|
Romance, Hot and Cold The Best Places in the
World to Propose by Dave Shultz Just as romance can run hot and cold, so do travel destinations. We're going both north and south of the border to look at some romantic spots to take your sweetheart when the romance is running hot and you're ready to pop the questions. Remember that Canada is not too cold in the summer and Mexico is not too warm in the winter. Any of these destinations are great to visit at any time of year. Jasper Park Lodge  No
place in the Canadian Rockies has a more fascinating history than Jasper
Park Lodge. A popular getaway for the rich and famous since the early
1900's, the Lodge also offers a rewarding vacation experience for the rest
of us as well. It�s one of the last places in the world where famous
people can enjoy an undisturbed vacation. Visitors to the Lodge understand
and respect their need for privacy.
The package includes: Two nights accommodation in a Suite with fireplace. Wine and cheese upon arrival. One gourmet dinner in the award-winning Edith Cavell Dining Room or Moose's Nook (seasonal). Breakfast in bed one morning of your stay. Meal gratuities. Winter Season from $349.00 CDN (Jan. 2 to Apr 30., 2001) All prices per person (based on double occupancy in a Suite). Banff Springs Hotel
There are lots of romantic locations at the hotel to present a ring and question but in front of one of the massive fireplaces would be a great choice. Enlist the aid of the staff to help you present the ring in an original fashion and she will remember that moment for the rest of her life. Casa Natalia
The courtyard oasis is filled with palm trees, flame braziers and a heated pool and has lots of quiet corners for intimate conversation. The rooms feature California King beds and are uniquely furnished with local art. The colors are bright and stylish. You'll have your own private terrace with chairs, table and most importantly, a hammock. Snuggle up with your love and surprise her in this idyllic setting. Hacienda Cora
The El Candil restaurant offers Mexican and International dishes and was the host of the recent International Food and Wine Festival held in Puerto Vallarta. You won't go hungry. Contact Information Jasper Park Lodge Banff Springs Hotel Casa Natalia Hacienda Cora |
|
TM
The Lodge has been temporary home to movie
starts like Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, Robert Mitchum, James Stewart, Rita Hayworth, and Dinah
Shore. Queen Elizabeth visited as well in 1939. It also became a retreat for wealthy families with
names like Curtis, Colgate, Kennedy and Rockefeller.
The ultimate
romantic stay at the Lodge would be in either Point Cabin or Outlook Cabin, the
choice of past and present celebrities. The list of famous guests that stayed in one of these
cabins would fill a book. Point Cabin was built in 1928 and Outlook in 1930. Even though they have been modernized with every
convenience imaginable, they still maintain the rustic charm of another era.
The Banff Springs Hotel is a castle in the Rockies
and is world renowned for its spa. So if your lady would like to be
pampered, Solace Spa alone is reason enough to visit here but the rest of the hotel will charm you shortly after you arrive.
Elegant shops and
restaurants are abundant. Wood and stone remind you of the hotels origin in
another century as you wander through intimate meeting places designed to relax you in front of
large fireplaces and tall windows with views reminiscent of old European forests. Every
window opens onto a different vista and presents new views of towering mountain peaks and old growth pines.
The town of Banff is one of the most picturesque spots in Canada. You will be
charmed by it's unique downtown shopping area. Only one block from the main
downtown area is the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. It houses a wonderful exhibit area for art and has heritage exhibits to give you a better
understanding of the history of the Rockies. Probably the best feature of the
museum is the archives section. A collection of thousands of black and white
photographs neatly catalogued truly show the history and every day life of the
people that made Banff what it is today.
Moving
south of the border, one of my favorite destinations in Mexico is Los Cabos,
the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Favorite destinations in Los Cabos are
Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos and San Jose Del Cabo. Cabos San Lucas is
pretty large and is a great destination but not the most romantic place to
propose. Todos Santos is much smaller and very quaint but doesn't
offer all the luxury you might hope for. San Jose del Cabo is just
right. Not too large or small and with great hotels, dining and
shopping. My favorite place, Casa Natalia, is almost downtown, right
off the square and offers the best of Los Cabos.
Nathalie
and Loic Tenoux, husband and wife, have combined their fields of expertise
to create a truly unique boutique hotel. With only 16 rooms and a very
private courtyard, you won't feel crowded. Loic's culinary skills make
the Mi Concina Restaurant a fine dining experience. His Nouvelle
Mexican-Euro cuisine is outstanding in presentation and flavor.
One
of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico is Puerto Villarta on the west
coast. It's located on the brilliant blue Banderas Bay and surrounded
by green mountains of the Sierra Madre. Puerto Villarta used to be a
sleepy little fishing village until John Huston filmed Night of the Iguana
there. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor fell in love with the
village and bought a house there. The die was cast and in less than 20
years, this sleepy village became a major destination.
On
the north side of the bay, a short drive from the airport is Hacienda Cora,
one of the boutique hotels of Mexico. It's also in the heart of the
Marina Vallarta development and has an 18 hole championship golf course
adjacent to the hotel.
This
relatively small (42 suites and 25 villas) hotel is decorated with warm
tropical colors, freestanding closets painted with jungle or tropical scenes
and marble and terracotta tiled floors. But, the best part of staying
at Hacienda Cora has to be the bath. The bath is oversized with a huge
Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Arrange for the hotel to bring some
candles into the bath and you won't find a more romantic setting.