Forget chocolate coated strawberries and heart-shaped balloons this Valentine's Day - instead, surprise your loved one with a romantic long weekend in the Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays are on sale and with Valentine's Day just around the corner this is the perfect occasion to spend quality time together in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

From secluded beaches, a private picnic on Whitehaven, a scenic flight over Heart Reef, luxury day spas to endless choices for an adventure-seeking couple, the Whitsundays truly caters for all kinds of romantic getaways.

Airlie Beach is the jumping off point to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands and offers the perfect base to explore, relax and then enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the many al-fresco restaurants at the end of a great day.

The 74 tropical islands of the Whitsundays are home to one of the top ten beaches in the world as white as any wedding, crystal clear azure waters, a reef shaped like a heart and a lush green rainforest lining the hills of the islands and the Whitsunday Coast.

The wonder of the Whitsundays is not just about witnessing its visual magnificence - it's also about a new world of experiences.  

Be swept off your feet in the wonder of this tropical paradise, sleep out under the stars of the Great Barrier Reef, take a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea or daydream away under swaying palm trees. 

At the end of an adventurous day, relax with a glass of champagne to the backdrop of the pinks, reds and oranges of another stunning Whitsunday sunset.

The Whitsundays is closer than you think with direct flights from all major cities to either Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) or Hamilton Island.

Just imagine the warm, wide smile on the face of your loved one when you surprise them with a romantic getaway to the Whitsundays this Valentine's Day with these hot deals: www.loveairliebeach.com.au

PHOTOS: A selection of images that you may wish to use to accompany the above can be found here.

ABOUT THE WHITSUNDAYS
The 74 islands of the Whitsundays lay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, cradled by the tropical waters of the Coral Sea, a truly remarkable icon of beauty. The Whitsundays is an invitation into a world of tropical wonder. The vibrant colours of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest provide plenty of scope for activity and adventure. Easily accessible by air or road, the Whitsundays are located on the central eastern coast of Queensland in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The area is characterised by world class resort facilities blending harmoniously with the pristine natural attributes of the area. Sail, Explore, Dive, Dine, Play, Relax, Enjoy. The opportunities are endless... which is why there is no better place to take a well-deserved holiday than the Whitsundays.

TOP 10 GREAT ROMANCE/COUPLES EXPERIENCES:
1. Say 'I do' in front of hundreds of choices of stunning backdrops
2. Snorkel hand in hand along the Great Barrier Reef
3. Take a sunset sail from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
4. Bond with your partner by learning to sail together
5. Take a scenic flight over Heart Reef
6. Picnic on a deserted beach
7. Sip champagne whilst watching stunning sunsets every day
8. Sink your feet into the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach
9. Enjoy nature, walk the Whitsunday Great Walk through lush rainforest
10. Be pampered together at a day spa

TOP 3 WHITSUNDAY VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIALS:
1. Airlie Day Spa - Treat yourself with a couples escape this Valentine's Day - perfectly designed for two. Start with a foot soak and exfoliation then move on to your full body deep tissue massages and finish with a relaxing mineral bath. 2-hour relaxation from $280 per couple. Call Airlie Day Spa to book -  (07) 4946 6543.

2. At Hotel Group - Spoil the one you love! 'Romance me Whitsundays' is perfect for your honeymoon or romantic Whitsundays escape. The package includes personalized limousine airport transfers, a chilled bottle of Moet & Chandon French champagne and a secret selections of Lindt chocolates on arrival. Cheeky but fun Peter Alexander PJs for him and her and a scenic helicopter flight to a deserted Whitsunday Island with a gourmet picnic will make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For accommodation options and prices contact (07) 4948 4300.

3. Papillon Luxury Charters - Fancying a romantic indulgent sailing escape around the Whitsunday Islands? Papillon exclusively takes two guests, has modern luxury features, professional crew and gourmet provisioning ensuring the ultimate luxury in intimate cruising. Call 0418 332 666 for more information and pricing.

POPPED THE QUESTION?
If the thought of tying the knot under a swaying palm tree where the turquoise waters lap the shore or relaxing in the arms of your loved on your honeymoon sets your heart racing, then say 'I do' in the Whitsundays. All facets of your memorable day can be catered for by professional, knowledgeable and friendly locals who will ensure that your day has the 'wow' factor. Come and meet them face to face at the inaugural Whitsundays Wedding and Honeymoon Expo and start planning! The Whitsundays Wedding and Honeymoon Expo is being held at the PCYC in Airlie Beach on Sunday, 23 February 2014 from 10am - 1pm. Find out more...


MEDIA CONTACT: 
Chelsea Hauschka 
communications@wmdl.com.au 
+61 7 4948 5917