The World's Most Romantic Hotels - 2007
La Casa Que Canta — Playa La Ropa, Mexico
A unique Mexican architectural concept, La Casa Que Canta is perched on a cliff surrounded by the Sea of Zihuatanejo Bay, with a magnificent panoramic view. The Exclusive Resort offers ten pool suites, eleven grand suites, three terrace suites facing the ocean, all inspired by the beauty of Mexican Art. The Resort features two of the most elegant swimming pools found anywhere in the world. The Freshwater Infinity Pool is located on a promontory overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay and seems to overflow directly into the water below. The hotel appeared in the movie "When A Man Loves A Woman." La Casa Que Canta offers fresh water and ocean-filled swimming Pools. Nearby, guests may also enjoy an 18-hole golf course, tennis, watersports and deep-sea fishing. The refined food, superb views and impeccable service of the restaurant, will entice you to return time and time again. Privacy, elegance, and hospitalty make your stay a memorable experience. Villa D'Este — Lake Como, Italy
A Former 16th Century Residence Of European Aristocrats, Villa D Este Has Welcomed Guests With Its Gracious Brand Of Hospitality Since 1873. Visitors Are Treated To A Celebrated Standard Of Service Including Top-rated Rooms, Amenities And Cuisine. This Lakeside Villa Is Set In A Picturesque Park, A Place That Has Won The Hearts Of Travelers For Generations. Dining Choices Include The Formal Verandah, The Grill And The Kisho, All With Terrace And Outdoor Service In Summer. Wireless Internet Connection On Ground Floors Both Inside And Outside. In-room Internet Connection. Auberge Du Soleil — Rutherford, CA, United States
What Began As A Fine California-french Restaurant Created By Claude Rouas A Leading San Francisco Restaurateur Has Evolved Into Ine Of Americas Most Sought-after Small Luxury Hotels And A Perenniual Recioient Of The Hospilality Industrys Highest Honors. Auberge Du Soleil Opened In 1982 As Napa Valleys First Fine-dining Restaurant And The Vision Of French - Born Rouas Who Sought To Recreate The Sun-drenched Ambiance Of Provence In The California Wine Country. Perched On The Slope Of Rutherford Hill Overlooking Napa Valley The Auberge Quickly Gained Recognition As One Of The Leading Restaurants In Northern California. Not Only For Its Superb Cuisine But Also Its Spectacular Views Of The Valley Below. In 1985 Responding To Guest Demand Rouas And Partner Robert Harmon Opened The Inn. A Collection Of Sun And Earth Toned Cottages Housing 50 Room And Suites Each With French Doors Opening Out To A Terrace And Sweeping Views Of Olive Grooves And The Vine- Studded Valley. The Auberges French-accented California Style And Soft-spoken Luxury Echo The Character Of Napa Valley - A Place To Savor The Bounty Of Fine Rood And Wine And Immerse Oneself In An Exquisite Natural Setting. Since The Inns Opening Guests Have Been Drawn To The Auberge For Its Privacy, tranquility And Unmistakable Romance. With A Sophisticated New Design And Acclaimed New Chef The Restaurant Continues To Win International Recognition. The Inn Also Recently Introduced Spa Du Soleil A Retreat Modeled After A Centuries-old Monastery. With Its Fountains, private Gardens And Outdoor Soaking Pools The Spa Provides A Physical And Emotional Barrier From The Outside World Offering A Setting For Peaceful Rejuvenation. Romance And All That It Entails--escape, total Privacy And The Intimacy Of Having A Beautiful Spot To Share--is An Important Part Of The Allure Of Auberge Du Soleil. Guests Agree That A Stay At The Auberge Is A Complete Experience With Equally Superb Components That Complement One Another Understand Service/fine Cuisine And Atmosphere. Secrectly Tucked Away In A Gently Sloping 33-acre Olive Grove And Surrounded By The Sun-dappled Vineyards Of The Verdant Napa Valley. Accommodations Are Located In Cottages Terraced On A Hillside Overlooking The Valley. Each Of The 50 Spacious Rooms And Suites Has Its Own Private Terrace And Wood Burning Fireplace Mediterranean Style With Terra Cotta Tile Floors/natural Wood And Leather Furnishings. Subtle Color Schemes/bright Bouquets And Original Art Set Delightful Accents. Ashford Castle — County Mayo, Ireland
Ashford Castle Dates Back To 1228 And Is Set On The Shores Of Lough Corrib - Irelands Second Largest Lake - In The Picturesque Village Of Cong. Today It Is Recognized As A World Class Resort Property In A Private Estate Of 350 Acres. Once The Home Of The Guinness Family Ashford Was The Chosen Location For The Producers And Stars During The Making Of The Epic Film The -quiet Man-. It Has Also Played Host To President And Mrs. Reagan And More Recently The Famous Hollywood Star Pierce Brosnan -alias 007- Chose Ashford As The Venue For His Personal Wedding. .
Le Palais de la Mediterranee — Nice, France
Le Palais de la Mediterranee is a landmark in Nice, the gateway to the French Alps and the French Riviera, and offers far more than most luxury hotels. Newly opened in 2004 after an ambitious restoration project, today's tribute to the grandeur of the 1930s is a stunning nine stories of imaginative yet sympathetic architecture, innovative contemporary ideas, opulence on a grand scale and a myriad of entertainment and leisure opportunities to suit the most discerning visitors. The third floor is the heart of the hotel with a beautifully conceived indoor/outdoor pool, gastronomic restaurant, fitness rooms, cosy lounge and a sun terrace with stunning views.
Amanjena — Marrakech, Morocco
Amanjena ("peaceful paradise") is the first Amanresort on the African continent. The resort's 32 pavilions, six, two-storey maisons and largest accommodation, the Al-Hamra Maison, are set within an oasis of palms and mature olive trees. Amanjena's rose-blush walls mirror Marrakech, known in Arabic as Al Medina al-Hamra (the red city). The resort's design emulates the old Moorish pise (packed earth) buildings, as well as the Berber villages that cling to the High Atlas Mountains. Marrakech was brought to radiant life by the brilliance of 11th-century Almoravid irrigation. Water is no less the unifying element of Amanjena, which has as its centrepiece, a large bassin, traditionally a holding pool to collect water for irrigation. Amanjena's pavilions and maisons extend from the bassin, fanning out in two directions, separated by reflecting pools in a landscape of lawns and vines, emerald-clay roofs, marble fountains and glittering hand-cut, glazed tiles (zellij). All of the resort's 32 air-conditioned pavilions include a bedroom-living room and spacious bathroom and dressing area. The living area consists of a high, domed ceiling, a king-size platform bed and an open fireplace. Brass lanterns and Berber carpets discreetly reinforce the Moroccan theme. Furnishings include a daybed with an accompanying table and chair. The suites have a mini-bar, a CD player and a TV/DVD, while green Moroccan marble and a soaking tub in a garden setting highlight the bathroom. Each pavilion has its own private courtyard along with a pillared minzah (gazebo) and a fountain. Amanjena's six two-storey maisons rise seven metres from floor to ceiling in a variation of the Moroccan townhouse, with trines of second-floor windows looking inward, as if to a garden courtyard. The living area, located on the main floor, features an arc-cut fireplace, a zellij wall fountain and a small bathroom. The guest bedroom, with its queen-size bed, full bathroom, double change areas and separate courtyard entrance, is also located on the entry level. Upstairs, the bathroom is defined by marble columns, domed shower, toilet rooms and a pillared, green-marble tub. The bedroom comes with a king-size bed and divan. The maisons also offer a private six-metre swimming pool, a garden and minzah.
With a convenient location at the edge of Marrakech, Amanjena provides the ideal base for further exploration of Marrakech and beyond. The city itself, with its gardens, souks, art and culture, is just seven kilometres away and the resort looks out onto the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, the highest range in North Africa. Carefully constructed private tours and treks, taking in local highlights, are easily arranged.
