Impeccable Staycation Ideas for the Valentine's Day Weekend

V-Day is around the corner & to help you plan an unforgettable day this year, we have curated an impeccable list of staycation ideas for Valentine's Day. Read to know more.

Anwesha Das

27 of January, 2021

Image Courtesy: Bruised Passports

That one day when the whole world celebrates love, everyone has something special planned. Valentine's day is just around the corner and the couples are giddy with happiness and excitement of all the plans that they have made. Be it a simple candlelight dinner, a movie date, a DIY gift or even a weekend getaway to the nearest vacay spots - romantic ideas are overflowing. If you are thinking about what to gift your partner this Valentine's day, we have the perfect plan for you.

With Valentine's day around the corner and this time V-Day being a weekend, we have just the plan to help you make your partner feel special and pampered in the most extraordinary ways. We have put together a list of places for a staycation on Valentine's day. Are you ready to have the most romantic weekend ever? Scroll on!

Aloha On The Ganges, Rishikesh

Imagine sipping hot honey ginger tea on the shores of Ganga? Does the rumbling sound of the water current crashing on the boulders make your heart skip a beat? Aloha On The Ganges is a boutique resort in Rishikesh where you can plan a weekend getaway for this Valentine's day. The river flows right by the resort making it a romantic moment during all times of the day. The sparkling water and the fresh air are going to be absolutely rejuvenating and good to spark the romance between you two!

If you are one of the adventurous couples who love exploring fun activities, you could opt for the river rafting and kayaking trips. You can even go for the nearby hikes to unconventional areas. All that said, it is, after all, Valentine's day. We suggest you arrange for a romantic dinner on one of the beautiful porches of the resort with the glistening sandy shores right next to you.

Also Read: The Handpicked List of Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

The Shumshere, Dehradun

Image Courtesy: The Shumshere, Dehradun

Don't we all love the beauty of a structure built in the colonial era? If your head said "OFCOURSE" out and loud, then The Shumshere nestled in the Dehradun valley is an absolute beauty that you must visit this Valentine's day for a staycation. The Shumshere is a proud and unique exhibit of age-old Indo-Saracen architecture and was built somewhere around 1922 to 1929 by Rai Bahadur Narain Singh - a very famous architect of the British Raj times in India. This home of Rai Bahadur Narain Singh was later restored as a boutique guesthouse to serve the legacy of Dehradun.

Image Courtesy: The Shumshere, Dehradun

A magnificent living room filled with antiques of yesteryears, aesthetic porches and corridors that lead to a stately hall for dining and then the stunning views of Mussoorie from the terrace make this place a gem in the valley. You could take a hand-in-hand walk around the beautiful hill station with your beloved and take cute pictures while at it. You could even take a day trip to Mussoorie and end the day sipping your favourite hot concoctions by the fireplace. This place is an ideal secluded Valentine's day getaway.

Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysuru

Image Courtesy: Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore

The Maharaja of Mysore had built this mahal to host one of his most important guest - the then Viceroy. In fact, you can now bring your most important guest - your better half, here. This shimmering white palace hotel offers an experience of regal living in the best ways possible. Set on a ridge commanding a picturesque view of the gentle slopes of the landscape below, at the foot of the Chamundi hill, this dream-like palace was built in the year 1931.

You must relish the fine dining experience but only after you have had the opportunity to play on the centuries-old billiards table. The Royal terrace of the palace gives you a majestic view of the city. An exclusive candle-lit Rajshahi dinner will be served by the professional butlers and of course, the soft classical music in the background acts more effective than the arrow of cupid, trust us.

Neemrana Fort-Palace Hotel, Neemrana

Another beauty set in the lap of the Aravallis in Rajasthan, the Neemrana Fort Palace is a 553 years old medieval structure that is quite a popular getaway for the people who reside in the Delhi NCR region. We are an aficionado of beautiful sunsets and are of the belief that every sunset is indeed a mesmerising view.

Imagine yourself sipping some hot masala tea while the sunset paints the sky in shades of dark crimson and the mustard fields that envelope the premises of the fort sway in the light breeze. Did this paint a vivid aesthetic picture of how your evening at Neemrana Fort-Palace is going to look like? So did you already fall in love with this staycation plan for Valentine's day? Pack your bags and don't forget to carry some athleisure clothes just in case you want to enjoy the zipline during the day!

Samode Haveli, Jaipur

Enveloped in a verdant garden in the royal city Jaipur, which was walled by the Kumbhalgarh Wall, Samode Haveli is better known as the urban oasis in this historic city. Built 175 years ago as the residence of the rulers of Samode, one part of the Samode Haveli is still occupied by the royal descendants while the other part serves as a luxury hotel now.

The luxurious yards and interiors of the Samode Haveli are a fine amalgamation of the royal enchantment and modern facilities. The private courtyards and age-old balconies still look over the pools, magical fountains and enchanting gardens of the Haveli giving you the rich feel of royal luxury. Before retiring for the day, you must enjoy a relaxing spa and a take a dip in the glistening pool after you take a stroll around the city that reeks culture and royalty. A quiet evening by the fountain with your partner while you enjoy exquisite cuisine in exotic venues, dining at Samode Haveli is a truly indulgent treat.

Amet Haveli, Udaipur

Image Courtesy: Amet Haveli, Udaipur

Build by Maharana Jagat Singh Ji II of Udaipur, Amet Haveli was built somewhere between 1734 to 1752. The Jagirdar of Sardargarh constructed the Amet Haveli that has now become one of the elite living experiences of the country along with brilliant dining experience. It is also one of the finest pet-friendly staycations that the city has to offer so pick your wet-nosed member of the family and plan a fun and soothing staycation at Amet Haveli, Udaipur.

Image Courtesy: Ambrai Restaurant

A fascinating view of the Pichola lake with a Byronic dinner along that is accompanied by the magnificent view of the city palace - Amet Haveli's restaurant Ambrai is where you and your partner must be on Valentine's day. Call in for special floral arrangements and mellow lighting and surprise your partner with a regal yet elegant dinner by the lake. As the boats return to the ferry stand at dusk and the sun touches the anxious surface of the water, you and your love can soak in the eternal beauty of a lakeside dinner on Valentine's day. Get your hearts and make this Udaipur staycation plan for Valentine's day to make it unforgettable.

Punnamada Resort, Alleppey

The backwaters of Kerala are probably one of the most romantic spots on the southern side of the country. The houseboats that give you the perfect escapade from the hustle-bustle of the city to the quiet evenings at the Punnamada Resort - if you make a staycation plan for Valentine's day to Alleppey, you are going to be floored with the natural beauty of this small by the banks of Vembanad Lake.

As you look over the beguiling waters of the Vembanad lake, Punnamada Resort's comfort and luxury are sure to enthral you. On Valentine's day, wake up early and make your favourite cup of ginger tea or black coffee and sit by the quaint porch of this resort to absorb the metaphysical beauty of the sunrise over the horizon of the backwaters that spread far until your eyes can see. Take a moment and fall in love as the whole town comes alive after sunrise.

Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas, Solan

Image Courtesy: Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas, Solan

While searching for the best staycation plans for this Valentine's day, we got in a conversation with Manu Rishi Guptha, the CEO of Niraamaya Wellness retreats. He says, "The valleys and mountains are known to invoke a feeling of romance. The stunning landscape, in addition to the relaxing Spa Therapies at Niraamaya Spa, to restore your body and mind is the best gift one can give to their partner. The crisp mountain air, the raging bonfires and the cosy rooms at Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas in Solan make it a perfect destination for couples to celebrate their Valentine’s Day with us."

Everyone loves a heated pool and to bring your love to life this Valentine's day, you can choose the luxury suites with its private heated pool and enjoy a sundowner lazying by the bonfire. They have beautiful dining destinations within the resort and our personal favourite has to be the hilltop where you can relish the exotic cuisines with a view. You can also plan a soothing day with couple’s Yoga, chants, or renewal of vows with a breathtaking natural backdrop.

Maison Perumal Hotel & Restaurant – CGH Earth, Pondicherry

Image Courtesy: Maison Perumal Hotel

Located in the vicinity of the scenic Pondicherry harbour, the Maison Perumal Hotel has a calming and pristine atmosphere. This Franco-Tamil heritage stay offers decor in each room that is unique. Its high ceilings and artwork also add to their charm of the 130-year-old Chettiar mansion. Walk down the streets of this French quarter or relax by the lovely plunge pool. this is perfect for a romantic stay.

Tamil Nadu's social culture of the times informed its design aesthetic to a great extent. The noticeable ‘less-is-more’ philosophy gets reflected in Maison Perumal's minimalistic interiors that are adorned with a spare style, yet pay much attention to detail. Stained glass offsets the familiar local white plaster in a telling example of creating a distinct identity. It is how Maison Perumal celebrates its special heritage and is going to be one of the perfect staycation sites for you and your partner this Valentine's day.

Ahilya By The Sea, Goa

Image Courtesy: Ahilya by The Sea, Goa

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Dolphin Bay, Ahilya by the Sea is a serene and private escape. Ahilya by the Sea provides the guests with a feeling of staying in a family home, surrounded by understated elegance while enjoying the finer things in life.

Apart from the breathtaking views that the resort has to offer, the highlight of this property is the Sunrise infinity pool and of course, the Sunset plunge pool is ideal for a leisurely dip in the shade of coconut palms, surrounded by pink and white frangipani. Ahilya by the Sea is rich in its personal collection of art and sculpture, handpicked by the owner herself on her many travels around the world and it is sure to leave you spellbound. Enjoy a dip in the pool with your partner and some sangria for a perfect serene Valentine's day.

Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Darjeeling

Image Courtesy: Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Darjeeling

Summit Swiss is located in the heart of the queen of hills Darjeeling, just 5 mins away from the famous Mall Road also known as Chowrasta locally. Known as one of the finest hotels in Darjeeling, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel boasts of a rich history with its age-old colonial architecture dating back to 1914. With panoramic views of the Himalayas and lush greenery that surrounds this European structure, they also offer cosy and spacious rooms.

If you are enthusiastic about sunrises, you could take a ride to the Tiger Hill and watch the golden sunrise and the breathtaking views of the "Sleeping Buddha" ranges of Himalayas. Take a walk in this quaint town and enjoy the world-famous breakfast at Keventer's and top it up with lip-smacking desserts from Glenary's.

Also Read: Valentine's Alert: 75 Promises to Make in a Relationship

Butt's Clermont Houseboats, Srinagar

Image Courtesy: Butt's Clermont Houseboats

To be in Srinagar in one of the luxury houseboats on the Dal lake is truly an experience of a lifetime. With the wild deodar and pine trees that cover the banks of the lake, Butt's Clermont Houseboats are going to make your staycation plan for Valentine's day an ethereal experience. Walk on the deck of the boat to see the beautiful city on the other side while sipping some delicious Kahwa with your lover this Valentine's day and carry these memories in your heart forever.

The plush interiors with chandeliers and intricately detailed handmade carpets are going to make your stay a royal one. You and your partner can enjoy this floating staycation on one of these luxury houseboats while watching the birds and the rich colours of mother nature blooming at best.

If you fell in love at first sight with any of these staycation plans for Valentine's day weekend, pack your bags and make those bookings right away before they sell out!

Let us know your absolute favourite staycation ideas for Valentine's Day in the comments below!