Ricci DeMartino » Life

A Spiritual Oasis -Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai Thailand

ricci — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:26:57 +0000

As part of an exciting trip to Bangkok for some shopping, sightseeing and of course, a visit to my favorite tailor, A-Prime, I decided I needed some spiritual rejuvenation. I was led to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi resort in one of the largest and most culturally significant cities in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. From the moment my driver pulled up to its amazing architectural gates I knew I was in heaven. The reception areas is located on one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen and the staff was quick to escort me via buggy to my private two story villa. The villas are built almost entirely of teak and the smell of wood and fresh flowers filled the air. It was late at night and raining and I was in need of a massage so before I could even unpack, I was whisked away to the spa with its private massage villas. I’ll never forget how relaxed I felt in that sandalwood-scented room with the rain beating on the tiered roof. The next morning the breakfast buffet overwhelmed me with its exotic flavors and familiar favorites. A quick dip in my private full-size pool (no plunge pools here!) afterward, and I was ready to explore the Dhari Dhevi’s other amenities such as private yoga classes and a well-equipped and quiet library. Although the resort was almost full, I felt alone the entire time. Ahh, just what I needed!

The Ultimate Escape – St. Regis, Bali

ricci — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:03:24 +0000

When the toughest decision you need to make is whether to soak in your private plunge pool or dive into the over 12,000 square foot turquoise lagoon pool right outside your villa, you know you’re vacationing at a once-in-a-lifetime resort. That was the case for me last summer when I spent almost two weeks at the St. Regis resort in Bali. I was only supposed to be there for a few days, but after being spoiled with lobster omelettes and freshly made dumplings for breakfast every day, soothing massages in the zen -like spa, and relaxing in the exquisitely decorated villa, I had to extend my stay until work forced me to return home. Once you cross the private bridge onto the St. Regis property, you enter a different world, and what a world it is! The staff caters to your every need and is happy to surprise you with your favorite sushi roll or a complimentary glass of the house specialty cocktail just when you need it. The rooms are decorated with typical Balinese limestone and dark woods with custom glass lamps and lighting fixtures that blend well with the local accessories. Eating dinner al fresco in the resort’s formal restaurant was a treat I will never forget, and the pastry chef made sure we ended our meal with a bang as he crafted desserts that were as ornate as they were delicious.

— Ricci DeMartino

A Room with a view – Ca’ Nigra Lagoon Resort, Venice Italy

ricci — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 05:10:14 +0000

The Ca’Nigra Lagoon Resort is a stylish boutique hotel in an old palazzo complete with Venetian chandeliers, terrazzo floors and fantastic lead glass windows that overlook beautiful private gardens and the Grand Canal. You’ll be able to cozy up to your sweetie in a room that captures the spirit and romance of Venice with all the modern conveniences you need. Everything about the hotel is reminiscent of the Katherine Hepburn film SUMMERTIME, so come on cookie, grab your scarf, your gondola is waiting for you. -Ricci DeMartino

Sexy Thai Treat – Trisara, Phuket Thailand

ricci — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 05:02:27 +0000

When you want to spoil your loved one with a one-of-a-kind vacation in a beautiful villa on a secluded beach surrounded by attentive staff and delicious food, head straight to Trisara in Phuket. In no time at all, you’ll forget the 14-plus hour flight from LAX you just endured to get there. Trisara is one of the most beautiful resorts you’ll ever experience and is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway because you never want to leave your room. Maybe because your room is actually a self contained villa built on stilts with your very own, private infinity pool jetting out over the Indian Ocean. In this setting, I dare you not to skinny dip at last once during your stay. No need to worry about neighbors because the freestanding villas are far away from each other and the mature landscaping ensures your privacy. When you had enough sunbathing, head to the luxurious spa for a couples massage or hibernate in your villa and order delicious Thai masterpieces from room service. For special pampering, order the private barbecue and the resort will send a personal chef, waiter, and crew to grill and serve dinner on your pool deck under the stars. There’s always lots of home made chocolate truffles in your villa to kickstart any romantic vacation, but be sure to place the stone “privacy angel” provided by the resort outside your door to let others know you’re not to be disturbed…

-Ricci DeMartino

Love Is In The Air – St. Regis, Bora Bora

ricci — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:47:17 +0000

I’ll admit it was the promise of full size Acqua di Parma bath products that drew me to the St. Regis Bora Bora, but it was the glass bottom overwater bungalows and beautiful scenery that made me return. The St. Regis does luxury and romance better than anyone. It all starts when they pick you up at the Bora Bora airport and whisk you to the property in a private speedboat. Your luggage travels in its own boat and somehow arrives in your villa before you do. The overwater bungalows are the largest in French Polynesia and perhaps the most beautiful. At night the Milky Way sits low and directly above the resort that you think you can reach out and actually grab a handful of stars. While you’re at it, reach out and grab your Valentine for there’s no more romantic spot in the world to celebrate love than in this luxe tropical resort. Just ask Eva Longoria and Tony Parker who vacationed there while Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban honeymooned a few villas away.
-Ricci DeMartino