FEBRUARY IN FRENCH POLYNESIA
The buy: Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering a gift package and savings for those booking a cruise in French Polynesia around Valentine's Day.
The savings: Cruise fares have been cut by 50 per cent and include free airfare from Los Angeles to the cruise port. Rates start at $4,297 (U.S.) a person for an ocean view stateroom.
The catch: You have to book a seven-night cruise by Feb. 18.
Why it's worth it: The special includes a gift package of Leonidas chocolates, flower turndown service and a $100-a-person credit at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm. The 332-passenger ship offers a number of romantic possibilities, from al fresco dining to a Polynesian blessing ceremony performed by Les Gauguines – the ship's troupe of Polynesian entertainers.
Book it: Paul Gauguin Cruises sells through travel agencies. For more information, visit pgcruises.com.
ROME-ANCE FOR LESS
The buy: The Bettoja Hotels of Rome – Mediterraneo, Massimo d'Azeglio, Atlantico and Nord Nuova Roma – are offering an affordable two-night Valentine's package. The savings: About 30 per cent off peak-season rates.
The catch: Valid Feb. 10 to 19 only.
Why it's worth it: The two-night packages range from $315 to $393 (€240 to €300) a couple depending on the hotel, and include a bottle of sparkling wine and a red rose in your room; early check-in and late check-out (depending on hotel availability); a dinner for two; buffet breakfast; daily newspaper; free Wi-Fi; free access to the fitness area at the Hotel Mediterraneo or at the Hotel Nord; and hotel taxes. The four hotels are within a block in the centre of Rome near major shopping streets Via Nazionale and Via Condotti.
Book it: Visit bettojahotels.it or e-mail reservations@bettojahotels.com.
A CARIBBEAN TWO-FOR-ONE (SHE'LL NEVER KNOW)
The buy: Elite Island Resorts is launching a six-day sale ending Valentine's Day for those who want to give the gift of travel. The savings: Book at one of the resorts and bring your sweetheart at no extra charge.
The catch: You have to book between midnight on Feb. 9 and 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, for travel through Dec. 20.
Why it's worth it: You can choose from a variety of island destinations and resort types. Several all-inclusive resorts are included in the deal: St. James's Club and Villas, the Verandah Resort and Spa, and Galley Bay Resort and Spa in Antigua; Morgan Bay Beach Resort in St. Lucia; LaSource in Grenada; and Palm Island Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Book it: For reservations and information, visit eliteislandresorts.com/Valentine or call 1-800-858-4618.
ESCAPING ST. VALENTINE, ON TWO WHEELS
The buy: Vancouver-based BikeHike Adventures has a special singles-only departure of the nine-day adventure travel tour Viva Venezuela for those who want to escape the Valentine's Day hubbub.
The savings: Solo travellers forgo a single supplement fee of $350.
The catch: Bookings are available until Feb. 9. The full trip fee of $2,399 (U.S.), land only, is non-refundable.
Why it's worth it: This Feb. 11 to 19 itinerary is made up of mountainous terrain, misty cloud-shrouded forests and cultural encounters with overnights in family-run haciendas. Along with hiking and rafting, travellers will bike across the Andean mountain range. A day of wildlife viewing on horseback will cap off the trip, and the operator promises there will be no mention of the special day.
Book it: Visit bikehike.com.
Special to The Globe and Mail
