Really Florida!

Although Key West and the Florida Keys have their share of romantic Florida vacations, it doesn’t mean the rest of the state is left out in the cold! There’s plenty of romance to be had here in Florida, so here are some more ideas.

Dinner at Victoria and Albert’s in the Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a marvel of luxury and romance. First, you are in a victorian-styled restaurant that radiates romance. Each lady receives a rose upon entering the restaurant, and music follows you to your table. Expect the dinner to take three hours, as you are served leisurely, course by course. It’s not cheap, but by all accounts it is a wonderful and very special pleasure.

If you’re in South Florida, try the Hibiscus House bed and breakfast in West Palm Beach. It’s a tropical oasis, and has been put on Frommer’s list of most romantic hotels in the USA. This is also a Victorian-inspired retreat, decorated with antiques, crystal, china and silver. The rooms have “colorful” names like the Burgundy Suite and the Green Room.

Perhaps you’re in North Florida and are looking for someplace special to stay? You just may want to stay at Our House of St. Augustine. Our House is a very cozy bed & breakfast and offers a two-night romance package. The package includes champagne, flowers, Godiva chocolates, a sunset cruise and trolley passes for the St. Augustine attractions.

Key West may not be first on your list of places for a romantic Florida vacation, but you’d be really surprised at what this island has to offer. First, it’s tropical, and that always seems to delight the senses. There’s sun and sand and the crystal waters that surround you. Yet there is still romance around many corners.

First are the bed and breakfast inns that offer honeymoon, anniversary and romantic getaway packages. Instead of a big resort where you’re one of many, you can be pampered as a VIC (Very Important Couple) at a bed and breakfast or small inn.

Need an example? How about the Lightbourn Inn on Truman Avenue? With just 10 rooms, it’s small enough for personal service, but larger enough for comfort.

Another B&B that gets rave reviews is Key West’s own Nassau House. At just 7 rooms, it’s smaller than Lightbourn, but a little more tropical. And they have honeymoon packages, that can also be used as anniversary or romantic getaway. For example, one of the packages includes a 3 night stay, champagne, roses, a sunset sail and bicycle rental for one day.

Speaking of sunset sails, you really should experience a sunset cruise while you’re in Key West, especially one where you can also see Mallory Square at sundown. (For that matter, you should go to Mallory Square at sunset one day as well — quite an experience!)

How about one more romantic Florida vacation spot in Key West — the Frances Street Bottle Inn. Strange name, right? But people love it, and the best part — it’s one of the less expensive B&B’s in Key West. In fact, in the summer it’s downright reasonable. They do have a “romance” package available, too.

One caveat or bonus to the Bottle Inn, depending on your allergies — it’s a pet-friendly hotel, which is great if your romantic Florida vacation involves bringing along your four-footed friend. Maybe not so great if you have severe pet allergies.

These are just a few places you can celebrate romance in Key West, so enjoy!

(Oh, want to see some more romantic Florida vacation spots? Take a look at what the Florida Keys and the rest of Florida have to offer!)

I get asked sometimes to recommend a place for a romantic Florida vacation. That’s a question that’s both easy and hard to answer! It’s easy because there are lots of places in Florida to get cozy with your loved one. It’s hard just picking a few. But tell you what, I’ll start a series on places in Florida where romance can blossom.

First up is the Florida Keys , which can be delightful for people who want luxury, those who like to be out in nature and for those in between. I won’t include Key West in this post, as it deserves one all its own!

The first thing to do on a Florida Keys romantic getaway is to take a sunset cruise . All the major cities have at least one and usually quite a few from which to choose. Pretty much any hotel or motel can recommend one — and most of the larger hotels run their own!

Speaking of hotels and motels, which ones to choose? One that I’ve stayed in and liked is the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort. First is because Marriott thoughtfully separated the resort into a “party” side and a “quiet” side. Really nice touch. The rooms are comfy and pretty good-sized. Just about anything you want to do is available — from renting beach toys (yes, Marriott has a private beach) to spa treatments to sunset cruises. They also have a water taxi to an offshore casino boat, for those so inclined.

One that I haven’t stayed in (although friends of mine have) is Hawk’s Cay near Marathon. Another large resort that has every imaginable amenity — where you don’t need to set foot outside the resort if you don’t want to.

How about Conch Key Cottages for a romantic getaway? Also near to Marathon, these cottages are on a private island. So think — tropical island, seclusion, beautiful scenery — what’s not to like? Oh, this is interesting; use of a kayak is included withe the room rate, so you can explore the local nooks and crannies of the local waterways.

Now a romantic Florida vacation in the Keys probably won’t include much in the way of beach time, as the Keys have few beaches. However, many of the hotels and motels do have a small private one.

I mentioned in a previous paragraph that a kayak was included at one resort. But even if you have to rent one on your own (and you guessed it — the hotel/motel can tell you where), do it. Especially on the bayside of the Keys, there are lots of little deserted islands. Mostly mangrove, but plenty romantic if you like the outdoors.

And for the divers with plenty of cash — stay the night at the Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo. Very secluded indeed, and it comes with a gourmet dinner and breakfast.

Want more romantic Florida vacation spots? Check out Key West and some others throughout Florida.