There’s nothing like pink heart-shaped candy, cards with Cupids on them, and stuffed bears at the entrance of every store to remind you that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And with its arrival, we understand that it can be difficult, and even frustrating, to come up with an original plan to spend the day with your loved ones.
Roses are sweet but don’t last forever. Why not create lifelong memories with some Airbnb destinations and Experiences that will take your romance to the next level? Escape to one of the world’s most romantic cities, or ditch the usual dinner date and take your partner in crime winery hopping in a vintage VW, or roll up your sleeves and paint a street mural together.
Riding solo? No worries – there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a group, a couple, or traveling solo.
Here are some unique ideas for celebrating love and life through Airbnb:
Create something.
The Tile House in Twentynine Palms, near Joshua Tree National Park, is the perfect colorful home to get you and a partner inspired to create something together.
Or descend upon the Tropic of Capricorn at the Solar de Tropica, an artist’s dream in Huacalera, Argentina, where nature and creativity converge at this one-of-a-kind boarding house. Guests can enjoy arts workshops, fresh vegetables grown on-site, mountain views and an opportunity to sample the Andean-French Mediterranean cooking of hosts Analia & Remy.
If you’re looking to spice up date night, roll up your sleeves and prepare something special. How about sipping wine and cooking your own homemade pasta in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Rome? Or, challenge yourself by making sushi from scratch in Tokyo. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, but still want to take something back home, have fun posing for a romantic and retro photoshoot in NYC.
Awaken your senses.
Connect with your senses in a gorgeous abode hidden in the Medina of Marrakech – The Cozy Palace, a beautiful Riad restored with love and respect for Moroccan culture.
Or, revive yourself with a visit to this romantic guest house nestled in the Veneto foothills, La Scuola B&B, featuring themed rooms that serve as an homage to the building’s former life as a schoolhouse.
Challenge your palate and put your imagination to work by enjoying a blindfolded dinner in Mexico City, savor a delightful wine & cheese pairing in Paris, or treat yourself to a tasting of delicious handmade chocolates made on-site by world-class chocolatiers in London. And if you are really into wines, hop on a vintage VW and go winery hopping in Napa.
Go on an adventure.
Have a fun getaway you won’t soon forget by living like a sailor in this spacious houseboat in Charleston, South Carolina.
Or, if astronomy is more your style, sleep under the stars in a fully immersive state-of-the-art ‘bubble’ at Campera Hotel Burbuja in Ensenada, Mexico, the only one of its kind in North America.
Also, nothing is more romantic than sharing a daring and exciting activity together. Catch some thrills on a white water rafting experience through the natural beauties of Bali. Take some hands-on kitesurf lessons with a Brazilian champion in the paradisiac beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or break free riding horses along the beautiful beaches and dunes of Lisbon.
Disconnect to connect.
The perfect place to disconnect, this unique geodesic dome is located close to the old town of Colonia, Uruguay. Nature lovers will feel far from society surrounded by trees in the peaceful countryside.
Or, get a little more remote and check out the Amigo Motor Lodge in small-town Salida, Colorado, which blends the best of old and new, with funky custom decor, laid-back hospitality and famously delicious roasted coffee all within reach of the mountains.
On date night, feel closer together through meditation. Embark on an eco-spiritual Experience through one of Bali’s top mountains, and witness a traditional ritual with a Balinese priest. Immerse yourself in a private hot spring sanctuary for two and relax in an undisturbed natural desert setting in Los Angeles. Or enjoy a nature hike and guided meditation at Torrey Pines State Reserve in beautiful San Diego.
Do something fun, and get outside your comfort zone.
The Adorable Garden Gingerbread House is located in Maui and is said to have been host to Jimi Hendrix in the 1970s. Just 10 minutes from crashing waves on the beach, it is a romantic hideaway for a fun escape from reality and routine.
Looking for a more urban adventure? Discover the eclectic vibes of Melbourne at the Adelphi Hotel by exploring the nearby bustling restaurant hub, and activating all your senses during your stay through its iconic modern design with “marshmallow beds” and luxury amenities.
Looking to spice things up? Strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and fun by painting a street mural in Mexico City with a renowned graffiti artist. Or what about sealing your love forever and getting a tattoo together in Bangkok? If you are not there yet, maybe learning the secrets of tango in Buenos Aires might do the trick.
Give back together.
Give back by giving yourself. To stay at the Traditional Japanese Tatami Room in front of the Gosyo imperial palace garden in Kyoto, the only requirement is having breakfast every morning with your retired hosts to chat about your interests, life, culture, and more. They love to learn from their guests.
Giving back not only allows couples, friends and family to advocate for issues they deeply care about, but it provides an opportunity for their relationships to grow. If you’re a local duo looking to give back in Cape Town, jump into sea kayaks and head out into the big blue to find incredible African Penguins at Boulders Beach, which helps AfriOceans Conservation Alliance support sustainable tourism. Or take a hike in one of Sydney’s most beautiful coastal national parks, and help the non-for-profit Emu Trekkers raise funds to support disadvantaged kids, all while learning about Aboriginal rock engravings and the local flora and fauna. For history buffs, take a rooftop tour of the top privately-owned public open spaces in San Francisco and help The California Preservation Foundation to revive the city’s vibrant legends and lore.
