Love is Inn the air
Stealing away to a beachy hot spot may be alluring but, like the old song says, “What do I care how much it may storm, I’ve got my love to keep me warm.” Anything that encourages cuddling, and winter can do that, is boon to romance.
Hiding away in a dreamy hotel or inn, indulging a candlelit dinner and watching a roaring fire crackle can make romance pop. Soon you’ll be crooning, “Off with my overcoat, off with my glove — I need no overcoat, I’m burning with love!”
Cuddlers’ choice
Your body is in Illinois but your heart and head feel as though you’re somewhere else, like a charming European town. That’s the conventional wisdom about a place that’s anything but conventional: the Herrington Inn (www.herringtoninn.com) in Geneva.
Established by Geneva’s first settlers and the site of a dairy creamery in the 19th century, the luxury boutique hotel offers seclusion, dramatic views of the Fox River and surrounding parkland and amenities straight out of a Harlequin romance novel minus the cheesy plot lines. All guest rooms and suites have fireplaces, oversize whirlpool baths and most have four poster beds and heated marble floors to warm you from the toes on up.
There are numerous amenities to summon romance, from chocolate-dipped strawberries and in-room couples’ massages to specialty drawn baths. Everything is intimate here. The award-winning, fine-dining Atwater’s Restaurant has just 10 tables, a global wine list and arresting views of the river.
If engagement is on your mind, allow the Herrington to help you plan flowers, a special menu for the private, riverside gazebo and even how the ring is presented. Special hotel packages available through March include Couple’s Paradise from $710; Romance on the River starting at $389; Couple’s Spa Overnight Retreat from $424; an affordable and romantic Movie Night Package from $199; and Room Service, Please beginning at $239. Call (630) 208-7433.
The love boat
Come to honeymoon or hide out from children, in-laws, smartphones and other exasperating badges of adulthood at Canoe Bay, near Chetek, Wis. Twenty-four cottages and rooms (designed for just two people) ring Lake Wahdoon on 280 acres of thick hardwood forest.
Get the blood circulating by snowshoeing in the hushed woods or challenge each other in the fitness center. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride at a nearby farm followed by in-room relaxation massages. Never fear; cabins are definitely more Frank Lloyd Wright than Jed Clampett.
Accommodations include fireplaces, private decks, king beds, whirlpools for two, audio/video systems and mini-fridge. Remember reading for pleasure? The resort has an extensive library of current and classic hardcovers.
Browse the award-winning wine list and enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the lakeside dining room. Breakfast arrives to your room each morning so you can spend a lazy morning reconnecting.
On the night of Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Valentine’s Day package price is $500. You’ll stay in one of the dreamy cottages and enjoy an in-room dinner for two featuring the chef’s favorite comfort foods, plus full room service breakfast (with one hot entree each) in the morning. A single, long-stemmed rose will await your arrival.
If midweek doesn’t work, book the Cuddle Up Package — any two-night stay to occur before April 30, and add this bundle of experiences for $325 more: dinner-for-two one night in the romantic lakeside dining room; two consecutive 60-minute in-room relaxation massages; room service breakfast daily featuring your choice of hot entrees; and late checkout. Meander to www.canoebay.com or call (715) 924.4594.
Knead your love at Baker House
There are countless B & B’s that feign “old fashioned” to get couples canoodling, but Lake Geneva’s Baker House is the real deal — a genuine, lavish 1885 Queen Anne mansion filled with period pieces and the glittering Gilded Age ambience of the late 19th century.
Suites boast ornately carved, original working fireplaces, four poster carved beds with crown canopies, antique chandeliers, rambling lake views and some are privy to a private butler.
The Baker House Bath, however, is definitely 21st century. Step from the heated marble floor into steam showers built for two with rain heads and multiple massaging sprays, oversized soaking Jacuzzi tubs with aromatic bath salts; and even a wet-room complete with body sprays and a wall of mirrors. Order a variety of beverages and snacks prepared specifically for your in-shower rendezvous.
Melt into plush wing-backed chairs and tasseled sofas throughout the mansion and order small plates of Wisconsin artisan cheese, charcuterie, sirloin sliders and paninis from waitstaff sporting period clothing.
Rates vary by date but get an eyeful at www.bakerhouse1885.com or call (262) 248-4700.
Ÿ While in Lake Geneva, venture to Ristorante Brissago, the romantic destination for food lovers. Expect an elegant, understated dining room and fine wine paired with meticulously crafted Italian cuisine. Italy unfolds in twirling forks full of handmade, in-house pastas (how about Spaghetti con l’Aragosta Lemirandi with lobster and Pecorino cheese) and Bufala Mozzarella that arrives weekly from Campania, Italy. Luscious little touches distinguish plates and drinks, such as preserved lemon delicately seasoning a veal chop and wild Amarena cherries floating in an Old Fashioned.
Brissago is offering a special Valentine’s prix fixe meal with wine pairings on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Tuesday, Feb. 14 for $169 per couple. For a truly special night any time of the year, opt for a chef selected and individually prepared four or five course gastronomic adventure unlike any other. This place is swoon-worthy.
Stroll to www.grandgeneva.com/Brissago or call (800) 558-3417.
Love me Blu
If frilly pillow shams and flowery wallpaper don’t float your frigate, look to the new Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, the first Radisson Blu in the United States. Located on the first 18 floors of the architecturally undulating 81-story Aqua Tower, it’s sleek, sexy and, while modern, manages to be warm and inviting from arrival throughout your stay.
The hotel features a 50-foot fireplace in the softly-lit lobby, expertly executed Italian fare and sweeping wine list at the unpretentious bistro Filini, and guest rooms and suites available in two distinct styles, including “Mansion House” (rich timber finishes, gleaming chrome and a floor that seems to twinkle) and “Naturally Cool” with splashes of color, soft and sensual white bed and wood flooring.
Linger over singular views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and downtown Chicago. Before snuggling in an intimate booth at Filini, work out in the state-of-the-art fitness facility, lap pool and indoor basketball court, relax in the steam room and sauna or check out the movie screening room.
When Chicago warms up, guests enjoy an 80,000-square-foot green roof and recreation deck complete with gardens and gazebos, fire pits, two outdoor pools, hot tub with cabanas and a one-fifth-mile running trail.
Consider the special “Love Me Blu” package that includes luxe accommodations, two splits of champagne, box of chocolates, rose petals, $40 food and beverage credit to Filini Bar and Restaurant, and they’ll even throw in a selection of Harlequin romance novels. Rates start at $215 per night and must be booked one day in advance using rate code “Love Me Blu” at (312) 565-5258 or www.radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago.
Get a feel for what’s in store for you by watching this exhilarating video at www.radissonbluchicago.com/discover/aqua.
Heart of Gold (coast)
You’ll feel as though you’re the famous newlyweds and the Queen has loaned you one of her stately manor homes when you choose a tryst at the boutique Talbott Hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast. The quaint reception area featuring antique clocks and fireplace welcome you into the cozy European atmosphere that’s steps away from one-of-a-kind shopping and sizzling night life.
Built in 1927, the hotel retains classic European elegance in rooms and suites (some of the largest in the city), but also offers top-of-the-line electronics and you have to love the British Molton Brown bath products.
Take advantage of the Talbott’s Personally Yours Romance Package that snags you an upgrade to a luxurious suite with rose petal turndown, two signature Talbott Hotel bathrobes embroidered with your initials, a personal concierge to plan a romantic rendezvous in a world-class city, personalized key cards upon check-in and a late checkout. Nightly rates for the ongoing package start at $299.
Plan it all at www.talbotthotel.com or call (800) TALBOTT.