Lacy knickers and pink diamonds: These hotels go all out on Valentine's Day
A look at some of the world's most over-the-top romance packages
In Toronto, cupid comes in the form of the Ritz-Carlton’s “romance concierge,” who can take on “any affair of the heart.” Some suggestions: making over a suite into an exotic locale, or commissioning a piece of jewellery. Or, if your imagination fails you, just go for the $7,500 Endless Love package: bath butler service, special selections from the in-house cheese cave, a chocolate tasting menu, a candlelight couples massage and much more. ritzcarlton.com
If you loved the eighties as much as you love your sweetie, then Miami’s Mayfair Hotel has a treat for you. Its Miami Vices packages are based on hit songs from, yes, Miami Vice. Flesh for Fantasy, based on a Billy Idol tune, includes a “Sacred Tantric Touch Connectedness session.” The highlight of the Jump! For My Love experience is a tandem skydive. And Do You Wanna Get Away promises to bring you closer together through lessons in “harmonizing techniques.” You have to give them an A for effort. From $1,150; available until June. mayfairhotelandspa.com
For those who believe the way to the heart is through the stomach, the award-winning Inn at Little Washington, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, offers a 10-course “culinary journey” priced at $298. The elaborately named dishes include a “quartet of Canadian ‘French Kiss’ oyster slurpees with bloody Mary sorbet” and a “forkful of fettuccine with black truffles.” Note: During the meal a pair of mimes interacts with dinner guests. So … there’s that. theinnatlittlewashington.comTim Turner
At the four W Hotels in New York, the $36,000 (U.S.) Lust package includes a boudoir photo shoot plus designer goodies such as an Alexander Wang x Beats by Dre Pill and a Dennis Basso fur throw. And some caviar and a bottle of 1990 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne Methuselah. Because nothing says love like difficult-to-pronounce beverages. whotelsofnewyork.com
The W South Beach takes things even further with the $55,000 Turn the Lights Down Low package. It includes three nights in a penthouse suite, helicopter transfer from the airport, a Ferrari loaner, a private yacht trip and a seaplane tour. And, when guests are finally ready to chill, a special in-room dinner experience. wsouthbeach.com
Our priciest offering is the $777,777 Capital Engagement package at the Capella Washington. That gets you a pink diamond engagement ring – 5.39 carats in total – from Saks Fifth Avenue, for starters. Other goodies include a $5,000 shopping spree, dinner accompanied by a string trio and a surprise engagement party for 20 people. Oh, and transportation to the hotel by private jet. capellawashingtondc.comRobert Reck
More jewels can be found at the New York Palace. Its Ultimate Romance Package includes a stay in the Jewel Suite, which features private elevators, maître d’étage service and a private outdoor terrace with its own spa. The actual sparkle comes in the form of a piece of diamond jewellery custom designed by Martin Katz. Starting at $50,000 a night, depending on the gems. newyorkpalace.comBruce Buck
If you’re still in the window-shopping phase of your relationship, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s $8,500 Valentine package includes a private shopping trip to the House of Harry Winston – but no obligation to buy a certain type of ring. Later, you’ll enjoy a five-course dinner – prepared by the executive chef – with live musical accompaniment, then spend the night in the 3,160-square-foot presidential suite. waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com
Like your Valentine’s Day to be more risqué? The Racy Romanace package at the ACME in Chicago gets down to business with tickets to a late-night burlesque show, two shots at the Berkshire Room (the hotel bar) and a special turndown service that includes a garter, a “romance” novel, massage lotion – and two jarred cheesecakes. Hey, whatever floats your boat. From $245. acmehotelcompany.comLeigh Loftus
Speaking of sexy, the QT Sydney and the QT Gold Coast in Australia turn up the heat with the Qpid package that’s loaded with lacy little things. A special gift pack from Agent Provocateur includes a certificate redeemable for tie-side knickers, a private champagne-and-chocolate lingerie fitting and perfume samples. From $225. qthotels.com.au
And, finally, if the only thing you really need to make the day special is your cuddle bunny, cozy up together at the Sandpearl Resort in Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. You can toast s’mores and enjoy two “snuggler” drinks (hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps) around a private fire pit on Clearwater Beach. From $587 a night; two-night stay required. sandpearl.com