Valentine's Day: Are these the most romantic Airbnbs in the world?


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

Romantic overseas trips might be off the cards this Valentine's Day, but there's no harm in daydreaming about future getaways with your loved one.

Recent data from accommodation platform Airbnb found that during the global pandemic, people were most missing travel for visiting loved ones. As we wait for borders to reopen and restrictions to ease around the world, to once again travel for love, here are 12 romantic Airbnbs from around the world to help inspire future loved-up escapes.

From a 700-year-old restored farm stay in Italy to a design-centric destination in the Hollywood Hills, which of these romantic Airbnb spots would you choose?

Click through the gallery above for more getaway inspiration for two.

1. The Old Mill House, Hertfordshire, England

The Old Mill House, England. Courtesy Airbnb
The Old Mill House, England. Courtesy Airbnb

A Grade II Regency home in the picturesque countryside of Standon, this period home has four reception rooms, six bedrooms, a grand dining room and fully stocked pantry. Located on the banks of a tranquil river, it also has three acres of private gardens, woodland and meadows.

Stays from Dh3,816 per night

2. Still House Moonshine Shack, Cornwall, England

Luxury Moonshine shack by Still House in Cornwall, England. Courtesy Airbnb
Luxury Moonshine shack by Still House in Cornwall, England. Courtesy Airbnb

Step back to the days of pioneers and prohibition when you stay at Still House Moonshine Shack. This beautiful barn for two is located two miles inland and blends cosy interiors with unique fittings and furnishings. Perfect for couples and honeymooners, the house has its own hot tub, private porch, open-fire and fully equipped kitchen.

Stays from Dh967 per night

3. This 17th-century Le Marais apartment, Paris, France

Stay in the heart of the city of love at this 17th-century Airbnb in Paris. Courtesy Airbnb
Stay in the heart of the city of love at this 17th-century Airbnb in Paris. Courtesy Airbnb

Paris is the city of love so it makes sense to spend a romantic holiday here. This 17th-century one-bedroom apartment is located inside a historical mansion in the popular Le Marais neighbourhood. Offering amazing city views, antique furniture and a touch of French sophistication, it also has a "no noise after 11pm" policy, making it the perfect place for cosy nights in with your significant other.

Rates from Dh1,779 per night

4. Timber Lodge Nid'Amour, Occitanie, France

Timber Lodge, Nid'Amour, Occitanie, France. Courtesy Airbnb
Timber Lodge, Nid'Amour, Occitanie, France. Courtesy Airbnb

This heart-shaped wooden cabin in France is the ideal place for nature lovers seeking a romantic stay. Nestled in the middle of the woods, the handmade hut has a comfortable bed, bathroom, solar-powered shower and outside terrace with amazing views. Awake to birdsong after a night in the Hautes-Pyrenees at this quaint stay in the woods of Couloumes in Benac, a small village between Tarbes and Lourdes.

Rates from Dh453 per night

5. A thatched farmhouse in Hamburg, Germany

Check into this 200-year-old farmhouse in Hamburg for a countryside stay in Germany. Courtesy Airbnb
Check into this 200-year-old farmhouse in Hamburg for a countryside stay in Germany. Courtesy Airbnb

For a love that's built to last, get inspired at this 200-year-old farmhouse on the outskirts of Hamburg. A fairy-tale stay for two awaits in this suite, which is located inside the heritage house. Wooden beams and hardwood floorboards create a rustic atmosphere in the one-bedroom suite that also comes with access to the farm's private gardens, perfect for picnicking on.

Rates from Dh232 per night

6. This 700-year-old restored barn in Bologna, Italy

A restored barn in Bologna, Italy. Courtesy Airbnb
A restored barn in Bologna, Italy. Courtesy Airbnb

This restored barn in Bologna, Italy is more than 700 years old and has been lovingly restored. Inside, there's a lounge and dining area, two large bedrooms each with their own bathrooms, a spiral staircase and open fireplace. Outside, enjoy time in the gardens with sun beds, hammock and summertime barbecues.

Stays from Dh515

7. A romantic cabana in Quindio, Colombia

Romantic Cabana with view, Armenia, Quindio, Colombia. Courtesy Airbnb
Romantic Cabana with view, Armenia, Quindio, Colombia. Courtesy Airbnb

Escape to your own rainforest retreat in this bamboo cabana located in the Andean mountains in Armenia, Colombia. Surrounded by greenery and strategically placed for privacy, the cabana has an outdoor shower in the garden. Situated on a small organic farm where tropical fruits, trees and flowers grow, there's also an al fresco dining area and king-size bed with amazing views of the surrounding bamboo forest. Guests can also wander to the nearby mountain stream, small waterfall, bee farm and butterfly emporium.

Stays from Dh147 per person, per night

8. Sundown tiny house in Texas, US

A tiny house with its own hot tub, picnic area and hammocks makes for one of the most romantic Airbnb stays in Texas. Courtesy Airbnb
A tiny house with its own hot tub, picnic area and hammocks makes for one of the most romantic Airbnb stays in Texas. Courtesy Airbnb

Check into Sundown: a Designer's Gorgeous Tiny Home in Wimberley, Texas for the ideal escape for two. Small but perfectly formed, this tiny house has been expertly curated and has a choice of sleeping areas (queen sleeper sofa or loft bed), a fully equipped kitchen, designer decor and a private bath with shower. Outside you'll find a hot tub perfect for two, a private fenced yard, charcoal grill, picnic table, double hammock and twinkle lights hung from the trees.

Stays from Dh564

9. Little Castle by The Sea, England, UK

This Gothic-style house by the sea is set in its own walled garden, with steps leading to the beach. Courtesy Airbnb
This Gothic-style house by the sea is set in its own walled garden, with steps leading to the beach. Courtesy Airbnb

Fans of the hit period drama Bridgerton can embrace their inner Lady Whistledown with a stay at Little Castle by the Sea in England's Herne Bay. The Gothic house is set in its own walled garden that opens out to steps leading directly to the beach for swimming and sunbathing. Inside, the grand mansion has 15-foot high ceilings with chandeliers, three large sitting rooms and five bedrooms to choose from. There's also a large dining room ideal for dinner parties and a library for cosy nights in.

Stays from Dh2,544 per night

10. Hillside house in the Hollywood Hills, California, US

This hillside house in Hollywood has amazing views over the city, all the way to the ocean. Courtesy Airbnb
This hillside house in Hollywood has amazing views over the city, all the way to the ocean. Courtesy Airbnb

Drink in panoramic city views of Hollywood all the way to the ocean from this rustic cabin-like home in the hills of Los Angeles' most famous neighbourhood. The small private guest unit is nestled in the wooded hillside and has a free-standing bathtub and sun-drenched terrace overlooking the city. The cabin-like bedroom has a queen-size bed, tea and coffee making facilities and air-conditioning.

Stays from Dh758 per night

11. A duplex home with a Zen garden, Atlanta, US

This duplex home in Atlanta has a Zen garden and private hot tub. Courtesy Airbnb
This duplex home in Atlanta has a Zen garden and private hot tub. Courtesy Airbnb

This design-centric duplex apartment in downtown Atlanta comes with its own Zen garden and a hot tub ideal for two people. Located in Atlanta's best walking neighbourhood it has easy access to the city's best restaurants, bars and boutiques. Inside, the small house is big on design features and has modern interiors with a new kitchenette and huge flat screen TVs in both bedrooms. The star of the show is definitely the Zen garden with its romantic hot tub and fire pit.

Stays from Dh664

12. This luxury Regency apartment in Somerset, England

This luxury Regency apartment in the heart of Bath is one of Airbnb's most romantic stays. Courtesy Airbnb
This luxury Regency apartment in the heart of Bath is one of Airbnb's most romantic stays. Courtesy Airbnb

Delight in the true Georgian character found in this spacious luxury apartment in the picturesque city of Bath. Expect high ceilings and period fireplaces alongside a richly furnished interior. Sleep between 100 per cent French cotton sheets and rejuvenate with organic toiletries in the claw-foot bathtub. The games room is filled with old books about the city, Jane Austen novels and movies, games and puzzles to while away the days.

Rates from Dh1,126 per night

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Read more: 

Valentine’s staycation deals: 10 best hotel stays for couples in the UAE

Celebrate Valentine's Day at home: 8 meal kits and offers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Who was Saint Valentine? Five Valentine facts you may not know

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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

TOUR DE FRANCE INFO

Dates: July 1-23
Distance: 3,540km
Stages: 21
Number of teams: 22
Number of riders: 198

RACE CARD

4.30pm: Maiden Dh80,000 1,400m
5pm: Conditions Dh80,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Liwa Oasis Group 3 Dh300,000 1,400m
6pm: The President’s Cup Listed Dh380,000 1,400m
6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown Group 2 Dh300,000 2,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (30-60) Dh80,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Handicap (40-70) Dh80,000 1,600m.

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh960,000
Engine 3.9L twin-turbo V8 
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power 661hp @8,000rpm
Torque 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.4L / 100k

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them

Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand

Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat  

Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar

Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices

Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants

Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
WITHIN%20SAND
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BELGIUM%20SQUAD
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ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY

Starting at 10am:

Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang

Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)

Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)

Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera 

Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas

 

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900