Listopedia: The Perfect Dozen. Romantic Hotels around the World

It’s that time of year again, when store windows turn pink and roses are on every flower stand. Before you buy that perfect dozen, why not do something different this year?

From private plunge pools to killer sunsets, here’s our Listopedia of the 12 most romantic hotels around the world.

The Castle Hotel, Dalian China

At first glance this brand new five star hotel looks like it stepped straight out of a German fairytale but it’s nowhere near Europe. Instead it sits mountainside in the Liaoning province, located in China’s northeast. The palatial property perches over Dalian, known as China’s Capital of Romance, and is appropriately decked out with plenty of marble, chandeliers, heavy drapes, claw foot bath tubs, fountains and manicured lawns. The 292 rooms are accessed via the grand staircase, perfect for proposals, weddings or the princess in us all.

Maison La Minervetta, Sorrento

Bright colourful furniture, striking tiles, white washed walls, overflowing bookshelves, dramatic art pieces and stunning views straight out to the ocean – this is the holiday home you wish you’d won the lottery and could buy. Filled with objects from the owner’s travels, each room has its own theme. Bright, white, blue, nautical – you’ll want to try them all. A private staircase leads straight down to the quaint Marina Grande fishing village while you’re just a 15 minute walk from Sorrento’s main township.

Four Seasons George V Paris

Long before Kim and Kanye swept out the famous doors to the waiting hordes of paparazzi, this hotel has always been a favourite for loved up couples visiting the City of Love. There is nothing restrained about the luxury in this property, which dates back to 1928. Expect flowers in every room (and on almost every surface), gilded furniture, delicate tapestries dating back to the 18th century, marble bath tubs and plenty of Parisian grandeur. The hotel’s famed underground wine cellar houses 50,000 bottles of wine. What better excuse to try one or two in the Michelin starred Le Cinq restaurant.