Romance Me Whitsundays - Top 10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Heart Reef

Stuck for a gift idea for Valentine's Day? Couples looking for a romantic escape will find a range of choices in the Whitsundays, the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

From the stunning, naturally formed coral reef in the shape of a love heart, to a romantic weekend away at an island resort, to sailing, scenic flights, luxury day spas and a private picnic on Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsundays truly caters for all kinds of romantic getaways.

So forget about sparkling new jewellery and chocolate coated strawberries this year and surprise your loved one with a romantic escape to the Whitsundays. Here are our top 10 gift ideas for Valentine's Day:

1. Romantic picnic on Whitehaven Beach

Jump on board Cruise Whitsundays Love Boat to Australia's Best Beach, Whitehaven Beach. The crew will provide you with your own picnic hamper, red rose, and champagne before you head off to find a cosy spot for your romantic picnic at this magnificent 7km long stretch of beach. Feel the soft silica sand between your toes, the sun warming your skin and sip on a glass of champagne while you cast your eyes over the turquoise waters.

2. Take a 60min Heart to Heart

There is nothing more romantic than soaring over world-famous Heart Reef in a helicopter or seaplane with your loved one. If you want to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above, below and on the water, create lasting memories with Hamilton Island's Reef Comber experience. You and your loved one will be left speechless with wonder as you enjoy a scenic seaplane flight over picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and dreamy Heart Reef, before landing by the Reef itself at Hardy Lagoon to enjoy a glass bottom boat and secluded snorkelling experience, with champagne in hand.

3. Relax, unwind and be pampered

Enjoy time together and rejoice in the feeling of wellness as you and your loved one indulge in hours of pampering at Daydream Island's Rejuvenation Spa. Sink into the serene infused waters of the Geisha Tub with a glass of bubbles, nourish your body and relieve stress with a replenishing massage.

4. Set sail in the arms of your loved one

Step aboard a luxurious yacht with your partner and sail away into the sunset. Sail through the calm and clear waters of the Whitsunday Islands and flit from one island paradise to the next. Drop the anchor in a secluded cove, take a dip in the cool blue waters or snorkel the fringing reefs with myriads of colourful fish and corals. As the sun sets on the horizon, nestle in the arms of your loved one, sip on a tropical cocktail and take in the picturesque serenity.

5. A unique culinary experience in gorgeous surrounds

Surrounded by lush, agricultural land, the Whitsundays culinary experience is all about fresh local seafood and the abundance of fresh local produce. Indulge in delectable food and wine at a romantic candle light dinner at Tides Restaurant and Bar, arrange a private dinner prepared by qualia's Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell, or experience the action and aromas of the Main Kitchen at One&Only Hayman Island with an interactive gourmet experience.

6. Spend an unforgettable day at the Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsundays lie right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and surprising your loved one with a getaway to this spectacular experience is truly unique. Snorkel hand in hand along the edge of the Great Barrier Reef with thousands of brightly coloured fish and coral surrounding you. For the ultimate romantic experience, treat your partner to a night under the stars of the Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays Reefsleep experience.

7. Camp under the stars on a secluded island

With 74 tropical islands nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of secluded bays and deserted islands for you to explore. Make like Robinson Crusoe and stay the night with camp sites available on many Whitsunday Islands for as little as $5.50. Explore secluded bays, glistening white beaches, rocky headlands and colourful fringing reefs and spend unforgettable nights under the stars in the arms of your loved one.

8. Sunset dinner at one of Bowen's award-winning beaches

Need the ultimate escape? Get away from the hustle and bustle and everyday stresses with a trip to the Top of the Whitsundays. Invite your partner to a romantic sunset dinner at one of Bowen's unspoilt beaches. Simply pick up some fresh, local seafood at Bowen's marina and head to one of the award-winning beaches.

9. Retreat to the lush green hills of the Whitsunday Coast

Retreat to one of the resorts and apartments nestled into the lush green hills of the Whitsunday Coast. Relax in your own private spa bath on your balcony at Pinnacles Resort and Spa overlooking the Coral Sea and Islands or spoil your loved one with at Marina Shore's Romance Me Whitsundays package. Get active and explore the natural beauty of the Whitsundays - take a walk along the Whitsunday Great Walk or spot wildlife on the Goorganga wetlands with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.

10. That very bright and sparkly ring

Let's be honest - There is no better time to pop the big question than on a tropical holiday, under swaying palm trees and with turquoise waters lapping the shore. So what are you waiting for? You're having the time of your life on the most memorable holiday so why not consider saying 'I do' in the Whitsundays? You can meet our wedding experts face to face at the Whitsundays Wedding and Honeymoon Expo in Airlie Beach on Sunday, 22 February 2015.

ABOUT THE WHITSUNDAYS

The 74 islands of the Whitsundays lay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, cradled by the tropical waters of the Coral Sea, a truly remarkable icon of beauty. The Whitsundays is an invitation into a world of tropical wonder. The vibrant colours of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest provide plenty of scope for activity and adventure. Easily accessible by air or road, the Whitsundays are located on the central eastern coast of Queensland in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The area is characterised by world class resort facilities blending harmoniously with the pristine natural attributes of the area. Sail, Explore, Dive, Dine, Play, Relax, Enjoy. The opportunities are endless… which is why there is no better place to take a well-deserved holiday than the Whitsundays. www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au