February 14th, a date which inspires great visions of candle light dinners, dewy red roses and faces lit up with joy in reaction to the perfect romantic gift (diamonds anyone?). Sadly, the reality is often a rushed dinner with the kids throwing nuggets, wilting convenience store flowers and a forced smile as the stuffed teddy bear holding a heart is pulled from the cellophane with the price tag still on. Why not shake things up this year, start the new decade off right with a magical, spur of the moment jaunt to the beautiful Riviera Maya with that special someone?
Finding the right hotel for romance is your top priority. When I am dreaming of a romantic escape, my thoughts turn to the Bel Air Collection in Cancun. This hip boutique hotel was made for lovers, with sweet details such as private dinners on the beach, couples spa treatments and jacuzzi-suites. The staff will go out of their way to make your stay extra-special, decorating your room with rose petals, candles and drawing a heavenly scented bubble bath for two or arranging moonlight couples massages on the beach. Stroll hand in hand down the gorgeous stretch of sand, enjoy a cool glass of champagne by the pool and simply enjoy being with the one you love on a worry-free romantic getaway.
For couples looking for something a little spicier, Temptation Resort and Spa in Cancun will definitely heat up your Valentine’s. This unique adults-only hotel offers a sensual concept for open-minded couples, with “risque” pool-side games and wild nights in their onsite night club, “Nice Shoes”. The all-inclusive resort offers deluxe and jacuzzi suites, a variety of dining options and a white sandy beach on the Bay of Mujeres. A stay at Temptation is sure to light a spark in your love life, add some sizzle to your romance and will certainly be a couples’ vacation you’ll never forget.
This is a romantic vacation and some may not want to leave the suite (wink wink, nudge nudge), but couples with a sense of adventure will find plenty of activities that are ideal for sharing with the better half. The Lobster Dinner Cruise Cancun is the only “romance” tour in Cancun. Enjoy a leisurely sail on a wooden galleon, sun setting over the lagoon, stars above, live jazz and a delicious surf and turf dinner. Garrafon Park on the small island of Isla Mujeres is a great place for a couples day trip, spectacular views of the Caribbean, relaxing hammock gardens, infinity pool on the sea and zip lines, kayaks and snorkeling for the adventurous soul.
Treat your love to the experience of a lifetime with a swim with dolphin program with Dolphin Discovery (though beware, those dolphins are known to kiss even the married ladies!) Add an extreme adventure to your trip with the adrenaline-filled fun at Hidden Worlds Park. Ride horses on the beach, snorkel the reef teeming with sea life, or discover history and culture through the Mayan ruins, or do nothing but gaze into each other’s eyes, the possibilities are endless in the Mexican Caribbean.
The most important thing you’ll do on your romantic Riviera Maya vacation is spend quality time with that special person. No phones ringing, no kids calling your name, no dishes to wash, no laundry to fold. The time is yours and honey’s alone, leave your worries at home and the smartphones off, “disconnect to reconnect” and return home refreshed, rejuvenated and more in love than when you left. Trust me men, a surprise trip to the Riviera Maya for Valentine’s Day is going to make up for all those forgotten years and lame last minute purchases, book now (before you forget again) and give her something that you’ll both love!