Over-The-Top Valentine’s Day Travel Packages: Day 2

by McLean Robbins on

In case you haven’t heard, we’re counting down to Valentine’s Day here at Gadling by tracking some of the craziest and best over-the-top romantic travel experiences available. Today’s package comes from Arizona’s Royal Palms, where The Desert Romance Package is part of the property’s “ROMANTICATION©” offerings. You know when a property starts copyrighting words that things are getting REAL.

Priced at $7,500, the two-night package includes Villa accommodations, which already makes it a bit more luxurious than most of the one night offerings we’ve been seeing.

Guests enjoy a welcome amenity (read: signature hotel swag) of a coffee table book, Neroli products, candles and champers, two 80-minute couples (or individual, if you prefer) spa treatments, a private seaplane tour/ flight and a private four-course meal prepared just for you with a special menu from the hotel’s Executive Chef.

Guests can also choose an additional “private romantic excursion” like hiking, horseback riding or stand-up paddleboarding.

Additional nights start at $1,000, plus taxes and fees.

Think this isn’t over-the-top enough? Check out yesterday’s coverage and stay tuned for eight more days of fun … our final package is worth nearly half a million dollars!

[Image credit: Royal Palms]

10 Ways To Woo Your Jet-Set Love This Valentine’s Day: Day 1

by McLean Robbins on

It’s that time of the year again, and no, we don’t mean winter. From grocery stores to sporting goods shops, you’ll find the message that February 14 (Valentine’s Day) is the day you’re supposed to spend wooing your loved one or treating yourself to something pink, red or unnaturally girly. If you’re a guy … well, tough luck. Your choices are limited to the more manly of the teddy bears on display or waiting for March 14 where you can celebrate a “holiday” that might be more your style.

Knowing our love of the roundup, we decided to take this one day further and bring you a series detailing some of our favorite over-the-top ways that a Real Househusband of Beverly Hills might woo their jet-setting love. From pampering spa treatments to decadent dinners and Penthouse suites, it’s a great way to get inspiration for your own wanderlust … or just see how the 1% lives.

Our first package is the White Barn Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property in Kennebunk, Maine. The 26-room boutique hotel is celebrating romance all month long with the “Ultimate February is for Lovers package.”

For $1,590, guests enjoy overnight accommodations, a couple’s Swedish massage, a late check-out, and a few romantic experiences, including a private champagne tasting in the hotel’s wine cellar, a candlelit pre-fixe dinner for two, and a chocolate dessert class with the hotel’s pastry chef in the new bakery. Guests will make their own dessert to enjoy at the restaurant or in the privacy of their room.

Additional nights start at $380.

Follow along with our 10 days of romance here.

[Image Credit: White Barn Inn]

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Theatre in Branson, Missouri has “America’s Best Restroom”

by Katie Hammel on

Worst airports. Best hotels. Rating these things, I understand. But bathrooms? Yes, the Cintas Corporation recently sponsored an online vote for the best bathroom in America.

Apparently, it’s no longer good enough to offer a clean toilet (truly a luxury in some places, believe me), running water, towels and maybe a mirror for good measure. Nope, to compete in the race for best bathroom, you’ll need features like gilded chandeliers, marble fireplaces and 1,800 square feet of space. At least, that’s what the winning bathroom at the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in Branson, Missouri offers….along with a hand-carved mahogany pool table.

I’m a get-in, get-out quickly kind of girl so I just don’t see the need for such luxurious facilities. But perhaps there really are some people who enjoy hanging out and playing a game of pool while waiting for the loo.

[via USA Today]