AM/PM NEWS #4: Inspired by Travel News and Culture Trends

June 30th, 2021

Discovery Channel’s ‘Shark Week’ will turn 33 next month and if 45 hours of programming is sufficient to entice you for an enthralling trip, opt for Belmond’s brand-new offer in Cape Town with a shark scientist. As many Americans are dusting off their passports, we have compiled a list of summer destinations from the Caribbean and Mexico to Europe before work-from-hotel is no longer an option. And for when you are ready to travel with the extended family, we have the choice in Marrakech, ready to meet all expectations by all ages. More than ever, nostalgia is a significant element in entertainment (shout-out to fellow fans of Cobra Kai, The Mighty Ducks and Gilmore Girls) and there are some similarities in travel, especially on the heels of the past year. One of our beloved travel icons, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, is back on track and with more itinerary options than before. Maybe it is this heatwave in New York City, but we are already thinking about ski trips and as Switzerland welcomes Americans, Zermatt stands out with its 300-day bluebird conditions. 

Marine biologist for the day:

Mount Nelson, a Belmond hotel in Cape Town, now offers an exclusive, private experience with shark scientist Justin Blake. Conservation-minded adults and kids as young as eight years old can partake in the ocean boating and snorkeling expedition to explore the Cape kelp forests, featured in Oscar-winner ‘My Octopus Teacher’ and recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Lucky adventurers might spot an octopus and even hear a tagged shark. Maximum capacity is six guests at $265 per person; double-occupancy at $700 per person.

Last hurrah for remote work:

As offices are reopening, the next two months might just be the last chance for fully-remote office hours. Even though we have invested in our standing desks, striking plants and library-inspired bookshelves in our apartments/houses, it is hard to beat an ‘office’ inside a luxury hotel. Some of our favorite options include: Cap Juluca on the pristine Maundays Bay of Anguilla; Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica where hot spring-fed pools are dotted amidst the lush rainforest; La Reserve Paris overlooking the sparkling cityscape; Splendido Mare surrounded by the refreshing scents of Portofino’s orange blossoms; Dromoland Castle in Ireland with a walled garden by the very designer behind the gardens of Versailles; Paradero Todos Santos situated within the Le Mesa farming community; and Ian Fleming’s original five-bedroom home in JamaicaWe can share the latest and greatest on travel regulations to these destinations.

This three-story riad will not disappoint in-laws:

Thinking about an extended family holiday? Opt for the four-bedroom Grand Riad at Royal Mansour in Marrakech. The nearly 20,000-square-foot residence features a private library, two swimming pools with built-in water current, cinema, hammam, gym, multiple dining and living rooms, and a glass-enclosed split-level terrace with a retractable roof. With a private entrance, the Grand Riad feels more like a private home than a hotel. No detail is overlooked thanks to a dedicated staff, including a chef, watchman, housekeepers, and butlers.

Nostalgic about train travel?

Evoking the Golden Age of glamour, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express by Belmond expands its immersive, slow travel experiences across Europe with five new boarding points in Rome, Florence, Geneva, Brussels and Amsterdam. Aboard the train’s restored Art Deco carriages, guests will be whisked along one-night journeys from Florence and Rome, passing the Italian lakes and snowy Swiss mountains, before arriving in Paris. Wind through the Brenner Pass as the train crosses from Geneva to Venice or take off on a grand tour of three European Capital cities – Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam – during a Venice to Amsterdam itinerary.

Zermatt by the numbers for skiers:

Switzerland is the birthplace of ski tourism and home to Europe’s largest glaciers. Skiing is available 365 days a year in Zermatt and the destination has over 300 days of sunshine. There are more than 220 miles of ski runs for all levels and the area around the Matterhorn has pistes up to 12,700+ feet above sea level – the tallest in Europe. With 54 ski lifts, Zermatt will unveil a new one this year that will complete an ‘Alpine crossing’ by connecting the Klein Matterhorn to Testa Grigia in Italy’s Aosta Valley for the first time. Designed in an Alpine-chalet style, Schweizerhof is situated on the main thoroughfare of Bahnhofstrasse at the base of the Matterhorn. Oak walls and marble bathrooms create a cozy yet contemporary environment while fun touches like wooden hiking sticks, cow bells, and comforters emblazoned with the Matterhorn lend a sense of place. The Kid’s Club has everything a child could dream of: Arcade games? Check. Climbing wall? Check. Movie nights? Check. Sports gear is available to rent and an in-house ski expert can assist first-timers.

France Three Ways: Land, River and Sea

June 24th, 2021

As of June 18, France moved the United States to its “green list” of countries, which is open to unvaccinated travelers as long as they submit a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test that was taken within 72 prior to boarding. Previously, the U.S. was on France’s “orange list” of countries, and only vaccinated leisure travelers could enter from the U.S. carrying with them a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test. According to luxury travel agency network VirtuosoFrance is the #3 international destination being booked by Americans this summer. The border opening comes just in time for big news in the country.

BY LAND

As the saying goes, Paris is always a good idea, but the City of Light seems to be having an extra special moment right now. Recent openings include the iconic, LVMH-owned department store La Samaritaine which emerged from a 16-year closure this month and the highly anticipated Bourse de Commerce, the Tadao Ando-designed museum housing the Pinault collection. Dedicated to the history of Paris, Musée Carnavalet, the city’s oldest museum, reopened last month after being closed for four years. In other art news, the Musée Jacquemart-André will debut a Botticelli exhibition (September 10 –  January 24, 2022) – just off the heels of the record-setting auction at Sotheby’s. La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is a pick for those looking for discreet luxury. The 40-room property is located in a c. 1854 Haussmann-style mansion that was once owned by the Duc de Morny, step-brother of Emperor Napoleon III. Thanks to an exclusive new service, guests will receive the La Réserve treatment from the minute they step outside their doors. The service will include a private car transfer from their home to the airport and a VIP meet-and-greet and fast track to their plane.

A pick for groups and families, the La Réserve Paris Apartments overlook the Trocadero in the 16th arrondissement – meaning unbeatable views of the Eiffel Towel. The top floor apartments can be connected to create a nearly 4,000-square-foot pied-à-terre. The building has its own private street entrance and guests buying out the top floor would receive a key for private elevator access. The flats have a large kitchen and the pantry and wine cellar come fully stocked. Large balconies can accommodate intimate dinner parties prepared by a private chef. Furniture can be rearranged to guests’ liking and even a home gym and cinema can be set up.

Nestled within a Mediterranean jardin overlooking the Cote d’Azur is the cliffside retreat, La Réserve Ramatuelle. The Palace hotel reopened on May 12, 2021, lifting the veil on a refreshed lobby, two Michelin-starred restaurant, and terrace helmed by none other than Jacques Garcia. Garcia is no stranger to the brand having designed La Réserve Geneva, La Réserve Paris and La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel, the Bordeaux home of founder Michel Reybier. He took inspiration from the 1950s and 1960s when Cocteau, Picasso and Picault brought their creativity to the French Riviera. A special touch is the sculpted lights designed by Julien Capron, grandson of the famous Vallauris ceramic artist Roger Capron. Julien also designed the handmade jars and artwork in the library comprised of blue and green ceramic tiles.

Guests shouldn’t miss La Réserve à la Plage, the hotel’s beach club which opened in 2019 on the famous Pampelonne Beach. Designed by Philippe Starck, the open-air setting and wood and rattan décor create a bohemian atmosphere that perfectly fits the coastal Mediterranean locale. Guests of La Réserve Ramatuelle have the advantage of a complimentary shuttle from the resort to the beach (a less than 10-minute ride) and have priority when booking the restaurant and beach chairs.

Located in the heart of a 200-acre vineyard in Bordeaux, La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel is the private residence of hotelier Michel Reybier. The Cos d’Estournel vineyard is one of just 14 Chateaux ranked as Second Growth in 1855. Available exclusively for buyouts, the Jacques Garcia-designed house is decorated in a mix of European antiques and Asian tapestries has six bedrooms and two suites; a library; dining room; hammam; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; and a wine cellar, of course.

The 14-room La Maison d’Estournel in the Médoc region has no shortage of outdoor activities; an ocean, rivers and vineyards can all be found nearby, after all. Experiences include fishing on the Gironde River, a private visit the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation, and biking along the Bay of Arachon followed by lunch in an oyster farmer’s hut. Adults can’t have all the fun and kids get in on the action too, with farming classes complete with friendly donkeys, sheep and chickens; street art workshops led by a local painter; and surfing lessons on the coast with a professional.

BY RIVER

Collectively known as Belmond Afloat in France, Belmond’s fleet of seven luxury barges are available for private charters accommodating anywhere from four to 12 passengers. More akin to floating villas, the barges feature a dining room, lounge and sundeck as well as private floating pools. Each barge also comes equipped with bicycles for rides into the local villages or to peddle alongside the barge as it floats down the canal. The week-long itineraries are all-inclusive and completely customizable to meet the individual needs of each guest. Belmond is launching two new itineraries this August including a vintage champagne tour with accommodations on Belmond Pivoine. Families and friends will enjoy the best of vintage champagnes with exclusive access to the region’s leading vineyards, Maisons Ruinart, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, and Krug. For an in-depth look at the annual grape harvest, opt for the week-long journey on Belmond Amaryllis filled with Grand Cru wine tastings; a masterclass on the ancient art of cooperage, where the group will try their hand at creating a wooden barrel by hand; and participating in the time-honored pigéage, or grape-stomping, with Belmond-only access at Domaine Drouhin-Laroze.

BY SEA

Returning to its roots, PONANT, the leader in luxury expeditions, is offering 15 sailings along the French coastline this summer. Departing on July 2, Le Bellot – the fifth installment in the PONANT EXPLORER series featuring the world’s first underwater lounge, the Blue Eye – will sail roundtrip from Saint-Malo on eight-day itineraries exploring the Breton Coast. Highlights include the brand’s namesake islands, Ponant Islands, and a stop at the island of Houat, home to less than 200 inhabitants all year round. Other sailings include circumnavigating the island of Corsica with stops in the seaside resort of Saint-Laurent as well as Roccapina Beach with its granite lion, a rocky outcrop of pink granite naturally shaped by erosion into the form of a crouching lion.

Morocco Now Open

June 24th, 2021

As of June 15, 2021, Morocco reopened to U.S and Canadian citizens. Morocco announced a two-tiered system, classifying countries into “List A,” including the U.S. and Canada, and “List B” with different entry requirements for each list. Travelers from ‘A’ countries are now welcome as long as they submit a negative PCR test administered within 48 hours of arrival or proof of vaccination.

When planning the next trip, look no further than the King of Morocco’s own hotel, Royal Mansour Marrakech. The palatial estate has long been the destination for travelers seeking privacy within the medina walls while also enjoying quick access to the city’s cultural icons from the Majorelle Gardens to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Guests are welcomed with an open-air courtyard, over seven acres of lush gardens and 53 private multi-story riads dotted along petal-pink pathways. No elevators; no carts; no rooms; no crowds. With recently extended gardens and wellbeing programming, here’s what’s new and noteworthy at Royal Mansour Marrakech.

What’s New

Garden Party: Royal Mansour recently debuted a private dining space elevated 14 feet above the property’s newly expanded gardens. Aptly titled The Nest, the 430-square-foot open-air dining space is an extension of the property’s poolside restaurant, Le Jardin, featuring a Mediterranean and Asian-fusion menu by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Nestled within the lemon and palm trees, The Nest offers a hidden sanctuary for up to eight guests with uninterrupted views over Marrakech and the Koutoubia Mosque’s Atlas tower. Each dining experience is completely customizable as the team works with guests to finalize curated playlists, floral arrangements, and exclusive menus.

Retreat to the Spa: Accessed through a private citrus grove, the three-story, 27,000-square-foot spa features an elaborate white birdcage atrium welcoming guests and locals alike. This September, Royal Mansour Marrakech is launching new multi-day wellness retreats, marking a new era for the property as a global wellness destination. Available as three-, five-, seven- or 14-day retreats, guests can choose between the Rebalance, Rejuvenation, Immunity Boost, and Weight Control programs – with the goal of improving both mental and physical health. Each program is completely customizable and offers a 360-degree approach with treatments, nutrition (eating healthy but well at the property’s four restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs), and activities including private cooking classes and Pilates.

Wellbeing Through Art: Surrounded by the quiet serenity of the property’s gardens, Royal Mansour has also designated a new artist’s studio, Atelier d’Artiste, housed in a glass-paneled greenhouse, to host art therapy sessions including painting, modeling, pottery, and calligraphy, each beginning with a guided meditation. Available a la carte or as part of the multi-day wellness retreats, guests will choose between private, couples, or family sessions with the resident expert. The two-hour creative workshops aim to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and encourage self-reflection through the act of learning a new skill.

Where Italy Meets Morocco

For a taste of Italy in Marrakech, Sesamo is an Italian dining concept orchestrated by noted Chef Massimiliano Alajmo, whose family-owned group of restaurants in Italy has earned a total of five Michelin stars. In fact, Chef Massimiliano is the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars (at age 28) and his restaurant in Italy, La Calendre, is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.  Combining his Italian roots and locally sourced Moroccan ingredients, he has crafted new dishes, including garlic and red pepper spaghetti with vegetables from Royal Mansour’s gardens, for the menu, in addition to signature offerings from La Calendre. This marks his first partnership with a hotel.

A Hotel Within a Hotel

Privacy is the trend that is here to stay, and each of Royal Mansour’s accommodations is an individual, three-story riad with a private entrance. The four-bedroom Grand Riad is the undisputed crown jewel. Referred to as the “hotel within the hotel,” the 19,375 square-foot residence features a private library, two swimming pools, a cinema, hammam, gym, multiple dining and living rooms and a glass-enclosed split-level terrace with a retractable roof. Guests of the Grand Riad also enjoy the services of a dedicated staff that includes a chef, watchman, housekeepers and butlers as well as a private driveway entrance to the property.

Experiences in the Red City:

Scents of Marrakech: Not open to the public, guests of Royal Mansour are granted exclusive access to acclaimed French perfumer Serge Lutens’ 2.5-acre Marrakech home and laboratory. Built by combining 60 riads, the space took almost 30 years to design with its intricately carved ceilings, locally inspired stained-glass windows and seemingly endless succession of plush sitting rooms. The experience begins with a ride through the Medina in a vintage motorcycle sidecar before arriving at the Serge Lutens estate for a private tour. No photos are allowed inside making this a trip guests truly need to see to believe.

Marrakech Two Ways: Escape the city for an overnight experience in the Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world. Flying over the Atlas Mountains, the journey takes guests into the Chigaga dunes, considered by many to be the largest and still untouched dunes in Morocco. Guided through the desert and over the dunes, lunch is served in the midst of the Zagora palm grove. After a camel ride to camp, guests will watch the sunset before sitting down around a campfire for live music and dinner under the night sky with local Toureg guides.

How To Get There: There are currently direct flights from Washington D.C., New York, and Montreal to Casablanca. Travelers can then opt for a quick connecting flight into Marrakech or arrange a private car transfer with Royal Mansour – complete with complimentary WIFI for the two-hour drive. The arrival is seamless as guests of the hotel are met as they step off the plane and are guided through the airport, assisting with customs and side-stepping any long lines along the way.

Embark Longer with Belmond This Summer: Last Chance for WFH(otel)

June 23rd, 2021

This summer marks the end of a newfound flexibility: working from anywhere. With many offices reopening and classrooms getting ready for ‘back to school,’ the ability to work remotely from afar will soon end. Following the success of Embark Beyond’s long-term stay program for vacations ranging from 30 days to six months, the brand has now partnered with global luxury collection Belmond to launch extended stay offers across its iconic properties in Italy, Spain and Peru.

It is now possible to have a temporary office space along the Venetian canals, in the heart of Mallorca or within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cusco. Whether for a month or the entire summer, Embark Beyond and Belmond offer an international retreat for the whole family through Belmond’s exclusive experiences that celebrate local cultures and communities – and topped off with a new Zoom background.

Embark Longer Abroad: Travelers can make Italy, Spain or Peru their home-away-from-home with Embark Beyond and Belmond’s new 30-day program. Options for a 30-day European getaway at Belmond’s Italy and Spain properties include, but are not limited to, the 14-room Splendido Mare in Portofino (recently unveiled an extensive renovation by Paris-based FESTEN); Cipriani in Venice (birthplace of Belmond); or Caruso in Ravello (family-friendly property that also offers an Instagram-worthy infinity pool for ‘happy hour’). Guests will receive exclusive amenities, including 20 percent off all food and beverage; daily breakfast; unlimited laundry and printing capabilities; a remote office setup, either in-room or designated location onsite; and a dedicated concierge for the duration of the stay. The month-by-month offer starts at $28,500 USD / €24,000 EUR plus taxes.

When booking a month-long getaway in Peru, travelers can seamlessly move between the Sacred Valley at Rio Sagrado (a nature-lovers hideaway situated along the Urubamba River); the Inca temple-turned-hotel Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco; Miraflores Park in Lima (the all-suite hotel in one of Lima’s most exclusive residential areas); and Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu (with exclusive before-hours access to the ancient citadel). Starting at $15,747 USD with a minimum of four nights per hotel, the offer includes: two tickets on the luxury day train Hiram Bingham for a roundtrip journey up to Machu Picchu on its restored 1920s carriages; daily breakfast for two; upgrade at the time of check-in, pending availability; a $150 laundry credit per hotel per stay; and $100 resort credit per hotel per stay.

For the more varied summer home experience, we have developed The Embark Nomad Lease with Belmond: For stays of 60 days or more, the Embark Nomad Lease allows travelers to move between any participating Belmond properties in Italy and Spain for a minimum of two weeks at a time at a flat summer lease rate. Rates start at $107,200 USD / €90,000 EUR plus taxes for a 60-day stay in junior suite accommodations or $178,000 USD / €150,000 EUR in a one-bedroom suite, including the Embark Longer exclusive amenities mentioned above.

Please find images courtesy of Belmond linked here.


About Embark

Embark is an international luxury travel and lifestyle partnership group, attracting the very best forward-thinking talent through shared ownership.  This cutting-edge concept in the luxury lifestyle space has helped the company launch with over $100 million in sales to a sharply-focused, highly confidential black book of ultra-high net worth clients composed mostly of Gen-X and Millennial A-list celebrities, sports stars, Fortune 500 executives, dynamic financiers, entrepreneurs and real estate moguls around the world.  Not only does the company pride itself of creating tailored, meaningful global experiences for individuals, it also hosts the largest luxury social destination event businesses in the Americas. Embark’s platform encourages synergies amongst partners touching an UHNWI’s life with expert advisors specializing in an individual’s preferences, passions, life goals and legacy.

About Belmond

Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for over 45 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travellers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 46 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian hideaways such as Splendido in Portofino, or unrivalled gateways to world natural wonders such as Hotel das Cataratas inside Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. From trains to river barges, safari lodges to hotels, each unique property offers an incomparable experience with its own story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Belmond.com

PONANT Resumes Sailings This Summer

June 17th, 2021

PONANT, the leader in luxury expeditions, resumed operations on June 16, 2021, with more than 50 departures setting sail to Iceland, the Mediterranean, and France this summer. Highlights include a new partnership with the Louvre, new itineraries and ports of call, and a stop at the brand’s namesake islands, Ponant Islands. With a fleet of smaller-sized ships, PONANT can reach remote sites where other vessels are not permitted.

MEDITERRANEAN

From the Italian coast to the Greek islands, PONANT offers over 30 sailings in the Mediterranean between June and November 2021. A partnership with the Louvre will bring Paris to the sea with a sailing to discover the ancient sites of Greece and Istanbul during “The Cyclades and Ancient Treasures” sailing, July 13-20, 2021. There will be visits to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Acropolis in Athens and the Mycenae ruins from 1200 BC. In collaboration with PONANT, onboard programming will be carefully designed with curators and department directors from the Louvre for guests to discover the ancient lands that have inspired the museum’s collections. The full itinerary is linked here. A new 13-day sailing, ‘Iconic Treasures of the Adriatic,’ will also depart from Athens on August 21 exploring the coasts of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy. Highlights will include the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a new port of call in Primosten, a small medieval fishing village home to one of the biggest statues of the Virgin Mary in the world; and the mountain island of Korčula and its medieval city, where Marco Polo was born. The full itinerary is linked here.

ICELAND

PONANT will have two PONANT EXPLORER ships – Le Dumont-D’Urville and Le Champlain – exploring Iceland’s diverse landscapes this summer through September 2021. The eight-day ‘Icelandic Mosaic’ itinerary explores the western coast of the country with five ports of call, including Grimsey, the northernmost island, as well as Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. During the sailing, passengers will also witness the polar wildlife of humpback whales, Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns, and Icelandic horses. Extend the journey with an optional post-cruise excursion to witness The Golden Circle, the 190-mile driving loop from Reykjavik to the UNESCO World Heritage site Thingvellir National Park; the Geysir geothermal area, believed to have started erupting over 700 years ago and has since lend its name, geyser, to hot springs all over the world; and the Gullfoss, or Golden, Waterfall. The full list of departures is linked here.

FRANCE

Returning to its roots, PONANT is offering 15 sailings along the French coastline this summer. Le Bellot, the fifth installment in the PONANT EXPLORER series, will sail roundtrip from Saint-Malo on eight-day itineraries exploring the Breton Coast. Highlights include the brand’s namesake islands, Ponant Islands, and a stop at the island of Houat, home to less than 200 inhabitants all year round. The full itinerary is linked here. Other sailings include circumnavigating the island of Corsica with stops in the seaside resort of Saint-Laurent as well as Roccapina Beach with its granite lion, a rocky outcrop of pink granite naturally shaped into the form of a crouching lion through erosion. The full itinerary for the ‘Wild and Authentic Corsica’ sailing is linked here.

Please find a hi-res version of the image above linked here: https://we.tl/t-Ft8z1Q9sj9.

 

About PONANT

Created in 1988, by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard yachts featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine takes pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage. For more information, visit us.ponant.com.

Ultra-Serenity Policy: exceptionally flexible booking conditions

PONANT has introduced an Ultra Serenity policy with the most comprehensive and appropriate conditions. For any new booking until June 30, 2021 of a cruise with an open departure, clients pay a deposit of just 25% and settle the balance 30 days before departure. They also have the option of cancelling the trip up to 30 days before departure, free of charge for whatever reason, with the full amount being credited towards another reservation within 24 months of the initial departure date.

Optimal protection is provided by the Covid-included guarantee. In the event of a positive Covid test within 30 days before sailing, clients can postpone or cancel the cruise without charge, and will receive a full refund of the amount they have paid at the time of cancellation. This also applies if the cruise cannot be operated.

For more information: Ultra Serenity policy

EYOS ANNOUNCES SINGLE CABIN ‘LAND OF FIRE & ICE’ EXPEDITION THIS SUMMER ON HANSE EXPLORER

June 15th, 2021

EYOS Expeditions, the world leader in private yacht charters, announces their latest per cabin charter expedition July 3-10, 2021, sailing around Iceland’s wild northwest coast. (Additional dates are available on request.) The scheduled departure will take place on the 154-foot, seven-cabin expedition yacht Hanse Explorer, offering the exclusivity of a private yacht experience but with the convenience of individual cabins for sale.

Following the yacht’s departure from Reykjavik, six days will be spent exploring Iceland’s towering sea cliffs, staggering peninsulas, majestic fjords, and wild rivers. EYOS guides will be onboard to provide interpretation and insight along the way. Using the yacht’s nimble zodiacs and kayaks, guests will access remote landings, anchor in deep canyons and search for wildlife, including arctic foxes and puffins. There will be an opportunity to hike trails in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, dominated by its glaciated volcano where Jules Verne’s classic novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” began, as well as trek along beaches, mysterious sea caves, untouched lava fields and green grasslands. Guests will visit Breiðafjörður , a land and seascape dotted with about 3,000 islands, before heading above the Arctic Circle to land of the midnight sun on a visit to Grimsey.

“I have been visiting Iceland for more than 25 years. This itinerary has distilled the best of the best into seven days, focusing on arguably the most beautiful and wild part of the country, while still having opportunities to visit better known sites near civilization, including the amazing volcanic eruption that started this year and makes visiting Iceland particularly exciting,” said Tim Soper, Co-Founder.

Ben Lyons, CEO, added, “This is a unique opportunity to experience a private superyacht without having to charter the entire vessel. Traveling with a maximum of 12 guests allows for a very personalized and intime experience, whether onboard at dinner or on shore watching puffins. Time and time again, we find that the sheer excitement of an expedition always creates a natural camaraderie onboard. After more than a year of COVID, escaping to the wilds of Iceland is a wonderful way to celebrate the ability to travel and explore again.”

Hanse Explorer can accommodate up to 12 guests. Per person prices are 16,000 (approximately $19,400) per person/week. Hanse Explorer will also be available for private charters for 155,000 per week (approximately $187,939) plus expenses throughout the summer. Guests are required to be vaccinated to join this departure.

For more information, visit https://www.eyos-expeditions.com/ or email: info@eyos.com

About EYOS Expeditions LTD:

EYOS Expeditions (www.eyos.com) has been designing private superyacht expeditions since 2008 and the company’s co-founders have spent decades designing ground-breaking itineraries. EYOS Expeditions holds several ‘world firsts’ and world records.

EYOS Expeditions is widely recognized as the world leader in superyacht expeditions and was invited as a design partner by Damen shipyards to develop the SeaXplorer expedition yacht.

EYOS Expeditions co-founder Tim Soper was selected by Conde Nast Traveller as one of their Top Travel Specialists every year since 2017 and EYOS Expeditions co-founder Rob McCallum has spent an entire career working in the undersea world. He ran commercial expeditions to the RMS Titanic, to the battleship Bismarck and provided key logistical support to James Cameron’s ‘Deep Challenge’ record-breaking dive in 2012. In 2019, he led the Five Deeps Expedition, which was described as the most ambitious expedition this century and took one man to the deepest point in each of the five oceans. As well as the 2020 Ring of Fire dives when the Mission Specialists who joined this expedition stepped into the history books for being amongst the first humans to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench/Challenger Deep and 2021 dives including the USS Johnston and Emden Deep.

Irish Hotels Open June 2!

June 1st, 2021

Dromoland Castle, The Westbury, and The River Lee are ready to welcome guests

Irish hotels are set to open tomorrow, June 2! Vaccinated visitors will be allowed into the country without quarantining starting July 19. If visitors don’t have valid proof of vaccine, they will need to present evidence of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country, self-quarantine until they get a negative post-arrival test – this will be provided through the HSE (Ireland’s Health Services). More information here. We foresee a boom of American travelers heading that way as Ireland ranks among the top 10 destinations this summer for travelers who turn to the expertise of Virtuoso (luxury travel agency network with more than 20,000 travel advisors across 50 countries and annual sales between $25-30 billion).

What’s new at Dromoland Castle, County Clare

Foraging

Local expert Oonagh O’Dwyer will take guests down forgotten country lanes and get their hands dirty learning about edible types of roots, herbs, flowers, fruits, and nuts (such as St. John’s Wort, Elderflower and pig nuts) followed by a feast of a wild food picnic in a wildflower meadow. Next is a trip to the beach for a seaweed walk and a hands-on lesson in harvesting seaweed in the traditional way along with rock samphire and pepper dulse (called the truffle of the sea), among a backdrop of seals and sea birds. Back at the Castle, Oonagh leads a cooking class showing how to prepare and preserve wild food and seaweed (along with tips on how to identify and use wild food at home and recipes to bring back).

Sustainability officer

The castle recently appointed Arek Gduliński as its full time Sustainability Officer. He will be tasked with protecting the 450 acres of nature and proactively finding ways to puts environmental responsibility and sustainability front and center. His first initiative is the launch of the new Dawn to dusk nature, wildlife and bird trails, developed to allow guests to experience first-hand the over 500 friendly Dromoland deer, swans, birds, badgers, rabbits, foxes and so much more wildlife that roam the lands.

What’s new at The Westbury, Dublin

The Westbury’s beloved bar, The Sidecar, has launched its own gin: The Sidecar Gin. This gin is made with ingredients foraged in Dublin parkland such as wild lemon verbena and nettles balanced with spicy ginger, bitter orange, and juniper.

What’s new at The River Lee, Cork

Reopening in the heart of Ireland’s foodie capital, The River Lee is welcoming guests with tempting offers like Rosé and Stay (a one-night stay with a welcome bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé and sweet treats), the Family Escape (a special 2-night family stay with breakfast and 1 dinner), and the Destination Cork (a four-night curated itinerary of the very best of Cork City’s cultural and culinary offerings such as a special family pass for a cycling tour with Beyond the Glass, family tickets for exclusive early access to Cork’s Nano Nagle Place and a rainy day art-pack from The Lewis Glucksman Gallery.)

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