What’s It Like: The Royal Palms Resort & Spa is a Spanish Mediterranean estate centered on a mansion built in 1929. Restored to its original grandeur it was named the #1 hotel in the US by Travel & Leisure’s 2003 Reader’s Poll for “The World’s Best Hotels Values” ($250 - $400 per night category). There are 117 casitas and guestrooms decorated in jewel-tones. The Alvadora Spa has fountains, fireplaces, a Watsu massage pool, and a seductive, spacious indoor/outdoor Acqua Dolce couples’ compound.