1. Take a private cooking course in Paris
Where better to learn the art of cuisine than in Paris? Renowned cooking schools such as Lenôtre or Le Cordon Bleu host private classes that give you the opportunity to learn at your own pace. From learning about the nuances of ingredients to the various techniques involved in French culinary art, the entire experience is the perfect bonding experience for gastronomes. End the experience by whipping up a three- or four-course romantic dinner, which you can then feast on together. Both culinary schools also offer more specialised courses in pastries or breads for budding pastry whizzes or bakers.
2. Embark on a private whale watching cruise in Sri Lanka
Organised by Red Dot Tours, commandeer a luxury catamaran from Mirissa, Sri Lanka for an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Between December and March there is a 90% chance of spotting majestic sperm whales or blue whales as they glide through the waters. Along with an experienced crew and a chef who will whip up breakfast and lunch, you’ll be left to marvel at the stunning sights ahead which might even include spinner dolphins and turtles. For those with a penchant for water sports, indulge in a little snorkelling or stand-up paddle boarding on your way back to shore to complete the adventure.
3. Sleep under the stars on a South African safari
About an hour’s shuttle flight from Johannesburg, Sanctuary Makanyane is situated on 1,800 hectares of privately owned land and features only eight luxurious and secluded air-conditioned suites hidden amongst the vast foliage. Book the exclusive second-storey sleeping deck deep in the lodge’s private grounds, where you can spend a romantic night with only lanterns to illuminate the Madikwe Game Reserve (The Hide is seasonal and unavailable in June and July).
4. Fly into the sunset in San Francisco
Take in the gorgeous orange and red hues that bathe the San Francisco Bay area at sunset as you fly by the skyline in a seaplane. The Sunset Champagne Tour on Seaplane Adventures lets you enjoy a cool glass of bubbly from Northern California’s sparkling wine regions to toast the evening. Once the plane lands, you can also enjoy a sumptuous meal in seaside Sausalito.
5. Dine in a secret cave in Bali
At Samabe Bali Suites and Villas, discover a different kind of destination dining as you enjoy your meal in the Samabe Beach Cave II. Start the night beachside as you take in one of Nusa Dua’s famous sunsets, followed by a decadent four-course meal, served by your personal butler. The cave usually hosts an intimate six tables, but the resort offers a “Power of Love” package that gives couples exclusive use of the cave for dinner.
6. Sleep in a tree in Bavaria, Munich
Definitely not for the faint hearted, this unique camping experience is perfect for adventurers. Spend an evening training with the staff of Waldseilgarten-Höllschlucht, the forest rope course, before enjoying a barbecue dinner and heading for the wooden platforms to spend the night. Sleeping bags are provided on request, after which you can enjoy the starry night sky and the silence of the trees until morning, approximately seven metres above ground.
7. Stargazing and dinner at an observatory in Barcelona
Spend a romantic evening beginning with a gourmet dinner and a sprawling view of Barcelona organised by Sternalia Productions. Enjoy the cityscape from the terrace of the Fabra Observatory, part of the Royal Academy of Science and Arts, which is mainly used to study asteroids and comets. Combine a love for history and astronomy with a to the noucentista hall (built in the early 20th century) and to take a look through the meridian telescope, one of Europe’s oldest and largest telescopes built in 1904.
To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Bright star: Fine dining in Germany’s Black Forest
Feature image by Sanctuary Makanyane
