Dream Cottage Vacation Ideas

1. Mahekal Beach Resort in Mexico

Set on Playa del Carmen’s 800 feet of sandy beach, Mahékal Beach Resort just completed a $10 million renovation. The property offers 122 thatched-roof bungalows with ocean views, plunge pools and terraces with hammocks. There are no TVs in the rooms, inviting you to unplug in a romantic setting. The concept is similar to the one at Little Palm Island in Florida. There is Wi-Fi if you need to check your email or update your Facebook page. Ask for an Ocean Front bungalow and you will be just steps from the water.

The resort has two swimming pools, a whirlpool with a view of the water, two restaurants and three bars. Vacation activities include ceramic painting classes, shopping, tours of ancient Mayan ruins, underwater cave exploration, swimming with dolphins, wine tasting and relaxing spa treatments.

2. Luxury Cottages at Hidden Pond in Maine

Hidden Pond is a luxury romantic inn in Kennebunkport, Maine, offering a spa, outdoor activities, fitness center, yoga and art classes. Guests are accommodated in unique cottages with outdoor terraces and elegant furnishings. The main lodge has a large stone fireplace, high ceilings and French doors that open out to the pool deck with comfortable lounge chairs. Book a massage at the Tree Spa which features treatment rooms connected by a walkway through the trees. The resort has its own organic farm where you can pick your own flowers and request produce to stock your cottage.

354 Goose Rocks Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, Phone: 888-967-9050

3. Snow Bear Chalets, White Fish Mountain Resort

The Snow Bear Chalets at White Fish Mountain Resort offer an exciting and unique accommodation option right on the slopes. When you book a Snow Bear Chalet your accommodation is in a fabulous tree house, located right in the heart of the skiing action. Each of the amazing tree-house chalets can comfortably sleep between 6 and 10 people, making them ideal for families and groups. Each chalet has an outdoor terrace with BBQ and private hot tub and everyone can enjoy the convenience of being able to ski in and out directly from the chalet. Large picture windows offer views of the slopes and ski lift.

Snow Bear Chalets, White Fish Mountain Resort, 3872 Winter Lane, Whitefish, MT 59937, 888 868 2327

4. Arrowhead Inn Bed & Breakfast in North Carolina

The Garden Cottage at the Arrowhead Inn Bed & Breakfast in North Carolina has a double whirlpool tub and a fireplace, perfect for couples looking to re-connect on their weekend getaway. There is a cozy sitting area with a loveseat, a four-poster king bed and a two-person steam shower. Have breakfast on the porch and relax on the two-person swing surrounded by the gardens. In the evening, enjoy a romantic five-course dinner in the dining room or in the privacy of your own cottage. The inn is located on six landscaped acres 15 minutes from downtown Durham.

106 Mason Road, Durham, NC 27712, Phone: 919-477-8430

5. Winvian in CT

The guest houses at Winvian in Connecticut were designed by 15 architects and each one is more creative than next. Get close to the elements at the Treehouse where you sleep above ground surrounded by trees. Or rent the stunning Stone Cottage which was built using giant rocks.

Couples who have been everywhere and have seen everything should rent the Helicopter Cottage. In the morning, wake up with a 17,000 pound 1968 Sikorsky Sea King Pelican HH3F at the foot of your bed. The interior of the helicopter is a cozy lounge where you can have drinks and watch TV. The cottage is designed to resemble a cozy helicopter hanger, complete with a charming red exterior and a fireplace. You'll have a view of the helicopter even from the bath tub. If you want to brush up on your cooking skills, Winvian offers fun cooking classes designed to address particular ingredients such as fish, salads or poultry dishes. The hotel received a five AAA Diamond award for its accommodations as well as its fine-dining restaurant.

155 Alain White Rd, Morris, CT 06763, Phone: 860-567-9600

6. Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

Offering guests a calm and tranquil place to relax and rejuvenate in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Mountain resort is an excellent choice for couples, families and small groups. The property boasts a selection of enchanting accommodation options to suit all tastes. The Tree-houses are ideal for a romantic couples’ getaway and are tucked into the forest, offering amazing views and plenty of privacy. The Stone Cottages are a little larger and are beautifully appointed, while the Watchman’s Cabins are a little more rustic without sacrificing comfort and style. All the cottages offer inclusive rates including wellness classes and meals.

Blackberry Mountain Wellness Resort, 1507 E Miller’s Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886, 800 993 7824

7. The White Elephant, Nantucket

Featuring spectacular harbor views, the White Elephant on Nantucket in Massachusetts is a 1920s landmark with 53 guest rooms and suites, most with fireplaces. The hotel is known for its excellent service, plush guest rooms and gourmet dining. The spa at the White Elephant Hotel has a beautiful Serenity Room which opens out to a lush garden and ocean views. Try the 90-minute Signature Detoxifying Body Massage and Algae Wrap on your weekend vacation. Consider booking the signature loft or one of the garden cottages. In addition to the beautiful spa, the hotel has a library, fitness room, business lounge, and harborside lawn. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Brant Point Grill serves steak and seafood specialties.

50 Easton St, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554, Phone: 508-228-2500

8. Little Good Harbour

Little Good Harbour in Barbados has stylish houses with Caribbean exteriors and interiors. Spend your getaway on a sandy beach in the tropics, swimming, sunbathing and enjoying delicious cuisine.

9. Carneros Resort and Spa

Escape to the wine country and book a stay at Carneros Resort and Spa, located between the towns of Napa and Sonoma. Guest accommodations feature wood-burning fireplaces, making them an ideal romantic getaway.

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, California 94559, Phone: 707-299-4900, Video