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Sexy Seven Valentine Getaways

“Don’t be cheap on Valentine’s Day,” cautions Mike Thiel, Founder and President of the 27-year-old Hideaways Aficionado Club http://www.hideaways.com/ . “Show your true love just how much he or she means to you by taking a money’s-no-object vacation at a romantic hideaway”.  This popular travel club introduces discerning individuals to the vacation road less traveled.  And that road usually leads to romance-inspiring havens.

This year’s  recommendations for over-the-top romantic escapes represent lovely boutique hotels and villas from around the world.  At these hideaways, the two of you can enjoy passion-filled indulgences like a private dinner in an intoxicating wine cellar in South Africa, acting like Casanova in a sensual Italian garden, or reveling in hedonistic pleasure with a Deluxe Chocolate Body Wrap in Mexico.  Whether you’re searching for an over-the-top Valentine’s gift for your true love or an unforgettable spot where you can keep the romance alive throughout the year, look no further.

These are the official 2006  “Sexy Seven” Over-The-Top Hotels/Resorts:

1.  Intoxicating Romance in South Africa— Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve With the Sabi Sabi Romance Package, enjoy a wildlife safari, truly luxurious accommodations, and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, fruit basket, spa treatment, and private dinner in the wine cellar, Zen gardens, Garden of Contemplation, or in your sumptuous suite. This four-night package includes two nights at Selati Camp (with its colonial Out of Africa feel) and two nights at Earth Lodge (with its freeform rooms and handcrafted furniture); on your first night, you’ll find your suite decorated with flower petals and lit candles. From R16,600 per person.

2.  Honeymoon to Remember in Fiji— Yasawa Island Resort Envelop yourself in splendid isolation on this remote island, with no other resorts, televisions, or wake-up calls. Tucked away among the beachfront palms are sybaritic thatched-roof bures (huts), each with a discreet open-air shower and shaded outdoor day bed. For the ultimate in alone-time, request that you be marooned on one of 11 deserted beaches with a picnic lunch and a radio for when you’re ready to be “rescued.” Stay four nights and receive one night free as well as a complimentary one-hour couples massage or facials for two. $5,400 per couple for five nights in Lomalagi Honeymoon Bure; available February 2006.

3. For Lovers of the Outdoors and Indoors in England— Bovey Castle  The rolling patchwork of Bovey Castle’s parkland setting is one giant playground for golfers, equestrians, and general lovers of the outdoors. But don’t be deceived. Bovey Castle also has a genteel and elegant side, where high tea and black tie are equally at home. And its romantic Rose Cottage is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day (we suppose you could say it’s for lovers of the indoors). Treat that special someone to a romantic night of fine food, fine wine, and fine accommodations. £700.00 per couple per night in Rose Cottage (for £135 more, include Taittinger Champagne, petals on bed, homemade truffles, and scented massage oil).

4. Royal Romance in Switzerland—Villa Principe Leopoldo & Residence .  From its perch atop Golden Hill on the outskirts of Lugano, Villa Principe Leopoldo offers spectacular views of the city, Lago di Lugano, and the mountains beyond. Once the private villa of a member of the royal family of Prussia, this hotel will make you feel like royalty. Spend three romantic nights at the Prince’s mansion and enjoy a bouquet of roses, bottle of chilled Champagne, box of Swiss chocolate, daily breakfast, a tasty “tête-à-tête” eight-course gourmet dinner (inclusive of beverage), a private boat cruise on the Lake of Lugano with a lunh stop at the Locanda Gandriese in the quaint village of Gandria, two Villa Principe Leopoldo personalized bathrobes, and a massage for two. €677 per night.

5. Wrap Your Valentine in Chocolate & Honey in Mexico— Hacienda Xcanatun The restorative and healing powers of the ancient Maya were no doubt called into play when this historic hacienda was recently restored to its former glory. Named Xcanatun, “Tall Stone House” in Mayan, the noble 18th-century estate on nine acres in the heart of the Yucatan stands tall once more, and invites you to explore life as it was three centuries ago. Enjoy three nights in a luxe suite as well as a full Xcanatun breakfast daily, served on your suite terrace or restaurant dining veranda, two spa treatments per person (like the Deluxe Chocolate Body Wrap and a holistic Maya Flower and Honey Massage), a three-course feast and a bottle of fine wine served in the hacienda’s gourmet restaurant, a sampler of “made in the Yucatan” Belgian chocolates, and roundtrip Merida airport transfers. $1,250 per couple; available February 1 - February 15, 2006

6. Pampering and Pleasure in St. Moritz—Badrutt’s Palace.  Here, enjoy style, sports, and cuisine coupled with discreet service and remarkable outdoor activities (in the winter, it’s one of the most challenging ski areas in the world; in the summer, it offers a host of summer Alpine activities). Badrutt’s Palace’s Romantic Getaway includes two nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room, daily buffet breakfast, a bottle of Champagne upon arrival, one candlelit dinner in Le Restaurant (including wine), a one-day ski pass valid for entire region, one herbal steam & Cleopatra bath skin care for two at the Daniela Steiner Beauty Spa, horse-drawn carriage ride to Fex Valley, complimentary shuttle to ski lift, free entrance to the King’s Club, and more. Double Room from CHF2’120; available Winter 2006.

7. Rub Elbows with Casanova in Italy— Hotel Cipriani  Perched at the tip of the island of Guidecca, just across the lagoon from the Piazza San Marco, the Hotel Cipriani—Venice’s most romantic and opulent hideaway—offers the most private grounds in the city, with lush gardens, luxurious accommodations, delicious views, excellent service (think personal butler), and a real “Wow” factor. Their romantic escape package includes three nights in a Junior Suite, champagne breakfasts served in your room or terrace, three-course lunch or candlelit dinner for two each day at any of the Cipriani’s restaurants, and one massage or facial treatment in the new Casanova Beauty and Wellness Center (so-called because legend has it Casanova had trysts in the Cipriani gardens). €1,650 per night per couple (April 7-20, 2006) and €2,160 per night per couple (April 21 - October 21, 2006).

Keep love alive and kicking!  A unique Valentine destination that is exciting, sensual and relaxing may be the very best move to keep the love and “sparks” thriving!

Edited by Marilyn Miller
Adult Travel Editor
TravelLady Magazine

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