you fancy being pampered even further afterwards. It's also possible to dine at the restaurant, Lava, situated at the lagoon itself. Bag top partner points by organising a trip to see the iconic Northern Lights, or to explore the other-worldly Thingvellir National Park.

Average temperature in February: -2°C

Flight time: 3 hours, 5 minutes

Hide away in the tropics of Thailand

If you don't mind going further afield, try Phuket in Thailand. Lovers can hide away with secret dinners on the beach, be pampered with traditional Thai massages – they're incredible, trust us – or head off on a sunset cruise. We'd also recommend a trip to the Phi Phi Islands. If you're an adventure-seeking couple, you'll definitely be back here for a second date. Canoe around limestone caves, snorkel with tropical fish and hike through bustling jungles hand in hand. If you're lucky, you might even be romanced by a roaming monkey or two...

Average temperature in February: 28°C

Flight time from London: 11 hours, 30 minutes

If you're swayed by Thailand, find out which is the best island, or check out the top adults-only hotels if you fancy going somewhere kid-free.

Author: Lucy Perrin