Sexiest Getaways Solo or Coupled

Contributed by Lena Katz, Lavalife

Checklist for a successful romantic getaway:

• Airline ticket
• Small, well-packed bag (don't forget passport!)
• Perfect hotel with made-to-order ambience
• Significant other (optional)

Usually we're all about #4, but we'd like to talk a bit about item #3.

It's all about atmosphere -- pick the wrong spot, and your sexy rendezvous is doomed. Happily, we've discovered a few spots where romance always flourishes. Whether you're single and searching, celebrating an anniversary, healing from a break-up or looking to add spice to your existing relationship, we have a hotel suggestion for you.

On the Prowl: Palms, Las Vegas

Take it from someone who's stayed in every Strip hotel: The best singles scene is NOT on the Strip. It's at the Palms, home of the Playboy Club, the Big Sleepovers, and the reality show Inked (filmed in Hart & Huntington Tattoo). Hardly a day goes by when there's not a bikini model search or Playmate party in this little slice of singles heaven.

The party starts outside the front door, where the valet winks at you while handing over your baggage slip. Groups of good-looking 20- and 30-somethings blatantly check each other out at the front desk. On your way to the elevator, you might get invited to stop and have a cocktail. When you're in your room, don't be surprised if the bachelorette party next door stops by to ask what you're up to tonight.

The clubs here are tough to get into, but the concierges do their best to help hotel guests, while the VIP staff are among the coolest in Las Vegas. Gentlemen, remember the golden rule: Never go anywhere without ladies. Ladies, remember the golden rule: Dress up. And send us pictures.

The First Getaway: Azulik or Mezzanine, Tulum

Your first getaway as a couple is always a little stressful, so we recommend you skip the big cities and uber-pricey resorts. Instead, escape to the laidback, low-pressure beach paradise of Tulum, located about 90 minutes outside Cancun, Mexico. Lodging choices tend to be "eco-rustic," but for romance, we like Azulik, which is "eco" but still with modern comforts like wireless Internet access and room service. Cuddle with your sweetie on the outside hammock, then in bed, then in a private oceanview tub, then... well, you get the picture. It goes without saying that the beach here is clothing-optional.

If you're the type of couple that actually likes to leave your hotel room, there's snorkeling just offshore, plus amazing archaeological sites to explore at Tulum and Chichen Itza. There's even a beachfront nightclub at nearby Mezzanine. If you feel like splurging, Mezzanine is also a tiny hotel with four luxurious, contemporary guest rooms that'll run you about $200 a night.

Anniversary: Fairmont Banff Springs or Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Nobody beats the Fairmont when it comes to setting a mood. Two of its Canadian properties inspired poetic raptures amongst our experts -- and we hope they'll do the same for you.

Some of the most exhilarating vistas in the world can be seen from main building of the grand old Banff Springs hotel. And what a building! So legendary and lovely, it feels like the walls are hugging you. From the old black-and-white pictures of past guests on the walls to the tucked-away ballroom, virtually every detail evokes romance.

The Fairmont Lake Louise is located about two hours west of Calgary in Lake Louise, Alberta. This lakeside chalet turns into a sparkling, pristine skiers' paradise in the winter months. In the summer, deer and elk roam the picturesque grounds, while wandering twosomes explore the surrounding forests and streams.

Looking for Spice: Desire / Secrets

You've been shacked up with your sweetheart for so long, you might as well be married. You're not sure why you're on this site, and possibly shouldn't be here at all, but while you're here, let us give you some food for deviant thought.

Couples resorts are a popular vacation trend these days, and there are some newcomers that make Hedonism look... not tame, exactly, but very '90s. In particular, Desire and Secrets are taking the adults-only theme to new levels. Both of these are luxury operations, though: think golf and fine dining by day, naughty parties by night, and nudism any time, but only in pre-designated places. Desire, which is an all-inclusive, just opened a stunning new property in Cabo. Secrets is currently only in Cancun, but is developing new properties in Montego Bay and the Dominican Republic.

Just Broke Up

What are you first impulses post-breakup? Hit the chocolate ice cream, have a rebound fling, drive your friends crazy with your moping? These are all excellent choices -- but we've got an even better idea: Boost your self-esteem, launder your karma, and get the heck out of town with a "volunteer vacation."

The easiest way to find one is to look on a directory such as charityguide.org or http://www.meaningfultravel.com. Browse through the different projects on offer, picking the area, the type, and the length of trip that is right for you.

Typically they take place in developing countries, and they run the gamut of good causes, from sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica to surf camps in South Africa where you teach local kids how to ride the waves. Lodgings range from camping to local homestays to simple hotels and lodges. Volunteer vacations aren't free, but they're less expensive than other vacation packages. The group aspect of it means you're never alone unless you want to be... and the Good Samaritan aspect will take your mind off you own woes.