by Katie James, BRIDES
Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, there's no better time to book a last-minute getaway at one of America's most romantic hotels and resorts. To help you get there, we've rounded up some of the chicest places for two. Even better: all of the properties below are offering exclusive V-day deals, which are sure to make your stay that much sweeter.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Above)
If you really want to get away with your beau, book in ASAP at the newly revamped Four Seasons, on Hawaii's ultra-private, 90,000-acre island of Lanai. (Just a short flight from Maui.) Book the Stay Longer -- Fourth Night Free experience, which includes a complimentary fourth night at the resort, plus romantic add-ons, like a five-course, blind tasting menu of such aphrodisiacs as lobster, oyster, and caviar-- a surefire way to ignite the senses; or opt for the mixology class and tasting in one of the new poolside "sanctuaries," a private bungalow with couches and lounge chairs (also perfect for a couples' massage). (From $1,075/night.)
Royalton New York
Design-savvy travelers love this stylish hotel in midtown Manhattan, which opened in 1988 under the direction of legendary French architect Philippe Starck (also behind Miami's Delano Hotel and Paris's Le Royal Monceau-- Raffles, among others). The greatest appeal for romance-seeking travelers, however, are the wood-burning fireplaces found in 55 of the 168 guestrooms (the most of any NYC property). Throughout February, couples can book the Royalton Fireplace package, which includes: accommodations and breakfast; cocktails and small plates at the lobby lounge, Bar Forty Four; and a "fireplace concierge service." Yes, the hotel has a "Wood Sommelier," who will come to your room and customize the fire-- allowing you to choose from five different types of kindling, each of which pairs with a craft cocktail from Forty Four. (We recommend lighting up the limited edition cherry wood on the 14th.) (From $299/night.)
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
There are few more romantic spots in the U.S. than the coast of Southern California, so whether you're in from out of town or looking for a fun staycation, we recommend this historic Santa Monica property. There's plenty to do on-site, from Exhale mind-body fitness classes to close-knit shaves at Lloyd's Barbershop. But with the Sky High Romance package, you and your Valentine get even more amazing experiences-- namely, a private helicopter ride over Los Angeles. In addition to overnight accommodations in an Ocean Tower Suite (with champagne and caviar upon arrival), couples are treated to a 45-minute airborne city tour, followed by a private rooftop dinner catered by FIG, the hotel's seasonal-inspired bistro, with equally breathtaking Pacific views. (From $6,500.)
Whiteface Lodge
Lake Placid, New York, has remained a year-round favorite among Northeast travelers since it played host to the Winter Olympics in 1980. And this all-suite Adirondack resort is the perfect winter escape for both couples and families, owing to the diverse activities it offers-- from cross-country skiing to rock climbing and dog sledding. With the Lodge's Ultimate Luxury Package For Two, guests receive two-night accommodations, inclusive of breakfast, plus 50-minute massages in the award-winning spa and a three-course dinner at the rustic-chic restaurant, KANU. Couples can also catch a flick at the Lodge's 56-seat movie theater, take a turn on the private ice-skating rink, or kick back in front of the fire pit, cocktails in hand. (From $546/night.)
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
If you've ever been to Miami for a bachelorette, chances are you spent a night at the Fontainebleau's nightclub, LIV. This Collins Avenue mainstay can be either party haven or luxury refuge, depending on your travel needs, and we think they've hit the perfect medium for Valentine's Day. What you get: a prix-fixe dinner for two at one of the resort's top-notch restaurants (Michael Mina 74, StripSteak, or Scarpetta), plus tickets to a performance by Grammy award-winning duo Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at BleauLive (the resort's entertainment venue). If rocking out to classics like "We Belong" and "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" doesn't get you going, we don't know what will! (Package from $350.)
Photo: Courtesy of Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Sea Island, Georgia
With all this physical romance, let's not forget about a little intellectual stimulation. If you and your S.O. are really looking to connect this V-day, consider booking in at one of Sea Island's storied accommodations (we like the chic Inn at Sea Island or the ultra-private Ocean Villas at the Cloister). Not only will you get R&R-- by way of the 60,000 square-foot spa and three world-class golf courses-- but you'll also get to join the resort's third-annual Creativity Conference. During the two-day retreat, participants can interact with and learn from such speakers as: Italian model-actress-filmmaker Isabella Rossellini; New York Times bestselling author Gary Shteyngart; and Colorado State University professor of animal science, Dr. Temple Grandin (also the subject of a namesake HBO biopic, starring Claire Danes). Hope you're taking notes! (From $225/night at the Inn; $500/night at the Cloister.)
Red Mountain Resort
If your idea of connecting is more along the lines of mind-body-sprit, look no further than this wellness resort in Southwestern Utah. Activities that fall within the Red Mountain Essential Package: yoga classes overlooking red rock canyons, digital photography classes, hikes through Zion National Park, cooking demonstrations, plus daily meals crafted by the resort's nutritionists to specifically suit your health goals. (From $265/night, per person.)
More From Brides.com: