Cap Juluca
Photo Courtesy of Cap Juluca
The Beatles song may promise that “money can’t buy me love,” but we argue that it can buy you one heck of a vacation. Whether you’re looking to splurge for the big proposal or simply seeking a reason to treat yourself, look no further than these great luxury resort offerings that turn Valentine’s Day into an over-the-top declaration of your love.
Hotel Jerome, Aspen
Aspen’s luxe Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort recently celebrated its 125th anniversary and, to continue the party, it’s going way over the top with a $125,000 Valentine’s extravaganza that includes round-trip airfare for two from major cities like Chicago, Dallas or Los Angeles, overnight accommodations in a stylish suite and a romantic carriage ride through the city’s historic West End. But the altitude-enhanced affection doesn’t have to stop there, not when perks such as a custom private wine dinner with a personal butler, violinist and photographer, his-and-hers watches from a local jeweler, a butler-drawn bath and more are a part of the equation, too.
Spoon’s Dining Room, Photo Courtesy of InterContinental Hong Kong
InterContinental Hong Kong
Gourmands will love this Five-Star property’s award-winning eateries. The hardest part will be choosing where to dine on Valentine’s Day, when Spoon by Alain Ducasse, THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill and Four-Star Yan Toh Heen, as well as NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong all offer prix fixe menus for two featuring dishes like jumbo king prawns, Australian Wagyu striploin and tuna toro. Before your meal, get fancy at the hotel’s spa, where the I-Spa Pearl of Love Indulgence for Two treatment in the couples suite will include a romantic 30-minute bath, organic body scrub and 60-minute aroma massage. Need something a bit more active? A Japanese floral designer is teaching a specialty class on preserved floral arrangements that comes complete with a light breakfast and six-course NOBU lunch.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
This luxury brand of boutique resorts across North America is offering a full slate of over-the-top options this holiday. In February, Vancouver’s Five-Star Rosewood Hotel Georgia is opening its new underground cocktail lounge, Prohibition, where couples can sip and smooch in seclusion thanks to intimate alcoves in the establishment. At Four-Star Rosewood CordeValle, near San Jose, California, lovebirds and their favorite four-legged companion can enjoy a romantic Puppy Love package that includes a couples massage and doggie turndown with heart-shaped cookies and bones. And across the pond, Rosewood London’s Girl’s Best Friend getaway comes complete with a private fireworks display, helicopter ride across the city and a cooking class to create a bespoke aphrodisiac menu.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Photo Courtesy of Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
In Mexico, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are the country’s star-crossed Romeo and Juliet. The 1,000-year-old story in Nahuatl folklore is the stuff of legend, but this Valentine’s Day, Banyan Tree Mayakoba has offered couples a decidedly happier ending with Magical Moments, a promotion centering around a stay in a private villa with plenty of living space, private pools and more. Return from a day exploring to find the home adorned with candles and rose petals, decked out for a dining experience with Dom Pérignon and Sevruga caviar and a seductive set from a jazz trio. After you’ve had your fill of tastes and tunes, enjoy a romantic outdoor bath under the stars.
Cap Juluca, Anguilla
It’s easy to “feel the love” in a warm tropical locale, and one of our favorite spots is Anguilla’s Cap Juluca. The 179-acre beauty’s Romantic Rendezvous package is a seven-day, six-night escape that includes chilled champagne upon arrival, daily breakfast, a candlelit dinner for two at Pimms, the hotel’s signature restaurant, a one-hour couples massage and $250 resort credit. Want to really up the ante? The Just the Two of Us elopement package provides everything you need for an intimate, romantic wedding, from a stunning beach or lawn wedding site to a photographer, hair and makeup for the bride, and a candlelit three-course meal with wine by the water.
