Treat your loved one to a naughty – or nice – weekend away this Valentine’s Day

Find peace and quiet in Yorkshire, says Susan Griffin

THERE’S not another soul on the roads as we wind our way through the narrow country lanes of North Yorkshire looking for our hotel.

Darkness descended a good while ago and a light mist now swirls above the road in front of us.

Finally, we spot the sign for Middlethorpe Hall and Spa.

We’re met by the inviting sight of an orange glow emanating from the red brick exterior of the grand 17th century country estate voted York’s best hotel in 2013.

The interior’s as impressive as its accolade suggests but, as there are only 29 rooms and it’s owned by the National Trust, don’t expect much bustle. In fact it’s so quiet the only sound that can be heard is the ticking of a clock when we check in.

It feels more like we’re staying in the private home of landed gentry than a hotel.

Our bedroom, like the rest of the house, has been decorated tastefully to evoke the 18th century. We wake the next morning to glorious views of the impeccably kept 20 acres of parkland bathed in milky winter sunlight.

After a sumptuous breakfast in the panelled dining room, we take a walk through the manicured gardens before heading into York, which is only a short bus ride away (the stop is directly outside the hotel).

Middlethorpe’s spa is discreetly hidden behind what look like Edwardian cottages, and we decide to enjoy a dip in the pool and a blitz in the sauna and steam rooms, which we have entirely to ourselves.

Impeccable service aside, it’s the peace and quiet, so scarce these days, which makes Middlethorpe the perfect place to escape with a loved one.

  • The hotel’s 30th anniversary package costs £129pp per night and includes a three-course dinner (£43 food allowance per person), full Yorkshire breakfast and use of the spa. Visit middlethorpe.com or call 01904-641241.

Sarah Marshall has grand expectations of a romantic retreat in the capital

MY boyfriend and I are not talking to each other. In fact, we haven’t exchanged a word for the past 45 minutes.

But there’s not a whiff of tension in the cedarwoodscented air as we sink into a cavernous pool of pummelling water jets, before relaxing on heated stone beds, illuminated by a strip of low-rise flickering flames.

We’ve been stunned into silence by the opulent fourfloor Espa Life spa at London’s five-star Corinthia Hotel, where minutes can very easily turn into hours as both time and stresses easily evaporate.

Like moles burying our way into a sleek, monochrome marble burrow, we have little intention of returning to the world anytime soon.

Perhaps it’s in the fabric of the Thames-side building, which was once used as offices by the Ministry of Defence, but this historic property is a master of discretion – which probably explains why A-listers such as Johnny Depp and Rihanna make this their pit-stop when visiting the capital.

With two excellent restaurants on site – Massimo, which specialises in simple but excellent Italian food, and the Northall, where Garry Hollihead has created a menu of fine British fodder – there’s little need to leave this comfortable enclave.

We head to the David Collins-designed Massimo – a glorious emerald green and gold Art Deco-inspired space, where a sharing platter of crudo (raw seafood) and oysters is followed by wild seabass served with a lemon sauce, carved at our table.

Our meal ends with a nightcap in the Bassoon bar, an elegant take on the clandestine, underground jazz haunts of old, where cocktails have been inspired by musicians and composers.

When we leave, romance is definitely in the air – but it’s the Corinthia that’s become the new object of my affections.

But, of course, I haven’t said a word to my boyfriend.

  • Doubles from £335 with breakfast. Visit corinthia.com or call 020-7930-8181.

Seaside seduction brings Abi Jackson to Devon’s South Sands

MAYBE it’s the bracing sea air, or the sense of fun the seaside evokes, but there’s something wonderfully romantic about a weekend on the coast – especially when you’re holed up somewhere as picturesque as South Sands Boutique Hotel.

The promise of top-quality seafood and gorgeous scenery entices my fiance and I to this secluded corner of Devon, tucked onto the edge of South Sands bay, a couple of miles from Salcombe.

The hotel opened in 2010 and still feels fresh and new.

The decor’s bright, contemporary and awash with nautical charm, and the atmosphere’s relaxed.

When it’s warmer, diners can eat on the terrace overlooking the bay. But right now, the log fire in the bar’s more inviting and we enjoy a cosy drink before tucking into a delicious meal of king prawns and fish pie for me, and an “incredibly tender” steak for him.

There’s also lots to explore in the area. The South West Coast Path, one of the UK’s most stunning walks, can be joined just half a mile away, and there’s also a Blue Flag beach nearby.

We spend the morning pottering around Salcombe, a quirky seaside town full of pastel-coloured terraces and assorted shops and cafes.

The obligatory cream tea and some local fudge are the perfect final sweet treat for the weekend, before catching our train home, rosy with sea air and amour.