My spendy Valentine
Luxury travel ideas for a romantic holiday
Kona Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii is low-key by design, to the point where “unplugged and unpretentious” are in its tagline. But for Valentine’s Day, it takes a 180-degree turn with a jaw-droppingly lavish “Million Package” that includes private jet transit, custom-designed Tiffany jewelry and a full round-the-clock staff. The cost? A cool $500K.
“We figured the most unpretentious resort in Hawaii deserved an over-the-top Valentine’s package,” says a hotel spokesperson.
While Kona Village tops our high-ticket Valentine’s roundup this year, it’s certainly not the only luxury property to go all out for the ides of February. Hoteliers everywhere hope couples will agree that they deserve an over-the-top Valentine’s experience—complete with adventure elements, pampering, fine cuisine and in some cases, private fireworks displays and designer diamonds.
“Our goal is to take romance to the next level with lavish extravagances that couples can truly savor,” says Paula Negrete, chief concierge at El Dorado Casitas Royale in the Riviera Maya. The package that Negrete and her colleagues have put together is probably the most whimsical and eclectic of the bunch. Though perks like private gourmet meals, chocolate fondue under the stars and a beachfront horseback ride aren’t necessarily expensive, they might make your experience priceless. At $10,000 for three nights, the Casitas Royale is actually one of the most reasonably priced Valentine’s packages in this roundup.
Many of the others are obviously more aspirational than practical. Take, for example, the St. Regis’ “Till the End of Time,” which includes his ‘n’ hers Cartier wristwatches and presidential suite lodgings. Even in this crowded luxury market the $75,000 price tag seems a little bit expensive.
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That’s why so many properties offer an over-the-top package and also a more reasonable option. Consider the Atlantic’s “Dress Her in Diamonds.” For a more manageable $3,999, guests get a Neiman Marcus shopping trip, a four-course dinner and a Tiffany platinum gift. For $40,999, they get the same things—only in a higher price bracket.
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“Usually we like to be very simple, but this time we decided to put a lot of different elements together,” says Melody Goeken, who helped come up with Barton Creek’s “Bed of Roses” package. This property gets a lot of drive-in guests from Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, and most of them are in their late '30s and early '40s—and have children. The package was tailored to meet their expectations of luxury and exclusivity, while still fitting within a reasonable price point. In this case, $6,500. Guests receive 12 dozen roses, vintage Cristal and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries at check-in, in-room couples’ massage and an array of rose-themed Tiffany collectibles. There’s also a quirky element thrown into this package to fit with the “keep Austin weird” theme: a four-hour customized private tour in a pink limousine.
“We figured it would be something fun—you take wife or girlfriend out, see whatever she wants to see,” says Goeken, readily admitting that a pink limo is a detail tailored toward the ladies. Not surprisingly, the most popular “sightseeing” tour heads straight to South Congress, the well-known shopping street leading up to the state capitol.
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© Eldorado Hotel & Spa The Eldorado Hotel is named after a legendary treasure, and its Valentine's package stays true to the theme. Couples' spa treatments like the Golden Spun Massage are followed by a glowing golden candlelit dinner. The parting gift—a turquoise necklace—departs from the theme, but it's doubtful anyone will complain about it. |
“It will be an erotic, sensual night where the food sets the tone for everything,” says Pristash, who will use seasonal local ingredients to create an array of plates meant for sharing. Oysters on the half shell, baby spinach salad with mango vinaigrette, ahi tuna in saffron … Each course is served on one plate, the better for feeding to each other.
“Dessert would be of course chocolate, the biggest aphrodisiac of all,” say Pristash. “And then I’m going to have to get out of there quickly ... they’re going to want the place to themselves.”
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© Barton Creek Resort & Spa At Barton Creek in Austin, the 'Bed of Roses' theme brings 12 dozen roses to the suite, rose oil in-room couples' massage and rose-themed Tiffany keepsakes for her. Also, of course, a rose-petal turndown. This package also includes a four-hour private tour of Austin in a pink limousine. Fairway suite accommodations, vintage Cristal and chocolate-dipped strawberry welcome, four-course dinner and in-room breakfast are included. Priced from $6,500. |
“February is all about love, romance and sex, and Milliken is full of love,” says general manager Connie Gore.
For people who need a little help on the planning end, Milliken even has a special Web site.
Because, while a $500,000 Valentine’s is nice in theory, in real life it is the thought that counts.
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