Love Surprises? You'll Love myByBox

Lovestruck romeos who want to surprise their partners on Valentine’s Day with a present bought online can now ensure their secret gifts are kept safe thanks to www.myByBox.com and its network of electronic locker banks.

Whether they hate waiting at home for deliveries, or simply want to keep their purchases a secret until the big man's day, an increasing number of online shoppers are opting to pick up their purchases from one of the thousands of ByBox locker banks located around the country in convenient locations.

And those who have left it to the last minute can rest easy as www.figleaves.com is able to take orders up to 3pm on Monday February 13 for its range of lingerie for delivery into your choice of locker box on the morning of the 14th. Happy days!

“With ByBox lockers you can either keep a surprise as a surprise or make sure cupid's arrow doesn't misfire if St Valentine has fallen off your radar until the 11th hour," said Stuart Miller, Chief Executive and co-founder of ByBox.

“People want the flexibility of being able to pick up a parcel to suit them rather than spend hours looking out for the postman or waiting for a parcel carrier to arrive – myByBox makes the whole process simple.

“And on Valentine’s Day there’s no need to rush to answer the door before your partner – using myByBox.com we will keep your gifts discreetly tucked away until you decide to collect them or get you out of a hole if you've forgotten!

There are over 300 ByBox locker bank locations in the UK and ByBox delivers parcels to them in the middle of the night, 365 days a year, including Bank Holidays, with an enviable success rate of 99.77%.

The model is proving so popular that ByBox plans to invest £2 million installing extra banks of secure lockers at handy spots within the M25 London area such as railway stations and shopping centres.

So this Valentine’s Day, why not surprise them the digital way. Sign up to myByBox and send them a parcel. Flowers? Chocolates? A ring? Surprise us!

Delivered next-day to your nearest locker with a text and email sent to your phone.

British Airways launch auction to win a Valentine’s dinner on Concorde

British Airways have announced a charity auction that will allow a pair of high-flying romantics to enjoy the ultimate Valentines dinner date.

The airline is inviting couples to bid in the auction for the chance to be wined and dined on board the world’s most iconic aircraft – without even leaving the ground. The highest bidder will win a romantic dinner for two on board the British Airways flagship Concorde G-BOAC at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park on February 14.

The lucky couple will receive red carpet treatment from the steps of Concorde to their exclusive table for two in the main cabin, where they will be served a three-course dinner, created by a top chef, with a bottle of champagne to celebrate Valentine's Day.

All proceeds from the auction will go to Flying Start, British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief whose aim is to raise money to help children living incredibly tough lives in the UK and around the world.

The auction was launched this week by famed Cheshire toastmaster Ian Parrott, who actually flew to New York on Concorde twice during a previous career.

He said: "Concorde has always offered the ultimate in romance, you don’t have to fly anywhere to appreciate the very intimate and luxurious surroundings of this beautiful aircraft. To have it all to yourself for one evening is possibly the most romantic gesture you can make."

Anyone is welcome to bid for the ultimate Valentine dinner on Concorde in the company's e-mail auction, all they have to do is send an e-mail to valentines.concorde@ba.com stating how much they would be prepared to pay for the prize and give their name and contact details. The prize will be awarded to the highest bidder and there is a reserve price of £500. The auction closes on Sunday, February 12 at midnight and the winner will be notified on Monday, February 13.

FACTFILE:
British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations - including holidays in New York, flights to Dubai and a whole host of other all inclusive holidays as well as plenty of valentines breaks 2012.

Customers can save time and money with www.ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985. Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

Colombian flowers make love go round the world 8 times!

 

If love makes the world go round then Colombian flowers are on track to make it spin this Valentine’s Day!

More than 500,000,000 Colombian flowers are being shipped to countries around the world to meet the February 14th deadline including over 5 million roses into the UK. That’s enough flowers to go round the world at least 8 times.

And not only will Colombian flowers be saying ‘I love you’ in a truly international language but helping provide safe and financially rewarding work for over 200,000 workers in Colombia who work directly or indirectly for the country’s second biggest export business.

Speaking today in Bogotá, capital of Colombia, Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, said: “We are on the threshold of the most important season for our industry. Colombian growers are renowned for their quality roses which are sold in high end stores like Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and quality independent florists. 

"With larger heads and strong stems they have become the rose of choice for customers wanting something extra special to express their love and friendship.”

Due to the near perfect growing conditions in the Sabana de Bogotá, just outside the capital city, Colombia produces amazing flowers with larger heads, stronger stems and more vibrant colours.

More importantly the country is acknowledged as one of the leaders in terms of social and environmental achievements with an independently audited certification programme, Florverde, which has Global Gap approval and is respected by some of the most demanding flower buyers in the UK.

Solano continued: “In 2011 over USD 5 million was spent by the Colombian flower industry on local social programmes that directly benefitted more than 90,000 workers and their families. Be it low-cost housing, schools, university programmes or medical services, the money spent on flowers throughout the world is directly fed back to the people who grow and look after them.”

For more information visit www.colombianflowers.co.uk

Flowers still top Valentine lists

The latest user survey conducted by dedicated money-saving website DiscountVouchers.co.uk has this week revealed that the majority of Britons still rate the top Valentine’s Day gift to be flowers.

DiscountVouchers.co.uk regularly surveys its site users and this week reveals that the leading Valentine's Day gift is flowers, with 40% of respondents picking this. Next in the poll results was jewellery with 34% while the poll also showed that 9% of people prefer not to give any gift at all Valentine's Day.

The top ten Valentine’s Day presents uncovered by the voucher codes website poll were: 1. Flowers. 2. Jewellery. 3. Nothing. 4. Chocolates. 5. Champagne. 6. Lingerie. 7. Teddy bear. 8. Simple card. 9. Perfume. 10. CD.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Head East for your Valentine's Day romantic break

Car hire comparison engine eRentals.co.uk has announced a surge in bookings for unusual destinations in Eastern Europe this coming Valentine's Day. The site has seen a surge in recent bookings for destinations throughout that region for the week around Valentine's Day.

The car hire specialist has reported a recent spike in reservations in unusual Valentine's Day locations like Sofia in Bulgaria, Prague in the Czech Republic, Bratislava in Slovakia and Krakow in Poland. Brits are looking to Eastern Europe to source themselves a better value romantic break this February.

Briony Fairbairn, spokesperson for eRentals.co.uk, says: “France remains as popular a romantic destination as ever but we've definitely seen a change in booking behaviour this year. Brits looking for bargain breaks over the Valentine's Day period are using cheap flights, restaurants and hotels to enjoy bargain breaks to Eastern Europe this year."

“Ski resorts are increasingly popular this year too as people use value for money car hire as a way of getting more for their budgets.”

eRentals.co.uk is right now offering three day car rental deals such as Sofia airport for £20, Krakow airport for £40 and Budapest airport from £40. The site has also seen increased demand for deals in Faro, Malta and Bordeaux for Valentine's Day.

Briony went on: “It's understandable that people are still working to tight budgets and we really do sympathise - however the romantic couples who want to get away this year can do so without breaking the bank thanks to new value for money Valentine's Day hire deals.”

eRentals.co.uk is a specialist car hire company, providing cheap car hire in over 12,000 locations around the World. Committed to finding its customers the best prices, eRentals.co.uk offers a quick and easy search of the latest offers.

To check the latest deals visit www.erentals.co.uk

(EDITOR: Planning ahead, why not check them out to see what deals you could get for a special break for Chirstmas 2012?)

Hunter Dunn, Hunter Dunn, best place for Valentine gifts under the sun!

It is a sad but true fact that Valentine’s Day can turn even the best gift-buyer in to a monster. Despite good intentions it’s easy to get bamboozled by the barrage of love hearts and cherubs tempting us to buy such horrors as novelty lingerie, service station flowers and oversized teddy bears!

However, with the return of the recession, retail studies are showing a clear shift in our gifting practices and it appears that more shoppers are shunning Valentine’s Day novelty presents and giving practical and stylish gifts that their significant other will not only like, but cherish.

So how to go about sifting through the plethora of Valentine-themed items in the shops to make sure that you find the perfect gift for that special someone?

Amanda Wright, founder of online clothing boutique Hunter Dunn, says: “With people tightening the purse strings they are far less likely to treat themselves, so gifts such as cashmere knitwear or silk scarves are a fantastic way to show you care on Valentines Day.”

Still unsure? Follow our guide to buying the perfect gift from www.hunterdunn.co.uk!

For Those with a Passion for Fashion
Combine romance and style with a ‘Botanical’ necklace from London-based jewellers Comfort Station. Each necklace contains laser cut slices from an antique botanical book, making this the perfect unique gift for your one-and-only! (http://www.hunterdunn.co.uk/botanical-book-pendant-p-156.htm...)
RRP £197.00

For the Classic and Cosy
Your special lady can channel Riviera Chic all year round with this classic nautical jumper from renowned knitwear designer John Smedley, made from beautiful extra-fine New Zealand Merino Wool, this ticks boxes for being both practical and luxurious. (Carey indigo/white stripe sweater pictured) (http://www.hunterdunn.co.uk/carey-indigowhite-stripe-sweater...)
RRP £130.00

For the Simply Stylish
The lady in your life can add a dash of classic style to any outfit with a Weston scarf.

Prize-winning architect and landscape designer, Richard Weston creates unique pieces inspired by the forms, patterns and colours found in nature. This luxurious collection of silk satin scarves are digitally printed from his unique mineral, stone and fossil collection (Fluorite design pictured) (http://www.hunterdunn.co.uk/scarves-c-101_108.html)
RRP £147.50

For the Man in Your Life
Let’s hear it for the boys! Treat the man in your life to a luxurious 100% Merino Wool jumper from renowned knitwear designer John Smedley. (Beetroot Hunter Round Neck Sweater pictured) (http://www.hunterdunn.co.uk/beetroot-hunter-round-neck-sweat...)
RRP £95.00

For The Woman Who Has Everything
Treat her to a beautiful iPad sleeve from Vogue-featured designer Mimi Berry. Made from Raspberry Italian hard leather and designed to fit both iPad 1 and 2, this is the one item that the woman who has everything simply cannot live without. (http://www.hunterdunn.co.uk/raspberry-ipad-cover-p-291.html)
RRP £120.00

All items detailed above can be found at online boutique Hunter Dunn – visit www.hunterdunn.co.uk. 

(EDITOR: And, yes, we know it is early, but why not check out Hunter Dunn for some ideas for neat Chirstmas presents, too?)

GET ME IN! Offers Last Minute Ticket Discounts This Valentine’s Day

Couples and singletons looking for high quality, low cost entertainment this Valentine’s Day need look no further than GET ME IN!’s last minute tickets service. Its bargain deals are sure to get hearts racing – with discounts of up to 75% on tickets for even the most in-demand events.

Current under-face-value deals for events that take place between now and Valentine's Day include tickets for: Welsh stunner Katherine Jenkins’ latest tour, the fabulously camp Strictly Come Dancing tour and crooner James Morrison’s gigs in London, Manchester and other UK venues.

Recent bargains snapped up by customers have included tickets for the breath-taking Cirque du Soleil Totem which sold for £40 despite a face value of £70, tickets for XFM’s Winter Wonderland which sold at £9; £14 less than their £25 face value, and tickets for the hilarious Billy Connelly which had a face value of £35 but sold for just £25.

The last minute service allows fans to buy concert tickets and comedy tickets up until a few hours before an event, meaning you can avoid a last minute dash to your local petrol station for a wilted bunch of flowers, should the big day slip your mind. Delivery options include e-tickets, next-day delivery or collection and all purchases are protected by a 150% Fan Guard guarantee.

To check out the bargains currently available, or to find out more about GET ME IN!, its last minute ticket service or the Fan Guard guarantee, visit www.getmein.com.

Scribbler.com launches a range of personalised Valentines cards

Scribbler.com has unveiled its new look website in time for the Valentines day madness. Hoping to capitalise on the British public’s ever-growing demand for Valentines cards, the personalised card website, which is owned by the greeting card chain Scribbler, has launched its own product range for the first time.

“Scribbler’s business model has traditionally been to source product from up and coming card designers, and this has been our cornerstone for the last 30 years.” explains Edward Armitage, Head of Ecommerce for Scribbler, “With the introduction of personalised cards, we’ve found a demand for photo-upload greeting cards that our existing designers cannot satisfy, so we’ve had to do it in-house”.

The new Valentines cards take advantage of the personalisation functionality on the new website, allowing customers to upload photos, change text on the front of the card, and type a personal message inside, but most importantly they are consistent with the cheeky humour and fun design for which Scribbler has always been popular.

Scribbler warns that their cards will not be to everyone’s taste. Lovers of hearts, flowers, and teddy bears should probably look elsewhere, hey reveal. But if you are looking for a Valentines card urging the recipient to “Sit on my Facebook” for example, then you’re in the right place.

For more information please visit www.scribbler.com or call 0845 262 6270

When love is in the air.....choose the perfect Romantic Getaway!

 

When compiling features on gift or travel ideas for Valentines Day, why not consider Ragdale Hall’s Romantic Getaway Break, The Cupid’s Couples Day or anything else this cosy, welcoming, luxurious English country house may have to offer.

If you’re planning on whisking him/her away for a romantic break this Valentines Day you MUST have a look at The Romantic Getaway at Ragdale Hall. A perfect setting with luxury and pampering included where all you need to do is worry about yourselves….we’ll do the rest.

Or what about the Cupid’s Couples Day to share with that someone special……spend a whole day together...just relax, be pampered, eat well and then let cupid work his magic!

For a Valentines gift they’ll really thank you for this year, why not purchase a Ragdale Hall Spa Day voucher? Ragdale Hall day spa provides a haven for complete relaxation - savour our Thermal Spa, sumptuous lounges and stunning grounds, with a pampering treatment or two thrown in and some delicious but healthy food…perfect for those who enjoy a little me-time!

Indulge the one you love, buy them a Ragdale Hall Spa Break voucher….with tastefully decorated bedrooms, breakfast in bed, the relaxing Candle Pool and plenty of opportunities for a quiet snooze….this romantic Valentines gift really is a must for that someone special!

If your partner is a Ragdale lover already, Ragdale Hall have many accessories and luxury treats, including treatment vouchers, that are guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face and start the romance flowing

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro & Thermal Spa, Ragdale Village, Nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3PB.
Tel: 01664 434831 www.ragdalehall.co.uk

Pure Entertainment Group unwraps 8 luxury travel experiences this Valentine’s Day

From Brazilian sunrises, the Eiffel tower of Paris to Arabian nights in Marrakech, bespoke concierge company Pure Entertainment Group presents a selection of eight Valentine’s Day packages that may surprise your honey…Find the recipe that works in 2012.

Think outside the box of chocolates and offer the one you love an enchanting moment in time this Valentine’s Day 2012. Bespoke luxury travel concierge Pure Entertainment Group has teamed up with cupid this year to bring discerning travelers some of the most romantic and exclusive Valentine’s Day vacations:

1) For the Classical Music Lovers
This Valentine’s Day, jet off on a whirlwind trip to lovely Vienna, Austria. A 2-night stay at the 5-star Hotel Imperial quickly becomes a romantic escapade, complete with a private 3-hr visit of Vienna, a special Valentine’s Day dinner for two, daily breakfast, and the Opera lover’s dream: first class tickets to Verdi’s romantic tragedy, La Traviata at the Viennese Volksopera.
Prices: Starting at €2,400 per couple

2) For the Beach Lovers
Spend 2 nights in a spacious bungalow at Brazil’s most exclusive resort, Ponta dos Ganchos, and rekindle your romance like the first time. With a pampering couple’s massage, a relaxing bath for two prepared with flowers, a special Valentine’s Day dinner, daily frolics hand in hand along the beach, and romantic surprises along the way, guests may never want to go home.
Prices: Starting at $3,580 per couple

3) For the Parisian Chic
When a box of chocolates simply won’t do, there is always the magic of Paris, France! Wake up to the glorious view of the Eiffel Tower from your Eiffel Premier Room and opt for an in-room massage pour deux. Think outside of the box with a 2-hour chocolate tour to visit the world’s leading chocolatiers, then end the day with a special Valentine’s Day dinner at Restaurant L’Abeille.
Prices: Starting at €3,950 per couple

4) For the Winter Lovers
Seize the cold, Canadian winter by whisking your snow bunny away to Mont Tremblant, Quebec for a romantic winter wonderland. Spend two nights at the ski resort destination, enjoying a choice of a 2hr private guided tour by snowmobile or a half-day guided dog sledding tour. A couple’s massage awaits the lovebirds, along with a special Valentine’s Day dinner at La Quintessence right after. Snuggle closer after all it’s Valentine’s Day.
Prices: Starting at $2,700 per couple

5) For the Arabian Nights
Uncover a whole new world with 3 exotic nights at the 5-star La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech. Discover a dazzling place you never knew on a guided tour of Marrakech with a professional photographer, enjoy a picnic for two in a romantic location, soar to new heights with a dazzling helicopter ride above the Atlas mountains, and indulge in a hammam ritual treatment in a private hammam. For Valentine’s Day, there will be a surprise at every turn in Morocco – no magic carpet required!
Prices: Starting at $5,950 per couple

6) For the intimate couple
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the private paradise called the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay in Hawaii where an experience of a lifetime awaits lovers. Sleep in a gorgeous ocean view room. The next day, discover a magnificent bay to swim, enjoy a two-tank dive with your lover to see the stunning underwater world, receive a tropical bliss massage for great energy balance, mind and body tranquility and finish it off with a private intimate Valentine’s Day dinner.
Prices: Starting at $5,150 per couple

7) For the Art enthusiasts and foodies
Embark on a mesmerizing Valentine’s Day escapade in New York and taste life to the fullest at the James Soho Hotel. Meet with an art curator for a private walking tour as well as recommendations, then return to hotel and continue with a 50-mn revitalizing hot stone massage at deux. Later on, go wine and dine at David Burke Kitchen along with a privately guided tour of David Burke Kitchen with the Executive Chef. If life isn’t beautiful, let us know!
Prices: Starting at $3,940 per couple

8) For the Single Ladies
Jet set to the beautiful island of St Barthelémy with two of your friends, and celebrate being single at the luxurious Hotel Le Guanahani & Spa for 3 nights: white sandy beaches, fine dining cuisine, water sports such as windsurfing, scuba-diving, snorkeling as well as partying await you. Who said Valentine’s Day is not for single ladies?
Prices: Starting at €3,600 for three people

To book or to inquire further about these exquisite 2012 Valentine’s Day packages or any other travel arrangements, please contact your luxury concierge, Pure Entertainment Group: email: concierge@purentonline.com or call +1 (514) 764-9693

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Pure Entertainment Group is a bespoke event management and luxury concierge company based in Montreal, Canada. Steve Edo, CEO and Founder, launched the company in 2006 to become THE luxury concierge service for discerning clientele in North America and worldwide. Pure Entertainment Group delivers the finest lifestyle experiences to its clients and members by offering personalized and customized experiences designed to suit their preferences. Whether a private jet trip around the world, luxuries yacht in the French Riviera or a trip into space, the sky is the limit! Pure Entertainment Group’s management model is to listen to their clients’ needs, and to provide exactly that.