The Perfect Places to Pucker

The Perfect Places to Pucker

A kiss is just a kiss? We suspected otherwise. Paula Begoun and Stephanie Bell base their ratings on the location's ambience, privacy, comfort, surrounding splendor. Following are those places that received the highly coveted “four lips” rating.

New England

Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge, N.H.: An extraordinary outdoor cathedral built on a hilltop with views of Mount Monadnock; the walls are the forest and the sky is the ceiling. Multifaith services are held at an outdoor altar.

Chillingsworth restaurant, Brewster, Mass: A romantic restaurant with outstanding five-course gourmet dinner. It has the feel of a private manor, brims with art and antiques, and is lit by candies and firplaces.

Norumbega, Camden, Maine: This inn is an elegant stone castle by the sea. King-size beds, antique furniture, and a fabulous ocean view make for regal romance.

New York City

The St.Regis Hotel: Reminiscent of a private mansion, albeit large at 350 rooms, this hotel oozes opulence. Each room has its own sitting area, a tremendous marble bathtub big enough for two, and Egyptian cotton sheets and down pillows on the bed.

Sign of the Dove: You'll feel as at home in black tie as you would in everyday garb at this elegant but eclectic restaurant. Fabulous food and four different rooms with different moods. The most romantic: The Music Room.

The Pacific Northwest: The Herb Farm, Fall City, Wash.: Parti restaurant, part herb garden, part gift and plant shop, the Herb Farm., 35 miles southwest of Seattle, is a gourmet's paradise in all its fragrant splendor. Reservations must be made six months in advance. 

Westwinds B&B: San Juan Island, Wash. The ultimate place to kiss in the Northwest, this wood-and-glass home sits at the top of a tree-laden hill, on the west site of San Juan Island. There are breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The house is rented to only one couple at a time.

Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, B.C.  Sheltered in the heart of Vancouver Island, Strathcona's legendary wilderness covers over 220 hectares. The park is blissfully isolated.

Perfect Place to Pucker. Photo by Elena.

Northern California

The Huntington Hotel, San Francisco. Originally built as a luxury apartment building, the hotel has 140 luxuriously appointed rooms, and a superbly gracious staff.

Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst. An authentic French provincial country estate located 20 miles south of Yosemite. The wooded grounds have meandering stone walkways, fountains, and a s swimming pool. The rooms feature beautiful linens and stone fireplaces.

Southern California

Simpson House Inn, Santa-Barbara: A beautifully renovated Victorian mansion amidst sprawling oaks, flowering gardens, and manicured lawns. Each of its 13 guest rooms and 4 garden cottages is beautifully appointed. Included in the cost are breakfast and evening wine.

Two bunch palms: Desert Hot Springs. This is the pinnacle of tranquillity and self indulgence. Guests check into this plush. 44-villa spa for a few days of luxurious pampering. The grounds offer a swimming pool, tennis cours, and secluded rock grotto pools that are fed by mineral hot springs.

Hawai's

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: There is nothing like hot, bubbling lava, gurgling in its crater, erupting down the mountain and spilling into the cool sea, to inspire passion. Also, don't be surprised if the earth moves – rumbling earth is a normal part of life here. Free.

Holuloa Inn in Holuloa, Hawai'i: This three-story cedar inn stretches gracefully across the upper portion of a working cattle ranch and coffee farm. Enfolded by fig, papaya, and plumeria trees, the inn has breathtaking views of Kailua Bay and the Pacific. The best sport for kissing is the rooftop gazebo.

Kailua Plantation House, Kailua, Kona: A bed-and-breakfast with the luxury of a superior hotel, this two-story mansion is perched atop a black lava beach, offering exquisite views of the Pacific surf. All five guest rooms have spectacular views; some have their own Jacuzzis.

Pavillions at Seacliff, Kilauea, Kaui: A private home for rent, this is a complete retreat, usually for three couples. The 7 manicured acres boast unobstructed vistas of rolling surf, three ocean vie master suites, a blue-tiled pool, a tennis court, an exercise room, and a putting green.

Pohali Park Beach, Mana, Kaua'i: a 15-minute ride down a dirt road will bring you to this velvety sand beach under the sheer cliffs of the Napali coastline. At dusk you might even have it to yourselves.

Hotel Hana-Mau, Hana, Maui: Once owned by millionairess Carolyn Hunt, each of the hotel's 96 bungalows scattered over the Hana hillside feature plush furniture, large soaking tubs, and a private patio.

Banyan tree Restaurant, Kapalua, Maui: A casual restaurant with excellent Italian food. They serve lunch only, but the ocean views and tasty pasta cn inspire delicious kissing for dessert.