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A glorious pastiche of styles from more or less 500 years of European architecture, most of it bought in the Old World by an early 20th-century farm machinery magnate to be remodeled into this comfortable palace (see Villa Vizcaya).

A lush fantasy of water, gardens, and sculpted stone, where Esther Williams (bathing-beauty diva of yesteryear) used to star in synchronized swimming movies. The pool was born of the mind of visionary entrepreneur George Merrick (see Merrick’s Coral Gables Fantasies).

With its magnificent gardens and cloisters redolent of ancient lands and courtly love, this has become a popular spot for weddings. The building can be traced back to 12th-century Spain, though it didn’t make its way to Florida until the 20th century. Having lain dormant in packing crates for years, it was finally reassembled in the 1950s (see Ancient Spanish Monastery).

The tranquil, silvery lakes, broad vistas and lush, dappled retreats are capable of bringing out the romantic in anyone. Badly damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the gardens have made a brilliant comeback, and are certainly worth a stroll to inhale the fragrant, shaded bowers, and perhaps stay for dinner at the nearby Red Fish Grill.

One Edward Leedskalnin created this huge coral rock Valentine heart to win back his fickle love. She remained unmoved by his Herculean labors, however, and he died here alone in 1951.

The 1,000-year-old originals of some of these deeply peaceful settings were designed for Japanese nobility – places of inspiration for them to recite poetry to each other, or to seek solace in troubled times. Few places evoke the serenity and spiritual depth you can sense here, in the silent rocks and the murmuring cascades.

Aphrodisiac cuisine in an erotic arena evoke a sense of Indo-Persian culture. Real grass carpets and sensuous sculptures and paintings set the tone. Sublime Middle-Eastern and Indian fusion dishes are served in a somewhat desultory, yet suggestive, fashion in a candlelit ambience where palm fans softly spin.

Perhaps the most starryeyed setting in Miami, with its shimmering bay views and evocatively lighted foliage. The potent backdrop of Biscayne Bay, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, and nearby Mattheson Hammock Park and saltwater Atoll Pool make this an unforgettable place to dine. Attentive service and delicious food.

French-style boutique hotel with an exquisite restaurant. Stay a night or two and you’ll think you’re in a chic little pension in Paris. The subtly lit bistro is a perfect place for a quietly intimate tête-à-tête, yet all this is within walking distance of downtown Coral Gables (see also Restaurant Place St. Michel & Hotel Place St. Michel, Coral Gables ).

Although you will most likely be there with a hoard of other sunset-viewers, the beauty of this moment and the general air of merriment will provide you with a memorable experience. Watch a tall ship sail in front of the huge setting sun, blazing orangy-pink at the Gulf’s edge. True romantics should keep an eye out for the beguiling green flash that’s said to occur just before the sun disappears below the horizon – if you catch it, it means good luck in love (see Mallory Square).