Now that we're in the midst of winter, how does a little getaway sound? Whether your traveling twosome is looking for a warm-weather rendezvous or some cold-climate cuddling, these ideas will jump-start spring and heat up your romance. No matter your interests or budget, we're sure you'll find something here worth escaping to.
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Canadian Rockies: Fairmont Properties
Perfect for: The fast-paced couple that wants to reconnect with nature.
Why it's great: The Canadian Rockies -- Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper -- offer rugged mountain scenery (named a UNESCO World Heritage Site), close encounters with animals, and some of the best accommodations in Canada. Staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is like staying in a palace. Encounter moose, bear, and elk on your winter hikes, or go skiing in the amazing Rockies; then enjoy the five-star ambience of hotels that are frequented by international jet-setters. The bed-and-breakfast package special at the Lake Louise property starts at $126 Canadian dollars per night ($110 U.S.). Go to
fairmont.com or call (800) 257-7544 for more info.
Nearest City: Marriott Hotels
Perfect for: Cash-strapped couples who could use a fleeting romantic weekend.
Why it's great: You don't need to get on a plane to have some winter fun. Head to the nearest city and check into a Marriott. This hotel chain often has specials on its website that can include breakfast, spa treatments, or admission to nearby attractions and museums. Prices vary by city, but some specials start at $99; go to
marriott.com for more information. And check out
citypass.com to buy discounted tickets for top attractions in that city. When you get there, pick up an alternative weekly publication, like
Time Out, to find the hip restaurants, bars, and shopping areas.
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Jackson Hole: Snake River Lodge
Perfect for: Couples who love to ski.
Why it's great: Jackson Hole is home to some of the best skiing in the U.S. Snake River Lodge & Spa, a RockResort located in Teton Village, Wyoming, offers ski-in access with ski valet service, a heated walkway to lifts, and a host of winter activities, including dog-sledding, snow-tubing, snowshoe hikes, and sleigh rides. And did we mention the resort also boasts the largest spa in Wyoming, a five-story facility with cascading waterfalls? Rates range from $129 to $339 per night, depending on the season. Go to
rockresorts.com or call (888) 367-7625 for more information.
Florida: Sonesta Hotels
Perfect for: Sun worshippers who don't want to travel far.
Why it's great: Florida will always be one of the top destinations for snowbirds seeking warmth. And for good reason: great beaches, fun shopping, and an array of hotels. Sonesta properties -- located in Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, and Sunny Isles -- are affordable hotels that are centrally located, giving you access to great beaches, lots of entertainment and dining options, and amazing views of the water. Rates start at $299 per night for the winter season. Go to
sonesta.com for more information.
St. Lucia: Coco Palm Hotel
Perfect for: Couples who like to party but don't like all-inclusives.
Why it's great: Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia's hotspot for nightlife and entertainment, boasts 20 different restaurants, bars, and galleries just steps away from Reduit Beach, St. Lucia's most beautiful stretch of sand. Staying at the Coco Palm, which is right in the village, is nice on the wallet too, with rates starting at $145 per night. A large swimming pool surrounds the hotel, and guests who book the "swim up" rooms can literally dive into the pool from their terrace. Go to
coco-resorts.com for info and bookings.
Mexico: Playa del Carmen
Perfect for: Beach-loving couples who want a little culture on their vacation.
Why it's great: Located halfway between Cancun and Tulum on the Mexican Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen offers guests unencumbered access to several of the region's ancient Mayan sites. Stay at Playacar Palace, an all-inclusive hotel that starts at $332 per night and includes not only food, drink, and water sports, but also a chance to experience Mexican culture and history with excursions to ruins and national parks. Tulum, Chichen-Itza, and Isla Mujeres are home to some of the most amazing examples of Mayan culture. Call (800) 635-1836 or visit
palaceresorts.com for more information.
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Arizona: Biltmore Resort & Spa
Perfect for: Trendy couples who want an active vacation.
Why it's great: Phoenix is a great winter escape for active travelers. There's lots of hiking, biking, and golfing to be had. Stay at the award-winning Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, which is considered one of the most spectacular resorts in the world and is frequented by celebs and socialites. You can be active during the day by enjoying any of the eight swimming pools and seven tennis courts, an 18-hole putting course, and hiking or biking excursions to nearby mountains. The dry heat makes this the perfect place to simply relax, whether you're walking around the downtown shops or noshing at a cafe -- the mercury may be high, but the perspiration will be in check. At night, settle in at the European spa or luxury restaurant. Winter rates start at $395 per night. Go to
arizonabiltmore.com or call (800) 950-0086 for more information.
Napa Valley: Meadowood
Perfect for: Wine connoisseurs or any couple looking for a
tasty trip.
Why it's great: At the northern end of Napa Valley, family-run tasting rooms outnumber corporate wineries; hand-crafted boutique wines are made, tasted, and sold; and guests can taste directly from the barrel (by appointment) to experience the difference in a wine as it ages. All of this without a VIP pass. Meadowood hotel offers a host of amenities -- including golf, tennis, swimming, and croquet -- but it's the experienced on-staff "wine educator" who makes this 250-acre private estate
the place to stay in Napa Valley. Rates start at $450 per night. Go to
meadowood.com or call (800) 458-8080 for all the details.
Rome: Hotel Hassler
Perfect for: The romantic couple who's willing to spend money to get something unique.
Why it's great: What's more romantic than heading to Italy? Stay at the Hotel Hassler, a quaint family-run property that sits atop the Spanish Steps, with all of Rome at its feet. The views from the rooms and the private balconies will make any lovebird swoon. Plus, wine lovers and foodies can visit the International Wine Academy of Roma (wineacademyroma.com) located near the hotel. It offers classes, dinners, tours, and tastings, all devoted to the enjoyment of la dolce vita. Rates start at 410 euros per night (about $500); go to
hotelhassler.com for more info or email booking@hotelhassler.it for bookings.
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Antigua: Curtain Bluff Resort
Perfect for: Couples who have extra money to spend and love all things water-related.
Why it's great: Consistently ranked one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Curtain Bluff offers five-star comfort (amazing food, big rooms, 25,000 bottles of wine from which to choose), plus a host of beach-friendly activities: deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and more. Depending on the time of year, rates are $595 to $850 per night (based on double occupancy). Go to
curtainbluff.com or call (888) 289-9898 for more information.
South America: Celebrity Cruises
Perfect for: The adventurous couple who have a big bank account and more than a week to play.
Why it's great: The South America 13- to 15-night itinerary offers everything from exotic rain forests to mountain peaks in destinations like Buenos Aires, the Straits of Magellan, and the Chilean Fjords. And there's no shortage of excursions to choose from: encounters with penguins, visits to wineries, hikes up volcanoes, and views of the most stunning scenery south of the border (choices depend on the length of your trip). This cruise will quickly melt away your winter blues. Inside staterooms start at $1,850 per person for the entire stay. Visit
celebrity.com or call (800) 647-2251 for more information.
-- Amy Keith
See More: Travel for Two