Press Releases

Romance à la Mode Service at Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Director of Romance Customizes Over-the-Moon Occasions in Resort’s Private Dinning Experience: Via Cappellos

PHOENIX -- (2012) – Royal Palms Resort and Spa exudes romance at every turn with its regal Spanish Colonial architecture, luxurious estate-like interiors, beautifully sculpted gardens, multitude of indoor and outdoor mesquite fireplaces, and popular romance package and program offerings.

But it's the customized "romance à la mode" experiences orchestrated by Director of Romance, Robert Vickrey that set the resort apart. Vickrey uses the many Via Cappellos, wonderfully intimate, private areas tucked away throughout the grounds, as his palette for romantic designs.

Named for Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, on Via Cappello in Verona, Italy, these "lovers' corners" at Royal Palms provide magical settings for imaginative and one-of-a-kind evenings. "We customize every detail, from special flowers or rose petals, live music (everything from a string trio to a harp or Spanish guitar), and a menu of personal culinary favorites, all in our wonderful Via Cappello settings such as the outdoor Bella Vista, the Bell Tower, Garden of Love, Alegria Garden, Amante Garden and Valencia Garden plus a host of private patios and tucked-away venues."

Vickrey says that most people ask for his help because they want to do something special and need a little extra help. He approaches each request with the attitude of “what can we do that’s truly unique and make this a WOW experience?” He takes control of every detail so that his guests can completely relax and enjoy each moment.

He has enhanced special memories with violinists, flamenco guitarists, poem readers, rose petals (lots of rose petals), diamond-laced desserts, white doves and fireworks. He also handles the small, intimate (and often last-minute) details –  rose petals or flowers for the table, exquisitely wrapped gifts, fine wine – with panache.

"We celebrate romance every day of the year at Royal Palms," says Vickrey. "The tougher the times, the more important romance becomes in our everyday lives - it never goes out of style."

Pearls of wisdom

Vickrey shares these thoughts about why his romantic events create such a dramatic impact: 

• First and foremost is the element of surprise. It says volumes about how much effort, thought and care went into making a memorable evening.
• Second, because I’ve staged so many different experiences, I don’t miss any of the details that are going to make him or her feel adored.
• Third, to women, don’t be afraid to take the lead in surprising him – men love to feel adored too.
• Finally, romance should be fun. Relationships are serious, yes, but romance should be more whimsical, spontaneous -- and when you let us worry about the details, it is.

About Robert Vickrey

Vickrey joined Royal Palms as Maitre D’ in the award-wining and ultra-romantic T. Cook’s restaurant in August 2007. His special talents when interacting with guests and anticipating their requests and needs were immediately apparent and qualified him to step into the role of Director of Romance. 

"Coming from Las Vegas, my career has been filled with opportunities of catering to the unique needs of high rollers which, in turn, I've been able to translate into 'creative anticipation' when serving the clientele at T. Cook's and Royal Palms," explains Vickrey.  “And because Vegas is the marriage capital of the world, I’m no stranger to the romance side of guest experiences."

Vickrey says that he gets his keen skills naturally. His father managed casinos in Las Vegas during the days of the Rat Pack, so he grew up learning how to treat people with a high level of respect and a desire to go beyond the obvious and create magic for them. To hone his skills further, he received a masters degree in communications from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and currently teaches interpersonal communication and public speaking as an adjunct instructor at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

The story . . .  a legacy of love

In 1925 successful New York financier, Delos Cooke, announced his retirement in order to devote himself to the care and welfare of his beloved wife Florence. “She has first claim on me,” he said lovingly. And so began their dream, the winter retreat they called El Vernadero and today is called Royal Palms. Much of the romantic aura found today at Royal Palms comes from the original detail work the Cookes incorporated into their home and, of course, their love for each other.

Florence and Delos had only two years to enjoy their romantic estate until Delos passed away in 1931. Heartbroken, Florence continued living at El Vernadero for six more years before selling. Although the ending to this love story is bittersweet, Royal Palms today continues to honor their legacy by creating treasured memories for the many couples who seek romantic retreats there.

Director of Romance, Robert Vickrey, may be reached at 602-977-6459.

To book a Romantication™, call 877-827-9157 or visit myromantication.com

About Royal Palms Resort and Spa:

A member of Historic Hotels of America, Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a AAA Four Diamond resort located at the foot of majestic Camelback Mountain. Combining the graciousness and sophistication of a Mediterranean villa with the intimacy and privacy of a secluded retreat, Royal Palms offers: 119 custom-appointed guest rooms, intimate clusters of casitas and villas; regal Spanish Colonial architecture; over 20,000 square feet of estate-like meeting space; Tuscan-style gardens; exquisite tapestries, antiques and stone fireplaces throughout. Designed around the original historic private mansion, Royal Palms is home to the award-winning T. Cook's restaurant, Forbes Four Star Alvadora Spa, a Mother-of-Pearl-tiled swimming pool with private cabanas, and croquet lawn. Just minutes from Scottsdale’s shopping, galleries, golf, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the Camelback financial corridor, Royal Palms is an ideal retreat for business, pleasure and special occasions, offering luxury, privacy and convenience.

About Destination Hotels & Resorts

Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held hospitality management company headquartered in Colorado. With more than 35 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the third largest hospitality management company in the country. The company’s portfolio features more than 9,100 guest rooms, 16 golf courses and 16 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Portland, Palm Springs, Palos Verdes, Maui and Lake Tahoe. The company is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises. 

For a complete list of properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.