Recommend February 2012 - (Page 46)

north america The accommodation’s bathrooms are divine, complemented by stunning views. ONE BAL HARBOUR florida U 46 february 2012 paloma villaverde de rico onsite review october 2011 Ultra-fab, glamorous, reﬁned, high-end, luxury…whichever adjective you want to choose, it can easily be placed in front of one of Miami’s most illustrious—there’s another one—enclaves: Bal Harbour. Driving north from South Beach along Miami Beach’s famed Collins Avenue will lead you right into this .6-sq.-mile neighborhood, and if you think you’d miss such a tiny “village,” think again. You’ll know when you’re in it, because although it’s petite in size, it offers up quite a different personality from the surrounding area and what a personality that is. Talk about knowing how to push the envelope when it comes to offering up a great Wedgewood platter of luxury. Indeed, this is where sought-after, top-notch brands such as Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs come to show off their oh, so, divine masterpieces in the renowned 40-year-old Bal Harbour Shops, which jostles for attention with the twinkling blue Atlantic Ocean. And sprinkled throughout this gem of an enclave are a few select resorts, including one of our favorite beachside properties, ONE Bal Harbour, a member of Benchmark Hospitality International’s Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. What an oasis—and we know ﬁrst-hand, because just a few short months ago, we were lucky enough to kick-back and take in all the pampering. Amenities? They know no end here, and it all starts at the winding driveway that serves as the entry point to the 5-acre property, where guests are attentively welcomed into a world of pure bliss. The 2-story lobby awaits, and this is no mere lobby. Here, guests are greeted by an exceptional and warm staff for which going “above and beyond” is second nature, as well as Jatoba columns, leather-upholstered walls and marble ﬂooring topped off by 22-ft. ceilings and oversized glass windows that present picturesque views of the surrounding waterways. Those views, in fact, play an integral role in the resort’s setting and ambiance. “We sit right at the corner of Bal Harbour—unobstructed views of Intracoastal and Atlantic from all areas of the property,” says Kanwaljeet S “Rikki” Boparai, the hotel’s general manager. “In addition, we are one minute away from the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops. Designcontinued on page 48 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2012

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: The Lodge at Woodloch
Tour Talk: Swain Tours
Celebrity Silhouette
Savoring the Zulu Kingdom
The Falkland Islands-Nature's Last Stand
Asia
One Bal Harbour, Florida
Las Vegas Spa Retreats
Beaver Creek Lodge, Colorado
Bliss Springs Eternal at Esperanza
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
Time to "Czech" Out Moravia
Caribbean Uber-Luxe

Recommend February 2012