Bocas Bali in Panama Joins Nayara Resorts

August 25th, 2022

Nayara Resorts is recognized as one of the leading hospitality companies in Latin America, with a collection of elevated, eco-minded hotels offering authentic, immersive adventures in the region’s wildest and most remote corners—from the Costa Rican rainforest to Chile’s Atacama Desert and far-flung Easter Island. Expanding its reach into Panama, Nayara Resorts now welcomes Nayara Bocas Bali into its portfolio.

 

Originally opened in 2021, the exclusive, all-inclusive, adults-only Bocas Bali property features an array of sixteen over-water villas on a private island in the Bocas del Toro area, off the Caribbean coast—as well as the world’s first over-water beach. Fringed by approximately three miles of coral reefs, the property is a haven for snorkeling and other aquatic sports.

 

Says Dan Behm, the owner of Bocas Bali, on how the partnership with Nayara came about: “We chose Nayara because of the ideal cultural fit and their proven ability to create extraordinary experiences for their guests.”

 

Leo Ghitis, owner of Nayara Resorts, is thrilled to welcome this new property into the portfolio as it is an excellent complement to the other hotels in the group. “Nayara Bocas Bali exemplifies what the Nayara brand is all about,” says Ghitis. “Ultra-personalized service combined with extraordinary experiences, and above all, an unwavering commitment to sustainability and our communities.” Nayara Costa Rica is known for its reforestation efforts and sloth sanctuary, while Bocas Bali is known for its fully solar-powered, off-the-grid accommodations and its commitment to protecting the coral reefs and mangroves.

 

Rooms

The sixteen over-water villas immerse guests in the lush Caribbean scenery, allowing them to snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak directly from their rooms. Some villas feature glass floor panels for underwater marine viewing while others have saltwater pools and steps that lead into the sea; all were inspired by the barefoot romance of Bali, with natural materials, beds wrapped in tumpang sari canopies (Javanese-style layered beams ornately carved into a vaulted ceiling), and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the view out over the sea. In fall 2022, the property will unveil its first Treehouse with plans to add several more in late 2022 and 2023, some floating as high as 40 feet above ground.

 

Restaurants

A pair of restaurants serve international dishes with a local twist, using the freshest seafood from the Caribbean Sea. Items include toasted local coconut bread (Johnny cakes); ceviche of the day from the morning’s catch; and Caribbean Curry. The Balinese-inspired Elephant House restaurant sits on stilts over the Caribbean Sea and the poolside Coral Café is a cheerful, alfresco setting for a casual breakfast, lunch, or snack. Both restaurant bars serve handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement the island breeze; The Tipsy Bar, on Kupu-Kupu Beach, is the perfect place to sip a tropical cocktail, toes in the sand.

 

Activities

The property’s idyllic island location makes it a wonderland for aquatic pursuits—from snorkeling and paddle boarding to kayaking through the mangroves and dolphin viewing in the bay (Dolphin Bay is aptly named – pods of dolphins are frequently spotted swimming around). Off property, guests can take a seaplane to Isla Escudo de Veraguas, a remote island known for its three-toed pygmy sloths who like to swim in the water around the island. Other excursions include scuba diving, fishing, visiting indigenous chocolate farms, and exploring Monkey Island—a secluded monkey sanctuary.

 

Aerial Beach

In April, Bocas Bali unveiled the world’s first over-water beach, hovering on stilts and stretching 90 feet long by 20 feet wide. With white sand, lush palms, and the Tipsy Bar serving tropical drinks, Kupu-Kupu Beach is an ideal spot to while away the hours and soak up the tropical breeze. A series of stairs descend from the platform directly into the Caribbean Sea, allowing for a seamless transition between sunbathing and deep-water snorkeling.

 

Sustainability

Bocas Bali uses solar energy, purified rainwater, and an eco-friendly wastewater treatment system engineered specifically for a mangrove island. Five separate environmental studies were conducted to ensure the property posed no risk to the habitat’s mangroves and crystal-clear waters. The overwater buildings were specifically placed to mitigate any interference with the surrounding coral reefs.

 

Getting There

After flying into Panama City’s Tocumen Airport, it is an hour drive to Albrook Airport, then about an hour-long flight to Bocas Airport where someone from Bocas Bali will greet arrivals and bring them to the property by boat. (Roundtrip transfers from Bocas airport are included in the rate.) From January 2023, Bocas Bali is launching VIP daily air service directly from Panama City’s Tocumen Airport to Bocas del Toro airport on a nine-seat King Air B200 (leaving Panama City at 4:30 daily and leaving Bocas del Toro at 9:30am daily – a 45-minute flight). The price for this is $500 each way (per person). The resort is also happy to assist in coordinating travel once in Panama.

 

Rates

Rates start at $900 per night for double occupancy on an all-inclusive basis.

Inclusions:

 

  • Unlimited five-star dining at The Elephant House restaurant
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks at The Coral Café
  • Villa fridges stocked with drinks and snacks
  • Unlimited premium liquors and wines
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking the mangroves
  • Snorkeling, including equipment
  • Fitness center
  • One boat transfer from Bocas Town to Bocas Bali and a second boat transfer from Bocas Bali to Bocas Town
  • Free high-speed WiFi in rooms and common areas
  • Concierge service
  • Room service

 

 

Images Courtesy of Nayara Resorts: https://we.tl/t-IVwHJ1J90t

About Nayara Resorts

Nayara Resorts is a collection of three sister properties set in Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica (Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs, and Nayara Tented Camp); two properties in Chile (Nayara Alto Atacama in the Atacama Desert and Nayara Hangaroa on Easter Island); and the newest addition, Nayara Bocas Bali in Panama.

 

 

Unique Perks of the Suite Life – From Private Speed Boats to Unlimited Champagne

August 19th, 2022

Extra-Special Suites

Many travelers, especially those traveling with their families or for business, opt to splurge on a suite for extra room to spread out. But added space isn’t the only reason to upgrade your digs. In some cases, reserving a suite unlocks special perks like private guides, access to your own speedboat, free-flowing champagne, and VIP dining experiences—not to mention bragging rights. From a designer suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the world’s largest overwater villa, here are 5 suites worth the expense.

andBeyond Phinda Mountain lodge Family Suite

Designed to provide the right balance of privacy and together-time, the Family Suite at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is cleverly laid out to help you make the most of your group safari getaway. A central living room connects the two wings of the suite, each of which have bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers, and interleading children’s rooms. A private veranda off the shared lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding bush (keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five) and connects directly to the lodge pool.  But that’s not all — book the Family Suite and you’ll get your own dedicated private guide and vehicle for exploring the lodge’s 70,560 acres of protected wildlife land, where wildlife like cheetah, black rhino, and nyala roam.

Images Courtesy of andBeyond: https://we.tl/t-cBqthjvYwU

The Marylebone

Get the royal treatment in London by booking the lavish Marylebone Suite. Offering 860 square feet of living space, it’s like owning your own stylish pied-a-terre in the heart of the city, steps from Hyde Park and Manchester Square. The best place to take in the views is the suite’s Scandi-style terrace, complete with a retractable roof and blinds, plush sofas, a fireplace and TV. Or relax inside, where a Julian Chichester dining table, a marble bathroom and whirlpool bath, freshly cut flowers, and complimentary selection of alcoholic and soft drinks will make you feel right at home. Other perks of booking the chic suite include VIP airport pick-up (London City & Heathrow only, one way), in-suite check-in, and access to a dedicated guest liaison who can hook you up with dinner reservations, in-room meals, or anything else you should need.

Images Courtesy of The Doyle Collection: https://we.tl/t-TjR2QQfRr0

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train

In June 2023, eight new suites will be unveiled aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. Two original 1920s and 30s carriages, accommodating just four suites on each car, will be carefully restored, their design inspired by pastoral European landscapes and featuring plush fabrics and furnishings from renowned brands and makers like Majorelle, Dufrene, Leleu, Rousseau, and Lalique.  The La Forêt Suites will evoke Germany’s Black Forest, while the La Campagne Suites will be adorned with rich velvet greens and intricate flower marquetry in homage to Northern Italy’s rolling pastures and vineyards. Les Montagnes Suites will mirror the mountainous peaks of Austria’s Arblerg massig, and Les Lacs Suites will reflect the serene beauty of the likes of Lake Zug in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy. The suites are portals to the golden day of train travel, with luxuries like private marble ensuite bathrooms and lounging areas that transform into either double or twin beds by night. Additional amenities might include personal 24-hour cabin stewards, complimentary kimonos and slippers, and free-flowing champagne. Cheers!

Images Courtesy of Belmond: https://we.tl/t-XGDz3pabSI

Gili Private Reserve

A Robinson Crusoe fantasy come to life, the Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi is the world’s largest overwater villa, stretching across the Indian Ocean in multi-level tiers. Guests spend their days lounging by the infinity-edge pool and in the overwater catamaran nets; working out in the air-conditioned gym; pampering themselves with treatments at the private couples’ spa (complete with a steam room and indoor/outdoor treatment rooms); and sliding down the top-deck waterslide into turquoise waters. Running late on dinner reservations? Luckily guests of Gili Private Reserve have access to their own speed boat, which they can use to travel around the resort or farther afield. By night, enjoy movie screenings at the private cinema, and retire in the guestrooms (of which there are two en suite master bedrooms and a guest suite), which have doors that open to the breathtaking scenery. Other perks of the Private Reserve include a fully equipped kitchen and the option to curate your own wine selection from the 400-label cellar.

Images Courtesy of Gili Lankanfushi: https://we.tl/t-yvZQxT8FTJ

Master Casita at Paradero Todos Santos

Guests of Paradero’s indulgent Master Casita can do as much (or as little) as they want, enjoying access to all the resort’s immersive experience from energizing morning yoga, and taco tours, to farming tutorials, cliffside champagne tastings, and sunset walks. No matter what activities they partake in, guests will come back to the ultimate hideaway in Todos Santos: spread over three floors and designed to feel like a luxurious home away from home, the Master Casita comes with a kitchenette, a spacious dining room, and a plunge pool and suspended “star net” with 360-degree views of the mountains, the Las Palmas Beach, and the La Mesa farming fields. Like all of Paradero’s suites, the Master Casita embraces triangular geometries—a sacred symbol of the Mayan culture–to promote a sense of balance and wellbeing.

Images Courtesy of Paradero Todos Santos: https://we.tl/t-8k9RYFxaLW

 

Virtuoso® Reveals Preferences and Top Destinations for Upscale Travelers this Fall and Festive Season

August 19th, 2022

Text, logo, company name

Description automatically generated

Virtuoso® Reveals Preferences and Top Destinations for Upscale Travelers this Fall and Festive Season

Las Vegas (August 16, 2022) – Global luxury travel network Virtuoso® reveals when, where and how the affluent are traveling next. Respected as an industry-leading trend forecaster, Virtuoso gathered data and insights from its network of travel advisors, preferred partners and high net worth/ultra-high net worth clientele based on its data warehouse of more than $49.5 billion in transactions and an ongoing series of surveys. The results were shared at luxury travel’s leading event, the 34th annual Virtuoso Travel Week. Running August 13-19 in Las Vegas at Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, and Vdara Hotel & Spa, the event is recognized as the fashion week of travel, where the latest news and trends affecting the industry are unveiled.

While travel has felt, at times, uncertain during 2022, luxury travelers have led the way forward, even in the face of covid variants, travel restrictions, and overwhelmed airports. The pent-up demand that many of us felt during the last few years has resulted in a surge in flights and bookings, resulting in trends like revenge travel and hectic “Airmageddon” scenes at major airports around the world. It’s no wonder why this year’s summer vacation cost more than it did last year and even the years before that – travelers are ready to get back out there and spend, and not just to Europe but the broader world. Both inbound and outbound leisure travel sales are booming, in some cases surpassing 2019 levels, and booking windows have normalized back to pre-pandemic numbers (which explains why it’s so hard to find deals and discounts). Despite the challenges, it’s undeniable that the future is bright, with travel sales in 2023 pacing 47 percent higher than 2019.

An overview of the information is below, with complete findings here.

Travel Roars Back

- Upscale travelers are ready to resume their pre-pandemic travel lives and have consistently led the way, even during shaky times. In January 2022, 85 percent said they were in a ready-to-travel mindset and 86 percent planned to take an international trip. Fast forward to summer 2022, even airports overwhelmed with air traffic and lost baggage is no strong deterrent for getting back out there.

- When it comes to recovery, the spend for outbound leisure travel is expected to outpace actual travel (i.e., the volume of people on the ground). According to Tourism Economics, in some markets, like Australia, U.K., and France, the differential between the two is quite slim. For others, like Mexico, China, and Brazil, the spend is expected to return years ahead of the number of outbound travelers.

- Outbound leisure travel sales have shown a strong rebound, even in markets where borders only recently opened up. The U.S. has already outperformed 2019 numbers for 2022 by 122 percent, Australia by 113 percent and Canada – at 80 percent – is rapidly catching up. Globally, we have surpassed 2019 – travel’s high water mark – for outbound travel booked January-July at 102%.

- Hotel booking windows are much wider than they were in 2019. Now, the median window for domestic hotels is 58 days (compared to 2019’s 44) and 80 days for international hotels (compared to 60). This is good news for hotels, of course, but for travelers it means more difficulty finding deals and discounts.

- 76 percent of travelers have accepted a “new normal” (up from 35 percent in January 2022), with many travelers making peace with all the uncertainty and volatility. Now, the number of travelers who were put off by traveling in January 2022 has dropped by 26 points (from 38 percent to 12 percent).

- Future sales of travel in 2023 are pacing 47 percent higher than 2019—great news for cruising, which is leading the way with heavy bookings in 2023.

- According to Tourism Economics, global outbound leisure spending won’t fully bounce back until Q2 2024 exceeding 2019 levels by 21 percent by 2024. And from there, the numbers keep climbing, surging to 55 percent of 2019 levels by 2026.

- 74 percent of Virtuoso travelers say “creating a travel experience that best fits my expectations is more important than price,” with plans to increase their previous year’s spend of $20,700 per person by 34 percent to $27,800 in the next year

Who is Traveling, Where are They Headed, and Why Are They Going Now?

- How are people traveling? The most popular way is traveling with a spouse or significant other, followed by traveling with friends and family trips with kids under 18. While traveling with friends showed a slight decrease (from 46 percent in 2019 to 36 percent in 2022), it’s still the second-most popular form of travel.

- Solo travel is on the rise—but not in the way you might expect. Interestingly, among Virtuoso clients, the highest level of interest is coming from the 65+ age group, increasing from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022. Meanwhile, the interest among travelers ages 18-34 has dropped from 12 percent in 2019 to 6 percent in 2022.

- Younger, richer travelers are getting out there in a big way. The 18-34 age group averaged 2.2 more international trips in the past year than the 65+ age group and 1.3 more domestic trips. DIY travelers took about the same number of trips in the past year as Virtuoso-advised travelers, but the latter took longer trips, spending more nights in hotels, rentals, and cruises and skewed more toward international trips.

- 78 percent of travelers say they’re ready to travel now. For 87 percent of those polled, the dollar’s parity with the Euro plays a factor. And only 35 percent say that this summer’s air travel complications have caused them to cancel or postpone plans.

- The hottest global summer destinations? The United States, Italy, France, Canada, and Greece come out on top, followed by the U.K., Spain, Mexico, Ireland, and Switzerland.

- The U.S., Italy, France, Mexico, and Canada are among the top international destinations for September-December 2022. And hotel bookings for fall and festive travel (September 1 to January 15) made through July of this year are at 173 percent of where they were at the same point in 2019.

- While 45 percent of people say they’re ready to travel now or within the next 3 months, 38 percent say it will be 6-12 months before they do so.

- Disconnecting from the routine and stresses of home and connecting with new people, cultures, and ideas are primary reasons for travel in 2022.

- Purpose-driven travel remains paramount. Environmentally-friendly philosophies and practices and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage are top-of-mind concerns, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. And many are willing to pay more—56 percent of Gen Z and 46 percent of Millennials for eco-friendly tourism practices and 58 percent of Gen Z and 52 percent of Millennials for travel that preserves natural and cultural heritage.

Fall and Festive Travel

- When it comes to festive/holiday travel, many people are ready to make plans, even amid the uncertainty of traveling during a pandemic. In 2020, only 16 percent were comfortable planning and making adjustments later if need be, and now that’s up to 28 percent. And in 2020, people waiting to book until closer to their travel date was 22 percent; that’s now consistently down to 15 percent.

- In terms of the motive behind holiday travel, 71 percent will travel for vacation, while 21 percent will travel to see family and friends.

- Islands and beaches are topping travelers’ lists for holiday travel, followed by trips with a wellness component, an ocean cruise, and cities outside the U.S. 62 percent will travel to multiple destinations, while 38 percent will travel to a single destination. Notably, wellness-focused trips were the only category to see a year over year increase: 2021 (13 percent) versus 2022 (24 percent).

- Among the 18-34 age group, high-end travelers seek out (and are willing to pay more for) travel brands/experiences that focus on environmentally-friendly philosophies, those that contribute to local people and that also preserve natural and cultural heritage.

- Booking trends are indicative of a strong fall season during which volume will remain above 2019 levels.

- Across all countries: through July, hotel and in-destination leisure booking volume is at 157 percent of 2019 levels.

- While the United States still leads all countries by a significant margin in total hotel and on-site booking volume, Europe will continue to be a hugely popular regional destination market.

- Trips to the Caribbean islands seem to be gaining popularity through the rest of 2022 and into 2023.

# # #

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in over 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,200 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $25–$30 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

 

Media Contacts:

Misty Belles, Virtuoso – Vice President, Global Public Relations

+1.202.553.8817 / mbelles@virtuoso.com

 

Lauren Wintemberg

Alice Marshall Public Relations – Senior Account Director

+1.212.861.4031 / lauren@alicemarshall.com

New Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys Expedition From Indonesia to Australia, Timed to Solar Eclipse April 9-24, 2023

August 16th, 2022

PONANT is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys on a series of co-branded sailings for 2023. Each of the 21 itineraries will be led by two Smithsonian Journey Experts—whether an art historian, a solar astrophysicist, or an international relations expert—whose expertise and knowledge will shed new light on a destination and deepen travelers’ immersion in place.

Among the new sailings is a 16-day sailing to eastern Indonesia, East Timor, and the Kimberley region of Australia, timed to the total eclipse of the sun that will take place on April 20, 2023—one of only five total solar eclipses remaining worldwide this decade. Smithsonian Journey Experts, Associate Director of Science at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Alex Young and Australian-American historian Craig Benjamin, will guide guests’ viewing of this spectacular three-plus hour cosmic event and other trip programming. Rates start at $20,480 per person.

Setting sail from Bali, the trip begins with two days of swimming, snorkeling, and sightings of mythical Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park, followed by two days discovering the cultural and natural wonders of East Timor—from soaking up the Portuguese heritage and arts and crafts scene of the capital, Dili, to discovering the small villages that line the east coast of Baucau. A highlight is exploring the Coral Triangle and its abundant coral reefs.

After crossing the Timor Sea, guests will arrive in Wyndham, the northernmost township of Western Australia and the gateway to the Kimberley region. Often referred to as the “Antarctica of the tropics,” the Kimberley is a vast, remote region larger than 75 percent of the world’s countries, with rushing waterfalls, white sandy beaches, dense mangrove forests, rugged sandstone gorges, and the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet. Your first three days will include Zodiac tours of King George River (including the 260-foot-high King George Twin Falls) and viewings of aboriginal Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art of Swift Bay. Other options include cruising the Ord River, flying over the Bungle Bungle mountains, and exploring the El Questro outback station, one of the world’s last remaining frontiers.

From there, Le Lapérouse will sail back into the Timor Sea to stage herself in an advantageous position for viewing the solar eclipse, which will take place from late morning to early afternoon on April 20, with an approximate period of totality of just over one minute.

Following the spectacular cosmic event, the journey continues with three more days in the Kimberley region, beginning with the landscapes of Collier Bay, where tidal ranges exceeding 45 feet have created dramatic landscapes and natural phenomena, like the Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest in-shore reef system. At the southern end of the Bay is the world’s only “Horizontal Falls,” described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world,” where tidal movements create a waterfall effect between narrow gorges. On the second-to-last day, you’ll head to the Lacepede Islands, a rich breeding habitat for Green Turtles, Brown Boobies, Lesser Frigatebirds, and other species. Guided zodiac tours will offer close-up views of the wildlife and the four sand islands.  The trip concludes in Broome, on the far north coast of Western Australia.

About PONANT

PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 30 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration. The company explores the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. For more information, visit  https://us.ponant.com or call 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.

About the Smithsonian

Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries.  Two of the 21 museums – the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum – are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art, and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 155 million, of which nearly 146 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.smithsonian.org

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is part of Smithsonian Enterprises, a division of the Smithsonian which oversees the institution’s commercial activities, including the Smithsonian Channel, which is available in over 55 million households globally; the retail operation, which includes 35 museum and airport stores, food concessions; an E-commerce business, Smithsonianstore.com, and Smithsonian magazine, which reaches more than 8 million monthly readers, consumer and education licensing, and books. Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel for diverse audiences, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents. In addition to ocean cruises with PONANT, Smithsonian Journeys offers small-group land journeys, river cruises, active journeys, cultural stays, private jet trips, tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler, and student travel programs. For more information visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 1-855-330-1542.

 

New 2023 PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys Expedition in Panama and Costa Rica

August 9th, 2022

NEW PONANT AND SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS EXPEDITION IN PANAMA AND COSTA RICA, FEBRUARY 11-FEBRUARY 18, 2023

 

PONANT is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys on a series of co-branded sailings for 2023. Each of the 21 itineraries will be led by two Smithsonian Journey Experts—whether an art historian, a solar astrophysicist, or an international relations expert—whose expertise and knowledge will shed new light on a destination and deepen travelers’ immersion in place.

 

Among the new sailings is an eight-day cruise aboard Le Bellot to Panama and Costa Rica. The immersive journey will combine a crossing of the Panama Canal, snorkeling and swimming on the beautiful Holandes Cayes, excursions in the Darién and Manuel Antonio National Parks, and encounters with local Indigenous communities—plus a specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), an open-air museum dedicated to tropical science and conservation. Back on the ship, expect inspiring talks and informative events led by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including climate leader Steve Paton, who has spent his career monitoring the climate and oceans of the tropics.

 

After setting off from Colón, Panama’s colorful port city, Le Bellot will journey to the San Blas archipelago, made up of more than 300 islands and home to approximately 40,000 members of the Kuna community, one of the most powerful Indigenous groups in the Western Hemisphere. From there, you’ll cross the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal, the world’s most important waterway, before exploring the capital’s atmospheric Old Quarter, the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, and the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). There, staff will share the latest research related to marine science and guests will observe rare species up close.

 

Next, you’ll sail to the Darién National Park, set in the wildest and most remote part of Panama. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a natural playground of sandy beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves, and tropical forests, as well as the home of the Emberá Amerindian community. Guests will visit their tropical village, admiring beautiful local crafts and enjoying traditional songs and dances.

 

The last stretch of the trip takes place in Costa Rica, starting in the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, a tropical reserve known for its variety of wildlife like sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans. Then Le Bellot will make her way to Puerto Caldera, the point of disembarkation, a gateway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano.

 

Rates start at $6,030 per person.

 

ABOUT PONANT

PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 30 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration. The company sails to the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. For more information, visit  https://us.ponant.com or call 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.

 

About the Smithsonian

Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries.  Two of the 21 museums – the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum – are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art, and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 155 million, of which nearly 146 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.smithsonian.org

 

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is part of Smithsonian Enterprises, a division of the Smithsonian which oversees the institution’s commercial activities, including the Smithsonian Channel, which is available in over 55 million households globally; the retail operation, which includes 35 museum and airport stores, food concessions; an E-commerce business, Smithsonianstore.com, and Smithsonian magazine, which reaches more than 8 million monthly readers, consumer and education licensing, and books. Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel for diverse audiences, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents. In addition to ocean cruises with PONANT, Smithsonian Journeys offers small-group land journeys, river cruises, active journeys, cultural stays, private jet trips, tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler, and student travel programs. For more information visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 1-855-330-1542.

 

Beyond a Place of Worship: Three Extraordinary Hotel Chapels

August 2nd, 2022

Beyond serving as places of worship or religious celebration, these extraordinary hotel chapels are portals into local customs and architectural and artistic traditions. Many have been painstakingly restored to their original splendor, offering visitors a chance to travel back in time—to the Italian Renaissance, the Andean Baroque movement in Peru, and the Byzantine period in Greece.

Kalesma Mykonos

Located on the grounds of Kalesma Mykonos, the recently completed church of Agios Dimitrios is an exquisite ode to the island’s Byzantine past, brought to life by Greece’s top contemporary artists and design talents, including creative agency Saint of Athens. As many of the island’s aristocratic mansions contain worship areas with ornate religious imagery, the owners of Kalesma Mykonos wanted to pay tribute to this local tradition. Greek design firm K-Studio oversaw the church’s Cycladic architecture, while the interiors—a collaboration between Studio Bonarchi’s Vangelis Bonios and graphic designer/illustrator Gerasimos Chatzis—drew on a range of influences, including references to great Greek hagiographers, Hellenistic elements, and Byzantine heritage. A typeface was specifically created for the church’s interiors: a predominantly black Byzantine, tribal script with shining gold accents that depicts the Passions of Holy Week. An original soundtrack by musician Stefanos Giakoumakis borrows from the vibrations of the surroundings, fusing the sounds of water and air with choral and orchestral elements.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco

Walking inside the San Antonio Abad Chapel at Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel, you can’t help but feel the city’s Baroque history wash over you. Built on what was once the Palace of Inca Amaru Qhala, the church—constructed in the aftermath of the 1650 earthquake—features soaring ceilings with large-scale oil paintings in elaborate frames and a resplendent gold altar. It’s an astonishingly beautiful backdrop for weddings and other religious ceremonies. Guests can also exchange their vows within the cloistered walls of Monasterio’s main courtyard, amid grand stone arches, scented gardens, and a 300-year-old cedar tree. It’s no wonder the hotel has been recognized as a historical landmark by Peru’s National Institute of Culture.

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence

Declared a National Monument in 1896, the Church of Villa San Michele all Doccia is a Renaissance-era masterpiece, complete with artworks that rival those at the country’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. Belmond faithfully restored the structure in 1988, washing the façade with distilled water and installing steel reinforcements to its weakest parts. The apse and the high altar are flanked with pietra serena columns, and there are four holy water stoups, two of which date to 1515, which is believed to be the year of the church’s original completion. Art aficionados can gaze up at Nicodemo Ferrucci’s Last Supper fresco, which has graced the walls since 1642 but was painstakingly restored in 1999, revealing details previously unseen, like the oil lamp above Christ’s halo. There is also a partially preserved 15ht-century fresco of the Ascension of Our Lord; a painting by Santi di Tito, who also completed works on the Vatican; and a stone coffin bearing the insignia of Pope Eugene IV. A colorful highlight is the 400-year-old wisteria, the only of its kind in Florence to bloom twice a year.

5 Favorite Indulgent Accommodations Around the Globe

August 2nd, 2022

A room with a view is always nice. But the world’s most indulgent accommodations go beyond sweeping vistas to offer sumptuous interiors, next-level service, and a dash of the unexpected—from a romantic open-air treehouse in Kruger National Park to a butler-serviced private riad in Marrakech complete with lavish rooftop terrace and home cinema. Take a peek inside:

Grand Riad at Royal Mansour

A four-bedroom oasis spread across three floors, this “medina within a medina” offers palatial-style design, private butler service, and a terracotta roof terrace inlaid with mosaics and offering sweeping views of the Atlas Mountain. Interiors are a vision of stucco lace, heavy drapery, Murano chandeliers, and a riotous mix of colorful wallpaper and precious stones. The ground floor opens onto a private garden with a retractable roof, while a cast iron elevator whisks you to the floors above, where each of the bedrooms has dressing rooms and private bathrooms. Other spaces include a dining room with billiards, a library for artful lounging, a neoclassical-style dining room, and the roof terrace with a plunge pool, Bedouin tent, and hammam.

Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi

A Robinson Crusoe fantasy come to life, the Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi is the world’s largest overwater villa, stretching across the Indian Ocean in multi-level tiers. Guests spend their days lounging by the infinity-edge pool and in the overwater catamaran nets; working out in the air-conditioned gym; pampering themselves with treatments at the private couples’ spa (complete with a steam room and indoor/outdoor treatment rooms); and sliding down the top-deck waterslide into turquoise waters. By night, enjoy movie screenings at the private cinema, and retire in the guestrooms (of which there are two en suite master bedrooms and a guest suite), which have doors that open to the breathtaking scenery. Other perks of the Private Reserve include a fully-equipped kitchen and the option to curate your own wine selection from the 400-label cellar.

Ian Fleming Villa at GoldenEye

Situated within the GoldenEye resort, this villa is tucked away in a private garden, where it’s hidden by tall trees and tropical foliage. It’s here that acclaimed British novelist Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond books, inspired by the lush scenery and the three-bedroom villa he designed to his own specifications. A dedicated butler is on hand to make your every wish a reality, while a chef can whip up Jamaican specialties and martinis (shaken, never stirred) to be enjoyed in outdoor settings like a sunken garden or on the private beach, where there’s a grill built into the side of a rocky cliff. Each of the villa’s three bedrooms has its own tropical garden area with a clawfoot tub and a garden shower, setting the scene for relaxation en plein air. There are also two private stand-alone one-bedroom cottages on site for larger groups or families.

Producer Suite at The Chatwal New York

Guests of the Producer Suite will feel they’ve traveled back in time to New York’s heyday. Designed by French architect Thierry Despont, the expansive suite harks back to the city’s Art Deco past with its bold colors, geometric shapes, and a spiral staircase that spans two floors, leading to a panoramic roof terrace with views spanning over west 44th street and Manhattan’s skyline. Stretch out on a lounger enjoying the vistas of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and order room service for the ultimate New York power lunch. Butler services ensures you won’t have to lift a finger.

andBeyond Ngala Treehouse

It’s impossible not to feel a sense of child-like wonder as you sleep under the stars at the Ngala Treehouse, surrounded by the wilds of Kruger National Park. The four-floor treehouse offers the ultimate thrill—of being one with nature—while drifting off to the sights and sounds of the forest, far from the distraction of civilization. Enjoy sundowner drinks and a starlit dinner picnic on the upper deck, then retire to the elevated sleep-out platform for sleeping outdoors under a retractable screen (there’s also a covered and weatherproof space should you want to move indoors). And just because you’re off the grid doesn’t mean you have to go without the conveniences of a hot shower or a flushing toilet. Talk about the best of both worlds!

 

Categories

Archives