January 27, 2008

Hotel Monasterio – Cuzco, Peru

Jill Siegel

hotel-monasterio-blue-corrimachu-picchu-full-viewLuxuriate in oxygen enriched rooms 11,000 feet above sea level at Cuzco’s only museum hotel –  Hotel Monasterio.  Built over three centuries ago, the colonial San Antonio Abad Seminary has been completely transformed into a five star luxury hotel while still maintaining its Incan and Spanish style.  Many of the rooms offer charming views of the ancient city and the colorful rooftops of Cuzco.

 

illary-restaurantLunch and dinner may be enjoyed adjacent to the Main Square at the hotel’s Illary Restaurant, while the sumptuous breakfast buffet and Saturday night Incan dinners are offered at the El Tupay Restaurant located in the original refectory of the ancient monastery.

Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Dynasty is an ideal base from which to explore the ruins of one of the world’s greatest heritage sites – Machu Picchu, only a scenic three hour train ride away.

 

monasterio-brown-corridor monasterio-courtyardRooms: 109 Guest Rooms, 12 Junior Suites, 1 Deluxe Suite, 2 Royal Suites and 3 Presidential Suites.

Services: Illary Restaurant, El Tupay Restaurant, Lobby Bar, Massage Spa Services, Business Services

Activities: Walking tours of the ancient city, Tour of the Sacred Valley, Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, fishing and horse back riding.

Rates: Please contact Jill for rates.

machu-picchu-ruins peru-childClosest Airport: Cuzco

 

January 11, 2008

Txai Resort – Itacaré Bahia, Brazil

Jill Siegel

txai-bungalow txai-detailSet among a 100 hectare coconut grove, Txai Resort’s private bungalows offer guests the ultimate in laid back sophistication and barefoot luxury. The flavor and colors of Brazil are everywhere here from the mesmerizing sea views to the unspoiled Atlantic Rainforest. Enjoy exploring the endless secluded beaches, trekking to waterfalls, horse back riding, surfing or a game of tennis.

txai-girlsTxai’s restaurant features the same Bahian delicacies made famous by Brazil’s beloved literary giant – Jorge Amado in “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.” Savor the flavors of a “moqueca de peixe”, fish stewed with coconut milk, or the Bahian shrimp favorite, “Bobó de Camarão” all the while taking in the breathtaking natural setting.

txai-bungalow-interiorRooms: 10 Suites and 16 private bungalows.  5 bungalows with jacuzzi, built individually on stilts and surrounded by wooden decks spread out among the coconut groves to ensure maximum privacy. 1 triple bungalow accommodates up to 8 guests in three adjoining suites – the largest of which is a loft with mezzanine, accommodating up to 4 guests.

 

 

txai-beachtxai-poolServices: Restaurant, living room, 25m swimming pool steps from 4k beachfront, children’s pool, TV and internet access, 2 illuminated tennis courts and spa.

Activities: Canoeing, eco-tourism, fishing, horse back riding, nature trails, snorkeling, surfing, swimming and white water rafting.

Rates: Please contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Ilhéus in Southern Bahia State

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain