Cupid’s arrows flying

Valentine’s Day in Laguna this year is already promising to be a bit of a scandal.

A local boutique’s new erotic art show has some locals enthralled, while others are outraged; down the street, guys can find equally outrageous prices on designer duds for their darling fashionistas.

  Art show promises to scintillate

For those seeking to inject more than a little spice into their Valentine’s Day festivities, the Katharine Story couture clothing boutique, 226 Ocean Ave., is hosting a new show that treads the line between art and pornography.

The show features work by artists ranging from students to nationally-recognized professionals, in a variety of mediums.

A mixed-media erotic message hanging in the shop’s front window has drawn ire from some, but has already been sold, the shop’s eponymous designer said.

“We’re hoping the city embraces us,” Story said.

For more information, call (949) 497-7097.

  The body as art

For those looking to take the body art experience a step further, Polina Hryn’s EmBODYment Art Spa, 1400 S. Coast Hwy., Suite 101, gives lovers or soloists the opportunity to cover themselves in paint and then press their torsos and limbs against canvas, creating a one-of-a-kind image.

For more information, call (949) 795-0625.

  One love, one life

Help Blue Water will host its Third Annual “One Love” Reggae Festival from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on the big day at Club M, 680 S. Coast Hwy.

Among the slated performers are local favorites Nick “I” of Common Sense, Rebel Rockers, World Anthem Band, The Love Tribe and Jason “Dreddy” Feddy.

The show is eight days after what would have been Bob Marley’s 63rd birthday; organizers call it a tribute to his legacy, as they attempt to amplify his idealistic messages of love and world unity.

“What ‘One Love’ has to do in reality is to show the ocean, the planet, everyone and everything is connected,” producer Rick Conkey said.

Singles are welcome; advance tickets are recommended. Admission is $25 presale or $30 at the door, if door tickets are still available.

Tickets are available at the Mail Stop, 1278 Glenneyre at Cress St., or by phone at (949) 280-2758.

For more information, e-mail rick@helpbluewater.com.

  Get away … right down the street

Vacation Village Hotel, 647 S. Coast Hwy., is offering several packages for locals to take a retreat from daily life.

In its Holiday Shopping Package, valid through the end of the month, guests receive a $50 gift card and complimentary parking in addition to their one-night stay.

In their Bed and Breakfast Package, guests receive a $25 gift certificate to the Beach House restaurant along with their one-night stay; the Romantic Dinner for Two package includes a $65 dinner certificate for the Beach House.

A Couples Relaxation Package includes two nights in an oceanfront room with a 60-minute couples massage at Athena Day Spa.

The one-night Pamper Package includes an oceanfront room with late checkout with three hours of treatments at Athena Day Spa, including a dry sauna, body polish, body wrap, scalp treatment and body massage.

For more information, call (949) 494-8566.

  Couture for the price of Cheetos

Guys with not much in their pockets and whose ladies love designer goods will score at the Zazu boutique at 303 Broadway St., which is currently having a blowout sale.

With few exceptions, half the store is marked down just to $40, including formerly-$350 dresses by Diane von Furstenberg and Tocca, which hang alongside L.A.M.B. pencil skirts. Bags, belts, shoes and jewelry are also on sale. The other half of the store is 30% off.

For more information, call (949) 464-0888.

  Breakfast in a very, very plush bed

The newest addition to Laguna’s bumper crop of luxury linen outfitters is Nancy Koltes at Home, 1099 S. Coast Hwy.

The high-end designer’s “Canal Grande” bedding comes in a fiery shade of sienna.

The 540-thread-count Egyptian cotton Jacquard duvet is backed with Murano sateen; the matching shams feature a flanged border. A king duvet is $680.

For more information, call (949) 494-2365.

  Surf & Sand on a trial basis

The Surf & Sand Resort is offering a way to sample its wares before committing to a full-scale escape. Local couples can use its “open house” days for a dreamy getaway.

Upcoming events are scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 10, March 2 and April 6; $95 per person earns visitors three 20-minute spa services, tapas and sangria from Splashes Restaurant.

In addition, open house patrons will receive 15% off that day’s retail purchases and 15% off future spa treatments reserved at that time.

For more information, call (888) 869-7569.