Can you put a price tag on love? Better yet, can you assign a monetary value to romantic experiences? The easy answer is yes, because many of us have strict travel budgets so everything needs to come at a bargain. But what if you had no limitations and could do anything and go anywhere to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? That’s the kind of daydreaming that we love.
All you need now is some inspiration. Here are six hotels and resorts that have cultivated exceptionally romantic experiences for Valentine’s Day, but even if it’s too last-minute, keep an eye on these properties—they’re always up to something amazing.
Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, St. Barth
When I recently visited Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, I experienced quite a few “you have to be kidding me” moments, but none more than when I stepped through the doors of Villa Diane. With enough sleeping and living space to comfortably fit up to 10 people, it also has the advantage of seclusion through creative design, as anyone who needs a break from the family reunion or wedding festivities can still steal a moment of peace on a private terrace.
But what about two people? In that sense, Villa Diane is like a modern castle, set high above Gustavia with magnificent views of this A-lister’s paradise. Two or 10, there’s pampering to be enjoyed here, and the newest experience from this stunning property includes a private chef and personal butler, in-villa yoga and pilates classes, VIP service to and from the airport, a sunbed at the nearby Shellona Beach Club, and access to the rest of the hotel’s outstanding amenities.
The price? This romantic experience begins at $18,960 per night. If that shattered too many monocles, the hotel is also offering a Valentine’s Day package for stays of three nights or longer that starts at $13,000 and includes a stay in the Junior Suite Terrace Sea View (amazing views and a private plunge pool are included), dinner at Fouquet’s by three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire, a 45-minute couples massage, guided hike to Petit Cul de Sac, a sunset catamaran tour of the island’s beautiful beaches, and a 30-minute helicopter “air baptism” over the Caribbean Sea, among other activities.
The St. Regis Bora Bora
Some people think it’s cliché to pop the question on Valentine’s Day, and that might be the case if you’re planning to do it over dessert in the crowded dining room at the local Macaroni Grill. But asking the ultimate question to that special someone with Bora Bora’s Mount Popoti as your backdrop? The only clichés will be the responses from your jealous friends.
Starting at $15,000, this proposal or vow renewal experience includes a five-night stay in a St. Regis Bora Bora overwater villa, a gourmet champagne picnic curated by Chef Nicolas Nguyen of Lagoon by Jean-George Restaurant, a private sunset sail on the Vitamin Sea catamaran (hopefully to celebrate the correct answer), a helicopter tour of this amazing destination, signature canoe breakfast, and a 24-carat gold al fresco couples massage overlooking the resort’s Lagoonarium and Mount Otemanu, among other perks.
I know what you’re thinking: “Who would ever want to leave after such a trip?” Don’t worry, extra nights can be added.
Lovango Resort and Beach Club, St. John
When owners Mark and Gwenn Snider first visited this beautiful destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands, they thought they’d found heaven. Now, with creative experiences and myriad fantastic amenities and activities, Lovango Resort and Beach Club is sharing that otherworldly feeling with guests, and all of February will feature a big emphasis on romance.
Couples can book stays of three nights or longer using the code LOVE and enjoy the unique luxury treehouses or glamping tents that will not only make them appreciate the natural beauty, but also add an extra element of seclusion to this private island getaway. Also included is a private cabana for one day, breakfast at the Treetops Lounge, a romantic picnic on Honeymoon Beach (so maybe bring that ring and rehearse a certain question), and a private beach dinner under the majestic clear night sky.
To top it all off, the resort’s mixologist will even craft a personalized cocktail with a couple’s favorite ingredients.
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Valentine’s Day isn’t always about the couple. It can be about the entire family, too. At Soneva Jani, this special day offers something special for travelers of all ages. The couple will, of course, enjoy the floating champagne breakfast in their private pool, but children will the cherish the chance to make special cards and crafts for their parents or friends and family back home. (Grandparents deserve Valentine’s Day treats, too!) Other perks include restorative massages at Soneva Soul and snorkeling the Noonu Atoll, but the dinner options are where things get really interesting and very romantic.
Head to So Engaging for the five-course “Loving Journey Around the World” dinner or indulge in a delicious seafood BBQ at So Primitive. A special Valentine’s Day menu is available at Director’s Cut, which offers guests views of the movie screen at Cinema Paradiso, or the night sky can be the entertainment during a meal at So Starstruck. Still not what you’re looking for? A dinner for two on a private island can be arranged.
VOMO Island Fiji
Valentine’s Day takes place on February 14, but at VOMO Island Fiji, guests will have two months to bask in the romance. Already a haven for couples who want to feel like the only people on Earth, this 225-acre destination is cranking the love up to 11 in February and March with a new offering that not only includes all the resort’s best activities—hiking Mt. Vomo, snorkeling, kayaking, dominating the Par 3 golf course—but three bonus concepts that are all about love.
The toughest part will be choosing between them. Should guests pick the half-day private island picnic on Vomo Lai Lai that is only available to one couple per day, or should they book the beachfront dinner for two at the resort’s legendary stretch of sand? What about the 60-minute couples massage at Kui Spa? All we know is the easiest choice is booking four nights or more, because guests will receive an extra night free.
The Jefferson DC, Washington DC
It’s not the Caribbean, French Polynesia, or the Maldives, but when travel time is a huge concern, you can’t go wrong by simply ditching the passports and heading to a destination that is still rich with history and one particularly creative hotel. The Jefferson DC’s romantic offering includes a stay in the amazing First Lady Suite, which offers top-floor views that’ll make any couple feel like visiting royalty. Especially when beating the cold weather by sitting in front of the fireplace.
In addition to strolls around the city and visiting the landmarks, a couple can enjoy delicious cocktails at Quill, undoubtedly one of the coolest bars in town, before taking a seat at The Bird’s Nest, which is so spectacular in design that people could spend a whole evening enjoying conversation before they realize how much time has passed.
