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.
February 22nd, 2024
From strolling the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show to playing the Kilted Open golf tournament in Scotland to relaxing on the coast of Sardinia at Belmond’s newest opening, our top destinations for May are below!
London, UK
There’s no better time to stroll through London’s streets than in May when the temperatures begin to rise and the flowers begin to bloom. Everyone says that April showers bring May flowers – London is certainly no exception. The city’s annual Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned event for garden enthusiasts, showcasing breathtaking floral displays and innovative garden designs. Visitors can also learn from expert horticulturalists and explore the latest gardening trends. Stay in the heart of Chelsea at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London. During the show, stunning floral displays will frame the property’s front door and guests are invited to experience various flower-themed offerings including botanical cocktails and a floral-inspired afternoon tea by star pâtissier Benoit Blin. The property also offers early access to London’s oldest botanical garden and private tennis courts in Cadogan Place Gardens year-round.
Costa Smeralda, Italy
Italy topped Virtuoso’s top Honeymoon, Family and Global Destinations lists for 2024 and there’s no better place to experience Italy in May than Costa Smeralda. Located on the island of Sardinia, the coastal area boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes and pristine white sand beaches that have been enjoyed by celebrities such as the Clooneys, the Obamas and Elton John. Luxury hotel brand Belmond is joining the fun with the opening of Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda at the end of the month. The property overlooks Costa Smeralda’s most picturesque coastline and is located on the alluring white beach of Spiaggia Del Romazzino. Conceived by Aga Khan in the 1960s and designed by famed architect Michele Busiri Vici, the hotel cultivated a reputation as Sardinia’s original beach hotel. Upon its reopening as a Belmond hotel, Romazzino will offer enchanting guest rooms including suites and villas, wellness facilities, artisanal experiences and two shimmering blue pools along a stretch of private beach to complete the villeggiatura experience.
Barcelona, Spain
Experience un día perfecto in Barcelona during the month of May with less tourists, milder temperatures and longer days. Stroll comfortably through the captivating Gothic Quarter, take stunning pictures of Sagrada Familia or enjoy line-free tapas at the city’s top foodie spots. Music lovers can get tickets for Primavera Sound, the city’s largest music festival starting on May 30th with Lana Del Rey, SZA, and Charli XCX on this year’s lineup. Between food, location and experiences, there’s no better place to experience the Catalonian capital than Almanac Barcelona. The property is located just off the Passeig de Gràcia and boasts a rooftop bar with a plunge pool and 360º views of the city, a plant-forward restaurant with a focus on fermented foods and probiotic drink pairings and a solo traveler package for any single travelers. To keep up with traveler demand this summer, United is launching its new daily flight route from San Francisco in May, marking the airline’s first time connecting the two cities. American Airlines will also join the fun with a new nonstop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to debut in June.
Napa Valley, CA
When travelers think of Napa Valley, they think of wine, but the region also offers a growing vibrant music scene. Come May, this stretch of Northern California will welcome the 11th annual BottleRock, one the country’s top music festivals with artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, The Offspring, Nora Jones and Spanish rock veterans Mana. The three-day event, May 24-26, will have over 75 acts with stars from across half a century of music. In addition to performances, visitors can expect culinary experiences by Michelin-starred restaurants (La Toque and Press to name a few) and vino tastings by Schramsberg Vineyards, Napa Valley’s sparkling powerhouse. (This is wine country after all.)
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The best way to enjoy Scotland in the summer is wearing a kilt while golfing, obviously. While the first recorded golf game was established in Scotland in the 15th century, golf enthusiasts can still book a spot at the Kilted Open (May 17-19), an annual tournament celebrating held in partnership with The Fife Arms hotel. Players are encouraged to wear kilts and come with an impressive team name; the best name wins a prize! The first half of the weekend is held at the historic Braemar Golf Club (1902) in the Cairngorms National Park, where players have the chance to swing their clubs while being watched over by golden eagles, stags and other rare wildlife. New this year, guests have the exclusive opportunity to play golf on the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852. On Sunday, players are brought to the Royal golf course to play nine holes, followed by a BBQ lunch prepared by the Balmoral team using produce from the estate. The place to stay while enjoying Scotland’s most famous sporting export is none other than the event’s hotel partner, The Fife Arms. A celebratory weekend package is now available and includes a two-night stay, a wine pairing dinner, 9th-hole refreshments, 19th-hole BBQ and drinks, and more.
Nantucket, MA
Warmer weather and fewer crowds make visiting Nantucket in May the perfect destination for an idyllic island getaway. The highlight of Nantucket in May is the 26th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, a four-day festival taking place from May 15th to 19th. The festival will showcase an impressive lineup of world-renowned winemakers and chefs, as well as tasting events and educational seminars. White Elephant Resorts will sponsor the Grand Cru Festival and host the keynote event, the Grand Tastings, where guests can sample more than 600 different wines from over 150 wineries around the world. For a quiet retreat with no shortage of award-winning culinary options, stay at The Wauwinet on the northeast end of the island. The property is home to TOPPER’s, the consecutive Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” recipient for the past 27 years. It has the largest wine cellar on the island and a multi-million-dollar wine collection. Guests staying at The Wauwinet can tour the cellar and enjoy a wine-paired dinner at TOPPER’s, the perfect pairing with the wine festival. The Wauwinet offers a festival package allowing guests to book the Louis Roederer Wine Dinner curated by Chef Kyle, featuring delightful champagne and Camille ‘Hommage’ varietals [Jetblue and Delta nonstop flights from Laguardia to Nantucket start up again in May for the season].
July 25th, 2023
As the heat and humidity start to subside in Barcelona, the crowds also dwindle, and travelers can expect a distinctly of-the-place feel as locals return from their summer holidays. Lines at the city’s cultural institutions shorten and it’s easier to book appointments and reservations at top wineries and restaurants. Don’t miss out on Barcelona’s festivities including the annual 48 Hour Open House festival, October 21-22, where over 200 emblematic buildings and museums open their doors with free admission, and the new Miró-Picasso exhibition debuting at both Fundació Miró and Museu Picasso – the first exhibition to be held simultaneously at both venues in honor of the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death. Where to stay? Situated just steps away from Passeig de Gràcia in the Gothic District, Almanac Barcelona is an ideal jumping off point with a panoramic rooftop terrace to enjoy the last sunny days, a vegetable-driven restaurant from a Michelin-starred Spanish chef, and VIP experiences for every type of traveler – from bon vivants and solo travelers to those looking for a wellbeing reset after a busy summer. Here’s what’s new and notable at Almanac Barcelona.
Almanac Barcelona has launched an all-new showcooking experience with Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle at Virens. Available for just 10 people, Chef Rodrigo will share the vision behind his plant-forward interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine with a nine-course feast that could include kimchi empanadillas, beetroot tartare, and artichoke risotto with crispy broccoli florets. Having dedicated years to researching the best suppliers and ingredients in Barcelona and elsewhere in Spain, Chef Rodrigo is committed to showcasing only the finest homegrown product – no two dinner experiences will be the same. Available once a month, current dates include August 10 and September 7 (with additional dates to follow). To book, please visit virensbarcelona.com.
Less ‘We Time,’ More ‘Me Time’
From museums to restaurants to shopping, there is no shortage of activities in Barcelona alone – plus an easy-to-use public transportation system to explore the city. Now available this month, guests can seamlessly discover the Catalonian capital as a party of one with the ‘Almanac Solo’ package. Individuals will enjoy three nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, private transfers to/from the airport, a private 60-minute sunrise yoga session on the panoramic rooftop terrace, and a welcome basket with a half-bottle champagne, a curated list of shopping recommendations by the concierge, and a Barcelona City Pass. Guests will also have the choice between a private, three-hour guided tapas tour to discover the city’s hidden gems and learn more about the city’s culinary history; joining a small-group hiking excursion to explore the Montserrat Trails and Benedictine Monastery; or a private shopping experience at La Manual Alparagatera to customize a pair of espadrilles. Plan accordingly and the package will also include a reserved seat at the all-new showcooking dining experience at Virens. Rates start at $645 per night for a three-night stay (price will vary depending on preferred experience).
All senses awaken while wandering down the Passeig de Gràcia, lined with architectural masterpieces, shopping outlets and restaurants. Welcoming guests with high ceiling windows, warm beige and gold tones, and the calming aromas of the sea, botanicals, and citrus by perfumer Jimmy Boyd, Almanac Barcelona offers a holistic escape that prioritizes plant-forward cuisine and active wellbeing – not to miss out on the city’s stunning sites, after all. Begin the day eight stories above the city noise with a private sunrise yoga session on the panoramic rooftop terrace – with uninterrupted views of La Sagrada Familia and Mount Tibidabo. Then step outside of the hotel’s walls for a half-day, off-the-beaten path hiking trip to explore the Montserrat Trails and Benedictine Monastery, home to La Moreneta (the Black Madonna), just outside the city led by a local mountaineer born and raised in Barcelona or enjoy access to the neighboring Holmes Place Exclusive Premium Health Club. The food is not to be missed. Eat healthy but well at Virens, where chef Rodrigo de la Calle of Madrid’s El Invernadero fame crafts plant-forward interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fermented foods and probiotic drink pairings. A champion of local ingredients and produce, menus will vary seasonally and might begin with a glass of fresh-brewed hibiscus kombucha (there’s always a different flavor on tap), followed by beetroot gazpacho, creamy rice with a Palamos red prawn carpaccio, and an apple and honey cake topped with elderberry cream to finish.
July 25th, 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.
EUROPE
Mykonos
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
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.
October 7th, 2022
NEW Culinary Experience in Barcelona through Family-Owned Spanish Hospitality Brand
In a city as beloved by travelers as Barcelona, it can be hard to pull back the curtain on the dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. Guests of Almanac Barcelona can fast-track their knowledge of the Catalan capital’s unique culinary tapestry by opting for the just-launched Barcelona Foodie Package, a one-of-a-kind offer that combines two nights’ accommodation, a chef-led tasting menu, a guided city food tour (with stops for wine, olive oil, and vegan charcuterie!), and an exclusive visit to one of Spain’s finest Cava producers— to name a few of the inclusions!
Located at the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests within the heart of the action. It also offers a more authentic glimpse into the city, being one of Barcelona’s few family-run, locally owned hospitality brands. Mix with locals at the panoramic rooftop bar, which looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, or try chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant, where the menu changes every two weeks and ingredients are sourced from local providers and surrounding farms just beyond the mountains.
Guests who sign up for the Barcelona Foodie Package will enjoy an exclusive tasting menu at Virens, with chef Rodrigo tableside to explain his vision, culinary techniques, and unique sourcing methods (his hunt for rare and underappreciated ingredients like carissa plums, white figs, and codium algae have taken him around the world). Your meal might begin with a glass of fresh-brewed hibiscus kombucha (there’s always a different flavor on tap), followed by beetroot tartare, grilled eggplant with curry and huacatay leaves, and finally, a Jerusalem artichoke tiramisu.
A guided, three-hour food tour will take guests to some of Barcelona’s top food haunts, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, which boasts one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain. After a tasting of different varieties (the shop stocks 20+ different brands), peruse the shop’s other natural products like cosmetics made from olive oil, artisanal salts, and balsamic vinegars aged 150 years. The tour will continue at Mercat Santa Caterina, a historic market built in 1848 and completely remodeled in 2005, with an undulating, mosaic-like roof (it’s the city’s first covered market). There, guests can discover a colorful array of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat, plus two stalls dedicated to Jabugo ham, the trendy Cuines Santa-Catarina restaurant, and a vegan delicatessen specializing in plant-based charcuterie! The final stop will take guests to 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. Founded in 1932, the family-owned business participates in numerous winemaking projects with Spanish winemakers; be sure to ask all about these partnerships during your wine and cheese tasting in the private cellar!
As part of the package, guests will be transported 45 minutes 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. Surrounded by 135 hectares of vines, the winery has a history dating to 1951 and is renowned for its dry, long-aged Cava, made from traditional Catalan grapes like Xarel.lo.
Also included in the Barcelona Foodie Package include daily buffet breakfast for two and airport transfer to and from the hotel. From €2,040; services subject to availability and date confirmation.
Located just off Passeig de Gràcia, Almanac Barcelona is a stylish home base for exploring all the Catalan capital has to offer, with just 61 rooms and 30 suites, all of which have either a Juliet balcony, private terrace, or floor-to-ceiling window “cubes” with built-in daybeds that jut out over bustling Gran Via. As one of the city’s few family-owned Spanish hospitality brands, the boutique property prides itself on offering an authentic glimpse into Barcelona. (Just peek the hotel’s art collection, which features work acquired from local galleries.) At the rooftop bar, Azimuth, mingle with locals while taking in views of La Sagrada Familia and Mount Tibidabo. Meanwhile, at the ground-level Virens, chef Rodrigo de la Calle (of Madrid’s El Invernadero fame) crafts plant-forward interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fermented foods like kefir and probiotic drink pairings. (De La Calle was once chef Joël Robuchon’s ‘green cuisine’ consultant, so you know he’s a master at preparing inventive, delicious plant-forward dishes.) The creative dishes spotlight fresh seasonal bounty from local providers and farms surrounding the city—as well as rare and unknown ingredients like carissa plums and white figs.
Did You Know? Renowned perfumer Jimmy Boyd created the hotel’s custom scent.