10 Romantic Spas for Valentine’s Day Escapes

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so there’s no reason not to get out of town with your sweetheart. In 2017, let sparks fly amidst the luxury of the 10 romantic spas for a Valentine’s getaway. Rose petals, chocolate covered strawberries, and the burning embers of a fireplace you didn’t have to tinder are just some of the indulgences these spa retreats offer for the special day. Get ready for your most romantic weekend getaway yet!

By Zachary Laks

WHERE: Ojai, California

Just 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, bordering Los Padres National Forest, is a luxury destination specializing in rest and relaxation. Romance is in the air of this modern Spanish Colonial-style complex as the glow of lanterns that dot the gardens provide a welcome warmth. Many of the 305 guestrooms and suites feature fireplaces and private verandas, perfect for a bubbly toast at sunset. Willing to customize to couple’s needs, Ojai offers their signature Pink Moment Turndown service for Valentine’s Day, which includes a rose petal arrangement, a bottle of rosé champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Insider Tip: Lavender is the signature scent of Ojai, with blossoms throughout the grounds. Stop by the hotel’s gift shop where custom Ojai lavender creams and lotions make for ideal souvenirs.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Santa Barbara and the Central Coast Travel Guide

WHERE: Cle Elum, Washington

Tucked to the east of the Cascades, and sprawling 6,400 acres, Suncadia Resort is a weekend in the country that delivers constant romantic luxury. All completed within the last decade, Suncadia’s accommodations range from a classic lodge to luxury vacation homes perfect for complete serenity and privacy. The Resort’s Glade Spring Spa is a marvel with its rustic wooden structure and infusion of natural rock finishes. The steam rooms, salt soaks, and picturesque hot tub are shortcuts to paradise.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Washington Wine Country Travel Guide

WHERE: Little Torch Key, Florida

Endless sea and sky await in the privacy of your own hideaway at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a one-of-a-kind romantic oasis. Consisting of all suites, the resort caters to guests’ every need, offering amenities that can be added to any stay. Enhance the atmosphere with fun additions such as a martini bar preset in your room, beachside wine and cheese service, and Moroccan bath oils for the luxurious soaking tubs in each suite. Little Palm makes the most of its dreamy setting by offering elaborate turndown service packages that include customized champagne flutes, candlelit suites, and bottles of fine champagne, guaranteeing bliss.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Florida Keys Travel Guide

WHERE: Saranac Lake, New York

Upstate New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park is home to the treasured The Point Resort, a destination perfect for couples. Featuring 11 guestrooms that are individually named and outfitted, each of the luxury units feature a fireplace and ornate country finishes that provide for an ideal oasis. Saranac Lake serves as a picturesque backdrop as the local Upper Saranac Lake freezes over for ice skating, ice fishing, and curling. The Point Resort is an adults-only destination, which allows for complete quiet in the forest setting.

Insider Tip: Enjoy the rustic outdoors with a cocktail, as The Point provides guests with an open bar throughout each stay.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Adirondack Travel Guide

WHERE: Ridgedale, Missouri

Known as a wilderness destination, Big Cedar Lodge is the ideal romantic vacation for reconnecting with nature. Dedicated to conservation and preserving its natural surroundings of the Ozark Mountains, the Lodge is designed with inspiration from the local Osage Indian Tribe. Settle into wilderness life with a private log cabin on the water, where a cozy deck, grill, and full kitchen can be put to use by a special add-on delivery basket of fresh meat and produce.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Missouri Travel Guide

WHERE: Newport, Rhode Island

Stately and classic, the towering Hotel Viking estate wows as a landmark of Newport’s beach town. The Gilded Age comes to life at Hotel Viking where opulent suites offer a taste of royalty. A custom romance package at the hotel offers the chance to reserve one of the specialty suites with interior designs in the style of some of Newport’s most recognizable mansions. Upon arrival at the grand hotel, the romance package has champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and truffles waiting for you. Slip into cozy robes and head down to the SpaTerre, where a $300 credit can be used on one of the custom Body Indulgences.

Insider Tip: For the best view of Newport’s dazzling estates, opt for the hotel-affiliated Bird’s Eye View Helicopters, where the remarkable shoreline gems can be admired from above.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Newport County and East Bay Travel Guide

WHERE: The Woodlands, Texas

Located just 30 minutes outside of Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a 440-room complex featuring 36 holes of golf, a decadent health spa, and five swimming pools. Couples seek out the suites of The Woodlands for their modern and immaculate elegance and hint of fun. The Woodland’s Enchanted Romantic Package makes for a most special Valentine’s weekend retreat as alarm clocks are replaced with doorbells that deliver breakfast in bed, turndown service that includes Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, and unlimited access to spa favorites, including the sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and Forest Oasis Waterscape, a low-key water park that features a double-helix slide and lazy river.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Houston Travel Guide

WHERE: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the main attraction on the island, is a sprawling, sophisticated multi-faceted resort on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Offering a refuge for rejuvenation, lodging options range from the definitive Sanctuary Hotel to the more private resort villas and premier homes. Offering a special package this Valentine’s Day, all couples receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine accompanied with a single rose upon arrival. Dinner is included and served at The Ocean Room, the elegant on-site steakhouse. Return to your enclave to find a rose petal turndown that provides the perfect nightcap to a day of bliss.

Insider Tip: Kiawah’s rooms with a scenic view do not all necessarily mean “ocean view.” For endless horizon views and incredible sunrises, be sure to insist on the ocean view accommodations.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Charleston Travel Guide

WHERE: Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

In between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Acqualina Resort & Spa’s Mediterranean-style, oceanfront villa provides peace and quiet for couples wanting to escape the rat race. The towering complex maintains its own pristine 400-foot beach property, complete with 98 hotel rooms and suites. Take note of the 20,000 square foot ESPA spa, where Roman waterfalls, Finnish saunas, and ice fountains make for a memorable day spent relaxing. A special Valentine’s Day package welcomes couples with a bottle of champagne, an intimate beachfront dinner, and a rose petal turndown.

Insider Tip: Add a little adventure to your weekend away by stopping at La Dolce Vita Beach Services on the Acqualina grounds, where kayaks are available for rent.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Florida Travel Guide

WHERE: Washington, Connecticut

The Mayflower Grace, located two hours from New York City, is a treasured country estate that operates as a boutique luxury resort. The 30-room hotel is designed almost completely with white on white finishes, providing a clean and subtle touch of sophistication. A weekend getaway becomes an escape into a winter wonderland as a Valentine’s Day snow adds yet another layer of white to the grounds. Dining at The Mayflower Grace is a romantic experience as Muse by Jonathan Cartwright offers elegant seasonal cuisine with local ingredients in a soft and inviting room.

Insider Tip: Request a room close to the spa as the grounds are spacious and the chilly February air can make your quick jaunt to relaxation a cold one.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Connecticut Travel Guide