National Geographic Traveler Stay List 2008

Four Seasons Punta Mita
Bahía de Banderas Punta Mita, Mexico

From $625 per night

Just 42 kilometres (26 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, an unrivalled luxury Mexican vacation experience, edged in pristine white-sand beaches, natural islands and the turquoise Pacific. A unique spa. Sunset dining. Jack Nicklaus golf, with an island green, played beside the waves.

What's Great
National Geographic Says... "An elegantly low-profile blue sky/blue water coastal paradise with a green streak. While you laze on the Pacific Ocean beach or submit to a massage employing nopal and pulque (ancient Mexican skin-healing ingredients), the on-premises treatment plant is making used water garden-ready. Get vertical and explore local arts, crafts, and history at the on-site Cultural Center. Regarding the kitchen culture: Chef Fucho is steadfast when it comes to doing business with local fishermen and farmers. 141 rooms and 32 suites."

Amenities

Hotel El Convento
100 Cristo Street San Juan, Puerto Rico

From $210 per night

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, El Convento, a member of Historic Hotels of America and Small Luxury Hotel's of the World, has set new standards of luxury, comfort and service while preserving the unique character and mystique of the hotel. A former Carmelite convent built three hundred years ago, El Convento was completely refurbished with special attention given to the preservation of the original structure. Each of the 58 rooms and suites recreates Spain's golden age while the entertainment system, multi-line telephones and modern bathrooms fulfill the needs of today's traveler. Relax by the pool and enjoy the magnificent view from the terrace while you sip a glass of wine. Dining is a constant joy at El Convento. From the casual patio restaurant to the regal splendor of the Jose Campeche ballroom you will enjoy a true culinary delight. All rates are subject to 9 percent government tax to be applied to the sum of the room rate plus the 12 percent service charge, not included in the rate. 35. 00USD additional per night plus taxes for each extra adult in room (12 years or older). Rollaway bed 35. 00USD additional per night plus taxes. Not included in rate.

What's Great
National Geographic Says... "Former 17th-century Carmelite convent in Old San Juan. The look: yellow-and-white exterior, black-and-white-checkered lobby floors, mahogany beams, Andalusian tiles, and marble bathrooms. The goods: rooftop pool, marble bathrooms, beach access." Travel + Leisure says... "The most atmospheric hotel in the Old Town: a meticulously restored 1651 Carmelite convent with beamed ceilings, tiled floors, and rough-cut, Spanish-style furnishings. Occupying a preserved 17th-century convent, Old San Juan's most glamorous boutique hotel is filled with Andalusian tiles, mahogany beams, and lavish antiques (like four-poster beds in all 58 guest rooms). Happily, though, these historical details share the space with modern conveniences like plasma-screen TV's, Bose stereos, and a decadent hot tub on the fourth-floor terrace. A complimentary cocktail-and-hors d'oeuvres hour is held every evening in the garden before dinner. Tip: Chat up the staff during the cocktail hour. They'll give you great advice on where to go and what to see around San Juan. Room to Book: Deluxe Rooms, on floors 4 and 5, have giant gallery windows overlooking the bay; watch sailboats and cargo ships pass by." -From www.travelandleisure.com

Amenities

Marigot Bay Hotel
PO Box MG 7227 Marigot, Saint Lucia

From $319 per night

The Marigot Bay Hotel is set on the beautiful an enchanting island of St. Lucia alongside Marigot Bay, which was once described by James A. Michener as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. With its internationally renowned Marina, it is a contemporary, eco-friendly boutique hotel set in a historic and picturesque location. All guest rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools, offer spacious balconies providing extensive views of tropical gardens and the bay. The hotel provides its guests with every modern facility, world-class service, and chic styling designed interiors. August 30, 2009 to October 31, 2009: Hotel is closed for seasonal maintenance and upgrading.

What's Great
National Geographic Says... "Open since 2006. Cool-design minimalist-style rooms on hillsides overlooking what James Michener called the Caribbean's most beautiful bay. Landscaping—still young—reads like a clever study in local flora (plants near rooms repel insects, for example). Paris-quality croissants served at breakfast; for dinner, take a two-minute solar-powered ferry ride to Rainforest Hideaway, an outdoor culinary paradise. Spa. 35 rooms and 57 suites."

Amenities

Villa Montana Beach Resort
Carretera 4466 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

From $206 per night

Private enclave villa - hotel room resort on secluded beach -3 miles of empty, truly pristine beach - a real, isolated Caribbean experience - unique in its gracious Caribbean plantation lifestyle21 adventure activities - that start right from your villa verandah - then great adventures inland, down rivers - up mountainsPrivacy plus Casual Spaciousness-- gated enclave, 30 lush acres -3 miles of isolated beach, but stuffy we're NOTAmbiance - lush tropical environment on beach -gracious villas -21 activities right at our resortStaff and Service- our team is our resort - smiling all the time, Hispanic care plus warmth shine through. Family friendly- camp program in summer plus winter holidays, 2 swimming pools, tennis, bikes to borrow, learn to surf, kite surf, or wind surf, rock climbing wall, scuba, tennis and horseback riding. All here. Romance - weddings plus honeymoons - secluded ambiance - the property is expansive enough with 30 acres for couples and families to co-exist happily. Decor- sophisticated plantation style, vibrant tones, plantation style furniture, artist ragged walls, unique art and artifacts, terracotta tile flooring, lots of windows to let the sun shine through. Spa services- treatments in a secluded open air loggia setting. Cuisine- Caribbean fusion cuisine at our outdoor beachfront restaurant, in villa, or your own picnics. Gardening- our garden crew manicures the grass, rake the sand, shape our lush, blossoming tropical greenery and, of course, pick up the coconuts. Activities- 21 activities - all kinds of water sports, fitness center, tennis with our pro, horseback riding through the rain forest plus on the beach, bike riding on our miles of trails. Beach Care- our beach - all 3 miles of it - is our front yard, we care for it, and we treasure it. Stocked Kitchens- we stock the villa kitchens -all we need is a list and we charge the room.

What's Great
National Geographic Says... "Plantation-style enclave on three miles (4.8 kilometers) of quiet beach. Gardens, limestone cliffs, and palm trees with indigenous green parrots set the scene for the tiled, pastel-pretty rooms and villas. Outdoor showers. Breezy verandas. Organic produce plantings for the kitchen. Allied with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation's sea turtle adoption program. 83 units."

Amenities

Displaying 1-4 of 4