Taking the Kids: Managing some romance this pandemic year

Love private outdoors adventure? Escape Adventures is touting a six-day, private, multi-sport getaway (mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, glamping starting at $1,895 per person) in Bryce and Zion National Parks in Utah.

The historic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, California, one of my favorite California wine country hotels, has now reopened its Willow Stream Spa geo-thermal pools with special romance packages and outdoor dining. You have plenty of places in Sonoma County to explore, including at socially distanced wine tastings, at the same time supporting an economy buffeted by wildfires, as well as the pandemic. How about a hot-air balloon trip over the vineyards?

Velas Resorts, just named by U.S. News and World Report as the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, have unveiled a menu of socially distant romantic experiences, including a private Brunch at Sea on a 55-foot yacht and a Los Cabos Stargazing Package on the Baja Peninsula, considered by NASA as a top place to view the night sky. Perhaps an outdoor Moonlight Massage by the sea? Velas Resorts now provide air passengers the COVID-19 test free. The test is required before flying back to the United States and the resort has received the global safety stamp of approval from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for its Stay Safe with Velas program.

Focus on wellness as well as romance at the Civana Wellness Resort & Spa in the Sonoran Desert just outside Scottsdale. Civana’s couple’s connection package includes a $250 nightly stay resort credit per person to use for dining, spa or wellness experiences. Each day, choose from more than a dozen complimentary classes or relax by the pool, enjoying meals sourced from local farmers and growers. There are three pools and everything from an invigorating morning hike to aerial yoga and TRX training.

Emeline, Charleston’s newest luxury boutique hotel has launched a new Winter Wandering package, including a tour of the famous historic district while sipping hot chocolate in a horse-drawn carriage.

For socially distanced fun in the snow, consider a getaway to a dude ranch. My son and his girlfriend got engaged last February, just before the lockdown, after a 28-mile snowmobile tour in the Routt National Forest at Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado. The ranch is open this winter, albeit with fewer guests and social distancing in the dining room.

Many couples believe there is no place better than snow country for romance. “When it’s cold, you want to be close to someone you love,” explained Cameron Stewart, who had eloped and married at the top of Breckinridge Mountain.

Nor is romance limited to the young, said Russell Watt, 66, from Australia. “Don’t watch the news and focus on each other!” he suggested.

Though it isn’t possible to be as spontaneous with reduced capacity, limited dining and COVID-19 tests requirements, you will find more deals, even if you book shortly before you want to go. “As short as within the week,” said Lou Eppelsheimer, director of sales and marketing at the pet friendly Gant Aspen, which has partnered with local outfitters to create private experiences from dog sled tours, guided snowshoe tours, uphill skiing and more.

Not only did they feel safe with the COVID-19 protocols at their hotel and on the slopes, Meghan McCloskey said, “But we found that take-out from local restaurants in our lovely hotel room was just as romantic as eating out.”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)