| Venice, Paris, Seville and Prague may have a | | | | Old Havana itself is very much a focal point, and |
| reputation for making the best romantic breaks, but | | | | allows for all tastes amidst it's 18th century colonial |
| as love and romance are often supposed to be linked | | | | architecture from candlelit dinners to passionate salsa |
| to the unexpected, how about choosing a more | | | | dance. Another choice romantic vacation spot is El |
| unconventional location for your Valentine's Day | | | | Salton - not a spot on the tourist trail, but |
| break this year? I speak of course of Cuba - the | | | | wonderfully peaceful and charming. The waterfall is |
| Caribbean's largest island. From the picturesque | | | | surrounded by vibrant cocoa plantations, cooling |
| beaches, to the idyllic architecture and cosy | | | | streams and mountain farms. If you prefer something |
| restaurants, the island makes a memorable retreat | | | | a little more populated, then the city of Bayamo |
| sure to keep the flames of passion alive - at least | | | | offers a cultural alternative. The city hosts the |
| until you return to rainy old England! A Valentines | | | | national monument, plenty of history and excellent |
| break, or even a honeymoon in Cuba, is something | | | | food for that perfect candle lit dinner. Additionally, |
| special which will stay with you for a long time. So | | | | the troubadours stroll through the town, allowing the |
| why Cuba? First of all, Valentine's Day is a big deal on | | | | romance to overspill from the homes into the |
| the island. While it's easy to become jaded in a | | | | streets. Baracoa offers a romantic break somewhere |
| country where the celebration seems to be more | | | | between the peace of the countryside and the |
| about saccharine sweet greeting cards than about | | | | bustle of the city. Baracoa has historic links to |
| celebrating the love of your special one, Cubans | | | | Velasquez and Columbus, and is surrounded by the |
| make the day really special. To begin with, the | | | | beauty of Cuban nature - 10 rivers, isolated beaches, |
| buildings - public and private alike - are decked out | | | | small fishing settlements, UNESCO designated |
| with colourful lights, and some of the private homes | | | | biospheres, mountains, and coconut plantations. |
| have gifts attached to the walls too - inside and out! | | | | Everything is ready for the perfect romantic break in |
| This combined with the usual local atmosphere of | | | | Cuba this Valentine's Day. The hotels often have |
| friendliness guarantees an atmosphere perfect for | | | | special Valentines Day break packages, and the |
| Valentines day holiday makers, and make the ideal | | | | restaurants usually offer special menus, to give you a |
| setting for 'popping the question' should you feel so | | | | memorable occasion. With some fine food and wine, |
| inclined. If you have just celebrated a February | | | | how you spend the rest of the evening is up to you |
| marriage, honeymoons in Cuba are especially romantic | | | | - fiery Latin dance or a night out on the isolated |
| around Valentines Day, and you'll be guaranteed a | | | | beaches under the stars - Cuba really has something |
| friendly welcome and an enjoyable stay which will | | | | for every couple with an imagination for the romantic. |
| ensure you never want to leave. In terms of specific | | | | Whether you're looking for a memorable Valentines |
| romantic places to visit on the island, there are just | | | | Day break or to spend your honeymoon in Cuba, |
| too many to mention, and part of the charm of a | | | | you'll be spoilt for choice in the romance department. |
| Cuba holiday is that there are thousands of | | | | Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating |
| undiscovered choice spots for couples to enjoy a | | | | Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With |
| picnic, watch the sunset or just recline under the | | | | offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can |
| stars. However, there are a few places which are | | | | help you tailor-make the dream romantic Cuban |
| undisputed romantic vacation highlights of the island - | | | | holiday. |