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