La Samanna

La Samanna Review

A long stretch of pretty, white-sand beach borders this classic resort. The service is warm and professional, and a complete overhaul in 2012 brought it back to the top, thanks to the seasoned, savvy management, and a top design team. Seven new suites are smartly designed with modern upgrades and private plunge pools on the roof; five three- and four-bedroom villas with drop-dead views, impeccable decor, and a full private staff will please even the pickiest mogul. Rooms and suites are freshly decorated in a chic, white-on-white scheme and fitted with comfortable couches, espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. There are beachfront cabanas, and a ton of activities including one-on-one Pilates instruction and yoga in the workout facility. The serene Elysées Spa is surrounded by a lush private garden and waterfall, and the treatment rooms include a private outdoor area with a shower. The hotel's 15,000-bottle wine cellar is in a class by itself, and private dinners in the cellar can be easily arranged and tailored to guest interests. This is a full-service resort with loads of activities at the waterfront, great tennis, two freshwater pools, and two restaurants, one on the beach one in the main house. For cocktails, hit the Terrace grill for tapas skewers and crazy mixed drinks.