My wife and I have been married for almost 8 years and have had children for almost all of that time. The last few years have been very tough with my wife fighting and surviving breast cancer. My in-laws just moved from the east coast to New Mexico (we live in Arizona) and have agreed to watch our kids for a week or so, so that my wife and I can go on a vacation just the two of us. Given the stress of the last few years, we are looking for something low key. We are not big drinkers and both of us are active and would want the ability to run, bike or otherwise stay active while we are on vacation. My wife is thinking something tropical, Carribean or otherwise, and has mentioned cruises. We have a budget for this trip of up to $5000. We are planning to go in November, before Thanksgiving. Given that we have had kids most of our marriage, we have usually planned “family” vacations, which is why I am such a moron and am asking for help on this forum.
The Carribean is nice, but from far from where you live, how about Aruba or Cabo?
Thinking relaxing, recreational and most importantly, speaking as a woman, romantic, providing ample opportunity to fall in love all over again, I’d suggest the following…
If a cruise, don’t go on a big ship. Check out Moorings.com. Charter a private sail boat with a captain and cook and sail away. Destinations range from the USVIs to Tahiti to Greece to Belize… with several that would just fit in under your price range. This is probably one of the best vacations I have ever been on.
My first thought when reading your OP was a tour of Italy, biking through Tuscany and exploring the wine country. Never been, but it is top on my list for romantic vacations, based on what I have heard from a few friends who have done this.
A third option would be a small, private island in the pacific. Ample places to run and swim. Find one with an amazing spa, for both of you to enjoy.
My vote though would be for Italy… hmmm… any single ST men out there who want to sweep me off of my feet?
Just kidding 
How long are you going?
New Zealand
Hawaii
A week is all that we can or want to squeeze out of the grandparents. New Zealand is probably out due to that simply because 2 of those days would be spent traveling.
try sandals.com. They have couples only resorts, and all inclusive resorts in the caribbean. Right now you can go for a week with airfare from Phx for around $4000.00 to $5000.00.
From where you live if you’re looking for warmth and beaches you might be better going to Hawaii. My favorite and most romantic vacation with my now husband was on Kauai. We stayed at the Poipu Plantation Resort (www.poipubeach.com) which is in the south of Kauai, walking distance from the beach, has beautiful rooms (we stayed in the honeymoon suite and it was gorgeous), and an amazing breakfast every morning. For Kauai it’s prices are really reasonable as well and you have full (free) access to all the equipment they have there so you can pick up beach chairs, boogie boards, towels, coolers, etc and simply return them when you’re done. Also the manager has an incredible knowledge of the island and was able to direct us, via a hand drawn map, to some secret beaches on the island.
November is a great time to go to Kauai as it’s one of it’s driest months and the island can be a great mix of relaxing or active depending on what you’re interested in. I would HIGHLY recommend eating lunch at Puka Dogs in the Poipu shopping center (it’s going to sound wierd when you see the menu but trust me - a great cheap place for lunch) or hit up the taco trucks along the roads. Then splurge on evenings out at places like Roys (amazing - make reservations in advance).
Hope you find a great trip for you and your amazingly strong wife!
PS - with regards to sandals.com, some people opt not to patronize them because (last I had heard) they refuse to accept homosexual couples to their resorts. For some people this doesn’t matter but for some it’s important not to spend money with them for this reason.
DO NOT DO A CRUISE! Based on your description of what you’re looking for, you don’t want that.
How about a nice resort/spa somewhere in the mountains? When I first went away with my husband without kids, I wanted to be able to get back home easily in case something came up. I found it less stressful to be a short drive or flight away rather than in another country. If I were you, I’d look into a resort/spa in Colorado. Something with hiking, mountain biking, yoga, spa facilities, etc.
Don’t go on a cruise or to an all-inclusive place. Just go somewhere really small and remote and don’t try to “see it all” when you are there … If you only have 7 days: I bet once you settle in you will want to do very little for 3 or 4 days, and do lots of stuff for 3 or 4 days, so bear that in mind. I say the less planning the better, unless there’s something that you feel is a “must.” Winging it is the best, IMO (But it depends on your personality).
Off the top of my head: Go to Tulum on the Yucatan, then go south to somewhere like Punta Alan. Really middle of nowhere. Jog on the beach, fish and lounge around. My sister and her husband loved it.