With another Valentine’s Day upon us, here’s a look at a few of the hotels we’ve stayed where romance and luxury are delivered. From wine to relaxation, restful settings to well-appointed rooms, these are places to love.
Romance and Luxury in Wine Country
On the 8-acre Napa Valley property of Harvest Inn, Dana Rebmann discovered a wine country hideaway “studded with more than 300 redwood trees flanked by vineyards.” The bottle of wine that accompanied her king room hit a hospitality high mark. The view of next door’s Whitehall Lane Leonardini Vineyard was perfect for sipping enjoyment. Another lovely touch is the provided wood for the room’s brick fireplace.
Other highpoints of this inn include meals at Harvest Table, the inn’s restaurant. Chia Seed pudding, a concoction of matcha, coconut shreds, banana and mango puree is a breakfast favorite. For one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” order an English muffin from Model Bakery, a gem near the inn. Much of Harvest Table’s offerings are locally sourced.
Private hot tubs and botanical gardens add to the romantic feel of this St. Helen hideaway.
In the Santa Ynez Valley, The Genevive Inn (formerly Santa Ynez Inn) is a Santa Barbara County romance powerhouse. Katie Hammel’s favorite amenity of this property was the “1500-square-foot courtyard dotted with firepits and cozy chairs—the perfect romantic spot to relax with a glass of wine or evening tea and cookies.”
Plush linens, luxe bath products, a gourmet breakfast, a candy station in the lobby and a daily wine reception are some of The Genevive Inn’s romance plusses. So is the complimentary dry sauna. Amp up romance at the inn’s Splendour Spa or enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi. Afterwards wrap up in a waffle robe. Champagne is available at check-in at this 20-room boutique hotel.
For playful fun, book the “Pedal and Picnic” package. This includes: cruiser bike rentals for eight hours, a picnic by Bakers Table and a discounted room rate.
Love by a Lake
South Lake Tahoe’s Landing Resort and Spa has several romance-inspired amenities. Adventure opportunities abound as well. Nancy Brown noted this resort is an all-season getaway. Her winter stay enjoyment included hot apple cider, hot chocolate, enjoying the snow and a CBD massage oil spa treatment. This treatment is something she highly recommends for its ability to treat muscle aches and pains.
The guest room’s stone gas fireplace, heated bathroom floor, heated toilet seat, and rainfall shower head create a feeling of pampering. So do the plush bathrobes and slippers. Outdoor firepits, a heated swimming pool and a hot tub add to outdoor enjoyment. Complimentary bicycles (seasonal), and two passes to the private Lakeside Beach are other perks. If you go, don’t miss the resort’s Jimmy’s Restaurant. The chef is known for wild game creations.
Pampering in Paradise
Buzzy Gordon’s stay at Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Luxury Villas in the Gulf of Siam of Thailand delivered “pampering in paradise.” Buzzy’s VIP treatment started with a chauffeur meet-up at the airport followed by a speedboat ride to the resort, champagne included.
“Welcome” spelled out in flowers and leaves on Buzzy’s villa’s king-size bed was another pampering touch. Pampering continued with a private deck, plunge pool, bamboo slippers and plush robes. Some villas have outdoor showers. The pampering hotspot for Buzzy is the resort’s spa. Paving stones, streams stocked with koi and panoramic views of the sea and the hills are paired with either Thai or Western style massage.
Dining is another pampering pleasure. Buzzy recommends the Southern Thai cuisine at The Bistro, one of the resort’s restaurants. For Japanese fare, head to the restaurant Yukinoya. In the morning, the resort’s buffet that includes tropical fruits and juices is a “lavish” bounty of western and Asian cuisine.
Check each hotel’s website for package deals and current rates or head to Hotels.com or Booking.com for possible discounts.
Post by Jamie Rhein