As you read this post, I’m doing my Pre-Cana marriage preparation retreat which I’ve affectionately dubbed “Catholic Camp”. This means I get to spend my Valentine’s Day weekend learning key marriage skills like meeting the emotional needs of men and natural family planning. While this can be construed as romantic in a way (You know, the whole building skills to help my marriage last a lifetime part, not so much on the natural family planning), what I’d really rather be doing is enjoying a nice massage with my fiance and then sipping some hot tea, curled up with a good book.
Where would my perfect Valentine’s Day fantasy weekend occur? Naturally, at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. I’ve been to the Homestead once before with my family and I absolutely loved it there. I would love to spend a romantic weekend there with Scott sometime (hint, hint for next year sweetie).
The best part about the Homestead is….wait for it…how homey it feels. While that might seem like an obvious statement, I think it is pretty impressive for a large hotel and resort like the Homestead to feel “homey”. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve every stayed in a hotel before that you could apply that adjective to. Throughout the resort, there are a ton of little nooks to read a book, play a game of chess or just people watch from an Adirondack rocking chair. It is sublime for relaxation and I haven’t even mentioned the spa yet ;-).
My other favorite things about the Homestead are:
- The Spa: This spa is first class and you can hang out in there as long as you want on a day that you have a treatment booked. They have these great spa shoes that massage your feet and raspberry iced tea for you to enjoy between treatments.
- The bowling alley: How cool is it to have a private bowling alley? It’s a great place to roll your best gutter balls without tons of on-lookers and play in a smoke-free environment.
- Dressing up for Dinner: This practice seems to have died out years ago, but it’s still going in the main dining room at the Homestead. There are other eating options that don’t require dressing up, but I find this really quaint and fun.
- Nature Trails: There are several great hiking trails around the resort which make for great exercise after lazing around the spa all morning.
What is your favorite romantic getaway spot in Virginia? Anyone have any good V-Day plans to share?
Back to marriage prep for me. Next up, Modern Myths on Marriage and Money. Fun Stuff :-).
