While some may feel Valentine’s Day is a merchandise-made holiday, there’s still something about a day set aside for romance. If you can’t get away with your loved one on the 14th, there’s still time throughout the month to celebrate love! So send your kids to the in-laws and off you go …
Marsha Calig, president of Altour/Calig Travel & Cruises, suggests these hot spots for romancing the month …
The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona
This restful 39-acre oasis has been dubbed “Jewel of the Desert.” With Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture surrounded by lush gardens, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts, an 18-hole putting course, a full-service European spa and fitness center, it’s not hard to understand why it’s a favorite of celebrities and U.S. presidents alike. This February their romance package includes a one night premier accommodation, both dinner and breakfast for two, champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries and two 50-minute spa treatments (gratuity included). $920; www.arizonabiltmore.com; this same package is available for lower rates other months of the year
The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, Louisiana
In the romantic French Quarter you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with the “Valentine’s Pour Deux” package for the weekend. With club level accommodations, complimentary parking and breakfast in bed, you’ll hardly want to leave the room. $430; www.ritzcarlton.com; additional spa package options available
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Fort Meyers, Florida
Nestled on a private peninsula along the southwest Gulf Coast, the resort overlooks Sanibel and Captiva Islands. You can relax seaside in a cabana or hit the water on a kayak; there is golf course for those who want to show off their drive. The romance package includes a one-night, two-day stay in a water-view room and dinner for two. Starting at $350; www.sanibel-resort.com; additional packages available
Hotel Hershey and Spa, Hershey, Pennsylvania
If you and your paramour are chocolate lovers, then nothing is more romantic than a chocolate getaway! Rumor has it that even the air smells of chocolate. You’ll find beautiful gardens, hand-sculpted fountains and Spanish-influenced architecture. (There is a club for kids, should you bring them.) There are many ways to visit: there is the Sweet Indulgence Package, Hershey Spa Package (complete with chocolate treatments, yum!), and the Spa and Golf Package. Starts at $238; www.hersheypa.com/accommodations/the_hotel_hershey/
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Spa, New York, New York
In the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle on floors 35 to 54, the hotel is a blend of modernity and Asian flair. In the heart of Manhattan, views include Central Park and the skyline. From February 9 to February 19, there are four romance packages available: Heart Felt, Heart & Soul, Heart’s Delight and Heart’s Thrill. $950 to $17,500; www.mandarinoriental.com
Omni Hotel Chicago, Illinois
Located in the heart of the “Magnicent Mile,” this is an all-suite luxury hotel close to most everything Chicago has to offer. But, if you choose not to leave the comfort of your room, where every suite is equipped with a plasma-screen television, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day by indulging in a bottle of Moet & Chandon White Star champagne, truffles from Teuscher Chocolates from Switzerland, and relax with luxurious champagne-scented bubbling bath salts, massage and body oil and body cream. From $274 to $294 per night; www.omnihotels.com
The One and Only Palmilla, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
If you’re looking to completely spoil your one and only, check out thee One and Only Palmilla. The Couples Sanctuary package includes accommodation for seven nights, champagne, flowers, breakfast and lunch daily, and five nights of dinner, spa treatments and chauffeured roundtrip airport rides in an H2 Hummer. $7,000 to $18,890; www.oneandonlyresorts.com; other packages available
California Romance
The Tallman Hotel, Lake County
Package includes a stay in a uniquely designed room, an in-room couple’s massage and candle-lit bath. The hotel features 17 guestrooms designed with Eastlake-style furniture, antique plumbing fixtures and fluffy 300-thread count linens. $288 to $397; www.tallmanhotel.com
Wine Valley Inn, Solvang
Enjoy wine country with the High Roller of Romance package — a one- or two-night stay in your own quaint, private cottage. A basket of goodies, a dozen long-stemmed red roses and a private luxury town car to take you on a tour of four local wineries await your romantic needs. $470 to $740; www.winevalleyinn.com
Marsha Calig can be reached at 818.703.0100 or ; www.caligtravel.com