Top Spots for Romance: Valentine’s Day 2008

Want to be blinded by romance, bowled over with love?  Do you fancy an unforgettable weekend away filled with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, hot tubs and sunsets?

If you’re interested in a few lazy days enjoying the company of your loved one… indulge yourselves and retreat at one of these top destination spots for romance this Valentine’s Day!

 

San Diego, California – After spending the day strolling along the La Jolla cove with a view of the ocean that can only be described as “mesmerizing”, retreat to the Cal-a-Vie Health Spa located in San Diego’s French provincial village of Vista. Take your pick from one of the 25 luxurious appointed cottages and experience candle-lit meditation within the 400-year-old chapel imported straight from Dijon, France.

Charleston, South Carolina – Cook your own romantic dinner at Charleston Cooks where chef experts let you be the culinary ninja for the day. Follow your meal with a “Chocolate Seduction” tasting tour (held the entire month of February) and find out exactly why chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Walk off your dinner by exploring the quaint town and take in the historic houses at The Battery. The Market Pavilion Hotel is the ideal place to stay and witness the picturesque view (while sipping on champagne) of Charleston from their rooftop bar.  

New York City, New York – Stroll along central park, skate at Bryant Park and take in all that the Big Apple has to offer — whether sightseeing, theatre, shopping or dining, this city has something for every couple out there. journeyPod recommends checking out the Library Hotel, a boutique property that presents a private club-like atmosphere and features themed rooms like “Erotic Literature” and “Love”.  Check out the special “Erotic Package” – perfect for the couples in search of well… you know! Listen to some of our New York podcasts!                  

                                 

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada – The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel sure knows what to put together for couple’s in love (or those on their way).  The “Icebreaker Package“, (hence, the name) is great for new romance and includes a welcome drink, deluxe river view room, dinner at the award-winning Le Champlain restaurant, as well as a choice of ice climbing at Montmorency Falls or a visit to the Ice Hotel Canada. Listen to our podcasts from Canada!

Fairbanks, Alaska – The Chena Hot Springs Resort is the ideal place to soak away all of life’s worries and indulge in… each other!  Visit the Ice Museum, warm up in the hot springs or get hitched in an ice chapel. Then, spend the night in a tent or at the resort.

 

Chetak, Wisconsin – Travel + Leisure Magazine praises Canoe Bay Resort as having “all the necessities to thaw out chilly spots in the relationship” since it includes a fireplace, down comforter, whirlpool tubs and lake view decks (in case you need to cool off).  journeyPod couldn’t agree more! Psst.. ask for a “Beer and Cheese Dessert” to take back to your room.

Oahu, Hawaii – After a day of floating along the waterfalls and enjoying dinner at Ola restaurant in Turtle Bay, spend the night at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa. Then, take a stroll along Waikiki beach and listen to nightly entertainment by the pool before calling it a night.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Though typically known as the “Adult Playground”, Las Vegas can also be a romantic destination. Celebrate with a French Bourdeaux at the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas and take in the view of the Dancing Fountains at the Bellagio. Catch the spectacular show “Le Reve” at the Wynn Las Vegas and then head upstairs to the room to truly seal the proposal. Looking for a great place to pop the question outside the city limits? The Grand Canyon is also a great choice for this very important question.

Napa Valley, California – The hot air balloon ride above the vineyards is phenomenal!  Impress your loved one with your knowledge of fine wines at any of these vineyards: Artesa, Frazier, Casa Nuestra or Vincent Arroyo. Fancy a game of croquet? At Meadowood, you can ask for a croquet pro to teach you the rules of the game.

 

Chesapeake, Maryland – Sail into the sunset on a sailboat from the bay. Not afraid to get your fingers dirty – dig into fresh crab legs and peel-n-eat shrimp. journeyPod recommends staying at the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa after your private dinner cruise and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the bay from your waterfront suite.

Chicago, Illinois – The Fairmont Chicago has done it again – taken the planning out of your hands and created a very special package for you and your loved one. “Wooed in the Windy City” includes a couple’s private massage, 5-course tasting menu, Chicago’s best chocolate cake and a sexy Karma Sutra turndown service. No need to leave the room for a few days.

Saugerties, New York – Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, Saugerties is home to former Manhattan dwellers and couples in search of creating a magical weekend. The Villa at Saugerties is above and beyond your average B&B -boasting exquisite paintings and lavish boutique style rooms – all in all, a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Vancouver, Canada – Atop Cypress Mountain is the ideal spot for stargazing and smooching while overlooking the twinkling lights of the city. Confess your deepest desires and then head to the Metropolitan Hotel and ask for the “Love, Amour, Amore” package which includes breakfast in bed, mood music and two mini bottles of Baileys. Check out our podcasts live from Vancouver!

Sedona, Arizona – Voted # 1 by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Enchantment Resort & Mii Amo Spa is the perfect retreat for couples to reconnect by massaging away all the knots in the relationship. Nestled in beautiful Red Rock country, indulge in numerous spa treatments, get your palm read, detox or spend the day exploring the cedar forest by foot or bike.

Key West, Florida – Beachside Resort shows the softer side of the area by providing guests with an unforgettable experience. The resort has a private beach, helicopter pad, private pool and luxury frete linen beds. Make sure to let Top Chef Norman Van Aken whip up something delicious at his Tavern and Towne restaurant (or stay in your bathrobe and order room service).

Paget Parish, Bermuda –  Dig your toes into the powdery pink beach at the Elbow Beach Resort (a Mandarin Oriental property). Spoil each other with a Champagne breakfast in bed, followed by a holistic spa treatment… then impress your loved one with a romantic candlelit dinner at the Seahorse Grill. Stay tuned for our podcast and roundup article on this hot spot! 

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – Couples have strolled hand-in-hand for centuries taking in the beautiful sights and watching the boats sail in and out of the harbor. The El San Juan Hotel and Casino is where casinos, amazing amenities and beach combine to create an unforgettable experience to brag about. 

 

Venice, Italy – No list would be complete without mentioning the romantic canals in one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Enjoy the native tunes sung by the gondola driver as he leads you through the historic alleyways Most tourists may not know the true secret to romance here!  Hop aboard a private speedboat and ask the driver to take you to the Island of Vignole to enjoy fresh seafood at the family run Trattoria Alle Vignole.  We recommend checking out Bauer Hotel, which offers true romance with its plush hotel suites and top-notch service; or Hotel Gritti – a property Ernest Hemingway described as “the best hotel in a city of great hotels”.