Valentine's Day 2019: 10 unforgettable experiences

Take a hot air balloon ride over Bagan or drink cocktails overlooking Manhattan

Spend Valentine's Day with in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (iStock)

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year and there are plenty of places you can take your beloved to show them how much they mean to you.

But skip the cliches in Paris or Venice – here are some alternative ideas to spend time with that special someone.

Stay in a French château

Chateau de Mercues dates from the 13th century and commands spectacular views across the Lot Valley in southwest France, still relatively undiscovered by British tourists. The hotel’s restaurant has won plaudits for its use of local produce and the owner, Georges Vigouroux, has restored the wine cellar to its former glory.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through a Danish wood

Wild deer roam the the woods of Dyrehaven (Stig Nygaard)

Dyrehaven, an area around 15 minutes north of Copenhagen, is renowned for its natural beauty and large population of wild deer. Hire a carriage from the nearby train station and ride through the atmospheric ancient woods wrapped in cosy blankets, then head back to the city for a hot chocolate in one of its many cafes as you soak up some of the famous Danish hygge.

Row across Lake Bled

The backdrop of the Julian Alps adds to the romance of Lake Bled (Jorge Franganillo)

Backed by the high peaks of the Julian Alps, Slovenia's emerald-green Lake Bled – and its picture-perfect church on an islet in the middle – is steeped in romance. Traditional 16th-century pletna boats are on hand to shuttle passengers from shore to the church, but if you want to get out on your own it is best to rent a rowing boat by the hour, park it on the islet, and explore the lake's 358 acres in peace.

Get swept off your feet by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow

The centuries old Bolshoi Ballet is still as graceful as ever (Epifano Pineda Guadarrama)

Nothing says romance like a night at the ballet. Let yourself be taken in by the beautiful music and graceful dancers in the historic imperial theatre in the centre of the Russian capital. Be warned: tickets sell out quickly so this is less of a spontaneous night of romance, and more one that needs planning in advance.

Stand on the edge of Europe in Sintra

The Portugese city of Sintra has to be one of the most romantic places in Europe, chock full of castles, palaces, and manor estates. It's easy to spend days wandering its historic streets. A short journey from the city, Cabo da Roca is the most western point of continental Europe with an amazing view over the Atlantic Ocean. Standing on the cliff edge in windswept conditions is the perfect excuse to cling to each other’s hands...

Learn to tango in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires: learn to tango in origin of the sensual dance (Getty) (Getty Images)

Tango and its accompanying music was born in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, and the city still claims its spot as the number one place in the world to learn the dance. Spend an afternoon getting to grips with the steps, and bring the passion with your partner through one of the most sensual dances in the world.

Ride in a hot air balloon over Bagan temples

See Bagan's historic temple field from the sky (Peter Halling Hilborg)

The best way to see the hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu temples that spread across the landscape in Bagan, Myanmar, is from the air. Splurge on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and watch the light dawn over the spires for miles around.

Cruise around Alaska

Alaska’s unmatched scenery can be enjoyed from the comfort of a cruise ship (Ian D Keating)

Pack your bags and board one of the many cruise ships sailing around Alaska for the ultimate romantic getaway. You can enjoy incomparable scenery, local wildlife and the general serenity of being off the grid, all while being pampered on the ship.

Sleep in a treehouse on a South African game reserve

If it’s alone time you’re looking for, this could be just the ticket. Book a night in a luxury treehouse at the Lion Sands Game Reserve in Kruger National Park and spend the night staring at the stars or listening to the animals below you. Guests are taken to the treehouse at sunset, where drinks and a picnic dinner await, and then it’s just you and the night sky until morning.

Sip cocktails with a view of Manhattan

Blockbuster views from Rockefeller Centre (Ian D Keating)

Skip the queues to the Rockefeller Centre’s viewing platform and head to the 65th floor instead, where you will find the Rainbow Room, an elegant bar and restaurant with panoramic views over the Big Apple. The space epitomises quintessential New York glamour, and there are plenty of spirits on the extensive menu to keep even the fussiest drinker happy.