STAYCATION

With Valentine's Day just round the corner, there's that panic when you realise all the fancy restaurants are booked out and you'll pay triple for a weekend away somewhere short-haul as it's so last minute. 

To be honest, as much as I love a degustation menu, sitting in a candlelit room full of other couples through 13 courses with rose petals scattered over the table cloth, is a bit too cheesy for my liking. Each to their own. 

So for those that have either left it too late or don't fancy a set Valentine's dinner menu, have you ever considered a "staycation"?

stay|ca¦tion (noun) informal

a holiday spent in one's home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions

My suggestions to really enhance your staycation, to ensure you feel like you're really 'getting away':

- no checking work email

- no watching TV

- if you live in a city and it's hot weather, stay in a hotel with an outdoor pool 

the Grand Hyatt's pool overlooks the stunning HK harbour 

(http://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/hotel-activities/pool.html)

- so you don't have to leave the hotel, ensure there's a suitable day spa menu and pre-book your treatments to avoid disappointment 

the Mandarin Oriental's spa suite has a double futon mattress for couple's treatments, a private vitality pool fired with body jets and a steam shower (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong/luxury-spa/suites)

- for those on a budget, a daytime hike with an overnight camp offers an intimate and enjoyable trip for the more outdoorsy folk 

a good introduction to camping are these Safari Bush Campers at Palm beach offering partitioning for 2 compartments and a breakfast veranda; also provided are double-air-beds, proper bedding, air cooler and exclusive camping table and chairs (http://palmbeach.com.hk/SafariBushCamper.html)

- for those living on the coast, hop on a local ferry to a neighbouring island for your own beach staycation

head to Cheng Chau on the Fast Ferry (30 min) and stay at the quaint Bed & Breakfast with their Suite rooms giving a 'home away from home' feel; enjoy breakfast from their roof top terrace looking over the village and only a few steps away from Tung Wan beach (http://www.bbcheungchau.com.hk/v2/Blank.html)

A staycation is a great idea not just for Valentine's Day, but also for any economical last minute weekend getaway!