Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Sure, you could go the flowers-and-candy route. It’s sweet and classic, albeit expected. But eventually the blooms wither, the chocolate disappears, and all that’s left are the remnants on trash day.

If you’re looking for a gift with a longer shelf life, consider sweeping your sweetie away for a romantic trip. Picture you and your partner sipping cocktails on a sandy beach, taking a quiet, snow-dusted morning walk through the hills of Park City or wine tasting before a candlelit dinner overlooking Napa vineyards. A getaway doesn’t just create memories; it etches them into your mind, complete with frame-worthy souvenir photos to display at your bedside at home. 

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday and Presidents’ Day the following Monday, there’s no better excuse for couples to take advantage of a three-day weekend. Whether your partner prefers something sunny or snowy, there’s a North American destination that fits the bill and doesn’t require an extended amount of time in transit.

From a serene seaside sanctuary on the Central California coast to a high-end hideaway across from Central Park in New York City to an intimate, adults-only beachfront resort in Hawaii, these hotels are sure to get you (and your significant other) in the mood for romance this Valentine’s Day.

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil is the epitome of a romantic wine country retreat with sunlit accommodations featuring private patios and valley views. If you really want to impress that........

© Observer