6 Romantic Valentines Day Trips

Valentines dinner out or weekend at Emerald Lake Lodge? I know what I’d choose.

What does the perfect Valentines Day look like to you? Would you rather be whisked off on a romantic excursion or snuggle up at home with your sweetheart? Trips are an easy way to reset your relationship. Without the usual distractions, it’s much easy to rekindle that flame. Even if you don’t have the time or budget to hop on a plane, here are some ideas to reignite that spark.

Canmore Cave Tours Solitude Experience

You can only explore Rat’s Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours, but you’re in good hands. They’re total pros and make it a cinch for first time cavers to climb, crawl and wriggle their way through the ancient passage ways. Inside the cave is incredibly beautiful, exhilarating, and peaceful.

Their Solitude Experience is something special. I can’t reveal too much, but think of every possible romantic prop (lighting, music, etc…) and realize they can make it happen for you. It’s an experience like no other. Oh, and don’t freak about the temperature. This cave stays a constant 5°C all year round. Caving is an ideal activity to do when it’s -30°C or +30°C. 

I took this shot during a Christmas cave experience at Rats Nest. They probably hate me for spoiling the surprise, but they offer plenty more.

Mystery Town Tours

You saw my post on this last month didn’t you? Well, if you didn’t you can read more about it here. Basically this tour (soon to come to Calgary, Banff and other Canadian hot spots) turns Canmore into an outdoor locked room.  It’s a phone-driven experience that leads groups on an adventure through town through puzzles sent via text or app. Super fun for couples and groups of any size. 

Working together to solve clues can you bring you closer as a couple. Unless your partner is completely useless at solving clues.

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Situated at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis Nordic Spa takes you through an ancient Nordic wellness ritual of alternating between hot (saunas) cold (pools) followed by rest (outdoor heated hammock, mediation labyrinth, etc…). Unlike most Nordic spas, you’re allowed to talk at this one. And drink. It’s pretty awesome.

The lodge has a hot tub, too and a fantastic waterslide and water play area for kids (indoors). I’m a big fan of dining options, too. Fantastic pizza and burgers at the resort. And within the Nordic Spa you can purchase healthy bits (and booze!).

This is what the new Nordic Spa is set to look like.

Emerald Lake Lodge

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway within driving distance of Calgary, look no further. Emerald Lake Lodge oozes romance with its rustic-chic mountain rooms, each kitted out with a wood burning fireplace. There’s no distractions here. Only loads of snow, cozy duvets, snowshoeing and cross country skis at your disposal.

If you want to venture further from Emerald Lake, both the Natural Bridge Wapta Falls inYoho National Park are within easy striking distance. Be sure to make a reservation in the Mount Burgess dining room for Rocky Mountain cuisine and to sample their award-winning wines. In the town of Field, Truffle Pigs Bistro is a lovely option.

Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park

Casa Caméléon Mal Pais

This is a cool resort I found on Travelzoo. The resort is in Costa Rica and has won several awards including a Conde Nast Traveler one. Each villa has its own infinity pool, air conditioning and they usually offer deals that include breakfast. You can find it and more deets here. 

A pool and these views? Yes please!

New York

Loyal readers will remember the dirty weekend I had in New York one summer. I now head back every January for a travel conference and ALWAYS stay at Moxy Times Square, which I highly recommend. It’s affordable and can be made even more so if you book into their bunk bed rooms. OK, not so romantic, but it’s such a deal I had to share.

The hotel is attached to a naughty nightclub: Magic Hour Rooftop run by the Tao Group (think cool Vegas clubs). Magic Hour is like an urban amusement park with an indoor carousel, Foreplay mini golf course and other attractions. It’s very cool, super popular and just the destination for a sexy night out on the town. 

Magic Hour Rooftop at dusk (Photo credit: Warren Jagger)

What do you plan on doing for Valentines Day?

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