Romantic getaways to take on Long Island and beyond this winter
A view of Oheka Castle in Huntington, a historic Gold Coast Mansion. Credit: Phillip Ennis Photography
It’s that time of year when romance is in the air and what better way to show your appreciation than a thoughtfully planned getaway with your other half?
Couples looking to splurge on a romantic night out can do so at a historic Long Island Gold Coast Mansion equipped with a meal fit for royalty.
If a road trip is more your speed, hop in the car and head to a cozy New England resort and spa for some rest and relaxation. Or, travel upstate to a luxury inn that was formerly a convent before it was transformed into a premier boutique hotel with enchanting views of the Hudson River.
Here are overnight trips and longer stays that offer amenities like indoor pools, spas, on-site restaurants and fun things to do nearby that will impress your sweetheart.
Oheka Castle
135 W. Gate Dr., Huntington
The main exterior courtyard of the Oheka Castle in Huntington, where lovebirds can enjoy a romantic getaway. Credit: Linda Rosier
Long Island’s swankiest wedding venue, looks much as it did in the opening shot of “Citizen Kane,” where it stood in as Kane’s Xanadu. How distinctively opulent is Oheka? Well, at the behest of staff, you must leave your car key in the office in case your vehicle has to be moved to accommodate movie and TV film crews. Nowadays, you’ve got to have Gilded Age bucks to get married — or even stay here — in season. But offseason? Lucky you. Each richly textured suite is fit for a Lord and Lady of the Manor, with crown moldings trimming 12-foot ceilings, claw-foot tubs, marble-floor and deeply hued bathrooms. Guests can stay in one of these suites in February and March midweek, starting at $295 per night.
More info 631-659-1400, oheka.com
Crowne Plaza HY36
320 W. 36th St., Manhattan
Couples looking for an escape with a hint of fun in New York City can book a room in February or March at this chic Hudson Yards hotel. Guests can add on two tickets to Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. After the excursion, order chocolate-dipped strawberries and Prosecco. Rates start at $315 plus tax per couple in February and $415 plus tax in March.
More info 646-928-3800, crowneplazahy36.com
The Abbey Inn & Spa
900 Fort Hill Rd., Peekskill, New York
Sitting atop Fort Hill overlooking the Hudson River, the inn and spa was built in 1902. For nuns. Yes, this structure belonged to a religious order — the Episcopalian Sisters of St. Mary — housing women sworn to a life of austerity. But, more than 100 years later, this castle-like abbey has been repurposed as a luxury inn. The hospitality spot is suffused with character, contemporary artwork, river views, chic guest rooms, a pampering spa and a destination-worthy dining, Apropos Restaurant and Bar. Room rates at the Abbey Inn soar in high season. So, come when packages begin at $320 per night for two. The Stay, Sip, and Spa Package includes overnight accommodations, two welcome mimosas and $75 toward spa services. The Winter Comfort Getaway package includes overnight accommodations, a welcome wine and cheese plate and hot cocoa and cookies by the fire pit or in your room. Both packages are available from January through March.
More info 914-736-1200, theabbeyinn.com
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
2907 Main St., Brewster, Massachusetts
Head to Ocean Edge Resort for a Cape Cod getaway featuring a golf course, spa, indoor pool and more. Credit: Ocean Edge Resort
Cape Cod — the ultimate summertime resort — as a romantic winter getaway? Absolutely. Embrace the empty beaches at one of the only hotel resorts to stay open on the Cape offseason. Lovebirds can dine in or cuddle by the fireplace in an 1800s seaside mansion, watch the snowfall while sipping hot cocoa, swim in a heated indoor pool, book a massage at the on-site spa, take a mixology or jam-making class, listen to live music in the downstairs pub or check out nearby museums (free for guests) and shops in Brewster. Adventurous couples can rent bikes on site, and, if the sun is shining — pedal the 26-mile-long Cape Cod Rail Trail that runs near the resort’s property. It might be too cold to lounge on Ocean Edge’s private beach but a quick, bundled-up stroll to check out the stunning sunset views there is highly recommended. Winter room rates start at $150 per night for villa rooms and $220 per night for The Mansion.
More info 508-896-9000, oceanedge.com
Harbor Light Inn
58 Washington St., Marblehead, Massachusetts
Located in Marblehead, The Harbor Light Inn, is a bed and breakfast in Massachusetts features 18th century architecture. Some rooms are equipped with a bedside fireplace and guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet with pool and garden views. Credit: Harbor Light Inn
Once snuggled in front of the Red Parlor fireplace at this inn, you might never want to leave. Especially if you have a glass of wine in hand. But, outside, in a Massachusetts town regaled for its Revolutionary War heroism, there are historic homes and indie boutiques to explore. In historic Marblehead, you’ll find one of America’s most iconic paintings — the original Spirit of ’76, painted by Archibald Willard in 1876 at Marblehead’s Town Hall. Book the midweek Escape Package featuring amenities like a fireplace, four-poster or canopy guest room, which comes with a complimentary breakfast buffet, afternoon coffee, tea, cookies and a $50 gift certificate at one of Marblehead’s best restaurants, The Landing. (Or use in the inn’s Tavern). Package available Sunday-Thursday through March. Rates start at $250 per night.
More info 781-631-2186, harborlightinn.com
Woolverton Inn
6 Woolverton Rd, Stockton, New Jersey
Woolverton Inn located in New Jersey, is a bed and breakfast perched above the Delaware River surrounded by acres of farmland and forest. Credit: Woolverton Inn
Hunterdon County is situated within vast farmland. The County, which borders the Delaware River, includes several river towns that get lost in the New Hope, Pennsylvania hoopla (across a short bridge from Lambertville, New Jersey). One of the most romantic places to stay in Hunterdon County is the Woolverton Inn, a 1792 stone manor house studded with cozy fireplaces, luxurious accommodations and views of the Delaware. At check-in you’ll receive a bag of treats to dole out to the Inn’s friendly flock of sheep, who greet you at arrival. In winter, the inn becomes a serene retreat, offering a peaceful warm haven. Plan dinner at Sergeantsville Inn, just up the road. Visit ArtYard, a contemporary museum in Frenchtown and then peruse independent shops in the village. The Woolverton Inn offers a Relax and Unwind Spa Package, which includes two 45-minute in-room consecutive massages, a box of locally made truffles and skin-softening bath salts for a relaxing soak in the tub. A gourmet breakfast for two is complimentary with all rooms. Room rates start at $550. Must be scheduled at least five days in advance; two-night minimum on weekends.
More info 609-397-0802, woolvertoninn.com
General Stanton Inn
4115 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, Rhode Island
When locals are asked about the General Stanton Inn on Route 1 in Charlestown, they invariably retort, “Oh — that haunted hotel?” Well, with the lodging’s original room dating to 1667, how could it not be? However, after an extensive renovation, and in new hands, the General Stanton Inn is now a luxury destination equipped with a dining option. Enjoy a one-night stay in the Colonial King room, also known as General Stanton’s Honeymoon Suite, stocked with fresh flowers and chilled Champagne. The package includes a $100 credit for a romantic candlelit dinner for two in the private dining room dating to 1667. Packages start at $399.
More info 401-364-8888, thegeneralstantoninn.com
