Amazing Getaways: Bali, Barcelona & Belize

BALI, PERFECTED

It’s an experience like no other. Exclusive, and luxurious, Viceroy Bali is a unique resort poised on a ridge overlooking the verdant Valley of the Kings in central Bali. Located seven minutes from central Ubud, this tropical paradise feels like another world, with 25 Bali-styled luxury pool villas and other amenities, including a complete gymnasium and wellness-centered spa, award winning restaurant, peerless service, and stunning surroundings. It’s the perfect place for the discerning traveler to relax and renew in tranquility, for celebrants to gather for a wedding or reunion, or for executives to retreat to plan for the future.

Every aspect of the Viceroy Bali experience is infused with the unique and exotic. First there are the accommodations. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna of Bali, each has its own open-air living area, complete with private pool, gorgeous decorating, and amenities galore. There are even two villas that can be connected to form one large one. Included in the resort’s rates are the á la carte breakfast, Wireless Internet connection, daily restocking of the mini bar with free non-alcoholic drinks, complimentary Illy coffee for the espresso machine, 24-hour room service, evening turn down service, and all the other luxurious touches one would expect at an exceptional destination resort.

The amenities are very special as well. For those guests who choose to venture forth from their private tropical paradises, relaxing under the thatched roof of Viceroy Bar and dining at award-winning CasCades Restaurant are unforgettable experiences. The views of the Petanu River Gorge and the serenity of the reflection ponds are spectacular, matched in their excellence only by the restaurant’s delightful Asian-influenced French cuisine, superior wine offerings, and attentive service. Such decadence may be offset, should a guest so choose, by a visit to the air-conditioned gymnasium. Private yoga and Balinese dance classes are offered too, and the infinity-edge pool is well sized for serious swimmers, while the romantic balé overlooking it provides a resting place for the less ambitious. Lembah Spa combines western and Balinese techniques to provide wellness treatments in a tranquil setting that reflects the spa’s therapeutic focus. Many a guest has been known never to leave the grounds of Viceroy Bali, but the dedicated Guest Service Manager stands ready to assist those who wish an adventure small or large. Indeed, he will design the ideal itinerary to suit the inclinations of groups large or small; honeymooners or families; groups of friends or business associates. Guests appreciate the guidance, with so many magical forays on offer, from a trip to quirky and artistic Ubud on the free shuttle for some shopping or museum-going, to a bicycle ride through the rice paddies to one of the many nearby temples. Birders, cyclists, golfers, culture-lovers, botanists, and armchair anthropologists will all find something to love with Viceroy Bali as their base camp, and executives will appreciate the resort’s helicopter pad and its air conditioned, fully equipped conference room.

Website: www.viceroybali.com

THE BELLE OF BARCELONA

Like a woman of timeless beauty, Barcelona’s Hotel España is many things at once, chic yet historic, stylish but quirky, private yet accessible, sophisticated while still fun and exclusive yet offering great value. A full-service, superior four-star hotel situated in the heart of Barcelona’s historic district, Hotel España offers something for everyone, from lovers to families to executives. With 82 rooms, an award-winning chef, luxurious accommodations, a fascinating architectural heritage, and welcoming management and staff, this elegant urban retreat charms all who visit.

Featuring the latest in technology, including soundproofing, the guestrooms are luxurious, comfortable and stylish. Fifty standard rooms have views of the city or a landscaped courtyard and feature a free mini-bar. The 28 deluxe rooms are comfortable and filled with light. The three executive rooms are located on the top floor and feature a private terrace overlooking the Ciutat Vella. The suite is yet larger, with a large living area and a spacious bathroom with a rain-effect and chromatherapy shower cubicle and a hydro massage bath. This hotel is complete with three dining venues. Fonda España, supervised by award-winning chef Martín Berasategui, serves simple, balanced and mouth-watering updated traditional cuisine in a Modernist dining room, originally designed and decorated by Domènech i Montaner. Bar Arnau, named after the celebrated sculptor Eusebi Arnau whose splendid alabaster fireplace is the centerpiece of the modernist-contemporary bar, serves aperitifs, cocktails, sandwiches and tapas in a relaxed setting. Alaire Ramblas Terrace-Bar, a chic, romantic destination located on the top floor of the hotel, serves cocktails and barbecue against the backdrop of city lights and great music.

Function and banqueting options abound, and there is a rooftop swimming pool, sunning terrace and business corner. For those who seek to explore or revisit their favorite Barcelona spots, the old city awaits, just beyond the threshold: the Gran Teatro del Liceo, the Gothic Quarter, and las Ramblas and el Paseo de Gracia, two of the city’s main thoroughfares. Hotel España is a delightful base camp from which to explore the “City of Counts.” Natural wonders abound as well, from the 68 municipal parks to the seven beaches. Barcelona Beach was named best urban beach in the world by National Geographic, and Discovery Channel listed it as the third best beach in the world.

Website: www.hotelespanya.com

PRIVACY, PERSONALIZED

Just imagine it. Warm azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see, palm fronds rustling in a gentle Caribbean breeze, meals prepared by a personal chef, the gentle glow of the sun rising over the reef, warm but discreet personal attention from staff overseen by a personal concierge and not another soul in sight, because this island is dedicated to one guest party at a time. Impossible, you say? Not anymore. Travelers can find it all at Royal Belize, a personal vacation hideaway. Royal Belize opened in spring 2010 and occupies an entire islet located nine miles off the coast of Belize. It is a completely private tropical island with luxurious lodgings, excellent service, great food and entertaining activities.

The pampering starts before guests even arrive, when the concierge makes arrangements for a personal chef and activities, both on and off the island, in advance. There’s the helicopter flight and the welcome cocktail. Royal Belize offers three luxurious and comfortable villa residences with spectacular views and all the extras one could desire: a number of lounging and dining areas such as the Big Palapa; custom-prepared meals and complimentary beverages; lots on on-island activities like swimming, riding the WaveRunner, and paddling a kayak; and a wide range of off-site activities which can be accessed by either boat or helicopter. Examples: a hop to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, a visit to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve, and a cruise down nearby Sittee River past low-hanging coconuts on the way to Butterflies Spa on the beach. And the diving is to die for.

Royal Belize: a unique and unforgettable private vacation experience.

Website: www.PrivateVacationIsland.com