May 15th, 2024
This summer, all eyes are on Paris as the city prepares to host the Olympic Games. But you don’t need to be a sports enthusiast to justify a getaway to the City of Lights or further afield to the French Riviera, Champagne, Bordeaux, and beyond. Here’s what not to miss if you’re planning a trip—from summer wellness retreats and ritzy beach clubs to private sailings through the vast, marshy wetland of the Camargue.
Newly Starred Dining Experiences
The 2024 Michelin guide conferred new stars to 62 restaurants across France. Among the fine dining establishments with new sparkle: La Gabriel at La Réserve Paris, now with its third Michelin star—making it one of just 10 restaurants in the capital with this distinction. While the restaurant has a strong sense of place, the menus take inspiration from all corners of the world, including Japan and Turkey, where Brittany-born chef Jérôme Banctel learned the art of cooking with limestone—a technique he has now made his own. “These high-caliber menus conjure up a vast range of sensations and flavors … and [Banctel’s] talent as a cosmopolitan alchemist enables him to draw everything together harmoniously,” reads the Michelin review. Elsewhere in town, the Art Deco-inflected Monsieur George hotel is home to the newly crowned Michelin-starred restaurant Galanga, helmed by 32-year-old chef Thomas Damingo, who uses techniques like fermentation to add depth and creativity to his plant-forward plates. “[Damingo] conjures up delicate, aromatic dishes, whose elegance and technically flawless craftsmanship pamper the taste buds,” reads the review. Santé to the new star-holders!
Pilgrimage-Worthy Spas
In Paris, you don’t need an Olympic-sized pool to make a splash. In fact, some of the city’s insider’s-favorite wellness refuges are petite in size but mighty in every other respect. Take the newly opened Hotel Hana, designed by Laura Gonzalez (who is behind the restoration of the Cartier Mansion in New York) and Olivier Leone (the cofounder and art director of Nodaleto shoe brand). The property’s design takes inspiration from its location in Little Tokyo, as does the spa menu, which offers holistic treatments and Japanese rituals, including reiki, kobido, and reflexology using green tea and yuzu scented oils. After a treatment, relax by the indoor pool to really set the Zen mood.
Across town, the subterranean Nescens Spa at La Réserve Paris is hosting specialty workouts (open to guests and locals!) leading up to the Olympics. On May 22, Laure Dary, professional dancer/yoga instructor and founder of Maison Of(f) Wellness, will teach her signature ‘Shapes in Motion’ method inspired by yoga poses and also incorporating dance and barre. And those looking to get their heart rate up can catch Justine Rojat, who is bringing her boxing bootcamp class from Punch Boxing to the hotel on June 12.
In the South of France, the Spa Nescens at La Réserve Ramatuelle just launched a series of Women’s Better Aging retreats for summer 2024 season, aimed at helping women of all ages with mental and physical re-energization as well as self-reflection. The 3- and 5-day retreats include activities such as nature walks, yoga, and Pilates classes alongside holistic facial treatments and relaxing body rituals such as a signature Nescens Better Aging Facial and Massage. Two-Michelin Starred chef Eric Canino will also work hand-in-hand with Clinique Nescens’ nutritionist to create tailored menus adapted to the objectives of each guest during their program.
The Côte d’Azur’s Most Exclusive Beaches
The South of France conjures shimmering waters, powdery sands, and the most glamorous beach clubs in the world. For a front-row seat to the Cote d’Azur’s legendary beach culture, look no further than Cap D’Antibes Beach Hotel, a 1950s-era icon that underwent a complete revamp in 2023 led by Belgian architect Bernard Dubois. Perched atop a rocky promontory between Cannes and Nice that was used as a backdrop in both Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief and Jacques Deray’s La Piscine, the 35-room hotel is spread across a private beach with pastel pink loungers and parasols lined up along water’s edge. Fun fact: it’s one of a handful of hotels on the Cote d’Azur where guests don’t need to cross the road to get to the beach.
Near St Tropez, the seaside beach club La Réserve à La Plage opened on the buzzy Pampelonne Beach in 2019. Designed by Philipe Starck, it’s coastal boho-chic at its best, with the staff dressed in white-and-blue Breton stripes and a restaurant overseen by the La Réserve Ramatuelle’s Michelin-starred chef Eric Canino and chef Nicolas Cantrel. The beach club hosts live concerts, DJ sets, and photo exhibitions — all against the shimmering backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. You’re also hanging out in the exact place where beach club culture in France was born: in 1956, French superstar Brigitte Bardot made Pampelonne Beach a summer icon while filming And God Created Woman.
Family-Friendly Escapes
Paris with kids? Bien sûr. Especially if you’re staying at La Réserve Paris Apartments, a collection of 10 multi-bedroom apartments in the quiet 16th arrondissement. The flats feature large kitchens, fully stocked pantries and wine cellars, large balconies ideal for dinner parties prepared by a private chef, home gyms, and direct Eiffel Tower views. The building has its own private street entrance, and guests who buy out the 4,000-square-foot top floor receive a key for private elevator access. Younger guests might enjoy a pastry workshop with the hotel’s chef in the apartment kitchen or visit the Paris Aquarium, just across from the apartments. Guests also have access to all hotel amenities, including 24/7 butler service and meals at the three-starred Michelin restaurant Le Gabriel.
Having been family owned for nearly 70 years, Hotel La Ponche in St Tropez knows a thing or two about multi-generational travel and has many memories to share about the glamourous history of the French Riviera. Families often enjoy the most famous accommodations of the hotel, two Prestige Tropezian suites that were once the favorites of famous French actress, Brigitte Bardot, and French painter and sculptor, Bernard Buffet. Both feature a large, private terrace overlooking the sea and the 17th-century citadel. There are also three apartments, ideal for longer stays, which accommodate between four and six guests and come with a separate living room, fully-equipped kitchen, and of course, fantastic sea views. Here, family-friendly experiences include beach picnics, private boat rides, and exclusive access to the area’s best museums.
Splurge-Worthy Buyouts
Sail France’s waterways in superlative style — and utmost privacy — on a private boating experience with Belmond. In April, Belmond launched Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne after a top-to-bottom refit, with three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck. Available for private charter only, Coquelicot will take up to six guests on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, offering exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne. Guests can disembark the boat for unrivaled access to Taissy vineyard, which has been referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives, for a guided tour through the grounds followed by a technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées led by a Maison Ambassador.
Belmond is now also sailing in the Camargue region from Avignon to Sete (or vice versa) on the
four-cabin Pivoine, A Belmond Boat, Camargue – marking a new destination for Belmond’s fleet in France. As one of Europe’s largest natural reserves and the largest wetland in France, this new itinerary in Camargue, also launched in April, spotlights the vast wilderness of the region with a private visit to the salt marshes to see the pink flamingo’s nesting grounds, bird watching, tours through the lavender fields, and a special experience with famous horse whisperer, Jean Francois Pignon (who worked with Stella McCartney on her campaign starring the white horses of Camargue).
In Bordeaux, La Maison d’Estournel just reopened in mid-April for the season. Located next to the famed Château Cos d’Estournel winery, the property has just 14 rooms with vineyard views, complimentary e-bikes for pedaling through the rolling hills, and cozy-chic interiors that feel like staying at a friend’s country residence. It’s a dream wedding destination, with room for up to 200 people on the great lawn. In between wedding festivities, guests can go grand cru wine tasting, fishing, oyster farming, or take a boat out on Arcachon Bay.
May 14th, 2024
For many travelers, Greece is synonymous with sun, sea, and island-hopping. But there’s so much more to discover—world-class art collections, pilgrimage-worthy wellness programs, locally-owned hotels with a deep sense of place—giving frequent travelers new reasons to visit.
New Spa this year
Kalesma Mykonos, an architecturally striking and minimalist-cool boutique hotel inspired by the owners’ love affair with the island, reopened for the season with a brand new, sanctuary-like spa with Dr. Barbara Sturm treatments (the only spa on the island to carry these products/treatments, including the Sturmglow Facial and the Revitalizing Scalp Massage, and for the body, an Anti-Aging Body Treatment). Other highlights include Rick Owens-designed furniture in the lobby (the only hotel in the world to boast this), sunrise and sunset views, an on-site, Greek Orthodox chapel with Byzantine-inspired wall art, and a 50+ bottles-deep Greek wine list.
Images of the Spa: https://we.tl/t-HuWSwEQu5V (Courtesy of Kalesma Mykonos)
Artsy Athens
Most people start off in Athens, and the best way to get in step with city’s cultural pulse is a visit to NEW Hotel. Owned by Cyprus-born industrialist Dakis Joannou (ranked as one of the world’s leading collectors of contemporary art) and designed by powerhouse Brazilian duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, the property lets guests immerse themselves into the arts by borrowing from their library of over 2,000 artbooks at the rooftop restaurant. Artworks by heavyweights such as Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger appear alongside the Campana Brothers’ iconic furniture designs (including their famed Favela chair), making New Hotel an essential stop on any art lover’s itinerary.
Images courtesy of NEW Hotel Athens: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w3y8pzz5le1s2u3bb11vg/h?rlkey=17cw827rfm0g3pq0kiuf110gi&dl=0
A high-speed ferry to Santorini…
Brings one to NOŪS, Santorini’s largest resort, located in the village of Mesaria – away from the heavy traffic of the caldera. Inspired by the island’s Cycladic architecture and designed to resemble a whitewashed village, the 119-room property is filled with paintings, photographs, sculptural objects and even AR (augmented reality) works created exclusively for NOŪS by 15 Greek artists, along with light fixtures fashioned out of volcanic stone and design motifs themed after the island’s famous Akrotiri mural. Most rooms have their own private pools and large private gardens for relaxing; there’s also a sprawling spa with Greek-made Korres treatments.
Images courtesy of NOŪS Santorini: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e07vqje4nbbk38bwczlnp/h?rlkey=ymhenbaen7v1xe2244auvh4vk&dl=0
Where wellness meets history
For more of a wellness-focused holiday, Euphoria Retreat, located on Greece’s lesser-known Peloponnese peninsula, blends cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom, with treatments and programs that draw on Greek philosophy, Hippocratic healing, Taoist philosophy, and traditional Chinese medicine. The location itself is magical (also for non-spa-goers): situated in the foothills of soaring Mount Taygetus, Euphoria overlooks the village of Mystras. Ancient Mystras (up the hillside) was the last significant stronghold of the Byzantine Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. New this year is the Holistic Leadership retreat, offering a new take on leadership, is running June 12-16 and October 9-13, while existing favorites such as the fitness-centric Spartan Spirit of Adventure retreat or the five-day Odysseus Journey combining meditation, group discussion, and energy movement.
Images courtesy of Euhporia Retreat: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ifdaf7fqy1ucdefx6v2kc/h?rlkey=79tqeqyhfo6iombpm6tqpl312&dl=0
By sea
For those wanting to embrace the ancient Greek seafaring tradition, The Cyclades, in the Wake of Le Ponant sailing on Le Ponant (the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht) is a week-long sailing that goes from Lavrio, through the cyclades, to the tip of the Peloponnese and back (hitting Tinos, the uninhabited Polyaigos, Serifos, Monemvasia, Kythnos, and Spetses). The ship sets sail June 16, 23, 30 and July 7, 14, and 21, starting at $12,200 per person.
Images courtesy of Le Ponant: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rp2ovtdmhz5y4e3/AAD5k8sGsbe-apG_m0Oowwkva?dl=0
May 13th, 2024
Timed to The 100th Anniversary of the Author’s Death
This June marks 100 years since the death of Franz Kafka. To celebrate the life and work of the literary heavyweight—one of Prague’s most celebrated sons—the Almanac X Alcron Prague has launched a speciality package primed for bookish travelers.
Available from June 1 until August 31, 2024, the “Step Into the World of Kafka” package includes a two-night stay, a welcome drink and thematic ceramic mug, a city-wide Kafka scavenger hunt using a map and social media to explore the writer’s life through Prague, and two tickets to the KAFKAesuqe exhibition at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which will bring together works by international acclaimed artists as well as literary readings, film projections, concerts, and more. Guests will also enjoy a signature Metamorphosis cocktail made using Frederic Kafka gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup at the property’s iconic Alcron Bar, which pours specialty liquors crafted by the Frederic Kafka Distillery, founded by the novelist’s great uncle in 1870. Rates start at $636 USD for the two-night package.
Located steps away from Kafka’s birthplace in Old Town, Almanac X Alcron Prague is an ideal base for exploring the Czech city during the centenary celebrations, which will include events, exhibitions, and a renovation of David Černý’s famous Kafka rotating head sculpture outside City Hall. Housed in the former Alcron Hotel – Prague’s first luxury hotel dating to the First Republic - the Almanac X Alcron Prague is steeped in the glamor of yesteryear, with stunning original details like marble pillars, wood paneling, and onyx fireplace. Guests can admire the property’s collection of local art (with the opportunity to visit their studios throughout the city), enjoy creative plant-forward spins on classic Czech cuisine at the Alcron restaurant, and experience the city’s legendary café culture at the property’s third-wave coffee shop.
To book or for more information, please visit https://www.almanachotels.com/praguex/special-offers/world-of-kafka.
May 1st, 2024
ANDBEYOND EXPANDS LODGE AND IMPACT FOOTPRINT IN KENYA’S LAIKIPIA REGION WITH EXCLUSIVE TOURISM CONCESSION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBAL CONSERVATION CHARITY SPACE FOR GIANTS
Luxury experiential and conservation company andBeyond has extended its lodge circuit in Kenya with the announcement of an Exclusive Tourism Concession over the 44,000-acre Suyian Conservancy in Kenya in partnership with global conservation charity Space for Giants. The multi-decade long-term lease and partnership gives andBeyond exclusive access to over 44,000 acres of prime wilderness land on Suyian Conservancy in north-western Laikipia. As the sole luxury lodge and tented camp operator on the conservancy, the lease enables andBeyond to use its extensive lodge operating experience to build and develop, over time, the finest lodge, tented camp, sky beds and mobile camping experience in Kenya on this pristine and private wildlife conservancy.
“Our expansion into Laikipia is the culmination of a long-held desire to increase our impact and lodge operating footprint in Kenya. Laikipia is a prime wilderness area that is home to a greater population of wildlife than anywhere else in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara. This includes a large number of globally threatened mammals that make it particularly important from a conservation perspective. Representing a critical piece of the Kenyan circuit, it not only offers a world-class game experience but also aligns with many of our ambitious impact objectives in terms of securing and protecting endangered wildlife and habitat ecosystems, as well as enabling conservation through empowered communities,” explains Joss Kent, andBeyond CEO and Executive Chairman.
“In Suyian Conservancy and Space for Giants we have found the perfect partnership through which to bring our dream to reality. We are totally aligned in our goals to create one of the finest conservancy and lodge operations in Kenya and, indeed, Africa.”
Space for Giants was founded by Dr Max Graham ten years ago, off the back of research into the conflict between people and elephants in Laikipia, home to the second largest population of elephants in Kenya and one of the largest free-roaming populations on the continent. A key lesson from this research, the importance of removing the cost of wildlife to local people and replacing it with benefits, has driven a strategy of transforming private ranches into wildlife conservancies owned by not-for-profit trusts, attracting investment into enterprises that can ensure the region is valued, not just because it protects critically important biodiversity, but also because it generates employment and builds the local and national economy.
“Space for Giants has grown immensely in the last ten years and now operates across eleven countries in Africa,” explains Dr Graham. “If Laikipia is the heart of the organization, Suyian is its soul. Last year, through the generosity of the former owners of Suyian and a transformational gift by American philanthropist Louis Bacon, we were able to support the transition of ownership of the 44,000 acres to the Suyian Conservancy Trust, a Kenyan not-for-profit. This will ensure Suyian and its wildlife are protected in perpetuity for the benefit of Kenyans and, indeed, the world.”
The partnership between andBeyond and Suyian Conservancy represents an important milestone in the property becoming a leading financially self-sufficient model for Protected Area Management in Africa.
“In andBeyond we have a company that shares our values and has the capacity to ensure this magical natural ecosystem is not only protected but thrives,” concludes Dr Graham. “We could not have dreamed of a better partnership as a start to Suyian’s exciting journey.”
Forming part of a vital wildlife movement corridor and home to a huge diversity of wildlife, including a significant number of endangered species, Suyian boasts a variety of compelling landscapes that include grassland, savanna, rocky outcrops or kopjes, dense vechellia woodland and more than 10 miles of river frontage alongside the Ewaso Narok River. A thriving wildlife population includes rarities such as the melanistic, or black, leopard and African wild dog, as well as northern Kenyan species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, desert warthog and more. Elephant and buffalo are present in healthy numbers, as are lion, leopard and cheetah, in addition to both striped and spotted hyena. General game includes dik dik, giraffe, Laikipia hartebeest, Beisa oryx and lesser kudu.
With its remarkable wildlife and varying landscapes, Suyian is the ideal destination not only for an exclusive safari experience but also less commonly found activities such as walking safaris, camel safaris and horse-riding safaris on a neighboring conservancy. The diversity of flora lends itself to engaging botany walks and the rich cultural history includes evidence of cave paintings and artefacts from as far back as the Stone Age. Guests will also be able to interact with local pastoral tribes such as the Samburu and Pokot, as well as participate in conservation and research activities.
Easily accessed by air or road from Nairobi, Suyian is also a gateway to more remote adventures, such as helicopter safaris and visits to the Northern Frontier region of Kenya, including Samburu, the Matthews Range and the Endoto Range, Lake Turkana and the fabled Suguta Valley. The conservancy not only offers magnificent views of Mount Kenya but can also be used as a base for scenic flights or even fishing trips to this majestic and beautiful mountain.
Transformed from pure cattle ranching to land managed for conservation with a limited number of cattle, Suyian combines rapidly evolving conservation practices with the opportunity for community development. The conservancy utilizes a unique model of limited cattle ranching that uses rotational grazing to improve soil health and biodiversity. In combination with wildlife conservation and tourism, this not only contributes towards the economic development of neighboring communities but also ensures a more diversified income stream.
“As a partner of Suyian Conservancy, our intention is to make an impactful contribution towards the development of conservation and community projects in the fragile Laikipia ecosystem,” says Kent. “Over the past thirty years, we have learned a lot of impact lessons across our 29 lodges and 1 million acres of primary conservation land under management in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is our hope that we can share some of these learnings to support and assist in the various projects at Suyian.”
The andBeyond ethos of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People is directly aligned with the existing aims of Suyian Conservancy, which include land stewardship, wildlife protection and security, as well as community support for schools, health programs and education. Being contiguous with other nature conservancies such as Loisaba and Sosian provides the opportunity to work on shared conservation projects, as well as the possibility of creating a larger ‘super conservancy’ at some time in the future. Suyian also shares borders with the research conservancy of Mpala, which is run by Princeton University and offers the option for andBeyond guests to learn about and become involved in a multitude of conservation topics.
“Suyian offers the perfect potential for andBeyond to make a contribution to community and conservation efforts in Kenya while creating an exceptional experience for our guests,” concludes Kent. “It’s untouched nature and wild spaces, combined with our strict conservation ethics, will make this the ideal exclusive wildlife viewing destination, far from the large tourist numbers that can often be found in other parts of East Africa.”
andBeyond Suyian Lodge is expected to open July 1st, 2025. Log on to andBeyond.com or follow andBeyond on social media for further updates.
ABOUT SUYIAN CONSERVANCY
Suyian Conservancy is a spectacular and critical unfenced wildlife habitat that is part of the wider Laikipia-Ewaso ecosystem, which holds the highest diversity of large mammal species of any ecosystem of its size in the world. Suyian has been managed for decades as a working cattle ranch and as a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as providing critical support for local communities. It is home to 55 mammal species, including elephants, wild dogs, reticulate giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, lion, leopard, cheetah and over 260 bird species. The conservancy forms part of a critical wildlife movement corridor between Laikipia and the northern conservancies, allowing elephants and other species to move with the rains. Suyian forms part of over 200 000 acres of privately managed land with conservation as the primary aim. www.suyian.org
ABOUT andBEYOND
Established in 1991, andBeyond strives to leave our world a better place through the delivery of extraordinary travel experiences and our care of the land, wildlife and people. We are a bespoke tour operator for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America and Antarctica. We also own and manage 29 lodges and camps across 3 continents, as well as a luxury expedition yacht. Together with our long-standing community and conservation development partner, Africa Foundation, we positively impact 75 communities and directly conserve our footprint of 1 million acres. Our 2030 vision is to scale our impact through partnerships to support the conservation of an associated 40 million acres of key biospheres and to double our 2020 impact investment, while offering discerning travelers a rare and authentic experience of the world as it should be. www.andbeyond.com
ABOUT SPACE FOR GIANTS
Space for Giants is an international conservation organization based in Africa and founded in 2011. Our mission is to protect the natural ecosystems on which Africa’s large wild animals depend, ensuring they are valued by local people.
We currently work in 11 countries across Central, East and Southern Africa, focusing on some of the most pressing challenges facing the conservation of megafauna today. We are headquartered in Kenya and are registered as a charity in the UK and a non-profit, 501c3 in the US. Learn more at www.spaceforgiants.org
April 25th, 2024
Once you’ve ticked off the sights in Rome and Milan, where to jet off to next? To make easy work of planning your ultimate Italian summer getaway, we’re rounding up the country’s “bests”—from show-stopping pools and breezy beach clubs to scenic train rides and cruises. Read on for our top picks…
Best Pool: In a country known for its dramatic pools, it’s hard to crown one winner — which is why our vote goes to not one but two legendary Italian piscinas. On the Amalfi Coast, the heated infinity pool at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel is situated at an astonishing 1,000 feet above sea level, appearing to drop off the cliffs and into the Tyrrhenian Sea below. You won’t find a more scenic spot for taking in Amalfi’s soaring coastline. Meanwhile, in Umbria, the family-owned Tenuta di Murlo estate encompasses 18,000 acres of countryside and a collection of historic villas, cottages, hotel suites; one of its most lavish pools is the private L-shaped piscina at Villa Penna, which blends so seamlessly with the surrounding landscapes that you might think it was a natural swimming hole (which coincidentally, the estate also has).
Best Beach Club: Set on a private beach on Sicily’s Bay of Mazarrò, Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel occupies the island’s most covetable coastal perches. Now that the resort has launched Lido Villeggiatura, A Villa Sant’Andrea Beach Club, guests have yet another vantage point for appreciating the hotel’s seaside scenery. Inspired by the hotel’s midcentury Mediterranean glamour (the property was famously a private villa until the 1950s), the new beach club offers white-and-blue stripes sun loungers, six tented cabanas with plush sofas, dedicated butler service, and plenty of locally-inspired design details — from colorful cushions with lace-inspired “merletto” detailing, lava stone tiles from Mount Etna, Sicilian terracotta vases, and sun sails swaying in the sea breeze. Daily programming ranges from sunrise yoga by the water’s edge to open-air cinema nights in partnership with the Taormina Film Festival, DJ sets and seafood barbecues, wellness treatments in private cabanas, and excursions in the beach club’s new private speed boat Apreamare Gozzo 35, constructed by master boat builders from Sorrento.
Best for Artisans: International art gallery Galleria Continua and Belmond are teaming up for the third year on their MITICO art series. While this year’s art initiative will pop up in six Belmond properties around the world (including Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town), art lovers won’t want to miss a site-specific work by French conceptual artist Daniel Buren at Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, near Florence, where the artist has used the glass roof at Bar San Michele as his canvas. Consisting of panels of vividly colored glass in shades of red, green, blue and yellow, the retractable art piece transforms the bar into a kaleidoscopic installation of primary hues.
Best for Foodies: Umbria is ranking high on gourmands’ wish lists now that Tenuta di Murlo has launched a cooking school where guests can learn to make traditional Umbrian pizza and pasta and enroll in interactive group cooking classes. Also new for this year is a farm area that will function as a meeting place for culinary experiences like truffle hunting and apiary workshops. The hotel can organize picnics amid the property’s rolling hillsides, with estate-grown wine, olive oil, honey, biodynamic fruits and vegetables as gourmet picnic provisions. For guests wanting to get a broader taste of the region, culinary towns like Norcia (famous for its cured meats) and Castelluccio (Umbria’s lentil capital!) are just a drive away.
Best Train: What’s better than a road trip? A luxury train journey across Italy’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. In June, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train will travel to the Ligurian Coast for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting Paris and the breezy seaside town of Portofino, Italy. The overnight journey will wind through the French countryside and along the Riviera, ending with a two-night stay at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. As part of their stay, guests will enjoy a night of cinema under the stars at the town’s iconic Piazzetta; they’ll also be among the first to check out the hotel’s newly launched Splendido Grill, where classic Italian dishes are enjoyed on a breezy terrace overlooking the Ligurian Bay.
Best Cruise: Sicily isn’t a destination you can discover in one go — or is it? Next summer, PONANT, in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, will circumnavigate the Italian island, bringing the destination’s ancient civilizations, cultural riches, and awe-inspiring landscapes into deep focus. Setting sail from Valletta, Malta on June 2-10, 2025, Le Bougainville will head towards the southwestern coast of Sicily, home to the seaside commune of Porto Empedocles and the UNESCO-recognized Temple Valley archaeological site. Next, the ship will journey to Tunisia’s alluring capital to visit the ruins of Ancient Carthage and the Bardo National Museum before arriving in Trapani to visit the San Lorenzo Cathedral and the medieval hilltop commune of Erice. From there, it’s on to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, where Byzantine mosaics and Baroque churches exist alongside chic artisan studios and trendy restaurants. After a loop around Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian islands, travelers will sail north to Stromboli, taking in panoramic vistas of the active volcano, before crossing through the Strait of Messina to arrive at Taormina. The final port of call is Syracuse, which Cicero called “the greatest and most beautiful of all Grecian cities,” where you’ll find the island’s greatest archaeological sites, Parco Archeologico della Neapoli.
April 18th, 2024
As the “coolcation” trend only gets hotter, Europe’s new summer hotspots are beginning to emerge—and Switzerland is leading the way. Families will want to seek out hotels like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa or La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa and Villa, both of which have robust children’s clubs and kid-friendly programming (wakeboarding school, anyone?). Meanwhile, art-lovers should set their sights on Zurich’s La Réserve Eden au Lac, which is conveniently located near all of the city’s top cultural institutions. No matter your idea of summer fun—from boating and picnics to open-air concerts and mountain hikes—these three iconic Swiss properties are ideally poised for seasonal adventures. Read on!
Jungfrau
A new themed mountain trail with views of Eiger’s North Face (one of the world’s most formidable peaks) is luring active travelers to Switzerland’s Jungfrau region. The perfect base camp for your adventure? The legendary Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, which is located a funicular ride away from the start of the trail. Dating to the mid-1800s, the Belle Époque hotel (the former stomping grounds of Goethe and Lord Byron) has chandelier-lit salons, trickling marble fountains, six tennis courts, and a 5,500-square-meter spa with a vaulted indoor swimming pool and an outdoor saltwater pool. It’s also super family-friendly thanks to its sprawling Bienhuus (Bee House) play facility, where the little ones can partake in dance classes and face painting and make decorative wreaths, beeswax candles, and bracelets. Be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s Radius by Stefan Beer restaurant—which was recently awarded a Michelin Star and a Green Star—where the Swiss chef creates tasting menus with ingredients like wood sorrel and Mirabelle plums sourced within a 50-kilometer radius of the hotel.
Zurich
Zurich is an eminently walkable and bikeable city with an exploding cultural scene. In the summer, the city comes alive with a whole calendar of free outdoor summer concerts ranging from Openair Wipkingen held on the River Linnett to Stolze Openair, the city’s largest free open-air festival. For a fittingly cultured place to stay, look no further than La Réserve Eden au Lac. Designed by Philippe Starck, the lakeside landmark is located strolling distance from the Opera House, the Pavilion Le Corbusier, the Art Nouveau-era Bad Utoquai bathing pavilion, and the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum (look out for masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh). The Swiss city is also renowned for its public art: there are more than 1,000 works by the likes of Nikki de Saint-Phalle and Augusto Giacometti scattered around town. Back at the hotel, guests can opt for Motoscafo boat rides across the lake, picnics in surprise locations, wellness sessions in a floating sauna, and golden hour magic at the hotel’s buzzy Peruvian rooftop restaurant.
Geneva
La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa and Villa occupies a privileged location within a 10-acre park on the lake’s right bank, with views of the Jura mountains. While the property’s 20,000-square-foot Nescens Spa—the city’s largest wellness haven—draws its share of health-seekers, families love the property for its vast wooden playground, interconnected rooms, and seasonal activities ranging from tennis lessons to pastry making to wakeboarding lessons with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Don’t miss the city’s new family friendly attractions like Renzo Piano-designed CERN Science Gateway, located a quick 20-minute ride from the hotel. Swiss wine is a well-kept secret (98% of it stays in Switzerland!), but at the nearby Lavaux vineyards, just 15 minutes west of the city center, guests can sample the region’s famed Chasselas wine and discover the region’s 200+ winemakers!
April 15th, 2024
from neighborhood scavenger hunts to Chelsea blooms…
There’s no better time to visit London than the spring, when the skies have cleared, the parks are bursting with flowers and lush greenery, and the streets are overflowing with people eating and drinking outdoors. If you’re planning a visit, here are the can’t-miss events and seasonal spots to put on your list—from the V&A Museum’s largest ever photography exhibition to a flower-powered installation at one of the city’s buzziest restaurants.
The Doyle Collection, London (The Bloomsbury, The Kensington, and The Marylebone)
The Bloomsbury is a top pick among families, thanks to its classic London style and prime location near the cool Neal’s Yard and the British Museum. This spring, families can enjoy a complimentary self-guided city scavenger hunt, created in partnership with the Blue Badge Tourist Guide and the children’s illustrators behind the Drawn Together Art Collective. The 60-minute walking tour begins and ends at The Bloomsbury Hotel, where children who show a completed treasure hunt map will earn a tasty surprise from the concierge! Also new for spring is a seasonal installation at the hotel’s buzzy Dalloway Terrace, where London-based florist Princess & Ko has created a floral wonderland of green foliage and yellow mimosa flowers (the official emblem of International Women’s Day). As part of the activation, the Provençal rosé brand Maison Mirabeau has crafted a menu of rosé-inspired cocktails inspired by some of France’s most legendary actresses including Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve.
Meanwhile, The Kensington Hotel is offering tickets to one of the season’s hottest-ticket art events: the V&A Museum’s “Fragile Beauty” exhibition, which opens on May 18 and will showcase more than 300 photographs (the largest photography exhibition the museum has staged to date!) from Elton John’s legendary art collection. Guests who book the hotel’s Fragile Beauty Exhibition Experience package will snag two tickets to the exhibition plus a full English breakfast each morning of their stay. Later in the season, The Kensington will offer a similar package for guests interested in high fashion—specifically, the world of fashion icon Naomi Campbell, the leading lady of “Naomi: in Fashion” which opens at the V&A in June.
For a quick weekend escape, consider a stay at the fashionable Marylebone Hotel, known for its unbeatable address and on-site health club (home to an 18-meter swimming pool and complimentary Pilates and yoga classes!).
The Beaumont
A hidden gem in Mayfair, The Beaumont hotel has long been an insider’s spot that feels intimate, but never snobby, thanks to a team that knows guests by name and to its acclaimed restaurants and bars that draw a local crowd. For a curated sense of place, guests receive exclusive access and offerings at nearby stores, including Heywood Hill bookstore, Leica Cameras, and leather goods boutique, Métier. This is the first spring season for the property to showcase its 29 additional rooms and suites (for a total of 101) that have been designed by the late French American designer Thierry Despont. Not to miss is ROOM, a one-of-a-kind suite that was originally designed by Turner Prize-winner Antony Gormley due to the City of Westminster’s requirement that new buildings contain public art. The Lego man-like accommodation offers a bedroom with nothing but an all-white bed – no TV, minibar, artwork or telephone – so there are no distractions for a healthier night’s sleep. Fun fact: Every first Tuesday of the month, up to six guests can order a selection of board games at the Gatsby’s Room. For those looking to add on a cocktail, the team recommends Manhattan for backgammon and Mint Julep for Scrabble.
L’oscar London
Housed inside a converted Grade-II listed Baroque church with Jacques Garcia interiors, L’oscar London is one of the city’s most fashion-forward hotels. It’s also one of the best spots to enjoy afternoon tea, especially now that the property has rolled out a new afternoon tea menu with infusions from Newby Teas (the world’s most awarded luxury tea brand) and small bites inspired by seasonal flavors (think rhubarb and strawberry choux or lime and elderflower cheesecake). Vegan guests can opt for the hotel’s plant-forward menu, with a selection of veggie-centric finger sandwiches and sweets like dark chocolate mousse with yuzu and matcha.
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
London’s Chelsea Flower Show is an annual celebration of show-stopping seasonal blooms and innovative garden designs. As part of the floral festivities, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel will debut spectacular floral displays around the property, as well as botanical cocktails and a floral-inspired afternoon tea by star pâtissier Benoit Blin. Guests also receive early access to London’s oldest botanical garden and private tennis courts in Cadogan Place Gardens.
April 11th, 2024
Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, overlooking the famous harbor, unveiled a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation today. Drawing on Nantucket’s rich seafaring past and Quaker influence, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk infused new life into the 29 Cottages, which occupy an enviable perch along the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin.
Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket continues to retain the historic charm lingering from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years beginning in the late-1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its wharves were flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. During that time, 15-20 whale ships would be anchored in the harbor and stacks of oil casks lined each wharf. In 1830, the California Gold Rush played a role in the whaling industry’s collapse on the East Coast, but by 1920, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast. By the mid 1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the wharves. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.
Checking into The Cottages is the closest thing to staying on the water, without being on a boat, nautical soundtrack included. The setting is reminiscent of a seaside village. The individually styled accommodations with names like Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the great whaling ships of the 1700s. A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed ‘Woof Cottages’ continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations, particularly the bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, have been revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans have remained. All cottages offer full kitchens and most feature private outdoor decks. The accommodations feature a color palette of inviting tones of deep ocean blue, misty gray and stark white. Caged lighting, nautical charts of Nantucket, brass barometer instruments, rope and jute detailing in the furnishings and carpet, and woven fixtures inject a dose of contemporary maritime charm while the humble, functional materials hark back to the island’s whaling roots.
An extensive collection of artwork, including 3-D pieces of framed mariners knots, along with other works hand-selected by the hotel’s owners are displayed throughout the accommodations. A focal point of the cottages is a mural that’s handpainted by Sterk and digitally modified to fit in each space. The floor-to-ceiling seascape—which took nearly eight months to create—stretches across an entire wall and depicts a “First Nantucket Settlers” scene, with large-masted sailboats, lighthouses, a distant hamlet, and coastal vegetation brimming with native plants and animals. The mural tradition is deeply woven into the fabric of the island: in the 1800s, owners of whaling ships commissioned murals for their homes.
Amenities include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. For recommendations on the island’s most pet-friendly activities—including the best places to run free and play fetch, guests can email local insider Bailey, a black lab/Brittany Spaniel mix at petconcierge@thecottagesnantucket.com
To celebrate the renovation, The Cottages is offering a special opening rate starting from $310 per night. High season rates start at $1,250 per night. Starting rates are for one-bedroom Cottages. For more information, visit: https://www.thecottagesnantucket.com/
About White Elephant Resorts
White Elephant Resorts is a collection of premier hotels and resorts on Nantucket, MA and in Palm Beach, FL that specialize in bringing their award-winning combination of service, design, and amenities to today’s discerning traveler. Properties include The Wauwinet, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and home to award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor with the Brant Point Grill; Jared Coffin House, a historic hotel in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Tap Room; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, private waterfront cottages; and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240-slip full-service award-winning marina. White Elephant Palm Beach debuted in November 2020 in Palm Beach, FL with Nantucket-favorite LoLa 41 restaurant. In 2023, The Wauwinet, White Elephant Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach were ranked in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 awards, and both White Elephant Nantucket and The Wauwinet were recipients of Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. TOPPER’s is AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 27 consecutive years.
March 19th, 2024
Special Opening Offer up to $585 Per Night in Savings
Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation on April 11, 2024. Drawing on the island’s rich seafaring past and Quaker influence, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into the 29 Cottages, which occupy an enviable harborside perch along the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin. To celebrate the rebirth of an icon, the property is offering an opening promotion: two-bedroom cottages for the price of a one-bedroom cottage. Two-bedroom cottage rates start at $310 per night. (A savings up to $585 per night.) Valid for stays between April 11th and June 11th and based on availability.
Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket continues to retain the historic charm lingering from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years beginning in the late-1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its wharves were flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. During that time, 15-20 whale ships would be anchored in the harbor and stacks of oil casks lined each wharf. In 1830, the California Gold Rush played a role in the whaling industry’s collapse on the East Coast, but by 1920, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast. By the mid 1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the wharves. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.
Checking into The Cottages is the closest thing to staying on the water, without being on a boat, nautical soundtrack included. The setting is reminiscent of a seaside village. The individually styled accommodations with names like Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the great whaling ships of the 1700s. A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed ‘Woof Cottages’ will continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations, particularly the bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, will be revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans will remain. All cottages offer full kitchens and most feature private outdoor decks. The accommodations will feature a color palette of inviting tones of deep ocean blue, misty gray and stark white. Caged lighting, nautical charts of Nantucket, brass barometer instruments, rope and jute detailing in the furnishings and carpet, and woven fixtures will inject a dose of contemporary maritime charm while the humble, functional materials hark back to the island’s whaling roots.
An extensive collection of artwork, including 3-D pieces of framed mariners knots, along with other works hand-selected by the hotel’s owners will also be displayed throughout the accommodations. A focal point of the cottages will be a mural that’s hand painted by Sterk and digitally modified to fit in each space. The floor-to-ceiling seascape—which took nearly eight months to create—will stretch across an entire wall and depict a “First Nantucket Settlers” scene, with large-masted sailboats, lighthouses, a distant hamlet, and coastal vegetation brimming with native plants and animals. The mural tradition is deeply woven into the fabric of the island: in the 1800s, owners of whaling ships commissioned murals for their homes.
Amenities will include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. For recommendations on the island’s most pet-friendly activities—including the best places to run free and play fetch, guests can email local insider Bailey, a black lab/Brittany Spaniel mix at petconcierge@thecottagesnantucket.com
For more information, visit: https://www.thecottagesnantucket.com/
About White Elephant Resorts
White Elephant Resorts is a collection of premier hotels and resorts on Nantucket, MA and in Palm Beach, FL that specialize in bringing their award-winning combination of service, design, and amenities to today’s discerning traveler. Properties include The Wauwinet, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and home to award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor with the Brant Point Grill; Jared Coffin House, a historic hotel in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Tap Room; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, private waterfront cottages; and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240-slip full-service award-winning marina. White Elephant Palm Beach debuted in November 2020 in Palm Beach, FL with Nantucket-favorite LoLa 41 restaurant. In 2023, The Wauwinet, White Elephant Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach were ranked in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 awards, and both White Elephant Nantucket and The Wauwinet were recipients of Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. TOPPER’s is AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 27 consecutive years.
March 6th, 2024
Family travel is the number one trend for 2024 according to Virtuoso, rising in popularity as travelers look to spend more time with loved ones and prioritize authentic experiences. Offering endless cultural adventures and ideal for those seeking cooler temperatures, Scotland is the ultimate destination for families and multi-generational groups this season. So, this spring, follow the lead of one of Europe’s most famous families—the British Royal Family—and plan a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, where the Fife Arms serves as the ultimate base for outdoor adventures, cultural fun, and milestone celebrations.
Family Camp
At Fife Arms, families can enjoy family camp-style fun, no matter the time of year. Boost creativity with sketching or creative writing classes, or embark on a family adventure into Cairngorms National Park (the largest National Park in the U.K.) to forage for wild delicacies like edible plants and flowers. In spring, the park comes to life with the return of migrating birds like the mighty Osprey and the Black Grouse Lek—which makes it a thrilling place for aspiring birders! Cairngorms is also a certified International Dark Sky Park; on two-hour stargazing experiences led by a professional astronomer, guests use telescopes to identify constellations and learn about heavenly bodies. For those visiting before the end of March, there’s a chance to witness the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky!
Trip with Grown-Up Kids
The ultimate gift for a new college graduate? A trip to the Scottish Highlands to take part in the fun-filled Kilted Open golf tournament, May 17-19. This year, the annual tournament is taking place on not one, but two historic courses: the iconic Braemar Golf Club, where golden eagles, stags and other rare wildlife make up the peanut gallery, and the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852. Players are encouraged to wear kilts and come up with a creative team name: the best name wins a prize!
In honor of the event, The Fife Arms—the official partner of the tournament—has put together a celebratory weekend package that includes a two-night stay, a wine pairing dinner, 9th-hole refreshments, 19th-hole BBQ and drinks, and more. Back on property, families can toast to the achievements of the new grad at the atmospheric Bertie’s Bar, where young connoisseurs can hone their tastes by sampling from a menu of 350+ whiskies.