Where to Have a Romantic Retreat This Valentine’s Day

White sand beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and desert landscapes beckon lovers to the southern end of Baja California where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes. February’s warm sunny days and cool evenings are ideal for enjoying the beach or activities that include jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, and more. The Resort at Pedregal offers the best of Cabo San Lucas with luxurious rooms, spectacular views, and dining at Cliffside El Farallon overlooking the Pacific.

This unspoiled tropical island with secluded beaches, red lava cliffs, forests, rugged landscapes, and abundant marine life is a perfect romantic getaway. Adventurous couples can explore in a four-wheel drive to find hidden shoreline spots, Shipwreck Beach, and Sweetheart Rock between Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers luxurious rooms, ocean views, exceptional dining, lagoon-style pools with tucked away cabanas, spa, golf, and exquisite service. A private sunset champagne catamaran cruise would be a romantic ending to a busy day.

Lovers of winter—and each other—will enjoy Aspen in February whether they choose to ski, tour the backcountry in a snowmobile, or browse boutiques and art galleries. The historic silver mining town in the Rocky Mountains surrounded by snowy peaks is also lovely while sitting before a crackling fire and sipping a cocktail or warm drink. The five-star Little Nell Hotel'sguestrooms and suites, many with private balconies, have been renovated, and dining options include the exclusive Element 47 and casual Ajax Tavern. Wine lovers will savor a private cellar tasting with one of the hotel’s sommeliers.

High above the Pacific Ocean and bordered by steep cliffs, the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers rugged beauty, hiking trails, tidepools, and whale sightings in February. The Point Vicente Lighthouse and the spectacular stone and glass Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright (son of Frank Lloyd Wright) and featured in TV’s The O.C., make this a popular locale for weddings and romantic weekends. Terranea Resort atop a bluff on the ocean’s edge boasts spectacular sunsets, luxurious rooms, spa, pools, and choice of casual or upscale dining.

A trip together to French Polynesia sounds romantic even before you step off the plane and see its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise sea, and lush tropical landscape. Snorkeling among sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish or observing tropical birds are just a few ways to enjoy nature on the island that captivated actor Marlon Brando and led him to create a resort there. The Brando’s spa, hidden away by vegetation, offers couples’ massage and body treatments, steam bath, waterfall, and relaxation spaces. Guests enjoy Polynesian-inspired dishes at two dining venues or in the privacy of their villa.

Exotic, exciting, bustling Hong Kong would be a romantic place to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. Ride the Star Ferry or take a harbor cruise to gaze at the array of skyscrapers. Take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, for even more spectacular vistas. Shopping and eating are favorite activities in Hong Kong, and dining at a dim sum parlor is great fun. Later, enjoy the view of Victoria Harbor from your luxurious room at the Mandarin Oriental or visit their spa for the special two-hour couples’ treatment in the privacy of a suite with a vitality pool, steam shower, and light Asian-inspired spa meal.

Mild February weather, snow-capped mountains, restaurants, spas, casinos, and lots of outdoor activities attract vacationers to the desert in winter. Lounging by a pool during the day and cuddling in front of a fireplace at night are appealing options for a romantic visit. Once a hangout for Hollywood types escaping from Los Angeles, Palm Springs still has that cool vibe, especially at the newly renovated Villa Royale Hotel, a celebrity hangout back in the day. The Evelyn Pell Villa, a perfect romantic hideaway, features a private desert garden, hot tub, fireplace, and original art.

One of the most exciting, romantic cities in the world, New York has many fun things for couples to do together. Stroll along the High Line on the city’s west side and peek at the Hudson River, apartment windows, and new buildings. Take the traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Listen to live music, catch a Broadway show, or sip a cocktail and marvel at the view from Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room. Stay at the iconic Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park, and be sure to stop at the new Champagne Bar for a bit of the bubbly.

This city was made for lovers, with romantic cafes, gardens, quaint streets, and bridges over the Seine with views of the Eiffel Tower. It will be chilly in February, all the better for cuddling on a sunset cruise on the river or strolling along the Champs Elysees. Ride to the top of the Montparnasse Tower to see Paris from above. The intimate Hotel Splendide Royal, with just twelve suites in a renovated mansion, offers elegant furnishings, Eiffel Tower views from upper floors, and a romantic Italian restaurant.

What could be more romantic than strolling along canals, crossing the famous Rialto Bridge, and finding narrow streets with quaint footbridges. La Serenissima’s Bridge of Sighs is a traditional spot for lovers. A sunset gondola ride is a must, and for a different way to travel the canals, join the locals on a vaporetto and visit Burano’s colorful houses. The historic and elegant Hotel Londra Palace, located near the Piazza San Marco, looks out over the Grand Canal and offers attentive service and old-world hospitality.

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