FORBES.COM "Love is in the Air"
HomeAway Features 10 Top Romantic Getaways from Around the World" [#8 The Longhouse ]
Feb.'06
For lovebirds, love-seekers and the lovelorn, HomeAway.com, the world's largest vacation rentals website, has combed its more than 95,000 properties to compile a list of 10 of the most romantic homes available to rent for your next vacation.
All vacation rental homes, whether outfitted for a destination wedding or an intimate getaway, provide space, amenities and location options unmatched by hotels.
1. City for Lovers - Paris, France HomeAway.com property 143057 With a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars, it's no surprise the Fine Living Network featured this home as one of the most romantic apartments in the world. It's a five minute stroll from the apartment to the famous Bateaux Mouches tours along the Seine, as well as the countless museums, cafes, shops and open markets that make this the quintessential city for lovers.
2. Elope in Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada For those getting hitched by an Elvis impersonator on the Strip, this "suite" Vegas pad provides a reasonably-priced home away from home and a threshold for a groom to carry his bride over. And this time, hopefully what happens in Vegas, stays...together
3. Oceanfront Nuptials - Grand Cayman Island This 5,000-square-foot estate is a destination wedding dream-come- true. Picture this: the bride takes her first steps toward wedded bliss down a 250-foot-aisle of white sandy beach, while the groom waits expectantly framed by the deep blue Caribbean. The Cayman Castle and its guesthouse accommodate 18 guests and have two private pools -- one of which appears to extend to infinity.
4. Cheers to Love - Napa Valley, California "...wine and love have ever been allies." If you agree with Ovid, then chances for romance blossom in the heart of Napa Valley at a quaint cottage on the St.Helena Winery. The caretakers offer a hands-on tour of the property and samples of their award-winning cabernet sauvignon. Although the cottage features a second bedroom and a pool, the vacation home is outfitted for grownups only.
5. Destination Wedding - Arezzo, Italy Fairytale weddings become reality when saying, "I do" at a candlelit garden ceremony under the Tuscan stars. Built in the 1500s, the restored Fattoria di Villa La Striscia now includes five inviting Italian apartments perfect for the happy couple and those invited to their exclusive event. Guests can enjoy a swim in the pool located in the surrounding vineyards or relaxing on the baldacchino beds in the Italian Art Nouveau garden.
6. Girlfriend Getaway - Sedona, Arizona If a cold-hearted snake left you lonely, gather friends for moral support and a warm-hearted girlfriend getaway. Designed for relaxation and reflection, this Sedona vacation rental has a six- bedroom main house with a gourmet kitchen, a private one-bedroom space and an art studio. Outside, the serenity of the pool, gardens and ponds might have you thinking there is "more out there."
7. Villa 4 Romance - Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Popping the question? Plan a trip to this secluded hilltop villa where the infinity pool, wraparound veranda and its breathtaking views will surely help inspire a "Yes." Celebrate the engagement with bubbly compliments of the owners of this couples-only vacation rental.
8. Hawaiian Hideaway - Kauai, Hawaii High above the Pacific on 11 acres of the South Shore's lush valleys and rolling hills, you'll find the Ka Hale O Luina vacation rental that earned the title of the "Best Romantic Hideaway Kauai." The outdoor shower and luxurious amenities make this guesthouse perfect for couples fueling the fire of a new relationship, or putting the spark back in an old one.
9. Family Bonds - Manchester, Vermont For busy families with no time for two vacations, this Vermont farm doubles as both a romantic and family getaway. Spend quality time ice skating, sledding, or mingling with the farm's dog, goats, and Lola the cow. When the kids go to bed, mom and dad can settle in front of a roaring fire or unwind in the hot tub.
10. City for Singles - Denver, ColoradoThose looking for Mrs. Right or just Ms. Right Now should consider jetting to the Mile High City, which consistently rates tops for singles. Staying in this downtown loft puts you and your wingmen in walking distance to the Pepsi Center, Coors Field and Lodo, and if you're lucky, in range of cupid's arrow.
All vacation rental homes, whether outfitted for a destination wedding or an intimate getaway, provide space, amenities and location options unmatched by hotels.
1. City for Lovers - Paris, France HomeAway.com property 143057 With a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars, it's no surprise the Fine Living Network featured this home as one of the most romantic apartments in the world. It's a five minute stroll from the apartment to the famous Bateaux Mouches tours along the Seine, as well as the countless museums, cafes, shops and open markets that make this the quintessential city for lovers.
2. Elope in Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada For those getting hitched by an Elvis impersonator on the Strip, this "suite" Vegas pad provides a reasonably-priced home away from home and a threshold for a groom to carry his bride over. And this time, hopefully what happens in Vegas, stays...together
3. Oceanfront Nuptials - Grand Cayman Island This 5,000-square-foot estate is a destination wedding dream-come- true. Picture this: the bride takes her first steps toward wedded bliss down a 250-foot-aisle of white sandy beach, while the groom waits expectantly framed by the deep blue Caribbean. The Cayman Castle and its guesthouse accommodate 18 guests and have two private pools -- one of which appears to extend to infinity.
4. Cheers to Love - Napa Valley, California "...wine and love have ever been allies." If you agree with Ovid, then chances for romance blossom in the heart of Napa Valley at a quaint cottage on the St.Helena Winery. The caretakers offer a hands-on tour of the property and samples of their award-winning cabernet sauvignon. Although the cottage features a second bedroom and a pool, the vacation home is outfitted for grownups only.
5. Destination Wedding - Arezzo, Italy Fairytale weddings become reality when saying, "I do" at a candlelit garden ceremony under the Tuscan stars. Built in the 1500s, the restored Fattoria di Villa La Striscia now includes five inviting Italian apartments perfect for the happy couple and those invited to their exclusive event. Guests can enjoy a swim in the pool located in the surrounding vineyards or relaxing on the baldacchino beds in the Italian Art Nouveau garden.
6. Girlfriend Getaway - Sedona, Arizona If a cold-hearted snake left you lonely, gather friends for moral support and a warm-hearted girlfriend getaway. Designed for relaxation and reflection, this Sedona vacation rental has a six- bedroom main house with a gourmet kitchen, a private one-bedroom space and an art studio. Outside, the serenity of the pool, gardens and ponds might have you thinking there is "more out there."
7. Villa 4 Romance - Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Popping the question? Plan a trip to this secluded hilltop villa where the infinity pool, wraparound veranda and its breathtaking views will surely help inspire a "Yes." Celebrate the engagement with bubbly compliments of the owners of this couples-only vacation rental.
8. Hawaiian Hideaway - Kauai, Hawaii High above the Pacific on 11 acres of the South Shore's lush valleys and rolling hills, you'll find the Ka Hale O Luina vacation rental that earned the title of the "Best Romantic Hideaway Kauai." The outdoor shower and luxurious amenities make this guesthouse perfect for couples fueling the fire of a new relationship, or putting the spark back in an old one.
9. Family Bonds - Manchester, Vermont For busy families with no time for two vacations, this Vermont farm doubles as both a romantic and family getaway. Spend quality time ice skating, sledding, or mingling with the farm's dog, goats, and Lola the cow. When the kids go to bed, mom and dad can settle in front of a roaring fire or unwind in the hot tub.
10. City for Singles - Denver, ColoradoThose looking for Mrs. Right or just Ms. Right Now should consider jetting to the Mile High City, which consistently rates tops for singles. Staying in this downtown loft puts you and your wingmen in walking distance to the Pepsi Center, Coors Field and Lodo, and if you're lucky, in range of cupid's arrow.