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14 of the Most Over-the-Top Dates That You Can Arrange This Valentine’s Day

Here are a few things you should consider splurging on this Valentine’s Day.

COVID-19 Disclaimer: Make sure to check the status of the states, countries, and establishments in which you’re planning to visit prior to travel. Many regions continue to see high infection rates and deaths, while many states and counties remain under varying stay-at-home orders. Those traveling from areas with high rates of COVID-19 should consider avoiding travel for now in order to reduce spread.

Love is in the air—sometimes quite literally—with these luxurious and romantic dates offered across the United States just in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. From gourmet helicopter food and wine sightseeing tours to private safari encounters with real-life zebras to an intimate dinner on the sands of a private island in the Florida Keys—here are 14 of the most luxurious, over-the-top, and spectacular dates to plan for an intimate and unforgettable adventure.

1 OF 14

Private Hot Air Balloon Ride With a Champagne Toast

WHERE: The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana

The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana, is offering couples the chance to embark on a romantic and private hot air balloon ride, featuring both cozy blankets and a champagne toast to keep warm and impressive sights of Glacier National Park’s majestic snowy mountains. Couples can embark on this romantic journey year-round at any time of day, with the option to reserve a ride that can last up to four hours. It’s been said that the property’s talented resident hot air balloonist can steer his adventurers so close to the local ponderosa pine trees that they can almost pick a pinecone off for themselves as a souvenir.

2 OF 14

Private Stargazing With Primland Resort

WHERE: Primland Observatory, Virginia

The luxe Primland Resort feels like a private treehouse escape surrounded by the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains and features its own on-site observatory. Couples can even fly into Primland and touch down on the property’s private helicopter pad before embarking on an exclusive on-site stargazing experience. There are two “Come Starwalk at Primland” shows nightly midweek—one at 8:30 p.m. and one at 9:30 p.m.—as well as three shows nightly on weekends—7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.—which offer an unforgettable evening of romance.

3 OF 14

A Trip to the Fondue Village

WHERE: Ocean House, Rhode Island

Through May 2, South County, Rhode Island’s coziest and most unique dining experience will be taking place over at Ocean House. The Fondue Village features a collection of several restored ski gondolas outfitted with the decor of warm woods, fine alpine textiles, quaint chandeliers, and imported fine Swiss and Austrian glassware and china. These socially distanced settings are an ideal destination for an intimate romantic lunch or dinner date. Guests will enjoy fine Alpine delicacies served alongside vintage selections of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

4 OF 14

Cinema Under the Stars

WHERE: Weekapaug Inn in Weekapaug, Rhode Island

The outdoor cinema experience at Weekapaug Inn is set outdoors (even though it’s winter) and directly under the stars and includes an ample selection of heated blankets alongside a nightly rotating screening of classic films. On weekend nights after dark, couples can retreat to the outdoor terrace and lawn area to catch a cult classic, such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, or indulge in a romantic feature like The Princess Bride. Ticket prices include a three-course, gourmet “TV Dinner” bento box meal, as well as candy and popcorn. There are even warm, boozy cocktails for purchase (if the movie date doesn’t already feel heated enough…).

5 OF 14

Northern California Wine "Flight" Tour

WHERE: California

Specialized Helicopters is hosting a selection of intimate wine “flights” across California that will take guests on a personalized trip to the finest wineries in Northern California. Those who embark on the Monterey tour will experience scenic views of Monterey Bay, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountain range while traveling to Central California’s premier cool-climate wine-growing district. Those who embark on the Napa leg of the tour can expect beautiful views of the Napa Valley wine-growing region before enjoying a two-hour tasting session at Ram’s Gate in Sonoma. This winery is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is perched upon a rolling hillside offering panoramic views of its breathtaking surroundings.

6 OF 14

Private Island "Five Course Dinner on the Sandbar" at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

WHERE: Little Torch Key, Florida

This is a no-passport-required, private island resort in the U.S. has launched an exclusive dining opportunity for guests called “Dinner on the Sandbar.” This private dining experience is available based on the natural ebb and flow of the sea and the tides. Couples can indulge in a five-course tasting menu while atop one of the island’s most stunning sandbars which offers 360-degree views of the sea and is the ultimate in romantic escapism. “Dinner on the Sandbar” includes a beautifully-decorated table set straight in the ocean with a five-course gourmet meal, featuring menu selections such as caviar and other fine, tasty delicacies.

7 OF 14

Savory Bites & Neon Lights Heli Flight Tour

WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada

This extravagant dining experience offers a curated combination of gourmet culinary tastings with a heli-tour of the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. The extraordinary evening begins as couples are escorted past the lines and directly to a VIP table at one of four world-renowned restaurants, which rotate regularly depending on the month and evening. In February, couples can expect to experience a combination of Javier’s Catch, Blue Ribbon, Scarpetta, Mastro’s, Bardot, and STK. There are three-to-four signature dishes at each establishment to indulge in, as an expert Las Vegas guide offers insider tips about this entertainment capital of the world. Next, a luxurious, custom limo coach will ferry the couple to Maverick Helicopters, where they’ll enjoy a romantic champagne toast before boarding an ECO-Star helicopter for a 12-to-15-minute flight that soars above the sights of Las Vegas.

8 OF 14

Private Romantic Safari

WHERE: Sonoma County, California

The “Ultimate Private Safari” experience at Safari West is a romantic adventure set against the rugged natural backdrop of the Sonoma Serengeti. Couples will explore the scenery and check out the diverse collection of animals on-site, including giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Here, there are over 400 acres of wilderness land home to over 900 animals from over 90 unique species. The tour will be led from the privacy and safety of an individual safari vehicle by an expert guide who will drive guests around the property. This private, up-close encounter with these regal animals will not disappoint.

9 OF 14

Private Island Snorkel Session and Champagne Toast

WHERE: Key West, Florida

Located on the only natural private beach in Key West, the newly renovated Reach Resort Key West – Curio Collection by Hilton has launched a new and romantic private island boat charter and champagne tasting experience. Couples can board the resort’s 26-foot Bennington TriToon, “Barefoot One,” and head to Snipes Key, a collection of islands known for crystal clear waters and sea animal encounters. The experience includes a sandbar champagne toast on a floating lilypad with scenic snorkeling, as well as a fully-catered meal on an intimately secluded beach.

10 OF 14

Pick Your Own Hawaiian Island Picnic Spot

WHERE: Hawaii

This fully-customizable Heli VIP experience offered by Mauna Kea Beach Hotel works in partnership with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters to make for an unparalleled way to spend an unforgettable date. This tour is even offered via an on-site helicopter pad accessible from the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort itself so that couples don’t have to drive anywhere. The VIP heli-picnic package is completely tailored to the guests’ preferences for sightseeing and is undoubtedly an incredibly romantic experience. After flying high above the island’s legendary volcanoes, lava flows, waterfalls, and breathtaking lush landscapes, couples can scope out their own intimate spot for an outdoor picnic lunch, an ultimate date experience.

11 OF 14

The Most Romantic Flight to Anywhere (or Even To Nowhere!)

The “Just the Two of Us” luxury date private jet experience by Air Charter Service includes an exclusive flight on a private jet for two with a choice of a unique flight route that can be personalized to each couple. The flight itself can also include any kind of personalization the couple desires. The date begins when the chauffeur takes the couple to almost any airport of their choice across the U.S. (and beyond) on their own schedule for the flight of their dreams. This experience also includes beautiful and romantic touches on the flight catered to each individual couple, such as hand-crafted flower arrangements and pre-picked music playlists, all of which are chosen and tailored to that specific couple’s needs.

12 OF 14

“Cowboy Cookout for Two” at the JL Bar, Ranch & Spa

WHERE: Sonora, Texas

Set against 13,000 majestic acres of open space deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the expansive land of The JL Bar, Ranch Resort & Spa is the pinnacle of rustic luxury for an exclusive and intimate escape. The property’s signature “Cowboy Cookout for Two,” offers couples a romantic, private, and down-to-earth Cowboy Cookout dinner date. The date begins with an easy horseback ride to the cookout camp followed by a round of craft cocktails and snacks while romantic country music sets a dreamy mood. An expert culinary team will prepare a lavish steak dinner set against the stunning colors of a Texas country sunset for an unforgettable experience.

13 OF 14

The Vine to Wine Snowshoe Tour

WHERE: Traverse City, Michigan

Lovers can explore Michigan’s winter wonderland paired with a wine tasting by taking an expert-guided snowshoe tour through Michigan’s wine country near Traverse City, with dates available through March. The private vineyard trail connects Suttons Bay Ciders, Ciccone Vineyards, and Big Little Wines, so there are plenty of options to warm up outdoors via wine tastings along this route while overlooking the hillside vineyard and the Grand Traverse Bay. The tour includes a catered warm lunch, snowshoes, and a local guide, making the tour perfect for both first-timers and seasoned snowshoeing experts.

14 OF 14

Embark on Your Own Private Train Ride to Grand Canyon National Park and Spend the Night in a Vintage Railway Car

Adventurers can combine the luxury of renting out their own private train car, with the romantic history and scenic views of the old West on a journey to Grand Canyon National Park with Rail Baron Charters. There’s even the option to spend a night on-board the train while it is parked next to the historic depot in Williams, Arizona, with expansive views of the night sky and the peacefulness of the open desert. This experience includes an around-the-clock onboard Passenger Service Attendant, on-site security, and all the amenities of the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in addition to travel.