According to a survey of 1,000 Americans, 89 percent chose "vacation trip" as their ultimate Valentine's Day gift. That's why managers of hotels, inns, resorts, B&Bs, and just about every place with a double bed for rent and a vase to stick a rose in are promoting some kind of Valentine's Day special seduction offer.
You'll pay a little bit more for these deals, but when the hosts throw in that bottle of champagne to welcome you, a plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries to satiate you, and a bath of rose petals to relax and scent you, it's hard to resist the urge to indulge in the sensuality of it all.
Every year, a few hotels up the ante by offering an over-the-top, Valentine's Day seduction designed to send a couple into ultimate bliss. While few can afford to take advantage of these offers, it's nice to dream. These are two of the swoon-worthy set-ups I know about:
Ultimate Valentine's Day Seduction #1:
14-Carat Chocolate Package at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
- Two nights in Charlotte's Ritz-Carlton Suite, featuring a spectacular sound system and panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of the city
- Private dessert cooking class for two at Bar Cocoa's Cocoa Lab kitchen, including instructions on making Southern desserts
- Champagne and chocolate all-dessert dinner fo two at Bar Cocoa
- 14k white gold and "chocolate" (brown) diamond pendant necklace by LeVian
- Montblack chocolate brown Bohème fountain pen
- Weekend brunch for two at Bar Cocoa
- Honey detox and chocolate truffle body treatment and massage for two at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Charlotte
- Private car and driver throughout the stay
The price: $14,000. And don't plan on paying for it with chocolate coins. Available on Valentine's Day, February 14 and on weekends throughout February 2012.
Ultimate Valentine's Day Seduction #2:
Flight of Fancy from Hotel Fouquet's Barrière, France
- Transfer by car from Hotel Fouquet's Barrière to the Paris Heliport
- Travel to Deauville by helicopter, 45 minutes each way
- A chic picnic on the beach, prepared by Jean-Yves Leuranguer, the hotel's executive chef and recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France award, or lunch at Hotel Normandy Barrière Bar
- Couples can also experience Casino Barrière and visit the boutiques of Normandy's seaside resort
- After the return flight, spend the night in a room or suite at the Hotel Fouquet's Barrière, including breakfast and a VIP welcome
The price: Starts at 5,070 Euro (approximately $6,665). Available through December 26, 2012.
Find more (and more down-to-earth) deals at 2012 Valentine's Day Getaways and Packages.
Also see: Ultimate Valentine's Day Seduction: The Meal
