Romance for all seasons: get your heart racing at one of these four fitness-boosting couples' retreats

Shape, Feb, 2005 by Gabrielle Gayagoy

Fall in Love: St. Augustine, Fla.

About 45 minutes south of Jacksonville International Airport, St. Augustine exudes the charm of an Old World Atlantic seascape village, with its narrow, brick-paved streets and rustic, coquina-rock archways and splashing fountains.

As to be expected of the nation's oldest city (it was founded by Spanish explorers in 1565), there's much to see on foot, and the historic Casa Monica Hotel offers an ideal starting point--not to mention a stirring autumn "Romance Rekindled" package!

Love nest Built in 1888 and listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, palatial Casa Monica offers accommodations fit for a queen (and her king); the hotel has hosted its fair share of royalty, including Spain's King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophia. Step through the arched carriage entrance into the stately lobby, where antique chandeliers and rich tapestries of deep red, cobalt and gold swaddle you in European ambiance. A chilled bottle of Champagne awaits your arrival, but you may want to save it for later--the package also includes a horse-drawn carriage ride and an evening schooner sail along the moonlit Matanzas Bay.

Heart-healthy fun A mere 15-minute cab ride away, the Serenata Beach Club in Ponte Vedra Beach (904-823-3368, serenataclub.com) boasts countless cardio options, including surfing and kayaking (each $15 per person for 60 minutes). Or sign up for horseback riding along Ponte Vedra's white-sand beach ($65 per person for 60 minutes; Palm Valley Ranch, 904-543-9700, palm valleyranch.org).

Looking for something more leisurely? Get a walking workout exploring the antique shops and art galleries along St. George Street in St. Augustine's 11-block, pedestrian-only historic district.

Table for two Smoked-salmon omelets, cinnamon-raisin brioche French toast, granola and broiled grapefruit drizzled in honey are among Casa Monica's generous breakfast offerings in its famed 95 Cordova restaurant (complimentary with your lodging package).

Later on, sweep back the velvet drapes of 95 Cordova's Wine Room where the candlelit, intimate atmosphere and hushed privacy set the stage for an evening of rich indulgences. Order the tasting menu ($160 per couple) and nibble on six wine-paired courses, from fresh shrimp martini and German Riesling to sesame-seared sea scallops and Oregon Pinot Noir.

Book it About $509 per couple for one night of lodging and two days of activities: Accommodations, from $169 per couple, include Champagne, an evening carriage ride and sail and full breakfast for two (800-648-1888, casamonica.com); additional activities, $160; extra meals, about $180.