Mara ‘best Valentine getaway’

A leading travel website has recommended the Maasai Mara Game Reserve as one of the world’s top Valentine getaway destinations.

JoGuru, the travel website describes it as “the first step any one should take before taking a vacation”. It says that the Maasai Mara provides a “wild getaway” where all one needs is to “charge a camera and grab a hat this Valentine to treat oneself”.

It states: “Check in at the Maasai Mara National Reserve Park, spot the Big Five and have an African experience to call your own”.

Czech republic’s Prague, Croatia’s Dubrovnik, Canada’s Montreal, New York City, Bali (Indonesia), Jamaica, Victor Harbour in Australia, Agra in India and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) also featured among the most preferred getaway spots where one is assured of an experience of a life time.

Without mentioning any specific establishment, the Indian based travel website said Kenya was endowed with multiple world class exclusive resorts where one can enjoy a peaceful ‘‘wild’’ weekend in the most serene environment in the world.

And on Prague, the capital of the Czech republic, the website said: “Nothing says ‘I love you’ better than a romantic weekend in a European capital — Prague with its many romantic hotels and then set out into the city with your beloved. A walk across the Gothic bridge, a ride in the boat and some local booze, will make you fall in love all over again — with your Valentine and the city.”

IDEAL GETAWAY

Croatia which has produced some of the world’s best lawn tennis players is said to be an ideal getaway for anyone looking for some “quality couple time”.

Its highlights are listed as; its clean beaches, locally squeezed wines and its ageless Old Town that provides a beautiful city “which has romance spilling out from every nook and cranny, making a Valentine weekend all the more special”.

The site also ranked Canada’s Montreal city as arguably the most under-rated romantic city on Earth.

“Montreal is a treasure-chest for couples looking to maintain or rekindle their romance. Kick-start the occasion with a French-Canadian candlelight dinner and a carriage ride through the old city. Plan a sunset cruise or go ice skating,” it said.

Though a great and famous city, the report mourns that the romantic appeal of New York City is overshadowed by the hustle-bustle that dictates the city’s life. It said the city has panoramic views from ‘Top of the Rock’ or the Empire State Building that re-create some iconic scenes from many ‘a-romcoms’ (romantic soap operas).

“Round off your day on a musical note by strolling down to the Ambassador Theatre for a Broadway show and remember there is just so much to see in NYC that one weekend getaway will not do it justice but on this occasion (Valentine) it is not the place but the person that matters,” its authors said.

Despite the unfortunate incident in which over 200 tourists died in a disco hall, Bali city in Indonesia is featured at Number 5. It is described as a star-struck city where movies are made.

Reggae-music mad Kingston city in Jamaica comes at number six for its secluded resorts inside forests where one can while away the day watching birds.

“Going on a historic tour will grow on one like a second skin,” the site said.

Victor Harbour in Australia is famous for Penguin spotting while India’s Agra city is the home of the world famous Taj Mahal Hotel, a symbol of eternal love.

Rio de Janeiro closes in the best top 10 destinations where a tour on Valentine Day is described as ‘sensual’ with its streets alive with the rhythm of samba drums.

JoGuru website helps travellers plan itineraries and search for interesting places to visit.

It also helps tourists to find and book the best hotels and travel experiences worldwide.