My husband of 35 years and I celebrated Valentine's Day last year watching an outdoor concert on the grounds of The Deering Estate on the southern end of Miami-Dade County. I packed an elaborate picnic dinner with wine and candles. It poured. The rain went through my sneakers. There is a photo of me squeezed under an umbrella with a red hoodie on trying to stay dry. We had to laugh not to cry. It wasn't the most romantic Valentine's we ever had, but it barely cost us anything and we have a story to tell.
Now if you really want to drop a dime and get away from both politics and the pandemic, here are six tempting Valentine’s Day getaways – stretching from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys – that will definitely set you back a few dollars. Considering how much money you've saved on travel, shows, concerts and dining out in 2020, this may just amount to spare change. Plus, can you really put a price on love and romance?
With lavish private-island experiences like an intimate dinner set in the ocean at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, to one-of-a-kind amenities such as the Bungalow Key Largo’s "Bubble Butler” for the ultimate relaxation, these retreats will certainly set the right mood this Valentine’s Day.
Florida Keys
“Cupid’s Suite Piece of Paradise”
Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Key West
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
“Cupid’s Suite Piece of Paradise” awaits you at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Key West
Nestled between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, Ocean Key Resort & Spa – a luxurious oceanfront property located in the heart of Key West – invites romantic revelers to celebrate love in a little piece of heaven on Earth with “Cupid’s Suite Piece of Paradise” package.
Package includes:
· Three-night stay for two in Oceanview Boutique Suite
· Two singles or one couples SpaTerre experience per day
· Dinner for two each night at Hot Tin Roof or on private suite balcony
· Daily waterfront breakfast for two
Available Feb. 1-28, 2021; rates start at $2,020 per night for a three-night stay for two. For more information visit oceankey.com.
“Dinner on the Sandbar”
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
After a 5-course meal with “Dinner on the Sandbar” at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key, they'll have to blissfully roll you off the beach.
A magical location with captivating 360º island views, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – the only private island resort in the U.S. (no passport required!) – is offering a lavish dining experience this Valentine’s Day with the gourmet “Dinner on the Sandbar.” Yes, dinner is quite literally atop one of the island’s dazzling sandbars, providing the ultimate Valentine’s Day feast where gastronomy, the serenity of nature and the celebration of love go hand in hand.
Experience includes:
· Beautifully decorated table set in the ocean
· Exceptional personalized service to create an authentic, one-of-a-kind experience
· Five-course gourmet tasting menu curated by executive chef Daniel Ganem
Reservation required in advance. Allergies and dietary restrictions are considered upon reservation. Experience begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. and is dependent on the tides. Prices exclude tax, 20% service charge and beverages.
Available year-round; five-course dinner for two, $1,000; resort room rates starting at $1,900. For more information visit littlepalmisland.com.
“The Month of Love”
Bungalows Key Largo, Key Largo
Bungalows Key Largo
February is the “Month of Love” at Bungalows Key Largo
February is the “Month of Love” at Bungalows Key Largo, the first and only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys offering an exotic, tropical escape. Surprise-and-delight add-ons include the "Bungalows Bubble Butler,” where a dedicated staff member delivers a blissful bath experience to relish from the privacy of an oversized, al fresco soaking tub located on the bougainvillea-laden veranda. Guests can select the Mineral Relief Bathing Experience or the Aromatherapy Escape Bathing option, both featuring one of Bungalows’ signature candles and a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Couples can also enjoy a specialty pop-up: the Bubbly Bar: Champagne Cart offers a romantic oceanfront happy hour each evening from 4-6 p.m. Say cheers while watching the Florida sun slip behind the horizon.
Package includes:
· Three-night stay in your choice of Waterfront or Garden View Bungalow
· Chocolate-covered strawberries, bottle of Veuve Clicquot and rose petals upon arrival
· $200 spa credit and $200 credit for at-sea adventures (think daytime boating excursion or sunset cruise)
Available year-round; rates start at $1,500 per night based on double occupancy. For more information visit bungalowskeylargo.com.
South Florida
“Retreat to Romance”
The Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach
The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach invites couples to experience passion safely amongst the palm trees while the hotel takes care of everything with its new "Retreat to Romance" package. Take a moment to focus on the ones that matter most and actually have some socially distanced fun, together! Enjoy everything from luxury suite accommodations and an intimate in-room couple’s massage to the more traditional gifts like red roses and melt-in-your-mouth chocolates.
Package includes:
· In-room 60-minute couples massage
· Half-day bike rentals
· Assortment of in-room soaps and salts
· A dozen roses, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne
· Luxurious suite accommodations including daily breakfast in bed
Available through Apr. 30, 2021; rates start at $3,396 for a two-night stay (two-night minimum stay required); 14-day advance booking and 14-day cancellation required. For more information visit thebraziliancourt.com.
“Suite Dreams” in The Palm Beaches
Palm Beach County
For couples seeking a destination steeped in romance for Valentine’s Day, The Palm Beaches — comprised of towns and cities from Boca Raton and Delray, to Palm Beach and Jupiter — welcomes couples with an endless array of alluring accommodations and activities. Love birds are invited to find solace at The Chesterfield Palm Beach, a true oasis of old-world charm presenting chic accommodations, delectable dining and a timeless atmosphere, offering the most intimate and enchanting setting for a romantic getaway.
Package includes:
· Elegantly appointed suite
· Full English breakfast each morning
· Chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Champagne on one evening
· Sleeping kit with eye mask and earplugs
Available through Feb. 28, 2021; rates start at $450 per night. For more information, visit thepalmbeaches.com.
“Romance on the Beach”
Pelican Grand Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
The irresistible view at Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale.
Perched on a pristine white sand beach, Pelican Grand Beach Resort is Fort Lauderdale's answer to gracious luxury. The “Romance on the Beach” package is perfect for lovestruck couples, who can get cozy in an oceanfront suite with a private balcony, enjoy indulgent toes-in-the-sand dining at Ocean2000 and complete relaxation at the Scandinavian-inspired Pure Spa.
Package includes:
· One-bedroom Oceanfront Suite with private balcony
· Three-course dinner for two
· $100 Pure Spa credit per day, per room
· Bottle of Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
· American breakfast for two served in-suite each day
Available Feb. 1-28, 2021; rates start at $999 per night. For more information visit pelicanbeach.com.
All rates and accommodations subject to availability.