Outdoors and Eco-Friendly

Tidepools, formed at low tide when the waters along craggy coasts retreat, teem with living creatures typically invisible to the naked eye. Scuttling hermit crabs, ochre sea stars and purple sea urchins are only some of the creatures and critters left exposed. To explore these pools is called "tidepooling," and it can be a relaxing, family-oriented way to spend a day. While you're out there, peer down on the sea life, but remember the golden rule: look and appreciate, but don't touch.

Chesterman Beach, British Columbia

Singer Sarah MacLachlan could live anywhere in the world, but she chooses to live here, in a house that overlooks Canada's most famous beach. The beach is located in Tofino, a tiny city on the western edge of Vancouver Island. Granite is everywhere in these parts, and summertime low tides reveal thousands of water-worn cubbies in the rock.



Many of the same creatures in other tidepools also can be found here: mussels, barnacles, chitons, sea slugs, hermit crabs and minnows, to name a few. Because the water is too cold to be cloudy, the colors of these animals are unbelievably bright. Sea stars so orange they look like Creamsicles. Sea urchins so purple they look like prickly figs. Even the seaweed - plain, ordinary seaweed - is a deep, grassy green.

Tofino, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Few places in the world are more romantic than the relatively unspoiled Tofino. Tucked away on the western end of Vancouver Island, you'll spend days meandering through Pacific Rim National Park or lazing at Long Beach -- widely considered one of the best oceanfronts in all of Canada -- kayaking, surfing or whale-watching. After sunset, cuddle up in front of a fireplace listening to the mesmerizing foghorn and crashing waves with a glass of British Columbia wine. Island accommodations include cozy cabins and eco-friendly lodges, but romantics should check in to the posh environs of the Wickaninnish Inn where every room boasts ocean or beach views. Try side-by-side couple's treatments at the resort's elegant Ancient Cedars Spa.

Santa Monica, California

Think SoCal sophistication sans the snobbery of other nearby beachfront locales. A mere sixteen miles west of the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is the quintessential laid-back California beach town. A thrill at any age, steal smooches with your honey on the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Beach & Pier, admire the always-stunning sunsets or shop till you drop at retail mecca, the Third Street Promenade. For a romantic rendezvous, indulge yourselves at the Viceroy Santa Monica. From private poolside cabanas to cool retro-style bikes guests can borrow to cruise along the beach and top-notch dining at the property's restaurant, Whist, where Chef Warren Schwartz will even customize menus for über-romantic cabana dinners, a stay here feels personalized, intimate and oh-so-exclusive.

South Beach, Miami, Florida

Packed with runway-ready locals, glamorous nightclubs, spectacular warm weather and picture-perfect beaches, there's something inherently sexy about Miami's South Beach. The ultimate getaway for nightlife lovers, the Ocean Drive strip of restaurants and clubs is always a scenester's haven, and there are plenty of swank places to sleep in late after a night on the town. Among the most luxurious is Asian-inspired The Setai. A Zen-like counterbalance to trendier hotels, suites are spacious and serene, the pool areas feature three pools with three different temperatures and the hotel spa offers in-room treatments. When the sun goes down, the hotel's courtyard transforms into a sexy lounge with mood-making ambient music.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun gets a bad rap for resorts filled with raucous spring breakers and screaming kids, but this Mexican-owned Grupo Posadas property defies such silly notions. Despite its Zona Turística address, calm, privacy and panoramic blue skies prevail at this tony resort. Expect soothing hues, large airy rooms, and resident DJ Gottardo Dorado's tunes perfecting the vibe. The clientele is marked by mostly luxury-minded 30-something sun-worshippers, and service is personable --"In Lakech" (or "your wish -- my wish") is AQUA's mantra. Splurge for a suite; they come equipped with freestanding circular Jacuzzi tubs and Aqua Lounge access.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

With its mix of chichi boutiques, art galleries and bistros, the coastal village of Carmel, where Clint Eastwood was once mayor, caters to a well-heeled clientele. This former artists' colony is now a romantic refuge for those who appreciate a refined and slow-paced getaway. Built in 1929 and later renovated, L'Auberge is the intentionally intimate 20-room boutique hotel owned by the husband-and-wife team of David and Kathleen Fink. Rooms with French windows and ocean views are kitted out with comfy king-sized beds, decadent Hungarian down bedding, an oversized sunken tub and heated bathroom floors. The hotel's 12-table restaurant, Aubergine, is equally beguiling and features a 4,500-bottle wine cellar.