The first wedding anniversary is traditionally symbolised by paper, but let’s be honest – this milestone calls for something a little, well, bigger. And while material gifts are all well and good, recent research suggests that experiential gifts – those we live through – are more powerful not only emotionally, but also in terms of strengthening our relationships. Granted, you’re only a year in and your relationship is already strong, but a getaway can’t hurt, can it? With that in mind, here are five romantic retreats to celebrate your first year together – an experience you'll still be talking about on your Golden Anniversary.
The Meadows, Cornwall
Hidden away in rural North Cornwall, seven miles inland from Crantock and Watergate Bay, this barn conversion has something of the Balearics to it. Days can be spent exploring Cornwall’s cultural hotspots – whether it’s Newquay’s independent stores and cafés, Padstow’s fine dining or St Agnes’ creative scene. Or you could hide away in the house together, alternating between the log burner and the outdoor hot tub.
The Walled Garden, The Cotswolds
This Victorian folly near Bath is a private and romantic hideaway in all seasons. Take a bracing dip together in the natural pool, roam the orchards in search of figs and pears (you can pick your own), while away hours by the waterfall down by the river, or gaze at the flames in the outdoor fire pit under a deep sky.
Limehouse Cottage, County Kerry
Looking for an escape into the Irish wilderness? Limehouse Cottage serves up simple luxury in a place where mountains, lakes and valleys collide. With the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range and the glacial waters of Coomasaharn Lake all at hand, days spent adventuring are rewarded with a long soak in the outside stone bath – with a view to rival the best in the world.
Isla Windmill, Anglesey
On the top of a hill overlooking the Anglesey coast stands a white, circular tower. At the top of the tower, you'll find a lounge featuring 240-degrees of floor-to-ceiling glass, offering panoramic views over the Menai Straight and the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Think long walks on the coastal footpath, leading in one direction to Puffin Island, the other to a white stone beach for cold-water swimming. And finally, constellation watching in the hot tub. Enough said.
The Cotton Tree, Cornwall
Inspired by the Queenslander beach houses in north-eastern Australia, The Cotton Tree is a clapperboard retreat in North Cornwall just minutes from the surf of Holywell Bay and Polly Joke beach. This is a dog-friendly bolthole designed for relaxed romance and open-plan indoor-outdoor living – there's also a hot tub that leads directly from the bedroom.
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