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