A romantic place doesn’t have to be a city. It can be a beautiful spot where you have gone walking with your other half; the
glens of western Scotland; a location
where you shared a special moment, perhaps your first kiss; outside the front
door of your house - the memory of the day you moved into your first home
together; in front of a log fire, with
your partner, dressed or undressed, at home or in a country lodge!
But for the most romantic country, it’s hard
to beat Italy. I know France has Paris, but for me, Venice is more romantic,
with the feeling that you’ve stepped back 200 years. After Venice, you have the rolling hills of
the Tuscan countryside. I have friends who got married there, and I can totally
understand why, even if they did have to have their wedding translated! And
let’s not forget Juliet’s balcony in Verona - it still oozes romance, even if it is a tad touristy.
I recall being on holiday in Goa in India and
taking a 2-night trip away to a more southernly part of the island. As we were
so far from civilisation, the sky was unpolluted and was littered with stars. I
remember lying in a boat (on land) watching the stars. Idyllic and very
romantic.
Brazil or anywhere that practices sexy
Latin American dancing. I don’t watch Strictly
or Dancing on Ice or any of these
reality programmes, but I do appreciate the real thing. I’ve been to Brazil a
few times, and the way the Brazilians move is tantalising, sexy and very
romantic.
The most romantic tourist attraction for me has to be a castle. And not just
because I’m Scottish! If I were to get married, I would like to get married in
a castle (not asking much, am I?!). Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland would
be a contender. But for me, the most romantic castle has to be Eilean Donan
castle, before you cross to the Isle of Skye.
Most romantic restaurant - usually Italian,
where the owner or waiter comes and asks you what food you like and then they
simply bring you food, without you ordering. Very intimate, very personal. Always small - even better if your other half
arranges for a restaurant to close so you are the only two diners, or as has
been seen in several movies, the rooftop of a building, done up as a
restaurant.
Most romantic outdoor activity - flying
across the country in a hot air balloon. I still haven’t done this, and since
I’m now pregnant, am not going to be doing it any time soon, but one day! I did
want to do this on the Masai Mara, but had a fear of the balloon coming down
and being eaten by lions!
Most romantic hotel I’ve stayed in - a
French chateau in the Loire Valley. It
presided over the tiny village, offered the most amazing meals and had genuine
Louis XVI furniture, as well as a four poster waterbed!
Most romantic beach holiday destination -
it has to be Bora Bora (I’ve still never been, but am dying to go). Closely
followed by the Maldives (I’ve still never been there either!).
Most romantic outdoor vacation - wild
camping in Scotland (although I am sure other places would serve equally well).
A good stock of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wine, a fishing rod (for other half
to use - although I did catch 3 fish, too - my first ever attempt), a good book,
to sit by the lochside and read until darkness falls, whilst sipping wine, and a half decent tent to safeguard you from
the elements. NB: downside: insects and
no en suite bathroom! Also, make sure you
have plenty of snacks, as if you get rained off, and have to snuggle inside the
tent, you can’t use your stove! Pringles and chocolate come in really handy...
But I suppose the bottom line is you can be
in the most ‘romantic’ place in the world, but if you’re not there with the
right person...
--
Susan Buchanan is the author of two books, The Dating Game, about a workaholic recruitment consultant, who hasn't had much luck in the love stakes so far, so she decides to join a dating agency for professional people, and Sign of the Times, a contemporary romantic drama based mainly in Scotland and Italy. Susan currently resides in Central Scotland.
I disagree about some of your choices of destination, but it's still a good read. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteChateau in Loire sounds gorgeous! Do you remember the name? So I can casually place details on husband's desk. Not convinced about camping in Scotland though, but then I'm a soft southerner...
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to pack a bag and fly! I love Venice, but now I really want to visit Scotland. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Sooz... Loved your post, a wonderful break from my workload today. I woke up to the birds singing this morning and thought, cuddled in my worm bed, with the morning sounds gently flowing through my window, is a very romantic spot. Of course then my daughter began yelling about having to get up and the charm was broken. I suppose this is why we escape for romance:>) Lucky you will soon find out, holding a baby is tres romantique... an eight year old, not as much:>)
ReplyDeleteFor me, though, Italy will always beat all.
Cheers,
Deanne
Sounds idyllic in Scotland but for me you can't beat the good old Lake District. Stroll through the countryside followed by a nice merlot and cheese and biscuits in front of a roaring log fire! Italy was beautifu tool xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Susan! :) Hope to make it to Scotland some day!
ReplyDelete