Lakefront vacations can be very romantic

Couples are always looking for scenic locations for romantic vacations and what could be better than a lakefront vacation? Fresh air, serene, crystal waters, a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lush forest vegetation... all make up for the scenic background of a romantic vacation.

Some of the criteria they use while opting for a particular lakefront resort are:

1. A vast and beautiful resort surrounded by lofty mountains
2. An all-season resort with a wide range of activities
3. A place full of exciting nightlife and entertainment activities
4. Within a limited budget

Lake Tahoe, which spans Nevada and California, may be the perfect romantic destination, as it is one of America's most beautiful lakefront spots with all the above criteria fulfilled. The third-deepest lake in America offers a romantic vacation full of beach activities in summer and snow-capped mountains in winter. Also the right place for economical but fine dining and relaxing activities like canoeing, kayaking etc.

A romantic getaway on Lake Tahoe is a cruise on the lake on the MS Dixie-2 paddle wheeler and enjoying a champagne brunch or sunset dinner cruise. In winter, it is skiing and snowboarding as well as cuddling up in the warm cottages against the winter cold.

Harrah’s, Caesar’s Tahoe and Harvey’s Resort and Casino are the three best hotel resorts in the Lake Tahoe area. In Lake Tahoe, you can gamble around the clock, eat breakfast at any hour, indulge in posh spa facilities and relax in the Roman or whirlpool tubs. Package deals are available. For eg. the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers “Romance by the Lake’ packages. The Horizon Casino Resort boasts Lake Tahoe’s largest outdoor swimming pool and its own wedding chapel.

Nestled in the heart of Adirondacks, Lake Placid Lodge is another great romantic getaway. Escape to your own honeymoon world   by rowing a canoe out to the private island in Lake Placid,   with a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by the chef. ‘A Romance by the Lake’ package includes two nights in a lake view cabin/two monogrammed robes and slippers/massage facility/romantic 4-course aphrodisiac dinner served in the room or dining area/special nightcap of chocolates, home-made nectar and champagne/American breakfast.

The Geneva on the Lake Resort in the New York Finger Lakes region   is perfect for romantic getaways. This resort stands at the Northern tip of the Seneca Lake, which lies at the geographic center of the Finger Lakes. The Seneca Wine Trail is home to 28 wineries where you can taste different wine samples. After they arrive, the couple is taken on a cruise of the Seneca Lake in the resort’s 24-foot pontoon boat. In summer you can frolic in the 70-ft pool of the resort. Take a trip to nearby Corning Museum of Glass. Soar in a real glider at the National Soaring Museum. Take a romantic boat cruise on the calm and beautiful lake.

Serenity Cove is nestled in the scenic blue-ridged mountains, surrounded by the scenic mountains of North Georgia at the feet of Lake Chatuge.The place is filled with restaurants and shopping and sporting activities like hiking, trekking, camping, canoeing etc. It is a perfect romantic getaway, tranquil amidst beautiful surroundings. Crisp mountain air and serene lake views add to the magic.

Lake View Resort on Lake Erie is a peaceful, park-like property on the shoreline of Lake Erie. In spring you can rekindle your romance by strolling down to the lake or the nearby vineyards. In summer you can frolic in the solar-heated outdoor pool or play badminton. Autumn is very romantic, with morning strolls or evening drives around the vineyards. In winter, cuddle up in your cozy room, sipping wine from the nearby wineries, playing a board game or reading poetry to each other. The resort has a VCD player as well as books library.

If you want to head for lake-front vacations abroad, Europe is the best destination.

First the scene is Italy. Lake Garda, ideal for fishing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing etc.. has attracted commoners as well as great writers and artists. Facilities for golf, tennis, mountain biking, paragliding and horseback riding attract the young today. Nightlife is vibrant with loud clubs and discos. A romantic walk along Weinstrasse, a route that winds through vineyards and Italian wineries, is a special experience.

North of Milan, Lake Como stretches for 50 miles from Lugano to the Bergamo Alps . It is surrounded by lovely vineyards. Italy’s most beautiful lake is, however, Lake Maggiore. Its sparkling blue waters are fringed by lush green hills. Parks and nature reserves along this lake give an opportunity to savour this scenery. In the night, cruise under the stars on a historic paddle steamer. Reach Isobella, the main island in the lake, by taxi boat   to   view the 17th century Borromeo Palace.

Famous lakeside resorts include the Swiss towns of Locarno and Lugano. They are separated from Italy by Lugano and Maggiore Lakes, but are connected to the rest of Europe by modern transport networks. In Ticino, Locarno many are attracted by the water sports. Others also enjoy a romantic stroll by the lakeside promenade, planted with fragrant magnolia trees.

Locarno is famous for its annual international film festival. Other festivals include the American Music Festival and the Camellia Festival. Ascona is another Ticino resort on Lake Maggiore, boasting many hotels of Swiss 5-star status. Known as the Swiss Riviera, it has trendy boutiques and romantic lake-front promenades.

Lugano is another bustling Swiss town with romantic lakeside promenades. It is packed with   parks and plazas, flowers and churches. It hosts a number of annual musical events like the Blues and Jazz festivals. There is also a wine harvest festival.

Moving to France, Annecy is a charming lake town studded with around 10 quaint Alpine villages. It is a perfect romantic getaway, unspoiled by the modern rush or commerce. The town and its bucolic villages are best discovered on foot, or lazily by boat or on a bike, peddling along the paths by the lake. The scenery is made of paragliders floating above the lake, luxury yachts anchored in the lake and sailboats harboured in luxury mansions.

Whichever country or continent you go to, seeking a romantic vacation, lake-front vacations prove to be real winners. They have the scenery, the exclusivity, privacy and charm that couples long for while holidaying.