Top 10 small romantic inns and resorts

By ShermansTravel editorial staff

updated 1:37 p.m. ET Feb. 10, 2009

You don’t need Valentine’s Day or Cupid’s arrow to unleash your inner Don Juan or sexy Siren on your partner — enjoying a romantic retreat is just the ticket for rekindling that fire or sparking a new love affair at any time of year.

Of course, it can be hard to fan the flames in a mega-resort swarming with guests or digs just not designed with adoring duos in mind — that’s why we’ve rounded up this luscious list of our 10 favorite small romantic inns and resorts across the U.S.

From historic castles to beachside resorts to mountaintop inns, we’ve got a lodging style that’s guaranteed to feel intimate to amorous adventurers of every ilk. And with settings ranging from wine regions (on both coasts) to quaint New England towns, and from dreamy desert landscapes to the sultry South, there’s a pick to fit the whims of a wide scope of starry-eyed lovers.

Belhurst Castle
Surrounded by the verdant beauty of Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes wine region and perched beside Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle effortlessly blends 19th century charm with cozy, modern-day comfort for the perfect romantic getaway. Originally built as a private residence in 1889, the mansion was converted into a rollicking restaurant, speakeasy, and casino in 1933, and later, into the romantic, antique-filled retreat it is today.

Its 14 unique rooms boast elegant features like four-poster and canopied beds, stained-glass windows, sweeping lake views, and cast-bronze fireplaces. Dine beneath a beamed cathedral ceiling at the on-site restaurant, which offers sumptuous steak and seafood in the evenings, and free mimosas and Bloody Marys with Sunday brunch. Lovebirds: Check out the Castle’s special romance-themed weekday packages.

Charlotte Inn
A little piece of 19th-century England has been transported to Martha’s Vineyard at this charming Relais & Châteaux property. Set in a merchant house dating back to 1864, the Charlotte oozes with romantic ambience and touts a fine-tuned staff that is unmatched on the island. Inn guests can snuggle up in one of the 25 richly-hued rooms, individually decorated with period furniture and seeped in copious comfort, sumptuous style, and a meticulous attention to detail. Interesting aside: Jackie Kennedy is listed on the roster of illustrious onetime guests.

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Country Villa Bed and Breakfast
Luxury — and romance — is in the details at this intimate, rustic B&B in Virginia Beach. Guests are greeted with freshly baked cookies upon arrival, bathrooms are outfitted with Italian marble and well-polished chrome fixtures, and in the morning, customized, multi-course breakfasts are served by the outdoor pool or inside by a cozy fireplace. The secluded 4.4-acre property encompasses an herb garden, day spa, and just two suites, and is less than a ten-minute walk from the beach. Quaint and quiet, this B&B is perfectly suited to a honeymoon or romantic weekend getaway.

Hotel Hana-Maui
As Maui’s first resort (built in 1946, it was completely restored in 2002), this luxury complex of spacious seaside bungalows tucked away in unspoiled Hana (on the eastern coast) is the superlative spot for couples looking to get away from it all and to experience the “real” Hawaii. 70 rooms are situated on the lush grounds — our favorite accomodations are the oceanfront Sea Ranch Cottages that line the sloping hillside by the rocky shore. Here, you can hear the crashing waves and practically feel the salty sea sprays. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open onto a large deck (many have a private hot tub) and offer spectacular views (keep an eye out for horses grazing in the field just to the right of the seafront). Don’t miss a couples treatment at the spa, or a swim in the dazzling pool overlooking the rocky coast.

Inn of the Five Graces
There's truly nothing in Santa Fe — or even the Southwest — quite like this Far East-meets-Wild West boutique property of 13 whimsically decorated, opulent rooms and suites. The spacious units here invite couples to enjoy varying features like colorful mosaic-tile murals, traditional kiva-style fireplaces, decadent Asian and Middle Eastern fabrics and ornate beds with hand-stitched headboards. Rates are a bit steep, but include all kinds of thoughtful extras like walking tours, lavish breakfasts, afternoon wine-and-cheese spreads (on select days), gourmet snacks in your room and even staff gratuities.

The inn is set along Santa Fe's oldest street, a narrow lane right behind the state capitol building and just a five-minute walk from the many galleries and shops of the Plaza; a warm and efficient staff completes the experience.

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