Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2008 - (Page 27) DELUXE OCEANVIEW SUITES feature master bedrooms with private oceanview balconies or patios (this picture). THE RITZ-CARLTON swimming pool is a glamorous gathering spot for guests who want to take in sunshine and service (above, right). THE RITZ-CARLTON SUITES have living rooms, dining rooms and fireplaces, as well as beautiful ocean views (right). eight tables along the windows overlooking the ocean (Note: Management is unable to guarantee, however, that the table will be held for you). Diners can gaze out at surfers riding the challenging Dana Point surf break and view dolphins yearround; January through March they might even catch a glimpse of migrating whales. Restaurant 162’ also has a private dining room that seats 14, although the room can also be booked by as few as two people. Guests inspired by the view can sign up for their own private surfing lessons at the Hawaiian Surfing Experience. Locations for lessons are based on the experi- ence of the surfer and range from the beach in Dana Point (not for beginners) to San Clemente. Reservations for daily lessons can be arranged through the resort’s concierge, Lucinda Swanson (lu cinda.swanson@ritzcarlton.com; 949-240-2000, ext. 5302), who can also arrange helicopter flights for private tours of Catalina Island and Disneyland or for a tee time at the 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., that’s adjacent to the hotel. ENO, the 36-seat tasting room, offers more than 500 wines (available in flights and by the glass), 50 cheeses and a selection of chocolates from around the world. A useful overnight “Reconnect” package includes a 90-minute private session with ENO sommelier Holly Smith, complete with a flight of five wines with a personalized cheese and chocolate pairing by the chef and a gourmet wine amenity. For guests who want to focus on wellness, there is a two-story fitness center with panoramic ocean views and a spa with 11 treatment rooms. The spa provides mothers-to-be with a variety of treatments using their Mama’s Touch Program—maternity spa treatments designed to address the main causes of discomfort in pregnancy, from skin stress to leg heaviness, tired muscles and water retention. Luxury travel advisors can reserve spa appointments for their clients by reaching out to Spa Manager Pamela Bower (pamela. bower@ritzcarlton.com; 949240-2000, ext. 5749). Note: The hotel is currently run by Hotel Manager George Munz (george.munz@ritzcarlton. com), but we hear that Laura Orfield (laura.orfield@ritzcarl ton.com; 949-489-5838), director of sales, leisure and business travel, is the ideal luxury travel advisor liaison. As an example of the level of service at the resort, agents can expect a personal call to ascertain clients’ special requests before their arrival. —Mark Rogers www.luxuryta.com February 2008 | LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR 27 http://www.luxuryta.com
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