by Adele Woodyard
Men (and women, to be politically correct) how do you plan to pluck the hearstrings of your love interest this Valentine’s Day? If the flowers, candy and mushy card routine are losing flavor, how about trying one of these out-of-the-box ideas to add a touch of spice to your romance?
A little history here: In the days of the Pharaohs, slaves regularly anointed their noble masters with fragrant oils. Today we pay for the privilege in the name of spas. Anyone who’s had a massage knows how a sensual touch can stir the blood as it relaxes the muscles. What better time than Valentine’s Day to turn it into a romantic experience for two? Here are a few Florida spas that have done just that:
The Eau Spa by Cornelia, at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach even offers a private Garden Spa Villa. From Feb 1-20 only, a couple can enjoy a full body gloss massage, plus a literally head- to- toe treatment. No partner or friend to share it with? Then spoil yourself with such body cocktails as Sweet Orange and Wildflower Honey Beauty Glow or Organic Sugar and Champagne Sultry Glow. 561-540-4860. http://www.eauspa.com
At the Little Day Spa in Sarasota, a candlelit room is available for a couple’s Swedish side-by-side massage. A complementary side treat: champagne or other beverage.
941-363-9455. http://www.thelittledayspa.com
Margie’s Massage, Hollywood adds refreshments, appetizers, roses and chocolates to her Couples massage. Offered only Saturday, February 12, or Monday, February 14. 954-562-6197. http://www.margiesmassage.com
Innisbrook, the Salamander Golf and Spa Resort, Palm Harbor features a “Let’s Get Away” package for couples that includes, among other items, a 50-minute massage, welcome basket for two, and a $50 dining certificate on the Valentine Day’s menu. There’s also tennis and four championship golf courses for those staying longer than one night. 800-492-6889; http://www.innisbrookgolfresort.com
Curious about love in the animal kingdom? Take a Wild at Heart tour.
Enough people (ages 21 & up) are, for Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa to offer their sixth annual tour and progressive dinner, Friday, Feb 11, 5 and 7 p.m. and 5 and 6 p.m. on Sat. Feb 12. Interesting stories on animal pairings accompany romantic stops for refreshments, salads, candlelight dinner and dessert, on a tour of animal habitats. $50 per person. Reservations required 813-935-8552.
Have kids? The Zoo School at the Park offers a “Parent’s Night Out” those same nights from 4:30-10 p.m for ages 3-12. The professional child-care service charges $30 for the first child and $10 for each additional sibling The Zoo School supplies entertainment, pizzas and drinks while parents enjoy the Wild at Heart tours, or go elsewhere. Pre-registration required. 813-935-8552, ext. 268. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens presents “Sex and the ZOO” on Feb. 12. This adult-oriented show, includes reserved seating, appetizers, romantic dinner and two drink tickets. $150 per couple 21 and older. During the show, guests will learn about some of the fascinating and very unique ways animals manage to reproduce and keep their species going. Guests will also enjoy a fashion show by Fairvilla Megastore and gift bags to take home. 407-323-4450, ext. 100. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org
For February “freebies” click http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/bargains
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