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Feature Stories |
Browse our feature stories on romantic destinations, written by professional travel writers.
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Switzerland, VD, Caux-Sur-Montreux A Capell'Art Hotel What do you get when a musician and painter fuse their talents and enter the hospitality business?Voila! Switzerland’s A Capell’Art Hotel is nothing less than a masterpiece with magical dimensions. Four miles above Montreux, the Swiss Riviera represents a golden frame of additional splendor. Pristine Lake Geneva at its feet, in the distance Mont Blanc reigns over the storybook effect of the Alps; those in search of a romantic utopia…look no farther. |
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Arizona, Sedona Inn On Oak Creek Nestled on the edge of Oak Creek, this unforgettable inn offers the best of both worlds. Within easy walking distance of Sedona’s art galleries, boutiques, fine restaurants and Tlaquepaque shopping village, the Inn on Oak Creek is also a secluded serene hideaway. “People are surprised that they can walk right across the street to the largest fine arts gallery in Arizona and then come back to the peace and quiet of the inn,” says innkeeper James Matykiewicz. Location: In the heart of Sedona's Gallery District. |
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California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara Area, Solvang Vision was not enough to renovate an old motel stifled by a concrete parking lot. Fortunately, when Mark R. Davis purchased the property in November 2005, he also benefited from the artistic flare of his wife Kristin. Between the couple and an expert team of professionals, Mark says that Hadsten House Inn and Spa, centrally located in Solvang in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, represents an “instantaneous transformation.”
Facilities: AAA 3 Diamonds, restaurant, Meeting Facilities,
Day spa, Indoor Pool. |
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California, Yosemite National Park Probably no innkeeper in the world can say that he or she attended high school with Elvis Presley. Former Memphis, Tennessee resident Peggy (Simmons) Mosley, who owns northern California’s Groveland Hotel along with her husband Grover (“Grover from Groveland” as she describes him), was not only Elvis’s classmate, but also his neighbor and friend. She has the yearbook to prove it to visitors who stay at the inn, conveniently located near many popular attractions and a half hour to the gate of Yosemite National Park.
Facilities: Restaurant, award winning wine
list, conference facility. |
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Connecticut, Southeast, Madison Full-modern amenities like Internet access and the unique sense of style await arrivals in each guestroom. “The guestrooms are either a four-poster bed or canopy or a tall two-poster... Everything is meant to be elegant and romantic; not really Victorian. I tend to go toward Country French,” Victoria explains. Facilities: Restaurant, Wedding Facilities Web: thetidewater.com |
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Delaware, Rehoboth Beach of our 17 rooms have private in-suite baths and are all climate controlled. You will enjoy formal Victorian romance in our Manor home, which is not surpassed by any other Inn or B&B in Delaware, where the rooms are all oversized. Our five large guest rooms in the Sea Witch Manor Inn & Spa provides the privacy and convenience of a larger inn. Each of our rooms have 2 Twin, Queen or King bed, seating area, fireplace and private bath with tub and/ or shower. Fireplace suites, Victorian romance, Facilities: Antiques, walk to the ocean. Weddings, meetings Web: bewitchedbandb.com |
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Florida, Northeast, St Augustine Casablanca Inn on the Bay
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View Full Story & Photos Facilities: bay front location, panoramic views, whirlpools, private porches, weddings, meetings. Web: casablancainn.com |
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St. Simons Island
Services/Amenities:
Wedding Facilities, Meeting Facilities, Internet Access, Fireplaces,
Pets Allowed, Outdoor Pool, Breakfast |
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Georgia, Coast, Jekyll Island Rated among the top 500 resorts in the world by Travel & Leisure, the Jekyll Island Club offers superb resort accommodations, outstanding service, and an unforgettable landmark experience. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Facilities: 157 guest rooms and suites in five historic settings, three restaurants, golf, weddings, meetings. Web: jekyllclub.com |
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Georgia, Jekyll Island An old saying goes that “once your feet touch the sands of Jekyll Island, the sands will always draw you back.” “That really seems to be true,” says Stephanie Noble at Villas by the Sea. “We have so many people who come back time and again.” Located on glorious Jekyll Island in Georgia, Villas by the Sea Resort Condominium, Hotel and Conference Center is an enchanting ocean side resort with 161 rental condos. Charming, individually owned and personally decorated condominium apartments are on the beach, yet nestled under huge oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Facilities: weddings, meetings, restaurant, AAA 3 Diamonds Web: jekyllislandga.com |
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Maine, Lakes & Mountains, Naples Sparkling lakes. Sweet mountain air. A charming New England village. Visitors who travel to Naples, Maine, nestled in the Sebago Lakes region, and stay at the Augustus Bove House, have a double advantage: place and place! Not only is the western Maine inn smack in the middle of it all—coastal Portland on the southeast and Mount Washington Valley and North Conway, New Hampshire, on the west, but the establishment, as many of the repeat guests will attest to, is a homey destination designed for relaxation. Web: NaplesMaine.com |
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Maine, Mid Coast, Rockland Newly retired Captains Ken and Ellen Barnes, who owned and operated the famed historic windjammer schooner Stephen Taber, built in 1871, and the oldest documented merchant sailing vessel in the United States, know how to run a tight ship. Their ironclad reputation of unequaled service, hospitality and attendance to detail has transcended into their proprietorship, the Captain Lindsey House Inn. Just ask the guests who have anchored themselves behind the red door of the inn. Amenities: 19th century sea captain’s home. Walk to everything. Large rooms, private baths, weddings. Web: lindseyhouse.com |
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Maine, South Coast, Ogunquit “It is the only property on the south coast of Maine with sweeping views of the vast Atlantic. If you squint, you could see Spain. It is very high on 70-something acres, so there’s nothing in your way. You can see the cargo ships that anchor way, way, way away,” says Joan Dow, the former advertising director, who has been a frequent guest at the Cliff House since 1987.
Amenities:
Balconies with spectacular ocean views.
Weddings, meetings, restaurant, spa. |
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Massachusetts, Berkshires, Lee Imagine popping the question while sojourning at the Devonfield Country Inn and being chauffeured in a Model A 1931 Ford, the inn’s official automobile, through the idyllic setting of Lee, Massachusetts. Haven’t set a date yet? Who knows, upon encountering the 200-year-old elegant English country inn nestled on 29 acres, guests may be coaxed to do all sorts of madcap things in the name of amore! Amenities: Set on 29 beautiful acres. Luxury rooms and suites, Jacuzzis, fireplaces, weddings, meetings. Web: devonfield.com |
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Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Chatham Area (South
Orleans) “Everywhere you sit, you can look over the bay, over the gardens, over the cranberry bogs,” says innkeeper Pamela Adam. “It’s a special world here.” The main house of the inn dates back to 1798 and was probably part of the Underground Railroad. A trap door in the foyer leads to a small space that might have been used as a hiding place during that time. On a hill overlooking Pleasant Bay, the inn has a small sandy beach and its own dock. Amenities: Magnificent ocean view. Wedding Facilities. |
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New Buffalo Inn & Spa
“Our mission is to create a peaceful,
relaxing, private environment that will be spiritually rejuvenating
for all of our guests,” explains Lisa Werner, who has owned and
operated the inn with her husband, Gary Ramberg, for the last ten
years. |
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Michigan,
Southwest, Jones “We are very blessed, I will tell you that,” says innkeeper Dick Buerkle. “This is a pretty unique place and we really enjoy sharing it with people.” In fact, the name says it all. The Sanctuary at Wildwood is a place to get away from the world’s bustle and contemplate the true meaning of life amid the joys of the great outdoors. Amenities: Eleven Jacuzzi/fireplace suites on 95 beautiful acres. Romantic setting, cottage suites. |
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New Hampshire,
Merrimack Valley, Bedford Bedford Village Inn is no stranger to fame. First, the inn’s “Walls of Fame” exhibit the awards and accolades that have been amassed over the years. Here’s a brief (again, brief) rundown: a recipient of AAA Four Diamond Awards for 21 consecutive years, 11 Awards of Excellence from Distinctive Restaurants of North America, and 17 annual Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence (while dining at the inn’s restaurant, patrons can choose from approximately 700 wine selections). Amenities: AAA Four Diamonds both lodging and dining. Weddings, meetings, restaurant, spa. |
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New Jersey,
Shore, Spring Lake The White Lilac Inn is a romantic haven where time can be savored and memories made that will last forever. “I love it here,” says innkeeper Mari Kennelly. “It’s a unique house with a very interesting history.” Nestled in a quiet corner of Spring Lake on the New Jersey shore, the White Lilac Inn was built around 1880 with a distinct Southern accent. Triple-tiered, wraparound porches invite you to linger and enjoy the simpler life of a bygone era. You almost expect to hear the calliope of a riverboat rounding the bend.
Amenities:
4 blocks from
the ocean. Fireplaces,
private balconies, claw-foot soaking tubs,
whirlpool tubs.
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New York,
Western, Chautauqua More enchanting than an engaging picture book, bibliophiles are not the only ones to fall head over heels in love with the Spencer Hotel. Respite at this literary-themed boutique hotel, located on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, a gated resort community in the hamlet of Chautauqua, New York, means pleasant encounters at the turn of every page—corner, that is. Even the hallways harbor “color and interest,” says proprietress Helen Edgington. Amenities: Charming Victorian hotel with luxurious rooms and suites. Weddings, meetings, spa. Web: thespencer.com |
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New York, Hudson Valley
So what’s a
perplexed visitor who wants to satisfy his or
her wanderlust while staying at some of the most
comfortable local accommodations to do? Simply
consult the Hudson Valley Lodging Association
that consists of 38 member bed and breakfasts,
country inns and guest houses that span six
counties: Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess,
Ulster, and Columbia. |
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New York, Long Island, East Marion Sylvia Daley turned in Wall Street for the Waldorf. This is the innkeeper’s story behind Quintessentials Bed and Breakfast and Spa in East Marion, Long Island. So how does a Jamaican native, who at 18 moved to New York City to attend New York University, later secure an international high finance career, including employment as a stock broker, become an innkeeper and spa director, as well as an esthetician and massage therapist—not to mention a Reiki master? The answer lies in the quintessential qualities of both inn and proprietor. Amenities: Caribbean & European flavor. Fireplaces, private sundecks, Jacuzzis, spa. |
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Ohio,
Northeast, Berlin
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View Full Story & Photos Amenities: luxurious accommodations. Jacuzzis. Web: donnasofberlin.com |
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Ohio, Northwest, Great Lakes, Marblehead Great views of Sandusky bay and Lake Erie create intimate memories in any season. Situated an a small hill overlooking the town of Sandusky and Sandusky Bay, South Beach Resort is tucked away in a quiet part of the lake. Ideally located near attractions like Cedar Point, Sandusky, Put-in-Bay, and Kelley’s island you’ll enjoy exploring the areas great attractions and rich history, Sample the area’s many wineries, find unique crafts at the quaint gift shops and visit the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Amenities: Great views, private balconies, jetted tubs, AAA 3 Diamonds Web: sbresort.com |
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Ohio, Southeast, Hocking Hills Magic awaits at Getaway Cabins in the beautiful Hocking Hills of scenic southern Ohio. Enter the tranquil beauty of the woods and leave the world behind as you reconnect with nature.“It’s hard to explain but there is something magical about the cabins,” says innkeeper Jennifer Mitchell. “They are a wonderful place to rekindle, refresh and spend time with each other.”
Amenities: Private, unique
cabins and cottages. Fireplaces, outdoor hot tub,
Jacuzzi. |
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Oregon,
Coastal, Port Orford
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View Full Story & Photos
Amenities: Small resort
overlooking the ocean, luxurious
cabin suites. Eco-friendly. |
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Pennsylvania,
Pocono Mountains, Hawely The 250-acre Woodloch is located on a private lake in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. A four-season resort, Woodloch provides year-round spectacular sights courtesy of Mother Nature. Accommodations at Woodloch are immaculate and tastefully decorated with a variety of choices to suit any size family or group. The Classic Standard rooms are the most affordable and popular, with some overlooking the lake. Nicely decorated with cedar paneling, the rooms have divided living/sleeping areas and feature a queen bed and a pullout sofa. Private lake, entertainment, golf course, weddings, meetings, restaurant, spa.
Phone: 800-572-6658 |
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Pennsylvania, Pocono Mountains, South
Sterling Romantic to the point of being downright intoxicating—the French have a way with words. Ah!...Now imagine a secluded backdrop in the south of France where couples cannot resist handholding, dreamy glances and …fill in the blanks! Fortunately, for American and Canadian travelers, this sort of very provincial, utterly European experience is not an ocean away. “The French Manor is like a fairy tale castle on top of a mountain. It’s a very romantic setting for couples. It’s more of an intimate and elegant atmosphere,” says Bridget Logan Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing, describing the stone château perched upon Huckleberry Mountain. Amenities: Mountaintop setting, spacious accommodations, AAA 4 Diamonds, weddings, meetings, restaurant. Web: thefrenchmanor.com |
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South Carolina,
Charleston Area With 65 acres and four secret gardens, imagine the possibilities for lovers’ play! “We’ve worked with couples where we’ve helped them propose by leaving their rings in the topiary of the garden. We actually had a couple that we set up a beautiful carriage ride for. They had a wonderful lunch. As they were leaving, a gentleman dressed in full-period clothing came riding up on a horse and set down on his knee and handed the gentleman his ring,” Abigail explains. Amenities: Exquisite guestrooms. Former plantation. Weddings, meetings, restaurant. |
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Virginia,
Blue Ridge Mountains Love, Virginia, how much more romantic can you get? And if you cannot find love in Love, Virginia, you have not been to Royal Oaks Cabins! Bordering the Blue Ridge Parkway reputed for some of the most scenic vistas in the state, officially on the “Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail,” the location of the cabins—in the heart of Love—cannot be duplicated. Keith says that the “Great Room” cabins can augment any mood for romance. “It’s one big room with your bed; your Jacuzzi tub; your fireplace; your kitchen.
Amenities:
10 luxurious
cabins, an unforgettable mountain
experience. |
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Deer Harbor,
Washington (San Juan Islands, Puget Sound)The
Place at Cayou Cove Guests reach The Place at Cayou Cove on Orcas Island, Washington - the largest and most diverse of the enchanting San Juan Islands of Puget Sound - by ferry, yacht or plane. The planes remind innkeeper Charles Binford of Fantasy Island, the popular 70s and 80s television sitcom. He, along with his wife and co-innkeeper Valerie, may not fulfill every visitor’s fantasy, but in many respects they come close. The numerous repeat clients that revisit the inn attest to this fact. For starters, the proprietors’ restoration of the guest cottages as well as of their own home, leaves a definitive statement that conveys their style par excellence. |
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Washington,
North Cascades, Mt. Baker Area
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Amenities: Cozy
cabins for two, and family cabins, to spacious
group chalets. |
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Wisconsin,
Northern, Sister Bay
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View Full Story & Photos Amenities: private balconies overlooking the bay, whirlpools, fireplaces, weddings, meetings.
Phone: 888-424-7598 |
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British
Columbia, Kelowna
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View Full Story & Photos Amenities: luxuriously appointed suites, fireplaces, spa. Web: avistavilla.com |
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British
Columbia, Vancouver Island Area Sooke Harbour House has garnered many awards over the years. To name a few: “One of the Top Three Hotels in Canada" and "One of the 100 best hotels in the world," Travel and Leisure Magazine, Readers’ Poll; “Grand Award: One of Canada's five best wine lists and one of the top 86 in the world,” Wine Spectator, and “Corporate Environmental Award: Leader in environmentally responsible tourism,” Tourism Victoria. What defines such award-winning accomplishments? Certainly amicable innkeepers like Sinclair and Frederique Philip. Amenities: Exquisite cuisine, water views, fireplaces, private decks or balconies and wet bars. |
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Quebec,
Downtown Montreal There is no other word to sum up these guest residences than: “Joyeux!” Luxurious bedding; romantic wood-burning fireplaces; deluxe rooms with double whirlpools; apartments with backyard courtyards and accents like Aromea Botanicals bath products…this is as close to a one-way ticket to heaven as you can get. What else could you believe considering that the innkeeper has no word for compromise—French or English—in his vocabulary? Amenities: In the heart of Montreal. Captivating interiors, meeting facilities. Web: bonsmatins.com |
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Caribbean, Belize, Cayo District The award-winning Chaa Creek has pioneered natural history travel to Belize since 1981 and is Belize’s premier destination for a wide range of adventures. The 365-acre nature reserve on the Macal River hosts an internationally recognized Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, Rainforest Medicine Trail, miles of trails for walking, birding, mountain biking or horseback riding, a fleet of canoes, exquisite spa, conference centre, and access to Belize’s Maya archaeological sites. Amenities: A 365-acre Nature Reserve, meetings, wedding, restaurant, spa, canoeing, kayaking. Web: chaacreek.com |
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Caribbean, Jamaica, Negril
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View Full Story & Photos Amenities: Located on 7-mile beach, fabulous views, spacious villas, decks, weddings, restaurant. |
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Switzerland, VD, Caux-Sur-Montreux A Capell'Art Hotel A real haven of peace with the benefits of high-tech (all rooms are equipped with either WiFi or the Ethernet for surfing on the web) over Montreux, our hotel is open to welcome you all year round. You will appreciate its charm, tranquility and the magnificent views over the lake of Geneva (Léman), Montreux and the Alps. Reserve one of our Junior Suites now - they are so romantic! Our restaurant is the Buffet de la Gare de Caux, which means your room is always quiet. Facilities: Full Service Restaurant, Tennis Courts, Internet Access, Wi-Fi, Bar, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms |
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Switzerland,
Graubünden, Engadin, Guarda For the ultimate, out-of-the-way holiday that can inspire travelers to believe they are the lone sojourners in the world, few places can hold a candle to Hotel Meisser. Actually, candlelight dinners and romantic rendezvous that stretch well into night are the fashion in a setting perfect for a romantic historical novel! Couples seeking to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon, second honeymoon, engagement or simply to rekindle a relationship can create their own storybook memories. Nestled in the heart of the Switzerland village of Guarda. Amenities: Since 1658. 5th generation of innkeepers. Everything is small-scale and cozy. Web: hotel-meisser.ch |
