Most Romantic Getaways in South Florida
5/25/2004 1:02:09 PM by Kelly Braden
In the world of romance, one single rule applies: Make the woman happy. Do
something she likes and you get points. Do something she dislikes and
points are taken away. You get zero points for doing something she
expects. Sorry, that's the way the game is played.
For example, the big question: She asks, “Do I look fat?”
You hesitate in responding (-10)
You reply, “Where?” (-35)
You reply, “Not at all, you look great.” (+10)
Any other response (-20)
On a special occasion:
You take her out to dinner (0)
You take her out to dinner and it's not a sports bar (+5)
OK, it is a sports bar (-2)
You take her where she wants to go (+20)
But, if you want to really make her ecstatic and win mega-points, how
about suggesting a romantic getaway? Rock her world with a private
massage for two; spring for champagne, caviar and flowers; rent a limo;
take a sunset walk on the beach; and end the day with a candlelit
dinner. She’ll be putty in your hands and you’ll both be able to
rejuvenate, rest and relax – and just maybe, fall in love all over
again.
In no particular order, the following resorts and hotels are among the
best in South Florida for a romantic getaway. Any one of these will
show her just how special you think she is:
CHEECA LODGE & SPA
With warm breezes rustling palm tree fronds overhead, Cheeca's
oceanfront dining at Atlantic's Edge with a view of a pinkish-gold
sunset and tiki torch-studded beach is not to be missed. Relax on
lounge chairs on decks surrounded by water or get a massage for two in
Cheeca's Avanyu Spa. Cheeca is synonymous with romance.
MM 82, Islamorada
Phone: 305-664-4651;
toll free: 800327-2888
Email: information@cheeca.com
www.http://cheeca.rockresorts.com
CHESTERFIELD HOTEL
The Chesterfield is listed in almost every romantic getaway book or
article. The hotel has a fireplace in the library (one of the few
you'll find in Florida). Richly appointed with antiques, polished wood
and marble baths, this English-manor-style hotel is located between the
Atlantic Ocean beach and the Worth Avenue shopping district.
Traditional English tea is served every afternoon with freshbaked
scones and sandwiches, and the hotel's service is second to none.
363 Coconut Row, Palm Beach
Phone: 561-659-5800;
toll free: 800243-7871
www.chesterfieldpb.com
HYATT KEY WEST RESORT
The Hyatt Key West Resort is just a short walk to Duvall Street and
Mallory Square. The hotel pool and beach area are secluded enough to
feel like you’ve got your own quaint little area to relax. However, you
are only steps away from as much fun as you can imagine. The hotel
restaurant is excellent for breakfast and dinner. Reserve a table on
the deck and watch the beautiful sunset in the evening. Some rooms face
the harbor and you can watch boat traffic all day. Even the pool-view
rooms see the harbor in one direction. The resort offers a Honeymoon
Romance package that features a bottle of chilled champagne delivered
to your room upon arrival, romantic gulffront dining for two including
a bottle of wine at Nicola Restaurant, special breakfast delivered to
your room one morning, complimentary use of exercise studio and a
two-hour sunset sail.
601 Front Street, Key West
Phone: 305-296-9900
http://keywest.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml
IRELAND'S INN BEACH RESORT
Nestled along Fort Lauderdale's famous beach, the Ireland's Inn
provides privacy, elegance and breathtaking views. Recently remodeled
suites feature breathtaking views of the ocean. The four-star
restaurant offers a candlelight dinner with passionate piano music and
big-band swing after dinner. Step outside for a moonlight stroll in the
sand. The special “Slip Into Something Comfortable” package provides a
two-night stay with champagne and breakfasts. There is a feeling of
living on a tropical island far away from it all – just a couple of
minutes from downtown.
2220 N. Atlantic Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Phone: 954-565-6661;
toll free: 800-347-7776
Email: irelandinn@aol.com
www.irelands.com
KONA KAI
Kona Kai is outstanding when it comes to beauty, peace and
tranquility. From the gorgeous, well-maintained grounds with tropical
fruit trees and orchid garden to the hammocks, beautiful lounge chairs
and complimentary fruit and chilled bottled water by the pool, every
detail has been carefully thought out. The beach is above-average for
the Keys and the sand is raked every night. It’s a great place to kick
back and enjoy the tropical oasis that will beckon you to come back
time and time again. With only 11 rooms on five acres, there’s plenty
of privacy for guests, and the staff is friendly, helpful and
available. Their “nokids” policy is perfect for that romantic getaway.
97802 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
Phone: 305-852-7200;
toll free: 800365-7829
Email: konakai@aol.com
www.konakairesort.com
LITTLE PALM ISLAND
When you visit Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, prepare to
enter another world — accessible only by boat or seaplane. Complete
with a world-class spa and one of the best restaurants in South
Florida, it is a hidden treasure. Little Palm Island is a place of
great romance. Adream island for intimate, elegant weddings,
honeymoons, adventure getaways and special events. Uncork the chilled
bottle of champagne in your suite, with its king-size bed, whirlpool
bath, and private veranda overlooking the ocean. Selections of wedding
packages are offered to make sure guests leave with memories to last a
lifetime. Little Palm also celebrates important days throughout the
year with special menus, music and events. The beachfront dining room
offers the ultimate romantic atmosphere with waterfront tables on the
beach illuminated by tiki torches. This island hideaway offers
everything you'd expect from paradise; authentic thatched-roof
bungalows complete with ocean views, white sand beach with gently
swaying palm trees and, of course, the occasional hammock. All water
sport amenities are included, including one snorkeling trip to Looe Key
National Marine Sanctuary. You can safely rank this among the top 5 on
any list of romantic getaway destinations.
28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key
Phone: 305-872-2524; toll free: 800-3GET-LOST
www.littlepalmisland.com
MANDARIN ORIENTAL-MIAMI
You will feel like royalty in the Mandarin Oriental-Miami. The
hotel is fabulous, from the uniquely-decorated lobby and serene
infinity pool to the five-star restaurant and luxurious spa. Luxurious
tranquility is the theme and while the rooms may seem sparse, it is all
for the Feng Shui purpose of un-cluttering your space and mind. Enjoy
awesome views of the skyline and ocean as you soak in a beautiful
marble bathtub. From carefully chosen colors and beds that are so
comfortable you may never want to get up – everything seems designed
with serenity and peacefulness in mind. You'll never forget the amazing
spa which provides a combination of pampering and rejuvenating
treatments for mind, body and spirit. Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but
you will feel like a different person when you leave.
500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami
Phone: 305-913 8383; toll free: 866888-6780
Email: momiareservations@mohg.com
www.mandarin-oriental.com
MARQUESA HOTEL
Asmall hotel consisting of four richly-furnished buildings set
around two swimming pools, a three-tiered waterfall and lushly
landscaped garden -- complete with a flowering wall covered with
orchids from around the world -- the Marquesa is a jungle oasis.
Amoonlit swim in one of the pools with the sweet aroma of tropical
flowers in the air and sparkling stars overhead is heavenly. The
adjoining Cafe Marquesa has a winning combination of food, service and
candlelit ambience.
600 Fleming Street, Key West
Phone: 305-292-1919;
toll-free reservations: 800-869-4631
Email: marquesahotel@bellsouth.net
www.marquesa.com
PIER HOUSE RESORT AND CARIBBEAN SPA
Centrally located on the waterfront in Key West, the Pier House's
beautiful and lush landscaping, 24hour pool and beach bar makes it a
great place to unwind. At the Sunset Deck you can sit for hours and
watch boats on the Gulf.
One Duval Street, Key West
Phone: 305-296-4600; toll free: 800327-8340
Email: info@pierhouse.com
www.pierhouse.com
SONESTA BEACH RESORT
Sonesta Beach Resort in Key Biscayne is on a secluded tropical
island only 20 minutes from Miami International Airport on one of the
most beautiful beaches in Florida. It has a Romantic Rendezvous Package
complete with a welcome cocktail, champagne and strawberries in room
upon arrival, daily breakfast for two, romantic gourmet private dinner
served directly on the beach and a beach cabana every day of your stay.
350 Ocean Drive, Key Biscayne
Phone: 305-361-2021; toll free: 800SONESTA
Email: reservations@sonesta-kb.com
www.sonesta.com/keybiscayne
WINDJAMMER BAREFOOT CRUISES
Whether you choose to have a wedding, honeymoon or just a
getaway-from-it all cruise, a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise is the perfect
setting. With destinations such as the Caribbean or the South Pacific
you can't go wrong. What better way to find romance than under the
stars with all your cares left far behind? With fabulous onshore
excursions to exotic locales, you'll find all the excitement and
adventure you're looking for.
1759 Bay Road, Miami Beach
Phone: 800-327-2601
www.windjammer.com
Now you know the winning score: Take your sweetheart on a romantic
getaway to one of these special locales and you will accumulate enough
points (and fond memories) to last a lifetime! If you do it when it’s
not a special occasion you’ll earn enough for two lifetimes!