Money can't buy you love, but it sure can set the mood. ELLE chooses 10 exclusive destinations far from the madding crowd.
ITALY
Venetian gloss
The birthplace of Casanova, Venice -- with its crumbling palazzos and misty mornings -- has the faded charm of an aging yet much-loved courtesan. For the most breathtaking view of the city's rooftops and the lagoon, take an elevator to the top of the Basilica di San Marco. Scatter the pigeons in the Piazza San Marco and wander the side streets, stopping to visit the city's finest handmade-paper and glass boutiques. Follow in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps and sip a bellini at Harry's Bar before heading to Hotel Cipriani for a romantic dinner for two. Even better, push the boat out and book yourself into "the Cip." Located on a small island five minutes from Piazza San Marco by private launch, this deluxe renovated 15th-century palazzo hotel boasts a private pool, landscaped gardens and suites decorated with sumptuous Fortuny fabrics.
Romantic side trip Take the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to London, stopping off for a delectably rich chocolate Sachertorte in Vienna on the way.
Holiday read Don Juan by womanizing Romantic poet Lord Byron, a frequent visitor to Venice.
Best time to go Carnevale (February 13- February 24, 2009), April to June, September and October.
Most romantic room Suite 23 in the Palazzo Vendramin building has a direct view of Piazza San Marco.
For more info www.orient-expresstrains.com; http://www.hotelcipriani.com
COSTA RICA
Jungle fever
If you've ever fantasized about a "you Tarzan, me Jane" scenario, Hotel Makanda by the Sea in Quepos is your dream destination. This adults-only hotel has a maximum occupancy of 24 guests and is set among five hectares of Costa Rican jungle, where its luxurious rooms are nestled in the surrounding rainforest. In the morning, stay in your cotton robe and enjoy fresh-picked tropical fruit, coffee and pancakes delivered right to your private terrace while you watch white-faced capuchin monkeys play and feast on the berries of nearby trees. A nature lover's paradise, Costa Rica's south-central coast has gorgeous beaches and the Manuel Antonio National Park rainforest trail for hiking. Spend the day bodysurfing the Pacific waves or kayaking on the Naranjo River, where you can spot crocodiles, tropical birds and snakes.
Romantic side trip Adventuresome couples will sign up for the forest canopy tour, where you can swing through the treetops on zip lines. More sybaritic types will opt for the his-and-her body treatments at the Sea Glass Spa (www.seaglassspa.com), where all products, such as papaya scrubs and cucumber aloe wraps, are handmade using local botanicals. The ultimate spa treat is the Four Hands One Heart Massage: two therapists work in unison to banish any last traces of stress.
Holiday read La Loca de Gandoca by prizewinning Toca novelist Anacristina Rossi.
Best time to go Late December to mid-April is dry season; the rest of the year is rainy.
Most romantic room Villas 7 and 10 are perfect for monkey sightings. Villa 1 has a large Japanese garden and hammock to help you take in the Pacific sunsets.
For more info www.makanda.com
INDIA
Tantric treat
Pamper yourself like a maharanee at the recently restored Taj Lake Palace hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Built as a summer palace 250 years ago, this white marble hotel appears to float on the surface of Lake Pichola. Decorated with opulent silks, richly coloured murals and elaborately carved wooden furniture, some suites even feature traditional, ornate swings. The Royal Spa has a special suite for couples massages and treatments -- it even offers a traditional Rajasthan Ubtan, an exfoliation ritual practiced by young royal brides in preparation for their wedding day. Indulge in a one-on-one yoga class before enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner on a ceremonial barge on the lake.
Romantic side trip Take a special detour to Agra to see the world-renowned symbol of enduring love, the majestic Taj Mahal.
Holiday read The ultimate sex manual, The Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana.
Best time to go September to March.
Most romantic room In the 1930s, the maharaja held court in what is now known as the ultra-opulent Chandraprakash Suite.
For more info www.tajhotels.com
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Photography of Venice courtesy of Nicolette Linton
