Please Note: Room rates and room types are subject to change at time of booking and based upon availability. Please use http://www.xe.com for updated currency exchanges in your monetary value.

Hotel de Rome- Berlin, Germany

Hotel de Rome, set in one of the most historical areas of Berlin, is a former turn of the century bank building turned into an uber-chic hotel, yet another stellar accomplishment by the Rocco Forte Hotels. From the stunning lobby, to the roof top deck with views of the city, this is the place for sparks to fly all over again.

The Romance Package, 1-night accommodation in a classic room or junior suite, bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles, “breakfast in bed” or dine in the restaurant Parioli the next morning, Rose bath gel from The Organic Pharmacy, romantic movies compliments of the Concierge.

Try stealing away into the hotel’s original vault room for dinner, where in former times jewels and other valuables used to be stored behind massive steel doors. The hotel will arrange an epicurean extravaganza inside, complete with candlelight. Pop the question with your own personal “treasure”.

Pricing is in Euro: €395 per night in a classic room €585 per night in a junior suite based on availability-inclusive of VAT and service charge.

Room to book: The historic Opera Suite with the original wood paneling, leather padded doors from 1889, a beautiful marble bathroom with soaking tub for two, and a wonderful view on Bebelplatz.

http://www.hotelderome.com

Side Bar: Switzerland’s hotels took three of my nods this year for having some of the most romantic hotels in the world. After my tour of Switzerland this summer, I decided this year (a first for my lists); I would include three top-notch stunners from the same country.

Another beautiful thing about Switzerland, it’s NOT on the Euro!

Hotel Baur au Lac- Zurich, Switzerland

Hotel Baur au Lac has seen the likes of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Barbara Streisand who made the Baur au Lac their home while performing in Zurich. Kings, presidents, and famed artists Chagall, Miro and Henry Moore have also lodged at the Baur au Lac.

Minutes away from Zurich’s main banking center and shopping, with lake side status, the Hotel Baur au Lac is the place to stay while in Zurich. It offers one of the most beautiful restaurants, Le restaurant Francais, complete with an extensive international wine list.

Baur Au Lac Romance Package includes- 1-night in a river suite, 5-courses at the restaurant Pavillon on the Schanzengraben river, Champagne at your suite, Bouquet of flowers, Rose petals in the bathtub, Fruits and sweets from our in-house chocolatier upon arrival, buffet breakfast, VAT and service charges. Inquire with the concierge to book tickets for Zurich’s famous Opera or Theatre.

River Suite CHF (Swiss Francs) 2’440.00 for two persons, valid February 14, 2010 (subject to availability)

Room to Book: Any of the River Suites

http://www.bauraulac.ch

Hotel Weggis and Ipare Spa- Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Make no mistake about it. Park Hotel Weggis and Post Hotel Weggis are one in the same—same location, warm hospitality, charm and elegance. Park Hotel Weggis, the original hotel, offers a step back into time, Post Hotel Weggis brings aesthetics and contemporary décor together in a series of modern rooms and suites. Either choice in style will bring you lakeside to one of the best hotels on Lake Lucerne.

Their Parc & Romance Package includes 1 welcome champagne, 2-night accommodation incl. Sparkling breakfast buffet, 1 light four-course dinner at the Restaurant Sparks, seductive five-course dinner at the Gourmet Restaurant Annex, 1 impromptu aperitif at the Beach Bar Lounge or Sunset Caviar Bar, 1 simultaneous treatment (60 mins), 3 hours private use of one of our SPA cottages “Sparkling Romance” incl. champagne, canapés, 1 St Barth papaya shower peeling for mutual indulgence, and more surprises to take home with you, complimentary late check out (until 2 p.m.)

From CHF 1′183.00 / EUR 739.00 per guest in a Parc double room (Other room categories upon request and availability)

Room to Book: Room #144, an end suite complete with beautiful lake views.

http://www.phw.ch

Beau-Rivage Palace- Lausanne, Switzerland

Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, on the resort’s own 10-acre park, The Beau-Rivage Palace will take your breath away with views of the Lake and the Alps beyond. The original part of this magnificent beachside hotel opened in 1861, designed in Art Déco and neo-baroque style, with the lobby beginning your first steps into opulence.

Leave your romantic evening in the hands of Anne-Sophie Pic au Beau Rivage Palace. Anne-Sophie— the only female French chef to garner 3-Michelin stars offers one of the most magical dining experiences I’ve had to date. The restaurant boasts stunning motif, excellent atmosphere, and an epicurean adventure for two.

Beau-Rivage Valentine’s Package includes 1-night/double room, welcome glass of Champagne upon arrival, full buffet breakfast, or continental breakfast in delivered to your room, one “Red Passion” Cocktail per person, choice of one 60-minute Cinq Mondes massage in a cabin for two, free access to the Spa Cinq Mondes, the fitness center and tennis courts.

Comfort room with garden view CHF 770/€ 500, Superior room, lake view CHF 910/€ 590, deluxe room, garden or lake view CHF 1100/€ 710 valid from: February 5 to 7, 2010, February 12 to 14, 2010, and February 19 to 21, 2010

Prices are in Swiss Francs, per night, V.A.T and service included- local taxes are at CHF 3.40 per person, per night Rates are in Euro for information only, exchange rate 1€  = CHF 1.55

Room to Book: Corner Room #450 with priceless antiques and Alpine views

www.brp.ch

Dakota Mountain Lodge- Park City, Utah

What’s more romantic than canoodling in a winter wonderland? I’m a huge fan of Park City, Utah, with its quaint yet hip town, great restaurants, jaw-dropping views, and amazing powder.

The newly opened Dakota Mountain Lodge- part of the Waldorf Astoria collection is located at the base of The Canyons Resort Village and the ski slopes of the Wasatch Mountains. The lodge sits adjacent to the new Frostwood Gondola, and offers true ski-in/ski-out service, including Ski Valets.

Their Romance package offers an elegant suite with fireplace, sparkling champagne $50 epicurean credit daily. Rates start at $694.00 per night for two.

Or hit the slopes with their Pamper and Ski Package. Daily skiing then spa-ing with a Golden Door Massage or Facial, deluxe guest room or suite accommodations, daily equipment rental of boots, poles, skis/snowboard per person per day. Rates start at $749 based on double occupancy and two night minimum stay.

Room to Book: Room #4173 for dazzling views and lots of sunlight

http://www.dakotamountainlodge.com

Bora Bora Nui- Bora Bora, Tahiti

I just remarried over New Years on a hill top at the Bora Bora Nui Resort. I chose the local for its intimate location, and views of Mount Pahia. I can share with you one word, magic.

The resort is private and set apart from the other resorts in Bora Bora, and is truly something special. Built on the legendary Motu Toopua, the Bora Bora Nui boasts 16-acres of lush terraced hillside and an ancient sacred cove with crystalline waters and white powdery sand beaches. Getting from the airport to the resort is a treat in itself; guests are picked up via private yacht.

Choose over water bungalows or Mountain Suites, both offer mahogany canopy beds-imported from Indonesia, bathtubs for two carved from their own block of Italian marble—each of the 1,000 to 1,500-square-feet Polynesian style bungalows have a view of what James Michener called “the most beautiful lagoon in the world.”

Brides- feel free to marry on any location on the resort and choose your special place as I did. The staff will be sure to make any wish come true. From beachside nuptials, or mountain top “I Do’s”, to a small chapel with ocean views, the Bora Bora Nui is spectacular and all about romance!

Legendary Romance Package includes 4-nights in an overwater deluxe villa, 4 Amercian breakfasts, private romantic dinner on the beach, 50-min. Tahitian massage for two at the Hina Spa, Return airport transfers.

$275 000cfp or $ 3475 for two people

Looking to wed? It’s easier than ever before with little to no wait time for all the legal stuff! Costs can vary depending on details. Aprox. Cost: $500.00 USD.

Room to book: Bungalow #106 for its end-location of pure luxury and privacy and view of Mount Pahia.

http://www.boraboranui.com

The Mira Hotel- Hong Kong, China

This hotel will blow your mind! From the second you enter the sleek black and white lobby the feeling rivals a sophisticated futuristic movie set. The $65-million dollar face lift transformed an outdated place to stay into modern urban-chic hotel with contemporary interiors, state of the art technology for accommodations, and ultimate guest service. Step into the future of The Mira hotel has created warmth and hospitality with art, epicurean, and you guessed it… romance.

One Night at The Mira – “A Journey of Passion, Sugar and Glamour at Hong Kong’s Hottest New Hotel” package includes a stay in the premium Grand Mira Suite with four-poster bed dressed with rose-scented pillows, flowers and Elemental Herbology Massage oil.

It’s not over yet!… A gastro journey at WHISK with a 6-course dinner with wine pairing in a private room prepared by Chef Justin Quek, then onto after-dinner drinks at Room One. No night would be complete without chocolate and a couple’s COCO Cupidon Cupcake. Sensational spa treatments, limo service, late check out and more romantic tidbits offered by the Mira to make your night of romance spectacular.

At $60,160 HKD includes service charge/$7,749.76 USD

Room to book: Grand Mira Suite

http://www.themirahotel.com

Hotel Sofitel at Ponte 16- Macau, China

The Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 mixes true Sofitel luxury services and the exotic flavors of Macau. Even the standard rooms are spot on with beautiful décor, linens and amenities such as Nespresso coffee makers. Book a suite or room overlooking over the river and mainland China, or choose the downtown Macau view, or one of the incredible suites on the hotel’s private floors with panoramic views, even from the master bathroom’s bathtub.

The Air of Romance package offers 1-night accommodations at the elegant styled Superior room, breakfast served in-room, bottle of Champagne on ice to sip “à deux”, gift of chocolates, late check-out until 4pm.

Package rate starts from HKD 1,673 (not inclusive 10% service charge)/$215.514 USD.

Add on: Valentine’s Day French romantic culinary journey with a French inspired 6-course menu with culinary art of France and Bon Goût. Try the seared king scallops with endives and apple cider foam.

HKD 1380/$177.769 USD per couple includes French wines by the glass.

Room to book: Book any superior room on the hotel’s non-smoking floors

email H6480-RE1@sofitel.com

http://www.sofitelmacao.com

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa- Napa, California

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa is a boutique hotel extraordinaire nestled in a quiet hideaway in Napa, California. Set above a creek, minutes from famed Napa wineries, this is a hidden gem to be uncovered. They offer a series of nuptial packages offering couples three wedding packages: Romance, Elopement and Takeover.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in romance, this place simply oozes it. What I love about the team at Milliken can work with guests to create anything between Romance and Takeover.

Be Mine This Valentine’s package starts at $800 for a two-night stay in a Milliken Room, 90-minute Chocolate Decadence Massage per person, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of chilled champagne, and lit votive candles scattered throughout the room.

Room to book: Room #11- a luxury room with private patio

http://www.millikencreekinn.com

Marquis Los Cabos Resort- Los Cabos, Mexico

Couples looking to heat up this Valentine’s Day need look no further than Marquis Los Cabos Resort. This “muy caliente” compound is set on prime property in Baja California’s picturesque coastline with miles of pristine beach touching an emerald sea, dramatic desert scenery, backed by beautiful mountains and canyons.

For the month of February, couples booking a minimum of three nights in a junior suite will get a complimentary Aphrodisiac In-suite Experience for two.

Designed to help promote spiritual communication, this couples’ package begins with a bath of essential oils and crystals of pink & white quartz to energize and stimulate the heart chakra.  Couples are then treated to a glass of red wine, prepared with a stone of Garnet, to help stimulate the base of chakra.  Finally, the Spa Marquis therapist prepares a synergy of sandalwood, Mexican herbs called “patchouli” and ginger to proceed with an acupressure massage to stimulate vital energy.

Package included with three nights in a Junior Suite during the month of February 2010.Through May 2010. Junior Suite room rates start at $361/night (taxes and service charge are not included).

Room to book: Oceanfront Casita #814 with rooftop plunge pool

(877) 238-9399 http://www.marquisloscabos.com

“When coming up with the list for Valentine´s 2009, I felt it was important to highlight places that offer a great exchange for the US Dollar, and celebrate locales that are eco-friendly,” states Michaels. “What better place to get romantic then somewhere enchantingand natural, global destinations which inspire us to fall in love over and over again with each other and with nature.”

Michaels´ top 10 picks include:

Marnei Mare Villa Rentals in Samos, Greece. What can be more romantic than escaping to a private villa on one of Greece´s hideaway isle, where Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage- one of the most powerful ancient Greek goddesses is most celebrated. It is also a “green island” with pine forests, olive groves, citrus trees, and grapevines, which produce the famous Samos wines. Michaels´ shares, “Grab a glass of Samos wine, find a quiet spot and toast to each other over a vibrant Grecian sunset.”

www.marneimare.gr

Byron Bay, Australia is “the perfect flip-flop spot” to chill out, surf and spa. Michaels recommends The Byron Resort and Spa, set among an ecologically sound 45-acre rainforest. “It has a stunning rainforest cupping this gorgeous resort, where a lush, tropical walk drops you onto one of my favorite beaches called Tallow Beach,” says Michaels. Low key is on the menu, with a spa boasting all natural products and unique treatments to inspire love.

www.thebyronatbyron.com.au

Spice Island Beach Resort, in Grenada is the place to “spice” up your love-life. Grenada is the most southern of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands, and a unique Caribbean all-inclusive will make any eco-Valentine´s heart melt once they learn about the eco-measures the resort has put into place, such as solar heated water, energy-saving light bulbs, a chemical-free treated pool, and uber-recycling programs. Michaels shares, “Valentine´s looking for seclusion can choose from four private pool suites.” Book a “Spice up your honeymoon” package including a couples massage and sunset cruise.

www.spiceislandbeachresort.com

Michaels loves the idea of a romantic interlude in a glass igloo in Lapland, but she warns, “This is for the die-hard romantic willing to freeze a bit.” Kakslauttanen Hotel & Igloo Village is located in the Saariselka Fell area amidst beautiful Finnish Lapland scenery along the road leading to Nordkap and the Arctic Ocean. “It´s a great place for snuggling all night in your glassigloo and gazing at the stars and Northern Lights, or taking in a reindeer sleigh ride, followed by a romantic dinner and great wine” Michaels says. “For those brides looking for a unique Valentine´s wedding destination, it even has an ice chapel.”

www.kakslauttanen.fi

The literal translation in Italian of Ti Amo means “I love you”, so why not get amorous at Tiamo Resort on South Andros Island in the Bahamas. Only eleven bungalows set on the most pristine beach on the island, brings lovers a truly exotic island experience. “If you are into crystalline warm waters, fresh local seafood, moon lit beach walks, Tiamo is it,” says Michaels, “I also love that the resort offers biologist guided island tours.”

www.tiamoresorts.com

Step back into time in Namibia. The ultimate African sojourn takes place in luxury tented safari camps, Wolwedans in NamibRand, one of Southern Africa´s largest private nature reserves. Celebs Brad, Angelina and Charlize Theron are fans, taking downtime to relish the quiet beauty. “This is glamping at its finest,” mentions Michaels, “gastronomy, luxe-everything, parlays into a truly romantic adventure.” Don´t miss the mysterious bare circles in the sand, called fairy circles. Adopt a fairy circle in honor of your sweetheart, and funds raised go directly to the NamibRand Conservation Foundation. For a donation of $50.00 US, a numbered disk will be placed in your specially chosen circle of love.

www.wolwedans-namibia.com

If you are looking for a truly out of this world experience, head to Adrère Amellal in the Siwa Oasis of Egypt. This is where time has stood still for centuries, where it is so exotic to all human senses that lovers can´t help but be swept away by the spirituality and beauty of this remote and relatively untouched corner of Egypt’s Western Desert. “Adrère Amellal is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places to share with a loved one,” Michaels says. “If I were someone wanting to propose, this is where I would do it. You will get a YES for sure.” Surprise your sweetie with a trip to their gift shop to grab locally handcrafted jewelry by local artisans.

www.adrereamellal.net

A romantic renaissance is sure to take place at Tenuta di Spannocchia in Siena, Italy. The1100-acre organic agricultural estate in central Tuscany, offers sumptuous vegetable gardens, a working organic farm, endless vineyards, miles of forests with hiking trails, plus warm Italian hospitality all rolled into one magical place of romance. “My favorite activity is the organic cooking classes,” Michaels says. “It´s so romantic choosing ingredients from their garden, cooking side by side; there is something bonding about creating a beautiful meal together.” Choose an intimate villa or stay at the main house turned B&B. Either option oozes romance.

www.spannocchia.com

Iceland is the land of “fire and ice.” and a quick romantic getaway just 5 hours off the east coast. “I absolutely fell in love with Iceland,” says Michaels, “from the people, the gourmet food, to countless activities, like glacier trekking and horseback riding, and a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights— this is truly the place for lovebirds to get adventurous.” Hotel Ranga is a new luxe-eco lodge surrounded by views of the famous Mt. Hekla Volcano, glaciers and the Westman Islands. Its seven suites, each with a unique themed decor, their natural geothermal hot tubs to canoodle in, and delicious and healthful organic meal make for a special Valentine memory.

www.hotelranga.is

Rounding out Michaels´ top 10 is Lodge at Tarraleah, a small luxe hotel in Tasmania. Love stories unfold in an original 1930s Art Deco building. GUEST Rooms feature silk filled doonas and mohair throws adding a colorful touch to bespoke king-size beds. Fireplaces, heated floors, and indulgent bathrooms add to the sensual surroundings. A luxury choice with accolades from Vogue- “best cool hotel”, Conde Nast´s “hot list for scene-stealing hotels” and Tattler Magazine´s “best hotels in the World”. “This hot spot has amazing cliff-top hot tubs with views to die for, plus you can have breakfast with a platypus, or track a wombat for the most unusual experience,” says Michaels, “anything your heart desires, just ask the butler.”

www.tarraleahlodge.com

*Michaels is a branded celebrity known as Adventure Girl. She has appeared on morning shows across the nation, is author of Adventure Girl´s Guide to Finding Adventure…without breaking a nail! She is a lifestyle, travel and green writer for the Huffington Post and Tonic News Network.