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SuperFun Beach Resort & Spa to replace
HEDONISM III
Many dedicated fans
are mourning the closing
of Hedonism III resort on Jamaica’s north coast, but SuperClubs sees things in
a
different perspective. The current economy demands that they appeal to
a wider
audience than the unclothed carefree souls who were frequent guests.
Consequently, the entire property is now closed and undergoing major
changes,
getting set for a grand reopening in October, 2010. Couples and singles
18 and
over will enjoy fun-tastic amenities along with more affordable rates,
starting
at $110 p/person p/night double, all-inclusive.
SuperFun Beach Resort & Spa will now have 210 rooms and
15
suites with expansive ocean and pool views. Multiple dining options
offer
Japanese, Italian and authentic regional cuisine. And don’t overlook
the world’s
only see-through Jacuzzi. Yes, the four-story waterslide is still in
place, but
guests will no longer be sliding down through the bar in the nude.
Three
freshwater pools and spa facilities
will complement the usual land and water
activities found at SuperClubs resorts.
All-inclusive
means just that: accommodations, all
meals, unlimited local and international brand cocktails, non-motorized
watersports including equipment and instruction, entertainment,
weddings,
recreational activities and hotel taxes. As usual, no tipping is
allowed at any
SuperClubs locations. www.superclubs.com
NEW
IN PUERTO
VALLARTA
Another new twist to a property we just have
to tell you about is for a totally different clientele, those who seek
luxury vacatin living in a serene setting. And there is no greater
place for that than Garza Blanca
Preserve, Resort & Spa on Puerto Vallarta's breathtaking
coastline.
The resort just completed a group of
sophisticated 5-star penthouses, featuring expansive private terraces
with Jacuzzis in 3,700 square feet of space. Open living and dining
areas with sleek modern decor provide sweeping views. Pictured is the
master bedroom with en-suite marble bathroom and whirlpool tub. Fine
linens, upscale amenities and state-of-the-art entertainment systems
add to the tasteful surroundings. Penthouses range from $1,195 to
$1,408 per night.
Ultra-chic Blanca Blue Restaurant, on the
property, is one of Puerto Vallarta’s
elegant dining options, providing the idyllic setting for a romantic
dinner.
The fully air-conditioned restaurant overlooks Banderas Bay within
sight of the famous Los Arcos rocks. The patio is surrounded by flame
torches,
creating an intimate atmosphere. Private beachfront candlelight dinners
are
quite popular in this setting.
While you are situated in the heart of a
gorgeous ecological preserve, the excitement of Puerto Vallarta, with
its extensive list of fine dining spots and art centers, is just
minutes
away. www.garzablancaresort.com
FRENCH HOT SPOTS
Get
your glam on this summer
at the chic-est spots in France, and delve into their unique historical
pasts. The Euro, at the moment, is almost even with the US$.
HOTEL DU PALAIS,
Biarritz – Flip flops by day; Manolos by night. Those
are your
choices as you surf one of the best breaks in Europe,
not far from all the designer shops on Place Clemenceau. Biarritz is certainly posh, but it has its casual
side as
well. Hotel Du Palais was built in 1855 by Napoleon III as a summer
mansion for
Empress Eugenia. It has long since been modernized, including the
addition of an
impressive five-story Guerlain spa; but its 154 rooms and suites do
contain
several restored nineteenth century antiques and décor dating
from the 2nd
Empire. Summer rates start at 550EU. www.hotel-du-palais.com
PALAIS STEPHANIE, Cannes – This gem sits on the site of the original
Palais
des Congres, where the first Cannes Film Festivals were held. As part
of an
extensive renovation, the new décor pays tribute to the hotel’s
glamorous film
heritage. Its 261 rooms and suites are joined by the only 820-seat
auditorium
on the famous La Croisette. Sip a cocktail at the exclusive rooftop
pool bar
and stargaze at La Scena Restaurant,
the latest Cannes hot spot. Rates: 225EU and up. www.palaisstephanie.com
PAN DEI PALAIS,
Saint Tropez – Formerly the home of French General Jean-Francois Allard
and his
wife Princess Bannu Pan Dei, this intimate 12-room
mansion-turned-boutique
hotel dates back to 1835. Suites can be changed into private apartments
or
rented as a whole, giving the feeling of a private villa experience. No
matter
which way you choose, don’t leave out a Valmont Spa treatment aboard
the Pan
Dei private yacht, followed by relaxation poolside for happy hour…still
the
most coveted ticket in town. Rates begin at 515EU.
www.pandei.com
FREE TOWNHOUSE
NIGHTS IN BELIZE!
Las Terrazas Resort on Ambergris Cay, the only member of Preferred Hotel Group in Belize, is
the ultimate affordable
escape
taking all the amenities with you!
It's
also a great choice for families
or a
group of friends traveling together. The one-, two- and three-bedroom
townhouses are fully furnished homes, with central air, 42” plasma TVs,
DVD
player, iPod docking station, surround sound, phones and high-speed
Internet
access. And there’s a washer and dryer in each unit.
Spend the day around the resort’s 70-foot
infinity lap
pool and bar; being pampered in the Serenity Spa & Wellness Center;
plying
the surrounding sea in free kayaks and Hobie cats; or ogling some of
the most
spectacular underwater sights with on-premises White Sands Divers, a
5-star
PADI facility. At night, dine by the pool, on the rooftop,
or
schedule a private dinner au deux on the beach!
There’s also a lot to do away from this home
base.
Ambergris Cay’s main town of San Pedro is a delightful potpourri of tiny shops,
funky
artisans and an eclectic collection of restaurants. The mode of
transport on
its sandy streets is by golf cart. For a spot of true adventure, take a
snorkel
excursion to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or tour the
many
Mayan attractions on the mainland. Divers won’t want to
miss a
dive or two at the legendary (and seemingly bottomless) Blue Hole.
Las Terrazas is the ideal combination of
relaxation
and action, whichever way you want it. When traveling with a group,
that mix is
a must. www.lasterrazasresort.com
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This spa oasis, set
among rolling lawns and swaying
palms, features traditional