Other than champagne, chocolate, and strawberries, one doesn’t normally associate eating with relaxing in the bathroom. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and Luxe Lavs contributors Angela Fairhurst and Natalie Compagno discovered some hotels with bathrooms so expansive and menus so deliciously enticing, you might have to think again.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles, CA
The newest resort in Paso Robles, the Allegretto Vineyard Resort was founded by proprietor Douglas Ayres, who decorated the grounds with his personal sculpture collection. The resort’s Italian-inspired themes are noticed everywhere, including the well-designed Roman baths and restaurant Cello, which highlights Chef Olson’s international flair. Allegretto offers 171 guestrooms and suites, private terraces, a courtyard surrounded by olive trees, and guest bathrooms fit for a feast.
The towels are made of the highest quality bamboo, and the robes are soft microfiber for comfort and water wicking. The large bathrooms feature black marble counter tops with white and grey swirled marble showers and deep soak tubs. Two small but notable touches are the black hand towels for makeup removal and the bath soaps made from the estate’s own olive groves. There’s no need to leave the bath when you get hungry-every item on the menu can be delivered to your hotel room. A partner to answer the door might come in handy, though.
Suggested menu: Begin with the Burrata Martini, sample the Scallop Salad with ginger and mango, and finish with the Dungeness Crab Spaghetti.
Sandals La Source, Grenada
In the heart of Grenada’s exclusive Pink Gin Beach is the newest Sandals resort, Sandals La Source Grenada. Water is literally everywhere at this exotic island resort-we discovered more swimming pools, private plunge pools, infinity pools, meandering river pools, koi ponds, waterfalls, and bathing accommodations than any resort we’ve ever seen.
The Italian Village Sky pool Butler Suites are well designed, and come with 24-hour butler service. While there is a specific room service menu, the butlers can serve you any dish from all of the ten restaurants. No matter what you’re craving-fine dining, brick oven pizza, ptisserie, or Teppanyaki, it can be served tub-side. The hardest part is figuring out where to eat while soaking. The stylish living area leads to an expansive balcony with a soaking tub ideal for relaxing, all while absorbing the surrounding tropical splendor. The bathroom has a Kohler clawfoot tub with a separate frosted-glass shower, and off the king-sized bedroom is a private cantilevered, solar-heated infinity edge plunge pool.
Suggested menu: Escargots Bourguignon from Le Jardinier, daily fresh catch from Neptune’s followed by Chocolate Sin Pie from Butch’s (it also includes pecans, which makes it perfect for Thanksgiving).
The Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, Cartegena, Colombia
In the heart of Cartagena’s old city sits The Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, opened after an extensive two-year restoration and renovation by fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi in her first namesake hotel. With 360-degree views of both the historic city and the sea, this 250-year-old Colonial mansion was brought back to life with 7 unique rooms and suites, all designed by Silvia Tcherassi.
Overlooking the city and a lush vertical garden with over 3,000 plants, the spacious rooms feature original and restored stone walls, with dramatic 30-foot ceilings and private balconies that create a chic Caribbean environment. The bathrooms are open and exposed to the room. A crystal-ringed chandelier hangs above the large soaking tub with an enormous rain shower nearby. The brick backdrop of the tubs is similar to the original brick of the mansion. Room service comes from the hotel’s 40-seat restaurant called VERA, which features coastal Italian fare.
Suggested menu: Risotto Pescatore and Pollo al Peppe with fresh veggies and a fine glass of wine.
Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives
Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives brings fluidity and choice to its luxury living space design. Each villa has a vast, open interior with warm wood floors, natural accented furniture, and sliding wood and glass doors that bring the Indian Ocean closer to guests. The suites have direct access to white sandy beaches with the choice of viewing the sunset or sunrise. We’re obsessed with the massive open air bathroom replete with a semi-open rain shower and separate outdoor marble bathtub in the fully landscaped garden, a lounging swing, roomy dressing area, and walk-in wardrobe. What better dining environment is there? Traditional Maldivian locally-sourced cuisine is available in-room for exotic tastes. Freshly caught whole reef fish can be savored in the restaurant or in the privacy of the villas while lounging in the hammock or while soaking in the marble bathtub.
