Whether to revive or ignite your romance, these spots are sure to delight

Do Not Disturb: From adults-only glamping to deserted island inns, here’s your guide to romantic retreats on the East Coast.

Nova Scotia

Romance always knocks at White Point Beach Resort, a seaside getaway in Hunts Point. Picture ocean surf crashing, a crackling fire and dining by candle light, at Elliot’s Dining Room. Beach strolls, dips in the pool and soaks in the hot tub are followed with games of shuffleboard, pool and table tennis. Want quiet time? Weekdays fit the bill. Weekends bring live entertainment and programs led by a chef, sommelier and others. Here’s a special worth considering—a two-night beach romance package with chilled sparkling wine, fresh cut flowers and handmade bunny truffles.

A small village. An elegant inn. Exquisite Nova Scotia cuisine. Yes, the DesBarres Manor Inn, a luxurious 10-room manor house in Guysborough, on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, knows a little something about romance. Built in 1837 as the home of Supreme Justice W.F. DesBarres, the restored inn retains a period feel from mile-high wood baseboards to intricately crafted crown moulding. A hearth fireplace warms the dining room, and rare maps and restored antiques are sprinkled throughout.

At Glenora Inn & Distillery, the setting is certainly bucolic: A glen, a babbling brook and soaring eagles on an expansive property on Cape Breton’s Ceilidh Trail. The inn’s nine rooms look onto a courtyard filled with sumptuous gardens and MacLellan’s Brook while six mountaintop log chalets overlook North America’s first single malt whisky distillery. Do take a distillery tour, dine at the fine restaurant (the culinary whisky package sounds dreamy) and get toes tapping at ceilidhs at Glenora Pub.

New Brunswick

In Saint John, plan a full day of romantic bliss. Start by hiking along the Fundy Trail with breathtaking Bay of Fundy views. Then drive into the city for a glass of wine at Happinez Wine Bar. Next up? Window-shopping and dinner at one of the many restaurants within the Trinity Royal Preservation District. Check what’s on at the Imperial Theatre, once called Canada’s most beautifully restored theatre, or browse the dozen art galleries in the uptown. Cap the day checking into the Crow’s Nest Hideaway, a five star suite at Homeport Historic B&B/Inn.

The beauty of Kingsbrae Garden, 2013 Canadian Garden of the Year, in sweet St. Andrews by-the-Sea can be all yours for the night for an indulgent 10-course Savour in the Garden “tasting menu” dinner featuring the finest of local fare. Imagine a personalized meal prepared by award-winning chef Alex Haun, garden tour and nightcap as the sun sets over Passamaquoddy Bay. “We wanted to offer something so lavish, something that a couple could never forget,” says chef Haun. “It’s the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary, propose to the love of your life, or simply enjoy a romantic evening set in one of Canada’s most beautiful public gardens.” Note: For reservations a month’s notice is needed; call (506) 529-4055.

Need digs while in Saint Andrews? The Algonquin Resort—luxurious, legendary and newly revamped—offers no end of romantic choices. Star gaze on the Garden Patio, book couple’s therapy at the spa, sip martinis poolside, snuggle together at the evening firepit, or simply hide in your room where staff will cater to your every request.

Adults-only glamping? Yes! They’re called Dream Domes and can be found at Ridgeback Lodge on the Kingston Peninsula. The domes—one overlooks Kingston Creek and the other a small brook and forest—give couples the private feel of being in nature (watch the stars from your bed) and put the glamorous into camping: King bed, bathroom, kitchenette, and wood-fired Japanese hot tub!

Newfoundland

Couples have flocked from as far afield as Germany to wed at Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, drawn by its romantic setting—deserted island and lighthouse inn overlooking the ocean at Newfoundland’s northernmost tip. Staff prepare picnic lunches for walks along clifftop trails where guests watch whales and icebergs. “Guests generally report back finding a secluded, moss-lined niche to curl up and enjoy a glass of wine and a lunch featuring local berries picked on the island,” says owner Ed English. “This is exactly what my wife and I did for our anniversary—champagne on a hilltop with the Atlantic Ocean in every direction and the lighthouse in the distance.”

Riverfront Chalets, just outside Grand Falls-Windsor, is a beautiful property set on the banks of the Exploits River, with stunning river views from luxurious lofts. To add to the experience, each chalet includes a two-person Jacuzzi, full kitchen, riverside saltwater hot tub and outdoor fireplace. The owners package romantic retreats with local restaurants and spas. Plus, just say the word and they’ll set-up rose petals, candles, or anything else to make the evening perfect.

With a house, B&B suite, and lighthouse cottage, Coffee Cove Seaside Retreat in Coffee Cove (population 12) sets a romantic vibe. “Our Lighthouse Cottage has become a highlight...especially for couples celebrating their anniversary,” says Nola Snyder, who offers romance packages with wine basket and breakfast served in-cottage, as well as packages with pottery lessons and jewellery making. With a fire bowl and large patio facing the opposite direction of the retreat, think romantic evenings by the fire. The B&B suite also beckons with private entrance, balcony and breakfast served in-suite.

In beautiful Gros Morne National Park you’ll fall in love, guaranteed, so why not add to the allure by staying in a boutique inn surrounded by the hills and waters of Bonne Bay? Neddies Harbour Inn is an ideal spot to experience Gros Morne with someone special. After a day of exploring, return to enjoy the hot tub or sauna, a cocktail in the sunroom followed by a romantic dinner at the very good Black Spruce Restaurant.

Prince Edward Island

In Cavendish, Kindred Spirits Country Inn and Cottages sits next door to world-famous Green Gables site, perfect for a meander hand-in-hand through the Haunted Woods and Lovers Lane, with paths that author L.M. Montgomery once trod. Or stroll 15 minutes down a wooded path to picnic by the ocean. Though in the heart of Cavendish, Kindred Spirits is back from the highway giving a private and peaceful feeling. Ask about romance packages, which can include Matthew’s Carriage Ride, and a PEI chowder meal.

Trust us. Victoria by-the-Sea, minutes from Confederation Bridge, enchants. Though tiny, this village is big on romantic appeal. Book into the Orient Hotel or Victoria Village Inn and spend days at the beach, kayaking, wandering country lanes, dining on stellar fare at the Landmark Cafe and decadent house-made chocolate at Island Chocolates, catching performances at the Victoria Playhouse and meeting merchants selling antiques, art, crafts and jewellery.

Breakfast in bed, bike rentals, a three-course dinner and a welcome basket filled with wild flowers, wine and a cheese board. That’s just one of the package options at Dalvay by the Sea, the oceanfront national historic site in the east end of PEI’s national park. The elegant Queen Anne Revival built in 1895 has impressive street cred—it was part of the Royal Tour of PEI and it stood in for the White Sands Hotel in the Road to Avonlea series. Insiders say the sticky date pudding is a standout.

Recipe:

Lobster with Butternut Squash Gnocchi and Beurre Blanc Sauce