From a relaxing yet fun-filled girls’ getaway weekend to a culinary-focused couples’ retreat, the hotels below make for an awesome Valentine’s Day break.
- Location: Cozumel, Mexico
- About the Resort: The all-inclusive Allegro Cozumel offers comfortable accommodations on Playa San Francisco, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel. The hotel gives guests diving experiences at one of the world’s top destinations for scuba divers. Guests enjoy activities underwater, or on land, lying in the sand at the beach or next to one of four swimming pools. There are five restaurants, where guests can recover after a long, active day.
- This Property is Ideal for….. adventurous couples seeking a budget-friendly diving escape.
- Why? With its crystal-clear waters and its privileged location close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, it comes as no surprise why the Mexican Caribbean and scuba exploration go hand-in-hand. The rich concentration of marine life in the area attracts adventuresome scuba divers year after year and there’s no better place for a budget-friendly diving vacation this Valentine’s Day than at Allegro Cozumel. Some of the most popular factors guests are looking for when selecting a great dive resort include affordability, relaxation, adventure, nearby location to top dive sites, unmatched dive packages and beach access, all of which are available at Allegro Cozumel. For those that are looking to take a deeper dive into love, the property also offers a fantastic Elopement Package starting at $800 USD per couple.
- Special Promotions/Packages:
- The Ultimate Dive Experience Package: An irresistible package catering exclusively to avid divers includes one free boat dive and tank per day for up to three divers (additional tanks at a special rate), accommodation at an exclusive section of the resort close to the beach, as well as additional perks. The package is subject to availability at the time of booking and guests must hold a PADI or equivalent certificate, as well as recent verifiable diving experience. Guests have access to four daily scuba diving excursions: 8:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00 with bookings made 24 hours in advance. This package offers up to 30% off bookings plus $500 resort discount. For more information, please click here.
- Additional Activities Available in Cozumel: For those couples looking for a break from the underwater world, a unique six-hour pearl tour at the Cozumel Pearl Farm will teach visitors how these gems are made and farmed. Additionally, the divemasters at AquaWorld offer a unique night diving tour, which provides divers with an amazing experience because darkness allows them to see various creatures that hide from the daylight.
- Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- About the Resort: A Member of Leading Hotels of The World, Royal Hideaway Playacar is an adults-only all-inclusive resort that offers 201 magnificent guestrooms, six distinct restaurants serving international cuisine with à la carte options, a spa and fitness center, and six pools, all large and with unbeatable views, including 3 relaxation pools and an infinity pool with an impressive waterfall. Whether inside the resort’s facilities or on the idyllic beach in front of the hotel, guests have many different choices available, including adventure and water activities.
- This Property is Ideal for….. foodie-lovers in search of hotels that have recently upped their food game!
- Why? The luxurious resort offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants that include ample options for gourmet à la carte dinners led by Michelin-starred Chef Alejandro Sanchez. Couples can savor both traditional Mexican as well as imaginative chef creations that will delight the most discerning palates, transporting them to different corners of the globe without leaving their seat. The chef sources the very best ingredients from the region for his kitchen and enjoys making his guests feel like they’re eating like a king and queen on vacation. For those looking for an elevated gastronomy experience, we highly recommend the Chef’s Table experience, where participants will be able to talk to Chef Sanchez as well as his team, who will explain all the techniques and ingredients in detail, as well as provide anecdotes about the creation of the dishes. This experience comes in 6 or 12 courses with wine pairings.
- Special Promotions/Packages:
- Romantic Getaway: This promotion will allow guests to save up to 40% off regular rates and includes a 50-minute Swedish massage per stay, use of the spa's hydrotherapy circuit and free wifi. For more information, please click here.
- Special Valentine’s Day Dinner: Enjoy the most romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two set on the resort’s idyllic beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The romantic dinner will feature a three-course menu in a beautifully decorated private area on the hotel’s terrace. The dinner is included, must be booked through the private villa butler and requires a minimum 3-night stay.
- Additional Activities Available in Playa del Carmen: The resort’s privileged location in Playa del Carmen, offers guests countless cultural and historic attractions to pick from while they’re out of the water. Visitors can discover the mysteries of the ancient Mayans at archeological sites such as the San Gervasio ruins, as well as stroll down Playa’s favorited pedestrian corridor, Quinta Avenida, for the delicious restaurants, trendsetting boutiques and endless nightlife entertainment options!
Occidental at Xcaret Destination
- Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- About the Resort: The 24-hour, all-inclusive Occidental at Xcaret Destination is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Its mix of natural and cultural environments provides an unbeatable experience. This resort offers 765 rooms and suites surrounded by magnificent gardens. Experience natural rivers flowing throughout the resort, 11 restaurants, 10 bars, seven swimming pools, and a private bay. The resort is also adjacent to Xcaret eco-archaeological park, with over 40 cultural attractions and exhibitions.
- This Property is Ideal for….. nature-loving couples searching for a private and romantic escape.
- Why? The hotel offers nature-lovebirds plenty of ways to bond with Mother Earth. The property’s jungle setting allows guests to constantly interact with iguanas, monkeys and exotic birds. Additionally, the resort’s recently-introduced Romance Suite at the Royal Level is the perfect place for couples seeking the ultimate romantic retreat this Valentine’s Day. The suite features a private terrace with a jacuzzi surrounded by stunning tropical gardens. Special room amenities include a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries the day after guests arrive and a romantic dinner at the Royal Level gazebo by the beach. Royal Level guests are given unique and exclusive services, including personalized check-in, private concierge services, unlimited access to on-property specialty restaurants, private swimming pool area, and much more.
- Special Promotions/Packages:
- Winter Offers at First Sight Promotion: Through this special offer, guests can enjoy up to 30% discount off regular rates. The promotion also includes free mini bar service and $500 USD resort credit, valid until 04/11/2019. To learn more, please visit the resort’s special offers landing page.
- Additional Activities Available in Playa del Carmen/Xcaret: In addition to the countless entertainment options Playa del Carmen has to offer (detailed under the Royal Hideaway Playacar section), Occidental at Xcaret Destination is also perfectly positioned next to Mexico’s legendary ecopark, Xcaret Park, which is just a five-minute walk away via the private entrances between the hotel and the park.
- Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
- About the Resort: The 24-hour all-inclusive Barceló Maya Caribe, part of the Barceló Maya Grand Resort, offers newly refurbished Junior Suites & Suites, eight distinct restaurants, eight bars, four pools, children’s water park, bowling alley, shopping center, theatre and eight meeting rooms. Guests enjoy full access to the Barceló Maya Tropical, Barceló Maya Colonial & Barceló Maya Beach. Premium Level accommodations feature spectacular views, unlimited access to specialty restaurants, and more.
- This Property is Ideal for….. the ultimate and long-overdue Galentine’s Day getaway.
- Why? The resort’s location in the Riviera Maya provides the ideal backdrop for the ultimate girlfriend getaway. The area’s vast cultural and adventure offerings, ideal weather conditions, crystal clear beaches and world-class entertainment options will allow girls to spend some much-needed quality time this Valentine’s Day season! We highly recommend for girlfriends to stay at one of the master swim-up suites in Barceló Maya Caribe so they can roll out of bed directly into the pool for more fun in the sun. Additionally, guests in this room category can enjoy Premium Level perks (including concierge service, premium liquor, free wifi and 24-hour room service).
- Special Promotions/Packages:
- Early Booking Offer: Through this special promotion, guests can enjoy up to 30% discount off regular rates and $1,000 USD resort credit, valid until 04/30/2020. To learn more, click here.
- Additional Activities Available at the Resort:
- Shop: For some retail therapy, guests can visit the open-air Maya Mall (the newest and largest shopping center in the Riviera Maya) without having to leave their resort. The mall has over 20 stores selling everything from Brazilian swimwear to local souvenirs!
- Evening Entertainment: Barceló Maya Grand Resort boasts 19 different bars and is home to a fantastic club scene. During their stay, girlfriends can enjoy international music and free house drinks at Jaguar’s nightclub all night long.
- Relax: The property is also home to the brand’s signature 33,000 square-foot U-Spa, offering girlfriends ample opportunity to unwind and unplug while on their special getaway. The spa boasts 26 treatment suites, a hydrotherapy circuit featuring hot and cold plunge pools, aromatherapy showers, and much more. One of the most popular treatments among groups of girls is the Flotation Experience, where guests are lead into a dark dome shaped room with two tubs filled with Epsom salts that allow the human body to float and the ceiling embodies the vast milky way with shining stars.
- Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- About the Resort: Nestled along Bávaro Beach and the Caribbean Sea, discover the adults-only, 24-hour all-inclusive Barceló Bávaro Beach – part of the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort. With more than 580 rooms, three restaurants, two bars and a large swimming pool, guests also enjoy full access to the entire Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort. Premium Level accommodations offer spectacular views, unlimited access to specialty restaurants, 24-hour room service, and more.
- This Property is Ideal for….. couples seeking a multifaceted, adults-only vacation experience.
- Why? The megaresort’s location in the buzzing Punta Cana scene caters to all types of couples: nature lovers can go hiking and zip lining at nearby lush tropical rainforests, beach bums can spend their days lounging by one of the 10 best beaches in the world, and bar-hopping nightlife seekers can pick from the hotel’s fantastic nightclub/bar scene or the destination’s many fun bars and clubs. With plenty of affordable non-stop flights to Punta Cana International Airport from major U.S. airports, getting there will also be a breeze. We highly recommend for couples to stay at the Premium Level Ocean Front Suite Room. The impressive suite features a hot tub, a spacious living room space and incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, guests in this room category can enjoy a free round of golf per person and Premium Level perks (including concierge service, 24-hour room service and complimentary daily use of the U-Spa’s renowned hydrotherapy circuit).
- Special Promotions/Packages:
- In Love Package: This complimentary package includes an upgrade to the next room category, priority check in, late check out, continental breakfast in room the first day and a bottle of sparkling wine and Petit Fours delivered to room.
- Forever in Love Package ($169/person): Includes all items from the In Love package, plus a romantic dinner on the beach and a 25 minute couples massage.
- Additional Activities Available at the Resort:
- Evening Entertainment: Barceló Bávaro Beach is home to a fantastic night club. During their stay, couples can enjoy international music and free house drinks at the on-property nightclub (open daily from 11pm – 3 am). Additionally, resort guests can enjoy great stage performances every night at the new adults-only Teatro Beach.
- Gamble: For couples that love to hit the slot machines, the resort has an on-site casino that is open 24 hours. The casino is located next door at Barceló Bávaro Palace.
- Relax: The property is located at one of the 10 best beaches in the world and features natural surroundings – the lush tropical forest and white sand beaches, providing the ideal setting for the ultimate relaxation experience. Additionally, the resort’s adults-only swimming pool area has all types of amusement options for relaxation such as relaxing pool beds, water jets, and much more. The resort is also home to a state-of-the-art health and wellness center that features an open-air pool with water-based therapies, personalized treatments, hydrotherapy, thermal pools, Vichy baths, private cabins with hot tubs, and much more.
- Dine: The Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort boasts 11 specialty restaurants for couples to enjoy, ranging from minimalist Japanese cuisine to authentic Mexican flavors. Offerings include: Miramar buffet restaurant, specializing in international cuisine; the Bohio Dominican buffet restaurant, with a menu filled with genuine Dominican dishes; the seafood-centric El Coral Restaurant; La Dolce Vita, an eatery that pays tribute to both Italian food and cinema; Mexico Lindo, a traditional Mexican restaurant; and Kyoto, featuring modern Asian fusion prepared before your very eyes at teppanyaki tables. Simply, there’s no other resort in the Caribbean that rivals the gastronomic diversity available at Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort.
- Location: Palm Beach, Aruba
- About the resort: Located on the powdery shores of Palm Beach, the all-inclusive Barceló Aruba delivers distinctive experiences that anticipate the desires of all guests. This intimate Caribbean oasis features up to seven restaurants, three bars, swimming pool, nightly shows and more. Royal Level guests receive accommodations offering our best views, priority reservations at our á-la-carte restaurants, complimentary room service, personalized check-in, concierge service, premium brand drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
- This Property is Ideal for….. couples searching for a classic and relaxing seaside escape.
- Why? Barceló Aruba provides the opportunity for couples to enjoy maximum relaxation, whether that be a refreshing dip in its spectacular swimming pool or sunbathing in the stunning property gardens. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s privileged location along the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The property also offers a variety of water sports on the beach (such as snorkeling and diving), a rich and varied culinary offering for the most demanding palates, as well as an impressive lineup of rich on-property entertainment options (including the fabulous casino and DJ performances). Couples seeking more space and intimacy should stay at the Deluxe Ocean Front Room with Hot Tub at Barceló Aruba. The room features an outdoor hot tub where guests can relax and share romantic sunsets together with views of the stunning Caribbean Sea.
- Special Promotions/Packages:
- Devotion Package: This complimentary package includes a special welcome letter; fresh fruit platter and bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival; special turn-down service; one night during stay and continental breakfast in bed one morning during the stay.
- Sweet Love Package ($499): Includes special welcome letter, fresh fruit platter and bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival; breakfast in bed one morning during stay; nightly turn-down service; romantic candlelit dinner including bottle of sparkling wine; one turn-down service including rose petals of domestic wine in-room and a surprise gift.
- Additional Activities Available at the Resort:
- Evening Entertainment: Guests can enjoy deliciously hand-crafted cocktails at any of the resort’s three lively bars. Additionally, couples can enjoy live music several nights a week at the property’s Lobby Bar.
- Gamble: Barceló Aruba boasts an on-site casino perfect for a thrilling night of gambling. The casino features five gaming tables, including American Roulette, Black Jack and Three Card Poker, as well as the 120 gaming machines with the most exciting and cutting-edge themes currently available.
- Excursions: Aruba is teeming with thrilling adventures for the most daring couples to enjoy. Some of the most popular excursions in the island include day and night diving explorations to the Antilla Shipwreck – the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, windsurfing or kitesurfing at Fireman’s Hut Beach and an adrenaline-packed 10,000 foot skydive!
- Dine: Barceló Aruba’s culinary offerings will satisfy the most demanding palates with a vibrant mix of international fare at any of its seven restaurants and three bars. Honeymooners can relish in exquisite gourmet choices such as authentic regional cuisine, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and more.
Amit Singh
Mumbai, India
Excellent Company For Hospitality Professionals