Spring and summer are among the best times to visit Japan. In addition to Sakura, or cherry blossom season, there are also thrilling outdoor adventures, seasonal art installations, and open-air dining experiences. Guests of Park Hyatt’s properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niseko get front-row access to these—and more. Below, a preview of the spring and summer season, with just-launched experiences and buzzy new city happenings.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
This May, Park Hyatt Tokyo will undergo a renewal carried out by acclaimed design agency Jouin Manku. The new look will offer a fresh, modern take on John Morford’s original design and vision – which fuses art, sleek sophistication, and cocoon-like serenity – while retaining the soul and essence of its DNA, heritage, and original design. Park Hyatt Tokyo will keep what has become familiar and iconic over the past three decades and evolve the facilities and services to keep up the standards of luxury to which it has always been held.
Guests who visit before the property’s year-long closure can look forward to a spate of delicious new developments. These developments include the appointment of a new Chef de Cuisine, Ben Wheeler, at New York Grill & Bar, which will also host a culinary takeover by Chef Santiago Aristizabal, who is the Executive Chef for Rockpool Bar & Grill overseeing all three restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, from April 25-18. Both chefs will create three courses each, totaling a six-course menu with a wine pairing for guests to enjoy at JPY 50,000++ per person (as of today, around $338 USD). It’s the perfect time to visit, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the recent unveiling of Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills district – the city’s most futuristic neighborhood – encompassing nearly 20 acres of green space, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, a temple complex, and a contemporary art gallery which is just a 15-minute drive from Park Hyatt Tokyo.
Also not to be missed this year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building next to Park Hyatt Tokyo will display the world’s largest projection mapping display from February 25th through April. Shows will begin at 7:00 p.m. each night and be played at half-hour intervals. The display will be around 138 yards tall and 120 yards wide.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
It may be Japan’s foremost ski resort, but Niseko is also a true year-round adventure playground. This summer, guests of Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono will be spoiled for choice of outdoor activities: ocean fishing, rafting down the Shiribetsu River, e-biking through Niseko’s forest, and much more. There’s plenty to do for little adventurers too, like firework displays, indoor rock climbing, and a suspended tree walk with views out to Mount Yotei.
Golfers can tee up at the Hanazono Golf Course, an 18-hole link set around the base of Mount Yotei and spanning trickling creeks, white birch forests, with views of the surrounding Annupuri mountain range. Guests can sign up for the “Stay & Play Golf Package,” which includes one round at the course (green fee, cart fee, golf tax included), a Pierre Hermé Paris chocolate golf gift, one complimentary glass of champagne per guest at THE BAR, complimentary breakfast, and more.
For the third year, the resort will activate the art installation “Mountain Lights” by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Returning to Niseko on July 1, the installation blankets the foot of Niseko Annupuri Mountain in 180,000 shimmering fiber-optic plumes of light. Guests staying at Park Hyatt Niseko for two or more nights between July 1 and October 14 will enjoy complimentary tickets to the installation.
The Hanazono Zip World – East Asia’s longest zipline – will also reopen for the season in mid-March. Stretching 1.6 miles from the base of the resort halfway to the peak of the Niseko United ski mountain, the zipline allows guests to soar over the forested mountains at speeds around 70 miles per hour on the Black Diamond Superfly, with views of Hokkaido’s Mount Yotei. With two ziplines set side by side, guests can fly across the sky with their friends and family.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of Nikka Whisky Distillery, a world-renowned artisanal spirit brand launched in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. In celebration, ParkHyatt Niseko Hanazono will launch an exclusive Whiskey Tour package that will include two-night accommodation, a tour of the brand’s Yoichi Distillery to meet a master blender, a BBQ dinner with whiskey pairings, and a unique blending activity.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Guests of Park Hyatt Kyoto have specialty access to one of the city’s top UNESCO sights. Upon arriving at the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple in the wooded hills of the city, guests will be greeted by a head priest who will lead them around the temple, guiding them to areas not typically open to the public, and delivering a private sermon. The religious site is especially popular during cherry blossom season; the wooded area is overtaken by white blooms along with maple and cherry trees.
On property, guests can enjoy Japanese tea pairing at the exquisitely renovated KYOYAMATO, a traditional ryotei Japanese restaurant run by a seventh-generation Kyoto family, complete with the Edo-era Soyotei teahouse. There, guests can enjoy an exclusive lunch and tea experience amid ancient hanging scrolls and tea bowls made by master craftsmen. Or, they can enjoy an evening of traditional Geiko dancing and Michelin-starred dining in the airy tatami room, which can be completely opened to let in the night air, with views of the Yasaka Pagoda. Alternatively, guests can opt for a private cocktail experience in the Soyotei teahouse, enjoying a total of five creative concoctions inspired by the venue and created especially for the event by the head bartender at the Kohaku Bar.
For off-property excursions, a private car can whisk guests to areas off the beaten track, recommending “hidden” temples, shrines, gardens, and more.
THE FUTURE OF LUXURY TRAVEL: Highlights From Virtuoso® Travel Week 2022
New York (October 19, 2022) – This year, more than 5,000 luxury travel professionals (from 100+ countries!) gathered in Las Vegas at Bellagio, Aria, and Vdara resorts for Virtuoso Travel Week. Virtuoso is a global network renowned for creating meaningful experiences in luxury travel, and its annual Virtuoso Travel Week serves as the pinnacle by bringing together the group’s world’s-best travel partners and the industry’s most influential travel agencies and advisors. With a laser focus on driving future sales while establishing the latest travel trends from around the world, the event sets the stage for the future of travel. Judging by the numbers, the 2022 Virtuoso Week was a tremendous success, providing measurable value to the group’s members, advisors and preferred partners. Some statistics from this year’s event:
- 98 percent of Virtuoso Week attendees said the event achieved the primary business objective of offering Virtuoso members the opportunity to network and build/further relationships with preferred partners
- 97 percent of people said that attending Virtuoso Week was a good investment of their time.
- 90 percent of attendees felt that the new eight-minute meetings were the right amount of time for the one-to-one appointments
- Globetrotting was among the highest rated events, achieving a score of 9.1 out of 10
New additions featured at this year’s event proved successful as well. For the first time, Virtuoso introduced a Technology Summit featuring speakers from well-known tech entities such as Hopper and Expedia and Virtuoso’s own Senior Vice President, Digital & Consumer Products Travis McElfresh, while also including venture capitalists that fund travel technology. Virtuoso also joined forces with Condé Nast Traveler for the first time, revealing research each brand had conducted during an hour-long panel featuring Condé Nast Traveler Senior Features Editor Rebecca Misner and Virtuoso Senior Vice President, Marketing Helen McCabe-Young.
Additional features included the first-ever Pinnacle Lounge, a by-invitation-only setting for Virtuoso’s top producing advisors to meet with select partners, the Cruise Café, and partner lounges that invited advisors in for a glimpse at various experiences they can offer. Virgin Galactic was a standout as it brought in an actual seat from its spacecraft and provided attendees with a feel for what suborbital space looks like.
As an added nod towards sustainability, this year’s event totes were responsibly made from recycled plastics pulled from oceans. Attendees also had the ability to opt out of receiving the bag and everything in it, and instead make a donation (paid for by Virtuoso) to one of three charitable organizations: World Central Kitchen, Fairtrade International and Natural Resources Defense Council.
Sustainability remains top of mind, not just for the organizers behind Virtuoso Week, but for travelers as well. Below, five other trends from this year’s event, plus the destinations to watch and must-know insider news.
This Year’s Top Travel Trends
Sustainability Remains a Top Priority
In a recent survey, 74 percent of Virtuoso travelers said they’re willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70 percent agreed that traveling sustainably actually enhances their vacation experience. Travelers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. They’re also seeking out companies and experiences that focus on “benefitting local people and the economy” and “preserving natural and cultural heritage.”
Travelers of All Ages Are Willing to Splurge on Value-Added Services – Like a Good Travel Advisor
According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travelers have accepted that we’re living in a “new normal,” which explains the growing demand for – and increased value of – an expert advisor who can save travelers time, energy and the headache of sitting on the phone for hours with customer assistance. Even Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to travel advisors. “My daughter is 25 years old and she’s an advocate of using a travel professional,” said Virtuoso travel advisor Susan Bowman. “She tells everyone and her friends also agree. They appear to be a generation that gets it, and they’ve figured out that we add value.” Between navigating airport travel and handling trip logistics, many travelers are opting to work with a dedicated travel advisor. “One of the simplest definitions of luxury goes like this: ‘Of course I can do it myself. I don’t want to’,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Travelers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back.”
Travelers are Back to Planning Ahead
With people hitting the road in record numbers, there’s never been so much frenzy around booking flights and hotels. In response to this pent-up demand, travelers are now booking their trips an average of 58 days in advance for domestic hotel stays, and 80 days for international trips (compared to 2019’s 44 and 60 days, respectively). “We’ve seen so much last-minute demand and literally the space is not there,” said Virtuoso advisor Beth Washington. “We’re seeing people now willing to think about things for 2023 instead of planning so last-minute.”
Off-Season Travel is Gaining Steam
If it seemed like everyone was in Europe this summer that’s because they were. According to a Virtuoso poll, seven of the top ten international destinations this summer were in Europe, with Italy and France leading the way. The surge in bookings has some destinations, like Italy, concerned about the effects of overtourism. As a result, travel professionals in Italy – the second-most popular spot for fall travel – are urging travelers to visit in the off-season. It’s a win-win for destinations and for travelers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. In a recent survey, the majority of Virtuoso travelers said they’d be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. Virtuoso’s own editors suggest booking a room at Passalacqua, the new Lake Como villa from hotelier Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo team, which is open year-round – a rarity in the Lake Como region.
The Destinations to Watch
Palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island-hopping. No, we’re not talking about the Maldives, but India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago is known for its spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travelers can experience with nighttime kayaking off Havelock Island.
About a 45-minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas is the East Cape, a relatively unknown stretch on the Sea of Cortés where a new Four Seasons resort has just landed. According to the tourism board, the destination is a nature lover’s dream, situated near the Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage site.
All eyes are on Greenland! Silversea is set to launch new itineraries in the Arctic country—the world’s largest island—next year, with other cruise lines, including Quark and Lindblad, set to expand their offerings.
Virtuoso on-site tour connection Access Italy let Virtuoso in on one of their hidden gems: the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Located between Rome and Florence, the medieval town is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge. And as for right now, it remains blissfully under-the-radar.
More Insider News from the Week
One of the best ways to plan for future travels is by creating a Wanderlist and sharing it with a Virtuoso advisor, who can make dreams of pearl harvesting in Australia or taking a private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio a reality. Virtuoso tapped into its worldwide network to find out what else was on the experiential horizon for its global citizens.
A new camp inspired by astronauts is touching down in Antarctica in December. Echo, from super high-end tour operator White Desert, will comprise six futuristic sleeping pods and a common area inspired by a visit from Buzz Aldrin and co-founder Patrick Woodhead’s love of Star Wars. The experience runs $104,000 per person and includes an excursion to the South Pole and private flights to and from the ice landing strip on the property’s doorstep.
On November 3, Auberge Resorts will open a relaxed surf retreat in Punta de Mita, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Susurros del Corazón will feature 59 rooms and 30 villas clustered around a three-tier infinity-edge pool, which fronts a glorious white-sand beach. Activities include a “surf safari” that will take guests to lesser-known beaches with consistent breaks and little-to-no crowds.
Fiuggi, Italy is the setting of The Ranch’s newest outpost. The wellness retreat will offer weeklong detoxes and hikes along ancient trade pilgrimage routes.
Armendaris is the newest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, known for its sustainable wildlife preserves in the American Southwest. The four-bedroom hacienda is situated on 360,000 acres in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert and comes with a private chef plus experiences like nature photography workshops, wildlife tours and mountain biking.
Iceland is due to get its first rooftop bar! Next spring, the Reykjavik Edition will debut a rooftop perch where guests can sip cocktails while taking in the Northern Lights.
In November, Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace will unveil six vegan suites, constructed without animal products and featuring vegan menus and amenities.
Starting this fall, guests of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole can hop a private plane and discover a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, where they’ll meet with an expert naturalist to learn about the area’s elusive gray wolves – and maybe even see a few up close.
Safari operator Singita has created art galleries at its Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park Lodges. These spaces will showcase the work of pre-eminent and emerging African artists. The initiative is part of Singita’s overarching mission to celebrate and incorporate local culture into its offerings.
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About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in over 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,200 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $25-$30 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Since opening in February 2021, Paradero Hotels has set a new bar for luxury tourism in Baja California Sur. Its striking architecture, pilgrimage-worthy restaurant, distinct landscapes, and roster of one-of-a-kind activities have drawn travelers far and wide and furthered Paradero’s mission to serve the local community. With new series and pop-up events launching frequently—from musical performances to wellness weekends—Paradero continues to deliver extraordinary experiences while highlighting the region’s very best.
New Culinary Experience
The restaurant at Paradero is a destination in its own right, with an elevated open-fire kitchen turning out creative, inventive dishes with a sense of place and continuously innovating the menu to take local flavors and regional techniques to new heights.
This month, Paradero is launching a new Omakase Bar, with flavors and ingredients inspired by the Indigenous Pericú people, the first inhabitants of the Los Cabos region. The Pericú—whose culture and language disappeared in the 18th century—primarily turned toward the sea for sustenance, catching fish and shellfish from the Gulf of California, as well as harvesting agave and hunting local game.
The Omakase experience will consist of 5-6 courses plus drinks, and the chef and team will guide guests through the culinary journey, speaking to the significance of each course. The experience starts at $135 USD + tax + service, per person, and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
At Paradero, simple, elevated dishes are made up of a maximum of 5 ingredients, all of which are grown in-house or sourced from family farms and other local purveyors in Todos Santos. Guests sit around the open-air kitchen and watch the culinary team prepare dishes over an authentic Oaxacan clay and Josper wood-fired ovens and a traditional hibachi grill.
New Winter Offer
In celebration of its first anniversary (February 2022), Paradero is offering guests a choice of amenities along with a special rate when booking a minimum two-night stay this winter. Guests who act on the exclusive offer will also receive perks including a 30-minute neck massage (one per person, per stay) or a three-course chef’s menu dinner for two—plus complimentary on-the-go Mexican breakfast (one per person, per day). The anniversary offer is valid for new bookings until March 31, 2022. Rates start at $550 per night. All bookings are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. The offer cannot be combined with other packages.
Why Todos Santos?
Located less than 50 miles from San Jose del Cabo Airport, Todos Santos is a bohemian surf town with astounding natural beauty, a red-hot culinary scene, and 355 days of sunshine per year. The town, which has been designated a Pueblo Mágico and an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasts a variety of distinct landscapes—from cacti-covered forests and unspoiled Pacific Coast beaches to the imposing Sierra La Laguna Mountain range—drawing adventure travelers from all over the world. The options for outdoor activities are limitless: surfing, biking, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, farming, fishing, whale watching, and the list goes on.
In recent years, the town has also gained recognition as one of Mexico’s most exciting culinary destinations, with a wave of new restaurants capitalizing on the area’s Mediterranean climate, rich culinary traditions, and active community of ranchers and farmers. In addition to the restaurant at Paradero, other standouts include the beachside Barracuda Cantina, which was featured in Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, and Hierbabuena, a plant-based eatery helmed by celebrity chef Javier Plascencia.
Weddings and Honeymoons
When it comes to destination weddings, Paradero has it all—breathtaking landscapes, an expert team of planners and local vendors, an impressive array of venues, and a robust roster of activities to keep guests active and entertained. Paradero’s convenient location, just over an hour drive from the Los Cabos International Airport, celebrates the raw beauty of its surroundings: cacti-covered forests, coastal mountains, tidy rows of farming fields, and virgin Pacific Coast beaches.
Paradero offers four distinct on-site venues and can accommodate up to 150 wedding guests. Enjoy a sunset reception at the half-moon pool, say your vows against a backdrop of green mountains or in the serene open-air Ojo de Agua Spa, and throw a party to remember in the flower garden or botanical amphitheater. With plenty of open space and wide-open skies, wedding parties are free to move around as they please.
Buyouts are available for 80 guests total and require a minimum of 3 nights. Rates are not fixed and depend on seasonality and demand.
Sustainability
Paradero is an 80 percent landscape project, 20 percent development project. The on-site botanical garden features 80 endemic species including red sand verbena and Mojave yucca. More than 20,000 plants are oriented in a way that promotes maximum growth and vitality.
The property is located within the 75-year-old La Mesa farming community, an agricultural area comprising 160 acres of family-owned farms. Paradero is committed to working with the community to stimulate economic development, drive meaningful employment opportunities, and deliver extraordinary guest experiences. By immersing guests in nature, Paradero instills reverence towards the land. By employing local hands, there is generations worth of knowledge and storytelling.
Single-use plastics are prohibited at the property, and the restaurant sources ingredients locally, from farmers, fishermen, and other purveyors who embrace sustainable practices and techniques. The property hires locally and is proud to support craftspeople and makers across Mexico.
Experiences
To arrive in Todos Santos is to be thrust into the elements—the warm sun, the dusty trails, the sea breeze, and the starry skies. And the immersion only continues the moment guests arrive through the doors. Activities have been designed to re-center guests in nature, rekindling their childlike sense of adventure, while serving as a gateway to the Paradero lifestyle.
Among the experiences on offer include surfing at Cerritos or San Pedrito beach, guided hiking and mountain biking along the bluffs of the Pacific coast, hands-on farming tutorials, Baja taco tours, ocean safaris and fishing expeditions, cooking classes, cliffside champagne and burrito tastings, and yoga and fitness.
Local guides are passionate about delivering outdoor experiences that combine physical challenge and intellectual stimulation with a heavy dose of “wow” factor. Guides quickly assess skill and comfort levels, customizing each adventure to keep guests safe, smiling, and eager for more. In order to have an authentic Todos Santos experience, guests are encouraged to try myriad experiences that are available in a small group setting (maximum of four- to six-guests) during morning and afternoon sessions. Activities are also available for private reservations, for an additional cost.
Wellness
Paradero Hotels believes in the importance of daily movement, which is promoted through the lineup of diverse Experiences, which range from hikes and fitness classes to surfing and mountain biking. Fresh, seasonal dishes at the restaurant help drive a 360-degree wellness experience.
Shaded by almost 100 locally grown palm trees and other endemic species, the Ojo de Agua Spa is a wellness oasis and a healing space inspired by secret watering holes that coexist between Sierra La Laguna and the Pacific. The focus is on ancient Mexican healing traditions like sound healing and Temazcal ceremonies. Hot and cold plunge pools and a relaxation area round out the offerings.
Travel Regulations
Travelers to Mexico are not subject to entry restrictions nor are they obligated to quarantine or complete a COVID test prior to arrival. Upon return to the U.S., all air passengers coming to the U.S., including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated travelers, are required to have a negative COVID-19 antigen test result no more than a calendar day before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
American Airlines, Delta, Eastern Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines, and WestJet are among the carriers that offer direct service from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Denver and New York City to San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD). Recently, JetBlue, Spain’s Iberojet, and Canada’s Swoop and Flair Airlines also announced direct service to SJD. Paradero can coordinate private transfers to/from the hotel.
From a new farm and organic youth farming program to foraging in the new beachside nature sanctuary to distilling essential oils in the Vida Lab
Ever since it opened in 2009, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, in Trancoso, Brazil, has been a favorite destination of travelers who seek community and a place to unwind and reduce their impact on the planet. (The property was founded by Wilbert Das, longtime creative director of fashion brand Diesel, who fell in love with the area.) The hotel is a leading example of sustainable travel, with its zero-waste philosophy, emphasis on reclaimed materials, preservation of local cultures and indigenous knowledge, and focus on vegetarian-based Bahian dishes sourced from the on-site organic garden and local farmers and fishermen. It’s no wonder the property has been a three-time finalist in Virtuoso’s Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award and was the first Brazilian hotel accepted as a signatory to the UN Global Contact.
What’s New
Located a short bike ride from the hotel, on the northern rim of the Rio Trancoso Valley, UXUA ROÇA is a new 50-acre farm planted with more than 100 different kinds of vegetables and herbs and flowers. The farm represents UXUA’s commitment to a circular food system, where fresh produce supplies the restaurant and spa, and food waste replenishes the soil. The agricultural plot allows the property to expand its organic youth farming program through the non-profit Association Despertar, which provides paid internships to students interested in environmental activism, as well as the Organic Festival Trancoso, co-founded by UXUA’s founders Wilbert Das and Bob Shevlin. Guests can reserve a private tour of the farm with medical director Dr. Jullian Hamamoto, during which they’ll pick fresh ingredients for use in a live cooking demonstration.
Also new is UXUA MARÉ, a nature sanctuary on Itapororoca beach, a 45-minute walk from the historic center of town. Three different biomes are represented across the sanctuary, which comprises 20 acres of mangrove forest, Atlantic rainforest, restinga (salt marsh), and aquatic reef. It’s here that Dr. Jullian forages ingredients like cherry guava, wild passion fruit, sea almonds, and mangaba for use back in the VIDA LAB. Guests are welcome to join the foraging experience and learn about the various uses and healing benefits of a variety of edible plants, flowers, roots, nuts, and berries.
Set inside a 70’s-era bungalow (a remnant of Trancoso’s hippie past) and situated amid UXUA’s gardens, VIDA LAB is UXUA’s nutritional research laboratory and medical kitchen. Featuring a living roof covered in edible plants, the space is equipped with scientific equipment for the study, documentation, and processing of natural plants sourced from UXUA’s organic garden, 150 meters away, and the various biomes that surround the property. Medical director Dr. Jullian Hamamoto and his team turn these ingredients into juices, topical treatments, and essential oils for use in the spa and restaurant. Guests can drop into the VIDA LAB to simply say hello, or to request custom therapies for relief from sunburn or chronic pain; aesthetic treatments like a cacao facial; or a pick-me-up in the form of an essential oil or energizing juice. Learn the science behind these therapies and ingredients by signing up for a custom mixing or cooking class.
More About UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa
A boutique hotel with a bohemian soul, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa debuted in the historic fishing village of Trancoso, Brazil in 2009. The town, founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century, was rediscovered by artists and hippies in the 1970s. The area’s free spirit captivated UXUA’s founders who collaborated with local craftspeople to refurbish 13 traditional fisherman homes, reborn as the hotel’s casas. With a focus on sustainability, the property sources ingredients for the restaurant and spa from the on-site organic farm and a nearby nature sanctuary. Guests can learn about these healing ingredients through foraging excursions, live cooking demonstrations, and mixing classes. Other activities include mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, and horseback riding, as well as private capoeira lessons.
(Images Courtesy of UXUA)
In celebration of its first anniversary in February 2022, Paradero Todos Santos in Baja, Mexico is offering guests a choice of amenities along with a special rate when booking a stay of two nights or more this winter. The offer’s value-added perks include either one 30-minute neck massage per person, per stay or one dinner for two, per stay (three-course chef´s menu, a welcome cocktail and non-alcoholic drinks included). A complimentary on-the-go Mexican breakfast per person, per day that includes a variety of burritos, fruit, coffee, tea, and orange juice, is also included.
Opened in February 2021, Paradero Todos Santos is a 35-suite experience-inclusive property with activities like hiking, mountain biking, learning to garden, and art tours offered as part of the weekly schedule. Less than 50 miles from San Jose del Cabo airport, the immediate landscape offers five distinct ecosystems: the desert with 200-year-old Cardon Cacti, the Sierra La Laguna Mountain range, miles of virgin beaches along the Pacific coast, an oasis with 5,000 palm trees, and farmland as far as the eye can see.
Other activities for guests include relaxing in a suspended ‘star net’ offering high-altitude views of the surrounding landscape or indulging in a traditional temazcal ceremony at the spa. The resort reflects its surroundings with details inspired by a sense of place, including an on-site 100,000-sq.ft. botanical garden with 60 endemic species and artisan-made furniture from Mexico. Chef Eduardo Rios, a Pujol alumni, is at the helm at the open-fire kitchen restaurant that utilizes a traditional Oaxacan clay oven.
The anniversary offer is valid for new bookings between January 8 – March 31, 2022. Rates start at $550 per night and a minimum two-night stay is required. All bookings are subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. This offer cannot be combined with any other packages.
On the heels of Napa Valley’s harvest is Cabernet Season, which stretches from November to April. During this time, visitors can get a taste of newly released cabernets while taking advantage of the region’s slower pace, lower hotel rates, wider access to winemakers, and new tasting experiences. Not to mention, nabbing reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants has never been easier. Photo opps are also endless with brilliant swaths of mustard flowers popping up everywhere. Here’s a Napa Valley winter travel guide blending new and noteworthy.
This year marks the 12th annual Winter in the Wineries Passport program. For $60 per person, guests receive complimentary wine tastings at 14 participating wineries in Calistoga, Lake Country, Pope Valley, and St. Helena. Other perks include complimentary corkage at participating restaurants and discounts at Calistoga hotels, spas, and shops. Visitors who are especially interested in St. Helena should consider the “Little Book of Big Experiences” wine passport, a $75 purchase with an $800 value. That gets you wine and food pairings, tastes of rare-batch wines, and private wine tastings at 14 of Napa Valley’s top wineries.
While Napa Valley’s wineries are always a draw, keep in mind that the vines only account for nine percent of the county—in other words, there are plenty of other activities to do beyond wine tasting. With off-season temperatures hovering around the mid 60s, it’s an ideal time for getting outdoors, whether that means hiking the trails that crisscross the Mayacamas and the Vaca mountain ranges, biking the Napa Valley Vine Trail, or lacing up your sneakers for the Napa Valley Marathon on March 6, 2022. Don’t miss a walk through the Napa Rail Arts District. Inspired by Wynwood in Miami, the two-mile stretch of murals turned forgotten outdoor spaces into large-scale works of art.
No cool-weather visit to Napa Valley is complete without a warming spa therapy in the town of Calistoga – originally built around abundant, natural hot springs. Detox at the new outdoor treatment rooms at Dr. Wilkinson’s Resort & Spa or opt for the signature mud bath treatment at Four Seasons Napa Valley, which opened in November 2021.
America’s premier wine region not only lures visitors with its stunning vineyards and Michelin-starred cuisine, but also with its selection of accommodations – where the fireplace rivals the pool as the must-have amenity. The best rates can be found now through March enticing guests to stay longer and experience boundless activities. A selection of offers include third night free at Carneros Resort & Spa, Vista Collina Resort, Silverado Resort, Solage, an Auberge Resort, and River Terrace Inn while at Milliken Creek, Lavender Inn, Maison Fleurie and Estate at Yountville, travelers can enjoy 30 percent off two nights or more.
From November through April, the pace around Napa Valley slows down, but with a wave of hotel openings and new experiences—not to mention, holiday festivities and the start of ‘cabernet season’—there’s never been a better time to visit. Wine lovers will delight in just-launched tours, tasting experiences, and promotions, but you don’t need to imbibe to have a great time. Sign up for a weeklong detox retreat, pick ingredients for your farm-to-fork dinner, and celebrate local heroes at a community art exhibition. Whatever you’re looking for, Napa Valley has it. Here’s a roundup of what’s new and notable for the season.
Hotel Openings and Renovations
The temperatures may be cooler this time of year, but the hotel scene in Napa Valley is just heating up. One of the most anticipated openings is Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, which opened this month in Calistoga. The 85-key property will be Napa Valley’s first and only resort set within Elusa winery, known for its signature Cabernet Sauvignon. The hotel offers two outdoor swimming pools with vineyard views, a restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Erik Anderson with a 250-label wine list, and sumptuous rooms with fireplaces and private terraces. In February 2022, Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Collection Resort, will make its debut on the historic Stanly Ranch Winery estate, a 700-acre private ranch that dates to the 19th century. Wellness is a focus—guests can sign up for weeklong detoxes, pick their own ingredients in the fields for a farm-to-fork dinner, and go on bike rides along the banks of the Napa River. A short walk from downtown St. Helena, the Inn at Salvestrin has recently started welcoming overnight guests in its centuries-old Victorian mansion. Included in a stay is a complimentary wine tasting at the Salvestrin Tasting Room and a tour of the estate grounds and vineyards. Another inn, the historic McClelland House—one of downtown Napa’s oldest bed and breakfasts—has just unveiled a 20-month, multi-million-dollar renovation. Featuring six rooms with antique four poster beds, high ceilings, and Hermès bath products, the property blends heritage and luxury.
This winter, there’s something for everyone in Napa Valley—food, music, art, and, of course, wine. At Joseph Phelps Vineyards, in St. Helena, visitors can now go on a hike through the vines surrounding the Home Ranch, followed by an outdoor seated tasting of their current releases, paired with seasonal bites from their yakitori grill. Meanwhile, Active Wine Adventures has launched new “Wine Adventures” tours, which take small groups on journeys around small-production and family-owned vineyards. Tours are focused on specific wine varietals, regions, and themes—from the Eco-Friendly Tour and Cabernet Lovers Tour to the Ghost Winery Tour (just in time for Halloween!). Napa Valley may be synonymous with wine, but its gastronomic scene stands on its own. The family-owned Peju Winery is now offering private four-course lunches with wine pairings amid the vines.
At Calistoga’s Solage Resort, a new restaurant, Picobar, helmed by Executive Chef Gustavo Rios, serves small plates inspired by Mexican street food in an elegant poolside setting. Almost every cook in Chef Rios’s kitchen hails from a different part of Mexico, which explains the diversity and range of the “border-crossing cuisine.” Guests at Carneros Resort & Spa, will be welcomed by new gardens that have been planted with 50 varieties of organic herbs and vegetables and will supply the resort’s signature restaurant, FARM. Later this year, guests will be able to dine in the garden, eating whatever is fresh in the fields, while learning from culinary gardener Marley Dawson and chef de cuisine John Carney.
Who says it can’t be festival season year-round? At the Yard by Feast it Forward, a new genre-defying events venue in Napa, locals and visitors can now gather to hear live music, play lawn games, sip wine and craft beer, and take part in brand activations and culinary popups. Speaking of coming together and spreading joy, the St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery will celebrate community leaders with its “Everyday Heroes” photo exhibition (on view now through March 2022). Held in its on-site art gallery, the show comprises 25 large-scale black-and-white portraits of extraordinary individuals who’ve served their communities in the fields of food security, mental health, animal rescue, youth mentorship. Enjoy a blast from the past - literally – at the new “Dangerous Games” exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville on display through February 22, 2022. Travel through the world of the wild and wacky wonders that were childhood toys of past decades. (Think creepy crawlers made from plastic goop in searing hot ovens.)
Cabernet Season: Why Go Now
On the heels of Napa Valley’s harvest is cabernet season, which stretches from mid fall to spring. During this time, visitors can get a taste of newly released Cabernets while taking advantage of the region’s slower pace, lower hotel rates, and wider access to winemakers. (Visitors will also have an easier time nabbing reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants like La Toque and Bottega.) This year marks the 12th annual Winter in the Wineries Passport program. For $60 per person, guests receive complimentary wine tastings at 14 participating wineries in Calistoga, Lake Country, Pope Valley, and St. Helena. Other perks include complimentary corkage at participating restaurants and discounts at Calistoga hotels, spas, and shops. Visitors who are especially interested in St. Helena should consider the “Little Book of Big Experiences” wine passport, a $75 purchase with an $800 value. That gets you wine and food pairings, tastes of rare-batch wines, and private wine tastings at 14 of Napa Valley’s top wineries.
While Napa’s wineries are always a draw, keep in mind that the vines only account for nine percent of the county—in other words, there are plenty of other activities to do beyond wine tasting. With temperatures hovering around the mid 60s, it’s an ideal time for getting outdoors, whether that means hiking the trails that crisscross the Mayacamas and the Vaca mountain ranges, biking the Napa Valley Vine Trail, or lacing up your sneakers for the Napa Valley Marathon on March 6, 2022.
Napa Valley may not be your typical snow-covered wonderland, but its festive spirit has drawn holiday visitors year after year. Some of this season’s highlights include the Calistoga Tractor Parade (December 4), during which an array of tractors bedecked in holiday lights will roll through the streets of Calistoga, and the St. Helena Holiday Wine Barrel Tour, a scavenger hunt-type experience where residents go hunting for decorated wine barrels around town. Napa Valley’s only ice-skating rink will be open at Vista Collina Resort from November 12 through January 2. Visitors can work on their figure skating moves, before warming up with hot chocolate and wine around the fire pits. Santa Claus will also be stopping by every weekend from November 26 to December 19 for family photos and reading time. The new year will kick off with the Napa Lighted Arts Festival, January 8-16, 2022, a free open-air event where local and Bay Area artists will design works of art that will light up downtown Napa.
With summer behind us and a noticeable chill in the air, our minds are on fall travel. Whether it’s a quick jaunt to Nantucket or a long-awaited Antarctic cruise, there’s a little something for everyone.
Scotland
Following the alarming climate change report from the United Nations, all eyes will be on Scotland where the UN Climate Change Summit will take place in Glasgow on November 1-12. As of August 2, fully vaccinated Americans can travel to the U.K. without quarantine requirements if they show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Take a trip two-and-a-half hours northeast of Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands. On the way, travelers can pop over to Dundee to check out the Kengo Kuma-designed Victoria & Albert Museum there. Currently on show though January is Night Fever: Designing Club Culture, the first major exhibition exploring the relationship between club culture and design from the 1960s to today. The short drive will be well worth it for a stay at The Fife Arms. The 19th century hunting lodge is owned by art industry power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth. November is an ideal time for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the U.K. The hotel’s in-house forager Natasha Lloyd leads two- and three-hour walks for guests. Autumn is a great time for foraging – guests can find wild raspberries, cow berries, blaeberries, fungi (it’s the height of the season) and nettles. Back at the hotel, Natasha hosts workshops where guests can make condiments, cosmetics, and tinctures. Their findings even make their way into dishes (like sweet cicely and pistachio pesto) and cocktails (via in-house bitters and tinctures).
Antarctica
The Antarctic cruising season starts in November with a debut of newly-built, ice-class vessels that are small capacity, environmentally friendly and offer guest excursions including polar diving and hovercraft. PONANT will launch Le Commandant-Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.It will be powered by electric batteries and liquified natural gas (LNG, currently the cleanest fuel on the market) and there will be zero emissions when operated in the hybrid electric mode. Le Commandant-Charcot will sail to parts of Antarctica that were inaccessible prior to the arrival of the ship, including Peter I Island which has welcomed less visitors than the moon. There will also be a scientific laboratory onboard hosting naturalist guides and scientists to explore these remote and untouched destinations, and guests can also participate in citizen science by setting up a station on an ice floe and taking water samples. Additional new builds include Lindblad’s National Geographic Endurance, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator, Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine, and Crystal Expedition Cruises. EYOS Expeditions, the world’s leader in superyacht charters, has also announced an alliance with Nansen Polar Expeditions to offer a new expedition yacht experience aboard the 12-guest MV Nansen Explorer beginning in November. The new alliance will allow EYOS to reach destinations far removed from where most expedition vessels are sailing. The 12-passenger Naia will also be in the Southern Ocean for the 2021-2022 season and is available for charter during the next Antarctic total solar eclipse on December 4, 2021. EYOS CEO Ben Lyons forecasts that Antarctica will have the greatest number of superyachts in the region this year. Where 10 years ago, there might have been one, the company is expecting at least six yachts for the upcoming season.
Nantucket, MA
Known as “Nantucket Gold,” the island’s Bay Scallops are thought to be the finest mollusks in the world. Only found in the chilly waters off Nantucket from November through March, the sought-after delicacies are smaller, sweeter, more tender and have a more velvety texture than its counterpart from the sea. Bay Scallops grow in shallow water about 10 minutes off the shore in the island’s native inshore eel grass, which doubles as a nursery. It is one of the last surviving viable wild scallop fisheries in the country. Catching and sorting the scallops is just half the story. Shucking and cooking them is the other. They are an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be torched, seared, fried, poached, sautéed, broiled, or eaten raw. Stay at the White Elephant, located just steps from the center of town and the Nantucket harbor, or opt for the historic inn, Jared Coffin House, open year-round. Sailors can opt to dock at the Nantucket Boat Basin, the 240-slip full-service marina.
Venice, Italy
Italy still ranks as the #1 international destination for travelers who turn to the expertise of Virtuoso, luxury travel agency network with more than 20,000 travel advisors across 50 countries and annual sales between $25-30 billion. Once the greatest seaport in Iate medieval Europe and still one of the world’s oldest cultural centers, Venice turned 1,600 this year. The 17th annual Venice Architecture Biennale will conclude on November 21st. The theme ‘How will we live together’ explores widening political divides, economic inequalities and changing social norms and challenging architects to imagine and create spaces where society can coexist – all the ever more timely during this year of self-isolation. Honoring Venice’s artistic past as the point of convergence for goods from the East and their dissemination to the European market during the 14th century, Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel will host a three-day course, November 11-14, for exploring the ancient disciplines that traveled along the Silk Road, such as a masterclass on Kintsugi, the delicate art of fixing ceramics with gold, and traditional silk print workshops. Guests of the hotel will also have access to behind-the-scenes tours of the city’s libraries and archives throughout the season. During tours of the Fondazione Cini Library and the 13th-century Library San Francesco della Vigna, rare books and preserved manuscripts will be on display exclusively for Belmond guests.
Napa Valley, CA
Following Napa Valley’s bustling harvest season, November is the start of Cabernet Season. The pace slows down as the region’s cabernets are released, giving visitors a first taste of the bold reds synonymous with Napa Valley. The cooler months mean lower hotel rates and a chance to grab reservations at coveted Michelin-starred restaurants. With new vintages aging in the barrels, winemakers are readily available, and visitors can receive behind-the-scenes access to wineries. While the wineries remain a draw, the vines only cover nine percent of the Valley floor. The mountain ranges that bracket the area, the Mayacamas and the Vaca, are laced with hiking and biking trails. With temperatures hovering in the mid 60s, it’s an ideal time for getting out to explore. New restaurants and tasting experiences are shaking up the scene too. Domaine Carneros’s new “Art of Sabrage” experience allows private groups to learn the history, legend and technique of this dramatic ritual dating back to the age of Napoleon; and the creators of Clif Bar recently joined forces with local celebrity chefs to launch new biking experiences at Clif Family Winery. Watch this space: Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Collection Resort is set to be unveiled in late 2021. The 135 open-air cottages will be set on the historic Stanly Ranch Winery estate, which has been producing critically-acclaimed wines since the 19th century.
May’s longer days and creeping sunshine signal the unofficial start to summer. And with the Memorial Day holiday, travelers are eager to pack their bags. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next trip.
Nantucket, MA
Just 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Nantucket is an idyllic island escape with miles of sandy beaches, centuries-old mansions, quaint shops and a classic small-town charm. With more than 50 percent of Nantucket under permanent conservation, much of the protected land is available for exploration. The island comes alive in spring, awash with color as more than three million daffodils bloom. Endless outdoor activities are on offer: biking, sailing, surfcasting, golfing and strolls to nearby lighthouses. Reunite with loved ones in a destination where families have vacationed for decades. Multi-generational families can opt for the one-, two- and three-bedroom residences or in-town lofts at White Elephant, conveniently located just steps from town with access to one of the only pools in town. The Woof Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin also welcome four-legged family members, complete with a welcome basket of treats and a personalized pet tag. Local insider and pet concierge Bailey, the resident Black Lab/Brittany Spaniel mix, is available via email to share the best pet-friendly activities on island. For an intimate escape, The Wauwinet is an adults-only retreat situated between two private beaches, offering the feel of a private home and ambiance of storybook romance. Rates start at $175 per night at the Woof Cottages, $205 at The Wauwinet, and $715 for the White Elephant Residences.
JetBlue, United and American Airlines are launching direct service to the island beginning in May from east coast cities including Boston, New York, Newark, Washington D.C. and Charlotte. Travelers must complete the Massachusetts Travel Form and share proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Hamptons, NY
Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of the Hamptons season. Visitors shouldn’t miss the latest exhibition at the Herzog and de Meruon-designed Parrish Art Museum. Affinities for Abstraction: Women Artists on Eastern Long Island, 1950-2020, will premiere on May 2 (through July 25) and is a freewheeling look at the work of 45 female artists who have called the Hamptons home, including Helen Frankenthaler, Grace Hartigan, Elaine de Kooning, and Lee Krasner. Across the street from the museum is the Hamptons’ first destination spa and wellness retreat, Shou Sugi Ban House. Embracing the wabi-sabi philosophy in both ethos and design, the property’s signature programing ranges from meditation to reiki to hikes on the beach. The just-launched Digital Detox is intended to redirect attention away from devices and back to the present moment, which is perhaps more necessary than ever. A Digital Detox Resource Guide will be on-hand to help guests tune into the innate wisdom of the mind, body and spirit. Oh and did we mention the plant-rich, hyper-seasonal meals are created by Noma co-founder Mads Refslund?
Water Mill is just 90 miles from NYC and can be accessed via car, Long Island Railroad, or the Hampton Jitney bus. Those flying into JFK, LaGuardia, or Islip/MacArthur Airports can take the Hampton Jitney to Southampton. New York just did away with its mandatory quarantine for out-of-state travelers.
Anguilla
Anguilla in May might be one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The weather is idyllic with low humidity and high temperatures. Having reopened to visitors in November, the island has been an appealing option for U.S. travelers with its very low Covid-19 cases (the island is currently CDC Level One). While guests must remain within their certified ‘vacation bubble’ for up to 14 days of their stay, the experience still checks all the boxes for a much-needed island escape. The vacation bubble concept includes a list of certified restaurants, activities and excursions that guests can experience outside of their pre-approved accommodations, like a round of golf, a glass-bottom boat ride or an offshore trip to the tiny island of Prickly Pear. And the best home base on the island is Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. Set on Maundays Bay, the property lends itself to physical distancing, with standalone villas dotted along the pristine stretch of beach. Every room is beachfront, giving guests their very own slice of Caribbean Sea. The resort has launched a roster of daily programming, all available for private reservations, including wine classes, sunset sails, rum tastings, early-morning bird-watching, salt-scrub-making classes and more.
Visitors who require a negative Covid-19 test before returning home can do so with ease; Cap Juluca coordinates onsite testing to be administered in the comfort of guests’ own room. There are flights from the U.S. into Anguilla with connection through San Juan. Travelers can also fly into St. Martin and take a 25-minute boat ride to Anguilla. Those arriving via private jet can fly directly into Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA).
Blue Mountains, Jamaica
The island’s beaches are just half the story. Meet Jamaica’s Blue Mountains – a range of steep peaks with tangled jungles and tropical rainforest shrouded perpetually by mist. On a clear day, from the 7,400-foot summit, one of the Caribbean’s highest vantage points, hikers can spot Cuba off to the north. The Blue Mountains were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 due to its diverse flora and fauna, much of it endemic to Jamaica. Today, the mountains are as far as you can get from the hubbub of touristy beaches. There’s 200,000 acres to explore – including trails past coffee estates dating back to the 1700s and following in the footsteps of 18th-centrury British Sailors on their way from Kingston Harbor. There are roots in music too. Book a stay at Chris Blackwell’s Strawberry Hill, where the 12 cottages cling tightly to the mountainside and appear to be floating in the clouds. Blackwell founded Island Records in the 1960s, a label that went on to sign U2, The Cranberries and Cat Stevens. But in Jamaica, the music mogul is most famous for discovering Bob Marley and introducing reggae to the mainstream. It is well-known that Marley recuperated at Strawberry Hill following his 1976 assassination attempt in Kingston. Strawberry Hill can arrange full- and half-day guided hiking experiences with nightly rates starting at $280.
Direct service to Kingston airport is offered on American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit and Air Canada from major cities including: Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, New York, Toronto. All international travelers must have a ‘travel authorization’ obtained before departure. Upon arrival into Jamaica, those 12 years of age and over are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of entry.
Greece
Greece recently announced international tourists will be welcome beginning May 14. Perfect timing for booking a stay at the new Kalesma Mykonos, opening May 20. Kalesma brought together two Greek designers to create its authentically Cycladic look with a sleek, modern take: Studio Bonarchi and K-Studio (known for the new Mykonos airport and Scorpios Beach Club). Design details include Rick Owens furniture in the lobby, custom artwork in the 25 indoor/outdoor suites and two villas featuring pieces by Serbian artist Aleksander Vac and horsehair sconces, a nod to the mythical history of the area (Apollo was said to keep his horses here). The land has been in the owners’ family for over a century and the hotel will offer genuine insider knowledge of off-the-beaten-path sites while introducing a luxury experience that balances fun and privacy.
There are flights to Athens from several U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia and AirTransat recently announced summer routes between Athens and both Montreal and Toronto. From Athens you can take a quick 40-minute flight to Mykonos or hop on a 2.5-hour high speed ferry. Travelers will need to show either proof of vaccine, proof of having antibodies or a negative PCR test.
La Réserve Paris, Hotel & Apartments | La Réserve Ramatuelle |La Réserve Geneva | La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich | La Maison d’Estournel, Bordeaux | La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel, Bordeaux |
Schweizerhof, Zermatt | Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt | Hotel Monte Rosa, Zermatt | Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken | Bellevue Palace, Bern | Crans Ambassador, Crans-Montana
Developed by the French entrepreneur, Michel Reybier Hospitality encompasses properties across France and Switzerland, including the La Réserve brand (Paris, Ramatuelle, Zurich, Geneva). The art de vivre philosophy of living one’s best life carries throughout the brand, from historic addresses to Nescens better-aging programs to Michelin-starred yet wholesome cuisine. There’s something for every type of traveler.
For the City Slicker
Not the Zurich You Think You Know: Despite being Switzerland’s banking capital, Zurich is fondly referred to as a ’boutique city’ and for years has been ranked among the world’s top places in terms of its quality of life. A government that is nurturing students and entrepreneurs through its universities and incubators has replaced bureaucratic barriers that hindered innovation. Formerly a hotbed of dissent, it was here that the Protestant Revolution began in the 16th century and the Dada movement was established in 1916. Zurich is once again being recognized as a culture hub as it was in the mid-20th century when Picasso and Chagall roamed its streets. Guests of La Réserve Eden au Lac, which opened in January 2020 following a two-and-a-half year restoration by Philippe Starck, receive city passes granting complimentary access to public transportation and discounts at the city’s world-class museums. The Brutalist Swiss National Museum is completing a multi-phase expansion helmed by Swiss architects Christ & Gantenbein. In October 2021, the veil will be lifted on a David Chipperfield-designed extension to the Kunsthaus art museum, doubling the footprint and making it the second largest collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside Paris. The expansion is part of a development plan for the city to create an ‘education mile,’ a trail of cultural buildings through the city. The area is already generating buzz with a new art quarter and galleries like Eva Presenhuber and Galerie Brome vying for prime spots near the museum. Switzerland is of course known for its chocolate and sweet-toothed travelers will appreciate the new Lindt Home of Chocolate, an immersive museum that opened in 2020.
Paris is Always a Good Idea: The saying is true, but the City of Light seems to be having an extra special moment right now. The highly anticipated Bourse de Commerce, the Tadao Ando-designed museum housing the Pinault collection, will open its doors to the public in the coming months. In other art news, the Musée Jacquemart-André will debut a Botticelli exhibition on September 10, 2021 – just off the heels of the artist’s record-setting auction at Sotheby’s. On the hotel front, Cheval Blanc will be unveiled this spring, the Marine hotel will open its doors to the public in July 2021 for the first time in more than two centuries, and Airelles Chateau de Versailles will welcome guests on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. La Réserve Paris is designed by interior designer Jacques Garcia who lent his signature touch to the décor, with silk damask walls, velvet drapery and herringbone parquet floors. At 40 rooms (26 of which are suites), it is the smallest and only-French owned of the Palace hotels and feels like a private home – no wonder as the Haussmann-style building was constructed in 1854 and previously the residence of the Duc de Morny (step-brother of Emperor Napoleon III).
Flexibility is the Trend That’s Here to Stay: Say goodbye to those rushed breakfasts and last-minute packing on check-out day. Guests of La Réserve Geneva can now check in as early as 8:00am and check out as late as 8:00pm. The idea came about after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The hotel team was looking to do something proactive and positive during these otherwise challenging times when they have more inventory than usual. The value-add offer allows guests to access a room for 36 hours (vs. the standard 21 hours with a 3pm check-in and 12pm check-out). The floating check-in is at no additional cost and available for every room category; guests just need to give 48-hour notice before arrival. Other hotels getting in on the trend include Peninsula Hotels, Dromoland Castle in Ireland, and La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, St. Martin.
For the Group Looking to Reunite
Pool? Check. Gardens? Check. Views? Check: Nestled within a Mediterranean jardin overlooking the Cote d’Azur is the cliffside retreat, La Réserve Ramatuelle. The Palace hotel will reopen on May 12, 2021, lifting the veil on a refreshed lobby, two Michelin-starred restaurant, and terrace with panoramic views of the sea. The 28-room/14-villa property was designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, one of the designers of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Ideal for these Covid times, the villas seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. They range from three- to seven- bedrooms and each come with their own sprawling gardens and pool as well as front-row views of the Mediterranean Sea. Services that can be added on include: private chef, personal trainer, grocery delivery, and boat excursion.
Personal Pied- à-Terre: The La Réserve Paris Apartments overlook the Trocadero in the 16th arrondissement – meaning unbeatable views of the Eiffel Towel. The top floor apartments can be connected to create a nearly 4,000-square-foot pied- à-terre. The building has its own private street entrance and guests buying out the top floor would receive a key for private elevator access. The flats have a large kitchen and the pantry and wine cellar come fully stocked. Large balconies can accommodate intimate dinner parties prepared by a private chef. Furniture can be rearranged to guests’ liking and even a home gym and cinema can be set up.
Privacy is the Name of the Game: Located in the heart of a 200-acre vineyard in Bordeaux, La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel is the private residence of Michel Reybier. The Cos d’Estournel vineyard is one of just 14 Chateaux ranked as Second Growth in 1855. The Jacques Garcia-designed house is decorated in a mix of European antiques and Asian tapestries has six bedrooms and two suites; a library; dining room; hammam; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; and a wine cellar, of course.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
300 Days of Sunshine: In Switzerland’s charming, car-free town of Zermatt, the iconic Schweizerhof hotel reopened in 2019 with a fresh look following an extensive, eight-month top-to-bottom renovation. Designed in an Alpine-chalet style, Schweizerhof is situated on the main thoroughfare of Bahnhofstrasse at the base of the Matterhorn. Oak walls and marble bathrooms in the guest rooms create a cozy, yet contemporary environment while fun touches like wooden hiking sticks, cow bells and comforters emblazoned with the Matterhorn lend a sense of place. While snow sports are available 365 days a year in Zermatt , there is plenty to do beyond skiing and snowboarding. When the temperatures rise, there are abundant trails for hiking and mountain biking. Fun fact: Zermatt is home to the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Speaking of heights, paragliding over the alps offers unbeatable views of the Matterhorn. The faint of heart might prefer to fly fish in the alpine lakes which are home to freshwater trout. It helps that Zermatt has over 300 days of sunshine. Since the town is car-free, horse-drawn carriages in town are available to take guests for a ride.
More than Just Wine: The 14-room La Maison d’Estournel in Bordeaux’s Médoc region has no shortage of outdoor activities; there is an ocean, rivers and vineyards nearby, after all. Experiences include fishing on the Gironde River, a private visit the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation, and biking along the Bay of Arachon followed by lunch in an oyster farmer’s hut. Adults can’t have all the fun so kids get in on the action too, with farming classes complete with friendly donkeys, sheep and chickens; street art workshops led by a local painter; and surfing lessons on the coast with a professional.
For the Wellness Junkie
An Urban Retreat: Located 10 minutes outside Switzerland’s second-largest city, La Réserve Geneva feels much farther thanks to its location within a 10-acre park on the shores of Lac Léman. With Europe’s largest alpine lake for its front yard, the property is more like an urban resort. At over 20,000-square-feet, the Nescens Spa is the largest in the city. The Nescens brand was developed by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in anti-aging medicine, at Geneva’s Center for the Prevention of Aging at the Clinique de Genolier. Guests who participate in the signature Better Aging Programs receive a medical evaluation on their first day, meeting with a team of doctors and specialists. With the help of these professionals, guests will understand their own bio-individuality of aging from a genetic, dietary and psychological standpoint before receiving a personalized 4- or 7-day itinerary. The program is tailored to individual goals, incorporating three daily meals, personal training sessions and spa treatments.
Wellness, but Make It French: Like at the Geneva Spa, the multi-day Nescens programs at La Réserve Ramatuelle are bespoke and holistic, but this is a pick for the nature lover. There’s an emphasis on outdoor fitness here – and given the breathtaking setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, no one will wonder why. Think guided hikes along the coastline, swimming, and aqua cycling classes in the open-air pool. In addition to offering signature Nescens programs the spa also has Crème de la Mer treatments. The hotel’s restaurant, La Voile, was recently awarded two Michelin stars. Dishes adhere to the Mediterranean diet and highlight local, seasonal seafood and fresh produce and herbs alongside healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. Chef Eric Canino doesn’t on sacrifice flavor, though – this is France, after all.