A Romantic Valentine´s Day in Buenos Aires

Saint Valentine’s Day, or el Día de los Enamorados, has spread out in Argentina probably as a result of cultural assimilation. It is a relatively new phenomenon. But whether it is Valentine’s Day, your anniversary or just a special romantic weekend, Buenos Aires is one of the most romantic cities in the world. In fact, if you want to impress your sweetheart, there is no better place in South America to spice up the love life.

Love is in the air and, like in Paris or Rome, having the urge to kiss deeply and affectionately is welcome and normal in Buenos Aires. There are lots of romantic restaurants, mainly in Palermo Viejo, where meals linger for hours over passionate conversation. Cafés and bars attract lovers through the wee hours of the night, and sexy dances like tango encourage couples to parade their stuff in the spotlight.

The core of the question is the need to strengthen the bonds with our loved ones. So, here is a list of recommendations for a perfect Saint Valentine’s Day in Buenos Aires:

• Te Mataré Ramírez: Buenos Aires’ one and only aphrodisiac restaurant, the self-styled “temple of romanticism and pleasure,” celebrates Saint Valentine’s the whole week with an erotic show every night, an exhibition of visual arts, games for which no clear rules are laid out, and voluptuous meals downed with champagne. Dinner $40 per person, with drinks.

· Alvear Palace Hotel: On February 14 offers special menus for lunch and dinner at L’Orangerie and La Bourgogne restaurants. As night falls, enjoy the magnificent view from the Roof Garden. From 12 noon to 4 pm, L’Orangerie, (including beverages, wine and champagne). From 7 pm to 10 pm, Romantic Evening at the Roof Garden set to bolero and jazz music (including champagne and a selection of appetizers). From 9 pm to midnight, dinner at La Bourgogne. If you are in for a long and exciting night, go for dinner at La Cave and spend the night at an exclusive suite (includes dinner, overnight stay, continental breakfast, access to the Health Club and extended checkout until 5 pm the following day).

· Hilton Buenos Aires: February 10 through 14, happy hour at Bar Atrio from 6 pm to 8 pm. On February 14, aphrodisiac menu with Norton wines. At El Faro: live music (tenors), gifts and surprises. Terrazas al Río: live music (jazz), gifts and surprises. Happy hour with drinks for 2: $7 ea. Overnight stay in Deluxe Room: breakfast, champagne, access to the Health Club and swimming pool.

· Caesar Park: Chef Germán Martitegui promises a fascinating menu for February 14 at Restaurant Agraz: Oyster-lime aphrodisiac dish, lobster with fresh salad, pork ribs with passion fruit sauce, chocolate/Baileys Dessert. Step on the dance floor after dinner.

· Marriott Plaza Hotel: On February 14, dinner at La Brasserie with a delicious buffet dinner inspired by love: Pommes d’amour, The One and Thousand Nights, The Garden of Eden, Lady Godiva. Live music and gifts.

· Sheraton Buenos Aires/Park Tower: Romantic Dinner at El Aljibe. Unforgettable overnight stay: breakfast, spa, swimming pool, health club, champagne, flowers, late checkout.

· Hotel Emperador: Saint Valentine’s dinner at Maximus restaurant. Menu: rolled grilled vegetables; goat cheese with hearts of artichoke mousselin; marinated chicken with sweet potato puree; chocolate mousse with chestnuts in syrup.

· Hotel Intercontinental: February 14, five-course dinner with Nieto Senetiner wine at Restaurant Mediterráneo, with live music.

· Palacio Duhau at the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.  Return to the pre-breakup pleasures of a bottle of great Argentine wine with friends at the Palacio Duhau’s Restaurant and Vinoteca. Book the “Culture at the Park” package and get two Tango lessons, then take your skills out on the town and dance the night away.

· Long Valentine’s Day Cruise: HAL Amsterdam: Have all the time in the world? Then consider embarking on February 8, 2010 for a Valentine’s Day cruise that originates in Buenos Aires and sails for 40 days, carrying you to ports that include Montevideo, Uruguay; Namibia; Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban, South Africa; Mauritius; Victoria, Seychelles; Mumbai (Bombay) and Goa, India; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and disembarks in Singapore.

Still, if you ask me which is the most romantic spot to share a special moment whit a love one I recommend standing on the Puente de las Mujeres (the Bridge of Women) in Puerto Madero, as the sun sets in the evening behind the city skyline, the water of the port lit up in fiery red and gold.

Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/sis/98171915/