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Things Are Getting Steamy!

Scintillating Spa Treatments A Deux

By Irvina Lew

Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort
Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Arizona

A romantic rendezvous away from work and family distractions is the key to creating magical memories. This Valentine’s Day, choose a spa where the sexy ambiance soothes your senses. Then, spark your unique connection by indulging in spa treatments for two. Let your spirits soar: frolic in a whirlpool, play with mud, linger over a suggestive book, stare at a starry sky, stimulate your body with sensual—non sexual—pleasures. Be sure to pack some seductive "play" clothes, plus bubbles, toys and games. Share quality time together and you will remember the day forever.

Starlit skies entice nature lovers…

Red Mountain Spa

Hike, bike or ride (the trails) through the red rock bluffs at Red Mountain Resort & Spa in St. George, Utah. The four-day/three-night "Solid as a Red Rock Romance" package (starting at $379 per person, per night) gives access to a combination of adventure, luxury and the great outdoors. The package includes a couples massage, luxury villa suite accommodations, daily guided morning hikes and personal discovery activities. Call 800-407-3002 or go to www.redmountainspa.com

Ancient rituals inspire present-day passions…

At the Red Door Spa at The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, the ceremonial Native American foot bath includes tea service and begins the 135-minute Wigwam Warm Water Ritual ($335). What follows? A clay, cornmeal and oat body mask, a scalp and foot massage and a Desert Sage Oil massage by the fireplace or on the private balcony. Linger in the Jacuzzi for twenty minutes (or add $55 an hour). Call 623-535-4967 or go to www.wigwamresort.com

Lolling in a grotto reduces tension…

The Bachelor Gulch Spa at The Ritz-Carlton

Ski out the back door and return to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa (near Beaver Creek and Vail, Colorado) and into its rock-walled refuge: The Grotto. Snuggle in its dimly–lit, swim-size, lazy river hot tub. Reserve two hours for The Romance Package ($560) and step into the copper soaking tub for two and toast with Champagne during the sensual Vanilla Bourbon Milk Bath. What follows? An 90-minute Couple's Massage! Call 970-748-6200 or go to www.ritzcarlton.com

Scenic countryside invokes closeness…

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a destination spa in an over-the-top country inn in the historic Connecticut countryside (outside New York City). Reconnect during partner yoga, tandem indoor swims and a Sensual Self workshop. Reserve the chic Wisteria Suite for any combination of wet and massage treatments for two. The all-inclusive "Above and Beyond Experience," a three-night package at The Mayflower Inn (starting at $4800), includes unlimited spa and salon services and unlimited access to all classes and activities. Call 860-868-9466 or go to www.mayflowerinn.com

Physical play excites the mind…

The WELL Spa within The Platinum Hotel & Spa, in Las Vegas, offers the unique Pittura Festa ($515) for a 125-minute session. Between the body scrub and massage, there's time in the Hammam-style Turkish Bath to "Scrub and Paint" each other with silky mud. This non-smoking, non-gaming, 255 room condominium-hotel features an indoor/outdoor swimming pool with views of the "Strip" just one block away. Call 702-365-5000 or go to www.lvplatinum.com

Orange-scented air invigorates the spirit…

Alvadora Spa

Receive an Acqua Dolce Ritual (starting at $200) on twin heated stone tables topped with overhead showers in the couples’ suite at the Alvadora Spa at the intimate Royal Palms Resort and Spa in sun-kissed Phoenix, Arizona. The 90-minute Botanica session starts with a body scrub (overhead rain showers rinse you), an herbal soak in a whirlpool for two overlooking a water garden with a romantic fireplace and a light massage. Call 602-977-6400 or go to www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com

Sun-swept beaches inspire closeness…

Escape to the soft, sandy oceanfront near historic St. Petersburg, Florida and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Its glamorous spa features the Unwind Together package ($675). The four-hour private session in the couple’s suite includes: body massages, time for the steam room and shower, facials, an aromatherapy soak in a Jacuzzi for two plus pedicures. Then, enjoy the champagne and cheese lounge indoors or on the private patio. Call 904-273-7700 or go to www.pvspa.com

Simultaneous treatments stimulate the senses…

The Couple's Suite at The Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Views of Biscayne Bay through a grand window wall, bamboo flooring, twin massage tables and a glass-enclosed shower set the stage for the Romance package treatments in the luxurious Couple's Suite. Priced at $720 per couple, it lasts for two hours at the serenely exquisite Mandarin Oriental, Miami and includes relaxation time with chocolates and champagne, a romantic book of love quotes and a Gone With the Wind DVD. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Steamy hammams ignite basic instincts…

At the glamorous Argyle Salon & Spa (within the art-deco designed Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood) you can swim, linger over lunch in the celeb-friendly Tower Bar (or in your oversized spa haven with its day bed, shower, flat screen TV, vanity, soaking tub and bath.) Fully indulge this Valentine's Day with the premier "I Love You from Head to Toe" couple's package ($500 per couple). Begin your spa session with a couples' Aroma Therapy treatment in the Hammam. Enjoy the altenating massage and facial, and splash in the silky, sweet Rose Milk Bath and prepare yourselves for a night on the Sunset Strip! Call 310-623-9000 or go to www.argylela.com

Irvina Lew, a freelance spa journalist, is the author of Romantic Weekends in and Around New York (Hunter, 1997)
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P011007
(Updated: 01/27/10 CT)
 

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