7 Valentine’s Day Suggestions for Couples in Love

Ah, Valentine’s Day, for someone who is single, the holiday doesn’t mean much to me.  But it’s all good, because I’ve known people who snub their nose at the holiday, feeling obligated by the commercial pressure to perform those little niceties that make such a difference in life.  These are the kinds of people who complain about Valentine’s Day being too commercial and therefore not worth any effort.  These lovers pontificate on how everyday should be special.  But for many, being in a relationship means forgetting how to be a lover and the days become blah instead of wow.

A Brief History of Valentine’s Day

No one knows for certain how Saint Valentine became associated with a celebration of romance, but legend has it that the martyred Catholic saint from ancient Rome became popular with those who practiced courtly love in the middle ages.  Valentine’s Day may seem commercial like Christmas and so many other holidays, but the truth is, lovers have been giving each other gifts of poems, songs, flowers and sweets many moons before Hallmark started selling rhymes and Ghiradelli started confecting chocolate.

So lovers, what’s the big deal? It’s YOUR day, for pete’s sake!  We singles don’t have any holidays!  (I suppose that’s because everyday is a holiday.) But back to you:  why be a grinch in February? Why be stingy with your affection? You don’t have to be extravagant!  If you’re feeling rusty in the romance department, why not start the day with a simple I Love You?

7 Valentine’s Day suggestions in Miami Beach

For those who want to head over to Miami Beach, here are 7 suggestions to make the day even more special, ranging from simple to extravagant:

1. Romantic Picnic on the Beach—Call Wild Oats at 1020 Alton Road to discuss your ideas for a custom basket you can tote out to the beach for a romantic snack.  How about classic truffles and champagne?  Or maybe gourmet cheese, fresh bread and olives? Basic price for the basket is $10 and orders should be placed at least one hour before pick-up.  You can also shop directly at the store for your favorite items.  Ask for Clara at (305) 532-1707.
2. Forget Crowded Restaurants, Eat In—In addition to its fabulous daily deli offerings, Epicure Market at 1656 Alton Road is offering a dinner for two you can pick up after work.  Simply reheat and enjoy!  $59 includes French rolls, prime rib, duchess potatoes, vegetable of the day and two heart-shaped tarts.  While you’re there, you’ll also be tempted by the wine selection and gorgeous flowers.  Surely you’ll have the candles, soft music and something comfortable to slip in already handy at home.  To reserve call customer service (305) 672-1861 no later than Tuesday.
3. Sexy Nostalgia on the Silver Screen—In association with Romance in the Can Film Festival, the Miami Beach Cinematheque at 512 Espanola Way presents Zou Zou, a classic film starring legendary stage star Josephine Baker.  Enjoy champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries and bananas courtesy of Wild Oats. Admission: $15 for non-members, $12 for members.  Call (305) 673-4567 for more information.
4. Free Love—How about a simple waterfront stroll down South Pointe Park?  Yes, it’s corny but sometimes corny and simple is better than complicated and overpriced.  Many years ago, before the towering condominium buildings loomed over our heads, South Pointe was popular for smooching.  You can still steal a kiss watching the ships go by at sunset.  Best of all, it’s free.
5. A Healthy Indulgence—The Standard Spa at 40 Island Avenue wants you to be theirs so you can be each other’s. The overnight package includes massage, beauty treatments and partner yoga plus one of the following:  acupuncture and star chart, life coaching, preventative health consultation or a Kettlebell session.  All followed by a sumptuous dinner and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Cost for two is $975. Call (305) 673-1717 for more information.
6. A Quickie Splurge—The Standard Spa is also taking requests until Tuesday for a regular item on its menu.  K.I.S.S. means Keep It Sensual and Satisfying.  The spa treatment includes Hamam, scrub and massage time followed by the Essential Sex Tonic, a traditional Chinese herbal elixir claimed to “get your blood flowing.” 100 minutes of bliss for two is $380. Call (305) 673-1717 for more information.
7. Valentine’s Day Japanese Style—In Japan, ladies give men gifts on Valentine’s Day and Doraku at 1104 Lincoln Road is honoring that custom.  Included in the price of dinner are samples of organic massage oils especially made for the restaurant along with Hershey’s kisses for gift-giving. Who are they kidding though? It takes two to enjoy massage oils! Dinner includes a five course sharing menu at $120 (with a bottle of bubbly) or $85 (without).  Call (305) 695-8383 for reservations and more information.

Love and romance really is a practice—a ritual, a thing you have to do and not just feel.  Maybe the real reason why some feel out of sorts with Valentine’s Day is because all the hoopla actually challenges them to leave their comfort zone. 

This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to leave your comfort zone, do something special, and don’t forget to say I love you.

Related Links: • The Standard Hotel • Doraku Restaurant • Epicure Market • Wild Oats • Miami Beach Cinematheque • Romance in the Can Film Festival • South Pointe Park • Valentine's Day on Wikipedia Related Categories: Miami: Local News, About the Author: Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith who loves to write about all things travel in Florida and the Caribbean. She is also the author of the award-winning blog Sex and the Beach. See more articles by Maria de los Angeles. See more articles by Maria de los Angeles Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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