|
|
|
Hideaways
International Names Top Romantic Spots
PORTSMOUTH, NH - Hideaways
International, the premier association specializing in intimate,
out-of-the-ordinary travel, has announced the winners of its annual
"Most Romantic Hideaways" Award. Hideaways Guide publisher,
Mike Thiel, picked the 2003 winners based on reader responses
and his own travels to these idyllic escapes. "I've stayed
at most of these lodgings," claims Mike, "and they sure
seduced me!"
This year's winners
include a New York City hideaway, an Irish castle, and an island
in the Caribbean. "One of the greatest gifts a couple can
give each other these days is quality time . . . alone,”
says Mike. “And let's face it, one night on the town doesn't
always cut it. But an escape to one of these retreats is a sure
way to keep Valentine's Day romance alive all year."
Villa San Michele,
Fiesole, Italy
Nestled in the charming hills of Fiesole, overlooking the red
rooftops of Florence, this former fifteenth-century Franciscan
monastery is now a luxury hotel. Boasting a magnificent Michelangelo
facade, this hideaway offers a handful of well-appointed rooms,
all created from former monks' cells. Its furnishings are steeped
in history, including an ancient refectory-turned-cocktail bar
dominated by antique frescoes. La dolce vita for you and that
special someone.
Palm Island Beach
Club, Palm Island, Grenadines
The Grenadines is a part of the world where time is seemingly
suspended, waters are clear, and beaches are white. In this mystical
strand of islands lies Palm Island Beach Club, a paradise where
tranquility is a state of mind and romance is definitely in the
air. With its sprinkling of green-roofed bungalows, Palm Island
offers an unrivaled setting with the most serene solitude found
anywhere in the Caribbean.
The Casablanca
Hotel, New York, New York
Situated in the heart of Times Square, this intimate European-style,
family-owned boutique hotel has been totally restored in a magnificent
Moroccan decor. Its luxury guest rooms and suites are designed
for comfort with meticulous attention to detail, as seen in its
archways, ceiling fans, ornamental moldings, unique tapestries,
paintings, murals, and its soundproof rooms.
Park Hotel Kenmare,
Kerry, Ireland
Overlooking the famous Ring of Kerry, the limestone walls of the
Park Hotel Kenmare have welcomed guests with renowned warmth since
1897. This five star Hotel has terraced gardens stretching to
the lapping waters of the bay below. Log fires, relaxing corners
to hide in, and splendidly comfortable surroundings will find
you content to do very little but relax . . . with that special
someone, of course.
Palais Maeterlinck,
Nice, France
Perched high above the Mediterranean, the palatial architecture
and opulent luxury of this four-star hotel will make any couple
feel like a king and queen. The royal treatment includes dining
al fresco on the terrace, soaking in the glamour of the French
Riviera, and slipping away aboard a private yacht available to
guests.
Wedgewood Hotel,
Vancouver, Canada
On fashionable Robson Square in the heart of downtown Vancouver,
this intimate, privately owned hotel endears guests with its personal
service, homey atmosphere, close attention to detail, and timeless
European elegance. After sightseeing in beautiful Vancouver, relaxing
at Wedgewood's spa, or dining at acclaimed Italian restaurant,
"Bacchus," retire to your room and relax in front of
a roaring fire.
Villa Rolandi,
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea with a breathtaking view
of Cancun, Villa Rolandi lies in a residential setting between
a white sandy beach and a lush lagoon. Guests arrive via the hotel's
luxury yacht to enjoy modern Mexican-Mediterranean style, ocean
view suites, full amenities, and only the finest service and foods.
This luxurious hotel, in perfect harmony with the environment,
is a delightful spot for a romantic getaway.
The Vintage Inn,
Yountville, California
Set on 23 beautifully manicured acres, The Vintage Inn's spacious
guest rooms and villas offer a stylish hideaway in tourist-heavy
Napa. Romantic touches abound in each room, including whirlpool
baths, wood-burning fireplaces, dimmers for every light, and a
complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival.
Hotel Jerome, Aspen,
Colorado
Located in the heart of Aspen with the majestic Rocky Mountains
as its backdrop, the Hotel Jerome is still as magnificent as it
was when it was built in 1889. Elegantly restored to its original
Victorian grandeur, this National Register landmark is one of
the richest experiences in comfort, hospitality, and romance to
be found not only in Colorado, but in the American West.
Hotel Goldener
Adler, Innsbruck, Austria
For a memorable stay in the charming old town center of Innsbruck,
choose the venerable inn enjoyed by Mozart and the poet Goethe.
Founded in 1390, this historic Old City hotel was recently renovated
and its cozy rooms and suites are all furnished with modern conveniences,
plus nightly zither music and noble drops from a well-furnished
wine cellar. Enjoy a bit of old-fashioned romance and the unique
sensation of spirits from the past in the comfort of one of Europe's
oldest inns.
Hideaways International is the world's premier travel club for
those seeking the out-of-the ordinary in vacations--worldwide.
For 25 years it has been guiding discerning and passionate travelers
to "the vacation road less traveled." Hideaways' staff
and "Ambassadors" roam the world in search of its best
intimate resorts and lodges, boutique hotels, yacht-like cruise
ships, yacht and barge charters, secluded villas, city-center
apartments, guest ranches, and more.
Hideaways' portfolio
of inspected and recommended properties, as well as unique destinations,
are profiled in Hideaways Guide, its full-color semiannual members
magazine. The quarterly Hideaways newsletter and bi-weekly Hideaways
Insider e-newsletter keep members informed of the latest discoveries
and special travel opportunities. For more information visit Hideaways.com
or call 800-843-4433 (603-430-4433 in NH and internationally).
|
|
