5 romantic Valentine's weekend staycation destinations in Atlanta

Love is in the air and on the calendar. The most romantic holiday of the year is coming up next month, so here are 5 fun ideas for a Valentine's weekend getaway in Atlanta or within a short drive.

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds at Lake Oconee (about an hour east of town) plans a "Lakeside Romance" package on Feb. 13 starting at $629. This includes overnight accommodations, a bottle of bubbles and rose petal turndown service, a $100 resort credit that can be used in the spa or restaurant, and breakfast for two.

If you’d prefer to just book your room and take an a la carte approach, the standard rates start at $329 per night. Club-level rooms start at $629 per night.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead property offers a similar package on Feb. 13, minus the lake, also starting at $629. The Valentine's Day Dinner package includes overnight accommodations, dinner for two with a dessert buffet, breakfast for two, sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries and a rose-petal turndown service.

The Reynolds property is at 1 Lake Oconee Trail in Greensboro; 706-467-0600. The Buckhead property is at 3434 Peachtree Road N.E.; 404-237-2700. For information, see ritzcarlton.com and click on "select a hotel."

The Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta in Buckhead is celebrating beyond just Valentine's weekend during the month of February.

On Feb. 13 and 14, the hotel's restaurant will serve a five-course dinner menu created by new executive sous chef Richard Lee. Menu highlights include butter poached lobster with wild mushroom risotto and Champagne white chocolate mousse. The price is $95 per person and dinner hours are 5:30-9 p.m.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Throughout February, couples can enjoy the “Decadent Romance” package, including a rose-petal turndown, chilled Champagne and a box of heart-shaped chocolates and tickets to the Atlanta Ballet’s performance of “Moulin Rouge” at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The price is $575 per night and is valid from Feb. 5-13.

The “Alone Time With Your Valentine” package includes overnight accommodations, a massage class in the couples suite at the hotel’s spa, Champagne and hors d’oeuvres served on the private guestroom terrace and breakfast in bed. The price is $1,265 per night and is valid the entire month of February.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

For reservations or more information, call 404-995-7545, email moatl-restaurants@mohg.com or see mandarinoriental.com/atlanta. The property is at 3376 Peachtree Road N.E.

offers its “XOXO” package from Feb. 1 through March 31. It includes a bottle of prosecco, a rose, specialty items from Lush Cosmetics and a sweet treat. Plus, you can check out as late as 4 p.m.

The rate is $249 per night, and reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Call 678-500-3100 and mention rate code LAPKG1 or see watlantabuckhead.com/xoxo. The address is 3377 Peachtree Road N.E.

Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, about an hour north of Atlanta, offers a two-night package, including cottage accommodations, breakfast for two each morning in the Woodlands Grill and a four-course dinner in the Rice House.

Chocolate truffles will be there to greet you when you arrive.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Rates start from $530 per night and include a $100 resort credit, which can be used for dining or activities such as a guided horseback ride, sporting clays, spa treatments or merchandise. A four-course dinner by chef Roberto Guzman will be served on the evenings of Feb. 12-14. The price is $105 per person.

The cheekily named “Wine Snob” will be on hand for pairing recommendations throughout the weekend, and complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides are available the evening of Feb. 13.

If that's not luxurious enough for you, the resort's "Fairy Godmother" is available to enhance your stay with a number of "royal treatments," such as the Love Spell, involving candles, Champagne and rose petals, or a customized proposal setting. Treatments are available for additional fees and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.