Recommend May 2013 - (Page 42)

STV 891 caribbean golf continued Both photos: La Cana Golf Course and the Club House at Puntacana Resort & Club in Dominican Republic. half moon, a rockresort, jamaica The Property: Built by corporate legends Harvey Firestone, Jr., Richard Reynolds, and Mrs. Laurence Armour on a 2-mile half-moon beach (hence, the resort’s name), this exclusive getaway with 33 villas and 197 rooms and suites has hosted Queen Elizabeth, Clark Gable, and George H. W. Bush. A neighbor to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon became a RockResort on Jan. 1, 2011. The Golf: Frequent host of the Jamaica Open and other tourneys, the course was designed by golf royalty: Robert Trent Jones, Sr., planned the original, which Roger Rulewich updated in 2005, putting in ﬁve sets of tees and repositioning some fairways and bunkers for today’s gear. Rulewich’s makover respects Jones’ concept and the terrain itself, with the 13th, a short par 4 dogleg, serving as the signature hole. The Amenities: Its world-famous golf, white beach, night-lit tennis courts, spa, award-winning Ritz Kids program (from $30), and valet parking are vintage Ritz-Carlton, but here, in addition to its Horizon restaurant, with the requisite Mediterranean cuisine, there are three other restaurants, the ﬁfth of which, the Reggae Jerk Center, delivers as promised and offers cooking lessons. The Scene: No sleeveless T-shirts or bad tattoos here. This is a digniﬁed crowd that ranges from tykes to Great Grandma— yes, that woman who just made par on the 4th hole. Between the comforts of the resort and the White Witch Golf Course, this Ritz-Carlton also attracts upmarket buddy trips, romantic couples, and meetings. The Rates: Off-season, non-refundable rates start at $183. The Golf All-Inclusive package includes unlimited golf for two at the White Witch Golf Course plus play at the great (and nearby) Cinnamon Hill and Half Moon courses, transportation to those courses, golf cart and caddie fee, and a dining plan from $649. It’s good through Dec. 31. Really. 42 may 2013 38-45 CB Golf.indd 42 The Amenities: Modestly sized Half Moon has six restaurants and seven bars/lounges, including the much-acclaimed Sugar Mill. Furthermore, this smallish resort has an equestrian center, a swim-with-dolphins facility, a 68,000-sq.-ft. indoor/ outdoor spa, a 13-court tennis facility, a children’s program and a camp for teenagers. And did we mention the beach? The Rates: Rooms start at about $279, and jr. suites, $469, but the sweet spot is the Total Golf Experience: An additional $210 pp gets your clients all meals, beverages, daily golf including one round at White Witch and one at Cinnamon Hill, and a golf cart and caddy who will coach players through that killer 13th. Photo Credit: www.insandoutsofsvg.com EVAN SCHILLER (2) The Scene: Although Half Moon offers a slew of diversions, many of the guests, including couples and families, are there for the golf. After all, having the White Witch and Cinnamon Hill (another highly ranked Rose Hall layout) courses in the neighborhood, plus Half Moon’s own great layout, is compelling. The after-dinner scene migrates to Lester’s, a “swellegant” piano bar. dorado beach, a ritz-carlton reserve, puerto rico The Property: All the raves about the Dorado Beach, which opened in December, are well-deserved. With just 115 all-beachfront units on an estate once owned by Rockefeller— a guy who knew a thing or two about estates—this getaway respects its surroundings while raising the bar for casual elegance. What’s more, North American work-hounds on a short leash can easily ﬂy there. ➤ recommend.com 4/24/13 9:11 AM W En Ca ST. TO http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend May 2013

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Tour Talk: PerryGolf
Viking Aegir
A-ROSA Cruises
New York City
United States
UK & Ireland
Caribbean
Fairmont Mexico
The Road to Ruins-Peru's Northern Kingdoms
Kush Kelibsiz!: Welcome to Uzbekistan
Touring Israel & Jordan

Recommend May 2013