The true quintessence of “Southern charm,” San Antonio’s sweeping Hill Country views and breathtaking Spanish influences typify “romance” every day of the year...meaning couples seeking out that perfect “special date” need not settle
Rather than “checking the box” with a simple dinner reservation, we recommend rediscovering the glamour that San Antonio has to offer. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply the gift of love, here are 7 upscale opportunities to celebrate your loved one.
1. The Staycation
No matter how much San Antonio expertise you’ve accumulated as a resident, we’re willing to bet the “staycation” is still a novel experience. Seeking refuge at a hotel in your own city offers the relaxation of a vacation (but without the hassle of travel time). Several area hotels offer the opportunity for such lavish accommodation, featuring extravagant design, thoughtful details, and prime locations near excellent area dining and entertainment. Located in downtown San Antonio, Hotel Valencia offers the classic luxury hotel experience. Alternately, Hotel Emma and Hotel Havana may draw in those seeking the boutique hotel experience, while the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa will appeal to anyone interested in tranquil countryside views.
2. The Culture Trip
For the intellectuals and art enthusiasts among us, a stroll through one of San Antonio’s many cultural institutions may be the perfect way to spend an intimately intellectual date night. From the classic displays at the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum to the more avant-garde offerings of the Blue Star Contemporary, San Antonio is home to plenty of galleries and exhibitions worth noting. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the Alamo City’s art scene with your loved one!
3. The Tuscany Experience
An increasingly popular destination for sommeliers nationwide, the Texas Hill Country’s vineyards and wineries are second only to Napa Valley. The “Eden” of Texas, the Hill Country’s sweeping vistas and craggy bluffs are reminiscent of Italy’s most coveted destinations. Why not steal away for a romantic weekend of vino and views? As Texas Monthly’s top pick, Heart of Texa s Wine Tours offers elegance and entertainment, from Wimberley to Fredericksburg!
4. The Jazz Night
Hearkening back to the extravagance of the 1920’s, Jazz, TX is San Antonio’s newest (and classiest) hotspot for live music. Located in the cellar of the Bottling House at the historic Pearl Brewery, Jazz, TX features an array of artists (both local and touring), as well as an upscale Southern-inspired menu created by Chef Lorenzo Morales. On any given night, musical programming can range from jazz to blues to big band, Texas swing, salsa, and conjunto, among others.
5. The Icing on the Cake
For dessert enthusiasts among us, a date is the perfect opportunity to seek out that perfect combination of presentation and taste. From the fine Belgian chocolates and elegant cakes of Delice Chocolatier to Bakery Lorraine’s award-winning French macarons, San Antonio offers up an assortment of options.
6. The Floral Arrangement
Is anything more romantic than a wealth of floral beauty? A classic symbol of love and romance, beautiful flowers are the natural go-to for an upscale date night. Thankfully, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens offers you and your date a particularly gorgeous opportunity to appreciate the vivid array of South Texas flora! Stroll through 38 acres of beautifully curated walkways and take in the beauty, from the Rose Garden to the more exotic selections in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory.
7. The Spa Treatment
Some may choose to stress over the “perfect romantic date”, but we recommend an outing infused with a bit more “zen.” For the couple constantly on the go, a San Antonio spa day might be the perfect way to unwind. For an exotic day of pampering, we recommend booking a massage or facial treatment (or both!) at the JW Marriott’s Lantana Spa, which embraces “the spirit and traditions of Latin American Curanderos to offer timeless treatments in a relaxing, luxurious environment.”
8. The Swanky Cocktail
Don’t have time for a full-scale rose-petals-and-champagne type of celebration? Transition from day-to-night with your significant other by heading to one of San Antonio’s 18 most beautiful bars. These establishments feature a sleek design and thoughtful details, transporting guests from daytime stress to an evening of romance in one fell swoop (and a few fingers of scotch). From the speakeasy vibes of The Brooklynite to the exotic luxury of the Havan a Bar, simply “heading out for a drink” can be the main event.
9. The Feature Film
For a taste of old Hollywood glamour, Santikos Embassy is a more artistic take on the ordinary movie experience. Featuring a full food and drink menu (plus table seating and wait service), this classic theater displays gorgeous design (dripping chandeliers and vintage architecture), as well as incredible food and drink.
10. The Romantic Dinner
From trendy to ultra-romantic, San Antonio’s fine dining scene spans the full breadth of luxury. Make a reservation at one of our city’s most acclaimed restaurants and enjoy the elegance of top-rated and award-winning chefs at one of our top picks for a romantic dinner. Whether you’re swept away by the creative menu offerings at Silo Elevated Cuisine or the intimate, upscale atmosphere of Southtown’s Bliss, your evening will satisfy even the choosiest foodie.
San Antonio’s old-world romance and exotic charm combine to create the perfect setting for a night to remember, customized to your lifestyle. If you need more recommendations to create the perfect evening, we would love to show you our views of the city! One of our expert agents can help steer you in the right direction.
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