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.
Spring is officially here! We don’t know about you, but it’s one of our favorite times of year to travel. Beat April showers with a sunny getaway to Palm Springs, take advantage of shoulder-season pricing in Nantucket, and plan a trip around seasonal happenings like D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival. And if you still haven’t found the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of travel-themed gifts that are sure to stoke her wanderlust. Read on!
Almanac | Aqua Expeditions | andBeyond | Beaumont | Belmond | Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel | Doyle Collection | Dromoland Castle Hotel | Euphoria Retreat | Fife Arms | Gili Lankanfushi Maldives | Hotel Hana | Hôtel La Ponche | Island Outpost | Kalesma Mykonos | Michel Reybier Hospitality | Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa| Nayara Resorts | New Hotel Athens | Nous Santorini | Park Hyatt Japan | The Parker | Ponant | Potlatch Club | The Roundtree | Royal Mansour Collection | Shou Sugi Ban House | Tenuta di Murlo | UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa | Virtuoso | Visit Napa Valley | White Elephant Resorts
Destination of the Month: U.S.
Here are this month’s getaways worthy of your holiday plans — whether you’re dreaming of an easy family trip or a stress-busting wellness vacation.
Family
Looking for an easy Memorial Day getaway for the whole family? We’ve got you covered. Take advantage of shoulder season rates in Nantucket, where the iconic Cottages at the Boat Basin will unveil a six-month, multi-million-dollar renovation on April 11. The new look will draw on Nantucket’s seafaring past, Quaker influence, and the property’s covetable location on the famed Nantucket Boat Basin. Of the 29 made-over Cottages, 12 (dubbed “Woof Cottages”) are available for families traveling with pets; all accommodations include complimentary access to bicycles, kids’ fishing rods, and free shuttles to the beach.
Planning a visit to D.C. in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Make Dupont Circle your base. Located a short walk from the White House, overlooking the leafy Dupont Circle, the 1950s-era landmark is known for its can-do service (ask the concierge to hook you up with passes to the city’s best museums) and spacious, family-friendly rooms including the 3,000-square-foot Grand Penthouse Suite.
Did You Know: the hotel’s Pembroke restaurant is known to roll out specialty menus around cherry blossom season!
For an easy getaway, a two-hour drive from New York City, head to The Roundtree in Amagansett. Set on two acres of manicured farmlands, the family-friendly property is a collection of renovated cottages and houses, some of which are located inside 250-year-old barns. Big groups should opt for the four-bedroom Beach House, which has a full kitchen, a gas fireplace, a dining area and a living room, as well as a sizable backyard. The hotel has something for all members of the family—historical tours of the Hamptons, boat trips, lawn games like cornhole, and stargazing with S’mores.
Wellness
Napa Valley isn’t just for wine lovers and gourmands—it’s also for active travelers, health-seekers, and those wanting to commune with nature amid rolling hills, rugged mountain ranges, and glistening lakes. If you’re looking to do a spa weekend, there’s no dreamier place to unwind—there are more than 10 spas that offer healing, detoxifying mud bath treatments. For the ultimate in pampering, consider the three-part Mudslide treatment at Solage Calistoga, which involves being slathered in mineral-enriched mud enhanced with essential oils, relaxing in a private soaking tub filled with geothermal mineral waters, and kicking back in a state-of-the-art “sound” chair.
On the other coast, meanwhile, Shou Sugi Ban House is the Hamptons’ first destination spa and wellness retreat. Last year, the pioneering property launched the cutting-edge Shou Sugi Ban Lab with biohacking technologies like pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy, neuro-acoustic therapy, and biometric testing. The property’s half- and full-day circuits are perfect for travelers wanting a quick mind-body tune-up.
Design
Palm Springs is a year-round haven for art and design, but there’s special buzz around the city this spring. Last month, the Palm Springs Art Museum unveiled the reconstructed Aluminaire House, the 1931 modernist icon designed by pioneering architect Albert Frey, which Architectural Record dubbed one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. If you plan on making the pilgrimage, hang your hat at The Parker Palm Springs, designed by Jonathan Adler and filled with 120 pieces of original art, including an Op-Art work by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely (who also has works at the Palm Springs Art Museum.)
For another design-centric spring getaway, stay at the White Elephant Palm Beach, a 1920s-era landmark mansion reborn as one of Palm Beach’s artsiest stays. The 32-room boutique hotel boasts an ambitious 120-piece art collection with original works by Orit Fuchs and Fredrick Prescott. Design lovers will want to book the hotel’s Architecture & Preservation Package, which offers two nights in a one-bedroom suite and a 1.5-hour architecture tour of the island led by a representative from the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
The next best thing to an actual getaway with mom? A thoughtful gift that evokes far-away places and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. If mom has a penchant for more practical gifts, surprise her with a pair of engraved steel and gold-plated egg scissors from Scotland’s Fife Arms. The elevated kitchen essential pairs perfectly with a set of fine bone china teacups and saucers (complete with a hand-painted gold rim!) from Dublin’s Westbury hotel. Or give mom a taste of Italy by gifting her a bottle of artisanal olive oil from Umbria’s Tenuta di Murlo estate. Each bottle is crafted on site: the property has its own D.O. and blends a variety of Dolce Agogia, Frantoio, Leccino, and Moraiolo olives.
Swaddle mom in warm fuzzies by gifting her a limited-edition cashmere throw created by Nantucket’s White Elephant Resorts and Arhaus. The embroidered throw is supremely soft and is available exclusively in honor of the property’s 100th-anniversary renovation — making it a unique gift she’ll treasure for years to come! And while we all wish we could treat mom to a spa weekend at the newly opened spa at Ireland’s Dromoland Castle, the second-best option is a beautifying product from plant-based Irish brand SEABODY (one of the three award-winning, female-owned brands stocked at the new wellness sanctuary). We recommend the Sea to Self Gift Set, complete with a serum, moisturizer, overnight elixir, and a bioactive beauty food supplement.
If your mom is the type to always have her nose in a book, we have two travel-themed additions for her library. “UXUA Utopia: A Very Gifted Guest House” is a 288-page love letter to Brazil’s iconic UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa. Filled with stunning imagery of the Bahian eco-haven — pristine beaches, jungle foliage, fisherman homes reborn as high-design casas — it’s sure to transport her to the celeb-favorite hideaway. Or, for dreams of an Italian getaway, opt for “Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation” from Assouline and Belmond. With vivid imagery and evocative descriptions by former Vogue Italia editor Cesare Cunaccia, the book is a journey to Belmond’s collection of legendary hotels across Italy: from Venice and Portofino to Tuscany and Taormina. Happy Mother’s Day!
Dromoland Castle – the 16th-century castle-turned luxury hotel, and former ancestral home of the royal O’Brien family – has just unveiled its new Dromoland Lodge, a five-bedroom private residence set on the 18-hole golf course on the castle’s 500-acres.
A stay comes with daily breakfast – with a choice of having it delivered to the lodge or of dining at the Earl of Thomond restaurant in the castle, two golf carts for exploring the grounds, a personal residential assistant, and airport transfers. The property features a game room, boot room, parlor with fully stocked bar, private putting green, outdoor terrace and dining area, laundry service, and ample board games. For dinner, a chef is available to come prepare lavish meals on site, or guests can opt for the “crock pot” menu where a warm dinner will be waiting after a day spent exploring the Wild Atlantic Way or an afternoon Hawk Walk with resident falconer. Fun fact: the castle’s mews have been accredited by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, filled with Peregrine falcons, hawks, and owls. Guests also have access to all of the amenities of the castle, such as golf, bicycles, tennis and pickleball courts, boating, the new Castle Spa… The lodge was a former private home.
The Castle Spa opened in mid-2023, nestled within the historic stone walls and inspired by the property’s acres of manicured flower-covered grounds as well as the estate’s former chatelaine, Lady Ethel, who presided over the castle in the early 20thcentury. The reborn spa spans 320 square feet and six treatment rooms and incorporates revitalizing, science- and nature-backed therapies from three award-winning female-owned brands: celebrity-favorite skin care line Dr. Barbara Sturm (the first hotel in Ireland to offer these exclusive treatments), the plant-based Irish brand SEABODY, and the bio-nutritional British range OSKIA. Several treatments are exclusive to the hotel, including the SEABODY Beauty and Wellness Spa Experience, which harnesses the power of hardworking marine-based nutraceuticals harvested from Ireland’s Atlantic Coastline to optimize the skin’s health and vitality.
Rates start at 3,500 euro per night (approximately $3,833).
More about Dromoland Castle
If these castle walls could speak – rising from the landscapes of Ireland’s western County Clare, a fifteen-minute drive from the Shannon Airport, Dromoland Castle looks like a vision from a fairy tale. Set on 500 acres, the estate has welcomed guests like they are part of the story – and family – since the early 1960s, when the 16th-century castle, the former ancestral home of the royal O’Brien family, was converted into one of Ireland’s most acclaimed luxury hotels.
Dromoland feels like stepping back in time in just the right doses. The glorious interiors, including 97 rooms and suites, are positively regal – think chandeliers, suits of armor, drapery and silk claret wallpaper – but the property overall never feels stuffy, in large part thanks to a congenial team, many of whom have been there for decades. Thanks to the immense size of the property, days can be activity-packed, with hiking, as well as fishing and row boating in the on-property lake and such castle-appropriate options as falconry, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, horseback riding and golf. The JJ Corry experience, meanwhile, exclusive to Dromoland, takes guests to the renowned whiskey bonder for a special tour and to create a custom blend of whiskey.
The castle also caters lovingly to children, with such popular programs as “Princess for a Day” and in-room surprises. For the older set, self-care can be found at the indulgent spa and at afternoon tea in the antiques-studded Gallery, one of the castle’s most beautifully designed spaces. Dinner at the acclaimed Earl of Thomond features creative Irish cuisine, while Dromoland’s ever-popular head bartender always has something special up his sleeve, including cocktails inspired by Tarot cards and Irish mythology. The octagonally shaped room where these libations are served beside a large fireplace was once the O’Brien family’s library – just another one of Dromoland’s special corners where past and present beautifully meet.
A central location, fifteen minutes from the Shannon International Airport, makes Dromoland a fantastic base for exploring western Ireland, including such sights as the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
Images of Dromoland Castle: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ga1r0pstkm6n7dbi3pq5z/h?rlkey=g4uifg4hxbzw2ndxqmcd6gmpg&dl=0
Images of the Lodge: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8hctf152umk4hslwfrysr/h?rlkey=qlsd30lv50wbbhltjplp66ilq&dl=0
December 2023
Conservation-focused luxury travel company andBeyond has reopened one of its most iconic lodges, Phinda Forest Lodge, situated in andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, after an extensive and exciting rebuild. The property, which was lauded as one of the first true eco-lodges at the time of its original construction, has now been reimagined within the context of the contemporary luxury safari, while retaining subtle references to its original ‘Zulu-zen’ décor with a new elegant and minimalist interior design.
“andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge was originally built in the early 1990s,” recalls Kevin Pretorius, andBeyond Managing Director for South Africa Lodges. “Back then, the lodge’s innovative and progressive design made a huge statement on sustainability, as it was sensitively constructed within the ancient sand forest with minimum impact at the heart of the project – and this rebuild has followed those same founding sustainable principles.”
Pretorius continues, “Phinda, which started as an amalgamation of denuded farmlands in 1991, has grown into an extensive conservancy at the cutting edge of conservation, a modern example of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People. What was only our second owned and operated lodge following the birth of the company at andBeyond Phinda has now been reborn.”
Interior designers Fox Browne Creative, who have previously worked on the refurbishments of the other five lodges on the reserve, partnered with architectural designer Jack Alexander to reimagine and bring to life the new Phinda Forest Lodge in a design that will offer past guests the comfort and familiarity of one of their most loved lodges while also providing exciting improvements in room flow and functionality. Nestled inside 2,471 acres of Africa’s last remaining dry sand forest in thenorth of andBeyond Phinda, the lodge embodies a commitment to minimize the impact on the environment. Its iconic rooms were built in perfect harmony with the existing flow of the forest and their design has stood the test of time. As such, the existing room structures have been used to redefine the new lodge in a way that will continue the legacy with which it was originally built.
“The sand forest is one of Phinda’s most distinctive and delicate habitats. It occurs on deep sands, the leftover fossilized dunes of an earlier coastline,” explains Pretorius. Many of the plant species encountered in sand forest can be found nowhere else on Earth. Normally shy mammals such as the red duiker, suni and Tonga red squirrel are often encountered in sand forest, and the area is also rich in birds, with several species restricted solely to this habitat.
Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the lodge refurbishment has utilized existing lodge and room structures to minimize impact associated with an entire rebuild, while also updating the architectural design and taking care not to detract from the essence of the lodge design and its original ‘Zulu-zen’ concept. Throughout the rooms and main guest areas, the interiors have been reimagined with new fixtures and finishes drawing inspiration from the surrounding sand forest, blending aspects of Japanese minimalism with an ode to local culture.
Elements of the natural forest and Zulu culture have been brought into the room through the use of tactile textures and natural materials such as woven matting, textured grass cloth wallpaper, and hardwood floors, with natural stone tiling in the bathrooms. The rooms have been reconfigured within the existing structures, creating a more comfortable layout that better utilizes the existing space, while maximizing the connection to the forest through wide open views.
Phinda Forest Lodge has always provided andBeyond guests with an exclusive, private experience immersed in the sand forest, and this has now been further enhanced through the redirection and reduction of pathways to and from the rooms. In order to assist with the rehabilitation of the old pathways, we established a nursery which cultivates sand forest tree species that have been planted along the trails.
Major structural additions include a family suite, a library and lounge, a walkway with central fire pit linking the main area to the library, a newly reshaped and tiered pool, and significant upgrades to the main dining and bar areas. In keeping with the other lodges in andBeyond’s portfolio, the family suite now comprises a contemporary designed and decorated standard suite linked to a newly built second bedroom, which can be accessed privately or through an additional linked passageway.
A new purpose-built building contains the library and sitting room, centered around a reading table and double-sided fireplace with surrounding areas for guests to relax. Timber sliding doors lead to an outdoor deck with its own shaded spaces, nestled among the trees with views of patches of forest and the wetland areas. The interior of the library and sitting room combine elements of traditional Zulu culture with cozy minimalist elegance. A wooden walkway seamlessly connects the library to the new pool area, which includes a reshaped and tiered swimming pool designed to maximize the scenic setting and timeless beauty of the sand forest. An all-new massage sala has also been constructed next to the pool.
Other innovative additions include a central fire pit that is located between the library and main area, cast out toward the wetland, and offering guests the opportunity to indulge in a fireside chat before and after dinner.
“We are excited about the reopening of one of our most loved lodges, and we are thrilled to be welcoming guests back to Phinda Forest Lodge,” says Pretorius.
“Phinda was where andBeyond’s vision and impact model were born,” he recalls. “Over the years, we have curated a set of unique, immersive experiences born out of this ethos, which guests at Phinda Forest Lodge will continue to have access to. These include experiences focused on the conservation of species such as white and black rhinoceros, as well as Temminck’s ground pangolin, and a unique Zulu Village Tour which allows guests to ethically immerse themselves in traditional Zulu culture.”
Phinda is also uniquely positioned to offer other extraordinary adventure activities like diving or ocean safaris at nearby Sodwana Bay. Depending on the season, guests may also be able to enjoy expeditions to admire turtles nesting along the Indian Ocean coastline.
With such a wealth and diversity of unique offerings, combined with the newly refurbished and reopened Phinda Forest Lodge, andBeyond are excited to continue bringing their guests experiences that go beyond the expectation of average luxury to leave our world a better place.
ISSUED BY: media@andBeyond.com
T +27 11 809 4300 | F +27 11 809 4511
www.andBeyond.com
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 bespoke tour operators for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America and Antarctica. We also own and manage 29 extraordinary lodges and camps across three continents. 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 exclusive experience of the world as it should be.
Winter is coming! In honor of the festive season, PONANT has designed seven unforgettable voyages in the snowglobe-like worlds of Lapland, the Gulf of Bothnia, and the Baltic Sea to launch during the Winter 2024-25 season. Activities will immerse guests in the frozen beauty of these northern landscapes while setting the festive mood: reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, ice-fishing, Scandinavian Christmas markets, and glimpses of the Northern Lights are among the highlights of these seasonal itineraries.
This all-new 12-day PONANT journey navigates along the jagged coastlines of Norway to the ice-covered reliefs of Spitsbergen in search of the exhilarating spectacle of the Northern Lights. In Lapland, guests will have the opportunity to meet people from the Sami nation, one of the last European Indigenous people. As travelers take photos of the dancing night skies, VIP guest Ian Dawson, a British Photo Ambassador, will share tips and tricks for getting the perfect shot.
One departure in 2024; from October 18-29. More on the voyage HERE.
Dramatic fjords, dolomite cliffs, traditional fishing villages, boreal forests, snow-covered peaks, viewings of reindeer and seabirds — this and more is a part of the experience during this 10-day Polar Nights voyage starting in Lakselv and journeying all the way up to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. VIP guest Ian Dawson, a British Photo Ambassador, will share his tips for getting the perfect shot of the frozen scenery and the Northern Lights. One departure in 2024; from October 29 to November 7. More on the voyage HERE.
This brand-new 10-day itinerary whisks guests to the most enchanting cities along the Baltic Sea, including Stockholm, Gotland, Gdansk, and Helsinki. It’s a magical time to visit, with snow-dusted scenery and the smells of mulled wine, cinnamon, and gingerbread drifting through Christmas markets. Other activities include marveling at gothic and baroque architecture, attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic, and exploring the old town of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two departures in 2024; from December 2-11 and December 11-20. More on the voyage HERE.
On this nine-day trip itinerary, musician Renaud Capuçon and radio presenter Alain Duault will team up with Radio Classique to provide the soundtrack for a one-of-a-kind journey through
Scandinavian cities, little-known archipelagos, snow-capped peaks, and boreal forests in Finland, Stockholm, and the north of the Gulf of Bothnia. Activities might include dog sledding, ice fishing, Christmas markets, and a visit to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi. One departure in 2024; from December 20-28. More on the voyage HERE.
Also in partnership with Radio Classique, this nine-day New Year expedition will sail around the Gulf of Bothnia and the Scandinavian region, with visits to the fairytale towns of Rauma, the church-town of Gammelstad, and the neoclassical city of Oulu. A highlight is embarking to the High Coast archipelago—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and an unforgettable journey among the skerries of the Stockholm archipelago, with an overnight stay opposite the bright lights of the old town. One departure in 2024; from December 28 to January 5, 2025. More on the voyage HERE.
PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 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.
In response to traveler demand, Aqua Expeditions, the leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, is pleased to announce four additional seven-night Amazonia departures in February 2024 on the 20-suite Aqua Nera. There are also options for three- and four-night sailings.
For almost 15 years, Aqua Expeditions – named the ‘World’s Best River Cruise Line’ in 2023 by Travel + Leisure – has been sailing around Peru and the Amazon Rainforest, leading guests through the world’s most biodiverse ecosystem. Since 2021, Aqua Nera, best described as a floating boutique hotel, has been sailing alongside her sister ship Aria Amazon, taking guests to some of the most remote parts of the Amazon with their private military grade skiffs. Days are structured much like those of land-based safaris with naturalist-led twice-daily excursions ranging from jungle walks and piranha fishing to exploring hidden lakes and lagoons and spotting exotic wildlife.
CEO and Founder of Aqua Expeditions, Francesco Galli Zugaro, is pleased to see such an uptick in demand for this particular destination, “It is our pleasure to release these additional Aqua Nera sailings in February, a month that sees the Amazon truly come to life with an abundance of opportunities for our guests to witness more wildlife than ever and take part in immersive cultural adventures and local festivities,” he said.
February 24-March 2, 2024
These new sailings allow travelers to plan a comprehensive Peruvian holiday and experience notable festivals, including the Carnival of Cajamarca (February 10-14, 2024). February is also an ideal time of year to visit Machu Picchu while avoiding the usual tourist rush. While on board, guests can expect world-class cuisine curated by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, SpaceX’s high-speed Starlink satellite internet, a river-facing gym, outdoor plunge pool, and more.
A recognized global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded from crowds. Expect tailored five- star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with personalized service, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua Expeditions currently operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, as well as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia), with the latest superyacht sailing the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from June 2022.
Nestled within the historic stone walls of County Clare’s most iconic estate, the newly opened Castle Spa at Dromoland is a beauty and wellness sanctuary inspired by the property’s 500 acres of manicured flower-covered grounds as well as the estate’s former chatelaine, Lady Ethel, who presided over the castle in the early 20th century.
The reborn spa spans 320 square feet and six treatment rooms and incorporates revitalizing, science- and nature-backed therapies from three award-winning female-owned brands: celebrity-favorite skin care line Dr. Barbara Sturm (the first hotel in Ireland to offer these exclusive treatments), the plant-based Irish brand SEABODY, and the bio-nutritional British range OSKIA. Several treatments are exclusive to the hotel, including the SEABODY Beauty and Wellness Spa Experience, which harnesses the power of hardworking marine-based nutraceuticals harvested from Ireland’s Atlantic Coastline to optimize the skin’s health and vitality.
With original stone walls and sumptuous details like cashmere blankets designed by Ireland’s KDK Sisters and spa robes from Dublin-based designer Deborah Veale, the glamorous cocoon-like space is steeped in place. Spa refreshments feature mint, strawberries, and other botanicals from the garden, and a dedicated relaxation room, The Whisper Room, offers a guided 20-minute meditation through Lady Ethel’s favorite hidden corners of the castle’s rose gardens with the sounds of birds and trickling water as an aural backdrop. There’s also an Amber and Quartz Crystal Bed for boosting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and encouraging physical and mental relaxation.
Handpicked as one of the spa’s trios of brands for its cutting-edge and anti-inflammatory ethos, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skin-healing philosophy delivers non-surgical, anti-aging treatments that rejuvenate stressed skin. Driven by advanced ingredient-science and a philosophy of healing rather than acting aggressively towards the skin, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products are free of synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, and mineral oils. Signature treatments include the #SturmGlow facial to increase blood and oxygen flow while toning and defining facial muscles, and the anti-gravity Super Anti-Aging treatment to achieve a sculpted effect.
Four state-of-the-art treatments from SEABODY deliver proprietary potent biomolecule complexes into an immersive 360-degree body, beauty, and wellness experience. The SEABODY Rebalance is a transformative therapy involving breathwork, full-body exfoliation, and a detoxing cold-pressed sea gel body mask; the Touch Facial uses Gua Sha facial massage techniques; the Connect Full Body Massage incorporates wave-like massage techniques; and the Dromoland SEABODY Signature combines a deep-back massage, a touch facial, and Gua Sha stones.
The third brand is OSKIA, an award-winning, results-driven vegan skincare brand founded in the UK, with treatments such as an Illuminating Facial, a Warm Oil Massage, a Vitamin Body Glow using fine pink Himalayan salt, fruit enzymes, and starflower oil.
JUNE 2023 – Belmond, the visionary leader in luxury travel, has entered into a management agreement with Cora Pacific Development, led by entrepreneur duo Barbara Machen and Rosetta Getty, for Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Designed by a team of interior maestros, with curation by creative director Getty, Milaroca will be consciously and sensitively built from the ground up.
The signing of an agreement to manage Milaroca further strengthens Belmond’s commitment to Mexico, with its reach now extending to the country’s western region. Milaroca will join two other Belmond properties in Mexico – Casa de Sierra Nevada, a former convent built in 16th century located in the country’s heartland of San Miguel de Allende, and the reimagined Maroma in Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula which will reopen its doors this August following a complete renovation.
“We have the incredible opportunity to craft a legend of the future with the best partners we could have asked for,” said Roeland Vos, President & CEO of Belmond. “With utmost respect to Riviera Nayarit’s multicultural history, abundant nature and the region’s carefree spirit, Milaroca will encapsulate the essence of contemporary lifestyle, creating a destination for today’s thriving creative community – a new legendary scene where new traditions are made, and long-lived rituals are celebrated.”
Barbara Machen and Rosetta Getty said of the announcement, “Our families have been traveling together to this beautiful area of Mexico for many years. As entrepreneurs and creatives ourselves we understand the importance of the destination that inspire, and we want to share our magical experience; a place for connection, to be returned to year after year, enjoyed by family, friends and peers from around the world, a true home away from home. Milaroca will be like no other resort, and Belmond is the only hospitality brand that truly creates unique luxury experiences in this way. We could not have asked for a better partner.
Consciously Crafted Houses
Immersed in lush mountainous jungle and pearly-white beach stretching over 2 kilometers along Riviera Nayarit, Milaroca will be a new haven for creative minds. Led by Waldo’s Designs and Clements Design, the property’s aesthetic will draw inspiration from the region’s breathtaking beauty, storied native culture, and the bohemian spirit of nearby San Pancho and Sayulita villages.
Milaroca will adopt low-density and non-invasive building practices. Each of the 57 guest pavilions will be a welcoming discovery with a unique collection of contemporary custom-made furniture and crafted objects from local artisans and Mexico’s most exciting contemporary artists. Every detail will be carefully considered, with interiors maintaining an intuitive symbiosis with the outdoor spaces and surrounding jungle.
Curated Creative Community and Cultural Calendar of Celebrations
Milaroca will be a buzzing unique scene for curious minds interested in the latest movements in art, fashion and music: a progressive space for tastemakers, visionaries, and artisans to come together to exchange dialogues and ignite new ideas. Guests will connect with the cultures of the Riviera Nayarit through on- and off-site programming.
Milaroca will bring together the most interesting multi-disciplinary individuals with events, galas and global festivities, drawing inspiration from the cultures of celebrations and rituals rooted in the Cora and Huichol communities. Hosted by Milaroca’s founders, the seasonal soirees – from the New Year’s Eve celebration to the annual summer party, promise to make headlines around the world.
An Invitation to be part of the Legend: Private Villas at Milaroca
Milaroca will introduce a “by invitation-only” opportunity to own one of 27 uniquely-designed private villas serviced by Belmond. These villas will be part of a thriving creative community and will enjoy Milaroca’s coveted facilities, vibrant cultural programming and the in-residence service and experiences crafted by Belmond’s unrivaled hospitality – centered in warmth, attentiveness, intimacy and personalization.
Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla, an exclusive oasis on the pristine sands of the island’s famed platinum beach, announces the upcoming launch a new spa in collaboration with Guerlain. Debuting late 2023, Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain will draw inspiration from Anguilla’s earliest inhabitants, the indigenous Arawak tribe who celebrated the renewal and rejuvenation of each new day, while offering a harmonious connection with nature and a rebalance of energy. A private hideaway on the dazzling shores of Anguilla, this secluded wellness paradise, designed by renowned design studio Rottet Studio, will be a haven of relaxation, where guests will enjoy a collection of Guerlain rituals exclusive to the iconic resort.
Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain will offer a combination of traditional and innovative treatments that stay true to Guerlain’s multisensory and holistic approach, as well as exclusive treatments created specifically in harmony with the atmosphere, culture, and activities of Anguilla. Each Guerlain treatment is an essential moment of self-indulgence, where every sense is awakened by the spa’s highly attentive Beauty Experts who are meticulously trained in Guerlain rituals.
Designed by renowned design studio, Rottet Studio – who oversaw Cap Juluca’s transformation in 2018 – Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain invites visitors to reconnect with nature amongst the cerulean sea and a meandering landscape of lush botanicals and untamed winding garden paths. Guests are greeted by an open-air courtyard adorned with emerald mosaic patterns and a central fountain, all framed by an abundance of tropical foliage. The inviting, light-filled reception provides an instant sense of calm, featuring neutral earth tones and mahogany cabinets with cane detailing. A sanctuary of senses, the private treatment rooms boast wide ocean views of Cap Juluca’s famed crescent beach paired with cerused and bleached white oak, limestone flooring, and rough-cut limestone basins.
Spa guests will have plenty of tranquil spaces to relax and unwind post-treatment, from the sun-soaked pool deck to the peaceful solarium. The Calichi Garden, invoking the sacred Arawak fountain, will be the ceremonial soul of the spa, offering the perfect ambiance for private moments and refreshing plunge pool dips.
Located along the shores of Maundays Bay, Cap Juluca’s beach is widely recognized as the best beach in the Caribbean, offering guests a haven for total relaxation and well-being. The introduction of Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain will allow guests to experience firsthand one of the many ways the enchanting beachfront property has reimagined how guests experience wholeness, creating a world that entwines wellness with travel. After indulging in sublime relaxation, guests can complement their spa experience with sporting activities, from sailing across Cap Juluca’s famed shoreline and horseback riding on the beach to engaging in a friendly match on the resort’s brand-new pickleball courts or keeping fit at the state-of-the-art fitness center.
From August 9-16, 2023, Cap Juluca will also debut the fourth edition of its “Play Like a Pro” academy in partnership with LUX Tennis, where guests will have the opportunity to participate in an exhilarating itinerary of private lessons, youth tennis clinics and a beach tennis exhibition on the shores of the breathtaking Maundays Bay, all led by famed professional tennis players Tommy Haas and Nicolas Almagro. Guests seeking experiences that incorporate elements of mindfulness, nutrition, and longevity activation can take advantage of the resort’s Wellness Series, which ranges from must-visit yogis, nutritionists, and plant-based chefs in the pursuit of holistic wellbeing.
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
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