5 Valentine's Day Getaways

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. If you intend on making it special for yourself and your significant other, it’s time to start planning. Ditch the clichés this time. You see, roses wither, greeting cards fall into tatters, you have outgrown stuffed toys and so has your loved one.

So what would make it the perfect holiday for the both of you? Plan a holiday to whisk your loved one away for a few days. The best way to do this is, if you plan it all by yourself and reveal the surprise a few days from the trip. Pinpoint where you want to go, and plan it way in advance so that you you can purchase tickets at a reasonable price. Book a place to stay, choose a place that’s more in line with serving couples over a group of bachelors. Finally, plan out an itinerary; list all that you want to do, all that your destination of choice has to offer. Make sure you mark a day or so extra to while away with your loved one.

Here’s a list of 5 Valentine’s Day getaways that will make your holiday the perfect one for the two of you:

Lakshadweep, India

The isolated islands of Lakshadweep are home to 36 coral islands abounding with palm trees, and covered in white sands. Located 300 kilometres off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is utterly picturesque and a perfect Valentine’s getaway. Most of the islands are uninhabited, and the real attraction is a continuous 4200 sq km of underwater coral reefs and pristine lagoons. If you are an adventurous pair, opt for activities like scuba diving and snorkelling, and you’ll make it a holiday to remember.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is the perfect place to spend a few days in relaxation. Doze off in a hammock by your water-facing hotel, treat yourselves to a spa session for couples, feast on some lip-smacking Thai delicacies, or have a candlelight night dinner while you gaze up at a starlit sky. The warm waves at Mae Nam beach could be your perfect retreat. You’ll be spoilt for choice with several Thai curries to choose from, while the pampering session at a spa will ease all your worries away for a while. Indulge in some Mae Khong and Saeng Som-- local liquors that are available at very cheap prices and high on the alcohol quotient.

Mussoorie, India

Mussoorie is rightfully called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and is admittedly every couple’s favourite holiday destination in Northern India. Straight out of a Ruskin Bond novel, Mussoorie resonates with many as a Bond novel in itself. The snow-capped valley and distant Himalayan peaks are quite the setting for a holiday with your significant other. The winter chill calls for a hearty dose of Absolut at a quaint café for dinner.

Seychelles, East Africa

Aptly labelled a ‘honeymooners haven’, Seychelles is the perfect place for a Valentine’s getaway. With picture-perfect postcard beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm and clear waters, ecotourism and wildlife sporting, the tiny island of Seychelles offers immense tourism potential. Make this your Valentine’s week destination of choice and have a gala time with your special one. Sip on Ekyu, a local beer of sorts and Seybrew, a Bavarian-style lager.

Goa, India

Goa is the most couple-friendly destination that could come your way. While away time in the virgin beaches of the south or go for a trance party in the northern beaches, this place has something to offer for everyone. Whether you intend on making a quiet getaway with your loved one or plan on making this a crazy holiday, bank on Goa as a dependable destination of choice. Goa has some extremely cheap alcohol. Try the local brews, or sophisticatedly sip on some 100 Pipers along with your fill of pork vindaloo.

So plan out your Valentine’s week, and have the time of your life!

Most popular whisky brands in India

A drink that first originated in Scotland has found its name etched on the global map. Such is the allure of whisky. Having spanned geographies, the drink has established itself in India. The spirits' popularity is multiplying with many local manufacturers distilling this famed malt. India too is home to many whisky brands that are immensely popular among whisky lovers.

The Blue Hanger – A Story of Loyalty

William Hanger (6 August 1744 to 11 December 1814) was the second surviving son of Elizabeth Bond, heiress and daughter of Richard Bond, Hereford, and Gabriel Hanger, 1st Baron Coleraine. Styled The Honorable William Hanger (1762 – 1794), he succeeded his elder brother John as the 3rd Lord Coleraine in 1794. Coleraine was an Irish peerage, and William continued to occupy his seat in the Irish House of Lords till his death at the ripe age of 70.

3 Timeless cocktails straight from your favorite classic literature

While it’s completely evident that some of the most famous literary critics and authors have turned towards a fine glass of whisky to get their creative juices flowing, it’s rather fascinating to know how many times those timeless tastes have been presented in their craft.