Recommend October 2010 - (Page 58)

MARIvAL ReSIDeNCeS & world spa continued from page 56 Should clients really, really love Marival Residences, they can buy one of seven divine villas, each with its own private pool, adjacent to the resort’s main pool. This new resort has 162 residences but it really feels like it has half that; because it’s just so intimate, complete with hotel staff getting to know you by name and remembering your likes and dislikes. There’s something very sophisticated and adult about the place, even though it’s not just for grownups. There’s even an adorable Bugs Kids Club complete with a Gamers Room for the older bunch. There are “quiet” pools that snake around the ground floor residences, but they’re not exclusive to these rooms. Any adult staying here can enjoy them should they prefer a kids-free setting—although the main pool is large enough for young and old to enjoy. the spa The Melange World Spa is a novel concept for spa-goers and unique to Marival Residences, recreating the feel of different countries through decor, music, ambiance and body treatments. A Mexico experience, for instance, allows guests the chance to indulge in the pre-Hispanic tradition of a temazcal cleansing plus a body wrap, facial and massage using indigenous ingredients such as agave and cacao. For an Italian indulgence, clients can jump into a wooden vat and stomp on grapes to enjoy their antioxidant properties, then get an extra-virgin olive oil and salt exfoliation. In the Indian room, clients can soak in a copper tub after their four-hands oil massage. There’s also Japan, Turkey, Thailand, Russia and Bali, each country offering a different twist to the spa experience, plus a wide array of additional treatments: the Repechage Four-Layer Facial, Peppermint Sea Twist Body Treatment, Bamboo Massage and lots more. The spa is located at The Plaza, also home to D Stock—the place to find your favorite gourmet snacks, fresh breads, sandwiches and other goodies to keep in your residence’s kitchen—and Nick San, one of Mexico’s most famous restaurants. Nick San is not included in Marival’s all-inclusive concept but clients should not miss it. Their inventive sushi, sashimi, nigiri and other choices are highly regarded, combining Japanese cuisine with Mexican ingredients. The Marival Residences Beach Club is just two minutes away from the property within the Marival Resort. You don’t have to walk, though—you’ll be driven on a golf cart. The Beach Club, exclusive to Residences guests, is also “Seriously All-Inclusive,” so you’re welcome to peruse the menu and have as much ceviche, carpaccio and daiquiris as you want. If you’ve left your reading material behind, the beach concierge can provide you with a magazine plus sunscreen. pizzas to fusion and an avant garde experience. That combination makes it very special.” In Lemmon Grass, you can feast on calamari and salmon burgers as you take a break from the pool. Omaggio—available for breakfast, lunch and dinner—takes international dining to another level with a weekly Lobster Night, Italian Night, Ribeye Night…and that’s before you take a look at the menu. One favorite here is the tuna, seared to perfection on a hot stone right by your table. Opposite Omaggio is Brunello, the wine bar, which offers wine tastings on Thursday and Friday evenings. At Inzu, Marival’s sky lounge, it’s all about tapas-style dining with one heck of a view. As tasty and fun as the food is up here—shrimp corn dogs, beef empanadas, duck spring rolls and tons more—it’s even more enjoyable after you’ve had a drink or two in Inzu’s infinity pool, from which you can see much of the property, the Pacific Ocean and Riviera Nayarit all the way from Punta de Mita. the unlimited “We have added very interesting features as part of the all-inclusive concept,” says Ramos. A huge perk: five tours to choose from—yep, included—that encompass some of the most popular attractions and pastimes in the area. The top picks among these are the Dolphin Encounter, which lets kids and adults enjoy quality time with bottlenose dolphins; a zipline adventure across the mountains and along treetops with Canopy La Vista, which includes a tequila presentation; and an interactive and educational frolic with sea lions. Golfers get their own choice benefit from an all-inclusive stay at Marival: unlimited greens fees at Vista Vallarta, home to two championship courses. They can play every day if they want and only pay the cart fee. Marival Residences’ all-inclusive package includes a la carte meals and 24-hour room service, transportation to and from the Beach Club, unlimited Select Tours and greens fees, a tennis clinic, use of the facilities at Marival Resort & Suites and complimentary soft drinks, water and beer stocked daily in their refrigerator. Additionally, clients who stay for at least five nights get free nanny services for up to eight hours a day. Those who want to tie the knot here can also take advantage of an included wedding package. Fall “seriously all-inclusive” rates start at $146 pp per night for a 1bedroom residence; winter rates (January) start at $200. Marival Residences is also in the business of loving travel agents and has come up with a $250,000 promotion: you get $100, plus the chance to win one of 50 $1,000 bonus cash awards on every booking—and a free stay after your first booking. For more information, visit marivalpromo.com/250k. n contact information Marival Residences & World Spa: (877) 769-7376; marivalresidencesworldspa.com the yummies Speaking of food to remember, have clients leave room in their travel journal for the dining experience at Marival. Dining is an eclectic and always exciting treat here—as Ramos describes it, “From burgers and 58 october 2010 recommend.com http://www.marivalpromo.com/250k http://www.marivalresidencesworldspa.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Luxurious India by Rail, Plane and Boat
The Heavenly Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
Experiencing the High Life in Kenya
Savoring the North of England
Riviera Nayarit Travel Planner
Marival Residences & World Spa
Wildly Luxurious––High-End Vacations
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Does it Again
Guadeloupe
Five High-End Villa Stays
Compagnie du Ponant's Le Boreal
Palm Beach: Playground for the Rich and Famous
Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys
La Costa Resort and Spa, California

Recommend October 2010