Valentine’s inspo: Sweet spots 

It’s impossible to resist the charms of Samui. First you land in the world’s cutest tropical airport, then you’re whisked away to a paradise beach. Adventure-seeking love birds can go island hopping, jungle trekking, kayaking or SUP-boarding. Foodies can dine under the stars with their toes in the sand. Then there’s cruising, snorkelling and diving in Ang Thong National Marine Park. Or sailing to Pig Island for a V-day with a difference.

Where to stay: If serenity and seclusion are your thing, reserve a pool villa at Avani+ Samui on the quiet south-eastern coast of the island. Spend your days lazing about in paradise and your nights snuggled up at CineVani. Or level-up your love with a wedding on the beach. For action and adventure, Avani Chaweng might be more your speed. Wake up to lavish breakfast, take a dip, then hit the hammocks of SEEN Beach Club for cocktails and beats well into the night.  

If you’re a lover of culture, you’ll be wooed by Melbourne. Its European architecture and lush leafy spaces paint a pretty backdrop for coffee, dining, shopping, art, theatre, comedy – the list goes on. Browse historic Queen Victoria Markets for artisan cheese and wine. Find a hidden cocktail bar down a graffitied laneway. Take a tram to St Kilda Beach for some Aussie sunshine and a stroll along the boardwalk.
Where to stay: Avani Central Residences puts you right in the thick of things. Take advantage of the free tram zone and zip around the CBD with ease. Hit up the city’s best restaurants, or cook a V-day dinner in your residence, complete with city panoramas. Head to South Bank on the Yarra River for some of Melbourne’s loveliest views.  

Lush jungles, endless beaches, indigo seas – Sri Lanka’s wild landscapes are ripe for romance. Go leopard-spotting on safari. Cruise with whales in the Indian Ocean. Or hit the water for surfing, jet-skiing and sailing. Sri Lanka’s also rich in history culture, with Buddhist temples, Dutch forts, Portuguese churches and more to explore.

Where to stay: For a romantic trip with a spiritual side, Avani Kalutara has the couple's experience for you. Choose a room or suite with lagoon or ocean views. Tour the island by tuk-tuk and delve into local culture at nearby Kalutara Temple. Cultivate spiritual equilibrium with A Path to Inner Harmony, a couple’s wellness treatment with meditation and Ayurvedic cuisine. 

A swanky city stay is the perfect Valentine’s weekender. Dubai has urban allure in spades, with glitzy malls, contemporary arts and no upper limit for indulgence. Sprinkle in beach time, spa pampering and gourmet dinner for two to really dial up the romance. You want Champagne in a rooftop pool? Panoramas from the world’s largest observation wheel? A sunset camel trek into the dunes? Dubai’s got all that and more.

Who hasn’t dreamed of a gondola ride down a Venice canal with their Valentine? Venice is just one of those places where romance waits around every corner – it is the birthplace of Casanova, after all. Explore the Palazzo Ducale and pretend it’s your holiday home. Share gelato in St. Mark’s Square, surrounded by cooing doves (and pigeons). Walk down the aisle of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and whisper your vows in front of its elaborate baroque altar.  

Where to stay: Avani Rio Novo Venice is your centrally located stay, a mere stroll to restaurants, cafés and charming city squares. A chic, modern hotel in a historic UNESCO city, you get the romantic canal views as well as all the contemporary comforts. Fuel up with a Venetian coffee at 8 Millimetri Cicchetti & Wine. Walk to the ferry pier and explore Venice by water. Take that twilight gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs for your movie-moment kiss.