Romantic getaways

Ebony, Feb, 1998

Where in the world is the romance? It's where you find it. In Paris and New Orleans, San Diego and New York City, romance is alive and just waiting to be discovered. Often subtle, unexpected and sweet, romance is less about the cash than the imagination.

Whether on white-sand beaches or dirt roads, soft snow or the deep, blue sea, most couples need some time to rest, renew, rejuvenate and remember what brought them together in the beginning.

So if you and your honey are ready to return to romance, the world is definitely your oyster. Start at home. If the budget won't allow an ambitious expedition this year, have a romantic vacation without leaving town.

Pretend you are visiting your home city as a tourist. Have you seen all the sights downtown? Try that new restaurant that just opened. Go back to the places where you hung out while you were dating.

Go to a concert, a nightclub, roller skating, dancing or to a ball game. Go someplace you can't take the kids. In short, do what couples do -- not what families do.

It's not necessary to wait until stress is overtaking you before you make that move. Plan now to play later.

To really feel like a kid again, head for Disney World in Orlando. It might surprise you to know that the kid's fun palace is just the place for some grown-up R&R (that's rest and romance). Now that you've paid off the charge cards and the car note, it's your time to splurge on yourself. There's a less frenetic side to the Vacation Kingdom, like jazz and blues at the newly opened House of Blues, salmon steaks at breakfast, leisurely spa treatments, golf and tennis.

A BET SoundStage Club for jazz, soul, hip-hop and R&B will open this spring in the Downtown Disney entertainment zone.

For a rocking romantic time, you can't beat New Orleans during Carnival. This year the two-week-long Carnival season begins Friday, Feb. 13, and extends through Tuesday, Feb. 24. Can't make it for Carnival? Don't despair. The city always boasts hot seafood and cool jazz.

For that special anniversary or vacation, head for the islands. Which one? Begin at the beginning and start with Anguilla, a popular destination for honeymooners and one of the best dive locations. Antigua and Aruba boast beautiful beaches and great weather year-round. averaging 82 degrees.

In Barbados, a full range of watersports beckons -- snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, wind surfing and parasailing. Golf is also an attraction.

The Islands of the Bahamas offer fun-filled days of activities, and by night it's calypso, jazz and more. Known for its local seafood, including conch and grouper, the local Bahamian restaurants offer spicy, native food with a taste of the Caribbean. If you're considering getting married in the Bahamas, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism offers a complimentary "Weddings in Paradise" service that puts engaged couples in touch with a ministry officer who will help make all the plans -- from location and flowers to music and food. Marriage requirements for the Bahamas are minimal -- couples can wed after only one day in the Bahamas. Happy couples arriving in the Bahamas on Monday may come into the register general's office on Tuesday, obtain a marriage license for $40 while waiting and be married on the same day.

Jamaica has long lured lovers to its beaches, lush tropical forests, sporting activities and tempting cuisine. From all-inclusive resorts to luxurious villas to small and intimate inns, Jamaica has accommodations to suit every budget and romantic pleasure. Getting married in Jamaica is a simple process requiring a 24-hour stay before applying for a license. You will also need a birth certificate, divorce papers or death certificate (if applicable). Don't forget to sample the appropriately named "matrimony" fruit salad.

Bermuda is also an ideal romantic retreat. Recently rated the No. 1 island among the "Top Ten Islands in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda" by Travel & Leisure magazine, romance is always on the menu. With its pink-sand beaches and more than 200 square miles of reef formations for scuba divers, the island offers a wide selection of honeymoon packages. Typical packages include airfare, accommodations, meal plans, champagne upon arrival, flowers in the room and special discounts at local attractions and restaurants.

Not honeymooning? No problem. Several cruise lines are offering special packages for lovers. Princess Cruises hosts an annual renewal of vows ceremony on each of its nine ships during its Valentine's Day cruises. Couples who book by February 14 can benefit from the Love Boat Savers package. The cruise line also offers intimate tables for two romantic dining with your partner in one of the main dining rooms or in a private alcove in the 24-hour bistro.

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a program it calls Royal Romance. which gives couples the option of five wedding packages and a vow-renewal program. Prices range fro $400 for renewing vows to as much as $1,200 for an island wedding in the Caribbean.