10 Romantic Staycation ideas for couples
I find that I write for couples a lot. Quite unknowingly, when I am thinking of travel or staycations, I imagine a cosy time away from home. Whether it is abroad, within the UK or even in London, I’m just always excited for a new adventure. Since I’m going on some staycations in the next few months, I have written 10 romantic staycation ideas for couples. This is actually on the back of my conversation with my friend who is desperate to go away. However, she is worried of going too far due to the uncertainty.
What is a staycation? It actually is a play on words from “stay” and “vacation”. Duhhhhh! It used to refer to day trips where one would just enjoy time away from home within driving distance. However, these days, it refers to any sort of holiday spent in your country. Basically, any stay away from your living space without leaving the country. It could be a day trip or more popularly, overnight stays.
Staycation – A play on words from “stay” and “vacation”.
I always say that as much I love Travel, I also love a cheeky night away from my home. You know those ones where you just drive somewhere different and spend a weekend doing nothing? Yes, those ones. I had always wanted to explore the UK more this year with Mr E. We started with a day trip to Bath and I went on my solo trip to Jersey. While Jersey isn’t actually in the UK, it is a UK territory so it sort of counts or doesn’t it?
Anyway, look no further. Here are 10 romantic staycation ideas for couples
1. Book a Hotel stay
The trick is to book a hotel outside your borough and go quite central.. Trust me, this is the best romantic staycation idea ever. There is just something about going away with your partner, to a hotel and doing absolutely nothing. I should know. For Mr E’s birthday last year, we checked into the Marriott at Grosvenor Square for 2 nights. It was so perfect and has spurred me into booking future London hotel Staycations.
You can go fancy and splurge a little by booking a 5* hotel. However, you can also do a budget stay by booking a relatively cheaper hotel. I would recommend staying somewhere central where you don’t have to use public transport to explore. You can have late night walks and early morning coffee runs without having to drive or use public transport. Don’t forget to switch off your alarm, sleep in for as long as you like and order breakfast in bed. Bliss!
2. Overnight Spa break
What’s more romantic than a late night sauna sesh with your partner? Nothing. There are so many health retreats that offer overnight breaks tailored to couples and groups. A lot of them are usually in the countryside with zen at the center of their ethos. Most are also quite luxurious and you don’t have to worry about sub par treatments.
After your couples massages and couples facials, a lunch date awaits you in the food court. A little rest and a couples pedicure after, it’s dinner date time. The best thing about romantic spa breaks is how it soothes your mind. So if you are suffering from work fatigue or your mental health is not that great, this is a great option for you and your partner.
Read More: Champneys Tring – Luxury Spa Resort
3. Head to the woods – Glamping/Hiking
Where are my adventurous couples? It’s so funny how a lot of couples find going to the gym together romantic. Now this one is for you! The most exciting thing is that so many companies now tailor accommodations to suit “glampers”. From luxurious tree houses to log homes to cabin accommodations in the woods, glampers are spoilt for choice.
For the active couples, you could hike during the day and light your bonfire at night. Then go back into your fancy glamping location to soak in your fancy bath and sleep! Would I ever consider glamping? I actually think so. I am now considering a glamping experience; fingers crossed, I don’t chicken out. I am not going hiking though, too blessed to be stressed LMAO!
4. Tour your city
This makes it to my list of 10 romantic staycation ideas. Why you ask? It is actually one of the most romantic things to do especially for newer couples. You have just got together with your partner and perhaps still figuring out the foundation of the relationship? This is an easy, less pressure, out in the open but very romantic activity.
It could also be a photo walk around your city. Go around and photograph different things that appeal to you and share your pictures at the end of the day.
A few other ideas would be to pick an area and walk around the historical part of a specific area. If you are both foodies, perhaps you can suggest and try a food tour? Or even a wine tour? There are so many free walking tours in various cities so this is worth checking out as well. Visit a museum, see the top monuments your city has to offer, go to an outdoor market together? Basically think of something you two might enjoy, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy yourselves!
As you get comfortable with each other and the vibes are feeling lit, ask if you can hold hands. How cute!
5. Romantic cottage in a different city
I will admit, this is my choice when I think of a romantic staycation. Although all the other romantic staycation ideas I mention are very relevant, this is my all time fave. Every time I am chatting with friends about staycations with Mr E, this is definitely where my mind goes instantly. Preferably, somewhere in the countryside or just somewhere quite remote.
You all know I love love and all the clichés that come with it. So my dream will always be locking myself away with Mr E and probably just watching our favourite movies. I love cottages and the romantic vibe that comes with them and I think it will form a big part of my staycation portfolio every year going forward.. Cottages are different to the usual houses you live in the city and just like glamping in the woods, it will always give you a different feel entirely.
6. Back Garden/Balcony (overnight) date
As much as it is romantic to leave your house for date night, it is also quite cute to stay home. Hear me out. Do you have a garden? Or a balcony that’s not in full view? Perhaps you have kids and there’s nobody to babysit overnight? Order twinkle lights and build a tent. Basically recreate your glamping dreams in your own home. Now, you see the picture? This is something I can’t wait to do once we have a garden!
Just thinking about it makes me feel quite excited. If you don’t feel comfortable sleeping the whole night outside, that is absolutely fine. I’d be scared to sleep in my (future) back garden too. I advice you spend the evening in your tent, watch the sunset while eating dinner. Once you are both feeling sleepy, time to go in and finish that romantic staycation in your own bed!
Hopefully, the reality lives up to my expectations because I have imagined this a few times in my head LOL.
7. Trace your history for a day
This is one that is not quite popular and might be the most romantic staycation idea of all time. Ok, jokes but it is really cute to relive a happy moment from your past. For this, it as made it to my list of 10 romantic staycation ideas.
A few ideas would be to go back to the first place you met or the first place you kissed. A sentimental memory from your past and the plan is to find a spot there, sit and reminisce. Aha! I told you it was cute hahahahaha
For those who met in high school or at university, imagine going back to that location. Just sitting on the lawns and reminiscing how shy you both were in the beginning. Think of where you are now and just be grateful in that moment.
This was my idea for my 6th wedding anniversary and ended up being my most romantic celebration yet. Since we could not travel out of the country, we decided to retrace our wedding day! The great thing about this plan is that it could be last minute with minimal planning so win win! And remember, it is the most romantic staycation and day date idea ever!
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8. Volunteering
You might be wondering how and why volunteering made it to my list. Doing something romantic is relative to so many people. I once asked my friend about her first date with her husband. She met him at a charity event raising money for stray dogs. Their first date was volunteering at an animal shelter, which she initially thought would be bizarre. But it was their passion; it was what they both loved to do so she thought “why not”? According to her, that was the day she fell in love with him. Now they go around their little city volunteering as a couple.
I thought to include this in my list to showcase that romantic things do not always have to be the cliché, soppy things. It should be about what you both enjoy. Therefore, when considering a romantic staycation, if volunteering is something you love, go for it! I have seen some staycations channeled towards charity fundraising or sustainability related event such as cleaning up the beach.
9. Day trip outside your city
This is another fun and romantic idea for a staycation. I know most people think a staycation involves an overnight stay but remember that from the definition, it’s just being away from home within driving distance. So why not take a romantic day trip outside your city with your partner? Pack a picnic basket and head to a beach side location out of your city and just relax.
Whenever I think of an outside city date, I think of walking on the beach, holding hands with Mr E and just living in that moment. I find simple moments like that all too romantic. One thing to note is that it does not have to be a beach by the way. It could be to a historic site for example; from London, a day trip to Bath or Stonehenge.
Read More: Bath, England – 1 day Itinerary
10. Attend a class together
Perhaps, an art class or cooking class, whichever tickles your fancy. Art is a very therapeutic hobby for a lot of couples. Which is why attending a class together has made it to my list of 10 Romantic Staycation ideas. Infact, I have friends who actually sign up for pottery lessons. However, I will focus on painting for the purpose of this post.
“Sip and Paint” classes have become very popular date activities because of how relaxed they are. I mean what is better than sipping some bubbly while painting the object placed in front of you? Or sipping your bubbly while recreating a famous painting together? This could be a competitive challenge or just a bit of fun for that couple looking for something different to do.
It is another staycation day date so again, for newer couples, this is another lush idea.
On Staycations…
I feel like staycations became much more popular after the recession of 2008. People had lost a lot of money but still wanted to feel like they could travel somewhere. Staycations were usually cheaper options but now, with all the cool accommodations springing up, they are almost the same cost with going abroad. This is especially if you love a bit of luxury. Renting a cosy cottage in the Cotswolds or glamping in Winchester will cost you. I actually checked and a Cotswolds cottage for 3 days costs more than a trip to Paris for 3 days! So it makes sense that a lot of people would rather go abroad.
However, if you are all about sustainable travel (emmm……we should all be), then consider staycations. It helps in giving money back to the economy where you live. More importantly, you don’t go by airplane so it reduces air pollution etc. So maybe, mix it up a little. Go abroad but also stay home. Remember that with staycations; keep them fun, keep them light. Just like you would if you were outside the country.
Although I have come up with 10 romantic staycation ideas, there are many more so get creative! It could be something you both love which I have not mentioned, do it! Whatever it might me, try not to have too many rules. Finally, I always advice, whatever you do and wherever you go, make sure you kiss every time!
Hopefully, you pick a staycation you fancy with the person you fancy and have the time of your life. Enjoy my lovelies!
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
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8 Comments
Tiesé Etim-Inyang
Such great ideas! I used to love doing staycations with my then bf but bookmarking this page for the future because evergreen content!!
Bugo
Yes, it is definitely evergreen. I’ve tried not to tailor it strictly to corona times so it can work even when (hopefully), things return to normal-ish!
IvieBabs
Oooo that overnight spa retreat is right up my alley. A new spa just opened in the city that offers this option. Once we are in phase 3 and it is safe to do so I will be booking an experience. Thanks for the inspiration *kisses
Bugo
Yes, I’m just waiting for spas to fully open then I might look into booking one. I had a spa staycation last year and it was so amazing! Definitely due for another
Ify
Going to save this for the future.
Bugo
haha! that’s a great plan!
Oye
Man…the evil Corona has done is enough is all I can say.
Bugo
LMAO my dear ehn!!