Five ways to make sure that February 14
will be an extra special day for your extra special someone.
RELAX YOUR VALENTINE
Ease your way into Valentine’s Day by starting your celebration with a high-end couples’ spa treatment in a luxurious private space. In LA, the HOTEL BEL-AIR SPA BY LA PRAIRIE (310.909.1681) offers a sprawling private suite called The Enclave, which includes a private shower and a shaded patio with a waterfall. You can pamper your valentine with a variety of his favorite spa treatments, such as the “Suite Serenity for Two,” which includes a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. In NY, THE SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK (212.805.8880) welcomes happy couples to the 650-square-foot VIP Spa Suite, meant to replicate a sumptuous Oriental-style home with stunning views, a fireplace, elevated bath, dual massage beds and a kang relaxation bed. Spa Suite Experiences include the “Couples Escape,” a multi-hour indulgence combining an herbal bath, side-by-side Time Rituals (an array of customized services and therapies such as massage), private relaxation time and a light meal.
SEDUCE YOUR VALENTINE
Nothing sets the mood for a romantic rendezvous quite like a scented candle. The gentle flicker of candlelight casts an inviting glow, and scent is a powerful memory trigger — ensuring he’ll recall your love-fest for years to come. So what should you be lighting on the most lovable day of the year? We recommend a MOLTON BROWN SINGLE-WICK CANDLE ($49, moltonbrown.com) in fiery Pink Pepperpod or spicy Black Peppercorn — the perfect fired-up fragrances to make the heart beat faster.
ACCESSORIZE YOUR VALENTINE
There’s nothing like jewelry for Valentine’s “wow” factor. We suggest offering him a pair of gifts — in valentiney pink and red, no less — from Asprey. Start with the LARGE STUD BOX ($370), crafted of red English saddle leather with a soft red suede lining. Then, open it to reveal a set of 167 CUFFLINKS ($500) in sterling silver with pink engine turning enamel. See additional color options at asprey.com.
TOAST YOUR VALENTINE
When it’s time to toast Cupid, surprise your beloved with a glass worthy of his lips. THE MILLE NUITS FLUTISSIMO SET OF TWO CRYSTAL CHAMPAGNE FLUTES ($450, baccarat.com) have a sleek, colorful bowl that contrasts with intricate, bevelled detailing down its bottom half and radiating out at the foot. Before you clink, fill it with something beautiful and bubbly, such as FREIXENET GRAN CORDON NEGRO CAVA, or visit freixenet.com to a view a selection of additional palate-pleasing options, perfect for raising a glass to romance.
TREAT YOUR VALENTINE
There are many reasons why master pastry chef JACQUES TORRES is known as Mr. Chocolate — from the quality of his handmade artisan chocolate to the flavors of his mouthwatering bonbons, which vary from exquisitely executed classics to one-of-a-kind confections. Acquire some for your sweetheart at
mrchocolate.com in boxes of 12 ($19), 25 ($36) and 50 ($66). Then get ready to make your valentine’s tongue tingle with buttery caramels, nutty pralines, rich ganaches, exotic tea and spice infusions and chocolates mixed with real fruit and wine.
By Paul Hagen
Last modified: July 27, 2017
