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CALENDAR
PICK OF THE DAY
feb
3

James Bond Romance at the London WeHo

One of the latest Valentine's deals to come across our desk is from The London West Hollywood, which is offering a Hollywood-style romance package starting from $499/night.

This James Bond-style lover's getaway includes:
  • Sparkling wine and Gordon Ramsay specialty chocolates on arrival
  • Two one-hour spa treatments at LA’s luxurious Carasoin Spa
  • Complimentary breakfast at the Boxwood Cafe Breakfast Table
  • Luxurious accommodations in a London Suite
You'll also enjoy complimentary overnight parking and 2 p.m. late checkout. For more information call (866) 282-4560 or visit www.TheLondonWestHollywood.com.

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feb
1

Dinner and a movie — with your dog

The Backyard at W Los Angeles Hotel in Westwood is celebrating California's love affair with their pets during a special Valentine's Day celebration on Feb. 14. Guests and locals are invited to enjoy dinner and a movie ("Best in Show" — but of course!) with popcorn, a glass of wine and pet treat. An assortment of delicious "Backyard Doggie Dishes" are available from the Fido's Kitchen Menu, including Chaplin and Costello's "Roaring Burger" (made with Ground Lean Lamb, Fresh Mint and Brown Rice); Stella's Mutt"za" Balls (made with Organic Chicken, Free Range Eggs and Brown Rice) or Pepper's Seafood Goulash (made with Ground Salmon, Oats, Spinach and Kale). Pet entrees run $8-$12. The movie begins at 7 p.m. in The Backyard at W Los Angeles – Westwood at 930 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles CA. Call 310-443-8218 for reservations.
— Veronica Hill • CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

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jan
30

Big Bear Valentine's Packages

Big Bear Lake hotels and inns are offering some sweet deals for Valentine's Day, complete with all of the romantic accoutrements.

Windy Point Inn, a lakefront B&B, is offering $100 off a two-night stay in a lakefront suite. Your getaway includes a whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace and
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Evergreen International is known for romantic dining in Big Bear.
a full breakfast. Rates good from Feb. 10-15 by calling 909-866-2746.

Castlewood Cottages, a fairy tale escape in the woods, is offering a unique stay in one of their 11 couples-only cottages. Each room has a unique theme, with costume to match. Take your pick from the historic and ancient worlds at Robin Hood & Maid Marion's, King Arthur's cottage, or Antony & Cleopatra's suite.  The Enchanted Forest, Crystal Cave and Woodland Treehouse are hot picks, as are the romantic rooms of Kate's Garden and the "Gone With the Wind" cottage.  Book between Feb. 11-14 and receive 20 percent off the regular rates. Call 909-866-2720.

Blue Horizon Lodge is offering 20 percent discounts on two-night stays between Feb. 10-15. Mention the Valentine's Day special. Call 909-366-0089. 

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jan
29

South Coast Winery Resort Romance Package

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, located in Southern California's Temecula Wine Country, is offering a Love Above All Package valid through Feb. 29, 2012. The package includes a weekend stay in a deluxe luxury villa decorated with rose petals, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the lush vineyards of Temecula Valley, chocolate covered strawberries, a mimosa breakfast for two, a bottle of South Coast Wine plus six tasting tickets to the South Coast Winery Tasting Room. Rates start at $549, plus tax. For details, call 866-994-6379 or visit www.wineresort.com
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jan
27

Carmel Valentine's Packages

Carmel-by-the-Sea is gearing up for its AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Feb. 6-12, but it's also a popular romantic getaway for lovers. To help plan your escape, several Carmel hotels and Inns are offering special romance packages. Following are just a few to choose from:

A Carmel Kiss is Twice as Sweet: Horizon Inn and Ocean View Lodge is offering a deluxe room, logo champagne glasses, bottle of premium champagne, box of handmade chocolates and a heart-shaped sachet with romantic room decorations starting at $189. Good Sundays-Thursdays through April 5, 2012.

Valentine's Romance Package: L'Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateau is offering one night in a queen guest room, chilled split of Champagne, couple's 60-minute in-room massage, Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac Dinner for Two with Wine Pairings at Aubergine Aubergine, and a Signature Breakfast for Two. You can add Chocolate Dipped Strawberries ($24) or Fresh Flowers ($100) to the stay. Package starts at $1,099. Good through Feb. 14, 2012.

Beach Fire Romance Package: The Forest Lodge's romance package includes use of chairs, wood, ice chest, blanket, cutting board & knife, flash light, and bottle of wine. Valid through August 18, 2012.

Romance Package: This Lamp Lighter Inn deal includes two nights accommodations, and a gift of champagne and chocolate, good through Aug. 18, 2012.

Champagne and Spa Package: This romance package, starting at $275 nightly (minimum two nights) is offered through The Vagabond's House Boutique Inn and Spa Studio. It includes Champagne breakfast in bed, Champagne upon arrival, side-by-side one-hour massage, cocktails at Terry's, two jars of homemade jam. Valid through April 18, 2012.

Ultimate Carmel Romance Getaway:  This $1,395 package from Tradewinds Carmel includes two nights in a deluxe king with a view, welcome floral bouquet in room, chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, complimentary gourmet in-room snacks, 90-minute couples Tradewinds Signature in-room massages, romantic dinner for two at one of four premiere Carmel restaurants ($75 value exclusive of beverages and gratuity), two Monterey Bay Aquarium (2-day) tickets, two luxurious kimono robes to take home, one box of gourmet chocolates at turn down, and daily breakfast delivered in room. Valid through April 24, 2012.

For more deals and to print these coupons, go to their website.

— Veronica Hill, CaliforniaTravelExpert.com • Photo: carmelcalifornia.com

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Carmel is offering several romantic escapes for Valentine's Day. Photo courtesy of CarmelCalifornia.com

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jan
26

Mendocino Romance Packages

Mendocino, a stunning coastal getaway in Northern California, is a romantic mix of oceanfront resorts, seafood restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Not surprisingly, it makes a terrific Valentine's weekend retreat.

Following are a few of the Valentine's travel deals and packages available in Mendocino next month.

Secret Valentine Package: Enjoy a 30% discount on lodging and 10% discount on dinner at the Little River Inn on Tuesday, February 14. The lodging discount applies to any ocean view room and their full menu will be served that evening, plus several very lovely Valentine specials. Little River, 888.INN.LOVE, littleriverinn.com

Paradise Found Romance Package: Join Ravens’ Restaurant at the Stanford Inn for a romance-themed menu of Red Pepper Soup, Grilled Endive and Pear Salad, Roasted Portobello Flatbread, Black Pepper Fettuccini and Bananas Foster. During the week of Valentine’s Day, guests who stay one or more nights will receive $25 off any massage treatment. Mendocino, 800.331.8884, stanfordinn.com

In Love with Redwood Valley: Join the winemakers of Redwood Valley on Saturday, February 11 for tastings of exquisite dark and milk chocolate, truffles, dipped strawberries and more! Each treat will be paired with dark, rich ports, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, muscat canelli and world-class liqueurs and brandies. 11 am to 5 pm, $25 admission includes an embossed wine glass as well as entry to all listed wineries and distillery. Designated drivers admitted free. Redwood Valley, 707.485.0322, atasteofredwoodvalley.com

Romance on Horseback: Visit Ricochet Ridge Ranch and receive 10% off all private trail rides for two during the month of February. Private beach trail rides last in 1.5 or 3 hour sessions. Private redwood forest or both beach and forest trail rides last 4 hours. All day beach, cattle ranch and redwood forest rides are also available. Fort Bragg, 888.873.5777, horse-vacation.com

International Alsace Varietals Festival: This two-day event, held Feb. 18-19 in Anderson Valley, celebrates the Alsace white grape varietal with winery tastings and open houses, a winemaker dinner, technical conference, Grand Tasting event with winemakers from around the world, cooking demonstration from Food Network star Beau MacMillan and renowned local chef Francois de Melogue. Most events take place at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville unless otherwise noted, prices vary with each event. www.avwines.com

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The Little River Inn is offering a “Secret Valentine” package on Feb. 14, 2012.


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jan
25

DineLA Restaurant Week Discounts

Foursquare is offering a dineLA Restaurant Week special for American Express card members. To redeem the deal, check in at any of the participating Restaurant Week spots and tap "Load to Card." If you spend at least $21, you'll get a $5 credit on your American Express bill.

This deal can be used for lunch and dinner daily through Feb. 3 (except Jan. 28). Total value is up to $120 over the course of Restaurant Week. For information on participating Los Angeles Restaurant Week eateries, go to their website.

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Katsuya is among the high-end restaurants participating in dineLA Restaurant Week.


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jan
20

Golden Door - Dance Week

Karina Smirnoff, champion of the hit television show “Dancing with the Stars,” is bringing her talents to Escondido's famous Golden Door Spa on Feb. 5-12.

During this special Dance Week, Karina will teach a series of exclusive dance classes, talk about her inspirational journey, and lead a special evening presentation.

"We're going to dance, get in shape and have a ton of fun!” says Karina, who is known for her exclusive DanceFIT program. "It's a perfect fit for the start of 2012." This special week-long program will include dance classes, massages, beauty treatments, organic garden-to-plate cuisine, and more.

For information, call (800) 424-0777 or visit them online.

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Karina Smirnoff of “Dancing with the Stars,” is leading a "Dance Week" at the famous Golden Door Spa on Feb. 5-12.


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jan
19

Terranea Valentine's Deals

Terranea Resort is offering a month-long celebration of romantic packages at its 102-acre oceanfront resort. What's best? We have promo codes for you!

Following are a few of the Terranea Valentine's travel deals, starting at $470 per night. All packages are valid February 1-28, 2012 include the daily resort fee. Call 1-866-802-8000 for details.
  • KISS: The KISS (Keep it Simple Sweetheart) Package includes plush accommodations, breakfast for two daily, dinner for two in Catalina Kitchen, Nelson's or mar'sel. Rates start at $470 per night. Promotional code: KISSPKG
  • DATE NIGHT: Enjoy a two- to four-bedroom Casita or Villa accommodation with living areas, kitchens and dining rooms. Parents get a romantic dinner for two in mar'sel, Nelson's or Catalina Kitchen, while two kids can enjoy the Tide Pool Kids Club for the evening. Rates start at $955 per night. Promotional code: DATENIGHT
  • HIS & HERS: Enjoy two nights of luxury accommodations with two rounds of golf at The Links 9-hole par 3 golf course and a $350 credit at the award-winning Spa at Terranea.  Rates start at $665 per night (two-night minimum). Promotional code: HISHERS
  • TUESDAY DATE NIGHT: Enjoy dinner at one of Terranea's restaurants while the kids enjoy fun of their own at the Tide Pool Kids Club. Captain Gray and Suzy Blue invite kids ages 2 - 12 on a date night full of scavenger hunts, s 'mores and movie magic. Program is offered every Tuesday night in the month of February (even Valentine's Day). Tuesday Night Kids Club is complimentary. Advance reservations are required.
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jan
17

Orlando Girlfriends Getaway


The Orlando Hotel in Los Angeles is offering a Girlfriends’ PJ Party for up to four friends between Feb. 1-28, 2012.

This Valentine’s Getaway offers all the elements of a grown-up slumber party, including in-suite manicures & pedicures in your 2-bedroom suite, hand-crafted cocktails at The Churchill, and an evening of crafts at Hands on Third. Additionally, guests receive 15 percent off sleepwear from Bed Head, named “Best Overall” by The Wall Street Journal.

The Orlando’s Girlfriend’s PJ Party Valentine’s Getaway for four is $1,450 – which breaks down to $362.50 per person.  The Orlando’s Couple’s Package includes a three course prix fixe dinner at Churchills, a special amenity and breakfast in bed.

Book the packages at www.theorlando.com

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