It’s that time a year again, Valentine’s Day. If you are in a relationship, married or dating someone, you need to step up to the plate and get your sweetie a gift (even if you think of Valentine’s Day as a Hallmark Holiday!). The name of the game on this holiday is always creativity and thoughtfulness, so don’t worry if you are able to break the bank buying something.

As a Celebrity Matchmaker, I spend each and every day hearing about what men and women like and find romantic. Here are some suggestions for fun and unique gifts; there is something for everyone! And, for a chance to win one of these gifts, follow me on Instagram and send me a DM with your best romantic date story. I will be selecting a winner by Feb 24th and that person will win one of these great gifts!

Now for the gift ideas…

For the lady who loves the idea of love:

Some women are just obsessed with the notion of love. I am, but I guess that’s why I am a Matchmaker! If your gal is love-obsessed, be direct and get her “that” bag. I “love’ this denim one from Sondra Roberts with the word “love” on it or this one from Mary Frances that is handmade and tells her she is “loved” by you.

For the woman whose bling is always fashion forward:

If your honey is always stopped at events and asked where she got her earrings or her bracelet, you need to get her a unique item from Rebel Jewels. She will be impressed that you were able to locate such a cutting-edge designer and she will be psyched that you showed up with jewelry that she can brag to her friends about.

Rebel Designs

For the lady who gives back and loves a little skin:

If your woman is the first to raise her hand to volunteer or donate her money or her time, she will be impressed if you give her a stylish present where 100% of the proceeds go to charity. Try choosing one of these gorgeous Lema J shagreen cuffs for her. She will be eating out of the palm of your hand!

For a woman who has a sweet tooth:

Candy and cupcakes are so 15 minutes ago especially if your lady love is health and body conscious. Instead, get her a handbag that looks like a box of candy or an array of cupcakes. She will style and will love your playful attitude.

Mary Frances “Babycakes” handbag and Sondra Roberts and Sondra Roberts “Candy” bag

For the lady who is one of a kind:

If your SO loves everything in her world to be one of a kind, the perfect gift for her is a Salvage Sac. Each one is made with vintage towels of yesteryears cartoons and/or brands. You know what she likes- maybe a little Winnie the Pooh on one side and Gucci on the other?

Salvage Sac bags

For the lady whose life requires handsfree:

If your love is always in need of her hands, then a perfect gift for her is a stylish phone case that allows her to have her cell phone with her at all times but not in the way. Check out the Bandolier, it’s a stylish wristlet or cross body bag and you can add a thin wallet or card case to boot. She will be beholden to you.

Bandolet and Bandolier phone holders

For a beau who loves the kitchen:

If your honey loves to cook. An Instant Pot with a specialized instant pot cookbook by XXX is the perfect gift for him or her. Don’t be surprised if he has been eyeing it for himself but has been too lazy to order it. And the bonus, you get fed too!

Instant Pot

For the guy who is a work-out fiend:

He’s mentioned to you in passing, about a million times that he would love to try a Fitbit. So, go ahead and get him something he’s been asking for. The newest and best version these days seems to be the Fitbit Ionic. He will be impressed!

Fitbit “Ionic”

For the woman who styles everything:

If you gal loves everything in her world to be stylish, grab one of these artisan phone chargers or a pair of these crafty headphones from Le Pom Pom. People will be stopping her on the street to ask where she got them and each time, this will make her think of you!

Le Pom Pom headphones and charger

For the guy whose middle name is travel:

Much to your dismay, your guy travels a lot. I know you would like him home more but at least while he’s away, let him constantly be thinking of you when he looks at the fabulous sack you got him for all of his toiletries. This way, you know you have his attention at least two times a day when he brushes his teeth!

Leatherology Dopp Kit in black onyx leather

For the significant other who has always wanted to see their name in lights:

If you are with someone who loves playful and kitschy things, get them a Clapperboard, a Lightbox or an “OMG” sign from Locomocean. Make sure you deliver it to her with your own special Valentine’s Day message written right on it. This is personal, sweet and a lot of fun!

Locomocean Clapperboard, Lightbox, and OMG neon sign

For the gal who is always missing summer:

If your honey is always counting the days until summer, a great and unique present for her is a portable Minnidip pool from LaVaca. Sounds funny but it’s really clever, it’s easy to inflate anywhere and it comes in several very fun designs like this Watermelon one. Now all she needs is a Pina Colada and you are golden!

Minnidip Watermelon and Banana Leaves Inflatable Pools

For the gal who kids need to give you the stamp of approval:

If you are dating a woman who has kids, especially daughters, you better buy her brood something for Valentine’s Day too. Her kids are the gatekeepers and buying presents always win brownie points. A cute idea are these Living Royal socks; they come in lots of fun designs and they are all the rage these days!

A variety of socks from Living Royal

What else would you love for Valentine’s Day? Please let me know!

Samantha Daniels is a well-known Professional Matchmaker and Dating Expert. She had her 30 seconds of fame when she co-created the NBC TV show Miss Match with Darren Star (Sex and the City); the show was based on her life story and Alicia Silverstone played her character. She is the author of Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern-Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster). She is a frequently relied-upon dating expert on camera and writes regularly for Business Insider, Forbes, Huffington Post, and a number of other publications. She is a micro influencer on social media with a very high engagement rate; most of her recent posts have gone viral. You can follow her on Instagram or check out her website here. www.SamanthaDaniels.info

Mother’s Day is an important holiday, full stop. Your mother and/or the mother of your children is expecting that you make her feel important and loved on this special day. My advice is to get her a practical and useful gift, something she needs and then pair it with something thoughtful and romantic like flowers, a home-cooked meal or a coupon book filled with things you will do for her like a 1-hour massage, drawing her a bubble bath or letting her pick the movie on movie night for the next month!

And if you are celebrating a mom who also is the mother of your daughter or her daughter, if you really want to win brownie points, you can get the mom a present and get something for her Mini-Me as well; after all, her Mini-me will be a mom someday too. Don’t just buy a generic gift, take a moment to think about who your mom or wife is and what she will actually enjoy or want.

Here are some ideas for practical and thoughtful gifts for different types of women on Mother’s Day:

For The Mom Who Has A Newborn- Moms who have a newborn think about their baby non-stop, even on Mother’s Day. A great gift for this type of mom is the 4Moms Mamaroo4 swing. This swing is very different from all others. Most swings vibrate and go back and forth. However, the Mamaroo “bounces up and down and sways from side to side, just like parents do” so your baby feels cuddled even when you aren’t holding him. This mom is your life will love this because it will give her from handsfree time to do things for herself. $199

For The Mom Who Likes To Be Stylish While She Is Active- If your mom or your wife is very active but is always oh so stylish, get her some Aviator Nation sweatpants and a sweatshirt. They are super soft and comfy but also very cool and trendy. I love the 5-stripe Hoodie and the Prism Zip Sweatpants. $120- $189.

For The Mom With A Baby Who Is Teething- If you have a mom in your life with a teething baby, she is probably ready to pull her own hair out! Teething babies are fussy, AF! A great gift for this type of mom is some teething toys to help keep the baby calm-er. I love the products from Nuby. They make endless adorable teething toys along with so many other baby products. And they are super affordable. My favorites are the Silicone teething bib that looks like a Chanel outfit, Icy Keys, the Teething Bib, and the Icy Hands Teething Mitten (a lifesaver!). $5–$15

For The Mom Who Loves Trends- If the Mom in your life reads fashion magazines and loves to be on trend, get her P448 sneakers as her Mother’s Dat present. They are very in, cool looking, have lots of colors and glitter and they are also comfortable. They are also perfect to get your daughter especially if she is a teenager! I love the Star 2.0 , the Queensmid Lurex and the Zac Loft versions. $228

For The Mom Who Loves To Travel With Her Kids Onboard- If the mom in your life loves to travel and never wants her kids to miss out on the adventure, get her the Baby banz Hear No Blare Earmuffs for her kids. The Babybanz are earmuffs that protect the little ones’ ears from turbulence and pressure. They come in very cute colors. Then, Mom can actually relax on a plane ride instead of constantly hearing, “Mom, my ears hurt!”

For The Mom Who Is a Neat Freak — If the Mom in your life enjoys cleaning, I mean really enjoys it, then as crazy as it sounds, buy her this snazzy Eufy vacuum robot. I know an appliance doesn’t seem very romantic but to a woman like this, she will think it’s dreamy. The Eufy does a great job at cleaning and it’s actually fun to use. $249

For The Mom On The Go- If the mom in your life loves to bring her baby everywhere with her, then she would love to have the ultra stylish Artipoppe baby carrier. All moms have carriers but this is one is the best- comfortable, light-weight, versatile and fashionable. The Artipoppe comes in so many fun colors and patterns; it definitely makes a mom stand out in a crowd. And babies sit all snuggly inside and love bonding with Mommy. $459

For The Mom Who Always Needs A Caffeine Fix And Is A Do-Gooder- If the mom in your life loves coffee, I would recommend getting her specialty coffee. I love the Pods from Grounds and Hounds coffee. They make fair trade organic, specialty coffees where 20% of the proceeds go to their rescue partners who help to create safe retreats for pups between homes. Yummy and feel-good; it’s a win-win. $14

For The Mom Who Wants Her Child To Sit With The Family- If the mom in your life is obsessed with her baby and wants him or her to hang in the living room like the rest of the family, get her a fashionable and useful Hugaboo. This cushioned chair that helps a baby or toddler sit upright while styling at the same time. I love the leopard-print Hugaboo one! $59

For The Mom Who Likes Everything Healthy Especially For Her Children- If the mother in your life is a health nut, I bet, dollars to donuts that she is obsessed with making baby food. If she is, I would recommend getting her Beaba Babycook food maker machine. The Beaba is terrific. Not only does it help prepare nutritious meals for baby in 15 minutes or less, but this dual chamber also allows for peas on one side and carrots on the other at the same exact time. And it has a patented steam heating system that locks in vitamins and nutrients. $199

For The Mom Who Loves Cute Things For Her Baby- If the mother in your life loves getting adorable things for her baby, get her some Baby Banana products. Baby Banana make the cutest toothbrushes I have ever seen in shapes like bananas, grapes and sharks. Mom and child both will love these. $7-$14

For The Mom Who Has SPF As Her Middle Name- If the mom in your life is obsessed with sun protection and staying under an umbrella or beach hat, a great gift for her would be matching UV Skinz for her and her baby. UV Skinz has SPF built right into the bathing suits, hats and hoodies and come in adorable patterns and colors. I especially love their Sunzie for baby and their beach hats. Their stuff is comfortable, versatile and fun. A great way to be protected and stylish at the same time. $42- $70

For The Mom Who Needs Her Hair To Be Perfect As Fast As Possible- If the mom in your life likes to be picture-perfect all the time and likes her hair to be just-so, she would really appreciate a great blow dryer and straightening iron for Mother’s Day. Your first reaction might be that she already has these products and you see her using them every day, but she does have the Amika ones? The Amika Immortal blowdryer is strong and super lightweight so blowing hair is a breeze. And the Amika Confidante styler will help keep moisture so it looks even healthier and smoother. $150-$300.

What other gifts would you recommend for Mother’s Day?

For a chance to win one of these gifts, send me an email to samanthastable2@gmail.com by Monday, May 13th and tell me about your Mother’s Day plans. I will select the winners at random and email you back if you are a winner.

Samantha Daniels is a well-known Professional Matchmaker and Dating Expert and as well as an Author. She has owned the bicoastal Matchmaking service, Samantha’s Table for 20 years. You can follow her on Instagram — @matchmakersd. For more information, www.samanthastable.com

Every awards season seems to feel more special than the one before it. There is the uniqueness of the fashion, the elegance of the parties and the glamour of the Stars. I find it all to be oh-so-romantic. But of course, being a Matchmaker, I find romance in everything. Here are some of the most romantic things I saw during Golden Globes week:

HBO Golden Globes Party- This Golden Globes party took place Circa 55, poolside at the Beverly Hilton hotel. At the HBO party, the color theme was green, black and white and it looked like there were trees everywhere. Richard Plepler, our host did an excellent job of schmoozing with everyone and we even got a few little hints of some upcoming plot twists on a few of our my favorite shows. There were many A-listers abound including Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson and my personal favorite, Joan Collins. They had a beautiful food spread full of green fettucini, a seafood medley, filet mignon and many other delectables. Cindy Tenner did an excellent job of coordinating the whole event.

Secret rooms Event Style Lounge at the Intercontinental Century City- Rita Branch did an excellent job of making this gifting suite was very romantic. The setting was beautiful with purple orchids at the entrance. Check-in was a breeze and immediately you were given a bag from Shore bags into which to put any loot you scored around the room.

The first stop for me was the Silver Stork table where it’s owner, Caroline Hoad gave me a great Silver Stork box filled with wonderful and practical baby goodies like the Love To Dream Swaddle Up and the My Family Lunchbox and trusty Water Wipes.

Next, I visited with Anne Neilson home who had beautiful candles and notepads. In my book, candle make a night tres romantic. I loved Anne’s candles, her packaging and all the great scents which each had a hint of something great. I soon moved onto the Camouflage cellulite table where there were some very practical undergarments that every lady can use at some point. Going into Golden Globes weekend, I was happy to score a bodycon version just in case I needed a little help on Sunday.

Then I visited with the Thomas George Estate wine table- wine out of Sonoma Valley, one of my favorite places to go for a romantic wine trip. I loved their Chardonnay, it was light with the slightest hint of fruit and butter. I am going to be sure to visit them next time I head to Sonoma.

I also scored a Sunsoaker mat which I am excited to try come summer. I can actually take it to the beach and it is supposed to power up all my electronics with the sun alone. I am excited to see if this works because I don’t know about you, but my cell phone also dies when I am soaking up the sun. And lastly, I stopped by the Lelo table where there were some very provocative and sleek-looking vibrators available. Ohh-la-la!

DPA Gifting Suite at the Luxe Sunset Hotel- Nathalie Dubois went all out with her romantic and fun gifting suite for nominees and influencers. It took place at the lovely Luxe Sunset Hotel.

The event was indoor-outdoor which added to its elegance. They had a number of romantic brands there to test out and take home. A few of my favorites were: Geek Eyewear and Jacqueline Michie. There was also several delectable goodies for tasting like Vegaron, Appletinies, Twinkle Brown Sugar, Viva Pops.

And I loved the charity tie-ins at this Suite- Save the Children and Girls Pact; both are very worthwhile charities.

Art of Elysium charity event took place on the Saturday night of Golden Globes weekend. As usual, it was an A-list crowd who all turned out to raise money to create art programs for individuals in different communities in LA who are going through tough emotional times.

Celebrities like Usher, Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Garner, Dita Von Teese, Emily Ratajkowski and many other notable names were in attendance. The room was incredibly romantic with the theme being Heaven once again. From the moment you walked in, you felt as if you had been transported into a mystical ethereal land.

Amazon Prime Golden Globes Party- The Amazon Golden Globes party also took place in the Beverly Hilton, but Amazon Prime took over the Stardust Penthouse. The feel was sleek and sophisticated. There were large Amazon logos and big screen TVs everywhere showcasing some great Amazon shows. My pal Ashlee Margolis did an excellent job of creating a fun and elegant event with a great flow of A-list people. We were excited to see the full cast of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel including Rachel Brosnahan herself. We also got to meet some of the stars of Crazy Rich Asians. And Jeff Bezos was there making the rounds as well.

I don’t know about you, but some years, I get so busy with my day-to-day life that I find myself running around to find that last minute Valentine’s Day Gift. And the bottom line is Hallmark Holiday or not, people consider it a real holiday. And these days, every woman in your life is expecting a little something. If you don’t want to end up in the doghouse, I would recommend going wide on gifts and cards for the people in your life. Here are some of my suggestions on last-minute gifts that will win you some major brownie points.

(And, for a chance to win one of these gifts, drop me a line at samanthastable@gmail.com and tell me your best romantic date story. I will be selecting one winner every day until February 24nd and I will send you an email if you won!)

For The Woman Who Loves a Good Fireplace. Some women just love fireplaces. You can go to the crappiest restaurant but as long as there is a roaring fire, she will be content. So, imagine how happy she will be if you get her her own personal fireplace. She will be in heat heaven. I love the fireplace from Anywhere Fireplaces.

For the Research-happy Mom. A lot of moms, myself included, spends hours researching everything. One subject that kept me up at night was which swaddle to use and how to swaddle. I found that one of my favorites for my baby’s daytime naps is the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle. It’s easy to put on which is key when you are juggling a tired hungry baby, it’s breathable so it’s comfy for your baby and it comes in a lot of adorable patterns to boot.

For the women who love the 70s. This is a no-brainer, The Cher Show tickets are the way to go. This show is so much fun! You can either go with her and make it a date night evening or you can treat her to a night out with the girls!

For the pregnant woman. A pregnant woman can be fussy just like a baby. There’s nothing better for either one than a cozy and stylish blanket. I love the ones from Capley Blanket. Each one is made with love and care. You can choose your design and they make it for you. It’s softness overload.

For the mom who thrives on Functional. A lot of moms quickly learn that functional is the name of the game when it comes to a diaper bag. You will be her hero if you give her The Humble Bee Boundless Charm Diaper bag. This is a great one because it’s very lightweight, dirt-resistant, expandable, and comes with a lot of accessories like a changing pad and 2 hot and cold gel packs.

For Your Mom. Make no mistake, your mother will be over the moon if you remember to get her something for Valentine’s Day. After all, she did birth you and take care of you forever and ever. She likes to be remembered and appreciated from time to time and Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to do this.

So what to get her?? I love the idea of a subscription box that will appeal to your mom’s interests. This way, she gets a little something from you each month and is feeling loved for a long time. Check out the Love With Food box where they will send her an assortment of snacks each month and the name is very Valentine’s-esque or the Bouqs box where they will send her a monthly bouquet of beautiful flowers.

For a woman who has a newborn. Every mom with a newborn is scrambling to get a whole bunch of useful products to make new Mommyhood a little easier. One product that I found very useful is the Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer. Mom’s tend to make more than one bottle at a time and keep them in the refrigerator so when baby is hungry, they can just grab and go. This bottle warmer helps get the refrigerated bottle ready quickly and to the perfect baby-ready temperature.

For the mom who is Organic-only. Usually, practical gifts are a no-no. However, sometimes it’s fine to buy someone a practical gift if they will love it. If you need to buy a gift for an organic-only mom, why not get her kid the Rolls Royce of organic mattresses, The Bundle of Dreams. It’s made right in NY and it hypoallergic, eco-friendly and 100% breathable. The baby will love it too.

For the nervous mom. If you know a Mom who is particularly nervous about their baby these days (and yes, most Moms are), The Omie View Bassinet mirror is a great gift. The mirror gets attached to a baby’s bassinet and gives Mom the ability to see what’s going on while the baby is sleeping or resting. Most of the time, it’s hard to see what’s happening in there and this useful mirror helps solve that problem.

For the mom who loves cute but functional. A lot of moms, myself included, can’t resist a great functional product that is also super cute. This is how I would describe the Wubbanub. It’s a great juicy pacifier with an adorable stuffed animal attached to the base of it. Not only does your child think it is cute and fun to have a dog, an elephant or a giraffe hanging from his or her pacifier, but also the animal helps the pacifier stay in place and not fall out of baby’s mouth. They make over 30 different animals and do special versions as well. Love this!

For the teenage girl in your life —She isn’t a mom, but as your daughter, she is a very important lady in your life as well. You need to remember to get her a gift just like you do for your wife and for your own mom. Keep in mind that you as her dad is her hero, at least until she falls in love with her first crush. However, the rub is that teenage girls are really picky and particular. My suggestion for your teen girl is a really cool phone case. Our daughter loves the ones from Wildflower. I bet you will remain the apple of your daughter’s eye if you score one of these for her.

For the mom who needs a good night sleep. A lot of moms will think of you as their lifesaver if you can just get their child to be less fussy and to get a great night sleep. If you want to pitch in and help, get this mom a Marpac noise machine. I would recommend the Whish version because it has 16 different sounds and one of them is bound to calm the most restless of babies.

For the teens of the divorced woman you are dating. If you are dating a woman with kids, it’s always a good idea to include them in the gift-giving rituals. Not only will you win brownie points with their mom, but you might also get them to give a little extra attention or at very least, not such a hard time. And, if her kids are teens, you really need to score creatively. My idea- a gift for the whole family gift. I love Feejays. They are footie pajamas for big people. Think Dr Dentons from long ago without the butt flap. The Feejays come in really fun designs and colors and think about the IG story shot you will get when you are all wearing them together.

What other gifts would you recommend for that favorite woman in your life?

Samantha Daniels is a well-known Professional Matchmaker and Dating Expert as well as the founder of the dating app, The Dating Lounge. She is the author of Matchbook: The Diary Of A Modern-Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster) as well as the creator of Miss Match, the NBC/Darren Star TV show that was based on her life story: Alicia Silverstone played her character. She is a frequently relied upon expert, and is seen regularly on-Television, on the Radio and in national newspapers and magazines. She is a social influencer in the dating, relationship and romance space with a strong social media presence across many platforms.

You can follow her on Twitter and IG: @matchmakersd. For more information, go to www.SamanthaDaniels.info

Most people think that family activities and date nights are mutually exclusive. As a Professional Matchmaker and Relationship Expert as well as a Wife and Mom, I disagree. A couple can definitely find romance at a family outing as long as they choose the right locale. Here are a few of my suggestions of places to go this fall where you can reach your #familygoals and also steal a few kisses along the way:

1. Get Scared Together.

At the Great Jack’O’Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley, not only will your kids have a great time and find many spots for Instagram photos, but you and your honey can also sneak some alone time. The place is truly incredible.

There are more than 7000 illuminated pumpkins. which are all designed and carved by special artisans! Every display is made out of pumpkins. There is a working Windmill made of pumpkins, a spinning Carousel made of Pumpkins and even a Statue of Liberty made of pumpkins. This is a site to be seen!

The best part, your kids will be so taken with the uniqueness and camera-ready shots that you and your honey will be able to grab a kiss or two and share some hot apple cider.

This is a must-do this Fall season. Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

3. Find Some Magic Together

Popups are all the rage right now, especially in NY. One of our favorites so far this season is the NY Magic Lab. This place is truly fun for the whole family. Make sure to go at night so you can meet up with some real magicians who are perfecting their acts.

We got to see Dennis Kim, the Closeup Artist who was truly unbelievable. The kids were so enraptured that my husband and I had no problem finding some alone time for a quickie IG photo.

We all loved the 3D interactive mirror that made us look like true magicians and all life-sized deck of cards where I got to be Queen for the night.

From now until October 28. NY Magic Lab

4. Don’t forget about your dog!

For a lot of people these days, Mr. Magoo is part of the family too. If you want to bring your canine on your family date, then Human’s Best Friend is a great place to go.

This a pop-up created specifically for our fine-fellowed friends. You will get to meet other families who also have man’s best friend in tow. There are excellent Instagrammable moments. And they even have an adoption area where you can meet and play with some doggies who would love for you to take them home.

Don’t miss the Rainbow tunnel. My family spent a ton of time in there getting some terrific shots.

Now until November 12. Humans Best Friend

2. Eat Together

When I am recommending restaurants for couples with kids, I stress two aspects- a place that is fun and a place with lots of Instagrammable moments. At the moment, one of my faves is Tang Hotpot. Think Korean Barbeque but with Sichuan Chinese food in a hipper setting.

This place is fun and it will definitely get your kids stamp of approval. You cook the food yourself right at your table but it’s big pot of boiling water instead of a grill.

And the menu is a mix of basic with some sophisticated delicacies for you and your partner. Your kids will be Boomeranging all night long. Tang Hotpot

Cartagena is my new favorite place to travel in South America. The weather is 90 degrees and sunny everyday, it’s a 4 hour flight from most US cities, the food is quite good, the hotels are charming and the city lights make it feel magical. Yup, I liked it! Here are some of my tips for having a romantic but also a practical trip in Carta:

Don’t be intimidated by the fact that it’s Colombia. A lot of tourists worry that Colombia isn’t safe.

They have heard all the stories about Pablo Escobar and the Cali cartel and they are worried that they will be kidnapped and disappear forever! I can’t make you any guarantees, but Cartagena felt very safe to us. When my husband was doing his own thing, I walked around alone, I shopped alone, and I took taxis alone.

Pro-tip- Travel from the airport — Yellow taxis are fine. A lot of tourists (us included) feel the need to use the hotel transfer when they first arrive to the airport. Not necessary. You can get into the yellow cab for $6 instead of paying the $30 for transport, not to worry.

Exploring the Walled City. The Walled City (the old town) is the beat of Cartagena. The city is actually inside a wall that was constructed in 1796. Once inside, it feels a bit like a maze and it’s very easy to get lost, but getting lost was fun.

Luxury and Romantic Accommodations

Our favorites hotels

Carta is a mixture of old and new- The Walled City and Bocagrande. I recommend staying in both areas while you are in town.

The Walled City

Maison Tcherassi. Sylvia Tcherassi, the owner is definitely a fixture in Cartagena. Not only does she have one of the most stylish stores in town (see below), but she also has 2 hotel properties right around the corner from each other. If you want privacy, we loved Maison Tcherassi. It has just 6 rooms but feels like a sprawling chateaux. There are plunge pools in every corner for private swimming a deux and the rooms are stylishly designed all by Sylvia herself. Many of the accessories throughout the hotel are for sale in the hotel’s stylish boutique.

There is also trendy restaurant Vera which is always crowded and fun. Vera serves high-end italian food in a beautiful setting. Some of my favorites where the Spaghetti Sylvie and the Corbina a la Carta.

The main Tcherassi property has chic suites that meander all over the hotel. The suites have comfortable beds, a modern sitting area and a large bathroom with twin sinks, a bathtub and a shower. The feel of the rooms are modern and cool but also plush and romantic.

They also have an infinity pool on the roof along with a yummy restaurant called Matilda.

And then in the lobby, there is a unique restaurant called Tuc Tuc that offers street food from all over the world.

Casa Pestagua, a Relais Chateaux property. It is built into the most ornate mansion in all of Cartagena. It has a very old world romantic feel to it.

The rooms have antique furnishings, but they also have 600 thread count sheets and strong air conditioning.

There is a lovely pool in the courtyard that actually gets shade (a plus in the hot weather) as well as a hot tub on the roof for those romantic soaking sunsets. And the food was quite good — a gigantic breakfast menu, gourmet Colombian food for lunch and dinner. Tres romantic.

Bocagrande- The Beach

Hyatt Regency We found that the Hyatt was only luxury accommodation in Bocagrande. Bocagrande is about 5 to 7 minutes from the Walled City and couldn’t be more different. While the Walled City seems like Jerusalem or Dubrovnik, Bocagrande seems like Miami Beach or Atlantic City; the contrast between old and new is remarkable. We found that it was nice to get out of the Walled City for a few days and be near the sea The Hyatt was built a year ago so it feels new, chic and minimalist.

The room are large and modern, tons of air conditioning and have a minimalist mid-century modern decor.

The lobby is high décor and the pools are quite lovely overlooking the sea. Also, the breakfast buffet was plentiful, the lunch poolside was very tasty and dinner was fun and original Other hotels (we explored them all) in Bocagrande like the Intercontinental and the Hilton were dated and tacky in comparison.

Pro-tip: Keep in mind, that the 5 star ones are really more like US 4 stars, but their charm makes up for what they lack in service. We did find it frustrating how little the people who worked on the hotels spoke English. Have google translate on speed dial.

Romantic eating

There are endless restaurants in the Walled City, each more charming and tasty than the next. The 3 food staples in Cartagena are Ceviche which is an absolute must try everywhere, Corbina fish (Sea bass) and Paella with coconut rice, fish and seafood. We had 3 favorite restaurants, some honorable mentions and several not worth the hype.

The Best Restaurants

Alma at the San Augustin Hotel. The restaurant was very pretty and the food was REALLY good (think NY- good in taste and presentation). It also had a fun and lively band going all night. I could have eaten there many times. Some food standouts were the lobster thermidor and the seafood medley. Don’t miss dessert.

La Latina Gastrobar for romance. This is a tiny restaurant near Plaza San Diego. It is related to La Langosta, a Carta lobster institution. The moment you enter the restaurant it feels romantic from the entrance wall that is covered with the word “love” to the everchanging color Love sculpture on the roof where you eat. This is the place to get lobster and paella. Both were excellent.

Club de Pesca. We were dropped off there by boat, sat outside staring at the lights of the old city and we ate one of the best seafood medley plates we had all trip. This is a fun and very popular place to go for sure.

Places for Nightime romance

Pro-tip: Café Habana. It’s a Cuban salsa dancing place in Getsamani (5 minutes from the Walled City and yes, you can walk it)

Pro-tip: El Baron a chic bar/nightclub with outdoor tables. We spent NYE there which proved to be an excellent choice as they set it up like a NY lounge full of couches, group tables, live music, and mean Mojitos and Moscow Mules.

Pro-tip- At sunset, Tasca Bar. El Baluarte or the rooftop of the Movich hotel are the places to go. Definitely take the time to do it.

Shopping in the Old City

Shopping in Carta is really good. There are many stores that have high fashion items made by Colombian designers of whom we have never heard, but who have their pulse on fashion and design. Additionally, there are endless vendors who sell Colombian feedbags in all sorts of wonderful colors and designs. Everyone winds up buying one (or 6 like me!) The ones sold on the street look almost identical to the ones you will find in the fancier stores at a fraction of the cost. (We paid between $25-$35 a bag (Sesenta or Setenta mil pesos). And the ones in the stores were between$80 and $150 a bag) .

Pro-tip — Always negotiate with the endless locals who sell on the street and even those who sell in the artisan stores. They will try to sell you hats, jewelry, fake Cuban cigars or a beverage of your choice. They expect you to haggle and you will almost always get a better price.

Pro-tip- To do the full the shopping circuit, I would recommend starting at the Hotel Charleston and ending up at the Sofitel Santa Clara. This route will allow you to see everything.

Pro-tip: Be mindful of the dirt factor on the bags being sold on the street. Sniff them before you buy. I found that many of the ones I bought smelled and I had to shampoo them clean at the hotel.

Pro-tip: Some of the best stores were Sylvia Tcherassi for unique and one of a kind stylish clothing, bags and jewerlry, (think Stella McCartney), Vicky Tcherassi (no relation) for fun clothing and shoes (think Alice and Olivia), St Dom for many designer digs (think Colette in Paris), John Seben for unique high quality men’s clothes (think Ted Baker), Patricia Ramirez for swimwear (think Calypso St Barth).

ACTIVITIES

There is Boating

In the daytime — — go to Rosario Islands and Baru- The number one must do in Cartagena. If you want a true romantic and extravagant journey, you must get your own boat from a company like Boating Cartagena. They can arrange for you to go on a smaller speedboat or a luxury yacht. You have your own captain and first mate as well as snorkel gear, wine and goodies for the day. And you can be specific on where you want to go or let them plan it for you.

Pro-tip: You must go to Cholon and eat with the locals. This was our favorite part of the day. We docked our boat, a “waiter” comes over, takes your fish order, they cook it for you right then and there and then you get off your boat, go into the water under a thatched hut and eat the meal with little guppies nipping at your legs.

Pro-tip- if your Spanish is rusty, ask for an English guide in advance.

At night — go on a Sunset Boat cruise- If you want some special and romantic time with your honey, book a sunset cruise through Boats4U. You meet them at 5pm, right before the sun goes down and they take you out in the water for sunset. Then, they pop the cork off the champagne that comes with it and tour you around the waters so you can see the magicial city of Cartagena illuminating before your very eyes. We managed to get in some very special and romantic moments.

There is Art

Getsamani street art tour. We went by bicycle with a guide and a guard and we loved seeing all the art and learning more about the Walled city from our guide. The tour was 3 hours and a lot of fun.

Pro-tip: Go around Sunset, so you can see all the lights sparkling in the city as well as see the various artist/performers come out onto the squares.

There is Kitesurfing.

If you or your SO have ever wanted to try kiting, Cartagena is a great place to try it. There are 2 main places to try it, La Boquilla and Manzanilla del Mar. Both are a reasonable distance from the Walled City, the wind is great and the surfers are out in full force.

Pro-tip: Kiting in La Boquilla, you must contact En Colombia Kite Surfing where Alex Bustamente runs the school and gives you excellent tutelage as well as a great workout. Your honey can come with you and sit at the Sonesta hotel pool while you are out on the sea or come to the beach and root you on.

Pro-tip: Kiting in Manzanilla del Mar, a little further from town but just as beautiful. Here, you will find a more rustic experience where Pure Kitesurf is operated by Christina Varvenis. You can do this on your own while your husband or wife is having their own “Me” time or you can head out there together and catch the waves.

There is Rum and Chocolate tasting

A special and romantic activity for the two of you to share is a tasting some rum and savoring on some Colombian chocolate. Hi Cartagena will book this unique experience for you and you will spend 2 hours with the rum master, Abraham at El Arsenal, The Rum Box. Here you will taste endless unique and special rums as shooters and sippers, get a true education on the history of rum and leave feeling tipsy, satiated and ready for another romantic evening in Carta.

What other places and experiences in Cartagena felt romantic for you?

Samantha Daniels is a well-known Romance, Dating and Relationship expert. She is also a Professional Matchmaker and the founder of the dating app, The Dating Lounge. She is the author of Matchbook:The Diary Of A Modern-Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster) as well as the creator of Miss Match, the NBC/Darren Star TV show that was based on her life story: Alicia Silverstone played her character. She is a frequently relied upon expert, and is seen regularly on-Television, on the Radio and in national newspapers and magazines. She is a social influencer in the dating, relationship and romance space with a strong social media presence across many platforms.

You can follow her on Twitter @Matchmakersd and IG: @samanthadanielsdatinglounge. For more information, go to www.SamanthaDaniels.info