Have love, will travel: The gift of a romantic getaway
Wine is fine and a love poem is divine but a romantic getaway is a gift that keeps giving with a lifetime of “remember when” memories. Whether you surprise your special someone with a reservation confirmation slipped into a box of truffles or plan your escape together over a bottle of bubbly, here’s a heart-shaped sampler’s worth of trip-for-two ideas for every travel taste.
Ride off into the sunset
Nature’s spectacular day-end display is one of the main attractions at Turtle Bay Resort, tucked away on the laid-back side of Oʻahu. To make the most of a Hawaiian sunset, or napoo ana o ka la, take a page from a romance novel with a sunset horseback ride on the beach (book a private photo session to capture the magic of the moment). Or sip on Hawaii’s best Mai Tai as you watch the ever-changing color show from the private pool of an exclusive Ocean Bungalow.
An en-dolphin rush
If animal encounters are the key to your loved one’s heart, head to the Florida Keys and Hawks Cay Resort. The resort’s ocean-fed saltwater lagoon is home to a friendly pod of bottlenose dolphins, and couples can book a private Dolphin Trainer for a Day experience through the Dolphin Connection program. Ramp up the romance by arranging for a bottle of chilled sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, or a private dinner for two in your room or beneath a heavenly blanket of stars on your private balcony or lanai.
California dreaming
Redwoods, ocean, vineyards and a coast-hugging drive—a stay at Chaminade Resort & Spa, high above Monterey Bay in the Santa Cruz Mountains, has all of the elements of a classic California adventure. Put the top down for a wind-in-your-hair drive down Highway 1 to Big Sur or take the back roads and explore the family-owned wineries of the Corralitos Wine Trail. Spend an afternoon soaking up the fun on the Santa Cruz boardwalk with its iconic seaside amusement park then retreat back to the resort to catch the sunset over the bay as you savor dinner and a glass of California wine on the expansive outdoor terrace at The View, a Treeside Restaurant.
Build-a-romance
At the hip Hotel Valley Ho in downtown Scottsdale, couples can custom-build the “mid-century marvelous” getaway of their dreams by choosing from a menu of fun room add-ons. One possibility: combine a Vinyl Rewind Package with a Cocktail Amenity and enjoy a private evening in the comfort of a contemporary guest room spinning albums from the ‘50s and ‘60s on a Crosley turntable while sipping martinis and old fashioneds and nibbling on classic bar treats.
Good vibrations
At Mountain Shadows, just a few miles away in Paradise Valley, more opportunities await for a custom escape, thanks to a wide selection of add-on experiences and amenities. Couples can get in tune with each other and the natural harmonies of the universe, meditating to the tones and vibrations of crystal bowls, with a Serene Sound Healing & Meditation in the privacy of their guestroom. Then, connection and bliss restored, celebrate with a Romance Package amenity—a full bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate.
CBD and chill
There will be no “sleepless in Seattle” for couples who book the CBD and Chill package at Willows Lodge, just 30 minutes away from the city in the Woodinville wine country. The package includes guest room or suite accommodations (complete with stone fireplace and soaking tub for two), two CBD massages, Vital Body CBD bath salts, a complimentary in-room movie and a pint of Seattle’s own Nutty Squirrel Gelato. Also popular with couples, a D-I-Y Do Not Disturb Bath and Bubbles Amenity can be added to any stay. It includes all the ingredients for a romantic rose petal bath: Molton Brown bubble bath, premium epsom salt crystals from Saltworks, rose petals, Champagne on ice with flutes, Fran’s Salted Caramels, and plenty of flameless candles to set the mood.
Seventh heaven
Heaven awaits on SEVEN, the adults-only floor at San Antonio’s La Cantera Resort & Spa. Here, from the resort’s highest point, couples enjoy an elevated experience that includes a Champagne check-in in the private lounge, premium bath products, Nespresso machines and daily access to Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, where the couple-friendly treatments include a Clearing Himalayan Salt Stone Mineral Massage for Two. Venture out from your love nest to stroll the San Antonio River Walk, picnic at Enchanted Rock with its pink granite dome, or marvel at the otherworldly rock formations of Cave Without a Name, then return to La Cantera for fireside wine and sunset s’mores.
Virginia is for (spa) lovers
If a spa retreat is your idea of the perfect romantic getaway, hands down, Virginia’s Lansdowne, just minutes from historic downtown Leesburg, has the package for you. For the Love of Spa includes a $200 credit at the resort’s Spa Minérale, plus champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, a round of drinks for two in Coton & Rye, a $100 dining credit and daily $50 breakfast credit. Round out your getaway with a round of golf along the Potomac River on Lansdowne’s world-class courses or spend a day antiquing and exploring the rich history and equestrian culture of several charming towns and villages within a short drive of the resort.
The perfect gift with just one click
Giftable experiences make it gift-card simple to surprise your partner or a favorite deserving couple with a romantic getaway. Just purchase the package and your recipient can redeem it and choose travel dates with the click of a button. The Romantic Vermont Getaway at The Essex Resort & Spa bundles an overnight stay with a couple’s massage, a wine and chocolate welcome amenity, dinner for two in Junction, breakfast, and extra time to linger, thanks to a late checkout of 3 p.m.
Lounging in Love at Margaritaville Lake Resort on Houston’s Lake Conroe includes suite accommodations, a bottle of prosecco and margarita-infused strawberries upon arrival, and complimentary access to the steam rooms, rain showers, relaxation lounge and hidden whirlpool tub at the resort’s St. Somewhere Spa.
For more inspiration, check out these romantic getaway deals.
