Ideas for Sharing the Love with Your Valentine

Posted on February 10, 2010 by abuffum

This Valentine’s Day is extra special as it is also the Chinese New Year.  So bring in good fortune and celebrate with someone you love.  Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be super expensive to make it special or romantic.   Sometimes it is as simple as a day at the spa, or an evening out on the town, even getting away overnight can feel rejuvenating and special.  

A spa is a perfect retreat especially at the spa of a local high-end hotel where you can pretend you are staying at a luxurious hotel, most allow day privileges for the pool, relaxation room, saunas, and steam rooms all for the cost of a massage, no need to splurge on a whole day treatment when you can get many of the benefits for about $125 per person. Four Seasons is just one idea, Rosewood (hotels that is, of course we’re partial to the name as we have a community in Fremont called Rosewood), St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Intercontinental, and the smaller Joie de Vivre hotels all have spas at their hotels around the Bay Area.    And, be sure to check back on Friday when Elissa promises to share last minute deals!

Here are a few of our favorite places to spend the day or an evening around the Bay Area:

Rosewood Sand Hill –  This beautiful new hotel just opened and their spa is a definite treat for a retreat.  I’ve heard good things about their restaurant Madera too although I haven’t eaten there.   (hint: sign-up for spa week or become a fan of Rosewood on Facebook for special rates)

Downtown San Carlos – Town (great cocktails, tasty steak and fun scene, but be sure to book early or you could miss out on a reservation), Piacere (nice atmosphere, a bit more romantic than Town), Rumi (delectable global cuisine, imagine stepping outside the country for an evening)

Palo Alto – Tamarine (always a good bet for Asian fusion cuisine, upscale and surely a treat), Evvia (divine Greek cuisine, although I’ve not personally been there, I’ve heard great things about this restaurant, full disclosure Evvia is owned by the chairman of SummerHill’s parent company)

A drive up to Point Reyes is just about as beautiful drive as you can take, especially if you drive up the coast around Mt Tamalpais.

We certainly haven’t covered it all, so if you have a local tip to celebrate Valentine’s day, please share it as a comment!