4 Sweet Spots: Romantic Getaways
Rekindle Intimacy with Someone You Love During an Arizona Getaway

ITEM Magazine
February 2004

BEYOND SUBURBIA
CRAMPED FOR TIME THIS VALENTINE'S DAY? REKINDLE INTIMACY WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE DURING AN ARIZONA GETAWAY.

VALENTINE'S DAY PEEKS AROUND THE CORNER, SO WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN TOWN AT A LUXURIOUS RESORT OR SNUGGLE UP TOCETHER AT A MOUNTAINTOP RETREAT, MAKE THIS HOLIDAY ONE TO REMEMBER. SLIPPING AWAY FOR A ROMANTIC WEEKEND DEEMS THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO RECONNECT AND IGNITE THE ROMANTIC SPIRIT WITHIN! IF YOU'RE PRESSED FOR TIME, HERE ARE A FEW OF CUPID'S RECOMMENDED ARIZONA DESTINATIONS.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT Scottsdale
Make reservations at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale where catering to the incurably romantic is standard. From the moment you step our of the car, you and your honey will feel like royalty with staff attending to your every need, providing distinguished service.

Nestled in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, each room features unparalleled views of the high Sonoran Desert, nearby mountains and distant city lights. Witness the impressive night sky from the privacy of your own patio [with a telescope supplied in every suite].

You'll find all resort accommodations luxurious, but for this special occasion, consider booking a suite that features a private heated plunge pool and outdoor garden shower. Add amenities such as rose petal turndown, chilled champagne, a candlelight dinner for two at Acacia (described by Conde Nast Traveler on par with the best steak houses in the country), and you have all of the ingredients necessary for a jubilant romantic getaway.

If you crave luxury, seek spa pampering and then tee-off at the championship golf course (priority times are available at Troon North).

Ask about Valentine's Romance Packages, available Feb. 11 to Feb. 16. Rates start at $670 per room, per night.

L'AUBERGE DE SEDONA Sedona
Do you associate peace and tranquility with what you're looking for on Valentine's Day? Would you like to curl up in front ofa roaring fireplace with a "Do Not Disturb" sign readily available? Consider a drive two hours north where you can reserve a cabin at L'Auberge de Sedona.

You'll feel immediately transported to the French countryside after entering a private drive that sits along Highway 89A. Lush gardens, green lawns and winding paths lead to your cabin along the banks of Oak Creek. All 33 cottages are designed with French decor featuring custom rugs, fine linens, wood-burning fireplaces and charming covered porches. Although cabins number two and five are the most spacious, number seven is the most private!

Dining at L'Auberge is a real treat and perfect for this romance-inspired occasion. The elegant on-site restaurant specializes in gourmet French cuisine; you can choose mouth-watering dishes from an a la carte menu or a five-course tasting menu, prepared by Executive Chef Mark May. Wake up to the aroma of freshly baked breads and herb omelettes, then venture down to the restaurant for Sunday brunch.

Located in the heart of Sedona, it's convenient to explore shops scattered throughout town. Afterward, take a back-country jeep tour, helicopter ride, or hike one of the many spectacular trails [West Fork is one of the most popular]. Cabin rates during Valentine's Day weekend start at $335.

ROCAMADOUR Prescott
One of Arizona's best-kept secrets is Rocamadour, a very special four-room bed-and-breakfast located just minutes outside of Prescott. The property is set on 10 acres amidst the striking Granite Dells, where giant boulders form a captivating surrealistic landscape. At the top of the boulders rests a two-person lodge-pole swing where you and your significant other can snuggle together; take in the solitude and beauty that surrounds you. You may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring over nearby Willow Lake.

The innkeepers spent close to two decades at the Chateau de Trucy in Burgundy, France, before returning to the U.S. to open the property. What you see today is evidence of where they perfected proclivity for spoiling guests.

Resembling a French-country estate, chateau furnishings, fine artwork, and lovely antiques fill each room. In addition to the exquisite decor, special touches make this property distinctive. One of the suites has a bathroom with handpainted French doors and a translucent, onyx Jacuzzi tub that glows with dim lights behind the walls, simulating a candlelit room. Two rooms on site have outdoor spas paired with private decks.

Near Rocamadour there are many trails suitable for hiking and biking. But Prescott is also the perfect place to do a little antiquing and gallery hopping.

Don't delay on booking your suite; rates start at $139 per night, inclusive of a tantalizing breakfast for two after you roll out of bed.

HIDDEN MEADOW RANCH Greer
For many; images of cowboys, ranches, and horse-drawn carriages conjure up a romantic appeal that brings out the cowboy in all of us! Combine that allure with the exclusivity and luxury of an upscale resort, and you've just landed at Hidden Meadow Ranch, an all-inclusive guest ranch set in the alpine haven of Greer.

Richly furnished and lavishly appointed log cabins (a mere 10 on 120 acres), with real wood-burning fireplaces, give you an excuse to relax and rejuvenate. Rejoice, you've finally discovered this property! Now imagine soaking tubs lined with rose petals, in-room massages and a moonlit champagne toast. Romance doesn't get any better than this.

Depending on your mood, go horseback riding, cross-countty skiing, canoeing, snow shoeing, hiking, fly-fishing. You'll find every activity right at your doorstep.

Among the ranch amenities, gourmet meals are served daily in the main lodge. Of course, use Valentine's Day weekend as your leverage to order room service instead. Perhaps pan seared duck breast, grilled lobster or pesto grilled salmon will tempt your palette! Cabin rates start at $600 per night, double occupancy.

PAM SWARTZ is the author of Arizona Getaways for the Incurably Romantic