Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - (Page 8) EagLE’S nEST LUxURY VILLa RETREaT Bay of Islands, New Zealand Seventh heaven may have some friendly competition in the Eagle’s Nest Luxury Villa Retreat, a 75-acre estate overlooking the Bay of Islands. Guests are within walking distance of the charming town of Russell, yet are tempted to stay put in the remarkably luxurious villas; four of the five offer their own heated horizon-edge lap pool, Jacuzzi, air conditioning, original artwork, home theater system, fully equipped gourmet kitchen and more. Of course, there are ample outdoor activities to pursue – think big game fishing, sailing, diving, kayaking, bush walking, helicopter flight-seeing and romantic picnics on private islands. dISTancE FROm aUcKLand aIRpORT (aKL): VIRTUOSO amEnITY Roundtrip transfers from the Bay of Islands Airport and, when staying three nights or longer, a special barbecue and bottle of French champagne upon arrival. In ThE KnOW 8 V IRTU OSO LIF E STY LE Book a personal chef in advance; he or she will use the freshest local ingredients to create a true gourmet experience in your villa. 28 mi/45 km aLTamER RESORT Shoal Bay West, Anguilla It’s not every resort that offers a sample menu prior to your visit so that you may better plan your private dinners. Yet, such is the personal service at Altamer Resort, a collection of three extraordinarily spacious, architecturally breathtaking villas on the beach on Anguilla. The resort exceeds every expectation, offering discreet, yet casual service to each of its 40 guests. Your villa is attended by a staff of 10, as well as a private butler; you may also hire a private chef. Venture outside for private tennis, swimming or sail to a neaby island for a picnic and snorkeling. dISTancE FROm angUILLa aIRpORT (axa): VIRTUOSO amEnITY Lunch in villa for up to 12 villa guests, and $50 food and beverage or recreational credit, once per stay. In ThE KnOW You’ll find more than 30,000 songs on your villa’s high-tech sound system – or bring your iPod and dock it to play through the built-in speakers. 10 mi/16 km cERULEan VILLa Barnes Bay, Anguilla With rave reviews from Vogue, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, a lavish seaside villa might easily rest on its laurels. Yet instead, Cerulean Villa manages to find even more ways to impress its fortunate guests. The villa is a seven-bedroom wonder on extensively landscaped grounds at Barnes Bay. A free-form swimming pool invites you to spend lazy days looking at the sea while the staff of 14 caters to your every whim. Each of the bedrooms has a sea view, a private entrance and custom furniture from Mexico and Morocco. Don’t miss the Seaflower Spa; try the blissful Bamboo, Ginger and Lemongrass Body Scrub. dISTancE FROm angUILLa aIRpORT (axa): VIRTUOSO amEnITY American breakfast daily and beach barbecue dinner with live band, once per stay. In ThE KnOW Allow the manager to plan a champagne shipwreck party on a deserted isle – it’ll be the highlight of your trip. 10 mi/16 km
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