Is it just a coincidence that Valentine’s Day comes so soon after the Super Bowl? What used to be a January sporting event is now held just 11 days ahead of the most beloved day of the year. Perhaps the gods of love have a hand in this, realizing in their omniscience that couples need incentive to rekindle their passions again after the long and wearying pigskin season finally ends.
For all your romantic reconciliation needs, we’ve compiled a handful of far-flung getaways to inviting hotels, resorts and even a game lodge. Well beyond chocolates at turndown, these destinations will ease couples back into loving bliss with luscious spa treatments, gourmet dining and delightful amenities at every turn — which should be a distraction from the fact that baseball season begins on March 25.
EAT YOUR HEART OUT: Heart-shaped chocolates for your Valentine’s sweetie? You can do better, much better, at The Langham, Boston.
The lavishly luxurious hotel on Franklin Street in downtown Boston is marking the most romantic day of the year with the My Sweet Valentine Package, including overnight accommodations in a Blissful Bed as well as a special Valentine’s Day Dinner, pour deux, at award-winning Cafe Fleuri. Executive Chef Mark Sapienza will be dishing up romance all night long, topping it off with the famous Chocolate Bar for dessert. Available for one night only, February 14, 2008. From $420 per night, including taxes and gratuities. www.boston.langhamhotels.com
29 DAYS: Who says the Valentine’s celebration has to come on Valentine’s Day? Throughout the month of February, couples can swim in bubbly and surround themselves with luxury with the Cupid’s Deluxe Romantic Package from Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa in Weston, Florida. The romantic thrill ride for two includes accommodations in a handsomely designed guest room, dreamy dinner for two at Ireland’s Steakhouse, a signature couple’s massage at the Red Door Lifestyle Spa by Elizabeth Arden, breakfast daily, and, of course a bottle of Champagne, nicely chilled, to wash it all down. And, since quality time should never be cut short when it comes to romance, checkout is not until 2:00pm. $749 per night plus service & tax; valid February 1-29, 2008. www.bonaventure.hyatt.com
SUITE ROMANCE: Couples can bathe in romance this Valentine’s Day at Cotswold House, a historic townhouse hotel in the village of Chipping Campden, tucked in the rolling English Cotswolds. Explore the region’s charming towns and villages in a chauffeur-driven car, or, if weather permits, stroll through the countryside hand-in-hand with one of the hotel’s in-room walking guides. Upon returning to the hotel, couples can retreat to a lush Montrose Suite, indulging in a limestone bathtub big enough for two. The Valentine’s package includes two nights accommodations in a Montrose Suite, one dinner at Hicks’ Brasserie, a Valentine’s dinner at the elegant Juliana’s Restaurant, a chilled bottle of Champagne and a box of chocolates. 1150 GBP (approx $2330) including taxes; also includes transfers from central London; extendable through February 2008. www.cotswoldhouse.com
DEVOTION BY THE OCEAN: There’s no more seductive locale in the middle of winter than South Florida, and no more sensational spot to ratchet up the romance than the new The Regent Bal Harbour. The first major hotel to open in Bal Harbour Village in more than a half century, the brand-spanking-new resort embodies Regent’s renowned attention to detail while epitomizing upscale style and sophistication all within a short walk of the renowned Bal Harbour Shops. Enjoy a Seaside Seduction Package on Valentine’s Day, with deluxe accommodations for two with views of the Atlantic; a signature and scrumptious amenity from Executive Chef Gerdy Rodriguez; a romantic dinner before stunning ocean views at 1 Bleu, the resort‘s signature restaurant; one 60-minute couple’s massage at the Guerlain Spa, the first to debut in North America; and late checkout, based on availability. The Regent Bal Harbour opens in January 2008, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Starts at $805 per night not including tax and gratuities through April 2008; two-night minimum stay required. www.regenthotels.com/balharbour
PRETTY IN GREEN: Can’t relax for romance knowing the environment is in peril? Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa is the place for the eco-minded Valentine’s celebration, with a resort-wide eco-glam redesign just wrapped up. Among many highlights, the new Jala Spa that’s Sanskrit for “living in water”, is donating $5 from every signature “Jala Blue” treatment exclusively to the Reef Relief Organization. The resort has also just been awarded “One Palm” status from the Florida Lodging Association making it the first “Green Certified” resort in Key West. Bring your honey and experience it all on Valentine’s Day with the Balance Package, featuring a $50 credit at Jala Spa as well as luxe accommodations, breakfast daily and guaranteed 2:00pm checkout. From $530, subject to availability. www.keywest.hyatt.com
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AND THE BUTLER MAKES THREE: Enjoy a feast for your senses with the Valentine’s Romance package from The White Barn Inn. The stylish and historic property in seaside Kennebunkport, Maine will be laying it on thick with Champagne and strawberries, a romantic four-course dinner at the Mobil Five-Star White Barn Inn Restaurant, and a custom butler-drawn bath for two featuring Molton Brown products in the privacy of your suite. Which soothe to choose? Try the inn’s signature Light of the Moon Plunge bath experience with bubbling mandarin orange and lemon essential oils; an Aroma Sea Bath with natural marine algae to wash away muscle aches; or an Elemental Body Cocktail with sea salt rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. From $511 per person, per night. www.whitebarninn.com
WHERE THE MILD THINGS ARE: Tuck into a Valentine’s spa experience you won’t soon forget at the Falaza Game Park & Spa in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Set three hours north of Durban and bordering the St. Lucia World Heritage site, the indulgent “bush spa” takes inspiration from its surroundings, with indoor treatment rooms, a secluded outdoor therapy area, and African-inspired TheraNaka products created from indigenous ingredients like maroela oil, mafura butter and Kalahari watermelon oil. All treatments begin with a traditional “izinwayo” foot cleanse and finish to tranquil sounds of the wilderness. Plan a romantic getaway with a touch of adventure with the three-day Total Relaxation & Renewal Spa Experience with welcome drink; all meals daily; three game activities at Falaza Game Park; and seemingly innumerable treatments including full-body exfoliation, natural marine relaxation body wrap, relaxing hot tub treatment, hot stone massage, aroma therapy full-body massage, reflexology, full-body relaxation session, specialized facial treatment, and spa manicure & pedicure. All of the above included for 5,400 RAND (appx. $807). www.falaza.co.za
For more details on any of the above, please contact Louise O’Brien at Hawkins International, 212-255-6541; louise@hawkpr.com
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