Relax in your luxe room at Guaycura

Sometimes, the best escape is a sweet boutique hotel in a pretty town—far from the huge resorts and crowds. That’s exactly what you get in the artist town of Todos Santos in Baja California Sur, Mexico, when you check in to Guaycura.

The historic building dates to the mid-19th century, and its 14 rooms keep everything romantic and cozy for guests. Choose between a classic room, deluxe room, or the Oasis Suite. All rooms have air-conditioning, plasma TVs, DVD players, iPod speakers, free Internet, copper sinks and L’Occitane bath products.  Rates start at $195 and vary, depending on type of room and season.

A bird's-eye view from the pool

Enjoy your meals at the on-site Guaycura Restaurant, which features cuisine with a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican styles. Much of the fruit, vegetables and herbs are organic and grown locally. Be sure to grab a cool beverage at Bar Don Guillermo (also in the hotel) and relax on the outdoor patio under the stars.

If you’re hanging onto stress from life back home, get it worked out at the Guaycura Aena Spa—offering a variety of massages and organic treatments, a marble steam room, and Jacuzzi. To top off your Todos Santos experience, watch the sun set over the oasis from the Sky Lounge on the top of the hotel, complete with swimming pool and bar. There’s no need to rush home, is there?

Guaycura, 877-448-2928
Legaspi Esq. Topete, Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico

Photos courtesy of Jill K. Robinson

I was a guest of the Mexico Tourism Bureau during my time in Baja California Sur.

More Baja California-related information:
Rancho Pescadero Resort, Todos Santos, Mexico

Tonight’s the big night. Time to see if all that careful planning – reservations, flowers, hiring scantily clad musicians to play love songs on harps and trombones table-side – pays off.

Will your creativity lead to breakfast for two, or a pat on the back and promise to “call you”?

Shagscore.com, a new “sexy hotel/activity guide” website, claims to be able to rate your shagability before you pick up your date.  All you need to do is insert your plans and wait for your shag score to appear.  If your drinks at mom’s house and dinner at Denny’s leave you with the shagability of a “creeper” instead of an encouraging “at-a-boy”, you can change up your plans with the guide’s help.

Shagscore.com launched on Valentine’s Day and uses much of the data collected from UpTake.com to rate hotels, restaurants and other attractions that might woo your would-be sweetheart.

This video gives you an idea of how the shag-o-meter works.

So what do you think? Are your plans fail-proof, or will you be dining alone on leftover chocolates Tuesday morning?

Related Posts:

• Nightlife:  Put Your Shagscore to Good Use to Get Some Lovins
• Attractions:  Shagscore – is your Valentine’s Day Plan Romantic Enough?
• Beaches:  What is Your Shagability?
• Lodging: Lodging Selection Partner for Valentine’s Day
• Restaurants:  Shagscore Baby! Don’t Make Plans Without It
• Travel Industry News: Shagscore.com Debuts in Time for Valentine’s Day

The Westin Maui Resort and Spa offers four romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion in your life. Which will you chose for your romantic trip?

View of the beach from the Westin Maui Resort & Spa

1. Romantic Spa

Throughout the month of February, the resort’s Heavenly Spa is presenting a 50-minute Chocolate Massage using a specialty chocolate oil with a choice of essences – chocolate mint, chocolate cake or chocolate cherry. Yet another delectable spa choice includes the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pedicure with a chocolate foot soak, followed by a sweet strawberry scrub, a marshmallow mask for the feet and calves, then moisturizing with vanilla foot and calf massage and finishing with perfect polish.

Raise your hand if you think your husband/partner-of-the-male-persuasion would go for a marshmallow mask on his feet and calves. Snicker. But I would definitely be happy, and dear husband knows that rule #1 is to make me happy.

You can also treat your beloved with the Romance Me Package which includes 50-minute couples chocolate massage and 50-minute heavenly couples facial for two for only $470 (regularly price $530). The full-service spa also offers year-round couple’s spa services such as a 50-minute Heavenly Massage for two within the pampering comforts of its couple’s spa room, followed by a private whirlpool bath for two.

Weddings at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa

2. Romantic I Do’s

Now that we have been married for a while, my husband and I talk about what we would have done differently with our wedding. Oh sure, we had a great time planning and experiencing our wedding day, but I think we both agree that if we were to get married now, we would do it on the beach in Hawaii.

Fortunately, Westin Maui Resort and Spa offers a package for just this kind of romantic voyage. The Celebrations of Aloha Center can help any couple plan the Hawaiian wedding of their dreams, from coordinating the location and photographer, to handling the reception details. I think the only thing they probably cannot do is guarantee an award winning sunset. But I bet you they would try!

Preset wedding packages start at $1675, with beautiful extras to make your day even more special. The Westin also offers a bridal registry and can plan an extravagant wedding reception to boot.

3. Romantic adventure

Some couples thrive on romantic dinners and massages; others need to feel the thrill of excitement to get their heart racing. The Westin Maui Resort and Spa has a special thoroughly enjoy the “Rip It & Relax It” package which includes a surf lesson packed with water action along with a 50-minute massage for the perfect Hawaiian experience.

In addition to surf lessons, Island Style Adventures also offers stand-up paddle lessons and kayaking off the famed Ka’anapali Beach and mere steps away from the resort. We tried stand-up paddle on our last trip to Hawaii, and around Black Rock, you can usually spot turtles!

Other fun activities offered for couples include Aqua Poker at the Adults-Only Pool situated at the uppermost level of the resort’s 87,000 square-foot aquatic playground. Relax amidst pampering comfort in cabana chairs designed for two along Ka’anapali Beach or head out for a spectacular sunset cruise on a catamaran sail that docks right up the beach facing the resort. Oh, and did I mention that the Westin has an awesome water slide. So awesome.

4. Romantic honeymoon

If the wedding is behind you, and you are embarking on your honeymoon, the Westin Maui Resort and Spa is a wonderful destination to relax and unwind after the excitement surrounding your special day. Located right on the strand in Ka’anapali, the Westin is ideally situated to enjoy all that West Maui has to offer.

An idyllic renewal awaits couples with the Honeymoon Package offering Westin-inspired accommodations for five nights, champagne and strawberries upon arrival, Hawaiian lei greeting, daily breakfast for two at ‘Ono Bar & Grill and $250 spa or resort credit. It is the perfect dream paradise for couples to begin their new lives together!

Related post: Top Ten Best Food and Drink in Maui

Photos courtesy of Westin Maui Resort and Spa. Visit westinmaui.com for more details on all these romantic offers including pricing.

Thinking a trip to the islands might be fun this time of year? Had enough with the snow and ice storms in the east coast? Fortunately, several hotel specials on the island of Kauai make it easy to imagine a tropical trip.

Kauai Beach Resort

photo courtesy of Kauai Beach Resort

Kauai Beach Resort, on Kauai’s eastern side, offers a Valentine’s Chocolate Package, which includes 2-night stay in an ocean view room; daily breakfast buffet; and a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Continuing on the theme, in the onsite Naupaka Terrace restaurant, enjoy a chocolate dessert buffet along with a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Before dinner, book a holiday spa treatment, cocoa facials, chocolate massages or a couples massage escape with champagne and strawberries.

For room reservations, call Kauai Beach Resort direct at 808-246-5517 or toll free at 1-888-805-3843 or book online at www.kauaibeachresorthawaii.com.

Waimea Plantation Cottages

Photo courtesy of Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages

At the Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages, save up to 20% on a Hidden Romantic Getaway from $234. Escape to these private seaside cottages on a historic 27-acre coconut plantation adjacent to Kauai’s famous Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Special winter rates are reduced from $293, now starting at $234 for a 1-Bedroom Garden View Cottage. With an onsite spa, swimming pool and private chef services, this is truly a dream vacation.

For room reservations, visit www.AstonHotels.com or call toll-free 1-877-997-6667.

Aston Aloha Beach Hotel

Photo courtesy of Aston Hotels

The Aston Aloha Beach Hotel’s wedding and romance package makes bridal dreaming easy. The romantic experience begins with a lei greeting at check in, room service breakfast for two, and discounts and free activities via Aston’s Aloha Book. The beachside gazebo is complimentary for the wedding ceremony and becomes the private dining spot for the complimentary, 4-course, champagne dinner for two. Onsite wedding coordinators are available to assist with any additional arrangements needed for the ceremony. The package is based on a 3-night stay in an ocean view room, a junior suite, cottage or one bedroom suite.

For more information visit www.AstonHotels.com or call 1-866-774-2924.