Romantic overseas trips might be off the cards this Valentine's Day, but there's no harm in daydreaming about future getaways with your loved one.
Recent data from accommodation platform Airbnb found that during the global pandemic, people were most missing travel for visiting loved ones. As we wait for borders to reopen and restrictions to ease around the world, to once again travel for love, here are 12 romantic Airbnbs from around the world to help inspire future loved-up escapes.
From a 700-year-old restored farm stay in Italy to a design-centric destination in the Hollywood Hills, which of these romantic Airbnb spots would you choose?
Click through the gallery above for more getaway inspiration for two.
1. The Old Mill House, Hertfordshire, England
A Grade II Regency home in the picturesque countryside of Standon, this period home has four reception rooms, six bedrooms, a grand dining room and fully stocked pantry. Located on the banks of a tranquil river, it also has three acres of private gardens, woodland and meadows.
Stays from Dh3,816 per night
2. Still House Moonshine Shack, Cornwall, England
Step back to the days of pioneers and prohibition when you stay at Still House Moonshine Shack. This beautiful barn for two is located two miles inland and blends cosy interiors with unique fittings and furnishings. Perfect for couples and honeymooners, the house has its own hot tub, private porch, open-fire and fully equipped kitchen.
Stays from Dh967 per night
3. This 17th-century Le Marais apartment, Paris, France
Paris is the city of love so it makes sense to spend a romantic holiday here. This 17th-century one-bedroom apartment is located inside a historical mansion in the popular Le Marais neighbourhood. Offering amazing city views, antique furniture and a touch of French sophistication, it also has a "no noise after 11pm" policy, making it the perfect place for cosy nights in with your significant other.
Rates from Dh1,779 per night
4. Timber Lodge Nid'Amour, Occitanie, France
This heart-shaped wooden cabin in France is the ideal place for nature lovers seeking a romantic stay. Nestled in the middle of the woods, the handmade hut has a comfortable bed, bathroom, solar-powered shower and outside terrace with amazing views. Awake to birdsong after a night in the Hautes-Pyrenees at this quaint stay in the woods of Couloumes in Benac, a small village between Tarbes and Lourdes.
Rates from Dh453 per night
5. A thatched farmhouse in Hamburg, Germany
For a love that's built to last, get inspired at this 200-year-old farmhouse on the outskirts of Hamburg. A fairy-tale stay for two awaits in this suite, which is located inside the heritage house. Wooden beams and hardwood floorboards create a rustic atmosphere in the one-bedroom suite that also comes with access to the farm's private gardens, perfect for picnicking on.
Rates from Dh232 per night
6. This 700-year-old restored barn in Bologna, Italy
This restored barn in Bologna, Italy is more than 700 years old and has been lovingly restored. Inside, there's a lounge and dining area, two large bedrooms each with their own bathrooms, a spiral staircase and open fireplace. Outside, enjoy time in the gardens with sun beds, hammock and summertime barbecues.
Stays from Dh515
7. A romantic cabana in Quindio, Colombia
Escape to your own rainforest retreat in this bamboo cabana located in the Andean mountains in Armenia, Colombia. Surrounded by greenery and strategically placed for privacy, the cabana has an outdoor shower in the garden. Situated on a small organic farm where tropical fruits, trees and flowers grow, there's also an al fresco dining area and king-size bed with amazing views of the surrounding bamboo forest. Guests can also wander to the nearby mountain stream, small waterfall, bee farm and butterfly emporium.
Stays from Dh147 per person, per night
8. Sundown tiny house in Texas, US
Check into Sundown: a Designer's Gorgeous Tiny Home in Wimberley, Texas for the ideal escape for two. Small but perfectly formed, this tiny house has been expertly curated and has a choice of sleeping areas (queen sleeper sofa or loft bed), a fully equipped kitchen, designer decor and a private bath with shower. Outside you'll find a hot tub perfect for two, a private fenced yard, charcoal grill, picnic table, double hammock and twinkle lights hung from the trees.
Stays from Dh564
9. Little Castle by The Sea, England, UK
Fans of the hit period drama Bridgerton can embrace their inner Lady Whistledown with a stay at Little Castle by the Sea in England's Herne Bay. The Gothic house is set in its own walled garden that opens out to steps leading directly to the beach for swimming and sunbathing. Inside, the grand mansion has 15-foot high ceilings with chandeliers, three large sitting rooms and five bedrooms to choose from. There's also a large dining room ideal for dinner parties and a library for cosy nights in.
Stays from Dh2,544 per night
10. Hillside house in the Hollywood Hills, California, US
Drink in panoramic city views of Hollywood all the way to the ocean from this rustic cabin-like home in the hills of Los Angeles' most famous neighbourhood. The small private guest unit is nestled in the wooded hillside and has a free-standing bathtub and sun-drenched terrace overlooking the city. The cabin-like bedroom has a queen-size bed, tea and coffee making facilities and air-conditioning.
Stays from Dh758 per night
11. A duplex home with a Zen garden, Atlanta, US
This design-centric duplex apartment in downtown Atlanta comes with its own Zen garden and a hot tub ideal for two people. Located in Atlanta's best walking neighbourhood it has easy access to the city's best restaurants, bars and boutiques. Inside, the small house is big on design features and has modern interiors with a new kitchenette and huge flat screen TVs in both bedrooms. The star of the show is definitely the Zen garden with its romantic hot tub and fire pit.
Stays from Dh664
12. This luxury Regency apartment in Somerset, England
Delight in the true Georgian character found in this spacious luxury apartment in the picturesque city of Bath. Expect high ceilings and period fireplaces alongside a richly furnished interior. Sleep between 100 per cent French cotton sheets and rejuvenate with organic toiletries in the claw-foot bathtub. The games room is filled with old books about the city, Jane Austen novels and movies, games and puzzles to while away the days.
Rates from Dh1,126 per night
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Read more:
Valentine’s staycation deals: 10 best hotel stays for couples in the UAE
Celebrate Valentine's Day at home: 8 meal kits and offers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Who was Saint Valentine? Five Valentine facts you may not know
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
West Indies v India - Third ODI
India 251-4 (50 overs)
Dhoni (78*), Rahane (72), Jadhav (40)
Cummins (2-56), Bishoo (1-38)
West Indies 158 (38.1 overs)
Mohammed (40), Powell (30), Hope (24)
Ashwin (3-28), Yadav (3-41), Pandya (2-32)
India won by 93 runs
Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20101hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20135Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Six-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh79%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
The five stages of early child’s play
From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:
1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.
2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.
3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.
4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.
5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.
NEW%20UTILITY%20POLICY%3A%20WHAT%20DOES%20IT%20REGULATE%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Agreements%20on%20energy%20and%20water%20supply%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Applied%20service%20fees%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customer%20data%20and%20information%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Prohibition%20of%20service%20disconnections%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customer%20complaint%20process%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Management%20of%20debts%20and%20customers%20in%20default%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Services%20provided%20to%20people%20of%20determination%20and%20home%20care%20customers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Fight card
1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)
4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)
5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)
6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)
9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)
10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)
11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)
12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
