Couples can escape for a romantic weekend in the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Palm Island, Fla. ((LittlePalmIsland.com)) |
If adding more romance to your life is one of your New Year's resolutions or if you are starting to plan for a special Valentine's Day trip, there is nothing like an island destination for a romantic getaway. On an island, surrounded by aquamarine waters, lovebirds are more likely to feel a sense of being secluded and away from everyday cares and hassles: free to enjoy lazy days beachcombing, swimming and toasting dramatic sunsets over the ocean.
Here are some island locations in Florida, the Caribbean and beyond that Cupid himself would envy. For details, log on to each destination's website.
Florida --
Little Palm Island -- Lovers wishing to live out Robinson Crusoe-style "marooned on a deserted island" fantasies can come close at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, guests can leave their cares and worries as discarded bundles on the resort's private launch pier. Once on Little Palm Island, one of the resort's South Seas-style bungalows with chic, island-inspired decor, thatched roof, private deck, outdoor shower with bamboo surround, and hammock, makes for an ideal love nest (there are no telephones or televisions to distract). A marina and a spa are among the amenities and for those who wish to say "I do!" weddings can be arranged. Visit www.littlepalmisland.com.
Sunset Key -- A 27-acre private island enclave, 500 yards from Key West, Sunset Key Cottages, A Westin Resort, offers luxurious seclusion. Accessible via scheduled private launch (a 10-minute ride), the resort has 40 ice cream colored cottages with one-, two-, three- and four-bedrooms, a white sandy beach, a spa and a restaurant by the water's edge. Customized weddings are available. Visit www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com.
Caribbean --
Barbados -- A luxurious resort in the parish of St. James on the friendly West Indian island of Barbados, Sandy Lane is an ideal romantic getaway and locale for destination weddings (Tiger Woods married Elin Norgeren in a sunset ceremony here). Pastimes include swimming in a white-sand beach, catching rays by the pool, golf and a spa. To set the perfect mood for love, signature fragrances are available for in-room use from Aromatherapy Associates -- perhaps West Indian sandalwood, jasmine and nutmeg? Visit www.sandylane.com. Puerto Rico -- Known as the "Isle of Enchantment," Puerto Rico beckons lovers with beautiful beaches, a historic district paved with Spanish cobblestones and a tropical rainforest, among other charms. A popular destination for romantic getaways including honeymoons, it is also a favorite destination wedding location. In the weddings department, five Hilton Worldwide properties in Puerto Rico recently announced the debut of their new "Bride Whisperers," specially trained consultants that take on roles from wedding planner to life coach and who partner with couples to create the wedding of their dreams on the island. Their services are free and available at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.elconresort.com); Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.lascasitasvillage.com); El San Juan Resort & Casino (www.elsanjuanhotel.com); Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza (www.condadoplaza.com); the Caribe Hilton (www.caribehilton.com).
Hawaii -- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on the quiet west coast of Oahu, 30 minutes from Honolulu, is a paradise for lovebirds, with spectacular beach and mountain scenery, an 18,000-sq. ft. spa with 15 treatment rooms including some for couples and a 5,000-sq. ft. hydrotherapy garden. A complimentary Hawaiian show with island music and dance is presented in the evening. Ama Ama, one of the restaurants onsite has tables with views of the Pacific. There is a wedding lawn with ocean views for those who get inspired to tie the knot or renew their vows. Disney's Fairytale Weddings takes care of the arrangements including adding Hawaiian touches to the ceremony, if desired, such as leis for the bride and groom, a conch blower (conch blowing indicated royalty among ancient Hawaiians), a traditional Hawaiian blessing by the officiant or a hula dancer. Wishes Weddings/vow renewal packages start at $4,000. Visit www.aulani.com.
Mallorca -- Chopin and George Sand chose this beautiful Spanish isle in the Mediterranean for their retreat (Chopin was inspired to compose his Raindrops Prelude here), so why not you and your loved one? A romantic lodging choice in Mallorca is La Residencia, a Mediterranean-style property sheltered by mountains and near a pretty cove. An Orient-Express Hotel, its two manor houses are nestled amid gardens and citrus groves near the artists' village of Deia. For a day of pampering, there is a spa on the premises, and for a memorable evening, you can have the hotel pack a picnic on its donkey, and head hand-in-hand with your sweetie for the nearby olive terraces to watch the sunset. Visit www.hotel-laresidencia.com.
Here are some island locations in Florida, the Caribbean and beyond that Cupid himself would envy. For details, log on to each destination's website.
Florida --
Little Palm Island -- Lovers wishing to live out Robinson Crusoe-style "marooned on a deserted island" fantasies can come close at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, guests can leave their cares and worries as discarded bundles on the resort's private launch pier. Once on Little Palm Island, one of the resort's South Seas-style bungalows with chic, island-inspired decor, thatched roof, private deck, outdoor shower with bamboo surround, and hammock, makes for an ideal love nest (there are no telephones or televisions to distract). A marina and a spa are among the amenities and for those who wish to say "I do!" weddings can be arranged. Visit www.littlepalmisland.com.
Sunset Key -- A 27-acre private island enclave, 500 yards from Key West, Sunset Key Cottages, A Westin Resort, offers luxurious seclusion. Accessible via scheduled private launch (a 10-minute ride), the resort has 40 ice cream colored cottages with one-, two-, three- and four-bedrooms, a white sandy beach, a spa and a restaurant by the water's edge. Customized weddings are available. Visit www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com.
Caribbean --
Barbados -- A luxurious resort in the parish of St. James on the friendly West Indian island of Barbados, Sandy Lane is an ideal romantic getaway and locale for destination weddings (Tiger Woods married Elin Norgeren in a sunset ceremony here). Pastimes include swimming in a white-sand beach, catching rays by the pool, golf and a spa. To set the perfect mood for love, signature fragrances are available for in-room use from Aromatherapy Associates -- perhaps West Indian sandalwood, jasmine and nutmeg? Visit www.sandylane.com. Puerto Rico -- Known as the "Isle of Enchantment," Puerto Rico beckons lovers with beautiful beaches, a historic district paved with Spanish cobblestones and a tropical rainforest, among other charms. A popular destination for romantic getaways including honeymoons, it is also a favorite destination wedding location. In the weddings department, five Hilton Worldwide properties in Puerto Rico recently announced the debut of their new "Bride Whisperers," specially trained consultants that take on roles from wedding planner to life coach and who partner with couples to create the wedding of their dreams on the island. Their services are free and available at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.elconresort.com); Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.lascasitasvillage.com); El San Juan Resort & Casino (www.elsanjuanhotel.com); Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza (www.condadoplaza.com); the Caribe Hilton (www.caribehilton.com).
Hawaii -- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on the quiet west coast of Oahu, 30 minutes from Honolulu, is a paradise for lovebirds, with spectacular beach and mountain scenery, an 18,000-sq. ft. spa with 15 treatment rooms including some for couples and a 5,000-sq. ft. hydrotherapy garden. A complimentary Hawaiian show with island music and dance is presented in the evening. Ama Ama, one of the restaurants onsite has tables with views of the Pacific. There is a wedding lawn with ocean views for those who get inspired to tie the knot or renew their vows. Disney's Fairytale Weddings takes care of the arrangements including adding Hawaiian touches to the ceremony, if desired, such as leis for the bride and groom, a conch blower (conch blowing indicated royalty among ancient Hawaiians), a traditional Hawaiian blessing by the officiant or a hula dancer. Wishes Weddings/vow renewal packages start at $4,000. Visit www.aulani.com.
Mallorca -- Chopin and George Sand chose this beautiful Spanish isle in the Mediterranean for their retreat (Chopin was inspired to compose his Raindrops Prelude here), so why not you and your loved one? A romantic lodging choice in Mallorca is La Residencia, a Mediterranean-style property sheltered by mountains and near a pretty cove. An Orient-Express Hotel, its two manor houses are nestled amid gardens and citrus groves near the artists' village of Deia. For a day of pampering, there is a spa on the premises, and for a memorable evening, you can have the hotel pack a picnic on its donkey, and head hand-in-hand with your sweetie for the nearby olive terraces to watch the sunset. Visit www.hotel-laresidencia.com.
