Like a romance novel where the setting is as integral to the plot, the Southeast is simply saturated with romantic getaway possibilities.

Whether it's a quiet country retreat, a sandy beach, a soothing spa, or a bustling city with a very Southern accent, it's easy to plan a romantic getaway within driving distance of Atlanta. The bouquet below includes a dozen getaways for romance.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island (ENLARGE)

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island near Charleston, S.C., is a luxury resort with fine dining and other amenities.

Callaway Gardens (ENLARGE)

Stroll the grounds of Callaway Gardens near Pine Mountain, GA. where something always seems to be in bloom.

Watercolor Inn (ENLARGE)

Couples can enjoy a warm and romantic dinner on the terrace at the Watercolor Inn in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

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ALABAMA

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa near Birmingham

Part of Alabama's renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Ross Bridge is a full-service resort with rooms overlooking the golf course, fine dining, and a soothing spa. Both golfers and golf widows and widowers have fallen in love with this and other resorts on "The Trail."

• Get there: 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover, AL 35226. 1-800-593-6419; www.rossbridgeresort.com

• Package: Starting at about $623 per night, the "True Romance" package includes deluxe accommodations, two rounds of golf on the championship layout, and two signature spa treatments.

GEORGIA

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain

There's always something blooming at Callaway Gardens. This year-round getaway is better than ever and February is an ideal time to plan a getaway.

• Get there: 1 hour, 20 minutes from Atlanta

• Details: 17800 U.S. 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822. 1-800-225-5292; www.callawaygardens.com

• Package: The monthlong (February) "Romance Package" starts at $499 a night and includes accommodations at the Lodge and Spa, a $150 spa credit, dinner in the Piedmont Dining Room, use of the large Lodge Fitness Center, and Gardens admission (including Day Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Center, and the Birds of Prey Show).

Chateau Elan, Braselton

There is something incredibly romantic about being transported to a different world within an hour of downtown Atlanta. With 3,500 wooded acres, Chateau Elan seduces guests with varied accommodations and dining options, world-class wine, and a lakeside spa housed in a French chateau-style setting that includes 14 unique spa suites.

• Get there: 40 minutes from Atlanta

• Details: 100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton, GA 30517. 1-800-233-9463; www.chateauelan.com

• Package: Stay in one of the themed spa suites (Daisy would have loved the "Gatsby") and then indulge in the in-room couples massage for $250 an hour.

Mansion on Forsyth, Savannah

Built adjacent to a renovated 1888 mansion, the Mansion on Forsyth features oversized guest rooms, award-winning dining, a hands-on cooking school, and a world-class art collection.

• Get there: 4 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 700 Drayton St. Savannah, GA 31401. 1-888-711-5114; www.mansiononforsythpark.com

• Package: The "Romantic Bohemian Night" package is about $431 and features a Bohemian king room (with an open-air bathroom featuring a vintage soak tub or a whirlpool tub), complimentary wine, chilled champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival, a gift from Poseidon Spa, upgraded turndown service with a Mansion chocolate piano, gourmet breakfast, and late check-out when available.

FLORIDA

WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach

The Beaches of South Walton area of the Florida Panhandle continues to lure Atlantans in search of romance. With a vase-full of offerings, the Watercolor Inn provides the perfect base.

• Get there: 5 1/2 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa, FL 32459. 1-866-426-2656; www.watercolorinn.com

• Package: Starting at about $465 per night, the two-night "Signature Romance Experience" includes champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival; 50-minute Swedish massages for two; breakfast each morning; and dinner for two at Fish Out of Water (a $100 value).

NORTH CAROLINA

The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville

It's easy to vacation like a Vanderbilt at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Located on the sprawling 8,000-acre estate, this modern inn is an ideal Biltmore (and Asheville) hideaway.

• Get there: 3 1/2 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 1 Antler Hill Road, Asheville, NC 28803. 1-800-411-3812; www.biltmore.com

• Package: The "Romantic Getaway" starts at about $475 per night and includes a deluxe room, champagne upon arrival, estate admission and transportation for the entire stay, an audio tour of Biltmore House, breakfast daily, and dinner nightly in The Dining Room at the Bistro.

SOUTH CAROLINA

The Woodlands, Summerville

Just a half-hour from Charleston, Woodlands Inn & Resort is in the charming town of Summerville. Luxurious accommodations and service, the cooking of star chef Tarver King, and the wine pairings of Stephane Peltier all serve to make The Woodlands one of the region's most romantic getaways.

• Get there: 41/2 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 125 Parsons Road, Summerville, SC 29483. 1-800-774-9999; www.woodlandsinn.com

• Package: The "Celebrate the Stars" package, running through Feb. 28 and starting at about $295 per night, features elegant accommodations and a three-course dinner. A walk under the stars in the resort's woodland park setting is priceless.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

Opened on the ocean in 2004 to rave reviews, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers spacious rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, world-class dining, and Kiawah's renowned golf.

• Get there: 6 hours from Atlanta

• Details: One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455. 1-800-654-2924; www.kiawahresort.com

• Package: Ask about the "Par for Pairs Couples' Golf Retreat" (Feb. 14-17) or the "Valentine" package, which includes garden-view accommodations, champagne and chocolates on arrival, rose petal turndown on first night, dinner one evening in the famed Ocean Room, breakfast buffet each morning, and a one-hour couples massage in The Spa (starting at about $1,180 for two nights).

TENNESSEE

Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tenn.

Set on a 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is renowned as a retreat for two, including a romantic restaurant, spa and varied accommodation options.

• Get there: 3 hours and 45 minutes from Atlanta

• Details: 1471 West Millers Cove Road, Walland, TN 37886. 1-800-648-4252; www.blackberryfarm.com

• Package: The "Perfect Pairing" experience over Valentine's Day weekend includes a three-night stay in a Cottage Suite, champagne and roses upon arrival, a choice of two spa services and two adventure activities (about $5,000).

VIRGINIA

The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond

Opened in 1895 and in the heart of historic Richmond, The Jefferson is best known for a sweeping staircase reminiscent of that seen in "Gone With the Wind." Intimate Lemaire restaurant is named for Jefferson's maitre d'hotel, Etienne Lemaire.

• Get there: 8 1/2 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 101 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220. 1-800-424-8014; www.jeffersonhotel.com

• Package: The Jefferson's "Romance Package" features champagne and strawberries upon arrival, a dozen red roses, a full room-service breakfast and more (starting at about $350 per night).

The Homestead, Hot Springs

Set in 3,000 acres amid the Alleghany mountains, the Homestead has been a home away from home since 1766. It started with natural healing springs, but the 483-room resort now offers much more — including the region's first downhill ski area, 54 holes of championship golf, an Equestrian Center, a modern spa, and much more.

• Get there: 8 1/2 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 1766 Homestead Drive; Hot Springs, VA 24445. 1-866-354-4653; www.thehomestead.com

• Package: The Homestead is constantly offering romantic packages, but the Feb. 14-18 period is particularly appealing — the third night is free with two nights booked (started at about $300 per night). Don't miss the Chocolate Demo by the resort's pastry chef.

WEST VIRGINIA

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs

West Virginia's wonderful Greenbrier has defined luxury since 1778, but a multimillion-dollar renovation made it better than ever.

• Get there: 8 hours from Atlanta

• Details: 300 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986. 1-800-453-4858; www.greenbrier.com

• Package: The "Great American Music Weekend" features instructional classes dedicated to all levels of dance mastery, a cabaret dance and ballroom dance showcase, a Saturday evening Celebration Dinner Dance (additional fee), a Sunday finale, and a wine-tasting seminar. It starts at about $424 per night, with a two-night minimum.