The Tides Zihuatanejo is a wonderfully romantic property which comes pretty close to our idea of perfection. The guest rooms capture all of the colors and charms of this richly-textured country and the suites include some of the most luxurious accommodations you'll find anywhere. Lush tropical gardens stretch right to the sands, where you'll find the surprisingly sophisticated palapa-roofed restaurant la Villa and an engaging boat-shaped bar. A further restaurant la Cantina has tables spilling out onto the sands and serves Mexican dishes and seafood. How would you rate this fine hotel?
The Rose Garden Palace is the longtime home of Rome's most prestigious luxury hotels and la dolce vita of the 1950s. Elegant and contemporary, the luxury hotel is a blend of modern and classic with an occasional oriental twist. On entering, the guest first passes through a glass portico then between two huge antique wooden doors: this mixture of old and new is symbolic of the overall design ethic of the Rose Garden Palace. How would you rate this fine hotel?
A real haven in bustling Oaxaca, the Casa Oaxaca is surely the city's most artistic hotel. From a traditional colonial house the owners have created a statement in contemporary style, simple but alluring, and comfortable for a long or short stay. With just five rooms and two exceptional suites, this Casa will never be overcrowded. Reserve the whole hotel for a family group and you can revel in the luxury of a secluded swimming pool, personal chef and priceless privacy. How would you rate this wonderful hotel?
Desert island hideaways don't get much better than idyllic Majahuitas Resort. The hotel's 18 acres are actually part of the mainland, but because there are no roads to the area the only access is by sea. And so your vacation begins with a leave-your-worries-behind-you boat trip along the stunning coastline of the Bay of Banderas. Away from Puerto Vallarta, the sea becomes clearer and blue-green. Twenty minutes later the boat arrives at one of the most picturesque coves on the coast. Seven casitas cling to the shoreline and slopes of the one third of a mile long beach, each casita having a perfect sea view. How would you rate this idyllic hotel?
The Hotel Victoria allows its guests to enjoy all that Oaxaca has to offer, and a relaxing retreat to come home to. After a day's sightseeing, it's bliss to come back and have a refreshing dip in the pool, followed by a drink on the terrace - the perfect place for postcard writing as you gaze down over the city. The hotel is set up on the Fortin hill, about five minutes out of town by car - there is a regular shuttle service from the hotel which drops you off downtown and picks up again. This service means that you don't miss being in the center of town at all. How would you rate this wonderful hotel?
La Bastide de Moustiers in Provence is a former country inn turned boutique hotel, restored in 1998 by super-chef Alain Ducasse. The Bastide is an ideal place to visit for sumptuous food and lazy summer days in gorgeous surroundings. The four hectares of parkland around the boutique hotel offers guests the chance to stretch their legs in a beautiful environment. It's the perfect place to have a picnic (with a full basket available to order from the chef), or to relax by the heated pool. Inside, guests may also indulge themselves with a massage. How would you rate this great hotel?
We had the pleasure of attending a wedding in Zihuatanejo, Mexico August 2008 and stayed at an exquisite resort called Loma Del Mar in Ixtapa. It was refreshing to get away just for a few days, be with friends and help celebrate a new marriage and life together. Stunningly bathed in white with terracotta touches set in the heart of Ixtapa’s ocean front hills, surrounded by exuberant tropical vegetation including bananas and papaya and facing a gorgeous golf course called the Ixtapa Palma Real Golf Course. How would you rate this stately hotel?
Los Colibris (The Hummingbirds) is in one of the most beautiful spots in Todos Santos, Colonia La Poza. It has amazing views of the Pacific ocean, a freshwater estuary and a palm grove oasis to the front, and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the side and back. The lodge is just a 10-minute walk to 70 miles of pristine beach, and a 5-minute drive to the restaurants, artists' galleries and shops of Todos Santos. How would you rate this wonderful hotel?
Bauer Il Palazzo is a luxury hotel in Venice that dates back to the 18th-century. Located directly on the Grand Canal, it is something of an institution in the city, mixing antiquated interiors and fine artworks with all modern conveniences and impeccable staff. St Mark's Square is just a five minute walk away, with its numerous shops, restaurants and bustling cafe culture. What is your opinion of this great Venetian hotel?
Campeche is a wonderful city; within its walls lie sleepy cobbled streets lined with the brightly colored houses that are so typical of Mexico. Tourism hasn't yet stamped its mark on the city and it's a great place to explore and sample some of the real Mexico that gringos don't usually get to see. Down by the water's edge the fishermen still take their boats out at dawn and return with the day's catch, while in the main square locals gather to meet and exchange all the latest gossip.How would you rate this wonderful hotel?
