From Ohio to Ontario and Costa Rica to Los Cabos, Hotel Scoop has been discovering romance where one expects to find it and where it’s a surprise. Here is a Hotel Scoop romance menu that includes pampering, nature’s beauty, artistic delight and a bottle of wine.
Romance at the Kia Ora Resort & Spa- photo by Carolyn B. Heller
Kia Ora Resort & Spa in Rangiroa, French Polynesia is one of Carolyn’s picks for a vacation of romance and relaxation. If she hadn’t already had a honeymoon years ago, this resort would have suited her swell for the occasion. Calling it “spectacularly romantic,” Carolyn found the flowered lei and welcome fruit juice offered as the first hello a lovely touch. Each of the thatched-roof garden villas have a private plunge pool-skinny dipping allowed.
Think Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and romance may not be the first thing to come to mind–unless you are Kristin Winet. Kristin fell in love with Coeur d’Alene, her now hubby, and Coeur d’Alene Resort–– not necessarily in that order. Coeur d’Alene resort won her over after her husband did, and then earned the honors as their wedding hotel for the high quality of the accommodations, stellar food and variety of things to do. This lakefront, four-star resort, along with offering seasonal packages geared for romance, is family-friendly.
A thermal pool at the Arenal Kioro Resort -photo by Kristin Winet
Kristin’s romantic adventures didn’t end in Coeur d’ Alene. Arenal Kioro Resort in Costa Rica turned out to be perfect for a honeymoon. In between sight-seeing adventures of zip-lining, kayaking and hanging bridges, the newlyweds enjoyed the resort’s misty morning peacefulness, private thermal pools, in-room hydro-massage Jacuzzi and sumptuous meals. Plus, there was the coffee–“dark, bold and delicious.”
Harvest Inn is in the midst of Napa Valley wineries- photo by Katie Hammel
Harvest Inn in Napa Valley, California serves up romance with a bottle of wine. Katie found this out when she enjoyed the complimentary libation while sitting by the massive stone fireplace in her room. In the middle of wine country, Harvest Inn is a tucked in setting to use as a base from which to explore the area’s winery bounty. After winery hopping, one place to relax is in the inn’s hot tub. It’s open 24 hours a day, a detail Katie appreciated.
Romance is served at the Sarojin in Thailand -photo courtesy of Sarojin
For Buzzy, romance is legendary at the Sarojin Beach Resort in Khao Lak, Thailand not far from Phuket on the Andaman Sea. The resort is a perfect stepping off point for taking in the gorgeous landscape of limestone formations, hidden lagoons, rain forest and activities like swimming with elephants. Sarojin Beach Resort knows how to deliver romance just right. If the four handed massage doesn’t grab you, or luxuriating in an over-sized bathtub in an open-air style bathroom surrounded by flora, what about a jungle rainfall dinner illuminated by hundreds of candles?
The spa at Inn at Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills region of Ohio- photo by Jamie Rhein
When a resort is adults only, it’s not a stretch to think that romance could factor into a getaway. At the all-inclusive resort Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Los Cabos in Baja, Tim found one of the best golf courses in the region, a splendid massage and beach time with the best viewing at sunset when schools of rays jump out of the water. Miles of beach offer meandering time whether your romance is a solo endeavor or with someone else.
My stellar massage was at the spa at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio where romance gets top billing any time of year. Cozy up in a cabin or a well appointed guest room and dine on farm-to-table cuisine with a gourmet twist that earned the inn’s restaurant an Open Table Diner’s Choice status in 2015. Here’s where hiking on trails through scenery of waterfalls, gorges and hemlock trees can start near the inn’s parking lot.
Winchester Inn is two blocks away from the Shakespeare Festival- photo by Nancy Brown
For Nancy, the Winchester Inn in Ashland, Oregon is where romance can be paired with theater and great food. Home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland offers up charm, fine dining. boutique wineries and top notch entertainment. The Winchester Inn, a family run B&B includes the award winning restaurant Alchemy that is a not to miss for its gourmet cuisine. There are 20 unique rooms from which to chose for a romantic and relaxing stay. The Shakespeare Festival’s 2016 season begins February 19, by the way.
Hale Kilauea, a guest room at the Volcano Village Lodge- photo by Dana Rebmann
At Volcano Village Lodge near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Dana discovered loveliness in every direction. It started when she woke up in the morning after arriving after dark and found her room with its three glass walls surrounded by a garden of ferns, anthuriums and bamboo. Her room, actually more of a small stand alone one-room house set in the rain forest was a lovely respite from a long day of sight-seeing. The lodge’s hot tub was perfect for the road weary and the gourmet breakfast a lovely way to rejuvenate for another day of adventure on the Big Island.
Post courtesy of Jamie Rhein
Hey Jamie!
Thanks for bringing back fond memories, and kudos on the research!.
Next time you do this roundup, I vote for the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, with their private enclosed courtyards, including outdoor shower and plunge pool; Hacienda El Carmen in Mexico (see the pic with the in-room plunge pool); and Latitude 10 in CR, with their secluded cabins in the woods.
I called the Oasis of Peace romantic because my late wife and I shared some special moments there, but it comes in fourth to the ones above.
Feel free to shoot me a query when you’re putting together your next themed round-up, and keep up the good work.
Best
Buzzy