East Coast Valentine's Day Ideas: Florida To Maine
At the bottom of the East Coast, Ernest Hemingway's dreamy paradise awaits lovers. Ensconce yourself in the island charm of the keys at Pier House Resort & Spa in an oceanview suite for three nights with the "Sunset Sweets" Package. You and your beau will indulge with chocolates and champagne, a sunset cruise (some of the most striking I've ever seen), a tropical glow sugar scrub at The Spa, all for $606 per night. This is definitely worth traveling to the end of the world for. 800-723-2791 http://www.pierhouse.com
Couples who are fonder of working out than spending time dining will love the W Hotel South Beach's made-for-couples celebrity workout package. Pick a three- or five-day program, designed by celebrity trainer Simone Cavalleti. You'll receive a health evaluation, personal training, daily yoga and cardio-aerobic sessions, and pre-planned wellness menus. 305-938-3000 www.wsouthbeach.com/work-it-out
For somewhere more intimate with the art deco feel that Miami Beach is known for, Kimpton's Surfcomber Miami on South Beach is a fabulous choice. The boutique hotel's "Sinful or Sweet" package is the epitome of sexiness to keep your romance on fire. You'll get a sex-on-the beach cocktail, an intimacy kit, and tantalizing romance toys to motivate. If you can leave your room, you'll love the pool deck with its private cabanas, and beach and poolside activities, or The Social Club, the hotel's lobby lounge. Rates start at only $429. 800-994-6103. www.surfcomber.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston is a city of romance, candlelit at night with gorgeous architecture, sensuous parks, and a location on two rivers. At the luxurious Charleston Place Hotel in the center of downtown, you'll experience heightened romance with a range of choices to help you set the mood. Perhaps you'd like a musician to serenade you in your room? Or maybe special dining treats are your thing – a dark chocolate fondue, or oysters on the half shell served with champagne, or other culinary aphrodisiacs: It's all there for you to choose this Valentine's Day. 888-635-2350 http://www.charlestonplace.com
The Park Hyatt Washington's "Suiteheart at the Park' package will put you in a suite and give you a taste of the hotel's famous Blue DuckTavern with breakfast. Should you desire dinner at the restaurant, the special lovers' wine pairing dinner is priced at $145 per person. www.parkhyattwashington.com, 800-778-7477, www.blueducktavern, 202-419-6755
Prefer to head north? Valentine's Day dinner at Water Street at the classic Harbor View Hotel is a special event. No summer tourists. Gorgeous water views of the harbor and the lighthouse. And you can feast on entrees including local lobster (only Maine and Massachusetts have good ones, you know), all for $48 per person prix fixe. Throw in a sweet ending like the "tasting for two" with chocolate macaroons, mousse and truffles; book a room upstairs at the hotel for only $179 per night (which, by the way, includes dinner for two); and you have a perfect New England island Valentine's Day. 800-225-6005. www.harbor-view.com.
Maybe you'll run into Taylor Swift who'll croon you a tune about one of her lost loves. Watch Hill in Rhode Island is not only the site of her new home but it's also the location of the fabulous grand Ocean House resort. Book a "Romance by the Sea" package that includes two nights in a deluxe room, Champagne, breakfast, brunch, and tickets to a special Salt Marsh Opera dinner. Rates start at $745 per night, per couple. 888-552-2588 www.oceanhouseri.com.
The ultra-romantic White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport invites you to enjoy their off-season Relais & Châteaux experience by the ocean. At a special price of $565 per night, you'll enjoy two nights' accommodations, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a four-course dinner in the acclaimed White Barn Inn restaurant. A wonderful place to be snowed in. 207-967-2321 http://www.whitebarninn.com/