VALENTINE ’ SDAY
GALS , PALS & VALS :
insideKENT ’ s Ultimate Guide For Days Out And Nights Away With Your Best Ones This February
BY OLIVIA RICCINI
NO LONGER EXCLUSIVELY FOR CELEBRATING ROMANTIC LOVE , VALENTINE ’ S HAS EVOLVED INTO THE PERFECT TIME TO LET OUR FRIENDS KNOW JUST HOW LOVED THEY ARE TOO .
ROWHILL GRANGE
Although first recorded some time in the 8th century , it wasn ’ t until some 600 years later that Saint Valentine ’ s Day became associated with love and romance . The blueprint for the day we know today came about during the 14th and 15th centuries , when notions of courtly love flourished and the date of February 14 became reflective of the lovebirds of early spring . By the dawn of the 18th century , Valentine ’ s Day had evolved even further , now an occasion upon which Georgian couples would express their love for each other by presenting flowers , offering confectionery , and sending greeting cards .
These sweet traditions are some which have been carried forward in our celebration of the most romantic day of the year , and alongside these , 2023 sees Valentine ’ s Day evolve into so much more . Some of us may refuse to give into the ‘ commercialisation ’ of Valentine ’ s Day , and see the date as more consumer driven than a day dedicated to recognising love and affection , but we at insideKENT see 14 February as the perfect time to show not just our romantic partners , but those we hold most dear , just how much we love and appreciate them . Whether single , taken , married , or unsure , one thing is now for certain in our 21st century depiction of Valentine ’ s Day : it is a day to be celebrated with whoever we choose . Partners , pals , pets or parents , Kent is certain to have the ideal hotel , restaurant or activity perfect for letting our loved ones know just how much we appreciate their presence and love in our lives .
FOR SPA SERENITY
Rowhill Grange , Dartford www . alexanderhotels . co . uk / rowhill-grange
A proud part of the acclaimed Alexander Hotels Group , Rowhill Grange is an award-winning , foursilver-star hotel near Dartford . Crafted from a ‘ desire to transport the senses away from the everyday ’, Rowhill ’ s ‘ Utopia ’ is a spa destination like no other and a truly serene way to spend Valentine ’ s with loved ones , whether it be one person or a small group . Featuring 19 treatment rooms including two couple ' s treatment rooms , iconic Romanesque splitlevel pools , saunas , steam rooms , whirlpools and more , Rowhill promises every guest a truly invigorating and refreshing break to leave them feeling their best upon departure . Inviting guests to nurture and fortify their body with heat , water and scent , guests will reconnect with their centre and find equilibrium through a range of bio-nutritional therapies from OSKIA of London and deeply aromatic treatments from Temple Spa , along with Rowhill ’ s own unique Utopia Rituals . After your treatments , spend the day unwinding in your soothing fluffy robe while you enjoy a drink at the bar , delicious dining in the Elements bar , or explore Rowhill ’ s pretty grounds .
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