Romantic Escapes for Valentines
What is it about Valentine’s Day that makes people so edgy? Is it the pressure to make some grand gesture to a loved one (as if we need a calendar day to do so!) or the sinking feeling upon realizing it’s been forgotten, or worse… that there isn’t someone special. We say make it a memorable day regardless of your status. We shouldn’t need a hallmark holiday to tell the people we love how much they mean to us. But sadly in this fast-paced world, we tend to take for granted the people that most love and support us. So why not take this opportunity to do something special with them. Here are a few of our favorite places and things to do to melt your loved one’s heart and show them how much you care.
A Romantic Weekend at Forty 1 North – Newport, Rhode Island
Located between Boston and New York City, the coastal town of Newport is an ideal spot for a weekend tryst, and where better than the natty new Forty 1 North–a luxurious eco-resort right on the marina. The elegant rooms are spacious and flooded with natural sunlight. Floor-to-ceiling windows facilitate fresh seaside breezes and large balconies make the perfect place for sipping champagne and watching unforgettable sunsets as the yachts go by. Room amenities include a wet bar, full-size kitchen, gas fireplace, iPad, iPod-integrated HD video and music delivery system, WiFi, two-person soaking tub and separate shower.
Book the Romance Package. Designed to sweep your loved one off their feet, this two-night package includes an elegant three-course meal for two, and a customized regenerative bath from Forty 1° North’s new bath service menu, complete with champagne, candles and therapeutic oils. Relaxation and romance continues with plush Frette bedding, a state-of-the-art media system with a complimentary movie and luxurious take-home robes.
Rates: Starting from $330 per/night, exclusive of tax and gratuities. For reservations, phone 401 846 8018.
For singles, join the Valentine’s Day Single’s Dance Party (couples welcome too!) at Christie’s restaurant, located on the premises. Some like it hot indeed!
Lunch on the British Pullman – London
The British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express originally ran on legendary 1920s services such as The Brighton Belle and Golden Arrow. Today, each one has been restored to its former glory, giving you and your loved one the experience of a lifetime. From the moment you leave London Victoria on the steam hauled British Pullman, you are whisked away into a world of pure indulgence. Champagne flows and gourmet cuisine is served as you take in the beauty of the British countryside.
Rates: $550 for two and includes a five-course lunch with champagne and wine. Train departs London Victoria at 12:25pm on 14 February, 2011 and returns at 4:10PM.
Sail Away on Sydney Harbour – Sydney
What could be more romantic than a night out on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours? Go Sail can arrange a night you won’t forget aboard their luxury 37ft yacht. Guests are picked up at their chosen departure point by their own private skipper and served champagne while enjoying a sunset sail around Sydney Harbour. At dusk the skipper will drop anchor in a secluded bay and leave you to explore the ship in solitude. Dinner is waiting when you are ready, and a small rowing boat is available so you can explore the bushland and watch the sun set from the beach. A bed scattered with fresh flowers welcomes you as you turn in for a romantic evening. When you wake, you can eat breakfast at your leisure, and your skipper will return to take you back to reality in the late morning.
Rates: Currently just $799 per couple! (Normally $1049). To make a reservation, email: info@gosail.com.au or phone +61 2 9977 4396.
A Couples Massage Workshop at the Shangri-La Hotel – Sydney
If staying in Sydney, another option is to pop into the Shangri-La hotel for a relaxing Couples Connection Workshop. You and your Valentine can learn how to perform massage techniques on each other and receive a complimentary Shangri-La essential oil.
Rates: AU$300 per couple. Available until 28 February 2011. Call 02 9250 6032 or email: chispa.slsn@shangri-la.com
Afternoon Tea at MarieBelle’s Cacao Bar and Tea Salon – NYC
For chocolate lovers, MarieBelle is a Valentine’s day must. What better way to woo your loved one than over a deliciously decadent cup of European-style Aztec hot chocolate? Sitting among the antique furnishings and tiny glittering crystal lights, the atmosphere immediately brings to mind the cafes of Paris, Vienna, and Budapest, but will spare you the plane ride and only cost you $10… as long as you only have one cup. Located in Soho at 484 Broome St, between Wooster St and West Broadway. (212) 925-6999. Open Monday – Thursday: 10:00am to 7:00pm / Friday – Sunday: 10:00am to 8:00pm.
All Night Out at The Gramercy Park Hotel – NYC
After your chocolate date, why not take a walk uptown to the Gramercy Park Hotel, which is offering last-minute lovers a chance to enjoy a romantic night in the Big Apple at one of it’s most loved institutions. The Gramercy Park Hotel was the headquarters for high bohemia, where artists, adventurers and bonvivants rubbed elbows back in the day. Humphrey Bogart was even married there.
The hotel’s just-released Valentine’s Day Special offers guests booking a room or a suite between February 11-14, 2011 breakfast (in-bed or in the hotel’s rooftop club) and a sweet welcome amenity to set the mood. Their tuned-in concierge team will also be at guests’ disposal, ready to craft swoon-worthy itineraries filled with exclusive experiences such as winter strolls in Gramercy Park, Manhattan’s only private park.
Rates: Starting at $455 p/room or suite – available from February 11-14 only. Includes full American Breakfast in your room or in the rooftop club; complimentary chocolate covered strawberries with standard rooms; champagne and truffles when you book a suite, and special late 2PM checkout. For telephone reservations only, call: 866 784 1300.
Ballroom Dancing at the US Grant Hotel – San Diego, CA
Inspired by the sophistication of the iconic US Grant Hotel, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010, the Cheek-to-Cheek Package offers guests the opportunity to enjoy one of history’s most romantic pastimes–ballroom dancing–with one-hour private dance lessons at Champion Ballroom Academy, owned by famed dancer and TV personality, Mary Murphy (“So You Think You Can Dance”). The package includes private transportation to and from the dance studio and valet parking for the duration of your stay. Guests will stay one night in a plush Legacy Suite during their visit.
Rates: $355 per night, valid from February 10-April 30, 2011 (Thurs-Sun). For reservations phone: 866.716.8136.
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