Best Storybook Getaways for Valentine's Day

Best Storybook Getaways for Valentine's Day

Whether smitten significant others are looking to celebrate this Valentine's Day with a cozy sleigh ride in the snow in Jackson, with Northern Lights and poetry in Iceland, or a Notebook-inspired romantic getaway in Guatemala, there is no shortage of dreamy settings for writing their love story.

A Storybook Romance at Villa Bokeh | Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala, is the ideal romantic destination, with its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture creating a magical, old-world ambiance. Perfect for hand-in-hand strolls, visitors can explore hidden courtyards, picturesque plazas, parks, museums, and vibrant markets. Just outside this cosmopolitan cultural hub lies the enchanting Villa Bokeh —a hacienda-turned-luxury boutique hotel straight out of a fairytale. Nestled within six acres of lush gardens and featuring a private lagoon, this idyllic retreat offers an intimate selection of just 15 rooms, each meticulously and elegantly designed. Each room also includes a private terrace with panoramic views of the gardens and the three volcanoes surrounding the city. With no televisions to distract and an environment designed to foster connection, Villa Bokeh features scenic walkways, lakeside benches, picnic areas, and secret meeting spots, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day escape. Elevating the romance even further, couples can book the hotel’s Notebook Experience, inspired by the beloved book and feature film. This enchanting package invites couples to live out their fairytale romance with a scenic canoe ride on the resort’s private lake—reminiscent of the iconic movie scene—complete with sparkling wine or other refreshments. The experience concludes with a cozy picnic tucked under a tree in the gardens. Rates start at $331 per night and can be booked at www.villabokeh.com.

Love in the Wild: Sleigh, Stay & Savor at New The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa | Jackson, Wyoming 

Nestled at the gateway to two national parks and framed by miles of majestic mountain views, towering timbers, and glistening white snow, the newly re-opened Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jacksons offers warm rustic touches - from a grand staircase under an antler-clad chandelier to cozy in-room fireplaces - to make this the ultimate romantic and cozy winter escape. Valentines can book the Stay & Sleigh Package which includes a four-night stay along with an intimate sleigh ride through Jackson's elk refuge, and a half-day tour through Grand Teton National Park to bring visitors up close and personal with the local wildlife such as deer, bison and moose wandering freely among the snowy and awe-inspiring alps. The offer also includes a spa credit that can go toward a unique couples treatment like the Unfold bathing ritual or Couples Connection massage at the Body Sage Spa for the ultimate relaxation. For those seeking a romantic dinner, the Sleigh & Stay package includes a food and beverage credit to the hotel’s acclaimed Wild Sage Restaurant, which will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu including aphrodisiac-inspired dishes from Chef Hugo Goodwin like West Coast Oysters, Potato & Caviar, Lobster Tagliolini, Wagyu Shortrib and Tate Au Chocolat. A complimentary shuttle to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is also available at the lodge all winter long to conveniently whisk off guests to a date on the slopes, while snowshoeing and dogsledding are other fun nearby activities. Back at the hotel, lovebirds can warm themselves by the outdoor fireplace or in the outdoor jacuzzi among the falling snow. Visit www.rustyparrot.com.

Love, Napa | The Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, CA

Wine Country is for lovers. Book a Valentine’s Day escape to the newly renovated Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa for a weekend filled with indulgent dining and romantic activities ranging from s’mores to spa treatments. Throughout the month of February, the resort will be offering a “Love, Napa” package which includes a $200 resort credit, a rose petal and sparkling wine turn down, and a fire pit reservation complete with a s’mores roasting kit. Guests can unwind at Spa Terra, nestled beneath the resort’s own vineyard inside a spectacular wine cave, which will feature a seasonal Blushing Valentine Couples Massage (or the Galentine’s Getaway Massage for one) for a head to toe pampering that also includes a hydrating facial massage, soothing foot wrap, and a glass of bubbly. Sparks will fly for sweethearts over a meal at Ember Steak, Meritage’s newest dining concept, or at Olive & Hay, the resort’s Italian farm-to-table favorite, as both restaurants will offer a special, aphrodisiac infused three-course menu including oysters, truffles and a tomahawk steak for two from February 13-23. Festive cocktails crafted for February will also be available at Ember, including Cupid’s Potion, a drink designed for two and served in a glass teapot with Absolut Elyx vodka, Creme de cassis, hibiscus syrup, lime, and ginger beer along with Ember & Eden, made with Casamigos silver tequila, thai chili infused Aperol, pomegranate, strawberry. rose shrub, and lemon juice. While couples and gal groups alike, can experience all things Wine Country from tasting rooms and wellness offerings to late night bowling and vineyard picnics right on site at the Meritage, they can also easily take the resort’s complimentary shuttle to the Lighted Art Festival in downtown Napa running through February 16th for a special date night or extra dose of sparkle. For more information, visit www.meritageresort.com.

Taking Love to New Heights | Argos in Cappadocia | Uçhisar, Türkiye 

Is there anything more romantic than sharing an intimate hot air balloon ride rising with the sun over the fairy chimneys and spectacular rock formations of Cappadocia? Carved into the hillside of Turkey’s charming town of Uçhisar, this Valentine’s Day couples can check this once-in-a-lifetime experience off the bucket list and indulge in a luxuriously unique getaway, by booking a suite at Argos in Cappadocia, a cozy cave hotel internationally known as one of the “most romantic”. Argos’ Splendid Suites are the perfect sanctuaries for love birds, when not exploring the magical destination, featuring private ensuite amenities including an indoor pool, fireplace and a private garden or terrace. Partners can dine at the hotel’s Seki restaurant perched above a rock castle and the property’s sloping hillside gardens, enjoy a wine tasting in one of Europe's biggest natural underground wine cellars, relax in the new Argos Spa, the largest cave spa in Turkey, or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by scenery like that of Mount Erciyes. For a truly memorable escape, the hotel also offers tailor-made experiences including wintertime full moon walks, Turkish baths for two, local cooking classes, and much more. For more information or to book visit, www.argosincappadocia.com.

Northern Lights and Love Poems at Hotel Rangá | Iceland 

February is prime time for catching the Northern Lights at Hotel Rangá, the best place to see them in Iceland. Couples can embark on their biggest V-Day adventure yet in the secluded and spectacular countryside of the South Coast, a central location for exploring the country's myriad of natural wonders. Take a super jeep to share a smooch under a crystallized waterfall, hold hands on a stroll along a beautiful black sand beach, or hop on an Icelandic horse to explore the vast and magnificent land of fire and ice. After a long day of activities, there's no place better to relax than in one of the hotel's suites, themed after each of the seven continents- from Africa to Antarctica- providing couples a unique opportunity to see the world in a week. Situated under clear dark skies, Hotel Rangá offers Aurora Borealis wake up calls, geo-thermal heated outdoor hot tubs and an onsite star gazing observatory. The boutique hotel also just launched its Poetry Hotline, and throughout the month of February, will exclusively offer love poems! This moment of prose at the touch of a few buttons was designed to be a creative way to bring Icelandic art and culture to life for guests while simultaneously encouraging them to pause, immerse themselves in the moment, and embrace the destination’s rich cultural experiences at a more mindful pace together. For more information, visit www.hotelranga.is.

A Personal Lullaby Written for Lovers at Grand Universe Lucca | Lucca, Italy

Chocolates....flowers...yawn. How about gifting your S.O. a custom song written by an Italian musician? In the heart of Italy, the boutique, 55-room Grand Universe Lucca offers one of the most unique, bucket-list-worthy romantic experiences — having your very own 'Prelude of Existence' written by a classical composer. (In musical terms, a Prelude is an introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera.) This curated experience takes place in the Symphony Lounge, where the hotel’s classical composer will unlock your very own theme song based on a brief questionnaire that identifies your key personality traits (romantic, dynamic, seductive, etc). While the composer prepares the Prelude, couples can drink and eat from a selection of Italy’s best coffees, teas, and pastries. Written in musical notes and delivered on a music sheet of paper, the Prelude can be specially packaged inside a 'time capsule'— tied with a silk ribbon and tucked away inside a Tuscan leather box — to cherish (and perhaps be inspired to learn to play it) for years to come. For couples who really want to go all out, upgrade to a suite at Grand Universe La Residenza, complete with personalized concierge services and a dedicated butler to cater to your every whim.

Wine, Cheese & Love Stories at Barnsley Resort | Georgia

Lovebirds seeking the ultimate romantic getaway can kick off their dreamy escape at Barnsley Resort, a property with love rooted in its history. Tucked away in the foothills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Barnsley Resort was built by Godfrey Barnsley for the love of his life, Julia. As Barnsley began construction, Julia fell ill and passed away, and it was her spirit that lived on and pushed Barnsley to continue the project. Today, the 3,000-acre resort is an award-winning property that serves as the ultimate place to unplug and enjoy a secluded yet romantic retreat. This year, the resort is hosting several exciting events for couples to enjoy their Valentine’s Day weekend. Learn some new Southern cocktail recipes with expert, on-site mixologists while snacking on some fresh appetizers. The price of the course includes your own shaker, a cocktail menu book and recipe cards to build your own at-home bar. Join Chef Marc Suennemann for a curated cooking class for you and your partner to learn to craft some irresistible dishes while sipping on some paired wines during the instruction. During the Wine, Cheese & Love Stories tour, wine stewards guide guests through an interactive tour of wines while participants use their senses to pair selections from Georgia’s own Sweet Grass Dairy’s handcrafted cheese selections with fresh herbs, fruits and chocolate. Throughout this interactive tour, guests will learn about the love story of Godfrey and Julia Barnsley that started it all. To close out a glamorous weekend, guests can indulge in Barnsley’s Valentine’s Day Dinner, featuring thoughtfully crafted courses paired with fine wines and seasonal flavors to create the perfect romantic experience. Sparks will be flying for all the travelers looking for the perfect, romantic getaway at Barnsley Resort. For more information, visit barnsleyresort.com.