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10 great places to indulge your senses

USATODAY
Kenichi offers intimate 'rock star booths' for dining in privacy. 'It's the 
make-out booth,' Stanger says. A couple can snuggle and pour each other glasses of sake — the Japanese rice wine is said to be an aphrodisiac, she notes.

You can do much better than dinner and a movie on Valentine's Day, says Patti Stanger of the Bravo reality TV show The Millionaire Matchmaker (Tuesdays, 10 p.m. ET). "It's a day you're supposed to indulge your senses," she says. From spa visits to hikes to sharing a memorable view, there are plenty of ways to treat your sweetie — and yourself. She shares some favorite date destinations with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Cathedral Rock

Sedona, Ariz.

New Age believers say the northern Arizona city of Sedona is surrounded by energy-emitting vortexes. Stanger, who has hiked the steep three-quarter-mile trail to one such spot, thinks there's something to it. "When I go there, I get a feeling of peace and healing. And it increases your sex drive. I've wanted to make love on that rock, but there are too many people there." A picnic is fine, however; she suggests stopping at a bakery to pick up some snacks to share. visitsedona.com

Willis Tower Skydeck

Chicago

There may be no better place to share a first kiss than standing on a glass-floored deck 103 stories above the ground. "They say high altitude increases the adrenaline flow to make you feel like you're in love," Stanger says. The view from the tallest building in the USA is memorable, too. The entire city twinkles in front of you: "It's so pretty." The deck has been the site of numerous marriage proposals and is hosting a Valentine's Day breakfast. 312-875-9447; theskydeck.com

Marker 88 Restaurant

Islamorada, Fla.

You can't beat the Keys for romance, Stanger says. This beach-side restaurant offers views of dolphins frolicking in the ocean, along with proposal-worthy sunsets. "It's a view that you can't forget," she says. But it's not the least bit stuffy. "You can wear your flip-flops and jeans and not feel underdressed." 305-852-9315; marker88.info

Ten Thousand Waves

Santa Fe

This day spa, inspired by Japanese hot-spring resorts, offers an elegant and tranquil place to share some private time with your sweetheart. Stanger suggests a soak together in a hot tub and then a couple's massage. You can even order in food and spend your day there. "It's so romantic and relaxing," Stanger says. 505-982-9304; tenthousandwaves.com

Kenichi

Aspen, Colo.

Aspen may be a Western ski town, but you can find the flavor of Asia at this elegant sushi restaurant. Stanger suggests reserving one of the "Rock Star Booths" for privacy. "It's the make-out booth," she says. A couple can snuggle and pour each other glasses of sake — the Japanese rice wine is said to be an aphrodisiac, she says. "It's the perfect way to show love to one another." 970-920-2212; kenichiaspen.com

Getty Center

Los Angeles

Art can stir passion, and this grand museum doesn't disappoint, Stanger says. It's where she went on her second date with her boyfriend. "There are little places to get lost. He stole a kiss." Along with art, there are memorable city views from the cliff-top museum. She also suggests stopping at the cafe. "The wine is amazing. It's off the chain. We really got buzzed." 310-440-7300; getty.edu

Haven's Kitchen

New York

This "recreational cooking school" in New York's Chelsea neighborhood offers a full calendar of classes, along with an area to enjoy drinks and snacks. A special Valentine's night session on edible aphrodisiacs focuses on oysters. Students will learn shucking, cooking and how the bivalves are raised. Then there is a chance to sample a few to see whether they work. 212-929-7900; havenskitchen.com

Swift's Attic

Austin

It's hard not to have fun when you're out on the town in Austin, Stanger says. "The music is very eclectic. There's a little bit of something for everybody." She says this restaurant has a welcoming bar scene for singles and couples alike, and she likes the late-night menu. "It's very creative and meant for sharing," she says. 512-482-8842; swiftsattic.com

Cirque du Soleil's 'O'

Las Vegas

While the acrobatic performances from Cirque du Soleil all seem to have a hint of the erotic, Stanger says she's particularly turned on by O, a Bellagio Hotel show set in and around water. "It has the most elegant atmosphere. It stimulates the senses," she says. cirquedusoleil.com

Cuchi Cuchi and Inman Oasis spa

Cambridge, Mass.

Harvard's home might be known for intellectual stimulation, but Stanger suggests stimulating the body on Valentine's night. Start with snacks at Cuchi Cuchi, an eclectic eatery with small plates from around the world. Then retreat to a private hot tub at nearby Inman Oasis. The feng shui-inspired spa is the ultimate in relaxation, Stanger says. 617-864-2929, www.cuchicuchi.cc; and 617-491-0176, inmanoasis.com

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