Extended Weekend Getaways Magazine

Memorable Romantic Escapes For Couples

By Jenna Bush Assistant Account Executive Mower.com

The first time they cooked together. The getaway that took their relationship Instagram official. That night on the beach when they knew, for sure, they had found “the one.” For couples who have traveled more than a few miles of their life journeys together, some of the best getaways offer the chance to recapture a moment, a feeling or a shared adventure that reminds them how—and why—they first fell in love. From ocean to mountain, desert to sand, and snow, we’ve gathered seven exceptional trip-for-two ideas to help couples chart a memorable and memory-filled romantic escape, no matter where their love began.

Swept away in the Sonoran: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

A Gurney’s Resort & Spa (Paradise Valley, AZ They’ve never forgotten the magic of their first desert sunset. Luckily, they can relive it again and again at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa, perched high above Paradise Valley. Couples will find plenty of vantage points to enjoy the nightly “show” as sunset gives way to a sky full of stars—whether it’s from their table at Sanctuary’s signature restaurant, elements, or the resort’s spectacular infinity-edge pool. Luxurious private casitas and Asian-inspired treatments at the world-class Sanctuary Spa round out a romantic retreat.

California dreaming: Pebble Beach Resorts (Pebble Beach, CA

The California coast has always had their heart— both together and apart. They’re a twosome in life but not on the golf course and at Pebble Beach Resorts, they know they can both have their dream getaway. While partner one knocks out a round on Pebble Beach Golf Links, partner two can test drive a Lexus on iconic 17-Mile Drive, shop in Carmelby-the-Sea, hit the tennis courts for a “beat the pro” match, or unwind at the world-class Spa at Pebble Beach. Evening reunions are extra-romantic over a guided horseback ride along the coastline, an al fresco seafood dinner and sunset at Stillwater Bar & Grill, or wine and small bites by a warming fire at The Bench.

Snowbound in the Adirondacks: Whiteface Lodge (Lake Placid, New York)

The thrill—and the snow—are as fresh as the day they met. Couples who live for a dual endorphin rush of romance and adventure will find plenty of both at rustic-luxe Whiteface Lodge in the two-time Olympic host town of Lake Placid. The romance is delivered in special touches like in-suite cast-iron fireplaces and Adirondack-inspired spa treatments for two. The adventure starts with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on miles of trails, heightens with downhill thrills at Whiteface Mountain and ice skating at the resort’s rink, and comes to a cozy end with evening cocktails under the stars in a private lean-to.

Cupid in the kitchen: The Essex Resort and Spa (Burlington, VT)

Food has been their love language from Day One. At the culinary-focused Essex Resort and Spa, couples with fond memories of collaborating in the kitchen can chop, dice and sauté their way to closeness—and a three-course gourmet meal for two—with a hands-on Vermont Cooking Academy class led by the resort’s chef. Beyond the kitchen, they can discover emerging artists in local galleries, enjoy a glass of wine at The Tavern at The Essex and indulge in a couples massage at the resort spa.

Heaven on the Hudson: The Abbey Inn and Spa (Peekskill, New York)

They’ve always said divine intervention brought them together. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River Highlands is The Abbey Inn & Spa. The former convent, built in 1902 for the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s, has been repurposed as a secular retreat with 42 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa and the farmto-table Apropos. Couples can unwind with a hot lava stone Couples Cornerstone Massage in the full-service spa, stroll more than 50 acres of scenic walking trails, then cap the evening with hot cocoa and cookies by the fire pit.

Forever aloha: Turtle Bay Resort

(Kahuku, Hawaii)

That first scent of frangipani still lingers in their minds. Calling them back for more is Turtle Bay Resort, tucked away on the laid-back side of Oʻahu. Here in paradise, romantic partners will find countless opportunities to reconnect over memories of tropical adventures past. With plenty to do on-site and nearby, couples can spend the day lounging by the pool, strolling a stunning beach, hiking through more than 1,300 acres of tropical paradise, or sipping on Hawaii’s best Mai Tai during sunset.

Cozy in the country: Bedford Post Inn (Bedford, New York)

Just a short drive from Manhattan in Westchester County, the charming Bedford Post Inn, a Relais and Châteaux property, is perfect for a city couple seeking a cozy country retreat for romance.