Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009 - (Page 12)

HOTEL LE TOINY’s One-Bedroom Villa’s feature private heated pools. and two individual bedroom villas—should be targeted for families and is considered the best on the resort. Note: St. Barth’s airport is a landing strip and the largest plane that can be accommodated is a 19-seater. It is a 10-minute drive to the hotel. All guests receive complimentary pick-up and return in a luxury jeep. The spa is a one-room villa with an outdoor patio for open-air haircuts and a shave. Because there is only one treatment at a time, book in advance for a better chance of receiving a requested time. Tip: Anita is Hotel Le Toiny’s best therapist.Tell VIPs to dine at Le Gaïac, which offers a fish market where guests choose fish caught that day to be prepared by the chef. Luxury travel advisors should contact Dagmar Lombard (dagmar@letoiny.com; 011-59-059027-8888), co-general manager. —Joe Pike ADVISOR INSIGHT: “The Caribbean is such a diverse, amazing region for upscale leisure travel that it is impossible to put a label on it,” says Linda D’Arcy, Caribbean Travel Specialist for American Express Travel, “although if I did, that label would be ‘paradise.’ That said, allow me to share my two favorite Caribbean destinations. “Aruba keeps calling me back with its constant gentle trade wind breezes, perpetual sunshine and teal seas. There are so many things that set this island apart. “Aruba’s beautiful, clean and wide beaches are consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s finest. The luxurious resorts are just the beginning of things to see and do on the island. I love joining the Team Extreme Safari Jeep Tour or taking a quad racer (ATV) tour through the island’s natural desert setting. The snorkeling is exemplary; my favorite spot is the Antilla Shipwreck. “Perhaps what might be most surprising to travelers is the wonderful shopping the island offers—I always take a trip into Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, to visit the great shops. Some of the best ones are hidden in concealed lanes and alleys, where savvy travelers can find straw handicrafts, English tweeds and bone china. When the sun goes down, the excitement level goes up! The casinos come alive— with gaming performed in U.S. currency—and the dining is both eclectic and exquisite. Tip: Try the VIP ‘Dine Around’ and ‘Wine Around’ programs, perfect for an evening of leisurely fine dining and divine wines. Try the Trattoria El Faro Blanco for some excellent Italian food. “Another island—or, should I say, group of Islands—that puts a unique spin on the Caribbean’s natural flair are the Cayman Islands. Far from simply being a playground for the rich and famous (though visitors may certainly see their share of celebrities there), the Islands are also known for their crystal clear water and world-class snorkeling and diving. “Not to be missed in the Cayman Islands is a trip to Sting Ray City, where I have fed and even kissed a wild stingray! The new and improved Turtle Farm is definitely worth a trip to hold and feed the turtles. And, like Aruba, the beaches are beautiful and plentiful. Possibly only second to its beautiful beaches, the dining scene is equally impressive. It’s remarkable how these islands have truly transformed themselves over the past few years.” 12 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | February 2009

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Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Caribbean Mexico Prague Hotel Splendido One Aldwych Liberty Hotel Resorts Cambridge Beaches Luxury Travel Expo Michael's Travel Awards Regent The Pulse Luxury Lifestyles Local Connections Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009

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