Valentine's Day 2017: the best last-minute holidays

Five great places to take your significant other - or your pals

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(Image credit: All rights reserved 2015)

Totem Hotel, Madrid

(Image credit: Belen Imaz)

Right in the heart of the exclusive Salamanca neighbourhood lies Totem hotel, which is home to a popular 1920s-inspired cocktail bar, headed by one of the city's top mixologists. The Spanish capital has been developing a name for itself as a culinary hotspot over the past few years and the hotel's restaurant, Hermosos y Malditos (The Beautiful and Damned) "looks set to become a favourite of well-heeled locals as well as Madrid regulars", says the Daily Telegraph.

Package: the hotel doesn't have a package available, but from £145 per night, based on two people sharing a deluxe exterior room, you get access to the chicest district of one of Europe's coolest and least appreciated cities.

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Cost: £145 per night

Valid: all year

To book: i-escape.com/totem-hotel or call +34 914 260 035

Blue Sky Luxury Villas, Barbados

Fancy staying in a three-storey townhouse with spectacular sea views and private access to a white sandy beach for lazy paddles or snorkelling along the reef? All this can be yours if you have a bit of cash to splash. Perched on the west coast of Barbados, Mahogany Bay is just a few minutes drive to Holetown’s restaurants and shopping. If you would rather just stay in your own romantic bubble, you can simply take a dip in your own private plunge pool or ask the resident cook to rustle up some tasty local fare to be enjoyed by candle light.

Cost: from $920 (£727) per night, five night minimum stay

Valid: throughout the year

To book: visit blueskyluxury.com or call 0800 088 5574

The Chatwal, New York

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(Image credit: All rights reserved 2015)

This luxury boutique hotel in New York, which regular guests refer to as "the jewel of Manhattan" fuses old world Art Deco charm with contemporary 5-star service. As anyone who has visited knows, New York is a big, noisy city, so it is surprising to find such a peaceful sanctuary in the beating heart of the city that never sleeps.

The Chatwal's 'Celebration of Love' package which can be booked any time from this Sunday 5 February to Sunday 19 February 2017 priced from $785 per night, based on two guests.

Package includes:

  • A bottle of Champagne on arrival
  • Beautiful red rose bouquet
  • Breakfast in bed curated by renowned Chef Geoffrey Zacharian, served in the privacy of your own suite
  • Complimentary use of the Mercedes Benz House Car
  • Complimentary upgrade subject to availability
  • Special Gift from The Red Door Spa

Cost: $785 based on two guests

Valid: Sunday 5 February to Sunday 19 February 2017

To book: thechatwalny.com or +1 866 716 8136

Penolva by St Mawes Retreats

(Image credit: adjbrown.com)

Bah humbug to romance! If you fancy a weekend break but the very words Valentine's and Day make your skin crawl, Penolva's The Great Mate Escape may be for you. Penolva is inviting friends to escape the commercial chaos and retreat to the cosy village of St Mawes, where you can celebrate your friendship at a luxury property with breathtaking coastal views. St Mawes Retreats' bespoke concierge team can also help you plan the perfect group getaway, from a three-course meal cooked by a private chef to a pampering spa treatment to help you unwind.

Package: tailored to your requirements

Cost: on request

Valid: throughout the year

To book: stmawesretreats.co.uk or call 0800 088 6622

W London, Leicester Square

Also rebelling against Valentine's Day is W London – Leicester Square, which has unveiled the ultimate packages for singles this February, featuring its new 'Mega Bar' service.

The Mega Bar is a bespoke cocktail bar that comes complete with a barman to shake up cocktails, wireless in-built speakers and a signature disco ball. The hotel's 'Extreme-Wow' suite features a giant revolving chesterfield sofa and DJ booth. For a total party package, W London also offers a designer wardrobe room service, plus hairstylists, manicurists, make-up artists and a DJ on request.

Package:

  • Three cocktails or glasses of Perrier Jouet champagne per person
  • Five canapés per person
  • Dedicated barman for two hours
  • Add hairstylist, manicure, make-up artist or DJ (price on request)

Cost: prices start from £700

Valid: February onwards

To book: wlondon.co.uk/megabar

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