This month, Global Traveler celebrates its 11th anniversary. And we discovered, to some surprise, this anniversary’s symbol is steel, one of the strongest and most durable alloys in the world. The cord binding the marriage (in our case, of magazine and reader) can no longer be easily broken, if it ever could. Strength and permanence define this anniversary, fitting for a publication that has become the leading voice in luxury business travel.

That got us to thinking about business travel and romance. At first blush, it seems like an oxymoron. Sure, you often “fall in love” with a favorite destination, airline or hotel. Imagine how much more fulfilling it can be to see the world by sharing it with a loved one. Of course, it isn’t practical for a romantic partner to accompany you on every business trip, but for those special milestones — an anniversary, birthday or even a celebration of the first time you and your sweetie locked eyes — you’ll find romantic amenities abound.

Want to dazzle a loved one before you even arrive at your destination? Book Etihad Airways’ The Residence, a luxurious three-room suite on its Airbus A380. Located on the aircraft’s upper deck, it encompasses a living room, a double bedroom, an en suite shower, a personal butler, a concierge and an in-flight chef. It will set you back about $43,000 roundtrip, but that’s nearly the same price as flying one way privately. Another option is combinable first-class seats (the divider can be removed) that convert to a double-bed suite, such as those found on China Eastern Airlines.

Passionate penny-pinchers might consider the “cuddle” seat found on the Boeing 777-300 aircraft flown by China Airlines and Air New Zealand. China Airlines’ Family Couch and The Skycouch on Air New Zealand use a specially designed footrest to convert a row of three economy seats into a single sofa bed. These cozy layouts are ideal for those who want to snuggle during a long-haul flight.

The Castle Hotel, Dalian, China, offers deluxe ocean-view rooms © The Castle
Hotel

Hotels make it easy to inject some romance into a stay. Couples who book the Romance of The Castle special at The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian, get a deluxe ocean-view room, in-room breakfast and a two-hour Dongbei-style (that means lots of soaking and bathing tubs) Spa Experience for two. Once you are thoroughly relaxed, sip a signature cocktail in the lobby lounge and savor a special dinner for two in the Royal Cellar including Australian oysters, duck foie gras, a grilled ribeye for gents and seared black cod for the ladies. Romance also awaits those checking into the Prince de Galles, Paris and the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, where you are welcomed with a bottle of Champagne and fresh flowers and served breakfast in bed every morning.

The majority of Park Hyatt hotels offer a Romance at the Park special which typically includes a luxury guestroom, breakfast for two and amenities that vary by hotel. For example, Park Hyatt Dubai will welcome you with a bottle of wine and a $50 credit to Amara Spa, breakfast and late check-out. Park Hyatt Zürich will keep your romantic stay traditional with breakfast and a welcome gift basket overflowing with rose petals, flowers and strawberries.

In New York City, the Fitzgerald Suite, named for The Plaza Hotel’s famous patron F. Scott Fitzgerald, sets the mood for romance. Book it along with a spa special, such as a couple’s massage at the Caudalie Spa. Start with a barrel bath and cranial massage in the same candlelit treatment room with your loved one, then continue to a romantic and relaxing 50-minute sculpting massage by two individual therapists.

Seduction at The St. Regis specials toast amour with Champagne upon arrival. Then, wake up to breakfast in bed served by your own butler and fresh-cut flowers each morning. Among the participating hotels: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; The St. Regis Washington, D.C.; and The St. Regis San Francisco.

Some hotels deliver chocolate-covered strawberries or truffles to guests. © Wollertz | Dreamstime.com

Treat your sweetheart to a romantic rendezvous at InterContinental San Francisco. Its San Francisco is for Lovers offer comes with long-stem strawberries, chilled bubbly and a butler-drawn bath sprinkled with rose petals. In fact, you’ll find a romantic ambience at many InterContinental hotels. For instance, at InterContinental Toronto Centre, you receive a basket filled with luxurious Aveda products upon arrival. Each morning, dine on breakfast in bed and cap each evening with chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate truffles. Similar packages are available at InterContinental properties in Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Cleveland; and Kansas City.

There must be something in the water at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, which excels at crafting unusual offerings for lovebirds. From May through September, when the Bronx River Parkway is open, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester offers a Beauty is Where You Bike It premium. Inspired by a couple who share a common love of the outdoors, the offer includes bicycle rentals, snacks, breakfast for two and a hiking/biking book on favorite local trails.

Who wouldn’t love a little blue box from Tiffany? © Pedro2009 | Dreamstime.com

If you are planning to pop the question or want to celebrate that he or she said “Yes” those many years ago, The Perfect Proposal lets you call the expansive Ritz-Carlton Suite your home for the night. You also get in-room breakfast and private dinner for two prepared by Executive Chef Kennardo in the Dream House, a 5,000-square-foot private residence on the hotel’s 40th floor with opulent views of New York City and the Hudson Valley. Dazzle your loved one with a couple’s massage at the hotel’s intimate spa. Then, turn the night into an unforgettable experience with private transportation to the Westchester Tiffany & Co. showroom, where the hotel has arranged a private ring-shopping experience to help pick out the perfect diamond. One caveat: You must be willing to spend at least $20,000 at Tiffany to have the place to yourself.

While special offers make it easy to generate a romantic atmosphere, 5-star hotels are always willing to take the extra step to customize your experience. For example, staff at the Park Hyatt Chicago recall hosting a couple celebrating their anniversary. The husband wanted to create a special night, so the chefs created a five-course meal with each course based on the memory of a special trip the duo had taken during their relationship.

Similarly, travelers who upgrade to Fairmont Gold level can also work with the dedicated in-house manager to create a bespoke experience, from recommendations for romantic strolls to reserving the perfect table for two at a city’s finest restaurant.

If food is what ignites passion in your relationship, consider a stay at ANA InterContinental Tokyo. Dine at Pierre Gagnaire Tokyo, the Michelin-starred chef ’s eponymous restaurant. Arrange to eat in the private Paris room or reserve Table 6, which offers the best view of the city as it lights up around the iconic Tokyo Tower. You can even request flowers delivered table-side.

The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York is known as one of New York City’s most romantic locales. With 123 suites from which to choose and a dedicated suite specialist, guests planning a romantic rendezvous can select the room designed for their getaway. Love abounds in the majestic Royal Suite, the former Park Avenue home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who moved in when the Duke relinquished the British throne for the woman he loved. The Towers staff, including head concierge Michael Romei, are accustomed to fulfilling the most lavish of requests, from covering every inch of a large suite with unique floral arrangements, including water lilies floating in the tub and flowering vines running down the walls, to supplying life-sized chocolate figurines of guests.

And what would a romantic getaway be without a gift or two? Nothing says “I love you” like a blue box from Tiffany or other lavish trinket. Sure, you can kick back and get some work done in the airline lounge before your flight home, but as the perfect coda to your business/romantic trip, arrive at the airport early and engage in some serious retail couple’s therapy at duty-free shops.

Seek out Prada handbags, Jimmy Choo impossibly high stiletto heels, Baccarat crystal, Lancôme cosmetics and Valentino couture. Name a luxury brand and it’s likely you can find it: Dior, Versace, Piaget, Cartier, Hermès and Montblanc. Among the best of the best duty-free shopping: Changi Airport Singapore, Dubai International, Hong Kong International, Incheon International, London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports. Trust us — that bottle of Chanel No. 5 may not be a deductible business expense, but the memories it evokes? Priceless.