Ultimate Valentine’s destinations

It's that time of the year when the imminent arrival of Valentine's Day means romantic overtures are expected. But instead of shelling out on rocks or the latest It-bag, First Class suggests some truly memorable travel escapades.

Latin delight

Just the mere mention Argentina conjures images of stunning landscapes, tantalizing tango and drinking Yerba-maté. You and your beloved will adore the Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa in Argentinean province of Salta.

Set near the lush state-of-the-art El Esteco Winery vineyards, the elegant Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa is a former colonial mansion dating back to 1892 and boasts spectacular views of the Calchaquí Valley vineyards. Cafayate is home to a range of wineries, which offer guided excursions to taste excellent and varied wines, including the exceptional Torrontes wine. Behind the hotel's grand facade lie vaulted corridors, courtyards, and gardens redolent with the scent of jasmine.

The property oozes rustic charm and features 30 rooms, with decorative touches including loom-woven carpets, hand woven upholstery, oven-baked tile floors, candle chandeliers, alpaca-metal fittings Andean tapestries, penny royal baskets and motifs of wines and grapes. 15 Garden View rooms feature spectacular views of the gardens and have direct access to the patios and corridors.

You can laze around their chic pool or go for a drive through the deep canyons, hike in the mountains and discover the tiny village of Cafayate. The surrounding area is great for exploring the valleys, archaeological ruins and world-class bodegas, the architectural wonders of the Cathedral and over 1,000 archaeological pieces at the Rodolfo Bravo museum.

You can also peruse the work of local craftsmen at the artisan market. Epicureans will relish native delights and restaurant specialities like the Andean cereal - quinoa, llama and goat.

At their WineSpa, the benefits of grapes are used to encourage relaxation, health and rejuvenation. The treatments are based on antioxidants found in fruit and the spa has an array of body and facial treatments. The enhancing properties of quinoa with the typical valley products like the carob tree, Andean clay, the cactus, and molle which are combined with grape to create ancestral treatments derived from the old Calchaquí culture.

Their luxury Romance package includes accommodation, daily breakfast for two at the restaurant or in your room, champagne and flowers on arrival.

Rates

A Deluxe Room with Garden view starts at USD 275.00 per night

Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa

Ruta Nacional 40 y Ruta Nacional 68

Cafayate, Salta 4427

Argentina

Tel: +54 3868 422 229

Fax: + 54 3868 421 753

www.starwoodhotels.com

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