Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa in Maui, HI
Follow your bliss to the edge of the world as you knew it. For once you stay at the Hotel Hana-Maui (808.248.8211), your perception of the world will change forever. Why? Because this intimate locale sits firmly within the time zone of timelessness. It’s absolutely superlative, from the sanctuary-like spa where earth and spirit meld to the spacious, plantation-style Sea Ranch cottages.
The Setai at Miami, FL
South Beach: Slip into your best suave seduction mode and settle in for the duration--however long you can take it. Along with endless expanses of sun, sand, and sea (right outside your front door), the über-deco Setai (305.520.6000, 888.625.7500) only has 125 rooms and suites, which ensures plenty of privacy and sublime service.
Gauthier Spa in Los Angeles, CA
The well-regarded Gauthier Spa (818.501.4423) lures chocoholic romantics with chocolate fondue body wraps, mint chocolate exfoliations, chocolate milkshake manicures, chocolate paraffin hand dips, chocolate whipped cream massages, and chocolate moisturizers. Chocolate-scented candles also fill the air. And to assure that Valentine’s Day can last long after the 14th, bring home a basket of chocolatey body products.
Las Brisas in Ixtapa, Mexico
The Mexican Riviera, where mountains slide down into the Pacific, is the stuff of legends. And at the terraced Ixtapa ("Place of White Sands") Las Brisas (+52.755.553.2121, 866.221.2961), all oceanfront rooms boast large private terraces with a hammock. Go all out and book a private dinner for two with tiki torches on the beach.
Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Discerning exclusivity is a watchword here. For Valentine's Day (or any day), the nirvanic Royal Plantation Ocho Rios (305.284.1300; 888.487.6925) suggests dinner-for-two at their champagne and caviar bar, champagne picnics, rose petal-strewn suites, couples massages, sunset cocktails delivered by a beach butler, and finding a private beach path lit by candlelight. The villa-like resort also has the most azure waters in the Caribbean.
Adara Hotel at Whistler, BC, Canada
Forget everything you know about rustic mountain ski retreats and think urban, cool, stylin--ski retreats--like the Adara Hotel (604.905.4009). Take your vision of hot tubs with grand mountain vistas, and overlay that with a modern boutique property with personalized service and flat screen TVs. Think floating fireplaces and faux mink throws. Think 30-somethings rather than 50-somethings.
Saturday Chocolate Bar Buffet in Boston, MA
Sinful and edible. How much is enough? You won't know until you (over)indulge in the Langham Hotel's (617.451.1900) hedonistic chocolate buffet, spread out in the elegant Café Fleuri on Saturdays year-round. This unlimited extravaganza will have you dreaming of swimming in creamy delights long after the rush wears off.
The Notchland Inn in Hart's Location, NH
Deep in the heart of the White Mountains, the Arts & Crafts-style Notchland Inn (800.866.6131) offers fireplaces in every guestroom. But before retiring for the evening, throw on some boots and a winter coat (and nothing else), and trundle 50 steps to the steamy gazebo hot tub that sits next to a spring fed pond. They'll have to drag you out.
Knob Hill Inn, Ketchum, ID
The intimate Knob Hill Inn (208.726.8010), nestled amidst two truly spectacular mountain ranges, is perfectly situated for a winter wonderland experience. After a decidedly Austrian-style breakfast, and shushing down the justifiably famed slopes, you'll be ready for soaking in a marble bath or gazing at the valley from your private balcony.
The Resort at Paws Up Near Missoula, MT
Their marketing moniker, "the last best place," couldn’t be more apt. In the middle of a blissful nowhere, the remote but accessible Resort at Paws Up (406.244.5200; 800.473.0601) will recharge whatever ails you. Spin your partner while ice skating, chase them on skis over untrammeled trails, listen to the jingle bells of a two-horse open sleigh ride, and cuddle up on a dog-sledding expedition.
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
