Some people prefer to receive cash or gift cards to places they like, because then they can choose what to buy and will know 100% that they will enjoy it. I don't see anything wrong with that personally.

I think it's fantastic that you thought of these plans and worked hard to make them a reality. However, it would do well in the future to think if the recipient would appreciate the gift. Your partner seems to have said to you before that he doesn't care for surprises, and prefers cash over a gift. So it should not have surprised you that he reacted the way that he did. Open communication and understanding does wonders for a relationship, but it has to happen on both sides.