The Getaways – March 2009

Hotel Caruso Ravello

Salerno, Italy

Photo: Orient-Express Hotels UK Ltd.

Location Perched on a hilltop, the hotel is a half-hour drive up from the Amalfi Coast. Highlight The heated infinity swimming pool is surrounded by 13th-century columns. Cuisine Try the dried tuna bottarga grated over homemade pasta. Thing to do Take the hotel’s boat along the coast to Positano where Moorish-style houses are stacked on steep terraces. Room to book Suite 301 comes with a private terrace and rooftop pool. Insider tip Check out the frescoes on the boutique’s walls. Rooms 54. GM Franco Girasoli.

39-089-858-801, hotelcaruso.net

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia

Photo: John Sherlock

Location This convenient hotel is a 10-minute walk from both the new convention centre and the shops on Robson Street. Cuisine The two-storey Yew Restaurant + Bar is a theatre of different dining areas and food styles. Thing to do Impress contacts by hosting a breakfast meeting here; Yew’s buffet is one of the world’s best. Room to book Ask for a sea-view room, recently designed by Forchielli Glynn. Insider tip The blow-dry bar in the hotel lobby can fix your hair in 30 minutes. Rooms 327. GM Simon Pettigrew.

604-689-9333, fourseasons.com

Amankora Paro

Paro, Bhutan

Location The resort is in Balakaha village, near the town of Paro. Highlight Tackle the gruelling climb up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), a working monastery perched on a sheer 900-metre cliff face. Spa After the four-hour pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest nothing is better than a hot stone bath and a massage. Thing to do There are five Amankora lodges spread across Bhutan; they provide a personal itinerary, with transport and a highly educated driver and guide, so you can experience them all. Insider tip Evening events range from meditation and an introduction to Mahayana Buddhism to uncannily accurate horoscope readings. Rooms 24, with in-room oval tubs and fireplaces. GM Donald Wong.

975-2-331-333, amanresorts.com

Editors’ Choice
What made enRoute’s stay.

Rising for a sunrise swim in the hibiscus-flanked Olympic-size pool at Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
888-830-5974, halfmoon.com

Indulging in Spa Grande’s Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, inspired by the rhythmic hula dance, at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui.  
800-888-6100, grandwailea.com

Pampering ourselves like vintage movie stars in Hotel deLuxe Portland’s Marlene Dietrich Suite, complete with city views and a 2.5-metre circular bed.  
866-986-8085, hoteldeluxeportland.com

Taking part in a whisky tasting at the Viti Wine & Lager Store in Vancouver’s Moda Hotel and bringing the finest bottle back to our room.  
604-683-4251, modahotel.ca

Enjoying the breathtaking view of the Pitons, the volcanic landmarks of St. Lucia, from our table at Dasheene, the open-air restaurant at the luxe Ladera.
800-738-4752, ladera.com