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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner…is this the year that you’ll do something special to celebrate it? It’s easy to make a dinner reservation at a nice restaurant or pick up some roses on your way home from work. But how about planning a spontaneous and romantic trip to surprise the one you love instead? Since staying by the water adds a sense of magic to any vacation, here are a few of our favorite Valentine’s Day escapes near the water that are perfect for a couple’s getaway.
The Westin Playa Bonita - Panama City, Panama
You’ll be just a few minutes from Panama City but feel like you’re in a tropical oasis when you book a Valentine’s Day escape to the Westin Playa Bonita. This is a great pick for couples who want a blend of adventure and relaxation since there are customizable excursions offered here, as well as a mile-long stretch of private coastline along the Pacific. Onsite you’ll find the Sensory Spa by Clarins, oceanfront infinity pools, and beautiful views from the rooms and suites. While you’re in the area, make sure to wander around the streets of Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, and visit the indigenous Embera Village.
Baoase Luxury Resort - Willemstad, Curacao
Another great resort for Valentine’s Day is the Baoase Luxury Resort in Willemstad, Curacao. On the south side of the island, this romantic Caribbean resort is located between the capital of Willemstad and the Curacao Sea Aquarium and Mambo Beach. Here you’ll be overlooking the Caribbean Sea, have access to private beach butlers, and enjoy a relaxing Asian-inspired atmosphere that’s perfect for lovebirds. Private plunge pools are available for couples, and there’s lots to see outside the resort too out on the island of Curacao. Top picks in the area include taking a day trip to the island of Klein Curacao, listening to live music in Pietermaai, and trying all the delicious local foods.
Marriott Stanton South Beach - Miami Beach, Florida
You don’t even need to pack your passport or leave the country for an epic Valentine’s Day trip. The Marriott Stanton South Beach in Miami Beach offers direct beach access from Ocean Drive and has stylish rooms to give you that beach club chic vibe you crave. You’ll be in the South of Fifth neighborhood when you stay here, which is perfect for accessing the ocean and nearby park. The Marriott offers complimentary bike rentals, couple’s massages at the spa, and Japanese specialties at the Azabu Miami Beach restaurant.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - Mexico
Another Marriott worth checking out this February 14th is Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. This is a beachfront escape that also offers lovely mountain views and lots of cultural infusion. You might even see some humpback whales in the ocean here! It’s also near Vallarta Undersea, Playa de Oro, and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. Couples can enjoy a nice dinner at the onsite restaurant, Las Casitas, swim up to the pool bar for cocktails, and even explore hidden beaches nearby. Malecon is nearby to soak up the local culture, and you can also get active on the water with kayaking and snorkeling. To relax with the one you love, book a treatment at the Ohtli Spa or try the hot and cold plunges to invigorate your senses.
Cayo Espanto - Belize
You can jet off to Belize for total seclusion at Cayo Espanto, a private island resort with luxurious villas on the beach that include private pools. There are a host of activities available, including some of the best diving on the planet. Relax in the rejuvenating spa and dine on world-class cuisine before returning to your own incredible retreat at one of the world’s best hotels with overwater bungalows.
Lido Beach Resort - Sarasota, Florida
Another highly recommended Florida resort by the water for Valentine’s Day is the Lido Beach Resort, just off the coast of Sarasota and on the barrier island of Lido Key. It’s one of the best beach hotels in Florida and an ideal place to come to relax and simply enjoy the sunset. Work on your tan and sip piña coladas as you soak up the sun or enjoy a picnic. There’s a fun Tiki Bar for cocktails to mix and mingle with other celebrating couples here as well.
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection – Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is in no short supply of romantic getaways by the water either, and one of our favorites is El Mangroove. Here you’ll find tropical forests with virgin mangroves in the Gulf of Papagayo. This is a boutique hotel that has a bohemian vibe and celebrates indigenous life and ultimate privacy. Come here for an infinity pool, private cabanas, outdoor bungalows, and fun in-room hammocks. If you’re inspired to get out of the hotel, you can hop on a boat tour, take a surfing lesson, or take a private beach-hopping tour with a romantic picnic. Bicycles are also available for guest use. You’ll feel like you’re a world away at this Valentine’s Day resort, but you’re only about 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport.
Sandpearl Resort - Clearwater Beach, Florida
For fun in the sun along the Gulf of Mexico, consider booking a last-minute trip to the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida. This is a charming resort with lovely beach views and chic interiors. Plan to have a romantic meal at Caretta’s, which is onsite, offers views of the Gulf of Mexico, and is Clearwater’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. For the ultimate romantic escape, there’s the two-story Gulf Side Suite. You can get active with sunrise yoga classes or stand-up paddleboarding, or just sit on the beach or by the lagoon pool.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa - Cancun, Mexico
While there are so many incredible resorts by the water all over the world, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is one of the best spa resorts in Cancun. This resort is in the Hotel Zone of Cancun and on an exclusive stretch of white sand beach. The sunrises here are incredible, and the Mayan-inspired JW Spa is right onsite. This resort is only about 15 minutes from the local airport, and you can catch a nonstop flight to Cancun from lots of major U.S. cities.
