2023 might be behind us, but we are mindful that global news will continue to have an impact locally and beyond borders. We hope that the new year brings health, peace, happiness – and if we can add a bit of joy through travel, that would fulfill our wish for 2024.
We will continue to focus on news from our favorite destinations, hotels, resorts, trains and ships. Have ideas, thoughts and opinions on what you’d like to read more (or less) about? Drop us a line and let us know.
Destination of the Month: London
Visiting Britain’s capital is exciting no matter what time of year, but this year, the city bursts into 2024 with particular panache, especially when it comes to art and culture. The acclaimed show “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” (through Feb. 25 at the V&A) is sold out, but The Kensington has a special package that grants guest two tickets, as well as a coffee table book about the style icon who famously said, “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” One presumes the late French designer Thierry Despont would have agreed with this sentiment. Under his tutelage, The Beaumont, one of Mayfair’s most stylish addresses with 29 new rooms and a revamped top suite, The Roosevelt, with gorgeous, Art Deco-inspired interiors.
Across town in the heart of Chelsea, meanwhile, at the Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, star pâtissier Benoît Blin has infused that classic tradition of British tea with signature French flair and a focus on seasonality and unique flavor profiles (look for a la religieuse, cream-filled choux buns that have, incidentally, been a favorite challenge on The Great British Bakeoff). For arguably even more intrigue than even a competitive baking show, L’oscar, the Michel Reybier Hospitality Collection’s boutique property, takes the concept of hotel-as-theater to a new level. Housed in a Baroque-style, Grade-II listed former church, the hotel was reimagined by impresario Jacques Garcia, a lover of dark velvets and mirror-gilded interiors.
If more high-drama is what you’re after, then get thee to the Donmar Warehouse where David Tennent (Dr. Who for fans of his big-screen persona) is busy bringing down the house in the Scottish play. For guaranteed tickets to this show, check in at The Bloomsbury, housed in a redbrick Edwin Lutyens-designed building and infused with literary spiritedness, particularly in the Seamus Heaney Library, home to many first editions and 20th-century classics. The “Macbeth Package” (available until Feb. 10) includes dinner and bubbly for two—useful fortification prior to seeing this intense production.
And if all this urban stimulation has you hankering for a jaunt into the British countryside, mark your calendars: in February, the lovingly restored British Pullman, A Belmond Train, will reprise its extremely popular Moving Murder Mystery experience (calling all sleuths) and, later in the month, travel to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire for a sumptuous lunch at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant there.
ampr Quiz: And the Oscar Goes To…
…well, we don’t know yet but for movie buffs, these film lore–infused hotels should be on your radar. Can you guess the hotel or resort described in the hints below?
- This property is where Bob Marley recovered following his attempted assassination in the 70s, an event that will be depicted in the soon-to-be-released movie, One Love.
- This languorous movie released in 2003 was set largely in a designer hotel and put director Sofia Coppola and the actress Scarlet Johannson on the map.
- The top suite at this hotel on the Italian Riviera honors Ava Gardner, who stayed here while filming Barefoot Contessa.
[A: Island Outpost’s Strawberry Hill in Jamaica B: Lost in Translation, shot at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. C: Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, in Portofino]
Newsflash: Global Hotel Guide for Design Lovers
A new year equals new design resolutions, and where better to gather inspiration than on the road, at those brilliant hotels that pull off that delicate balance between comfort and style. Here are four to keep top-of-mind as you re-envision the places you call home.
This passion project of Wilbert Das (the former Creative Director of Diesel) has grown in scope since it opened in 2009, but at its core, the 13-casa property remains true to its founding principles, committed to sustainability and community impact, as well as cutting-edge design. Its “five-mile radius” philosophy includes all materials, resulting in ultra-creative, locally made furniture and fixtures. Case-in-point: the much-copied eucalyptus shower heads that are stylish and sustainable.
Designed by powerhouse Brazilian duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, this hotel is a marvel of modernity. Look for artworks by heavyweights such as Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger (owner Dakis Joannou is one of the world’s leading collectors of contemporary art) as well as the Campana Brothers’ iconic furniture designs, including their Favela chair.
Located inside the walls of the medina, this hotel remains a show-stopper of a master class in Moroccan architecture, artisanship and gardens. 2024 will see a sister property opening in Casablanca, creating an exciting duo destination for style aficionados and culture seekers.
Mark your calendars for February’s Modernism Week (Feb 15-25) when the city of Palm Springs will host a show with more than 100 dealers, as well as open up iconic homes for tours, talks and events. There is no better place to stay than The Parker Palm Springs, the Jonathan Adler–designed desert oasis set on 13 acres. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a 1960s-era movie set, with throwback glamor, a fabulous restaurant and sexy adults-only swimming pool. In short, a great spot from which to ponder all your design goals for 2024.
Trending: Worth the Long Flight
Let’s face it – the days of glamorous air travel are long gone (unless you can secure a seat in the revamped first classes of a handful of airlines). Luckily, there are also those destinations that transport you as soon as you step off the plane, blissfully overwriting the memories of any discomfort in the getting there. Here are five of these memory lapses.
Bhutan: Go for…the newly opened andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, with six tented suites and incredible access to experiences like rafting, kayaking and hikes with a backdrop of the Himalayas. Getting There: Direct flights from New Delhi, Bangkok (and others)
Maldives: Go for…Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, an eco-luxe resort with a serious angle on sustainability, as evidenced in chef Hari Govindaraj’s comprehensive plant-forward menus. Thanks to a proliferation of activities as well as serene spaces (like the stunning spa), Gili Lankanfushi is great for honeymooners/couples and families. Getting There: Direct flights from Dubai, London, Frankfurt, Bangkok (and others)
Japan: Go for…some of the world’s best snow and skiing, including thirty miles of trails. The ultimate ski-in/ski-out hotel — Park Hyatt Niseko — has suites with terraces and private onsens (hot springs) for soaking in the panoramas. Getting There: Sapporo (the closest airport) is serviced directly from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul Taipei and Hong Kong (among others)
South Africa: Go for…rediscovering what’s new in Cape Town, an evolving art and fashion city, and check in at the soon-to-turn 125 years Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. The hotel’s afternoon tea is legendary, in part thanks to Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first expertly-trained tea sommelier who helps select among 60 different varieties. Getting There: Direct flights from New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, London, Frankfurt (among many other)
Singapore: Go for…catching the relaunch of the fabled Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, with 15 restyled carriages that feel more like hotel suites than train compartments. Departing from Singapore and with an itinerary that includes snorkeling in Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a trip to the Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s most ancient rainforests at 130 million years. Getting There: Direct flights from London, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo (and many others)
Great Expeditions: Slow Travel
Exploring the world’s most delicate ecosystems requires a light touch, which is why Aqua Expeditions embraces a slow, thoughtful way of travel. Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong travels at a speed of 6-7 knots, allowing for a slow-paced experience. A three-night Mekong Discovery sailing will either head upriver in Cambodia by exploring the Tonle Sap River, or downriver between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh, while a four-night Explorer cruise will sail upriver from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, past floating villages and gilded pagodas. For a deep-dive into the destination, the seven-night Mekong Expedition cruise includes more time on the Cambodia stretch of the Mekong, which is virtually untouched by tourists.
AM/PM Newsflashes:
- Costa Rica: Nayara Gardens, the first hotel of the Nayara Resorts group, will reopen in January 2024 following a complete rebuild of all the accommodations. Newly-named Arenal Casitas will feature a private deck and a plunge pool, with indoor and outdoor showers enveloped in the lush surrounding rainforest (which also happens to be a sloth sanctuary). A spa renovation is also in the works.
- Nantucket: Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, overlooking the famous harbor, will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation in April 2024. Drawing on the island’s rich seafaring history dating back to the 19th century, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into 29 Cottages, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom lofts. A dozen of the accommodations, dubbed “Woof Cottages,” will continue to welcome those traveling with pets.
- Greece: Furniture wunderkind Rick Owens has entered into his first-ever hotel partnership with Kalesma, a suite and villa-only property in Mykonos, Greece. Owens’s effortlessly cool work is displayed in the lobby, while the rooms feature original artwork by Serbian artist Aleksandar Vac, whose ceramics evoke traditional Cycladic minimalistic forms.
Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond is marking its 30th birthday by highlighting its pioneering business model, based on its ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife and Care of the People. Built on a foundation that seeks to make conservation sustainable through providing exceptional experiences for its guests, the company has dedicated three decades to its vision of leaving the world a better place. Having exported its model of responsible travel to three continents, beginning in Africa and gradually expanding to cover parts of Asia and South America, andBeyond has launched a series of limited edition itineraries ranging from following the largest sardine migration off the coast of East Africa to birding in Sri Lanka to a teen-focused sustainability trip in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. These small set departure trips highlight the company’s conservation successes and achievements, seeking to promote greater awareness of sustainable travel by involving even more of its guests in incredible travel experiences that contribute towards environmental awareness and protection.
Conservation-focused
- Marine Predator Tagging Expedition: Guests join a team of marine conservationists and head out into Mozambique’s pristine waters in search of its apex predators and help tag Giant Trevally and Grey Reef Sharks.
- September 2022: September 5-9, 9-13, 13-17, and 17-21
- A Project Tiger Expedition: The 16-day journey takes guests to three national parks set up under this project, Ranthambhore National Park, Kanha National Park, and Kaziranga National Park.
- December 1-16, 2022 and January 12-27, 2023
- Walking in the Footsteps of a Tanzanian Guide: This nine-day journey offers the unrivalled opportunity to learn, first-hand, some of the skills of andBeyond’s East African guides while exploring diverse terrain and encountering iconic wildlife on foot.
- Care of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, its Wildlife and People: This privately-guided, nine-day itinerary for just four guests reveals the sanctity of water and how significant it is for the sustainability of the wildlife, communities and landscapes in the Chobe National Park and the world-renowned Okavango Delta.
- Departing: June 11, 2022; Jul7 23, 2022; July 31, 2022; and September 9, 2022
- Africa’s Greatest Marine Migration: A bucket list adventure for any diver, this expedition lets guests dive into the annual Sardine migration, the greatest shoal on earth (followed by predatory game fish, sharks, whales and giant pods of dolphin) followed by a Big Five safari.
- Our Impact Journey into South America: A 14-day impact journey exploring pioneering wildlife conservation projects aimed at protecting jaguars and pumas hosted by Les Carlisle, andBeyond’s Group Conservation Legend.
- Return of the Lion Expedition: This 10-day itinerary follows in the footsteps of five lions translocated from South Africa to Rwanda, to reverse a local extinction, and is hosted by Simon Naylor, Conservation Manager at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, and Drew Bantlin, Conservation and Research Manager at Akagera National Park.
Birding
Each of these set departure itineraries travels in groups of ten to twelve people, is accompanied by a specialist birding guide, and was created to appeal to both birders and non-birders. In addition, guests benefit from the opportunity to choose their favorite SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars from a selection of three of their latest models to use on the trip.
- Beyond Average Birding in South Africa combines the cosmopolitan and scenic attractions of Cape Town with Big Five safari in KwaZulu-Natal, all while exploring some of the country’s best known birding destinations.
- Departing in November 2022
- Beyond Average Birding in Ecuador: This 10-night itinerary travels from the depths of the Amazon to the renowned Galápagos Islands.
- Beyond Average Birding in Sri Lanka: This 10-night itinerary explores a range of ideal birding destinations including mangroves, wetlands, highlands, and lowlands.
- Beyond Average Birding in Bhutan: This itinerary seeks out a diversity of Himalayan bird species while offering an array of cultural, spiritual and wellness activities. A variety of walking trails offer opportunities for birding in Bhutan’s lush valleys, across its mountain passes and along the banks of its rivers.
- Beyond Average Birding in Botswana: This eight-night journey ventures from the Chobe River to the famed Okavango Delta, a paradise for birdwatchers two watery destinations, both attracting a wealth of both resident and migrant bird species.
Meant for teens: Eco-Guide Challenges
What makes these itineraries a “challenge” is that all of the teens will be challenged, as andBeyond’s guides are, on what they have learned while out on excursions, earning certificates and prizes that will be handed out at a festive ceremony dinner at the end of the trip. These excursions are a call to all aspiring conservationists, planet warriors, budding rangers, or any teen who loves the wilderness and its creatures and wants to leave the world a better place.
- South Africa: This four-night set itinerary takes place at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and includes a rhino and pangolin conservation experiences, bush walks, astronomy lessons, and ranger training.
- Dates: October 18-22, 2022 and March 6-10, 2023
- Botswana: This four-night itinerary takes place at andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp and includes game drives, bushman skills, wild dog research, and a sustainability audit.
- Dates: October 22-26, 2022
- Mozambique: This marine-conservation focused itinerary takes place at andBeyond Benguerra Island and includes an introductory PADI diving course and scuba sessions, diving at 2-Mile Reef to learn about the fragile marine ecosystem, meeting the local community, and sandboarding on the dunes.
- Dates: October 10-14, 2022
- Tanzania: This five-night journey focuses on the Serengeti National Park (after one night in Arusha) and includes game drives through the Serengeti, nature walks, conservation lessons with local children, animal tracking, and a Maasai village visit.
- Chile: This four-night itinerary at andBeyond Vira Vira focuses on conservation and local culture through activities such horseback riding, a catch-and-release fishing competition, rafting, a community visit to learn about the local Mapuche people and a visit to Villarrica National Park for a wildlife photography lesson.
- Dates: October 3-7, 2022 and April 3-7, 2023
About andBeyond
andBeyond designs personalized high-end tours in 13 countries in Africa, five in Asia and four in South America, offering discerning travelers a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be. andBeyond owns and operates 29 extraordinary lodges and camps in iconic safari, scenic and island destinations in Africa and South America. This enables them to positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land and over 1,800 miles of coastline. Established in 1991, andBeyond strives to leave our world a better place than we found it through their ethos of care of the land, wildlife and people, and the delivery of extraordinary guest experiences.
What’s New?
Belmond unveils a new summer house in Ravello, Belmond Villa Margherita. The 2,100 square foot villa comprises two fully equipped suites (Belvedere and Miramare) featuring custom hand-painted murals and antique terracotta. Ideal for families and larger groups of travelers, the villa offers all the services of a Belmond hotel while granting its residents complete privacy.
The Wauwinet on Nantucket and Serena & Lily have collaborated to present The Anchorage House by Serena & Lily opening on April 18, 2019. The three-bedroom beach cottage will feature the brand’s signature coastal furniture and design.
Shou Sugi Ban House is a new kind of wellness sanctuary offering three-, four-, and six-night retreats focusing on transformation, healing, and an exploration of one’s self, and it’s opening this May in Water Mill. Guests’ days comprise many forms of wellness ranging from beach hikes, reiki, spa treatments, sound healing, and meditation punctuated by gourmet cooking demonstrations (menus are curated by Mads Refslund, formerly of lauded Noma restaurant in Copenhagen).
When La Réserve Ramatuelle opens for the season in mid-April, the property will introduce a new beach club on the famous Pampelonne Beach. Designed by Philipe Starck (whose work includes Le Meurice and Faena in Buenos Aires), La Réserve à La Plage will include a 120-seat beachfront restaurant from the resort’s Michelin starred chef Eric Canino and 75 sunbeds.
The Christopher in St. Barth is broadening its horizons and introducing its very own yacht, Lady Beatrice, in the Mediterranean. Based in Cannes, the yacht can be booked for a private cruise just for the day and up to multiple weeks. The 98-foot boat can accommodate up to eight guests and comes with a five person crew.
Nayara Tented Camp will open in Fall 2019 in Costa Rica. Each tent – designed by veteran luxury safari tent company Luxury Frontiers – will have a private plunge pool filled with naturally warm water from the nearby Arenal volcano’s hot springs, with open views of that volcano and surrounded by a sloth sanctuary.
As part of 33 sailings to Latin America in 2019 and 2020, PONANT announced a new 10-night itinerary, ‘An Exploration in Nature in Costa Rica & the Panama Canal’ with stops at Corcovado National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site Darien Jungle, and the San Blas Islands to meet with the indigenous people. Guests will sail onboard PONANT’s newest vessel Le Dumont d’Urville, departing January 6, 2020.
Almanac Barcelona created a series of experiences to celebrate the Easter holiday, including a sharing menu at Línia, kids’ egg painting classes, and traditional La Mona de Pasquas – decadent Spanish cakes topped with chocolate eggs and figurines crafted using the property’s own chocolate tempering machine.
The Chatwal, New York launched a dedicated Theater Concierge, Juan Espinal, to share insider knowledge on the hottest shows and work with guests to craft an immersive Broadway experience including a behind-the-scenes look at some of Broadway’s biggest theaters, tickets to otherwise sold-out productions, and meet-and-greets with cast favorites.
Pet parents may pamper their furry friends with Hotel Yountville‘s new pet friendly offerings. Dogs will enjoy a special culinary menu, complete with gourmet treats for dessert; monogrammed bedding; dog bowls; and ropes and frisbees to ensure playful adventures and a restful sleep.
Today, Guinot launches Crème Pur Confort SPF 15, a daily cream for sensitive skin that protects against environmental and internal irritants – from water to wind to emotional stress – to soften and even out complexion.
Coinciding with the launch of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s latest exhibition, Christian Dior – Designer of Dreams (on display through September), The Kensington is offering a three-night suite package, including tickets to the exhibition and a custom cocktail, ‘The Corolle’ inspired by Dior’s first couture collection in 1947 ‘La Ligne Corolle’.
Pop-Up Chefs at Hotels
Belmond British Pullman
The Great British Bake Off’s Mary Berry will host two afternoon tea journeys aboard Belmond British Pullman on May 3 and 4, 2019. While dining on a selection of her favorite cakes and desserts, Mary will regale guests with stories from her award-winning career and share some baking tips. This marks the first in a series of pop-up gastronomy journeys in 2019 for the UK day train.
July 9, 2019 marks the date of Park Hyatt Tokyo’s 25th anniversary, and the hotel is celebrating with a host of guest chef collaborations, including celebrity Michelin-starred chef, Sergio Herman of The Netherlands, and Chef Gilles Vérot of Maison Vérot in Paris, who is known for introducing French charcuterie to the NYC dining scene.
Recently recognized as one of the 120 best restaurants in Mexico by la Guía México Gastronómico 2019, La Marea at Viceroy Riviera Maya will host a series of guest chefs who also received the coveted award. Chef Carlos Zamora will welcome Chef Francisco Ruano from Alcalde in Guadalajara on December 4, 2019.
Hotel Partnerships
The Lady Mansour at Royal Mansour
Royal Mansour and Christian Louboutin partnered to create exclusive babouche slippers, inspired by the hotel’s distinctive latticework and hard-carved ceilings and paired with Louboutin’s signature red sole. The collaboration is the designer’s only creative partnership within Morocco.
For the jetsetting mom, Belmond Hotel Cipriani has launched two exclusive bags in partnership with Venetian leather brand Dellaluna. Choose between a limited-edition tote bag inspired by Venice’s signature cocktail, the Bellini – invented by Guiseppe Cipriani, founder of Hotel Cipriani – and a weekender bag made of leather and canvas complete with Belmond’s signature luggage tags from the Southern Europe properties. Both pieces can be shipped worldwide, priced at $1,680 and $1,345, respectively.
In honor of the pending arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first baby, due in April, The Kensington has partnered with Sarajane Ambrose, Founder of the UK’s leading nanny and maternity nurse agencies, Imperial Nannies and Maternally Yours. New or expectant parents can now book a two-hour, one-on-one session with Sarajane to learn the dos and don’ts of parenthood over The Kensington’s new ‘London Landmarks’ Afternoon Tea.
andBeyond has partnered with Thule to bring stylish, versatile, and durable luggage to future guests (meeting the tight size regulations on bush planes in Africa). Once guests arrive at the lodge, they will now be able to use a pair of custom Swarovski Optik binoculars on game drives during their stay, and can even buy a pair of their own at the safari shop.
Thanks to Nantucket Island Resorts’ partnership with New York-based cycling startup, Priority Bicycles, guests can enjoy complimentary bike rentals to explore the island, including popular sites such as the oldest house on Nantucket, built in 1686; Sankaty Lighthouse, located a historic fishing village; and Cisco Brewery, known for their local beers and live music. Guests of White Elephant Loft at 32 Main Street and The Anchorage House receive the keys to a BMW hybrid-SUV for use throughout their stay.
Almanac Barcelona partnered with Master Perfumer Jimmy Boyd to create private label scents exclusively for the hotel – pear apple and bergamot. There is also an accompanying retail line conjuring aromas of the sea, botanicals, and the essence of citrus representing the city’s Mediterranean energy.
The Chatwal, New York launched an exclusive collaboration with Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow’s yoga and spiritual guru, Eddie Stern. His “Pause & Take a Breath” app, featuring nine 12-minute yoga lessons are available on a complimentary basis through the in-room and in-suite iPads.
Guests of Belmond can join equestrian polo player and fashion model Jodie Kidd for the second annual six-night Horseback Safari through the wilderness of Botswana this September 13-19, 2019. Splitting time between Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge and Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, travelers will join Jodie for daily expeditions into the Okavango Delta, a traditional Boma dinner, and an evening sunset cruise along the delta.
UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa collaborated with local NGO Despartar to launch MAMA Trancoso, an education initiative to teach local students how to identify environmental threats and ways to combat these abuses. Over the past three years, the program has worked with 30 dedicated students (10 each year) hosting 10 exhibitions in local schools, participating in two civil actions to battle an environmental threat, and joining the United Nations Youth Assembly in 2018 and 2019.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Brant Point Grill
Instead of a box of chocolate, give a chocolate making experience at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. The class entails learning about how cocoa is grown and what cocoa varieties make the very best chocolate. Participants learn how to temper chocolate to make molded creations and rich, dark chocolate truffles. They also learn how to make traditional, St Lucian Cocoa Tea and best of all… they get to taste and take home the fruits of their labors.
Breakfast in bed is a nice gesture, but Mom will enjoy the “Best Brunch on the Island” even more! From the Benedict Burger to the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, a Sparkling Station for mimosas, and a brand-new tapas station, this brunch is complete with all of Mom’s favorites. Nantucket’s Brant Point Grill’s Mother’s Day Brunch is $85 for adults, $39 for kids. Combine your brunch with a stay at White Elephant and enjoy special Hot Dates Cool Rates, starting at $195 per night.
Treat moms to a signature Hunan-Kab (Honey ceremony) at Viceroy Riviera Maya, incorporating honey harvested on-property. The property’s resident shaman oversees the Jardin Pak’al, the garden where he grows herbs used to treat guests at the Wayak Spa. One-on-one consultations with moms are conducted in the K’óben (Mayan herb kitchen), to determine individual preferences and needs before a personalized experience is created. The Melipona Bee Honey (Bee Cheii) is thought by the Mayans to be medicinal. The honey is applied using herb compresses soaked in a special tea before guests enjoy a massage in nature next to a waterfall.
The international chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat has an anthology of chocolates for mothers with a sweet tooth available online and in New York City boutiques. Choose the timeless Emeraude Hatbox ($210) or Grenat Hatbox ($360), and she won’t be disappointed.
Belmond Charleston Place Hotel’s Tata Harper Exclusive package is perfect for a moms-only weekend, including a Tata Harper Nothing But Nature facial at the on-site spa. Guests can also enjoy the Mother’s Day Brunch with garden seating at the Palmetto Café before spending an afternoon perusing The Shops on the ground floor of the hotel.
Perfect for your yogi parent, Nayara Springs’ Wellness Package invites travelers to disconnect from reality in the rainforest of Costa Rica – days are filled with yoga and meditation, daily spa treatments, healthy mixology classes, and walks through the on-site sloth sanctuary.
Cliff Lede Vineyards’ Mother’s Day Celebration offers complimentary light bites and tastings from the vineyard’s FEL wine portfolio, named in homage to Cliff’s own mother, Florence Elsie Lede, a home winemaker and early inspiration for his love of wine. Mothers will also receive a tulip, Florence’s favorite flower.
Guinot’s Huile Mirific is a multi-tasking dry oil. It nourishes skin, protects dry hair ends, and doubles as a floral perfume – the perfect way to pamper mom on her day.
Calendar
andBeyond Phinda Impact Journey
May
May 2019: Shou Sugi Ban House will open in Water Mill as a wellness haven offering multi-day programsMay 2019: Guinot launches a new Eye Lift Treatment designed to reduce signs of aging and fatigue through muscle stimulation and an eye mask
May 2019: Guinot launches Crème Lift Summum, a cream designed to minimize the appearance of wrinkles
May 3, 2019: First Sip of Summer cooking class with Chef Mackenzie Rupp showcasing her favorite warm-weather recipes at Vista Collina Resort in Napa Valley
May 5, 2019: Guests can celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Viceroy Riviera Maya with a Mayan Cuisine Class and learn to cook the indigenous fare of the Yucatan Peninsula
May 11, 2019: Stay with Belmond Hotel Cipriani as the 2019 Art Biennale kicks off in VeniceMay 11, 2019: andBeyond’s Bhutan Yoga Retreat departs through Asia’s spiritual heartland to achieve balance of mind, body, and soul with guided yoga and deep meditation
May 12, 2019: andBeyond’s Phinda Impact Journey explores South Africa through game drives, ranger training, sleeping under the stars, and visiting the local communities
May 14-22, 2019: PONANT’s Green and Gentle Lands: Exploring Gardens and Historic Sites sailing journeys from London to Bergen, Norway with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh
May 15-19, 2019: Winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers celebrate the Nantucket Wine Festival
May 21-25, 2019: The Chelsea Flower Show takes place in London; stay nearby at The Kensington to usher in the spring season
June
June 8, 2019: 3rd Annual Napa Valley RoséFest at Sterling Vineyards
June 14-16, 2019: The 8th annual Nantucket Book Festival showcases award-winning authors as well as local and regional talent
June 17, 2019: Brazil waives travel visas for American, Canadian, Japanese, and Australian passport holders
June 19-24, 2019: The 23rd annual Nantucket Film Festival spotlights screenwriters and preview screenings
July
July 4, 2019: The Independence Day Parade sets off down Main Street in Nantucket and builds to the water fight between fire departments, ending with fireworks over Jetties Beach
July 13, 2019: Bastille Day Dinner at Swanson Vineyards in Napa Valley
July 14, 2019: Celebrate Bastille Day at La Réserve Paris
What’s New?
The Grand House
Shou Sugi Ban House is a new kind of wellness sanctuary offering three-, four-, and seven-night retreats focusing on transformation, healing, and an exploration of one’s self, and it’s opening this May in Water Mill. This is not a spartan retreat model; guests’ days comprise many forms of wellness ranging from beach hikes, reiki, spa treatments, sound healing, and meditation punctuated by gourmet cooking demonstrations (menus curated by Mads Refslund, formerly of lauded Noma restaurant in Copenhagen).
Nayara Tented Camp will open in Fall 2019 in Costa Rica. Each tent – designed by veteran luxury safari tent company Luxury Frontiers – will have a private plunge pool filled with naturally warm water from the nearby Arenal volcano’s hot springs, with open views of that volcano and surrounded by a sloth sanctuary.
Inspired by the anticipated live-action Lion King coming out this summer, andBeyond’s new itinerary lets kids live out their own adventures in hakuna matata style through the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
The Grand House, a hybrid venture between a luxury hotel and a home rental service will debut in March 2019 with a portfolio of maisons particulières situated in central Rome. Additional properties in Florence and Milan are scheduled to open by 2020.
Napa Valley’s Louis M. Martini Winery will re-open in March 2019 following an extensive restoration of the historic space. One of the first wineries to open at the end of Prohibition, the new space will seamlessly integrate indoors and out and feature 30-foot-high glass walls with views into the barrel cellar.
The Kensington is getting guests into nearby Victoria & Albert Museum’s Christian Dior – Designer of Dreams exhibit with The House Of Kensington Experience, a new three-night package including a stay in a Signature Suite, two tickets to the exhibition (hard to come by due to the show’s popularity), and a round of exclusive Dior-inspired cocktails at the hotel’s K Bar.
With its announcement of the most popular spring travel destinations, global luxury travel network Virtuoso revealed that Americans are staying closer to home and seeking sun in Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando. European destinations including Italy, France, and the UK remain popular while Switzerland, Greece, Morocco, and Japan are seeing the largest growth year-over-year.
The Falconry Vineyard Tour is a new tasting offering at Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa Valley. Guests interact with owls, hawks, and falcons and learn how to call birds to land on their arm. The experience concludes with a wine-tasting in the garden.
This summer, GoldenEye is introducing new guest experiences including yoga and guided meditation sessions that conclude with vibrational healing ‘sound bath’ using Tibetan singing bowls; as well as complimentary excursions to Firefly, Noel Coward’s hill home and rumored to be Captain Morgan’s lookout.
Families traveling with little ones can explore London with a helping hand from their very own Mary Poppins with The Kensington’s new Suite Nannies package. A nanny from the UK’s leading nanny agency will arrive each day equipped with her own carpet bag filled with toys and surprises.
Belmond British Pullman continues its celebrity chef pop-up dinner series including a July 20th event with Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and a zero-waste menu with Michelin-starred chef Merlin Labron-Johnson. Beloved British baker Mary Berry will kick of the series with two afternoon tea journeys May 3 and 4th.
CREST (Center for Responsible Travel) will hold its annual World Tourism Day forum on September 27, focusing this year on Impact Tourism.
Spring Forward
Daylight Saving Time starts March 10th – here are a few outdoor activities to take advantage of that extra hour of sunshine
Azimuth Rooftop Bar
Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Chatwal, New York offers complimentary Chatwal-red bicycles for the active traveler to explore the city, armed with a bespoke NYC Bike Map and a picnic dinner.
The Grand House will offer its guests the opportunity to fly an Agusta Westland 109 helicopter from Rome to Bolgheri Vineyards where Gelasio Gaetani d’Aragona Lovatelli, oenologist extraordinaire, will lead a private tour of the vineyards and cellars of Castello di Bolgheri and Argentiera. The tour ends with catching the sunset while flying over Monte Argentario on the way back to Rome.
Guests can enjoy the varied landscape in and around Viceroy Riviera Maya with horseback riding, ATV tours, cenote (sinkhole caves) tours, bird watching, and jungle hikes.
The Kensington’s Slice of the City tour, Snapshots of Kensington, brings guests to the most Instagram-worthy locations in the neighborhood. The local host will double as both a guide to the best photo ops and a personal photographer to help travelers get the shot.
La Réserve Geneva’s private and super chic Venetian Motoscafo boat gives guests the most stylish was to get to the city center – a 15 minute cruise across Lake Geneva.
Guests at Nantucket Island Resorts have complimentary access to Priority Bicycles to cruise the 30 miles of scenic flat bike trails on the island. Explorers are provided with a map of popular sites, including the oldest house on Nantucket – built in 1686; Sankaty Lighthouse – located in the historic fishing village of ‘Sconset; and Cisco Brewery – known for their local beers and live music.
In downtown Napa, visitors can explore the Rail Arts District (RAD) – the 1.7-mile outdoor art gallery showcasing murals, sculptures, landscapes, and parks – beginning at Napa’s Oxbow District and continuing along the Napa Valley Vine Trail bike and pedestrian path and the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks.
Settle into one of the coral cocoon-shaped chairs at Azimuth rooftop bar at Alamanac Barcelona for a sunset cocktail while taking in the 360 views of the city.
Shaking Things Up
Instead of a cooking class, guests are learning from the experts how to craft local libations
Guaro Sour at Nayara Springs
andBeyond Bateleur Camp’s new gin bar gives a nod to the gin and tonic tradition dating back to colonial East Africa, when the classic choice for sundowners originated as a medicinal tipple to fend off malaria. With 16 different types of craft gin to pick from, guests can learn from the expert bartenders to create the perfect G&T with ingredients grown in the lodge’s organic vegetable garden.
The Bellini, Venice’s signature cocktail composed of peach juice and prosecco, was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Belmond Hotel Cipriani, in 1948. Today, guests can learn how to make them at the Gabbiano Bar with beloved bartender Walter Bolzonella, a protégé of Cipriani’s, who has been with the hotel for over 40 years.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort offers rum tastings led by the in-house rummelier who teaches guests about the island’s rum history including Sugar Beach – the property sits on a former sugar plantation that produced the key ingredient for 17th century rum makers.
No visit to Peru is complete without a Pisco Sour (or two), and guests of Belmond Hotel Monasterio can learn how to make the traditional cocktail with pisco lessons led by the resident barman. While tasting the different types of pisco, guests will learn the history and distillation techniques of the national drink before mastering their favorite variation.
Sidecar, the Art Deco cocktail bar at The Westbury in Dublin, recently launched mixology classes with their white dinner jacket-clad head bartender (who also happens to be Daniel Craig’s doppelgänger).
Resident mixologist at Nayara Springs, Karla Elizondo Castro, teaches guests a lesson in mixology the Costa Rican way – adorning cocktails with flowers and herbs from the on-property garden at this adults-only resort tucked in the rainforest. Her signature Guaro Sour (made with a local rum-style spirit) is garnished with Borraja and tarragon flowers.
Guests at Viceroy Riviera Maya can participate in a hands-on Artisanal Cocktail Coaching class at the beachside Coral Grill & Bar and learn how to make property favorites like the Xcalacoco Wish (made with a crème tequila liqueur).
Bartenders at The Christopher teach guests to make St. Barth’s potent Ti Punch with sugar, lime, and rum.
Guests Get Involved
Environmental programming
andBeyond Vamizi
Travelers can join a six-day Oceans Without Borders Small Group Journey to andBeyond Vamizi Island to participate in fish tagging, measuring, and monitoring reef systems.
Guests of UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa are invited to become students again at MAMA Trancoso, an education initiative teaching the skills to identify environmental threats and the actions needed to combat these abuses. As part of the daily instruction, guests can collaborate with the small class of students on awareness campaigns and political activism through social media, short films, and community events.
Guests aboard PONANT can join beach clean up excursions in the Seychelles through the brand’s new partnership with the Aldabra Clean Up Project (with its goal of combatting plastic pollution and preserving the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles).
In 1997, Chris Blackwell of Island Outpost hotel established the Oracabessa Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on vocational training and environmental protection. GoldenEye guests who donate $1,000 to the foundation can have a tree planted on property, joining the likes of Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, and Bill and Hilary Clinton.
andBeyond’s Phinda Impact Small Group Journey is a 7-day journey that combines wildlife conservation (with an experience like rhino notching or elephant collaring), interaction with the local community, and a day-in-the-life of an andBeyond ranger – from learning tracking to rifle training to sleeping out beneath the stars.
Calendar
April
March 26 – April 5, 2019: During Easter break, Sugar Beach offers a variety of children’s programing including tie-dye, chocolate making, boat tours, and an Easter egg hunt
April 2019: The Dupont Circle completes the final stages of its multimillion-dollar renovation of the bar, restaurant, lobby, and suites
April 2019: Throughout April and early-May, The Woof Cottages at Nantucket Boast Basin will waive pet fees and provide a special dog-friendly turndown treat
April 2019: Napa Valley’s 8th annual Arts in April celebrates the region’s cultural offerings with more than 50 events taking place at wineries, museums and galleries throughout the month.
April 2, 2019: andBeyond’s first Endangered Eight Impact Journey departs to search for eight threatened species in India’s wildlife sanctuaries
April 15, 2019: PONANT’s newest vessel, Le Bougainville, departs on its inaugural sailing
April 18, 2019: The Wauwinet reopens following a multi-million-dollar renovation
April 20, 2019: The Wauwinet will host the Easter Brunch Adult Egg Hunt where one lucky duck will find a golden egg with a surprise gift inside
April 20, 2019: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge hosts a performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra
April 26-28, 2019: The Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend honors the more than three million daffodils that bloom every spring on Nantucket. The Wauwinet will offer a Daffy Tailgate Lunch at TOPPERS and a Daffy Tailgate After Party.
April 28, 2019: Whether a London Marathon participant or spectator, The Doyle Collection’s trio of London hotels provide the perfect home base to enjoy the race
May
May 2019: Shou Sugi Ban House will open in Water Mill as a wellness haven offering multi-day programs.
May 3 and 4, 2019: Mary Berry will host two afternoon teas aboard Belmond British Pullman
May 5, 2019: Guests can celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Viceroy Riviera Maya with a Mayan Cuisine Class and learn to cook the indigenous fare of the Yucatan Peninsula.
May 11, 2019: andBeyond’s Bhutan Yoga Retreat departs to travel through Asia’s spiritual heartland and to achieve balance of mind, body, and soul with guided yoga and deep meditation
May 12, 2019: andBeyond’s Phinda Impact Journey embarks to explore South Africa through game drives, ranger training, sleeping out under the stars, and visiting the local community
May 18, 2019: Visit Robert Mondavi Winery for their Fume Blanc Release and Lobster Feed Party, set among the vines of the famous To Kalon Vineyard
May 21-25, 2019: The Chelsea Flower Show takes place in London, stay nearby at The Kensington to usher in the spring season
June
June 20-25, 2018: The 23rd annual Nantucket Film Festival
February AMPR Newsletter
What’s New?
Town House at The Kensington in London just launched a new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea, inspired by London’s most recognizable sights. Presented on a London Eye-styled stand, tea is served alongside a bespoke map of London highlighting Kensington Palace, Covent Garden, and Big Ben.
Shou Sugi Ban House, the first wellness retreat of its kind on Long Island, will be opening in Water Mill in spring 2019. The 13-room retreat, set on three acres just next to the Parrish Art Museum, will incorporate many forms of wellness treatments ranging from sound healing to reiki to yoga to hikes on the beach. Each day will begin with a tea ceremony and end with a fire ceremony, punctuated by spa treatments and cooking demonstrations.
The Wauwinet, situated on the northeast shores of Nantucket overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, will unveil a multi-million-dollar restoration and renovation of its lobby, library and 32 guestrooms and cottages in April 2019.
La Réserve Ramatuelle will reopen in mid-April and will unveil the property’s first beach club on coveted Pampelonne Beach. There will be a beachfront restaurant and lounge chairs and a complimentary shuttle for guests.
Alpha Omega Collective is opening in Downtown Napa, across from The Archer Hotel, in late winter/early spring 2019. The tasting room will showcase wines from Alpha Omega, Tolosa, and Perinet wineries by the glass, bottle, or flight.
Christian Louboutin has created custom babouche slippers for Royal Mansour, inspired by its ornate design details. The shoes are only available at the hotel’s boutique.
PONANT is launching a new seven-night itinerary to “The Essential Azores” departing April 5, 2020. Guests will discover six of the islands including Faial, often called the “blue island” for its myriad hydrangeas and Pico, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guinot’s new Lift Summum treatment firms and smooths the face, neck, and chest instantly by removing dead cells, redefining the face contour, and restoring radiance.
Perks of Booking a Suite
These suites come with more than just a little more space
Private workshops and tours at the world’s largest rooftop farm and exclusive access to The Morgan Library and Museum are just two of the themed excursions offered through The Chatwal New York’s new partnership with LOCALIKE. The tour operator created a series of insider experiences for guests staying in one of 14 Chatwal Crown Suites.
Guests who book the five-bedroom Fleming Villa at GoldenEye in Jamaica (Ian Fleming’s former home) get a private beach and movie screening room.
Suite guests at La Reserve Geneve are offered a personal assistant and exclusive access to reserve a cabana by the outdoor pool with views of Lake Geneva.
In addition to its gourmet kitchen and prime locale in downtown Nantucket, the historic White Elephant Loft at 32 Main Street offers guests keys to a BMW hybrid-SUV.
The crown jewel of Belmond Charleston Place, the Club Level accommodations sit across two floors featuring private elevator access and check-in, and an impressive all-day food and beverage service that includes breakfast, afternoon tea service, evening hors d’oeuvres, and full bar selection.
Royal Mansour’s Grand Riad is a palatial hotel-within-a-hotel complete with its own private entrance, cinema, hammam, and swimming pool with a built-in water current. Guests will access to a dedicated staff of butlers, chefs, housekeepers, and watchmen available around the clock.
Spring Holidays & Festivals
The Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend, April 26-28, honors more than three million daffodils that bloom every spring on Nantucket. The Wauwinet will offer a Daffy Tailgate Lunch at TOPPERS; a Daffy Tailgate After Party with live entertainment and shuttle service to/from ‘Sconset; and a two-night accommodation package that includes a picnic for two and special Daffy Weekend hats.
Napa Valley’s 8th annual Arts in April celebrates the region’s cultural offerings with more than 50 events taking place at wineries, museums and galleries throughout the month.
Guests celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, in India with andBeyond’s A splash of colour in Rajasthan journey on March 20-21 dance to the beat of music and join the massive crowd as they splash each other with colorful powders and emerge coated in a rainbow glow.
Cherry BlossomsTravelers to Washington, D.C. can celebrate springtime with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, running from March 20 – April 13. Guests can explore the blooming city from The Dupont Circle and dine under cherry blossom trees in their restaurant, The Pembroke.
Tokyo turns pink during the Cherry Blossom Festival from March 23 – April 27. Park Hyatt Tokyo is near several parks where guests can stroll under the pastel petals.
The Christopher Hotel on the rocky shoreline Pointe Milou offers the best views of the St. Barth Bucket Regatta (March 21-24, 2019).
After watching the New York City Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue, onlookers can head over to The Pembroke Room for afternoon tea to dine on petit fours and scones with lemon curd and Devonshire cream.
Barcelona’s Saint Jordi festival is held every April 23rd, with men gifting roses to women and women sharing a book with their loved ones in honor of the patron saint of Catalonia. Guests of Almanac Barcelona are just a 10-minute walk from the main action along La Rambla, which transforms into a flower market intermixed with book stalls.
Belmond Copacabana Palace will host the famed Carnival Ball on March 2, 2019. Long associated with the glitz and glamour of the Rio Carnival, Belmond pays homage to Italy’s global influence with Dolce Carnevale as its newly renovated Golden Room is transformed into Venice’s St. Mark’s Square for an all-night dance party.
For an off-the-grid Carnival experience, travelers can book UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa in the seaside village of Trancoso, Bahia with celebrations centered in the 500-year-old, car-free town square, or Quadrado.
Guests can celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Viceroy Riviera Maya with a Mayan Cuisine Class and learn to cook the indigenous fare of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Easter at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia means treasure map egg hunts, chocolate making classes, a Wonderland tea party, and a beach bonfire with s’mores for the littlest of travelers.
Early Summer Travel Deals
Savvy travelers can take advantage of lower rates when taking their summer vacations early
The rates at Nantucket Island Resorts heat up with the summer sun, travelers who book their stay before peak summer season can enjoy up to 55% off and thinner crowds on the island.
After the spring break crowds have dwindled, but the weather still calls for a sunny getaway, Viceroy Riviera Maya is offering a ‘Sun, Sea & Solitude’ deal with accommodations up to 35 percent off, including daily breakfast and $100 resort credit.
For those looking for a South of France holiday, there’s no better place to experience la belle vie than La Réserve Ramatuelle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Go in June before the prices climb in July and August (as do the crowds).
Classic tents at Kenya’s andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp on the Masai Mara jump from $330 per person per night in June to $450 for the rest of summer.
Calendar
March
March 2019: Belmond La Samanna completes the final phase of its renovation
March 2019: Guinot launches its new Clean Logic Range, a cleansing skincare regimen formulated with anti-aging properties suited for fragile skin
March 3, 2019: The Napa Valley Marathon follows the famed Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa, and passes beautiful scenery, vineyards, and world-renowned wineries along the way
March 14, 2019: Belmond’s Southern Europe collection opens for the 2019 season with Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
March 16, 2019: Visit The River Lee to experience Cork’s family-friendly three-day St. Patrick’s Day festival with parades, food, and music without the massive crowds that descend upon Dublin for the holiday
March 20, 2019: The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off in Washington D.C. The Dupont Circle’s new restaurant honors the capital’s festival with its floral décor
March 23-April 7, 2019: Tokyo turns pink during the Cherry Blossom Festival
April
Spring 2019: Shou Sugi Ban House opens in The Hamptons offering multi-day wellness retreats.
April 2019: The Dupont Circle completes the final stages of its multimillion-dollar renovation of the bar, restaurant, lobby, and suites
April 1, 2019: andBeyond’s 11-day Southern Chile Islands & Lakes Expedition kicks off in Santiago and travels to Chiloé Island, south into the Chilean Lake District, and ends with a stay at the new andBeyond Vira Vira
April 2, 2019: andBeyond’s first Endangered Eight Impact Journey departs to search for eight threatened species in India’s wildlife sanctuaries
April 15-22, 2019: PONANT’s Le Bougainville sets sail on its inaugural journey with a brand-new itinerary from Nice to Athens
April 18, 2019: La Réserve Ramatuelle will re-open for the season
April 20, 2019: The Wauwinet will host the Easter Brunch Adult Egg Hunt where one lucky duck will find a golden egg with a surprise gift inside
April 20, 2019: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge will host an exclusive concert with London Philharmonic Orchestra
April 26-28, 2019: CampoVelo is a three day event hosted by Chef Chris Cosentino from Acacia House at Las Alcobas. Activities include road and dirt bike riding, hiking, yoga, chef demos, fireside chats, and wine tastings
April 28, 2019: Whether a London Marathon participant or spectator, The Doyle Collection’s trio of London hotels provide the perfect home base to enjoy the race
April/May 2019: The Lowell offers a perfect sanctuary for New York City’s spring art auctions – situated just between Sotheby’s and Christie’s
May
May 11, 2019: andBeyond’s Bhutan Yoga Retreat departs to travel through Asia’s spiritual heartland and to achieve balance of mind, body, and soul with guided yoga and deep meditation
May 11, 2019: Stay with Belmond Hotel Cipriani as the Venice Art Biennale kicks off its 58th edition
May 12, 2019: andBeyond’s Phinda Impact Journey embarks to explore South Africa through game drives, ranger training, sleeping out under the stars, and visiting the local community
May 18, 2019: Visit Round Pond Estate for their Summer Wine Release Party
January AMPR Newsletter
What’s New?
For the first time in its 30-year history, The Wauwinet on Nantucket will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation including a complete overhaul of all 32 guestrooms and bathrooms and updates to the property’s three intimate cottages and the lobby’s library, reopening in April 2019.
Surrounded by the mountains and sand dunes of the Namib Desert, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge will reopen after a complete refurbishment on October 15, 2019 with floor-to-ceiling glass walls to take in the dramatic desert landscape.
Fresh off a top-to-bottom refurbishment, The Christopher Hotel will launch three new villas in 2019, each featuring four bedrooms and a private swimming pool.
Belmond British Pullman is hosting a Mary Poppins Returns-inspired afternoon tea journey on February 16, 2019. Families will enjoy balloon artists, face painters, and magicians as the train passes through the British countryside.
This spring, The River Lee in Cork, Ireland will unveil a new look for the lobby, restaurant, bar, and terrace, spearheaded by O’Donnell O’Neill Design.
PONANT will host a gastronomy and wine cruise in partnership with Ducasse Conseil and Chateau Latour aboard L’Austral from April 13-22, 2019. The ten-day sailing, ‘Gastronomy, Vineyards, and Grands Crus’ from Lisbon to Portsmouth will feature ports of call in Porto, Bordeaux, and Pauillac and two gala dinners hosted by chefs Xavier Boireau and Francis Fauvel.
Guinot launched its Anti-Dark Spot Serum this month, a new two-week treatment that uses pure Vitamin C to reduce and brighten dark spots caused by sun exposure and aging.
Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa has completed a renovation of its 94 cottages and suites – all featuring redesigned interiors and exteriors, new furnishings, and relaunched outdoor terraces that are complete with gas fire pits, portable mini-projectors, and telescopes.
La Maison du Chocolat has created a new line of Valentine’s Day confections for this season’s Parisian Dream collection available in boutiques and online on January 24.
Cool Hangout Spots for the Littlest Travelers
Suspended in the treetops amid the 10-acre park at La Réserve Geneva is La Petit Réserve. Free for kids ages six-months to 13-years, including local day guests, the kid’s club has a wooden obstacle course, swings and slide, and a suspension bridge that connects to a treehouse complete with a fireman’s pole, game tables, toys, puzzles, and a coloring station.
Royal Mansour’s dedicated Kids Club, Le Jardin de Lila, turns little ones into global citizens with Moroccan art activities, Arabic lessons, and a complimentary children’s book following Lila, a young girl exploring the hotel’s winding passageways and gardens.
Belmond Reid’s Palace on Madeira welcomes its younger guests to partake in fun activities housed in a traditional Santana cottage with a private kids’ swimming pool where swimming and gymnastics classes can be arranged.
andBeyond’s Bateleur Camp on Kenya’s Maasai Mara offers their fun and educational WILDchild program for the smallest safari-goers. Kids can learn to identify animal tracks and droppings, learn to build a fire the Masai way, and do some fun games and activities while learning about conservation and the role they can play in protecting the world’s fauna.
With treasure hunts and coconut bowling for the 4-12 set and ping pong tournaments and sailing school for tweens and teens, St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort’s Sugar Club and Spice Club offer kids their own version of paradise.
AMPR’s Guide to Wellness Travel for 2019
Thanks to its relaxing and mood-enhancing effects, CBD is a trending ingredient in spa treatments, especially prevalent in Napa Valley. Travelers in the region can choose from a selection of CBD wellness massages at Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort or enjoy a sound healing therapy paired with a CBD-infused wrap at Mount View Hotel & Spa.
Viceroy Riviera Maya’s resident shaman oversees the Jardin Pak’al, the garden where he grows herbs used to treat guests at the Wayak Spa. In the K’óben (Mayan herb kitchen), he has individual consultations with the guests to determine their preferences and needs, before creating a personalized healing experience for them held next to a waterfall.
andBeyond’s new Bhutan Yoga Retreat Small Group Journey allows travelers to immerse themselves in the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Highlights of this 10-day journey include yoga and meditation, hiking Tiger’s Nest monastery in Paro, and exploring the fortresses and temples of Thimphu and Punakha, all led by an expert guide and specialist healing facilitator to help guests find balance of the mind, body, and soul.
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, La Reserve Geneve’s Nescens Spa is the city’s largest spa, at 20,000 square-feet. Travelers looking to improve their ski, tennis, or golf performance can take part in the special Fitness Preparation Program, which combines coaching, treatment, and nutrition.
Royal Mansour has introduced Bespoke Hammam Treatments where each step of the traditional technique is personalized to the specific skincare needs of each guest using locally sourced ingredients – including purifying clay from the Atlas Mountains and roses from the Kalaat Megouana valley.
Guests at Sugar Beach can get fit with the Piton Recovery, which starts with a hike of the Gros Piton. After descending from the peak, hikers are met by one of Sugar Beach’s personal trainers for a stretching session, rehydration with coconut water, and revitalizing snack of potassium-rich bananas before have a muscle releasing massage back at the spa.
As part of The Chatwal, New York’s partnership with yoga and spiritual guru Eddie Stern, travelers will enjoy a new wellness program featuring nine 12-minute yoga sessions focusing on breathing techniques that balance the central nervous system, available complimentary through the in-room iPads.
Guests at The Marylebone have complimentary access to Third Space, an on-site members-only health club. Guests can snag a coveted spot in the popular group fitness classes and use the 60-foot indoor lap pool – finishing with a healthy smoothie from The Juicery.
Nayara Springs’ new Wellness Program incorporates healthful menus, yoga and meditation, and spa treatments so guests return home thoroughly relaxed and restored.
Not Your Typical Spring Break Destinations
Instead of the Caribbean or skiing, here are places you may not have considered…
Travelers who want an authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience can avoid the Dublin crowds and visit The River Lee in Cork, where a family-friendly three-day festival from March 16-18 offers parades, food, and music.
In March 2019, travelers can join a six-day Oceans Without Borders Small Group Journey to andBeyond Vamizi Island to participate in fish tagging and measuring and monitoring reef systems. Guests will learn what it takes to be an andBeyond dive instructor or a marine biologist, spend time in the local community, and enjoy water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling – with all proceeds supporting Oceans Without Borders.
Almanac Barcelona opened in February 2018 just steps from buzzing Passeig de Gracia. While Azimuth, the penthouse bar with 360-degree views of the city, is popular with locals, the rooftop pool and sun lounge are reserved for guests only. March and April temperatures are in the mid-60’s and it’s just before the summertime tourist rush.
Nearing the end of rainy season, safari-goers will enjoy the greener landscape and abundance of wildlife in Botswana at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge. The newly reimagined lodge now features a viewpoint overlooking the watering hole in Chobe National Park, where guests can enjoy breakfast with a front-row seat to the passing elephants.
Dallasites can take advantage of the new direct Air France flight route launching on March 31, 2019, between Dallas/Fort Worth and Paris, and stay in the city’s 16th arrondissement at the La Réserve Paris Apartments. Families staying in the Apartments have the option to cook at home in the large chef’s kitchen, have exclusive access to the Roland Garros tennis courts (home to the French Open), and can ride bikes to enjoy an al fresco picnic lunch along the Seine.
Napa Valley continues to celebrate Cabernet Season through April. For adults in the know, this is the best time to visit – think smaller crowds, special hotel deals and winery experiences, and brilliant yellow wild mustard flowers, purple lupine, golden California poppies, and crimson clover are scattered through the vineyards and along country lanes.
Tokyo turns pink during the Cherry Blossom Festival from March 23 – April 27. Park Hyatt Tokyo is near several parks where guests can stroll under the pastel petals.
For an adventurous and warm spring break destination, visit Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano Park. Guests at Nayara Springs can have tours organized for ziplining, white water rafting, and waterfall hikes, among others, observe a variety of wildlife including sloths at the on-site sanctuary, and then relax on property with daily yoga, by their private plunge pool, or at the spa.
…and don’t forget to get a sun-kissed glow before heading out for vacation with Guinot’s AutoBronze, an easy-to-apply tinted gel creating an even and natural-looking bronze without leaving streaks.
Calendar
February
February 14, 2019: Belmond British Pullman’s Valentine’s Day lunch
February 8-16, 2019: In celebration of New York Fashion Week, Jacques at The Lowell will be offering a Fashion Week-inspired cocktail menu with drinks inspired by famous designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and of course, Yves Saint Laurent (former owner of the Majorelle gardens).
February 16, 2019: Belmond British Pullman’s Mary Poppins Returns-inspired afternoon tea journey
February 2019: Guinot launches its new Lift Summum Treatment designed to firm and smooth the delicate skin of the face, neck, and chest.
March
Spring 2019: The Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. relaunches its new bar, lobby, and Dupont Suite after a multi-million dollar renovation.
March 2019: Guinot launches its new Clean Logic Range, a cleansing skincare regimen formulated with anti-aging properties suited for fragile skin.
March 2019: andBeyond’s first Oceans Without Borders Small Group Journey departs for andBeyond Vamizi Island
March 3, 2019: Napa Valley Marathon
March 15-18, 2019: Yountville Live is a four day event celebrating music, food, and wine with programming including cooking classes, wine-paired dinners, a red carpet gala, a street festival, and live music throughout the weekend.
March 21-24, 2019: Stay with The Christopher Hotel during the annual St. Barth Bucket
March 26 – April 5, 2019: During Easter break, Sugar Beach offers a variety of children’s programming including tie-dying, chocolate making, boat tours, and an Easter egg hunt.
March 27 – April 7, 2019: Tokyo turns pink during the Cherry Blossom Festival
April
April 2019: The Wauwinet reopens following a multi-million-dollar renovation
April 2019: Napa Valley Arts in April
April 1, 2019: andBeyond’s 11-day Southern Chile Islands & Lakes Expedition kicks off in Santiago and travels to Chiloé Island, south into the Chilean Lake District, and ends with a stay at the new andBeyond Vira Vira.
April 2, 2019: andBeyond’s first Endangered Eight Impact Journey departs to search for eight threatened species in India’s wildlife sanctuaries.
April 15-22, 2019: PONANT’s newest EXPLORER ship, Le Bougainville, departs on its inaugural cruise
April 26-28, 2018: Nantucket’s Daffodil Festival
On March 24, luxury experiential travel company &Beyond is launching a Twitter competition offering an opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid safari for two in Kenya, home of classic safari. Valued at over $16,500, the prize includes:
- One night in Nairobi at Giraffe Manor
- Two nights at Sasaab Camp at Samburu National Park
- Three nights at the new &Beyond Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara
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- A hot air balloon flight over the Mara
- A torchlit bush dinner on the African plains
- All food and beverage
- International airfare from the prizewinner’s country of residence to Kenya
- All internal flights and road transfers
How to enter:
Follow @andBeyondSafari on Twitter and re-tweet the competition details
Each Monday between March 24 and May 23, &Beyond will post a partially obscured image on Twitter
Entrants will need to log on to www.andBeyond.com, identify the &Beyond lodge being represented, and find the complete image using the helpful hints posted on Twitter throughout the remainder of the week
Entries will be validated by posting the correct image on Twitter along with the lodge name by replying to the competition question or using the competition hashtag (#WinSafari)
How to win:
- All correct entries will be entered into the final draw, which will be held on May 30, 2014, with winners announced on Twitter
Prizewinners can travel at any time between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, subject to availability.
About &Beyond Kichwa Tembo
Lying directly in the path of Africa’s annual Great Wildebeest Migration, the recently completely rebuilt &Beyond Kichwa Tembo is set on a private wildlife concession leased from Maasai landlords. Celebrating romance and nostalgia, the camp’s tents boast interiors that are Maasai-inspired, simple and yet contemporary. Guest areas open out onto panoramic views of the Masai Mara, while an interactive kitchen produces delicious meals.
All correct entries will be entered into the final draw, which will be held on May 30, 2014, with winners announced on Twitter.
Terms and Conditions
By entering the Competition, all participants and winners agree to be bound by the rules set out below:
Competition starts on March 24, 2014 and ends May 23, 2014;
Winner will be announced on May 30, 2014;
Entry is only valid if winner is following andBeyond on Twitter;
Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into;
The winner will be determined by way of a random draw conducted by a representative/s of andBeyond
The prize winner will be notified via Twitter, E-mail and / or SMS and / or telephone. The potential winner may be required to provide a copy of his / her identity document to a representative of andBeyond for the purposes of verifying his / her identify and thereby consents to the processing of his / her personal information and storing of such information on the Promoter’s database. The Promoter undertakes not to disclose any of the prize winner’s personal information other than for the declared purpose, unless required to do so by a court of law or under any applicable legislation;
A potential prize winner is not an actual winner until his / her submission is validated and his / her documents are completed and submitted to andBeyond. Should the winner be found not to have complied with these rules, he / she will be automatically disqualified and forfeit the prize, and selection of a replacement winner shall take place and shall be selected in the same manner as the first winner was chosen;
If the designated member of andBeyond is unable to reach any person within 15 days of the draw such person will be disqualified and selection of a replacement winner shall take place and shall be selected in the same manner as the first winner was chosen;
The prize is not transferable. No substitution, cash redemption, or assignment of the prize is permitted and andBeyond is not liable for any defect in the prize. andBeyond reserves the right to substitute the prize with any other prize of comparable or greater commercial value for any reason;
The prize is valid for travel between July 1, 2014 and May 30, 2015, subject to availability;
Winners must be over 18 and have a valid passport;
Anyone found to use multiple Twitter accounts to enter will be ineligible;
Entrants must use @andBeyondsafari handle when submitting their answer to the competition question;
andBeyond may require the winner to be identified, photographed and published in printed or digital media or to participate in any marketing activities or be present when the draw takes place or when the winner is announced;
No director/s, member/s, partner/s, employee/s, agent/s or consultant/s of andBeyond or any marketing service provider/s utilised by andBeyond in respect of the completion, or the spouses, life partners, business partners or immediate family members or any persons affiliated with andBeyond will be eligible to enter the competition.
ISSUED BY: mattie@alicemarshall.com
T 212 861 4031
212 861 4031
www.andBeyond.com
ABOUT &BEYOND
&Beyond is one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 15 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The company also owns and operates 33 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s natural highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.
Please note: We are legally required to use the font ‘trebuchet’ when printing the ampersand in ‘&Beyond’. If this is not possible, please kindly write it out in full, i.e. ‘andBeyond’. The referring website in your article should be: www.andBeyond.com
Tonight is AMPR’s annual Client Showcase event (now in its 12th year!). More than 100 of New York City’s most influential media and industry players flock to this event to find out everything that is new and trending in luxury hospitality. They are met by our clients who fly in from all across the globe – London, Tokyo, Jamaica, even Bhutan.
At a prestigious university club in Midtown, this year we celebrate “The World is Our University.” We will draw attention to the culturally enriching and educational experiences that await our globe-trotting guests.
But, our clients aren’t the only teachers in this class. Tuesday morning, a panel of media specialist and photographers will be leading a session titled “Storytelling through Imagery.” PR is becoming an increasingly visual industry where the importance of photography is paramount to a good story. This year’s panelists will speak about the evolving landscape of traditional and digital photography in media.
We will be live posting tonight and tomorrow. Be sure to follow @alicemarshallpr on Twitter and Instagram for a sneak peek at education-inspired travel experiences tonight. And, tune in from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. tomorrow for tips on how to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack with great photos.
SHOWCASE PANELISTS
- Deborah Frank, Executive Managing Editor, Departures
- Stephen Wallis, Executive Editor, Architectural Digest
- Tania Pirozzi, Deputy Photo Editor, Town & Country
- Matthew Hranek, Freelance Photographer with work appearing in Bon Appetit, Condé Nast Traveler, Esquire, GQ, Town & Country, and Travel + Leisure)
- Daniela Stallinger, Freelance Photographer and founder of Bearleader Chronicle
SHOWCASE ATTENDING CLIENTS
- The Beaumont
- Chewton Glen
- Cliveden House
- COMO Hotels & Resorts
- CREST (Center for Responsible Tourism)
- Crystal Cruises
- Island Outpost
- Maisons & Hotels Sibuet
- Nantucket Island Resorts
- Belmond
- Park Hyatt
- Park Hyatt Tokyo
- Sugar Beach
- Virtuoso
- Visit Napa Valley
andBeyond is the world’s leader in luxury experiential travel and safaris with roots in Africa and also operating in South Asia. It runs 33 safari lodges and camps in the most scenic parts of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and India. The company also creates personalized travel itineraries for its guests to over 1,200 hand-picked luxury and adventure travel destinations in 16 African countries as well as India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Through its lodges, andBeyond sustains hundreds of rural communities and millions of acres of land often occupied by precious and sometimes-endangered wildlife. From the start, it has always been deeply involved in conservation and is known for its efforts in sustainability and wildlife protection along with its extraordinary guest experiences. The company’s guiding ethos is, “Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People.”
Visit andBeyond
Three new two-bedroom Beach Houses have recently opened at Parrot Cay by COMO in The Turks and Caicos Islands. They are the latest addition to the award-winning private island resort, and have been designed by Cheong Yew Kuan, the Bali-based architect who also created Donna Karan’s house on the island.
Nestled among sand dunes with uninterrupted ocean views, each detached Beach House has a large outdoor deck, private pool and direct access to the powder-white beach. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each property with natural light, allowing gentle sea breezes to flow through the open-plan living spaces.
Relaxed Hamptons-style interiors in sun-bleached neutral shades include spacious living and dining areas with fully-equipped kitchens, two bedrooms, each featuring kingsize four-poster beds and large ensuite bathrooms with private outdoor showers set within their own gardens. The houses, which are well suited to friends or family travelling together, are furnished throughout with COMO’s signature contemporary style and antique pieces from Indonesia. Each Beach House also comes with the exclusive services of a COMO butler.
The houses are situated just a short walk from the infinity pool, which forms the heart of the main Parrot Cay resort, and a five-minute buggy ride from the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat on the other side of the island. Here, a full and varied wellness programme includes yoga, Pilates and Asian-based treatments such as shiatsu and Ayurveda, along with signature COMO Shambhala massage therapies. Experienced, intuitive therapists respond to each guest individually and recommendations are made on a consultative rather than prescriptive basis.
The new two-bedroom Beach Houses are available to rent on a per night basis starting at US$3,300. For more information please visit www.comohotels.com/parrotcay.
About Parrot Cay by COMO
Parrot Cay by COMO in The Turks and Caicos Islands is the northern Caribbean’s pre-eminent private island. It combines nature—1000 unspoilt acres, a mile-long powdered beach—with relaxed luxury and the multi-award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, which offers a range of holistic, Asian-inspired therapies, from reflexology to Ayurveda, as well as yoga and Pilates with world-class tuition. Yoga weeks are held throughout the year; daily complimentary yoga classes are also popular, and take place in a dedicated pavilion overlooking the island’s wetlands. There is a substantial, fully equipped gym as well as tennis courts for the actively inclined. Accommodation, comprising whitewash interiors with chic teak finishing, includes beachside houses and villas. Plunge and infinity pools are attached to the bigger beachside houses, with one main pool for all resort guests. The island also features very large private residences available for purchase and rental to deliver even greater privacy away from the main resort. The island’s two restaurants serve gastronomic and easy dining as well as healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine, with watersports, diving and island adventures completing the Parrot Cay experience for families, honeymooners and couples seeking impeccable service at one of the world’s leading beach resorts. Maximum security and privacy makes for a hassle-free and relaxing holiday.
About the COMO Group and COMO Hotels and Resorts
COMO Hotels and Resorts creates personalised luxury travel experiences in its Urban Hotels, Island Resorts, Adventure Retreats and Wellness Resorts – highlighting wellness, cuisine, adventure and culture, service and design – while always trying to uphold a strong, sustainable approach towards the people and places where we operate.
Founded by Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts develops and manages handpicked, individually curated properties: The Halkin by COMO in London, two Metropolitan by COMO hotels in London and Bangkok, Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island by COMO in the Maldives, and three Uma by COMO experience resorts in Bali and Bhutan. Point Yamu by COMO is a new property in Phuket, Thailand, opening 2013. The company also manages COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali in partnership with its sister brand in wellness, COMO Shambhala, which promotes health, relaxation and learning through its products, services, cuisine, treatments and spa facilities within each COMO property.
