ROCKY MOUNTAINS

The Broadmoor Resort & Spa

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Broadmoor offers an accessible getaway – just ninety minutes by car from Denver or twenty minutes from Colorado Springs’ airport – but as you wander the 3,000-acre grounds, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered another world, where daily distractions fade into Colorado’s vast blue sky. The stately buildings, flower-filled gardens, inviting pools, and golf course surround a tranquil lake that reflects the spectacular foothills below Pike’s Peak. The scene evokes a head-above-the-clouds feeling that’s still grounded in nature’s gifts – an ideal description of love, come to think of it.

In Your Room The property boasts more than 700 rooms, each elegantly appointed and some more spacious than most apartments. The oversized marble tubs and private balconies overlooking the lake are particularly enjoyable.

Spa Comforts Book the spa’s new couples’ room, a peaceful venue with subdued lighting and a flickering fireplace. Laugh out loud while being pelted with multiple sprays in the programmable Serenity Shower, the only one of its kind in North America.

Heavenly Meals Couples often choose the Broadmoor’s Charles Court or Penrose Room for fine dining; but another option is the ultra-romantic and intimate Cliff House at Pike’s Peak, a lovingly restored Victorian jewel in nearby Manitou Springs, just a ten-minute drive away. Don’t miss the deservedly famous Chateaubriand – or call ahead to check whether the chef might reprise the unforgettably sensuous Rack of Lamb with Chocolate-Blackberry Au Jus. (If you choose to spend the night, splurge on a celebrity suite, one-of-a-kind rooms named and decorated for a famous past visitor, such as Buffalo Bill, Clark Gable, or Thomas Edison. All suites feature two-person tubs or steam showers and period antiques.) Call (888) 212-7000 or visit www.TheCliffHouse.com

Activities for Two Indulge your inner aristocrat with afternoon tea in the Broadmoor’s elegant Penrose Room before lounging poolside in a private cabana. At dusk, drive a few miles north to the Garden of the Gods to stroll through magnificent red-rock formations. For early risers, your concierge can arrange a hot-air balloon ride – you’ll both be floating on air all morning.

Rates and Contact Information Rooms from $230. For more information call (800) 634-7711 or visit www.broadmoor.com.

– Elisa Bosley

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Tabernash, Colorado

The finger-shaped rock formation silhouetted against the rosy glow of sunset is a clear reminder of how the Devil’s Thumb Ranch property was named. According to legends handed down by the Ute tribe who once hunted here, a great warrior was sent to this valley to fight the forces of darkness. The warrior prevailed, wrenching off the devil’s thumb and planting it along the high ridge as a promise that good would always triumph over evil.

Located in the small town of Tabernash about a three-hour drive from Denver, the ranch is situated at the far end of a scenic, twisting road that is lined with aspens and firs. The lodge buildings evoke immediate feelings of comfort and luxury, but not at the expense of the environment – the ranch was recently honored with an Environmental Protection Agency award for its eco-friendly efforts, which include geothermal heating and the use of recycled native lumber.

In Your Room Plush cabins with fireplaces, small kitchens, luxurious bathrooms with Aveda products, and peaceful front porches push the romance factor nearly off the charts. Breakfast baskets are delivered to your door, so there’s no need to climb out of bed before you’re absolutely ready.

Spa Comforts Opened in the fall of 2004, the new spa emphasizes holistic and therapeutic services, with therapies that complement such ranch activities as skiing and horseback riding. Try the couple’s Hot Ranch Creek River Rock Massage, then head back to your cabin for a cozy evening curled up on the deep sofa in front of your fireplace.

Heavenly Meals Dine while enjoying views of the Continental Divide at the award-winning Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon, which serves a wide array of free-range meats and organic produce. Under the direction of executive chef Tricia Cyman, the eclectic menu includes such delicacies as Truffled Ravioli, stuffed with goat cheese and artichokes beneath a roasted garlic and truffle cream sauce; and Antelope Satay, with narrow strips of spiced, marinated antelope grilled on skewers and served with Indonesian peanut sauce. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

Activities for Two Take a ride through the magnificent scenery surrounding the ranch with Devil’s Thumb Outfitters. For experienced riders, owner Dale Lind will customize a multi-hour excursion. Other options include cross-country skiing, hiking, river rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, and skating, with equipment supplied by the ranch.

Rates and Contact Information Rates range from $69 per night to $599 per night for deluxe accommodations in private cabins. For more information call (970) 726-5632 or visit www.devilsthumbranch.com.

– Debra Bokur

NORTHWEST AND CALIFORNIA

Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa

Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Set in the heart of wine country on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Inlet, Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. Constructed of wood, slate, and stone, it looks across the water to the treed wilderness of Gowland-Tod Provincial Park. The thirty-three-room lodge features a full service spa, restaurant, pub, wine store and bar, bakery, fitness center, marina, and eco-tours – everything a couple could want for a diverse romantic getaway.

In Your Room All suites have water views and offer jetted tubs. The one-bedroom suites have double-size tubs (tealights included) and hot tubs for two on private decks. Cushy chairs beside corner fireplaces complete the cozy atmosphere – a perfect spot to indulge in a glass of champagne or a leisurely morning breakfast.

Spa Comforts An aromatherapy garden provides plants for the signature Essence of Life treatments. A star feature of the spa is the slate-lined couple’s room with twin massage beds sprinkled with fresh rose petals and double rainfall and massage showers. Couples can indulge in a glass of wine while experiencing a Polynesian Ritual Foot-Soak with essential oils and flowers. Couples choosing the Vino Lovers Package start with a scrub made of grapes, grape seed oil, and wine. After a refreshing rain shower, a citrus oil massage finishes off the treatment.

Heavenly Meals The Lodge offers several dining options – from meals in your room to a formal restaurant experience or a casual pub atmosphere. Seasonal local organic produce determines the daily menu and seafood is always a star attraction. Petrale Sole cooked over arbutus coals and enhanced with Dungeness crab sauce is a superb and sophisticated blend of flavors, a simple apple tatin with maple sugar nugget ice cream and caramel sauce provides a satisfying finish to a meal.

Activities for Two The resort’s location is a natural fit for soft eco-adventures. A glass-surrounded and domed pontoon boat offers smooth sailing for a cruise of Finlayson Arm and Tod Inlet. The journey, which is accompanied by a naturalist, allows guests to relax and check out the pristine scenery or watch for eagles, harbour seals, black bear, and giant jellyfish. For something more active try scuba diving at nearby Senanus Island, a world-renowned site famous for its rare sponge glass colony. Kayaking and nature hikes through old growth rainforests are other options.

Rates and Contact Information (Based on the U.S. exchange rate as of press time.) Rates start at $219 a night and include breakfast for two. Packages are available. For more information call (888) 544-2079 or visit www.brentwoodbaylodge.com

– Barbara Ballard

Meadowood

St. Helena, California

A member of the Relais & Chateaux collection, Meadowood is nestled in the heart of the exquisite Napa Valley – one of the most alluring areas in California. During the winter season, rooms are more affordable, wineries are less crowded, and restaurant reservations aren’t as crucial. (Although if you want to dine at any of the area’s well-known eateries, call before you book your trip; some restaurants have a two-month waiting list.)

Meadowood, with its seven tennis courts, two championship croquet lawns, nine-hole executive golf course, hiking trail, and wine center, feels like your own private estate replete with shuttle transportation within the estate, fantastic food and wine, and excellent service.

In Your Room Rooms range from studios to four-bedroom suites; some are located near the clubhouse and others are hidden deeper in the woods. For a private retreat, request one of the Hillside Terraces, which features a king-size bed and a wood-burning fireplace.

Spa Comforts Book the couples treatment room where you can each choose a specific treatment to address your needs. The Renewal signature spa collection includes a Vineyard Polish, Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage, and an Antioxidant Facial for three full hours of spa bliss. Be sure to try out the new seven-circuit labyrinth, which is frequently used as a meditation tool.

Heavenly Meals At the Grill, try the Grilled California Wild King Salmon with mango, jicama, and sweet pepper salad; for lunch try the Meadowood Burger with Napa free-range beef, balsamic onions, and tomatoes on a Brioche bun.

Activities for Two Along with fantastic on-site amenities, Meadowood is within driving distance of numerous wineries, fabulous restaurants, and several seasonal events. If you’re a foodie, stop in at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; for $12.50 you can sign-up for recipe demonstrations (with a tasting included) or book a table for lunch. For more information visit www.ciachef.edu/greystone or call (707) 967-2320.

Rates and Contact Information Room rates range from $470 to $2850 during the winter season. For more information call (800) 458-8080 or visit www.meadowood.com

– M.B.W.

MEXICO

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico

Few places are as intoxicating as the beaches of Mexico. If your idea of a vacation is beachside seclusion, an upscale spa, Jack Nicklaus golf, delectable eats, and attentive service, the Four Seasons – Punta Mita is the place for you.

Located 45 minutes north of Puerta Vallarta, Punta Mita is situated on a hilly peninsula that provides all 140 rooms with ocean views. With yoga classes, tequila tastings, Spanish language lessons, catch of the day specials, and kayak rentals available there is plenty to do – if indeed you want to ‘do’ anything at all.

In Your Room Built low into the hillside, Punta Mita’s casita lodgings blend in with the environment, lending an element of privacy to each room. Amenities include balconies, king sized beds, and oversized jetted tubs that provide plenty of room for two. Be sure and ask for one of many rooms with a private plunge pool, the perfect way to cool off, day or night.

Spa Comforts Four Seasons’ Apuane Spa offers an exhaustive list of tempting treatments, but for the ultimate couples’ experience opt for the Temazcal Ritual. The Temazcal is a traditional indigenous healing ritual performed in an adobe hut with three other participants and the Temazcalero, or leader. Using heated volcanic stones, herbal waters, native plants, and herbs, this two-hour treatment is deeply detoxifying and physically and spiritually purifying.

Heavenly Meals The most extravagant and romantic venue is ‘The Rock.’ A natural platform situated at the end of the peninsula overlooking the ocean, The Rock is a favorite for morning yoga classes and intimate evening dinners. Reservations and pre-selected menus are required in exchange for an unforgettable dining experience.

Activities for Two If you get a hankering for a little off-site exploration, the resort will gladly arrange an excursion with Vallarta Adventures. This local outfit offers outdoor adventures from treetop canopy tours to scuba diving in the area’s temperate waters.

Rates and Contact Information Casita room with ocean view from $440/night. For more information call 52 (3) 291-6100 or visit www.fourseasons.com

– T.W.

November/December 2004

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