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Vip Tours | 1
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Fairplay
Golf Hotel & Spa
Andalusia, Spain |
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Society - Extraordinary
May - 2008 |
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6 Stars
& 5 Stripes
Overall - 'Hotel & Service' |
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The
Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and
Stripes® |
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| The month of May is known to be a perfect time for
traveling in Southern Europe and we were on the way to visit Spain. Our
destination, the Fairplay Golf Hotel & Spa in Benalup, Andalusia located
between the unique, white washed villages of Medina Sidonia and Vejer de la
Frontera. Benalup is a newer Mediterranean settlement, surrounded by a gentle
nature preserve. It is estimated that seventy-five percent of its population is
under the age of thirty. The pleasant two-hour ride along Andalusia's coast in
a Mercedes S400 was a bonus considering that we got to admire the charming
sights of the fascinating countryside and its friendly people. As we came into
sight of this famous white-washed resort, and we were finally able to absorb
the entire beauty of the Mediterranean scene, I sighed deeply. There was no
conventional check inn at this 'all-inclusive' resort, and golfers, who usually
pay high premiums for green fees, pay none; here all included. We were lead to
the Putting Green salon where we were welcomed with a flute of a fine pearling,
refreshing champagne and a few exquisite, selected hors d'euvres |
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| This resort features over
eighty luxurious accommodations, most are elegant suites, decorated in
different styles such as English Colonial, Sub-Sahara African, Andalusian,
Asian and Moroccan. In addition, this resort features one of the most
voluptuous private art collections of Europe and offers ten exclusive, private
villas with private swimming pools. Our spacious two bedroom suite,
'Andalusia', displayed carefully selected precious furnishings and original art
that celebrates the beauty of the land in new and old colors. Owner Bernard
Devos, a Belgian entrepreneur and passionate art collector, is proudly sharing
his priceless collection throughout his resort with his guests. We noted that
the floors of our suite were of comfortably cool, glazed earthy tiles –
enticing us to walk barefoot and slip into our customized, embroidered
bathrobes. Precious embroidered bed linens were dressing our lusciously
decorated, comfortable bed. |
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| Fairplay
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| While my wife unpacked and expressed her admiration
for bath and boudoir facilities and amenities, I opened my Mac Book PRO (there
is Wi-Fi throughout the entire resort) and tasted the refreshingly tart 'Cava',
a delicious specialty drink of the region. Then we both stepped out onto the
balcony and inhaled the views of the red brick tiled roofs of the village below
the resort, offsetting the sweeping views of the wide, green rice fields up
onto the distant picturesque mountains of Andalusia. A godly place it is that
Martin Schneck is managing and has been forming successfully for several years.
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We had appointments at the
Benalup Spa and Salon Center, spread over two levels the superbly designed spa
also grants the most breathtaking views of the lower Sierra Valleys. The upper
level includes a tranquil spa reception area that overlooks a large composed
indoor pool, which is connected to the adjoining medical centre. A one hundred
and twenty meter infinity outdoor pool, with its base in the hill and a
powerful manmade waterfall, is in the works for 2009. We tried a chocolate
treatment, which was detoxifying, stimulating and delicious; anti-aging
facials; a manicure; and a haircut for me. On the spa menu was a wide selection
of complementary and alternative health and beauty treatments, practiced in
facilities that are light filled and bathed in the colors of the land and the
close-by bay. |
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| Apropos 'bay', the next day we had what would turn out
to be one of the
finest
sailing excursions we ever experienced. A driver had picked us up at the
main entrance of our domicile and chauffeured us on a grandiosely blue sky
morning to a relatively small fishing harbor. Here
Capt
David F. Koster and a historic single-masted sailboat awaited us. Our
highly experienced captain has sailed all around the world. The harbor was
buzzing at the early morning hours with boats of all sizes, ages and styles,
bringing in their catch of the day. We admired loads of all kinds of morning
caught fish, including tunas easily exceeding five hundred lbs.
Capt
Koster and his fine crew welcomed us on board and quickly the experienced
crew set sails and within no time we were parting the open waters of the local
bay. The wind was decent, though rough at times; dolphins and whales are often
appearing boatside. At times were we even able to see the faraway European and
African coastlines, reminding us on how small the world actually is. A
deliciously prepared,
boxed
meal was served at lunchtime, emphasizing the harvest of the very waters we
sailed upon. One should not miss this unforgettable excursion if the
opportunity arises. |
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| 2008 Seven
Stars and Stripers® - Award-Hand-Out at the Fairplay Golf Hotel & Spa -
Spain |
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| As a major golf resort in an ever changing leisure
market, with a growing demand for spa facilities, GM Martin Schneck and owner
Bernard Devos, have given this iconic place now what it deserves, a solid spa
identity. Bernard Devos’ investment has to be very good for the local
economy and will bring new conference and leisure business to the area. A
program for the suites indicted by Seven Stars and Stripes was given particular
priority. The Fairplay Golf Resort and Spa is recognized with Six Stars and
Five Stripes. |
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| Interested? - Simply:
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by
Simone & Thorsten Buehrmann
Editor: Ingrid
Lemme
Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola |
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| © 2008 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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Vip Tours | 1
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