BudgetTravel

Paris Permenter & John Bigley: Hi, We're Paris Permenter and John Bigley, a husband-wife team of travel writers ready to answer your questions about romantic getaways around the world.

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Atlanta, GA: I'm looking for an island getaway for us. My husband loves to golf and I'd like to enjoy some spa treatments while he's on the course. We'd both like to hang out on the beach, but we don't want a hectic atmosphere. What would be a good option? We live in Georgia.

Paris Permenter & John Bigley: Bermuda is the golf capital of the world with more courses per square mile than any place...and it's also very romantic (and an easy hop from Georgia)! We'd especially recommend Cambridge Beaches, an elegant property that's perfect for a romantic getaway. In fact, we celebrated our 20th anniversary at the resort last year with a stay in one of the cottages.

For our anniversary dinner, we had a private, in-room dining which is quite a treat. A private waiter comes to your room with menus, returning throughout the night to bring drinks and multiple courses (don't miss the Bermudian chowder).

During warm weather months (remember Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean so temperatures are spring-like except for June through August), one lucky couple at a time can opt for Island Dining, a private evening dinner near the resort on what's deemed Honeymoon Island. The couple is transported by boat, along with a private butler and specially-prepared dinner, to the island then left alone for an evening of romance. The resort is also home to the Ocean Spa, a 10,000-square-foot facility that includes a Roman style solarium as well as elegant spa.

Bermuda is a very safe getaway, perfect for exploring on foot, bicycle, and by public bus. (In fact, there are no rental cars on Bermuda so you'll have to rely on other modes of transportation.)

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Houston, TX: I'd like to plan a B&B getaway, but my husband doesn't like B&Bs because of the group breakfasts and the feeling that you're visiting relatives. Do you have any suggestions?

Paris Permenter & John Bigley: From Houston, a good option is Fredericksburg, located in the Texas Hill Country. With over 300 B&Bs, Fredericksburg is Texas's B&B capital. What makes it perfect for you are its many guest houses; unlike traditional B&Bs, they don't have onsite hosts so the two of you have the cottage or home all to yourselves! They really have a home away from home feel; some are in traditional homes while others are in log cabins or historic Sunday houses that German farmers once used when they made weekly trips into town. When you arrive in town, you'll go to the local reservation office to pick up your keys and a map to the property then it's all yours! Many of the reservation services leave a microwavable breakfast in refrigerator so these truly are B&Bs.

One particular B&B in Fredericksburg is particular popular with guys: Fredericksburg Bed & Brew. Located at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company, the B&B has 12 themed rooms (11 of them over the brewery, one downstairs). And the "B" in this case doesn't stand for bed...but for brew. Guests get a sampler of the brewery's product. The location is great as well; the B&B sits right on Main Street and is just steps away from the many unique shops and restaurants for which Fredericksburg is known.

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