Romantic European escapes (and chic UK stays) for anniversaries & special occasions

Bologna: The Perfect One-Night Italian Escape

If you are after somewhere that works brilliantly for just one night away, Bologna in northern Italy is a fantastic option. The flight time from the UK is short and, once you land, it is only about 15 minutes into the city centre. Before you know it, you are in a compact, walkable city that feels steeped in history without being overwhelming.

Bologna’s beauty is all about its atmosphere rather than box‑ticking sights. There is no single landmark you feel pressured to “do”, which makes it incredibly relaxing. You can simply wander the porticoed streets, admire the squares and rich red‑brick architecture, and stop wherever takes your fancy.

Some of our favourite moments: 

• Sitting in a sun‑drenched square, Aperol Spritz in hand, people‑watching
• Ducking down side streets to find tiny spots serving fresh pasta and regional specialities 
• Sampling everything from Michelin‑starred dining to casual street food in the markets

The food scene is huge and everything we tried was delicious, right down to the gelato. For couples who love to walk, eat and talk with no fixed agenda, Bologna is an easy, low‑stress anniversary escape.

Positano: A Once‑in‑a‑Decade Kind of Treat

For our 10‑year wedding anniversary we went all‑out and stayed in a truly luxurious hotel, Le Sirenuse, in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. It is one of the world’s top properties, and I had never stayed anywhere like it!

You fly into Naples, then continue by road along that iconic, winding coastline. The journey feels like part of the adventure and, the moment you arrive, it is all worth it. Our hotel sat in a prime cliff‑top spot overlooking the bay, with sweeping views of Positano tumbling down towards the sea.

What made Le Sirenuse so special: 

• Gorgeous, historic interiors with real personality and a sense of place 
• Immaculate attention to detail, from the service to the bed linens
• A feeling of being cocooned away from real life, high above the bay. Oh and the bar is seriously cool!

We stayed one night, with two full days to enjoy Positano. It felt incredibly indulgent and I don't think I stopped eating or drinking the entire time, from lingering breakfasts on the terrace to slow, elegant dinners overlooking the water.

Even though it was short, it felt like we had saved up all the best bits of Positano for one perfect anniversary weekend, then headed home late on the Sunday night with many memories. If you are looking for a “big” celebration trip, Positano is magical.

Porto & The Douro Valley: For Wine Lovers and River Views

Portugal has given us a couple of brilliant anniversary‑style breaks, and pairing Porto with the Douro Valley is perfect if you like your special occasions with a side of wine! We started with one night in central Porto so we could explore everything on foot. Porto is so easy to wander, with its steep streets, historic buildings and tiled facades. And visiting a traditional Port House in Porto felt like a must-do!

We spent our time: 

• Walking through the old streets, soaking up the architecture and boutique shops
• Strolling down to the riverside to watch the world go by
• Crossing the bridge to the port houses for a distillery tour

From Porto we arranged a transfer to a beautiful hotel perched above the river in the Douro Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, it feels so calming and like a true escape from everyday life. We visited a local vineyard for wine tasting and to learn more about Vinho Verde, a wine very specific to this region. If you are into your wine, combining Porto and the Douro makes a brilliant anniversary itinerary.

Lisbon: Food, Views and Stylish City Strolling

We have also celebrated in Lisbon, staying in a central hotel that made it easy to explore on foot, with trams and tuk‑tuks when we felt like a lift.

Lisbon is made for wandering: 

• Pretty, hilly neighbourhoods with viewpoints over the city and river
• A mix of traditional tiled buildings and cool, contemporary corners
• A fantastic restaurant and bar scene

Our time there was all about food and atmosphere. We tried a very bougie Asian restaurant with beautiful tasting plates, had an amazing Peruvian ceviche and pisco sour lunch at a trendy spot, and grazed our way through the Time Out food market. The market is perfect if you like to try lots of different dishes, from traditional Portuguese plates to modern twists on Potugese classics, all under one roof.

For couples who enjoy great food, a lively but not overwhelming city and the option of both culture and cocktails, Lisbon is a wonderful choice.

Venice: Iconic, Romantic and Surprisingly Doable for a Weekend

This year we went to Venice and I finally understood why everyone says you have to see it to believe it. There is nowhere else like it. We timed our gondola ride for dusk, when the light softens and the city starts to glow. Yes, it is a little cheesy, but it is also utterly iconic and I loved every minute. Gliding through the canals, under bridges and around corners, you see an entirely different side of Venice.

We stayed in a timeless boutique hotel called Ca Maria Adele right on one of the canals. The decor felt very in keeping with the city, and the team gave us fantastic recommendations for food and wine.

Some highlights: 

• Dinner on a sun drenched terrace beside one of the larger canals, watching boats of all shapes and sizes glide past.  Classic moments like walking over the Rialto Bridge
• Quieter back squares away from the crowds, where we stumbled on what might have been the best pizza of my life!

Despite its dreamlike quality, Venice is very doable for a weekend, so it is perfect for an anniversary escape that feels far more exotic and romantic than the travel time suggests.

Athens: Ancient Wonders and Rooftop Evenings

For our next anniversary, we are planning Athens and I am so excited. I have never seen the Acropolis in person, so the idea of finally standing there, looking up at the Parthenon, feels very special.

What I am looking forward to: 

• Spending the day exploring iconic ancient sites and lively neighbourhoods, with a spot of shopping thrown in!
• Retreating to a beautiful, design‑led hotel to unwind. The infinity pool looks unreal!
• Finishing the evening on a rooftop terrace with something cold in hand, watching the city lights flicker around the Acropolis

Once we have been, I will be adding Athens to this list with our favourite finds and first‑hand tips.

Not Ready to Jump on a Plane? UK Staycations with Serious Style!

If you are not looking to fly, there are some incredible UK staycations that still feel super special for an occasion you're keen to celebrate.

One of our anniversaries was spent at The Pig in the New Forest, the original Pig hotel in now a growing collection, and it was perfection. The whole place oozes British interior design and that slightly eclectic, old‑school farmhouse feel: squashy armchairs, wooden floors, mismatched lamps and cosy corners. It feels relaxed yet quietly luxurious.

Some of my favourite memories: 

• Waking up with the sun streaming in, lingering over the papers and a lazy coffee
• Running a bath before dinner in an old‑fashioned roll‑top tub, glass of fizz in hand, without having to rush or share the bathroom with children! 
• Delicious food and wine lists, shaped by the seasons

The food is a huge part of the experience. Ingredients are grown in the herb and vegetable gardens or sourced from local farmers and suppliers they know well. You really feel that what you are eating is seasonal and thoughtfully sourced, and the presentation of breakfast and every meal is beautiful.

An extra special touch was their recommendation to visit their sister hotel, Lime Wood, a short drive away in the New Forest, to use the spa. Where The Pig feels rustic and cosy, Lime Wood is a little more modern and polished, and the spa is gorgeous. We booked massages and enjoyed the pools and relaxation areas, which added an extra layer of indulgence.

Another favourite UK staycation for us is Beaverbrook: Country-House glamour close to home!  Within minutes of leaving the everyday, you are winding your way down a leafy drive into an estate that feels a million miles away.

Set in the former home of Lord Beaverbrook, where Winston Churchill once spent time, the hotel is full of history. You can feel it in the library and the bar, where the walls are lined with art that tells a story. There is choice for places to eat - my fave is definitely the Japanese: who knew roasted ants on sushi was a thing!

The views over the rolling hills are beautiful, and Beaverbrook works in every season. We first stayed in May, when everything felt fresh and green, but we have also popped back in December when it really comes alive for Christmas: spectacular wreaths, an ice‑skating rink, mulled wine and a calendar of pop‑up events to keep an eye on.

Beaverbrook genuinely feels like stepping back in time. The service is impeccable without ever feeling stuffy, and the spa is small but stunning, with mosaic tiles, an inviting hot tub and incredible treatments.

If this blog has sparked ideas for your own celebration, and you would like specific hotel or restaurant recommendations or help crafting an adults‑only escape for a special occasion, just reach out - I would love to plan it with you.