El Monte Sagrado in Taos, NM
In tiny Taos, where skiing soars and culture is counter, El Monte Sagrado gives pause to those who think that going green means going without. This worldclass eco resort offers sublime dining on molasses marinated grilled quail and luxurious sleeping in Native Americanstyled rooms. It's a quixotic world that will wrap you in a gentle and rarified cocoon.
(www.elmontesagrado.com; 505.758.3502; 800.828.8267)
Full Moon Snowshoeing in Waitsfield, VT
Crunching through new fallen snow under a full moon in rural Vermont doesn't get more dreamy. Unless you start out from the topnotch Inn at the Round Barn Farmwith downcovered beds, heated lap pool, and sleigh rides. Book a private guided tour that terminates at a candlelit cabin, where dinner awaits next to a fieldstone fireplace.
(www.theroundbarn.com; 802.496.2276)
The Ice Hotel Quebec
Take the chill off your relationship by staying overnight in an artistic freezer (of sorts.) Not simply a modernday igloo, these themed suites glow by candlelight (or fireplace) and feature carved ice beds and cocktails served in ice glasses. Artic sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets are includedas is a reservation at nearby Auberge Duchesnay Hotel, just in case.
(www.icehotel-canada.com; 418.875.4522; 877.505.0423)
Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, CO
Shush down the slopes to the heart of the village to a Bavarianstyle lodge with indulgent service, an overthetop breakfast buffet, and killer massages. Reserve a suite overlooking Gore Creek, snuggle in for the evening with room service, and satisfy every craving. Or take a sleigh ride, then curl up with a good book in the library, and soak in the pool.
(www.sonnenalp.com; 866.284.4411)
Hotel Villa Rolandi Gourmet & Beach Club in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
This intimate, islandy resort could be perched on the precipice of your imagination. It's certainly at water's edge! The 20 Mediterraneanstyle suites feature private oceanfront balconies with Jacuzzis and marble bathrooms. Drag yourself from a panoramic bar or palapa umbrellas to cruise aboard their private yacht. Then dine on Swiss and northern Italian dishes with a side helping of Mayan hospitality.
(www.villarolandi.com; +52.998.8770.700)
Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, CA
Plenty of Palm Springs mega resorts knock you over with bold panache, but Korakia Pensione sneaks up and burrows into your DNA. Moroccaninspired, with whitewashed walls and earthy accents, Korakia is sensual, intimate, and hip. Book a poolside bungalow or garden suite. Long after departing, the élan will soothe your harried senses.
(www.korakia.com; 760.864.6411)
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in the Phoenix/Scottsdale Area, AZ
Steamy retreats are ritualized at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. Book the inner, stonewalled sanctum for the day (or the couple's suite) and indulge in treatments like a wild lime blossom full body massage or table Thai massage. The weather up north might be frightful, but your spirit and flesh will feel ohsodelightful.
(www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com; 480.948.2100; 800.245.2051)
Kona Village Resort in KailuaKona, Big Island, HI
Turn off your cell phones and ditch your desire for television, radios, and even clocks. This fourstar throwback to South Seas Polynesia and ancient Hawaii has no equal. Sited on a lagoon and oceanfront, this allinclusive 83acre resort offers quietude, water sports galore, and allyoucaneat indulgence. For privacy, set a coconut outside your thatched roof hale (bungalow) and no one will bother knockin'.
(www.konavillage.com; 808.325.5124; 800.367.5290)
South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, FL
Powdered sugar sand surrounds Captiva and Sanibel islands, but no more so than at South Seas Island Resort, located at the tip of exclusive and remote Captiva. Book a private house, beach villa, or harborside guestroom and stay put. Hang out on aptlynamed Sunset Beach, book a yacht, go bicycling at dusk, or shuffle on the beach after dark.
(www.southseas.com; 239.472.5111; 877.205.1293)
La Samanna in Saint Martin, French West Indies
Pop the bubbly or pop the question? The first may turn into the second at the pampering La Samanna. This perennially perfect and romantic refuge is breezy, private, and luxe. They offer weeklong escape packages that include sunset cruises, couples' massages, gift bathrobes, and daily breakfast. Book the suite and little amenities start adding up.
(www.lasamanna.com; +590.87.6400; 212.575.7030; 800.854.2252)