A Valentine’s Paradise

 

It’s that time of year again where love and romance reign supreme. Valentine’s Day is the ideal day for a struggling couple to put aside their differences, or for a happy twosome to fall even more deeply in love. It’s almost impossible for anyone to argue – celebrity or otherwise — when confronted with the natural beauty of Finland, one of the most stunning destinations in the world.

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis clearly need a little of the country’s serene, picture-perfect beauty to mend their broken relationship. A trip to the Nordic region might be just the antidote Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen need in the wake of his glaring Super Bowl loss.

So what should these A-listers – and their perfectly happy, loved-up brethren (Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, I’m talking to you!) do in this northern European paradise?

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis clearly need a little of the country’s serene, picture-perfect beauty to mend their broken relationship. A trip to the Scandinavian region might be just the antidote Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen need in the wake of his glaring Super Bowl loss.

So what should these A-listers – and their perfectly happy, loved-up brethren (Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, I’m talking to you!) do in this northern European paradise?

 

For starters, they should head to the Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, an area so cold that snuggling up is a requirement. Visiting this northeastern Lapland town is a bit like visiting Santa’s version of the North Pole, as you can actually ride in a sled pulled by reindeer (though not, sadly, by Rudolph). Best of all, you can actually stay in a glass igloo – though this one, thankfully has heat – while noshing on chocolates, sipping champagne and getting cozy beneath the sheets. If you want a break from all that romantic action, cross your fingers, pray for a clear night and step outside. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a perfect view of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. You may never have such a romantic moment again.

Another wonderfully romantic spot to see the Northern Lights is the Wilderness Centre Metsakartano. Sleigh rides and dogsled rides are both available, though this spot caters more to the athletic type. For a couple like Jennifer Aniston and Justin Therou, who both love to ski, Metsakartano is the perfect fit. Here they would have ample time to ski, snowshoe, snowboard, ice fish or play around on a snowmobile; indoor activities like wall climbing, archery and handicrafts are also offered in this winter wonderland.

For a less freezing outing, take your beloved for a stroll through Helsinki’s Meilahti Arboretum to check out some stunning flora and fauna. Gentlemen, you don’t want to disappoint your lady love, so make sure there are some equally gorgeous roses awaiting her return back at the hotel. Speaking of hotels, if you happen to be a well-paid Hollywood actor, there isn’t a more opulent option than the city’s Hotel Kamp Helsinki. The city’s only five-star hotel has been around since 1887, but was re-launched in 1999 by the Starwood Hotel Group. Though it has every modern amenity, its interior pays homage to the past with ceiling frescoes and burnished woodwork.

For a quick, loved-up jaunt outside Helskini, you should take a two-minute ferry ride to the island of Uunisaari. Porvoo, a beautiful old medieval city built on a hill by a river, is another option for a romantic day trip. To note: lovers should take the steamship instead of a bus, as it’s so slow that you’ll have more time to enjoy one another – and the scenery, of course — on the ride over.

Savonlinna, 208 miles away from the capital city, is an utterly enchanting little town. Though some of the jet set might prefer to unwind in a cabin by Lake Savonlinna, others might opt for a whimsical night playing king and queen at nearby Olavinlinna castle.

The cosmopolitan set in search of a real Valentine’s Day date need to head to Finland’s fifth largest city, Turku. There is an endless amount of entertainment for the couple who need to be doing and dining during the day of love.

This city was voted the 2011 European Capital of Culture for a reason. There are plenty of highbrow choices for those in search of the ultimate date night, including theatres, cinemas, art galleries and even a philharmonic orchestra. While you’re enjoying the city’s sites, stay in an exclusive suite at the Naatali Spa Hotel, where you’ll even have your own sauna.

It’s also possible to kick back and relax in Turku if you’re into less sophisticated fare. During the winter months, the greatest, most unique activity is, in fact, a trip to an entirely different kind of sauna. The Finnish Sauna is a tiny little outdoor sauna in the middle of the woods and worth tracking down (though you might need to run through the snow before you sultry skinny dip). This is a breathing taking little romp for both the adventurous types and the die-hard romantics.

Whatever a celebrity chooses to do in this white winter paradise, they should understand exactly how the Finnish choose to celebrate February 14. Valentine’s Day is called “Ystävänpäivä” in this Scandinavian nation, which actually means “Friend’s Day”. Though Americans celebrate their partner on Valentine’s Day, Finnish natives also fete their closest friends by sending one another cards and presents.

It appears that the citizens of Finland truly understand the meaning behind Valentine’s Day. They realize that whether you’re single or attached come February 14, you must remember one thing: if you can’t be with the one you love, then you have to love the one (the friend) you’re with.