Inspired Global Getaways for Valentine’s Day

By Wandermelon Team | February 3, 2010 |

Yes, it’s that time of the year again to show your beloved how much you really care. So instead of choosing a heart-shaped box of chocolates and over-priced roses, why not surprise your paramour with an inspired and unique adventure at one of these luxury hotels? Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday—and President’s Day the following Monday—your romantic fun can last for three days this year. So make the most out of this weekend by selecting one of these unique experiences that are a sure fire way to set the mood.

SPA STRUCK

Eau Spa, Ritz Carlton Palm Beach

Overview: For the ultimate romantic spa getaway, book a room at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. Tucked away on prime oceanfront property on the southern tip of Palm Beach Island, this five star resort recently completed a $130 million transformation and features breathtaking ocean view suites and the spectacular new 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa. For a special Valentine’s Day spa treat, book the Let Us Love You package. This delectable Valentine’s Day experience includes an exotic passion fruit cocktail with irresistible chocolates, a Champagne bubble bath in an indoor or outdoor soaking tub in the spacious Couples’ Villa, and a 90-minute Iridescent Pearl Shimmering full body massage. There is even a special gift from Cornelia’s Lumina Skin Collection to enjoy and take home. Or select a solo treatment in one of the 19 Spa Villas, where you can relax in the Bath Lounge, complete with a a ceiling-to-floor shower and heated loungers. Or chill out in the Relaxation Room, where butlers serve refreshments off antique hand-held mirrors.

For singles, grab a couple of girlfriends and book a signature treatment with special Valentine’s Day enhancements at discounted prices. Add one, two or all three of the following to any existing treatment:

•   Champagne Shimmer Pedicure – 60 minutes, $65
•   Iridescent Pearl Manicure – 60 minutes, $50
•   Cornelia Lumina Rose Facial – 60 minutes, $220

These exclusive Valentine’s Day treatments are available February 6-21, 2010. Let Us Love You is $485 ($785 for two people). For more information, please visit www.EauSpa.com, or call (561) 540-4960 to book.

LONDON CALLING

COMO Suite Bath

Overview: Check out the Metropolitan London’s classic romance package: book a Rendez-Vous at the Met in time for Valentine’s Day, or any weekend interlude. For the chocoholic, get off to a sweet start with a tray of handmade bonbons upon arrival. Snuggle up with your loved one and enjoy a complimentary film of your choice from the movie channel. Or, why not make one of your own using props from the “Seduction Bedside Box”, containing COMO Shambhala “Harmony” Massage Oils, a 20% discount off Coco de Mer goodies, a Luxury Suede and Silk Blindfold by Jimmy Jane, and other items designed to get your imagination going.

This package includes a champagne breakfast for two and has an extended check-out time until 4pm so you can stay in bed longer. Price: £329 for a City Room. Book through Mr and Mrs Smith and enjoy a Como Shambhala Aromatherapy gift set and complimentary bottle of champagne.

Also on offer this month is the Met’s latest version of afternoon tea: Cour-tea-san De-light. The hotel’s sophisticated Met Bar has teamed up with London’s lingerie brand The Modern Courtesan to host a monthly sass-filled “Seduction Class”. Participants can sip champagne and Modern Courtesan cocktails, while nibbling on a selection of treats from the aphrodisiac-inspired Afternoon De-Light menu: chili and chocolate macaroons, ginger muffins, and strawberry cupcakes.

Top industry experts, including best-selling authors, burlesque performers, erotic photographers and filmmakers, adult gift purveyors, and courtesans, will be on-hand to provide guests with their naughtiest know-how. Before rushing home to test out those sultry skills, stop by the ‘Seduction Boudoir’ to pick out a weapon of mass seduction or two.

Tickets are £50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Available dates are February 6, February 13 (just in time for Valentine’s Day!), March 13, and April 3. For further information contact + 44 207 447 1025.

SULTRY CITY ESCAPE

Overview: The Petit Ermitage Hotel in West Hollywood has three hot packages available all month long: L’ Epoux (The Consort), L’ Amoureux (The Lover) and Ménage a Trois (Threesome). Guests will enjoy a variety of inclusions such as hand dipped white chocolate bananas, a bottle of the hotel’s signature champagne and late check out times, as well saucy dishes from the “Aphrodisiac Menu”, romantic films during “Movie Nights” each Sunday, and on Valentine’s Day itself, the saltwater rooftop pool will be scented with rose essence and heated to a sultry 100 degrees. Be sure to try a “Happy Ending” – the Petit Ermitage’s signature dessert!

For reservations call: 310 967 6335 or reservations@petitermitage.com

COUNTRY MANOR ROMANCE

Keswick Estate

Overview: Set on 600 acres of lush Virginia countryside, the historic estate and resort known as Keswick Hall at Monticello is suffused not only with history (Thomas Jefferson’s residence is just minutes away) but provides a timeless retreat ensconced in the rolling hills of hunt country. The 48-room Orient Express property also features an Arnold Palmer designed golf course, vineyards and a renowned spa.

Valentines’ Day Special: Features two nights of superior accommodations, gourmet cuisine, soothing spa services and personalized romantic touches, the Valentine’s Day Weekend Package includes:

Two nights of luxurious accommodations in a Signature Room
Welcome amenity of sparkling wine on arrival
Dinner for two at the award-winning Fossett’s Restaurant
$200 spa credit per room which can be applied to the Couple’s Massage or preferred spa services
And our favorite, Keswick’s own Love Butler who will seductively detail your room with a playlist of your preferred love songs, rose petals and chocolate-dipped strawberries

Rates from $510.00 per room per night (minimum two nights), February 12 & 13 or February 13 & 14, 2010.

COLONIAL CACHET

Hacienda Xcanatun

Overview: A colonial-era hacienda lovingly restored by its owners, Hacienda Xcanatun is an evocative setting for a romantic respite located near Merida, Mexico’s “white city” known for it’s whitewashed historic buildings. Gracious and luxurious, the 18th century Hacienda Xcanatun was once one of the Yucatan’s largest sisal plantations. Today it is a welcome haven of old world elegance offering modern amenities, superlative dining, service and privacy.

Valentine’s Day Special: Romantics will find their spacious suite filled with hand-carved furnishings and antiques. Rose petals decorate the king bed, and a selection of dark chocolates, considered an aphrodisiac by the Maya, are filled with piquant flavors. On the private terrace, the bubbling soaking tub is screened with greenery for privacy, while hidden in the luxuriant gardens are two freshwater swimming pools complete with lazy hammocks.

The new package, called A 3-Night Celebration of Romance includes:

3 nights in a Deluxe Suite with private terrace and an outdoor, hydrotherapy tub. Upgrade to Master Suite, if available
Welcome Cocktail
Daily Xcanatun Breakfasts
A cache of rich, dark, Mayan chocolate in-suite upon arrival
A three-course Lovers’ Feast with wine in the hacienda’s gourmet restaurant
At the Spa – His/Her Chocolate Wraps or in-suite Honey & Flower Massages guaranteed to relax

The cost per couple is $895 and includes extras along with taxes and hotel service charge. This translates to more than a 30% savings over normal costs when booked individually.

TO THE CANYONS WITH LOVE

Overview: If an über deluxe ski vacation sounds like a good way to surprise your Valentine, The Canyons resort in Park City, Utah has created a $20,000 extravaganza for lovebirds. Custom-designed by your personal concierge, the adventures starts with a lavish gift basket arriving at your house, tailored to your tastes—whether it’s spa-themed, movie-night, or artisanal foods ($2,500 value). A limo fetches you from the airport with chilled bubbly, then delivers you to your stunning one-bedroom suite at Escala Lodge for a 3-night, 4-day stay. Lift tickets, ski rentals, a private mountain guide, unlimited spa treatments, car service around town, in-room amenities (robes, slippers, alcohol, and flowers) and all meals (in-room or fine dining at their many restaurants) are complimentary, while a $2,500 shopping spree and bonus activity like hot air ballooning, dog-sledding or a romantic sleigh ride add to the decadence. Parting mementos include another deluxe gift basket and thoughtful photo album of your experience.

To The Canyons with Love is available February 11-14 or February 18-21, 2010. To book contact Kasey Stanislaw, The Canyons Director of Guest Recognition, at 435-615-8097.

FIRE AND ICE PACKAGE AT TERRANEA

Overview: For the month of February, Terranea offers exciting getaways for couples to celebrate their love. Set on the cliffs of Palos Verdes overlooking the Pacific, this resort is only a short distance from the bustling City of Angels, but it feels like you’ve entered another world. The new swank resort has myriad options with its 360-room hotel, 32 suites, and 20 bungalows. The gorgeous oceanfront spa stands as one of the best in California with cliff-side hot tubs, pools, and lounging areas for dolphin, seal and whale watching in the cerulean waters below. Views of Catalina serve as a stunning backdrop for morning spinning or yoga classes, while the quiet private cove calls for kayaking, stand up paddling, and snorkeling.

For Valentine’s Day, win her heart with a cozy weekend at Terranea, followed by a sparkling gift from Morgan Jewelers to mark the occasion. Guests who book two-consecutive nights receive store credit at Morgan’s Jewelers for a shopping spree. The Fire and Ice Room Package includes an ocean view room, breakfast for two, and sparkling wine and chocolate truffles on arrival ($450 per night). Fire and Ice Suite Packages proffers a bungalow or casita with a fireplace, along with sparkling wine and chocolate truffles on arrival, a rose petal turndown one evening, breakfast for two and a $500 store credit at Morgan’s Jewelers ($795 per night).

Or splurge on the Ultimate Romance Package and indulge your paramour. A limo delivers you to the resort from any Los Angeles location and the spacious tricked out Vanderlip Presidential Suite awaits with champagne and plush bathrobes. Enjoy dinner at the resort’s upscale restaurant mar’sel, a couples massage in the fireplace suite at The Spa at Terranea, champagne breakfast in bed, rose petal turndown, and golf for two at The Links at Terranea. With a two-night stay you’ll receive $1,000 store credit at Morgan’s Jewelers ($4,500 per night).

To book: call 866-802-8000 or click here.

LOVE AFFAIR AT THE PIERRE

The Pierre

Overview: For a steamy option in Manhattan, surprise your partner with a weekend stay at The Pierre. This recently revamped luxury hotel overlooks Central Park and is the ideal setting for a glamorous weekend getaway. The landmark hotel recently received a complete overhaul and now features a glittering new lobby and updated guest rooms. The romantic treatment starts as soon as you enter the marbled entryway and continues through dinner at the hip new restaurant Le Caprice. Take your Valentine to The Pierre for a two-night celebration including:

•   Suite accommodation
•   Dinner for two at Le Caprice (exclusive of alcohol)
•   Surprise confection from The Pierre’s pastry chef, delivered in-room
•   Bottle of Champagne
•   Breakfast in bed

The Pierre’s Valentine’s Day package is valid for February 12, 13 and 14. Rates for a City View Suite begin at $1,100 per night (two night minimum). To book, call 212-838-8000 or 800-PIERRE4 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre.

COCO DE MER, Erotic Luxury

Overview: For a selection of enticing gifts to lure your Valentine, don’t miss out on these titillating accessories, designer lingerie and erotic bedroom toys from London’s most exclusive purveyor of Erotica. Coco de Mer works with designers, artists and artisans to create unique and exclusive pieces for your pleasure. Here are a few of our favorites:

Butterfly Necklace Gold: This 14-krt gold-plated necklace has been lovingly handmade. The butterfly floats delicately around your neck and can add to your pleasure in bed. Price: $210.00

Seven Deadly Sins Plate Set by Trixie Delicious: This highly creative design on vintage plates adds some fun to your kitchen or bedroom wall. See how many of them you can act out! Price: $225.00

Bordelle: These beautifully crafted pieces are made from their specially customized elasticized ribbon. Referred to by many as the Hervé Leger of underwear, Bordelle’s structured and exquisite pieces are hand-made for the femme fatales amongst us. Prices: £95-395

D. L. & Co Gold Thorn Apple: Poisonous to humans, the thorn apple is a fruit of both beauty and danger. Desire and peril make a heady combination in this gold thorn apple with scented votive. Price: £100