Elite Traveler HRS 2023

51

etr li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2023

Seven Seas Splendor

closets have plenty of drawer space, room to hang clothes that easily wrinkle, and a built-in shoe rack that helps guests feel organized and at home, instead of trying to live out of a suitcase. The most luxurious suite can be found on the 14th deck of Seven Seas Splendor . Above the bridge and overlooking the ship’s bow is the beautiful 4,443-sq-ft Regent Suite, which comes with a personal butler. The bed is a hand crafted $200,000 Vividus bed from Hästens, and the fl oor-to-ceiling wall of windows lets natural light fl ood in. Within the master bathroom is an in-suite spa with an oceanview shower. On the balcony, guests can enjoy their own personal hot tub and a chilled glass of Dom Pérignon while watching the sunset. DINE Chef Kathryn Kelly is behind the many unique culinary classes o ff ered on Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor . She’s also behind the incredible Gourmet Explorer Tours that immerse guests in the culture before she returns to the boat to cook with curated ingredients. The on-board restaurants are magni fi cent, too. Chartreuse serves classic French fare like sou ffl é aux fromages with emmenthal-blue cheese and soubise sauce. Prime 7 is the steakhouse, with everything from perfectly cooked porterhouse steaks to Alaskan king crab with drawn butter. Paci fi c Rim is a Pan-Asian establishment serving dishes like Canadian lobster tempura with orange soy, ponzu sauce and spicy mayo. Compass Rose has a large menu fi lled with steak and seafood options, and doesn’t require reservations. La Veranda and the Pool Grill are perfect with casual fast dining and bu ff ets, and of course, there’s always room service.

RELAX The fi tness center is fully stocked with high-end spin bikes and top-of-the-line equipment. Classes are available on the ship, so guests can break a sweat in boot camp or practice yoga in the sun with an instructor. The spa is just downstairs from the gym, o ff ering incredible massages, facials and experience rooms open to every guest whether they book a treatment or not. Guests can book a traditional Swedish or deep tissue massage, or opt for something special like the Around The World massage, incorporating Indian cardamom, Egyptian coriander and eucalyptus, and argan oil from Morocco. The spa has a hot sauna overlooking the water, a cold room and an aromatherapy steam room. EXPLORE Guests generally have to pay for excursions on a cruise but, with Regent, they’re included in the stay (only a select few experiences are at an additional cost). When traveling to the Caribbean, look into snorkeling the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to see a plethora of tropical fi sh, squid, star fi sh and more. To immerse yourself in the culture, try the Ke'kchi Chocolate and Culture Tour in Belize. After about an hour-long boat ride from the Malacate Pier, followed by an hour-long bus ride through the village of Mango Creek, the group will arrive at Akte'il Ha Cacoa Farm. Here, guests will have the opportunity to see the cocoa pod trees and try fresh fruit from the pods on the farm. By Jessica Kelly Regent Suite from $86,000 for two. Contact John Norman, consumer sales supervisor, jnorman@rssc.com, +1 402 962 0263, rssc.com

REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEVEN SEAS SPLENDOR Enjoying luxury amenities and entertainment at sea before waking up in a new country is an incredible way to see the world. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Splendor has packed exceptional service, entertainment, spa treatments, meals, cocktails and more onto one ship — making the journey an experience in itself. STAY With Regent, capsule-shaped, tiny showers and minimal drawer space are a thing of the past. The bathrooms are huge, with double sinks, a soaking tub and a rain shower in the Superior Suites. Every room has its own private balcony — enjoying co ff ee while overlooking the new destination the boat has pulled into, or ending the evening with a glass of wine, listening to the waves and staring at the stars, make the balcony a memorable amenity. The walk-in

Regent Suite

Photo Pete Barrett