With Valentine’s Day just around the corner (consider this your helpful reminder), we thought it’d be nice to share some of our favorite spots for romance. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat along the California coast, or a chic and sexy stay in the Big Easy, we’ve picked out the perfect hotels for couples seeking a romantic rendezvous.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
The 39-room Post Ranch Inn is one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States — if not the entire world — and offers a romantic, intimate stay amid gorgeous natural surroundings. Built into the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch’s location makes guests privy to some of California’s most stunning views, whether it be from their decadent, yet eco-friendly, rooms, or one of three cliff-top “basking pools” (kept at a balmy 104 degrees). The acclaimed on-site spa offers unique treatments, and outdoor activities — think morning yoga, nature hikes, and stargazing — abound. The hotel restaurant is quite possibly one of Big Sur’s best, and the hard-to-beat views make it the perfect spot for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
If a private island reachable only by boat or seaplane sounds like your ideal romantic escape, it doesn’t get much better than the Florida Keys’ Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. This luxurious, tech-free resort (no TVs, no cell phone use) is a place where guests come to unplug and unwind. Freestanding bungalows feature rustic South Floridan decor, and have private balconies with water views. The luxurious spa offers a wide array of treatments, and the resort’s tranquil pool is nestled amongst the tropical landscape. With stunning sunset views, there’s nothing more romantic than dinner for two at the resort’s fine dining restaurant.
The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Phoenix
Perhaps one of the most visually stunning hotels in the American Southwest, The Boulders — and everything about it — was built to impress. The minimalist hotel blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, while the interiors feature local stone and wood finishes. Private, all-white casitas are warmed by exposed beams, kiva-style fireplaces, and cozy reading nooks; and most rooms have impressive views of the two on-site golf courses. The top-notch Waldorf Spa offers a mammoth menu of treatment options, ideal for couples looking to relax the day away. The hotel’s cuisine is superb, and many dishes feature ingredients from the on-site organic garden. Couples seeking a secluded hideaway will love The Boulders‘ exclusive setting and appreciate its impressive service.
Planter's Inn, Charleston
Located in the historic heart of one of the South’s most romantic cities, the Planters Inn is a luxury boutique where Southern hospitality and charm are the mainstays. Picture stately oak trees, moss-draped canopies, and brick laden pathways giving way to a lobby where antique chandeliers, freshly cut flowers, and a wood-burning fireplace welcome guests each day. Rooms come equipped with antique four poster beds, Italian hem-stitched linens, and marble finishes, and some have terraces with views of the lovely courtyard. The Peninsula Grill, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serves renowned Low Country cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere amid antique cypress woodwork and rich, gray velvet walls — the perfect spot for that romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, Lanai
On the tiny Hawaiian island of Lanai, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay offers guests exquisite luxury in a setting of unparalleled privacy. Known for its exceptional service and unrivaled beauty, the Four Seasons attracts honeymooners and couples looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. The calm waters of Manele Bay are great for snorkeling, and many guests report that dolphin and sea turtle sightings are not uncommon. For the ultimate romantic gesture, treat your partner to a massage at one of the spa’s outdoor cabanas overlooking the ocean — or make it a couple’s massage, and treat yourself too!
Auberge Du Soleil, Napa
One of the most exclusive resorts in all of California wine country, Auberge Du Soleil is an unforgettable romantic retreat. Despite its intimate size, it has all the amenities of a much larger resort. There are the exquisite Napa Valley views, the Michelin-star restaurant, a 7,000-square-foot luxury spa, and a gorgeous pool. Clearly, pampered wining and dining is the name of the game at this five-pearl property. Rooms are simple, but elegant, with huge terraces and deep soaking tubs. For romantics looking for a luxurious stay in Napa, Auberge Du Soleil is the ideal spot.
Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Rocky Mountain National Park
The Della Terra Mountain Chateau is a romantic hotel in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park. A 14-suite, adults-only boutique, rooms here are large, with plush sitting areas, deep-set copper soaking tubs, and two-person hot tubs on porches or balconies. The majestic views and remote location make it the perfect place for a snowy Valentine’s Day getaway. And with a free (delicious) daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, the Della Terra is one of the more budget-friendly options on our list.
The Lodge at Sea Island, Georgia
Surrounded by antebellum oaks dripping with Spanish moss and the marshy shores of the St. Simons Sound, The Lodge at Sea Island feels as though it was pulled from the pages of a romance novel. Stately decor — dark wood paneling, oriental rugs, and tartan furnishings — and personal butler service evoke a bygone era. Rooms are palatial in every sense, with high ceilings, overstuffed furniture, marble bathrooms, and luxury toiletries. Sea Island is a golfer’s paradise, and all three of its famed courses surround the Lodge. Our Valentine’s Day recommendation? Grab some pre-dinner drinks on the patio and listen to a bagpiper as he plays while the sun sets. After dark, roast some s’mores at the fire pit before heading out on a stargazing stroll.
International House Hotel, New Orleans
With posh decor, an attentive staff, and a downright sexy vibe, it’s no wonder trendsetters and celebs flock to the International House Hotel while in New Orleans. Luxe, contemporary rooms feature tufted furnishings with marble accents, and though they’re not too large, prices are more than fair for what you get. The popular craft cocktail bar, just off the rose-scented lobby, serves fancy libations by candlelight in an ultra chic setting. The hotel’s location within the Central Business District is convenient for couples looking to explore the city, and is within walking distance of the French Quarter.
The Setai Miami Beach
Striking, Asian-inspired design, impeccable service, enormous, immaculately kept rooms, three pools, and an awesome location on a posh stretch of Collins Avenue easily make The Setai Miami Beach one of Miami Beach‘s hottest hotels. But the richly decorated suites, with deep granite soaking tubs and luxury linens, impressive beachside service (expect to be spritzed with a cooling Evian mist), and calming reflective courtyards, also make it one of the area’s most romantic. If you can’t make it all the way to Bali for Valentine’s Day this year, The Setai is a romantic runner up that’s much closer to home.
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