In February, I usually suggest gift ideas for your besties or cute beauty treats in the name of self-love. This year, I’ve curated something different: a short list of Valentine’s Day destinations along the West Coast that I think are worth mentioning… and visiting!
La Quinta Resort & Club | La Quinta, CA
Surrounded by mountains in the Palm Springs vicinity is a resort boasting casita-style suites, private fireplaces, plunge pools, world class activities, a spa and adults-only pool.
ASK ABOUT: La Quinta Resort & Club is featuring two Valentine’s Day themed menu items at Spa La Quinta: the Better Together Couples Massage (customized for a couple in a secluded suite) and Love Myself Massage (Swedish massage with sandalwood and rose aromatherapy).
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | Rancho Santa Fe, CA
This quiet gem is a must-mention for any West Coast luxe destination conversation.
ASK ABOUT: Rancho Valencia’s Winter Romance package includes some Welcome bubbly, breakfast for two, a daily $50 resort credit, and (always needed) late checkout. Ask about massages at their newly renovated spa + reserve a table at The Pony Room for a decadent 4-course dinner on Valentine’s Day with dishes like Lobster Cappelletti, Charcoal-Roasted Cauliflower Steak & selection of decadent desserts.
Fairmont Century Plaza | Los Angeles, CA
Century City becomes an après-ski dining experience in the Alps for the romance-minded at Fairmont Century Plaza.
ASK ABOUT: The outdoor bar patio features 3 wooden “Swiss Chalets” with a prix fixe menu of chocolate & cheese fondues, a curation of winter appetizers (i.e., short rib croquettes), festive cocktails (Espresski Martini, Eggnog of the Century), and s’mores at a private fire pit. Booking link here. Full menu here
The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, CA
Just a few blocks away, The Peninsula will host a culinary pop-up of the Amalfi Coast’s Hotel Sana Caterina restaurant Al Mare, February 7th-25th.
ASK ABOUT: “Al Mare, Amore” will feature a 6-course tasting experience on the Belvedere Terrace. To complement your dinner, there’s an “Al Mare, Amore S’more” Romance Package including Champagne & caviar, s’mores under the stars, a luxe suite, monogrammed robes + more. NOTE: If you’re Valentining on a budget, maybe skip this option.
Shutters on the Beach | Santa Monica, CA
If you want an ocean view, head west on the 10 freeway to Shutters on the Beach.
ASK ABOUT: Their signature restaurant 1 Pico just launched a new menu with grilled dishes like John Givens Beef Steak Tomatoes, Loch Duart Salmon, Amberjack & more. These don’t whisper romance to me personally, but the sand & sea backdrop is always incomparable.
Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA
Probably my favorite spot for a quick getaway is just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles (traffic dependent), nestled within the Topatopa Mountains. Ojai Valley Inn envelops me in tranquility and reassurance like few other places I’ve been.
ASK ABOUT: The iconic resort is celebrating 28 Days of Romance with intimate experiences like Pink Moment Turndown (private-label Pink Moment sparkling wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries + your bed drizzled with romantic rose petals) and Lovers Treasure Hunt (a personalized exploration around the grounds inspired by details of your relationship).
Further up the California coast is where Valentines are basically born. And then they drink! Napa Valley plays host to some of the world’s most renowned wineries, restaurants and destination properties – a few of which fall under the Auberge Resorts Collection:
Auberge du Soleil | Napa Valley, CA
ASK ABOUT: Auberge du Soleil is going all out this Valentine’s Day with a Stay-in for Romance Package perfect for couples who don’t plan on leaving the bedroom. It features 2 nights at the adults-only hillside retreat, complimentary upgrade, $200 resort credit, bottle of Auberge du Soleil Cabernet Sauvignon, full in-room breakfasts, and complimentary Mercedes-Benz access. One of the additional offerings is a 2-hour Bubbles & Bliss spa package (30-minute Laurent Perrier body scrub + 30-minute jasmine & rose tea bath + 60-minute massage) with bottle of Laurent Perrier. I’d never come home.
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa Valley, CA
ASK ABOUT: Valentine’s Day weekend experiences at Stanly Ranch include a 3-course prix fixe menu at Bear (their signature restaurant), rich wine pairing for the entire weekend, Chocolate Truffle Making Class, Lover’s Lane Walk, make-your-own oil to use for an Aromatherapy Couples Massage at Halehouse, followed by champagne at your own private fire pit + more. Sign. Me. Up!
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa Valley, CA
ASK ABOUT: At the luxe Solage property you can opt for an ultra-private after-hours Starlight Nights Bathhouse Experience in the spa Bathhouse — including signature mudslide treatments, rose petal candlelight bath, geothermal pools access, bottle of sparkling wine, chef bites, and spa keepsake to remember your experience. Guests can also enjoy elevated pool deck lounging in private cabanas and nighttime dining at Solbar restaurant.
Happy February & Valentine’s Day to All!
xo
PS If you’re more interested in my usual Galentine gifts, reach out and I’ll send you a few ideas.
City of Gloss Angeles 
I want to go visit them all. Thanks for the inspo!