Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2008 - (Page 36) THE TIDES’ Presidential Villa opens onto a patio with a private plunge pool and day bed (above). CURTAIN BLUFF’s Grace & Morris Bay Suites occupy the third floor of the resort and have private terraces with Jacuzzis (bedroom shown, left). While The Tides Riviera Maya (www.tidesrivieramaya. com) attracts such celebs as Holly Hunter, the resort’s intimate setting is also a hot spot for wedding parties of two to 60 guests. Contact Wedding Coordinator Claudia Reyes (claudia.reyes@ thetidesresorts.com; 52-984-8773004) to organize a sunset ceremony on the beach or a Royal Mayan ceremony conducted by a shaman with traditional music and dancers. Note that popular wedding months are December and March through May. Have your betrothed clients roll up to the resort in a Hum- mer H2, Porsche Boxter or even a 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith before checking into the two-story Presidential Villa. The Mayaninspired hideaway boasts a large plunge pool and a spiral staircase to the master bedroom with a canopy bed that opens out onto the terrace. Hotel insiders also suggest the Borges Villa, which has its own private footbridge, and Royal Villa 11, which is closest to the beach. (Royal Villas are bookable via the GDS and offer private plunge pools and outdoor moon showers.) Each of the six Royal Villas offers butler-type service by “Mayordormos,” who can help VIPs secure reservations in restaurants or sold-out special events. General Manager Julian Smaldoni (julian.smaldoni@thetides resorts.com; 52-984-877-3000) will look after your wedding party groups while they’re at the property. Charter a helicopter for a tour of archaeological sites such as Tulum or a private yacht with a personal butler for tequila and ceviche tastings. Insiders tell us that it’s best to book spa treatments at least two weeks in advance; we hear the Lava Shell Therapy is the most popular treatment. Contact Spa Director Vanessa Infante (vanessa.infante@thetidesresorts.com). Couples can also indulge in the Rain Massage treatment in the outdoor jungle spa suite. Request Olivia Galindo for treatments. With every room boasting ocean views, Antigua’s Curtain Bluff (www.curtainbluff.com) hosts its fair share of destina- tion weddings. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony for two or a reception for more than 100, weddings kick into high gear in the summer months (May through July) at this all-inclusive Caribbean resort. Insiders also recommend booking at least three months in advance for February through April, which is the most difficult time to book rooms. (Sailing Week also takes place in April, drawing an international crowd to the island.) Curtain Bluff owners Howard and Chelle Hulford open their home, The Bluff House, at the top of the bluff, for wedding ceremonies. Arrange for a private wine tasting or dinner for the group in the resort’s wine cellar. Contact Wendy Eardley (wendye@curtainbluff.com; 268462-8400), assistant manager, for all party arrangements. Before their walk down the aisle, bridal parties can be pampered in the spa, where Spa Director Novi Jones (novij@ curtainbluff.com) can organize a champagne-and-caviar massage. Be sure to request Made Suartini for your treatment and book well in advance during the winter to secure preferred treatment times. Have concierge Carolyn Griffiths (curtainbluff@curtainbluff.com) arrange a deep-sea-fishing outing or helicopter ride. For a local feel, head to Shirley Heights on Sunday nights for a reggae party complete with a steel drum band. It’s also one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset. For the top room in the house, call to book one of two elegantly furnished penthouse suites. The Morris Bay and Grace Bay suites have a separate sitting area, an expansive terrace and private outdoor Jacuzzi tub with Aveda amenities. Each of these one-bedroom suites can connect to a Junior Suite for additional space. 36 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | February 2008 http://www.tidesrivieramaya.com http://www.tidesrivieramaya.com http://www.curtainbluff.com
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