5 Near (and Far) Getaways for Winning Valentine’s in NYC

Wine in the sky, castles and private islands. Let’s go.

January 24, 2019 9:00 am

Diamonds aren’t a gal’s best friend.

Leaving a 250-square-foot city apartment to be swept away on a romantic adventure — now that’s a gift.

So with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve rounded up five destinations near and far that are perfect for a wintery retreat for two.

Plan in advance, lock up those brownie points and — hey — you get a little vacation too. Score.

Image from Woodhouse Lodge

Go to: Greenville, NY
Stay at: The Woodhouse Lodge
The new(ish) spot is a revamped 1962 motor lodge. There are 10 thoughtfully designed rooms set on four acres with luxe amenities out the wazoo. Get to booking their next Natural Wine and Pasta night now, though. Coming up on February 16th, the evening pops off with a casual tasting with Reed Street Bottle Shop and melts into a family-style pasta dinner courtesy of Sfoglini. Wine and pasta while watching the snow fall. You can’t fail. Book it here.

Image via Renaissance Aruba

Go to: Aruba
Stay at: The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Two words: Private. Island. The 40-acre Caribbean escape is total seclusion laced with white sand beaches. For this heart-drenched holiday, we recommend the Lover’s Island Overnight Package. Champagne upon arrival, your own private host and butler, four-course dinner with wine pairings and your very own paradise cabana.

Image from Sanctuary Hotel

Go to: Nowhere
Stay at: The Sanctuary Hotel
Elaborate plans just going to invite more stress? Take it easy and have a staycation. On offer at the middle-of-the-city Sanctuary is a Romance Package that checks all the boxes with sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, rose petals strewn about and a graciously late check out. But for the realist, there’s the Netflix & Chill Package. Included: $100 in in-room dining, movie theater goodies, sparkling wine and a whole lot of On Demand. Tune in, tune out.

Image from Hotel Vermont

Go to: Burlington, Vermont
Stay at: The Hotel Vermont
Hipster rustic meets ski bunny just a short drive from NYC. Cozying up is made easy with their True Romance Package. You’re in for a top-floor king room with — oo-la-la — a whirlpool bath and fireplace, local rosé cider, fair-trade chocolate truffles and a farm fresh breakfast for two. Flannel robes and hot toddies are definitely part of the deal. And should you venture a stroll, you’re in shooting distance from heaps of breweries on nearby Church Street.

Image from VistaJet

Go to: Florence, Italy
Stay: In palaces and castles
Wine enthusiasts, ready thyselves. The VistaJet Wine Program will have any recipient flying high. Beginning with tastings upon lift-off, their Antinori experience offers bespoke access to the famed Marchesi Antinori. From there, you’re going behind the scenes at a 600-year-old winery followed by dinner in the estate’s palace and a chance to sip some of the family’s personal, private reserves. And should you so desire, the palace is open for an overnight stay to boot. From there, you’ll be whisked away via helicopter to Castello della Sala. A place where time stands still, it’s an open floodgate of more wine and an evening in a medieval castle built in 1350 overlooking 500 acres of future vino. Don’t forget the ring.

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