Luxury Travel Advisor - May 2008 - (Page 44)

A COLOR PALETTE of copper and blue, complemented by crisp white detailing, is used in some of guest rooms for a classic, elegant feel. DELUXE ROOMS (above) provide views of Sugarloaf Mountain or the hotel' s gardens and feature Ritz-Carlton signature linens. imparts the feeling of being in a private apartment. The white-marble bathrooms are stocked with Bulgari toiletries and have double sinks, sunken baths and separate compartments for rain showers and toilets. We found the mini-plasma-screen TVs embedded in the over-sink mirrors a nice touch. Guests checking into any of the 23 Club Rooms and 17 Club Suites on the fifth-floor Ritz-Carlton Club levelÐ they' re serviced by their own concierge staffÐ reach their accommodations via a key-access elevator. Complimentary refreshments and breakfast are served in the Club Lounge. The four Ritz-Carlton Suites are twice the size of the regular suites and have a sitting room and dining room. For ultimate indulgence and privacy, however, book the Presidential Suite (2,500 square feet) on the seventh floor; it has two bedrooms, a dining room, a study with a fireplace, a bathroom with steam room and sauna, a fully equipped kitchen, walk-in dressing room and large terrace with an outdoor hot tub. Note: The master bedroom isn' t huge, and the king-size bed is so close to the floor-to-ceiling window that guests might feel they can almost reach out and stroke the green slopes of the Sugarloaf Mountain. Director of Sales and Marketing Jill O' Hare (jill.ohare@ ritzcarlton.com; 353-1-2749066) advises to book at least one month in advance. Contact O' Hare or General Manager Andrew Nasskau (andrew.nasskau@ ritzcarlton.com; 353-1-2749000) for special VIP or wedding arrangements. Head Concierge Robert Smyth (robert.smyth@ritzcarlton.com; 353-1-274-9536) arranges for guests to be greeted at Dublin' s airport. Private jets can land at nearby Westin Airport in County Kildare, and the hotel has a helipad. Sales Manager Christine Murphy (christine.murphy@ ritzcarlton.com; 353-1-2749603) counts private tours of the Powerscourt Estate and of County Wicklow, as well as falconry, claypigeon shooting, archery, cookery courses in Ballynoggin House and visits to Charleville House, a magnificent 1797 mansion, among the special extras hotel staff can arrange for guests. The hotel' s one-Michelinstar restaurant is the realm of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the first foray of his worldwide gastronomic empire into the Emerald Isle. The 89-seat, glass-front restaurant is overseen by Executive Chef Paul Carroll (paul.carroll@ritzcarlton.com; 353-1-274-9046), whose cuisine emphasizes local produce like Wicklow lamb and cheeses and Irish sea scallops. The chef ' s table seats four to 10 guests and is strategically placed in the center of the large kitchen; it' s a must for clients who like to watch the action. Bookings for the restaurant (powerscourtgordonram say@ritzcarlton.com; 353-1-2739377), two private dining rooms (seating for 16) and the chef ' s table should be made well in advance. The hotel' s ESPA facility has 20 treatment rooms and two treatment suites. The 20-foot infinity pool features a tumbling waterfall and is studded with sparkling Swarovski crystals. Spa Director David Long (david. long@ritzcarlton.com; 353-1274-9711) tells us that the most popular treatment is the energybalancing Hot Stone Massage. Ideally, treatments should be booked a month in advance; otherwise, recommend that clients reserve a spot when they check in. Note: For casual dining, McGills is an authentic Irish pub with original pub memorabilia, live entertainment and traditional pub grub. We were tempted by the bangers and mash, but ordered the beef stew with mushy peas, which proved to be a delicious choice. Ð Pamela McCourt Francescone 42 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | May 2008

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Luxury Travel Advisor - May 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Park City Riviera Maya Italian Castles Rotorua China Villa Retreats The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt Rancho Bernardo Port Ghalib Dead Sea Spas Silversea The Professor The Pulse Jetset Report Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - May 2008

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