By Elise French

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner ~ for some, you want it to be the most romantic day and night of the year, full of love and lingerie and yes, we’ll say it, sex.  For others, it’s That Dreaded Day, about as much fun as a trip to the dentist. So, if you and your sweetie have fallen into a romance rut, a trip could be just what you need to bring the sexy back and give you those wonderful butterflies in your…tummy…again. And single ladies, instead of staying home and scheduling that dentist appointment, why not take one of these fantastic trips with your friends or spend a weekend pampering yourself? From Bali to Brooklyn, from the inexpensive to the truly decadent, here are a few options for making friends (or maybe even friends with benefits!) with Cupid.

Couples Ocho Rios: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Getaway…for the Daring

When couples board the small boat at the dock of Couples Ocho Rios, everyone on the beach smiles knowingly about where they’re headed ~ to the nude beach just offshore. Just a short boat ride away is an offshore island dedicated to nude sunbathing. Travelers looking for a total tan can luxuriate in a nude pool with a swim-up bar, sundecks, and shaded wicker swinging baskets perfect for two. Ocho Rios is designed more for the couple looking for a quiet getaway while pursuing the all-over tan ~ the perfect escape from chilly New England Februaries. Only couples are permitted as guests at this romantic resort; no singles or families are allowed.

Relaxation continues at the property as well. At this all-inclusive resort, every room includes a CD player and a selection of romantic songs ~ but no distractions like televisions and telephones. Atop the beds sit a heart-folded towel, topped with a native flower. Some rooms have ocean views, others look out on the lush mountains. Days at Couples focus on…you guessed it…couples.

From the selection of specialty restaurants and bars to the amazing variety of activities to yet another clothing-optional beach located on an offshore island ~ complete with a pool and swim-up bar ~ to sightseeing some of the most beautiful parts of Jamaica, there’s something to fill every second of your time at Couples ~ that is, if you even decide to leave the hotel room!

Although the Couples package is all-inclusive from start to finish, one of the best bargains at Couples are the free weddings available daily. Hardly a day goes by without a couple exchanging vows in the front lawn gazebo, on the beach or even on the offshore island as the sun begins to sink.

For more information, visit www.couples.com.

Want some other ideas for Valentine’s Day (or as we here at Pulse like to think of it, Valentine’s week ~ I mean, why limit such a potentially fabulous celebration to just one day??)  getaways? Here y’go ~ and if you try one of these destinations and have a super sexy and romantic time, feel free to thank us!

Naughty & Nice: The Liaison Capital Hill in Washington, DC (also available at Affinia Hotels in NY & Chicago)
Our nation’s capitol has hosted more than its fair share of frisky trysts, so why not choose Washington, DC for your own romantic getaway? The Naughty and Nice romance package at the Liaison Capital Hill (an Affinia Hotel) includes a bottle of bubbly, rose-petal turn-down service, a romantic in-room movie, a box of Jacques Torres hand-made chocolates, an Agent Provocateur Strip Poker set, a “52 Ways to Stay in Love Forever” deck of cards to inspire romance, and guaranteed late check-out.  Oh, and remember to mention the offer code PASSION for special rates and surprises!

Better Off in Bali: Uma Ubud in Bali, Indonesia
Is Cupid getting on your last nerve? If you prefer to spend Valentine’s Day with just YOU and not wasting time bemoaning your lack of suitable companionship, book a trip to beautiful Bali. The Ubud Escape includes trips to local villages, temples and artisans’ workshops. Get an hour long massage, a daily Yoga class, and a daily group guided walk. A three-course dinner at an open air restaurant next to a waterfall-fed pond is also included. And remember, Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) met her soul mate in Indonesia, so you never know!

All Aboard the Love Train: Heart AC Atlantic City, NJ
Hop the ACES train with your honey from the Big Apple to Atlantic City and enjoy a weekend of Valentine’s Day events that will stimulate all of your senses. Save 20% on rooms at Harrah’s, Caesars, Bally’s and Showboat. Highlights include a champagne and chocolate tasting with Jacques Torres, concerts by B.B. King and Air Supply, a speed dating event with VH1’s Tough Love hosts, and the Atlantic City Group Valentine Wedding Vow Renewal. Best of all, you can start your celebration on the train ride (which is an aphrodisiac in and of itself!) ~ ACES serves cocktails and upscale nibbles for you to feed to each other.

Relax & Reconnect: Rock Hall in Colebrook, CT
Rock Hall, a historic home in the Southern Berkshires, combines the essence of New England with a dash of Palm Beach. Built by famed Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner, Rock Hall is a 10,000 square foot manor house with four luxurious guest rooms. If you do decide to leave your room (which you might not!), there is much to do at Rock Hall, including marked hiking trails. On-site massage and private yoga classes can be arranged, as well as a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. A Mediterranean-style breakfast is included. This package is available for the entire month of February.

What’s Cooking Good Looking? Hotel Monaco in Seattle, Washington
Don’t take the tired old route and just go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day ~ take a cooking class together! The Little Bit of Lovin’ package includes a cooking class taught by Sazerac restaurant Executive Chef Jason McClure, a 3-course meal paired with wine, a signed copy of the Savor Seattle cookbook and more!  After the cooking class, get cozy in your room at the Hotel Monaco, a luxury boutique hotel that is rated one of the Top 100 Hotels in the World by Travel & Leisure.

Sexy Seclusion: Ponto Dos Ganchos in Brazil
Located on a private peninsula on Brazil’s sultry Emerald Coast, Ponta Dos Ganchos is just under an hour’s flight from Sao Paolo. With only 25 bungalows and a minimum age requirement of 18 years, it is perfect for grown-up beach lovers seeking laid-back elegance, romance and seclusion. Although Valentine’s Day coincides with Carnivale, you and your sweetie can skip the outdoor decadence and create your own magic with this special package that includes daily yoga classes, a relaxing flower bath, a special dinner and more. Be sure to book a treatment in the Christian Dior Spa.

Whatever Floats Your Boat: BargeMusic in NYC
If romance rather than unabashed lust is more your style, let the sweet sounds of Schubert and Mozart sweep over you and your sweetheart on Bargemusic  ~ a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge that features chamber music. The East River and lower Manhattan skyline make for a romantic backdrop while you toast each other with your glass of complimentary champagne and chocolates.