Celebrate Valentine’s Day with These Chic Staycation Ideas
New York-based interior designer Christine Gachot shares where she and her husband John find romance in their home city
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be spent ordering from a pre-fix menu at an overcrowded, candlelit restaurant or gifting boring chocolate in a uninspiring heart-shape box. To avoid the mainstream clichés, Galerie turned to New York-based interior designer Christine Gachot to see where she and her husband, John, plan their own escapes within their home city.
1. A Cozy Stop at Café Sabarsky at Neue Museum
“Located across from Central Park, Café Sabarsky is incredibly romantic and leans into old-world charm. With a cozy and intimate setting sheathed in warm wood and low lighting, it’s especially perfect for a Valentine’s Day experience. For a dose of culture, walk through the the second floor of the Neue Museum to view Gustav Klimt’s enchanting masterpieces before your meal. On a personal note, I just recently celebrated love here when I toasted the engagement of my goddaughter and her new fiancé. I asked the team to bring out a Sachertorte adorned with a candle, to sing a sweet “happy engagement” tune, and the whole restaurant joined in! It was a magical moment.”
2. Spend an Afternoon at Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel
“Indulge in a day of massages and lounging at The Greenwich Hotel’s Shibui Spa. Go early, bring your bathing suit, and enjoy the sexy subterranean poolside setting before your treatment. Follow your spa day with dinner upstairs at the hotel’s Locanda Verde—Chef Andrew Carmellini and his team are masters of hospitality, and he goes all-out for Valentine’s Day… the desserts are heavenly. And if you’re craving post-dinner romance, spend the night! The Greenwich Hotel is the best place for a staycation. Pro-tip: book a corner room with a fireplace.”
3. Pick Up a Sweet Treat at Bon Bon Swedish Candy
“A trip to Bon Bon for Swedish candy is a winner. Bundle up and brave the chilly streets to grab one of their seasonal cherry-red boxes—a chic gift for loved ones with a sweet tooth! Spend time together curating your favorite treats, then take them home to savor together. Make sure to buy extra, they won’t last long!”
4. Explore Harper’s Books, Pace Gallery, and Commes de Garçons in Chelsea
“For a classic day in Chelsea, head to Harper’s Books and sort through their many treasures. Then, pop next door into their gallery space to see their latest exhibitions, which are always a visual treat. Nearby, Pace Gallery shows striking, contemporary work, and is worth the quick stroll—their new ‘Delayed Gravity’ exhibition by Wang Guangle is a favorite. For some shopping, hit Commes des Garçons to purchase one of their iconic—and fitting for the occasion—heart t-shirts. Wrap up your afternoon endeavors by snagging a bar seat, a martini, and extra crispy fries at the Hotel Chelsea—not to be missed!”
5. Enjoy a Glamorous Night at Indochine
“If you’re looking for a glam night out downtown, there’s nothing more sexy and classic than getting dressed up and going to the irreplaceable Indochine. Cap it off with a round of pool and a cocktail at nearby Jac’s on Bond, and for a late-night Noho treat, Levain Bakery’s cookies are a must.”
6. Gift a Raquel Corvino Arrangement
“Above all, don’t forget flowers for timeless romance… call Raquel Corvino for a perfect arrangement.”