Best Romantic Getaways
2/5/2006 11:32:21 PM by KELLY BRADEN
ired of giving (and getting) the same ol', same ol' each Valentine's Day? Have you been burned out on heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, and roses that wilt in a week? How about that drawer full of red satin undies that neither you nor your significant other ever wears anymore?
It's time to consider a special getaway with your sweetie this year, an amorous interlude complete with his and her massages or a candlelight dinner, and plenty of romance and memories to last forever.
LITTLE PALM ISLAND LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL
When you visit Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, prepare to enter another world. The island resort is accessible only by boat or seaplane and is a hidden treasure with a world-class spa and one of the best restaurants in South Florida. Little Palm Island is a dream for an intimate romantic getaway. Uncork the chilled bottle of champagne in your suite, with its king-size bed, whirlpool bath, and private veranda overlooking the ocean. The beachfront dining room offers the ultimate romantic atmosphere with waterfront tables on the beach illuminated by tiki torches. This island hideaway offers everything you'd expect from paradise; authentic thatched-roof bungalows complete with ocean views, white sand beach with gently swaying palm trees and, of course, the occasional hammock.
Little Palm Island's Get Lost Package is for three nights in a private Bungalow Suite and includes a chilled bottle of champagne, a full breakfast each morning in the privacy of your suite or at the Dining Room on the ocean's edge and a $100 spa credit per person.
THE RITZ-CARLTON SOUTH BEACH, FL
South Beach is hot, hot, hot, and the Ritz-Carlton is committed to becoming the area's first five-star hotel. Located directly on the beach, alluring adventures await romantics with options that include couples massages at the spa and a tour of exclusive Star Island aboard a luxury yacht.
The hotel has several romance packages, including the Suite Dreams Package which includes, deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast for two, dinner for two (once per stay), two one-hour signature massages, rose petal turndown upon arrival, champagne and strawberries amenity upon arrival and one-way airport transportation or valet parking.
KONA KAI KEY LARGO, FL
Kona Kai is exceptional when it comes to beauty, peace and tranquility. From the gorgeous, well-maintained grounds with tropical fruit trees and orchid garden to the hammocks, beautiful lounge chairs and complimentary fruit and chilled bottled water by the pool, every detail has been carefully thought out. The beach is exceptional and the sand is raked every night. A great place to kick back and enjoy the tropical oasis, the resort will beckon you back time and time again. With only 11 rooms on five acres, there's plenty of privacy and the staff is friendly, helpful and available. Their no kids policy is perfect for that romantic getaway.
REGISTRY RESORT NAPLES, FL
What's more romantic than a sunset? Naples, on Florida's Gulf Coast, has more than its share of glorious, color-hued moments where lovers can watch the sun sink into the horizon, throwing off golden light that's reflected in the sky and water as it descends.
The Registry Resort is located on 23 acres, complete with three miles of a white, sandy beach fronting the Gulf of Mexico. The resort has 474 guest rooms and suites, championship golf and tennis facilities and award-winning dining. A new pool complex contains lush, tropical greenery which surrounds five swimming pools, the 100-foot Mangrove Mountain water slide and private cabanas.
The Registry Resort has a Romance Package with coastal view room accommodations, welcome gift basket of miniature bath and massage oils and lotion, special turndown service with votive candles and rose petals, romantic dinner for two in room, breakfast for two in bed or at the Brass Pelican and a pool cabana with champagne and strawberries.
RITZ-CARLTON CAYMAN ISLANDS GRAND CAYMAN
Opened December 2005, the Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman is located in the center of exclusive Seven Mile Beach and spans 144 acres, the largest and most-developed of the three Cayman Islands. The resort has 365 guest rooms and suites with a private terrace, a 6,000 square foot luxury retail emporium, a 20,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa with 17 treatment rooms, a tennis center and a Greg Norman-designed nine-hole golf course (opening April 2006). The two signature restaurants on the property were conceived by Eric Ripert of New York City's highly praised Le Bernardin in New York City.
The resort's Special Occasion Package includes accommodations, full breakfast for two daily at the Oceanfront Café 7, one bottle of sparkling wine and a presentation of delicious chocolate fruit kabobs.
MUSHA CAY BAHAMAS
When money is no object, it becomes a challenge to find that over-the-top, out-of-this-world gift for your Valentine. Well, look no more. Seven days of unadulterated romance and privacy on the island of Musha Cay, the most luxurious private island resort in the world &priceless!
The odyssey begins with a prevacation shopping spree at Neiman- Marcus so you can buy a few trinkets and resort wear for your romantic island getaway. When you are packed, expect the arrival of a stretch limousine for a champagne transfer to the nearest private airport. There, a private Gulfstream Jet waits ready to fly you to Georgetown International Airport in the Exumas.
Once at Georgetown, your own Twin Otter aircraft whisks you away to Musha Cay's private landing strip, and once at Musha you have the arduous task of choosing one of five residences -- from a 10,000 square foot manor house to the most private, romantic thatched-roof cottage on its own private half-moon beach. If you find it hard to choose, you can always try a different house and bedroom every night!
A staff of 20 and private chef are at your disposal reserved for just you and your special Valentine and you have 13 sugar white sand beaches from which to choose, water sports galore, and endless Dom Perignon and any other beverages of your choice as well as three gourmet meals prepared daily to your liking. While on the island, you may decide to improve your tennis game or your scuba diving skills with a private instructor, call on the Pilates teacher, or take to the seas for a private cruise or fishing trip. And, to relax from all the sun drenched activity, your private massage therapist can complete your days in paradise with a Swedish, Aromatherapy or special Musha Magic Massage (a combination of Swedish, Hot Stone and Aromatherpy).
If you are less ambitious, you can opt for a massage or just relax in the oceanside, freshwater swimming pool. If for some reason you feel the need to leave the island and explore the Exumas, your own private helicopter is waiting &just say the word.
Whenever and wherever you choose -- on the beach, under the palm trees, or on your terrace, you will be served a special Valentine's dinner with Beluga caviar or whatever else pleases your palate, and given surprise his and her gifts from Graff jewelers, all delivered with a dozen red roses. As night falls you can slip into your rose-petal-covered bath for two overlooking the Caribbean.
Cost, $1 million, yet it's priceless.
Okay, you've got plenty of great choices. Now it's time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their lovers with a Valentine's Day trip that will bond you even more.