Melodic songbirds and the rhythm of the gentle surf surround the secluded, new luxury resort, Esencia, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Nestled on two-miles of snow-white sand on Playa Xpu-Ha beach, Esencia perfectly rounds out this magnificent, serene location. In the center of fifty lush acres lies an incredible three-story great house. The former home of an Italian duchess, the building boasts an uncommon Catalan dome brick roof and a state-of-the-art kitchen that’s perfect for on-site cooking classes. Still, relaxation is the name of the game at Esencia. Signature suites, such as Rosa’s Suite with a private balcony and plunge pool and the penthouse with 360-degree views of the jungle and sea surrounding the property, ensure romance and tranquility. Two-story garden suites and four-bedroom garden cottages abound elsewhere with pools, terraces, living rooms, and plenty of sophisticated technology like Liquid Crystal
Display televisions and surround sound. The design is simple but luxuriant with 600-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and private chef and butler service for those so inclined. An organic spa with yoga, meditation, and fitness and the tented cabanas on the beach only add to the indulgence. Fresh seafood and naturally grown produce is supplied to Esencia under the command of a former Four Seasons chef who specializes in Mesoamerican cooking. Rates start at $375 a night. For more information call (877) 528-3490 or visit www.hotelesencia.com.
Buenos Aires and Santiago truly have it all: the cosmopolitan glamour of Paris, the sweeping mountain vistas of the Swiss Alps, and the tropical locales that bring most of us to South America in the first place. The Treasures of South America tour package is a 14-day adventure on land, air, and sea that brings lucky voyagers from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile, with plenty of indulgences along the way. Guests will marvel at natural splendors like Iguazu Falls, which towers sixty-five feet higher than Niagara, and Devil’s Throat, where fourteen different waterfalls meet over a 330-foot drop. The colonial majesty of Buenos Aires and Santiago are evoked through visits to lively markets, spirited plazas, tree-lined streets, historical monuments, and first-rate shopping. There is even an optional hovercraft trip over Rio de la Plata to neighboring Uruguay. No jaunt this far south would be complete without an experience in the Andes and the plains of Patagonia. Guests will spend a full day crossing the stunning Andean Lakes from Argentina to Chile, discovering the rugged beauty of snow-frosted volcanoes, lush valleys, glassy lakes, rivers, and waterfalls along the way. Patagonia’s fertile forests, glacial lakes, and craggy mountainsides are enjoyed in San Carlos de Bariloche, a quaint town nestled between the Andes and Patagonian plains. Hotel stays include The Hotel Cabanas de Lagos, famous for its spa and location overlooking the wooded peaks of three Andean volcanoes. The $4,495 per person price is a steal considering the full schedule of sightseeing, cultural lectures, and excursions as well as all accommodations, transfers, airfare, some meals, and cocktail receptions. For more information, contact AHI Corporation at (800) 323-7373 or visit www.ahitravel.com.
Those who aren’t particularly fond of the seasons might want to think about spending a short spell in Nevis this spring. I prefer the charming Mount Nevis Hotel, which is nestled hillside above the sparkling blue Caribbean and among the island’s verdant island beauty. All rooms boast balconies and patios, perfect for absorbing the views of nearby St. Kitts over a rum daiquiri. The hotel shines after it’s one million dollar renovation; rooms are simply, yet elegantly decorated with all necessary conveniences from cable TV to refrigerators. The superior suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen. There is an excellent gym and 60-foot pool with strategically placed hammocks for rest. Mount Nevis Hotel is known throughout the island for its marvelous food at both The Mount Nevis Restaurant and Pizza Beach, which serves lighter fare in the evenings. Both locales offer remarkable views. Currently the hotel is running a winter special for $2,881 per couple, including seven nights accommodation, daily breakfast, welcome bottle of wine, three gourmet dinners on the poolside terrace, all transfers, five day car rental, and complimentary cell phone, Internet access, and video rental. For more information, call 800-75-NEVIS or visit www.mountnevishotel.com.
March/April 2005
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