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