Spa de deux

Tag : Dessert Rose

In the Royal Palms' Garden of Love, a hammock large enough for twohangs between two palm trees. Nearby, another garden, surrounded bya stone wall, is a private enclave for intimate dinners. Amid thetools of his trade -- candles, rose petals, chocolate-dippedstrawberries, personalized messages drizzled on dessert plates and,of course, a bottle of chilled Champagne -- Xanthopoulos says thatmany marriage proposals have been "popped" along with Champagnecorks.
This gem of a resort rates at the top of our "most romantic" listand so does its Alvadora Spa.
In addition to two suites for side-by-side treatments, the intimateAlvadora houses seven treatment rooms with private patios orbalconies, three outdoor treatment areas, a cosy lounge withfireplace, and a full range of spa services, including theultimately sensual Botanica Ritual with its bath-a-deux ($200 U.S.per person for the 90-minute treatment). The facility is in perfectromantic harmony with the rest of the resort.
Earlier this year, The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, R.I.,became one of the first hotels to offer a Romance Butler service.
He'll help you set a seductive scene with a butler-drawn bath withrose petals, candles, a chilled bottle of Champagne and chocolatetruffles.
The Willow Stream at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess recentlyintroduced a program that combines a candlelight dinner with amassage. Offered after 7 p.m., the package features a 60- or90-minute massage ($169 or $219 US per person) followed by a swimunder the stars at the rooftop pool, use of the waterfall therapypool, plunge pools, sauna and steam rooms, then dinner served bycandlelight in the spa atrium. How romantic is that?
At The Aerie Resort, it's the incredible view and exquisite cuisinethat helps inspire romance. Nestled in the rolling hills ofVancouver Island's Malahat region, a 30-minute drive from downtownVictoria, The Aerie offers guests their trademark view --FinlaysonArm, a wide ribbon of water embracing the rolling humpback hills ofVancouver Island's Saanich Peninsula while, in the distance, thesnow-capped Olympic Mountains -- from every vantage point in the23-room, Mediterranean-style inn.
While the tranquil, near-spiritual setting is almost enough for thestressed couple needing quality together time, there is also a spa-- smallish but with a full menu of services and a couplestreatment room with a terrace that looks out upon themillion-dollar view.
Steps from Toronto's Yorkville area, romance, intimacy and awell-honed sense of respect for privacy seem to whisper from everyelegant corner of the historic Windsor Arms Hotel. With itsrenowned Courtyard Cafe offering semi-private banquettes for cosytete-a-tetes, mood-lit hallways and king-sized beds dressed in thefinest linens, the fashionable address is the city's top spot forwell-heeled romantics.
In the spa at the Windsor Arms, couples can indulge in side-by-sidemassages or body treatments in the new couples room enhanced withits own water feature. Very nice but the real cachet of this placeis the indoor swimming pool -- one of the most striking in thecity. Here, a twosome can lounge in front of a fireplace or take adip in heated, non-chlorinated waters, then relax poolside to enjoya delicious spa lunch. And, if the craving for somethingdeliciously naughty grabs you, try the yummy trio-of-chocolate.
Couples who like to toast a romantic occasion with wine tastingsmight head to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa inCalifornia. Check into one of the resort's beautifully furnishedrooms or suites and there's a bottle of Sonoma wine waiting towelcome you. The Engaging Experience package (from $949 USD basedon double occupancy) includes one night's accommodation in asignature suite, a Champagne and caviar welcome and a Wine &Roses spa treatment (soak in a romantic rose bath while sippingsparkling wine followed by side-by-side massages). Guests can alsopartake of complimentary amenities including daily wine tastings inthe lobby, daily hikes and fitness classes.
In one of Canada's most romantic cities -- Quebec City -- thedistinctive Chateau Bonne Entente has just opened a new wing ofdeluxe suites accessorized with features such as sensuous silkenItalian linens, plasma TV and the ultra Tamazkal bath offeringguests a choice of thermo, light and aroma therapies all in thecomfort and privacy of their own suite. Every evening in this newwing, the resort serves guests Champagne paired with strawberriesdipped in chocolate. In the resort's Amerispa, couples can have adip-a-deux in the outdoor hot tub.
Catering to the romantic in all of us is a growing business for thehotel and spa industries and there is ample choice, but keep inmind that, if you're with the right person, a couples treatment atany good spa is sure to fan the flicker.
IF YOU GO
Here's where to find information on the resorts and spas mentionedabove:
- Royal Palms Resort & Spa -- www.royalpalmshotel.com ;
- The Chanler at Cliff Walk -- www.thechanler.com ;
- The Aerie Resort -- www.aerie.bc.ca ;
- Windsor Arms Hotel -- www.windsorarmshotel.com ;
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn -- www.fairmont.com ;
- Chateau Bonne Entente -- www.chateaubonneentente.com/en
- Anne Dimon is a travel and spa writer and founder/editor of www.travelltowellness.com

© The Calgary Herald 2006