Time was, honeymoons—or any romantic getaway, really—were about hitting the brakes after a hearty dose of sun, sand, and fruity cocktails. No longer. Blame it on our high octane, multitasking lives, but be it a Costa Rican canopy tour or a post-Olympic taste of Beijing, couples have been finding some pretty exciting ways to charge their shared battery. "My office is overrun with newlyweds in need of malaria pills and Tetnaeus shoots," says Marvin Cooper, MD, a Manhattan travel doctor whose clientele until recently mostly consisted of journalists and human rights workers.

Topping the twosomes' lists? South Africa, he says. … Read More

Aphrodisiacs are on the menu and love in the air just about everywhere, but other than that, America’s sexiest hotels are striving to differentiate their Valentine’s dos from the pack this time around. Some are going the gourmet route, some are playing up their picturesque surroundings, and others are encouraging guests to stay in bed all weekend.

As our survey of Cupid-inspired getaways proves, there’s no end of ways to celebrate romance. Happily, a lot of places are giving lovers special treatment all month long, meaning you don’t have to pick just one way to play.

Hot Getaway 1: New Orleans
Before … Read More

Time was, honeymoons—or any romantic getaway, really—were about hitting the brakes after a hearty dose of sun, sand, and fruity cocktails. No longer. Blame it on our high octane, multitasking lives, but be it a Costa Rican canopy tour or a pre-Olympic taste of Beijing, couples have been finding some pretty exciting ways to charge their shared battery. "My office is overrun with newlyweds in need of malaria pills and Tetnaeus shoots," says Marvin Cooper, MD, a Manhattan travel doctor whose clientele until recently mostly consisted of journalists and human rights workers.

Topping the twosomes' lists? South Africa, he … Read More

As a travel writer, I frequent five-star resorts in exotic locales, and fine hotels in the world’s great cities—but I made my most romantic memories in a campground along the Central California Coast. On a crisp, starlit June night at El Capitan Canyon, Damon and I shared a bottle of Zin by a roaring campfire. Then we retired to our cabin, snuggling under a fluffy duvet while the pit-pat of a light rain, singing crickets, and a rushing creek provided the soundtrack. Barry White couldn’t have done better.

What’s your idea of the ultimate romantic setting? Private motu in Tahiti, … Read More