Luxury Villa

Villa Pushpapuri

2009-06-25T21:27:00.001-07:00

The absolute beachfront, Villa Pushpapuri is located near the traditional village of Ketewel on Bali's south-east coast. This stunning villa boasts four bedrooms, a 20-metre infinity-edge swimming pool, a splendid living & dining room, and a games room, complemented by the finest furnishings and a five-star standard of service. Bounded by the River Wos and a rugged surf beach. Furthermore, it is blessed with spectacular outlook: across the ocean towards the beaches of Keramas and the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, and over the pounding surf to the unrivalled grandeur of sacred Mt Agung...'the finest view in the land of dreams'.

Guests will enter the villa through a large watergarden comprised of four fishponds complete with bubbling fountains. This delightful courtyard area is planted with yellow irises, torch ginger, and a pair of ancient frangipani trees, while the walls are decorated with hand-carved Palimanan stone friezes depicting ocean and river themes. There is a secure car park and garage at the entrance.

Approaching the large living and dining pavilion, the ocean is immediately visible through the glass walls, which form three sides of this stand-alone building. A statue of Ganesha rests on one side of the glass entrance doors beside a sparkling wall of water cascading down to a lower level. The rectangular-shaped pavilion features a marble floor and a soaring roof lined with rattan. The sliding glass doors can be opened to allow the sea breezes and the rhythmic sounds of the waves to penetrate, and the room can also be cooled by ceiling fans. A circular dining table for eight is positioned at one end. The other side of the pavilion is furnished with two sofas, lazy chairs, an ottoman, a coffee table, handcrafted lamps and local artefacts. A small kitchen is positioned next to the dining area and a fully equipped service kitchen is located in the staff service area. Guests also have the option of dining alfresco on the elevated terrace in front of the pavilion, which overlooks the garden and the pool and the ocean, and is furnished with an outdoor dining table and chairs. A guest washroom is situated immediately outside the living and dining pavilion.

Villa Nataraja (Majapahit Beach Villas)

2009-06-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

This sea view two-storey villa is characterised by a walled garden featuring a 14 x 4 metre lap pool, which is 1.8 metres in depth and lined with green Java stone. A massage pavilion rests at one end of the pool and a bale bengong (relaxation pavilion) is located in one corner of the garden, sunloungers, timeworn stone-carvings, terracotta carved wall panels, palms, sweet scented frangipani trees and coastal shrubs and plants.

A walled pathway leads from the garden to a sliding door, which provides access to a 13-metre, beachside buff with timber decking and wooden steps leading down to the beach. This area is shared between guests staying at Villa Nataraja and the next-door Villa Raj. This is the place to chill out beneath the tall coconut palms and gaze at the graceful kites scattered throughout the sky, or watch both the sunrise and the sunset create a warm pink glow across the mysterious, towering, sea-cliffs of Nusa Penida Island.

Villa Nataraja's semi-open air living and dining area borders the swimming pool. Open at each end, equipped with bamboo blinds and cooled by ceiling fans, this is tropical living at its very best. A Jacuzzi extends into the living space and overflows into the pool creating an attractive waterfall feature. A hi-fi system with surround sound is provided for the entertainment of the guests, and wireless high speed Internet access allows guests to send and receive their e-mails inside the villa or beside the pool, in the garden or on the beach. The contemporary furniture is set off by a myriad of textures from smooth white Palimanan stone to carved antique doors framed by dark grey volcanic rock. Impressive local artwork adorns the walls, harmonized with primitive artifacts. A rustic coffee table, and comfortable sofas and chairs, are complemented by richly colored silk cushions, together with a woven rattan and wood-skin mat resting upon the Merbau wood floor. A striking feature is the curved floating staircase, fashioned in richly patterned wood and supported by eight columns. The open plan dining area is furnishing with a table for six and overlooks a lotus pond. The pond is traversed by stepping stones that lead through a pebbled courtyard to the fully equipped service kitchen where the staff will prepare delicious meals. Every need of the guests has been considered, and a particularly thoughtful touch is the provision of a barbeque. A series of wide stone pillars create a partition, for privacy, between the kitchen and the living and dining area.

The air-conditioned master bedroom, complete with en-suite bathroom and wide balcony, covers the whole of the upper floor under a soaring pitched roof. A queen size bed is made up with top quality linens and a red and black Chinese silk bedcover. Rich drapes frame the windows, local paras stone bricks form a wall behind the bed, old photographs enhance the decor, and a wooden cabinet houses a satellite TV, DVD and CD player. Glass doors and fly screens open out onto a timber balcony deck commanding breathtaking views of the coastline and ocean. The en-suite bathroom comprises two mirrored dressing rooms with ample storage space, together with two separate washing areas linked by a covered balcony walkway. This clever design allows the dressing rooms and bathroom to be accessed by two different doors from the bedroom, and the walkway is enclosed with fretwork wooden walls, which allow the cool breezes to permeate. One of the grey terrazzo-floored bathroom areas features a black terrazzo corner bathtub and twin washbasins. The other area features a shower, toilet and washbasin.

The two remaining air-conditioned bedrooms are located downstairs and are mirror images of each other, each with en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, DVD and CD player. Glass doors and fly screens in each room open onto a personal terrace furnished with daybeds, and a dressing area is located behind the bed. Each garden bathroom features 'his 'n' hers' washbasins, toilet, and a black terrazzo sunken bathtub and shower, bordered by plants, together with a three-tiered running water feature, and a wall for privacy.

Villa Maya (Majapahit Beach Villas)

2009-05-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

This absolute beachfront villa is characterised by a garden that extends directly onto a private 14-metre beachside buff with timber decking, towering coconut palms, and wooden steps leading down to the beach. This is the place to chill out and gaze at the graceful kites scattered throughout the sky, or watch both the sunrise and the sunset create a warm pink glow across the mysterious, towering, sea-cliffs of Nusa Penida Island.

In addition to the wonderful views, the garden of the two-storey Villa Maya also boasts a lotus pond and a 14 x 4 metre lap pool, which is 1.8 metres in depth and lined with green Java stone. A massage pavilion rests next to bale bengong (relaxation pavilion) is also located in the garden, together with an outdoor shower, sunloungers, timeworn stone-carvings, terracotta carved wall panels, palms, sweet scented frangipani trees and coastal shrubs and plants.

Villa Maya's semi open-air living and dining area borders the swimming pool. Open at each end, equipped with bamboo blinds and cooled by ceiling fans, this is tropical living at its very best. A Jacuzzi extends into the living space and overflows into the pool creating an attractive waterfall feature. A hi-fi system with surround sound is provided for the entertainment of the guests, and wireless high-speed Internet access allows guests to send and receive their e-mails inside the villa or beside the pool, in the garden or on the beach. The contemporary furniture is set off by a myriad of textures from smooth white Palimanan stone to carved antique doors framed by dark grey volcanic rock. Impressive local artwork adorns the walls, harmonized with primitive artifacts. A rustic coffee table, and comfortable sofas and chairs, are complemented by richly colored silk cushions, together with a woven rattan and wood-skin mat resting upon the Merbau wood floor. A striking feature is the curved floating staircase, fashioned in richly patterned wood and supported by eight columns. The open plan dining area is furnishing with a table for six and overlooks another lotus pond. The pond is traversed by stepping stones that lead through a pebbled courtyard to the fully equipped service kitchen where the staff will prepare delicious meals. Every need of the guests has been considered, and a particularly thoughtful touch is the provision of a barbeque. A series of wide stone pillars create a partition, for privacy, between the kitchen and the living and dining area.

The air-conditioned master bedroom, complete with en-suite bathroom and wide balcony, covers the whole of the upper floor under a soaring pitched roof. A queen size bed is made up with top quality linens and a red and black Chinese silk bedcover. Rich drapes frame the windows, local paras stone bricks form a wall behind the bed, old photographs enhance the decor, and a wooden cabinet houses a satellite TV, DVD and CD player. Glass doors and fly screens open out onto a timber balcony deck commanding breathtaking views of the coastline and ocean. The en-suite bathroom comprises two mirrored dressing rooms with ample storage space, together with two separate washing areas linked by a covered balcony walkway. This clever design allows the dressing rooms and bathroom to be accessed by two different doors from the bedroom, and the walkway is enclosed with fretwork wooden walls, which allow the cool breezes to permeate. One of the grey terrazzo-floored bathroom areas features a black terrazzo corner bathtub and twin washbasins. The other area features a shower, toilet and washbasin.

The two remaining air-conditioned bedrooms are located downstairs and are mirror images of each other, each with en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, DVD and CD player. Glass doors and fly screens in each room open onto a personal terrace furnished with daybeds, and a dressing area is located behind the bed. Each garden bathroom features 'his 'n' hers' washbasins, toilet, and a black terrazzo sunken bathtub and shower, bordered by plants, together with a three-tiered running water feature, and a wall for privacy.

Location
The recent construction of the Sanur-Kusamba by-pass road has made this area accessible to the rest of the island and positions Villa Maya within easy driving distance of most of Bali 's tourist attractions. Villa Maya is just forty-five minutes drive from Bali's international airport, thirty minutes from the cultural town of Ubud, ten minutes from Sukawati art and handicraft market, ten minutes from Sanur, and thirty minutes from the restaurants, shops and nightlife of Kuta and Seminyak. Ketewel village is the origin of the famous Legong Bededari Dance, and the neighbouring village of Sawa produced the finest Legong dancers on the island. The beach of Pabean , in front of Villa Maya, was once a small port through which oriental traders brought their products; at low tide you can still see the structure of the old harbour and a Chinese cemetery is located nearby. Balinese Hindu purification ceremonies are held beside the ocean at the sacred Pura Segara sea temple, and the nearby reef is renowned for its world class surf breaks.

Villa Sur La Colline

2009-05-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

Elevated Location
Villa Sur La Colline is a tastefully appointed 4 bedroom property designed to embrace the contours of an elevated piece of landscape that captures sweeping views over Jimbaran Bay and out towards Tanjung Benoa. Located in an area of rugged tropical terrain known as Bukit Ungasan, Villa Sur La Colline is just a 20 minute drive to the airport and is relatively close to the internationally recognized surfing beaches of Padang-Padang, Balangan and Dreamland.

Design Concept
Inspired by the tall roof tops and intricate timber panelling of classic Thai architecture, Villa Sur La Colline is composed of two main pavilions separated by a terraced walkway. An additional smaller pavilion at the back of the property serves as a gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and a generous walk-in pantry. There are subtle elements of Balinese design throughout the villa, which has been carefully furnished in wooden artefacts, aesthetic pieces and textiles collected on travels across South East Asia.

Living Pavilion
The main living pavilion is a split level structure with an integrated lounge and dining area perfect for long evenings of social interaction. A striking timber staircase leads up to a mezzanine library where bookcases are lined with editions of old encyclopaedias and a computer is permanently set up for convenient computer access. Eclectic furnishings, unusual trinkets and antique curios give this environment a warm home style ambience.

Sleeping Pavilion
The two-storey sleeping pavilion can accommodate up to eight adult guests in spacious quarters designed for optimal privacy and relaxation. The ground level of the pavilion features a pair of suite bedrooms, each with its own exclusive en-suite bathroom and personal sitting terrace. Both bedrooms are linked by a cosy air-conditioned lounge room that was designed as niche to read or watch satellite television.

The elegant master suite is located upstairs and includes a small terrace for couples to enjoy intimate moments alone taking pleasure in the distant scenery and the caress of the cool sea breeze. The master bathroom is a haven of pure indulgence and comes complete with an oversized tub, ample vanity space and separate shower recess embellished in river stones. The fourth bedroom is a simple retreat at the rear end of the pavilion decorated in unique pieces of artistry and the same hardwood floors that are featured throughout the entire villa.

Outdoor Pleasures
An infinity edge swimming pool and sun deck on a lower tier of the property encourages quality time out to unwind and soak up the rejuvenating benefits of Bali's tropical climate. Surrounded by the lush greenery of indigenous flora, Villa Sur La Colline is a tranquil sanctuary to escape the hectic pace of modern living. It is a private destination to re-establish bonds with loved ones and friends in a setting that lends itself to leisure and pleasure.

Personalized Service
Villa Sur La Colline is a serviced property with a highly experienced in-house team on call to anticipate every possible guest need. Complementary airport transfers and a warm welcome upon arrival contribute to the personalized level of gracious hospitality that is on offer at the property. Other entitlements include up to 10 pieces of personal clothing laundered daily, an unobtrusive housekeeping service, grocery shopping service and around the clock security for holiday peace of mind.

Puri Goa Gong

2009-05-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Puri Goa Gong is an exclusive four bedroom residence designed to cater for the needs of seasoned international travellers seeking privacy away from the hustle and bustle of Bali's mainstream tourism industry. Elevated to capture inspiring views of the surrounding landscape and distant ocean, Puri Goa Gong is a sanctuary for the senses that promises quality time out from the effects of modern living.

Splendid Seclusion
Located on Bali's southern peninsular, Puri Goa Gong takes its name from a nearby temple compound, which is a renowned place of worship for followers of the Hindu faith. Encompassed by an extensive garden with a generous swimming pool and outdoor pavilion, the property provides ultimate serenity for travellers on a quest for rest and rejuvenation. Bali's international airport is just a 25 minute drive away, while the village of Jimbaran for succulent seafood dinners and a number of celebrated surf beaches are relatively close by.

Home Comforts
Tastefully appointed in a harmonious fusion of 'East meets West' design principles, Puri Goa Gong personifies style without compromising comfort. The main living room is an open-plan environment with a high timber ceiling and wrap around windows for optimal views. This inviting space integrates a relaxing lounge area with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, an aesthetically appealing 8-seat dining setting and a billiard table for long evenings of social interaction. A gourmet kitchen complete with all necessary utensils and tableware is also neatly tucked into this setting, while a feature wall cleverly conceals a study alcove cum library filled with an array of DVD's, books and other reading materials.

Restful Slumber
A choice of four bedrooms has been carefully positioned throughout this two-storey property to ensure that guests are entitled to their own privacy as evening descends. Each bedroom features ample wardrobe space and a lavish en-suite bathroom with a marble inlaid vanity, separate shower and bathtub facility. The master suite is an adult retreat with its own terrace to enjoy the breeze and some well deserved quiet time at the end of the day over a chilled glass of wine. Additional beds are available and the property can comfortably accommodate up to ten adult guests.

Tropical Living
Puri Goa Gong celebrates the concept of outdoor living with its enchanting terraced garden and wide expanse of manicured lawn enveloped by native flora. A decorative water feature flows gently into an infinity edge salt water swimming pool is a setting that lends itself to hours of sun drenched leisure time with its reclining lounge chairs and sunbrellas. An oversized traditionally thatched pavilion is large enough to accommodate a small gathering to sit and relax or simply laze the afternoon away. This area also features a built-in BBQ for casual alfresco dining, while the inclusion of a refrigerator guarantees a convenient supply of icy cold beverages to beat the heat of the day.

Villa Waringin at Pantai Lima

2009-04-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

Villa Waringin redefines the meaning of luxury Balinese beachfront villa.

Spacious, truly spacious, utterly private, beautifully furnished and finished - and the Indian Ocean is at the bottom of a lovely lush palm-fringed tropical garden.

Villa Waringin is one of five villas in the exclusive Pantai Lima Estate, but the property is not vast and privacy so assured that guest are blissfully unaware of their neighbors. Situated at Pererenan, a secluded strip of beach on the west coast between the fashionable expat enclave the Canggu and the spiritually important Hindu temple of Tanah Lot, Villa Waringin is the epitome of peace, yet the excitement of Seminyak with its shops, restaurants and night life is barely 25 minutes away by car. The world-famous golf course at Tanah Lot is a 15 minute drive.

Facilities:
- Six air-conditioned bedrooms
- 100 sq m swimming pool
- Children's paddling pool
- Heated Jacuzzi for six adults
- Palm-fringed tropical gardens
- iPod connection in every room
- 37" LCD TV's in each bedroom
- DVD player in all bedrooms
- Mini bar in each room
- HD projector and screen
- Bose speaker systems in all rooms and the gardens
- Unlimited WIFI internet
- Fitness equipment
- Tennis court with night lighting
- All meals available at cost price - French chef
- Butler service
- Phone in villa, fax in office
- Laundry
- Private use of car and driver 10 hours daily
- Private parking
- 24 hours security
- Airport transfers

Location
On Bali west coast 6 Km North of Seminyak, that is 25 mn drive 3.5 Km South of Tanah Lot and its Nirwana golf course 16 Km, i.e. 45 mn drive from the airport At the end of a 2.5 Km, 4m wide, asphalted road surrounded by rice paddies, that leads to a secluded beach.

Divani Caravel - Athens, Greece

2009-03-19T15:22:00.001-07:00

Divani Caravel - Athens, Greece

The Divani Caravel is a luxury Athens hotel ideally situated in the heart of Athens. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Divani Caravel is the largest of the Divani Collection, which has exemplified Greek hospitality for the last 45 years. Fully renovated in 2003, the Divani Caravel epitomizes refinement, elegance, and exceptional service. Just like the magnificent city in which it resides, our deluxe Athenian hotel embodies the classic elegance of days past with the style and amenities of the present. www.divanis.com

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Divani Caravel Hotel
2, Vas. Alexandrou Avenue
16121 Athens - Greece
Tel. +30 210 7207000
Fax +30 210 7236683
Email: info@divanicaravel.gr
Website: www.divanis.com

Divani Apollon Palace & Spa - Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece

2009-03-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Divani Apollon Palace & Spa - Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece

The Divani Apollon Palace & Spa and Apollon Suites, its new annex building, is a luxury resort hotel situated in the exclusive area of Vouliagmeni on the Athenian Riviera, Greece. Enjoying a spectacular beachfront location, just 18 km from Athens city centre, the Divani Apollon Palace & Spa was the first hotel in Athens to become a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The Divani Apollon Palace & Spa is the ideal place for business or leisure travelers to experience the best Greece has to offer. www.divanis.com

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The Divani Apollon Palace & Spa boasts 286 luxurious rooms including 83 executive rooms, 6 suites and 1 Presidential suite. All rooms feature furnished balconies that offer a panoramic view of the sea. For a truly memorable stay, our accommodations provide all the comforts you would expect of a luxury hotel in Greece.

Superior Rooms - Superior bedrooms of 30 m2 in size include luxuriously appointed bathrooms with an additional telephone extension. Designer fabrics specially chosen to match the stylish light oak furniture and tasteful paintings accentuate the décor.

Executive Rooms - Spacious Executive rooms of 40 m2 in size offer additional features to enhance your stay, including complimentary tea/coffee making facility, mini-stereo, weight scales and Bulgari amenities.

Deluxe Suites - The Deluxe suites of 70 m2 in size are designed with refined taste and superior luxury in mind. Exclusive Italian furniture, selected antiques, fireplaces, a separate seating area and wooden floors are some of the design elements that make the Deluxe suites so distinctive. Suites also offer in-room fax and Bulgari amenities. The included CD stereo allows you to accompany any mood throughout the day.

The Presidential Suite - 93 m2. In addition to features of the Deluxe suites, the Presidential suite also includes a dining area for 6 persons, a comfortable seating area with fireplace, mini-stereo, a complete working desk with fax and stationary, two marble bathrooms and Bulgari amenities.

Apollon Suites - is a new annex boutique building with 28 sophisticated suites and 28 luxury superior rooms adds a new statement in the effort to delight guests.

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Divani Apollon Palace & Spa
10, Ag. Nikolaou & Iliou Str.
166 71 Athens - Vouliagmeni, Greece
Tel. +30 210 8911100
Fax +30 210 9658010
Email: info@divaniapollon.gr
Website: www.divanis.com

Ca' Sagredo Hotel - Venice, Italy

2009-03-19T15:17:00.001-07:00

Ca' Sagredo Hotel - Venice, Italy

Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, leaning on the Grand Canal between Ca' D'Oro and the Rialto Bridge, Ca' Sagredo typifies the perfect Venetian Hotel-Palazzo where exceptional decoration, style and quality is effortlessly combined with contemporary luxury.

Here you will discover a real treasure: the restoration carefully enhances the original noble features, delighting while evoking respect for a time gone by.

Ca' Sagredo is so steeped in history that you will feel as if you've lived in the Republic of Venice all your life. To sleep at Ca' Sagredo is to go back five centuries in history. The hotel is a true gem, skillfully and faithfully renovated to enhance its original noble features, a true delight to behold.

Most of the 42 bedrooms and suites still retain many signs of a glorious past, including superb masterpieces by important 17th and 18th century Venetian artists such as Nicolò Bambini, Giambattista Tiepolo, Sebastiano Ricci and Pietro Longhi – a rare example of time having stood still.

No other hotel combines elegance, history and hospitality with the same passion. Each room, boasting a view over the Canal Grande, the roofs and squares, is quite unique and decorated differently in a style of subtle yet highly refined elegance.

You will feel like an 18th century Venetian noble for as long as you stay at Ca' Sagredo.

And for those who consider cuisine among the highest art forms, the restaurant L'Alcova serves Venetian and Mediterranean cuisine with Grand Canal views. After a day spent around the "calli" of Venice, relax at the hotel in our Bar L'Incontro, a favourite with Venetians and guests alike.

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Ca' Sagredo Hotel
Campo Santa Sofia 4198/99 Ca' D'Oro
30121 Venezia, Italia
Tel: +39 041 2413111
Fax:+39 041 2413521
Email: info@casagredohotel.com
Website: www.casagredohotel.com

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa - Capri, Italy

2009-03-12T09:44:00.001-07:00

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa - Capri, Italy

The Capri Palace was built at the foot of Mount Solaro, with its magnificent views over the Gulf of Naples and Ischia Island. With its stone floors, columns and vaulted ceilings, every element is a reminder of a glorious past that seems to come to life in all its splendor. The travertine baths, the warm tones of the fabrics, and the sumptuous white and gold décor give each room an understated elegance that combines with the feeling of a deliciously warm welcome. Some of the rooms and suites overlook an internal garden with a private swimming pool. During the entire season guests can enjoy moments of real relaxation by the heated swimming pool or the generously equipped spa that is led by a medical doctor and specialist in food science, immunology and aesthetic medicine. The two star Michelin L'Olivo restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine interpreted with great originality by chef Oliver Glowig. The hotel owns a splendid motorboat of 15 metres and a luxurious sailing boat of 20 metres, both used for private transfers and excursions.

Highlights include:
• Stunning location with breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and the island of Ischia.
• 80 luxurious rooms and suites, some with their own private heated pool and garden.
• L'Olivo, two star Michelin restaurant, serves Mediterranean specialties in an elegant atmosphere.
• New outdoor heated swimming pool and full service Spa on property.
• A stroll through Anacapri's narrow streets and white houses leads to the Blue Grotto.

GETTING THERE

AIRPORT: Naples (NAP) - 25 miles; then by hydrofoil or ferry to the Island of Capri. Heliport 10 minutes away. Helicopters can be arranged for airport transfers.

TRANSPORTATION: The only way to arrive at the island of Capri is by boat - either by hydrofoil ("aliscafo") or by ferry ("traghetto") from several places like Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ischia. During the summer months the last transfer is at approximately 8 p.m. The fare for independent transfer is roughly 17.00 € (about $ 22 ).

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
Via Capodimonte 14
80071 Anacapri, Italy
Tel: (+39-081) 97-80-111
Fax: (+39-081) 837-31-91
Email: info@capripalace.com
Website: www.capripalace.com

Caesar Augustus Hotel - Capri, Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy

2009-03-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Caesar Augustus Hotel - Capri, Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy

On a cliff 1000 feet above the sea, the luxury Hotel Caesar Augustus offers one of the most spectacular vistas to be found on the isle of Capri! From the rooms and grounds of this marvelous luxury hotel, guests can enjoy views over the entire Bay of Naples. The bird's eye views include the breathtaking scenery of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Ischia, and unique views of the island of Capri, celebrated in the works of the famous novelist Axel Munthe, whose Villa San Michele is nearby.

Enjoy the new infinity swimming pool which seems to flow into the sea, and the private sun bathing decks surrounded by lovely, fragrant gardens. The finest suites enjoy a breathtaking view and they are spacious and elegantly designed following the traditional architectural style. Fifty years ago King Farouk of Egypt used to reserve year round a suite that today is called The Farouk Suite.

The luxury Hotel Caesar Augustus, perched high up on the cliff edge on the island of Capri, has 55 rooms and suites with private balconies and the most spectacular panoramic views of Capri and the gulf of Naples.

Suites - All Suites are situated in the main mansion, offering captivating views over the Bay of Naples and featuring separate living-room area with terraces. (50-80 m²/538-861 square feet). Special Suites include: Suite Cesare, Suite Farouk, Suite Vesuvio, Suite Tiberio

Each suite has king sized beds with down duvets, (hypo-allergenic pillows available upon request) and Capri linen sheets. Other features include writing desk, sitting chair, wi-fi high speed internet access, 2 telephones, plasma television with sky movies, walk-in closet, in-room safe, minibar and free shoe shine. All bathrooms have sea views and contain marble vanity top with double wash basin, bidet,natural olive oil bath amenities, Frette towels and bathrobes, shaving mirror, shaving electric plug and Jacuzzi shower bath system.

Junior Suites - 355-420 sq.ft. Sea view or Garden view. One Queen or 2 twins.

Deluxe Rooms - 344 sq.ft. Sea view or Garden view. One Queen or 2 twins.

GETTING THERE

AIRPORT: Naples (NAP) - 50 kms/32 miles. Approximate journey time including ferry is 90 minutes. Book Flights

TRANSPORTATION: Complimentary private shuttle bus services to and from the port. The Island of Capri can be explored on foot.

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Caesar Augustus Hotel
Via G Orlandi 4
Anacapri, 80071 Italy
Tel: ++39 081 8373395
Fax: ++39 081 8371444
Email: info@caesar-augustus.com
Website: www.caesar-augustus.com

Andronis Luxury Suites - Oia, Santorini, Greece

2009-03-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Andronis Luxury Suites - Oia, Santorini, Greece

Nestled in the Caldera cliff with a heavenly view of the volcano, the charming white-washed villas, the surrounding islands and the Aegean Sea, Andronis Luxury Suites Santorini combines classic luxury with modern minimal style.

The interior design and architecture balance the traditional Cycladic and contemporary style. The spaciousness, serenity and breathtaking scenery of the rooms reveal the aesthetic of combining elegance with refined simplicity. A healthy and natural lifestyle defines the hotel's philosophy, from the suites to the massage room, the spa and the creative Mediterranean restaurant. Exquisite aromas and pure freshness captures the taste of the cuisine which uses only bio-organic ingredients.

The originality, aesthetic and environmental harmony will make your stay a dreamy experience. Here you can be yourself and free your senses!

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Visit Oia in Santorini and enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the world.

Boat Tour Along The Caldera Cliffs - Armeni
Excavations of Acrotiri - 22 km/13.5 miles
Fira's Museum - 13 km/8 miles
Santorini Winery - 16 km/10 miles
Volcano - 15 km (other Island)/9.3 miles
Hot Springs - 15 km (other Island)/9.3 miles
Ancient Fira - 20 km/12 miles
Volcano Islands - 10 km/6 miles

GETTING THERE

AIRPORT: Santorini (JTR)

TRANSPORTATION: The hotel provides transfers to and from the airport (see contact below); Private jets, helicopters and limousine services.

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Andronis Luxury Suites
Oia
Santorini, Greece
Tel: +30 22860-72041-43 (3 lines)
Fax: +30 22860-72044
Email: info@andronis-suites.com
Website: www.andronis-suites.com

Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort - South Tyrol, Italy

2009-03-05T06:28:00.001-08:00

Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort - South Tyrol, Italy

Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort is located in the heart of the Ahrntal in one of the South Tyrol's beautiful, pristine valleys. The resort is one of the most exclusive wellness and relaxation hotels in the South Tyrol.

This resort is a great choice for a holiday dedicated to recreation, relaxation, well-being, wine and cuisine. This destination offers a large choice of outdoor pursuits and activities.

Alpenpalace Master Chef Michael Strempel and his Team offer you "Wellness" in a very special way -- with passion, dedication and culinary skill, they prepare local, Italian and international specialties.

From breakfast, through the day, right up through dinner, the kitchen staff prove their fabulous talents and flair for unforgettable variations and variety of delectible dishes using the freshest ingredients from the Tauferer Ahrntal region.

Michael Strempel, the resort's Master Chef and is experienced with cooking for a healthy diet. He knows exactly what it means to serve a high quality meal, personally coordinated to meet individual needs.

In the Tauferer Ahrntal, culture-seeking guests won't be disappointed. Tradition and heritage combined with the openess and hospitality of the Ahrntal residents is characteristic to this region.

An excursion to the mediaeval Taufers Castle in the main city of the Ahrntal, Sand in Taufers, is perfect for families. Visit the Schaubergwerk Prettau, a mine which you can see first-hand, and check out the Bergbaumuseum Steinhaus, a mining museum which tells the history of mining in the Ahrntal with exciting and interesting models and presentations -- both are favorite family destinations.

The Mineralienmuseum von Josef Kirchler is a mineral collection in St. Johann and explains how the Alps came to be and tells their colorful history. And the Krippen- und Volkskunstmuseum Maranatha in Luttach, presents Nativity scenes and other local arts and crafts, is a unique day trip.

You will witness traditional customs with the Autumn Alm Cattle Drives in Rein, which are part of a traditional festival, and don't miss out on visiting an Ahrntal tatting manufacturer. Using this technique, high-quality lace and doilies, made in a century old tradition, are produced with much dedication and skill.

Many interesting cultural events await you and your cultural holiday in the Tauferer Ahrntal. Share unforgettable holiday moments with an E-Card.

AWARDS, AFFILIATIONS & RELATED ARTICLES

Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort is recommended by Condé Nast Johansen's: "The fluffy beds with heaps of pillows, just the thing after a soak in the salt-water spa pool in the heart of the Ahrntal, one of South Tyrol's amazingly beautiful valleys."

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Minimum stay is 3 nights and check-in time is 2:00pm on day of arrival and check-out 10:00am on day of departure. Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort offers a selection of luxury accommodations:

Each room has its own style and character andextravagant suites offer pure comfort and relaxation.

Each person is unique and has his or her own wishes, ideas and expectations for their surroundings and ambience in which he or she can really relax.

The resort values your individuality and offer you Rooms & Suites in various forms, colors and materials - it's your choice!

ROOM AMENITIES

Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort guest room amenities include:

Individual Temperature Controls
Blinds
Safe
Telephone
Minibar
TV with integrated Internet
Laptop Connection
Pay-TV
Radio
DVD-Player
Coffee Machine
Hair Dryer
Cosmetic Mirror
Telephone in the Bathroom
Bathroom Scale
BVLGARI White Tea Luxury Collection

HOTEL SERVICES

Alpenpalace Inclusive Services:

• Regal breakfast buffet prepared in our open view kitchen with everything your heart desires
• Daily wellness buffet 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm with snacks a la carte, fresh salads, homemade cakes, cookies and an array of teas
• Delectable 5 to 7 course á la Carte Gourmet Dinner in the evenings includes a generous appetizer and salad buffet
• Varying theme and specialty evenings
• We will be happy to accommodate special orders for diet or special dishes
• Every day you will find fresh fruit, healthy delicacies, an array of teas and juices in the Wellness area
• Use of our luxurious 2000 sqm Spa Alpin with various saunas, pools, resting areas and brine water area
• Experience Wellness year-round in our heated outdoor swimming pool
• Enjoy our imaginative Park (30,000 m² / 7,5 acres) all around the establishment
• Alpenpalace Wellness Basket with snuggly robes, towels and comfortable bath slippers
• In your rooms you will find an exquisite selection of BVLGARI White Tea Luxury Collection
• Supervised activity and vitality program in the hotel and outdoors in the beautiful natural setting of the Ahrntal mountains (Aqua Gym, Yoga, Gymnastic)

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Explore these sights in the South Tyrol from the Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort:

Bruneck - Even today, nearby Bruneck still hasn't lost its mediaeval charm. Guests enter through four city gates into the Old Town, "Altstadt", where its noble homes, many small shops and beautiful alleys invite you to stroll and enjoy. Those who enjoy art should visit the Brunecker Stadtmuseums, Bruneck's City Museum, and see, among others, the works of Michael Packer and Albrecht Dürer.

Christmas Markets - The five cities of Bolzano, Merano, Brixen, Bruneck and Sterzing all have original South Tyrolean "Christkindl" Markets still in the traditional style.
On your next holiday vacation, let South Tyrol's Magic of Christmas take you away - enjoy the heavenly seasonal cheer on a 5-city Advent Trip.

Historical Buildings: Castles and Churches - 800 romantic Castles and mediaeval Fortresses invite you on a trip into South Tyrol's past. Some of the best historical witnesses are now Castle Restaurants. Additionally, those guests to South Tyrol who are culture-aficianados will find many churches and monasteries in Alto Adige designed and decorated in the Romantic, Gothic and Baroque styles.

South Tyrol's Mining Tradition - Mining has a long tradition in South Tyrol: over several hundreds of years, miners dug deep into the earth for lead, zink and silver. Today you can visit inactive mines and experience the mines first-hand on interesting tours. Schaubergwerke, mines open to the public, and the Bergbauernmuseen (mining museums) can be found in Prettau, Villanders, St. Leonhard in Passeier, Steinhaus and Ridnaun/Schneeberg, among others.

Day Trips - The nearly limitless variety in the Tauferer Ahrntal and all of South Tyrol offers excursion possibilities for sportsfans, families, culture-buffs, connoisseurs and romantics.

For your next holiday in South Tyrol, try a day trip to the Swarowski Crystal Worlds near Innsbruck (Austria), to the city of love Verona, the Gardasee (Adventure and Amusement Park Gardaland) or to Venice.

At the hotel reception, we will be happy to provide you with information regarding the current cultural events and interesting excursions.

GETTING THERE

AIRPORT: Innsbruck (INN) - 90km; Bolzano (BZO) - 90km. Book Flights

TRANSPORTATION: Rent a Car Garage parking spaces may be reserved by all guests for a fee of 8 Euro per day.

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort
I-39030 St. Johann im Ahrntal
South Tyrol - Italy
Tel. (+39) 0474 670 230
Fax (+39) 0474 671 156
Email: info@alpenpalace.com
Website: www.alpenpalace.com

Blue Caves Villas - Zakynthos, Greece

2009-03-05T06:23:00.001-08:00

Blue Caves Villas - Zakynthos, Greece

Blue Caves Villas is a private, peaceful and romantic villa complex of traditionally designed Zakynthian stone houses overlooking the sea. Perfect for relaxing holidays with various opportunities in terms of privacy, leisure and pleasure -- hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and fishing, or for the more adventurous, there is diving in the crystal clear sea, canoeing or exploring the mountainside. All the villas have private pools and direct access to the sea and spectacular 'Priest's Cave' where a monk allegedly used this cave for meditation in the old days. There are four fabulous villas for you to choose from: Deep Blue (4 bedrooms), Palace (5 bedrooms), Crystal (3 bedrooms), Purple (3 bedrooms).

VILLAS

Open from April 1 to November 30 (closed in winter months)

Deep Blue Villa (4 Bedrooms) Deep Blue is 250 sqm, Zakynthian style 4 bedroom villa with private pool and hydro massage area and direct access to the sea and impressive Priest's caves. Offers privacy, breathtaking sea views, comfortable accommodation and facilities for 8 up to 9 persons.

The main villa has 3 bedrooms and is splitting on three levels. Upstairs: one bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom. Lower floor: overlooking the sea living room with fireplace and exit to 80sqm covered veranda with dining table for 12 people. Fully equipped kitchen including gas oven, gas/electric hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, juicer, espresso and filter coffee machines, dishwasher and washing machine. Downstairs: one double bedroom (40 sqm) and a twin bedroom (35 sqm) both with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. These bedrooms have independent entrances and their own terraces with sea view. The Guesthouse: it's an independent part of Deep Blue Villa, 50 sqm air-conditioned studio with his own privacy and beautiful sea view to Kefalonia Island and pool.

Crystal and Purple Villas (3 Bedrooms each) Crystal and Purple villas are two identical, newly built 3 bedrooms villas with private pools and hydro massage spots, comfortable for 6-8 persons each. On the ground level are two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting-dining room and kitchen. On the top level are one bedroom with en-suite bathroom and large covered veranda with amazing panoramic sea view.

Palace Villa (5 Bedrooms) Villa Palace its 250 sqm house with 5 bedrooms, private pool and big hydro-massage area. Ground floor: fully equipped kitchen, big sitting and dining room, toilet, and one bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The top floor: four bedrooms with four bathrooms and large covered veranda where you may enjoy an amazing sea view.

VILLA AMENITIES

Villas are on a private plot of land of over 40.000 sqm with a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea and the North Western part of the Island (Alikes, Alikanas) and Kefalonia. The villa surroundings include: aromatic herbal gardens, sun beds, beach chairs, traditional village style oven and BBQ.

Bed linen, towels, beach towels provided.

GUEST SERVICES

Complimentary:
Live scuba transmission of the Blue Caves underwater world to LCD TV.
Astronomical observatory
Binoculars
Mountain bikes
Canoes - kayaks
Snorkeling and fishing equipment

Special arrangements upon request (additional charge):
Transfers
Car rentals
Baby-sitting
Jeep safari
Sailing
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

ACTIVITIES

Blue Caves Villas are by the seaside -- the beach is only 70 metres away down a stone path. There is direct access to the legendary and impressive Priest's Cave. An entrance from the house to the cave has been constructed with great care, consisting of vertical tunnel leading to the interior of the cave and leading to the sea. There you can swim in the crystal water and see the caves which are famous for their bright blue color. The sea area is good for fishing with a big variety of Mediterranean fish.

Water sports activities upon request (additional charge):
Boat excursions, fishing trips
Motor boats for hire
Water sports day (waterskiing lessons, wakeboard rings and banana ride)
Scuba diving underwater scooter (Dolphin Pro)

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Various opportunities in terms of privacy, leisure and pleasure. The abundance of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing or for the more adventurous: diving in the crystal clear sea, canoeing or exploring the mountain side, will tempt every visitor and make for unforgettable experiences. There are canoes, snorkeling and fishing equipment, mountain bikes and an astronomical observatory available for guests' use. Use of a speedboat can be arranged, at extra cost, as well as water sports activities, fishing trips and boat excursions.

GETTING THERE

AIRPORT: Zakynthos (ZTH) - 30 km from villas. Book Flights

Domestic flights are available between Zakynthos airport and Athens, served by the national airline Olympic Airlines, there are usually two flights a day. The journey time to Athens is approximately 1 hour. During the holiday (high) season (May-October) almost all international flights are chartered flights from European cities.

TRANSPORTATION: Blue Caves Villas are located on the northern side of Zakynthos; the most beautiful and tranquil area of the island, 30km from the main town and 2.5 km from the small port of Agios Nikolaos, which is the only port, has ferries to Kefalonia (1 hour by ferry boat).

ADDRESS:
Blue Caves Villas
c/o Mr. Giorgos Nikolouzos
St. Nicolas - Volimes
T.K 290 91 - Zakynthos Island
Greece

For booking and further information:
Owner: Giorgos Nikolouzos
Mobile: + 30 693 2469717
Email: info@bluecavesvillas.gr
Website: www.bluecavesvillas.gr

Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski - Kewengwa, Zanzibar, Tanzania

2009-03-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski - Kewengwa, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Also known as the ‘Spice Island’, Zanzibar is a tropical paradise of palm studded beaches and azure waters, some 25 miles off the coast of Tanzania. Enjoying a commanding oceanfront position on the island’s prestigious north east coast, the Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski affords magnificent views over the Indian Ocean. Set on 30 acres of landscaped gardens and designed to blend in harmoniously with its natural surroundings, only materials native to the island are being used in its construction. The resort boasts 110 guest rooms and suites – each with their own private terrace and courtyard, a Presidential villa, six private villas, two restaurants, two bars, extensive health and beauty facilities as well as a wide range of provisions catering to indoor and outdoor leisure.

This Indian Ocean archipelago with its white sandy beaches is located 35 km off the East African main land. The Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski Hotel is Zanzibar's leading international resort, situated on the north eastern part of the island, featuring world class luxury accommodation. The hideaway resort offers 110 rooms, 7 private villas, an exclusive beach club and a romantic Jetty Bar above the Indian Ocean. The hotel is the perfect destination for honeymoon or wedding vacation as well as meetings & incentives. The Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski has been voted Best Villa Resort at the World Luxury Awards and Leading Hotel in Tanzania at the World Travel Awards 2007.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski consists of 110 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with their own private terrace and courtyard, two Presidential Villas and five smaller villas, each with private infinity pool and sundeck. All accommodation at the resort has complete uninterrupted views overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The guest rooms and suites are conceived as contemporary, each houses an en-suite bathroom together with a private tropical courtyard with an outdoor shower. The beautiful sandy tones and blues of Zanzibar are offset against the myriad of coral colours in the soft furnishings.

Guest rooms and Suites:
7 Private Villas
10 Zamani Suites
40 Terrace Rooms
60 Garden Rooms

AMENITIES

All guest rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with interiors reflecting the coast, coral reefs and azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Rooms and suites are equipped with international satellite TV with movie channels, multilingual telephone voicemail, tea and coffee making facilities, in room safe and mini-bar, 24-hour room service, laundry/dry-cleaning service, bathrobes, shoe shine service, make-up mirror and hairdryer and a deluxe range of bathroom amenities.

SERVICES

The resort offers 5-star services and facilities including a choice of two restaurants, a beach club, a dedicated relaxation area for guests to read their favourite books and magazines, two boutiques, Anantara Spa Zanzibar, fitness centre including yoga and aerobics rooms, a 23m outdoor lap pool, a 60m outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, dedicated children’s play area as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities.

The resort also offers a specialised banquet/meeting area for up to 150 guests.

Multi-lingual staff, 24-hour concierge, 24-hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, limousine service, tour desk, currency exchange, business centre, and a doctor on call 24 hours.

DINING

A choice of international dining options are available:

The Red Snapper - Specialising in local seafood.
Location: Overlooking the Indian Ocean. Open: 7:00pm – 10:30pm

Cloves - All day casual dining. Mediterranean cuisine offering a choice of buffet or a la carte. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Location: Resort Level. Open: 7:00am to 10:30pm

The Zanzi Bar – The perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink or light snack. Location: Lobby Level. Open: 12:00 midday to 12:00 midnight.

The Pool Bar – The classic Pool Bar, serving a variety of alcoholic beverages, freshly squeezed fruit juices, iced teas, smoothies and light snacks. Location: Pool Area. Open: 11:00 am – 6:00pm

Jetty Bar – Out on the jetty, which invites during the day to relaxation and sun bathing and in the evening to romantic star gazing. Location: Jetty. Open: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Zamani Beach Club Grill & Bar – Little bit apart from the property at the beach, offering light snacks from the grill
Location: Beach. Open: 10:00 am until sunset

ACTIVITIES

Beach Club
Anantara Spa Zanzibar
Fitness Center
Outdoor Swimming Pool
PADI Scuba Diving Centre
Deep Sea Fishing
Snorkeling
Sailing
Reef Walk
Jetty
Cycling
Tennis
Water Sports
Cycling
Kids Play Ground
Dhow Sunset Champagne Cruise

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: Kewengwa, Zanzibar, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania.

Airport: Zanzibar (ZNZ)

Weather: Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May, which are seasonally subject to rain. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by short showers which do not last long.

The heat of summer is often cooled by pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Situated near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.

High Season: December, January, July, August / Low Season: April, May, June / Shoulder Season: February, March, September, October, November

Villa Tanju

2009-02-26T12:45:00.001-08:00

Villa Tanju

Villa Tanju is a luxurious 4-bedroom beachfront villa, located at Mengening Beach on Bali's southwest coast. Villa Tanju is comprised of a series of pavilions, leisurely spread throughout 2,400 square metres of tropical gardens, complete with a stunning 15 x 4.5 metre infinity-edge swimming pool, lotus ponds and restful water features. The simple application of timber, terrazzo, natural colours, fabrics and local materials, such as the alang-alang grass used in the construction of the roofs, is consistent throughout the property. The rugged beach is just a few metres away and the glorious views take in the distant volcanoes, dramatic coastline and neighbouring Hindu sea temple of Pura Bata Ngandang, perched on a rocky outcrop and lashed by the waves of the Indian Ocean.

The Setting
The property is entered via a traditional Balinese gate, sheltered by a thatched roof and framed in a patchwork of random rocks. A pathway leads past bulrush ponds and water spouts, and a welcome ensemble of five gamelan musicians hand-carved out of local paras stone. Stepping stones weave through the neat garden, past palm trees, dwarf lanterns, tipsy earthenware pots and sweet scented frangipani, between twin lotus ponds stocked with fish, to the 9 x 6 metre stand-alone living pavilion, which is centrally positioned, facing the ocean and bordering the pool deck. This room is completely encompassed by glass to preserve the view through the garden; the clever design allows guests to completely fold back the doors to create an open-air pavilion, cooled by natural breezes and ceiling fans. Bamboo blinds on all four sides can be dropped for privacy and shade. Featuring a cool terrazzo floor, the room is tastefully furnished with deeply-cushioned sofas, a low coffee table and stylish lamps. A selection of games and magazines is provided for the use of the guests, together with a high quality music system with surround sound provided by speakers hidden in the roof.

Positioned on the seaward side, aspected west towards the magnificent sunsets, the angled swimming pool appears to overflow into the beachfront garden. A timber sundeck is located on one side, the raised position ensuring that it catches the cool sea breezes. It is furnished with four sunbeds and two umbrellas and there is also an outdoor shower. A Buddha statue rests at one end overlooking the fresh green coastal lawns, which are dotted with coconut palms. The gardens are perfect for weddings, parties and functions, and also provide a great play area for children.

Dining & Kitchen
Approached by stepping stones, the striking hexagonal dining pavilion is completely open-air, sheltered by a soaring alang-alang grass roof. It features a terrazzo floor and is furnished with a grand dining table and ten chairs; a wonderful place to enjoy a semi-alfresco dining experience within sight and sound of the sea. A guest washroom and toilet is discreetly positioned to one side.

The immaculate, well equipped western-style kitchen adjoins the dining pavilion, and is fully fitted with gas stove, oven, and numerous appliances. Here, the cook will prepare delicious meals from a menu of Indonesian and International dishes.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The master bedroom is situated within another self-contained single storey pavilion. It is entered by a pair of solid teak antique doors complemented by a teakwood floor, and is characterised by a king-size four-poster bed draped in white muslin, together with cane planter chairs, ceramic lamps and eye-catching local artwork. The bedroom is also equipped with a flat screen satellite TV with DVD/music system, together with a split air-conditioning unit and overhead ceiling fan. Large sliding glass doors open on to an outdoor verandah running the length of the bedroom. This sheltered timber deck is furnished with a huge daybed, where guests can relax and enjoy the ocean vista and the rhythmic murmur of the waves. A door leads off the bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe complete with shelves, hanging space and a safe deposit box. The romantic en-suite garden bathroom is walled for privacy and is characterised by an open-air shower on a Palimanan stand, bordered by frangipani, palms, giant taro leaves and colourful croton. The room is dominated by an oversized sunken bathtub, fashioned out of cream terrazzo. The toilet is hidden behind a half-wall, on top of which reclines a Buddha statue.

Two more air-conditioned bedrooms, each complete with an en-suite bathroom, are located on the ground floor of the main two-storey building. One room is furnished with twin beds, ideal for kids, together with desk, chair, radio/tape player, built in wardrobe, ceiling fan and safe deposit box. Antique doors open into a lush garden bathroom featuring a sheltered oval bathtub and outdoor shower, toilet and vanity unit with washbasin. Sliding glass doors lead from the bedroom onto a timber deck, which runs the full length of the front of the building and is furnished with a table and four high stools. A double bedroom is also accessed from the wooden deck, and is a mirror image of the room next door complete with adjoining garden bathroom. It is furnished with a king size bed, together with desk, chair, radio/tape player, built in wardrobe, ceiling fan and safe deposit box.

An external sweeping staircase curves up to a large wooden balcony deck with a comfortable daybed from where guests can enjoy fantastic panoramic views while chilling out with a book or a sunset cocktail. This upstairs area houses the fourth air-conditioned bedroom, complete with sliding glass doors onto the balcony. It is attractively furnished with a four-poster king-size canopied bed and a time-honoured chest of drawers, and is fitted with a ceiling fan and safe deposit box. It also features an antique wooden door that leads onto the balcony. A third door accesses a bathroom with shower cubicle, toilet and shell-veneered washbowl. The top section of the exterior wall is open to allow the fresh air to permeate together with the soothing sound of running water from the fountain in the garden below.

The study room is positioned next door to the upstairs bedroom and shares the adjoining bathroom. This room also doubles as a fifth bedroom, where guests can relax in snug, air-conditioned comfort. It is well equipped with a desk, Broadband Internet access, computer, 29-inch flat screen plasma TV with satellite reception and DVD/music system. There is also a wall unit with drawers, shelves and cupboards full of books, DVDs, music CDs, and games for the use of the guests. Glass-fronted doors open onto the verandah.

Practicalities, such as the staff quarters and laundry, are taken care of in the service area beside the entrance to the property, leaving the remainder of the villa free to enjoy the garden and ocean view. Guests also have use of a full-size tennis court and mountain bikes. With its spacious and luxurious atmosphere, Villa Tanju is ideally suited for families and small groups of discerning people who want to experience the best of Bali.

The Location
Villa Tanju is located on the coast, within the beautiful agricultural belt between Kuta and Tanah Lot; an area that is home to some of the most luxurious private residences on the island. Remarkably laidback and undeveloped, this tranquil out-of-town setting offers the double attraction of being relatively close to everything that guests might need, while also offering visitors a privileged insight into the traditions of rural Bali. The nearby sweeping beach is renowned for its panoramic coastline views and legendary sunsets. It has some world-class surf breaks but the currents are strong and it can be dangerous for swimming. The trendy Seminyak area, a mere twenty minutes drive away, offers a wide choice of international restaurants, chic cocktail bars, exciting nightclubs, lavish spas and elegant shops. Convenient for most of the island's tourist attractions, the villa is forty-five minutes' drive from Bali's International Airport and fifteen minutes from Nirwana Golf Course.

VILLA SUMMARY

Area Sizes : Land area 2,400 M2, Residence Size 444 M2, Large Private Swimming Pool 15 m x 4,5 m, Tropical landscaped garden with ponds, Private Car Parking, Guest capacity ideally up to 8 adults.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms : 3 bedrooms with King sized beds, 1 bedroom with Twin-size bed, All with AC and overhead ceiling fans, Separate Study room (5th bedroom), Total 4 en-suite bathrooms; 1 Master bathroom with oversized bathtub, 2 guest bathrooms with bathtubs, 1 Upstairs bathroom with shower.

Living and Dining Areas : Open plan living pavilion with glass sliding doors, Dining Pavilion adjoining western style kitchen, Main Dining Table Seats 6 people, Separate air-conditioned Television Study Room.

Villa Services & Amenities : Full Sized shared Tennis Court, Safety Boxes 4, Fully equipped kitchen and laundry, Live in staff quarters, Complimentary Laundry Service (dry cleaning at cost), Babysitter on request, Mountain bikes.

Communications : Cable TV, VCR, Stereo, VCD Stereo Unit in all bedrooms, Telephone Line.

Staffing : 1 Villa Manager, 3 Housekeeping Staff, 1 Trained Cook, 1 Gardener and daily pool maintenance, 3 Night Security.

Villa Sungai Tinggi

2009-02-26T12:44:00.001-08:00

Villa Sungai Tinggi

Villa Sungai Tinggi is one of Bali's very few absolute beachfront Villas, with direct access to Canggu Beach. Villa Sungai Tinggi is located just beyond the quiet and picturesque Balinese Village of Pererenan, only a 20 minutes from the many popular restaurants and shops of Seminyak and approximately a 45 minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport. For the golf enthusiasts, the Nirwana Bali Golf Course - The Le Meridian Hotel and the famous Tanah Lot Temple are less than a 10 minutes drive. The Nusa Dua Golf Club and Bali Handara Golf Course are an equidistant 1 hour's drive away.

The Setting
With over 100 meters of private beach frontage, Villa Sungai Tinggi has the ultimate sunset panorama with views over to the Jimbaran Bukit headland in the south across to the Java coastline in the west and the cloudy peaks of Gunung Agung to the north. Set on a 2,750 square meter, gently sloping grounds, studded with coconut palms and fragrant frangipani trees, with a crystal clear 18 meter x 4 meter lap swimming pool, this home is a wonderful retreat far from the gaiety of tourist Bali.

The villa is refreshingly uncomplicated and simple in design with the sympathetic use of traditional Balinese architectural concepts and utilization of the best of local timbers and handcrafted stones and offers you every modern amenity.

Living and Dining Areas
The stunning main 12-meter x 8 meter open living and dining pavilion has been designed for relaxation and entertainment and provides optimum enjoyment of the wonderful ocean, river and unforgettable sunset views. The pavilion with its high natural alang alang grass ceiling, the tall supporting coconut columns and the cool cream terrazzo paved floors is the very essence of tropical living. Overhead ceiling fans and gentle sea breezes keep everyone cool and the ample lounge area seating assures that there is room for everyone to relax. The lounge has a music system with surround sound speakers in the ceiling. The 3 meter handcrafted coconut shell dining table for 12 makes for easy and elegant dining.

A separate air-conditioned indoor study has a Television unit complete with VCD and Video systems. A second upstairs casual open living area also has a Television unit with VCD, Video and Play station systems as well as a pool table for your enjoyment.

The grounds are beautifully grassed and maintained. The wonderful 18 meter long swimming pool is lined with green stone with a Palimanan stone surround and is only meters away from the beach. A swim in the pool, a surf at one of Bali's most popular surf beaches, a beach walk, a bike ride up to the village and its surrounds or a quiet fish at the rock pools are all only a matter of steps.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The villa has four air-conditioned bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. The villa has been designed with a master and study bedroom wings on ground level and a separate wing with two ground level bedrooms and a bedroom upstairs opening onto a casual living area. All the bedrooms have ocean views with large glass sliding doors. The cool and clean feel of dark teak timber floors underfoot have been used throughout and each bedroom has individual deluxe split air conditioning units as well as overhead ceiling fans.

The bedrooms have custom made oversized king beds with built in wardrobes. Often overlooked in tropical homes, all bedrooms have good quality curtains. The bedroom interiors have been tastefully furnished with a balance of modern rattan and collected antique furniture and artifacts.

VILLA SUMMARY

Area Sizes : Land area 2,750 m2, Residence size 550 m2, Large private swimming pool 18m x 4m, Tropical landscaped garden with ponds, Guest capacity ideally 8-10 people as couples, Additional trundle style bedding for children can be arranged upon request.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms : 4 bedrooms with king sized beds all with air- conditioning and overhead ceiling fans, Study can be made up into a queen sized bed, 5 en-suite bathrooms, Master & Study bathrooms with bathtubs, Downstairs guest bedroom with bath tub, 2nd guest bedroom downstairs with shower only, Upper storey guest bedroom with shower only.

Living and Dining Areas : Open plan living & dining area, Main dining table seats 12, Separate air-conditioned television study room located downstairs, Second smaller open air living with views to Jimbaran Bukit with television and pool table.

Villa Facilities : Pool table, Full sized tennis court, Mountain bikes 4, Surf ski boards 2, Safety Box 1.

Communications : Television units (2) with cable TV, VCR, Stereo, VCD located in living areas, Stereo unit in all bedrooms, Telephone line.

Staffing : Villa manager 1, Housekeeping staff 4, Trained cooks 2, Daily pool and garden attendant 2, Night security 3.

Villa Sound of the Sea at Pantai Lima

2009-02-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

Villa Sound of the Sea at Pantai Lima

It is right on the coast, with 30 meters of unimpeded beach frontage. You step from your garden on to the sand.

Sound of the Sea is one of five villas in the exclusive Pantai Lima Estate, but the property is not vast and privacy so assured that guest are blissfully unaware of their neighbors. Situated at Pererenan, a secluded strip of beach on the west coast between the fashionable expat enclave the Canggu and the spiritually important Hindu temple of Tanah Lot, Villa Waringin is the epitome of peace, yet the excitement of Seminyak with its shops, restaurants and night life is barely 25 minutes away by car. The world-famous Nirwana golf course is a 15 minute drive.

Furnished by its French owners with the utmost taste and flair, this is a truly spacious, utterly private villa to captivate and satisfy the most sophisticated guests.

Facilities:
- Five air-conditioned bedrooms
- 100 sq m swimming pool
- Children's paddling pool
- Jacuzzi large enough for 6 adults
- Palm-fringed tropical gardens
- iPod connection in every room
- 37" LCD TV's in each bedroom
- DVD player on all bedrooms
- Mini bar in each room
- HD projector and screen
- Bose speaker systems in all rooms and the gardens
- Unlimited WIFI internet
- Fitness equipment
- Tennis court with night lighting
- All meals available at cost price - French chef
- Butler service
- Phone in villa and fax in the office
- Laundry
- Private use of car and driver 10 hours daily
- Private parking
- 24 hours security
- Airport transfers

Location
On Bali west coast 6 Km North of Seminyak, that is 25 mn drive 3.5 Km South of Tanah Lot and its Nirwana golf course 16 Km, i.e. 45 mn drive from the airport At the end of a 2.5 Km, 4m wide, asphalted road surrounded by rice paddies, that leads to a secluded beach.

Westin St. John Resort & Villas - St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

2009-02-16T06:52:00.001-08:00

Westin St. John Resort & Villas - St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Overlooking Great Cruz Bay, the resort features 96 vacation villas, 13 townhouses and 7 suites. Turquoise bays and white sand beaches are a delightful backdrop for snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and swimming in a freshwater pool with its own waterfall. Enjoy aqua aerobics or rent a jeep at the resort to explore the island. Don't forget to take along a picnic from the Mango Deli - the perfect complement to any adventure. As the sun sets, enjoy Caribbean specialties in open-air splendor, or relax with reggae and calypso music in the lounges.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Villas - For extra space and total privacy the resort offers 67 Hillside and Garden Villas. Generous in size and fully equipped the vacation villas are ideal for larger families and couples looking for the ultimate in privacy and intimacy. Hillside Villas include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas with semi-private swimming pools. The three-bedroom Garden Villas all feature private pools. The Westin St John Resort Villas are you home away from —home and Feature turnkey amenities including full kitchens, washer and dryer and separate living areas.

Suites - The resort’s luxurious suites feature all the same resort amenities, plus oversize whirlpool tubs and lots of extra room to spare. From sit-down dining areas to two-story town houses, each suite offers plenty of room for families or couples that desire the best Caribbean accommodations.

Guest Rooms - The resort’s oversize guest rooms feature a host of convenient amenities, including: The Heavenly Bed, individual climate control, color cable televisions, spacious marble bathrooms, in-room refreshment centers, in-room safes, iron and ironing boards, direct dial telephones with voice mail and data ports. Rooms all face the Great Cruz Bay some with spectacular views and most feature patios or balconies. Non-smoking and handicapped equipped rooms are available.

AMENITIES

The resort features 96 vacation villas, 13 townhouses ideal for families and 7 suites offering the ultimate in comfort. All guest rooms are thoughtfully appointed with private balconies or patios with breathtaking views.

Starwood Turbo Net High Speed Internet Access by Request
Air-Conditioned Rooms
Alarm Clock
Cable Channels
Coffee Maker

DINING

Snorkels Bar and Grill
Chloe and Bernards Bar
Beach Café and Bar
Snorkels Bar and Grill Restaurant
Mango Deli

ACTIVITIES

On-site: Outdoor Pool, Tennis, Fitness and Spa Facilities/Services

Nearby: Adventurer Catamaran (Day Trips), Limnos Charters, Virgin Islands National Park, Cruz Bay (Shopping); Mahoghany Run Golf Course - 18 Miles.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Virgin Islands National Park - 50 Feet
Limnos Charters - 50 Feet
Adventurer Catamaran (Day Trips) - 50 Feet
Cruz Bay (Shopping) - 1 Mile
Coral World - 5 Miles
St. John Island Beaches - 5 Miles
Charlotte Amalie - 10 Miles

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: Westin St. John Resort & Villas, Great Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands 00831.

Airport: St. Thomas (STT)

Villa Beige - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

2009-02-16T06:47:00.001-08:00

Villa Beige - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

Opened in December 2006...Villa Beige is a private and modern beachfront estate, which can be rented to parties up to 8 adults. The stunning views can be enjoyed throughout the 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. On a 5,000 m2 piece of jungle the buildings are separated to guarantee the most privacy for our exclusive guests and their friends and family.

The staff of five will take care of all your personal needs and do its utmost to please all the guests. Enjoy the pampering treatments in the traditional Thai spa, whenever you choose, and let your personal Thai chef cook all your favorite dishes. Villa Beige guests can work out in the stunning gym or sunbathe on the villa's private sandy beach. The villa manager will prepare sunset cocktails at the infinity pool, while guests refresh in the turquoise waters.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The two king size bed rooms Koh Si and Koh Angtong with around each of 60 sqm size have both large terrace each around 50 sqm from which the guests can enjoy the 360 views. One suite has an outdoor bathroom with shower and terrazzo bath tub. All flour-to-ceiling windows are open-able completely to enjoy the stunning ocean view.

The two queen size bed rooms Koh Madsum and Koh Tan with around each of 60 sqm size are equally equipped. They feature additional Bisazza mosaic round showers.

All bathrooms have WC and bidet, Indonesian marble floors, terrazzo bathtubs, open able bathrooms, shower, Wi- Fi Internet and Audio System.

One of the bedrooms is equipped with children TV and DVD player, toys boxes and games.

ROOM AMENITIES

Butler Service
Room Service (24-Hour)
Towels & Linen
Wireless High Speed Internet

VILLA SERVICES

Each of our guests will be taken care of by the very attentive and friendly Villa Beige service staff. Services include daily breakfast, laundry service, and concierge service. We have a professional chef, international trained Thai villa manager/butler (excellent English), maid, gardener, spa therapist and security guard.

Business Centre
Butler Service

DINING

All meals can be arranged as in-villa dining. The professional chef is excellent at cooking Western and Thai dishes. A child menu is also available.

BBQ area with fresh seafood cooking, sunset cocktail lounge, Entertaining Living room with 50” Plasma TV, stereo surround system, Satellite TV, DVD and CD collection, executive office, iPod docking station.

ACTIVITIES

Boating, Fishing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Golf at Santburi Golf Club, Mountain Biking, Restaurants, Shopping area nearby.

Outdoor Infinty Swimming Pool - Breathe in an astonishing view towards the beach from across your private travertine pool, size 15 m x 3,5 m with infinity edge.

Private Beach - On the shore, dive directly into the deep blue ocean at high tide or await the ebb, when a private beach is revealed. Deck chairs and tables with umbrellas are available at the beach and toys for children and snorkeling equipment. The beach size depends on the high or low tide of the ocean and can change during the day.

Fitness Centre - The professionally equipped gym is a stunning element of Villa Beige. It offers the Life Fitness machines elliptical trainer and work out bench with free weights, multi training center, air-condition and an audio system.

Spa Services - We invite you to take full advantage of the service of your own private Spa, which is perched high on the palm filled cliff overlooking the ocean. After your rejuvenation treatment, please enjoy the Bisazza steam sauna.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Villa Beige is located on the island of Koh Samui. Among the many attractions is the mountain jungle in the interior of the island, home to a number of impressive gardens and waterfalls at Na Muang, rubber plantations and amazing views over the Ang Thong archipelago.

Big Buddha Temple
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai / Hin Ta)
Lamai Beach
Angthong National Marine Park
Na Muang Waterfall
Laem Sor Pagoda
Chaweng Beach
Secret Buddha Garden
Samui Ocean Sports
Ban Sabai Spa Samui

GETTING THERE

Address: 70/1 Moo. 3 Tumbon, Taling Ngam, 84140 Thailand. Email: info@villabeige.com.

Airport: Koh Samui (USM)

Transportation: Villa Beige provides airport pick-up.

Tropical Villa Vacations - Maui & Hawaii

2009-02-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

Tropical Villa Vacations - Maui & Hawaii

Tropical Villa Vacations is celebrating more than twelve years of exceeding customer expectations. Discerning travelers choose Tropical Villa Vacations for its fabulous collection of exceptional and truly luxurious beach front vacation estates, secluded retreats, romantic hideaways and villa resorts.

Tropical Villa Vacations is the original villa rental agency to pair extraordinary vacation residences with complimentary "Personal Concierge Service". Their staff is trained for an aggregate of more than twenty years as Concierge with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Maui, Seattle, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, and beyond.

Esteemed guests of Tropical Villa Vacations receive personalized luxury vacation planning services. The service is entirely customized and reflects the individual expectations of each guest. Whether you are seeking new-luxury "sophistication without pretense" or traditional-luxury with "every wish indulged", the experienced and attentive staff of Tropical Villa Vacations will anticipate and accommodate your needs with exacting attention to detail.

If you are seeking a vacation villa nestled within a resort setting, select one of the exclusive privately-managed Wailea Beach Villas. Your reservation will be confirmed for the individual villa of your choice, providing you with a guaranteed view and location.

Tropical Villa Vacations and Tropical Villa Realty are based in sunny Kihei on the island of Maui, which has been repeatedly voted the best tropical island in the world by the readers of specialized travel publications.

Tropical Villa Vacations is the actual hands-on property manager and direct rental agent for many of the extraordinary properties displayed in this expansive web brochure: TROPICAL VILLA VACATIONS

Trisara Hotel & Villas - Nai Thon Beach, Phuket, Thailand

2009-02-09T09:43:00.001-08:00

Trisara Hotel & Villas - Nai Thon Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Renowned for its prestigious location, breathtaking views and caring hospitality service, Trisara is an award-winning resort property in South East Asia offering private pools & ocean views from all rooms, spa suites and villas.

Overlooking the Andaman Sea, each of the resort's 39 pool rooms and villas epitomize the height of luxury yet are sensitively designed to blend into, rather than overpower, the natural beauty of the surroundings, with rich teaks and light tones combining perfectly with the ocean backdrop. Panoramic pool rooms feature outdoor showers and private plunge pools, while the residential-style pool villas also boast their own infinity-edge swimming pools and expansive decks which are perfect for barbeques or romantic dinners.

The resort's 1,500 square-meter Trisara Spa has set new benchmarks in the world of beauty with six private treatment suites around an open-sided breezy pavilion rimmed with tropical ponds.

Trisara's signature 3-therapist 6-hand Royal Trisara massage launched earlier this year and is a not to be missed experience for guests seeking the ultimate in relaxation and spa pampering. The 90-minute journey of synchronized indulgence combines Thai and Swedish massage leaving guests feeling rejuvenated.

Trisara guests can combine a stay in the resort's legendary pool villas or private residences with two days (one night) aboard the 3-cabin Ferretti "Double Issue" motor yacht, an experience that allows exploration of the beautiful, un-crowded islands and bays just off Phuket's coastline in pure luxury.

Guests also have access to a range of additional luxury motor yachts to explore the many islands and bays close to Phuket.

Trisara also manages within its grounds a number of privately-owned residential villas which are available to rent as 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedroom villas.

AWARDS, AFFILIATIONS & RELATED ARTICLES

Trisara's Accolades include:

Best of the Best - Robb Report 2005
Hot List 2005 - Conde Nast Traveller (USA)
Hot Spas 2006 - Conde Naste Traveller (USA)
Hotel of the Year 2006 - Gallivanter's Guide
#1 Resort in South East Asia - Gallivanter's Guide 2006
Best Boutique Resort in Thailand - World Travel Awards 2007
Best Resort Thailand & Honeymoon Destination - Art of Travel 2008
Best Personal Service - Art of Travel 2008
Best Restaurant, Menu & Innovating Thai Chef - Art of Travel 2008
#2 Best Resort in South East Asia - Gallivanter's Guide (UK) 2008

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

All 39 pool villas and suites are currently available in 4 categories which enjoy wonderful views of the Andaman Sea and a true sense of privacy.

22 individual one bedroom Pool Villas boast 240 square metres of total space, including the private 10 metre infinity pool, teak sundecks, outdoor shower and 96 square metre bedrooms.

12 Ocean View Pool Rooms are set higher above the ocean view pool villas, all enjoying expansive sea views. The pool room comprises a 50 square metre internal bedroom plus outdoor shower, teak pool deck and a private plunge pool. Each Pool Room offers a private entrance walkway and shares one common wall with the adjoining room. Two Pool Rooms together can be rented as one two bedroom unit for small families.

3 private Ocean View Spa Pool Suites sit higher above the bay with wonderful sea views. The 230 square meter suites comprise the private bedroom with en-suite and outdoor showers, a separate living room and its own spa treatment bathroom. A 9 meter infinity pool and open decks make this suite perfect for couples or families, as the living room daybeds convert to twin beds.

2 larger Two Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villas are situated directly above the bay, with absolute ocean-frontage, two bedrooms both with en-suite and outdoor showers, and a large central dining and living space, all under one roof. This leads out to the pool deck and 10 meter private pool.

Residential privately owned villas:

The residential villa homes are available for rent as an integral part of the resort.

All villas are either oceanfront or are set within a tropical forest overlooking the sea, and are perfect for families or groups of friends.

These magnificent privately owned residential villas feature between 2 and 5 bedrooms, expansive open decks, 20 metre swimming pools, with separate living and dining pavilions.

Live-in staff attends to the cooking and housekeeping needs of guests and all the services and facilities of the resort are open to villa guests.

ROOM AMENITIES

Thoughtful details in all accommodation include large bathtubs, separate standing shower, plasma / LCD screen TVs, DVD players, surround sound stereo and complimentary WIFI / high-speed broadband internet.

HOTEL SERVICES

Retail - The resort's two exquisite shops offer beachwear, gift items, basic amenities, gourmet foods, artwork, jewelry, and décor items from all over S. E. Asia.

Childrens Club - Trisara Kids is located in a dedicated pavilion which is secluded from the main areas and is designed with a range of activities, games and computers for youngsters between the ages of 4 to 16 to enjoy. The kid's club is supervised by qualified personnel.

Library - The resort's expansive library offers a wide range of books, magazines and games for guests to borrow. Music is a specialty and the library offers guest thousands of hours of music to be taken to the villas. Personal mini iPods are also available free of charge and guests can select and download music from thousands of albums whether jazz, latin, classical, or hip-hop. The iPod connects to the BOSE system in the villas easily.

Private Dining - Teak sundecks, indoor and outdoor daybeds, and ample space in the pool villas make them an ideal setting for private dining. Whether it’s a simple breakfast of coffee, fresh juice and bakery; or, a staffed in-villa dining extravaganza – the space and privacy of our villas make private dining a must.

DINING

The focal point of Trisara is a sprawling 1,000 square-meter teak deck set above the private bay.

On both sides of the deck, glass-and-teak structures with Thai-style sloping roofs house the restaurant and bar. Naturally lit by day, they are detailed with arrangements of stunning yet sophisticated floral arrangements and flicker with candles by night. Outside, you can lounge on sundeck chairs during the day, sip cocktails whilst watching the sun go down directly in front, or dine comfortably at either lunch or dinner.

Our kitchen is headed by a talented Thai national – Khun Kla – his food philosophy of taking wonderful local produce, such as exceptional seafood, fruit and vegetables and preparing them so that they retain all their flavor and integrity, works perfectly in our seaside tropical environment. You can feast on either Western or Thai cuisine. The Thai menu melds spicy local Curries with a range of barbequed seafood, noodles and vegetables. Our Western menu focuses on salads, seafood and wonderful tasty snacks which are perfect to eat on our waterfront deck, by the pool or sitting on the beach with your toes in the sand.

The in-house bakery produces some of the best bread you will eat in Thailand – along with amazing buttery croissants, mouth-watering chocolates and desserts.

The bar – directly overlooking the ocean and the dining deck – has a warm cozy feel with day beds and low comfortable lounges to relax in, whilst enjoying our tropical cocktails. A seat in the bar with a Passionfruit margarita and a Trisara sunset is hard to beat!

ACTIVITIES

Private Beach and Swimming Pool

Gymnasium - Trisara's 100 square meter gym is located adjacent to the spa with commanding views over the sea. It offers guests a full selection of high quality weights, machines and equipment. Dedicated personal trainers can also assist with exercise programs.

2 Tennis Courts - The resort has a pair of championship quality blue Plexipave tennis courts which are flood-lit. Racquets and balls are available to guests free of charge. Tennis partners and coaching are available upon request.

Yacht - Trisara's guests have use of a range of luxury motor yachts available to explore the many beautiful islands and bays close to Phuket.

Diving - Trisara's dedicated PADI dive company offers daily dive tours, professional instruction and certification. Dive vessels are available to Trisara guests for either group or private excursions to Phuket's best beaches and dive locations.

Water Sports - The hotel offers hobie cat sailing, windsurfers and kayaks for guests to enjoy from December to April. Our small boat also runs guests to a nearby small Island for wonderful snorkeling trips between December and April.

Spa - Set on the hillside above the pool villas, the 1,500 square metre Trisara Spa has quickly won praise from guests and the travel industry as having set a new standard in the quality of treatments and location / design of the suites.
Yoga & Meditation are a specialty, with their seafront meditation sala a haven of tranquility situated on the waters edge and fringed with coconut palms.

Golf Course nearby - The resort holds a membership at the exclusive Blue Canyon Country Club just 10 minutes from the resort. Another two championship courses are located within a 20-minute drive. Trisara offers complimentary use of high quality golf clubs to our in-residence guests.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Phuket is blessed with magnificent beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays; powdery, palm-fringed white beaches; sparkling island-dotted seas; sincerely hospitable people; superb accommodations and seafood; delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape – all of which combine to create a delightful air for truly memorable holidays.

Bungee jumping (50 meter/165 foot jump)
Cabaret shows
Cable water skiing
Elephant trekking
Horse back riding
Island and jungle safaris: half or full-day
Mountain biking
Old Phuket city tour: half or full-day
Patong (shopping and nightlife)
Kumala Village 'Phuket Fantasy' cultural entertainmernt complex
Phuket town
Private speed boat charter (half or full-day)
Sea cave canoeing
Scuba diving

GETTING THERE

Airport: Phuket Int'l Airport (HKT) - 15 minutes by car.

Hotel Address:
Trisara
60/1 Moo 6 Srisoonthorn Road
Cherngtalay, Talang
Phuket 83110, Thailand

Trisara – Private Pool Villas in Phuket Thailand
A small hotel, spa and selection of private villa homes in Phuket, 5 minutes from Laguna Resort.
www.trisara.com/

The Tongsai Bay - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

2009-02-09T09:37:00.001-08:00

The Tongsai Bay - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

Where else in the world can you help yourself to a drink from your own bar, slip off your clothes and step into a bath - all on a private, open-air terrace with a magnificent view of the sea? You can dine and even sleep on the terrace (mosquito net provided) . The principle followed by the resort's owner is that guests can be as close to nature as they wish. When the individual 'cottages' were built, he requested that no trees be felled and encouraged the resident frogs, monitor lizards and squirrels to share the habitat. Tropical gardens lead down to the pool and beach, the only private one on the island. Here Floyd's Beach Bistro, named after the TV chef, a friend of the family, specialises in stir-fries, while Chef Chom's Thai Restaurant serves Thai food on an open-air terrace overlooking the bay. The third restaurant, the Butler's Restaurant, serves European and fusion dishes on a daily changing menu.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Tongsai Grand Villa - King or 2 queen beds. Sea views. Teak floor. Air conditioning. Colour TV, VCR. IDD phone. Rattan furniture. Thai silk soft furnishings. Shower room. Hair dryer. Big closet. Safety box. Huge open air terrace with a bath tub. Gazebo where guests may sleep outdoors & nets provided. Sun loungers, arm chairs, dining table and chairs and bar. 135 sq.m. Mosquito nets provided.

Special Tongsai Grand Villa - King bed. Sea view. Teak floor, air conditioning. Colour TV, VCR. IDD phone. Rattan furniture. Thai silk soft furnishings. Shower room. Hair dryer. Safety box. Huge open air terrace with bath tub. Gazebo where guests may sleep outdoors nets provided. Sun loungers, rocking chairs, dining table and chairs and bar. 164 - 194 sq.m. Mosquito nets provided.

Guvnor Tongsai Grand Villa - 2 twin bed Tongsai Grand Villas attached by a common area and a nanny room in the middle. The nanny room has 1 double bed, air-conditioner and also teak floor. 334 sq.m.

AMENITIES

Air-conditioning, Balcony, Bathrobe, Bath tub, Cable TV, Ceiling fans, Climate control, Direct dial phone, En-suite bathroom, Fresh flowers, Hairdryer, In-house movies, In-room safe, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Shower, Tea / Coffee maker, Toiletries, VCR, WC, Work desk

DINING

Chef Chom's Thai Restaurant - Thai cuisine Fresh seafood, open-air terrace, nice view. Situated by the Lobby with a bar, offering spectacular views out over the bay.
Floyd's Beach Bistro - on the beach with a separate Beach Bar. Asian, European and snacks.
Floyd's Bar - Next to the beach. Open 10:00pm to 2:00am.
Lobby Lounge Bar - Open all day.

ACTIVITIES

On-site: A fresh water swimming pool, Beach, Canoes, tennis court, non-motorized watersports are free of charge, Snooker, Snorkelling, Windsurfing; Prana Spa - Treatments available for couples: 'Return to Prana' where the couple goes through a series of exotic relaxing experiences ending the course with the honey bath.

Nearby: Scuba diving, Fishing

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Southern Thailand. On the northeast part of the island, Baan Plailaem, Close to Samui Airport, Big Buddha or Choengmon Beach.

Surat Thani Province is best known for the beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand's third largest island and jewel of a sparkling archipelago that contains the lovely Angthong Marine National Park. The province has an extensive coastline lapped by Thai Gulf waters, noted for beaches of powdery white sand, crystal-clear water and colorful coral reef, ideal for all sea sport activities such as diving, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and swimming.

Chaweng Beach - 7 miles
Big Buddha - 3 miles
Nathon - 20 miles
Lamai - 17 miles
Angthong National Marine Park - 50 miles
Ko Tao - 80 miles
Samui Airport - 5 miles
Ko Pha Ngan - 25 miles
Ko Tan - 25 miles
Monkey Theatre - 10 miles
Snake Farms - 25 miles
Pearl Farm - 25 miles
Elephant Trekking - 7 miles
Waterfall - 22 miles
Wonderful Rocks - 17 miles

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: The Tongsai Bay, 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand.

Airport: Koh Samui Airport (USM) - 5 km/3 miles.

The Tongsai Bay - Samui Thailand online Reservation Service
The Tongsai Bay. Choeng Mon Beach - Samui - Thailand. Address: 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320 Thailand. Star Rating: Star Rating. [ Print] ...
www.hotelthailand.com/samui/tongsaibay/

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa - Finolhu, South Male Atoll, Maldives

2009-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa - Finolhu, South Male Atoll, Maldives

Open December 2005...Situated on the island of Emboodhu Finolhu, in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa offers you the ultimate luxury. Sixty-four palm-thatched villas – most of them over water - seamlessly blend into the picturesque surroundings. Each striking an even balance between natural beauty and fine living. The interiors are minimal with a touch of understated luxury: Nature makes its presence felt through palm-thatched roofs and natural wood finishes on the exteriors and the floors.

Taj Spas has designed a series of journeys based on Ayurvedic spa treatments, an ancient Indian system of holistic wellness. Each journey features a highly customized schedule of traditional massages, wellness meals, yoga and breathing sessions created in response to personal lifestyle needs and preferences.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Choose from beach villas, deluxe beach villas, lagoon villas, deluxe lagoon villas and the specially appointed 2- room Rehendhi suite. Each comes with an ocean view right from the bed:

The Rhehendhi Suite

31 Deluxe Lagoon Villas (single units on the water)

24 Lagoon Villas (2-room units on the water)

Beach Villas

AMENITIES

At the hotel:

In your room: Personal in-villa bar, an in villa entertainment system (satellite television and DVD player), internet connectivity, international direct dialling and tea/coffee making facilities.

DINING

Our two restaurants and the bar are set amidst surroundings that create an ambience all their own. Each offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the lagoon. With the option of either dining indoors, or on the open deck to take full advantage of the time of day and the weather. Warm, attentive yet unobtrusive service complements the surroundings.

Private Beach Dining and Picnics - Go exploring and discover the ideal spot for an outdoor picnic. Tell us where it is, and we’ll serve you a meal there and make it a truly memorable experience.

24 hour In-Villa Dining - Guests can order à la carte meals in their villas at any given time of the day or night. The service is restricted to a carefully thought-out menu that includes a champagne breakfast, a fresh assortment of breakfast rolls, juices and cereals.

ACTIVITIES

On-site: Infinity pool, Scuba diving, Parasailing, Banana Boat rides, Fun Tubing, Knee Boarding, Wind Surfing, Catamaran Sailing and Canoeing.

SPA & FITNESS

Taj Spas has designed a series of journeys based on Ayurvedic spa treatments, an ancient Indian system of holistic wellness. Each journey features a highly customized schedule of traditional massages, wellness meals, yoga and breathing sessions created in response to personal lifestyle needs and preferences.

LOCATION

Address: Emboodhu, South Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives.

Airport: Malé (MLE)

Transportation: 15 minutes by customized luxury speedboat

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Historical Malé
Seaplane Photo Flight
Gulhi - Experience a Maldivian Fishing Village
Island Exploring
Sunset Cruise
Moonbeams and Starlight Cruise
Sunset Fishing
Big Game Fishing and Casting

Taj Hotels - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa,Maldives
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, is an exclusive, private and romantic island resort lush with tropical plants and encircled by clear blue waters of one ...
www.tajhotels.com

Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa - Kunfunadhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives

2009-02-02T14:58:00.001-08:00

Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa - Kunfunadhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives

As you approach Soneva Fushi by air, the unfolding panorama is breathtaking; sand-fringed atolls in turquoise sea give way to brilliant coral reefs protected by lagoons. Opened in 1995, Soneva Fushi sits on its own private island, the largest given for tourism in the Maldives and is the first resort in the Baa Atoll region. Nature walks to secluded picnic spots impart a Robinson Crusoe mood. The furnishings maintain the rustic theme of a designer tropical island. All 65 rooms and villas have garden bathrooms and the Duplex Villas have picture windows looking across the lagoon. There's a diversity of dining - simple barbecues to gourmet feasts blending a variety of cultural cuisines, supported by fine wines. After a day of water sports, or simply watching the sun rise and set, this place will fulfil your most romantic dreams.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Presidential Villa - Beach Front Villa in two bungalows on two levels.

Crusoe Suite - Beach Front Duplex with upstairs bedroom.

Soneva Fushi Villa Suites - 5 Beach Front Villas with foyer entrance.

Soneva Fushi Villas - 14 Beach Front Villas with foyer entrance.

Deluxe Crusoe - 3 Beach Front with upstairs bedroom king bed or 2 single beds.

Crusoe Villas - 12 Beach Front with upstairs bedroom king bed or 2 single beds.

Rehendi Rooms - 25 Beach Front Rooms with king size beds.

AMENITIES
At the hotel: Dining Facilities

In your room: Air-conditioning, Ceiling fans, Connecting room (in Rehendi rooms), Direct dial phone, Hi Fi stereo system with speakers in bed and bathroom, In-villa safe, Mini bar, Mosquito netting, Open air private garden bathroom with water feature, Patio, Private Butler / Mr. Friday, Private Pools in some categories, Private outside sitting area with direct access to the beach, Smoke detector, Spa Suites in some categories, Tea / Coffee making facilities, Television and DVD player, WC, Work desk, En-suite bathroom, Bathrobes, Bathtub & showers, Beach towels, Hairdryer.

DINING

Variety of dining options available.

Me Dhuniye Restaurant - Main restaurant serves international cuisine with local flavors.

Main Bar - Lunch around the bar area, on open air verandah.

Local music once a week.

Beach picnics.

Room service.

ACTIVITIES

Beach, Badminton, Cycling, Fishing, Fitness Center, Gymnasium, Hobby cats, Jogging track, Massage, Petanque, Sailing, Scuba diving, Scuba Diving school, Snorkelling, Tennis courts, Topcat catamaran, Volleyball, Wake boarding, Water skiing, Windsurfing.

SPA & FITNESS

Luxuriate at the resort's Six Senses Spa where an array of blissful treatments will rejuvenate your body and soul.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Eydafushi fishing village
Diving excursions
Private picnic islands

GETTING THERE

Address: Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives.

Airport: Malé (MLE), then by 25 minute seaplane or helicopter transfer to island.

Transportation: 75 nautical miles or a 25 minute seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport.

Six Senses Hideaway Samui - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

2009-02-02T14:51:00.001-08:00

Six Senses Hideaway Samui - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

Tucked on a headland on the northern tip of Koh Samui Island, midway between Bangkok and Phuket on the Gulf of Thailand, Sila Evason Hideaway is a spectacular blend of privacy and stunning views. Its stylish split-level villas offer the opportunity to gaze onto mountains and sea from almost everywhere you stand, and most feature private pools and indulgent outdoor daybeds. Among the generous amenities is the bounty of Mother Nature: The fine dining restaurant is perched to capture 270-degree views of the surrounding sea and outlying islands, and the outdoor spa treatment salas take full advantage of the lush surroundings.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

10 Pool Villa Suites - 300 sq.m. Pool size 3x5 m, Outdoor shower with private garden, 2 Bathrooms one with double vanity basins, Walk-in closet, Dressing table, Plunge bathtub with panoramic views, Extra daybed in walk-in closet area, Fridge, Minibar and personal electronic safe,
Tea & coffee making facilities, Private living room with 2 daybeds, CD Player with speakers in bedroom and bathroom, TV and DVD player, Writing desk, Sun bathing deck with sun loungers, 2 Outdoor daybeds with table,
Outdoor dining table with 4 seats, Private Pool, Sala with large daybed.

41 Pool Villas - 160 sq.m. Pool size 2.5x5 m, Outdoor shower with private garden, Plunge bathtub with panoramic views, Double vanity basins, Extra daybed in walk-in closet area, Fridge, Minibar and personal electronic safe, Tea & coffee making facilities, Daybed, CD Player with speakers in bedroom and bathroom, TV and DVD player, Writing desk, Sun bathing deck with private sun loungers, 2 Outdoor daybeds, Outdoor dining table with 2 seats, Private pool (Some also with salas).

14 Hideaway Villas - 130 sq.m. Outdoor shower with private garden, Plunge bathtub with panoramic views., Double vanity bathroom basins, Fridge, Minibar and personal electronic safe, Tea & coffee making facilities, Large Daybed, CD Player with speakers in bedroom and bathroom, TV and DVD player, Writing Desk, Outdoor dining table.

AMENITIES

The resort has 66 uniquely designed villas, most with private infinity-edge swimming pools. All are two storey with a sundeck and most with swimming pool on the lower level. All villas are located amongst natural vegetation around a gently sloping headland, which ensures maximum privacy while offering unsurpassed panoramas. All villas are split level and have an open-style bathroom, which creates an atmosphere of space and light in the room, and also maintains views of the surrounding seas and islands from almost every location in the villa. Infinity edge private swimming pools in most of the villas blend into the horizon and help maintain a feeling of seclusion even though all of the resort’s facilities are close at hand and augmented by Pool Villa Butlers.

DINING

Dining on the Hill - The main restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located on the top of a small hill, offering seascape views to the north of Samui Island. The restaurant theme varies from very casual and laid back through to stylish. The concept offers several dining areas varying in atmosphere, from which guests can choose according to their desires - from seated on the floor (Thai Style!) with big comfortable cushions, or the more traditional table top dining.

Dining on the Rocks - Open for dinner and located on the tip of the headland, this restaurant offers 270 degree views of the surrounding sea and outlying islands. During lunch hours the restaurant has a theme of casual tropical elegance with simple and healthy food menus. But once the sun goes down the restaurant undergoes a metamorphosis with both a change of colour and style and recreates itself into a stylish fine dining environment which will soon establish itself as the premier culinary experience on Koh Samui Island.

ACTIVITIES

Central Swimming Pool, Water Sports Centre

Spa - The emphasis of the Spa is to offer de-stress treatments that focus on bringing out your inner beauty by pampering to your body's needs. Outdoor treatment salas and indoor treatment rooms for couples and singles, plus dry saunas, stream rooms and beauty salon. Gym.

Koh Samui's new 18-hole golf course is only 20 minutes drive from the resort.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Samui is a small island with a remarkably diverse offering of activities. You can make use of the hideaway's own water sports center for scuba diving and snorkeling. Or perhaps you're a landlubber and would prefer a round on a championship golf course. Nearby, the massive, 12-meter, gold "Big Buddha" is one of the island's most beloved attractions, while less accessible, but worth the hike, is the lovely swimming hole at the Namuang waterfall. For insight into Thai culture, take an elephant ride, join a cooking class or head for the stadium in central Chaweng for a Thai boxing match.

GETTING THERE

Airport: Samui Airport (USM) Book Flights

Address: Six Senses Hideaway Samui, 9/10 Moo 5baan Plai Iaem Borphut, Koh Samui, 84320 Thailand.

Samui Island, Thailand Honeymoon Resort & Accommodation - Six ..
Welcome to Six Senses Hideaway Samui - A SALA Property, Thailand. The luxuriously appointed Six Senses Hideaway Samui is set around a gently sloping ...
www.sixsenses.com/Six-Senses-Hideaway-Samui

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman - Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

2009-02-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman - Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

The Cayman Islands are renowned for the world's best scuba diving. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman spans 144 acres from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound and offers magic on land too, with The Seven Wonders on Seven Mile Beach including a Greg Norman designed golf course, the first La Prairie Spa in the Caribbean, Ritz-Kids by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment and two restaurants by Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin...

The resort has a total of 365 guest rooms including 11 suites, The Ritz-Carlton Suite and The Ritz-Carlton Club Level. The Reserve consists of 24 fully-furnished oceanfront and oceanview vacation homes with two - three bedrooms, chef's kitchens and spacious balconies, The Reserve provides the perfect option for guests looking for the space and comforts of a private vacation home with the amenities of a five-star resort.

Blue Tip Golf Course - a Greg Norman-designed 9-hole golf course open only to guests and Residence owners of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The 3,515-yard, par 36 course offers five sets of tees for varied play. Blue Tip features five long Par Fours and a 600 yard Par Five. Water comes into play on eight out of nine holes. Carved along a serpentine waterway with sweeping views of the North Sound, Blue Tip at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is the first course to be constructed on the island in 10 years.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The Residences - 69 elegant oceanfront homes
The Opal & Sapphire Suites at The Reserve - 1,858 sq.ft.
Ocean Front Suites at The Reserve - 1,200 sq.ft.
Ocean View Suites at The Reserve - 1,200 sq.ft.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite - 2,400 sq.ft.
Blue Tip Suites - 960 sq.ft.
Ocean Front Rooms - 480 sq.ft.
Resort View Rooms - 480 sq.ft.
Standard View Rooms - 480 sq.ft.

ROOM AMENITIES

24-hour in-room dining
Secluded balcony with ocean or resort view
Twice daily housekeeping attention
Goose down and non-allergenic pillows
Feather duvets
Luxurious Fili D'oro Italian linens
Limestone marble bathrooms with a dual-sink vanity, lighted makeup mirror, hairdryer, separate shower and bathtub
In-room bathrobes
CD/DVD players
Dual-line cordless telephones with voicemail
Full-size desk
Wireless high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms (extra charge)
In-room safe able to accommodate a laptop computer
Fully stocked refreshment bar with refrigerator
In room massage by La Prairie massage therapist (extra charge)

HOTEL SERVICES

Concierge
Tiffany & Co. offering fine jewelry and watches, all presented in the signature robin's egg blue box.
Executive Business Center
Wireless Internet coverage in all public spaces (at an additional charge)

Children - Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau children's program. Special considerations have been made to accommodate Ritz-Carlton guests who visit Grand Cayman with their families. King rooms feature a twin loveseat that folds out into a bed, which will eliminate the need for parents to order rollaway beds for small children, and double rooms feature two Queen beds.

DINING

Blue by Eric Ripert - In the tradition of Le Bernardin, Blue offers a three-course prix fixe menu as well as a chef's tasting menu. Selections include Chilled Spiny Lobster in a Coconut-Ginger Soup with Avocado and Mango, Mahi-Mahi with Apple, Cucumber and Caper Salad with Tomato-Verbena Gazpacho and Aioli Crab Cake Melting in a Rich Lobster Saffron Broth with Poached Shrimp and Croutons.

Periwinkle by Eric Ripert - Fresh meets fun in Periwinkle by Eric Ripert where the renowned chef of three Michelin star Le Bernardin revisits his Mediterranean roots with his al fresco grill overlooking the resort's winding waterways.

7 Prime Cuts & Sunsets - Warm and welcoming with a dash of West Indian spice, 7 takes its simple name from the Caribbean's most famous beach that lies right outside its door.

Silver Palm Lounge - Caribbean elegance reigns in the lounge named for the Cayman Islands' national tree, the silver thatch palm. The lounge features soaring arched windows and a view of waterways and fairways punctuated with lush tropical blooms.

24-Hour Room Service.

ACTIVITIES

On Seven Mile Beach
Two outdoor pools
Oceanfront jacuzzi
Golf
La Prairie Spa - A 20,000 square foot Spa with 17 treatment rooms.
Fitness Center
Tennis
Snorkeling equipment and lessons
Glass bottom boat snorkel tours
Paddle boats
Kayaks
Floating rafts and beds
Hobie wave and getaway catamarans
Sailboats (instruction available)
Water hammocks
"Aquaglide" floating pontoons
Waterskiing and wakeboarding
Tube and banana rides
Wave runners
Private boat rentals (captain available)
Windsurfing
Scuba diving and instructional courses

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Located on exclusive Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a short 70-minute flight from Miami.
Stingray City - 10 minute boat ride
George Town (duty-free shops, cruise-ship docks) - 10 minute drive
Boatswain's Beach marine theme park featuring 16,000 sea turtles - 15 minute drive
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park - 30 minute drive
The 1780 castle at the Pedro St. James Historic Site
The Cayman Islands National Gallery
Evening sunset cocktail and dinner cruises
Fishing excursions - deep sea, reef, bottom, bone, fly, night
Submarine tours
Horseback riding on the beach
Island Jeep tours
Helicopter island tour
Catamaran Sail or Powerboat to Stingray City to swim with the stingrays
Duty-free shopping for everything from local arts and crafts to Swiss watches

GETTING THERE

Address: Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Airport: Grand Cayman Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - 15 minutes / 16 km / 10 miles.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman: A Luxury Hotel in the Cayman Islands
Plan your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and experience an exclusive oceanfront hotel that caters to those who seek a grander level of relaxation.
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/GrandCayman/Default.htm

The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort & Spa - Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

2009-01-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort & Spa - Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort & Spa now features newly-renovated Club rooms and suites. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa Club Level can enjoy 42-inch Plasma TVs, new bathroom amenities, in-room coffee and tea options, new throw pillows, bed runners, bed skirtings and bolsters, new carpets and rugs as well as new sofas and ottomans, night curtains, digital scales and JVD safety boxes. Comprising both air-conditioned and al fresco seating options, the Club Lounge offers five food and beverage menus during the day: breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, cocktails in the evening, and chocolate and cordials after dinner.

A wide array of reading materials, including international news dailies and bestselling novels in a range of languages are available for guests' use. The dedicated Club Level concierge team is available to assist with any needs guests may have, 24 hours a day. Club guests are also entitled to one-time laundry and pressing services of four items per room during their stay, private check-in and check-out at the Club Lounge, unlimited play on the 18-hole golf putting course, and unlimited use of Tennis Pavilion.

Traverse a range of dramatic bluffs overlooking the timeless depths of the Indian Ocean. There, you'll discover The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort & Spa. This breathtaking vantage point calls, inviting you to immerse yourself in the various wonders that lay before you. Embracing the mystique of Bali, with its bewitching natural beauty, and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa features: Private, secluded beach location; 368 guest rooms, including 38 new cliff villas with stunning views of the Indian Ocean; 12 restaurants and lounges; State-of-the-art business center and more...

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

36 One and Two-bedroom Villas - Designed in spacious and luxurious Balinese style have unobstructed views of the ocean, private outdoor plunge pools and open-air showers.

Ritz-Carlton Club Rooms and Suites - This enclave within the hotel includes 33 guest rooms and suites and The Ritz-Carlton Suite. The Club's handsomely furnished lounge features five food and beverage presentations daily. Staffed by professional concierge.

Updated January 30, 2008 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa opened the Ayana Villa, a three-bedroom villa on the cliffs over Jimbaran Bay. The villa, named after a "place of refuge" in Sanskrit, occupies 3,000 square meters of landscaped gardens in a quiet corner of the resort, affording cliff-top views on the island. The private driveway leading to the 420 square meter villa brings guests to an illuminated, terraced water feature, with fountains that gently flow towards the carved Balinese doors leading into the property. Ayana also makes an entertainment area for up to 200 guests. A traditional Indonesian gazebo perched above the cliffs makes an intimate wedding location. The villa is equally set up as a private sanctuary. In the south-easternmost corner, a separate building houses a double massage room for personalized spa treatments, as well as a steam shower and private gym complete with treadmill and free weights. Private yoga and meditation classes are also available.

A dedicated team of staff includes a 24-hour on-call butler and a personal chef. The impressive contemporary design and majestic views across the lush gardens to the infinity-edged pool and ocean beyond greet you as soon as you enter the central living room. A comfortable lounge area with a 60-inch plasma television and an Ironwood bar featuring dragon hand-carved by a Balinese artisan opens onto a sun-room. Rates start at $8,000 per night.

DINING

All of the resort's six restaurants and lounges are open to ocean breezes and the scent of tropical flowers. Among them are Padi, whose pavilions appear to “float” on separate lily ponds, and Kubu Bar, a quaint hut on the beach, which provides fresh fruit and beverages to our sun-loving guests.

ACTIVITIES

Private beaches. Freshwater outdoor pool. Whirlpool. Waterslide. Boating, rafting, diving, deep-sea fishing, surfing, snorkeling, bicycling. Lighted tennis courts, spa, fitness center, golf.

Spa and Tennis Pavilion with cardiovascular equipment, massage, steam and sauna, aerobics, lighted tennis courts, body and beauty treatments.

Bali Golf & Country Club on-site.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

• One-hour massage for two, performed in-room or outdoors
• A sail in a jukung --native fishing boat -- along the rugged Bukit coastline to the warm waters beneath clifftop Uluwatu temple and picnic lunch at Kubu Beach, a private cove enveloped by an emerald ravine and rugged cliffs
• An Evening of Romance including a rose petal drawn bath, mood enhancing candlelight, and champagne in a sandalwood-scented room
• Choice of intimate four-course dinners served in a private villa, aglow with hundreds of candles encircling the garden and reflected in the plunge pool or in the private garden pavilion of the Wedding Gazebo, set upon the bluff with panoramic ocean view
• Full-day chauffeur-driven island shopping excursion to discover and purchase the finest of Bali's world renowned art, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, furnishings, antiques and artifacts
• Intricately woven coconut-leaf baskets, filled with flowers and incense, placed in the couple's room daily as offerings to the gods for a harmonious island sojourn.

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort & Spa, Jimbaran Beach, Bali, Indonesia.

Airport: Denpasar (DPS) - 15 minutes.

Rania Experience - Hithaffinivaa Magu, Faafu Atoll,Maldives

2009-01-22T19:03:00.001-08:00

Rania Experience - Hithaffinivaa Magu, Faafu Atoll,Maldives

One luxury yacht, one island paradise, one private group of no more than 9 guests at a time...Welcome to the exclusive Rania Experience. The pleasures of land and sea merge as you divide your time—however you wish—between the elegant Rania yacht and the 7-acre Water Garden Island in the Maldives. Decadence knows no bounds, and you'll savor full reign of yacht and island, as well as the dedicated services of a private chef, PADI dive instructor, spa therapist, butler and crew.

Life here is all about choice. Restore harmony to body and soul with a body wrap onboard the Rania as she plies tranquil waters, or with a massage on the beach at sunset. Dine on a secluded sandbank or on a moonlit pavilion out over the water. Sunbathe or dive local reefs, wrecks and drifts. You may even choose where you sleep: in a gently rocking cabin or divine island suite.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Private Yacht
Private Island

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Butler
Private chef
PADI dive instructor
Spa therapist
Crew
DINING

Private chef. Dine on a secluded sandbank or on a moonlit pavilion out over the water.

ACTIVITIES

PADI dive instructor
Fishing
Beach
Swimming pool
Jacuzzi
Boating
Watersports

SPA & FITNESS

Spa therapist

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Beaches
Islands
Boating
Watersports
Fishing
Diving

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: Rania Experience, Hithaffinivaa Magu, Maldives.

Airport: Male (MLE)

Transportation: Provided

Raffles Resort Canouan Island - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

2009-01-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Raffles Resort Canouan Island - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Raffles Resort is set on its own private 1,200 acres of land surrounded by green hills, secluded white beaches and the sea of southern Antilles. Designed by famous Italian architect Luigi Vietti, the resort features of one-and two-story villas. The Resort features an 18-hole championship-grade golf course designed by Jim Fazio, a 929 square metre (10,000 square feet) luxury Rafflesamrita spa, private yacht mooring, a beachfront pool and jacuzzi, and four restaurants and bars. Near the resort and overlooking the sea is a European-style casino, which is managed by a world-class casino operator.

One defining difference at Raffles Resort Canouan Island is the size of the 156 accommodations. Each of the guestrooms have an area of no less than 600 square feet and all have private covered patios or terraces with comfortable lounge chairs and views overlooking the beach and sea. Accommodations include garden and ocean view rooms, and suites with one, two, three or four bedrooms. All rooms feature spacious comfortably appointed living rooms, separate bedrooms and large walk-in closets. The suites offer enormous living areas with separate full bathrooms and fully equipped kitchenettes. Private plunge pools have recently been added to a number of the suites.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Villas - Exteriors are painted in bright Caribbean hues of orange, and yellows. Interiors are decorated with custom light wood furnishings. Frette linens on netted four-poster beds and terracotta-tiled floors with throw accent covers. Bathrooms feature seperate showers and soaking tubs, double vanities and hand painted porcelin sinks and tiles.

Suites - One to 3-bedroom suites feature spacious and comfortably appointed living rooms, separate bedrooms, large walk-in closets, guest bathrooms and fully equipped kitchenettes. Private swimming pools have also been added to a number of our Personality Suites, and all Orchestra Suites feature flat screen televisions in the living room.

Guest Rooms

AMENITIES

At the hotel: Welcome Caribbean fruit punch and chilled towels; New York Times facsimile daily; Multi-lingual concierge service; Beach/pool services inclusive of mineral water, chilled towels and tropical treats; Library of reading materials for guests' use during their stay; luxury boutique and a beauty salon.

In your room: air-conditioning, ceiling fans, an array of pampering RafflesAmrita bath amenities, bathrobes and beach slippers, fully stocked refreshement bars, fresh flowers, in-room safe, satellite television, multi-lingual voicemail, CD players, wireless connection, working desks and separate outside entrances.

DINING

La Piazza - A stylish Italian concept restaurant. Bellini’s - Adjacent to La Piazza, Bellini’s is the resort’s signature bar.

Jambu’s - With a name of Sanskrit origin, this signature restaurant is a spectacular poolside all-day dining venue with Palapa roofing. Jambu Bar.

La Varenne - Located at the Villa Monte Carlo, La Varenne offers panoramic views of the Caribbean, overlooking the resort and the islands of St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Godahl Beach Bar & Grill - This casual beachside bar & grill at Godahl beach is a hot spot for guests during the day with its beautiful views of the ocean and unspoiled coral reefs of Canouan Island.

ACTIVITIES

On-site: Five beaches of seclusion and fine white sand. Swimming pool with swim-up bar. At Godahl Bay, 3 lighted tennis courts, beach volley, Sunfish sailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. PADI-certified scuba center. Boat excursions.

Nearby: High on a hill overlooking the northern Grenadines, with sweeping views over the resort and the reef, is the exclusive Villa Monte Carlo. Located here is the European-style casino - Trump Club Privee, La Varenne - a European gourmet restaurant, as well as an elegant ballroom for private functions

GOLF

The Trump International Golf Club at Raffles Resort Canouan Island, is where golfers will believe that they have found heaven on earth. It is home to the resort's challenging 18-hole, par 72 golf course, designed by Jim Fazio. Offering unparalleled views of the bay, the course stretches 60-acres along the sea front, half of which is built on the flat coastal plain and the other half of which is carved out of the hillside above the bay and the resort. Golf instruction, carts, and rental clubs are available.

SPA & FITNESS

Raffles Amrita Spa - The name "Amrita" is derived from an ancient Sanskrit legend in which, from the dawn of time, deities searched for Amrita, an elixir that would grant them eternal youth. This mythical assurance of renewal is a promise that Raffles International delivers to every guest at its spas around the world.

Raffles Resort's signature Raffles Amrita Spa is located in one of the most spectacular natural settings on Earth and inspired by the pristine elements of the Caribbean Sea - the winds, sounds and colors of the water.

Pure relaxation is our theme, along with treatments utilizing the therapeutic benefits from the sea. Allow yourself the pleasure of nourishing treatments and exceptional care to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Lounge on three secluded white sand beaches of the resort's very own, and explore a magnificent coral reef--one of the world's largest--with complimentary snorkeling equipment. Also on offer are wind surfers, hydro bikes and pedalos. Along with a tennis center, there's a championship golf course designed by Jim Fazio. Excellent scuba diving outings can be arranged, as can excursions to Tobago Cays and Mustique. And for singular indulgence, luxuriate with a treatment at Amrita Spa in one of its private hillside bungalows.

GETTING THERE

Address: Canouan Island, St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Airport: Barbados Int'l Airport (BGI), then 35 minute flight to Canouan Airport (CIW) - 3 km/2 miles; 10 minutes.

Transportation: Canouan Airport (CIW) - 3 km/2 miles; 10 minutes

Pimalai Resort & Spa - Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand

2009-01-22T18:49:00.001-08:00

Pimalai Resort & Spa - Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand

Peace, Serenity, Solitude. These are the words that come to mind for Pimalai. Add to that luxury, elegance, nature and genuine friendly service.

Be it for a honeymoon, a diving experience, a break from it all or even for a business meeting in Krabi, Pimalai nestled in a lush tropical forest, is the Andaman destination to set your sights on. The beach resort combines all the right ingredients - subtle five star comforts, natural beauty, far from the crowds, with no noise except the sound of the waves sliding in and out and slowly breaking onto the sand.

Built within the rainforest as it meets the silver strand, you would hardly know Pimalai was there. The resort occupies 100 acres of tropical vegetation with direct access to 900 meters stretch of pristine sandy beach and offers 121 accommodation - Deluxe, Bayfront Deluxe, Pavillion Suite, Beach Villa and Pool Villa - all very elegantly appointed.

It takes about 1 hour by the resort boat to reach Koh Lanta and The Pimalai from the main land... This is about what you have to bear with to find one of these rare lost paradise in tourist Thailand...

ACCOMMODATIONS

66 rooms, 7 suites & 7 villas:

3-bedroom Beach Villa 'The Chairman's Villa'
2-bedroom Beach Villa
2-bedroom Suite
One-bedroom Suite
One-bedroom Beach Villa
Deluxe Room
Superior Rooms

AMENITIES

Air-conditioning
Color/Satellite/Cable TV
Fax or PC plugs
Kitchenette (4 rooms only)
Mini bar
Radio (some rooms)
Safety deposit box
TV remote control
Two-line telephones
Video
In-house movies
Working desk

DINING

Ban Pimalai Restaurant, Spice & Rice Restaurant
Rak Talay Bar & Restaurant
Lobby Bar
Pool Bar
Room service 6:30am-10:00pm

ACTIVITIES

Outdoor swimming pool
Private beach
Scuba diving
Sailing
Windsurfing
Kayaks
Trekking
Mountain bikes

SPA & FITNESS

Pimalai Spa, which offers a host of Oriental therapeutic treatments using mainly Thai herbal and natural products.

Fitness Center, Massage, Sauna, Hairdresser

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Nestled in the lush Ba Kan Tiang bay, just 70 km south of Krabi Airport.

Snorkelling to Rok Island (National Park) - 1 hour 30 minutes away
Snorkelling to Haa Island (National Park) - 1 hour away
Diving to Haa Island (National Park) - 1 hour away
Diving to Hin Deng / Hin Muang - 2 hours away
Jungle trek by elephant - 15 minutes away
Trekking to Lanta National Park - 30 minutes away
Kayaking to Talabeng Island - 45 minutes away

LOCATION

Hotel Address: Pimalai Resort & Spa, 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Lanta Island, Krabi, Thailand.

Airport: Krabi (KBV) - 70 km.

Transportation: Arriving from Krabi Town or Krabi Airport - Take Highway No. 4 in the direction of Trang. At Nam Kao intersection, take route 4206 to Hua Hin (approximately 80 km). At Hua Hin Pier, take the ferry boat to Lanta Noi. Then, after 10 km, there is another ferry boat to Saladan Pier. From Saladan, 28 km south to Ba Kan Tiang beach and Pimalai Resort & Spa. Note: This road requires a 4x4 drive car due to the road condition or contact the resort for boat pick up. Time by road and local ferries about 3.5 hours or more; by hotel road and boat transportation, about 2 hours.

One&Only Ocean Club - Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas

2009-01-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

One&Only Ocean Club - Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Renowned for its magnificent Versailles gardens and 12th-century Augustinian Cloister, the legendary Ocean Club offers guests exemplary personal service and world-class luxury. The original charm of the colonial-style estate has been recently enhanced with the addition of 50 beachside rooms and luxury suites, all touting magnificent ocean views. Contemporary luxury defines each guest room, suite, and villa. Amenities include butler service for all rooms, maid services three times daily, and laptops for guests' use.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Hartford Wing Garden View Room
Hartford Wing Ocean View Room
Crescent Wing Beach Front Room
Crescent Wing Beach Front Suite
Garden Villa

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Full guest privileges at nearby Atlantis, Paradise Island, including 35 restaurants and lounges, 11 pool areas and water slides, 11 exhibit lagoons with over 50,000 marine animals, ruins of the lost continent to explore, innovatively-designed casino, world-class marina, Children camp, duty-free shopping and more.

DINING

Courtyard Terrace serves gourmet continental cuisine in a romantic, alfresco setting. Dune situated on a bleach bluff, features gourmet cuisine and stunning views. Beach and poolside food and beverage service.

ACTIVITIES

On-site: Swimming pool, beach. Har-tru tennis courts. Championship golf courses. Snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing.

Nearby: Full guest privileges at nearby Atlantis, Paradise Island, including 35 restaurants and lounges, 11 pool areas and water slides, 11 exhibit lagoons with over 50,000 marine animals, ruins of the lost continent to explore, innovatively-designed casino, world-class marina, Children camp, duty-free shopping and more.

GOLF

Golf aficionados will fall in love with the 18-hole, par 72 PGA course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf and is home to the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Tournament.

SPA & FITNESS

5,000 square foot Spa features eight private Spa Treatment Suites with secluded lush open-air gardens, outdoor waterfall showers... From a full service salon to a sensual menu of renewing treatments and therapies, the Spa is a destination unto itself.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Paradise Island is connected to Nassau with a bridge. It has great beaches and over-the-top resorts. Tropical plant fanciers can browse over 300 species at the lush Royal Victoria Garden. The heart of the shopping district is Bay Street, where you can shop at the largest straw market in the world. The Queen's Staircase, dating from the late 18th century, was built by over 500 slaves who labored for 16 years to carve a gorge-like roadway through the limestone ridge south of downtown Nassau until abandoning it, unfinished, with the abolition of slavery in 1834.

Necker Island - British Virgin Islands

2009-01-15T15:28:00.001-08:00

Necker Island - British Virgin Islands

In the British Virgin Islands lies an enchanting, previously uninhabited island. Necker Island was discovered by Richard Branson in the late 1970s and he has created one of the most spectacular houses in the Caribbean. White beaches of powdery sand and a living coral reef surround the magical island of Necker. It is an exclusive retreat for those seeking a secluded hideaway.

When you arrive on Necker be prepared for this charming place to literally take your breath away. Necker Island is available for exclusive use, however twice a year, individual guests can enjoy a celebration week. It is a 74 acre hideaway that has been sensitively created and pays homage to its natural surroundings. The main house on Devil's Hill has an airy Balinese style and is decorated with vibrant fabrics and Indonesian furniture. There are hammocks on the surrounding terraces of the house and a snooker table, library, CDs and videos to keep you entertained for hours. The main house sleeps up to ten couples and is complemented by the three Balinese Pagodas, Bali Hi, Bali Lo and Bali Cliff that sleep two people each.

The main residence on Necker is the Great House which is situated on top of Devil's Hill, affording breathtaking views from every side. There are 9 bedrooms on the ground floor, each with their own balconies and bathrooms. The Master Bedroom is the only room on the first floor and boasts a free standing Victorian bathtub on its balcony as well as a private jacuzzi - perfect for taking in the beautiful sunset.

In addition to the Great House, the island also offers three Balinese Pagodas, each sleeping two people. Bali Hi, with its own plunge pool is situated at the end of the island with Bali Cliff, both taking advantage of romantic views over the ocean. Bali Lo is more centrally located with its own private pool. These little cottages are ideal for those looking for total privacy, perhaps a honeymoon or anniversary.

Swim in the floodlit infinity edge pool, play tennis, snorkel, windsurf, scuba dive off the coral reef, play volleyball or simply laze on one of the beautiful beaches.

ACCOMMODATIONS

13 Bedrooms / Sleeps 26

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Staff of 31
Video, book, game and music libraries
Full sized snooker table

DINING

What a better way to start the day than a buffet breakfast on the sun terrace of the main house, overlooking the crystal blue sea. After a lazy morning, a light lunch can be taken under the shade of the pagoda, at the beach pool's fabulous floating dining pavilion or perhaps int he form of a beach barbecue. Whilst the sun dips into the horizon, guests prepare for an elegant dinner incorporating the best local produce - swordfish, tuna, and red snapper - with ingredients from further afield such as Barbary Duck and New Zealand saddle of lamb. Once a week a local Calypso band arrives by boat to entertain you for an evening.

ACTIVITIES

Two fresh water swimming pools and two jacuzzis
Two floodlit tennis courts
Fully equipped Gym
Windsurfing equipment
Sunfish, Laser and Catamaran sailboats
Snorkeling gear
Aqua trampoline
Inflatable banana
Waterskiing
Sea kayaks
Fishing equipment (not deep sea)
Boating excursions to other islands

SPA & FITNESS

Fully equipped Gym and massage available.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Virgin Gorda has one of the Caribbean's most amazing sights. The Baths are a surreal collection of gigantic granite boulders strewn across blindingly white palm-lined beaches at the southwestern end of the island. Tide and wave action turns caves into baths and back again, eroding a snorkeler's playground of crevices and pools. It's on the south side of Devil's Bay and is well worth scuba diving when the water is calm. The Baths are one of the most visited spots in the British Virgin Islands, so if you want to escape from the hubbub, head for North Sound, a large protected bay encircled by reef, or Mosquito and Prickly Pear islands off the northern coast. The former has a resort; the latter is a national park. The northern half of Virgin Gorda island is mountainous, dominated by Gorda Peak (1359ft; 408m).

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: Necker Island, British Virgin Islands.

Airport: Fly to Tortola/Beef Island via San Juan or St. Thomas, then take a taxi to Trellis Bay dock, where the Necker Island launch meets arriving guests. The crossing takes 30 minutes. (Note that flying via St. Thomas is quicker, but nonstop flights are offered only during high season from most U.S. cities.)

Transportation: Roundtrip launch transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports provided.

Napasai Beach Resort & Villas - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

2009-01-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

Napasai Beach Resort & Villas - Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

The Napasai is hidden amongst dense cashew, palm & coconut trees. The property's extensive grounds assure you of privacy and tranquility. Napasai enjoys one of the most unique and private locations with magnificent ocean views and provides one of the perfect retreat for watching the captivating golden sunsets. Discover the dramatic tropical jungle of the island, its hills and waterfalls, its secluded beaches and turquoise coves. A round of golf is minutes away, and the Ang Thong Maritime Park is on their doorstep.

The spacious rooms and suites are exquisitely decorated in cottons and silks, wood and bamboo. The large baths are perfect for relaxing after long days of exploring the surroundings. Choose from a luxurious 2 bedroom Private Villa with pool, a Beachfront Family cottage (sleeps four), a Spa Cottage, a Beachfront Cottage (one bedroom) or a Seaview Cottage (one bedroom) for more dramatic views of the area. Whether you prefer the fiery zing of authentic Thai cuisine, or seafood prepared with French flair, the Napasai will seduce you with its selected dishes. With a cooling exotic drink, relax at the bar or by the large free-form pool.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

69 Rooms and Suites

AMENITIES & SERVICES

At the hotel: Airport Shuttle Service, Babysitting Service, Butler Service, Gift Shop, Laundry Service, Room Service, Meeting / Conference Rooms

In your room:

DINING

Fine dining. Casual dining. Room Service.

ACTIVITIES

On-site: Library, Spa Services, Diving, Excursions, Snorkeling, Tennis, Water Sports

Nearby:

GOLF

18-hole golf course nearby.

SPA & FITNESS

Spa Services

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Napasai is situated on nearly 40 acres of hillside on the beautiful beach of Maenam, on the exclusive Northern coast of Koh Samui.

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: Napasai Beach Resort & Villas, 65/10 Ban Tai, Maenam, 84330 Thailand.

Namale Resort & Spa - Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island, Fiji

2009-01-15T15:12:00.001-08:00

Namale Resort & Spa - Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island, Fiji

Namale Resort & Spa is located seven miles from Savusavu, one hour by plane from Nadi, Namale offers you the sanctuary of peaceful seclusion, romance, and unpretentious luxury. The resort is set on 300 stunning acres featuring majestic coconut palms, private beaches and verdant jungles rich with cascading waterfalls. Set on 300 stunning acres featuring private beaches and majestic coconut palms. Bungalows impeccably designed and appointed with exotic furnishings and linens. Highly skilled chefs prepare gourmet meals to your liking! Namale Spa & Sanctuary for rejuvenation and healing. Indoor Virtual Golf System with a choice of 30 courses to play. Enchanting rainforest walks and waterfalls.

HOTEL POLICIES:

CHILD POLICY - Exclusive adults-only resort. Children 12 and under are not permitted at Namale.
PET POLICY - No pets allowed.
SPECIAL NEEDS - Namale is not wheelchair accessible.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Tatadra House Grand Villa - Named after the Fijian word for "dream Home." Two-master-suite home with private pool nestled on volcanic rock formations.

Bula House Grand Villa - perched high atop a lava pinnacle, this amazing home with adjoining 2-bedroom guest house, private swimming pool and beach, is surrounded by jungle on 3 sides and the surf below.

Deluxe Honeymoon Bure (Bungalow) - Ocean view and plunge pool.

Honeymoon Bure (Bungalow) - Ocean view and private access to beach below.

Ocean Tropical Bure (Bungalow) - Overlooking the Koro Sea.

Tropical Bure (Bungalow) - in lush garden setting.

AMENITIES

Roundtrip transfers to and from Savusavu airport
All Meals including full service breakfast, lunches and enchanting dinners
All beverages including spirits, fine wines and sparkling wines.
All activities including snorkeling, sailing, tennis, horseback riding, volleyball, water-skiing, village tours, and more! (Scuba diving is extra)
Laundry service

DINING

At Namale, we serve 3 sumptuous meals daily, drawing on Fiji's multicultural influence of Indian curries and sauces, fresh local seafood, imported meats and local fresh fruits and vegetables. Our highly skilled chefs prepare gourmet meals to your liking! Namale offers wine, spirits and of course the celebrated "kava ceremony"!

The majesty of the lounge and dining room entices our guests to linger over meals and to spend time reading, playing chess or having afternoon tea! Hand built in the traditional Fijian style, the thatched and beamed ceiling rises sixty feet in the air. Attention to detail is exquisite and there is not a guest who enters this building who is not awe struck by its magnificence!

ACTIVITIES

Water Sports: Freshwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Kayaks, Water trampoline, Wild weenie rides, Water skiing, Hydro-bikes, Suncats for 2, Reef walks, Jacuzzi and freshwater pool, Lazer sail boats and fun fishing, Sport Fishing, Scuba diving, Tide-pool exploring at the Blow Hole, Basket Weaving lessons

Land Sports: Kava Bowl - 2 lane bowling alley, 14ft screen for DVD movies, Virtual Golf. Tennis (day and night), Badminton and Ping Pong, Basketball - full size court, Horseback riding, Volleyball with the Fijians, Mountain bikes, Lawn croquet, 2 pool tables, a golf putting green, and an air-conditioned workout gym.

GOLF

Indoor Virtual Golf System - complete with a 16ft. screen and a choice of 30 courses to play, the die-hard golfers and the novice alike can have lots of fun playing.

Golf putting green.

SPA & FITNESS

The Namale Spa & Sanctuary: Ancient Wisdoms - Sacred Space

A place of love and bliss, the Namale Spa is an indigenous island sanctuary that honors your spirit and offers you a diverse array of healing arts from around the world. Set on a volcanic cliff overlooking the Koro Sea with a rainforest at its back, the 10,000 Sq. Ft. Namale Spa and Sanctuary is a special place for rejuvenation and healing. Inside, you’ll experience indulgent treatments from around the world performed by skilled and loving therapists. Let the ancient aromas and soothing rhythms envelop you while gentle hands lead you on a journey of self~discovery.

LOCATION

Address: Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Airport: Nadi Int'l Airport (NAN); then to Savusavu Airport (SVU). Book Flights

Transportation: The resort provides transfers from and to Savusavu Airport.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Namale Resort sits regally on the edge of the Koro Sea and its 300 acres spread into a magical rainforest of giant ferns and waterfalls! With only a short one-hour hop from Nadi International airport, venturing to the north of Fiji will give you an authentic and memorable experience of the true culture and beauty preserved for those unique few who seek romance and adventure! Additionally, the resort can arrange a trip to Savusavu or Labasa for your adventure.

Msambweni Beach House - Msambweni, Mombasa, Kenya

2009-01-15T15:09:00.001-08:00

Msambweni Beach House - Msambweni, Mombasa, Kenya

Updated: October 3, 2007 - Msambweni House is in a quiet, unique setting on the beach surrounded by 28 acres of natural land. The house offers 700 feet of private beach along a tropical 4 mile white, sandy coastline with palm trees where guests can really feel at one with nature. It stands on a 40 feet high cliff and is safely surrounded by a typical coral wall.

Msambweni House is luxury uncompromised. It’s a family owned and run exclusive house with three spacious and luxurious suites in the main house, one villa and a luxury tent.

Msambweni House is luxury uncompromised. It’s a family owned and run exclusive house with three spacious and luxurious suites in the main house, one villa and a luxury tent.

The house has probably the best infinity pool ever (25 meters) and its winding jetty ends in a perfect sundowner spot on a cliff overlooking the big Indian Ocean where guests enjoy pre-dinner cocktails under the African sky and the sound of lapping waves.

Accommodation at Msambweni House is on a full board basis and includes private transfers, excluding flights. With a minimum stay of 6 nights, three nearby excursions are included. The main house and the Lamu Villas can be booked in their entirety or by individual rooms for a sole destination holiday or as part of a longer tour.

The emphasis for a stay at Msambweni House is very much on personal service to ensure a high quality, tailor-made holiday. Individual itineraries are planned together with the guests.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Main House - The main house that features high ceilings, has three spacious, luxurious ensuite rooms with private verandahs. The décor is of Swahili orient with fine finishes in chalk white and all the linen is pure white cotton.

Lamu Villas - Not far from the main house are two Lamu villas well appointed with their own swimming pools and Jacuzzi facing the sea.

Luxury Tent - And for a ‘wild’ alternative, we have a luxury tent.

ROOM AMENITIES

All the rooms have a Lamu bath, shower, Lamu sinks, air-conditioning, a safe, king size beds, satellite television, free minibar, hairdryer, mosquito nets and a big terrace to relax and enjoy complimentary daily massages if you choose.

HOTEL SERVICES

DINING

Dining at Msambweni is pure delight. Our kitchen staff are thoroughly trained by a celebrity Belgian chef.
Enjoy seafood, Swahili dishes, Belgian and French cuisine. Dine by the pool under the African sky and candlelight while listening to the whispers of the breeze from the Indian Ocean!

ACTIVITIES

Staying at MSAMBWENI HOUSE guarantees you a relaxing holiday in our quiet secluded surroundings. Enjoy a lazy day by the pool sipping a cocktail of your choice and after take a long walk on our deserted beach. Alternatively enjoy a snorkeling experience, do deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean or simply swim in the sea! Massages, pedicures and manicures are available on request.

LOCATION

Address: Msambweni, Kenya. Email: msambwenihouse@yahoo.com.

Airport: Mombasa Book Flights

Transportation: Transfers included.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Kisite Marine Park : One of the best spots in the world for snorkeling or diving with sea turtles, swimming with dolphins, lunch on Wasini Island.

Shimba Hills : Here you can see the sable antelopes, elephants ... followed by a champagne breakfast.

Moonlight Head Private Lodge - Yuulong, VIC, Australia

2009-01-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

Moonlight Head Private Lodge - Yuulong, VIC, Australia

Opening late-2007...Moonlight Head Great Ocean Road is located on the highest headland in Australia, overlooking National Parks and the Southern Ocean and at the mid-point of the Great Ocean Road, which has been described by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the 20 great journeys of a lifetime.

This Murcutt / Lewin designed lodge is suitable for couples seeking complete privacy, or is flexible enough to meet the vacation requirements of the most demanding of families. The lodge is orientated to maximize the northern light but also seeks to focus the guest to its ocean views providing warmth and comfort as well as delight to the viewer. Moonlight Head’s operating philosophy is about individual customer service revolving solely around your client, treating the guest how you would like to be treated yourself. Moonlight seeks to meet the client’s needs whatever they may be in a landscape setting where the noise of the city becomes a distant memory.

The furnishings, with an emphasis on comfort, are modern European, combined with antique Persian rugs sourced from the auction rooms of London. European feather down duvets and pure cotton sheets, the highest quality mattresses and fine pillows all combine to make sleeping at Moonlight Head Lodge an experience to be dreamt of for years to come. This is a time for relaxation, to unwind, reflect, and enjoy each others company, and the ambience created seeks to reflect that. The fire in the main living area provides you with warmth on those colder days to warm you up after a days outside activities. Lighting at nightfall is discrete as they seek to maximize your enjoyment of the unpolluted Southern night sky crammed full of stars.

Their expert chefs will go to any lengths to provide you with the perfect meal. Whether your requirements are for the finest Australian steak, fresh seafood or for a tasty salad, everything is available and can all be complemented with your choice from the hand picked selection of local and international wines.

They can readily provide: a luxury vehicle or helicopter transfer to Moonlight, arrange golf tee times, ocean or fresh water fishing licenses, ornithologists to seek out the local bird community, a guide to escort you along the Great Ocean Walk, a range of holistic body treatments to soothe you, or just simply getting you ready for the next part of your journey. At Moonlight Head Lodge, once asked for, consider it done.

Moonlight is located 2-1/2 hours drive via Colac from the Melbourne CBD. The hotel is 15 minutes by car to the famous Twelve Apostles, 90 minutes from the fashionable coastal resort of Lorne and two hours to the historic town of Port Fairy.

A drive along the Great Ocean Road offers top views:

TORQUAY - Torquay marks the start of the Great Ocean Road, built by 3000 ex-servicemen from World War I between 1919 and 1932. The town is known as the home of surfing in the state with nearby beaches Jan Juc and Bells Beach the most popular. The Rip Curl Pro Classic, every Easter, is the biggest surfing competition in the country. It's all surfing here, with a surfing museum and surf shops the order of the day.

PORT CAMPBELL - A crayfishing village at the heart some of the most dramatic scenery along the Great Ocean Road, including the Twelve Apostles and the London Bridge. A 2.5-kilometre walk takes you to the beach where the Loch Ard, carrying migrants, was wrecked in 1878.

QUEENSCLIFF - If you haven't had fish and chips on the beach here you have missed one of the great Victorian coastal experiences. Founded in 1850, this sleepy fishing village on the Bellarine Peninsula has become a haven for foodies. There are three grand hotels and more than 40 eateries between Queenscliff and neighbouring Point Lonsdale. You can catch the ferry to Portsea.

LORNE - The village at Lorne was established in 1871 on the banks of the Erskine River and developed as an English seaside resort. Today, it's the cafe society and the restaurant and pub scene along the main street that attracts visitors, as well as one of the safest surf beaches on the coast. The Lorne pier-to-pub each January is the world's largest blue-water swimming event.

APOLLO BAY - Apollo Bay marks the spot where the Great Ocean Road leaves the coast and heads inland through the Otway National Park and past the Cape Otway Lighthouse. At Apollo Bay, sandwiched between the ocean and rolling green paddocks, there are just a few cafes and restaurants, a couple of pubs, good accommodation options and a bustling commercial and recreational fishing industry.

PORT FAIRY - Pristine beaches, specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, cafes and bistros, galleries and more than 50 heritage buildings. Walk across the isthmus to Griffith Island for its lighthouse and muttonbirds returning at dusk. The Port Fairy Folk Festival in March is one of the country's best.

Villa Sarsana

2009-01-09T18:26:00.001-08:00

Villa Sarsana is discreetly located in the secluded Balinese countryside, perched atop a gentle slope with stunning views of lush green rice fields and, on clear days, the mountains of Bali.

Sarsana showcases an elegant, contemporary design with rich materials and the abundant and thoughtful comforts of a fully-serviced private retreat.

This 4-bedroom villa is a self-contained hideaway with private access and parking. The villa boasts a large swimming pool set within a spacious terrace, as well as roomy indoor and outdoor living areas that offer private vistas of the area's verdant landscape.

The sweeping curve of the exterior architecture is the distinguishing feature of this quality residence, allowing expansive views from all rooms. Contemporary interiors and generous spaces are designed to ensure comfort and privacy. Featured are the most up-to-date amenities and Balinese accents, textures and finishes of the highest standards.

The bedrooms - most with outdoor patios - are sumptuous, well-appointed havens that include oversized bathrooms and dressing areas. Each suite incorporates such pampering touches as luxurious beds, crisp bed linens, and plush towels.

Equipped with a gourmet chef's kitchen and tended by professional staff, Sarsana also offers hotel-quality service and dining ideal for both entertaining large parties and indulging in private relaxation. This easily accessible getaway is only a 15-minute drive from Seminyak, where Bali's most stylish boutiques and fashionable restaurants can be found.

Staff
Highly trained and attentive staff provide all the comforts of home for Sarsana guests, and professional property management assures maintenance and housekeeping of the property to hotel standards. All rates include a car for 10 hours per day.

Villa Summary
- Luxury villa with four Bedrooms
- Swimming pool and sundeck
- Deluxe bathrooms, washroom & pool shower
- Professional chef and fully equipped kitchen
- TVs with satellite channels
- Private parking area
- Telephone connection
- Wireless broadband internet
- DVD players and sound system

Villa Ombak Luwung

2009-01-09T18:23:00.001-08:00

Beauty, Peace, Privacy, Luxury - a few of the words that will come to mind as you step into Villa Ombak Luwung. In creating this absolute beachfront villa, we sought to combine simplicity of form with the exotic artistic embellishments characteristic of Balinese design. As you enter the villa, the vistas unfold, one after another, until you finally face the deep blue Indian Ocean and the hypnotic rhythm of the surf. We promise that you will be enchanted.

Ombak Luwung (the name means Magnificent Waves in Balinese) is a completely private, self-contained villa right on Canggu Beach, which is midway between the busy Kuta district and the important Balinese temple of Tanah Lot (also home to the world famous Nirvana Golf Course). Just 300 meters up the beach you will find one of the top surf breaks in Bali - Echo Beach. Canggu itself is a quiet, Balinese village but we are only 20 minutes' drive from the upmarket shopping and dining districts of Legian and Seminyak.

Villa Ombak Luwung comprises five ensuite bedrooms. The master bedroom faces the sea and connects via a bridge to a separate bathing pavilion surrounded by a quiet pond. There is one other ocean-facing bedroom while a third connects to a private garden with a massage pavilion (built for two) and an outdoor shower. Set in the midst of a huge lily pond, the other two bedrooms make up a two story structure. Upstairs provides expansive views out to sea while downstairs doubles as a study/media room.. In addition, Ombak Luwung provides a separate air-conditioned dining pavilion and a large open-air living room in the traditional wantilan design that looks out to the 17 meter, infinity-edge swimming pool, heated spa and, finally, the incredible sea view. Last but not least, our beautifully carved antique lumbung (rice house) is perfectly situated to provide a private retreat to enjoy the fantastic sunsets over Canggu Beach.

A visit to Ombak Luwung will combine the luxury of a world-class resort with the relaxation afforded by absolute privacy. Our experienced twelve-member staff will cater to your needs and requests. While there is an infinite range of activities and experiences awaiting you beyond the walls of Ombak Luwung, you may find, like many of our guests, that you simply don't wish to leave. We look forward to sharing this piece of paradise with you - we know it will be an experience you will never forget.

Location
Ombak Luwung is located at Jalan Nelayan (Street of the Fisherman) in the Canggu village area. Canggu is located approximately half way between the tourist district of Kuta and the important Balinese temple of Tanah Lot. We are about 45 minutes' drive from the international airport. Within walking distance you will find the world famous Canggu surf beach (also known as Echo Beach) and the Tugu Hotel, which boasts an amazing collection of Indonesian antiquities on display as well as an excellent restaurant. Half an hour's drive North, adjacent to the Tanah Lot temple, you will find the Meridien Resort and Nirvana golf course, frequently described as the most beautiful golf course in the world.

Going South towards Kuta and the airport, one comes to Seminyak and Legian with many fine restaurants and shopping opportunities. Our staff will be happy to provide recommendations and directions.

Staff
Ombak Luwung is managed by a Western-owned property management company and is fully staffed. This includes a full-time supervisor, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, security staff and a full-time engineer to ensure that all facilities run smoothly. Our staff will look after your laundry and dry-cleaning needs and handle basic waiter service around the property. They can arrange transport, restaurant reservations and massage service at your request.

Events
Ombak Luwung is an ideal venue for events such as weddings and family gatherings. Small functions of up to 15 persons can be handled by our own staff and using our own catering supplies. Functions of more than 15 persons will require additional staff and supplies and are subject to additional rental charges. Events of more than 20 persons will require the purchase of an entertainment license from the local village authorities and may require the hiring of an event coordinator. Our proximity to several important Balinese temples means that we may be asked to observe noise restrictions or curfews. Please enquire for further details - with adequate time to prepare, we can assure you an unforgettable event.

Food & Beverage
Guests may have any or all meals prepared by our staff. The timing of meals is entirely up to you. We only request that the staff be given some advance notice of very early or very late meal requirements. There is no charge for meal preparation, but the costs of all food and beverage purchases are borne by the guests. The kitchen staff will manage a shopping account for which guests will be responsible. Groceries are purchased at local markets or supermarkets as needed.

Summary
- Absolute beachfront, world-famous Echo Beach surfing at your doorstep
- Built-in 6000 sq ft on over an acre of tropical lush grounds and gardens
- 5 bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom
- Capacity 10 persons (as couples), extra beds can be arranged at USD25 per night
- 17m x 6m infinity pool, heated Jacuzzi, seats 8
- IDD, intercom system, broadband wireless internet and Ethernet access
- DVD, VCD & CD players in all bedrooms
- Satellite TV
- Small library of books, movies, music, CDs and games
- Beauty & Spa, massage, other services can be arranged upon request
- Baby cot, babysitting services can be arranged upon request
- Full staff, 1 manager, 2 cooks, 4 maids, 2 gardeners, 1 engineer, 4 security guards
- Antique rice barn - a children's playhouse and a place to enjoy the Indian Ocean sunset
- Equestrian facilities in walking distance, enjoy sunset gallops on the beach
- 35 minutes from the airport
- 15 minutes from world-class Meridian Nirwana Golf Course
- 15 minutes from Bali's best shopping and restaurant district.

Villa Niloufar

2009-01-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

The splendid five-bedroom property known as Villa Niloufar, meaning "LOTUS" in Persian, rests in blissful seclusion in a rural setting in southwest Bali. It is an ideal destination for guests who want to escape and enjoy relaxation, fitness, and wellbeing within a stunning location.

Niloufar is just twenty minutes drive from the trendy and buzzing area of Seminyak/Oberoi, where Bali's most popular beaches, chic boutiques, excellent restaurants and fashionable bars are located. The nearest beach, Canggu, is a short 5-minute drive away. The nearest golf course, Nirvana (designed by Greg Norman), is 10 minutes away.

The villa boasts a 17 x 5 metre swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. The meandering Buwit River borders the villa's expansive gardens; the property is surrounded by nature and blessed with beautiful views and riverside trails.

Villa Niloufar blends its exceptional location with outstanding facilities, service and privacy. Embracing the trend of 'Destination' villas, the property has been designed to contain as many features and amenities as possible, complemented by top levels of service, intended to ensure that guests feel no need to go out for top quality dining and entertainment.

By using the natural elements of the land as architecture, the villa has been carefully designed to promote the spirit of ecological responsibility with minimal impact on the environment. International architect, Gary Fell, generates solutions that blend style with nature. Rooftop water-lily ponds serve the double purpose of being aesthetically pleasing to the eye while, at the same time, providing a natural cooling system as each roof acts as a dense thermal insulator. The swimming pool employs an advanced ioniser filter system, and a water recycling system allows waste water to be reused in the gardens. The villa with its two roof top water gardens, is cleverly landscaped into the contours of the hill.

Entrance
Villa Niloufar is approached via a spacious car park with a security post and an openwork metal pivot gate. Guests will then walk past the first of the two, stunning rooftop lily ponds as they descend a stone stairway into the main, open-air entrance area with its natural stone walls. From here, the full visual impact of the villa takes effect. Eyes will be drawn along the length of an elevated, ornamental pond, past immaculate lawns towards the swimming pool, the river and rice terrace beyond. A pair of welcome statues from the island of Nias rest in front of the entrance hall, and from here guests will look across to the main living and dining area capped with another lotus pond roof.

Living & Dining Room
The expansive living and dining area is open on three sides and features a terrazzo floor. It is cooled by natural breezes and ceiling fans, and amply furnished with an abundance of large segmented daybeds, ottomans and cushions. The decor presents fresh white and natural stone walls complemented by teakwood panels. An antique Timorese dining table for twelve is positioned next to a terrazzo bar, while rustic artwork and primitive statues complete the fusion of ancient and avant-garde. There is a spacious guest washroom located off the living area, complete with a walk-in rainshower.

Kitchen
The kitchen is conveniently located behind the bar, close to the dining area. It is fully equipped with everything that the chef needs in order to prepare delicious meals, in accordance with the needs and whims of his guests. A wet kitchen and a laundry are both tucked away out of sight at the back, together with the service area, staff quarters and staff entrance.

TV Room
The air-conditioned TV room is located off the living room, and is fully equipped with the hi-tech facilities of a Pionner home theatre, including a Samsung 42-inch plasma TV with 45 channels, a Pionner DVD/CD player, a Sansui 4X300 watts amplifier, and four BMB speakers - sufficient power for a discotheque! The room is furnished with comfy segmented sofas and a built-in terrazzo shelf unit.

Gym
The gym is located a lower level than the main living and dining area, underneath the swimming pool and overlooking the river. It is accessed by descending an external stairway. The villa gym includes a range of excellent equipment with elliptic, power plates, treadmill, steps... and air conditioning (of course!). There is also a TV and DVD player in the gym and an outdoor shower on the approach.

Bedrooms
There are five self-contained bedrooms at Villa Niloufar, three of which are tucked under a lotus pond roof. There are two master bedrooms; one is located on an upper level and is very private with a terrace and daybed overlooking the magnificent lotus pond above the living area. This spacious room features sliding glass doors to maximise the spectacular view, a custom built teakwood king size bed, hanging space and storage units. The adjoining bathroom is equipped with washbasins carved out of rock and a walk-in shower and toilet within separate glassed areas. An additional walled, garden, bathing area, open to the sky and planted with palms and bougainvillea, is dominated by an oversized, deep bathtub, which has also been carved out of solid black rock.

The second master bedroom embraces lovely views of the garden and terraced rice field. Doors on either side of the king size teak bed open into the bathroom, complete with a large terrazzo tub, twin washbasins, a walk in shower and toilet.

The remaining three bedrooms are all quite similar to each other, yet each one has its own characteristics. Each is furnished with a king size bed and built in wardrobes and storage space. Each bathroom is equipped with a walk-in rainshower, twin washbasins and a toilet. One of these bedrooms features an outdoor shower in a walled garden bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with a safe deposit box.

Swimming Pool & Massage Bale
The 17 x 5 metre, swimming pool is located beside the living area. It features an infinity edge on two sides, and is bordered by an ironwood deck that extends the length and one side of the pool. No chemicals are used in the pool; instead it employs an advanced ioniser filter system that is soft on the earth and gentle on the skin. The deck is furnished with deeply cushioned, 'Hishem' synthetic rattan sunloungers. On the far side of the pool is a thatched riverside bale, which is a delightful spot for a massage.

Garden & River
The fast-flowing river is particularly beautiful; the river bank is accessed by a winding path and steps, and its jungle environs are restful and cool. The 'bale bengong' relaxation pavilion - an enchanting, lazy, breezy gazebo, sheltered by an alang alang roof and supported by pillars - is positioned in a strategic place, so that guests can relax and enjoy the tranquillity The Balinese word 'bengong' means 'lost in thought', and 'bale' means an abode, so a bale bengong is literally a 'contemplation house', designed for reflection, dreaming and meditation. Shady mature trees include majestic breadfruit, figs and towering palms, together with creepers and ferns. On the far side of the river is a picturesque rice terrace. The extensive grounds are landscaped with flat lawns punctuated with palms. From the swimming pool level, the garden cascades down to the valley; and is planted with many varieties of flowering shrubs. In addition to the main ornamental pond and the two rooftop lotus ponds, another pebble-lined pond rests beside the living area. Guests will be lulled by the soothing flow of the river and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, butterflies and birds.

Party Facilities
The substantial open space within the garden, combined with the grandiose of the property and its extensive facilities, makes Villa Niloufar the ideal tropical setting for weddings, private party, shooting fashio and beauty photographys.

Location
Niloufar is just twenty minutes drive from the trendy and buzzing area of Seminyak/Oberoi, where Bali's most popular beaches, chic boutiques, excellent restaurants and fashionable bars are located. The nearest beach, Canggu, is just 5 minutes drive away.

The villa is hidden away in the traditional, rural village of Buwit, in Bali's Tabanan regency. Nirwana Golf Course - designed by Greg Norman and recognized as one of the best golf courses in Asia - is a 10 minute drive. The international airport is fifty minutes' drive.

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa - Marbella, Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain

2009-01-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa - Marbella, Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain

5 STAR LUXURY RESORT • 121 ROOMS & SUITES, 16 VILLAS

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is located on the Southern Spanish Costa del Sol, in the heart of the ‘Golden Mile’ only 5 minutes to Old Town Marbella and Puerto Banús, with 320 days of sunshine and a mild year round average temperature of 21ºC. Open year round, the renowned Marbella Club Hotel was once the private residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe. The 121 luxury rooms and suites spread through the beach front resort harmonize with the 16 Andalusian-Style villas throughout 42.000 m2 of lush subtropical gardens, with their own private gardens and some of them with private pools. Each guest room is decorated with the finest of fabrics & Mediterranean interior design, reflecting the surrounding natural elements & has a furnished balcony/terrace, marble bathroom & 6 different Aromatic bath amenities. Both of the 2 outdoor heated swimming pools invite you to relax in the surrounding gardens or enjoy the views of the Mediterranean through the palm trees of the famous Beach Club.

AMENITIES AND SERVICES

Hotel Services: Multipurpose meeting rooms. Laundry/dry-cleaning. Boutique. Arcade. Golf Reservations office and equipment rental.

Room Amenities: Luxury bedrooms and suites harmonize with Andalusian-style villas of 2, 3 and 5 bedrooms, with private gardens and some with private pool. Each guest room is decorated with the finest of fabrics and Mediterranean interior design, reflecting the surrounding natural elements and has a balcony or terrace, marble bathroom and 6 different Aromatics bath amenities.

DINING

The Grill Restaurant with its romantic candle lit summer terrace combines exquisite traditional Spanish and fine International cuisine, created by our award-winning Executive Chef, Juan Galvez. Our Sommelier, Angel Gonzalez, winner of the National Award of Blind Speed Wine Tasting 2002, with more than fifteen years of experience, invites you to enjoy the best wines and national and international spirits served in the incomparable Grill Restaurant. The Winter Garden with terrace offers Champagne buffet breakfast and the famous Beach Club restaurant an opulent buffet lunch and bar year round. Alternatively the al-fresco pool-side Snack Bar is located at the upper pool for refreshments and snacks. In the evening the Piano Bar features live music (on the romantic candle lit terrace in summer). Our trendy MC Café with Contemporary Euro-Asian Fusion Cuisine now offers a new refreshing, regenerative and innovative Light Menu, complementing our Marbella Club Thalasso Spa Programmes, for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

ACTIVITIES

Marbella Club Golf Resort, designed by Dave Thomas, with adjoining Riding Stables. Imbedded within the hills of Benahavís, the course enjoys the spectacular views of Gibraltar and also the North African coastline and offers special reduced green fee rates and guaranteed tee-times for hotel guests only. Our Hotel Golf Pro, Gary Vautier, British P.G.A. Professional, has extensive experience in teaching on beginners to advanced levels and will be available at the hotel to answer any golf queries. Luxury beach front Marbella Club Thalasso Spa with 800 sqm of state-of-the-art facilities, includes a dynamic indoor sea water pool, steam baths and saunas, solarium and 12 treatment rooms, for a full range of Thalasso and Beauty Treatments as part of the Rejuvenation, Slimming, Anti-Stress and Revitalizing Programmes. Year-round Beach Club, all pools heated. Seasonal water sports. Free access to sister hotel Puente Romano Fitness.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Situated on the southern coast of Spain, in the heart of the "Golden Mile" between Marbella and Puerto Banus, within 42,000 square metres of lush subtropical gardens, the luxurious Marbella Club Hotel is one of the Leading Hotels of the World. Only 5 min. from Marbella Downtown and 45 min. from Malaga's International Airport, the Marbella Club Hotel, golf resort & spa has the ideal location for a dream vacation year round. Hotel Puente Romano, sister hotel located at only 5 min. walking distance, member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

GETTING THERE

Address: Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Boulevard Prince Alfonso, Marbella, 29600 Spain.

Airport: Malaga Int'l Airport (AGP) - 62km.

La Samanna - Baie Longue, St. Martin, French West Indies

2009-01-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

La Samanna - Baie Longue, St. Martin, French West Indies

La Samanna, an Orient-Express hideaway in St. Martin, French West Indies, completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment of its 55-acre luxury beach-front property in August 2007. The most recent enhancements include the addition of an infinity edge pool that sits by the new beach bar and deck, an expanded fitness center, a wedding ceremony location with sea views, changes on the façade, and a business center for internet access and office services. La Samanna is also pleased to welcome Chef Daniel Eschasseriau.

Many have dreamed of visiting this legendary resort on St. Martin in the French West Indies. A treasured playground of the rich and famous (Jackie Onassis was a regular guest), La Samanna features just 81 spacious villas and suites, dotted along a palm-studded crescent of sugary sand. Private and discreet, its white stucco Mediterranean architecture, lush tropical foliage and colorful splashes of flowers combine to create the quintessential French Caribbean experience.

La Samanna is a world-class luxury resort in St. Martin, French West Indies, cloaked in lush foliage and colorful splashes of flowers. The resort is residential in nature, appealing to a discriminating international clientele, seeking seclusion, relaxation, fine dining, and attentive personalized service within graceful Mediterranean architecture. La Samanna offers 81 air-conditioned guest rooms, suites, and villas, each featuring extraordinary ocean views.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The resort is closed in September and October.

Ocean View Rooms - Private ocean view accommodation complete with its own private terrace in our Main Building or walk-out patio on the beach. Premium style offers added luxuries.

Cliffside One Bedroom Suites - This most dramatic view of the ocean is included in this luxurious Cliffside one-bedroom suite complete with living room and a terrace or patio.

Beachfront One Bedroom Suites - Spacious, elegant one-bedroom accommodations on our beautiful private beach with luxurious living room and your choice of a terrace or patio. Premium style offers added luxuries.

Baie Rouge Suite - Spacious one-bedroom accommodations in our Main Building with your own octagonal living room and an open air wrap-around terrace that overlooks the ocean and our pool.

Terrace Suite - Two luxurious in our main building with an outdoor covered living terrace and separate sunning deck that offers panoramic views of the ocean, pool and lagoon.

DINING

La Samanna's restaurant offers dramatic open-air dining, with panoramic beach and ocean views. World-class cuisine combines fresh, lively island flavors with classical French techniques. The wine cellar boasts one of the most extensive collections in the Caribbean. 24-hour room service.

February 12, 2008 - La Samanna announced an expansion of its wine cellar, also known as La Cave. Already noted as one of the finest wine cellars in the Caribbean, La Samanna has expanded La Cave to allow more guests the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience. Under the aegis of Thibaut Asso, La Samanna's wine director, La Cave has expanded its already extensive collection. Currently, the wine cellar boasts 1,250 labels -- an increase from 240 labels in December 2004 -- with over 14,000 bottles from 11 different countries. The recent extension allows La Cave to accommodate up to 14 dinner guests and 16 guests for wine tastings. The tastings are led by the sommelier and can be customized to clients' interests. With three different rooms, the cellar can house up to 40 people for a wine cocktail party that includes two wine bars on each side of the cellar, allowing guests to explore the entire cellar with the sommelier educating on selected wines. For a more intimate occasion, the wine cellar can transform into a candlelit, romantic haven.

ACTIVITIES

Freshwater swimming pool. Snorkeling, kayaks, windsurfing, water-skiing equipment and instruction. Private motor boat rental. 3 championship tennis courts. Elysée Spa - Massage therapy, Facials, Body treatments, Anti-aging treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing and hairstyling. Fitness pavilion with aerobics and weight training equipment. On-site fitness training by AAFA-certified trainer.

Golf is available at Mullet Bay, including pro shop and golf lessons. Horse riding, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Parasailing, Skydiving, Helicopter touring.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

French West Indies with Anguilla just to the north and St. Bart's to the south-east.

Saint Martin is a vibrant blend of Caribbean paradise and French sophistication, a sun-drenched tropical isle where the sky is forever blue and pleasure is a way of life... and nowhere is this way of life summed up better than at La Samanna.

There are a number of wonderful sites to visit and islands to explore in and around St. Martin. Spend a day at Fort St. Louis, or buy your lunch at the colorful Marigot market. Whether you enjoy spending your days on beautiful beaches or exploring the local museums, you are sure to find many things to keep you occupied in St. Martin!

GETTING THERE

Hotel Address: La Samanna, Baie Longue, St. Martin, French West Indies

Airport: St. Maarten (SXM)

Katitche Point Greathouse - Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

2009-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Featured in Architectural Digest...Cradled between Mahoe and Pond Bays on Virgin Gorda, Katitche Point Greathouse is a masterpiece of design. This intimate villa, created by renowned British architect Michael Helm and featured in Architectural Digest, offers four innovative suites done in subtle island styling. The decadent master bedroom suite boasts a koi pond and soaking tub sunk into the rocks. Lounge by the infinity pool or, from the pool deck, follow the private walkway to Pond Bay Beach. Virgin Gorda is an oasis of serenity and scenic beauty waiting to be explored. Visit The Baths, pools and grottos formed by giant boulders strewn across the sands. Rent a boat and scud about the islands or enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. Take advantage of comprehensive guest services provided for your convenience, or simply relax in a hammock or on a luxuriant bank of pillows at the rooftop Crow's Nest.

Each of the four spacious suites offers a verandah with breathtaking sea views, while the decadent master bedroom features a koi pond, open-air shower and soaking tub sunk deep into the rocks.

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Maid service from 8am - 4 pm
Personal laundry
Pool-maintenance
Gardner

DINING
Cooking service from 8am - 4pm

ACTIVITIES

On-site: An infinity pool overlooks Tortola and an inner courtyard perfumed by tropical flowers and lemon trees. Kayaks, Canoes, Snorkeling

Nearby: The Baths, Virgin Gorda Peak, Wreck of the Chikuzen, Trail of Palms, Biras Creek Trail, Devil's Bay, Savannah Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Dive BVI, Spring Bay

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Virgin Gorda is an oasis of serenity and scenic beauty waiting to be explored. Visit The Baths, exotic pools and grottos formed by giant boulders strewn across sand beaches, rent a boat for the day and explore the neighboring islands, or enjoy the fascinating underwater world by snorkeling or scuba diving. Take advantage of the comprehensive guest services at the neighboring Mango Bay Resort or simply relax in the Crow's Nest above the third level of the villa, where hammocks and billowing pillows adrift on a Persian carpet beckon you to come and observe the star-studded night sky.

GETTING THERE

Address: Katitche Point Greathouse, Plum Bay Road, The Valley, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

Airport: Virgin Gorda (VIJ)

Karma Kandara - Jalan Wijaya Kusuma, Bali, Indonesia

2009-01-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

Karma Kandara - Jalan Wijaya Kusuma, Bali, Indonesia

Perched upon a clifftop, 100 metres above Bali's pristine southern beaches and rolling surf, Karma Kandara is blessed with an eye-boggling, unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean. The sheer cliffs and clear horizon reflect the purity of the natural surroundings, and the expansive motion picture of crashing waves is a reminder that the ocean and the serenity of this location will roll on forever!

Taking an inspirational approach to modern lifestyle, Karma Kandara blends its incredible location with outstanding architecture, interiors, facilities, guest activities, service and privacy. Honeycomb walls of coralline limestone are festooned with cerise bougainvillea, with south-facing archways revealing compelling vistas. A private cliff inclinator provides access to the sensational Nammos Beach Club with its bar and fresh seafood grill.

All of the estate's 46, stand-alone Villas are luxuriously appointed to maximise the breathtaking Indian Ocean view. Each has been meticulously planned to offer the absolute in privacy, and each features a private walled garden complete with an infinity edge swimming pool bordered by a timber sundeck. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, while the living rooms are open plan, comprising fully equipped kitchens, lounge and dining areas.

Set to become one of Asia's iconic destinations, Karma Kandara engenders a sense of back to nature spiritualism combined with cutting edge architecture and facilities. Such is its magnetic appeal that no visitor arrives without a gasping appreciation of the stunning scenery and laid-back ambience, nor leaves without an overpowering desire to return.

Visually stunning, the sophisticated interiors present rich fabrics, solid teak furniture, local artwork and antique artifacts. The soft furnishings, in shades of coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, copper, bronze and amber, blend easily with the marble floors, alang alang thatched roofs, and natural stone finishes. Hi-tech amenities complete the picture of opulence.

The Grand Villa represents the ultimate in holiday luxury, with its large, private pool and prime position on the cliff front, affording panoramic views.

A series of stairways, bridges and walkways link the villas to the glamorous restaurant, rooftop lounge, library, main infinity pool, and the kids pool with its sparkling water cascade. The sheer cliffs and clear horizon, meanwhile, reflect the purity of the natural surroundings.

Karma Kandara’s impressive signature restaurant, ‘di Mare’, offer a memorable fine-dinning experience. Overlooking the dramatic clifftop pool and the boundless blue ocean beyond, the dazzling architecture follows the team of the resort, cleverly blending chic elegance and mesmerising artwork with the natural beauty of the location.

The concept is Mediterranean with Asian overtones and a New Age twist? and di Mare? Executive Chef, Raymond Saja, utilises only the freshest, very best, season-driven local ingredients, combined with premium imports from overseas. Many of the dishes are spin-offs of classical Mediterranean recipes including Risotto, Bouillabaisse, Spanish Gazpacho, Moroccan Mezze and Roasted Opakapaka; the menu also offers comfort food ?pasta, and crisp calamari? together with some original high-end delights such as the Caramelized Perigord Foie Gras. This luscious cuisine is complemented by a 3000-bottle wine cellar offering a tantalising selection of fine wines from around the world.

Additionally, Nammos Beach Club & Grill presents a brick oven and a Mediterranean-Mykonian-style approach to all that is seafood. While, on another level, Temple Bar & Lounge is a hip, open-air sundeck, unveiling a cool, sexy vibe and a menu of global tapas, offset by a trend-setting cocktail list.

Residents and guests at Karma Kandara also have the option of 24-hour room service, the indulgence of a private in-villa barbeque with a personal chef and waiter, and the facility of cooking in their own, fully equipped villa kitchens. In-villa cooking is made easy by Karma Kandara? chefs, who will source the finest ingredients in accordance with every need and whim.

Designed to pamper guests from the moment they arrive, Chakra Spa focuses on exclusive treatments along with a distinct philosophy for health and well being. Accents of Asian tradition within a spectacular setting, embrace a range of time honored therapies designed to ease fatigue, stimulate the senses and awaken the spirit.

Chakra Spa - the name is borrowed from an Indian word meaning “Wheel of Light” takes the holistic experience to the next level, with an individually tailored range of soothing and energizing treatments focusing on the seven chakras of the body. Sunset is the premium time for a massage; the treatment rooms and the romantic, alfresco Jacuzzi face due south, affording a glorious outlook over the vast and solitary Indian Ocean. Removed from the world and bordered by raw nature, this extraordinary setting emanates a tangible energy. The rhythmic sound of the waves on the beach below is redolent of a hypnotic mantra. As guests are massaged into a state of lingering bliss, they will experience a feeling of harmony with the environment and all nature elements.

Karma Kandara offers a rich mosaic of tailored guests experiences and activities that encompass culture, tastes, sights, sounds, romance, sports, adventure and family enjoyment.

Here, guests can discover the magic of unspoiled beaches by private speedboat and relish a picnic lunch. They can see Bali from the air in a thrilling helicopter ride, or sail by catamaran to nearby islands, relax on deck or snorkel among psychedelic fish in the coral gardens of an clifftop, play a leisurely round of golf, or explore the culinary secrets, flavors, traditions and rituals of the local cuisine by participating in a Balinese cooking class. Karma Kandara pamper guests with cocktails and canapes served at sunset on the cliffs of Uluwatu, which is also the setting of fabulous cultural performances of Hindu dance epics.

Adjacent to the Resort is a Balinese temple that is spiritually connected to a highly auspicious cave temple located at the cliff base. Just a few kilometers away is Pura Luhur, the 11th century temple at Uluwatu; overhanging perpendicular cliffs, the grey volcanic stone of the temple, glowing with the radiant colors of the setting sun, leaves visitors with a lasting and haunting memory of spiritual Bali.

HOTEL ADDRESS:
Karma Kandara
Jalan Villa Kandara
Jalan Wijaya Kusuma, Bali, 80362
Indonesia

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2009-01-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

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Karma Jimbaran - Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

2008-12-27T12:13:00.001-08:00

Karma Jimbaran - Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

LUXURY BEACH RESORT • 38 VILLAS

Karma Jimbaran's 38 luxury villas dot the gentle hillside that leads down to the blue waters of Jimbaran Bay.

World class architecture brings together elements of contemporary style, functionality and luxury together with traditional Bali-influenced decor and design. The spirit of Bali, the most mystical of all the Spice Islands, is prominent in each of the villa havens.

Sitting like a jewel in the heart of each villa's tropical gardens, is a private pool. With the scent of frangipani trees lingering on the sea breeze, the villas are private sanctuaries that create an environment many seldom wish to leave.

Beneath a traditional Alang Alang thatched roof, the spacious indoor living area merges with an open plan, fully equipped kitchen. Try your hand at cooking with local produce or utilize our chefs to create your favorite dishes to be served under the stars.

di Mare restaurant, located at the heart of Karma Jimbaran, is fast becoming known as one of the island's best restaurants. New York chef Raymond Saja creates modern Mediterranean cuisine from the finest local and international produce.

Karma Jimbaran is villa living within a world-class resort where facilities, service and guests experiences merge to create a lifelong memory.

» HOTEL REVIEW

Jumby Bay Resort - St. John's, Antigua

2008-12-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

Jumby Bay Resort - St. John's, Antigua

LUXURY BEACH RESORT • 29 JUNIOR SUITES, 8 SUITES & 11 VILLAS

"Just off mainland Antigua, Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort is an inclusive, private-island paradise with pristine white sand beaches and the finest Caribbean amenities. The luxury resort is a refuge for genteel relaxation."

Jumby Bay is an exclusive resort on a 300-acre private island accessible only by boat, a 5-minute ride from the main island of Antigua. The island is home to three white-sand beaches sheltered by coral reefs, and slso home to endangered varieties of turtles and birds. Forty rooms and suites blend traditional colonial touches with an edge of clean-lined modernity -- dark mahogany furnishings and four-poster beds in the bedrooms, and new courtyard garden bathrooms, to allow for outdoor showers. Enjoy fine cuisine in the estate house dining room or at the Saturday night beachfront barbecue. Amenities include a Spa, swimming pool, fitness center, 3 tennis courts, putting green, hiking and biking trails.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

One 3-Bedroom Villa
10 Two-bedroom Villas
8 Deluxe Suites
12 Deluxe Junior Suites
11 Superior Junior Suites
6 Junior Suites

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Concierge services
Nightly movies
Daily NY Times facsimile
Evening turndown service
Laundry services
Babysitting & nanny services

DINING
Rates are inclusive of: Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
Unlimited open bar & imported house wine with all meals
Afternoon tea
Managing Director's cocktail party

Additional charge:
Private beach dinners
In-room dining

From traditional Caribbean specialties to inspired originals, Jumby Bay Island offers a variety of international delights. Enjoy the ocean views at the open-air Verandah Terrace for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or the The Great House for an elegant dinner setting and nouvelle cuisine.

ACTIVITIES

Complimentary activities: Private beach, 25-meter freshwater lap pool, 3 tennis courts, Non-motorized watersports, Snorkeling gear & guided snorkel tours, Sunfloats & Sunfish sailboats, Sailboarding, Croquet, Putting green, Fitness center, Bicycles, Sunset cocktail cruise.

Activities at an additional charge: Beauty & massage services, Golf on Antigua, Day sailing, Deep-sea fishing, Scuba diving & instruction, Tennis instruction, Pilates, Casino night on Antigua, Sightseeing excursions on Antigua, Day trips to nearby islands.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Jumby Bay is just a 7-minute ferry ride from Antigua.
Casino in St. John's
Hiking to the spectacular views of Green Castle Hill
Charming shops of English Harbor
Explore one of the biggest attractions in the eastern Caribbean, Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a beautifully restored Georgian naval dockyard that was home to British Fleet during Napoleonic Wars.

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS » SPECIAL OFFERS

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa - Mahe Island, Seychelles

2008-12-27T12:01:00.001-08:00

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa - Mahe Island, Seychelles

5 STARS • 40 VILLAS

The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is a stunning resort on the island of Mahé. Comprised completely of perfectly appointed private villas, it's a secluded hideaway nestled on the hillside and along small beach coves on Beau Vallon Bay. It provides spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and the nearby Silhouette and North Islands. There's no better place to relax and, at the end of the day, take in the magnificent Indian Ocean sunsets.

The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa retains old world friendliness and charm, enhanced by excellent service, understated luxury and casual elegance. The environment in the Seychelles is a prime consideration, and the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa has been specifically designed to protect and sustain its setting - complete with coconut palms, mango, cannonball trees and the large granite boulders that are a hallmark of the Seychelles.

Many holiday destinations have lost the delicate magic that sets them apart from other locations. But not the Seychelles. These idyllic islands take refined relaxation in a beautiful environment to a different dimension. Few places in the world come close to replicating the breathtaking attributes and natural beauty of the Seychelles.

You'll be captivated by the dramatic scenery, pure natural environment and timeless quality of life. Hustle and bustle is unheard of. The people live their lives in their own time, as the waves gently roll to the shore in the mild sea breeze. No schedules. No routines. No problems.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

40 bright and spacious villas, all with spectacular ocean views and all elevated above the ground on stilts. The Deluxe Oceanfront Villas are single-storey, and most of the Oceanview Hillside Villas are double-storey. All offer large private balconies with oversized double daybeds, sun loungers and outdoor dining facilities. The villas' interior design showcases an elegant, modern décor of natural materials and fabrics from the Far East, with the appearance and feel of the room similar to that of an apartment suite:

14 Deluxe Oceanfront Villas
26 Oceanview Hillside Villas

At the hotel: Internet café, Resort Gift shop

In your room: The villas offer a subtle blend of Seychellois architecture and contemporary décor with typical high ceilings, dormers, detailed balustrades, airy balconies and glass panel French doors. The beautiful, sunlit bathrooms feature twin ceramic sinks, an illuminated magnifying wall mirror, electrical shaver outlet, tiled rainfall shower, a whirlpool bathtub, bathrobes, slippers and a separate toilet and IDD phone. One of the Deluxe Oceanfront Villas is the Ian Fleming Suite, a 'hi-tech' experience to commemorate the author's stays at the resort, his inspiration for one of the 007 plots in the bestselling thriller, "For Your Eyes Only".

The Ocean View Bar is al fresco, the ideal place to take in the magnificent Seychelles sunsets. The bar menu offers your favourite beverages, including Citronelle tea - a favourite local herbal infusion. The bar comprises of timber decks - one of which is set at the water's edge, a popular venue for weddings and cocktail parties. The bar is decorated in a sophisticated island style with a thatched bamboo ceiling, wood walls, tiled floors and spotlights.

The 'open air' Hilltop Restaurant offers panoramic ocean and mountain views and serves the famous Hilton Breakfast, along with buffet style meals for lunch and dinner, using action cooking stations with changing themes.

Les Cocotiers Restaurant is the ultimate 'under the stars' dining experience on Mahé, featuring spectacular views of the surrounding ocean. With an á la carte menu specializing in Creole cuisine and fresh, local seafood as well as a selection of international favourites and an extensive wine list.

The Lobby Lounge is also open air, providing an extensive selection of fruit juices, cocktails, pastries and afternoon tea.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS | BOOK FLIGHTS | CAR RENTAL

Grand Isle Villas - Great Exuma, Bahamas

2008-12-27T11:58:00.001-08:00

Grand Isle Villas - Great Exuma, Bahamas

Luxurious. Caribbean. Experience. These three simple words perfectly capture the essence of Grand Isle Resort & Spa, a luxurious resort on an ideal Caribbean island with impeccable service ensuring you the best possible vacation experience. Located in Emerald Bay on the east coast of Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas.

Grand Resort Lagonissi - Lagonissi, Athens-Sounion, Greece

2008-12-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Grand Resort Lagonissi - Lagonissi, Athens-Sounion, Greece

LUXURY BEACH RESORT • 240 DELUXE ROOMS & SUITES, 25 POOL SUITES & 25 POOL VILLAS

Grand Resort Lagonissi is a spectacular luxury resort on an idyllic peninsula, located half way between Athens and Cape Sounion. This magical location offers both natural beauty and nearby cultural treasures of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Perfectly situated for a relaxing holiday, the resort's villas, suites and bungalows are set in 72 acres of a lush green peninsula with several magical sandy coves, surrounded by the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

All villas, suites and bungalows, divided into 'Accommodation Clubs,' offer ultimate privacy in a true dream setting and are all situated along the water's edge. The Comfort Club offers beautifully decorated rooms and suites located in the center of the peninsula in the main hotel building, offering a majestic view of the Aegean Sea.

The Premium Club offers elegantly designed suites, bungalows and rooms located either on the waterfront or beachfront offering magnificent sea views. Bungalows consist of living rooms/bedrooms open plan style, spacious marble lined bathrooms with mini TV set, separate shower cabin, steam bath, air bathtub and private wooden terrace, garden or heated pool with hydro massage devices.

The Grand Sports Club offers brand new bungalows and suites situated on two different sea levels, either on the waterfront or water edge with private or sharing outdoor heated pool, with hydro massage and reverse water flow devices. All bathrooms are marble lined and equipped with steam bath, air bathtub and separate shower cabin. Most of the suites have a private gym area with exercise equipment and accessories for a daily workout. Additional assistance of a personal trainer upon request.

The Zen Club offers superb suites located on both east and west side of the resort, with private garden or private pool, deck & heated pools. Either on open plan style or providing separate bedroom and living room area, these unique suites located all on the waterfront, offer the privilege of in-suite-Spa treatments! Special features also include private gym area, massage table, large screen TV, CD & DVD players, reverse water flow with hydro massage device in the swimming pool.

The Exclusive Club offers luxuriously decorated bungalows, suites & villas located comfortably along the waterfront designed to fulfil the highest of expectations. Spacious living rooms and bedrooms in open plan style, grand marble lined bathrooms with separate shower cabin, steam bath, air bathtub, remote control mattresses, walk-in closets, heated floor and private terrace or garden. All private outdoor heated pools with hydro massage and counter current devices. Wooden decks with bamboo furniture and sunshades.

The Platinum Club offers supreme palatial suites with spacious bedrooms & living rooms with fireplaces offering the highest degree of luxury: exquisite marble lined bathrooms with steam baths, air bathtubs and separate shower cabins, remote control mattresses and private gyms, walk-in closets, heated floors. Special features include 44” TV screen in bedroom & living room, DVD and CD player, mini TV set in the bathroom, walk in wooden closets. Colorful gardens with bamboo furniture and private outdoor heated pools with hydro massage and counter current devices.

Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants -- Ouzeri serves Greek traditional specialties and fresh fish; The Captain's House is an a la carte Italian restaurant; The Captain's Deck is an exclusive outdoor bar for special drinks and snacks at late night hours; Galazia Hytra serves contemporary Greek creations, on a wooden deck by the seaside; Kohylia Restaurant & Sushi Bar, situated on the western side of the peninsula on the water, serves Polynesian delicacies and sushi in a relaxing ambience, decorated in an Oriental style with a superb aquarium; La Piscine presents all day dining, music and bar by the pool, offering cool refreshments, snacks and Tex Mex tastes; Mediterraneo, located at Mediterraneo beach, serves a light menu and refreshing beverages all day long; Aphrodite serves international cuisine in the main hotel building, overlooking the sea; The Veranda Bar is a glamorous spot situated in the hotel, an ideal setting with breathtaking sunset; The Grand Pier at Grand Beach is a unique experience in the middle of the sea, in a fun atmosphere with modern music, beach bar with snacks, fresh juices and plenty of beverages; Poseidon Restaurant, situated on the Grand Beach serves finger food and drinks until the sun sets; and the Veghera Club Restaurant is an international bar-restaurant, discreetly isolated on the South water edge of the peninsula. Chic and modernly designed, with unlimited sea view is the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious creations.

The Blu Spa center, located on Mediterraneo beach, is a perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation, for physical and mental harmony, offering a variety of facial and body treatments with the signature of the well known ESPA products. Other leisure facilities include a marina with yacht hire, water sports, a freshwater swimming pool and floodlit tennis courts.

The resort is open year-round and offers chauffeured limousine and helicopter service from the Athens airport. This is a great base from which to explore the cultural treasures of Athens and the surrounding area, yet have a luxurious resort experience at the same time.

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS » SPECIAL OFFERS

Fregate Island Private & The Rock Spa - Seychelles

2008-12-25T14:15:00.001-08:00

Fregate Island Private & The Rock Spa - Seychelles

LUXURY RESORT • 16 VILLAS

"The Best beach on the planet" - NY Times...Frégate Island Private is the only resort on one of the most unspoiled places on earth, declared "The best beach on the planet" by the New York Times. Elegant, Asian-inspired villas overlook the ocean, and are surrounded by spectacular and unspoiled nature. 14 of Fregate's 16 luxurious villas are spread along the cliff top offering spectacular views over the Indian Ocean, two more nestle in their own private tropical gardens. Both the architecture and decor draw on Balinese and Thai influences. Each villa was situated to make it feel like a part of the surrounding landscape, and to ensure maximum privacy and seclusion for the guests. Exquisite cuisine created from the plantation's own produce and livestock. A new Spa was added in 2004. You enjoy a world away from mass tourism with pleasures unknown to most, including an ecosystem virtually unaffected by time. Take to the water by choosing from a fleet of watercrafts for diving or fishing, or enjoy hiking and mountain biking through the tropical jungles. A freshwater rock pool, fitness center and a library are also nestled on this fascinating island.

14 of Fregate's 16 luxurious villas are spread along the cliff top offering spectacular ocean views, the remaining 2 are set amid lush tropical gardens. Each has a large living room, able to accommodate two children if required, and a separate elegantly decorated bedroom with en suite bathroom. French doors open onto an outside shower, beyond which is a personal jacuzzi and king size day bed. Built from traditional materials such as native mahogany and African teak in a simple post-and-lintel style, the villas are topped off with dense thatched roofs. Both the architecture and decor draw on Balinese and Thai influences. Satellite TV & DVD / VCD players in your villa. Twice daily housekeeping service. Daily news highlights. Laundry services available.

There’s a fully equipped gym, a fresh water swimming pool, an extensive library and a children’s game room. You can mountain bike your way along trails that cross the island, go Hobie Cat sailing, book a sunset cruise or simply stay at home and have a massage on your deck. To help you discover the island unparalleled wildlife, island ecologists are on hand to guide hikes through the island´s tropical jungles and along its rugged coastline. Instruction and certification in scuba diving and snorkeling is available at the PADI-certified dive center. To the north of Frégate is Chimney Rocks, one of many popular diving locations where you can explore the dazzling underwater world that encircles the island. The 47-foot luxury teak launch, Bemfujjo, is ideal for excursions out to sea, or you can go game fishing on the 37-foot Little Frégate Bird. Her sister vessel, the 43-foot motor yacht Frégate Bird, is also available for charter. Bring home your catch of the day and one of the chefs will serve it to you for dinner.

The Rock Spa - Opened in May 2004 and overing an area of 4,500 square metres nestled between the island's natural rocks, the Spa really does live up to its name. Of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, 42 are characterized by granite rock while the rest of them are founded upon coral. Even the journey to The Rock Spa is an experience. Steep roughly-hewed steps wind their way upwards between greyish black rocks, before you are treated to the wonderful panorama provided by the Spa facilities. It is a really meditative and enchanting location with sensual Asian Credo, characterized by water pools, lush vegetation and exotic architecture, which manages to remain true to the natural environment while containing contemporary elements.

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS » SPECIAL OFFERS

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay - Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

2008-12-25T14:11:00.001-08:00

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay - Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

5 STAR LUXURY RESORT • 147 VILLAS

An expansive and elegant private Balinese villa awaits you – with separate sleeping, bathing and living pavilions and ocean views from your plunge pool. An Indonesian spa. Dramatic hilltop and oceanside dining. All immersed in the mystique of this spiritual land. Experience the diversity of Bali by pairing your visit with a stay at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, an intimate upcountry retreat.

Taman Wantilan - Perched above the shoreline, Taman Wantilan offers unparalleled views of Jimbaran Bay and Bali's distant volcanoes. The restaurant's unique design features two open-air pavilions with a spectacular view. Piano music is performed nightly.

Warung Mie - Warung Mie serves up exotic Asian noodle dishes on the main wooden deck with its rustic-style railing and on a bale dining area facing a beautiful water garden.

PJ's - The mood at PJ's is always upbeat and casual. Seating on three decks and at the bar provides a clear view of the beach and Jimbaran Bay.

Pool Terrace Café - Offers a relaxed menu accompanied by a beautiful view of Jimbaran Bay, and featuring a dramatic free-form pool with cliff-like edge.

Terrace Bar and Lounge - Two adjoining open-air pavilions with a stunning view of Jimbaran Bay. There is an intimate courtyard adjacent to the main pavilions.

24-hour In-Villa Dining.

Main Pool - With its infinity-edge, the main pool seems to blend with the beautiful bay beyond. Water from the pool cascades over a 7-metre (23-foot) waterfall into the free-form soaking pool below. Hot and cold whirlpools are located nearby. Refreshments and light meals are available to enjoy on the pool deck.

The spirit of The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali flows from cool ocean waters, natural spices and flowers and the healing effects of human touch – incorporating ancient Indonesian traditions and rituals.

Fitness Center - The aerobics studio features a sprung floor, TV monitors with VCRs, a video library and a ballet barre. The gym features an array of cardiovascular machines equipped with TV monitors, including three treadmills, two step machines and a semi-recumbent stationary bike, all equipped with TV monitors, as well as a rowing machine. The gym also provides weight machines and free weights.

Tennis - Managed by world renowned Peter Burwash International, the Resort's facilities include two synthetic grass courts which are lit for night play. A professional instructor is available, and equipment and tennis wear can be rented.

Complimentary use of the resort watersports equipment includes hobie cat, catamarans, lasers, paddle skis, snorkelling equipment as well as aqua shoes to protect guests.

Cooking school - The school opens six days a week and it offers four self-contained modules to appeal to the novice and experienced alike. The dedicated school chef in his interaction with a maximum of ten participants imparts the culinary secrets of Asia during each module.

Off-Site: - white water rafting, sailing, cruising, surfing, jet skiing and scuba diving. Trekking, bicycling, parasailing, fishing trips, dolphin watching, horseback riding, hiking.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS | BOOK FLIGHTS | CAR RENTAL

Florianopolis Luxury Beach Villa - Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

2008-12-25T13:57:00.001-08:00

Florianopolis Luxury Beach Villa - Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

PRIVATE LUXURY VILLA • 4,500 SQ.FT. / 5 BEDROOMS / 5 BATHS / SLEEPS UP TO 11

Modeled after the finest homes of California's famed Malibu hillside district, this villa brings first-world comfort and convenience to the enchanting island of Florianopolis, Brazil. The villa affords extraordinary yet understated luxury completely in harmony with its breathtaking surroundings, taking full advantage of the natural gems at its front and rear doors while offering ample private space for relaxing, entertaining or just getting away from it all. Situated among lush hills covered with vibrant Atlantic rainforest and sandwiched between the postcard perfect scenery of Praia Mole beach and the Lagoa da Conceição lagoon, the villa is also a paradigm of convenience, located just minutes to the best of everything on the island.

This luxury beach villa is located in the most privileged location on the beautiful island of Florianópolis in southern Brazil, a destination famous for its stunning natural beauty (42 different beaches, soft white sand dunes, lush Atlantic rain forest and crystalline lagoons), world-class nightlife, top-notch dining and shopping options, charming local culture, safety and the country's best quality of life.

Directly across from Praia Mole beach, one of the most breathtaking beaches along Brazil's vast coastline and famous for its spectacular scenery, international surf competitions and beautiful patrons, this house is unequaled on the island in terms of modern conveniences and understated luxury. Situated in a high-end gated community of just 15 homes, the residence also features a private access nature trail to the stunning Lagoa da Conceição lagoon (named the “crown jewel” of Florianopolis by the UK's Guardian), perfect for swimming and relaxing in the afternoon sun. The coastal nature preserved Praia da Galheta is just a brief stroll from the northern end of Praia Mole beach, the perfect setting for reflective hikes or morning jogs. Last but not least, the villa is only minutes by car from the best dining, nightlife and boutique shopping options that Florianópolis has to offer.

The ultra modern architectural villa has over 4,500 sq.ft. of well distributed living space, including 5 bedrooms (4 suites), 5 bathrooms, commanding ocean and lagoon views, gourmet kitchen, open floor plan with integrated living room, dining room and den, large master suite with walk-in closet, couple shower and jacuzzi, roof top view deck, two car garage, several view patios, outdoor BBQ area, private backyard with pool and more. Modern amenities include high-speed wireless internet access, an international phone line (free calls), central air conditioning, double pillow top mattresses, a home theater projector system, integrated surround sound stereo system, and elegant lighting effects throughout. Constructed and decorated with the most discerning tastes in mind and using top of the line finishes throughout, this is truly the ultimate beach dream home. The complex also features a private tennis court and 24-hour doorman. Welcome to paradise!

VILLA RESERVATIONS | BOOK FLIGHTS | CAR RENTAL

Fairmont Kea Lani & Ocean Villas - Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

2008-12-25T13:52:00.001-08:00

Fairmont Kea Lani & Ocean Villas - Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

LUXURY BEACH RESORT • 450 SUITES & VILLAS

The Fairmont Kea Lani is a dazzling white display of bold resort architecture set on deep-green grounds and bordered by the blue Pacific. Suitable to this luxury, gracious hospitality in the form of a fresh lei, a chilled face towel, and a glass of iced juice greets guests as they arrive in a magnificent, two-story lobby distinguished by five domed vaults, an open-air fountain courtyard, and marble mosaics inlaid in the floor. Nothing is meager here, and that generosity is reflected in the contentment of pampered adult guests and joyful children.

At the foot of the resort, the quarter-mile Polo Beach entices guests down the hillside on which the resort is arrayed. Then the resort's 22,000 square feet of watery attractions entice them back up the hill. Set on two levels, the main pool complex is comprised of a huge lagoon pool, a spa, and an expansive sundeck on the upper level. The lower level offers another huge free-form pool, a children's pool, another expansive sundeck, and enormous sunning lawns that lead to a third, utterly tranquil, adults-only pool. Connecting the two levels is a 140-foot waterslide that curves and twists thrillingly, passes under a waterfall, skirts a grotto spa, sluices through a tunnel, and ejects adults and children alike into the lower-level pool.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

All-suite/villa resort in oceanfront setting has 423 suites and 37 two-story villas. CHILD POLICY - There are no room charges for children 18 and younger occupying the same room as their parents. PET POLICY - No pets allowed. SPECIAL NEEDS - Wheelchair accessible rooms available.

3-Bedroom Villas - 2,200 sq. ft. Identical to the two bedroom villas with the addition of a third bedroom.
2-Bedroom Villas - 1,800 sq. ft. Ocean Front (just steps from Polo Beach) or Ocean View.
Kilohana Signature Suite - 1100 sq. ft.
Deluxe Ocean View Suite - 840 sq. ft.
Ocean View Suite - 840 sq. ft.
Pool-side Suite - 840 sq. ft.
Fairmont Suite - 840 sq. ft.

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS » SPECIAL OFFERS

Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites - Elounda, Crete, Greece

2008-12-22T19:53:00.002-08:00

Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites - Elounda, Crete, Greece

LUXURY BEACH RESORT • 10 SUITES & 14 POOL VILLAS

Crete, rich in history and mythology, is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Tucked away on its eastern shore, in possibly the island's most prized location, is Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites cradled by the cliff overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello. This luxury villa-hotel of 10 suites and 14 villas offers you a choice between the elegant, well-equipped kitchens or the 5-star services as the whim takes you. In addition to the main pool, Villa residents have the added pleasure of their own individual private pool. There is a real passion here that can only come from private ownership. It shows in the grand design and right down to the most meticulous detail. Even in the humblest suite, the amenities exceed expectations. For privacy, space and chic with an Olympian view, this is a sybarite's paradise. Even the restaurant can justly claim to be one of the best on the island. A summer palace fit for the Gods.

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Villas - Air bath (all bathrooms), Air-conditioning, Bathrobes and Slippers, CD / DVD player, Direct dial telephone, Dressing rooms (some), Floor to ceiling windows, Fully equipped kitchen, Hairdryer (all bathrooms), High speed Internet connection, Iron / Ironing board, Luxury amenities, Make-up mirror, Outdoor dining area, Parking space for each villa, Safe deposit box
Satellite TV, Terrace / Patio with wooden sunbeds

Suites - Air bath (all bathrooms), Air-conditioning, Balcony / Terrace, Bathrobes and Slippers, Bathroom amenities, CD / DVD player, Coffee / Tea making facilities, Direct dial telephone, High speed Internet connection, Satellite TV, Small fridge

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Archaeological Site - Knossos 75 km/45 miles
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion 65 km/40 miles
Malia Minoan Palace 30 km/19 miles
Monastery of Toplou
Golf Facilities 45 km/28 miles
Yachting excursions and sailing
Traditional Village of Kritsa 11 km/7 miles
Vai Palm Forest 70 km/44 miles

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Eagles Nest Villa Retreat - Russell, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand

2008-12-22T19:45:00.001-08:00

Eagles Nest Villa Retreat - Russell, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand

5 STARS • 10 SUITES IN 4 VILLAS

Eagles Nest which is a leading member of the exclusive New Zealand Luxury Collection has just been voted the world’s highest rated property in the 2008 Conde Nast 2008 Gold List.

Nestled on the ridge line of a private peninsula lays a place of serenity, Beauty, Healing and Harmony. A secluded 75 acre Estate in the Breathtaking Bay Of Islands, where the pressure of modern life has never existed. This world class luxury estate, with its 4 (soon to be 5) multi-million dollar villas, is the perfect venue for the holiday treat of a life time; customized event or elegant wedding. Each Villa is self-contained and self-sufficient or have the Chefs come and pamper you to your personal requirements. The Bay Of Islands is a world renowned holiday destination for deep sea and big game fishing, as well as sailing and cruising throughout the many picture perfect islands, bays and coves. The Bay Of Islands is also famous for its dolphin and Whale watching, its secluded beaches, native bush walks and historic attractions. It epitomizes clean green New Zealand. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking, para-sailing, sky diving, water skiing, scuba and snorkeling are all available.

Eagles Nest is a secluded 5 star luxury retreat with breathtaking views of the Bay of Islands, where the body, mind and spirit find nourishment. Featuring four luxury villas with stunning views out to the Bay of Islands. And two brand new homes, on almost three acres - The Eyrie and Eagle Spirit. Whether you are looking for a discreet board meeting, a spectacular event or something simple, Eagles Nest is the ideal venue and will create a memorable experience for your conference attendees. At Eagles Nest simple elegance and the healing energy of this sacred land co-exists in an incomparable setting. In this place you will be warmed by the sun, invigorated by the changing seasons, and catered to by gracious Kiwi hospitality.

BOOKING POLICIES:
CHILD POLICY - All welcome.
PET POLICY - No pets allowed. Guide dogs only.
SPECIAL NEEDS - Wheelchair accessible rooms available
SEASONS - High: October to April / Low: May to September.

HOTEL WEBSITE | AIR | CAR | INSURANCE

Cuixmala - La Huerta, Jalisco, Mexico

2008-12-22T19:37:00.001-08:00

Cuixmala - La Huerta, Jalisco, Mexico

5 STARS • 4 PRIVATE VILLAS & 9 CASITAS

This fabulous family estate, created by billionaire and philanthropist Sir James Goldsmith, offers a unique experience for those seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury. Set along its 3 kilometre golden sand beach, the 25,000-acre property offers 4 houses from 3-11 bedrooms, all fully staffed and exquisitely decorated in a combination of Mexican, Mediterranean and Moorish styles. For couples or smaller groups, there are also 9 charming casitas with a shared pool and dedicated club house.

The beautiful and comfortable private villas are designed to blend light, proportions, colors with space and panoramas of the beach, lagoons, river and ocean. In this peaceful environment, beauty and freedom of nature meet comfort and service of the highest standard.

Mango, papaya, grapefruit, citrus orchards and many other exotic fruits are grown on the grounds of Cuixmala. In the gourmet dining restaurant, all the comestibles, whether dairy products, meats, fruits vegetables or fresh coffee, have been grown organically and processed in the ranch or in the highland farm, El Jabali.

Cuixmala is surrounded by The Cuixmala Ecological Foundation, which was established to protect the region’s rich biodiversity. Cuixmala provides visitors up-close encounters with coati mundis, wild boars, white tail deer to name a few. Zebras, elands and gazelles can be spotted roaming freely in the exotic animal park.

Casa La Loma is a spectacular house set on a hill overlooking three kilometers beach on the Pacific Ocean. A combination of styles featuring Mexican, Mediterranean and Moorish characterize the quality of design and architecture of this house.

Casa Alborada is a magnificent moorish style house located on the hill over-looking the coconut plantation and the Cuixmala river.

Casa Puma is surrounded by a lavish exotic garden, featuring serene architecture with a sense of peace and well being. The views from the interior living room, dining room and the exterior covered living overlooks the many coconut palms and the infinity of the ocean.

Cuixmala also offers Casitas. Casitas all share a club house with a restaurant, TV lounge and swimming pool that overlook the coconut plantation.

GETTING THERE

Address: Cuixmala, Km. 40, Carretera Melaque-Puerto Vallarta, La Huerta, Jalisco, C.P. 48983 Mexico.

Airport: Manzanillo (ZLO) - 1 hour. Private airstrip at estate.

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS

COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

2008-12-22T19:31:00.001-08:00

COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

5 STAR LUXURY RESORT • 22 ROOMS & SUITES

Experience the Ultimate Bali High at Begawan Giri Estate...Featured in Architectural Digest's "World's Most Beautiful Homes"...COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri is a sanctuary, a place of privacy and nurture where guests can rediscover a sense of balance in the interior highlands of Bali. COMO Shambhala understands that a truly positive experience has to inspire not just the body, but the mind and spirit. This resort values a holistic existence and considers nature to be the greatest healer of all.

COMO Shambhala Estate is a residential wellness retreat located near Ubud, Bali. Accommodation at The Estate is among the most spacious of its kind, built into the jungle, clearings and above the Ayung river, including Residences, Villas and Retreat Villas. Facilities include a Vitality pool, treatment area beside the Ayung River, a climbing wall, outdoor jungle gym and yoga pavilion. The Estate has a number of resident teachers including a fitness instructor, Yoga master and martial arts teachers. The property also provides guides for outdoor activities. Completing the holistic approach, The Estate offers a wide selection of healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine.

The location of COMO Shambhala Estate is extraordinary, a deeply resonant landscape and natural sanctuary, untouched, raw and beautiful, bordered by the sacred Ayung River, surrounded by terraced rice fields and jungle covered mountains. The property is a 15 minute drive from Ubud,and a one hour drive from Denpasar, Bali's International airport with direct flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, London,Tokyo, Bangkok and Sydney.

Architecture is overseen by Cheong Yew Kuan who conceived the original Begawan Giri Estate, combines local stone, wood and traditional alangalang roofing. His previous projects also include the villas at sister property Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Interiors are by Koichiro Ikebuchi whose uncomplicated and succinct approach, using handmade Balinese furniture and local fabrics, allow guests to engage with COMO Shambhala Estate's greater purpose, to clear the mind for thoughts of better health.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

An emerald isle of stunning natural beauty and rich artistic traditions, Bali is a paradise rich in art and architecture, dance and ritual, and regal heritage.

Bali Bird Park and Reptile Park
Batubulan village
Batur Temple and Kintamani
Celuk and Singapadu villages
Elephant Safari Park
Goa Gajah Temple, Bedulu village
Gunung Kawi Temple
Mas and Kemenuh villages
Monkey Forest
Tampaksiring and Tirta Empul sacred spring
Tohpati village
Ubud - World famous artistic community
Uluwatu Temple
Waterbom Park

GETTING THERE

AIRPORT: Denpasar (DPS)

HOTEL ADDRESS:
COMO Shambhala Estate
Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod,
Payangan, Gianyar
Bali 80571, Indonesia

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS » DESTINATION GUIDES

Cayo Espanto - San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

2008-12-22T19:24:00.001-08:00

Cayo Espanto - San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

» HOTEL RESERVATIONS » VIDEO

LUXURY RESORT • 5 VILLAS

Deserted beaches, uninhabited islands, beautiful waters and an occasional dolphin will make your trip forever memorable...Cayo Espanto is a world class resort for the discriminating few who demand the best life has to offer. With just 5 spacious seafront villas, this exclusive island retreat will feel like your own private paradise. Fish in the sea just outside your door or swim in your freshwater pool, dine on your personal dock or verandah, and freshen up in breathtaking alfresco showers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A private, secluded island with just five villas. Depending on your selection, brilliant accommodations may include a private dock, your own splash pool or an enchanting walled garden.
• Personal housemen attend to your needs, breakfast is brought to you in bed, and a team of international chefs prepares your meals.
• Private trips can be arranged to the Blue Hole and the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, snorkeler’s can explore the underwater world of the country’s National Marine Park. At the end of the day relax with a massage followed by a cocktail under the setting sun.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Casa Olita - One bedroom (1500+ sf) private plunge pool.
Casa Manana - One bedroom (1500+ sf) private plunge pool.
Casa Aurora - Two bedroom (2100+ sf) private plunge pool.
Casa Estrella - Two bedroom (2500+ sf) two-story, two-bedroom villa. private plunge pool.
Casa Brisa - One bedroom, open-air design, alfresco shower, flat screen TV and personal plunge pool.

AMENITIES

All cabanas are seafront on the beach and have private pools except Casa Morada which has a jacuzzi.

DINING

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily. All beverages included except wine and champagne. Meals are served in cabanas for private dining or on the various docks or in the dining palapa. Room Service.

ACTIVITIES

Fish in the sea just outside your door or swim in your freshwater pool. Scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, birdwatching, adventure tours. The Spa offers manicures, pedicures, facials, massage therapy, LaStone, Aromatherapy.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Fly Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Boating
Mayan ruins of Lamanai
River trips
Birdwatching
Picnic on deserted beaches and uninhabited islands

GETTING THERE

Address: Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize.

Airport: Belize (BZE), then to San Pedro - flight time is 17 minutes and includes beautiful views of various islands and the second largest barrier reef in the world (it will be on your right).

Transportation: Located 3 miles from San Pedro in the calm waters of the Western Caribbean, off the coast of Belize, Cayo Espanto is truly a spectacular and private retreat. You will be met at the San Pedro airport by our staff and taken via taxi directly to one of our shuttle boats just a few hundred yards away. You will enjoy a 7 minute ride to Cayo Espanto. Your luggage will be handled for you the entire time.