It’s time to start planning for Valentine’s Day, so travelers looking for extra romance will do well to consider some of the Latin America travel deals I’ve found this week: A sumptuous luxury hotel package in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and an easy, romantic Mexico beach vacation that’s just south of San Diego. There’s an “erotic menu” available at one Mexico beach hotel for Valentine’s Day travel enthusiasts, and a Costa Rica tour operator is offering discounts that are valid for bookings through the March. Read on for details.
Don’t forget: You can get some of the best rates on airlines, hotels, rental cars and cruises by using LatinFlyer’s own travel booking engine (it’s at the top right-hand side of this page if you’re using a computer or tablet, or at the bottom of each page if you’re on a cell phone), where it says “Save Big on Your Trip.” With one click, you can compare airfares and rates from more than 10 top travel sites, including Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity. No more wasting time when you travel!
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Deal: Magical Moments
What Makes It Cool: To help couples create their own personal love story this Valentine’s Day, this luxurious Mexico beach hotel is offering a Magical Moments package that includes a private, in-villa dinner, a bottle of premium Don Perignon Champagne, Sevruga caviar, an hour-long performance of live jazz music in the villa, and a romantic outdoor bath. Prices start at $2,600 for the Magical Moments experience, and accommodation rates at Banyan Tree Mayakoba start at $699 per night.
Valid for Travel: Throughout the month of February 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.banyantree.com
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Rosarito Beach Hotel
Baja California, Mexico
The Deal: My Sweet Valentine package
What Makes It Cool: Located just 30 miles south of San Diego, California, this Mexico beach hotel is offering a romance travel package that includes a one-night hotel stay in an ocean-front room, daily dinner for two, a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and marshmallows, one bottle of wine from Guadalupe wine valley, two 30-minute Swedish massages, and two children under age 12 can stay free in their parents’ room. The package is priced at $159 per night, based on double occupancy (add $20 per room on Saturdays and holidays).
Valid for Travel: February 1-February 28, 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/rosarito_rates_and_packages.php
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Elevate Destinations
Costa Rica
The Deal: Rainforest Adventure
What Makes It Cool: Tour operator Elevate Destinations, a company that supports local causes in the destinations where it operates, is offering savings of 37% off three-night stays at the upscale Pacuare Lodge, two hours east of San Jose, Costa Rica. Also included is a six-hour white-water rafting tour. Prices start at $675 per person, based on double occupancy, including meals, for the entire package.
Valid for Travel: Book by March 31, 2015.
Info & Reservations: www.elevatedestinations.com
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Hotel Cacao
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Deal: Erotic Menu for Valentine’s Day
What Makes It Cool: This stylish Mexico beach hotel, located in Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya, is featuring a so-called Erotic Menu for Valentine’s Day, created by Mexican chef and cookbook author Martha Ortiz together with Alejandro Cuatepotzo, a protege of the hotel’s executive chef. Served in Hotel Cacao’s Nibs restaurant, the Erotic Menu costs about $123 per person, including wine pairing. Unfortunately they didn’t provide details about what types of foods are considered “sexy” for this menu, but it may be worth checking out if you’re in town and looking for a romantic dinner venue.
Valid for Travel: Valentine’s Day weekend
Info & Reservations: www.hotelcacao.com.mx