The Hotel Guide - Spring Edition 2012

Accommodations • Attractions • Events • Destinations

Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa

Exclusive and Luxurious

Inside:

• Arizona Biltmore • Experience: Texas for Families • Team Cocktail - Puerto Rico • “Swept Away with Jennifer Broome” • Mexico Resorts Second Edition 2012

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Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa - Jupiter, Florida

History and Elegance.

Contents Galveston, Texas Feature

Like Texas, the Crockett Hotel is well-located, independent, spacious, and comfortable, has a great history, and is friendly and personable.

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138 beautifully-appointed guest rooms Outdoor pool & landscaped fountain Complimentary continental breakfast Free Wi-Fi in guest rooms Meeting facilities on property Complete full-service spa Across from the Alamo and Rivercenter Mall “Like” us on Facebook

320 Bonham San Antonio, Texas 78205 (888) 450-8436 www.crocketthotel.com

Las Alamandas

Costalegre, Mexico

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Three Gems in Ireland 26

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort - Graham, TX

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Grand America Hotel - Utah

Four Seasons Hotel - Houston, Tx

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Arizona Biltmore Hotel

Aldaco’s Stone Oak - San Antonio, Tx

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Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa - FL 30

Harlingen, Tx Feature

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Hotel Matilda - San Miguel de Allende,MX 32

Embassy Suites Outdoor World

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Las Alamandas - Costalegre, MX

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Experience: Texas for Families 20

Viceroy Riviera Maya - MX

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Natural Bridge Caverns

Experiences - Team Cocktail

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About the Cover:

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The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter is an exclusive and luxurious residential community located just 30 minutes north of Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo: Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa)

...beautiful ...magical ...memorable www.riosanantonio.com

Ride the Rio

River Taxi • Private Charters • Special Events

Connect. Share.Engage

(210) 244-5700 (800) 417-4139

@riosanantonio

A Word From

the Publisher...

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he changes from Winter to Spring bring a sense of hope and a yearning for incredible getaways.

As life moves us in a myriad of directions, it is easy to get lost in the day-to-day mundane details and not think about the importance of experiences.

Our publication strives each issue to exceed the usual and give you a true taste of what this great world has to offer.

In this edition, you can get whisked away to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa in beautiful Jupiter, Florida or take a trip to Ireland where are own travel partner Jennifer Broome with “Swept Away with Jennifer Broome” guides us mystically through three Emerald Isles gems.

Thinking Mexico and beaches may be more your scene? Well, then you must read about the Viceroy Riviera Maya and the Las Alamandas in Costalegre, Mexico or journey to the Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Mexico has so much to offer a traveler.

If your journeys are closer to home, the impeccable Arizona Biltmore is a true fascination. Texas bound? The Lone Star State has a myriad of great things for families to do - along with some of our highlighted areas of Harlingen, Galveston, and the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort in Graham, Texas.

Book Your Travel...

Remember, our comprehensive travel website allows you to book ALL your travel needs - including Accommodations, Car Rental, Airlines and even, Cruises.

We are your one-stop shop for traveling in Texas and beyond!

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here.

Edward R. Leos Publisher

Jennifer Leos

Associate Publisher

Vianni Busquets

Senior Travel Writer

Daniel Leos Illustrator

Jordan Apodaca Deanna Barrett Jennifer Broome Lyndsey Huggins Chriselda Pacheco Contributors

Contact Information:

The Hotel Guide P.O. Box 592418 San Antonio, TX 78259

Toll-free

(877) HTL-GDE1 phone (210) 857-2003 info@thehotelguide.com www.thehotelguide.com

Special Thanks to:

• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority • Denver Convention & Visitor’s Bureau • Texas Department of Tourism • Texas Department of Transportation • Texas Hotel and Lodging Association • Texas Travel Industry Association • Las Vegas CVB • Austin CVB • Tyler CVB •GalvestonCVB • Houston CVB • Corpus Christi CVB • New Braunfels CVB • El Paso CVB • Lubbock CVB • Institute of Texan Cultures • Amarillo CVB •Fredericksburg CVB • Arlington CVB Copyright 2012 The Hotel Guide.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted in whole or without written permission from the publisher. The Hotel Guide does not assume any liability for errors in advertisements or editorial which may appear in this magazine.

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Galveston, Texas

Relaxing time on the Island

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f you have that anxious feeling and you know you need to get away this spring – It’s island time! Why not escape to beautiful Galveston Island where relaxing on 32 miles of beaches is worth the trip alone.

And, if the beach isn’t enough, Galveston Island has new attractions and a wide variety of activities to make your trip exciting!

New Pirates Museum Now Open A new museum has opened in Galveston and Y’ARRR sure going to enjoy it! Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast is a pirate-themed family attraction where visitors can learn about the legends, myths and stories of the last buccaneers. The interactive museum features historical information, pirate artifacts, the deck of a pirate ship, a captain’s cabin and actors portraying the notorious Jean Laffite and his brother Pierre, as well as the life that all pirates led. The museum, which opened Jan. 27 in downtown Galveston, is open daily. For more information visit www.piratesgulfcoast.com.

‘Red Tails’ Planes at the Lone Star Flight Museum Have you seen the Red Tails movie? Do you want to see the real airplanes the Tuskegee Airmen flew? Then take a short drive to Galveston and visit the Lone Star Flight Museum to get up close to the famed P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt.

The Lone Star Flight Museum is one of few organizations that feature both of these premier fighters from 6

WWII. You can also see the rugged B-17 Flying Fortress bomber that the Tuskegee Airmen often escorted on their missions over Europe.

These three airplanes, along with 10 others from the museum’s collection, actually fly without the help of computer animation. In fact, the P-51 and B-17 are available for flight experiences in which you can fly aboard these amazing aircraft that defended freedom across the globe. For more information, please www.LSFM.org.

New Exhibit: ‘Bodies Revealed’ at Moody Gardens A new exhibit at Moody Gardens is bringing light to science and the human body. “Bodies Revealed” – an exhibit that allows you to see inside carefully preserved real human specimens – is opened at the Moody Gardens Discovery Museum now through September. The exhibition takes visitors through galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. Visit www.moodygardens.org details on this exciting exhibit as well as all Moody Gardens attractions.

Galveston Beach Parks Spring is a great time to have fun on the water and what better place to experience water adventure than Galveston Island’s beach parks, which open March 3. Stewart Beach – one of Galveston’s premier family www.thehotelguide.com

beach parks, includes umbrella and chair rentals, volley ball courts, an outdoor pavilion with an elevator, snack bar, souvenir shop, restrooms and showers. East Beach and Pocket Parks 1, 2 and 3 also offer special amenities.

With the exception of East Beach, alcohol is not allowed on any Galveston beaches. Visit www.galveston.com/ beachparks for more information.

Surf Lessons are Fun for the Entire Family Surfing is a great activity for kids, adults or the entire family. In Galveston, Ohana Surf & Skate offers private surf lessons for individuals and groups during the spring.

With lessons, you can learn to surf for the first time or improve your skills and knowledge. Reserve your lesson 48 hours in advance. Ohana also offers surf camps beginning in June. For pricing and more information, visit www. ohanasurfandskate.com.

Galveston Home to Best Indoor Water Park in World Visitors can also splash into adventure at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, home to the best indoor water park in the world according to Amusement Today. The indoor park is open throughout the winter and spring, offering a variety of thrill rides, attractions and pools. Summer season – which includes both indoor and outdoor water attractions – begins in April. For more water activities in Galveston, visit galveston.com.

Spring Over to Galveston for Eco-Tourism Because of Galveston’s natural resources and year-round warm weather, the island is one of the top locations in the country for nature and birding enthusiasts. Located on the trans-Gulf migration route, Galveston is a central location for novice and expert birders, offering more than 300 species of birds that reside and travel through Galveston during fall and spring migrations.

Eco-tourists exploring on their own or as part of a tour in the Galveston Bay area can go birding, dolphinwatching, fishing, kayaking, and camping or tour national wildlife refuges and nature parks. An annual event, FeatherFest (www.galvestonfeatherfest.com), attracts birders from across the country to Galveston each April for birding and nature photography workshops and field trips.

Historical Sites & Museums on Galveston Island There are plenty of opportunities to learn about www.thehotelguide.com

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Galveston’s unique history this spring, from touring historic mansions Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion to visiting any of the island’s museums.

Galveston is home to the Texas Seaport Museum and 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, Galveston Railroad Museum, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Lone Star Flight Museum and the Rosenberg Library Museum. In addition, the island has one of the largest well-preserved collections of Victorian architecture in the country, located throughout the island’s several historic districts.

Downtown Shopping & Activities After you’ve had fun at Galveston’s many attractions, discover the beautiful Historic Downtown District, a 35-square-block area filled with marvelous shops, antique stores, art galleries and some of the finest cuisine on the island. In downtown boutiques, shoppers can find everything from high-fashion clothing, souvenirs, beach apparel, jewelry, homemade candy and more. The downtown district is just steps away from the Galveston Cruise Terminal and Pier 21, where visitors can take boat rides and dolphin tours or watch films in the Pier 21 Theater.

Downtown is also home to Haunted Mayfield Manor – a year-round-haunted house - and a new pirate museum, Pirates!

Legends of the Gulf. Be sure to also catch live performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House located on Postoffice Street.

Where to Stay – Beach Houses, Resorts, Condos and More!

Galveston Island is home to a wide variety of accommodations sure to meet the needs – and budget – of all visitors. The island’s three AAA-rated four-diamond resorts include Hotel Galvez, the San Luis Resort and the Moody Gardens Hotel.

The island is also home to the European-style boutique hotel The Tremont House, located in downtown Galveston, and numerous budget hotels, beach condos, bed & breakfasts and campsites. While the island’s center is full of activity, you can drive 10 miles to Galveston’s West End and find a peaceful paradise in nature where an abundance of beach house rentals are available to accommodate families of all sizes that want to get away together.

Visit www.galveston.com/lodging for details.

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True Texas Getaway

Wildcatter Ranch

ildcatter Ranch & Resort is located just 90 minutes northwest of Fort Worth, Texas near Graham. Situated on 1,500 acres of beautiful, diverse Texas landscape in the North Texas Hill Country, Wildcatter Ranch is where some of the most colorful pioneer history took place in the state of Texas.

Great Texas Style Wildcatter has a Western style hotel/conference center as well as 16 upscale cabin suites, each reflecting a historical theme complete with photos and commentary that bring its fascinating Texas history to life.

The luxuriously-appointed suites contain the most upscale modern conveniences including: 300-count sateen sheets, granite vanities, Texas stone fireplaces, flat-screen TVs with CD/DVD/VHS players and satellite programming, high-speed wireless Internet access, a coffee bar area complete with a microwave oven and under-counter refrigerator, handmade Texas soaps, and his-and-her Egyptian cotton bathrobes.

Most of the suites have two queen beds, a bath and a half, and can comfortably sleep as many as four people. The ranch features an award-winning steakhouse and exquisite wine collection.

More Privacy?

For an even more private experience, guests can reserve The Homestead, a charming twobedroom, one-bath guest cottage with an open living and dining space perfect for families with younger children, or O.T.’s Cabin, a new upscale guest house with two king bedrooms and two private bathrooms, beautifully decorated to reflect the ranch’s strong Western heritage.

Plenty to do...

Wildcatter offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, archery,

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hiking and biking trails, skeet shooting, pasture golf, and a hot tub and infinityedge pool overlooking breathtaking panoramic views of the North Texas Hill Country.

Contact Us For more information on Wildcatter Ranch & Resort, visit www.wildcatterranch. com.

www.thehotelguide.com

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Four Seasons - Houston Texas Luxury at it’s Finest

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n the heart of downtown Houston’s financial and business districts and just steps from many internationally renowned cultural destinations, Four Seasons resonates with the cosmopolitan elegance and refined Southern charm that characterize Houston.

A $25 Million Facelift The Four Seasons Hotel Houston completed a threeyear, $25-million renovation project that encompassed four areas of the hotel – guest rooms, the pool, the lobby, and the hotel’s exclusive apartments, Four Seasons Place.

The 20-story tower of the Five-star Four Seasons Hotel Houston features 404 well-appointed guest rooms, including 103 luxury suites and 12 specialty suites. The residential atmosphere mixes traditional and contemporary décor to reflect the urban elegance and easy Southern charm of the city. Extra-large bay windows showcase city and pool views.

Designed to ensure complete peace of mind, all luxury accommodations feature comfortable furnishings, a signature Four Seasons bed, a flat-panel television and a CD/DVD player. Pampering marble bathrooms include a tub and shower combination.

To ensure maximum productivity, all rooms are equipped with a spacious executive desk, wireless Internet access, dual-line telephones, and connections for a fax machine and computer equipment.

Leave the bustle of the city behind and begin a journey to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Relax at the Spa...

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Houston features a variety of massages, body treatments and facials to help nurture the body, melt away tension and calm the spirit.

Get whisked away to a relaxing place. The Spa features a private couple’s suite, as well as men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Before or after your treatment, enjoy our dry saunas or whirlpool, or simply take advantage of our complimentary amenities that are available for our guests.

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     

Vinoteca Quattro Located on the third floor, this exciting new wine bar offers a comfortable respite from the hotel’s bustling downtown location. Adjoining Quattro restaurant, Vinoteca Quattro features vivid lighting, red leather banquette seating and more than 50 feet of solid granite bar top. The restaurant’s signature floor-to-ceiling silver beads create a secluded retreat for guests.

Contact Information For more information on this incredible Houston property, visit their website at www.fourseasons.com/houston. www.thehotelguide.com

  

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Aldaco’s Stone Oak

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margaritas lunch & dinner

an Antonio has long been known for incredible Mexican food and for the past 20 years, Aldaco’s has kept up the tradition. Founded by it’s namesake, Blanca Aldaco, the restaurant has won many awards for their food, delectable desserts, tasty margaritas and unforgettable ambiance.

After launching the original Aldaco’s near Sunset Station and subsequently moving into the facility adjacent to the Alamodome, the restaurant has earned local, regional and national acclaim.

Appetizers with a Flare If you are looking for little bit everything then you must try “La Botana” which comes with two quesadillas al carbòn, three flautas, four fried cream jalapeños, four bean & cheese nachos,guacamole and sour cream. As you gear up for dinner, the choices range from incredi-

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ble enchiladas to steaks to freshly-prepared seafood.

Try the incomparable, Chile Relleno or their scrumptious Fish Tacos. Aldaco’s also offers a Gluten-Free and Celiac menu for their guests.

Delectable Desserts Your dining experience isn’t complete without a serving of Blanca’s famous Original Pastel Tres Leches dessert. It is sinfully delicious and melts in your mouth.

Another “dessert” that Aldaco’s is known for are their award-winning margaritas. You have to try the infamous Avacado Margarita or the Margarita Pour Off winner.

Either way, if you love these tasty treats, Aldaco’s has the answer.

Groups The restaurant also has a private dining room that holds up to 100 guests for those intimate gatherings. For more info, visit www.aldacos-stoneoak.com.

patio dining

Free shuttle after 5 pm 100 Hoefgen @ Sunset Station San Antonio, TX 78205 www.aldacos.net 210.222.0561 A San Antonio Tradition for 20 Years.

20079 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio, Texas 78258 (210) 494-0561 www.aldacos-stoneoak.com Delicious Food• Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner • Award-Winning Drinks • Delectable Desserts 12

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Harlingen, Texas

Rich in Culture and Tradition

ocated in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, Texas offers historic sites, family fun and outdoor adventures. Near the southern tip of Texas, at the lower end of the Rio Grande Valley, the city of Harlingen is an exciting blend of South Texas hospitality and the rich, colorful traditions of Mexico.

With landscapes edged by palm trees and flaming bougainvillea, Harlingen is home to everything tropical, from red crowned parrots to palm trees and bougainvilleas that dominate the landscape. The beautiful beaches of South Padre Island are also only minutes away.

Downtown Harlingen Downtown Harlingen is situated along the picturesque palm-lined Jackson Street that has served as Harlingen’s “Main Street” for more than a century. Downtown Harlingen features a variety of unique shops that specialize in home decor, apparel, original Texas and Mexican artwork, hand-made jewelry, gifts, antiques, and collectibles. A vintage vinyl shop , 100-year-old seed store and garden center, and authentic army surplus store are just a few of the reasons that locals and visitors alike flock to the area. Jackson Street is the site of many community festivals and events, Market Days on the first Saturday of every month and the annual Christmas Parade.

Harlingen Murals Harlingen, the mural capital of South Texas, has more than a dozen interesting and colorful artworks on display. Drive through Downtown Harlingen and enjoy the beautiful murals that describe Harlingen’s history as a major city in the development of the Rio Grande Valley.

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From the old cinema downtown to the historic Route 77, murals can be found on the outside and inside of many Harlingen buildings that tell the story of Harlingen’s heritage.

Original Iwo Jima Memorial Monument & Museum Harlingen’s Marine Military Academy is home to the original working model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery. This stunning outdoor sculpture was donated to the school by sculptor Dr. Felix W. de Weldon.

It depicts the raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. The museum features Marine Corps Memorabilia, a video about the battle, and a veteran’s Hall of Fame.

Birding The city is known worldwide as a tropical birder’s paradise because of its location on the convergence of two major flyways. Birders flock to Harlingen year round to spot exotic and migratory birds. Harlingen is home to one of nine World Birding Centers in the Rio Grande Valley, Ramsey Nature Park. Pick up a birding checklist at the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau and see how many species you can identify.

Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of birds and peak at some of the more uncommon species including Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds and the Altamira Oriole. Harlingen is also home to the famous Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Each November birders from across the globe come to explore our region and it’s unique tropical birds.

Bass Pro Shop Harlingen is home to Bass Pro Shop’s newest descontinued on page 16 www.thehotelguide.com

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TEXAS tination outdoor superstore that includes a restaurant, bowling alley and archery range. Outdoor enthusiasts will discover their next great South Texas adventure begins at the new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Harlingen. While you’ll find a huge selection of outdoor gear, Bass Pro Shops stores are also part museum, art gallery, antique store and an aquarium, education, conservation and entertainment center. Bowling like you’ve never seen before will be offered at the Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill.

This 15,000 square-foot nautical-themed entity, located within the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store, features a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining. Dock wood lanes feature beautiful under-water scenery of sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and other saltwater species which will also glow in the dark during cosmic bowling. Hand-painted murals depicting oceanic life line the walls and fish, like a 16’ long giant squid, hang suspended from the ceiling. More than a hunting and fishing store, visitors will also find items per-

fect for camping, hiking, outdoor cooking, bird watching or whatever your outdoor pleasures may be.

Golf Harlingen is the perfect destination for golf. In fact, according to a poll by the National Golf Foundation, the Rio Grande Valley has more playable days of golf per year than anywhere else in the United States. Our tropical climate makes us a great destination to enjoy a game of golf year round.

The city has four public golf courses and one private course.

Just down the road are two 18 hole championship courses at Rancho Viejo Resort and a picturesque 18 hole course along the Laguna Madre Bay at the South Padre Island Golf Club.Whether you are a beginner or pro, Harlingen and the surrounding area has a course for you showcasing the natural beauty of South Texas.

Contact Us For more information on visiting this incredible Texas city, go to www.visitharlingentexas.com

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Embassy Suites Outdoor World True Texas Charm in Grapevine

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rapevine, Texas is known for great wines, dining options, shopping, golf and even some of the state’s best hotels. You can certainly add the Embassy Suites Outdoor World to that list of accomplished area hotels.

Roomy and More...

This AAA Four Diamond, Award-Winning property is minutes from the DFW Airport and perfect for the business traveler or group and leisure traveler.

All of the spacious hotel suites contain a variety amenities that ensure that whether you’re working or relaxing, you’ll have everything you need to hand. Things such as high-speed Internet access, two televisions and two telephones with voicemail.

Guests can also choose from OnDemand® movies and video games to keep you entertained; and when you work up an appetite you can make use of the refrigerator, microwave oven, wet bar and coffee maker so you can snack or dine in your hotel suite.

Hungry?

Every morning starts with the Embassy Suite’s full cooked-to-order breakfast to get your day started. Looking for lunch and dinner options, then the Sportsman’s Club Bar & Grill is certainly the answer.

It offers an American fair menu with daily lunch and dinner specials. We have 16 TV’s including four big screens and twelve High Definition LCD flat screens. We broadcast the popular sporting events daily. We maintain the Direct TV NFL and NCAA College Football Packages in addition to the full NCAA March Madness 18

One for you, one for the kids. You’re welcome.

When you stay with Embassy Suites, you get more. Like a spacious tworoom suite, complimentary beverages at our evening Manager’s Reception* and complimentary full Cooked-to-Order breakfast. It all adds up to more reasons to stay.

package annually. The full menu is available until 10pm and we offer a late night sandwich and appetizer menu through closing.

Also, don’t forget about the complimentary Manager’s Reception that offers cold beverages and a myriad of snacks for the entire family.

Meeting Space Looking for a great venue for your next meeting or function? Then the Embassy Suites is the answer.

This is the ideal place to meet for business meetings & social groups such as wedding receptions and family reunions. With 20,000 square- feet of meeting & event space,the property has a variety of meeting space options.

Contact Us For more information on pricing, advance reservations, etc....please call 972-724-2600 or visit them here. www.thehotelguide.com

MORE REASONS TO STAY®

For reservations, call 972-724-2600 or visit www.outdoorworld.embassysuites.com. *Service of alcoholic beverages subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age. ™ indicates a trademark of Hilton Worldwide. ©2011 Hilton Worldwide.

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Experience:Texas Tons of Family Fun

Texas has no shortage of natural wonders, exciting attractions and educational experiences for travelers of any age. From sunny beaches and authentic western experiences to theme parks, zoos and museums, Texas is a year-round destination that offers families a world of fun for summer vacation and beyond. There’s so much to offer, families could spend all 365 days of the year in the Lone Star State and continue to find something new each day!

WESTERN AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Families traveling with little cowboys and cowgirls will find saddles just their size across the state. Texas’ many guest ranches offer diverse attractions, including horseback riding, hiking, swimming and western entertainment.

From visiting dude ranches across Texas to touring historic working ranches, such as the King Ranch near Corpus Christi or the George Ranch in Houston, families can experience a true taste of the Old West. For adventureseeking families, cattle drives are a great way to truly embrace the western lifestyle. Saddle up and ride out with trained professionals to round up herds of cattle across vast open ranges, all while learning about the origins and history of the Texas cowboy.

Every spring and fall, the Longhorn Cattle Drive is offered in Big Bend Ranch State Park, one of the state’s most scenic areas.

For those who wish to spend quality time in the great outdoors, Texas offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for every age. Families can enjoy hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and camping adventures everywhere from Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle to Enchanted Rock in the Texas Hill Country. Experience the beautiful landscapes and local wildlife that Texans call their own, snapping photos of the incredible vistas awaiting beyond each turn of the trail.

SUNNY BEACHES, FRESHWATER LAKES AND LAZY RIVERS Nothing is more enjoyable on a summer day in Texas 20

than diving into one of the many bodies of water the state has to offer. Enjoy a lazy day, floating in an inner tube in the cool waters of one of the 15 major natural rivers such as the Comal, Guadalupe, Frio and San Marcos.

Some, being spring fed, remain crystal-clear, refreshing and inviting all year long. In addition to the many rivers, other swimming holes are a main attraction to many locals and visitors alike including Barton Springs in Austin, Krause Springs in Spicewood and San Solomon Spring in Balmorhea State Park located in the Big Bend region.

Natural cold springs fill these man-made pools, offering invigorating and refreshing swimming opportunities on summer days.

Lazy rivers in family-friendly, fullservice resorts are offered state-wide as well. Wellknown favorites include the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, Hyatt Lost Pines, Great Wolf Lodge and La Torretta Lake and Spa on Lake Conroe where beautiful pools connect to slow-moving rivers.

For full-day adventures, visit one of the many exclusive waterparks including Schlitterbahn® Waterpark Resorts in New Braunfels, Galveston and South Padre Island. At the park in New Braunfels, families can experience the world’s longest waterpark ride known as “The Falls.” At 3,600 feet, the ride is filled with raging rapids, careening waterfalls and giant waves.

The warm waters of the Gulf Coast, from Galveston Island to Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, invite families to enjoy scuba diving, parasailing, boating, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin or bird watching in addition to onshore activities like sand castle building and sunbathing.

Kayaking and canoeing remain a popular attraction and Texas offers myriad opportunities for paddling adventures. The Texas Paddling Trails provide well-mapped, www.thehotelguide.com

accessible day trips in a variety of settings and for all levels of paddling experience. With 34 trails now available, enthusiasts will find just what they are looking for - in an incredibly picturesque setting!

THEME PARKS Texas’ world-class theme parks, zoos and aquariums present families with thrilling rides and exotic wildlife.

Texas is home to three Six Flags® theme parks: Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. They feature monster roller coasters, stunt shows, musical productions and land and water rides to entertain excitementseekers of all ages. Texas is also home to SeaWorld® San Antonio, which features the iconic killer whale Shamu, as well as dolphins, sharks, seals and sea lions. Visitors to the Panhandle Plains can spend the day at Amarillo’s Wonderland Amusement Park, one of Texas’ largest privatelyowned theme parks and packed full of log rides, water rides and carnival games.

Those heading west should not miss El Paso’s Western Playland, with its El Bandito roller coaster and 37-acre Wet n’ Wild Water World.

ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS The Lone Star State’s myriad zoos and aquariums offer families both adventure and educational experiences, perfect for children of all ages. From the Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston Zoos, to wildlife centers such as Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in New Braunfels, from Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose to natural parks such as Cameron Park in Waco, visitors can get an up-close look at their favorite animals from around the globe. Not to be outdone by their land-and-air counterparts, underwater creatures also abound in Texas’ many aquariums. The Dallas World Aquarium, the Downtown Aquarium in Houston and the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi all exhibit flora and fauna from even the most remote parts of the world.

MUSEUMS Texas is home to a wealth of museums, from fine art and interactive history museums, to innovative museums just for children. The Waco Mammoth Site is open to the public, showcasing remains and fossils of prehistoric mammoths from 68,000 years ago, and featuring a shelter and scenic trailway.

The remodeled Fort Worth Museum of Science and History also features a planetarium, cowboy culture, dinosaurs, 3-D films and much more. In Austin, kids of all www.thehotelguide.com

TEXAS ages can look into the past at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or visit the Austin Children’s Museum for plenty of creative activities. A trip to Houston means a chance to discover natural treasures like butterflies, gemstones and dinosaur bones at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or to explore new worlds at the NASA/Johnson Space Center. Visitors to the Panhandle Plains can stop at the must-see Frontier Texas! in Abilene, a 14,000 square-foot facility on 6.4 acres, which brings the Old West to life with the help of stateof-the-art technology, and puts visitors in the middle of a buffalo stampede, a prairie thunderstorm and even a card game shoot-out.

SPORTING EVENTS Just like their loyalty to their state, Texans possess the same pride and loyalty to their sports teams. Home to some of the most famous teams in the nation, Texas boasts athletic talent in all sporting leagues from football and baseball to hockey and soccer. Families can attempt to catch fly balls in Arlington and Houston at the Rangers and Astros baseball games, bang against the glass of a Dallas Stars hockey game or chant “D-E-F-E-N-S-E” for one of three champion basketball teams, the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. Additionally, families can enjoy riveting, edge-of-your-seat Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys football games in some of the most magnificent and largest stadiums in the country. Come early with the kiddos and take a behind the scenes tour of the facilities - even the most experienced travelling fan will be pleasantly surprised!

CAVERNS Texas is renowned for its beautiful landscapes of all kinds, even ones underground. Several natural caverns have been discovered across the state. Tours of these natural formations showcase awe-inspiring details that have been centuries in the making. Natural Bridge Caverns, located north of San Antonio, is one of the most beautiful caving systems in the state. Descend to 180 feet below ground while listening to an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide.

Designated as a Natural Landmark of the United States, the Caverns of Sonora in West Texas preserve natural beauty in its highest form. Take an individual or group tour and observe the surreal passages that will leaves visitors in awe. Go back in history and visit the river-formed Longhorn Cavern State Park, learning how native Comanche Indians and Civil War Confederates occupied the hidden space in Texas’ past.

For more information about these attractions, visit www.TravelTex.com.

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Natural Bridge Caverns A True State of Attraction

CONROE, TEXAS Urban Jewel in the Piney Woods

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here is always something fun for everyone epitomizes your trip to Natural Bridge Caverns. This family-owned attraction is an opportunity to combine education and fun all into one magical journey.

Situated minutes from San Antonio, Texas, this state historical site has an array of things to do for everyone.

The Discovery Tour Here you can discover incredible underground chambers that are filled with spectacular formations on a guided tour along paved, lighted pathways. On your journey, expect temperatures in the Cavern to be 70 degrees with high humidity.

Illuminations Tour This unique tour combines the essence of light and dark as you explore two huge underground chambers that are dramatically illuminated by a state-ofthe-art lighting system.

On your tour, you will see some of the most rare formations found in Natural Bridge Caverns.

Experience the sensation of total darkness on this 70-minute tour.

Adventure Tours This is the perfect opportunity for all adventure-seekers out there. Guests can partake in one of two unique Adventure Tours - the Discovery Adventure Tour or the Hidden Passages Adventure Tour.

Both of these unique tours offer guests the ultimate in being real-life explorers. You get to experience the same path created by the original explorers. The paths wind across the floor of the cave and are covered with loose rocks, mud and some formations.

The tour includes walking, climbing and crawling.

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Natural Bridge Caverns provides all the necessities to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, including all caving gear, harness, helmet, headlamp, rappelling gear, spare batteries, spare light and water.

Advance reservations are required for both Adventure Tours.

Natural Bridge Mining Company This new addition to the attraction gives guests the opportunity to pan for gems and minerals just as miners once did in their search for gold at Texas’ largest sluice.

Once guests pan for gems and minerals, they also identify their finds at one of the assay stations, or by using an identification chart.

Watchtower Challenge The new climbing tower named after the tallest formation in the Caverns, The Watchtower, stands 50 feet tall and features two climbing surfaces along with two 350-foot zip lines. The zip lines allow guests to glide from the top of the structure in a matter of seconds.

Contact Us For more information on pricing, advance reservations, etc....please call (210) 651-6101 or visit them at www.naturalbridgecaverns.com. www.thehotelguide.com

We are a delightful blend of nature, history, arts and recreation nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas.

Visit our Website and print a Visitors Guide, Visi call us or order one online and we’ll mail it to you.

1-877-426-6763

THG 2011

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destinations

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Ireland

Three Gems of Ireland

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by: Jennifer Broome, “Swept Away” illed with history, music, dance, pubs, unusual landscapes, world-class golf courses, and friendly people, Ireland is a country on many people’s travel bucket list. For accommodations on the Isle of Green, you’ll find everything from cozy bed and breakfasts to metropolitan high-rise hotels.

Quay House My first gem is quaint bed and breakfast in the Connemara Region. Nestled amidst mountains and a rugged coastline is the town of Clifden. Originally built for the harbor master about 200 years ago, the Quay House is one of the best bed and breakfasts in Ireland.

Each of the fourteen bedrooms with full baths has a different theme. Twelve rooms overlook the harbor and two have garden views. There are romantic rooms with four poster beds to rooms that accommodate families.

The decor is eclectic but homey with the family portraits, period furniture, collections, and cozy fireplaces.

Breakfast is the only meal served at the Quay House. The Conservatory is airy, earthy and bright filled with flowers, plants, and even vines intertwined across the ceiling. With their Irish hospitality, owners Paddy and Julia will make you feel like you are part of the family, while making sure your stay in Clifden and exploring the Connemara Region is nothing short of outstanding.

Adare Manor My second gem is a golfer’s dream in the unusual town of Adare. The Adare Manor is a five star manor hotel and golf resort. Originally built for the Second Earl of Dunraven and his wife, Lady Caroline Wyndham, construction of Adare Manor started in 1832 but wasn’t finished until 1862.

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In the Manor House, there are 62 rooms and suites. Just a 15-minute walk away from the Manor House are 46 luxurious villas set in the heart of the 840-acres estate. Directly across from the clubhouse and just a 3-minute walk from the Manor House are 13 two-bedroom and 4 four-bedroom garden townhouses. The Carriagehouse is perfect for a group with ten bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom.

With the architectural castle design with towers, turrets, and stonework ornamentation, the Manor House is in the perfect storybook setting surrounded by spectacular gardens, majestic trees, and ruins that date back over eight hundred years.

The most intriguing architectural aspect of the house is the “calendar house” design with 365 stained glass windows for each day of the year, 52 chimneys for each week of the year, 7 pillars in the lobby for each day of the week, and 4 towers for each season.

Start the day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the formal French gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy a spot of tea in the Drawing Room. In the Oakroom Restaurant, you’ll enjoy fine-dining of locally sourced food done in a contemporary Irish approach with strong classical influences.

The Carriagehouse Restaurant offers equally outstanding food, just in a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. In one of the oldest parts of the Manor House, cap off the night in the Tack Room listening to live music and enjoy a drink in front of the open fireplace.

Top Ranking...

Conde Nast Traveller voted it the number one golf resort in Ireland and the UK in 2011.

The 18-hole championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. With the River Maigue meanderwww.thehotelguide.com

ing through the course, it measures 7,453 years from the championship tees and of course there are Jones’ signature cloverleaf bunkers. A 14-acre lake dominates the front nine and the woods the back nine.

You can also enjoy fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, horseback riding, garden tours, and even Irish Whiskey tasting without ever leaving the estate.

You do want to venture in to the town of Adare.

With it’s thatched roof cottages it is known as “Ireland’s Prettiest Village.”

Cliff House Hotel In the county of Waterford is my third gem, The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore. It almost seems like this five star luxury hotel was sewn into the coastline as it cascades down the cliffs of Ardmore Bay. The House Restaurant is only one of six restaurants in Ireland with a Michelin Star. It is the only one outside of Dublin and only one of two in a hotel in Ireland. They use locally sourced food, most found within 30 kilometers of the hotel.

The 39 rooms are cosmopolitan yet cozy like an Irish cottage. With the earthy color schemes and numerous windows, the rooms almost feel just like an extension of

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the incredible landscape with incredible sea views. In the two-level suites, even the bathroom edges out onto a private veranda, giving you the opportunity to end the day with a shower under the stars or start the day with one watching dawn break.

Spoil yourself with face and body treatments in the Well Spa. Your worries will wash away as you soak in one of two outdoor baths gazing out onto the sea. The Organic Seaweed outdoor bathing experience uses seaweed hand-harvested from the unspoiled Voya range on the Atlantic Coast of Ireland to help relax muscles and rejuvenate your skin.

Keep your fitness routine going with a walk or run on the Cliff Walk. If you have a sense of adventure, go kayaking in Ardmore Bay, surfing in Whithing Bay, whale and dolphin watching from the Cliff Walk, or golfing on one of the championship courses nearby.

The Cliff House Hotel is home to Ireland’s most unique golf hole. If you hit the small green out in the bay, you get a bottle of champagne.

Want to Get Away?

If you would like to get Swept Away to the Emerald Isle, contact Rennert Travel, leisure travel division of Corporate Travel Planners, at 210-524-3300.

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UTAH

The Grand America Hotel Prestige Property in Utah

ith the opening of The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City in 2001, a new era of Western elegance was born. The Grand America Hotel, a true landmark in the city, serves as the flagship property of Grand America Hotels & Resorts and is the only hotel in Salt Lake City to receive the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award.

World-Class Property The world-class hotel was built to welcome the world to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and was host to NBC and other top corporate sponsors. Designed as a European hotel of American scale, the 24-story hotel overlooks a beautifully landscaped, 10-acre footprint in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

It is abundant in exquisite details throughout, including Italian glass chandeliers from Murano and Milan, French cherry-wood furnishings, English wool carpeting, African anigre wood and Italian marble, along with priceless antiques and works of art displayed throughout the property.

The hotel combines the allure of Old World craftsmanship, charm and hospitality with every modern convenience today’s global travelers demand.

The hotel offers 775 spacious, luxurious rooms, including 396 executive suites and 379 premier rooms.

Guests enjoy award-winning, delectable cuisine freshly prepared by renowned chefs.

Great Amenities Hotel amenities include The Grand Spa, complete with health club, full salon and a variety of spa services; indoor and outdoor pools; a business center; concierge and valet services;

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unique, upscale retail shops; JouJou, a new toy boutique; a French patisserie, afternoon tea service; cocktail bars; and 75,000 square feet of meeting and event space. With its gracious architecture, exquisite décor and excellent service, The Grand America Hotel is the Mountain West venue of choice for memorable meetings, glittering galas, stunning weddings, celebrity visits and presidential stays.

Contact Us For more information on the Grand Hotel, visit us at www.grandamerica.com. www.thehotelguide.com

Arizona Biltmore

Landmark Hotel Since 1929

he Arizona Biltmore has been an Arizona landmark since opening in 1929, when it was crowned the “Jewel of the Desert.”

The legendary Grand Dame remains one of the most recognized resorts in the world for its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style, luxurious facilities, and storied history as a playground of celebrities, sports stars, business leaders and other VIPs. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned here as did Ronald and Nancy Reagan; Marilyn Monroe had her favorite swimming pool (Catalina Pool); every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover has stayed here, and many current celebrities frequent the resort.

Captivating Scenery Nestled on 39 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the historic Arizona Biltmore offers: 740 guest accommodations including Ocatilla at The Biltmore, a “hotel within the hotel” offering enhanced www.thehotelguide.com

services and an array of complimentary amenities; six restaurants and lounges including Wright’s at The Biltmore preparing classic favorites reinvented for today’s tastes, Frank & Albert’s serving Arizona comfort food, the sleek Wright Bar known for its specialty cocktails, The Café casual bistro, and poolside dining at the Cabana Club Restaurant & Bar; a full-service, 22,000-sqft. Spa, Salon and Fitness Center with en extensive menu of treatments and therapies from countries and cultures worldwide using only natural elements and ingredients; two 18-hole PGA golf courses; 18-hole putting course; seven tennis courts; eight swimming pools including the Paradise Pool with its 90-foot slide and swim-up bar; children’s playground and activities program; and seven shops and boutiques.

Perfect Getaway After 83 years, the Arizona Biltmore remains a storied landmark and Arizona’s best known retreat for a complete luxury resort experience. The resort appeals to the gamut of discriminating travelers, from couples seeking a pampered getaway in an historic setting, golfers looking to combine championship golf with comfortable and sophisticated hospitality, and families who want amenities and facilities for all ages.

The Arizona Biltmore is a Waldorf Astoria Resort®.

For more information and reservations: 1-800-950-0086, www.arizonabiltmore.com 29

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Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa World-Class Florida Getaway

he Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter is an exclusive and luxurious residential community located just 30 minutes north of Palm Beach, Florida.

This 285-acre gated enclave offers memberships to a private country club featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a world-class RitzCarlton spa and four distinctive home-ownership options – The Estates, The Residences, the deeded, fractional ownership, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Homes and The Villas.

Incredible Layout The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter is architecturally-inspired by the South Florida tradition of Addison Mizner, Florida’s most historically prominent designer. As the focal point of the community, the 68,000 square-foot clubhouse offers amenities such as The RitzCarlton Spa, two HAR-TRU tennis courts, member’s lounge and locker rooms with stewards.

The Auduboncertified, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa, primarily serve residents of the property, although a limited number of non-resident

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memberships are available. Additional amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, a Ritz Kids program and private dining facilities including a Ritz-Carlton signature restaurant and a casual pool bar and grill.

Spa Days The 15,000 square-foot, full-service RitzCarlton Spa is designed to uplift the mind, body and soul.

With amenities such as personal nutritionists and trainers, fitness center, movement studio, variety of treatment rooms, nail salon and whirlpool spas, Members will revel in the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. www.thehotelguide.com

Estate Home Sites The 30 Ritz-Carlton Estate Home sites are nestled in a private setting overlooking the fourth, fifth and eighth fairways and adjacent to a protected, oak-dotted forest and bald eagle preserve.

The 34 Ritz-Carlton Residences offer three-, four- and five-bedroom designs featuring private courtyards with golf course and lake views, custom-designed pools, summer outdoor kitchens and exterior landscaping and maintenance services provided by The Ritz-Carlton.

Club Homes The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Homes are comprised of 50 elegantly furnished residences affording Home Club Members exclusive access for 21 to 35 days each year. These fully equipped golf and lakefront homes offer two- or four-bedroom floor plans.

Featuring a formal dining area, living room, full kitchen with granite counters, two master suites with walk-in closets, marble sinks and flooring in the bathrooms, double-headed shower fixtures, private outdoor splash pool with imported cast stone terrace flooring, full-size washer and dryer and wood crown molding throughout each residence, the Club

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FL Homes will be accented with native Floridian decor. Portfolio Members also have access to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa Jupiter. The 17 Villas consist of two-bedroom and four-bedroom single family homes and offer the same floor plans at The RitzCarlton Destination Club residences.

Membership The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is an equity-based luxury travel program where Members select either a Home Club Membership which provides a titled residence and usage at a property they can return to every year, or a deeded Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations and experiences.

Members at all Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations enjoy the privilege of a dedicated concierge staff providing services that include everything from airport pick-up and pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, to unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments and arranging a complete vacation itinerary.

Looking for more information, please visit them at www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com.

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Hotel Matilda

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

trend-setting H aboutique hotel

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set in the heart of enchanting San Miguel de Allende, the renowned crown jewel of colonial Mexico that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rather than recreate the traditional Old World ambience typical of San Miguel, Hotel Matilda celebrates the lifestyle of today’s international traveler and the contemporary art scene. The vibrant, gallery-like ambiance, in graphite and white, is filled with dramatic contemporary art, many of the pieces commissioned specifically for the hotel.

Guests are immersed in sophisticated designer rooms and suites, experience an innovative holistic spa with a Turkishstyle Hammam, enjoy gourmet dining blending classic Mexican with today’s international trends and tastes, and sip cocktails in a popular lounge known for its creative mixology.

Hotel Namesake Hotel Matilda was eponymously named for the subject of a famous painting that is part of the hotel’s collection: revered Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s 1940s portrait of Matilda Stream. Hotel Matilda personifies the artsy destination of San Miguel de Allende – known for its stunning architecture and décor, art schools and galleries—and is the ideal base for experiencing this 32

famed 469-yearold colonial city in the central highlands of Mexico.

The 32 rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed with artistic touches, from fine 400-thread count linens and Mexican calcuta marble floors to art works by acclaimed Mexico City photographer Eduardo Zaylan.

Most feature a balcony or terrace, while many boast panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende. Restaurant Matilda is on the dining cutting edge with an exciting menu that begins with authentic Mexican dishes, reimagines them with the latest international trends and enlivens them with creative touches.

Bar Matilda features premium brands, specialty spirits by artisanal producers, classic and original cocktails employing the latest in mixology, and a huge 82″ HD TV for the ultimate viewing of sports and other shows.

Spa Matilda Spa Matilda, set in an intimate and tranquil garden, focuses on achieving total well-being through a collection of global and locally inspired treatments and integrated personal care experiences customized to individual needs and preferences. Among the other guest amenities are an infinity-edge swimming pool, fitness facility, pet program and green operational profile.

Contact Info For more information and reservations: info@ hotelmatilda.com. 1-855-MATILDA (1-855-628-4532). www.hotelmatilda.com

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Las Alamandas

Beauty in Costalegre, Mexico boutique A luxury hotel, nestled n exclusive

within a private nature reserve by the Pacific, Las Alamandas is Mexico’s ultimate romantic beach hideaway. This secluded oceanside haven and playful Mexican paradise, developed by Ms. Goldsmith-Patiño, offers guests the highest standards of luxury, comfort and personalized hospitality. Its pristine beaches with soft white sand, turquoise sea, lush tropical gardens aflame with fuchsia and orange blossoms, and lagoons shaded by flowering trees provide a habitat to multi-colored birds in a serene eco destination.

Villas & More The seven villas and one house, in vibrant contemporary Mexican chic décor, offer 18 extraordinarily spacious and beautifully appointed suites with panoramic ocean and garden views.

At the Oasis Restaurant and the beachfront La Palapa Beach Club, guests enjoy innovative contemporary Mexican cuisine prepared with freshly caught seafood and organic produce grown onproperty.

At a pavilion by the sand, massages and treatments are enjoyed to the soothing sounds of the surf. Estrella Azul, the “Blue Star,” is an open-air, rooftop barlounge decorated in shades of blue for enjoying the extraordinarily colorful sunsets. Guests enjoy numerous www.thehotelguide.com

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activities, such as nature hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis and surfing, as well as a 60foot Swimming pool, fully equipped gym and Kids Club with games and activities. Paths of inlaid pebbles and stones meander through gardens fragrant with the alluring scents of jasmine, gardenia and the vivid yellow Alamanda – the flower for which the resort is named.

Nature Reserve too More than a luxurious vacation retreat, Las Alamandas is also nature reserve traversed by lagoons and streams and lapped by untamed beaches.

Guests walk to lookout points with dramatic panoramas of the coast, focus binoculars on numerous varieties of birds, bike on trails through the jungle terrain and swim in waters shared with pelicans diving for lunch. The resort is operated under a comprehensive, stringent green program that leaves no imprint on the natural environment. The secluded 1,500 acres of unspoiled tropical paradise, located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo along the famed Costalegre region of Mexico, set the scene for privacy, romance and relaxation. With Las Alamandas’ private 3,300-foot airstrip, guests may arrive by private plane.

Contact Info For more information and reservations: toll-free from U.S. and Canada: 1-888-882-9616. (011) -52-322 285 5500.; info@alamandas/com. www.alamandas.com 33

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Viceroy Riviera Maya

A Serene Hideaway in Mexico a serene hideaway that T ismerges every luxury amenity he Viceroy Riviera Maya

with dramatic sea and jungle, bringing together the best of the destination.

The award-winning, all-villa resort is set on a sugary-whitesand beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and is immersed in a lush jungle ambiance, dense with ferns, palms and guava trees, that is the playground of a resident family of friendly spider monkeys.

The 41 spacious and elegantly appointed villas feature a completely private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling thatched-palapa roof that resonates with the jungle environment. Villa locations range from beachfront and ocean view to verdant jungle gardens. Guests arrive to a Mayan Blessing, performed by the Mayan shaman on staff, releasing you from your cares and worries into a new, relaxed beginning at the resort.

Spa Living At the spa, Mayan healing techniques and traditions infuse every aspect of the guest experience.

Guests experience treatments in an array of venues such as an Herbal Steam Room, Jungle Spa Suite for Two, Outdoor Rain Room, Fertility Spa Suite and traditional Mayan Temazcal sweat lodge.

Treatments also may be enjoyed on the beach, in the privacy of your villa and on the resort’s pier.

Located on a romantic sea-view loft, La Marea serves refined Mexican cuisine accented with international influences and the creative inspiration of the skilled culinary staff. The Coral Grill, set by the sand with magnificent vistas of the Caribbean, features a Mexican34

Mediterranean menu cooked on wood-burning grills.

Additional guest amenities include a lagoon pool; a fitness center offering the latest workout equipment and a variety of classes, from yoga and pilates to strength training; day beds at the beach; a library lounge, and a boutique.

Perfect Amenities The six-acre resort is conveniently located just 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, and three miles north of popular Playa del Carmen known for its beach scene, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. From the Viceroy Riviera Maya, guests may stroll miles of beautiful white-sand beach along the spectacular Riviera Maya coast. The resort has its own pier where guests sunbathe, enjoy massages, savor romantic dinners, and may be conveniently picked up by boat for snorkeling, diving and other excursions.

The Mayordomo team provides an array of butler and concierge services, pampering guests with personalized attention to their needs – from arranging spa appointments to coordinating excursions to Mayan ruins.

For more information and reservations: Direct Dial: 011 52 984 877 3000; (866) 332-1672 (From U.S. and Canada); (800) 012-3569 (From Mexico); reservations@ viceroyrivieramaya.com. www.viceroyrivieramaya.com www.thehotelguide.com

experiences

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Experiences

Team Cocktail: Puerto Rico A U.S. Tropical Paradise

by: Lyndsey Fliehs Higgins

re you looking for a tropical destination to visit that doesn’t require a passport? Well, then we highly suggest Puerto Rico!

Perfect Getaway Ahhh Puerto Rico! What do you think of when you hear Puerto Rico? Baseball? Beaches? Those are both prevalent, and the beaches are gorgeous, but we also think of Mojitos! We have visited Puerto Rico many times over the past 10 years and we have yet to find a mojito on the island we don’t like. It seems that every bar we visit and every bartender who serves us has their own special take on the mojito…and they nail it every time! Those Puerto Ricans know their mojitos and rum!

Taste the Islands We like to bring the taste of the islands home with us, so we have worked hard to master our skills at mojito making.

Now there are several ways to make a mojito, as we said every bartender has their take. But, here are a few of our tried and true recipes that Team Cocktail makes when we can’t be in Puerto Rico, but want to enjoy a drink from the island.

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Classic Mojito (recipe by Team Cocktail’s “Cocktail Steve”) 1 tsp Brown Sugar 7-10 Mint Leaves 1 Lime Wedge 1/2 oz Simple Syrup Muddle the above ingredients then add: 1 1/2 oz Rum (Pick your favorite) Ice Shake everything together, pour into glass and top with a little soda water! You can garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Although you may want to save that mint for your next mojito!

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Want to add a little fruit to your mojito diet…try this recipe for a Pineapple mojito!

Pineapple Mojito 1 – 1 1/2 oz Pineapple Rum (We used Cruzan Pineapple Rum) 3 oz Soda Water 2 Pineapple chunks 1 tsp Simple Syrup 1/2 tsp Brown Sugar 1/2 Lime – Squeezed fresh Mint leaves (to taste) Muddle mint, pineapple chunks, simple syrup, brown sugar and lime juice. Add Pineapple Rum, Ice & Soda Water. Stir & enjoy! If you’re fancy go ahead and use another piece of pineapple as a garnish. We prefer to just drink our mojitos…no garnish needed!

While Mojitos are our favorite island drink we would be remiss not to mention the national drink of Puerto Rico, the Pina Colada. While many think this is just a standard tropical drink, most do not know it’s origins go back to Puerto Rico. While there are many theories on who and when it was exactly created, one thing is certain, each story connects to Puerto Rico! Here is a traditional recipe for the famous Pina Colada!

Old-Style Pina Colada 3 ounces light rum 3 teaspoons coconut cream 3 teaspoons crushed pineapple Put all of the ingredients into a blender with two cups of crushed ice. Blend until the drink is a thick, creamy consistency. Strain the mix into a glass, and serve with a straw and a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry.

Now that you know all the best drinks of the island it’s time to go and taste them in their natural setting.

Traveling from the US is easy, as you don’t need a passport, the drinks are amazing, the beaches are gorgeous and it’s just a quick plane ride away!

We hope to meet you all bellied up to a bar drinking mojitos in Puerto Rico some day soon!

Party with us! www.teamcocktail.com www.facebook.com/teamcocktail www.twitter.com/teamcocktail www.youtube.com/teamcocktail www.thehotelguide.com

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