14 Romantic Hotel Packages to Book for Valentine’s Day

Kelli Acciardo
Feb 01, 2018

With February 14 right around the corner, there’s no better time to book a trip and take advantage of rose petal baths, glasses of Champagne, plush beds, and couples massages galore. When you’re looking for an intimate getaway for you and bae, the destination options are endless, but these international and domestic hotels and resorts get our vote for their V-Day deals and romantic details (even if you never feel like leaving your room). Scroll down to see them all.

Narbona Wine Lodge in Carmelo, Uruguay

Tucked away in the remote countryside of Carmelo, Uruguay, this five room lodge is so special, you won’t want to leave. Built in 1909, the Relais & Chateaux property has an on-site vineyard and cellar where they craft their award-winning Narbona wines (and produce all of their own to-die-for cheeses, olive oils, dried pastas, conservas, and dulce de leche). In close proximity, there’s also a nearby private beach in Puerto Camacho right by a fun local lunch spot called Basta Pedro. The accommodations offer so many unlimited activities where canoodling is definitely encouraged. Think bike, kart, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the vines, gaucho-led horseback riding, and sunset cruises over the Rio de la Plata or wine and cheese tastings with their sommelier. This is all customizable as part of your stay, so if you choose to ever abandon your quarters (adorned in treasured antiques, curated knickknacks, and one-of-a-kind artwork, of course) at least you have these to fall back on. (Photo via Narbona Wine Lodge; rates start at $330)

The Setai in Miami Beach, Florida

If you’re planning on spending the most romantic day of the year in Magic City, why not do it at The Setai. Here, you can enjoy gorgeous views and an over-the-top four-course dinner for two at an acclaimed Asian Fusion restaurant Jaya (available to book for $115 per person). Or, you can take advantage of their Romance Package, which means you get to unwind with a “Love Bath Ceremony” at The Spa by Thémaé while sipping Louis Roederer Champagne and nibbling chocolate-covered strawberries. You can also sleep in and indulge in en suite daily breakfast for two before departing with a late 2pm checkout. Ah, the life. (Photo via The Setai; visit site for rates)

Regent Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Montenegro

Considered to be one of Europe’s most buzzed-about new destinations (and an affordable one at that) Montenegro is the ultimate place to jet set to when you want a little private time for two. Their Valentine’s Week Package (available February 12-18) comes with accommodations in a deluxe room, a 30 percent discount in all bars and restaurants in the hotel, a couple’s spa treatment, daily buffet breakfast, free access to the award-winning Regent Spa, a romantic welcome gift, and, the best part: a maj three-course date night dinner with Champs and a live violinist that can be booked for *only* $36 more per person . Just try topping that. (Photo via Regent Hotels; rates start at $145)

Loews Regency New York in New York, New York

When in the Big Apple, get pampered on Park Ave at Loews Regency New York Hotel. Here, you can escape the madness of Manhattan in a spacious suite with sound-proof windows and TVs in the bathroom. No, really though. You’ll also get to say “ohmmm” during a 60-minute hot stone massage and a 60-minute revitalizing facial from Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa. (Photo via Loews; rates start at $419)

ITC HOTELS LUXURY COLLECTION IN INDIA

If taking in the sites of one of the New7Wonders of the World — the Taj Mahal — really gets your mojo going, then book a stay with your partner at one of the following ITC Luxury Collection properties: ITC Mughal, ITC Rajputana, ITC Windsor, ITC Maratha, ITC Grand Central, ITC Maurya, and ITC Sonar. You can wander the pink streets of Jaipur by dusk, Instagram the temples of Kolkata, and spice things up in the boudoir during a three-night trip, which also includes: a private candlelit dinner, chauffeured cars for two days (seriously), two 60-minute Kaya Kalp signature massages, personalized butler service, in-room amenities, fruit and cheese platters, and more. For anyone who has ever wanted to tour India, this is the way to do it. (Photo via ITC Hotels; rates start at $895)

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in Wailea, Hawaii

If you’re into heights and one-of-a-kind experiences, zip on over to Maui for their “Soar + Savor” special, an exclusive culinary experience in partnership with Andaz Maui’s partner, Maverick Helicopters. You’ll literally take flight while enjoying views of sea cliffs and waterfalls high above Paia, Ho’okipa, and Haiku, before landing in the Hana rainforest to learn about the culture, history, and native land. Then, you’ll climb back into your chopper to return to the hotel for a small group cooking class in the resort’s signature restaurant, Ka’ana Kitchen. Basically, this is the next step up from making dinner at home. (Photo via Andaz Maui; rates start at $1,200)

THE OYSTER BOX IN UMHLANGA ROCKS, SOUTH AFRICA

Looking to vacation in South Africa this February? Then head to the KwaZulu-Natal Province, a beachfront oasis where The Oyster Box awaits you with 86 rooms, suites, and villas, and a full-service spa set in a secluded tropical garden where the only sounds you’ll ever hear are those of exotic monkeys and birds. Their “A Touch of Romance” package includes: a five-course dining experience, couples spa treatment, kikoi gifts, and two nights in a luxury, sea-facing room. All of these come with prime views of Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. Not too shabby. (Photo via The Oyster Box; rates start at $640)

Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island

If you’re a big spender, then Taylor Swift’s favorite nautical destination — Watch Hill, Rhode Island — has the perfect package for you: a two-night stay in OceanHouse‘s Penthouse Suite, a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sedan to drive along the the coast, daily in-room breakfast with bottomless mimosas, a romantic dinner with wine pairings at COAST, and a departure gift of a monogrammed canvas bag with a vintage starfish diamond necklace (#NBD). This package starts at $94,500 and is valid through the month of February. If you don’t have that type of baller cash lying around, you can also book their sister property Weekapaug Inn‘s “Natural Romance Package” that focuses on ditching your iPhones and connecting with nature instead. Take part in outdoor activities and private experiences like stargazing, cozy nights by the fire pit, and a romantic picnic on the beach with wine. All, of course, when you’re not in your Fenway Suite soaking in a private tub with Champagne and rose petals. (Photo via Ocean House; visit site for rates)

Faena in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Just imagine checking into this room clad in rouge for a few nights. At Faena, arguably one of the best and most luxuriously decorated hotels in Buenos Aires, you can expect to people watch while lounging next to their epic pool, attend the Rojo Tango at El Cabaret, sample traditional Argentine eats at Bistro Sur and El Mercado, and relax at their spa with private baths scented with essential oils. How soon can we book? (Photo via Faena; rates start at $469)

Sea Island Resort in Sea Island, Georgia

Southern charm is a given in sunny Sea Island, where you can spend Valentine’s Day at this Forbes five star resort with your boo. Private picnics and wine tastings, horseback riding along the beach, kayaking at sunrise, and well-deserved R&R at the spa are highlights here, along with special V-Day menus at their deluxe restaurants. You can also book the Romance Package and receive two-night accommodations at The Lodge or The Cloister (with a complimentary suite upgrade upon availability), a bottle of sparkling wine, daily room service breakfast, one $200 dinner credit toward the Sea Island venue of choice, and one 90-minute couple’s massage for two at The Spa at Sea Island. (Photo via Sea Island Resort; visit site for rates)

Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia is still one of the most desired places to visit right now, so V-Day is a good time to finally go. Clearly, you’ll want to go big when you do go, and the lavish HotelExcelsior on the Adriatic (which is housed in a former 1913 royal villa) is where to do that. With cinematic views that resemble something straight out of a movie, you can expect nothing but a lovely time with their Valentine’s Day Dream package: a two-night stay for two in a Villa Odak deluxe room with a balcony and sea views, romantic in-room welcome with sparkling wine and chocolate-coated fruit, exclusive 120-minute spa treatment for two including massages and body scrubs, daily buffet breakfast, transfer to and from Dubrovnik’s airport, and a late check-out. (Photo via Adriatic Luxury Hotels; rates start at $697)

L’Auberge Del Mar in Del Mar, California

Choose from not one, but two romance packages at L’Auberge Del Mar in the picturesque coastal village of Del Mar in Southern California. “The Sweetest Stay” includes accommodations in one of the property’s Pacific Suites, a couple’s Massage at Spa L’Auberge, dinner for two in a private cabana at KITCHEN 1540, hand-crafted truffles from Chuao, and a bottle of Old Vine Zinfandel at turndown. Or, you can opt for the “Snuggle In” package which includes accommodations in a coastal room, a bottle of Perrier-Jouët upon welcome, charcuterie and florals, dinner for two via in-room dining, an evening nightcap of hand-rolled truffles, and an in-room movie. Either way, it’s a win-win. (Photo via L’Auberge Del Mar; rates start at $829-$1,599)

Me Cabo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

At ME Cabo, ME Miami’s sister property in Cabo San Lucas, the “Ocean’s Love” package awaits and includes: a loft suite with oceanfront view and outdoor jacuzzi, breakfast for two, one couples massage (50 minutes), dinner under the stars with Champagne, a romantic turndown amenity, a tour of Lover´s Beach, and fine lingerie (yep, you heard that right). And if you like glitz, glamour, and a celeb spotting in lieu of privacy tucked away in the woods, Cabo was made for your lovebird rendezvous. (Photo via ME Cabo; rates start at $1,400)

Gansevoort Turks and Caicos in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Say peace to frigid Feb temps and hightail it to tropical Turks and Caicos for a little fun in the sun (and beach bed lounging literally above the water) with Gansevoort’s “TLC in TCI” package, which includes: a welcome bottle of rosé upon arrival, a deluxe oceanfront terrace studio or upgrade, daily breakfast for two, beach bed set up one day during the stay, and one three-course dinner for two with bottle of house wine at Stelle. The best V-Day is a beach V-Day. (Photo via Gansevoort Turks + Caicos; rates start at $1,200)

Where’s your dream V-Day vacay spot? Tweet us @BritandCo!

8 Ways To Support A Friend Dealing With Family Drama During The Holidays

With the holidays now approaching almost eerily quickly, you might already be feeling slightly uneasy about the family stresses that are bound to be on your plate (along with delicious Christmas cookies, of course). Spending a lot of time face-to-face with family can dig up old arguments or squabbles that everyone may have forgotten during the rest of the year.

Learn the 8 best ways to support your friend while they're in the middle of family drama

You’re not the only one dealing with the drama, though, and while your own family issues might feel somewhat out of your control, there might be more you can do to take the edge off the stress that your friends are feeling in anticipation of holiday gatherings. Keep scrolling for eight expert tips for how to best offer support to your most stress-ridden BFFs.

1. Listen without judging if your friend reveals an ongoing argument about a family will

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Being a good listener is one of the most basic — and yet most important — things you can do as a friend 365 days of the year, but when tensions run high near the holidays, those listening skills become all the more crucial. You might even consider resisting the urge to speak, like, at all. “Be a good listener and don’t give advice,” licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind says. “Supporting someone doesn’t mean that you have to fix their problem. Instead, truly being supportive means giving a hug when someone is crying and being a caring friend.”

2. Prep your pal to expect drama if your uncle's invited his new girlfriend and ex to dinner

Rather than reassuring your friend that things at family celebrations may not be as bad as they fear, trust what they know about the situation and help them wrap their head around what’s to come. This should minimize the stress for them in the long run. “If you expect it and it happens, situation normal,” certified life coach Susan Golicic tells us. “If you expect it and it doesn’t, well, then, a bonus!”

3. Help your bestie make a plan in case their fight-or-flight mode gets triggered

Going into any situation with a plan almost always feels better than going in unprepared. Per writer, speaker, and healing expert Alisa Zipursky, a helpful plan might include specific check-in times, a code word that indicates your friend needs extra support, and ideas for creating healthy boundaries with family members who make them feel especially triggered. “The idea is to make asking for help as easy as possible,” Zipursky says. “Making sure a proactive plan is in place well before someone enters the stressful situation can help relieve some of the anticipatory anxiety.”

4. Check in often by sending your friend periodic texts 

Licensed counselor Maria Inoa recommends that you prioritize regular touch-base texts over the course of whatever event is causing your friend the most stress. It’s not about solving the conflicts or taking away their pain. Instead, you can focus on offering gentle reminders that you are thinking of them and are available if they need you.

5. Create a new tradition that revolves around you and and your bestie's favorite Christmas movies

If your friend’s family holiday celebrations don’t exactly inspire positive feelings about the occasion, why not help them establish some better associations? Licensed clinical professional counselor Anna Poss suggests planning a “low-stress, fun way to celebrate with each other before or after the actual holiday.” Get a seasonal movie night or cookie swap on the calendar before everyone leaves town to hang with family. Those cozy vibes may help dull the negative, anxious feelings.

6. Write down words of affirmations for them to look at

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Grab some pretty stationery and put your love and support on paper for your BFF. “In the note, remind her how strong, courageous, and capable she is,” licensed psychotherapist and life coach Diane Petrella says. “Let her know how much you love and admire her and how grateful you are for her friendship. Write whatever you think your friend needs to hear to feel supported, grounded, and loved.” Remind her to hide the note in her pocket or bag so she can read it whenever she needs a little extra TLC over the course of the holidays. You can even go one step further and send them home with a care package, per therapistShannon Thomas.

7. Invite your friend to your family celebration

If things have gotten so bad with your bestie’s family that she wants to steer clear of their celebrations entirely, you may want to invite her to join you and your crew instead. Even if she opts to decline your invitation, it will mean a lot to her to know that she has choices. If your friend does take you up on the offer, Mountainside Treatment Center‘s family wellness manager Tina Muller recommends that you try to incorporate some of her favorite traditions into your holiday schedule.

8. Keep your phone nearby if your friend needs to talk about everything that happened

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

“Before an event with possible family issues even happens, schedule a time not long after to see the friend,” marriage and family therapist Sarah Epstein suggests. “Now you’ve become the light at the end of the tunnel for them.” Be prepared to be a listening ear over dinner or a workout session so your pal can vent about everything that’s gone on and (hopefully) be ready to move on from there.

How do you and your pals support each other through the not-so-fun parts of the holidays? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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