Long Distance, Big Love: 3 Days of Romance in NYC & NJ

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Collage of author and partner at spa, parks, food dishes, and pools.
Eat, entertain and experience joy on the East Coast. Photo credit: Sonjirose Chin

Reuniting with a partner evokes feelings of joy. Over the course of three days, my boyfriend and I visited two states to spark our romance as a couple doing long distance.

I was hosted on this trip. All opinions are my own.

Day 1: New Jersey

Accommodations

A white bed with modern decor and a window view of the city skyline.
Relax with city views at Regency. Photo credit: Sonjirose Chin

We started our adventure in Jersey City at the Hyatt Regency. After our long flight into Newark, we headed over to the waterfront property in the heart of Exchange Place. The hotel overlooks the Hudson River and Manhattan’s skyline for a 360-degree view of the beautiful downtown.

We spent our time in the King Suite during our time at the Hyatt Regency. We indulged in the sparkling wine and charcuterie plate left by the hotel to welcome us. We got cozy in the living room with couch cuddles and watched our favorite movies throughout the evening. Our king-sized bed was perfect for unwinding with card games and late-night conversations. This hotel is a must-stay for couples looking for a classic night away from home with modern comforts and a top-tier experience.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Book a location where you and your partner can get around easily. NJ has the PATH stations, rideshares, and plenty of walkable areas for couples to get around and sightsee.


Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

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Dining

A collage of the author and her partner with a three course meal and drinks.
Delish dishes from start to finish. Photo credit: Sonjirose Chin

Jersey offers endless food options for a romantic evening. The hotel’s RoofTop at the Exchange restaurant caters to foodies with mouthwatering options to share and enjoy the skyline.

After a long day of travel, our dinner began with starters. We embraced the seafront with Bang Bang Shrimp, a perfectly crispy shrimp tempura served with delicious dipping sauce, and Pan-Seared Octopus with savory chorizo bits and Crema de Aji Amarillo drizzled over top. The rest of our dinner on the rooftop was magical as we watched the sun sink lower in the sky and feasted on delicious bites.

What to Order

  • Enjoy something sweet with Tres Leches, that is moist with caramel sauce and strawberries or Hazelnut Torta for a chocolate lover’s dream featuring nutty flavors
  • 12oz NY Strip features chimichurri with herb salad and grilled carrots for a classic steak dinner vibe
  • Pistachio Crust Salmon with Swiss chard and romesco to add a bright and acidic note to the buttery fish
  • Pineapple Mint Breeze mocktail. It transports your taste buds to the tropics, fresh pineapple and lime together with a muddle of mint
  • Fruit of the Flower, a lychee and lavender-forward mocktail that is sweet and delicate

Day 2: Couples Tour to See Lady Liberty

A collage of the author and partner at the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Museum and the ferry boat overlooking the city.
History in the making at the Statue of Liberty. Photo credit: Sonjirose Chin

Couples who love history or Instagrammable photo ops should check out a Statue of Liberty Tour from Walks. This fully guided tour takes attendees through the culture surrounding Lady Liberty, starting from the downtown harbor to Liberty Island. The history of how the statue was built intrigues history buffs and native New Yorkers alike as our guide explained the relationship between France and the US, the power of the press in the fundraising for the statue and the symbolism and controversy of freedom for those coming to New York. Don’t miss out on seeing Lady Liberty if you’re visiting NYC!

SheBuysTravel Tip: Buy snacks and drinks for purchase on the boat and island, but I recommend bringing your own to avoid tourist prices. Also, book morning tours to avoid long lines midday.

Day 3: Relax at NYC’s Hottest Spa

Collage of author and partner at the spa in robes. A pool with people lounging, a salt cave, and charcuterie board with snacks.
Treat yourself with the love of your life. Photo credit: Sonjirose Chin

QC Spa

Escape the city with a boat ride to QC Spa located at Governor’s Island. QC Spa contains twenty-three wellness amenities for a full day of relaxation. We explored the saunas, outdoor pools and relaxation rooms. Our favorites included the Starlight Steam Room and Tide Foot Baths. For lunch, we ordered the Sunset Bites, a charcuterie board with various bites alongside cocktails. It’s a perfect midday feast before enjoying the outdoor pools with underwater jets and city views. The QC Spa is a must-visit for couples looking for a romantic day away from the crowds.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Booking a spa experience after being long-distance fosters intimacy outside of the bedroom and an enjoyable experience to relax and reconnect as a couple.

Where We Stayed in NYC

The author and her partner with face masks on in the hotel room. A bed, living room space, and city view of the Brooklyn Bridge and city skyline.
Hotel 1 Brooklyn is the ultimate couple’s escape. Photo credit: Sonjirose Chin

After our spa journey, we made our way to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. A nature-themed hotel in the center of the concrete jungle, Hotel 1 is unforgettable. A full view of the Brooklyn Bridge greeted us as we walked into our room. The nature theme continued with plants in the room and a waterfall showerhead. The hotel offers a complimentary Audi ride, so we headed downtown to sightsee. Afterwards, we slipped into cozy robes and slippers for a night of face masks and snuggles. The time at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge makes for a luxurious and memorable escape for any lovebirds.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t bother buying water while at the hotel since each room contains a water filtration spout to fill up your reusable water bottle.

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Sonjirose Chin is an Afro-Chinese Jamaican American who hails from NYC. She’s been writing since she was a young girl which led to her entering the world of freelance writing and media. She is studying at Princeton University. Her current focus is pursuing her writing journey, connecting with community, and traveling on her free time. Her inbox is open to collaboration, coverage, or simply to chat. Sonjirose is a staff Writer for Beauty News NYC and BrownStyle Magazine. Her current focus is reading as much as possible and writing about anything and everything.
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