Five Fantastic Valentine’s Day Beach Escapes

Warm ocean breezes, pampering spas, shaman rituals, horseback riding, gourmet meals, complimentary breakfasts, Champagne, and more–here are some Valentine’s Day options for those looking for a beach getaway.

Condado Ocean Club | San Juan, PR 

Located in San Juan’s chic Condado Beach District, Condado Ocean Club is the ultimate couples escape and the only adults-only boutique hotel located on the oceanfront in San Juan. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, couples can book the Bubbles & Cuddles Package including a welcome bottle of bubbles, chocolates, and a complimentary breakfast in bed for stays over two nights (available through February; code: LOVE).

The hotel offers modern accommodations with ocean views; an iconic infinity pool with cabanas; a signature indoor-outdoor restaurant, SOCIAL, serving elevated cuisine with a local twist overlooking the water; and playful beachside dining at SANDBOX.

Extensive minibars within each room also include adult amenities including bath bombs, candles, a Romance Kit with adult toys, Belvedere Vodka, Lauren Perrier Champagne, and more. Further experiences booked with the concierge include poolside cabanas, island adventures such as private helicopter tours, private chartered snorkel trips, ziplining, and culinary tastings in Old San Juan. 

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection | Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Hacienda AltaGracia’s natural environment is conducive to intimacy for all types of couples looking for immersion in Costa Rican culture. From relaxing treatments at THE WELL utilizing local ingredients to adrenaline-filled experiences that inspire bonding, there is an itinerary to spark romance for all this Valentine’s Day.

At THE WELL, couples can enjoy signature AltaGracia treatments from Maderoterapia, a massage technique using wood tools, to Hierbas y Flores, a nature-inspired treatment using native herbs + flowers, and a romantic herbal River Bath in the waters of the Talamanca mountains.

For adrenaline seeking couples, adventure abounds, from climbing to a high canopy tree net to view the adjacent cloud forest, an on-property coffee plantation tour exploring the region’s renowned bean, waterfall adventures and horseback riding. Additionally, 50 spacious hacienda-style casitas with expansive terraces – and many with private plunge pools – encourage seclusion and exploration.

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection | Los Cabos, MX

Travelers to Los Cabos can embark on an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, where the festivities promise to be nothing short of extraordinary. Only a 30-minute drive from San Jose Del Cabo International Airport, Chileno offers inventive Latin cuisine at the signature open-air restaurant COMAL, a holistic wellness destination at THE WELL at Chileno Bay and a variety of immersive adventure activities rooted in Baja California.

This year, the Aventura y Amo package at Chileno Bay is ideal for adventurous couples looking to connect. The offer includes a variety of sea-to-shore experiences designed to surprise and delight, including a sunrise adventure at H20, Chileno Bay’s watersports destination, to a half-day yachting excursion allowing guests to paddleboard and snorkel the Sea of Cortez. At night, head to a private agave journey exploring the country’s renowned spirit before venturing to Proa, a secluded, private oceanfront dining space. Four nights of accommodations, daily breakfast and transportation are included. 

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection | Los Cabos, Mexico

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is Los Cabos’ most iconic luxury resort located within the private Punta Ballena community. The resort features six restaurants, including the signature oceanfront Cocina del Mar restaurant; the new Spa at Esperanza (opened December 2023); four breathtaking pools, tennis courts; access to world-class golf courses and an Auberge Adventures menu of only-in-Cabo land and sea experiences.

This Valentine’s Day, Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection has launched a Romantic Rendezvous in Baja package, designed to create a journey of elemental discovery along the Los Cabos coastline for couples. The offer boasts a variety of romance- and experience-driven opportunities, from a full-day pool cabana with a dedicated poolside concierge and bottle of champagne to a couples massage at the revitalized spa, which is inspired by the Medicine wheel, utilized by many indigenous tribes in Mexico.

Lovers can lock eyes over a private, romantic oceanfront dinner at seafood-forward Cocina del Mar before retiring to a luxurious spa casita. The sensory-inducing itinerary is topped off with a Catamaran Sunset Sail for two. 

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection | Riviera Maya, Mexico 

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, is located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, within the luxury Kanai development, just 30-40 minutes by car south of Cancun International Airport. Poised above the mangroves that have thrived on this shoreline since time immemorial, almost every area of the resort offers all-encompassing ocean views.

Perfect for a Valentine’s getaway, celebrate love with an intimate journey through Etereo’s centers of wellness, gastronomy, and spirituality. Book the A Caribbean Romance experience to indulge in the very best of Etereo’s signature offerings, tailor made for couples seeking to honor their romance. Embrace love with a couple’s massage at SANA through a signature pre-treatment ritual together, followed by pure relaxation. As couples step into their sanctuary, they will discover a special in-room amenity crafted to honor their unique love story and authentic to the local culture.

Enjoy an intimate “Enamorados” private dinner, set in an intimate ambiance to spark deeper connections, and indulge in decadent yet vibrant culinary surprises in the form of a four course menu. Harness the energy emanating from Riviera Maya during a decadent dinner by the pool cabanas or on the pier, as Etereo’s culinary team leaves couples to bask in romance during this customized epicurean experience. Choose from a series of ethereal art and culinary experiences designed to create everlasting memories and a profound sense of unity.

‘Tis the Season for Sailing: Especially for non-sailors, give the gift of a sailing vacation

Windward, leeward, jib, and jibe. This may all sound like gibberish to non-sailors, but that doesn’t mean a sailing vacation is off the table. Dream Yacht Worldwide (DYW), a leading sea-based vacation and global yacht charter company, is on a mission to make sailing trips accessible and as easy as possible for all. And what better way to jump right in to a sailing vacation than with a winter escape or sharing the gift of a sailing trip?

In addition to the opportunity of chartering a private boat with family and friends, sailing and yacht vacations allow travelers the opportunity to have several experiences in one trip, plus the ability to access smaller ports that larger cruise lines and planes cannot always enter.

Dream Yacht vacations also offer the opportunity for local, immersive experiences; off-shore excursions and new discoveries; watersports and group tours and activities; plus, plenty of days relaxing on the water. 

Travelers have the freedom to plan itineraries based on personal preferences and interests. The best part? You only have to unpack your bags once.

For the person who has it all, consider giving the gift of a Dream Yacht Worldwide sailing experience this holiday season. Here are some of the many DYW global sailing options for the traveler who already has it all.

Enjoy the start of 2024 in the Caribbean: Always a popular choice for a winter escape, Dream Yacht is offering several options in the beautiful Caribbean for a truly magical experience. The island-planned celebrations often feature beach parties, lively music, and spectacular fireworks displays that illuminate the night sky over the crystal-clear waters.

With the backdrop of palm-fringed beaches and the soothing sound of the ocean, celebrating New Year’s in the Caribbean is a unique and unforgettable way to welcome the year ahead. While Dream Yacht offers several warm-weather vacation options in the Caribbean, here are 3 of the company’s recommended cruising experiences to ring in the new year: British Virgin Islands ; U.S. Virgin Islands; and St. Martin.

Take advantage of an “Easy Crewed” option: For travelers who have always wanted to try a sailing vacation but lack sailing experience, or even the time to plan, Dream Yacht Worldwide’s Easy Crewed Charter is the ideal option and a great way to celebrate holidays with family and friends. Step on board a private yacht with up to ten family members or friends and experience a fantastic week of sailing from DYW’s bases in Greece, Croatia, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Tahiti, or the Seychelles. On board, travelers find comfortable private cabins with ensuite baths, plus spacious areas for dining and lounging.

Travelers have everything they need for the ready-made escape, including an experienced skipper and an optional host/ess with full or half board meals. Skippers whisk guests away to the best hidden coves, islands and seaside villages, while on land travelers can to hire a car or scooter to explore even more.

Chasing the Sun: Three Places to Go Where Summer Never Ends

For those who aren’t ready to give up warm weather, blue skies, and beaches, Dream Yacht Worldwide is sharing its top destination recommendations for an endless summer by sea – some of which may be less obvious and under-the-radar for American travelers. 

Here’s a round-up of three destinations great for exploring by sail boat this fall. Think: access to small ports and coast lines, opportunities to discover local culture, and a sense of freedom, accessibility, and adventure that no other vacation can provide to chase the summer sun.  

1.) Endless Summer in Seychelles –

The Seychelles offers one of the world’s finest sailing grounds, with picture-perfect tropical islands, sandy beaches and imposing granite rocks polished by the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean. Average temperatures in the Seychelles are warm all year-round at between 79ºF and 82ºF. The best time to visit for sailing the Seychelles is during the season transition in April/May and October/November when the water visibility is optimal at 98ft – perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Dream Yacht Worldwide began its first yacht charters in the Seychelles. And for good reason, as it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet, comprising 41 of the earth’s oldest granite islands and 74 low-lying reef islands which embody the phrase ‘tropical paradise’.

On a Seychelles yacht charter, travelers can snorkel among the treelike corals on Coco Island, or at stunning St. Pierre islet, where rugged granite rocks merge with lush tropical vegetation.

An unmissable highlight on any yacht charter in the Seychelles is a visit to the scented vanilla plantations at Union Estate on La Digue, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. While for nature lovers, there’s bird watching at Aride Island and the rare Aldabra tortoises at Curieuse, a protected island where you can observe these gentle giants.  

2.) Blue Skies in Belize –

Sail Belize and enjoy its calm waters, favorable trade winds and a network of 450 isolated cayes sitting in the tropical Caribbean Sea. The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the dry season. Warm temperatures, sunny skies and access to top attractions can be experienced at this time of year. 

Travelers definitely want to take time out to see the Mayan ruins and explore the world’s second longest unbroken barrier reef which, with its diverse underwater ecosystem, is a renowned snorkeling and scuba destination.    

Sailing in Belize can include a stop at the Blue Hole Natural Monument or a trip to Glover’s Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe – three atolls offering the chance to swim among 500 species of fish and 100 types of coral, as well as rays and dolphins. Sailing in these open waters during your Belize yacht charter will require a local skipper.

3.) Take it all in in Tahiti –

The South Pacific island of Tahiti and the neighboring islands of French Polynesia may be the closest you will ever come to paradise on earth. Part of the Society Islands, Tahiti is bursting with exciting marine life, emerald volcanic peaks and vivid exotic flowers, making it the perfect destination for a yacht charter.

The best time to visit Tahiti is between April/May and September/October.

Tahiti boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, all of which you can explore on your Tahiti yacht charter – from green-topped mountains and perfect white sand beaches to calm aquamarine seas and protected turquoise lagoons.

Dream Yacht travelers can begin their Tahiti sailing vacation on the island of Raiatea to explore its archaeological remains and impressive lagoon, then head to Motu To’opua under the familiar peaks of Bora Bora. It’s the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. 

Take a trip to Huahine while sailing Tahiti’s islands and visit the small village of Fare, where you will find a warm Polynesian welcome. Browse the boutiques and get a bite to eat in the small restaurants.