August 11th, 2023
In response to traveler demand, Aqua Expeditions, the leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, is pleased to announce four additional seven-night Amazonia departures in February 2024 on the 20-suite Aqua Nera. There are also options for three- and four-night sailings.
For almost 15 years, Aqua Expeditions – named the ‘World’s Best River Cruise Line’ in 2023 by Travel + Leisure – has been sailing around Peru and the Amazon Rainforest, leading guests through the world’s most biodiverse ecosystem. Since 2021, Aqua Nera, best described as a floating boutique hotel, has been sailing alongside her sister ship Aria Amazon, taking guests to some of the most remote parts of the Amazon with their private military grade skiffs. Days are structured much like those of land-based safaris with naturalist-led twice-daily excursions ranging from jungle walks and piranha fishing to exploring hidden lakes and lagoons and spotting exotic wildlife.
CEO and Founder of Aqua Expeditions, Francesco Galli Zugaro, is pleased to see such an uptick in demand for this particular destination, “It is our pleasure to release these additional Aqua Nera sailings in February, a month that sees the Amazon truly come to life with an abundance of opportunities for our guests to witness more wildlife than ever and take part in immersive cultural adventures and local festivities,” he said.
February 24-March 2, 2024
These new sailings allow travelers to plan a comprehensive Peruvian holiday and experience notable festivals, including the Carnival of Cajamarca (February 10-14, 2024). February is also an ideal time of year to visit Machu Picchu while avoiding the usual tourist rush. While on board, guests can expect world-class cuisine curated by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, SpaceX’s high-speed Starlink satellite internet, a river-facing gym, outdoor plunge pool, and more.
A recognized global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded from crowds. Expect tailored five- star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with personalized service, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua Expeditions currently operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, as well as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia), with the latest superyacht sailing the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from June 2022.
July 25th, 2023
Nestled within the historic stone walls of County Clare’s most iconic estate, the newly opened Castle Spa at Dromoland is a beauty and wellness sanctuary inspired by the property’s 500 acres of manicured flower-covered grounds as well as the estate’s former chatelaine, Lady Ethel, who presided over the castle in the early 20th century.
The reborn spa spans 320 square feet and six treatment rooms and incorporates revitalizing, science- and nature-backed therapies from three award-winning female-owned brands: celebrity-favorite skin care line Dr. Barbara Sturm (the first hotel in Ireland to offer these exclusive treatments), the plant-based Irish brand SEABODY, and the bio-nutritional British range OSKIA. Several treatments are exclusive to the hotel, including the SEABODY Beauty and Wellness Spa Experience, which harnesses the power of hardworking marine-based nutraceuticals harvested from Ireland’s Atlantic Coastline to optimize the skin’s health and vitality.
With original stone walls and sumptuous details like cashmere blankets designed by Ireland’s KDK Sisters and spa robes from Dublin-based designer Deborah Veale, the glamorous cocoon-like space is steeped in place. Spa refreshments feature mint, strawberries, and other botanicals from the garden, and a dedicated relaxation room, The Whisper Room, offers a guided 20-minute meditation through Lady Ethel’s favorite hidden corners of the castle’s rose gardens with the sounds of birds and trickling water as an aural backdrop. There’s also an Amber and Quartz Crystal Bed for boosting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and encouraging physical and mental relaxation.
Handpicked as one of the spa’s trios of brands for its cutting-edge and anti-inflammatory ethos, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skin-healing philosophy delivers non-surgical, anti-aging treatments that rejuvenate stressed skin. Driven by advanced ingredient-science and a philosophy of healing rather than acting aggressively towards the skin, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products are free of synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, and mineral oils. Signature treatments include the #SturmGlow facial to increase blood and oxygen flow while toning and defining facial muscles, and the anti-gravity Super Anti-Aging treatment to achieve a sculpted effect.
Four state-of-the-art treatments from SEABODY deliver proprietary potent biomolecule complexes into an immersive 360-degree body, beauty, and wellness experience. The SEABODY Rebalance is a transformative therapy involving breathwork, full-body exfoliation, and a detoxing cold-pressed sea gel body mask; the Touch Facial uses Gua Sha facial massage techniques; the Connect Full Body Massage incorporates wave-like massage techniques; and the Dromoland SEABODY Signature combines a deep-back massage, a touch facial, and Gua Sha stones.
The third brand is OSKIA, an award-winning, results-driven vegan skincare brand founded in the UK, with treatments such as an Illuminating Facial, a Warm Oil Massage, a Vitamin Body Glow using fine pink Himalayan salt, fruit enzymes, and starflower oil.
July 25th, 2023
With its rich culture and sublime scenery, Jamaica has inspired countless artists and creatives. The nation’s pride is reflected in the music, dance, cuisine and literature that originated in Jamaica, but has since influenced people across the globe. The legacy of Bob Marley is intricately linked with the image of Jamaica; and for novelist Ian Fleming, Jamaica was his creative incubator. Now, the most stylish Caribbean nation has inspired Assouline’s newest title, Jamaica Vibes, written by Lisa Lovatt-Smith and Novia McDonald Whyte, with a foreword by music industry legend and Island Outpost founder Chris Blackwell. The book, launching in August 2023, is part of Assouline’s iconic Travel Series and retails for $105.
Born to a family that made its fortune in Jamaica growing sugar cane and making rum, Blackwell grew up on the island. By the 1960s, he entered the music business and launched the careers of Bob Marley and U2. He is credited for popularizing reggae throughout the world and has since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But Blackwell is just as well-known for his passion for Jamaica and its people, and his collection of celebrity-favorite boutique hotels as part of the Island Outpost portfolio. These include the legendary GoldenEye, previously owned by Bond creator Ian Fleming, who penned his best-selling spy series from the property’s famed waterfront villa. Blackwell also owns the Strawberry Hill mountain estate (where he grew up having Sunday tea), and the honeymoon-favorite The Caves.
Blackwell contributed a forward to Jamaica Vibes, presenting an intimate, insider portrait of this vibrant island nation and its mesmerizing power. The book was written by Lisa Lovatt-Smith, former editor and fashion director at various editions of Vogue; and Novia McDonald-Whyte, senior associate lifestyle editor and social content at the Jamaica Observer Media group.
Throughout the book are over 200 glossy photos taken by photographers including Slim Aarons and Adrian Boot and feature images of the nation’s colorful culture. Over the decades, Jamaica has hosted a never-ending parade of glamorous guests, including the likes of Harry Belafonte and Kate Moss, who have also shared quotes for the book.
July 25th, 2023
2023 marks the 70th anniversary of Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, the first novel in the legendary James Bond series. In celebration, GoldenEye in Jamaica is offering a dedicated package that will trace both Fleming’s and Bond’s footsteps with ‘The Ultimate Ian Fleming Experience.’
Ian Fleming was a former British intelligence officer and discovered Jamaica during a WWII mission in 1942. Four years later, he purchased 15 acres of under-developed tropical land and named it GoldenEye to pay homage to his naval operation that first brought him to the island. He resided there every winter for more than two decades and penned all 14 James Bond books onsite (sometimes typing more than 2,000 words a day). 70 years later, the James Bond name is recognizable across every corner of the globe.
Highlights of the package include a guided snorkeling tour through Fleming’s beloved reefs; and a tour of his Villa (based on availability) where his writing desk and typewriter remains. Outside, guests can stroll through the sunken garden where Fleming entertained the likes of British Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, playwright Noel Coward, and actress Katharine Hepburn.
The four-night package includes:
- Accommodations in a one-bedroom Lagoon Cottage
- Guided snorkeling excursion
- Tour of the Fleming Villa (pending availability)
- A bottle of Bollinger champagne (featured in many of the Bond films and first mentioned in Fleming’s 1956 novel, Diamonds Are Forever)
- 007 Collector’s Edition of Blackwell Rum – created in celebration of over 60 years of the James Bond film franchise (Did you know? GoldenEye is owned by music legend Chris Blackwell. He served as a location scout in Jamaica for the 1962 Bond film Dr. No)
Package rates start at $3,700 for four nights in a one-bedroom Lagoon Cottage; available for stays now through October 31, 2023.
July 25th, 2023
Everyone dreams of plowing through a towering stack of best sellers in the summer – visions of quiet beach days and lounging poolside. Often, life gets in the way of these serene, literary daydreams and the stack of books gets smaller and dustier. For a way to cheat a bit for summer reading, here are some of our favorite new coffee table books to transport readers (viewers, really) off to another locale.
UXUA Utopia: A Very Gifted Guest House
The boutique property on the Bahian coast of Brazil tends to attract a cool crowd (Anderson Cooper loved it so much that he had them build him a house, it’s where Solange Knowles spent her honeymoon, models like Candice Swanepoel have been spotted there…), so it’s no surprise that leading trend forecaster Li Edelkoort joined forces to release this new coffee table book this summer. The 288-page book combines elements of design, art, and travel, exploring owner Wilbert Das’ achievements in establishing values for a new world through a local project meant to set a global example. Past guests can reminisce about their holidays while flipping through the beautiful pages, and those yet to visit can daydream and imagine themselves in the tropical paradise of Trancoso, Brazil.
Assouline and Island Outpost launch Jamaica Vibes – August 2023
With its rich culture and sublime scenery, Jamaica has inspired countless artists and creatives. The nation’s pride is reflected in the music, dance, cuisine and literature that originated in Jamaica, but has since influenced people across the globe. The legacy of Bob Marley is intricately linked with the image of Jamaica; and for novelist Ian Fleming, Jamaica was his creative incubator. Now, the most stylish Caribbean nation has inspired Assouline’s newest title, Jamaica Vibes, written by Lisa Lovatt-Smith and Novia McDonald Whyte, with a foreword by music industry legend and Island Outpost founder Chris Blackwell. The book, launching in August 2023, is part of Assouline’s iconic Travel Series and retails for $105.
Born to a family that made its fortune in Jamaica growing sugar cane and making rum, Blackwell grew up on the island. By the 1960s, he entered the music business and launched the careers of Bob Marley and U2. He is credited for popularizing reggae throughout the world and has since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But Blackwell is just as well-known for his passion for Jamaica and its people, and his collection of celebrity-favorite boutique hotels as part of the Island Outpost portfolio (GoldenEye, Strawberry Hill, and The Caves). Blackwell contributed a forward to Jamaica Vibes, presenting an intimate, insider portrait of this vibrant island nation and its mesmerizing power.
Italian Summer Vacation brought to you by Belmond
Belmond, owned by LVMH, has collaborated with the former editor-at-large of Vogue Italia, Cesare Cunaccia, to publish Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation ($95). As the definition of “authentic” travel continues to evolve, the Assouline coffee table book is a vibrant reminder that a hotel is not just a hardware, but in fact, it is a part of cultural immersion and prolonged discovery – whether at the newly renovated Splendido in Portofino, the countryside estate Castello di Casole in Tuscany, or perched atop the mountains of Ravello at Caruso.
