Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - (Page 13) mYRES caSTLE - cOnnOISSEURS ScOTLand Fife, Scotland At delightful Myres Castle, each of the nine bedrooms is a nod to a notable person – including Mary Queen of Scots – or to the room’s history, as is the case with the Schoolroom. This charming hideaway is perched in the top of the castle and is accented with toys, children’s books and the old school bell. Such homey touches abound on this 44-acre estate in the Kingdom of Fife. Dine with fellow guests around the Victorian kitchen’s solid-oak table or cozy up in the inviting library with a good book and a glass of fine single malt. Edinburgh and its historic sites, shops and restaurants is less than an hour’s drive away. dISTancE FROm EdInbURgh aIRpORT (EdI): VIRTUOSO amEnITY Champagne reception on first evening and Scottish Piper greeting upon arrival. In ThE KnOW Golfers are in heaven here, with more than 100 courses within a short drive. 13 V IRTU OSO LIF E STY LE 33 mi/53 km ThE LOdgE, VERbIER Verbier, Switzerland Sir Richard Branson’s alpine retreat, The Lodge, Verbier, is a refreshing mountain hideaway, offering just nine bedrooms to privileged guests. The main lift to take you up the mountain is very close, and the town of Verbier is only a ten minute walk. Back at The Lodge, there’s no shortage of things to do – bask in the indoor pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, steam room, spa and party room with plasma-screen television and games console. There’s even a private ice rink come winter. Warm or cold, outdoor activities abound, from mountain biking and hiking to some of the most acclaimed skiing in the world – service to and from the lifts is available. dISTancE FROm gEnEVa aIRpORT (gVa): VIRTUOSO amEnITY Full breakfast for two daily and two 20-minute massages, once per stay. In ThE KnOW Learn a few tricks in the kitchen by watching The Lodge’s chefs work their magic! 51 mi/82 km caYO ESpanTO San Pedro, Belize Just two hours from Miami and Houston, a private island paradise awaits. As yet virtually undiscovered, Cayo Espanto is home to six intimate villas, each overlooking the vast Caribbean and pampering its guests with such deluxe amenities as private plunge pools. If you can tear yourself away from these sybaritic accommodations, take advantage of the sea kayaks and sailboats, massage services, Mayan ruins tours, jungle trips and stellar snorkeling opportunities along the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Full island rental is available, for the most decadent of vacations. dISTancE FROm aIRpORT: VIRTUOSO amEnITY Full breakfast for two daily and $100 spa credit per room, once per stay. In ThE KnOW The resort will prepare a romantic picnic lunch on a deserted beach; just take the cellular phone and call when you’re ready to be picked up. not applicable
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