Daily Pampering: Stay at a knight’s house in Mexico


Sir James Goldsmith (1933-1997) was a financier, politician and publisher of NOW!, a failed UK magazine. Despite the latter failure and early death (pancreatic cancer), it’s safe to say he did pretty darn well for himself — well enough to call the palatial residence above one of his homes.

It’s called La Loma and it’s in Cuixmala, on Mexico’s famed Costa Alegre. Goldsmith’s daughter Alix and her husband Goffredo Marcaccini are running the estate, and rent the suites and bungalows out to the rich and famous during select weeks of the year.

The surroundings are 25,000 acres of dry tropical forest and lagoons, filled with exotic animals like crocodiles and 270 species of birds. The vaulted ceilings in the rooms add to the feel of spaciousness (and the panoramic views of the sea don’t hurt).

The master suite boasts its own living terrace with a pool size jacuzzi and an ocean view bathroom. Three additional deluxe bedrooms, plus living rooms, a dining room, a library, a media room and an office are all available in the main house, as is a full staff of butlers, waiters, chefs and maids.

La Loma’s master suite is $3,000 per night, and if that’s too steep, you can rent one of the six oceanfront bungalows for $1500 per night.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Club-level at the Ritz-Carlton, Caribbean & Mexico


You’re going on vacation. You’re heading to the beach. You’ve got umbrella drinks and room service on your mind, and you’re debating staying one more night… but should you? Could you? Yes, you can!

The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean are offering guests a complimentary night when booking the Club-level room.

You’ll enjoy the club level and its amenities (including a personal concierge), breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, beverages and sweets throughout the day. Participating hotels include:

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun: Book 5 nights, pay for 4, starting at $599
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Book 5 nights, pay for 4, starting at $529
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: Book 5 nights, pay for 4, starting at $539
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan: Book 4 nights, pay for 3, starting at $529
The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica: Book 4 nights, pay for 3, starting at $379

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Welcome massages in Puerto Vallarta


Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa
, a luxury boutique hotel in the paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is offering a few extra free perks to make their property stand out from the crowd. Our favorite? Complimentary welcome massages.

“Getting to paradise for a vacation can often be long and frustrating,” says a rep for the hotel. That’s why when you arrive, they hand you a welcome cocktail and give you a a relaxing anti-stress hand and neck massage. Then, you choose what kind of pillows you’d like in your room and decide whether or not you’d like butler service. The butlers will do everything from unpacking and ironing your clothes to making your dinner reservations and bringing you your morning coffee — just be sure to tip them well.

Complimentary yoga and meditation classes take place all year on the beach, so if you find yourself having a difficult time unwinding (it’s hard to let go of the stress of the work you did to get to your vacation), there’s help.

The AAA Four Diamond, Bahia de Banderas beachfront Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa has 83 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with Mexican art and furnishings, private terraces, generously sized whirlpool tubs and superb ocean views. Rates start at $270 (based on double occupancy). Click here to book.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: A night with Sir Elton John, courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

How much does it cost to see Elton John in concert at one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the Riveria Maya, Mexico? The Mandarin Oriental Riveria Maya has priced the 4-night package for two at $13,000.

That’s right, the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya has put together a luxury experience to celebrate Grammy-winning legend Elton John’s live concert in Mexico on Saturday, April 3, 2010. You’ll get tickets to Elton John’s concert in Chichen-Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and stay in a Beachfront Casita with views of the Caribbean and indulge in all that the Mandarin is known for – spas, pampering and privacy.

The “Sir Elton in Mexico” package includes:

  • Accommodations for four nights in a Beachfront Casita with an infinity pool and rooftop terrace
  • Two VIP concert tickets to see Elton John perform in Chichen-Itza on April 3
  • Private chauffeured round-trip transfers to the concert where guests can enjoy a selection of premium wines and canapes
  • Pre-show party at Mandarin Bar, the hotel’s outdoor bar and lounge, with music from our resident DJ
  • Personal butler on 24-hour duty
  • Signature spa treatment per person to rejuvenate after the concert
  • Nightly turndown including tailor-made bath rituals with scents of exotic flowers and aromatherapy oils
  • One dinner for two at the award-winning Ambar restaurant with special six-course tasting menu prepared with sommelier wine selection and VIP seating
  • Full daily breakfast for two
  • A chilled bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne with Beluga caviar

This daily pampering is more like a long-weekend of pampering, but the concept remains the same. This package is only valid from April 1-5, 2010. Who’s in?

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Five steps to a better Valentine’s Day from Fairmont

After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it’s time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you’re planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you’ll have a top-shelf treatment ready and waiting for you. Check out the “Follow Your Heart” spa experiences on tap at 11 Fairmont hotels this Valentine’s Day.

One Heart: This is a Red Ribbon Lips facial upgrade and includes a complimentary Jane Iredale Organic Sugar Lip Scrub treatment that will soften and soothe your lips. Worried about dry, cracked lip kissing? That won’t be a problem after this treatment.

Two Heart: Willow Stream’s Sending You Kisses offer includes a Willow Stream Lip Kit and Lip Definer pencil, which will make softened lips eye-catching — translation: you’ll more likely have the chance to use them.

Three Heart: Enjoy a Heartfelt 90-minute spa experience, an hour of which is side-by-side for couples, with a 30-minute dip in the spa’s oversized whirlpool tubs … complete with champagne.

Four Heart: The Love Me package makes you the center of attention. The solo day at the spa includes a 90-minute experience before noon and a Willow Stream spa bento box lunch.

Five Heart: Willow stream will Love You Forever. On the first day of the month, guests will enjoy enjoy either a 60-minute or 90-minute spa treatment … for an entire year!

Participating resorts include: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (Miami), Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Scottsdale, Fairmont Le Montreux Place (Switzerland), Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta), Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), Fairmont Monte Carlo, Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia).