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Magical Mustique

One of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands offers two spectacular new villas.

Beloved by affluent travelers for it ultra-exclusivity and collection of lavish villas, the Caribbean island of Mustique now boasts two new vacation properties, the villas Sienna and Tanama.

Sienna, the latest villa built on Mustique, boasts Italian-style architecture and features two pools, five bedrooms with large marble bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a media room, a gym, and views of the Atlantic. A five-person staff includes a chef, a housekeeper, and a gardener.

Nestled in the Endeavour foothills of Mustique, the Oliver Messel-inspired villa Tanama, Mustique’s other new addition, is situated within easy reach of the island’s facilities: tennis courts, stables, dive shop, beaches, and bars. Tanama is outfitted with four bedrooms, a media room, a 48-foot pool with sun loungers, and a pavilion for al fresco entertaining. A large Kawasaki Mule and a jeep are also provided, making for easy exploring around the island.

In addition to its new villas, Mustique’s offerings now include new fitness options: Tennercize is a group cardio-tennis activity based on drills that give participants a rigorous workout while sharpening their skills. Meanwhile, Get Fit!, Mustique’s new personal trainer program, offers customized workouts—cardio boxing on the beach, yoga, or a hike along the 2.2-mile Fitness Trail—for guests hoping for specific results and workout solutions. To complement the program’s exercise component, a villa chef prepares meals that help participants maintain a suggested diet plan during their stay. Get Fit! is offered December through April, and in July and August. . —L.L.

Newport, RI

Forty 1˚ North

In Newport, one of New England’s most beautiful and historic summer resort towns, Forty 1˚ North will have you in instant relaxation mode. By Andrew Conway

What is it about Newport, Rhode Island, that speaks of golden summers? The sound of sails flapping in the ocean breeze, the faint aroma of sea salt in the air, lazy days at the beach, a stroll in the gardens of a historic mansion, the thwack of tennis balls, or a sundowner with family and friends relaxing in traditional Adirondack loungers?

Whatever the reason—and there are scores to choose from—this classic harbor city never fails to deliver and delight. Dotted with first-rate hotels, must-reserve restaurants, stylish boutiques, and a host of vibrant attractions and colorful festivals, Newport comes alive during the summer months in a swirl of social activity.

At the center of it all lies Forty 1˚ North, a contemporary boutique hotel perched directly on the waterfront along Thames Street, and which has successfully established itself as the place to see and be seen since opening in 2010. A summer evening that starts with cocktails in the sleek Oval Bar, followed by a leisurely dinner in The Grill, and ends with a chilled glass of Champagne at the al fresco Pavilion Bar overlooking a private marina, is the very essence of Newport.

Upstairs, no expense has been spared on the 24 stylish guest rooms and suites, many with views of Newport Harbor and featuring Frette linens, soaking tubs, Malin+Goetz bath amenities, and up-to-the-minute accessories, such as in-room iPads. Each room is decked out in a stylish color palette of grays, taupes, and dark chocolate tones, cleverly blending modern luxury with coastal comfort. There are two Cottage Suites in separate buildings and two Loft Suites above neighboring Christie’s restaurant. (Be sure to check out the 41˚N Card, offering priority access, exclusive benefits, and special events during the summer.)

Arguably, Newport’s best dining and shopping is along Thames Street, brimming with whimsical boutiques, galleries, and antique stores. Dine at Thames Street Kitchen (thamesstreetkitchen.com), which delivers field-to-fork menus with produce from local growers; Restaurant Bouchard (restaurantbouchard.com) is perfect for a quiet, romantic dinner of gourmet French cuisine; and Christie’s at Forty 1˚ North has a funky and playful vibe featuring Asian-style tapas and classy cocktails. 41north.com.

The Agenda

No visit to Newport is complete without exploring at least one of the 11 iconic mansions in The Preservation Society’s unique collection. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are the grandest, but each of the others is also spectacular in its own right.

Hop in the car and take a spin around Ocean Drive, Newport’s most beautiful stretch of coastline and real estate. Alternatively, stroll the delightful 3.5-mile Cliff Walk past some of Newport’s gilded mansions.

It’s not Wimbledon, but Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum hosts pro and amateur tournaments during the summer, and the museum has fascinating memorabilia dating back to the 1800s.

A sunset cruise on Narragansett Bay aboard the elegant schooner Adirondack II is a quintessential Newport experience.

Coastal Openings

Dolcevita

The Sweet Life Palm Beach welcomes Dolcevita.

ST Residential recently announced the opening of its newest property in Palm Beach, Dolcevita. The 34-unit luxury condominium is located on the pristine sands of Singer Island in exclusive Palm Beach Shores, offering residents a prime oceanfront location.

Two- and three-bedroom units are available, ranging from 1,960 to 4,000 interior and exterior square feet. Units feature floor-to-ceiling windows in living areas, expansive outdoor terraces, and Viking stainless-steel appliances. In addition to designer-ready residences, residents enjoy an outdoor fire pit, a summer kitchen, and a heated oceanfront pool with private cabanas. Additional amenities include direct beach access, valet parking, a fitness center, and 24-hour concierge services.

Nestled on historic Singer Island, Dolcevita offers the relaxed pace of an island lifestyle with long sandy beaches, gentle waters, and access to deep-sea activities, along with world-class entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. The area also attracts sports enthusiasts at the nearby PGA National Resort and Sailfish Marina Resort and Spa. Other area attractions include The Gardens Mall and CityPlace, making it an ideal residential enclave. Prices range from the mid-$400,000s up to $1.7 million. dolcevitapalmbeach.com.

Hilton Surfers Paradise

Surf Turf

Soaring above Australia’s iconic Gold Coast, Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened its newest leisure property in Australia—Hilton Surfers Paradise. The property has a total of 169 guest rooms, 250 modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, and signature recreational amenities.  Property and service highlights include the first brand new eforea: spa at Hilton in Australia; the Salt Grill, a relaxed, stylish eatery that brings dining to a new level with celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan; an ultra-chic lounge bar, offering signature cocktails by renowned international mixologist Grant Collins; and Beach Valet, which help you secure prime spots on the sand fully loaded with beach gear and personal belongings, plus drinks, snacks, towels, toys, and sunscreen replenished throughout the day.

Grand Colonial Hotel

California Dreaming

In California, the landmark Grande Colonial Hotel, La Jolla’s oldest original hotel, has emerged with fresh new interiors that are the mastermind of Warren Sheets Design, Inc. The firm completed improvements to public areas, including the entrance lobby, the lobby lounge, and meeting rooms of the 93-room, oceanview boutique hotel. The 1913 Colonial Revival-style hotel now features elegant European residential-style interiors with a bold color palette and subtle contemporary nuances. The new design carefully showcases the still-in-tact turn-of-the-century architecture by enhancing fine details—such as original Georgian-style arches, ornate cast plaster crown moldings, and lead glass windows—with modern elements. New Giallo Royale and Calcutta White polished marble flooring, inset with black Galaxy granite, accentuates fine accessories and handsome furnishings, including antique reproductions and contemporary pieces.

Montecristo

Central Beauty Montecristo brings luxe living to Nicaragua.

Located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, Montecristo spans over 2,000 acres of stunning coastline. The exclusive, master-planned residential resort’s diverse topography includes forests, mountains, and spectacular volcanic soft-sand beaches.

Montecristo features six unique yet cohesive neighborhoods. Residents can choose luxury turnkey townhomes and casitas on the beach or spacious estate lots for custom-built homes. All casitas will include a plunge pool with a seat and Jacuzzi sprays, while indoor amenities include granite countertops, solid wood cabinets, kitchen bar seating, flat-screen TVs with surround-sound, furniture, and appliances.

Construction is underway on Montecristo’s 7,060-yard, 18-hole Mike Young-designed golf course. Twelve of the 18 holes will feature panoramic views of the Pacific. The front nine will wind along the relatively flat land between the river and the Pacific; the back nine will rise into the mountains, with more than 300 feet of elevation change. The Golf Clubhouse, designed by Jerry Spangler, will have a restaurant, bar, game room, gym, spa, pro shop, locker rooms, and concierge services. Additional planned amenities include a beach club, equestrian center, shops, restaurants, and a community library.

Several studio casitas are completed. Prices start at $185,000 for one-bedroom casitas and $320,000 for two-bedroom beachfront casitas. Homesites range from $75,000 to $165,000.

Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort

All-inclusive luxury

Sandos Hotels & Resorts has added Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort, the third Mexico resort and first Cancun location for the growing Spanish-owned brand. Formerly managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts under the Le Meridien flag, the property reopened in March 2012 as part of the Sandos collection, featuring new culinary offerings and all-inclusive programming. Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort boasts 214 rooms and suites, including 74 Premium Level suites, which offer access to private cabanas at the beach and pool, a private concierge service, and complimentary WiFi. A fully renovated lobby bar opened in December 2011, and the resort now features four restaurants. In addition to new culinary options, the resort will offer the “Total Gourmet Experience”—a high-end, all-inclusive program featuring all meals, unlimited national and imported drinks, 24-hour room service, and access to the resort’s many activities.

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa

Italian Masterpiece A new boutique hotel opens on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

From a rock base on the edge of a cliff that plunges into the depths of the Bay of Salerno on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa seems to float over the coastline. Originally a 17th-century monastery, the recently opened boutique hotel and spa has been respectfully restored to honor its roots. Both the exterior and the interior maintain the asceticism of the property, offset by warm and inviting contemporary design within. The boutique hotel has 20 seaview guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a restaurant serving regional specialties, an infinity pool, and beautiful gardens, all situated over five terraced levels. Attached to the hotel by a serene garden is a 12th-century chapel. All of the rooms and suites offer complimentary high-speed Internet access, in-room safes, spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, mini bars, and room service.

Blue Moon Hotel

Feeling Blue

Named by famed talk show host Merv Griffin (a former owner) after the Rogers and Hart ballad, the Blue Moon Hotel celebrates Miami’s dreamy glamor and romance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Blue Moon hotel completed a restoration, unveiled in May, that revived the historical dignity of the property. Centrally positioned on 9th and Collins Avenue amidst boutiques and restaurants, the Blue Moon hotel is just one block away from the famed Ocean Drive in South Beach. The boutique hotel offers 75 rooms in three unique room designs and features a lounge, martini bar, and restaurant. In-room amenities include luxurious bathrobes, electronic laptop safes, and wireless Internet.

Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach is an extraordinary southern California destination. With Palladian-inspired architecture from Northern Italy, the resort offers 204 bungalow guest rooms and 128 villas that give guests the feeling of a home away from home. The resort’s natural beauty is matched by its stunning accommodations and top-notch amenities, including several ocean-view and al fresco dining options, two Fazio-designed golf courses, and two large pools with well-appointed cabanas. – pelicanhill.com

 

Room to relax
Room to relax
OceanHome OceanHome

The spacious Bungalows at Pelican Hill showcase fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and gorgeous views. Read More

Ah, Spa!
Ah, Spa!
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Unwind at the Women’s Acqua Colonnade at Pelican Hill’s spa. Read More

Spa Treatment
Spa Treatment
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A look inside a spa treatment room at Pelican Hill. Read More

Dine at Andrea’s
Dine at Andrea’s
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Reserve a prime spot on the heated terrace. Read More

What a view
What a view
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Ocean views from every vantage point. Read More

Fore!
Fore!
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Tom Fazio designed Pelican Hill’s 54 holes of golf, including the 36 championship holes on its Ocean… Read More

All around beauty
All around beauty
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Inspired by Rome's magnificent namesake, The Coliseum pool at Pelican Hill features terraced seatin… Read More

Cabana Time
Cabana Time
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Reserve a private cabana at Pelican Hill for the ultimate in service and poolside relaxation. Read More

Nighttime delight
Nighttime delight
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View of the Coliseum pool after dark. Read More

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Photos courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill

Hualalai Resort

The Voyagers Program at Hulalai Resort

Must Sea Hualalai Resort occupies 865 acres of Kona coastline that include the Four Seasons Resort Huala_lai and beautiful homes available for rent or purchase. Whether you simply visit Huala_lai or call it home, the resort will not disappoint—from the natural beauty of the lava rock and sprawling golf courses to fabulous restaurants and the world-famous Huala_lai Spa. The property recently unveiled a $40 million property enhancement and launched a new outdoor adventure program called Voyages. Voyages is led by the expert staff of Alaka’i Nalu, “masters of the waves,” and offers over 200 activities—many of which are complimentary and unique to the Huala_lai Resort. One opportunity includes lunchtime with the friendly King’s Pond Spotted Eagle Ray, Kainalu, a close-up encounter that involves hand feeding him shrimp and mussels. Also complimentary is the Fish Circus, where guests can assist in training some of the 4,000 fish in King’s Pond to perform “circus tricks.” Guests can also try paddle boarding, outrigging, or scuba diving, or explore Huala_lai Volcano’s last spectacular eruption and lava tube caves.

 

Bahama Living

A new resort community offers pampered living in the Bahamas.

Roker Point Estates at Emerald Bay is a budding resort community for those seeking pristine barefoot luxury. The new Caribbean development blends modern residential architectural practices along with proper stewardship and a focus on sustainable development.

Rocker Point Estates

Roker Point Estates at Emerald Bay features 91 custom homesites, each with breathtaking views of the emerald and turquoise oceans that surround this new community. Many of the home sites are located directly on the water and are ready for residential construction with all streets paved and utilities in place. Each homesite on the inland ocean harbor has the ability to install a private dock of up to 70 feet in length. These private docks include title to the sea floor beneath.

Roker Point Estates at Emerald Bay is adjacent to the 500-acre Emerald Bay Master Plan, which includes Sandals’ new all-inclusive 249-room resort, an award-winning Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, a full-service marina catering to yachts up to 160 feet, and an exclusive owners’ beach club.

Ideally located just 10 minutes from Exuma’s international airport, the Roker Point Estates at Emerald Bay is a Caribbean gem. Oceanfront homesites, with slips, start at $300,000.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso Gets a Spa Upgrade

Soothing circle at Las Ventanas Al Paraíso

One of Mexico’s premier resorts gives its plush spa a makeover of its own.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, in Los Cabos, Mexico, has completed a major enhancement of its spa. The spa has been reimagined as an indoor-outdoor experience in a tranquil setting. This was achieved by planting 45 areca and date palms and by using thatched palapas and latilla screens for shade with walls of vegetation for privacy.

The treatment cabanas boast an outdoor shower and a private terrace and garden, allowing guests to enjoy treatments indoors and/or outdoors. Four of the cabanas were newly added, while the four existing ones were completely redone. The two new cabanas for couples also feature an outdoor jetted tub for two, enabling couples to have an extended experience that combines treatments and relaxation.

The addition of new signature treatments is highlighted by Flor de Luna (Flower of the Moon). The menu introduces the spa’s Moonflower Body Scrub, made from dragon fruit and exclusively handcrafted for Las Ventanas by Escencia. Subtly infusing throughout the spa is a new signature custom scent—a blend evoking the indigenous natural flora of the area with a touch of citrus—that was created especially for Las Ventanas by Ajne, a California-based creator of organic scents.

Las Ventanas offers 71 suites and three signature dining choices.

Grand Luxxe Residence Club

 

Grand Luxxe Residence Club

Grand Luxxe Residence Club recently opened additions at both of its Mexican resorts. The additions at Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya total 315 new rooms and suites. Located 23 miles from Cancun´s international airport, Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya opened two new majestic buildings. The Nuevo Vallarta property opened two new towers, one of which debuts a suite format that can be reconfigured to create a three-bedroom presidential suite. Both expansions also feature “The Burger Custom Made,” a restaurant concept blending the familiarity of the burger with the gourmet offerings of Kobe beef, foie gras, crab, seared tuna, and duck. Amenities at Grande Luxxe’s resorts include private plunge pools, butler service, Wi-Fi, Blu-ray players, and personalized transportation. Both destinations offer the exclusive BRIO Spa & Fitness Center.

Ocean House on Miami Beach

Miami Beach’s newest beachfront residence captures intimate, resort-like living in the city’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Located on Ocean Drive, owner iStar Residential has created an intimate setting with 18 beachfront homes, including several penthouses that exceed 6,000 square feet. The property’s limited availability, plus its backyard oasis and its easy access to South Beach’s renowned nightlife, make Ocean House one of the world’s most desirable addresses. Features include a private beach club, state-of-the-art gym and spa facilities, a beachfront pool with sun beds and cabanas, an e-concierge, and 24-hour security, a butler, individual wine lockers for residents, and valet services. Ocean House residents enjoy personalized on-demand benefits including access to renowned restaurants, salons, and child and pet care, among others. Priced from $4 million to $9 million.

Pool World: Ocean House

No Kids Allowed

Caribbean Class at Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort

Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort unveils an adults-only hotel.

Just 20 minutes north of Punta Cana’s international airport, Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort recently completed a $330 million transformation, unveiling the adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach hotel. Complete with renovated accommodations, a redesigned lobby and Club Premium lounge, two vibrant bars, three international restaurants, and new pool areas, the renovated hotel was specifically redesigned with relaxation and entertainment in mind.

Located in the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana, Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort’s accommodations feature luxurious in-room amenities, such as rain-style showers and plush bathrobes, and are equipped with in-room entertainment.

Three internationally inspired restaurants tempt guests’ palates with a wide range of offerings, from the à la carte international Chez Gourmet to the Caribbean buffet restaurant and the beachfront La Brisa. In addition to the on-site amenities offered at the secluded Barceló Bávaro Beach, guests are also permitted access to the entertainment options at Barceló Bavaró Palace Deluxe, including a championship 18-hole golf course designed by P.B. Dye, a 16-store shopping promenade, and a 24-hour sports bar and casino.

Kapalua Resort, Maui’s Heaven

Maui’s Ritz-Carlton Residences make for the perfect villa vacation. By Julie Keller

Set along Maui’s pristine northwestern shore is a slice of tropical heaven called Kapalua Resort, a 22,000-acre region that includes picturesque mountain peaks, two award-winning golf courses, and several unspoiled shores, like D.T. Fleming Beach. It’s also home to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Vacationers have been flocking to the spectacular resort for years, most recently enjoying the fruits of a $180 million renovation that was unveiled in 2008. Many of these devotees have decided to make life in paradise a more permanent proposal, courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay. Located just down the road from the posh resort are the 84 private ownership residences that make up this community, with pricing starting at $3.9 million. Residents can choose from three- and four-bedroom homes ranging in size from 3,002 square feet to 4,271 square feet.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua

Each of the posh abodes, many of which are available as vacation rentals through their individual owners, offer an array of high-end amenities. The interiors are semi-customizable and each features light oak or Brazilian hardwood floors and granite kitchen countertops, as well as beautifully appointed kitchens and bathrooms with premium amenities from Sub-Zero, Fisher & Paykel, Wolf, Bosch, and Kohler.

Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of ownership is the accompanying offerings available through the hotel, including its Kapalua Spa, 8,500-square-foot lagoon-style pool, high-end restaurants, Beach Club, concierge services, housekeeping, and pre-arrival preparation and shopping, as well as access to a Ritz-Carlton chef who can prepare gourmet meals. And that’s just to name a few.

A Must Sea

Snorkeling with sea lions

Located on the Sea of Cortez on Mexico’s Pacific coast, La Paz is becoming one of the hottest spots in Southern Baja and is a great jumping-off point for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. Now, guests of CostaBaja Resort & Spa can enjoy a new activity: snorkeling with sea lions. The excursion, which is run by Fun Baja out of the resort’s on-site marina, takes visitors to Los Isolotes for a unique encounter with the cute creatures. The “Snorkeling with the Sea Lions” package includes roundtrip charter to Los Isolotes for swimming and snorkeling. Fun Baja provides gear and local tour guides. Guests also enjoy catered lunch on the beach at nearby Ensenada Grande, followed by free time to explore the island. Back at CostaBaja Resort & Spa, plenty of amenities await guests, including the marina village, Espiritu Spa, the Beach Club, and the Gary Player Signature Course. The package also includes nightly accommodations at CostaBaja Resort & Spa and a day of snorkeling per person. Rates start at $239 per night, two-night minimum stay required, and are based on double occupancy.


Coastal Openings

The Naka Island

Private Island Paradise: The Naka Island offers total privacy in Thailand

The Naka Island, one of Thailand’s most private island resorts, opened in November 2011. Set in Thailand’s southernmost province just off the coast of Phuket, The Naka Island is nestled among stunning beaches and lush coconut groves with views of the Andaman Sea and Phuket coastline. The only resort on the island, The Naka Island is a hidden Thai treasure of relaxation and privacy, offering the area’s largest luxury spa and exclusive access to pristine beaches. The resort is accessible only by private boat.

The Naka Island has only 67 villas—all magnificently appointed with private plunge pools and tropical gardens. The exceptionally large villas are designed in classic tropical island style, with architecture and décor reflecting the indigenous culture and island surrounds. The villas feature open-air bathrooms, spacious outdoor areas, and Sala pavilions.

Each guest on The Naka Island has an Experience Guide, who serves as a personal butler, concierge, and guest relations officer and will uniquely tailor the guest’s experience. The resort features Tonsai, an all-day dining restaurant in a casual, beautiful seaside setting. For the ultimate alfresco dining, My Grill, an open beachside grill house, offers fresh seafood and steaks with a southern Thai influence. The property also boasts an extensive wine cellar, and, of course, spectacular sunset views. Through March 2012, the resort is offering special grand opening packages and rates.

Angsana Laguna Phuket

Perfect Phuket In Thailand, Angsana Laguna Phuket, the newest resort within Laguna Phuket’s beachside complex, opened in December 2011 following a $30 million refurbishment. Nestled within Bang Tao Bay, Angsana Laguna Phuket occupies the site of the former Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket. It is the largest Angsana property in Southeast Asia, with 409 rooms and suites ranging from 430 square feet to 5,274 square feet. Treatments at the property’s new Angsana Spa are based on aromatherapy and highlight a fusion of wellness techniques from the East and West. Each of the spa’s 12 indoor treatment rooms is equipped with shower facilities for added privacy. The spa also features a signature rain mist facility, a steam room, a sauna, and a beauty salon. XANA, the resort’s beach club, is set to open March 1 and will feature sun lounges, daybeds, and Mediterranean and Thai cuisine.

El San Juan Resort & Spa

Live It Up! Puerto Rico welcomed Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ El San Juan Resort & Casino in mid-2011. Located five minutes from the airport in the Isla Verde district of San Juan, this destination is the place to see and be seen. Tropical pleasures abound at the pool complex, which offers private cabanas, a concierge, and poolside dining, and, at the epicenter, Encanto Beach Club, featuring an atmosphere that creates the ultimate outdoor party scene. Nine award-winning restaurants provide an assortment of dining choices, from fine Northern Italian cuisine to delectable Southern-style barbeque. When the sun goes down, socialize in any of the dozen bars and lounges located on property—all considered popular components of Puerto Rico’s nightlife scene. The resort also includes a large array of gaming tables and state-of-the-art slots at the casino.

Coastal Openings

Tierra Magnifica

Va Va Villa! Tierra Magnifica opens as one of Costa Rica’s most resplendent rental options.

Tierra Magnifica is a private tropical paradise with all the comforts of a luxury boutique hotel in the intimacy of an exclusive oceanview villa. Previously operating as a B&B and event venue, the property recently completed renovations, turning it into a full-service villa catering to those looking for a private luxury rental estate. The home accommodates two to 20 guests and is nestled above the protected nature reserve of Playa Guiones in Nosara, Costa Rica.

Tierra Magnifica comprises a unique combination of rooms and casitas. Ten bedrooms are in the main home; each enjoys a spectacular ocean and lush jungle view and private balcony. Three jungle bungalows, or casitas, are positioned away from the house and common areas and are ideal for guests seeking extra privacy. These rooms share a half bath and a full bath with an open-air tropical shower overlooking the jungle and ocean; all have balconies.

Cuisine is authentic Costa Rican and is made with the freshest ingredients, purchased the same day and prepared by the on-site chef. Tierra Magnifica also boasts a private path leading to secluded meditation platforms and a secret waterfall oasis with two immersion pools hidden in the rainforest valley.

Renovations wrapped in December 2011, and the full-service estate is now open and accepting reservations. It can be rented by the week or for extended stays.

Fine China St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort made its debut in China in November 2011. Located along the coastline of Yalong Bay, St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay’s interior design represents the sea, sand, marina, and nautical elements, creating an elegant environment reminiscent of a luxurious oceanliner. The entrance features an impressive marina where guests have access to the main lobby by yacht. The resort offers 401 guest rooms and suites, including 28 beachside villas, and is the first hotel on Hainan Island to offer butler service to all guests.

Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa

Second Time Around Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa opened in Jamaica last October following an extensive refurbishment. Located in one of the world’s most famous coffee-producing mountain ranges, Strawberry Hill is 3,100 feet above sea level and features awe-inspiring views. The refreshed accommodations feature the property’s original and fully restored antique furnishings, including romantic canopied four-poster beds, solid mahogany desks, and ornate handcarved fretwork. The exciting new menu at Strawberry Hill’s beloved restaurant features a fresh take on classic Jamaican culinary favorites, highlighting the island’s multi-ethnic heritage. Chefs now also serve up delicious local dishes prepared with traditional pimento-infused techniques, using the new stone grill on the property’s main lawn.


The Riviera Done Right

With its stunning architecture, white-glove service, and top-shelf cuisine and activities, Rosewood Mayakoba is the total package. 

Rosewood Mayakoba

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has long been famous (and infamous) for being home to Cancun, the Spring Break Mecca. But more recently, the area has enjoyed attention for its more sophisticated offerings, specifically those along the glitzy Riviera Maya. The region boasts some of Mexico’s most spectacular beaches and resorts and is within easy reach of incredible historical sites like Tulum and Coba. Rosewood Mayakoba, one of three properties that make up Mayakoba Resort, is arguably one of the most exemplary properties on this high-end stretch of sand, from its modern architecture to its thoughtful staff and on-site amenities.

Guests arrive at the resort via a winding mangrove-lined roadway that dissipates to reveal a network of lagoons, along which are dispersed clusters of contemporary suites that offer ocean and lagoon views. Although amenities like flat-panel TVs and huge Jacuzzi tubs are appreciated, they’re likely to be neglected in favor of the suites’ private terraces and plunge pools (the latter are available in select suite categories).

The best way to fully appreciate Rosewood Mayakoba’s soothing setting is with a treatment at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, which occupies its own private island in the heart of the resort (guests can snag the spa island’s lone suite for utmost privacy). Before or after a massage or scrub, guests can exercise in the glass-walled gym, swim laps in the pool, or sit in the alfresco relaxation room with an herbal tea.

Guests with a more active appetite can opt for water sports, a round of golf on the renowned El Camaleón course, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and horseback riding. Bicycles are provided upon request, making the trip between activities and spa appointments part of the fun.

In addition to nearby ruins, one destination worth venturing off-property to explore is Playa del Carmen. Just four miles from the resort, the seaside town is home to boutiques and alfresco restaurants (pop in just about any one for a margarita happy hour) and offers superb snorkeling and a vibrant nightlife. Stroll the pedestrian-only Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) in search of the perfect keepsake from your visit.

When it comes to the all-important dining options, the resort’s Casa Del Lago, Punta Bonita, and Agave Azul treat guests to contemporary European cuisine, family-style regional specialties, and seafood ceviches and antojitos (appetizers), respectively. A highlight of your stay at Rosewood Mayakoba is bound to be Agave Azul’s elaborate tequila tasting experience, during which resident experts impart extensive knowledge about the traditions, history, and flavors of Mexico’s most famous libation. Tequila is the star of the show, but the accompanying dishes are reason enough to go back again.

Carribean’s Treasures

At just 300 acres, the Caribbean island of Jumby Bay packs a sizeable luxury punch

Though part of the Antigua microarchipelago, Jumby Bay merits classification as its own luxe sovereign nation. Founded on the principles of privacy, integrity, relaxation, glamour, beauty, and hospitality, the 300-acre island delivers in a huge, sumptuous way.

There are 58 homes and rental villas that comprise Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, naturally landscaped by the most prized of Antigua’s 365 famed crystalline beaches. Life on this all-inclusive island is simply paradise on Earth.

Unveiled in early 2010, Jumby Bay’s new resort suites take shape as expansive studio homes, each boasting a private entrance and a superbly appointed living room/master bedroom, flanked by a patio and a multi-faceted bathroom that also extends far into the outdoors. Indeed, the oversized bathtub and rainshower of the colossal bathroom terrace are strong competition against the island’s other exceptional offerings, like the full-service cabanas along Jumby Bay Beach, the beachfront infinity pool at Pond Bay Terrace, three restaurants serving experiential cuisine, and the sensational SENSE spa.
The island’s outlets and outposts are connected by manicured walkways and bridges accessible by foot or bicycle. And there’s no need to worry about locking up before you leave—Jumby Bay is so safe that locks were never installed.

Intoxicated by simplicity and relaxation, most guests never leave the island during their stay. For those keen to explore the mainland, the houseboat transports patrons between Jumby Bay and Antigua proper 16 times daily; however, snorkeling and short leisure cruises are usually enough scheduled “activity” for the day.

Visitors often find it hard to break away from the priceless sunset views, the constant pampering, and Jumby Bay’s evening festivities. Every night brings a different gastronomic adventure or themed event, such as Tuesday’s gregarious cocktail reception or Sunday’s beach BBQ Night. It’s a special feeling to toast the start of the week, barefoot on the beach, under moonlight and surrounded by tiki torches, feasting on an all-out Caribbean-American BBQ, including delectable skewers of fresh seafood, lobster tails, homemade s’mores, and chocolate-covered grilled bananas. And, after dinner, if you’re lucky, you may even spot some sea turtles coming up to nest along the beach.

Meet the Neighbors — Montserrat Often overshadowed by glitzier neighboring islands, the sleepy island of Montserrat reveals a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle nearly forgotten in the age of globalization. With only 4,800 residents, the lush, mountainous, sparsely populated island teems with a sense of community, where residential dining rooms double as restaurants. Montserrat’s mighty volcano keeps two-thirds of the island off limits and the masses at bay; however, the morbidly fascinating aftermath of the volcano’s destructive path circa 1997 is a highlight of any trip to the island. Still, the main draw nowadays is enjoying affordable prices on private villas—and there are several to choose from—and quick immersion into simple island life. Montserrat is a 20-minute Cessna flight from Antigua’s airport. visit tradewindsmontserrat.com.

Coastal Resorts To See

Salamander's Grand Resorts at Cap Cana

Fab Fishing The Dominican Republic welcomes the luxe new Fishing Lodge Cap Cana. Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, the first property to debut within Salamander’s Grand Resorts at Cap Cana collection, opened in October 2011. Located at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Fishing Lodge is part of a masterfully designed village that surrounds the largest inland marina in the Caribbean.

Fishing Lodge comprises 298 Mediterranean-style villas with marina views, and, at opening time, two restaurants and two bars, four pools, a chapel, a fitness center, and boutique shops on Main Street. Guests also enjoy a secluded beach, two minutes by private watercraft.

The Dominican destination features a Jack Nicklaus Signature experience at the exclusive Punta Espada Golf Club. Guests and owners also enjoy children’s activities, boat rentals, sport fishing, and nautical provisioning.

Fishing Lodge’s impeccably decorated and furnished condominiums range in size from 850 to 4,300 square feet. Although the majority of the residences have already been purchased, there is still a selection of premier one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes available.

A second Jack Nicklaus Signature course, Las Iguanas, is under construction in Cap Cana, and a second property, Ocean Club Cap Cana, will open this year as a 92-room boutique hotel. More restaurants and shops and a nightclub are also planned.

Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France

St. Bart’s Bliss Situated on Flamands Bay amidst tropical gardens on the island of St. Bart’s, Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France is a privately owned resort with just 39 rooms, suites, and villas. Following its annual fall closing for soft renovations and repairs, Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France reopened in October for the winter season with a new spa partnership through the exquisite spa line Natura Bissé, which customized an extensive treatment menu specifically for the resort. The menu offers a variety of facials, body scrubs, and massages, which guests enjoy in four treatment rooms or a spa pavilion tucked away in the lush, tropical gardens.

Secret’s Out On a cliff top overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Secret Bay, a newly constructed eco-luxury boutique property, is now open on the island of Dominica. Secret Bay, a sustainable development, offers four exquisite villas and bungalows that provide a true getaway. Secluded villas comprise 2,500 square feet and include a large veranda. Each villa is also outfitted with an indoor/outdoor living room, ensuite bathrooms that feature free-standing tubs and dual vanities, a fully-equipped modern kitchen, a private pool or Jacuzzi and pool deck, an outdoor shower, and hammock. Services include a full-time attendant and cook, organic food baskets, and pre-stocked locally grown foods in guests’ rooms. A concierge sees to any additional needs, and an ATV and driver are available for day excursions. Additional villas are planned for later phases of development.

Coastal Openings

A view to thrill at Aulani

Onaha on Oahu Hawaiian culture, not Mickey Mouse, takes center stage at the new Disney resort on Oahu. Guests who first set foot on the 21-acre oceanfront grounds of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, expecting theme park rides or a lei greeting from Goofy may be disappointed: At this Oahu property, which opened in 2011, it’s all about Hawaiian heritage. But what Aulani (delightfully) lacks in cartoon kitsch, it makes up for by respectfully honoring the Hawaiian culture, from its décor and cuisine to its lush setting.

A Disney resort, Aulani naturally beckons families, offering young guests several ways to learn about ancient traditions: hula lessons at Aunty’s Beach House (the complimentary kids’ club), legend-telling around a fire, or bracelet weaving in a welcoming community room. Adults aren’t left out of the fun, though; in The ‘Olelo Room lounge, objects are labeled with Hawaiian terms, and bartenders greet patrons in Hawaiian.

Activities include two water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth-entry pool, an 18,000-square-foot Laniwai Spa, a fitness center filled with top-of-the-line equipment, and paddleboards and kayaks. A paved recreation path connects neighboring lagoons in the quiet Ko Olina resort community on southwest Oahu, about a 45-minute drive from Waikiki (in minimal traffic).

When completed in 2013, Aulani will comprise 359 rooms and suites and 481 Disney Vacation Club villas. Blending Hawaiian heritage with Disney’s attentive customer service, Aulani offers multi-generational guests a magical vacation in a serene tropical setting. Just leave your mouse ears at home.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort

Worth the Wait The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort opened in November as Tobago’s newest resort in more than a decade. The 200-room oceanfront hotel features five dining options, an 18-hole golf course, expansive beachfront, and multiple swimming pools, including a free-form pool with cabana beds. All 200 guestrooms, ranging from doubles and kings to one- and two-bedroom suites with private Jacuzzis, feature a private balcony or terrace with an ocean view and private baths with deluxe amenities. Magdalena Grand’s activities include the 18-hole Tobago Plantations Golf and Country Club, an expansive fitness center, a diving center and training pool, tennis, cycling, jogging, and numerous attractions and adventures. Rates start at $270 per night. Those booking from January 5 to April 14 will receive a 15 percent discount.

Divine Diving Captain Don’s Habitat on Bonaire, in the Southern Caribbean about 50 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela, unveiled 12 newly built deluxe oceanfront junior suites in the fall of 2011. The suites are outfitted with flat-panel TVs, clock radios with iPod docks, and laptop safes. Additional features include full baths with tubs and hairdryers and mini-bar areas finished with granite-topped bars, sinks, small fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. Each suite’s private patio or balcony has outdoor furniture designed for relaxing or lounging, and a small breakfast table. Guests enjoy oceanfront dining, a bar and pool, and a day spa; they can stay connected with free WiFi service. The oceanfront resort also caters to scuba divers and features a new and expanded full-service PADI 5-Star dive center. Divers can partake in boat dives daily to pristine reefs and enjoy 24-hour unlimited shore diving.

 

Must-See Openings

Aqua Wellness Resort

Wellness Retreat Nicaragua’s newest eco-luxe resort.

Aqua Wellness Resort is a new eco-luxe development perched on a forested hillside overlooking a crescent beach on Nicaragua’s unspoiled Pacific Riviera coast. The development offers eco-friendly treetop villas built from sustainable hardwoods that range in size from 1,150 to 1,500 square feet.

Aqua villas feature fine contemporary furnishings, state-of-the-art appliances, and spacious terraces with ocean and/or forest views. Most villas have multiple bedrooms, plunge pools, and separate kitchen/dining bungalows. Alhough rooms are air conditioned, Aqua offers other cooling options—ceiling fans and ocean breezes—that are more earth-friendly.

Owners have access to Aqua’s yoga pavilion and open-air full-service restaurant overlooking the beach. In addition to yoga and spa treatments, activities include kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, and hiking to the nearby village of Gigante, as well as adventure activities such as volcano climbing and zip-lining. Additionally, Aqua’s chef serves healthful cuisine that features fresh local seafood and produce.

Aqua Wellness Resort villas range in price from $309,000 to $398,000. Owners can enjoy them for 109 days a year and rent them out the rest of the time through Aqua’s management program.

Dreamy Destination Inspirato has added two coastal destinations to its growing portfolio of luxury residences and hotel properties. The new locales, Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, California, and Los Veneros in Punta de Mita, Mexico, join Inspirato’s 22 other destinations where members can make reservations for a their vacations. Bacara Resort & Spa offers a variety of leisure experiences, including golf, tennis, access to the 42,000-square-foot spa, and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the California coast. Inspirato’s penthouse residences at Los Veneros Resort and Beach Club feature idyllic white sandy beaches and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Samoset Resort

Maine Attraction Nestled between Rockland and Camden, Maine, Samoset Resort crowns a 230-acre waterfront complex at the edge of Penobscot Bay. The 178-room seasonal hotel features a state-of-the-art health club, indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The resort was renovated in mid 2011, adding a new Italian restaurant, a full-service spa, and new cottages. The one- and two-bedroom cottages—Wind Drift, Spring Tide, and Sea Spray—offer views of Penobscot Bay and Breakwater Lighthouse, and amenities like kitchens, central air, washer/dryers, gas fireplaces, screened porches, flat-screen TVs, and hardwood floors. Also new for 2011 is a renovation to 28 rooms in the deluxe wing, which included new carpet, wall coverings, glass shower walls, bedding, window treatments, and furniture.

Villas de Mexico—Where the Desert Meets The Sea

Villas de Mexico

Homex, the largest builder of homes in Mexico, recently finished the first residences at its new Villas de Mexico at Loreto Baja. This vacation home community, whose villas, townhomes, and condominiums are built with modern Spanish Colonial architecture, is just 10 miles from the fishing town of Loreto Baja California, Mexico. The property includes the Inn at Loreto Bay resort and golf club and sits on a 25-mile-wide crescent bay protected by a circle of islands.

Among the finished homes at Villas de Mexico Loreto Baja is La Lobera, a two-story, 2,284-square-foot villa that features a living and dining area, a family room, a utility room and garage, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a patio with a built-in barbecue, and two terraces, one a spacious rooftop space with a pergola. More La Lobera villas are under construction and
are available at prices ranging from $500,000 to $900,000. The development will also include condominiums and townhouses.

Villas de Mexico Loreto Baja owners have full access to the golf course and tennis courts at the Inn at Loreto Bay, as well as a business center and a private beach club. Offshore, the warm, clear waters are home to so many species of marine life that the Mexican government designated this part of the Sea of Cortez as a protected marine preserve, and the UN named it a World Heritage Site. The calm waters make it ideal for kayaking, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Heavenly Hana Located at the end of the famous Road to Hana and set amid the picturesque oceanfront community of Heavenly Hana on Maui’s secluded eastern shore, Travaasa Hana, formerly known as Hotel Hana-Maui, opened in mid-2011. The second property of new experiential hotel brand Travaasa Destinations features 70 cottages and suites, a spa, locally sourced dining, and extensive cultural programming. Accommodations at Travaasa Hana consist of 47 plantation-style Sea Ranch Cottages and 23 low-rise bungalow Garden View Suites. All guest rooms feature organic linens and pampering amenities. Guests can choose from an all-inclusive program, which includes meals, daily spa credit, and limitless activities, or an á la carte stay.

Sandos Caracol

Eco-Luxe Earlier this year, Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort and Spa in Mexico’s Riviera Maya introduced 99 ecological rooms that feature both sleek, modern designs and ecologically conscious elements, combined with a stunning beachfront view. Designed to reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent, the rooms contribute to the care and preservation of the environment through distinct functions, including low-energy air-conditioning systems, solar water heating systems, water recycling systems, internal LED lighting, and furniture made of wood from certified forests. Each ecological room boasts an elegant king-size bed and spacious bedroom and living areas with private balconies facing the ocean. The all-inclusive resort offers environmentally focused activities, including natural Mayan spa treatments, opportunities to swim in cenotes, eco-tours of the property, and a NASA-developed interactive program, “Climate Change—the Magic Planet.”

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