Ultra-Romantic Trips For Two

Feb. 8, 2008 Special to ABCNEWS.com — -- No romantic request is too outrageous at the Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The resort has even accommodated a guest who wished to propose to his girlfriend during a midnight dive in the Caribbean. The elaborate scheme required a staff member to dive into the water and place the ring near a coral reef, which was then discovered by the couple. Following a successful proposal on the beach, the two enjoyed a candlelit dinner.

For pairs celebrating Valentine's Day, Royal Plantation is offering themed extras like beachside massages for two and secluded picnics at the nearby Mahoe Falls.

Click here to learn more about the ultra-romantic trips for two at our partner site, Forbes.com.

The holiday promotion is standard practice in the hotel industry. From Las Vegas to Phuket in Thailand, hotels and resorts are wooing guests with special dining menus, romantic turn-down services and chilled champagne. These hotels are catering to couples who prefer to mark the occasion with a grand gesture instead of the traditional flowers or piece of jewelry. And this can mean big business for hoteliers.

"A lot of hotels get very creative in offering Valentine's Day packages," says Duane Vinson, vice president at Smith Travel Research. "They market the holiday and [it brings] an increase in occupancy rates."

When Feb. 14 falls close to a weekend, like this year, it can be especially lucrative for a hotel, since weekday occupancy rates often dip to 60% or lower and then rise to 80% on Saturday.

Consumers are expected to spend $17 billion celebrating the holiday this year, exceeding spending for Mother's Day and Father's Day, according to the National Retail Federation. The Federation also estimates that the average person plans to spend about $80 on their significant other or spouse. The average male is estimated to spend twice that amount, or $163, largely on flowers, cards, candy, jewelry and an evening out.

Though hotels, inns and resorts might throw in added amenities come Feb. 14, the overall cost for a couple's trip this time of year is anything but a bargain. At the luxury hotels and resorts we selected for a Valentine's Day retreat, $150 barely covers dinner a deux.