Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008 - (Page 34)

HOTELS ROYAL HIDEAWAY (pool shown) is the first all-inclusive resort to win AAA’s Five Diamond Award. PLA ACAR Y Royal Hideaway Playacar (www.royalhideaway.com) in Mexico’s Riviera Maya brings the all-inclusive experience to unparalleled heights of luxury. Approximately five minutes by car from the bustling resort town of Playa del Carmen, the resort is seemingly worlds away on 13 lush acres in the upscale residential zone of Playacar. Serenity is a way of life there, languorously pursued, a haven where guests pass the time soaking up the sun’s rays while sipping daiquiris on oceanfront beds or next to one of the resort’s swimming or relaxation pools. Those with more active sensibilities may opt for a morning yoga or Pilates class, followed by a private tennis session with the resident pro. (For those unable to resist the siren call of daily life, a business center hums away behind closed doors, and the entire resort has wireless capability.) Royal Hideaway is widely recognized as an exemplar of excellence in a tourism segment that could use an overhaul. In 2007, the 200-room resort became the first all-inclusive hotel in AAA history to be awarded a Five Diamond rating, a status it has maintained for 2008. Royal Hideaway also is one of the few all-inclusive hotels to boast membership in The Leading Hotels of the World (in fact, it was the first all-inclusive resort to earn membership in this prestigious collection eight years ago). The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained, with shady paths leading to the 11 villas ROYAL HIDEAWAY that house the thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, decorated in a British-colonial style with Mexican influence. Demand is highest for the two Presidential Suites and six Junior Suites, so book them four to five months in advance, especially for stays between December and March. (Suites can be booked over the GDS, or through the office of General Manager Jean Agarrista, whose assistant can be reached at lgaxiola@mx.occidentalhotels. com). Each Presidential Suite boasts commanding views of the ocean and, at just over 1,200 square feet, is spacious enough to host private functions of 25 to 30 people. The two-floor suites feature several large terraces for lounging or soaking in the private outdoor Jacuzzi. Inside, a fully stocked open bar beckons guests in the dining/living room 34 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | April 2008 March 2008 http://www.royalhideaway.com

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Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter London DESTINATIONS India Greece HOTELS Golf Royal Hideaway Playacar Chateau Marmont SPAS Hawaiin Spas Southeast Asia CRUISES: Antarctica Cover Story: Rocket man The Pulse Traveling Gourmet Jetset Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008

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