Governed by romance

Washington DC has long been a destination for history buffs and a must-visit for any visitor to the US.

It has now made it to the top of the places-to-visit list, what with the recent celebrity-studded events, presidential parties, parades and the change of guard.

When Barack Obama took office, we all knew Washington DC would never be the same again. With his good looks and the First Lady's fierce fashion choices, it was clear that this couple was not afraid to make a statement or let the world know how much they really like each other!

Raise the roof on your romance

Here are a few places in Washington DC where you can steal a kiss with history and enjoy a bit of romance with monument tours.

There are many world-class luxury hotels in the city. The Carlton Hotel, a favourite with Joan Crawford, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, reopened in 1999 as The St Regis in downtown DC.

You can avail of the signature services of a personal butler, get breakfast from the restaurant Adour and enjoy the luxuries of the 2,500 sq ft Presidential Suite.

Architectural eye candy is a great way to pep up romance. The city is an urban museum, with architectural and historical wonders at every corner, peaking through trees, prominent in the distance or right before your eyes.

And this is free, as are all museums in the city.

A tour de romance

There are many ways to take in the stunning aesthetics of Washington DC. Tour options for absorbing the 100 or so must-see sites range from walking and biking to Segway and river tours.

Or perhaps throw some retro into your romance by jetting off on a rented bike with a picnic lunch packed from the gourmet shop Dean & DeLuca to take a look at The Lincoln Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, The White House, the Smithsonian Museum and The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.

Hit the Beach Drive and bike to the zoo or the Potomac River. In spring, head to the Tidal Basin to take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms, a gift from the Japanese government in 1912 and again in 1965. It's free and fabulous to look at.

Washington DC has its share of great neighbourhoods and markets, from the culturally diverse Adams Morgan to the straitlaced political whispers of Capitol Hill.

On opposite sides of the fence and the city, Adams Morgan has the Western Market for arts and crafts while locals hit Capitol Hill's Eastern Market for the week's seasonal veggies.

For midday rest and relaxation, head to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Its four-star spa, which has separate wings for men and women, to make the heart grow fonder is well known for custom-made programmes and its 50 foot lap pool and sunset city views.

Grab a delicious bite at the Five Diamond AAA CityZen, a spot that provides a sensory experience with a tinge of romance.

Pleasure palette

There are plenty of places in Washington DC for the gourmand. The very French Michel Richard Citronelle makes for an exquisite evening with the famed chef or a table for two.
His whimsy makes its way to each plate, be it the miso sablefish or the squab with a leg confit and foie gras Syrah sauce.

Rasika, the chic Indian restaurant, provides a delicious twist to the standard chicken malai tikka by adding goat cheese to the dish.

For the presidential palette, try Equinox, where the Obamas celebrated Michelle Obama's birthday just days prior to the inauguration.

Chef Todd Grey's cuisine is classic, regional, mid-Atlantic in flavour and peppered with seasonal ingredients and local fish.

For the traditionalist looking for an American classic, 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown is the place to head for. It's famed for its butter-poached Maine lobster and roasted loin of venison with mustard greens mole poblano.

This Georgetown jewel, with antiques and lovely historical and equine prints on the walls, has many rooms with a romantic ambience.

Georgetown is best explored on foot and at night. Get off the main drag and weave in and out of the cobblestone streets to take in the old-world wonders.

You can feel history all around you.

A presidential palace

For a regal sleep, The Hay-Adams Hotel is rich in history, catering to top politicos, artistes, celebrities and scientists of yesteryear and the present day.

As such, it's no wonder that this was home to the likes of Twain and Roosevelt. It was acknowledged as the best hotel in the US by Conde Nast.

The great views and comfortable rooms are cut out for romance. The concierge can also arrange for a private moonlight tour of the monuments.

It's bliss and this is what Barack and Michelle Obama did their last weekend as civilians.

Once in your spacious Romanesque suite, you can take a break from the ornamental fireplace, open the French doors to the balcony and take in the view of The White House.

The Hay-Adams served as the Obama residence before the big inaugural oath. You may for a minute believe you are in fact the first couple... if only for a night.

— Karen Loftus is a US-based freelance writer

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