Romantic Getaway for Valentines

"Love is a many-splendored thing", Han Suyin or so we would like to think. From soundtracks to the silver screen, love continues to muse both young and old – often enveloping the senses and capturing a longing heart. And whether it is shared for a lifetime or for a season, love simply is.

In celebrating love and its many remnants, join us in exploring the world’s most romantic getaways with oceanfront accommodations, luxury lifestyle amenities, and exotic private locations.

South of the Border

[Zihuatanejo, Mexico]

Settled on the northwestern coast of Guerrero, the village of Zihuatanejo – fronted by the expanse of its bay and supported by the mountain landscape of Sierra Madre – marries old world charm of the Mexican Riviera with the sanctuary of a private tropical paradise. Beyond expectation, the remote fishing village offers guests an intimate getaway with close proximity to Ixtapa, Troncones, and Barra de Potosi.

The romance of the bay affords wide-spanning Pacific panoramas, savoring the sweetness of a southern sunset and white sails dotted the horizon. Fine dining serves the flavors of the sea and local cuisine, as port boutiques carry high-end offerings of jewelry, clothing, and spa treatments. And for the more adventurous, jungle tours, sport fishing, and surfing are among its top attractions. Luxury bungalows and villas line the shore extending exclusive accommodations and amenities.

Caribbean Nights

[St. Martin/ Sint Maarten]

Touting an annual Caribbean climate of 80 degrees, St. Martin and Sint Maarten – spanning an estimated 33 square miles of island bliss with 37accessable beaches – offers guests year-round enjoyment; shared by the French and Dutch for over 350 years respectively, the setting is noted for its strikingly beautiful neighborhoods and distinctive cultural ambiance. The island is widely known for its open-air markets, fluxed boutiques, museums, tree-top parks, and expansive plantations; white sand beaches are also of note, sporting sailing, scuba, fishing and sunbathing.

To the north, the French-occupied St. Martin offers elegant dining, lavish resorts with secluded beaches, and the latest in French fashions. And of course, local bistros and cafes serve the ever-famed French pastries and desserts. To the south, Sint Maarten is a bustling cruise port, supported by an active draw to tourism with a myriad of hotels, casinos, and nightclubs. Whichever side you choose, this Caribbean getaway allows one to relax, while having an exciting cultural experience.

st-maarten.com

A Village by the Sea

[Skopelos Island, Greece]

Rising above the saltwater tides of the Agean Sea, Skopelos Island unveils more than 40 miles of pristine coastline and a celebrated natural forest reserve; simply known as the "green and blue island" in the very heart of Greece, Skopelos offers couples’ an intimate holiday with the romance of a Mediterranean setting. Famed for its ever-present role in the film ‘Mamma Mia’, the island is characterized by climbing stairways and tiled roofs, along with the charm and tradition of a whitewashed palate – resting along its hillside slopes and seaside cliffs above the bay; not to mention, more than 360 churches and chapels are home to the Greek isle, though most only open for feted events and feasts.

Embracing the legends and Greek mythology of its ancestors, Skopelos is also home to a number of museums and historical monuments – documenting the cultural and maritime lifestyle of its local heritage. Taking in the sights, guests enjoy sunbathing, diving, and yachting, trekking mostly by foot or bicycle. The island hosts a number of fine restaurants, taverns, and seaside cafes, featuring traditional music with local food and wine selections. Skopelos is sure to unfold a legendary love story, where all roads [eventually] lead to the sea. skopelos.net

An Island Hideaway for Two

[Turtle Island, Fiji]

An all inclusive private paradise in the South Pacific – neighboring Australia and New Zealand from the northeast, Turtle Island Resort extends exclusive accommodations for romance, relaxation and adventure. A string of ancient volcanic lagoons and jagged outcrops, the island archipelago hosts 14 couples at any given time, separated by generous portions of jungle foliage and coastal hillsides; the secluded locale and abundance of natural resources are among its greatest attractions.

Beyond the lure of a surf-side hammock or sunset picnic for two, island adventures feature horseback riding on the beach, garden tours and biking trails, as well as couple’s massages and spa therapies; water excursions range from diving and snorkeling, to kayaking, sailing and deep-sea fishing. A popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, the romanticism of Turtle Island remains undisputed; after all, ‘The Blue Lagoon’ was filmed on location based on the island’s tropical and native appeal. turtlefiji.com