Facing the ups and downs that life can throw at you with a special someone by your side is a truly wonderful thing. But before we come across a bit too “Love Actually” it is important to remember that all the day-to-day stuff of a long-term relationship can easily take its toll. The late nights at work, deciding whose turn it is to take the bins out, and, if you have kids, the endless cycle of pickups and drops off to different friends and extracurricular activities doesn’t exactly make for the most romantic of moments.
Taking time to celebrate your relationship and spend quality time together is important. Yes, the bins and schedules and everyday stuff are a fact of life, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take some time away to just revel in the delight of being together.
Anniversaries are a great way to recapture the heady feelings of falling deeply in love with one another and put the humdrum on the back burner for a while. When planning a romantic getaway don’t be shy about thinking outside the box a little or splurging a little. It’s the one time of year you and your partner can be a little selfish (in good way) and enjoy some luxuries together.
So, what could a couple do for an anniversary, whether you’ve got anywhere from a day to a week free in the calendar? Here are some unique ideas that might be a little tempting:
When you’ve only got one night free, have a day out with a difference
Pause the Downton Abbey boxset binge, step back into the golden age of steam train travel and treat your other half to a day out where you will be wined and dined while taking in the gorgeous British countryside.
Leaving from London, the Belmond British Pullman offers a variety of train trips including high teas, brunches and 5 course meals served in the luxurious surroundings of the Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the famous Orient Express. These quirky trips are the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and spend a day being waited on by white gloved wait staff as you sample culinary delights in wood panelled luxury, while being serenaded by classically trained musicians.
If the excitement of a dastardly 1920’s murder mystery lunch is more up your alley, spend the day sleuthing with your sweetie to solve a crime portrayed by costumed actors while enjoying a 5-star lunch. An out of the ordinary day trip is the perfect way to spend some much-needed quality time together in a way that beats dinner and movie.
When you’ve got the week, it’s sunny with a slice of luxury
Planning an anniversary trip to celebrate your time as a couple can be the ideal way to reconnect and focus on why you fell in love with each other in the first place. Leaving behind your everyday routine is the perfect way to relax and just enjoy being together. Consider a sun-soaked getaway with nothing more strenuous on the itinerary than the walk from your bed to the pool. For a romantic stay, always keep an eye out for room upgrades and deals on suites (and don’t forget to phone the hotel ahead of time to see if you can get any upgrades or treats for free)
Our advice to anyone jetting off is to consider resorts that have a reputation for luxury rather than trying to make the most of average accommodation (especially if you’ve booked cheap flights). If you are worried about breaking the bank don’t forget to plan some research on discount sites. Sussing out the likes of Groupon’s holiday deals with last minute discounts form names like First Choice, TUI and Thomas Cook can help you get great value for money and the option to splurge on an extra bottle or two of champagne when you’ve checked in and got a fluffy robe on.
Whatever anniversary you are celebrating; your wedding day, your first kiss or the moment you knew you had fallen in love, make the most of the celebration and enjoy something just for the two of you.
