Swinging (and Biking and Swimming . . . ) Singles

Perched beneath palm trees and limestone cliffs is Yoga Traveller's retreat center where visitors from across the world gather to meditate, practice yoga and eat communal meals.

It's a bonding place, says founder Michelle Riordan. Between yoga sessions, new companions can rent kayaks, scuba dive and scale rock formations together.

While many yoga retreats attract primarily women, the abundance of adventure sports at the center tends to draw just as many men as women, says Riordan. At the end of the day, massages and fresh fruit drinks await.

Details: The Yoga Traveller Phi Phi retreat center is open all year. The cost is $690 in the high season (Nov - Apr) and $590 in the low season (May - Oct) for one week including accommodation, breakfast, yoga twice a day, meditation twice a day and snorkeling trip. For more information, e-mail info@yogatraveller.com or call +353(0) 868289178.

Wyoming Dude Ranch

If you have a thing for old Western movies, perhaps it's time to get out your Wranglers and snakeskin boots and head to Wyoming. Triangle C Ranch, located on a bluff above the Wind River with spectacular views of the Pinnacle Mountains, welcomes singles who want to give the cowgirl and cowboy lifestyle a try. "Our friendly ranch hands have put the 'Wild' back into Wild West," they boast on their Web site.

Days are spent riding horses through the back-country, fly fishing and hitting up rodeos. Nights are spent do-si-do-ing around fellow ranch mates and serenading new friends with good old-fashioned country songs.

"It's a good chance to meet people from all walks of life," said Jim Moulton, Assistant Director of the ranch. And he's not kidding: a recent program attracted unhitched adventurers ranging in age from 21 to 81.

Details: One week program, including meals, lodging and activities runs around $1850, but varies depending on the time of year. For more information, go to http://www.trianglec.com/, e-mail info@trianglec.com or call (800) 661-4928.

Biking for Housing

For those who aim to make a difference with their vacation time, there are programs that blend favorite athletic activities with passionate causes.

Participants in Bike and Build promote affordable housing while peddling across the country in shiny spandex shorts. The program sends hundreds of college students huffing and puffing across six different routes every summer. Once a week, volunteers lock up their bikes and get to work building living spaces and giving speeches about the need for low-income homes.

When you spend two months with people on the road, "you break down the facades and get to know people for who they really are," said program director Chris Webber. And while the mission may be serious, inevitably, "romance is in the air," he said.

Details: The program is open to 18-25 year-olds. While trips do not start up again until May, those interested are encouraged to apply soon because they will be asked to raise $4000 towards affordable housing projects. For more information, go to http://www.bikeandbuild.org/, e-mail info@bikeandbuild.org or call 718-599-5925.