As we’re now in the final countdown to V-Day (mark your calendars, boys: we’re less than 2 weeks away), the ladies of Olson have love on the brain and plenty ideas for those of you who do, too. The Valentine’s Day  love is soon to be sweeping the Valley and there’s plenty going on for sweetheart celebrations and things for those who’d rather revolt form champagne and roses, too.

Dining

Romance in the Desert at El Chorro

With its spectacular mountain views, charming historic surroundings and a special “Romance in the Desert” menu, El Chorro is sure to inspire those passionate for fine food – or each other. Created by Executive Chef Charles Kassels, the  menu features an array of romantic options including Hearts of Romaine with lobster vinaigrette or Roasted Valentine Pepper Bisque with crispy red beets, a Lovebird Duo of pan-roasted chicken breast and leg confit with herb crust; a Center Cut Filet with Sweet(heart) Potato Gratin and Chilean Sea Bass with Wild-for-you Mushroom Ravioli. For dessert, Chocolate Hearts features a dark chocolate cake served with white chocolate mousse and milk chocolate ganache.  As part of the El Chorro tradition, the menu, which is priced at $98 for two excluding tax and gratuity, will include El Chorro’s Famous Sticky Buns.  A special menu of wine pairings is also available for $25 per person.

A View to Romance

Breathtaking views and exceptional cuisine makes Different Pointe of View an ideal date spot for Valentine’s Day. This year, the AAA Four-Diamond restaurant is featuring a five-course, prix-fixe menu for the romantic holiday. Tempting menu options include: Cedar River short rib ravioli, the restaurant’s signature lobster bisque and citrus scented olive oil poached main lobster. And of course, no V-Day would be complete without some sweets; delicious dessert options are available too. Valentine’s Day dinner is priced at $99 per person for those booking for the 5 p.m. seating and $110 per person from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wine pairings are available for an additional $40 per person.

Anti-Valentine’s Day Dinner
No date?  No worries! Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovebirds at Rico’s American Grill. Those foodies flying solo on Feb. 14 will find a fantastic prix-fixe menu perfect for those celebrating their singlehood. The menu will include risotto sushi rolls with gingered onion, spicy deviled eggs with jalapeños and charred romaine spoons with pork belly, smoked tomato and tri-pepper hollandaise. The “Down with Love” anti-Valentine’s Day dinner is priced at $42 per person and there won’t be any candlelight or a rose in sight.

Spa-ing

Wine, Roses and Romance at Jurlique Spa
Bathing in red wine may well be the only thing more blissful than drinking it. Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort & Spa is offering a Tuscan Wine Therapy Body Treatment. Enjoy wine-drenched Italian decadence, featuring a mix of Mediterranean olive oil, crushed grape seeds, blackberry fibers and red wine. The treatment is available for $125 per person for 60 minutes, including gratuity (regularly $150). The Rose Harmony Duo pairs a rose-petal soak with a rejuvenating massage, leaving your skin sweet-smelling and petal soft thanks to Jurlique’s signature rose petal body oil. This 90 minute treatment is available for $180 and includes gratuity (regularly $216).

Jurlique has other delicious (and calorie-free) Valentine’s Day offerings for all chocoholics. The Sweetheart Chocolate Facial & Lip Scrub marries enticing aromas, hold-and-cold sensations and a relaxing facial massage with the bliss of a milk-and-chocolate antioxidant mask. Available for $135, this 60 minute package includes a peptide-firming System or RAW Man Kit (regularly $194 – $204). The Peruvian Chocolate Pedicure, available for $52, pampers your tootsies with a soak, massage and mix of Bella Lucce products including a sugar scrub and moisturizer with prime-pressed cocoa butter, French cocoa absolute, chocolate extract, organic cocoa powder and pure Dagoba chocolate. During this 45 minute pedicure, guests will enjoy sipping hot cocoa and nibbling on dark chocolate. (regularly $72). Gift certificates are also available.

Tocasierra Spa offers Sweet Treat-ments
Tocasierra Spa at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is celebrating Valentine’s Day for the whole month of February with three tantalizing spa package offers perfect for giving as a gift or enjoying as a couple. The Oh-So-Cocoa spa package is a chocolate lover’s paradise featuring a cocoa massage, an acai chocolate facial and a whipped cocoa pedicure. It is priced at $225. The 80-minute Oh-So-Inviting package, priced at $175, features a rejuvenating exfoliation using mango, exotic oils, and shea butter followed by a sugar butter body wrap and a relaxing massage.  Plus, the package includes a sugar smoothie lotion to take home.  For couples, Tocasierra Spa offers its Rekindle the Romance package featuring a 50-minute signature aromatherapy massage for two in the spa’s spacious couples’ suite. This package is available for $150. Tocasierra Spa also offers Valentine’s Gift Certificates.

Calorie-free Valentines at Tocaloma Spa
Tocaloma Spa at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort has the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts – cupcakes and chocolates without the calories! The spa’s “Feeling Smitten” cupcake bath bombs turn baths into fizzy, decadent, bakery-scented soaks. Large cupcakes are available for $11 and mini cupcakes are $6. The cupcake bath bombs are available in three delicious scents: strawberry mint, vanilla lemon and hot mess, which is magnolia, pink hibiscus and peach. For chocolate lovers, Tocaloma Spa is offering “Chocoholicks,” which are tasty, lip gloss pallets with four enticing chocolate-y shades coupled with the calming aromatherapy effect of the cocoa’s natural scent. This sweet gift is priced at $35. Tocaloma Spa also has gift certificates available.

Escaping 

Romantic Rendezvous at FireSky Resort and Spa
Now and again, love birds must leave the nest to have a little fun. Kimpton’s FireSky Resort and Spa offers the perfect place to perch – with haute cuisine, a bottle of bubbly and a cinematic reason to snuggle. The Romantic Rendezvous package includes a four-course tasting menu for two at Taggia restaurant, a bottle of champagne delivered to the room and an in-room movie. The package, which is offered year-round, is priced from $279 and can be booked online.

Also on offer at Firesky for the month of February is Kimpton’s “Robe-mance” package featuring their special breed of snuggly robes in leopard- and zebra-print motifs. From Feb. 1-29, those who book a Robe-mance Package will enjoy deluxe accommodation, two silky soft new signature Kimpton bathrobes (a $180 value), which are made of 100 percent Turkish ring-spun cotton, and a $25 dining and beverage credit that’s perfect for a nightcap or breakfast in bed. This package is priced starting from $269 per night.