A blazing sun, a cool breeze, and soft white sand create perfect prelude to evenings that are cued for love, as if someone had orchestrated brilliant full moon featuring Venus just below and to right. Intricate constellations glisten above as ocean pushes and pulls in its rush to high tide, wrapped in fragrant aroma of profuse Bougainvillea, Frangipani, and Ginger Lily blossoms on romantic island of Barbados.

Set entirely upon a bed of coral rock and limestone from which many of island's buildings are erected, Barbados, home to some 270,000 Bajans, is most eastern of Lesser Antilles. At a scant 24 miles long and 14 miles wide, this tropical paradise has a treasure trove of romantic escapes from which you will be eager to explore your most passionate dreams. Elegant resorts and private villas are nestled along its shores with something to suit every whim and desire.

Starting with most impressive of luxury accommodations is recently restored Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Club. Set in a mahogany grove, this outstanding premier property originally opened in 1961 and has hosted royalty, movie stars, as well as many of world's leading dignitaries and business personalities. In March 2001, The Sandy Lane once again spared no expense for their grand re-opening. Dark mahogany accents set an elegant tone against cream coral stone of Palladian-style building, while marble lends a sense of coolness to this classically furnished resort, reflecting a sophisticated ambience throughout.

Pampering begins soon after you land in Barbados with a chauffeured limousine transfer via "Bentley" or another of their luxury cars for scenic thirty-five minute drive to this illustrious West Coast resort. Upon arrival you're greeted with a chilled ice towel and invigorating tropical fruit punch before being whisked away to your room where you will enjoy personalized in-room registration. A private butler will be happy to serve your favorite cocktail as you relax on verandah while he takes care of unpacking before helping to guide you through state-of-the-art facilities.

Spacious and uniquely designed each room features plasma flat screen television, DVD and CD players with control panels, including reading lights on either side of bed. Large, well-equipped bathrooms have specially designed multi-spray showers, heated mirrors and a make-up room. Electronic "Do Not Disturb" signs and parabolic speakers will help to ensure your privacy while keeping you tuned-in on verandah or in bathroom.

When you're ready to hit beach you're welcomed with a refreshing combination of sorbet and fresh fruit. Just choose a place to settle in — display your service flag for beachside refreshment delivery and make sure to hydrate often as you relax in a comfortable beach chair.

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Big Bear City has been a four-season mountain paradise ever since Southern California's largest gold rush way back in 1885, caused when William F. Holcomb was hunting and accidentally bagged gold.

Book The Gold Mountain Manor With only 21,000 permanent residents and numerous visitors, it's hard to believe that Big Bear is located only 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, and yet, it is a world of difference.

Whether you come up 6,574-foot elevation to where air is crisp and clean for snow, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or just enjoying quaint shops and fresh air, Big Bear is place to be. Their Department of Tourism certainly has their catch phrase nailed dead on: "It's cooler up here." Luckily, not everyone can live in Big Bear, so visitors can discover gold themselves by staying at beautiful Gold Mountain Manor Bed and Breakfast. It's a welcomed slice of heaven with seven bedrooms spread around 6,000 square feet in a historic log mansion built in 1928 and gracefully set on an acre of Ponderosa Pine high in mountains of Southern California.

Gold Mountain Manor is certainly no fool's gold.

Trish and Jim Gordon, innkeepers and owners of Gold Mountain Manor, along with their two people friendly, furry, four-legged kids, Cappy and Mat, are there to make your stay romantic and relaxing. As you lead your pack mule or whatever up steep, curving stone covered driveway, you will spy a gorgeous wood shake roofed log cabin that beckons you to visit, relax and want to come back again, and again.

The chunks of red granite that comprises large wrap around front porch columns and house foundation, along with well-oiled logs that were carefully erected into a three-story retreat take you back in time to when life was simpler. The feel of this lodge, with well-crafted antiques, hardwood floors, soft earth tones, and warm plaids, welcomes you to enjoy a cool glass of iced tea and laze away a summer afternoon watching squirrels scamper to and fro as intoxicating smell of pine needles wafts through air.