This Valentine's Day, give her what she really wants.
For the past decade, I've been conducting surveys to determine what women really want for Valentine's Day, and over that 10-year period, one trend stands true. Through thick and thin, in good times and bad, romantic getaways are a girl's best friend, not diamonds. In fact, facials, massages and spa gift certificates sparkle more than diamonds. Gym memberships, yoga classes and other exercise certificates are gold, too! Meanwhile, no one wants the guy to show up at the door with just flowers and chocolate -- although that can be a part of a special evening...
Best Valentine's Day Gift (for women)
Weekend getaway vacation: 56%
Spa gift certificate & massage oil products: 10%
Jewelry (diamonds, precious jewels): 6%
Gold: 6%
Yoga, gym, exercise certificate: 6%
Kindle, Kindle Fire, etc.: 3%
iPad, iPhone, etc.: 3%
Cash: 3%
Tix to a concert, sporting event, etc.: 3%
Chocolate & Flowers: 0% (!)
So, guys, this Valentine's Day, give her what she really wants! Check out the slide show for excellent ideas. You will find tips on how to have a royal experience on a commoner's budget in New York City, Tucson, Italy, France and Amsterdam, by clicking on the name.
And ladies, if this is your year between loves, consider treating yourself and a girlfriend to a day of pampering at Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City (or any other premium spa). My friend and I started with champagne and then detoxed and de-stressed in the VIP treatment room. It was so much fun we wondered why we had never considered it before!
Have a great Day of Love!
Great Getaways: The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift
Da Apotheek Wine Salon, Amsterdam(01 of07)
Open Image ModalTry a three-hour food and wine orgy at De Apotheek wine salon, located at the Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This is a historic treasure, preserved in its original state as a 17th-century apothecary.
The John & Yoko Suite, Amsterdam Hilton, The Netherlands(02 of07)
Open Image ModalStay in the John and Yoko Suite at the Amsterdam Hilton, where John Lennon & Yoko Ono had their honeymoon, Peace Bed-In. The Amsterdam Hilton has preserved the room with the help of Yoko Ono and has added some additional touches, like Lennon lithos, a guitar and lyrics from "The Ballad of John and Yoko" on the ceiling.
The Iconic Pierre Hotel, NYC(03 of07)
Open Image ModalThe Pierre has the best location in New York City, just steps from Central Park, Tiffany's, FAO Schwartz and Bloomingdale's, but what you'll really be stepping into is the American Dream. Here, you'll feel -- just like the immigrant founder Charles Pierre Casalasco before you -- that you have finally arrived.
The Setai Fifth Avenue, New York City(04 of07)
Open Image ModalNew York's newest five-star hotel is outstanding in every way, if you're into all things modern and have impeccably high standards.
Le Parker Meridien, NYC(05 of07)
Open Image ModalUptown, not uptight, is the Parker Meridien motto, which means your experience is designed to be 4-star... and relaxed. Charlie Chaplin plays in the elevator. Delight in the best breakfast on the planet at Norma's. Work out at NYC's most-equipped hotel gym (two full floors!). And go grunge in the very popular Burger Joint.
Adour Alain Ducasse at the St. Regis Hotel, NYC(06 of07)
Open Image ModalIf you wish to have an aphrodisiac experience for Valentine's Day dinner, then make a reservation for Adour. Alain Ducasse is simply the "most awarded chef in the world," and one night with his creations will leave you needing a cold shower. (On Valentine's night, hopefully you'll have better things to do...)
Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf=Astoria, NYC(07 of07)
Open Image ModalWhether you are enjoying Girl's Night Out or Couple's Night Together, the Guerlain staff, signature product line and Waldorf setting will be the perfect sensory ocean to calm your spirits. Trust that the perfumery that catered to Empress Eugenie (Napoleon III's wife) has learned a thing or two about scents, nurturing, oils and body care over the last two centuries!
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