Sedona
The retro, yet uber-modern adobe-style casitas wrapped in the red rock cliffs of Boynton Canyon are called Enchantment Resort. The earthy tones and Native American-design accents hint at a resort connected to the planet. That should help with getting re-connected to each other, and if you’ve also chosen your main outdoor activity to be their two-hour Red Rocks hike, with nature too. Each room comes with its own private deck and view of the surrounding mountains. The Che-Ah-Chi restaurant and wine bar as well as the Tii Gavo lounge bring the taste of Sedona not far from your door or even in your room. Then, there is Mii Amo, a destination spa that is a resort within the resort, which includes Mii Amo Café. The Enchantment Resort Casitas start at $375 per night, but the Suite Romance Package includes a spa treatment and dinner for two during a two-night stay for $1,490. Other packages are also available.
:: enchantmentresort.com
Big Sur
The California coast is something to soak up in a late winter or early spring excursion. Central California and the Big Sur area offer a feeling closer to Ireland than Los Angeles. The Post Ranch Inn’s 39 modern guestrooms sit cozily on the hills overlooking either the Pacific or mountain views. Romance and reflection are the prevailing themes here, meaning that not only are children not allowed, the rooms don’t have TVs or alarm clocks. The sound of the water and wind is enough to set the ambience. There are morning yoga classes, guided walks and whale watching during the day and guided stargazing in the evening. The Post Ranch Spa is open all day for treatments, and award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar provides an ocean view during its three-course lunches and four- and nine-course dinners. Rooms start at $845 per night and various packages are available.
:: postranchinn.com
Dominican Republic
The breeze off the Caribbean Sea blows across your face while you walk along powdery white sand beaches and wonder what all the fuss in the rest of the world is about. Though it seems like an advertising pitch line, Excellence Punta Cana is a place where it really happens every day. And the Dominican Republic is known for baseball, not tourist-crammed beaches and resort areas, so the odds you’ll have the beach mostly to yourself are pretty good. The tropical breezy rooms can come with a view or can even be “swim-up suites” if you like. Try horseback riding after breakfast or a scuba trip. When you’re done having fun in the daylight, there are six restaurants and nine places for a drink after the sun goes down. But if that’s all too close to work for you, spend the day at Miile Spa. Rooms start at $508 per night and discount packages are available.
:: excellence-resorts.com
