The opposing figures of Emperor Napoléon and Empress Eugenie look down from the dining room of Villa Eugenie, today known as the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz.
Napoleon’s portrait seen to the far left.
Napoleon built the palace in 1858 as a summer home for his wife so she could be close to her native Spain. The arrival of European royalty to this sleepy coastal border town transformed it into a glamorous vacation destination for the moneyed elite.
Grounds of the PalaisLobby reception
Converted into a casino, and then a hotel, Hotel du Palais is a bastion of lavish consumption where luxury meets history, and where decorum is strictly adhered to as two young Americans ahead of me discovered when they asked to be seated for dinner.
“Non,” the hostess sniffed, denying them entry.
Going jeans and jacketless in the salle au manger is strictly forbidden in the presence of the emperor.
I manage to slide in with a navy Marchesa Notte gown.
Piano man plays nostalgic classics in the background, I quietly sing them all!
Against the flickering glow of (albeit faux) candlelight, piano music fills the air with nostalgia. It feels like you’re traveling through time. I half expect the royal couple to come waltzing in at midnight.
Dinner arrives beneath a silver cloche.
Le Velouté « Eugénie », Mousseux aux Crevettes “Bouquet” Royale et Champignons // “Eugénie’s” veloute , shrimps mousse and mushroomsFaux filet ”Angus“ cuit à la plancha, sauce béarnaise, grosses frites // Griddled ”Angus“ sirloin steak in Bearnaise sauce with thick-cut friesChocolate and peanutbutter cake with dark chocolate ice cream
After dinner it’s time to retreat to the room, many of which are named after the politicians, celebrities and royalty that once welcomed them. Our room, overlooking the Bay of Biscay, was next to the Winston Churchill room.
Hallway to the roomBedroom detailsMarble bathroom
In the morning a sumptuous selection of breads, meats, regional fromage, patisseries, tarts, and fruits fill the breakfast table.
Breakfast is served in Villa EugeniePerfect day for a swim
Then it’s time for some fun in the sun, a jumping board into a heated salt water pool awaits. A private walkway with showers and change rooms gives direct access to the Grande Plage, where rolling waves attract world class surfers from around the globe.
Relaxing by the pool and watching the surfersOcean suite with a view of the Grande PlagePlage
Taking a dip into the waters of the Atlantic is brisk, but refreshing, and a lazy walk along the craggy rocks of the Basque coast is romantic bliss.
Romantic coastline walksLayers of eroded rockPalace gardens
When the clouds take over, it’s time to go to the indoor pool and jacuzzi.
Siiiiiiiiiigh!!!
I take advantage of the well appointed gym and hammam facilities to get re-energized and maximize relaxation. Everyday a new perfume fills the steam room with a refreshing scent, eucalyptus on Mondays, mint on Tuesdays.
At the intersection of the old world and new, this place strikes a luxurious balance.
Lily pad garden greets you in the lobbyDorado Beach
There are three Ritz Reserves in the world, with plans to build another three in the future. Puerto Rico is the most convenient destination for couples seeking a quick weekend escape from the northeastern chill.
What cold?Sigh.
Each morning I open the doors of our king bedroom suite to hear the ocean in the early morning hours.
We’re conveniently situated on the ground floor, which allows us to walk straight onto the West beach and saunter off to breakfast at Mi Casa. This Ritz Reserve signature restaurant offers up an exquisitely elaborate table of fresh fruits, yoghurts, meats, cheeses, pastries and breads everyday.
After breakfast we head to the palm tree-lined beach and grab a set of private loungers outside our room, along with plenty of complementary towels, bottles of water on ice and suntan lotion for two.
Beach chairs for twoWho’s got a surf board?
The waters can get rough on Dorado Beach, but a manmade rock shelf keeps them at bay. The sand is soft and sienna but there are warnings of sea urchins. The resort provides snorkelling gear to explore the coral. We manage to spot plenty of angel fish and a lone barracuda.
Morning walk by the rock and coral poolsRocky bay
Any stay at Dorado Beach should be paired with a visit to their in-house spa, Spa Botànico, which offers an irresistible menu of alluring temptations against a wildly beautiful backdrop to maximize relaxation. Among the options, a soothing massage in an open-air tree house on a gently swaying hammock.
A majestic 80-year-old ficus tree greets you at the spa entranceLavender, lemongrass, rosemary, pour it all over meSpa lobby
Rich scents of lavender, lemongrass and local botanicals surround me as I enter the lobby of their luscious 5-acre spa, a prelude to all the flora and fauna my body will be soaking in within minutes. An attendant serves me tea and leads me to the dressing room. Before my spa services, she encourages me to take a steam, dip into the hot and cold pools, douse myself with buckets of hot and cold water, and rest in the relaxation room. I don’t need to be asked twice.
Ice bucket challenge? Not really. Flashdance!Relaxation room
When it’s time for my appointment, my masseur leads me through fields of pineapple and into a sunlit massage room. Soft music envelops me as he pampers my body with jasmine and rosemary oils and maneuvers my muscle tissue and aching bones in ways that make me swoon. Definitely a highlight of this resort.
During the afternoons I may take a hotel bike out and explore some of the 1,400-acre Ritz Reserve property formerly owned by the Rockefeller family. The Rockefeller Nature Trail winds its way through a peaceful beach and tropical rain forest filled with exotic trees and creatures.
Secluded beachesOne of the many critters you will see along the way
Beyond lies a gated community of homes, residences, a golf course, a water park, and a plantation.
Tee time
But most of my afternoons were spent hanging out by one of the poolside cabanas and wading through the shallow waters.
Poolside cabanaPool fishie wants to give a back massageMain pool
The main pool features massaging water jets and a bed of bubbles, but to my surprise, no jacuzzis or hot pools!
Not to fear.
Hot soak and smooth jazz
Each suite features a soaking tub where you can bathe in hot water while plugging in your iPhone to play music over the Bose-powered sound system. I spent every evening decorating the bath with perfumed salts and listening to smooth jazz. If bathing is not your thing, you can take a shower indoors or opt for the outdoor rain shower, which is particularly soothing when the coqui (small local frogs) chirp and make beautiful music at night.
While I mentioned the spa being a stand out at Dorado Beach, there is one other. The 10-course tasting menu at Mi Casa. Oh my god. Thank heaven for Spanish cuisine. Check out this menu:
My favorite. Simple tomato bread with Jamón Ibérico, the best mouth-watering charcuterie in the world
Jamón Ibérico de bellota ‘Fermín’
Cured ham from the legendary, acorn-fed, black-footed Ibérico pigs of Spain with fresh tomato bread
Cono de queso cañarejal con lechoza
Cañarejal cheese and green papaya marmalade
Coquitos frescos ‘Ferran Adrià’
Coconut water and rum spheres with mint and lime
These coconut spheres explode in your mouth with flavor
Croquetas de pollo
Traditional chicken and bechamel fritters
Bocadillo de lechón de Guavate con mojo de chayote y chicharrón volao
Steamed bun with Guavate-style pork belly and chayote mojo
So good, we had to re-order it a second night
Salpicón de cangrejo
Jumbo lump crabmeat with cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, chayote mojo and brandy sauce
Ceviche de atún con coco y aguacate ‘Café Atlántico’
Tuna marinated in coconut dressing with jicama, cilantro and serrano peppers topped with crispy quinoa
Mmm the creamy coconut, the crispy quinoa texture…
Ensalada César organizada con aguacate y anchoas
Romaine salad, wrapped in jicama, with Parmesan cheese, avocado, anchovies and caesar dressing
An interesting reinterpretation of the caesar salad as sushi
Asopao de bogavante tradicional de Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican rice stew with Maine lobster, chayote and ‘alcaparrado,’ served with plantain chips
A hearty stew that was hard to de-shell
Carne guisada con funche de maíz, camarones y setas
Braised veal cheeks with shrimp, polenta and mushrooms
Braised to perfection
Flan con parcha
Spanish custard with Catalan cream and passion fruit
I love a simple crème caramel done right
The waiter congratulated me on finishing everything. He said he usually taps out during Round 8. I may have a small frame, but I have a big appetite.
“There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh, but my darling what if you fly?” – Eric Hanson
Bottom line, the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve is a perfect weekend getaway to avoid the dreaded polar vortex. There are several direct flights to Puerto Rico that are inexpensive relative to the rest of the Caribbean and it’s only a 3.5-hr plane ride away from NYC.
“I got this!” I say, sitting in the co-pilot seat onboard Cape Air’s Cessna 402C, a 9-seater passenger plane. My pilot, Alejandro, laughs at me as I pretend to handle the steering wheel. Every now and then we dive through a cloud and our plane shivers like a leaf through the turbulence. It’s not for the faint of heart, but after every cloud, we arrive closer and closer to heaven, also known as the Caribbean island of Anguilla.
“I got this!”Anguilla, yonder!
There are two ways to get to Anguilla, either by a small passenger plane service out of larger island hubs like Puerto Rico or by ferry from St. Maarten.
Flying with Cape Air
The farflung nature of Anguilla makes it secluded, more exclusive. It’s a haven for couples on honeymoon, celebrating anniversaries or just looking for a romantic getaway. Which brings me to where I’m headed, a romantic stay at the Viceroy Anguilla with my boyfriend.
Ready for some romance?Come away with me
Locals say the Viceroy is the best hotel resort on the island and it’s not difficult to see why. With a welcome drink in hand, I walk through the elegantly appointed lobby, across the carefully manicured walkways lined with palm trees and succulents, and into the Sunset Lounge, a gorgeous outdoor space with an infinity pool on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic ocean. Many evenings were spent watching the sunset from here.
As I am led into our one bedroom suite, an intoxicating scent of laurel, lily and white cedar grabs my nose. On the living room table there is a plate of shredded coconut and madeleines. I munch away while admiring the decor, which features classic pieces by Kelly Wearstler.
BedroomLiving roomBathroom
But my favorite part of the suite by far is the heated plunge pool on the balcony. After a long day by the beach and the pool, it’s the perfect retreat that offers privacy at night and a stunning view of the moon and starlit ocean.
Private heated plunge pool and oceanfront view
Situated on the north side of the island, we are told the waters are calmer than in the south. The coastline is decorated with limestone coves and coral reefs. Crystalline waters ebb and flow over powder white sand beaches that look the way you dreamed them to look. They’re definitely some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Silky sands, blue crystal waters…Limestone coastline
We did yoga in the morning.
Yoga happens here by the Aleta pool, overlooking the ocean
A bike tour of the island.
Sandy Grove, a stop along the bike tour
And a snorkel tour, with complementary snorkelling equipment provided by the hotel. We stopped for lunch on a deserted island called, Sandy Island, for some delicious but over-priced lobster (they don’t tell you the prices on the menu for a reason).
Aren’t I delicious? I don’t come cheap!
There are local restaurants and hotels to explore and diversify your evening dinner plans, but we loved the convenience and quality of the Viceroy’s main restaurant, Cobà, and dined there every night.
Zatar Spiced Lamb Racks, Lentil Ragout, Potato Yogurt Croquette, Red Onion, Pomegranate8 Hour Braised Short Rib, Steamed Mussels and Clams, Apple Crisp with Mango Sorbet
The service was phenomenal. When heading out to one of the Viceroy’s two beach areas or three pools, an attendant immediately assisted us with towels, complementary sun tan lotion, and bottles of water in ice buckets.
I asked for ice spheres, not the cubed ones!Beach ready
Every few minutes an attendant would either ask if we needed something or briskly walk by to see how we were doing without being intrusive. I had the feeling that you could ask for anything and it would be granted. That feeling was tested when I needed to treat a sunburn. I asked for cream or aloe vera and within minutes I heard a knocking on the door.
Soothing aloe vera eases sunburn and inset bites
A full plate of raw aloe vera from the actual plant was delivered. The superb service could be partially attributed to the fact that we arrived on the property four days after it had re-opened from a hurricane season hiatus. Rainy season begins in June and lasts until the end of November. We were concerned about the weather as the forecast predicted thunder showers nearly every day when we were going at the end of October. I’m glad we took a risk and went anyway because it turned out that the weather was perfect and when it did rain, it cleared out within 20 minutes. I’m told that this is typical in the eastern Caribbean at this time of year. It was heavenly. Not only was the weather gorgeous, but we got to take advantage of low season rates and a nearly empty resort.
Minutes after a stormDouble rainbow!!A beach resort to ourselves
