andBeyond’s New Limited-Edition Itineraries

September 28th, 2021

From tiger conservation in India to walking safaris in Tanzania to exploring the ecosystem of the Okavango Delta

Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond continues to celebrate its 30^th anniversary by releasing a fresh batch of limited-edition itineraries designed to highlight its commitment not only to the preservation of wildlife and the environment, but also to educating travelers on the role of sustainable travel in conservation.

Following the launch of the first set of experiences in June, andBeyond has designed three more exclusive itineraries that range from an in-depth look at tiger conservation in India to discovering the origins of Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta and learning the art of guiding andBeyond-style while exploring the Serengeti on foot. Led by the top experts in their field, each of the itineraries is scheduled to take place in 2022.

A Project Tiger Expedition

Hosted by award-winning naturalist, conservationist and wildlife photographer Aditya Panda, the 50 Year Anniversary of Project Tiger expedition celebrates half a century of tiger conservation in India. Travelers will explore three of India’s most thriving national parks, from the famous tiger sanctuary of Ranthambore to Kanha, one of India’s largest conservation areas, and the diverse Kaziranga National Park. Guests will enjoy the unique opportunity to set out in search of eight of the most endangered wildlife species in India, from the magnificent tiger to the Asian elephant, one-horned rhino and Asiatic lion as well as the wild dog, blackbuck, barasingha and wild buffalo. Along the way, they will meet Dr. Raghu Chundawat, one of India’s best known tiger experts, who will share fascinating insights from his decades of wildlife research. A visit to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation will provide a first-hand glimpse into the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals.

The itinerary has two departure dates, December 1 to 15, 2022 and January 12 to 26, 2023, with a maximum of six to eight guests. The cost begins from $9,919 per person sharing and includes a donation towards conservation projects in India.

Walking in the Footsteps of a Tanzanian Guide

Walking in the Footsteps of a Tanzanian Guide is a nine-day adventure that provides the opportunity to explore parts of Tanzania’s renowned Serengeti National Park on foot while learning some of the skills taught at andBeyond’s guiding schools. Accompanied by an andBeyond Ranger Trainer and a Maasai guide, guests will explore diverse terrain, encounter iconic wildlife, enjoy unforgettable community interactions and traverse the Serengeti on foot in an educational, informative and entertaining way. They will learn some of the tips and tricks of the guiding trade, from plant and animal identification to tracking, bird and bird call identification, how to use camera traps for research and much more. Setting off from Arusha, the itinerary begins at andBeyond Klein’s Camp, where travelers will learn about the daily lives of Maasai villagers, as well as spend some time at andBeyond’s Mwewe Ranger Training School. After experiencing a series of daily walks, guests move to andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas, where they will enjoy a classical safari experience, complete with hot air balloon flights over the vast plains. Moving on, they will stay at the freshly rebuilt and reopened andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge. Here they will assist the researchers studying the annual migration of topi antelope, a phenomenon far less known than that of the Great Migration of zebras and wildebeest, but no less fascinating.

Designed for a maximum of six guests, this itinerary travels from November 8 to 16, 2022 and costs $11,250 per person sharing, which includes a donation to Africa Foundations Community Leaders Education Fund, a program that provides tertiary education bursaries to students from rural communities.

Care of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, its Wildlife and People

From wildlife conservation to the preservation of one of the world’s key watershed areas, the Care of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, its Wildlife and People expedition examines the miracle of water in the desert. It begins along the banks of the Chobe River with the opportunity to explore the thriving wildlife that rely on the river for their lifeline. Accompanied throughout by one of andBeyond’s Regional Guide Trainers, go off the beaten path and disconnect from the world at a rustic semi-permanent camp and get to know the animals of the Chobe by road and by boat. Then travel to the unexpected oasis of the Okavango Delta, the world’s only inland delta, a marvel of lush waterways amongst the dry sands of the Kalahari. Delve into the Delta in the company of Map Ives, one of the first professional guides to begin unravelling the secrets of this unique ecosystem decades ago. Travel by traditional canoe along the twisting waterways and explore even deeper in the company of a local Bushman who will introduce you to the long-lost lore of the wild. Venture out with the research teams studying wild dogs in the dense heart of the Delta and find out about the elephant herds that inhabit it. Meet some of the local communities and learn about the delicate balance between their needs and the preservation of this magical environment.

This itinerary is run for a maximum of four guests and has three set departure dates in June, July and September 2022. The eight-night experience starts from $19,838 per person sharing (depending on season), which includes a donation to the Africa Foundation, andBeyond’s community development partner of choice.

For more on any of andBeyond’s 30 year limited edition experiences, log on to andBeyond.com or speak to your preferred travel specialist.

About andBeyond

andBeyond designs personalized high-end tours in 13 countries in Africa, five in Asia and four in South America, offering discerning travelers a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be. We own and operate 29 extraordinary lodges and camps in iconic safari, scenic and island destinations in Africa and South America. This enables us to positively impact more than nine million acres of wildlife land and over 1,200 miles of coastline. Established in 1991, andBeyond strives to leave our world a better place than we found it through our care of the land, wildlife and people, and the delivery of extraordinary  guest experiences.

Please note: andBeyond is legally required to use the font ‘trebuchet’ when printing the ampersand in ‘&Beyond’. If this is not possible, please write it out in full, i.e. ‘andBeyond’. The referring website should be  www.andBeyond.com.

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Paradero  Todos Santos in Baja Debuts Exclusive  Taco  Series  in Partnership with  Top Chefs from Across Mexico 

September 27th, 2021

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The Christopher in St. Barth Launches New Restaurant: RIVYERA

September 23rd, 2021

Inspired by the French Riviera

Though nestled firmly in the Caribbean, St. Barth evokes an indelible connection to France. Through its fantastic restaurants, relaxed European vibe, excellent French bakeries, and outposts French shops, it feels a bit like the Riviera.

Fittingly, The Christopher’s new restaurant which will open along with the hotel on October 15, with be French Riviera-inspired and will be called “RIVYERA.” Chef Arnaud Faye created the restaurant to transport diners to the South of France, seizing on the elements the two places share: the warmth of the sun on one’s skin, a salty breeze in the air, and the laidback rhythm of sun-drenched destinations. Faye, a two-Michelin-starred chef and a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, shares his passion for the Côte d’Azur through his Mediterranean menu and the overall feel of the new restaurant.

For lunch, one might order Pan Bagnat with seared tuna, a niçoise garnish, and risotto with red shrimp. The dinner menu was designed for sharing with traditional pissaladière tarts, little stuffed vegetables, roasted sea bass with fennel, and some naturally vegan items like tomato tart, ratatouille, and polenta with orange. Diners will also be tempted by a pastry cart with classics such as baba au limoncello, St. Tropez-style milles feuilles, and sweets made with orange blossoms. Breakfast will offer myriad options from fresh fruit and acai bowls to croissants, crepes, and eggs.

The bar will have a new signature cocktail menu to serve as the beginning of the journey to the French Riviera. The menu itself was hand-designed by Nice-based artist Haydée Otero and features ingredients like figs, lemon, rose, and Bergamot. The recipes were imagined by the innovative recipe-creator Victor Delpierre (who was also the world champion at the Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, a competition promoting innovative beverage recipes that showcase the mix of coffee and spirits).

As a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (the designation for France’s top craftsmen) and coming from his position as a 2 Michelin star Chef at the Chèvre d’Or on the Côte d’Azur (a member of the Grandes Tables du Monde), Chef Arnaud Faye brings with him some very impressive credentials. Faye is already quite familiar with St. Barth and the Christopher after the 2019 St. Barth Gourmet Festival where he was the guest chef at the hotel as well as the event’s patron chef.

Faye began his career at several three-Michelin-star restaurants, such as Arnsbourg in Baarenthal, Antoine Westermann’s Buerehiesel and Bernard Loiseau’s Relais. He went on to become head chef at L’Espadon at The Ritz Paris which earned its second Michelin star during his residency. He them went to the Mandarin Oriental followed by Auberge du Jeu de Paume before joining the Chèvre d’Or.

About The Christopher

Located above the rocky shoreline of the sought-after neighborhood of Pointe Milou (home to the raucous Le Ti Saint Barth and some of the poshest villas on the island), The Christopher has long been a refuge for those in-the-know on St. Barth for its understated elegance. Its sunset lounge provides a prime spot to watch the sun go down while drinking a traditional Planteur or Ti Punch, both island favorites. The 42 accommodations comprise 23 rooms and 19 suites, and in 2019 three villas will be added to the inventory. The Sisley Spa has five treatment rooms open to the ocean below, as well as a dedicated Essie manicure and pedicure room.

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WHAT’S NEW IN: THE U.K. AND IRELAND

September 23rd, 2021

As of July 19 and August 2, both Ireland and the U.K, respectively, began welcoming U.S. tourists. Fully vaccinated Americans can now travel to both countries without having to quarantine. The development is welcome news – according to Wanderlist, the free social site for travel planning from luxury travel agency network Virtuoso, both Ireland and Scotland are among the top 10 locales affluent travelers are dreaming of. The border openings come just in time for exciting autumn news from the British Isles.

ENGLAND

Last month, The Beaumont in Mayfair emerged from a renovation led by Thierry Despont (Claridge’s, Ritz Paris, The Chatwal New York). The architecturally protected, Grade II-listed property has retained its Art Deco aesthetic (for which Despont is also known) while incorporating influences from London, Paris and New York. The common spaces have a fresh look, including the lobby, bar, restaurant and gym. New additions include the Mayfair Suite and the terrace where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks from 8am until 8pm. Guests can expect lots of leather, velvet, bronze and mahogany and neutral cream tones mixed with chocolate, deep reds and golds.

The Kensington, a collection of four adjoining Victorian townhouses in the heart of South Kensington, reopened last spring following a refurbishment including several brand new suites. After an increased interest in long-stay guests looking for a London home base, these suites were reconfigured to enhance the feeling of a luxurious and carefully curated home, using elements and original features of the townhouse to inform the redesign. Bernie Gallagher, Chairman of The Doyle Collection, worked with London design studio Timothy Matter on the new design featuring bold Thibaut wallpaper and pops of color.

Guests can now experience the best of city & country with Belmond’s ‘Town and Country’ package combining two nights at The Cadogan – the British brand’s first London address with private access to the Cadogan Estate Gardens – and one night at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a 15th-century manor in the English countryside. A one-and-a-half-hour limousine transfer from London to Oxfordshire is followed by dinner for two at Le Manoir’s two Michelin-star restaurant by chef patron Raymond Blanc featuring organic produce grown in the on-site property’s gardens.

All aboard British Pullman, A Belmond Train for an exclusive culinary experience this fall. This October, the day train will journey roundtrip from London Victoria Station through the English countryside while guests indulge in a delicious brunch. On arrival in Oxfordshire, an unforgettable three-course lunch will be served by Raymond Blanc, founder of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel. The ride home will be accompanied by a selection of Great British cheeses and dessert.

How to get there: Most major U.S. cities have nonstop flights to London on British Airways, Delta, American and United. JetBlue launched flights to London Heathrow from New York’s Kennedy Airport on August 11 and will begin flying to London Gatwick on September 29.

SCOTLAND

The Fife Arms, the 19th-century hunting lodge in Braemar, is owned by art world power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth and debuted in November 2018 to much fanfare (Prince Charles attended the opening). The Highland hotel recently lifted the veil on a new whisky bar, Bertie’s, inspired by Queen Victoria’s extravagant and hedonistic heir. The bar offers 365 whiskies from Scotland and around the world, curated with the help of World Atlas of Whisky author Dave Broom, and will soon launch two of its own exclusive whiskies. On-the-ground experiences include flights, tastings, and tours of local distilleries, led by Whisky Ambassador Katy Fennema. Those who aren’t traveling there immediately can still bring a piece of the destination home. Thanks to the Fife Arms’ online shop, guests and fans can find a custom tartan or tweed design gift box, afternoon tea set, and the Fife Arms coffee table book from Phaidon. The latest addition is perhaps the most exciting, though. The new collection for dogs includes a coat, bone, collar and leash, all made with the hotel’s house tweed. What better gift for dog lovers or man’s best friend?!

In partnership with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, guests of Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train will enjoy a private tour of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Glen Ord; a specialist single cask whisky tasting with the dedicated whisky ambassador; and a tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society headquarters. Back on board, guests can choose from over 50 whiskies to enjoy while gazing out over the countryside in the Observation Car before taking home a year-long membership to Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Next available journeys depart on October 4, 2021; July 20, 2022; and August 22, 2022.

How to get there: There are direct flights to Edinburgh (2 hours from the hotel) from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., on United, Delta and American. Travelers stopping over in London can fly to the nearest airports, which are Aberdeen (1 hour 15 minutes), Dundee (1 hour 25 minutes), and Inverness (1 hour 55 minutes).

IRELAND

After skipping trick-or-treating last year, parents can make it up to their kids with a memorable Halloween in a real castle! Dromoland Castle in County Clare will offer family passes to nearby Bunratty Gold Park, which is home to a magical fairy trail, and host spooky activities including a group treasure hunt around the grounds and, of course, pumpkin carving. The tradition actually dates back to Irish immigrants who used to carve turnips. In fact, the name, jack-o’-lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. In the old days, people would carve scary faces into turnips and potatoes and place them in windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits.

Dromoland Castle has also crafted a special Thanksgiving week. Imagine roaring fires, fine whiskeys, woodland walks, falconry, golf and the best of local Fall produce in a traditional feast including roast Irish turkey and delicious Irish pumpkin pie. Along with the family-style Thanksgiving dinner, guests at the castle will enjoy additional themed activities including wreath decorating, golf clinic, shopping trips and board games. Calligraphy classes are set to inspire guests with tips and ideas to bring beautiful handwritten notes and holiday cards to the next level. Transfers to and from the Dublin Airport and Antigen tests before returning home are also included. The package is offered from Tuesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 28 and prices start at €5,500 EUR per couple based on a Deluxe room category.

How to get there: There are direct flights to Dublin (2.5 hours from the hotel) from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., on United, Delta, American and Aer Lingus.

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Where to Go: December

September 23rd, 2021

Whether you’re looking for snow and ski or sun and sand, there is no shortage of ideas for where to spend the holidays – and those last remaining vacation days.

Switzerland

Switzerland is open to Americans as of June 26 and what better time to visit than the holidays when the country is at peak charm? Travelers can fly into Zurich (there are direct flights from major U.S. cities) to experience the magical Christmas markets. There are many to choose from but the best include Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station, the city’s largest market, which features 150 stalls and a giant tree decorated with Swarovski crystals, and Dörfli in The Old Town, Zurich’s oldest market where visitors can find artisan gifts. The veil will have just been lifted on a David Chipperfield-designed extension to the Kunsthaus art museum, doubling the footprint and making it the second largest collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside Paris. The museum is also home to the world’s largest collection of Dada art (the Dada art movement was established in Zurich in 1916). Guests of the newly opened La Réserve Eden au Lac, the only luxury hotel on Lac Zurich, receive city passes granting discounts at museums. After Zurich head to Zermatt, the charming, car-free town where you can ski 365 days a year. Switzerland is said to be the birthplace of ski tourism and is home to Europe’s largest glaciers and the most peaks over 13,000 feet. Zermatt is launching a new ski lift 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. The iconic Schweizerhof hotel reopened in 2019 with a fresh look following an extensive, eight-month top-to-bottom renovation. 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 in the guest rooms 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.

Palm Beach, FL

From the Gilded Age architecture and bustling art scene to the pristine beaches and miles of bike trails, Palm Beach has been a longtime winter playground for those seeking sunshine. As travelers migrate south, cultural offerings will also be in full swing with a new exhibition at the Norton Museum of Art featuring over 150 works titled, “Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection.” The exhibit will celebrate art created during a renaissance following the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1920. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will also welcome back the Palm Beach Symphony this winter. Art lovers can opt for the 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach, which opened late 2020. With over 130 pieces of modern and pop art, White Elephant Palm Beach offers complimentary educational guided tours of the hotel’s private museum-worthy art collection, which was personally curated by the owners and renowned NYC-based art consultant Emily Santangelo. Explore the works of featured artists including Robert Rauschenberg, whose early creations in the 1950s anticipated the pop art movement, and Sir Christopher Le Brun, a British artist who was knighted in 2021 for services to the arts in England. Several pieces by painter Kenzo Okada, the first Japanese-American artist to receive international acclaim using abstract expressionist style, are on display, as are works by Donald Baechler, part of the 1980s art movement in New York’s East Village. A 54-inch round acrylic work by Orit Fuchs was created for the hotel and is a focal point of the lobby. The 30-minute experience is available every Saturday at 10:00 am.

Nantucket, MA

Nantucket might not be an obvious choice for festive season, but the historic island transforms into a winter wonderland on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The annual Christmas Stroll, taking place December 3-5, 2021, feels like you’re stepping into a Charles Dickens backdrop with every corner of Nantucket’s historic downtown magically transformed. On pause last year, the three-day celebration has become a quintessential New England experience over the last 47 years. As an ode to its roots, the theme of this year’s event will be centered around shopping local for the holidays. Christmas Stroll originally started over four decades ago as an effort to keep residents from leaving Nantucket to buy gifts on the mainland. Today, boutiques remain open through early December and will have elaborately designed storefronts outfitted with twinkling lights. Downtown’s cobblestone streets will also be lined with hundreds of seven-foot fit lit trees decorated by locals. Festive attire and ugly sweaters are encouraged. In the center of town, the White Elephant has been a favorite Nantucket retreat since the 1920s. The property has accommodations for families including suites on the harbor, garden cottages and two in-town Lofts. Guests will also have access to complimentary BMW vehicles to explore the island on their own, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

St. Barth

It has only been a few years since St. Barth rebuilt itself following Hurricane Irma in 2017 so there’s plenty new to do on the island. It will be in full swing in December, with the harbor filling with yachts for the holidays and myriad glitzy New Year’s Eve parties. The best place to lay low is at The Christopher on Pointe Milou which is reopening for this season with a brand new chef and restaurant. The French Riviera-inspired restaurant will be called “Rivyera” and helmed by Chef Arnaud Faye, a two-Michelin-starred chef and a Meilleur Ouvrier de France who comes from the Chèvre d’Or on the Côte d’Azur (a member of the Grandes Tables du Monde). The Christopher’s westward facing bar makes it the perfect spot to catch the sunset and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Anguilla

A white winter takes on a whole new meaning in Anguilla. Forego the freezing snow and head south for miles of white sand beaches and balmy 80 degrees days. The trip is made even easier this winter with American Airlines launching a new direct route from Miami to Anguilla on December 11, 2021. This will be the only direct flight from a U.S. destination to the island. (Those arriving via private jet can also fly directly into Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA).)  And the best home base on the island is Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. Set on Maundays Bay, the property is a sanctuary for total escapism, with standalone villas dotted along the pristine stretch of beach. Every room is beachfront, giving guests their very own slice of Caribbean Sea. To celebrate the holiday season, the resort has launched a roster of daily programming, including wine tastings, sunset sails, tennis lessons, rum tastings, salt-scrub-making classes, an iron man swim and more. Family-friendly activities include eggnog and smores, gift opening on Christmas Day, and a family beach volleyball competition. Guests can also try ‘The Head Table’ dining experience, where they are invited to enjoy a multi-course feast at Pimm’s filled with Anguillan comfort foods. There will also be a choir performance, Carol of the Bells, on December 24 for some extra yuletide spirit.

Antarctica

Two once-in-a-lifetime experiences are available in one trip this December: witnessing a total solar eclipse and a cruise to Antarctica. The phenomenon will be viewable from the Weddell Sea on December 4, 2021 – the only area in the world where the solar eclipse will be 100 percent visible. There’s a handful of expeditions that will take travelers to the end of the earth in December 2021. PONANT is offering a new itinerary onboard Le Commandant-Charcot, the first luxury hybrid electric polar ship launching in November. The ship will operate on a mix of LNG and battery (when in battery mode, the ship will emit zero emissions). Guests will disembark onto the ice pack to witness this natural phenomenon as the moon passes between Earth and the sun. In a region where the sun never quite sets, travelers will be enveloped in complete darkness for a few minutes. EYOS Expeditions will also offer a private expedition experience on its 12-passenger Naia superyacht – marrying the adventure of an expedition itinerary with the comfort and level of service of a privately-chartered yacht. Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten, Lindblad, and Atlas Ocean Voyages are offering solar eclipse itineraries as well.

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Where to Go: November

September 23rd, 2021

With summer behind us and a noticeable chill in the air, our minds are on fall travel. Whether it’s a quick jaunt to Nantucket or a long-awaited Antarctic cruise, there’s a little something for everyone.

Scotland

Following the alarming climate change report from the United Nations, all eyes will be on Scotland where the UN Climate Change Summit will take place in Glasgow on November 1-12. As of August 2, fully vaccinated Americans can travel to the U.K. without quarantine requirements if they show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Take a trip two-and-a-half hours northeast of Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands. On the way, travelers can pop over to Dundee to check out the Kengo Kuma-designed Victoria & Albert Museum there. Currently on show though January is Night Fever: Designing Club Culture, the first major exhibition exploring the relationship between club culture and design from the 1960s to today. The short drive will be well worth it for a stay at The Fife Arms. The 19th century hunting lodge is owned by art industry power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth. November is an ideal time for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the U.K. The hotel’s in-house forager Natasha Lloyd leads two- and three-hour walks for guests. Autumn is a great time for foraging – guests can find wild raspberries, cow berries, blaeberries, fungi (it’s the height of the season) and nettles. Back at the hotel, Natasha hosts workshops where guests can make condiments, cosmetics, and tinctures. Their findings even make their way into dishes (like sweet cicely and pistachio pesto) and cocktails (via in-house bitters and tinctures).

Antarctica

The Antarctic cruising season starts in November with a debut of newly-built, ice-class vessels that are small capacity, environmentally friendly and offer guest excursions including polar diving and hovercraft. PONANT will launch Le Commandant-Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.It will be powered by electric batteries and liquified natural gas (LNG, currently the cleanest fuel on the market) and there will be zero emissions when operated in the hybrid electric mode. Le Commandant-Charcot will sail to parts of Antarctica that were inaccessible prior to the arrival of the ship, including Peter I Island which has welcomed less visitors than the moon. There will also be a scientific laboratory onboard hosting naturalist guides and scientists to explore these remote and untouched destinations, and guests can also participate in citizen science by setting up a station on an ice floe and taking water samples. Additional new builds include Lindblad’s National Geographic Endurance, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator, Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine, and Crystal Expedition Cruises. EYOS Expeditions, the world’s leader in superyacht charters, has also announced an alliance with Nansen Polar Expeditions to offer a new expedition yacht experience aboard the 12-guest MV Nansen Explorer beginning in November. The new alliance will allow EYOS to reach destinations far removed from where most expedition vessels are sailing. The 12-passenger Naia will also be in the Southern Ocean for the 2021-2022 season and is available for charter during the next Antarctic total solar eclipse on December 4, 2021. EYOS CEO Ben Lyons forecasts that Antarctica will have the greatest number of superyachts in the region this year. Where 10 years ago, there might have been one, the company is expecting at least six yachts for the upcoming season.

Nantucket, MA

Known as “Nantucket Gold,” the island’s Bay Scallops are thought to be the finest mollusks in the world. Only found in the chilly waters off Nantucket from November through March, the sought-after delicacies are smaller, sweeter, more tender and have a more velvety texture than its counterpart from the sea. Bay Scallops grow in shallow water about 10 minutes off the shore in the island’s native inshore eel grass, which doubles as a nursery. It is one of the last surviving viable wild scallop fisheries in the country. Catching and sorting the scallops is just half the story. Shucking and cooking them is the other. They are an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be torched, seared, fried, poached, sautéed, broiled, or eaten raw. Stay at the White Elephant, located just steps from the center of town and the Nantucket harbor, or opt for the historic inn, Jared Coffin House, open year-round. Sailors can opt to dock at the Nantucket Boat Basin, the 240-slip full-service marina.

Venice, Italy

Italy still ranks as the #1 international destination 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. Once the greatest seaport in Iate medieval Europe and still one of the world’s oldest cultural centers, Venice turned 1,600 this year. The 17th annual Venice Architecture Biennale will conclude on November 21st. The theme ‘How will we live together’ explores widening political divides, economic inequalities and changing social norms and challenging architects to imagine and create spaces where society can coexist – all the ever more timely during this year of self-isolation. Honoring Venice’s artistic past as the point of convergence for goods from the East and their dissemination to the European market during the 14th century, Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel will host a three-day course, November 11-14, for exploring the ancient disciplines that traveled along the Silk Road, such as a masterclass on Kintsugi, the delicate art of fixing ceramics with gold, and traditional silk print workshops. Guests of the hotel will also have access to behind-the-scenes tours of the city’s libraries and archives throughout the season. During tours of the Fondazione Cini Library and the 13^th-century Library San Francesco della Vigna, rare books and preserved manuscripts will be on display exclusively for Belmond guests.

Napa Valley, CA
Following Napa Valley’s bustling harvest season, November is the start of Cabernet Season. The pace slows down as the region’s cabernets are released, giving visitors a first taste of the bold reds synonymous with Napa Valley. The cooler months mean lower hotel rates and a chance to grab reservations at coveted Michelin-starred restaurants. With new vintages aging in the barrels, winemakers are readily available, and visitors can receive behind-the-scenes access to wineries. While the wineries remain a draw, the vines only cover nine percent of the Valley floor. The mountain ranges that bracket the area, the Mayacamas and the Vaca, are laced with hiking and biking trails. With temperatures hovering in the mid 60s, it’s an ideal time for getting out to explore. New restaurants and tasting experiences are shaking up the scene too. Domaine Carneros’s new “Art of Sabrage” experience allows private groups to learn the history, legend and technique of this dramatic ritual dating back to the age of Napoleon; and the creators of Clif Bar recently joined forces with local celebrity chefs to launch new biking experiences at Clif Family Winery. Watch this space: Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Collection Resort is set to be unveiled in late 2021. The 135 open-air cottages will be set on the historic Stanly Ranch Winery estate, which has been producing critically-acclaimed wines since the 19th century.

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andBeyond announces new Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

September 22nd, 2021

Opening June 6, 2022

Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced that one of its all-time favorite lodges in Tanzania’s Western Corridor, andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, is to undergo an extensive rebuild that will result in it emerging with a brand-new identity as andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge.

andBeyond Grumeti was originally built in the early 1990 and after the Grumeti River burst its banks and the lodge was flooded in April 2020, andBeyond decided that it was time for a comprehensive rebuild.

As with all andBeyond projects, sustainability will be key in the rebuild and the new lodge will include a 130kWh solar system, which will allow it to run on 80% renewable energy. All hot water systems will also be replaced with brand new, energy efficient ones. Wastewater from the laundry will be recycled for other use and rainwater will be harvested for the swimming pools, while brand new technology will be installed to monitor underground water levels and ensure borehole capacity is not exceeded.

An extended selection of experiences is also being developed in time for the launch of the lodge, which will reopen on June 6, 2022. These will combine with the rich resident wildlife of this remote corner of the Serengeti, as well as the lodge’s ideal location for experiencing the thrilling river crossing and vast herds of the Great Migration.

With interior design by long-time andBeyond collaborator Fox Browne Creative and architectural design by Jack Alexander, the rebuild will use the existing footprint of the former structure to redefine the classical tented camp look in a form that will least impact the natural landscape. Reinventing the traditional safari tent, the new lodge will be even more stylish and contemporary, while retaining the rustic and tactile nature of the original camp. The design team was tasked with creating spaces that would bring guests closer to the incredible location – on a tributary of the Grumeti River – while ensuring a sense of understated luxury. The proximity to the river draws a constant flow of nearby wildlife, including a pool particularly popular with resident hippos.

Drawing inspiration from the natural setting, the main guest areas will form a single sweeping arc that will follow the contours of the river, creating a series of sitting and dining areas that will flow naturally together. The design cleverly will provide shelter from the environment while retaining a wide open and natural feel.

More than doubled in size, the guest suites will feature raised ceilings and taller doors, allowing for an abundance of natural light. Canvas, banana fiber and hardwood cladding will add a layer of richness and call to mind the design of the original camp. Guest suites will now also feature deep baths and indoor showers, as well as extensive outdoor decks with private plunge pools. The rebuild will also bring a new family suite featuring an additional attached bedroom.

All buildings will be constructed from lightweight steel frames clad in canvas and sustainably sourced local hardwood. This will allow them to float over the landscape without the need for heavy concrete foundations and slabs, in keeping with andBeyond’s ethos of touching the earth lightly.

While the form of the buildings will draw upon the manyattas, or circular homesteads, of the nomadic Maasai, which can be found across the plains of the Western Serengeti, the color palette for the interiors will take inspiration from the tribe’s vibrant beaded necklaces and the kitenge fabrics found throughout Tanzania’s Great Lakes region. The lively purple tones of the original lodge will be pared down to a more subtle tone reminiscent of hippo hide and accented with bright fabrics and hand-blown glass.

Guest favorites such as the boma and lodge pool will remain almost untouched, while a state-of-the-art gym will be a welcome addition.

ABOUT ANDBEYOND

andBeyond designs personalized high-end tours in 13 countries in Africa, five in Asia and four in South America, offering discerning travelers a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be. andBeyond owns and operates 29 extraordinary lodges and camps in iconic safari, scenic and island destinations in Africa and South America. This enables them to positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land and over 1,800 miles of coastline. Established in 1991, andBeyond strives to leave our world a better place than we found it through their ethos of care of the land, wildlife and people, and the delivery of extraordinary guest experiences.

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