Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2008 - (Page 16) LE TOINY’S ONE-BEDROOM VILLAS span 1,075 square feet with colonial motifs (this picture). The resort’s three-bedroom villa comprises three separate structures (living room shown below). All have private pools. To secure a top table or set up private dining, contact Maitre d’ Philippe Casadamont (legaiac@ letoiny.com; 59-05-90-29-77-47). The hotel’s Le Gaiac Restaurant isn’t exclusive to non-guests, so, during high and peak season, make dining reservations at least four days in advance, six days out during the holidays and 48 hours ahead during the off-season summer months. Tip: Advise clients to check out Le Toiny’s popular Sunday brunch. A delightful display of old-meets-new, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa (www.casacolonialhotel. com) in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on the country’s northern coast, touts 50 guest rooms that are tastefully decorated in a palette of neutrals and refreshingly unfussy furnishings. Donatella Versace, Jonathan Silverman and Grace Jones are among highprofile past guests of the hotel, which is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Here’s a simple breakdown by room: Casa’s top accommodations are its Presidential (room S1), Penthouse (S7) and Deluxe Ocean Front (S4 and S6) suites. Master Suites, comprised of various connecting rooms (try the Penthouse and room 34 together), are perfect for families, as they provide ever-important space and privacy. Ocean Front rooms 35 and 40 afford the best ocean views. To secure your selection, contact Basilia Diaz (reservascc@vhhr.com; 809-3203232, ext. 7102) in the reservations office. Upon their arrival in a private helicopter at the nearby Playa Dorada complex or a commercial plane at Puerto Plata Airport (private jets can land at Puerto Plata), guests are whisked to Casa Colonial in private luxury vehicles. On-site, Head Concierge Fidelio Sanchez (roomscc@vhhr.com; 809-32-3232) can arrange any number of special activities and services for clients, including helicopter excursions, romantic dinners on the beach and extreme sports adventures. For something more relaxing, ask Diaz to book a Bagua Classic Massage at Casa’s Bagua Spa (be sure to request Magalis Urena, Claritza Estrella or Armando Mancebo, who are among the star massage therapists). Tip: Request an oceanfront gazebo for the ultimate relaxing experience. Insiders tell us that, during peak season (December through April), it’s best to book spa treatments when room reservations are made. Otherwise, guests can book on-site. To sate a five-star appetite, suggest the Chef ’s Duck Delight—a signature dish of duck leg, duck breast and foie gras—at Lucia, Casa’s upscale eatery. For a more intimate experience, reserve Lucia’s private dining room, which features a wine cellar with an extensive collection of vintages. Like the spa, make dining arrangements when room reservations are made if you’re planning for a peak-season stay. 16 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | February 2008 http://www.casacolonialhotel.com http://www.casacolonialhotel.com
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