Getaways just for two

Want to show your loved one how much you care this Valentine's Day? Whisk them away for a night of romance to one of these great North Island accommodation options. If you can't get away on February 14 you can book a weekend later in the year. But remember, it costs nothing to say "I love you".

NORTHLAND

Villa Maria Petit Hotel is set in a subtropical Spanish-style garden with a saltwater swimming pool and the Waitangi forest as a backdrop. There are three Mediterranean-style villas to choose from, all with art themes. For a night of romance try the Hippocampus studio with views over the Waitangi forest, and a four-poster bed. On request, a Belgian-Pacific breakfast is served alfresco on the terrace. Cost: from $259. Contact: www.villa-maria.co.nz

The Summer House in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, is an ideal getaway. There are three suites - one with antique French furniture, one with a Victorian brass bed and the self-contained suite has a South Pacific theme. Cost: from $215. Contact: www.thesummerhouse.co.nz

AUCKLAND

The Carlton Hotel is offering a special Love is in the City package on Valentine's Day. Available on February 13 and 14, the deal includes a deluxe room, a bottle of bubbly and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival, plus a bottle of massage oil. Cost: $199. The hotel's award-winning Pacific Restaurant has a special Valentine's menu from February 10-14. There will be live entertainment and a candlelit, romance-themed four-course meal from $120 per couple. Contact: www.carlton-auckland.co.nz

Looking for a love nest? Try City Life Auckland's Somewhere To Love package, which includes a night for two in a deluxe suite, a bottle of Deutz, an antipasto platter, a Linden Leaves pamper pack, room service breakfast and valet parking for $319. Contact: www.citylife.nz-hotels.com

Try some "suite" love at the Heritage Auckland with the hotel's Suite Romance package. The package runs year-round and includes a night for two in a one-bedroom suite, valet parking, a bottle of champagne in your room, two luxury bathrobes to keep and breakfast for two for $399. To put you in the mood for love, the hotel's famous Hector's Restaurant is offering a Valentine's Day dinner for $75 per person that includes freshly shucked oysters, whole roasted crayfish and sweet treats to finish. Contact: www.heritagehotels.co.nz

Escape for a night for two in a one-bedroom suite as part of the Hyatt Regency's Pure Indulgence package, which includes full buffet breakfast, a bottle of bubbles, 20 per cent off treatments at the hotel's new day spa as well as the almost mandatory late checkout. The deal ends on March 31. Cost: from $287. Contact: www.auckland.regency.hyatt.com

The Hilton Hotel has two passionate, year-round packages on offer. The first is the Celebrations package that includes a Superior room where you'll find a chilled bottle of Deutz waiting for you to enjoy on your private balcony, a basket of flowers and handmade chocolate truffles. The next day you'll have a hot breakfast delivered to your room. Cost: $440 per night. The second deal, the Cruise package, includes a Superior room plus a cocktail at the hotel's stylish bar, Bellini. The next day you can enjoy a continental breakfast at White restaurant that has stunning harbour views. Cost: $300. Contact: www.hilton.co.nz

Be among the first to stay in a luxurious, newly refurbished executive king room at the Langham Hotel in Auckland this Valentine's Day. The hotel has recently had a $12 million transformation resulting in a truly luxurious five-star experience. The special includes a lavish room, a buffet dinner for two in SBF Brasserie with a complimentary glass of bubbles and, of course, a rose. Sleep in and then enjoy a full buffet breakfast. Checkout is at noon. Cost: $420. Contact email: akl.resv@langhamhotels.com

You can be romantic all year round at the SkyCity Grand Hotel thanks to the Extravagance package, which includes a night in a luxury room with a bottle of bubbly and a decadence platter. Then it's dinner for two valued at $150 in the divine Dine by Peter Gordon restaurant. There's breakfast for two the next day with a 1pm checkout. Cost: $455 plus GST. Contact: www.skycityauckland.co.nz

FRANKLIN

Literally get away from it all with a night at the secluded Hotel du Vin. Situated at the end of a valley, the resort's year-round Perfect Retreat deal includes a night in a chalet, a bottle of the local Firstland wine and a three-course dinner at the hotel's Vineyard Restaurant. Cost: $330 per person. Any female visitor to the restaurant on the 14th will receive a red rose. The hotel is also extending Valentine's Day by offering two Wicked Escape spa treatments from February 6-19. The 80-minute treatment at the gorgeous Bali-inspired Spa Du Vin includes a private relax for two in a hot tub followed by a massage each. Cost: $270 for two. Or try the two-hour Wicked and Wild Escape ($390 for two). In your own private room, you can enjoy a full-body massage or aromatherapy facial then spend time alone soaking in the hot tub, with complimentary champagne and a platter of delectable delights. Contact: www.hotelduvin.co.nz

COROMANDEL

Now is the perfect time to get away to Puka Park Resort in Pauanui Beach for rest, relaxation and romance. Until March 31, the hotel is offering one night's accommodation in a Treehut Chalet plus continental breakfast for two from $275 plus GST per night. You can also have dinner at the European-inspired Miha restaurant or a treatment at the resort' s spa. Contact: www.pukapark.co.nz

For a classic retreat there's Brenton Lodge, Whangamata, which has two modern guest chalets in a garden with mature native and English trees. The country-style chalets have crisp, white cotton linen and fresh flowers and have sea views to Mayor Island. A new wing of the house includes a spacious lounge, with open fire for winter dinner guests. Dinner is available on request and is served using fresh New Zealand fare, including any fishing catches. Cost: from $325. Contact: www.brentonlodge.co.nz

WAITOMO

Relax in luxury farmstay bed and breakfast accommodation near the Waitomo Caves at Kamahi Cottage where you'll enjoy self-contained boutique lodging, peace, privacy, fabulous views and country hospitality. The luxurious, self-contained country cottage is situated in a private garden and is 30 minutes from the glow worm caves, blackwater rafting and abseiling. Cost: from $225. Contact: www.kamahi.co.nz

CENTRAL PLATEAU

You'll not only stay at one of New Zealand's most historical hotels, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery. The Bayview Chateau Tongariro, on Mt Ruapehu, has a limited offer one-night stay. Until February 28 you can stay at the Chateau, enjoy a three-course set dinner menu at the Ruapehu restaurant and breakfast the next morning. Cost: $295 per couple. Contact: www.chateau.co.nz

HAWKE'S BAY

Endsleigh Cottages in Napier are adjacent to a main house in an established garden among rural hills. There are three different sized cottages available with breakfast provisions provided. Cost: from $125. Contact: www.endsleighcottages.co.nz

BAY OF PLENTY

The classic Cassimir Lodge in Tauranga is a luxury private retreat set in 20ha of native bush and farmland. The lodge dates to the 1890s and was refurbished to its present grandeur in 1993. With four luxury suites, it is an intimate accommodation option. All beds are super king. The price includes accommodation, the special pre-dinner host's cocktail hour, a four-course candlelit dinner, classic farmhouse breakfast and all on-site activities. Cost: from $580 per night. Contact: www.cassimir.co.nz

Golf fans can have their own slice of paradise plus a romantic getaway at Moose Lodge, Rotorua. The 50ha estate has its own golf course, a tennis court, mineral baths, gym and good trout fishing. The stunning lodge has a limited offer romantic weekend for two package staying in a superior suite with champagne and chocolates on arrival, daily breakfast, picnic lunch, pre-dinner cocktails, a four-course dinner and an hour-long massage for two. You will also get complimentary green fees. Package price: from $1814. Contact: www.mooselodge.co.nz

WELLINGTON

Set yourself adrift in the capital's unique accommodation - The Lighthouse. Perched on a cliff in Island Bay, the former working lighthouse has a kitchen and bathroom on the first floor, bedroom on the middle floor and the sitting room with a view across to the South Island on the top floor. You can sleep on the top floor as long as you are prepared to be woken by the sun rising across the bay. Cost: from $180. Contact: www.thelighthouse.net.nz


- HERALD ON SUNDAY