Recommend October 2012 - (Page 58)

SARAH MUÑOZ dolphins swimming alongside the boat and shooting stars almost every single night. We saw three in just one night. island down time Should guests not go off to Paradise Island or enjoy the complimentary trip and snorkel in Neptune’s Nursery, they’ll ﬁnd that they have the Indigo Bay beach mostly to themselves, with calm, clear waters to cool off, a dhow prettying up their view and a tranquil beach to explore. An activities center not far from the Indi Kidz Club can easily arrange for other diversions, however. Dune boarding is an exciting option, as towering sand dunes are one of the island’s main attractions. Fishing aﬁcionados will love the chance to catch sailﬁsh, black marlin, wahoo and other species, while others will want to horseback ride along the beach, kayak or windsurf. Then there’s the gorgeous, open-air spa, with most treatment rooms serving up views of the foliage and the blue beyond the green. The view from the spa is so splendid, in fact, that wedding receptions there are not uncommon. Besides an ice pool and wet room, there’s a full menu focused on international and African-inspired treatments and ingredients. The most fun, however, seems to be the Rasul treatment, which lets you cover yourself in a healing mud, “bake” in the warm, beautifully tiled Rasul Chamber and then rinse off when the chamber’s showers go off automatically; a decadent massage will follow. Yet another pastime at Indigo Bay: dining, which is always excellent, with local seafood playing a leading role. There is always a surprise in store once it’s time to eat, with a shore-side roast or generous beach buffet. In the morning, as you breakfast on a bountiful spread or loll about in the pool, a chorus of birds cheer you throughout as the day begins on the island. Cocktail hour is just as fun, with fruity beverages and yummy roasted Mozambique cashews at the ready as you celebrate dusk. And as expected, the sunsets are simply unreal, with the sky awash in pink and the orange sun burning through until it’s swallowed by the sea. The weather during our winter visit: just perfect, with clear skies, the most idyllic of breezes and hardly any insects to worry about. Indigo Bay sprays regularly for mosquitoes, as this is a malaria-prone area. However, we are happy to report not a single bite; mosquito repellent is provided in your room, but clients should still consult with their physician about malaria prevention prior to their visit. The resort fully embraces its natural surroundings. indigo bay with ker & downey It’s not just us talking up Indigo Bay. According to Ker & Downey’s v.p. David Jones, clients who choose this property rave about it. “They absolutely love it. They are always surprised that it is so beautiful,” he says. “Many are thinking of the Seychelles and we suggest Indigo Bay and they are overwhelmed. They like the choice of being either up on the ridge, in privacy, or near the beach.” Being that Africa is the award-winning luxury tour operator’s number one destination, pairing up a stay here with another intrinsically African experience is the norm. “They always combine it with safari and, most of the time, [with South Africa’s Western] Cape,” explains Jones, adding that clients who choose to visit Indigo Bay typically like privacy and exclusive attention. “We sell to honeymooners, couples and families alike.” Because Ker & Downey only hand-crafts journeys, they are able to combine Indigo Bay with various lodges and provide free nights or discounts. Forget cookie-cutter tours here; your clients will get private guides and access to some of the world’s most beautiful properties, which have passed the site test of Ker & Downey’s own staff. Agents, says Jones, are able to travel on a complimentary FAM based on production. “We love travel agents,” he exclaims. “We also have an amazing air department that can assist with incredible airfares in ﬁrst, business, economy plus and economy.” Info at (800) 423-4236; kerdowney.com; kerdowney.com/travel-agent-resources. 58 october 2012 shoreside deluxe Don’t expect a huge cement monstrosity or mismatch of styles at Indigo Bay. Wooden decks lead you from the lobby and main building through trees and shrubs and red squirrels to your darling, palm-thatched beach chalet for two; ours was about 40 steps away from the ocean, with tons of room for lounging about, a tub with a view, an indoor/outdoor shower, spacious verandahs and an extravagant bed with mosquito netting to recommend.com http://www.kerdowney.com http://www.kerdowney.com/travel-agent-resources http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2012

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Sofitel Luxury Hotels
Tour Talk: Travcoa
A Villa Vacation in Europe
Napa Valley Revisited
Gateway Canyons Resort, Colorado
Vintage Palm Beach
The Surrey, New York City
The Best of India at ITC Hotels
St. Regis Offers City Sophistication & Barefoot Luxury in Mexico
Mexico Boutique Hotels' Stellar Collection
Four World-Class Private Island Resorts
Update: More on Luxury Private Island Resorts
In Santa Catarina, Brazil, the Surf's Up for Luxury Travel
Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa, Mozambique
New Offerings on Luxe Cruise Lines

Recommend October 2012