Top 10 romantic cottages

Cuddle up at one of our favorite retreats, from Kauai to Colorado

1. Waimea, HI
WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES

Once you lay eyes on your cute little cottage that's been rescued from a shuttered sugarcane plantation, spruced up, and set here in a grassy coconut grove, your guidebook of Kauai's must-see sights doesn't stand a chance. Spend mornings drinking coffee on the porch before wandering under the banyan trees to a lonely hammock to collapse hip to hip, long-neglected novels in hand. At night, as a ceiling fan stirs over your quilted bed, the whooshing of the waves lulls you to sleep. 61 cottages with kitchens from $220; www.waimea-plantation.com or 800/992-4632.
-Lisa Trottier

2. San Diego, CA
CRYSTAL PIER HOTEL

Perched on a historic pier, these clapboard cottages are as close to the Pacific as you can get without having to hoist a jib. Lots of places tout their oceanfront setting, but these go one better: Try oceantop, with the sea lapping beneath your bed as fresh salt air pours through the windows. With kitchenettes and killer sunsets, Crystal Pier is a wonderful place to hole up on a winter's weekend. Just plan ahead; they fill up early. 24 cottages from $235; www.crystalpier.com or 800/748-5894.
-Matthew Jaffe