Love to love it or love to loathe it- Valentine’s Day approaches. With it comes the old corporate cajoling to profess your love through trinkets, flowers, and dinner. Despite my cynicism, I actually like participating in Holidays because it helps move the gray PNW winters along quickly. I just prefer moments over things and a weekend away is my cure-all. Here are some of my “most romantic” suggestions for where to take your sweetie. Is it a coincidence they all feature bath tubs or large bodies of water? NO! I’m a pisces; sappy, sentimental, longing to swim in the deep.

1. Sakura Ridge- Hood River

Farm fresh breakfast is provided each morning

Location, location, location! Just an hour from Portland but a world away on a lush working farm overlooking Mt. Hood. This private and LUXURIOUS Bed and Breakfast is the tranquil retreat I’m longing for after a day of hiking in the Gorge.

The accommodations are designed with a touch of Japanese-inspired style, and you’ll get a chance to unwind with farm-fresh breakfasts made from local ingredients. My favorite room features a soaking tub, lush linens, and a high tech bidet!

2. Hallmark Spa Suite, Newport

Jetted tub beachside at Hallmark Newport

A personal favorite of mine- the King suite has an in room spa, fireplace, and oceanfront balcony! Swoon! What more could a girl ask for? Nevermind that Newport has some of the most amazingly romantic food on earth- fresh caught Dungeness crab in peak season for Valentines Day. Support your local fisheries with a dinner at Local Ocean (a very sexy thing to do) or stay in with room service from Georgies. A visit to the aquarium to walk through the tunnel of love, er- Passages of The Deep and you’ll be floating in your own sea of tranquility.

3. Brasada Bungalows - Powell Butte

Brasada is as classy and elegant as it gets

Oooh la la, these private and sumptuous (adult only) bungalows are set upon 1,800 acres of high desert sage overlooking the iconic Cascade Mountain Range. Brasada Ranch, less than an hour from Bend is the perfect couples retreat. You can swim or lounge poolside (don’t worry your room also has a private hot tub) , take a yoga class, ride horses, rent an e-bike, or golf! Brasada has world class eats, locally sourced and expertly prepared. Sunsets here are divine but waking up here next to your best friend is priceless.

4. Lake of the Woods- Lake of The Woods

Some of us want luxury- others just want seclusion (and to me that's both!) Literally deep in the woods, set upon a lake as quiet as it gets. The cabins are rustic but warm and intimate, with giant soaking tubs and a big squishy log bed. A walk down to the restaurant or general store provides you with all the fuel you need to hike about or lounge about- travelers choice.

But the best part if the view of the Southern Oregon mountains surrounding the lake. Sunrises here are inspiring, filled with pink pastels and silence….ahh!

5. Rancho 72 Cabin- Sunriver

Sunriver, I’m biased! This is my home so I will always suggest a getaway to my favorite place on Earth. A retro style ski chalet with all you need to restore yourself after a day on the slopes. This is the perfect location for walks- a bird preserve is just steps away as well as a park and outdoor pickleball court. You can wander down to the Village for brews at Sunriver Brewing Company, ice skate in the outdoor pavilion, and grab chocolate covered gummy bears at Goodies. I could go on all day- but you should just come see for yourself.

6. Inn at Haystack Rock- Cannon Beach

Adorable and walking distance to shops and the beach

If you go anywhere in Oregon- it’s to Cannon Beach to see the iconic Haystack Rock. It is my number one suggestion to anyone traveling to Oregon or just looking for a weekend away from the gray days of February. This little gem is the perfect spot because it’s just close enough to walk to Haystack Rock but far enough off the main drive to be all yours. These are little suite units with a fireplace, kitchenette, soaking tubs with jets (!) and a seating area. Pro tip- if you don’t make it for Valentines then shoot for early May when the cherry blossoms bloom in the courtyard.

7. Crane Hot Springs- Crane

Hot Springs are always on the list. The healing nature of a natural spring is the best way to connect to our Earth and each other. I love boiling myself with my lover, nothing like it. Crane Hot Springs is a long drive from most things, that is what makes it so special. This spring has a large pond that streams to the high heavens, so you can really soak your bones under the stars. Private tubs, small rooms, a large house, teepee, or RV, there is space. Bring your own food to cook in the communal kitchen and power down.

8. Edgefield McMenamins- Gresham

Historic locations that are possibly haunted just SCREAM sexy, am I right? Nothing like a bit of fright to carry you right into each other's arms. Located just outside of Portland, Edgefield is a Disneyland for grownups- whimsical art, a spa, movie theater, golf, and more. However, it was once a poor farm that housed those down on their luck or without a place to be. For a short time it was also an asylum then transferred to a nursing home. Many of the previous residents are memorialized in the art on the property. You can take an art tour to learn more or even stay in the famed Room 215- the “amazing grace” room that is said to be a hotbed for paranormal activity- because the more the merrier…

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