Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Once upon a time, certain Club Meds, promising that alluring "antidote to civilization" were the sole refuge for couples or singles seeking childfree frolics. But today numerous retreats, romantic to racy, offer ooh-la-lasciviousness (we've focused on North American getaways but international options abound from Fiji to the Greek Isles). Many top-notch all-inclusive chains like Sandals now impose age limits, while some historic B&Bs don't want to risk great-great-great-grandma's Chippendale chairs. Moreover, though fewer destinations want to limit their potential clientele in the current economic climate, adult-only weeks are a growing trend everywhere from dude ranches to decadent cruises. Such swell-egant retreats as Antigua's Curtain Bluff and Hawaii's Hana Maui even offer adult-only months, while fab family-friendly retreats like The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas or cruise ships like the Crown Princess, Royal Caribbean's Vision-class, and Carnival's new Oasis of the Seas and Dream provide sumptuous sanctuaries with child-free pools, restaurants, and lounges. But our top ten titillating temptations "discourage" kids under 16 year-round (we figure teenagers want their own space as much as their parents). Which hideaways put the sin in scintillating? Grab your Kama Sutra and find out!

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $270 per couple, per night

When you stroll through Puerto Vallarta's Old Town, it's easy to understand why Liz Taylor and Richard Burton married and built a home here. From the classic Spanish Colonial architecture to the sensuous sweep of the azure Bahia de Banderas, it fulfills any fantasy of the ultimate romantics' retreat. Villa Premiere defines luxury boutique, with just 83 exquisite guestrooms and suites brimming with traditional Mexican furnishings and artworks (all with private terraces and whirlpool tubs). Elegant extras include chilled towels, bubbly, and head-and-hands de-stress mini-massage upon arrival. Despite new-fangled devices and diversions (pillow menus, butler service, oxygen bar), Old World style and ambience prevail. The sybaritic spa incorporates indigenous design elements like stone floors, Tepescohuite tree beams and rope ceilings, and palm mats that provide vivid visual and textural contrasts with handpainted local murals of capering cherubs and Huichol Indian handicrafts.

Tip: Planning to propose? Consider the Romantic Engagement supplement. You receive (among many lavish touches) a space-available upgrade, chocolate-covered strawberries with sparkling wine, rose-petal turndown service, private romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, spa discounts, and three options for a surprise proposal.

San Salvador No. 117
Col. 5 de Diciembre
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: 877 866 9176
www.premiereonline.com.mx

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $280 per couple, per night

The motto for this resplendent Relais et Châteaux retreat is "The Art of Rejuvenation and Romance in the Heart of Wine Country" -- but could just as easily be "If 'Luxe' Could Kill." Auberge is truly a feast for all the senses. The swooningly romantic beamed dining room, especially by the stone fireplace, and coveted patio tables are the perfect place to propose (or let someone down easily) over acclaimed Chef Robert Curry's six-course regional tasting menu, perfectly paired with wines. Indeed, the sommelier even pairs wines to signature treatments at the gorgeous guest-only spa, modeled after a centuries-old monastery (but hardly practicing austerity!), which also utilizes seasonal ingredients from local vineyards, groves, and gardens. The Provence-inspired earth-toned ivy-swaddled cottages zigzag drunkenly down the hillside, all with terraces providing extraordinary panoramas of the vine-studded Napa Valley. The sun-drenched earthily elegant theme is carried through the simple yet sophisticated decor. The artful resort's master brushstroke? Managing partner George Goeggel along with noted gallery owner Ira Wolk (who opened a branch here) created one of the world's most comprehensive outdoor sculpture galleries: nearly 110 works displayed throughout 33 acres of olive trees, meandering paths, terraced rock walls, and streams. Auberge stays have been a prized addition to Golden Globes presenters' (think Drew, Denzel, Leonardo, Luke) goodie bags and it symbolizes sybaritic escape not just for such celebs as Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Claudia Schiffer, Christina Aguilera, and the Beckhams but fictional characters (Entourage's Eric and Sloan booked a weekend).

Tip: Arrange "elegant elopements" including wedding cakes designed by the executive pastry chef or private Tête à Tête dinners at the Japanese-inspired La Pagode pavilion tucked away amid the olive groves (with options like a string trio).

180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, California
Phone: 800 348 5406
www.aubergedusoleil.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $344 per couple, per night

The mere name of this couples-only clothing-optional all-inclusive playground (and its sister Temptation resorts) indicates its suggestive aura and activities. Shed your swimsuits and inhibitions at the nude beach, pool, elevated Jacuzzi, and co-ed sauna. Indulge in toga parties, tequila volleyball, and striptease tourneys. The keywords are erotic and exotic (Desire fronts a luxuriant lagoon teeming with coatimundi to crocodiles-we don't mean the randier singles!), though even prudes would approve the luxurious appointments and amenities from opulent spa to fine dining options. Since this once-sleepy Riviera Maya fishing village has become more developed, public coupling in the canopied seaside beds is discouraged though the "Skytop" hot tub remains a hotspot. International revelers, from couples reinvigorating their relationship to alternative lifestyle swingers, embrace all ages and body types though the average guest is roughly 40-45 (and 20-25 percent body fat). The atmosphere is playful without pressure or prurience. Indeed, most people dress (up) for dinner or dancing, often according to the day's fantasy theme.

Tip: Exemplifying the passion with pampering mantra, the Jacuzzi and Passion Suites include such titillating toys and treats as sensual scented candles, Tantra essential gift box, and Desire incense.

Carretera Cancun Puerto Morelos
Km. 27.5 SM. 12, Mza 41, Lote 1, Fracc. 2, Predio Tanchacte
77580 Puerto Morelos, México
Phone: 888 201 7551
www.desireresorts.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $382 per couple, per night

Arid Aruba is famed for its sparkling champagne-hued beaches, rock formations resembling abstract sculpture, hip hopping nightlife, storm-free location below the Caribbean "hurricane belt," and whipping winds that pose their own unique golf challenge, bending the trademark divi divi trees at a 90-degree angle as if bowing to nature. Amid a sea of mammoth resorts catering to families and meetings as well as honeymooners, captivating couples-only Bucuti unfolds sensuously along 14 prime acres on Eagle Beach (a perennial contender for Best Beach lists). Eco-centric types appreciate its Green Globe 21 and ISO 14001 certifications but anyone will enjoy going green for less green than other resorts in its class. You can arrange private candlelit dinners or couples massages in a beachfront palapa, or join the hordes haggling in Oranjestad's shops, gamboling on booze cruises, and gambling in casinos.

Tip: The resort's sumptuous Tara Suites were designed according to couples' specifications; they include huge ocean-facing balconies and bedrooms, and direct access to the widest, most secluded section of Eagle Beach, helping earn it a Top-10 World's Most Romantic Resort ranking from TripAdvisor.

LG Smith Boulevard 55-B
Palm/Eagle Beach 1347, Aruba
Phone: 297 – 583 – 1100
www.bucuti.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $390 per couple, per night

If you're seeking R&R à deux (well, for that matter trois or more), Jamaica's (in)famous Hedonisms seduce you to "Be Wicked for a Week." Hedonism II, caught between 22 landscaped acres and a sublime ivory-hued beach, was the island's first designated Super-Inclusive. Catering to your wildest whims, like a nonstop frat party, this prime Grade-A meet market is the place to let it all hang out. Guestrooms feature mirrored ceilings, themed events include Kinky Carnival and buff body contests, and hidden alcoves dot the nude waterfall pool and jungle paths. Hedonism III may be even more debauched (insert wink and smile-y emoticons): swim-up rooms, translucent water slide shimmying through the disco (playing au naturel is de rigueur), and imaginative theme nights like pimp-ho parties. Both resorts offer activities aplenty, from rock-climbing to reggae classes. It's a see-and-be-scene in every sense.

Tip: Naughty-but-nice à la carte Hedonistic Delights range from aromatherapy bubble baths with bubbly to the Tantralizing Kit for Two which provides "erotic inspiration as you have fun exploring with the scented massage oils, chocolate flavored body paints, whipped cream and syrup. After warming up, the condoms, aphrodisiac fruit platter and champagne will help prolong the evening."

Norman Manley Boulevard Negril, Jamaica and Main Street Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Phone: 877 467 8737
www.hedonism.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $595 per couple, per night

Your beachfront mansion-away-from-home, The House offers posh pomp without pomposity. Strategically placed planters and vases overflow with anthurium and allamanda, heliconia and hibiscus, providing continual aromatherapy, as do the scented candles in your room at turndown. Colors, textures, and materials are carefully selected to soothe, from blissful blue to winsome white: interior design as Prozac. Your own Personal Service Ambassador (PSA), garbed in gossamer lunar white, greets you at the airport, whisking you away in a limousine. One PSA will unpack your clothes, while another offers a complimentary welcome drink and "jet lag" massage. They'll arrange car rentals, excursions, sports, dinner reservations. They patrol the beach – glorious Paynes Bay -- with silver salvers bearing chilled washcloths, Evian spritzes, and fresh fruit. After a hard day's relaxing, retire to one of the 34 spare yet smart suites, outfitted with the usual luxury culprits from goose-down duvets to Gaggia espresso machines. Arched doors opening onto the beachfront terrace provide the ultimate ever-changing canvas. For dinner, adjacent Daphne's, outpost of London's eponymous eatery, lures the likes of Cindy Crawford, Mariah Carey, Sir Richard Branson, Sir David Frost, Kevin Bacon, and local girl Rihanna for Italian fare with Bajan flair.

Tip: The latest enticements include free massages upon arrival-and free weddings.

Paynes Bay, St James, Barbados, West Indies
Phone: 888 966 9948

target="_blank">www.thehousebarbados.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $625 per couple, per night

Antigua claims 365 beaches, one for every day and mood, and this stylish secluded all-inclusive commands a particularly exquisite pearly strand that stretches luxuriantly for nearly a mile. Sexy semi-alfresco public spaces conjure Tahiti with thatch roofing, woven bamboo, vibrant art naïf, and a grotto swimming pool with waterfall. The premium suites define barefoot chic without chicanery, effortlessly blending classic (mahogany to marble accents) and contemporary (flat-screen TV/DVDs, iPod docking stations, Wi-Fi). Even the smaller, non-beachfront Gauguin cottages boast private plunge pools and views of the bird sanctuary lagoon. We adore the Indulge Spa's virtual tree-house setting, cleverly integrated into the lush tropical gardens, and the beachfront Gauguin restaurant's canny thatched cabanas for dining à deux. Small wonder Galley Bay does a brisk business in weddings and routinely receives glowing citations from Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List to TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Award.

Tip: The latest special excursion transports one couple via inflatable boat to otherwise inaccessible, remote Pinching Bay, leaving just the necessities: champagne, lobster salad, snorkeling equipment, towels, umbrella, and a cell phone (in case you want to return to civilization).

Galley Bay Beach Rd, St. John's, Antigua
Phone: 866 237 1644
www.galleybayresort.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $650 per couple, per night

This ravishing remote Rockies retreat, a member of the prestigious Relais et Châteaux, straddles 600 acres framed against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bitterroot range. Low-key yet high-maintenance, this epitome of cowboy chic is adorned with world-class Western artworks. Accommodations occupy 23 opulent Western-style log cabins (all with wood-burning fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs). Aficionados savor its innovative seasonal cuisine, extensive wine cellar (repeat recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence), and superlative service that's friendly yet professional, everyone knowing their business but not yours. All-inclusive rates include trail rides, hikes, tennis, fly-casting lessons (Orvis endorses the resort), snowshoeing, 3 meals daily including multi-course gourmet dinner, snacks, house wines and cocktails, and in-room bar set-ups. Additional activities include heli-hiking, helicopter tours, cattle drives, horseback riding, fly-fishing, guided wildlife watching, snowmobiling, and more. Artists' workshop weekends, cowboy roundups, and vintners' programs are held several times annually. The ambience is so amorous, locals joke even the elk rut out of season.

Tip: The five-night all-inclusive Winter Mountain Romance getaway for two provides a Luxury Cabin at a 20 percent discount plus relaxing couple's massage with champagne.

5551 West Fork Road
Darby, Montana
Phone: 800 654 2943

target="_blank">www.triplecreekranch.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways

Rates: From $725 per couple, per night

The pink-and-white casitas of this grande dame "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" resort (a member of Leading Hotels of the World) spill down emerald hills to a sea that ripples from turquoise to tourmaline. Candy-cane golf carts (signed by celebrities) wind past gardens as manicured as the clientele. Regulars during its half century have included Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, John Travolta, Kevin Costner, Sandra Bullock, Madonna, Bono, Brad Pitt… thanks to the supreme privacy and ultra-professional yet personalized pampering (arrange a 3AM massage on your terrace? No problemo: nothing succeeds like excess). The casitas boast glass ceilings, private pools, stunning bay vistas, and clever "magic-boxes" for discreet placement of continental breakfast. The restaurants, optimally placed to drink in those views, are celebrated for savvy savory fusion fare; nab a terrace table at twilight as the setting sun triggers a laser show across Acapulco Bay. Las Brisas long ago perfected its recipe for romance.

Tip: The "Honeymoon Package" welcomes couples to their Brisas Beach Club room (space-available suite upgrade) with rose petals leading from the door to the bed, fresh flowers and a bottle of champagne… followed by a couples' massage, then dinner with wine set up on your terrace.

Carretera Escenica 5255
Fraccionamiento Las Brisas, Acapulco, Mexico
Phone: 744 469 6900
www.brisashotelonline.com

Top Ten North American Adult-Only Getaways