Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008 - (Page 24)

THE POOL AT THE MERIDIAN CLUB is lined with palm trees and greeted by cooling sea breezes. A back-to-basics getaway on Pine Cay in the Turks & Caicos Islands, The Meridian Club (www. meridianclub.com) is devoid of everything from TVs to telephones and is the perfect place for your A-list escape artist. The resort, which has been called “primitive posh” by past guests, comprises 12 Beach Front Club Rooms and the more exclusive Sand Dollar Cottage. All with similar views, Beach Front Club Rooms feature separate bedrooms and lounging alcoves and have screened-in porches, perfect for an alfresco breakfast. The Sand Dollar Cottage occupies a more secluded spread among a patch of Casuarina pines and features a king-size bed and spacious bath. Out front, a thatched hut provides shade for two beach chairs, a cozy place to sneak in some shut-eye. For more space, ask Avianne Adolph (reservations@meridan club.com; 866-746-3229) about the Meridian Club’s private homes, which are periodically available for rent. The resort is best suited for couples, but we hear that the house dubbed “Geek Ho” is a great choice for families, as it sleeps up to eight guests. Note: Insiders say that 50 percent of the resort’s clientele is comprised of repeat guests who revel in its extremely low-key style. Unsuspecting clients who are accustomed to over-the-top amenities and constant handling may find the Meridian Club’s nofuss philosophy off-putting. Those guests who do appreci- ate the resort’s simple offerings enjoy sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, biking, tennis and golf. Resort Manager Beverly Plachta (manager@meridianclub.com; 649-941-7011) tells us that her staff can also arrange a private fishing charter or diving excursion, a boat charter to Providenciales, a tour of Grand Turk and other activities. A massage therapist can be summoned to the resort, although at least three sessions must be requested to warrant a house call to the island. The Meridian Club prides itself on its refusal to fall in line behind other Caribbean island properties that are filling up with mass-market amenities, including restaurants. If your clients wish to shake up their dining routine while on the island—the Meridian’s sole restaurant offers meals at designated times—ask Plachta’s staff to arrange a beach picnic or romantic in-room meal. Plan to book well in advance if your clients want to stay at the Meridian Club in February, when it’s populated with 80 percent repeat guests. On Racha Island, 35 minutes by speed boat from Phuket’s Chalong Bay, The Racha (www.theracha.com) is one of Thailand’s most exclusive island resorts and is chock-full of amenities for more hedonistic island hoppers. The resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, comprises 70 villas. Grand Pool Suites Nos. 101-104, the largest and most deluxe, are popular for their infinity-edge 24 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | October 2008 http://www.meridianclub.com http://www.meridianclub.com http://www.theracha.com

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Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Glasgow Greece & Cyprus Private Islands Park Hotel Weggis Mexico Private Yachts MS Europa Coastline Travel Awards of Excellence The Pulse Just Back Luxury Travel Expo Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008

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