World's Most Romantic…Everything
Date: 02/11/2004
International Living Postcards--your daily escape
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Dear International Living Reader,
The world's most romantic hotel is a cantilevered castle built into a cliffside on Italy's Amalfi coast. Every room faces the sea with a sweeping view. Each room is different but all have private gardens. Balconies with painted tiles, arches, antiques, and bouquets of flowers give you your own view of the foaming sea. You can descend through the mountain to swim and sunbathe, watch the fishermen come and go in their boats, shop for Italian pottery, or sit back and relax by the bay.
I don't use the term "world's most romantic" lightly. This is Hotel San Pietro, and, according to our research for the new edition of The World's Best (to be released later this year), it lives up to the description. A double room is $500 a night. Call (39) 89-87-54-55 for reservations.
As Feb. 14 approaches, and your thoughts turn to romance, here are more suggestions to help you make this year's most romantic day special (all also from our in-progress 2004 edition of The World's Best):
Most Romantic City
Udaipur, known as the City of Dreams, is the most romantic city in India. Founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is bastioned by a wall and five spiked gates. Inside the walls are whitewashed houses painted with murals. The ruler of the city, known as the Maharana, or Sun of the Hindus, lives in a sparkling palace surrounded by a lake. Amber, jade, and colored glass sparkle on the palace pinnacles. Inside are ivory doors, marble balconies, stained-glass windows, and mirrored walls. You can visit every day, 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Most Romantic Island
Menorca, the most romantic of Spain's Balearic Islands, is the perfect spot for a private escape. Traveling from one end of this lush and hilly island to the other on its narrow, winding roads, you will likely encounter no one and nothing save the sheep on the hillsides.
Menorca is said to have 120 coves with beaches, most unpeopled. The most deserted beach is Sambal, 4 miles long.
Lobster and bouillabaisse are served at Espla, a restaurant famous for its breathtaking situation on the waterfront. Another good island restaurant is Buccaneros. The best hotel on the island is Port Mahon, tel. (34) 71-36-26-00, where a double room is $100 to $170, including breakfast.
Most Romantic Meal
Dining afloat is one of Hong Kong's most novel experiences. You can have a meal on one of the big floating restaurants in Aberdeen or on board a tiny sampan in a makeshift restaurant with room for six to eight people. Sampans are for rent at the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter. They will pull alongside the dock to cook your meal, serve your drinks, and even serenade you.
Most Romantic Ride
The most romantic thing to do in Egypt is to ride Arabian horses around the pyramids at dusk. Two stables near the Sphinx rent horses for $10 to $20 an hour, depending on how well you bargain.
Most Romantic Festival
Finally, for romance here on the Emerald Isle, head for Lisdoonvarna on the southern edge of the Burren. Each September, this small spa town hosts a matchmaking festival that boosts the population from 700 to 7,000. Home to Ireland's last remaining authentic matchmaker, Willie Daly, Lisdoonvarna is not to be missed even if you're not looking for Mr. or Ms. Right. Live Irish music in most pubs…set dancing exhibitions…horse racing on the first weekend… and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher are just a stroll away.
Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living
P.S. In the spirit of St. Valentine, through Feb. 29, 2004, please accept this gift: a 10%-30% discount on the most romantic titles in our International Living library. To learn more (and to take advantage of savings of more than $250) see below, or go here.
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