We first encountered the Four Seasons Spa while looking for a late lunch spot. The following afternoon we found ourselves heading back, one hour each way, for spa treatments. It was worth the drive. The Four Seasons spa facilities were impressive; especially considering that the hotel is on a small out island in The Bahamas. Although outside the sign for the spa was so discreet we missed it, the interior of the large building was cheerful and bright.
We loved Exuma. The islands and their people reminded us of the way The Bahamas and the Bahamians were when we first visited the island nation 20 years ago. Exuma or Great Exuma, as the locals call it, is the central island in a chain of 100 cays. It is connected by a bridge to Little Exuma, the eastern most island in the Exumas.
This convertible pocket crazy and technology friendly jacket performed well on the road, especially in cool weather. It had the advantage of versatility, making the wearer look well dressed or more casual depending on the occasion. It had discreetly placed pocket space for lots of stuff like small books, wallet, notepads, cell phones, MP3 players (including designated space for the wires), keys, pens, and much more. Somebody put a lot of thought into designing the jacket and its 33 inner and outer compartments in varying sizes and it shows. It was well constructed inside and out with pockets in the front and an oversize zippered pocket in the back where you could place the sleeves if you took them off during an outing.
Our stay in the aptly named Sugar Beach Villa was wonderful. Although living in South Florida with access to world famous beaches has made us pickier than most about beaches we thoroughly enjoyed the Villa’s swimming pool like beach. In addition to an exceptional white sand and turquoise water beach, the new looking property had many advantages that made it stand out.
I arrived with hand luggage in tow directly from the airport at the famous Parisian restaurant looking forward to lunch. The sole guest at my table and a woman I half expected to be treated with disdain, a not unfamiliar experience at other temples of French cuisine. To make matters worse I had requested the special online menu. My table near the entrance had an excellent view of the dining room but I feared the staff would forget me. To my delight, they regaled me with abundant attention and extraordinary service.
This small family owned luxury lodge in the heart of South Africa’s prime game viewing private reserve set a standard of excellence other properties should strive for. At Rattray’s the total was greater than the sum of the parts. In addition to elegant, comfortable, new and spacious suites, top notch facilities, remarkable Big Five game viewing and excellent service Rattray’s also offered modern conveniences. Service was personalized and attentive, head and shoulders above the norm.
