The Victoria Rose Inn, Ganaoque, offers up romantic packages for lovers.

To keep the flame of their relationship roaring, getting away from it all is a must for Dana and Brian Horvath. The Windsor, Ont. couple makes it a point to escape time and time again to Abacot Hall Bed & Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they spent their honeymoon.

"It's vital for couples to take time away from the kids and their daily routines and reconnect with one another," nods Dana. And while Valentine's Day is an ideal occasion, finding a hideaway with the right mood is equally important, she adds. "The vibe of Abacot Hall resonates perfectly with us."

As regulars at Abacot Hall, The Horvaths affectionately refer to convivial hosts Pauline and Mike Hussey, as 'mom and dad.'

"We wouldn't have it any other way," smiles Pauline. "Our guests should feel like Abacot is their home away from home."

And if home is where the heart is, then the guest rooms at Abacot are where the pulse quickens. Swathed in elegant blue toile -- complemented by an ensuite bathroom with tub/shower in matching blue toile decor -- the Queen Elizabeth room is tastefully embellished with Victorian antiques and a queen-size four-poster bed; the Queen Victoria Room is fit for royalty. It overlooks the gardens and is decorated in fine handcrafted early Victorian furniture. All rooms access an expansive balcony which overlooks private grounds.

To caress the senses, Abacot Hall offers a Spa Package featuring two nights' stay, two full breakfasts and two full-day memberships at the 100 Fountain Spa (a 5-minute walk away) with indoor swimming pool, indoor hot tub and outdoor hot spring, for $270 for two.

Abacot Hall B&B also books horse-drawn carriage rides for guests. "The carriage picks them up right at our front door," notes Mike. During the half-hour ride ($50) or the one-hour version ($95), the tour clops through the Old Town quarter as a guide points out places of interest.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a mecca for wine lovers, and during February many of the famed local wineries offer The Days of Wine and Roses. Abacot's Wine Tour Package has two nights stay and two full breakfasts ($350 for two), along with transportation and tours of several wineries and complimentary wine tastings.

For those heading north to reaffirm their nuptial pledge, the Pine Vista is a year-round cottage resort on spectacular Stoney Lake, one of the scenic Kawartha Lakes.

"Lovers and nature lovers come here because they adore the country setting, the serenity and the wealth of activities," says manager Sherry Brundle. "Winter is a time to romance the snow. The great outdoors affords all kinds of winter pursuits and adventures."

Pine Vista has 24 accommodations with fireplaces, whirlpool, full kitchen, deck and barbecue, ranging from traditional (single 2-storey cottages), deluxe (cottage and townhouse styles), and superior (two bedroom suites and three-bedroom cottages).

A sleigh pulled by two handsome percheron horses, whisks guests across snow-covered farm fields, within sight of white-tailed deer, and is complimentary with the resort's Valentine's weekend packages.

For shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind trinkets and keepsakes, nearby are the Whetung Ojibiwa Gifts and Art, the Lockside Trading Company, and the Canadian Canoe Museum.

Two-night rates (including a gift basket with wine, chocolates and strawberries): one bedroom -- $335 deluxe, $360 superior; two bedroom -- $400 deluxe, $460 superior; three-bedroom -- $460 traditional, $540 deluxe, $600 Superior; and the four-bedroom deluxe is $600.

A horse-drawn carriage ride can be just the thing to set the mood.

The red-brick Victoria Rose Inn is a magnificent gabled mansion in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque. Its 11 refurbished rooms with 11-foot ceilings, period furniture, ensuite bathrooms with soaker tubs, and some rooms rimmed by fireplaces that billow heat to the foot of the bed, are just what cupid ordered. "There's no better time than Valentine's to sit in front of the fire in our bar or the parlour, and kick back with a glass of wine or hot toddy and a good book," says Liz Austin, innkeeper along with husband Ric.

From Feb. 11-14, the Austins welcome guests with champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries, and in addition to sleigh rides and cross-country skiing, there's a romantic dinner on Saturday, February 12, and a champagne brunch on Sunday February 13.

A two-night stay in a jacuzzi suite, comes complete with dinner for $245 per person. Recommended for resolute romantics, the tower suite at the apex of the inn's central spire has a double jacuzzi surrounded by windows, and is anchored by a king-size mahogany bed.

Says Dana, "Couples need to get away and be with each other. If a retreat has the right atmosphere, and it feels good, sparks can fly."

GETTING THERE: ABACOT HALL BED & BREAKFAST: 508 Mississauga Street, P.O. Box 866, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, 905-468-8383, abacothall.com.

PINE VISTA: R.R. #2, Lakefield, ON KOL 2H0, 705-877-2108 or 800-634-2848, pinevista.com.

VICTORIA ROSE INN: 279 King St. W., Gananoque, ON K7G 2G7, 613-382-3368 or 888-246-2893, victoriaroseinn.com.