Float above the clouds of Catalonia

What with the searing temperatures we’ve been promised and all these volcanic eruptions of late, 2010 is gearing up to be one long, hot, hazy summer. A perfect time, then, to turn the heat up in your own relationship. Whether you’re looking to rekindle the spark in a long-term romance or heat things up with a new beau there are plenty of ways to get off to a smouldering start.

Sail the Skies in Spain

Picture it. Languorously adrift in a hot air balloon, the arid plains of Spain beneath you. Slowly the sun rises and as the iridescent blanket of morning dew sparkles a slow retreat there’s just enough time to whisper a champagne toast to your lover. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Or almost at least.

While the experience is an exquisite escape for couples in search of something different, you will need to share airspace with the balloon’s pilot. We are, however, assured he’s very discreet and takes excellent photos so not all’s lost – this is definitely an experience you’ll want committed to film. And you’ll have plenty of quiet time to relive the moment later. The ride is part of a package offered by Spa in Spain, and also includes accommodation in the Catalonian Hotel Urbisol, romantic meals, use of the hotel’s Bliss spa and a room that’s been strewn with flowers, candles, champagne and strawberries.

Bed Down and Look Up in Hamburg

Well-to-do Hamburg may have a somewhat austere exterior, but this Hanseatic city has an enduring affection for late-night dalliances and gentle debauchery. The sailors who converged at Hamburg’s port would go on to drop anchor in the city’s red-light district, the Reeperbahn, and the area still attracts hedonists today. A neon artery near the city centre, die sündige Meile (or sinful mile) is a stretch of clubs and sex shops, bars and brothels, casinos and cabarets. It’s open to all comers and open until all hours, but you’re here to spend time with your partner so perhaps it’s best to go to bed before you get distracted by all that temptation.

Hotel Village has been attracting amorous couples for decades – in its previous incarnation it was northern Germany’s most elegant brothel. And although they’ve spruced up the place considerably they’ve kept the bordello feel. Baroque in style, rooms are lushly decorated with crimson drapes, plush pillows and decadent artwork. With only 20 rooms available booking in advance is necessary. Particularly if you wish to stay in room 44 – the moveable mirror angled above the bed has drawn more than its fair share of admiring glances.

The verdant, virgin landscape of Iceland

Go Wild in Iceland

OK, admittedly travelling to Iceland might seem a bit risky due to Eyjafjallajokull’s volatility but given that you’re trying to rev up your relationship you’re obviously in need of some excitement. Forming a ring that runs along the country’s spectacularly jagged and wild coastline, Route 1 connects all of Iceland’s main towns and sights and means would-be adventurers have an easy way of exploring the otherworldly terrain and unique topography that distinguishes this isolated country.

Rent a car in Reykjavik and just a few hours from the capital you could be navigating glacial paths, witnessing geysers blow or even whale watching from a hidden cove. And with it being summer near perpetual sunlight bathes the island’s wilds with ethereal light even at midnight. So you’ve even longer to gaze adorningly at the sights, and each other…

Get Pampered in Paris

Clichéd it may be, but a romantic-cities guide without Paris is like a wedding without a bride. And that’s exactly the type of scenario we’re trying to avoid here. That said, to really spice up a trip to the city of lights your itinerary needs a bit more ingenuity than traipsing up the Eiffel Tower or sauntering down the Champs Elysées.

Having only opened in January, the Six Senses Spa on Rue de Castiglione is still hidden from most tourists’ radar, and is the perfect spot for couples seeking an indulgent retreat from the pace of the city. Treatments are applied in ‘cocoons’ that are softly illuminated by lantern-like fixtures, and the range of massages and facials on offer should leave you both relaxed and rejuvenated. Especially good for couples is the spa’s signature treatment: Sensory Journey. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it! With two masseuses per person, you’ll be caressed and stroked through 90 minutes of complete indulgence. An invigorating scalp massage, purifying facial and gentle aroma massage should rouse you into a state of all-over bliss. And once fully refreshed and rejuvenated it should also ensure you can’t keep your hands off each other…

Escape the Crowds in Croatia

A two-hour ferry ride from the swelter of Venice, the coastal town of Rovinj on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula has the same beguiling sense of timelessness as its Italian neighbour, minus the tour groups. Closed to cars, the Old Town is where to experience Rovinj at its most unspoiled and authentic, with a coil of cobbled side streets wrapping their way around local galleries, whitewashed churches and shaded squares.

The waterfront of Rovinj Old Town

Life moves slowly here and with ten hours of sunshine a day over the summer there’s plenty of time to follow locals’ example and take a lazy amble to the shore for another watercolour sunset. It’s at romantic times like this that couples have been known to go down on bended knee, but before you make any spontaneous declarations perhaps it’s best to sleep on it.

Just along the marina, Hotel Monte Mulini enjoys sweeping views over the Gulf of Venice and a tranquil nature reserve so you should have plenty of quiet time to mull things over. And if you do decide you’re ready to commit? Well, unusually for a hotel, Monte Mulini also has its own wedding chapel – they’re obviously used to whirlwind romances in these parts.