By William Tomicki
The Black Hole Drop at the world’s only jaguar sanctuary is one adventure that awaits visitors to Belize’s Jaguar Reef Lodge. The lodge, which sits on 300 acres of tropical wilderness, is well known for it stretches of barrier reef and rainforest, for its abundant wildlife, and for having 1,000-feet of white sand beach. There is snorkeling, diving, fishing, biking, kayaking, and hiking galore through this pristine and protected eco-system. At the heart is a comfortable lodge with luxury cabanas and suites plus fine dining. Avid explorers are really attracted to the adventurous excursions in the jungle. Besides descending to the bottom of massive underground caves, guests can participate in tours to spot exotic birds, ride horses across the Belize River, go river tubing, explore the 100,000-acre Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, track jaguars at night, swim in the Blue Hole at St. Herman’s Cave, and hike to the Antelope Falls. Visit www.jaguarreef.com for more information.
We send our compliments to Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the country’s largest national park concessionaire (Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon, Zion, and the Everglades to name a few). Long committed to preserving and protecting the environment, Xanterra has aggressively championed a sustainable cuisine program with its meat, wine, seafood, soymilk, and chicken offerings. This includes serving organically raised cattle and vegetables grown without pesticides as well as avoiding the use of growth hormones. Xanterra also educates its employees on issues of energy conservation. Visit www.xanterra.com for more information.
The Ritz-Carlton Las Vegas hopes to reenergize palates with what they have dubbed “Aromatherapy Cuisine.” Executive Chef Stephen Marshall makes innovative use of essential plant oils and other unique ingredients to enhance flavors and create fragrant specialty dishes. His artistic menu is only available upon request and includes such treats as aromatic tuna carpaccio and spring vegetables on a salad, misted with light coriander and rosemary infusion. There’s also grilled salmon with aromatic tabbouleh and carrots, and leek soup with coriander essential cream. For dessert, try the sautéed organic strawberries with pistachio ice cream and lavender essential oil. It’s all about awakening the senses of smell, taste, vision, and touch/texture. Located seventeen miles from the Las Vegas Strip, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas is a AAA Five Diamond destination golf, spa, and water sports resort. Call (702) 567-4700 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
Back in 1911, an intrepid American explorer named Hiram Bingham bravely climbed a very steep hill in Peru and re-discovered Machu Picchu, what had been the Inca’s best-kept secret. Machu Picchu’s spectacular beauty derives from its massive stone structures and backdrop of majestic sugarloaf hills. Exactly when this city of 1,000 residents was built is unknown, but most place its golden age in the mid-15th century. Lan Chile airlines can fly you to Lima for a few nights at the fine Miraflores Park Hotel and then on to Cusco, the southern capital of the Inca Empire. Lima is the ideal place to spend a few days prior to your journey to Machu Picchu. And Hotel Monasterio, an Orient-Express property, provides an idyllic base once in Cusco. Part of the inner cloister of the hotel – a former 15th century monastery – has been glassed in to create an alfresco dining experience. All corridors of the luxury hotel’s main patio are illuminated with torches and the fountain at the middle of the courtyard is decorated with mini candles. This is the only hotel in the world to pump oxygen into rooms to help guests adjust to the altitude. Peru Rail, in partnership with Orient-Express, takes guests aboard their luxury Hiram Bingham train to follow in Bingham’s historic footsteps. It is a leisurely and very comfortable three-hour journey to Machu Picchu on this beautifully detailed train. Along the way you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch, wine, and live music. You may also choose to stay at Orient-Express’ Sanctuary Lodge, located just outside of the ruins. It features a warm and gracious establishment and a very fine restaurant. Plan on spending the night at Machu Picchu to wander the ruins after other tourists have gone. It is worth getting lost amid the ritual baths, temples, and stone staircases. And do not miss having a potent Pisco, the brandy for which Peru is famous. For more information, visit www.perurail.com and www.orient-express.com. For Lan Chile, call (800) 735-5526.
September/October 2004
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