Romance: Live it Up in Luxury, Paying for Moderate Travel

I have always called Valentines Day a "Hallmark Holiday". But as I get older, I soften and realize it is a day to take the time to think about your loved ones. In these times, it is important to think about what we appreciate in life, whether it be a partner, spouse, child, family or friend.

Speaking as a woman who loves spas, I thought about listing a few luxurious romantic trips someone could purchase for someone else…or something to think about for the next couple's only vacation. OK, I lied - there are a few romantic suggestions that let you take the kids along too.

I have to begin with a personal favorite, as there is nothing better for me than daily spa treatments, luxurious setting, not having to look at a check after an expensive meal, then taking that spontaneous walk on the beach before retreating back to a luxurious room. The resort is Grand Lido Negril. Negril is also one of my favorite beaches in the Caribbean. The deal right now is up to $250 spa credit - that will get you a few free treatments on top of the complimentary manicures and pedicures. You can choose to eat from any of their 6 restaurants, or keep it romantic and quiet and order room service - which is 24 hours.  Hint - book your reservations for the nicer restaurants as soon as you check in. It takes any "responsibility" away from you for the rest of the vacation. Your choice of  Classic Restaurants – French or Italian cuisine, continental menus and Piacere Restaurant, only 5-Star Platinum Award Winning Restaurant in the Caribbean, Practical Gourmet.  These are AAA Five Diamond Resorts, which represent the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA Five Diamond Award® winners make up just 0.27 percent of the 60,000 Diamond Rated® lodgings and restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. As demonstrated by so few properties attaining this level of quality and service, the guidelines for AAA Five Diamond status are stringent, ensuring consumers a truly memorable experience at a AAA Five Diamond establishment.  The price of this luxury is $756pp for 5 nights all inclusive with transfer and taxes. Travel is good through August.

Another five diamond, all inclusive, adults only resort - is in Mexico. I have stayed at the Royal Hideaway, another favorite. There are plenty of private places on the beach and on the property to make you feel isolated from everyone else.  Royal Hideaway Playacar offers 6 Gourmet Restaurants & Dinner Theatre, Night of Romance – chilled champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and one hour Couples Massage; Up to $500 Air Credit; 6 pools and 24-hour in room dinning.

Excellence Playa Mujeres is an adults-only romantic resort nestled on two miles of powdery white sand beach, in a resort community that boasts an inland marina, world-class spa, and a spectacular Greg Norman signature golf course right on the Caribbean. This all inclusive jewel of Cancun offers spacious rooms and suites furnished in elegant contemporary decor and outfitted with the latest amenities. Here, everything is taken care of and nothing is left out.

This resort is another perfect example of all inclusive luxury for adults. The meandering lazy rivers through out the resort, the chic bar area, comfortable lounging in the shallow end of the pool all stack up to romantic, luxurious vacation we all deserve.  This special is not published, but I know there is at least 20% off, which is not common for winter time rates.

OK, if you want to take the kids:

NH Riviera Cancun is an upscale luxury all-inclusive resort with some of the most innovative spa treatments and fitness programs available. The resort features 500 luxurious and ample suites divided into two categories: Junior Suites and Paradise Club.  Also offering 24 hour room service, continued service of mini bars, you will discover a great culinary experience with a choice of 12 restaurants and bars. Please note this is a four star resort, and it is not adult only. The only area of the resort that is adults only is the club section. The most recent deal or I should say "steal" for this property starts from $599 per person including airfare and the all inclusive resort for 3 nights. This is just a lead rate; there are several different kinds of packages. If you want upscale value - this is for you.

For the non-all inclusive people, I will always recommend the Atlantis Resort. It
is a wonderland when it comes to vacation for all ages. I absolutely love this resort, it is big, but feels small - the architecture, water parks and imagination that went into this resort is fantastic. One truly never leaves that "vacation" feel at Atlantis. As times are tough, they are giving a free night stay - which never happens, free experiences with the dolphins on property, meal plan discounts, a $200 rebate if you book your airfare through them as well, kids stay free and more!