Romantic Hideaways - Zanzibar to Sorrento

You've probably already "done" Venice, Paris andfrom New Caledonia. To add to the sexy vibe,
Niagara Falls. So where to this year? Here areyou'll be served in French and can enjoy
some secret romantic hideaways and some notchampagne with your spectacular sunset-and real
so secret. Some are at their best in the wintercoffee and croissants to the sound of the tropical
while others shine in the summer, still others yearmorning birdsong.Contadora - A Pacific island gem.
around. Got your passport ready? Here youFor a somewhat more accessible destination, but
go...Zanzibar - spicy exotic. The name alone iswith more than a whiff of gunpowder about it,
invitation enough to elope to the wilderness. Thishaving been a pirates' hideaway, you can't get
group of two spicy islands and its handful of isletsmuch dreamier than Contadora, a privately-owned
off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa, are justisland off the southern coast of Panama, in the
perfect for a winter getaway. The vibe is casualGulf. This baby of an island was once famous for
and relaxed (think barefoot-exotic) with dazzlingits pearls and diamonds, the name itself meaning
sun on the palm-fringed beaches and inviting"counting house". Gazing out to the bluest of seas,
turquoise sea. The abundance of fresh seafoodor diving together to explore the reefs, will create
and exotic fruit should spice up your stay. Whyprecious memories for the future. And this
not take advantage of your time here to visit theundiscovered paradise offers almost total
forest, where cloves, vanilla, pepper and cinnamonprivacy...Sorrento - Spellbinding Italy. Try as we
are gathered and bring some home to carry onmay, when we're talking romance, we can't ignore
that warm glow in the kitchen?If you craveItaly. Our recommendation for romance is
exotic, but with an even more exclusive cachet,Sorrento, south of Naples. This charmingly
nearby Mnemba Island is a more luxuriousmany-hued town, perched on a cliff overlooking
romantic escape. This petite resort is private, withthe Mediterranean coastline, is guaranteed to
complete pampering service, only 10 beachsidemake all lovers go weak at the knees. We don't
bandas and the most breathtaking beaches in theknow what it is about the place.the light, the
Indian Ocean. Don't strip off right away,sheer beauty of the town and views, the
though-this is a Muslim country after all.Sri Lanka -atmosphere... Or perhaps it's the scent of orange
Golden beaches and precious stones. Equally spicy,blossom in spring, the tantalizing proximity of Capri
but for those who prefer a more old-fashionedand the more discrete Ischia, the glimpses of
style of wooing, Sri Lanka is hard to beat in thelemon orchards and olive groves from between
winter months. In fact, the country was originallycenturies-old buildings... Whatever it is, it all adds up
colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and Britishto a heady love potion - and you'll find yourself
because of the valuable spices that abound here.spellbound.Tofino - The indoors can be great too.
The colonial-type hotels offer impeccable serviceThe pretty fishing village of Tofino on the west
as in days of yore. But, for a really romantic stay,coast of Vancouver Island, Canada, is perfect for
why not rent one of the villas on the southernnature-loving couples looking for a hideaway in a
coast of Tangalle. Looking like an Asian Gatsby'sstunning setting. The Wickaninnish Inn with its
holiday home, villas are surrounded by tea orviews of the Chesterman beach comes highly
coconut plantations, with a beach of golden sandrecommended as a stylish and romantic
within easy reach. And, for the cherry on thehideyhole--but plenty of more affordable options
cake, do include a visit to Kandy, the formercan be found. An eco-rich gem in an already
capital of Ceylon and the last seat of thedazzling crown of outstanding beauty, Tofino is a
Singhalese kingdom, where you may findgreat place for couples who want quality time
yourselves tempted by the precious stones: whotogether in the great outdoors. This is where you
would not melt at a cool sapphire or fierycan enjoy good food in style--including some of
ruby?Wallis & Futuna - "Lost" in French Polynesia.the finest seafood in the western world--hot
If you dream of somewhere more remote,springs, deserted walks on miles of sandy
where love-birds can enjoy each other's companybeaches, whale- and seal-watching, kayaking and
without fear of bumping into any acquaintances,breath-taking scenic flights over the wild coast of
try Wallis & Futuna. These two islands, with theirBritish Columbia. Watch out for eagles, too. Even
three kings, are just about as far from civilizationin winter, if the weather isn't pleasant outside, the
as you can get in Polynesia, hidden discretelylodges are so cozy you'll be only too delighted to
between Samoa and Fiji, only accessible by flyingsnuggle up together for a little storm watching.