Love is a walk in the park

Published 3 Feb 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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Sweet: Aamina and Tariq.

Newlywed AAMINA MASUD was lucky in love when she tried out Stoke Park's romantic Valentine's break...

MONEY may not buy you love, but it can certainly buy you romance this Valentine's Day.

Stoke Park is inviting couples to re-ignite the flames of passion by enjoying their 'Romance' break.

Being a newlywed, I was given the opportunity to try the package with my husband, Tariq.

As soon as we drove through the gates off Park Road, Stoke Poges, we could not help but be in awe of the magnificent 350 acres of gardens that have understandably provided the backdrop for countless movies.

I was not surprised to learn that the club was used to film modern-day love story, Bridget Jones's Diary.

The beautiful grounds can be spotted in the movie as Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) whisks Bridget (Renée Zellweger) away for a romantic weekend break.

The lovers row on the glistening lake before retiring to the Pennsylvania Suite.

He then cheats on her and they soon part ways. Luckily for me, my love story had a more positive ending!

Couples can choose between the Mansion House - which is where Bridget stayed, or the Pavilion.

The Pavilion is ideal for young couples as it is a modern building. Rooms have the latest gadgets such as an iPod docking station, modern art and views of Windsor Castle.

However, we stayed in the Mansion House where all rooms have balconies - an ideal spot to enjoy breakfast or evening drinks.

In fact, our room overlooked the 18th hole of the golf course where one of Goldfinger's most famous scenes was shot.

In the film, Oddjob severs the head of a nearby statue with his steel-rimmed bowler hat during a round of golf with James Bond. Again, luckily for me we had a happier ending!

The package is carefully designed to ensure that love is well and truly in the air. As soon as we walked through the door we were greeted with a bouquet of flowers, chocolates and a gift box of the club's bath and massage oils.

There is also a bottle of chilled champagne awaiting guests in their room. Every inch of the room oozed grandeur - from the oversized bed, which made me feel like I was starring in The Princess And The Pea, to the three-foot long tassels on the curtains.

Although there is a spa nearby, lovers can push the boat out and enjoy a massage in their hotel room. A 55-minute therapeutic massage costs £90 and is the perfect way to unwind.

The piece de resistance of the package is the dinner. Our meal was prepared by executive chef Chris Wheeler who was taught by celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli.

They say the way to man's heart is through his stomach... but after that meal I can assure you that it is the same for women!

Men can woo their sweetheart by tucking into a selection of heart-shaped pizzas or other mouthwatering meals containing venison, beef and chicken. Vegetarians are not neglected - there is a fine section of fish and pasta dishes.

Chocolate lovers must try dessert - assiette of Amedei chocolate. It is five mini chocolate puddings on one giant plate.

And even if you do not fall in love with your partner again, you will certainly fall in love with this!

Restaurant and bar manager Howard Davies made our evening memorable by being very attentive without being overbearing. He made every effort to make us feel like movie stars for the night.

If you really want to wine and dine your partner this Valentine's Day then there is no other place to be!

The 'Romance at Stoke Park' break includes...

♥ One night accommodation in a Mansion or Pavilion deluxe room

♥ Bottle of chilled champagne in the room

♥ Three-course table d'h

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 28 Jan 10

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