Recommend June 2014 - (Page 78)

Rom antic RETREATS Asia is alluring, Europe is naturally romantic and Africa is so very tempting, but for newlyweds who don't want to travel far and wide, we've got five dreamy honeymooning spots right in our backyard. paloma villaverde de rico epicurean, florida This newly opened, 137-room boutique hotel located in South Tampa, in Florida, is made for couples who want to cook up a steamy romance in the kitchen, so to speak. As its name implies, the Epicurean, which is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is paradise for food and wine lovers featuring rooms that reﬂect the area's culinary heritage and unique nature, with butcher-block-style cabinetry and reclaimed wood bathroom doors designed by local craftsmen. There's also an in-room personal artisan pantry stocked with premium liquors, locally crafted beers, Perrier, a selection of San Pellegrino and a diverse selection of 5 1/2 bottle varietals with suggested pantry pairings such as prosciutto, chocolate and sea salt caramels and chevre (goat cheese). And what's a true culinary hideaway without a few cooking classes? At the Epicurean, newlyweds can cozy up to each other during a cooking class as they learn the ﬁne art of Thai or Italian cuisine, learn how to pair artisan cheese with local craft beers, and delve deep into the goodness of chocolate with a Chocolate 101 class. Tasty morsels are also found at the onsite Elevage Restaurant, which "reexamines classic cuisine from around the world and elevates it with a modern twist." Here, honeymooners can share items such as lobster & bacon hash, a "Duck, Duck, Goose" foie gras burger, and tuna casserole with troﬁe pasta and shimeji mushrooms, and then they can swing by Chocolate Pi for handcrafted sweets. Complementing this feast for the palate is Evangeline, "a Delectable Spa," which offers treatments such as the Honey & Wine Wrap and Tres Leches Hydration Facial. And when couples step outside these charming walls-or hop on one 78 june 2014 of the hotel's bikes that are available for rent-they'll be greeted with the picturesque waterfront of Bayshore Boulevard just down the road, as well as high-end boutiques, and top-rated restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Recommend the 700-sq.-ft. Balcony Suite with a wet bar area, soaking tub and private balcony. Call for rates. epicureanhotel.com the attwater, rhode island Charming doesn't even begin to describe the cozy and hip 17-room Attwater boutique hotel that ups the fabulous-o-meter with a design-driven concept featuring bold colors and fabrics, drift wood walls, modern furnishings and eclectic accents, all evoking the "form and function of a boat." This Newport darling made it to the 2013 Conde Nast Traveler's Hot List, and the recent additions of the Urban Beach House and the Lark Suite to its accommodations list are making travelers swoon. Stylish honeymooners, in particular, will be titillated with this Lark Hotel property located within walking distance of Newport Harbor and just a block off lantern-lined Bellevue Avenue, where the town's former wealthy industrialist residents built opulent country homes. This New England property showers its guests with delightful amenities such as designer linens, gas ﬁreplaces in select suites, iPads, wafﬂe robes, and beach bags and chairs. Couples will love starting their day at the onsite cafe, serving up warm baked goods and pastries (homemade oreos, anyone?), complemented by coffee and tea (no hipster could possibly do without). Recommend a suite at the new Urban Beach House, with outdoor style showers in the rooms, and a sand lounge gathering spot in the front yard. Rates at the Urban Beach House are $199 recommend.com http://www.epicureanhotel.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend June 2014

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk: Seattle’s The Edgewater Rocks
Tour Talk: Apple Leisure Group
Caribbean Weddings: Choices, Romance & More Choices
Honeymoon Havens for all Sorts of Lovebirds
Nuptials at Sea
Wild Honeymoons!
Latin America for Lovers
Colombia Travel Guide
A Fairy Tale Honeymoon
All-Inclusive Powerhouses
Iberostar Playa Mita
Let’s Get Hitched!
Romantic Retreats
Unforgettable Honeymoons a World Away

Recommend June 2014