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Friday, February 10, 2012

Romantic Destinations for Valentines

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by CajunMama

I’m a romantic at heart and love to hear stories of couples stealing away for a few days of romance. In fact, my travel writing career began by writing about romantic destinations and honeymoons. One thing many couples forget as they become parents, is that one day their kids will grow up and its just the two of them again. Just because you are parents doesn’t mean romance should go flying out the window.
There are a few elements that make a place romantic in my book. There has to be a touch of luxury, with plush bedding, a big bathtub, a shower for two. There has to be Champagne and good wine available. The atmosphere is full of love and a hint of mystery. And the place needs to be downright dreamy. Keep in mind that when these elements combine, the price is not always for those on a budget. But who can put a price on love? Here are some of my favorite romantic destinations I’ve visited over the years:
The Florida Keys, FL - One of the most romantic places I ever visited was the very private Little Palm Island. You can only get there by boat and the bungalows are to-die-for gorgeous. There are a limited number of guests allowed on Little Palm Island, giving you the ultimate in privacy. The Florida Keys offer a number of romantic places to overnight, but Little Palm Island is the tops of them all. Rates run between $800-1500 per night, depending on room choice and season.
Little Palm Island romantic escape in the Florida Keys
Natchitoches, LA - Any true Southerner knows of Steel Magnolias, but did you know that Natchitoches, LA is the site where the movie was filmed? There’s a B&B on every corner, and the downtown area on the Cane River is adorable. Two of my favorites are the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast and Andrew Morris House Bed and Breakfast. Both offer intimate luxury, yet with an affordable price tag. Rates at these two properties run from $130-$185 per night, breakfast included.
Andrew Morris House front romantic escape in Natchitoches, Louisiana
London, UK - The Capital Hotel London located in Knightsbridge is full of warmth and discreet elegance in the middle of this posh area. The accommodations are sumptuous and located a few steps from Harrod’s. The wine list at The Capital Restaurant is supposedly one of the best in London. My room of choice? The two bedroom suite, which offers a private entrance and all the luxury one would expect for such an exclusive property. Room rates vary, starting at around $270 per night for a single room.
The Capital Hotel London 2 bedroom suite master bedroom romantic escape
Saint-Tropez, France – Pink Champagne, onsite spa, guazey white bedcurtains, and sweeping views  all set inside a chateau. This is romance at Chateau de la Messardiere. I was fortunate enough to spend a few nights in a Junior Suite, which offers a private terrace for breakfast or sun worship, a spa-like bath, and even a small sitting area. This exclusive property is the ultimate in privacy, set on 10 hectares of gardens and lavender fields overlooking the Port of Saint-Tropez.
Chateau de la Messardiere romantic escape in Saint-Tropez, France
Moab, UT – I was blown away and surprised by Moab, Utah so much that I had to return for a second visit. It’s an outdoor enthusiast dream set near a number of US National Parks. Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa is set riverside on the Colorado River in the outskirts of Moab. The River View Deluxe Suites are rustic elegance with plush bedding, a romantic porch, and a gorgeous picture window in the bathroom, framing the large tub. Combined with the fine dining onsite and the area’s best spa, this red rock mesa resort is mountain romance at its finest. Rates start at $425 per night.
Romantic escape at Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa in Moab, Utah
Taos, NM – There’s just something about Taos that pulls at one’s soul. I enjoyed a nice stay at El Monte Sagrado, one of the most sacred places in the area. Numerous celebrities steal away for privacy and romance at this Kessler property. Dreamy tub? Yes. Plush bedding? Yes. Balcony with stars? Yes. Onsite spa? Yes. Does all this make for one romantic getaway? I say yes. Room rates for a mountain king room start at $189 per night.
Victoria, BC – Victoria’s Inner Harbour is romantic all the way around. A walk around Butchart Gardens is like stepping into a fairytale. For lodging, the Magnolia Hotel and Spa is one of the top hotels in Canada. The rooms are decorated in Old World elegance, with soaking tubs complete with a full line of bath amenities. An onsite spa and delicious dining in the steakhouse roundout this small hotel with big amenities. Rooms start at $169 per night for a standard room.
I could go on and on about romantic destinations for Valentines or anytime. If you are looking for a romantic escape, be sure the destination is a place that offers something that both of you like, be it activities, room amenities, or a romantic view. No matter where you decide to go on your romantic escape, being with the one you love is truly what makes the place special.

Best Places to Propose on Valentine’s Day

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We know Valentine’s Day is a few days away but if you want to wow your significant other, the time to plan is now. Especially if you want to wow her (or him!) with a proposal. We’re sure any kind of proposal could have your special someone crying tears of joy in no time. But if you really want to make it a proposal to remember, whisk your better half away on a romantic getaway and propose at one of our favorite romantic spots.

The Hotel: Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole

The Harvest Dance Suite at the Spring Creek Ranch; Jackson Hole, WY
The Harvest Dance Suite at the Spring Creek Ranch; Jackson Hole, WY
Set in a wildlife refuge more than 700 feet above the Jackson Valley, the Spring Creek Ranch has arguably the most stunning views of the Tetons in the area. It has a wide array of room categories, from standard hotel rooms to immense two-bedroom condos, and he delicious, popular restaurant and the excellent heated outdoor pool are not to be missed.
Best Spots for Proposing:
If your soon-to-be-fiance is the active type, strap on your snowshoes and take her to a secluded spot on one of the property’s many trails. Beside the lake or in the teepee are also romantic spots for popping the question.

The Hotel: Geejam in Jamaica

Balcony at The Drum and Bass Suite at the Geejam; Port Antonio, Jamaica
Balcony at The Drum and Bass Suite at the Geejam; Port Antonio, Jamaica
The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away.
Best Spots for Proposing:
A love song can make any girl (and some guys, too) swoon. Bring your significant other to the recording studio and serenade her with a song asking “Will you marry me?” Or if vocals aren’t really your thing, book a suite with an ocean view and get down on one knee.

Hotel: &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana

The Safari Tent at the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp; Botswana
The Safari Tent at the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp; Botswana
This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta isn’t a hotel, it’s an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay. Guests can get up close to exotic wildlife on both land and water (think: lions and hippos), and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. The nine safari “tents” are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private pools.
Best Spots for Proposing:
Your valentine may be gaga for Prince William but that’s just because he’s a hopeless romantic (and the British accent certainly doesn’t hurt). Propose like a royal (William proposed to Kate Middleton in a secluded cabin in Kenya) by popping the question in one of the camp’s luxurious, airy tents. Beside the private pool is a great spot.

Hotel: Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort in Napa Valley

Outdoor Living Room in the Two Bedroom Lodge at the Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort; Napa Valley, CA
Outdoor Living Room in the Two Bedroom Lodge at the Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort; Napa Valley, CA
It’s no wonder royalty, A-list celebrities, and athletes keep returning to the luxury Calistoga Ranch: It’s in a class all by itself. Guests rent exquisite private lodges, set on a private 157-acre park-like property complete with hiking trails and a top-of-the-line restaurant and spa. Attention to detail carries over from room design to landscape planning — all modules for the lodges were flown in by helicopter to minimize impact on surrounding trees and to maximize privacy. The property boasts plenty of activities, including outdoor yoga, a beautiful heated outdoor pool, a bocce court, a fabulous fitness center, and wine tasting seminars.
Best Spots for Proposing:
Just about everywhere at Calistoga Ranch is romantic enough for a proposal. If you’ll need some liquid courage, take your better half to the private wine cave. Or if you want to keep it really intimate and cozy, snuggle up in front of the working fireplace in the room or soak in the private Jacuzzi.

Hotel: Travaasa Hana in Maui

Infinity Pool at the Travaasa Hana; Maui, HI
Infinity Pool at the Travaasa Hana; Maui, HI
The Travaasa Hana hotel overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury in the middle of Maui‘s lush, secluded east coast. Incredible service, top spa, excellent food, a long list of stuff to do, and only 70 rooms on acres of uncrowded property. The rooms are large, clean, sleekly furnished — and stripped of TVs, clocks, and radios. Hard to reach, but worth the trip.
Best Spots for Proposing:
Situated along craggy cliffs on the rainforest-like east coast of Maui, hours from other big resorts, the Travaasa offers guests ample chances to be alone (and get down on one knee!). Nearby waterfalls and hidden beaches are ideal for a romantic proposal after a hike (the concierge can direct you on how to get to them) and afterwards couples can take a dip in the infinity pool or the Honua Spa’s outdoor lava-rock pool.