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Lovers in Paradise: Romance blooms in Naples and Marco Island, Florida
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Sunsets are for Sharing courtesy Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB
Maybe it’s the sight of the gentle surf lapping rhythmically along the white-sand shore. Or maybe it’s the insistent cries of the sea gulls, as seductive as any siren’s song. Or maybe it’s just the way your lover’s skin is burnished with a soft golden glow from the Florida sunshine and the warm Gulf breezes. Whatever the reason, Southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast serves as the perfect backdrop for romance, as nature conspires to put you and your sweetheart in the mood for love.
Just like in the movies…
A Room with a View
Even Helena Bonham-Carter would have been impressed with the full Gulf of Mexico views from the private balconies of select junior suites and one-bedroom suites at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa (a particular favorite of mine). The spa features a Couples Bliss package (need I say more?), and all accommodations offer mini-refrigerators, in-room safes, and 32-inch LCD televisions. But, come on, you know you’ll never turn that TV on.
Just Like Heaven
Reese Witherspoon had trouble staying alive in this movie. But there’s nothing like walking the beach—miles and miles of glistening white sand—hand-in-hand with your soulmate, to make you feel more alive than you’ve ever felt before.
Far from the Madding Crowd
Julie Christie would have appreciated a shelling cruise to one of the nearby deserted island beaches to look for seashells of every variety, shape, size, and color. You can board the catamaran Sweet Liberty from Naples for a shelling excursion. But don’t be surprised if your sweetie only has eyes for you.
Out of Africa
When Robert Redford took Meryl Streep up in his airplane, and she reached back to hold his hand, a collective sigh went up among romantic-minded moviegoers in theaters everywhere. Put yourself in that scene by going airborne in a historic bi-plane with Naples Air on their champagne sunset flight. Look down to spot dolphins frolicking in the Gulf, and enjoy the rainbow of colors as the sun sinks into the sea. (Your darling may want to do more than just hold your hand.)
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Isla Fisher (as Rebecca Bloomwood) gets a rush from her shopping addiction. But downtown Naples’ historic Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South districts appeal to twosomes who want to spend time exploring designer stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries, as well as dining in elegant sidewalk bistros and toasting their love with champagne. A perfect couples’ hideaway in this romantic area is the Inn on Fifth, where you get the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a boutique inn together with the luxurious details of a full-service resort. After the final clink of your glasses, you can bid farewell to the laughter and music in the night air on the Avenue, and slip away to your boudoir, just steps away.
Before Sunset
Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy did an awful lot of talking in this flick, and its predecessor, Before Sunrise. But there won’t be any need for words when you and your partner hop on either the Naples Princess or Marco Island Princess yacht to watch the sun slide sensuously into the Gulf.
Bicycle Built for Two
Okay, this is a song, not a movie, but you’ll both still look sweet upon the seat of a romantic tandem-for-two, rented from the Lemon Tree Inn, a tropical-themed boutique hotel in Naples. Each room is completely unique, from the bed style (four poster mahogany beds to wicker sleigh beds) to the artwork. You can ride your bicycle-built-for-two to the beach or the many shops, galleries, and restaurants, just a block away from the hotel.
And when better to take a trip with your lover to Southwest Florida than in the May through December months when prices are more reasonable and beaches are less crowded than in the busy winter season? The setting is guaranteed to be perfect for igniting passion…just like in the movies.
This is the sixth in a six-part series on the Paradise Coast. You can also read about dining, shopping, spas, kids' activities, and vacation values in beautiful Naples and Marco Island.
For more info: Dining in Paradise, Shopping in Paradise, Spas in Paradise, Kids' Activities in Paradise, Vacation Values in Paradise, & the Paradise Coast.
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