April 13th, 2023
There are many ways to celebrate moms and caregivers in our lives. The reason why we are fans of the gift of travel is because it packs in culture, adventure, cuisine, and wellness all in one “box.” Here are seven options to consider:
A Great Night’s Sleep
The Beaumont in Mayfair, London is going through a renovation as well as an expansion by Thierry Despont. All the rooms in the existing building will be completely redecorated by early April (apart from The Terrace and The Roosevelt suites as they will be done a little later in the year). And 30 new rooms will be added to the adjacent building in late 2023. The most artful accommodation is Antony Gormley’s inhabitable sculpture, called ROOM. Designed as an experiential work of art, it is a bookable one-bedroom suite. The exterior takes on the shape of a three-story crouching man made of stainless-steel, while the interior is a dark space filled with the smell of fumed-oak, featuring only a single, all-white bed and can be taken to total darknessat the flip of a switch. While the bedroom is just 43 sq. feet, the walls tower at 33-feet high. The unique shape stems from Gormley’s belief that guests should feel cocooned in a space unencumbered by distractions.
Reaching New Heights
Adults-only private island luxury retreat, Nayara Bocas del Toro, in Panama offers two treehouses, designed by sustainability-focused, Bali-based Elora Hardy as her first project in Central America. The solar-powered treehouses are constructed from four varieties of locally-sourced bamboo and 19 varieties of reclaimed 500-year-old, partially petrified hardwoods extracted from the floor of the Panama Canal. The airy dwellings have 21-foot ceilings with a tropical yet pared-down aesthetic, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-air living room that look out over the canopy of the mangrove forest. Outdoor jungle showers and deep soaking tubs invite bathing en plein air, and a pulley system allows for unobtrusive room service. Water is generated from purified rainwater and power from the sun. The resort also features 16 custom overwater villas, a 70-foot freshwater pool, the 100-year-old Elephant House restaurant, and the world’s first elevated white sand beach built on stilts over the sea.
Epic Trip Gift
A 1920s Art Deco icon, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nostalgic of the golden age of travel with its restored vintage carriages. Each of the 17 carriages have a unique history and all of which formed part of many of the famous, historic trains of the 1920s and 1930s, including Le Train Bleu and the Rome Express. There are journeys between some of Europe’s beautiful and historic cities including Paris, Venice, Florence, Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Just once a year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes a five-night journey between Paris and Istanbul. Named after the cities to which the train travels, there are Grand Suite options, one of which is aptly named Istanbul to celebrate the route. Amenities include a personal 24-hour cabin steward, free-flowing champagne, in-suite dining and private transfers to and from the train.
New Hotel, New You
The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. Built as a series of rustic cottages, the landmark has evolved into the island’s most timeless resort, with a collection of chic accommodations showcasing the very best of the beloved destination. In May 2023, in time with the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages.
Surf-Centric Getaway
The birth of modern surfing in the Maldives can be traced back to 1980, when an Australian surfer (who was shipwrecked in the North Malé atoll in 1973) opened the archipelago’s first surf operation. Since then, the country has become one of the world’s most pilgrimage-worthy surf destinations, known for its crisp barrels, consistent swells, and an endless variety of breaks (most of which are accessible by traditional dhoni boats). The best place to hit the waves: Gili Lankanfushi, a private island eco-sanctuary in the North Malé atoll, right around where modern surfing in the Maldives was born. The resort puts guests within striking distance of some of the country’s finest surf breaks, three of which are just a five-minute boat ride away (and many more within 20 minutes). Tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds only add to the appeal—and in summer, the conditions are optimal. Gili also partners with the luxury surf company Tropicsurf, which offers lessons based on skill level from beginner to advanced.
French Riviera Calling
While St. Tropez has long been a glamours address for film, music and fashion icons, a 15-minute drive brings travelers to a peaceful retreat, overlooking the Cote d’Azur. La Réserve Ramatuelle is an intimate property, featuring 19 suites and 14 villas that are dotted amidst cypress and olive trees and orange groves. The 2023/2024 season will start with Jacque Garcia-redesigned accommodations. This is also an idyllic destination for wellness-minded nature lovers. The multi-day, medically-established Nescens programs are complemented with an emphasis on outdoor fitness. Think guided hikes along the coastline, swimming, and aqua cycling classes in the open-air pool. The hotel has a two Michelin-starred restaurant, La Voile, where dishes adhere to the Mediterranean diet and highlight local, seasonal seafood and fresh produce and herbs alongside healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. Chef Eric Canino doesn’t on sacrifice flavor, though – this is France, after all.
Sustainable Craftswomanship
A gloriously reimagined 19th-century hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands, The Fife Arms takes the concept of an art hotel to an entirely new level. A passion project by gallery power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth (of Zurich’s acclaimed Hauser & Wirth), it is a destination hotel down to its landmarked roots, beautifully weaving together art, community, learning, people, place. One extra special activity for moms is through a local weaver. Helen Jackson forages sustainable willow from the property grounds and can teach guests how to make baskets and fans. Her exquisite products (and much more) are also available at the hotel’s extensive online shop.
April 10th, 2023
Geneva Calling for a Summer Family Vacation
From Jungle Themed Rooms and a Kid’s Menu at Its Michelin-Starred Restaurant to Summer Camp Programs, La Reserve Geneva is an Ideal Summer Vacation Destination
Just three miles from downtown Geneva, La Réserve Geneva feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to its prime address within a 10-acre park on the lake’s right bank, with views to the Jura mountains. The hotel’s privileged, nest-like location is one of the many reasons that it’s a favorite of families traveling with children.
From the moment they arrive, La Réserve Geneva rolls out red carpet for younger guests. There are several interconnected family rooms, including one that’s decorated specifically for children, with lion mats, teepees, soft toy pillows, and other whimsical décor. Several rooms and suites also have patios with direct access to the grounds and the swimming pools — making it easy for children to access the myriad kid-friendly amenities, like the outdoor pool and the open-air playground that is La Petite Réserve, complete with obstacle courses, suspension bridges, and game tables.
While parents hit the sublime Spa Nescens—Geneva’s largest— kids ages 6 months to 12 years old can settle in for play time in the bright, colorful kids’ room, which offers complimentary childcare as well as toys, games, puzzles, books, a coloring station and more.
When it comes to outdoor fun, the options are limitless. During the summer holiday, kids can enroll in a range of lessons—from surfing and squash to swimming and diving—in partnership with the nearby Country Club Geneva. During the summer, parents can also opt to enroll their children in the Collège du Léman Summer Camps, which offers everything from French classes and science labs to pastry-making, horseback riding, and wakeboarding on Lake Geneva with a two-time World Wakesurf champion.
On property, there’s an outdoor pool where kids can splish and splash all day long, as well as indoor swimming pools that are specifically reserved for kids every day from 2-4 PM. More active children can practice their serve on the private indoor or outdoor courts (ask for lessons!), or opt for other à la carte activities like stand-up paddleboarding, tubing, sailboarding, and sailing. Other seasonal offerings include bead workshops, origami instruction, cooking lessons, karaoke, musical chairs, cartoon-making, and the list goes on!
La Réserve Genève features four kid-friendly restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus—including Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland—so even the pickiest of eaters will find something to suit their taste buds.
For a family adventure, go hiking in the nearby Jura mountains or glide across Lake Geneva aboard the elegant Motoscafo boat, passing by the famous Jet d’Eau fountain and the city’s pretty town center. Geneva offers plenty in the way of child-friendly attractions and experiences, including a chocolate tour and visit to a 200-year-old chocolate factory; a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, home to 500 plant species; a visit to the Natural History Museum, where there are moonstones, fossils, and reconstitutions of extinct dodo bird; and a deep-dive on the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum.
April 5th, 2023
Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train Unveils New Dior Spa and Themed Journeys for 2023 Season
Marking the start of its 2023 season, Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland, the country’s only luxury sleeper train, announces a long-term partnership with Dior Beauty to create the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman and launches two new expert-led adventure and culinary themed journeys through the Highlands.
Dior Spa Royal Scotsman
A cocoon of serenity on the rails, the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman blends two iconic Houses for an incomparable well-being escape inspired by Scotland’s ephemeral beauty. An homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland – where he hosted his first fashion show in 1955 – the new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman is housed in one of the train’s plush carriages with two lacquered treatment rooms, restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif. The new bespoke menu features three tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s wellness experts to cater to the specific needs of train travel and can be enjoyed before or after an outdoor excursion. The D-Travel body massage (30 minutes / one hour) is a deep, slow massage that eliminates toxins, releases tensions, and relieves pain. Inspired by the Scottish seasons, the D-Elements full body treatment (one hour) begins with the application of semi-precious hot stones on the back to create a sense of warmth, followed by massage strokes that simulate a cooling breeze. Bain Dior body mist and hot oshibori, recreating the country’s drifting mists, end the treatment on a calming note. For the face, the D-Highlands treatment (one hour) is inspired by Kobido facial massage techniques and enhanced with the Dior Prestige line, resulting in a rejuvenating facial that sculpts the face’s features and improves the skin’s appearance.
New Journey: Highland Survival Adventure
The new three-night Highland Survival Adventure journey, June 30-July 3, 2023, is designed with adrenaline-seekers in mind as they connect to nature far from the stresses of everyday life. Traveling roundtrip from Edinburgh, the itinerary features several outdoor challenges in some of the most secluded locations in the Western Highlands. Led by WILDNIS’ guides – former Royal Marines Sergeant, George MacHardy and seasoned survivalist, Eliza Brown – the Royal Scotsman guests will explore the indigenous flora and fauna, take part in a modern-day Royal Marines Commando Assault Training program, and feast on an al fresco lunch prepared by WILDNIS’ chef and ‘field to plate’ cuisine advocate, Tom Byrom. On the third day, guests will put their skills to the test rappelling down a cascading waterfall followed by a reinvigorating wild swim session. Back on the train for the final night onboard, guests will dine on Scottish delicacies as Royal Scotsman makes its way back to Edinburgh. Rates start at $8,750 per person on an all-inclusive basis.
New Journey: A Taste of Scotland with Tom Kitchin
From September 4-6, 2023, the Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, one of Scotland’s most celebrated culinary stars, will host a two-night journey through the Scottish Highlands. Allowing guests to delve deeper into the region’s indigenous produce, Tom Kitchin will showcase his ‘From Nature-to-Plate’ culinary philosophy as the train journeys from Edinburgh to Boat of Garten, Inverness, Dundee and back to the capital. Guests will enjoy several meals with Chef Kitchin including a welcome four-course dinner, a barbecue lunch in Cairngorms National Park, and a Gala dinner to close out the journey. Highlights also include an exclusive wine masterclass with local wine merchants, L’Art du Vin, in the train’s Observation Car and a tour and expert-led whisky tasting at Benromach distillery. Rates start at $6,690 per person on an all-inclusive basis.
Space to Watch
Two new Grand Suites by interior designer Tristan Auer are set to join the rake in May 2024 with ensuite bathrooms, double beds, and private living area. Grand Suite guests will also enjoy added amenities including private transfers to and from the train and one spa treatment in the train’s dedicated spa carriage. Rates will start at $7,500 per person on an all-inclusive basis.
For more information, please visit belmond.com.
ABOUT BELMOND
Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for 46 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travellers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 50 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian hideaways such as Splendido in Portofino, or unrivalled gateways to world natural wonders such as Hotel das Cataratas inside Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. From trains to river barges, safari lodges to hotels, each unique property offers an incomparable experience with its own story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Belmond.com
INSTAGRAM: BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN
March 20th, 2023
Popular summer destinations are popular for a reason – offering sun, sand, the great outdoors… Here are a few of our top picks for summer 2023.
Often known for its party scene, Mykonos has been a popular island destination for over 50 years. Kalesma Mykonos aims to show a different side of Mykonos. Sure, guests can still stay up until the wee hours of the morning (and even have babysitter to handle breakfast and some morning playtime if traveling with kids!), but they can also visit a local farm and try freshly made cheese, be pointed in the direction of hard-to-find and nearly empty beaches, or try a restaurant locals love that isn’t in the guidebooks. This summer, Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa with products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, so in addition to the treatments guests could formerly receive in-room, there are two treatment rooms with Dr. Sturm products plus a hammam. (Also a great way to beat jetlag!)
Most Grecian getaways begin or end with a night or two in the country’s capital, and the ancient seat of democracy. xenodocheio Milos has partnered with neighboring local favorite, Naxos Apothecary, to offer a new experience exclusive for guests to create a signature scent. Hotel guests can choose to do this either in the chic, airy apothecary around the corner or in their own suite. An expert will conduct a “tasting” of scents to distill a perfect, custom perfume, often using local Greek herbs and flowers. Perfect to create a scent that instantly brings you back to Greece with a spritz.
Filtered through the lens of Belmond, visitors will experience a European summer like never before. Drift along the Italian Riviera in a traditional gozzo fishing boat at Splendido Mare, indulge in wine and olive oil made on-property at Castello di Casole in the Tuscan countryside, and enjoy exclusive tours of Pompeii when staying at Caruso. Access is everything, and guests of Belmond get front-row seats to these region’s most spectacular landscapes, experiences, and attractions. Celebrations will be in full swing with 150th anniversary of Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily and the debut of the first phase of Splendido’s meticulous, multi-year restoration by internationally-renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Set to be unveiled in June 2023, the hotel will have a reimagined pool area and new villa dining experience at The Pool Grill restaurant, as well as the complete redesign of the penthouse Baronessa Suite.
At the sprawling Tenuta di Murlo estate in Umbria (the 18,000 acres estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century), the family has spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. There are now eight villas with private pools and sprawling views of the countryside, and this April they are unveiling two new hotel rooms with sweeping views of the countryside, an indoor heated pool, and a hammam/steam bath. Activities for guests include truffle hunting, day trips to Assisi, Spoleto, Arezzo and Montepulciano (all less than an hour away), and exploring the 80 historic buildings on the property, including an 11th century castle, a beautifully frescoed church, and old mills scattered across the hills.
La Réserve Geneva feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to its prime address within a 10-acre park. The hotel’s privileged, nest-like location is one of the many reasons that it is a favorite of families traveling with children. There are four kid-friendly restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus – including Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland – so even the pickiest of eaters will find something to suit their taste buds. During the summer, parents can opt to enroll their children in the Collège du Léman Summer Camps, which offers everything from French classes and science labs to pastry-making, horseback riding, and wakeboarding on Lake Geneva with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Other seasonal offerings include bead workshops, origami instruction, cooking lessons, karaoke, musical chairs, cartoon-making, and the list goes on! Geneva offers plenty in the way of child-friendly attractions and experiences, including a chocolate tour and visit to a 200-year-old chocolate factory; a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, home to 500 plant species; a visit to the Natural History Museum, where there are moonstones, fossils, and reconstitutions of extinct dodo bird; and a deep-dive on the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum.
Almanac Barcelona’s new multi-day Foodie tour gives guests the ability to pull back the curtain on the city’s dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. At the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests in the heart of the action. The panoramic rooftop bar looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, and chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant has a new menu every two weeks and local ingredients from surrounding farms just beyond the mountains. Itinerary highlights include a guided, three-hour food tour to some of Barcelona’s favorites, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, with one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain; and Vila Viniteca – one of the most prestigious wine merchants in Europe – housing more than 4,500 bottles of Spanish wine like Sherry and Cava plus liquors and spirits, 400 of which are exclusive to the shop. The next day head south of Barcelona to the renowned Torelló Cellars for an exclusive tour by owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló, plus a farm-to-table brunch and a wine and Cava pairing.
The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. In May 2023, in time for the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages. Boston-based designer Elkus Manfredi has created a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of the island – its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy – to breathe new life into these historic accommodations. The patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, with antique brass accents that evoke classic Nantucket and light blue ceilings that recall the skies on a summer’s day. Meanwhile, the 11 Cottages will be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket like hydrangea and honeysuckle. New original art will be installed throughout, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangelo worked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a mini-residency made up for acclaimed artists from around the world.
The Catskill region has long been celebrated as the cradle of American fly-fishing as well as the playground for the ‘fathers’ of the sport – including 19th-century writers Theodore Gordon and George LaBranche. Nestled among the wooded shores of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir, the 11-accommodation property is an idyllic spot to follow in their footsteps. Guests are provided Simms waders, boots, rods, and flies, and the classes can be customized based on age and experience level. Lunch by the water can also be arranged, including freshly-caught trout prepared shore-side. Additional experiences at the property include kayaking, hiking, archery, stargazing, and birdhouse building.
On May 25, 2023, the Riviera Maya will celebrate the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel. Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property will enter a new era with 72 accommodations, including 10 new waterfront suites, each aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. The transformation will also feature the first Guerlain spa in Latin America in a newly renovated biophilic space as well as a new gastronomic vision under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho with 90% of the ingredients sourced from Mexico. The beloved Freddy’s Bar, ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or an escape from the afternoon sun, will also debut a fresh look with stunning sea views from every seat.
March 20th, 2023
Where else in the world can you watch black bears catch salmon in glacier-fed creeks, sail through ice-carved fjords, and learn about the local way of life in traditional fishermen settlements? Alaska is a state of wondrous beauty, with rich culture, spectacular wildlife, and astonishing natural landscapes. And now that PONANT is unveiling four itineraries and ten departures for 2024, travelers will get to discover the 49th state like never before.
With departures from Vancouver, Seward, and Sitka, the sailings will range from 7-11 nights, making it possible for guests to be acquainted with Alaska’s vast beauty and glimpses into Alaska’s history. All itineraries will feature a crew of naturalists specializing in geology, ornithology, glaciology, marine mammals, botany, and ethnology. For even more on-board discovery, travelers can opt for two co-branded expeditions in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys—the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex—providing a deep-dive on Alaska’s history, landscapes, and wildlife.
The seven- and eight-night sailings will explore the Inside Passage, with local boat landings and outings, humpback whale sightings, and tours of natural areas teaming with ancient conifer and resinous trees. With a focus on forests and fjords, travelers will enjoy close-up views of some of Alaska’s most extraordinary wildlife: black bears, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, and more. As the ship navigates the narrow Endicott Arm fjord, views of the magnificent Dawes Glacier will unfold along with the 653,000-acre Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness nature preserve.
A 10-night sailing departing from Sitka — with its eclectic blend of Alaska, Russian and American history — to Vancouver will offer all the highlights of the shorter voyages, with more of an emphasis on community experiences, such as conversations with a local of Elfin Cove, who will speak to the local way of life in the quaint fisherman settlement. Off the west coast of British Columbia, guests will meet with the local Kwakwaka’wakw people—the original inhabitants of the Northern Vancouver Island area—to experience a traditional cultural dance in a log house. The 10-night sailing comes with more opportunity to discover British Columbia’s coastal landscapes, including the Johnstone Strait and the Pearse Islands.
Finally, the 11-night voyages (from Seward to Vancouver/Vancouver to Seward) offer a complete Alaska experience. Expect chatting with local fishermen in the “Little Norway of Alaska;” meeting the Tlingit peoples of Kake, home to one of the largest totem poles in Alaska; diving into the gold rush history in Skagway; glimpsing mighty peaks like Mount Saint Elias, the second-highest mountain in Canada and the United States; and cruising the Prince William Sound—the jewel in the crown of the Pacific Northwest—to spot orcas, grizzly bears and humpback whales and marvel at the Harvard and Bryn Mawr glaciers.
For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com/destinations/alaska
ABOUT PONANT
PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For 35 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.