Recommend November 2011 - (Page 47)

drink or two (very well made, we might add) and just looking out at the phenomenal views of the city that the terrace affords. “We offer a variety of hotels [on our packages],” says Menahem, “but we do love the Hotel Claris. It is a gorgeous property, centrally located, elegant, great atmosphere. It has a great rooftop terrace where one can enjoy a drink at the end of a day and enjoy a great view of the city.” The starting rate is 210 euros (approximately $290) and use the GDS code LX. Another top-end stay is at the hip ME Barcelona Hotel, part of the Melia collection and located in the trendy 22@ district. This newly opened property attracts an international crowd looking for contemporary design. Rooms, all with ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows, face either the city or the sea, and offer the latest state-of-the-art technology including 32-inch interactive plasma TVs, free WiFi, audio system for iPods, subdued lighting and remote-controlled dark-out curtains. The beds are very comfy with soft-white high-thread count sheets. The hotel has some great eating venues, too, such as DOS, a Mediterranean restaurant located next to the lobby. Tell clients to try the lamb shank and the foie gras, and to not miss the delicious olive oil made for dipping crusty fresh breads, all topped off, of course, with the best Spanish wines. Cozying up to the restaurant is a fun bar where guests can enjoy an after dinner drink complemented with music by the resident DJ. It’s a great place to get the ﬂavor of the local Barcelona scene, particularly on weekends. The ME brand has a service motto, “everything is possible” and the staff at the Barcelona property works hard to live up to this motto and make customers become repeat customers. Call for rates and packages. beyond barcelona With Barcelona as their base, urge clients to go exploring beyond the city limits. First stop should be the city of Figueres, home to the Dali Theatre Museum, showcasing works that span this creative genius’ artistic life. Of special note is a unique exhibition next to the main museum called “Dali-Jewels,” a collection of 37 gold jewels set with gems along with paintings and drawings created from 1932 to 1970. In the city of Girona, meanwhile, it’s a visit to the Old Town that’s a must, with narrow streets ﬁlled with shops and cafes. Recommend a visit to the Museum of Jewish History, too, which shows off the Jewish legacy of Girona with an amazing exhibit showing life in Girona before the Inquisition. The museum is located at the site of the last synagogue of Girona from 1492. An hour outside of Barcelona the Eudald Massana Noya organic winery is a true pleasure for wine aﬁcionados, as they can take a wine tasting course conducted by the winemaker. The region is known for its cava, but it also produces whites and reds. Active clients can opt to explore the vineyards by vicicling, seeing the vineyards by bike. The program includes bicycle, helmet, water, a visit to the winery and transfers to a restaurant for lunch; a guide can be requested. ÍÍ Stockholm. For once, beauty is not in the eye of the beholder. Cruise to Stockholm, the city that is built on 14 islands with sparkling blue water in every direction, and culture, history and stunning scenery everywhere you look. Come and see for yourself. www.visitsweden.com/cruise-stockholm http://www.visitsweden.com/cruise-stockholm http://www.visitsweden.com/cruise-stockholm http://www.visitsweden.com/cruise-stockholm

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend November 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: RockResorts
Tour Talk: International Expeditions
River Cruise Product Expands Even More for 2012
Hot (or Cool) Toronto is Staid No More
Timeless Boston
South Africa Always Steals the Limelight
BVI: Beauty on the Water
Private Islands Sizzle
Barcelona Will Leave You Beaming
Unspoiled Myanmar is Open for Business
The Lowdown on South America's Capital Highs
Riviera Nayarit in the Pink
The Three Faces of Baja Sur

Recommend November 2011