| You've probably already "done" Venice, Paris and | | | | from New Caledonia. To add to the sexy vibe, |
| Niagara Falls. So where to this year? Here are | | | | you'll be served in French and can enjoy |
| some secret romantic hideaways and some not | | | | champagne with your spectacular sunset-and real |
| so secret. Some are at their best in the winter | | | | coffee and croissants to the sound of the tropical |
| while others shine in the summer, still others year | | | | morning birdsong.Contadora - A Pacific island gem. |
| around. Got your passport ready? Here you | | | | For a somewhat more accessible destination, but |
| go...Zanzibar - spicy exotic. The name alone is | | | | with more than a whiff of gunpowder about it, |
| invitation enough to elope to the wilderness. This | | | | having been a pirates' hideaway, you can't get |
| group of two spicy islands and its handful of islets | | | | much dreamier than Contadora, a privately-owned |
| off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa, are just | | | | island off the southern coast of Panama, in the |
| perfect for a winter getaway. The vibe is casual | | | | Gulf. This baby of an island was once famous for |
| and relaxed (think barefoot-exotic) with dazzling | | | | its 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 seafood | | | | or diving together to explore the reefs, will create |
| and exotic fruit should spice up your stay. Why | | | | precious memories for the future. And this |
| not take advantage of your time here to visit the | | | | undiscovered paradise offers almost total |
| forest, where cloves, vanilla, pepper and cinnamon | | | | privacy...Sorrento - Spellbinding Italy. Try as we |
| are gathered and bring some home to carry on | | | | may, when we're talking romance, we can't ignore |
| that warm glow in the kitchen?If you crave | | | | Italy. 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 luxurious | | | | many-hued town, perched on a cliff overlooking |
| romantic escape. This petite resort is private, with | | | | the Mediterranean coastline, is guaranteed to |
| complete pampering service, only 10 beachside | | | | make all lovers go weak at the knees. We don't |
| bandas and the most breathtaking beaches in the | | | | know 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-fashioned | | | | and the more discrete Ischia, the glimpses of |
| style of wooing, Sri Lanka is hard to beat in the | | | | lemon orchards and olive groves from between |
| winter months. In fact, the country was originally | | | | centuries-old buildings... Whatever it is, it all adds up |
| colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and British | | | | to 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 service | | | | The 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 southern | | | | nature-loving couples looking for a hideaway in a |
| coast of Tangalle. Looking like an Asian Gatsby's | | | | stunning setting. The Wickaninnish Inn with its |
| holiday home, villas are surrounded by tea or | | | | views of the Chesterman beach comes highly |
| coconut plantations, with a beach of golden sand | | | | recommended as a stylish and romantic |
| within easy reach. And, for the cherry on the | | | | hideyhole--but plenty of more affordable options |
| cake, do include a visit to Kandy, the former | | | | can be found. An eco-rich gem in an already |
| capital of Ceylon and the last seat of the | | | | dazzling crown of outstanding beauty, Tofino is a |
| Singhalese kingdom, where you may find | | | | great place for couples who want quality time |
| yourselves tempted by the precious stones: who | | | | together in the great outdoors. This is where you |
| would not melt at a cool sapphire or fiery | | | | can 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 company | | | | beaches, 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 their | | | | British Columbia. Watch out for eagles, too. Even |
| three kings, are just about as far from civilization | | | | in winter, if the weather isn't pleasant outside, the |
| as you can get in Polynesia, hidden discretely | | | | lodges are so cozy you'll be only too delighted to |
| between Samoa and Fiji, only accessible by flying | | | | snuggle up together for a little storm watching. |