Romantic or Practical Gift? At Gurney's, Both

By Susan Galardi

There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day on the East End - from sharing a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant to shopping for a special gift at chi chi stores and boutiques. And indeed, at this point in our dour economy, a little extravagance and romance are certainly in order.

So, given the current state of affairs, maybe this Valentine's Day should be more practical, with gifts to significant others (S.O.s) that fulfill needs instead of desires.

I had a professor in college who told me he gave his girlfriend a set of tires one Valentine's Day - a loving gesture on his part since she needed but couldn't afford them. The gift went over very well - after all, it's the thought that counts.

Fortunately there are gift options that fall between sexy gifts/pricy bling and a set of new radials that are practical, sensual and don't break the bank. Falling right into that category is massage.

There was a classic "Seinfeld" episode about Jerry dating a massage therapist. Although the woman was beautiful, smart and fun, Jerry was more interested in getting himself onto her massage table than getting her into his bed. His thinking was that a really good massage is less work and therefore more enjoyable than sex.

That is certainly a highly personal call. But there's a middle ground. And it's called couples massage.

In addition to many romantic offerings at Valentines' Day, Gurney's Inn and Spa has services year round that are targeted to couples. Many spa service at Gurneys - from body therapies to their wide array of massages - are available for two.

So what exactly happens at a couples massage? The same thing that happens in an individual massage except there's another table in the room and your S.O. is on it. Like any massage at Gurneys, experienced therapists man (or woman) the tables. The atmosphere is serene, with soft music and dim lights. You and your partner meet up in the room, the massage therapists ask a few questions about any aches or pains, then it's take-deep-breaths-and-escape time as you both go into your own worlds. I suppose you could chat if you wanted. After, you go right back to your respective dressing rooms. What happens beyond that of course is up to the individuals. And certainly, a relaxing or stimulating massage has the potential to be the prelude to a kiss.

You can do many other types of body therapies together as well - scrubs, herbal or seaweed wraps, body polishes, aroma therapies. I've done the seaweed wrap. It's nothing that you would expect - no grainy, salty, smelly seaweed. Rather, an aromatic mineral gel is smeared on the body. I don't know why, but this therapy put me well into another world.

In addition to these year-round offerings, Gurney's has Valentine's specials like their traditional "Renew your Vows" event, on Saturday, February 14 at 5 p.m. Couples overlook the ocean as a VIP Judge officiates. Wedding cake and champagne are served, and each couple gets a certificate commemorating the event as well as a chance to win a weekend for two at Gurney's. There's a $10 suggested donation, to benefit local food pantries. The same night, the restaurant is offering a romantic dinner for two, at $140.

For dinner reservations or a spot at the "Renew your Vows" event, call 631-668-1737.

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