If there were such a thing as relationship commandments, the first would doubtlessly state: thou shall sweep your other half off for a romantic break at least once a year.
Nothing beats a weekend-long rendezvous for two, but in reality few of us can afford the time or energy required to sweep the other half off to Paris, Venice or Rome on a regular basis.
Thankfully, delightful little stopovers lurk in every corner of Britain, so you’ve no excuse not to indulge in a coupley jaunt. Here are our favourite five hotels for putting the romance back into a relationship…
Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton
Brighton has been the romantic weekend capital of the world since George IV named it as the destination most popular with his mistresses. Nowhere in the seaside city is this custom more evident than in The Pin Up Parlour, a camp, glitzy suite created in honour of Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe, Diana Dors, whose face adorns every conceivable surface. Other favourites include Betty's Boudoir (a leopard skin themed suite in honour of 50s glamour girl Betty Page) and the scarlet-walled Absolut Love room. Double spa baths, sea views and champagne breakfasts are also available. More.
Balinakill, Argyll
For raw romance you can’t beat a real open fire, but most hotels confine the burning logs to their public areas. Not so the Balinakill where eight out of the eleven rooms have log fires and snugly fireside rugs. Elsewhere, lovely views over to the island of Islay, oak panelling and tranquil gardens keep the romantic theme going in this 1890s mansion. More.
West Usk Lighthouse, Newport
You’d be hard pressed to find a more original nightspot than this Gwent lighthouse, which, despite its ramshackle appearance, has been voted one of the most romantic B&Bs in the country. Rooms are set within two-foot thick walls, perfect for snuggling within as the tide crashes against the rocks below. If you’d rather mimic the ocean wave than hide from it, stay in room nine where you can sail to sleep on a waterbed. More.
The Grove, London
Thick velvet trimmings, black ostrich feathers and aubergine sheets give an exotic Victorian twist to several of The Grove’s mansion rooms (this is just one of the hotel’s themes so make sure you specify on booking). Naturally you’ll be so caught up in each other that you won’t be interested in the fabulous views over the estate, 18-hole golf course or luxury spa and health club. Naturally. More.
The Bonham, Edinburgh
Few chain hotels offer the feel of a boutique B&B. But The Bonham, set within a beautiful Victorian townhouse manages it. Suite 100 has the strongest sex appeal, with a canopy three-poster bed, free-standing claw foot bath and rain shower. All suites overlook the leafy Drumsheugh Gardens. More.
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