Top 10 romantic cottages

 

3. Greer, AZ
HIDDEN MEADOW RANCH

Six miles up a forest road, 10 miles to the nearest village, the seclusion and often-snowy setting make this super-luxe guest ranch in the White Mountains the ideal winter retreat. By day, sleigh-ride ― deux, ride horseback through pines, or snowshoe. At night, dine on elk tenderloin in the candlelit lodge, then relax in the steamy hot tub under dizzying stars before bedding down by the crackling fire. 10 log cabins from $550, including meals, horseback riding, and other ranch activities; www.hiddenmeadow.com or 866/333-4080.
-Nora Burba Trulsson

4. Sonoma, CA
LES PETITES MAISONS

It's Provence-meets-California at these sunny new cottages a mile from Sonoma's town square. Each has snowy-soft beds, a mini kitchen, and the owner's line of sweet-smelling fig soaps. All the ingredients for a Wine Country romance are here, down to the firepits and deck chairs in your garden. Wake up to egg-and-cheese croissants from the adjacent Fig Pantry, then wine-taste the day away. 4 cottages from $125, including breakfast; www.thegirlandthefig.com or 707/933-0340.
-Abigail Peterson

5. Near Silver City, NM 
CASITAS DE GILA GUESTHOUSES 

A wide stream murmurs as the sun sets over the fringes of the vast Gila Wilderness. Bighorn sheep hopscotch the hillsides. An owl calls. The chill night air smells of piñon fires as the Milky Way shimmers. Strand yourselves in the velvety silence of the high desert's Casitas de Gila, a civilized, cliffside oasis, complete with an outdoor hot tub, kiva fireplaces, charcoal grills ― even a 10-inch telescope to tilt toward the crystal-clear sky. 5 casitas from $145; www.casitasdegila.com or 877/923-4827.
-Gretchen Reynolds

6. Port Townsend, WA
CHEVY CHASE BEACH CABINS

If romance is fueled by candlelit dinners, long walks on the beach, and evenings by the fire, then Chevy Chase has the formula nailed. Dig clams out your front door and cook 'em up inside, or hit Uptown for dinner at the intimate Wild Coho. You can even walk hand in hand along the sand at Fort Worden State Park ― where An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed. Then go back and watch it. 7 cabins from $95; www.chevychasebeachcabins.com or 360/385-1270.
-Jim McCausland