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