Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 38)

DESTINATIONS LEFT: The Unique Hotel lives up to its name with its unusual architectural design BELOW LEFT: An ocean-view suite at the Fasano CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 the bathroom (with a separate wash closet and shower stalls), making it possible to watch the swivel TV from the bath. For the best views, ask for rooms on the 4th and 5th floors. All rooms have speakers built into the headboard, cell phones that work throughout the hotel, comfortable couches, armchairs, bar cabinets and lights that dim by running your fingers along the fine cord anchoring them to the floor and the ceiling. Guests are welcome to use the sister property, the Unique Garden Spa, which is 40 minutes away. Ask Spa Director Lilian Franco (lfranco@ uniquehotel.com.br, 011-55-11-4486-8701) or the Unique Service staff, who also act as concierges, to arrange transport and book treatments. There is a large indoor pool in the basement, but the pièce de résistance is the rooftop Skye Restaurant and Bar with its large outdoor deck area and red swimming pool, which has an underwater music system. We were entranced by the stunning views of Avenida Paulista and the city skyline. In the evenings this is the place to be seen, so advance reservations are a must, especially if guests want to enjoy Chef Emmanuel Bassoleil’s eclectic menus (ebassoleil@hotelunique.com.br, 011-55-11-3055-4700). The Fasano The Fasano (www.fasano.com.br), in the fashionable Le Jardins district, is the epitome of Italian style. The lobby has brown leather armchairs and couches and two fireplaces where open fires blaze in winter. The sunken Baretto Bar further enhances the atmosphere, which is an artistic happening in its own right. Jean-Philippe Laugier (jean-philippe.laugier@fasano.om.br, 011-5511-3896-4086), sales and marketing director, says guests can pre-check in by sending passport and credit card details. General Manager Paulo Antunes (paulo.antunes@fasano.com.br, 011-955-11-3896-4055) advises booking ahead for São Paolo’s fashion weeks in January and June and Formula 1 in October. He also says that Lenny Kravitz, Naomi Campbell, Yoko Ono, Calvin Klein and Tom Ford like to stay there when they are in town. The 50 rooms and 10 suites are four per floor and are Superior and Deluxe Rooms, Suites and Deluxe Suites. Uncluttered, and with rich herringbone wood floors, they feature easy chairs and king-size beds, and the Suites have a separate living area. For the best views, ask for rooms from the 15th to 20th floors. Operations Manager Leonides Sottomaior (leonides.sottomaior@ fasano.com.br, 011-55-11-3896-4025) can arrange helipad facilities on nearby Avenida Paulista, a good idea for clients who can’t waste time in São Paolo’s traffic snarls. On the 22nd floor, there are hot tubs, a small pool and a spa with a relaxation room. The top-floor techno gym has a complimentary personal trainer. The Fasano’s restaurant is reputedly one of the best in South America, so contact Sottomaior to make advance reservations for clients. The suede-covered ceiling means voices don’t echo, and the same high level of attention is given to the food. There is a less formal menu in the Nonno Ruggero, where breakfast is also served. I CONNECTING YOU If you are sending clients to Brazil, visit www.travelagentcentral. com/central-south-america 38 | TravelAgent September 1, 2008 http://www.fasano.com.br http://www.travelagentcentral.com/central-south-america http://www.travelagentcentral.com/central-south-america

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Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Apartment Rentals Offer a Different View of Paris Pacific/Asia: Authentic Sarawak Culture and Longhouse Experiences are Highlights of a Visit to Malaysian Borneo South Pacific: Fiji’s Denarau Island Offers Paradise within a Paradise Las Vegas: As Business Slows, Discounts and Deals are in the Cards at Many Vegas Properties Central & South America: São Paolo, Brazil, is Ideal for Business or Leisure Vacations Caribbean: The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, Offers Quiet Luxury Rosecita Jeffers Takes Over the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Cruises: Crystal Cruises is Making Plans and Changes for the Future Keeping Cruises Affordable with These 12 Tips for Clients Cover Story: Top Supplier Sales Reps Hotels: At Chicago’s Stylish Avenue Hotel, the Kids are all Right Bali is Reinventing Itself as a Family-Friendly Destination Tours: GOGO Worldwide Vacations Renews its Commitment to the Travel Agent Community Agent Profile: Ramesh Kalicharran Looked for His Roots and Helps Others Find Theirs Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo The YTB Controversy Rages On The Latest News From the Caribbean Australia Promotes Australia New Flagship to Relaunch Orient Lines Classified Marketplace Agent Access In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

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