Valentine’s Vacay | Romantic Getaways

DESERT DREAMS

There’s nothing better than sunning yourself poolside, cocktail in hand, on Valentine’s Day. Escape the dreary days of winter with a romantic getaway in sunny Scottsdale at the Four Seasons Scottsdale resort. Nestled in far north Scottsdale, the five-star resort is a perfect retreat for relaxing and romance. 

Set the stage with a Vista King Casita that offers a balcony to enjoy the sunset over Pinnacle Peak, and a beehive fireplace to curl up near after a decadent Valentine’s Day dinner at the resort’s signature Talavera restaurant. New Chef de Cuisine Jesus Figueroa serves up a multi-course menu of indulgences like oysters, lobster, and bison tenderloin.

Each day the Four Seasons offers a lineup of complementary activities which can range from yoga and pickleball, to artistic and culinary classes. My husband and I found one of the most fun to be a whiskey and chocolate pairing workshop taught in the resort’s casual Proof restaurant and bar.  After a day of playful adventures, relax together at the spa with the “Love Me, Love Me Not” couples massage that ends with a glass of bubbles to toast your time together.

Take advantage of the Experience More package, with a $100 credit with every two paid consecutive nights.

MONTANA MAGIC

Celebrate a love as big as Big Sky Country at the Relais & Chateaux The Ranch at Rock Creek. Tucked away on over 6,000 acres at the foot of the John Long Mountains in Montana, the only Forbes five-star ranch in the world offers lovebirds a completely customizable Valentine’s Day package from Feb. 11-15. Couples on the romantic getaway can enjoy all-inclusive skiing, two daily winter activities like horseback riding, snowshoeing or UTV tours, spa treatments, gourmet meals and plenty of time to snuggle up by the fire. Guests can choose accommodations in the Granite Lodge, Historic Barn or any number of luxury cabins and homes. My favorite for couples is the Bluebird Cabin with its rustic king canopy bed and a bathroom suite with a cedar sauna.

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HEALTHY HEARTS

Nestled on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California, Terranea offers a romantic wellness Valentine’s Day getaway. The oceanside resort entices couples with outdoor activities from hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding to fitness classes and an award-winning, 50,000 sq. ft. spa. 

Photographer: Justin Kriel

Throughout February the resort puts the focus on love with its Oceanfront Romance Package which includes breakfast and daily spa passes, complimentary parking, sparkling wine and chocolates and a $200 resort credit. On Valentine’s Day weekend, book the cheeky Cupid’s Couples Archery experience and on the romantic day itself relax and reconnect in a special couple’s yoga class. 

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CITY SLICKERS

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a city as big and vibrant as the love the two of you share. The SOPHY in Hyde Park lets couples enjoy the hustle and bustle of Chicago within the neighborhood feel of Hyde Park. Hyde Park is a perfect jumping off point for exploring ICONIC Chicago attractions like the Museum of Science & Industry, Art Institute of Chicago and the city’s growing theater scene.

The boutique SOPHY puts the emphasis on art and celebrating Chicago’s creative scene. A wide variety of art adorns the walls, the restaurant pays homage to local writers and guests can listen to vinyl from some of Chicago’s famous musicians on the old school record player in each room.

For Valentine’s Day, the hotel offers its SO in Love package that includes a two-night stay, a box of signature truffles, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, outdoor skating for two at Midway Plaisance Park and a $100 credit for brunch in its restaurant. 

THAT’S AMORE

If you can’t jet off to Europe for a romantic getaway, head to the Europa Village in Temecula, California for some amore instead. Nestled in the vineyards of Temecula, Europa Village brings the romance and charm of the Old World stateside. 

Europa Village currently shines the spotlight on Spain and France. The Iberian Bolero offers guests a vibrant winery focused on Spanish varietals like Garnacha, Muscat Canelli and cava, and the chance to stay in the Bolero casitas. For the utmost in romance choose the king casita with soaking tub and private courtyard. 

The French invented romance and you and your partner can enjoy some of that joie de vivre at Europa Village’s C’est La Vie winery. Tour the wine caves and sip some French classics like Chardonnay, Syrah and a Bordeaux blend. On Valentine’s night indulge in a decadent dinner at Bolero Restaurant featuring Kumamoto Oysters, Foie Gras and more.

BEACH TIME

It doesn’t get more romantic than surf, sand and relaxing on the sand beaches of the Turks and Caicos’ ICONIC Grace Bay Beach. 

Wow your sweetie with a stay in the new one-bedroom pool villas at the luxurious Wymara Resort. The four villas that comprise the new collection have an enviable location at one of the highest points in Turtle Tail affording couples total privacy and spectacular views of the sun setting over the water. The villas are secluded from the main resort, but give guests access to all resort amenities, plus a private sports club exclusive to villa residents. 

A dedicated villa concierge can help arrange any water or land excursion, spa appointments or a beachside cabana to while away the days. 

While life may be like a box of chocolates, this Valentine’s Day, impress your partner by thinking outside the chocolate box and surprising her or him with an unexpected romantic getaway instead.