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