With spectacular scenery, sun-drenched beaches, world-class restaurants and luxury resorts, San Diego calls to lovebirds looking for a romantic getaway. This February, love is in the air with special Valentine's Day offerings and packages from hotels and resorts throughout San Diego County, making it the perfect time to treat a loved one or secret crush to a relaxing retreat or adventure-filled activity.
      

ROMANCE AND RELAXATION
            
From downtown hotspots to stunning coastlines, San Diego provides a romantic backdrop for fabulous Valentine packages to lust over. Loaded with amenities and extras, these packages are designed to tempt lovers with the promise of a blissful Valentine's retreat. 

• Romance is in full swing at the Hotel Solamar, a hip luxury hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego. With the hotel's Suite Spot package couples are treated to deluxe accommodations, flowers and chocolates, breakfast in bed with mimosas and a romantic intimacy kit. The package is available Feb. 10–19, 2012 with rates starting at $399 per night, plus tax. Book online or call 877-230-0300; use promotional code PVAL.
         
• Guests can rekindle romance at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa. The Romance Package designed for two includes complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival, breakfast for two served in your room and full use of the fitness center and sauna. Guests can arrange for early check-in or late check-out. Rates start at $179, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012, subject to availability. Book online or call 1-800-HILTONS.
         
• Fan the flames of love with the Your Crush for a Night package at the ultra-modern Andaz Hotel in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Each designer guest room features a risqué glass shower and plush bedding. This sultry getaway includes a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, freshly prepared breakfast for two, a special intimacy kit and VIP access to Ivy, the hotel's multi-level nightclub. Rates start at $189 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Mar. 31, 2012. Book online or call 866-907-0704.
             
• This Valentine's Day, the Grand Del Mar Resort in the scenic rolling hills of Del Mar offers the Disconnect Package, allowing couples to unplug from their electronic devices and connect with each other. The package features deluxe accommodations including breakfast in bed for two, two champagne cocktails and a choice of a 60-minute couple's massage or a two-hour horseback ride. The package is available Feb. 1–29, 2012 with rates starting at $795 per night, plus tax. 
     
  Shake or stir things up with the resort's Love on the Rocks package. The package includes a mixology class where guests can learn how to make seductive drinks paired with tempting hors d'oeuvres. Afterwards, enjoy time with that special someone lounging in a luxurious guestroom adorned with assorted cocktail truffles and berry-infused champagne refreshments. The package is available Feb. 9, 2012 with rates starting at $465 per night, plus tax. Book online or call 855-314-2030.
             
• With a seaside location perfect for relaxation, romance and recreation, the beautiful and historic Hotel del Coronado offers guests a Night of Romance package including a dozen roses, champagne, strawberries, breakfast for two overlooking the Pacific Ocean and complimentary valet parking. Rates start at $460 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012, based upon availability. 
      
  For even more romance, guests can add on the Del's That's S'moré package featuring a side-by-side 50-minute Swedish massage in the couples spa suite, followed by a private bonfire on the beach. Sparks are sure to ignite as couples feed each other complimentary s'mores while sipping champagne. The package is available to hotel guests only, valid through Dec. 31, 2012 with rates starting at $445, plus gratuity. Book online or call 1-800-468-3533.
          
• Coronado's charming Spanish-style El Cordova Hotel offers the Marriage Has Its Benefits package. For every year of marriage, the hotel will match that number in percent off its nightly rate. For example, guests married for 20 years will receive 20 percent off any one-bedroom, two-bedroom or Casa Grande Suite. Couples who present their wedding photo at check-in will also receive a chocolate gift upon arrival. Suite rates start at $160 per night, plus tax, and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012 for stays through May 25, 2012. This package may only be booked by calling 800-229-2032.
           
• Lovebirds can fly to the height of luxury with offerings from the Paradise Point Resort & Spa. The Island Intimacy package begins with a welcome glass of champagne as guests settle in to a 1,600-square-foot presidential suite located just steps from the sand and bay. The package includes a private "Chemistry in the Kitchen" four-course dinner, a sunset sail on a 22-foot Catalina sailboat with champagne and a bonfire on the beach complete with s'mores and brandy delivered by a personal butler. For even more indulgence, the package also includes rose petal turndown service, side-by-side Balinese massages on the suite's secluded open-air patio and exclusive use of an executive golf cart for explorations of the 44-acre Vacation Island. Rates start at $4,199, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012, based upon availability. To book, call 800-344-2626.  
               
• Sweethearts seeking an urban retreat can frolic around San Diego's historic downtown with the Downtown Date Night Package from the Westin Gaslamp Quarter. Placing an emphasis on enjoyment of the arts, the package includes two tickets to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art where more than 4,000 modern works can be viewed. Later, the culture of the famous Gaslamp Quarter can be absorbed by exploring its restaurants, shops, theatres and Victorian-era buildings. When couples are ready to kick up their heels, they can settle into a newly designed guest room featuring soothing color palettes and striking city or bay views. The hotel also offers a 4 p.m. late check-out so couples can relax and sleep in. Rates start at $199 per night, plus tax, and are valid Feb. 8–18, 2012. Book online or call 619-692-2717.
               
• The Omni San Diego Hotel in downtown's East Village hosts a Beer & Chocolate Valentine's Ball on Feb.14, 2012, presented in partnership with the award-winning Karl Strauss Brewery and Chuao Chocolatier. Guests are invited to gather in their most festive attire for beer and chocolate pairings while enjoying a display of paintings and fine art works. Tickets are $20 per person; call 619-645-6524 for more information.
                          
  After the night's festivities, guests can head upstairs and continue the romance with the Omni San Diego Hotel's Ooh La La Romance package including deluxe room accommodations, romantic turndown service, sparkling wine, petit fours, French macaroons and breakfast for two available in the hotel's restaurant or through room service. Rates start at $298 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012. Book online or call 800-843-6664.

            
ADVENTURE AND ALLURE
             
For those seeking fun and unique activities to enjoy with their beloved this Valentine's Day, San Diego offers these exciting packages sure to stimulate the senses and inspire unforgettable moments.     

• Lovers can drift away together with the Love Above All Package offered by South Coast Winery Resort & Spa located in nearby Temecula, southern California's wine country. The package includes a weekend stay in a deluxe luxury villa decorated with rose petals, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the lush vineyards of Temecula Valley, chocolate covered strawberries, a mimosa breakfast for two, a bottle of South Coast Wine plus six tasting tickets to the South Coast Winery Tasting Room. Rates start at $549, plus tax, and are valid through Feb. 29, 2012 Sunday through Thursday only. Book online or call 866-994-6379.
                    
• The Pantai Inn, a new Indonesian-themed luxury hotel nestled along La Jolla's picturesque coastline, offers a Picnic by the Park package where guests can enjoy the seaside air and panoramic views of the shore from and ocean view suite while delighting in a three-course picnic basket complete with signature gourmet sandwiches, decadent desserts and a cozy blanket. Rates start at $299 per night, plus tax, and are valid through May 31, 2012. Book online or call 858-224-7600.
                     
• Guests can bring out their wild sides with a stay at White Oak Ranch in Alpine, a property of the Lions Tigers and Bears Big Cat Rescue, which serves as a sanctuary facility and life-long haven for many exotic cats such as lions, tigers, leopards and bobcats. The inn offers a one-night stay in a safari-themed room with champagne and continental breakfast, and for every stay, a donation is made in the guest's name to Lions Tigers and Bears. Rates start at $425 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Feb. 29, 2012, subject to availability. Book online or call 619-445-0997; mention "Wild Valentine Package".
                     
• Lovers need not travel to Italy to experience a spa treatment with the magic of Venice. Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers the Voga Voyage, a unique spa experience that is enjoyed while cruising in an authentic 33-foot Venetian gondola equipped with two professional massage beds. After departing from the resort's private marina, couples enjoy a soothing sunscreen application and relaxing 40-minute massage amidst cool sea breezes and the gentle lull of Coronado's canals and waterways. Complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are enjoyed during the final 10 minutes of the scenic and unforgettable cruise. The rate is $400 per couple. Book online or call 619-424-4000.  
            
• Active couples can delight in a Couples Golf Clinic & Wine Tasting from The Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar Resort. Couples can master their skills with a 75-minute golf clinic including full swing and short game instruction, then delight their palettes with a delicious wine and cheese tasting. The package is available Feb. 4, 2012 and Feb. 11, 2012 from 1:00–2:30pm. The rate is $60 per couple. Clinic participants are also invited to play nine holes on the resort's private Tom Fazio-designed course for an additional $95 per person. Reservations can be booked by calling 858-314-1930. 
                       

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.

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