Valentine’s Day why not surprise that special someone with a romantic getaway? The forecast for South Florida is 76 degrees and sunny, so pack the dog off to grandma’s, head to the airport, and jet on down to Fort Lauderdale. I’ve planned the perfect weekend for you, with plenty of choices for fine dining, sumptuous spas, and that gorgeous Fort Lauderdale beach, all just waiting for the two of you to enjoy.

You’ll need to pack a bathing suit, your silk pajamas and a scented candle. A little lavender bath oil wouldn’t hurt either. Just remember that it has to be 3 ounces or less, in a one quart zip lock bag, otherwise the TSA inspectors will be having their own romantic weekend at your expense.

So back to your romantic weekend. Check into the room and put on that sexy bathing suit you packed. No, it’s not time for the scented candle yet. You need to set the mood first.

If you are staying at the Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, spend the afternoon at a private cabana for two overlooking the sea. The Marriot Harbor Beach also offers private beachfront cabanas, or you can canoodle away the afternoon in one of the soft couples lounge chairs scattered around their pool. Once you have relaxed, and warmed your skin in the sun, you and your honey can move on to the spa for a sensual massage.

The spa at the Marriott Harbor Beach is presenting a sensual couples Swedish massage with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne on Valentine’s Day. Up the beach at the Ritz Carlton spa, you can check in for their Two by the Sea Couples Massage, or perhaps their Divine Chocolate and Champagne Jubilee. It includes a chocolate truffle wrap that sounds delicious. Or throw the top down for a romantic drive to Palm Beach, where the spa at the Breakers hotel offers something truly unique, an Oceanfront Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a blissful massage under the stars while you listen to the gentle sounds of the ocean.

After the massage you’ll want to head back to your room. No, it’s still not time for that candle. You need to change clothes and get ready for the romantic dinner you planned. If you chose the Ritz Carlton’s Romance by the Sea package, you will be serenaded by a strolling musician while your private butler serves a four course dinner at your oceanside cabana. If you decided on Johnny V, your sumptuous meal will be followed by a romantic stroll down Las Olas Boulevard. And if dinner finds you in the elegant dining room of Trina, you will no doubt be gazing lovingly at your Valentine over a dish of their oysters on the half shell, a dish guaranteed to brace you for the evening ahead. Just the two of you two, a bottle of fine wine, and a perfect dinner. Ahhh, l’amour.

So there you have it, the perfect Valentine’s Day. Lounging by a sun drenched pool, a blissful massage, and dinner in a top South Florida restaurant. Romance by the sea. Okay, now it’s time for the scented candle.

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Rob Lubin

P.S.  Be sure to share your Valentine’s Day memories with your friends at Travels in Taste.  Don’t keep that fabulous new restaurant find to yourself!  I’ll share your comments and recommendations in a future posting.