As they say, when the boys are away, the baes will slay. You might remember our epic lovefest from last year at the Smyth (which still serves up some serious romance inspo), but this time around, THE STAYCATIONERS traded downtown for uptown and ditched the boys in exchange for a galentine’s getaway complete with bubbly, bourgeosie vibes, and of course, Baccarat crystal (plus a spa break in between). So because no V-Day is complete without fine glassware or three tiers’ worth of mignardises, we invite you on a deluxe journey through New York City’s most luxurious digs as a template for your very own holiday staycay. Right this way.

THE SPOT: Baccarat Hotel & Residences | 28 West 53 Street, New York

THE STATS: 114 rooms, ultra-chic spa and pool, house car, 24-hour concierge, afternoon tea, opulent bar, serious crystal game

PERFECT FOR: A girls-only getaway on the Baccarat’s exclusive Valentine-savvy itinerary

All good things begin and end with food…and by “food” we mean tiny, perfectly crafted finger food laden with gold leaf and neatly placed around multiple levels of finely cut crystal. There is no other way.

As we mentioned, this year, the Baccarat has put together one hell of a Valentine’s Day experience including a special afternoon tea menu (with cocktails), luxe accommodations (obviously), a $500 credit to Spa de la Mer, a giant ball of roses (it’s exactly what it sounds like), and last but not least, breakfast for two the next morning (although you might still be full from the day before). Naturally, THE STAYCATIONERS left no finger sandwich un-nibbled, and in the name of research proceeded immediately to the pool without waiting a half hour to digest. It is a holiday, after all.

You’ve probably seen the iconic checkerboard pool floor floating its way around social media, but as THE STAYCATIONERS will tell you, the Instagrams don’t quite do it justice. Unless you’re talking about our photographer…then it’s a different story. Cue the Perrier-Jouët.

And here’s a peek at the spa for good measure.

After retiring to their suite, THE STAYCATIONERS donned their finest houseclothes and poured themselves each a generous glass of Belle Époque because hey, what the hell.

As night set in and the champagne stock dwindled, THE STAYCATIONERS took to the gigantic bed in their leisure wear to write love notes and giggle themselves to sleep. As one does in the lap of luxury. Until next time, faithful reader…may your Valentine’s Day be all the more inspired.

Keep up with THE STAYCATIONERS as they take over new hotels in new cities each month. This round made possible by the Baccarat, Perrier-Jouët, BLACKSEA, The Sleep Shirt, Zeynep Tosun, Mona Sultan, Alexis Gamblin.

Special thanks to the glowingly beautiful Janelle Lloyd of Wait, You Need This, our guest staycationer for the evening.

Photography by her majesty Meredith Truax for THE STAYCATIONERS.