Check-in: Luxurious Valentine’s Day packages

NEWS

One fine stay

Our hearts would certainly beat hard for the InterContinental’s V-Day special, an indulgent and saccharine-sweet overnight stay in their penthouse, the Pembroke Suite. Expect long stemmed roses, Champagne, freshly shucked oysters and hand-made red velvet cupcakes on arrival, “His & Hers treatments” in the spa, a butler service gourmet dinner served privately in your suite, full breakfast and a late checkout should keep sweethearts satiated. And if it’s a very special occasion indeed, a chauffeur-driven limo can be requested to bring you and your beloved for a private consultation with a diamond consultant at Paul Sheeran Jeweller who will assist in picking the perfect diamond ring. The Suite Love Affair, from €2,100, is available from February 10th-19th. Email reservations@icdublin.com.

Snap happy

The International Photography Workshop, held for the second time this year in Finnish Lapland, is looking for two photography and social media enthusiasts to win a trip to the event next summer. Applications are open to everyone over 18 before February 28th, to those with a genuine passion for new travels and outdoor life. The prize includes flights (round-trip), accommodation and admission to Nightless Night Photography Workshop, a three-day master course with photography and social media experts Christoffer Collin, Eeva Mäkinen and Jan-Eerik Paadar. Make your case at nightlessnight.com/yourstory.

Story full

With experiential travel on the rise, new website SideStory is offering travelers unique experiences with a selection of "insiders", in the world of art, literature, fashion and architecture to name but a few. For a list of experiences available, see sidestory.co.

CHECK IN

Suite gestures

Sheen Falls, Kerry: Whisk your beloved away to the Falls Master Suite with their Grand Gestures package. Overlooking the Sheen Waterfalls with its own Juliet balcony, jacuzzi and private bar, this is one for fairy-tale lovers; sheenfallslodge.ie.

Baglioni Regina, Rome: A stone's throw from the Villa Borghese, their Ludovisi Suite is a surreal taste of the Bella Vita. A terrace runs along the entire perimeter of the suite from which you can savour an exceptional view while eating breakfast or a romantic dinner outdoors; baglionihotels.com.

Hotel de France, Loire Valley: Book a deluxe room, complete with a bathtub, in this ivy-clad Art Deco gem, rent yourself a vintage car and explore the French countryside and nearby châteaux of Chenonceau and Blois; lhoteldefrance.fr.

Roses are red…

The newly refurbished Rose Hotel in Tralee (formerly the Fels Point) has been on our radar for a while. Situated near the town, against the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains and within a short distance of the county's best beaches, the hotel is a staycation dream. Make a break for the kingdom with their Valentine's package, an option of a one- or two-night stay, breakfast each morning and a specially designed five-course His & Hers candlelit dinner in the elegant surrounds of The Park Restaurant on one evening. You can expect some extra surprises on arrival – rose petals, chocolates and wine, and avail of a 1pm late checkout. The package is available on February 10th-11th and 13th-15th from €144 per room; therosehotel.com.

GET APPY

Jambo

This app connects business professionals across the world while travelling. Use it to find local networking events wherever you. Download it at the App Store and on Google Play;jamboapp.co.

DEALS

Disneyland Paris is 25: look out for special deals to celebrate. A four-night trip for a family of four starts from €832. Abbeytravel.ie, (01) 7047150.

Malta:

celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Malta in the

Bella Vista Hotel

with

[ budgettravel.ie ]

from €259 or with

[ concordetravel.ie ]

from €629pps in the five-star Meridien St Julian’s Hotel.

Caribbean: find tropical sunshine, golf and lazy beach days in the Dominican Republic. Seven nights all inclusive from €1,299 in March; travelmood.ie, (01) 4331040.