Four Twitter deals for Valentine’s Day getaways

You may not be able to say how you feel in 140 characters or less, but you sure can get leads on the best Valentine’s Day experience that way. So, instead of tweeting a feeling, use the white-hot social media platform to grab the top travel specials for the most romantic day of the year. Several resorts are running Twitter-only Valentine’s Day specials this year, so follow the right people, and you’ll be able to wow your better half this year.

1. @BalHarbourFL

ONE Bal Harbour, a five-star luxury property in Florida, is offering a savings of up to $800 a night through its “Tweeterhearts” package. Follow @BalHarbourFL and look for the package that has a room rate of only $1,335 a night for three nights, champagne in your room upon arrival, a couples spa treatment in a private beachside cabana and a romantic dinner for two at 1 Bleu.

2. @FairmontNewport
Look for a room rate of $199 a night at the Fairmont Newport with its “Twitter-patter” package. You’ll stay in a junior suite, enjoy breakfast on your private balcony and receive plush robes adorned with the names of you and your guest (perfect for Twitter nerds like @tjohansmeyer and his wife, mommy-blogger, @ljpimberton — I’m seriously kicking this around, just for the robes). Other amenities, from high-speed internet access to valet parking and champagne are covered, as well. And, the window is wide: you can stay from the beginning of February through the end of March. Get the booking code from @FairmontNewport or @FairmontHotels.3. @LandingsStLucia
Who thought you could get a great wedding deal on Twitter? This RockResort is putting its best foot forward with the “Twitter Bells” package, which you can find by following @LandingsStLucia. You can save up to 25 percent with rates starting at $564 a night for a six-night stay as part of your wedding getaway. Enjoy a ceremony on the beach with a decorated wedding arch, floral arrangements and a bouquet and boutonniere. Your wedding dinner will be prepared for by Executive Chef Richard Tonks, and you’ll eat it on your luxurious “Tweet Suite” terrace. You’ll also pick up breakfast and lunch daily and evening champagne turndown service. You’ll need to tie the knot by May 11, 2010.

4. @ArrabelleVail

Do you crave powder? The Arrabelle at Vail Square‘s “Sweet Tweet for Two” package will get you a two-night stay at a discount of up to 30 percent, if you follow @ArrabelleVail. You’ll be greeted with champagne, roses and chocolate covered strawberries, and during your stay, you’ll enjoy an 80-minute couples massage, a Tweethearts tubing session and breakfast every day. The package is available through the end of ski season (April 17, 2010), with rates starting at $465 a night.

Ski season officially begins today!

The Loveland Ski Area in Colorado officially opens its slopes today, marking the start of the ski season in North America. The resort will open its doors at 9 AM local time, greeting the first eager ski bums and bunnies of the year with 18 inches of fresh powder.

For Loveland, which sits 50 miles west of Denver, this will be the earliest opening day in 40 years. With 160 acres of groomed slopes, and the longest run reaching two miles in length, there is plenty to offer for the beginner and experienced skier alike. And while that 18 inches of snow may sound good for now, it is nothing compared to what will come in the weeks ahead. Loveland averages 400 inches of snowfall a year, ensuring a great season ahead.

Loveland won’t have all of the ski business to itself for long however. Rival resort Arapahoe Basin plans to open on Friday, which will be it’s earliest opening day ever, and the Boreal Ski Area in California will start allowing runs on Saturday as well.

With these ski resorts opening earlier than ever, one has to wonder what happened to global warming? Where I live in Texas we’re still having 90º days, and hard to think about skiing that doesn’t involve being pulled behind a boat. I’m a little envious of the skiers and snowboarders who are going to hit the slopes in the next few days. Anyone know of any cheap airfares to Colorado?