London
The simplicity and authenticity of the big outdoors is the perfect place to nurture romance. May signals bluebell season, and could there be anything more beautiful than strolling through a forest that’s blanketed in purple flowers? Head to Ightham Mote, a 14th-century moated manor house surrounded by a 546-acre national trust estate.
Park and walk and stop for a refuel either at Mote café or the Papermakers Arms in Plaxtol. There are three different routes you can take for your bluebell stroll and then take a break with tea and cakes, or a pub lunch, the choice is yours!
While you’re in the neighbourhood, you may want to also drive in the direction of Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill, definitely worth a visit.
Make the trip a total surprise for the object of your affection and book a room at Hever Castle where Henry VIII romanced Anne Boleyn. There’s the beautiful Edward VII suite, or maybe you can stay on theme and curl up in a big four-poster bed instead.
Book a table at the nearby Henry VIII pub for dinner, casual and close. Car rental from SIXT, AVIS, Europcar, or Hertz, all have central London pick up and drop off and a range of luxury vehicles if you want to ride in total comfort and style. Nothing like a blooming marvellous getaway in one of England’s most Royal counties.
New York
Nantucket is the wealth stealth bomber that outclasses the Hampton’s with discretion and history. Going there in May, you get the early sunshine and avoid the crush of the summer crowds, not to mention the high season prices. Regular flights direct to the island are readily available from city, a short hop and you’re suddenly on the set of Something’s Gotta Give.
For a two-night stay, the White Elephant is perfect right on Nantucket Harbor. If you can go Sunday & Monday nights, you might just nab the new Lily Pulitzer Cottage. The upside of this location is the easy stroll into town, which is a picture postcard cobble delight lined with boutiques loaded with gorgeous seaside inspired Americana treasures, café’s and restaurants.
Equally fabulous is the sheer romance of the Wauwinet on the northeast shore of the island and neighbouring the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge with pristine coastline on standby for your idyllic sunset kiss moment.
Buy your own wine and head for dinner to Black Eyed Susan’s a local institution. Oran Mor is also a culinary sensation and the perfect date night spot, but bookings essential. It’s worth the effort even for a couple of nights, there’s something about Nantucket that makes your shoulders drop immediately by at least 4 inches and ignites romance as soon as the sea air hits your nostrils.
