Tie the knot or just recharge in the Riviera Maya

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Surround yourself with an emerald-green jungle, and take a plunge in turquoise blue waters with a stay at the Valentin Imperial Maya Resort. This luxurious all-inclusive property is just the destination you’ll need when we reach the depths of winter and just need a break. Have kids? Line up a babysitter: this is an adults-only property, so you’ll be able to take a vacation from every aspect of real life imaginable, enveloped by the warmth and comfort of the Riviera Maya. Sun yourself on the Playa Del Secreto, and recharge your spirit.

The Valentin Imperial Maya Resort offers 540 suites in six categories, a 900-foot meandering swimming pool with three island pools across the property and a natural lagoon. There’s a main pool, as well, featuring two swim-up bars. Back in the rooms, you’ll find marble bathrooms with hydro-massage tubs, nightly turndown service and nine restaurants, featuring cuisine from Italy, France, Japan, Mexico and other cultures. But, if you really want style, arrange for a private dinner on the beach. Spa treatments are available on the property, along with couples rooms that feature a Jacuzzi and rain shower.

“By offering guests a high level of elegant and personalized service, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort is setting new standards of quality for all-inclusive resorts,” says Dirk Urban, General Manager Valentin Imperial Maya. “What sets Valentin apart from other hotel brands,” he continues, “is our attention to detail and the unique ability of our staff to make guests feel comfortable and taken care of, as if they were among family.”

If the Valentin puts you in the mood for a big move, there’s an official Roman Catholic chapel on the property, a great place to tie the not. Don’t worry, there are two dedicated wedding concierges who can help with planning the big day.

Le Domaine de Lonvilliers opens in St. Martin

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Iconic chef Christophe Leroy is back in action. His newest hotel, Le Domaine de Lonvilliers opened last week in St. Martin. Already, there are some excellent deals available for late December getaways. Christmas and New Year’s Eve rates start at only $300 a night — a savings of $215 from the regular rate.Thruogh March 31, 2010, you can pick up a room at an introductory rate of $250 a night, down from $350.

This new property is tucked away in the sheltered Anse Marcel bay, surrounded by a white sand beach. Stay in one of 145 rooms that blends European high-touch luxury with laid-back Caribbean charm. The resort consists of five Creole-style buildings on 150 acres and has been rated a four-star luxury hotel by the French government.

Verdanza Hotel opens in Puerto Rico

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There’s a new hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On Friday, the Verdanza Hotel opened its doors, offering an upscale urban-inspired experience … but only a few steps from the beach. It’s not far from the Isla Verde tourism district, so you’ll have plenty of access. And, the 222-room hotel (with 20 suites) boasts three restaurants and a pastry shop. Look for some personalized touches at the Verdanza Hotel, such as made-to-order picnic beach lunches, luxurious eco-friendly bath products, guestrooms that allow pets and a personal bike taxi ride to the beach.

Art lovers will be particularly thrilled with the Verdanza. The opening includes the kickoff of “Art and Friends,” which consists of local and experimental art from newcomers. Look for daily events that include live concerts, video art performances and other exhibits. The two-week show ends on December 13, 2009, with a Fair Trade Bazaar.

Ricky Newman, general manager of the hotel, says, “The new Verdanza Hotel is all about personalized service, attention to the small details and an overall experience that allows our guests to feel one with the true vibe of San Juan.” The Verdanza is the first independent full-service to hotel to open in the San Juan metropolitan area.

Four top-shelf New Year’s Eve destinations (and something else)

by Tom Johansmeyer on

If you plan to make New Year’s Eve memorable, you need to start pulling the trigger now. The best stuff does get snapped up quickly, and even if you have a load of cash at your disposal, you could wind up late to the party. So, if a shortage of ideas is the only thing in your way, check out the five suggestions below. For four of them, be prepared to spend some dough. The fifth is for everyone else.

1. Villa Sancha (Spain)
Head out to the Andalucian valley of southern Spain and make Villa Sanchez your spot for the biggest party night of the year. Enjoy the private outdoor courtyard at this Abercrombie & Kent villa, and be sure to pass a relaxing day at an Arab bath in Malaga. Sip some sherry in nearby Jerez. This sort of luxury isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it: eight adults, one child starts at $6,207 … but a welcome meal is included.

2. Hotel Martinez (France)
This is a disco-lover’s dream. Groove along to tribute band Bee Gees Magic at the Hotel Martinez, which is apparently a hot group for those who are into that kind of thing. Enjoy an amazing gala dinner in the Salon Royal Galuchat, prepared by Chef Christian Sinicropi, and then let the glitter fly. The deal starts at $719 a night, but it includes the New Year’s Eve party (with dinner, champagne and wines selected by master sommelier). For an extra $120 a person, you can celebrate the 80th anniversary of the hotel. Stay overnight on December 31, 2009 in a Superior room, and indulge in a buffet breakfast or continental breakfast served in your room.

3. Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel (United States)
The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel and 606 Congress restaurant next door are ready to help you celebrate the start of 2010 in style. The “New Year’s Eve Beantown Bonus” package includes a night at the hotel, dinner for two at 606 Congress on New Year’s Eve and breakfast the next day and a late checkout. To help you get your motor running, you’ll receive free use of the health club and lap pool … not to mention a Starbucks card loaded appropriately to $20.10. Rates start at $299 a night.

4. Palmasola (Mexico)
This is beyond insane. A staff of 16 will attend to you and up to 17 other guests in a 25,000 beach-front villa. You’ll have a Michelin chef preparing your meals, and a party will be held for you and your friends. And, if that isn’t enough, you’ll have access to the Four Seasons resort not far away, and the Jack Nicklaus golf course. Be prepared to spend: partying at this level will set you back $18,750 a night, for a minimum of five nights.

5. Set yourself up for next year (Anywhere)
Take one last mileage run to see if you can finally hit gold or platinum elite status on the airline of your choice. Do shots of Absolut in an airport bar, and feast on whatever’s left at Au Bon Pain. Hey, this is an investment in the 365 days to come.

The most amazing New Year’s Eve luxury travel experience you can imagine

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Find 17 of your closest frends and bring them to Palmasola. The beachfront estate will deploy its full-time staff of 16 to attend to your needs in this 25,000 square foot paradise, which includes Chef Peter Lodes, who has worked Michelin starred restaurants around the world. He’ll pull together Mexican and Mediterranean flavors for you and your guests, pairing each meal with exquisite wines, which you’ll enjoy in the villa’s dining rooms, verandas or just outside under the moonlight.

The destination’s New Year’s Eve package is designed to give the 18 of you an experience you’ll never forget. It includes all meals for everyone in the estate, a Mexican Fiesta night (with tequila tasting and traditional dance performance), and a traditional piñata party for the kids. Guests get full access to the nearby Four Seasons Resort, which includes a Jack Nicklaus golf course.

Set up on 200 feet of shoreline, the villa has a media room (with home theater), heated pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center. There are two game rooms — one for adults and another for kids — not to mention two residences and two more apartments, adding up to nine bedrooms. Workaholics can spend some time in the business center, which comes equipped with computers and WiFi access.