Recommend October 2011 - (Page 18)

“ALpinE” ADVEnTURE at four seasons resort vail Don RiDDle The relaxation lounge at the 13,000-sq.-ft. spa. T richard schermer onsite review january 2011 Think luxury with a resort brand famous for its understated elegance and probably the most consistent five-star service in the world, throw in a world-famous destination where the glitterati rub shoulders with lesser mortals and, oh yeah, add some of the best skiing you’ll find anywhere in the world. The result? The best recipe for a luxury ski resort vacation ever, all at the Four Seasons Resort Vail. Opened in December 2010, the property is located at the entry to the upscale environs of Vail Village and just a short stroll to the lifts and all the Alpine delights they promise, be it skiing, snowboarding, or a full menu of other winter sporting activities, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, snow shoeing, sleigh rides and ice climbing. Guests can also cap off a day of rigorous fun on the mountain—or forget all about the mountain and spend the entire day relaxing and rejuvenating—in the resort’s luxurious and comfortable spa. “True luxury will always prevail,” offers Hans Willimann, the resort’s general manager. “A person with all the money in the world can replace anything except time. Saving guests time and effort unobtrusively, rather than gilding the lily frivolously, is what luxury at this resort is all about.” And guests get the first taste of what this property is all about as they approach the resort’s entrance located directly off the main Vail round- about on Vail Road, where their eyes will be immediately drawn to the legendary peaks of Vail Mountain and the contemporary alpine lodge with its peaked roofs and wooden beams outside and the elegance of natural hickory wood and limestone inside. Upon check-in, guests are happily assaulted with the Four Seasons tradition of service as they’re greeted with warmth and friendliness—another reminder from Four Seasons that a luxury stay with this brand doesn’t mean mixing pretentiousness with elegance or top flight service with snobbery. For those arriving and consumed by the adrenaline rush from viewing the awesome peaks of Vail Mountain, the resort service will even whisk them, via shuttle, within a few short minutes to the Vista Bahn Express Lift where, if they show the lift ticket office their airline boarding pass, they will give you a free lift ticket to ski the later afternoon away on a few runs prior to the mountain closing. Getting in a couple of runs prior to starting one’s vacation is a great way to get one’s legs and lungs ready for unlimited adventures and challenges that await. This is ski heaven, in fact, with more than 5,280 acres of skiing and more than 200 trails, not to mention the world-famous back bowls. As would be expected, the resort’s 121 guestrooms, including 24 suites, are showstoppers—most with mountain and pool views—and offer a furnished balcony, gas burning stove, fireplace, extremely comrecommend.com 18 october 2011 http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Coworth Park, London
Tour Talk: Cox & Kings
Paws Up Ups "Glamping" to New Heights
"Alpine" Adventure at Four Seasons Resort Vail
Hotel Beaux Arts Miami
Out & About in New York City
Adventures on Hayman Island
It's the Good Life at The Leela Kovalam Beach
Peninsula Shanghai & Hong Kong
Silversea's Silver Spirit
Thailand Travel Planner
Luxury in the Wilderness, by Best of Patagonia
Savoring St. Vincent & the Grenadines
CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla
Luxurious Egypt
A Good Turn for Bern, Switzerland
Mexico's Luxury Trail

Recommend October 2011