WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2013

ligrino adorned the table, and in the kitchen, atop the polished marble,
a welcome card commemorated our arrival.
Through the hallway we discovered our sumptuous sleeping quarters
and a marble bathroom equipped with walk-in shower, deep European
soaking tub, dual vanities and enough room to dance the waltz. Fluffy
robes and plush slippers waited for us in the oversized closet. The bedroom
itself was a splendid lair of soft settees, a masculine office nook
and yet another picture-perfect balcony. The king sized bed was dressed
in crisp cotton sheets by the legendary Italian linen maker, Frette. We
plopped on the pillow-topped mattress, sampled the custom bath amenities
and threw open the balcony doors to invite the sage-scented
breeze inside.
After our romp around the room we departed for Amaya, the resort’ s relaxed
and elegant dining venue. Seated on a patio ensconced by serpentine
staircases, shaded by an elaborate canopy and overlooking the grassy
Aria Pavilion, we sipped stems of vino from the resort’s 3,500-bottle cellar.
We savored smoky almond-crusted scallops with sweet-tart grapefruit
confit, snacked on plump Catalan-style shrimp in fragrant lime and
chili broth, then continued with tarragon-laced pappardelle intertwined
with crab and lobster, and a tender duo of petit filet paired with slowbraised
short rib.
The following morning we enjoyed breakfast in bed. Content to spend
the day lolling about in his robe, the birthday boy kissed me goodbye
and sent me off to the resort’s Renaissance-inspired spa. Embraced by
delicate music, jasmine-scented air and soft pastel décor, I gave into
my peaceful surroundings. I sprawled on indoor daybeds, lounged on
garden chaises and indulged in chocolate truffles melted with mouthfuls
of hot herbal teas. I skimmed glamorous magazines, admired the
spa’s collection of framed Hermes scarves, and when it was time for my
90-minute Stony Silence ritual, I nearly floated to the treatment room.
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The session began with careful placement of smooth stones heated to
sinew soothing temperatures. The rounded curves eased into my pressure
points, relieving tension as the heat soaked in. When I was utterly
relaxed, my therapist used heated stones to massage my muscles in long
sweeping strokes until aches were but a memory. Afterwards, I dallied
at the spa then plunged into the adults-only pool. Gentle music from
the underwater stereo system provided the soundtrack as I swam a lap
of luxury.