Article by
William Tomicki
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Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa
by Nobel Literature Prize Nominee and former New York Times Travel Columnist William Tomicki
Romantic Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa is the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia
. The sole member of Relais & Chateaux in area, it is superbly located on flower-shaped Motu Tautau atop a coral reef with sparkling waters and glistening beaches. Here, a rich aroma of vanilla fills the air and Tahitian life is traditional and tranquil. What separates this oasis from Tahiti is its authenticity, respect for detail and total indulgence provided for guests. Le Taha’s has 48 over water suites and 12 beach suites including two Royal Beach Villas of 2900 sq. ft., all with private decks and direct access to the lagoon. Public areas including three fine restaurants, one of which is nestled in the treetops. The entire resort was built with native hands using local natural materials. Cuisine is derived from the freshest local ingredients and the service is crisp and always with soft smiles. The heart of the resort is the Manea Spa, blessed with an exceptional site nestled in the shade of a coconut grove between the meandering waters of a small lake and the lagoon. Built in pure Polynesian style to merge perfectly with its motu environment, this sanctuary provides soothing treatments. Our favorite: a massage in the lagoon. Silence and harmony with nature are two of the gifts at Le Taha'a gives its visitors. So are 18th and 19th century archeological sites, beach barbecues, picnics, helicopter tours, 4x4 tours, handicraft shopping, and diving. Visit www.letahaa.com
The legendary Hotel Cipriani in Venice, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is dramatically set in exquisite gardens on the lagoon side of Giudecca Island. This landmark Orient-Express hotel is just five minutes by private launch from the wonders of St. Mark’s Square, one of the most renowned piazzas in the world. Staying there is a sublime privilege and the best way to enjoy exquisite Venetian hospitality. The Cipriani has completed the first phase of a three year rolling renovation project, which includes ten fully refurbished rooms and suites located in the Redentore and San Giorgio wings, all offering smashing views of the Lagoon. The new rooms, six luxury doubles and four exclusive suites, include beautiful bathrooms with large walk-in showers, double basins, and Carrara marble and mosaics depicting a Byzantine-Venetian tradition. Extra lavish touches such as cashmere and silk blankets have been added to make each guest’s stay at Hotel Cipriani more comfortable.
In the process of expanding the space available in the new rooms and suites, twelve old rooms were sacrificed, bringing the total room count of the hotel down to 92. Interior designer Michel Jouannet has used Venetian artefacts, hand-made stuccos, Murano glass, antique mirrors and fabrics by Fortuny and Rubelli to create the luxurious new rooms. To maintain a connection with the past, the same skilled Venetian Maestro, Franco Fogliata, who decorated many of the Cipriani’s suites in 1958, has been appointed to create precious hand made stuccos, following the same designs and methods used over 400 years ago. More prosaically, each new room was equipped with complimentary broadband internet, high definition satellite TV and the latest technological equipment. The Cipriani still has the greatest pool in Italy and Cip’s Club dining is a romantic experience not to be missed. Visit www.hotelcipriani.com.
Brazil is an irresistible and complex country, a melting pot of cultures and language, Portuguese being a particularly challenging one to grasp. You will be welcome with open arms here by the engaging Brazilians. That is why we would not consider a trip there without consulting the experts at VIP Tour Group.
President Mike Eiseman has made it his business to understand the nuances and subtleties of Brazil and its attractions be they Carnival, New Year’s eve, samba, soccer, capoeira, cachaca, music, exotic cuisine and beautiful people, not to mention Brazil’s beaches, rivers, canyons, rainforests, jungles and waterfalls. Mike and his team know cultural Brazil, romantic Brazil and eco-adventure Brazil like no other company that we know of and their insightful packages to Salvador, Paraty, Buzios, Angra, Etnia, Nannai, Txai, Ponta dos Ganchos and Pantanal are superb for both value and excellence. VIP Brazil can take you fishing in the Amazon from a luxury yacht with a private chef or secure the best private island getaways and yachts in Brazil’s chic Mediterranean-like areas. Want to rent an exclusive villa in Trancoso or Buzios? Mike’s your man.
Enjoy a culinary tour of Brazil’s best kitchens? Samba lessons? Call VIP Tour Group. Night life? They know all the best clubs and can get you in. Need reservations for Carnival? Here is the resource. Mike knows all the great hotels and hoteliers in Brazil and can assure the best accommodations. His enthusiastic guides (especially Marcello) are top notch with connections that allow travelers privileged looks into places no other company can offer. Brazil is a very big country, the 4th largest in the world; local knowledge is the most valuable commodity you can have here. If you are planning a honeymoon or just want to see the best of Brazil in a very special way for the first or tenth time, call (800) 772-9188 or visit www.vipbrazil.com. Mike is also a reliable expert on Argentina. Check out his site, www.viptourargentina.com.