Quick (And Sensual) Valentine’s Trips

by Lena Katz

Aphrodisiacs are on the menu and love in the air just about everywhere, but other than that, America’s sexiest hotels are striving to differentiate their Valentine’s dos from the pack this time around. Some are going the gourmet route, some are playing up their picturesque surroundings, and others are encouraging guests to stay in bed all weekend.

As our survey of Cupid-inspired getaways proves, there’s no end of ways to celebrate romance. Happily, a lot of places are giving lovers special treatment all month long, meaning you don’t have to pick just one way to play.

Hot Getaway 1: New Orleans
Before the hurricanes New Orleans was seen as the eccentric Southern counterpart to Vegas, but these days, it’s earned a different sort of status. Visitors appreciate its graceful old buildings and Colonial traditions as well as its busy bars and wicked-strong rum punch. Besides, any city that defines fresh-baked sugar doughnuts as “breakfast” and names an entire neighborhood after a whiskey is an obvious go-to spot on a decadent holiday.

Where to Stay: The Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans number five properties in all, and they’re dotted throughout the tourist center. Lovebirds can sip coffee in the French quarter, canoodle on a carriage ride, feed each other oysters, and return to the hotel for strawberries and champagne. The latter are thoughtfully provided in an “aphrodisiac welcome basket” that’s part of the Escape! Romance and Adore package offered over Valentine’s weekend. Also included: breakfast in bed, 3PM checkout and the book 365 Great Ways to Say I Love You (which is twee, but not nearly as fun as the dirty dice game you could probably grab in any of the Bourbon Street head shops). Escape! Romance is priced at $164-399 per night.

Hot Getaway 2: Aruba
It’s busy, it’s breezy, it’s Dutch, it’s Caribbean! Yes, we’re talking about Aruba—an island so cruise ship-friendly and Euro-influenced, it feels like a city. If you like to complement your Bain de Soleil beach time with a spot of designer shopping and table gaming, you’ll appreciate the Big A of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).