To Russia With Love on Valentine’s Day

If the cliche romantic destinations have left you bored to tears the last few years, here’s some suggestions for spending Valentine’s Day 2016 with some real sex appeal. Travel like Bond, James Bond in From Russia With Love, only in the opposite direction. Here’s a brief selections of upcoming deals on the most romantic day of the year.

With Love to St. Petersburg

Spend Valentine’s Day in St. Petersburg at the Corinthia Hotel, and get 50% off the normal rate for an executive room. The special also includes access to the executive lounge for a full buffet breakfast, and yes, you get the real caviar deal to go along. There’s also a special sweets gift in your room, all for only 23,000 rubles (about $303 US) for both nights.

Better known as the ‘Window to the West’, St Petersburg is one of the most engaging and beautiful cities in the world. Here is the place to experience the best mix of authentic Russian heritage, striking architecture and world-famous art & cultural attractions in Russia. Located in the very heart of Nevsky Prospect.

For more information or to book, call: +7 812 3802001 or Email: reservations.stpetersburg@corinthia.com

Valentine’s  at the Four Seasons Moscow

Just steps from Red Square there’s the Four Seasons hotel. What could be more romantic than a snowswept panorama of Moscow, a bottle of complimentary prosecco, a romantic dinner at Bystro Restaurant enjoying Chef David Hemmerle’s delightful Valentine’s menu, and a Russian breakfast in the morning. Special romantic touches have been added, and you get world famous Four Seasons pampering for just 35,000 rubles ($462 US).

The Four Seasons Moscow offers 180 guest rooms and suites, which begin as spacious 40 square metres (431 square feet) deluxe accommodations and end in some of the city’s most lavish suites. First time visitors to Moscow will be enthralled by the 1930s Russian constructivist design of what was the Hotel Moskva, and the views are second to none. As a “for instance” – the three-bedroom Minin Presidential Suite overlooks Manezhnaya Square and the Kremlin, and features a view of Red Square from the living room. For privacy and security, the Presidential Suite has its own separate corridor.

For more information or to book, call: +7 (499) 277 71 00 or even Tweet: @FSMoscow

For the Love of Pampering in Kazan

Kazan is a place most westerners have never even heard of even though the Kazan Kremlin is a World Heritage Site. The city at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka Rivers is a treasure, to be sure. And for couples intent on the most unusual day for lovers ever, the Luciano Spa Complex is a pampering experience no one could ever forget. Booked solid most days and year round, the hotel complex has 5 indoor swimming pools, a Spa and restaurant, 3 Bars/Lounges and fitness centre, and more. The bottom line for romantic couples is the Czar and Czarina treatment, beauty, relaxation, therapy, and dining etc.

The best part of a Valentine#s getaway here though, is Kazan itself. A surprisingly contemporary city, it’s known more recently as Russia’s sports Mecca owing to so many international evens being held here. Two day packages run about €300 euro, but contacting the hotel personally, the reader may do better.

For more information or to book, call: +7 (843) 200-09-00 or Tweet @luciano_ru

A Love Nest Way Away in the Altai

For those unfamiliar, the Altai region of Russia is one of the most isolated and pristine places left on Earth. To really impress your significant other, especially if he or she is an outdoors enthusiast, then the Lesotel in Souzga is memorable magic. Maybe you’ve seen pictures of famous Russians, like Vladimir Putin for instance, fishing or hiking this part of the country? Whether you have or not, this rugged and untamed part of the world’s biggest country is spellbinding. As for the Lesotel, Valentine’s 2016 could be the ultimate pioneer adventure. The hotel is a unique complex situated just 25 km from Gorno-Altaysk on the Katun river, just 15 miles from lake Manzherok, 10 km from lake Aya, and near the Chuya tract.

Guests can enjoy the gourmet Russian and European cuisine, wellness center, and excursions into the majestic surrounds including; The Valley of Mountain Spirits, a drive thru the most famous passes Seminsky and Chike-Taman, a trip to the fascinating village of Chemal, and the magnificent Tavdinsky caves. Couples can take a suite in the inn, or opt to rent one of the chalets or cabins on the grounds. The suites go for about $52 dollars a night, which is a world class bargain considering the quality of service and the location. For the adventurous among you, this romantic getaway would be my choice. For what lunch costs in Paris, you can stay here and get a helicopter tour too.

For more information or to book, call: +7 913 993-55-56 or Email: info@lesotel.ru

For the Love of Unexpected Pleasure – Abrau-Durso

Most people outside Russia never heard of Russia’s famous champagne region, Abrau-Durso. Situated in one of the most unique settings on Earth, this high lake sanctuary is home to the most coveted wine growing regions in the world, believe it or not. And in Winter, the lake and surrounds are magic. Overlooking all this pristine natural wonder is the Imperial Hotel & Spa, part of the Abrau-Durso resort Russian royalty and dignitaries frequent.

This unique Spa complex is a place of wine rituals, and an atmosphere of bliss, serenity and lavish accommodations. However, the lack or pretension here is noticeable too, the potential for a memorable Valentine’s magic obvious to any with an imagination. From about $160 dollars US, visiting couples can enjoy brilliant champagne, wines, and cuisine, and of course one of the most beautiful surrounds on Earth. For Valentine’s Day this year, the resort is putting on a Gala dinner with special surprises, music, and the culinary magic of Chef Sergei Alshevsky.

For more information or to book, call: +7 (964) 892-60-60 or visit their Facebook pages.