TravelLeisure

Still looking for that perfect place to take your loved one this Valentine's Day? Consider these packages from The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is offering a delicious "Countdown to Valentine's" Calendar inspired by rich chocolate in creative variations, giving guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead stylish ways to celebrate romance in February.

From candy-making classes for couples, to chocolate Spa treatments to cocktails, desserts and more, chocolate lovers are on notice to mark their calendars for rich, delectable experiences. Here is a list of what you can take part in from now through Valentine's Day.

Wednesday February 8 – Pairing Chocolate with Port and Aperitifs
Sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon guides Club Level guests in an informal tasting of rich chocolates paired with her very special selections: Quinta do Noval, Tawny Port, "10 Yr Old", Douro, Portugaland Cocchi, Barolo Chinato, Piedmont, Italy. The Club Lounge from 8 to 9 pm.

Thursday February 9 – "Haute Fashion, Haute Chocolate"
Neiman Marcus presents informal modeling of the season's "haute-est" fashions during Chocolate Afternoon Tea. All fashions and accessories are red or pink—the colors of the moment! The Lobby Lounge, 2:30 to 4 pm, $34 Read more

Are you looking for a romantic hotel getaway? Check out these Valentine's Day travel deals and dining options in sunny Miami, Florida that are sure get lovebirds in the mood for AMOR.

Be My Valentine at Hotel Beaux Arts Miami

Hotel Beaux Arts will romance you with its amazing technology, service-minded staff and user-friendly gadgets such as the in-room iPad for ordering guest services. Located directly above the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, on the 39th floor of the same tower, the independent luxury hotel features 30 exclusive guest rooms, including 14 suites, and offers customized services such as an exclusive lounge, private check-in and a personal concierge.

Package Includes:

• Upon arrival enjoy a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champage & chocolate-covered strawberries
• Daily breakfast in bed from room service menu
• Receive a complimentary upgrade to a Bay View room and enjoy some of the best views in Miami

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Want to surprise your loved one with a romantic getaway this Valentine's Day? Check out the deals below where you'll find savings on the luxurious CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla to the more affordable nightly rates (with some romantic perks, of course!) offered at St. Kitts Marriott & Royal Beach Casino and Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort. For those who can't make it overseas, check out the (just added!) Sandpearl Resort "S'More Love" package available in Clearwater Beach, Florida!

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
The CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is offering a fantastic romance package, inspired by its appearance on last season's ABC's The Bachelor (which aired on Valentine's Day). The five night "Bachelor's Journey" package includes luxury accommodations, private torchlit beachfront dinners, multiple couples spa treatments, island adventures, and more:Read more

Travelers are bombarded with offers, deals and price fluctuations on a day-to-day basis, so to help them navigate the maze and save money, Consumer Reports' experts came up with some helpful tips to cut costs and lock in the best rates.

A Consumer Reports reporter found a roundtrip ticket from Philadelphia to Venice on Alitalia for $247 which seemed like a steal until discovering, just before booking, that taxes ballooned the price to $767. Hidden fees, fine print, and blackout dates can make locking in a low price as tricky as a soft landing in turbulence.

If you plan to travel throughout the New Year, here are five tips to help get the rock bottom rate before take-off. The full list of tips can be found at www.ConsumerReports.org or in the February issue of the magazine which hit newsstands January 3rd.

Check fares early. Most airline and travel sites make it convenient to set up alerts to track fares. Take advantage of the alerts and start searching for flights three and a half months prior to booking domestic flights and five and a half months before booking international flights. That's when the market begins to sort itself out and lower fares begin to appear. Read more

Do you need a winter getaway to escape the cold? Warm up in sunny Ocho Rios, Jamaica, go parasailing in Mazatlan, Mexico or simply relax on the beach in St. Thomas, Caribbean. And the best part? Orbitz is offering savings of up to 65% off these tropical hot spots!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica:

Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa All Inclusive
Located on the longest beach in Ocho Rios, this family-friendly Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa is an aquatic playground. Kids love the pool complex with its twisting slides and waterfalls. Or for those looking for a more relaxing experience, head to the spa or go to one of the swim-up bars. A night club, casino and Caribbean beach party highlight many of the entertainment options.

Orbitz deal: 65% off

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Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, it's time to relax. The perfect place to unwind is the JW Marriott New Orleans. Now through May 1, 2012, the French Quarter hotel is giving you a chance to escape from it all.

Book the Escape! Spa Package at the JW Marriott New Orleans and receive:

• Upgraded deluxe corner king French Quarter accommodations
• Choice of one of the following one-hour spa treatments:
• Swedish Massage: A classic full-body massage involving long, kneading strokes that promote relaxation, ease muscle aches, relieve tension and improve circulation
• Deep Cleaning Facial: A revitalizing treatment that begins with a therapeutic facial and eye treatment followed by a face, neck and shoulder massage

Package rates start at $159 per night. Be sure promotional code SPA appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 1-888-364-1200 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code SPA.

The New Orleans hotel and spa features an environment that will renew, rejuvenate and replenish your body and soul. Treat yourself this year at JW Marriott New Orleans!

For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-364-1200 or visit www.JWMarriottNewOrleans.com.

The pressure to plan a perfect New Year's Eve is over. Orlando's award-winning Rosen Plaza hotel has planned the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration complete with two nights accommodations, breakfast and dinner for two, and a spectacular New Year's Eve party with live entertainment and plenty of excitement flowing into 2012.

The Rosen Plaza New Year's Eve package is just $349 and includes:

• Two nights accommodations for two in a deluxe guest room: New Year's Eve, Dec. 31 as well as one additional night, Dec. 30 or Jan. 1.
• Breakfast buffet for two at Café Matisse
• A four-course New Year's Eve dinner for two at the acclaimed Jack's Place
• Passes for two to the New Year's Eve party at Backstage Nightclub & Sports Bar

Guests will be able to ring in the New Year with a champagne toast, balloon drop, drink specials, go-go dancers, DJ LaPause and the live music from Airplay. A photographer will capture special moments throughout the evening so guests can purchase souvenir photographs online after their visit.Read more

Need a break after the holiday craziness or just an escape from the winter chill? Treat yourself to a VIP Caribbean experience and get up to 55% off from Orbitz! Read on to see some amazing deals on these all-inclusive resorts.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Riu Palace Paradise Island ALL INCLUSIVE 4-star resort: 55% OFF room rates booked before 1/31/12
Valid for travel between: 12/1/11 - 5/7/12

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Riu Montego Bay ALL INCLUSIVE: 55% OFF room rates booked before booked before 4/30/12
Valid for travel between: 1/2/12- 5/1/12Read more