Be a saint this Valentine’s Day. Winter, so far, has been beastly. Even our friends in the south have been experiencing unusual cold spells.
You’ve been all cooped up, staying warm, streaming all your favorite tv shows and movies, shoveling lots of slush and snow. It’s time for something different. But forget about that fancy meal out (service is terrible), or a red, heart-decorated, once-a-year outfit (really?), or good old reliable chocolates (have you seen the line at Fannie May’s plus that extra Holiday weight hasn’t left yet).
How about a romantic getaway? Not just nearby, either. You deserve a real escape. Here are a few suggested packages that won’t put you in the red too much. Most of them extend through February, too, because, lucky you, this is Leap Year!
The Beach Tulum, Cancun
The adults only The Beach Tulum on the Riviera Maya promises “barefoot luxury at its best.” A small hotel, with private beaches, and the jungle literally as a backdrop, The Beach Tulum makes an appealing warm weather getaway just a fairly short plane ride away. Book your airport transportation with GOwithus Shuttle and you’ll get from home to heaven in no time.
The Beach Tulum Valentine’s Day package is far from barefoot. Here’s a sample of what you can expect: a bottle of Dom Perignon, rose petal bath with a selection of scented salts or bombs, an extravagant in-suite floral display. And that’s not all. How about a private salsa lesson for two and a personalized multi-course dinner with Mexican wine pairings?
¡Ole!
The Drake Hotel, Chicago
The Drake Hotel has been a Chicago favorite ever since it opened. It offers an upscale, genteel atmosphere on the northern end of Chicago’s revitalized Magnificent Mile. The crowds are back and the stores are open.
The Drake labels their Valentine’s Day package “A Wink and a Kiss” and here’s why: there’s an early check-in at noon and late check-out at 2 pm, based on availability, two complimentary passes for one of the following Chicago experiences: Millennium Park Ice Rink Skating for two or Adler Planetarium General Admission for two, three specialty Valentine Martini’s to Sip and Savor at the cozy Coq d’Or, along with one of the Chef’s Selection appetizer to share.
You could even think about extending your stay for a romantic tea service in their Palm Court, which turns over to live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s also a major exhibit of Faith Ringgold at the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art and Picasso drawings plus amazing sculptures from Camille Claudel at the Art Institute.
Hotel Z, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
The pet friendly Hotel Z in San Diego (a member of the trendy StayPineapple hotel chain) offers a Pineapple Pup Package (not too romantic), but they also feature a “Pop Goes the Celebration” package you could easily claim as a special Valentine’s Day treat. It includes a bottle of sparkling wine and a box of four decadent artisan chocolate truffles. Just use the promo code “CELEBRATE” when you book it.
A few blocks from the harbor and Petco Park, and a mile or so from the famous San Diego Zoo and Air & Space Museum in the huge Balboa Park, the Hotel Z offers lots of activities to fill your days and a huge assortment of restaurants and nightlife in the exciting Gaslamp Quarter.
If money is no object…
Prince Hotel Waikiki, Hawaii
The Royal Romance Package at the Prince Hotel Waikiki is definitely royal. After all, Hawaii once had a queen, and you can still visit her Palace. After a $55 million dollar renovation a few years ago, the Prince is truly an luxurious destination. A short walk to Duke Kahanamoku Beach (King of Surfing), with its beautiful vista of Diamond Head, is waiting for a romantic stroll (the Hawaiian coastline is all open to the public). You’ll walk past the beach bar that introduced the Mai Tai to the Islands as well as the spot where the Charlie Chan mysteries were created.
But, of course, you may never leave the hotel property. The Royal Romance Package is quite extensive. Some inclusions are: 3-Nights in an Oceanfront Suite, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and chocolate covered strawberries, plus 100 red roses upon arrival. Not to mention a customized private four-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jeremy Shigekane, a 60-minute couple’s massage and a $500 Resort Credit.
You’ll top off your Hawaiian splurge with a professional photo shoot aboard a private sunset dinner cruise, private tour of Honolulu Museum of Art and more.
Ritz-Carlton NoMad, New York
Okay, let’s go over the top for one last romantic romp. For only a few weeks remaining, you can book “An Everlasting Love” experience at the hipper New York Ritz-Carlton in NoMad, between Greenwich Village and Midtown. What will you get? One overnight stay, white glove service by luxury jeweler Ring Concierge, customized Ritz robes for two, a 90-minute spa experience in the Primrose Suite, caviar bites at Nubeluz and a Valentine’s Day experience at The Bazaar restaurant by José Andrés.
But why settle for just one day of Ritz-Carlton treatment when you can buy the last remaining penthouse in the hotel and give your Valentine a permanent New York holiday? Hopefully, PH43D is still available. They say the view of the Statue of Liberty is inspiring.
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