By Andy Williams

 

With Valentines Day approaching, you might be thinking about gifts for your loved one. Chocolates, flowers and expensive scents are all fine and well, but they are gifts from a well-trodden path. Perhaps, this year, you could take a path to somewhere less well-travelled!

 

We asked our Head Office team for their favourite romantic destinations, so read on to see what they had to recommend!

 

 

Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny

 

 

Monet, the great French impressionist, had a world-renowned garden in the provincial French town of Giverny. In it he painted one of his most famous pieces, The Water Lilies. You will have to go to Musee L’Orangerie in Paris to see the painting but you can visit the garden itself year-round.

 

 

For just 10.20 euros you can visit both gardens, the Clos Normand and the Water Garden. These fragrant, atmospheric places are sure to get you in a romantic mood. Anyone for exchanging Valentines cards on the Japanese Bridge?

 

 

Karuizawa

 

For those on a more generous budget, the wonderful Japanese getaway of Karuizawa is well worth consideration. Located  at the foot of the active volcano Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa is billed as the quintessential resort experience. It is certainly a picturesque location!

 

 

Travellers are promised the finest in service and hospitality at this riverside retreat, all infused in the local culture and nature. Pick your season: will you go for traditional cherry blossoms in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, red maple leaves in the fall, or waterfowl in the winter?

 

 

Karuizawa is also located along Japan’s Romantic Road, making it a top choice this Valentines.

 

 

 

 

Playa Del Carmen

 

Finally, the romantic Mexican resort of Playa Del Carmen is an ideal getaway. Set on the Yucatan Peninsula, there are otherworldly underwater caverns, pristine beaches and sun, sun, sun! Mexico is a firm favourite for honeymoons in the DS Head Office.

 

 

For evening entertainment, our team recommended Las Vegas style club, Coco Bongo – owned by none other than Hollywood star Jim Carrey.

 

 

Enjoy the palm-lined beaches, coral reefs and scuba diving. You might also like to take a day trip out to Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the modern world!