Elite Traveler January-February 2019

ONE&ONLY PALMILLA CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

Situated on the Baja Peninsula with direct access to one of the only swimmable beaches in the area, One&Only Palmilla embodies all things Mexico, but with a contemporary twist. The airy resort has hacienda-style architecture with colorful decor and high ceilings, and looks out onto the azure Sea of Cortez. The recently renovated 14,950-sq-ft Villa One is a four- bedroom palace completely secluded from the rest of the resort. Its living room opens out to the infinity pool, a fireplace and the sea, and it has a completely modern design. A team of chefs, a butler and other staffmembers are there for your every need— from booking a private excursion to arranging dinner prepared in your villa by a chef. Top suite Villa One from $9,000 per night Surf’s up Take private lessons with a TropicSurf Pro as you learn to ride Baja’s best waves. Contact Marcela Nuñez, reservations manager, marcela.nunez@oneandonlypalmilla.com, +52 624 146 7082, oneandonlyresorts.com

ROSEWOODMAYAKOBA PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

Lush jungle and white beaches surround this Mexican paradise. Glass doors and light wooden accents encase each zen-like room in a warm ambience, immediately transporting you to relaxation mode. Explore Mayan ruins nearby (including Cenote Park and EK Balam), or go scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. If it’s traditional Mayan fare you’re after, La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen allows you to pick your own produce directly from the garden, which the staff will cook over an open fire. Agave Azul has over 100 tequilas — the resident Maestro Tequilero will reveal what goes into the perfect tequila. Top suite Paraíso Four-bedroomVilla from $9,000 per night Taco tasting Award-winning chefs Enrique Olvera, Juan Pablo Loza and Rick Bayless bring traditional taco-making home with an immersive three-day course on the history and proper cooking techniques. Contact Eduardo Vázquez, assistant revenue and reservations manager, eduardo.vazquez@rosewoodhotels.com, +52 984 875 8000, rosewoodhotels.com

THE SHORE CLUB TURKS AND CAICOS

The Shore Club marks a new chapter for Turks and Caicos tourism — it’s the first and only hotel built on Long Bay Beach, only minutes from downtown Grace Bay. As the only hotel in this secluded area, The Shore Club has a three-mile stretch of beach that is almost completely private (with the occasional snorkelers or kite surfers floating off the shore). It’s an ideal escape for a romantic couple getaway (you’ll love the adult-only pool), but can also accommodate the entire family. The distinctly modern, two-story Six-bedroom Private Villa is best for large groups. It has 8,800 sq ft of space with direct beach access, a private chef and butler. Each villa is a picture-perfect palette of whitewashed interiors, natural light and neutral-hued furniture. Top suite Six-bedroom Private Villa from $6,000 per night Sail the seas Hop aboard The Shore Club’s private yacht, Privé , for a day, or even an overnight excursion. Contact Kirk Mulligan, sales manager, kirk.mulligan@ theshoreclubtc.com, +1 415 272 1010, theshoreclubtc.com

HOTEL FASANORIODE JANEIRO RIODE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Hotel Fasano was first recognized as one of Brazil’s hot spots during the 2016 Summer Olympics, and it remains one of the most exclusive stays for Brazil’s tastemakers. Mingle with the city’s who’s who in the sexy Baretto-Londra restaurant, or take in views of Ipanema Beach from the Pool Bar deck with a glass of bubbly. The 91-room hotel was designer Philippe Starck’s first project in Brazil, and he was inspired by the country’s Bossa Nova era of the 1950s and 1960s. The crown jewel is the one-bedroom Deluxe Oceanfront Suite with a loft-style living room, marble bathroom and private balcony overlooking the sparkling ocean. Top suite Deluxe Oceanfront Suite from $2,030 Curated cuisine Order the pasta tasting menu that celebrates dishes from different regions such as duck agnolotti, Alaskan crab fettuccine and the Paccheri. Contact Igor Alvim, chief concierge, concierge.rio@fasano.com.br, +55 213 202 4000, fasano.com.br

Photos Nickolas Sargent, Erhard Pfeiffer, Daniel Pinheiro