For singles or childless couples, there are countless reasons to choose an adults-only getaway.
And more and more resorts are beginning to bill themselves this way.

Typically it's a way for places to guarantee that their guests will get as much R&R (that's ROMANCE and relaxation) as they want, without the distractions or noise that kids automatically bring to the table. Some resorts don't advertise it, like the lovely, serene Ceiba del Mar on the Riviera Maya, Mexico. But it's company policy at Ceiba not to allow children at their resort. And once you've been to the property and seen the quiet grounds, the slumberous poolside and pristine beach, you'll immediately see why kids wouldn't be happy here -- and why lovey-dovey twosomes will feel as though the place was made for them.

Other resorts brand themselves as couples-only resorts from the outset, and don't leave any room for doubt about what kind of experience their guests might have. Couples Resort was the first company to try this approach back in 1978. There are now four Couples Resorts in Jamaica, and plenty of copycats in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Couples' primary goal is "to create emotional connections" -- in fact, it's on their mission statement. This makes it a great choice for dating twosomes who are looking to strengthen the bond.

"We offer a laidback, romantic environment to renew love and meet new friends with the same mentality," says Randy Russell, the Chief Romance Officer at Couples. Russell actually came up with his own title years ago as a way to reinforce the Couples philosophy even at the corporate level. And the philosophy is a winner, as a glance at the Couples message boards proves. Russell estimates that the boards get a thousand posts a day.

"It's all about getting involved in people's lives and making things special for them," he says. Russell himself has helped plan countless surprise getaways, including more than a few marriage proposals.

Many all-ages resorts have begun to offer grownup getaway packages to meet consumer demand. A lot of these properties are very high-end and don't get a lot of kids anyway, which makes it easy for them to switch into adults-only mode on special occasions. Cambridge Beaches on the western peninsula of Bermuda is one such place. With five private beaches, a private marina, a European-style spa, and Atlantic-facing plunge pool suites (the only ones on Bermuda), this luxury resort encourages an adults-only atmosphere, though it doesn't exclude families.