Walden inn
Whether you and your sweetie like luxury and pampering, the peace and quiet of the countryside or the energy of a big city, my destination recommendations have got you covered.
For the utmost in luxury, take the short drive to Aurora and Inn Walden. This is Ohio’s only AAA Five Diamond-rated inn, and once you’ve been there, you’ll understand why.
The unique facilities at Walden provide an atmosphere that caters to your body, mind and spirit. Walden encompasses not only the Inn, but also a world-class spa, great dining venues, a championship golf course and a full equestrian center.
Let’s start with the Spa: When you schedule a treatment or service at Spa Walden, you’re assigned a suite that’s your sanctuary for one hour before and one hour after your appointment time. In your suite, you’ll find a soaking tub, a steam shower, a relaxing window seat for reading or relaxing, and a luxurious robe. The Spa uses state-of-the art equipment and luxurious personal care products, and creates exclusive treatments for women, men, couples and friends. You can also enjoy sumptuous spa cuisine around a cozy fireplace.
As for the guest rooms at Inn Walden, they’re extremely spacious and boast huge windows that look out upon sweeping lawns and horses grazing in the pastures. Inside, you’ll enjoy a warm fireplace and an opulent bathroom.
For Valentine’s Day, owner Rob Rosencrans created a special Romance Package at the request of akronlife called “The Ultimate Romantic Nesting Package For Two”:
Enjoy a full weekend for two in one of their luxurious Loft Suites. Upon your arrival, meander through the pastures on a horseback ride, and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for two in the privacy of your Loft Suite. As the evening unfolds, a Walden transport will whisk you away to their highly acclaimed Barn Dining Club for a candlelight dinner for two. Sweet dreams while you slumber on 500-thread-count Frette linens. Wake up the next morning for a refreshing private yoga session in the Spa Lounge with one of their trained Yogis. Then off to the Blue Ribbon Café for a handmade fresh fruit smoothie and some souffléd French Toast. Embrace a day of relaxation and replenishment in the Spa Walden couples suite for a half-day of facials, wraps and a full-body massage. And don’t forget to enjoy your private whirlpool and fireplace. End your afternoon with a special wine tasting in their Jodhpurs Lounge, and save some room for a chef-prepared personalized private dinner. Start the next day with a brisk walk on their hiking trails and a brunch of housemade treats. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end — with a late departure of your choosing. $979 per person plus tax, plus a service charge based on double occupancy.
For more information on Walden, visit www.yourwalden.com or call 888-808-5003. Be sure to mention you read about Walden in akronlife.
Looking for all the activities a big city has to offer? Take the short trip north to the Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland. Just minutes away from the hotel, you’ll find fine dining, theater, nightlife and sites like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the recently opened Battery Park Winebar (in the historic Eveready Powerhouse), with its towering smokestack, lake views and industrial-chic design.
The Ritz-Carlton has several very cool ways to spend Valentine’s Day. Their Enchanted Evening and Reconnect packages provide luxury and pampering for the most discerning of couples. The Enchanted Evening package includes valet parking, deluxe accommodations decorated with rose petals at turndown, a chilled bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your guest room and breakfast for two in MUSE or through in-room dining. The package begins at $299 and may be upgraded to Club Level for the ultimate Valentine’s Day celebration.
No love interest this year? Not to worry! You and your “puppy love” can enjoy the Pampered Paws package! Guest service is what The Ritz-Carlton is known for, and that service extends to guests who walk on four legs. The Cleveland Ritz-Carlton has developed an overnight package designed to give guests and their pets a travel experience perfect for them. In addition to overnight deluxe accommodations, the package includes a personalized letter to your pet in advance of your stay, a keepsake Ritz-Carlton signature cobalt blue water bowl, a commemorative Ritz-Carlton Frisbee, delicious gourmet treats and a pet placemat. The package can be further enhanced with a variety of options fitting your pet’s taste, including a “paw-jama” party with treats and a canine-themed movie or a VIP trip to the Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa for one of their famous “pawdicures.”
For more on the Ritz-Carlton Cleveland, go to www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Cleveland/Default.htm or contact Lynn Coletto at lynn.coletto@ritzcarlton.com.
If a rustic retreat is more your style, head a few hours south to Hocking Hills and the Cherry Ridge Retreat in New Plymouth, Ohio to relax, explore and enjoy nature’s tranquility.
Cherry Ridge Retreat sits on 140 acres of lush countryside on the shores of a 2.5 acre lake. You can choose from private cottages ranging from two to six bedrooms or accommodations in the beautiful Boat House or Lake House. There’s also a wooded luxury house equipped with flat screens in the living rooms, a full-service bar in the kitchen, and private spas and cabanas on the deck. In the area, you’ll find miles of hiking trails and a 2,700-square-foot putting green with sand traps.
One of their unique packages allows you both to play a customized, private game of fantasy golf, no matter what your skill level. If golf isn’t for you, another package allows one of you to play six holes while the other watches, while enjoying wine, fruit, cheese trays or a massage.
While Cherry Ridge doesn’t offer specific Valentine’s Day or romance packages, they’ll customize one exactly to your liking with such features as in-room massages, a traveling chef to prepare dinner in your cabin or guided tours in the area. Call Greg at 614-754-7988 for details, pricing and availability.
Located in the Hocking Hills area 40 minutes south of Columbus, Cherry Ridge Retreat is an adult-only facility. Go to www.cherryridgeretreat.com to read guest comments about this unique getaway.
