Regardless of how you really feel about the holiday, Valentine’s Day arrives in all its splendid pink and red glory every February 14^th. However you acknowledge it, here’s a sampling of ways to express your love, or current liaison, in the City of Angels…  

Surprise your special other with a local-ish getaway just 20 miles north of Santa Barbara. Book the Romance Retreat package, enjoy a gorgeous drive up the coast together, then settle in for some camping El Capitan Canyon-style. Guaranteed to satisfy both your outdoorsy and amorous spirits, relax for two nights in one of the signature creekside cabins – complete with king size bed, roomy two-person soak tub and cozy fireplace. 

Available through March 31^st, this El Capitan package also includes champagne flutes, French truffles, keepsake blanket and other romantic treats to sweeten your escape.  

To check availability, call 866-352-2729 or go to http://elcapitancanyon.com.   

Kick off the touchy-feely holiday with a Couples Massage Course at The Sports Club/LA on Sunday, February 13^th at 4:00 PM.  Acclaimed expert in the art of bodywork, Nami Ishimori will teach her student couples how to explore the intimacies of massage in a private event environment. Bonus: Each couple graduates with a gift of massage oil.

To make a reservation, call Matt Lee at 310-473-1447 x109. The Sports Club/LA |1835 South Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles

Not looking for a getaway just yet, but want to up the ante with an exceptional dinner? 

You can never go wrong with a reservation at Koi, but on Monday the restaurant will be honoring St. Valentine by offering a special tasting menu with dishes like The Lovers: Surf & Turf and Cupid: Tuna Tataki. Or share a signature Koi Kiss nightcap (vodka, strawberry puree, lemon, and splash of champagne) by candlelight at the bar. 

Koi Restaurant Los Angeles | 730 N. La Cienega Blvd | 310-659-9449

Already armed with a perfect plan, but still looking for some rich chocolaty finishing touches?

No one knows dessert like Sweet Lady Jane and she never disappoints when it comes to chocolate. Put in a call now and order a few Chocolate Raspberry Tarts – delectable pastries filled with whipped ganache, fresh raspberries and chocolate cylinder curls.

Or stop by the shop and share a slice of show-stopping Old Fashioned Chocolate cake. Irresistible to even the most luke warm-dessert lover, layers of dark chocolate cake are flawlessly filled with French chocolate buttercream, then frosted with Belgian chocolate ganache and mounds of imported chocolate curls.

Sweet Lady Jane | 1631 Montana Ave, Santa Monica | 310-254-9499  

Just looking to grab a drink or two?

Stop by Bar NINETEEN12 at the Beverly Hills Hotel for some posh fireside ambience and heart-shaped jelly shot cocktails, featuring floral ingredients from violets, elderflowers, hibiscus and roses.

 For a more beachy-cas environment, cruise over to the Malibu Lumber Yard patio and cozy up with one of the various hot chocolates at ChocolateBox Café.

On a tight budget… Not-so-much looking to wine and dine, but still want to pay homage to cupid?

Sure you can stop by Fred Segal Santa Monica or Satine on West 3^rd, but if you want to save 40% (for a limited time) on a Samantha House bauble, make it a point to visit her website and type in LOVE at checkout. If she adores wearing cocktail rings and you aren’t quite ready to buy the ring, check out the Asteroid Rings – sexy, edgy, and fun. Just like her!

And if you’re planning a simple dinner under the stars or just kickin’ it homestyle, spice things up with some satin sheets from Anna’s Linens. Swap out your ordinary picnic blanket for a sexy red satin sheet, or surprise him with a bed made in sultry chocolate satin. Whatever shade(s) you choose, you’re sure to stay well within the love budget.   

However humble or grandiose you decide to do Valentine’s Day, may you spread the love in style …

xo