RECLINING comfortably on two plum-cushioned chaise lounges, we gazed across the brilliant blue surface of the Hotel Bel-Air Cap-Ferrat's "horizon pool" at the Mediterranean. The French expression tromp l'oeil (literally, deceive the eye) might have been coined for this cleverly constructed oasis Without a restraining wall, the water pours over the outer rim into a catch basin, then is recycled, illusion of flowing directly into the sea, the false horizon giving the pool its name. Glancing up f mesmerizing spectacle, we watched a sleek white cruise ship, Wind Star, gliding parallel to the shor
While at the other end or side of the room, a pair of book-cases, cabinets or a credence. These balance the fireplace, since they are placed against the wall and have a corresponding shelf, cornice or mantel line.About midway between Nice and Monte Carlo lies Cap Ferrat. On this narrow spit of land jutting into the Mediterranean, the magical blue light that inspired Henri Matisse and a host of other painters led to the naming of the area the Cote d'Azur (azure coast). The verdant pinewoods, steep gorges, and abundance of brilliantly colored, fragrant shrubs and flowers vie for attention with the gently rolling sea. It is little wonder that, upon viewing this splendid sight, King Leopold II of Belgium was moved to describe it as "paradise on Earth."Almost every island offers condo resort properties, but you'll find the widest range of accommodations in the most popular destinations for American tourists: Barbados, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Antigua, Aruba and St. Maarten. Three personal favorites are Colony Cove in St. Croix, Island Pine Villas in Grand Cayman, and Barrymore Beach Apartments in Antigua. Also remember that on less developed islands, rates will be cheaper, but don't necessarily expect a modern, American-style apartment.Used to the infuriatingly interminable delays in today's mega-airports, we were amazed and delighted to be able to retrieve our luggage, clear immigration, and pick up our rented Renault in less than half an hour after touching down at Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport. It was mid-morning, and the sun glinted off the whitestoned hotels lining the road to our left and the immaculately groomed beach to our right as we drove along the shore road that skirted Nice. Swaying palm trees shaded the parallel path for strollers, and the beach already was filling up with sun worshippers, unfurling straw mats and peeling down to the bikinis and monokinis that are almost a uniform on the Riviera.If there is a large array of furniture in the living-room, keep the carpet, and furniture upholstery all to one tone.At the outskirts of the city, we began to climb as the road became a gently curving cliff drive. In short order, we passed through Villefranche-sur-Mer, turned off for Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and, once we figured out that the town and the cape were separate entities, searched for and found the tiny sign that directed us back down to the narrow shore road leading to the hotel.Realizing its potential, the Compagnie Hoteliere de Centres de Tourisme Automobile selected the tip of the cape in 1908 to erect a hotel in which dukes and princesses, as well as financial barons, could pass the winter in an ambience that reflected their wealth. As years and wars came and went, so did the mindset that considered the French Riviera suitable only as a winter resort. Water sports, golf, tennis, and suntans drew the "beautiful people" throughout the calendar, and a new era was born.One of the biggest advantages--and savings--to renting a condo or apartment is being able to prepare your meals. "I don't travel anywhere with children without a kitchen," says Leslie Johnson, a Stamford, Conn., finance executive and mother of two. When she and husband Daryl decided to take the family on a Caribbean vacation, they opted for a rented two-bedroom, two-bath timeshare at the Costa Linda Resort in Aruba. (Timeshare owners frequently rent out their properties, and it's a good way for others to try out the concept without making a commitment to buy.) "It was very relaxing," recalls Johnson "and we definitely saved money." Johnson says her children were also able to play their favorite videos on the VCR after a busy day at the beach.With so many executives striving to create familial goodwill in their organizations, motivating employees through incentive travel is on the rise. Generally offered by companies as a reward to salespeople who achieve beyond year-end goals, incentive travel is not about taking trips; it's about creating one-of-a-kind experiences, complete with exotic destinations and luxurious hotels.Can one imagine a more livable living-room than one with a large, soft sofa in front of a fireplace, behind it a long table filled with books, while holding a lamp at either end. Or else, at the end of the sofa, a small table for the reading lamp and on either side a pair of comfortable chairs?Our luggage swiftly was unloaded, keys were collected so the car could be spirited off to be parked, and registration took but moments. Then, after a ride up in a turn-of-the-century glass-and-metal-grilled elevator and short walk down the corridor, we were led into a perfect French country sitting room. Pink, green, and cream accents were everywhere, from the wallpaper and drapery to the padded headboard and spread on the king-sized bed, echoing the stripes of the sofa and armchairs, as well as the fresh flowers in vases throughout the room.Yet that's not enough. To be truly successful, an incentive experience must include activities, such as beach Olympics, scavenger hunts, parties in special venues and private yacht charters, that are not always accessible to the individual traveler. For instance, Tate, went with his group on a private catamaran journey to a secluded snorkeling spot, and then on to St. Kitts for some gambling.By the time you are ready to choose the furniture for the living room, the walls and floor coverings should be in place so that the choice of furniture will be merely the selection of the best out of several possibilities. Of course, the quality, shape and color of furniture varies, and the quantity will as well.An armoire opened to remind us we still were in the last decade of the 20th century. Revealed were a television set that, if we wanted the intrusion, could pull in CNN and French, Italian, German, and British programming, reflecting the new age of the European Community. A well-stocked mini-bar and refrigerator and a safe that allowed us to set our own combination added to the amenities.
At the end of the gardens, a parapet overlooks the sea and, below, Le Club Dauphin, the pool club built into the hillside. Access is via a succession of pathways wending their way down the steep hill or, for the less energetic, an electric-powered funicular (tram) that delivers one from garden to the club complex. By mutual agreement, we made it a point to walk down each day, but take advantage of the easy way up.
Author: Sheila Rothenberg, Robert S. Rothenberg
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