Romance blooms in package deals

By Harry Shattuck

Roses. Chocolate. Champagne. Candles. Strip poker.

Got your attention with that last one, didn't I?

It's never too early to plan for Valentine's Day, and hotels are offering a slew of promotions, such as Affinia Hotels' "Naughty and Nice" romance package in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Guests are encouraged to play out their "friskiest fantasies." All the usual amenities are included. But romantics also get an Agent Provocateur Strip Poker set! Prices start at $289 per night. Visit www.affinia.com.

Not into strip poker? Enchantment Resort, in Sedona, Ariz., takes a different approach with a Feb. 13-15 package that includes an aura-soma color reading.

Resort representatives say it's a lecture that "discusses ways for couples, business partners or family members to learn to recognize and value each other's unique gifts and qualities."

How to choose: strip poker or a lecture? Oh, but wait: The Enchantment promotion also includes a "sweetheart yoga" session with music, candles and aromatherapy and a "couple's aqua flow" where "you and your partner will learn how to support each other in the water while developing strength and flexibility with fluidity and grace."

Room rates start at $295 per night. See www.enchantmentresort.com.

LONE STAR ROMANCE

In Texas, a number of hotels are offering romantic packages. They're not cheap. But then, what price love?

Austin: Available all of February, the Five Senses package at the Four Seasons includes a two-night stay in a suite overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a private dinner for two customized by the hotel's executive chef and accompanied by a classical guitarist, an 80-minute couples massage in your suite, two dozen roses, a private diamond consultation and other luxuries. Take a deep breath before I tell you the price tag: $6,000. Less-elaborate packages are available. Call 512-68... to book. www.fourseasons.com/austin

Irving: Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas offers a three-course dinner for two at its AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to the room. Package rates start at $515 per night; it's available throughout February. www.fourseasons.com/dallas; 972-717-2499

Dallas: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek's Valentine's Getaway includes in-room champagne, a dozen roses, a rose-petal turndown service, a three-course dinner in the Mansion Restaurant, breakfast and valet parking. Prices start at $725 per couple. Dinner only can be booked for $125 per person in the restaurant, or $250 per person in the Chef's Room. www.mansiononturtlecreek.com; 214-559-2100

San Antonio: Omni La Mansion del Rio and the Watermark Hotel & Spa offer a two-night Valentine's Weekend package that includes a bottle of champagne, daily breakfast, $100 voucher for dinner, 50-minute Swedish couples massage and a private carriage ride. Prices start at $799 at La Mansion del Rio, 210-518-1000, and $999 at the Watermark, 210-396-5800. www.omnihotels.com; www.watermarkriverwalk.com

WINE IN THE HILL COUNTRY

Fall Creek: Celebrate with a three-course French picnic lunch at noon Saturday or Feb. 14 at Fall Creek Vineyards, near Lake Buchanan. Fall Creek wines will be paired with each course — among them the newly released Mission San Antonio de Valero Cabernet Sauvignon, benefiting the restoration of the Alamo. Cost is $25 per person. Following lunch Feb. 14, a wine- and chocolate-pairing class costs $18 per person. Attend both functions for $40. www.fcv.com; 325...

Wine trail: Twenty-four wineries will participate in the Wine Lovers Trail Feb. 6-8 and 13-15. Tickets cost $35 per couple and include wine flight trios or a tasting at each winery. Several wineries plan special events, from chocolate and port pairings to music and gourmet meals. www.texaswinetrail.com. Cancun Water Temperature

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