A day is too short to tell your Valentine how special she/he is. Instead, whisk that Valentine off for a long, romantic weekend to the Yucatan's most beautifully restored 18th century hacienda, Hacienda Xcanatun (ssh-kana-toon), just a smile away from colonial Merida and surrounded by a nine-acre oasis of bright flowers and trees.

A former sisal plantation, the hacienda was restored by its owners to its original magnificence with gleaming polished stone and marble floors; 18-foot beamed ceiling, thick walls and soaring bathroom skylights, preserving the splendor of Mexican colonial architecture.

To sweeten the experience, Hacienda Xcanatun, which means Tall Stone House in Mayan, is offering a 4-night Valentine's Extravaganza priced at $1550 per couple or a 3-night stay for $1250 per couple. Complete with unabashed pampering and indulgent experiences, the Extravaganza includes a garden-view suite with private terrace; an in-suite Private Maya Interlude where couples enjoy his & her honey and flower massage surrounded by candles and incense; a four-course, candlelit feast, and a bottle of bubbly on Valentine's evening; plus daily breakfast in-suite. A welcome fruit basket and bottle of wine, taxes, service charges, and roundtrip Merida airport transfers are also included.

Anytime during the weekend, take part in an ancient Maya ritual called, in the privacy of your own suite. This 90-minute ceremony is performed by Xcanatun's Maya therapist, trained by her shaman grandfather. To enhance serenity and relaxation, Carolina begins by setting the mood with candles and incense. Then she combines organic honey, bee pollen, and royal jelly and applies this potion in a light massage to regenerate and moisturize it. She places fresh flowers and petals on the body, to bring the soul into balance, and performs a foot reflexology treatment and upper body massage. The love ceremony ends with a beautiful chant requesting happiness and good health as you sip a cup of the local honey and herb liquor known as Xtabentun.

If food is the way to your lover's heart - "Casa de Piedra", Xcanatun's award-winning restaurant, is up to the challenge. Serving a sophisticated, inventive cuisine fusing French technique with local and Caribbean ingredients, the restaurant has established itself as a five-star delight. Valentine's night, the chef prepares a four-course, candlelit feast, complete with bubbly and strolling musicians to keep romance blooming.

If you can pull yourselves away, explore ancient Maya cities at Uxmal and Chichen Itza or walk the streets of colonial towns and villages. Take a boat ride through thousands of flamingos at Celestun's biosphere, and enjoy deserted Gulf of Mexico beaches. These and other expeditions are easily arranged in a private car with guide and driver. Should the spirit not move you, laze around the two freshwater pools or try a round of golf. Perhaps a set of tennis.