As the ice crystals form outside on the windows, you and your sweetheart snuggle warmly in front of the flames roaring in a great stone fireplace… Seductively romantic. Or maybe your dream date is sharing an exquisite gourmet meal as you gaze into each other’s eyes over flickering candlelight… Deliciously decadent. Still, others might find the pinnacle of romance basking in the sun side by side as you watch the Tiffany box blue water lazily lap against the palm-fringed beach… Dreamily relaxing. There are many ways to say “I love you,” but romantic escapes just for two always score big for Valentine’s Day.
Here are three favorite romantic escapes that our vacation experts recommend:
The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia, USA
For the incurable romantic, it just doesn’t get better than the charming, Victorian-inspired Inn at Little Washington. In a small village nestled in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, just an hour outside of Washington D.C., the incomparable inn the collection of historic buildings offers a total of 24 individually-decorated, sumptuous bedrooms and suites. The dining room, however, is the real star, with a luxurious Victorian décor, an ever-changing gourmet menu, and an award-winning 14,000 bottle wine cellar. The proprietor and chef, Patrick O’Connell, has received a host of accolades from all of the most prestigious restaurant and hotel ratings, including two Michelin stars.
All guest room reservations include a welcome cocktail upon arrival, afternoon tea, house breakfast, complimentary valet parking, complimentary bicycle rental, and Wi-Fi access. The farm-to-table menu spotlights O’Connell’s spectacular Refined American Cuisine, such as the Pepper Crusted Tuna Pretending to be a Filet Mignon Capped with Seared Duck Foie Gras and a Burgundy Butter Sauce. Travel Maestro tip: Restaurant-only reservations are available, but sell out far in advance; however, accommodations include a guaranteed dining reservation each evening.
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, Canada
As Audrey Hepburn famously said, “Paris is always a good idea,” but if that’s too far to go for your l’amour, Quebec City in Canada is a much closer alternative to get your French fix. The Old fortified City is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with gabled buildings dating from the 1600s and narrow, winding cobblestone streets. French is the primary language and the city’s culture revolves around wining and dining, giving it a distinctly French ambiance.
The iconic Le Chateau Frontenac presides over Haute Ville (Upper Town) like a great French castle. The romantic architecture of gables, turrets and green patina copper roof makes the 611 room landmark hotel one of the most photographed hotels in the world. In front of the hotel, a wide pedestrian promenade called Terrasse Dufferin affords spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. Travel Maestro tip: A $72 million renovation blends history with luxury in the elegant guestrooms, three new restaurants, and the new Spa du Chateau.
Viceroy Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico
The once sleepy little village of Playa Del Carmen is tucked into the jungle along the white sands of the Riviera Maya, Mexico, about an hour south of Cancun. It’s grown into a funky, international cultural center, but despite the town’s growing popularity, the pace remains delightfully slow much of the time.
Nearby Playa Del Carmen is the Viceroy Riviera Maya, a sexy, secluded refuge made up of just 41 thatched-roof villas with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and hammocks for relaxing with your sweetheart. The restaurant at the water’s edge serves a Mayan-Mediterranean fusion and the full-service spa is a sanctuary for the senses. Travel Maestro tip: Indulge in delicacies like caviar-topped swordfish sashimi while sipping a high-end tequila at this eco-chic, adults-only resort.
Of course, there are many other romantic escapes to say “I love you,” so if you want other suggestions, just contact our superb vacation advisors. They’re always ready to design a special romantic getaway, customized just for the two of you.
Leave a Reply