Sherman's Travel

I’m single this Valentine’s Day. This doesn’t bother me much, as I’ve only had a significant other coincide with the Happy Heart Day twice (in 7th grade, and last year). To me, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to wear a bunch of pink and gorge myself on candy, so it’s a holiday I can get behind regardless of relationship status. Plus, this year I’ve got a date to get tacos with my mom, so things are going pretty well, I would say.

Other singles don’t share my enthusiasm – or, rather, lack thereof. To many, Valentine’s Day is an annual reminder of his or her failure to land a partner, doomed to a lifetime of unanswered OkCupid messages and plucking errant cat hairs off ratty pajama pants. But, much like the 14 pounds of chocolate I will consume Thursday, there is no need to be bitter. There are plenty of events intended for the singles out there that are guaranteed to make your Valentine’s Day memorable.
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A recent study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association found that couples who travel together are “significantly more satisfied with their relationships,” than couples who don’t or couples who instead try to spark romance with gifts. Here’s what else they found: Read more

Valentine’s Day is a popular time for hotels to offer packages with champagne and romance concierges (you know, to help your hopeless partner plan a romantic evening out), but it’s not as easy to find packages that include spa treatments and massages. Luckily, we’ve done the searching for you, and we’ve found some great budget options as well as some luxurious extravagances. For both a romantic and relaxing February 14 (or thereabouts), try out these hotels and spas, from East Coast to West.

The Budget Picks:

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sunsets on the beach are already dreamy, but the Westin Beach Resort & Spa is taking the swoon factor a few steps further with its “Rekindle Romance” package. It starts at only $319/night and is available for stays from February 10-15. What do you get? The package includes breakfast in bed, a visit to Shula’s on the Beach (for dinner, the Chef’s Tasting Menu, and wine!), champagne and strawberry turndown, and the Heavenly Healing couple’s spa treatment at the Heavenly Spa.

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Bali is a bastion of gorgeous spas. Can’t get to one in time for February 14? Try one of these closer-to-home Balinese-inspired spa treatments made for two.

The Setai Spa, South Beach, Florida
There are heaps of beautiful spas in Miami, but I like how close this one is to the beach and the Love Potion No. 9 kind of theme: Couple’s Love Ceremony includes a 60-minute Couple’s Ancient Balinese Massage followed by a Love Bath – a soak in a Love Potion-filled tub with rose petals. Champagne and canapes included. $500 per couple. Photo above courtesy The Setai. www.setai.com/thespa

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Massachusetts redefined what ye ol’ ball and chain could mean when it legalized same-sex marriage back in 2004. And in 2007, The Liberty Hotel redefined hard time when it converted the imposing 1850s granite-wrapped Charles Street Jail into an exceedingly hip, design-driven property in the heart of Beacon Hill. Coincidence? Unclear. But with two weeks to go till Valentine’s Day, I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to head to Boston and suss it out – especially with two lovers-oriented specials on tap.

Starting February 1st and valid the entire month, the Lip Locked Up package offers a romantic retreat for two with luxe accommodations, welcome Champagne at check-in, an intimacy kit, valet parking, and some Molton Brown gloss for kissable lips. Though you’ll be behind bars, handcuffs are your responsibility. Rates start at $280, which is a steal (how apropos) considering parking alone racks up at $42 a day.

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Orlando, Fla., is synonymous with family-friendly, and for good reason. But it’s also a perfect adult getaway during the off-season. Right now, The Castle Hotel Orlando, located on the famed and entertainment-lined International Drive, is offering up their Romantic Escape package in a King Leisure room for only $189 a night! This package sets the tone for an unforgettable couples’ weekend with a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of sparkling white wine. To complete the deal, ShermansTravel.com readers will also enjoy a free breakfast in bed for two! Travel is valid between February 14 and February 16, 2011 and is subject to availability.

THE VALUE: Couples booking this package will save $75 on the amenities alone!

THE CATCH: Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday.

THE DETAILS: To book this deal, visit www.thecastleorlando.com, using promo code ISHD2.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to book low rates on flights to Orlando.

Check out our Orlando Travel Guide to learn about all the city’s best offerings.

The clock is quickly ticking, but all you lovebird procrastinators (or maybe you’re just spontaneous) still have 19 days to book a last-minute Valentine’s Day getaway. The big day falls on a Monday this year, making it perfect for a long weekend. My inbox has been flooded with possibilities – from great deals to extravagant splurges. Here are 14 packages worth perusing:

1. Cities Across North America: The “Magnifique Romance” package at Sofitel (www.sofitel.com) – which includes accommodations, chocolates, flowers, champagne, and room-service breakfast – is available throughout North America (Montreal, New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Miami, Chicago-Water Tower, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles) with rates starting at $140/night if booked by February 13.

2. Riviera Maya: Ceiba Del Mar Beach Spa and Resort, located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast just south of Cancun (shown above at left; courtesy of Ceiba Del Mar Beach Spa and Resort), has a four-night “Romance Experience” package that includes accommodation in an oceanview suite, a champagne cocktail welcome, a private candlelight dinner for two with a bottle of wine, and a 50-minute couples massage, from $1,440 for four nights.

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Come Valentine’s Day, spas are typically packed with couples getting side-by-side Swedish massages. But this year spas are playing with the concept – and making it even cozier – with side-by-side facials for couples, a valentine that says, Love me, love my clogged pores?

The customized Be My Valentine Side by Side Facial ($230 for two, 60 minutes, www.oasisdayspanyc.com), offered at the Oasis Spas in the New York City area, uses Rose Garden or Chocolate oils, and includes scalp and foot massages.

And body wraps for two that envelop you both – not for the commitment phobic or claustrophobic!

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island is now taking reservations for the Couples Chocolate and Pomegranate Wrap. This Valentine’s ritual ($650 for two, 2 ½ hours, www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland) begins with a Honey Vanilla Milk Bath, then you’re both covered in chocolate “a natural aphrodisiac” and cocooned together in a thermal blanket for the Chocolate-Pomegranate Wrap. It concludes with a massage.

Would you give these treatments as a romantic gift to your Valentine or are they too close for comfort?