With Valentine’s Day here romance is everywhere, but for many women, it’s taking on a new meaning. It’s not just about big gestures or candlelit dinners anymore. Instead, it’s about finding joy in everyday moments and making space for connection, no matter how busy life gets.
In the UK, more women are staying single or choosing not to marry, reflecting a shift in how we think about love and fulfillment. The trend of “romanticising your life” is all over social media, encouraging women to embrace small, meaningful acts that bring happiness to their routines. We’ve teamed up with a brand who is passionate about redefining romance, Sandals Resorts, to explore how women are balancing ambition with intimacy and embracing a new kind of modern romance.
Learning to balance ambition with intimacy
For many successful women, the question “How do you balance work and your personal life?” is all too familiar. It’s a question rarely directed at male CEOs, highlighting the gendered expectations placed on women in both the workplace and at home. Women often feel pressured to excel in their careers while simultaneously maintaining a fulfilling personal life, nurturing relationships, and raising a family. Despite these challenges, many female leaders are redefining what balance looks like and sharing their strategies to inspire others. Jessica Alba, actress and entrepreneur, emphasises the importance of prioritisation: “I realised that my life can’t just be about work. For me, it’s all about finding balance and making time for my family while also growing my business.”
Laura, an AllBright member who works in data insights, says that she makes time for her career ambitions as well as her relationships by having clear boundaries. “For me, when the work day is over I like to be fully present in my personal life, making time for my partner and making commitments like not being on our phones in the evening and having a 'date' night a week where we either get out of the house to a little bar down the road or make a nice dinner together. As me and my partner both work from our home, it's all too easy to let work infiltrate our relationship if you let it, so we also make time for each other in the working day by going on a walk on lunch or taking a coffee break in the kitchen.”
Schedule time to reconnect with yourself and others
In a world where stress is often seen as a badge of honour in the workplace, and taking a break can come with feelings of guilt, it has never been more crucial to prioritise reconnection. New York Times bestselling author Mel Robbins has spoken at length about the transformative power of stepping away, noting that many people make life-changing decisions while on holiday—a practice she herself has embraced over the years.
Whether it’s about reconnecting with yourself or deepening bonds with a partner, getting away provides a valuable opportunity to refocus.
Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Director of Weddings and Romance for Sandals Resorts International (SRI), shares her thoughts on how travel can strengthen relationships. “With the stresses and pressures of modern life, holidays have never been more important for relationships. Being able to escape the sometimes-mundane routine of day-to-day life and really switch off, spending quality time with each other and reminding yourselves why you’re together, is essential. Many couples find that they revert to being the fun and carefree people they were when they first met when they’re on holiday, as their worries are out of sight, out of mind. At Sandals Resorts, we make it easy for couples to relax and truly be present with one another. There’s no worrying about extra costs or tips. All you need to do is show up, let go of your worries, and enjoy yourselves.”
New romantic narrative
Women are also redefining love by embracing it in all its forms, especially platonic connections. Actress Aimée Lou Wood highlighted the importance of platonic love during her Woman’s Hour interview, which garnered millions of views and inspired countless videos celebrating the power of friendships.
Then there’s the art of romanticising the everyday. Social media is buzzing with women embracing the little things, a morning coffee, a solo walk, or even a perfectly organised desk. It’s about finding magic in the mundane and making life feel a little more cinematic.
Whether it’s prioritising friendships, carving out time for a partner, or embracing unique experiences as moments of self-care, women are definitely redefining what it means to live romantically. If you’re ready to reconnect with yourself or your loved ones, AllBright have access to an exclusive £150 discount on your next Sandals or Beaches holiday. Valid for travel until December 2027, this special offer applies to bookings of seven nights or more and can be redeemed online or by calling 0800 742 742. Simply use promo code AB150 at checkout to enjoy your savings. But don’t wait too long, as this offer is available for a limited time only!
T&Cs apply. Offer valid for new bookings made between 14 February – 31 March 2025. Cannot be combined with other promo codes. Book with confidence—holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected.