Our favorite getaways

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Oct-Nov, 2004

RAFFLES L'ERMITAGE

HOTEL

9291 Burton Way

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Reservations: 1.800.800.2113

E-mail: info@lermitagehotel.com

If you've ever dreamed of sneaking away for a romantic and chic getaway amongst Hollywood star, this is the place for you. The only contemporary five stars hotel in the Beverly Hills area, L'Ermitage is so private and exclusive that it has become a favorite of celebrities worldwide, and for a good reason.

The hotel offers top-of-the-line services such as in-room private bar with unlimited, free non-alcoholic beverages, five multi-line telephones per room, and a ray classy detail, among others, personalized stationery for each guest prepared prior to the guest's arrival, It has a roof-top pool with a sensational view of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Hills that will knock you off your feet at night. Feeling stressed out and tired? No problem. Just walk over to the hotel's Amrita Spa and get a nice, relaxing massage. Pampering like this is hard to find just anywhere. The hotel also has complimentary valet parking for its guests.

Their most exciting feature, however, is their check-in/check-out policy. Unlike most other hotels, L'Ermitage has a 24 hour, flexible policy that allows guests to check out 24 hours after their arrival time. No more set times to depart. L'Ermitage will allow you to enjoy your stay to the fullest. The hotel also boasts an exclusive French cuisine restaurant, as well as various cocktail lounges and snack bars. Is it time to sneak away yet?

There is also a bar and lounge that offers a full menu of specialty drinks.

Rates start at $418/pp per night, $3,800/pp per night for the Presidential Suite

THOMSON SAFARIS TRAVEL

TRAVEL

14 Mount Auburn Street

Watertown, MA 02472

1.800.235.0289

Email: info@thomsonsafaris.com

Picture yourself in the midst of the African Serengeti, the wind hitting you as you take photos of real, wild lions just a few feet away and you suddenly realize the overwhelming power of nature. This is the kind of experience that you're sure to have with Thomson Safaris. A small company that offers both scheduled and custom safaris in east Africa, Thomson has built a reputation by offering unique and exciting trips to Tanzania and the amazing African Serengeti. Destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, and Tarangire National Park.

The Safaris take you straight to the hem of east Africa, a land still largely unspoiled by the progress of civilization. The wildlife is surprisingly accessible and varied, and visitors get the unique experience of becoming one with nature through their close interaction with the wild kingdom.

Thomson Safaris offers various all-inclusive packages that include lodging, meals, and motorized visits to the sites. Also, the company does not limit the amount of mileage covered per day in their excursions. This allows for a more relaxing, more wholesome experience where you are free to enjoy the views and commune with your surroundings without time limits. Think you're up to the challenge?

Their 13 days Exclusive Safari packages start at $5,790, air fare included.

EL GAUCHO RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

319 S.W. Broadway

Portland, OR 97205

503.227.8794

www.elgaucho.com

Have you ever dined at a classic Argentine churrascaria? If you have, you'll definitely feel at home at El Gaucho Restaurant. Fine grilled meats served in a classical Argentine style are the essence of this restaurant, located next to the historic Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon.

El Gaucho has been highly acclaimed by experts of the culinary world, and it offers a dining experience that is as exclusive and luxurious as it is delectable. The menu centers around (you guessed it) beef, but their soups, salads and their dessert specialty, Bananas Foster, prepared right at your table, are just as good to rave about.

But what makes El Gaucho one of our favorite spots is its design and layout. There are three man dining rooms that can be reserved for private dining. Aside from giving you the feeling of exclusivity, these dining rooms offer you the ability to enjoy your meal in a secluded, intimate environment, unlike other high-end eateries. The restaurant also has an impressive wine cellar and a trendy cigar bar where guests can enjoy an after-dinner smoke as well.

The service is simply outstanding, and you can count on getting the royal treatment when you visit. If you decide to give them a shot, try their chateaubriand and their Caesar salad. Both are hearty and truly delicious, and they have also amassed a reputation of legendary proportions.

Prices start at $13.00 for lunch and $32.00 for dinner