Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/753864
WINTER 2016/2017 DREAMSCAPES 41 final home and resting place. Nature buffs and outdoor adventurers can engage in countless activities including descending Dunn's River Falls, riding a rainforest bobsled with Rain- forest Adventures at Mystic Mountain, birdwatching and river rafting. PALATIAL SPACES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC My first memory of Punta Cana was the impressive array of palm trees dotting the sandy expanse of Bávaro Beach. The Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino is nes- tled in luxuriant stands of these evergreens offering shade, privacy and romance. Beach- front living doesn't get any better than this. But the resort's owners continue to raise the bar on the "palace" concept with reno- vations and upgrades. For example, 12 ground-floor oceanview rooms have been converted into junior suites by turning their terraces into interior spaces and adding a new exterior terrace to each room. More than 40 suites have become loft suites with a new bathroom design, new decor and a second bathroom on the upper level. Refur- bishments at Zentropía Palladium Spa & Wellness centre have brought in state-of- the-art equipment that, combined with attentive staff and personal trainers, can help visitors stick with their programs or develop new ones. While the Grand Palladium Palace Resort has plenty to keep guests occupied throughout their stay, those who want to see more of the island can book any number of tours at the resort. One destination I revisit every chance I get is Altos de Chavón, a per- fectly recreated Mediterranean-style village in La Romana (about an hour's drive from Bávaro Beach). Complete with amphithe- atre, it also houses a cultural centre, archeological museum and chic little restaurants. Fabulous shops offer the wares of local artisans, while galleries exhibit the works of students from the on-site design school, an affiliate of New York's Parsons School of Design. NATURE AND NURTURE IN MEXICO'S RIVIERA MAYA Guests of the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa can live like aristocrats in a refreshingly modern take on Mexican archi- tectural style—with more amenities and fabulous food than ever. Inspired by the his- tory and environment of the fabled Riviera Maya, recently completed renovations to the resort's Mayan suites, one-bedroom suites and junior suites have injected new furniture and dramatic decor into an already luxurious mix. Gorgeous textiles and Designers Guild wallpaper evoking local mangroves con- tribute to the ambiance, while outdoor showers, terraces and thatched huts put guests right into the eco-zone. Nestled in a secluded area of the Akumal coastline between Tulum and Cancun, the Grand Palladium White Sand has seven freshwater pools and one saltwater pool. The grounds serve as a wildlife sanctuary for adorable "pets" such as sleepy iguanas, pink flamingoes and multicoloured parrots that perennially amuse guests. For more nature and wildlife—or history and shopping—the resort's tour operators can show visitors the popular spots. These include the aquatic theme park Xel-Há (about a 10-minute drive), the Tulum ruins (25 minutes) and the town of Playa del Carmen (20 minutes). Cultural events throughout the year include the Cancun- Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival, the Riviera Maya Film Festival and the Sacred Mayan Journey in canoes from Xcaret Park to Cozumel. And every spring and fall, Chichen Itza (a three-hour drive) serves up the renowned equinox events. Spain-based Palladium Hotel Group has 50 hotels in six countries from Europe and the Caribbean to Central and South America. Its all-inclusive signature luxury getaways emphasize privacy and comfort by way of inti- mate suites, world-class wellness and spa facilities, pristine beaches and tranquil infinity pools. Palladium Hotel Group is also licensed to operate Hard Rock Hotels in Spain. TRAVEL PLANNER Your local travel agent can provide details for that special trip to any of these spots. Bespoke destination weddings are offered by all Palladium resorts. More information about Palladium Hotel Group and some exclusive offers are available through palladiumhotelgroup.com. DS