From adventure-seekers to sophisticated socialites, experience gifts have got everyone covered, with a wide range of activities available for booking in 2019.
Hot air balloon ride
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Hot air balloon rides remain one of the most memorable experiences money can buy. Soaring thousands of feet into the air, Red Letter Day’s range of hot air balloon excursions gives passengers “the chance to enjoy unparalleled views of the countryside below”.
With locations available from the tip of Scotland to the coves of Cornwall, a Red Letter Day hot air balloon ride can be catered meticulously to your every need, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.
Hot air ballooning, from £129, redletterdays.co.uk
Drive an F1 car in Monte Carlo
“What really matters here is what happens behind the wheel,” said The Guardian before this year’s Monaco Grand Prix. “Monaco is still the drivers’ race.”
Virgin Experiences is tapping into this special venue with a remarkable itinerary for racing fans. They spend two days being professionally trained to drive a Formula 3 and later a Formula 1 car surrounded by the glitz and glam of Monte Carlo. The price tag may be a little eye-watering, but then so is the experience.
Monte Carlo F1 Driving Experience, £3,299, virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Stargazing in Wales
“The Brecon Beacons are a great place to spot major constellations and even meteor showers,” says The Independent.
Dark Sky Wales knows this only too well and can lay on a private couples’ stargazing experience, with transport, telescope and a private guide with a wealth of knowledge of the night sky.
Private Couples Stargazing Experience In Wales, £225, notonthehighstreet.com
Spa and stay at Coworth Park, Berkshire
An idyllic five-star country house hotel in picturesque Ascot, just a short journey from London. For a weekend that will leave you and your special guest feeling as good on the inside as the out, spend a leisurely day at the spa and its accompanying restaurant.
Enjoy a pampering day of facials, manicures and massages before catching up over a healthy, yet indulgent, meal at the Spatisserie.
Coworth Park Hotel Spa and Stay, from £559 per night, dorchestercollection.com
Overnight stay at Solent Forts
For an overnight getaway of opulent luxury with a serious historic twist, treat your nearest and dearest to a night on one of Solent Forts’ remarkable converted hotels off the coast of Portsmouth.
Completed in 1878, these military stone forts have been transformed into some of the most unlikely luxury hotel sites in the UK, complete with lavish sleeping quarters, an open-air heated pool and sun deck. Also available is gin tasting, campfire roasting or even a ride in a 50mph boat.
Solent Forts, from £499 per night for two people, solentforts.com
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Fast food is no longer affordable to low-income AmericansThe explainer Cheap meals are getting farther out of reach
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‘The money to fix this problem already exists’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
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The Old Bell Hotel: whimsy and charm in historic WiltshireThe Week Recommends Giraffes, monkeys and bold, bright colours add a playful touch to this 800-year-old inn
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Grove of Narberth: comfort and style in the Welsh countrysideThe Week Recommends This boutique Georgian manor in Pembrokeshire is the perfect rural retreat
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The Peninsula: London’s first billion-pound hotelThe Week Recommends As the capital’s super-luxury hotel scene continues to expand, the respected brand is still setting the standard
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The Mini-Mayfair package at Mandarin OrientalThe Week Recommends Keep the kids entertained with a family-friendly stay at one of London’s swankiest hotels
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Choose your own wellness adventure in Greater Palm SpringsThe Week Recommends Hit the spa, try a sound bath or take a hike
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Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibeThe Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
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Cameron House Resort & Spa: a luxurious lakeside havenThe Week Recommends This stunning five-star resort on the shores of Loch Lomond is perfect for a special Scottish getaway
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Hyatt Regency Lisbon: a tranquil oasis in the historic district of BelémThe Week Recommends With its sprawling spa and prime location overlooking the River Tagus, this luxury hotel is a great place to escape the bustle of the city
