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Hit the hot spot, Antigua
With five
separate wedding gazebos scattered across 30 acres of beachfront at the head of
Antigua's Long Bay, the Verandah Resort & Spa may well have the highest density of nuptial nooks
in the Caribbean. Even if you're not getting married, the place reeks of
romance. In fact, this Elite Island hideaway was recently featured on The
Bachelorette. There are pools, gazebos, beaches, gazebos, beach bars, gazebos,
a spa, gazebos, tennis, gazebos and of course that stunning electric blue water
rimmed by lush tropical foliage and overlooked by -- gazebos. Still not sure?
The Verandah has created a Valentine's Day sale special for USA TODAY readers:
Luxury accommodations in a water-view suite; one couple's spa treatment plus a
single spa treatment; all dining and beverages including beer, wine and premium
spirits; non-motorized watersports; and a program of activities. All-inclusive
rates start at $183 per person, per night, based on double occupancy in a
water-view suite — a savings of more than 50% from the usual rates. The offer
is valid for a stay of at least five nights between March 1 and March 31. Book
by February 16, by visiting verandahresortandspa.com\prexclusives
or by calling 800-274-0008.
Come sail away, British Virgin Islands
You'll
definitely be feeling it when you step aboard Feel The Magic, a 50-foot luxury catamaran that
cruises the British Virgin Islands. Crewed by Captain Hank Hampton and chef/sommelier Micheale Zazo, the sailing yacht
can host eight guests — or just two special passengers. The BVIs are one of the
world's most popular sailing destinations: The islands are close together with
spectacular scenery above and below the water. Some of the Caribbean's iconic
images were taken here at places like The Baths, Virgin Gorda; Fallen
Jerusalem; and Road Town, Tortola. Aside from toys — skis, wakeboards, scuba — to help
you enjoy all that gorgeous water, you'll dine in style, too. Zazo won the 2012
and 2013 Virgin Islands Charter Yacht Show culinary contest. As a Valentine's
present to their guests, the Feel The Magic crew is offering 10% off on a seven day/six night
cruise for dates between Feb. 10 and Feb. 20. The special includes a filet and
lobster dinner paired with fine wines plus champagne with chocolate-covered
strawberries. Rates start at about $290 a night per person with a full
complement of eight passengers. For more information, visit ftmcharters.com.
Chocolate lovers, British Virgin Islands
As spectacular
as the BVI seascapes are the islands are just as stunning, even one with the
unlikely name of Scrub Island. Don't let the name fool you: It's Caribbean
tropical gorgeous. And for Valentine's Day the Scrub Island Resort is cooking up a whole lotta chocolate.
The resort is on its own private island and features three beaches — one
accessible only by kayak — the Ixora Spa, oceanfront accommodations overlooking
the picturesque marina, acclaimed restaurants, pool, sailor's bar and more. And
then, there's the chocolate. The Sweet Surf package includes a three-night stay
in an Ocean View Suite, unlimited use of sea kayaks and paddle boards, resort
ferry, 24-hour on-island transportation, and complimentary airport transfers
from Tortola, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival, a
two-hour private surf lesson for two, a romantic dinner in Caravela restaurant,
couples massage at Ixora Spa with Peppermint Mocha or Dark Chocolate and
Coconut body polish, daily chocolate breakfast for two with enough
chocolate-flavored foods (pancakes, waffles, pastries, crepes, cake, drinks and
more) to satisfy an epic sweet tooth. But wait, there's more: During February
the resort will also host a succession of chocolate-themed dinners and events,
from a sunset cocktail party to a seven-course gourmet meal to a stay in the
"Love Huts" on the beach to a chocolate martini mixology class with
Hershey Entertainment mixologist Karl McCall. The price is pretty sweet, too:
$2,775 per couple. Devour the details by visiting scrubisland.com or call 877-890-7444.
Nevis
nights
Long before
Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was
immortalized in stone in London's Trafalgar Square, he married the love of his
life, Fanny Nisbet, at her father's
sugar plantation in Nevis. The plantation, Montpelier, eventually collapsed
along with the sugar trade, but it's been revived as an exquisite boutique
hotel, part of the elite Relais & Chateaux association. The renovated Montpelier
Plantation & Beach mixes traditional fieldstone details with a modern
aesthetic, and just walking around you could fall deeply in love with the
property — and each other. Couples who book a romance package during February
will enjoy chocolate presentations and chocolate treats handmade by the
executive chef throughout their stay. Romance packages start at $920 per person
for a seven-night stay in a premier room, daily breakfast, dinner at the
acclaimed Restaurant 750, 60-minute couples massage and a private picnic on
Montpelier's beach. For more information visit montpeliernevis.com or call
869-469-3462.
Find your thrill, Jamaica
Fats Domino
might have sung about Strawberry Hill instead of Blueberry Hill if he'd seen
this spectacular Island Outpost property, perched 3,100 feet above sea level in
the Blue Mountains overlooking Kingston. In the 1970s, the plantation was
purchased by Island Records mogul Chris
Blackwell and his most important artist, Bob Marley, was a frequent guest.
An award-winning rebuild changed the property from picturesque to stunning.
Today there's an infinity edge pool at the brink of the cliff overlooking
Kingston and 12 colonial style cottages scattered across the grounds. The
restaurant serves up "gentrified" Jamaican staples and modern dishes,
there's a spa and, at night, all of Kingston lit up and glittering at your
feet. Special rates for a minimum three-night stay start at $350 a night for a studio
and include transfers, Continental breakfast and a dinner for two. There are
few rooms and many eager guests, so act fast by visiting strawberryhillhotel.com or call
800-232-4972.
Cloud nine, Costa Rica
Is there anyone
who doesn't like surf 'n' turf? This year, Greentique Hotels has cooked up the Seventh Heaven Vacation Combo that allows visitors to experience
two of Costa Rica's most intriguing destinations. The seven-night package
includes three nights at Villa Blanca Cloud Forest hotel and Nature Reserve
plus four more at the seaside Si Como No
Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge. Villa Blanca includes hilltop casitas
and a hacienda near the Arenal volcano (tour included) with its thermal hot
springs and surrounded by tropical forest. Si Como No Resort accommodations are
also on a hilltop, but overlook the ocean and the beaches of Manuel Antonio.
With your head in the clouds and your toes in the sand what else could you want?
Both properties have pools, spas and a full menu of wildlife and adventure
tours to choose from. Rates start at $1,040 per person; visit villablanca-costarica.com or
call 877-256-8399.
Take flight, Barbados
First opened as
a resort in 1887, The Crane is one of those British traditions that just keeps
running like a well-built railroad watch. The resort is understated and
opulent, and where the rich and famous go to tactfully disappear for a few
treasured days of R&R. Barbados is home to many spectacular beaches, Crane Beach just below the hotel being the most
famous among them. Accommodations are available either in the hotel or in
private villas on property, with the full gamut of amenities up to a penthouse
suite with a private pool. The Romance Package starts at $3,100 for a
five-night stay in a one-bedroom ocean-view suite, transfers, dinner for two at
L'Azure and a catamaran cruise plus an $80 spa credit to help you relax from
all that relaxation. Find out more at thecrane.com.
Eco-adventuring, Bahamas
Even before your
plane lands you'll see why the Abacos are a great yachting destination: miles of
crystalline blue water. The Spanish called this area "Baha Mar," the
shallow sea, and above and below the surface, are a profusion of coral, fish,
birds and turtles that make this an eco-paradise. Within sight of the distinctive
candy-cane-striped Elbow Reef lighthouse, the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina is the perfect location
for doing everything — or nothing at all. Accommodations are in oceanfront
rooms or suites, in two-bedroom cottages or in villas. There's a private beach,
pools, tennis courts and boat rentals and guides to take you to one of the
nearby national parks such as Pelican
Cays or Walkers Cay. In between
your eco-adventures, unwind with the Romance Retreat package which includes:
oceanfront accommodations for three nights, flowers in your room upon arrival,
daily breakfast for two at Angler's restaurant, ferry transfer to nearby Elbow Cay and golf cart rental to
explore the historic Hope Town, romantic dinner overlooking the beach including
a bottle of wine, morning couples massage overlooking the beach, fenter console
boat rental and guide to explore the surrounding beaches and cays, private
gourmet beach picnic complete with Champagne. Rates start from $859 per person
(double occupancy) for travel before Feb. 28. Visit abacobeachresort.com or call
800-533-4799.
Quick cruising, Bahamas
Looking for a
quick fix of sun and sea? Consider a four-day cruise from Miami through the
Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. The ship will leave the Port of Miami
on Feb. 10 and make stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, Grand Bahama and then
back to Miami on Feb. 14. The Sky is a large ship — 4,100 passengers — so it
has all of the amenities: two swimming pools, five hot tubs, a Mandara Spa, a
casino, five restaurants, shops, golf driving range, basketball/volleyball
court, fitness center, bars, entertainment lounge and more. The cruise is well
priced: interior staterooms start at $149 per person. For details visit ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky/vacations#tab_detail
or call 866-234-7350.
Home suite home, Cancun
If you're
looking for plush, posh and pampering for your Valentine's getaway, check out
the new all-suite Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. This is an ownership community with
all-suite accommodations designed as private residences. When the owners aren't
at home, you can enjoy the granite counters, big bedrooms and private terraces
plus all of the amenities of a high-end resort: beach, pool, gourmet dining,
spa and salon. The resort is set on a sprawling and secluded beachfront south
of Cancún — close enough for easy access yet away from the crowds. The Grand
Valentine's Day package includes a spacious junior suite, welcome gift and
complimentary Champagne on arrival, four-course candlelit dinner on the beach
prepared by Executive Chef Yann Michel Cozic, complete with live music and a
bottle of Champagne hidden in the sand, special turndown service of scattered
flower petals and scented candles placed in the room, a 90-minute couples'
massage at The Spa and Champagne sunset cruise aboard a private yacht. here
comes the good part: The package starts at $1,190 for two for a two-night stay
between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28. Visit grandresidencesrivieracancun.com
or call 888-387-4702.
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