Under £100
The Hotel Le Grimaldi in Nice, in a beautiful 1930's 'belle epoque' building located in the Old Town and a short drive from the airport, is offering rooms (based on two sharing) from between £46 to £71 per night (Euros 75 to 115) valid until 31 March. This price excludes breakfast and local tax. One of the low cost airlines like Easyjet will get you there from around £70. Reservations direct with the hotel (00 33 493 16 00 24).
Theatre Break (08705 992993) has a deal at £99 for the night with breakfast at the four-star Berners Hotel, off Oxford Street, London, including tickets to see My Fair Lady.
Under £200
Watergate Bay, five miles along the coast from Newquay in Cornwall, is the base for The Extreme Academy (01637 860 867) which provides a range of intensive courses including Power Kiting, small parachutes controlled like kites designed to harness the force of the wind. Specialist tour operator Travelsmith (0870 748 1000 quote C674) provides two night fly/drive weekends with BA from Gatwick to Newquay, B&B accommodation at the family-run Tregurrian Hotel. Departing either 19 or 26 April for £159, or 17 May for £169 this includes car hire and a bottle of wine with your meal at The Beach Hut restaurant.
Park your distracting mobiles with reception at Kensington's five-star Royal Garden Hotel (0207 937 8000) when you book in for Valentine's night. The price of £149 includes breakfast, champagne, a four-course dinner at the Tenth Restaurant (plus dancing to a band) and a passion pack of oils and chocolates. Retrieve your messages in the morning.
Take your love to the romantic new Van Gogh & Gauguin exhibition which opens in Amsterdam on 9 February with Shortbreaks (020 8289 8800) Departing on 13 or 14 February for two nights B&B at the three-star Hem Hotel, near the gallery, will set you back £189, including scheduled British Midland flights from Heathrow and a timed ticket entry to the show.
Under £300
The secluded Sandridge Boathouse on the River Dart, South Devon, has a master bedroom with watery views on three sides. For this privacy, guests walk the last 600 yards (minus luggage, which is transported for you). The accommodation, which sleeps five, is on the first and second floors with a veranda. Available for £261 for the week 9 to 16 February through Helpful Holidays (01647 433593).
Under £400
Verona, setting for Romeo and Juliet, has three nights' B&B in the three-star Hotel Mastino for £379. This includes direct BA flights leaving Gatwick on 14 February. Contact Lakes & Mountains Holidays (01329 844405).
Europe's little-known Republic of San Marino is now an independent state, just 12km at its widest point and located on the Adriatic coast of Italy between Ancona in the south, and Rimini in the north. Sunvil (020 8758 4722) has three night breaks, with BA flights from Gatwick or Stansted to Bologna and car hire, for £400 inclusive of B&B accommodation at the three star Hotel Rosa in the Old Town. There is the Grand Prix in April, jazz festival in July and, since it has tax free status, the shopping alone could make it worthwhile.
Under £500
Carnival time in Mexico (from 6 to 13 February) is one huge countrywide celebration and Lufthansa currently has fares from Heathrow (via Frankfurt) to Mexico City starting at just £439.40 (including taxes) through Travelbag (0870 737 7859). This price is good until 31 March with a minimum stay of seven nights and maximum three months.
Under £700
Escape dreary February for seven nights in Madeira either at the five-star Crowne Plaza Resort in Funchal for £659 (children up to 12, £479) or the four-star Dom Pedro Baia in the picturesque town of Machico for £609 (children up to 12, £459). Both depart 10 February and include charter flights from Gatwick, breakfasts and transfers. Cadogan Holidays (023 80 828313).
Over £1,000
Experienced motorcyclists can sign up for the ultimate two week holiday with Jewel in the Crown (01293 533338) from the Blazing Trails programme. Riding vintage Enfield bikes, the ride starts in Goa, India on 16 February cruising through ancient cities, wildlife reserves and endless stretches of deserted beaches and the price is £1,049. This includes charter flights from Gatwick or Manchester, motorcycle hire and simple B&B guest house accommodation (with two nights under canvas). Non-riding adults can ride pillion and the tour is accompanied by a support crew.
