Cozy and Romantic: Staycation Ideas for the Perfect Winter Date
Winter doesn't have to mean cabin fever or the flipside—planning an elaborate and expensive escape somewhere warm. Fall in love with your home city all over again when you experience these romantic recommendations on where to stay, spa, and savor unique dining and nightlife.
New York City
STAY: Book an iconic New York hotel like The Carlyle and warm up with one of their tea services, featuring imported teas, tea sandwiches, scones, mini pastries, and more. After tea, relax in one of the hotel's 192 rooms, 92 of which are suites and feel more like elegant Upper East Side apartments than your typical hotel rooms. 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021 · (212) 744-1600
SPA: Escape to AIRE Ancient Baths and enjoy a thermal tour through ancient-inspired baths set at different temperatures. Top off your relaxing experience with a massage or ritual. Bonus: for a limited time (February 13-February 18, 2025), book the Love Story—a private treatment featuring face and body massages, aromatherapy, and thermal baths. 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013 · (917) 563-4542
SAVOR: Cozy up to a crackling brick fireplace, candlelit atmosphere, live piano, and artfully curated menu at One If By Land, Two If By Sea, set in a 1767 carriage house formerly used by Aaron Burr. For all the romantics out there, it's also one of the city's most popular places to propose. 17 Barrow St, New York, NY 10014 · (212) 255-8649
Chicago
STAY: Enjoy glittering floor-to-ceiling views of downtown Chicago from glass windows in a 120-year-old landmarked building at the Viceroy Chicago. Step outside to find yourself in the heart of Magnificent Mile shopping and close to the shores of Lake Michigan. 1118 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 · (312) 586-2000
SPA: Although it's operated as a traditional bath house since 1906, Chicago Bath House is bursting with modern touches in addition to the usual spa amenities. Visitors can expect a full-service Russian restaurant and bar alongside spa, sauna, and tanning services. 1914 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 · (773) 227-2284
SAVOR: The dimly-lit Gilt Bar is a bar-restaurant that serves up a romantic, moody atmosphere alongside American fare and imaginative drinks. Up the ante by making reservations for The Library at Gilt Bar, a speakeasy-style space reminiscent of Chicago's Prohibition Era—hidden entrance and everything. Sink into a velvet booth and enjoy Gilt Bar's full menu under the glow of fringed chandeliers. 230 W Kinzie, Chicago, IL 60654 · (312) 464-9544
Boston
STAY: Experience Boston's history first-hand when you stay at The Liberty Hotel, a former jail that operated from 1851-1990. Take a 30-minute tour of the property, leading you through the building's preserved jail cells, wrought-iron work, and historic catwalks, and end with a glass of Champagne. For Valentine's Day, up the ante by booking one of two packages—Locked in Luxury or Sentenced to Romance. 215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 · (617) 224-4000
SPA: Beat the winter blues with relaxation in the The Spa at Mandarin Oriental's expansive (16,000 square feet!) space, which features a crystal steam room, vitality pools, and a couple's spa room. Treat yourself to the Couples Experience, which offers simultaneous treatments in a setting specifically designed for two. 776 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199 · (617) 535-8820
SAVOR: Tuck into rustic-meets-modern Italian fare at Mamma Maria. Situated atop a hill in North Square, this historic brownstone restaurant features cozy, private tables and striking views of the city. 3 North Sq, Boston, MA 02113 · (617) 523-0077
Los Angeles
STAY: Escape to Hotel Bel-Air, a secluded spot in one of LA's toniest neighborhoods. Wander the hotel's expansive 12 acres of lush gardens alongside the property's famous swans or relax with on-site, locally sourced food from renowned chef Jose Garcia. 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077 · (310) 472-1211
SPA: Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills offers indulgent spa treatments for two. Try the completely private 3.5-hour Japanese Experience, which starts with a detox foot massage before moving on to the spa's signature Tomoko Massage. Top your spa experience off with a natural Japanese Hinoki bath, then enjoy an en-suite sushi meal for two. The experience also includes organic teas and Japanese sweets. 141 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 · (310) 205-7300
SAVOR: Take romantic dining to the next level at 71Above, a Los Angeles bar and restaurant located—you guessed it—71 stories high in the US Bank Tower. Enjoy unbeatable 360-degree views of LA as you tuck into vibrant American cuisine and cocktails. Sidle up to the bar to see the sun set in the west toward the ocean. 633 W 5th St, 71st Fl, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · (213) 712-2683
San Francisco
STAY: Fairmont San Francisco boasts opulent architecture, unparalleled views of the city and the bay, and a fun tiki bar-restaurant with surprise “thunderstorms” in its basement. Graciously appointed rooms await couples who want to relax, too (think: marble bathrooms). 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108 · (415) 772-5000
SPA: Step into SenSpa—an expansive 13,000-square-foot sanctuary situated at the edge of a national park. The spa features dedicated spaces for couples and a few massages that can be adapted to cater to two. Once their treatments are finished, spa-goers are encouraged to enjoy four different relaxation spaces as well as a sauna and cafe that serves food and wine. 1161 Gorgas Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129 · (415) 441-1777
SAVOR: Tuck into a hearty, cooked-to-perfection steak or fresh seafood as you take in iconic views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the San Francisco skyline at Epic Steak. Wash it down with a classic martini or anything from the wide selection of wines. 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105-1265 · (415) 369-9955
Washington, DC
TAY: Housed in a Beaux Arts-style building dating back to 1923, The Jefferson DC is bursting with romantic details at every turn. The Book Room is a private oasis of leather-bound books that goes beyond a good reading space—for every room booked at The Jefferson, the hotel sponsors a purchase of a children’s book for the DC Public Library’s ‘Books from Birth’ program. The Jefferson is the perfect mix of history and personal service (browse original documents from Thomas Jefferson and enjoy a private concierge, butler, and curated room service) and conveniences (it's located a short walk to the White House, Dupont Circle, and Logan Circle and is home to the renowned Quill restaurant). 1200 16th St NW, Washington DC 20036 · (202) 448-2300
SPA: Book a customized couples massage at Argentta Spa at The Watergate Hotel (yes, that historic Watergate Hotel). Sample treatments include hot stone aromatherapy and a CBD deep pressure massage that promises a state of deep relaxation. 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 · (202) 838-4503
SAVOR: As if a French eatery with a focus on Champagne and caviar wasn't romantic enough, Apéro is situated on a quiet street in Georgetown, surrounded by traditional row homes and colonial-era architecture. Go a step further and book a table at La Bohème, Apéro's sister restaurant upstairs that offers rotating, themed prix-fixe menus that change on a regular basis. The current menu draws inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkein (author of Lord of the Rings) now through April. 2622 P St NW Washington, DC 20007 • (202) 525-1682
West Palm Beach
STAY: With a half-mile of private beach, four waterfront pools (including an adults-only option and a pool with private bungalows), lighted tennis courts, fitness centers, a spa, and extensive nightlife and dining options, as well as a neighboring 36-hole golf course, The Breakers Palm Beach is a perfect romantic escape. Add in an opulent Sunday brunch at The Circle and you're all set. 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480 · (561) 655-6611
SPA: Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach goes beyond typical couples' treatments to feature Valentine's Day specials (available February 7-February 17, 2025). The Cupid's Retreat Couples Massage is a 90-minute experience followed up with 30 minutes of private villa time that includes a rose petal bath and a bottle of Champagne. Or, book the Lift from the Peaks Facial, designed to stimulate skin elasticity and boost a youthful appearance, or the Eau so Luxe Manicure & Pedicure, a luxurious take on a mani-pedi that promises to hydrate and refresh. All three services include accompanying gifts to take home. 100 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, FL 33462 · (561) 533-6000
SAVOR: Treat yourself to afternoon tea and waterfront views of West Palm Beach at The Flagler Museum's Railcar No. 91® Tea Room. Pair the museum’s signature Whitehall Special Blend® tea and berry sweetened lemonade with a prix-fixe food menu of savory sandwiches, scones, and sweets. 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480 · (561) 655-2833
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