THAT'S AMORE
Making Time For a Romantic Getaway Can Ignite Feelings You Had When You First Met

NEXT Magazine
February 2003

For Valentine's Day, what could be more perfect than slipping away for a few days--just the two of you--for a romantic rendezvous? Imagine snuggling in a quaint cabin in the red rocks of Sedona.

Being pampered at a luxury resort in Scottsdale. Or perhaps an intimate inn in the alpine haven of the White Mountains would tempt you.

Making time for romance helps to rejuvenate your relationship and ignite those sexy feelings you had when you first met. To plan your getaway, first spend a few moments just dreaming and scheming.

Would you like to hike the back roads near a mountain stream with a private guide? Go four-wheeling through the desert and find a secluded spot to watch the sunset? Treat yourself to a day of world-class shopping? Curl up in front of a roaring fireplace? Have breakfast in bed with the "Do Not Disturb" sign readily available? Be spoiled at a full-service spa? Or play a round of golf on a championship course?

No matter what your idea is for a romantic getaway, you'll be able to find what you are looking for in Arizona. Here are some suggestions that even Cupid would approve of!

ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPA
5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
(602) 840-3610
www.royalpalmshotel.com

European-style artwork, furnishings, tapestries, antique fountains, French doors, and hand-carved mantels adorn this 116_room estate. Many rooms have dramatic views of Camelback Mountain from your private patio or balcony.

The property offers all kinds of spots for a romantic rendezvous. Stroll' the stone-paved walkways or dally in the enchanting courtyards. Orchid and Jacaranda trees surround you in the lush gardens. Candle-lit dinner for two at the highly regarded T. Cook's Restaurant is a must.

You can unwind at the pool or the new Alvadora Spa. Just in time for Valentine's Day, you can enjoy the ultimate spa package, "Romanza d'Alvadora." Begin your day' with private yoga for two, followed by mimosas and breakfast in the gardens. Next, a relaxing couple's watsu massage with rose petals floating in the warm water. Later, enjoy the Vino Therapy Body Scrub, side by side on heated massage tables. The day continues with much more spoiling and pampering and ends with an evening of romance.

The resort has a director of romance, Paul Xanthopoulos, who can arrange any special romantic requests that you desire.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT
10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale
(480) 515-5700
www.fourseasons.com

Set high in the Sonoran Desert at Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is world-renowned for catering to the "incurably romantic."

All rooms have views of the distant city lights, nearby mountains, and the desert's lofty saguaro cacti. The natural beauty of the Sonoran desert surrounds you. Each room is even equipped with a telescope to capture the view of the desert sky.

You can indulge yourself in the spa and fitness center, laze by the pool, play tennis on championship courts, dine at distinctive restaurants, and have preferred teetimes on Troon North's award-winning course.

The resort's Valentine's Romance Package includes a dozen red roses, a rose petal turndown, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, and candlelit dinner for two in Acacia.

For the ultimate in romantic getaways, reserve the Oasis Suite. If you want to splurge, picture this: A champagne toast during breakfast in bed. Your own private plunge pool with a roaring fireplace. Even an intimate, outdoor garden shower.

WESTWARD LOOK RESORT
245 E. Ina Road, Tucson
(520) 297-1151
www.westwardlook.com

The oldest property in Tucson, the Westward Look Resort, is set in the Santa Catalina Foothills. Recently remodeled, its historic charm remains intact today.

If your ideal getaway requires seclusion, intimacy, and some time to cocoon, this is a destination you should consider.

You'll enjoy stargazing right from the hot tub in your private courtyard. Request a room higher on the hillside, closer to the main building, away from the main road. It will be quieter with fantastic views.

In addition to tennis, inviting pools, and a spa, there is horseback riding available right on the property. So make plans to saddle up and ride off into the sunset together.

The Westward Look has "Cupid's Romantic Getaway Packages." Call for all the details.

RED SETTER INN & COTTAGES
8 Main Street, Greer, Arizona
(928) 735-7441; (888) 994-7337
www.redsetterinn.com

This Adirondack-style bed and breakfast is located in the White Mountains on the banks of the Little Colorado River.

For Valentine's Day, you can enjoy all of the winter pleasures. Cross-country trails begin wherever you put on your skis, downhill skiing is only 20 minutes away - and you can even sip hot chocolate while snuggling during a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

The main lodge was constructed of hand-picked and hand-hewn pine and spruce logs from Colorado. There are stone fireplaces, high-beamed ceilings, cushy sofas, and a fascinating display of antique toys in the common areas. Outside, Adirondack chairs dot the extensive redwood decks, balconies and lawn. Flagstone paths lead down to the creek or into the woods for a quiet walk together.

The nine rooms in the lodge are decorated with antiques and beds featuring luxurious linens with goose down comforters. For the ultimate in private, romantic accommodations, reserve one of the three cottages available.

Pam Swartz is noted romance expert and author of Arizona Getaways for the Incurably Romantic. Her book is a leading resource for romantic couples everywhere. An authority on romantic getaways in Arizona, planning the perfect romantic getaway, tips on romantic travel, and keeping current with the latest travel trends for couples, Pam is available for speaking. She can be reached at 480-609-0426. Her book is available at your favorite local bookstore or online at www.arizonagetaways.com or www.amazon.com.