So you've got some spare airmiles and want to impress on a date but you're struggling to think of a place to go which is unique and romantic at the same time. Well you can't go wrong with a visit to one of the many heart-shaped features of our planet. Heart-shaped forests, lakes, islands.... provided you can find the right vantage point when you arrive, these spots can't be beaten when it comes to romance.
1. Heart-Shaped Forest, Cantabria, SpainThis beautifully shaped forest can be found in Cantabria, Northern Spain. However, the forest will only take on the heart shape seen in the above photograph when viewed from this angle. See the forest on Google Maps
here.
2. Heart-Shaped Island, Gutierrez Lake, PatagoniaA beautiful heart-shaped, tree covered island can be found in Patagonia, Argentina, and is best viewed from the East side of Gutierrez Lake. See the island on Google Maps
here.
3. Heart-Shaped Wetland, Guandu Nature Park, TaiwanGuandu Nature Park is, believe it or not, a nature park situated in Taipei City. Within the park you'll find the heart-shaped wetland pictured above. See it on Google Maps
here.
4. Tavarua Island, FijiTavarua Island is a stunning heart-shaped island paradise just off the coast of Viti Levu, surrounded by coral reef. It's also home to a beautiful resort, perfect for a spot of romance. See the island on Google Maps
here.
5. Galesnjak, CroatiaAnother beautifully shaped island can be found just south of Zadar in Croatia. Called Galesnjak, this little gem measures just 1/2 kilometre at its widest point and must be reached by boat. See the island on Google Maps
here.
6. Heart-Shaped Lake, OhioA perfectly heart-shaped lake can be found near Columbia Hills Corners in Ohio, but not much else is known about this curious feature. It seems to be part of a private residence. See the lake on Google Maps
here.
7. Heart-Shaped Mangrove, Voh, New CaledoniaProbably the most well-known heart-shaped piece of land is this incredible mangrove in New Caledonia, made famous by aerial photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand and featured on the front cover of his book, Earth From Above. See the mangrove on Google Maps
here.
8. Heart-Shaped Lake, Chembra, IndiaItself a major tourist attraction, the lake near the top of Chembra Peak in India is said to have never dried up. Apparently over 150 people pass the lake every day during the 3km journey to the top. See the area on Google Maps
here.
9. Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef of the WhitsundaysHeart Reef is a naturally formed, heart-shaped collection of coral in Australia. Obviously the reef can only be appreciated from the air, but the view is definitely worth the cost. See the area on Google Maps
here.