By Allison Mitchell and Ela Sathern By Allison Mitchell and Ela Sathern | January 5, 2021 | Lifestyle,
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot in our lives, but it doesn't have to keep you from having a relaxing and romantic Valentine's Day. From spa treatments to delicious dinners and luxury gifts, here’s the Scottsdale guide to making your sweetie swoon.
When you're done perusing this list, check out how to celebrate Valentine's Day 2021 in our other markets: Aspen, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Orange County, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington D.C.
Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
4949 E Lincoln Dr. / Website
Looking to connect on a physical and spiritual level? Try the Pink Himalayan Salt Stone massage. “Spending time in a couples massage will open your heart to each other’s love,” says spa director Staci Flores. “The warming of the stones melts away the everyday stress and anxiety that can crowd a relationship.” Single? Try the Signature Diamond Radiance facial. “Gift yourself a facial and leave here shining bright like a diamond,” Flores says - or, grab your bestie and celebrate friendship with an Indestructible Pedicure. The gel polish will outlast the tough times, just like your bestie bond.
The Spa at ADERO
13225 N Eagle Ridge Dr. / Website
Create a new bond this Valentine’s Day and book a couples treatment package at The Spa at ADERO. “Trying something new on a date, like enjoying a massage together, allows both to focus on the present, forgetting about life’s everyday stresses,” says spa director Lauren Durante. “A massage releases tension [and] eases hormones to help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing for more mindful conversations between partners.” When you’re done, indulge in lunch for two at CIELO. Not there yet? We understand. Gift your sweetheart a chocolate-dipped body treatment to enjoy some peaceful bliss.
Village Health Clubs & Spas
Gift your chocolate lover a “spa-tacular” treat with a chocolate cupcake body treatment or chocolate-dipped berry mani-pedi at Village Health Clubs & Spas. With locations in both Gainey Ranch and DC Ranch, there's sure to be a convenient spot for you. The body treatment features a Primal Elements cupcake body scrub, an antioxidant-rich Eminence chocolate mousse hydrating body mask, and a massage. “The heat, aroma and detoxification contributes to complete muscle relaxation and stress relief,” says Kirk Gregor, spa director of the Gainey location, adding that the mani-pedi's "hydrating and softening benefits of the facial-quality masque are extremely effective." Plus, there's chocolate.
See also: 6 Thoughtful Valentine's Day Gifts For The Man In Your Life
Maple & Ash
7135 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 130 / Website
Impress your valentine with a taste of Maple & Ash’s fire-roasted seafood tower, cooked in its coal-fired Josper oven around 800 degrees. There's a reason why it's executive chef Danny Grant's favorite dish. “With the oven being so hot, the seafood cooks very quickly and locks in the flavor from the charcoal, giving it its own unique taste profile,” he says. “The fire-roasted seafood is finished with garlic butter, chili oil, lemon and parsley; served in a hot, cast-iron seafood tower. It’s a unique dish that is perfect to enjoy year-round and will satisfy anyone who loves seafood.” Dive into the dish on Valentine’s Day, ordered separately or as part of the IDGAF chef’s tasting menu. You could also surprise your loved one with a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 9 (tickets must be purchased in advance), which includes a four-course wine dinner led by wine director Jason Caballero and chef Grant, who’s flying in from Chicago to meet with guests for the special experience.
The Mission
With locations in both Old Town and North Scottsdale, this Latin American hot spot serves guests extra-special options for Valentine’s weekend. An elegant five-course tasting menu, handcrafted by chef Matt Carter, will run alongside its full regular dine-in menu, offered both Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13. On the 14th, guests will be treated to a sumptuous seven-course tasting menu with optional wine and spirit pairings. Chef Carter promises a modern interpretation using local, old-school Latin products and hints of citrus. “Citrus is pretty strong here locally in Arizona in January and February—everything from lemons and oranges to kumquats and tangerines,” he says. “Ruby red grapefruit is probably one of my favorites to pick up fresh at the local farmers markets. With citrus, you can pickle it, turn it into ice cream, make a vinaigrette or just drink the juice. Citrus goes with fish and meats, so it’s pretty versatile.”
Toca Madera
4736 N. Goldwater Blvd. / Website
Set the mood with Toca Madera’s tequila-tinged Como La Flor cocktail, specially crafted for Valentine’s Day using the restaurant’s private select barrel of Código 1530 Rosa. If your sweetheart craves Mexican cuisine, this posh setting and central location make it perfect for a romantic date night. Executive chef Nick Foegal suggests pairing the signature cocktail with its Baja-style tuna poke. “The vibrant flavors of guava along with rose water truly complement the fresh mango, tajin-roasted cashews and tamari-lime sauce in the dish,” he says. “As one of our lighter appetizers from our raw bar, it is a great way to start off your night paired with the floral notes and delicateness of the Código Rosa tequila.”
See also: 9 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts For Her
Something Sexy from Agent Provocateur
Ignite the flames of romance with help from the experts at Agent Provocateur. Founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré and Serena Rees, the British brand is known for its striking lingerie, corsetry, nightwear, hosiery, accessories and more. Each item teams exquisite craftsmanship with playful and alluring design. Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Moss have all starred in campaigns for the daring retailer, and its Cupid plunge underwired bra and coordinating thong are the perfect gifts for your significant other (or yourself!) this Valentine’s Day.
An Alluring Scent from Cartier
In homage to the freedom and boldness of wild roses, Cartier’s perfumer Mathilde Laurent created three fragrances reflecting three strokes of the flower for the maison’s high perfumery. Choose from Pure Rose for the Les Épures de Parfum Collection (a fully naked rose), L’Heure Osée for Les Heures de Parfum (a pink rose), and Oud et Pink for Les Heures Voyageuses (a shocking and androgynous rose in a tuxedo). We’re partial to the L’Heure Osée iteration, seen above, which Laurent describes as an “unprecedented pink in touch with its time, with what is fresh and pop, as iconic as Warhol’s style.”
A Touch of Sparkle From Hyde Park Jewelers
Under the guidance of CEO Michael Pollak, Hyde Park Jewelers positioned itself as a powerhouse of design and craft with precious jewels from around the world. Frosted offerings include diamond-clad pieces from Temple St. Clair, whose 18K Color Theory earrings feature a ring of glimmering rubies around a hot pink cabochon tourmaline. A diamond-encrusted bale and the brand’s signature triple gold granulation add glitz to the holiday-appropriate color palette.
See also: 7 Gift Ideas For A Fun-Filled Galentine's Day
Something Cozy from Eberjay
Wrap yourself in Eberjey’s haute red Raquel Heartbreaker short robe. Kimono sleeves with lace accents reflect its stylish silhouette while luxuriously soft modal fabric soothes. The Raquel collection also includes a coordinating chemise, bralette and thong for those who want to complete the look.
A Red-Hot Heel from Jimmy Choo
Make jaws drop in Jimmy Choo’s Bing 100 patent red pumps. Made in Italy, the mules sparkle with a crystal detail strap and 3.9-inch heel ideal for date night.
A Pop of Pink from Louis Vuitton
A little Louis for the lady? The house of Vuitton’s expert craftsmanship shines in this mini version of the Rose des Vents handbag in precious crocodilian. Brilliant alligator leather enchants in rose tourmaline pink, while its gold padlock and iconic key bell reflect the French designer’s DNA. Eight other colorways are on offer for those who prefer a more muted look.
Photography by: From top: photo courtesy of Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia; shrimp anticuchos courtesy of The Mission; photos courtesy of brands.