Romantic getaways for Valentine’s weekend and beyond

With Valentine’s Day only three days away, couples are already starting the celebrations early with gift orders and dinner reservations. Not sure where to go and what to do? We enlisted a few travel lovers who were delighted to share their insights into some of the hottest romantic spots across the island.

Tasheika McKane, who goes by the moniker ‘Explore with Tash’, listed Strawberry Fields In St Mary, Catcha Falling Star in Negril, Westmoreland, as well as Bob Marley Beach and Cafe Blue in Irish Town, both in St Andrew, as locations that lovers would find breathtaking.

“For Strawberry Fields, the atmosphere, cabins, and beach create a perfect romantic mood. Persons can have a picnic with a basket of their favourite goodies or purchase from the restaurant with a perfectly groomed lawn and a view of the turquoise sea and refreshing cool breeze to set the mood,” McKane told Saturday Living.

Dining via cliffside in Negril at restaurants such as Catcha Falling Star or Rockhouse at sunset is truly incredible. And speaking of sunsets, she went on to explain that, if lovebirds aren’t looking to venture too far out of Kingston, then Bob Marley Beach would be an ideal spot for a picnic.

“The best time to go would be in the evening to catch the sunset view, feeling the sand between your toes, and indulging in your favourite meals together,” she added. Cafe Blue in Irish Town, she also highlighted, is the perfect spot for lunch and it’s inclusive of the most beautiful scenic view.

Kirk-Patrick Taylor of @firstviewexcursions on Instagram shared a host of fun activities you can engage in as a couple. Agreeing that you can’t go wrong with a romantic picnic by the beach, he added horseback riding, a chocolate-making experience in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and a couples’ cooking class by the river.

“You can go on a romantic brunch or dinner at Summer House in Tower Isle, St Mary. And another alternative is a nice nature hike through a coconut plantation to a hidden waterfall that is both exciting and rewarding,” he said.

Noting that a resort is not out of the question since some couples love to be pampered, another beautiful idea is to go camping, “You can spend a night in the hills of

Fern Gully, surrounded by nature. Just get away in the hills and have a nice camp out. It doesn’t have to be rough either. You can have a blow-up bed and a romantic set-up with a little pepper light and, of course, wine.”

Kaydia Tomlinson of Travel with Kaydz chimed in to say that she would recommend couples creating romantic fireworks at Hermosa Cove Villa Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, “The most romantic place I’ve been to is Hermosa Cove. For me, it’s breathtaking there; sooooo dreamy.”

Lashoy White, more affectionately called Shoy, chose Luna Sea Inn, Belmont, Westmoreland as a romantic spot for couples, for its budget-friendly options, location, and amenities.

“This easily accessible boutique hotel is a hidden gem. Luna Sea Inn offers nine beautifully renovated and creatively curated guest rooms and suites, which include a small beach. This is perfect for couples because they won’t have to worry about crowded scenarios throughout their stay,” White revealed.

The property boasts a pool, a restaurant with mouth-watering menu options, an overwater gazebo, lounge chairs, and a beautiful view of the horizon out at sea.

“Couples who wish to reserve the overwater gazebo for a romantic evening dinner for two can do so. This will create the best ambiance for a cosy evening, as couples will be separated from other guests and have the opportunity to exchange words of endearment in a private space,” she said.

If you’re not up for staying over, dining at the Cracked Conch Restaurant on property is open to walk-in visitors daily.

“Even though the Negril sunsets are famous, I definitely recommend that couples use the opportunity to bond with each other as they absorb the breathtaking view of the blue Caribbean Sea,” she said, adding, “Grab one of those lounge chairs and bask in the evening rays of the sun as it makes its descent. This definitely sets the tone for a blissful experience.”

Other locations on White’s romance radar in the western region are: The Houseboat Grill and the Marina Palms, both in Freeport, Montego Bay, St James; Pelican Restaurant on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in the same parish; as well as Ocean Cliff Hotel and Travellers Beach Resort in Negril, Westmoreland.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com