Ponant Unveils Le Ponant Following Complete Refit

The reimagined three-masted sailing yacht will debut in August 2022

In August 2022, PONANT will debut the iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant following a complete refit by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio. The 88-meter sailing yacht will relaunch in the Mediterranean with 10 departures and three new itineraries, followed by winter 2022-23 in the Seychelles and summer 2023 in western Australia’s Kimberley region.

With just 16 staterooms and suites accommodating a maximum of 32 guests, Le Ponant offers a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio—making guests feel like they’re aboard a private yacht. Cabins are spread over three decks, each with large windows overlooking the sea, while the muted color palette lends an air of understated elegance.

An ode to art of slow travel, relax on the sun lounge looking up to the billowing white sails, order a drink from the outdoor bar, and enjoy organic dishes at the gastronomic dining destination Le Diamant. The wellness space offers Biologique Recherche treatments, and daily yoga sessions are held on the deck. With glass-bottomed kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, diving and snorkeling equipment, and a saltwater pool, there’s no shortage of activities.

Outfitted with the latest environmental innovations including a SCR filter system that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, Le Ponantrepresents PONANT’s enduring commitment toward responsible tourism. Other sustainability-centered initiatives include non-motorized water-based activities, individual and small-group disembarkations only, an emphasis on local, organic products, and periods of sailing using just wind power.

The intimate-size vessel offers access to less-traveled sites and new ports of calls. Each journey is an immersion into the destination to learn about the local culture as well as connect with the vibrant flora and fauna in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, and Australia’s Kimberley region throughout 2022 and 2023.

Summer 2022 in the Mediterranean

The first voyage will depart on August 14 with a seven-night itinerary along Croatia’s coastline, from Dubrovnik through the Bay of Kotor, then to the Adriatic islands of Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar, Brač, Šipan, and Lopud. Activities include wine tasting, traditional sword dance performances, visits with local artists, diving excursions to World War II shipwrecks, and a tour of the oldest fishing port in the Adriatic. Prices start at $10,890 per person.

In August, Le Ponant will depart on a seven-day island-hopping journey around Greece. Beginning in Dubrovnik, the yacht will set sail toward the Ionian and Aegean Seas, stopping in the islands of Paxos, which is only available to smaller ships; Kefalonia, characterized by limestone cliffs and white sandy beaches; the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia, in the southeastern Peloponnese; and Kythnos, one of the region’s lesser-known islands with over 100 beaches. Prices start at $9,980 per person.

In September, Le Ponant will circle around Greece’s Cycladic islands on an eight-day itinerary beginning and ending in Athens. PONANT guests will enjoy unique access to exclusive ports of call on Tinos, Polyaigos, Folegandros, Monemvasia, Kythnos, and Spetses, due to the intimate size of Le Ponant. Prices start at $13,110 per person.

Please find all Summer 2022 departures linked here.

Winter 2022-23 in the Seychelles

New for this year is “The Seychelles Under the Trade Winds” itinerary, with 11 departures on Le Ponant during the 2022-2023 season. Sailing roundtrip from Mahé, the nine-night itinerary explores a new island each day, including two new ports of call for PONANT—the African Banks north of the Amirante Islands and Thérèse Island, both of which are uninhabited and will be available to PONANT guests for the day. An on-board expedition leader, a trio of naturalist guides, and a free dive instructor will be on hand to lead excursions and shine light on the spectacular flora and fauna of the Seychelles. Activities include scuba diving, free diving initiation, sunrise and sunset yoga, meditation, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and outings in glass-bottomed kayaks. Rates start from $10,890 per person.

Please find all Winter 2022-23 departures linked here.

Summer 2023 in Australia

In summer 2023, Le Ponant will set sail for Australia’s northwest with 26 departures to Kimberley’s coast, which is often referred to as the “Antarctica of the tropics.” The Kimberley is a vast, remote region with rushing waterfalls, white sandy beaches, dense mangrove forests, rugged sandstone gorges, and the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet. State-of-the-art Zodiac boats will enable guests to reach hard-to-access points, while an exclusive partnership with the prestigious Paspaley Group will offer private scenic flights onboard one of the brand’s vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats to whisk guests to or from their embarkation or disembarkation point. Guests can opt to explore the Northern or Southern Kimberley Coast, with rates starting at $12,930 per person.

Please find all Summer 2023 departures linked here.

ABOUT PONANT

PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 30 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration. The company explores the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. For more information, visit  https://us.ponant.com or call 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.

Renderings of Le Ponant linked here.

 

PONANT Announces Winter 2022-2023 Departures in the Seychelles Onboard Le Ponant

Le Ponant, the company’s iconic three-mast sailing yacht, launches a new itinerary, ‘The Seychelles under the trade winds,’ with 11 departures in the Winter 2022-2023 season. Following a complete refit led by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant now accommodates just 16 staterooms, offering an intimate sailing adventure in the Seychelles archipelago.

Sailing roundtrip from Mahé, the nine-night itinerary explores a new island each day including two new ports of call for PONANT – the African Banks north of the Amirante Islands and Thérèse Island. Fringed by white sandy beaches, these uninhabited islands will be exclusive hosts to PONANT guests for the day. Venturing as close as possible to the fauna and flora of the Seychelles, an expedition leader, three naturalist guides, and a free diver instructor will be on ship to lead excursions, conferences, and discussions on the region’s biodiversity. Highlighted activities include scuba diving, free diving initiation, yoga at sunrise and sunset led by a yoga expert, meditation, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and outings in glass-bottomed kayaks. As a prelude to the Seychelles, guests also have the option to book a one-night pre-cruise program – sleeping under the stars in an eco-lodge nestled into the dunes on the Arabian Peninsula desert. Rates start from $10,890 per person. The itineraries depart from November 22, 2022 – February 20, 2023. For more information, please find the full itinerary listed here.

Le Ponant

Having been completely renovated with a sleek sophisticated design by the Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, the end result is an intimate setting with only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests. Le Ponant, a symbol of PONANT’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism since the beginning, is now fitted with the latest technological innovations to reduce her impact on the region. Le Ponant, which will navigate under sail as often as possible, includes other improvements such as a dockside connection, an innovative system of SCR filters to eliminate fine particles and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, waste sorting, and a state-of-the-art water treatment system. No detail has been overlooked to preserve and honor the local heritage and community.

Please find hi-res images linked here. Photo credit details are noted in the file name.

ABOUT PONANT

Founded in 1988 by French Merchant Navy officers, PONANT offers a new style of cruises under the French flag with its own concept of sea travel and commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Centered around sailing to exceptional and unusual destinations aboard refined design yachts, where lifestyle and excellent cuisine take pride of place, the promise of a voyage with PONANT is that it will be truly unique and authentic. For more information: us.ponant.com.

 

AMPR SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Belmond British Pullman will launch a new Downton Abbey journey in 2020.

September is a time of transition. Summer fades into fall. Late-season harvests give way to pumpkin-spiced everything. The days get shorter. The nights are longer. And it’s always a good time to get away.

What’s New

Uptown, Downton: They say that seeing is believing. We say that experiencing is even better. In honor of the upcoming release of Downton Abbey: The Movie, fans of the Crawley Family can enjoy exclusive access to Highclere Castle while aboard Belmond British Pullman on two dedicated journeys in 2020. Opening exclusively for Belmond guests on March 18 and September 23, 2020, Highclere Castle is the location of the much-loved TV series and the ancestral home of the Earl & Countess of Carnavon. On a day trip from London Victoria Station, guests will enjoy a three course brunch onboard the 1920s and 30s carriages, a guided tour of the house and gardens, and a champagne reception and three-course dinner with sommelier-selected wine on the way back to London.

Capital Improvements: This October, The Doyle Collection’s Dupont Circle Hotel will put the finishing touches on its relaunch with the completion of its penthouse suite by Clodagh. Earlier this year, the hotel opened a new bar and restaurant – Doyle and Pembroke – designed by Martin Brudnizki; and a new lobby, also designed by Clodagh. Clodagh and Martin’s styles both embrace chic midcentury touches, with Brudnizki focusing on bold colors and varying textures and Clodagh incorporating holistic touches like live-edge wood and a quiet fountain on the suite’s extra-large terrace.

Palm Beachin’: Coming late 2019 – just in time to escape winter – is White Elephant Palm Beach. The space is a sister property to White Elephant on Nantucket. Previously The Bradley Park Hotel, the historic structure from the 1920s will remain, but the interiors have been completely gutted and will be re-imagined by architectural firm Elkus Manfredi in a color palette of soft neutrals.

Chocolate-y Goodness: New from La Maison du Chocolat Chef Nicolas Cloiseau is Bars Unhinged, the culmination of 18 months of careful research and worldwide travel to trusted chocolate plantations. Chef Cloiseau selected the finest cocoa beans from Brazil, the Caribbean and South America, juxtaposing the chocolate’s delicate silkiness with hazelnuts from Italy, almonds from Spain and pecans from Mexico. The result is a line of “inside out” bars where a constellation of the decadent nuts are visible from the outside.

Embrace the Night: Sometimes the best way to deal with the waning daylight hours is to embrace it. Though located in the southern hemisphere – where the days are becoming longer – andBeyond Sossusvlei Lodge in Namibia is all about the night sky. Opening on October 16, the property is located in Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. Guests will have the rare opportunity to observe the southern hemisphere stars from one of the darkest and most protected skies in the world. Each evening, guests are invited to join the lodge’s resident astronomer in the on-site observatory – complete with a Meade LX200R 12-inch telescope – to view the brightest constellations and planets across the inky black night sky.

Birch + ‘Wood: Take in the city and the country with a new package by Meadowood Napa Valley and The Battery in San Francisco. The four-night getaway includes a two-night stay at each property, a curated winery itinerary throughout the Napa Valley and a personalized styling appointment at Tory Burch Union Square.

Endless Summer

It’s always summer with views like this. Relax at The Christopher St. Barth this month.

In the northern hemisphere, summer officially turns to fall on Monday, September 23. (And if the Farmers Almanac is correct, winter will rear its head with a vengeance all-too-soon after that.) Apple pie and golden-hued leaves are nice, but if you’re not quite ready to let go of long sunny days and warm breezy nights, the below destinations will keep things Hot! Hot! Hot! And help to stave off any end-of-summer blues.

Jamaican Me Crazy: Jamaica. That Jamaica. James Bond author Ian Fleming spent much of his time on the Caribbean Island, and it’s easy to see why he kept coming back. When he wasn’t snorkeling in the azure waters or birding in the Blue Mountains, he wrote a new Bond novel each winter. Today, Fleming’s legacy remains. His bungalow – renamed the Fleming Villa – is part of the 52-acre GoldenEye resort, as are his writing desk, sunken garden and the nearby coral reef. This winter, GoldenEye will open three, three-bedroom cottages on the resort’s lagoon. And, looking ahead, the island will be the site of the 25th James Bond movie – Daniel Craig’s last! ­Titled No Time to Die, the film will be released April, 2020.

Mal-dive Right In: The recently opened Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a must-visit for any sunshine seeker. With 122 villas, 56 of which are perched over water, the resort will make guests feel as if they’re in their own private oasis. The Ithaafushi Private Island is perfect for extended families, featuring a two-bedroom overwater villa and a three-bedroom beach villa as well as two pools for adults and one for kids, an overwater spa and wellness center, an entertainment center with cinema, and a dedicated team of chefs. The resort also boasts 11 specialty-concept venues for the largest culinary selection in the Maldives. The highlight is Terra: seven private dining pods on individual treetops overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Eye on the Skies: With new restaurants, reconstructed roads, and the last of the major hotel renovations wrapping up this season, St. Barth is a must-visit. Soak in all that the notorious party island has to offer, then retire to The Christopher, which is located on the island’s quieter, more residential Pointe Milou. The hotel has westward-facing views toward St. Jean Bay, a perfect place to catch the sunset. Sip on fruity beverages at the newly opened restaurant Christo as you mull the cooler weather up north.

Two if By Sea: If you’re crusin’ for a good time in the Caribbean, look no further than PONANT and the recently launched Le Champlain and Le Dumont-d’Urville ships, which will offer a combined 29 sailings for the 2019-2020 season. Highlights of the trips include discovering Mayan treasures along the Yucatan; as well as “The Essential of the Caribbean” itinerary that features a dedicated diving instructor on board throughout the duration of the cruise. Both ships feature the state-of-the-art Blue Eye Lounge. Located eight feel below water, the unprecedented views from the lounge offer a peek into underwater life through the whale-eye shaped portholes.

Island Hopping: Truly extend summer with Belmond’s “Island to Island” package, which offers accommodations in both Anguilla and St. Martin – and a seamless connection via a 25-minute Caribbean boat ride. The recently renovated Belmond La Samanna sits on the French side of St. Martin and offers guests the chance to check out La Cave Wine Cellar – the largest private wine cellar in the Caribbean. After a few days of channeling your inner bourgeoisie exploring St. Martin’s chic shops and restaurants, head across the Caribbean Sea to Anguilla. Sister resort Belmond Cap Juluca reopened in December 2018, following a top-to-bottom redesign by Rottet Studio. The white sands of Maundays Bay, known to be one of the most crystal-clear beaches in the Caribbean, offer a private and quiet escape from the rest of the world.

Tumbleweed Tuesday

Nama-stay in the Hamptons a little longer with a fall retreat at Shou Sugi Ban House.

Tumbleweed Tuesday: A term that locals in beach towns use to refer to the day after Labor Day – a.k.a. a start to the offseason. Tourists head back to the big city as a collective sigh of relief can be felt in the air. And yet, adventures can still be had in September and beyond. Think: All of the fun, but fewer crowds and better rates. Check out our top picks below:

Nantucket, Massachusetts: The hydrangeas may no longer be in bloom, but some say that fall is the most beautiful time to enjoy Nantucket. Still easily accessible via a direct flight from JFK (through October) or Boston (year-round), Nantucket’s offseason is one of the Northeast’s best-kept secrets. Cooler temps are perfect for biking, and each of Nantucket Island Resorts’ properties have complimentary bikes for guests to enjoy the 30 miles of flat trails, nature preserves and local farms. Take a spin to island favorite Cisco Brewery, open year-round for local beers and live music. Or, head to Nantucket’s walkable downtown, with its cobblestone streets and a slew of museums should you need to escape from inclement weather. Summer visitors will be remiss not to stop by Island favorite Juice Bar long after the traditional ice cream season has ended – the shop churns out a homemade Pumpkin Spice flavor only available in the fall.

St. Tropez, France: Partygoers know that St. Tropez in July and August is a guaranteed good time. And yet, September offers all the pros of the summer months, minus the ruckus. The average high temperate is a pleasant 78 degrees and the water is still warm enough to swim. Nestled among the cliffs 15 minutes outside St. Tropez is La Réserve Ramatuelle – the perfect home base for the 20th anniversary of the Voiles de St. Tropez, a 300-boat yacht race that takes place September 28 through October 6. The race will begin on the beaches of Pampelonne where La Réserve’s new beach club, La Réserve à la Plage, opened last April. Guests of the beach club can watch the yachts sail by while sipping a glass of Provencal rosé – yes, the rosé still flows well into September.

The Hamptons, New York: September is fondly called Locals’ Summer in the Hamptons – the temperatures are still pleasant and the ocean is the warmest it gets all year. What better way to soak in the wealth of the offseason than with a health-focused vacation. New wellness retreat Shou Sugi Ban House, which opened in Water Mill in May, will host weekly retreats throughout the fall, with a culinary-focused program with Chef Mads Refslund (co-founder of Noma in Copenhagen) on September 26-29. Guests will get to taste Refslund’s seasonal, plant-rich and locally sourced meals and also learn from him during culinary demonstrations. Other highlights from the schedule include guided beach walks, yoga and spa treatments.

Barcelona, Spain: As the summer tourist crowds disappear and locals return from vacation, the Catalan capital regains its authentic charm. Every September, the city hosts Festes de la Merce, a weeklong festival honoring the patron saint of Barcelona. The city comes alive with 600 events including fireworks displays, free concerts, street theater performances  and activities for children. Travelers who visit in September can join 100,000 spectators to catch a FC Barcelona game at the famous Camp Nou stadium. Take in all the sights and sounds of the city from Almanac Barcelona’s Azimuth rooftop bar – the perfect place to catch the sunset with a sangria in hand. The hotel opened in 2018 in the heart of the Modernist neighborhood of Eixample Derecho. Best of all, the warm temperatures mean guests can still go for a dip in the hotel’s rooftop pool.

Sicily, Italy: For tourist-free views and a deeper dive into the Sicilian coast, those in-the-know head to Sicily in September. With its season extended to January 5, 2020, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo plays host to pop-up restaurant Otto Geleng (named after the influential German painter) on the Literary Terrace. Catering to just 16 guests per night, the restaurant offers breakthtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The tasting menu features otto (eight) dishes designed by the property’s chef Roberto Toro, all of which highlight local produce and traditional Sicilian culinary methods with a vibrant twist. During the day, oenophiles will enjoy a trip through the vineyards of Mount Etna during peak harvest times to learn more about the production process and to sample rare vintages.

Trancoso, Brazil: September is springtime in Brazil, offering warm weather and a calming atmosphere before the high season kicks into gear in December. Encompassing all that defines the country, Trancoso is surrounded by both the jungle and the sea. The district was put on the map by chic boutique hotel UXUA. The hotel features 11 one-to-three-bedroom casas that seamlessly blend into the surrounding neighborhood, all restored using local and sustainable materials. For a relaxing afternoon, stroll down to UXUA Praia, the beachfront lounge and bar based out of refurbished fishing boat, or stop in the property’s ice cream parlor for fresh, made-daily flavors like cacao and Bahian pepper.

Harvest Season

andBeyond Vira Vira is located on a working farm in Pucon, Chile.

For locavores, fall means one thing: Harvest season. To truly immerse themselves in their vacation destination, travelers look to indulge in the bounty of nearby farms. Take in the local flavors at some of our favorite destinations:

A (Cran)berry good time: The annual family-friendly Cranberry Festival returns to Nantucket on October 12, to celebrate island’s 162-year history of cranberry farming. In addition to live cranberry harvesting, festivalgoers can embark on guided bog tours, or dive into kid-friendly activities such as hayrides, sack races, tug-of-war and a petting zoo. Guests who book The Wauwinet’s three-bedroom Anchorage House will receive keys to a 2019 BMW 760L SUV to arrive to the festival in style:

Cheesing: Nestled on a 54-acre estate just outside of Pucon, Chile, andBeyond Vira Vira defines farm-to-table dining. The resort is located on a modern working farm and features an organic vegetable garden for its Chilean-inspired dishes. The farm also boasts an in-house cheese factory – a quesería ­­– that guests can tour before enjoying a pre-dinner charcuterie board back at the al fresco restaurant. A few favorite local delicacies of Chef Damián Fernández Dupuoy include homegrown artichokes from the garden, honey from the Curarrehue valley, and flakes of fresh parmesan from the quesería.

Sweet Treats: Nestled in the hills of Jamaica’s sleepy Trelawny Parish, 30 miles inland from Montego Bay, Pantrepant is the 800-acre working farm of famed hotelier and record producer Chris Blackwell. Pantrepant, the c. 1700 sugar plantation, is where Blackwell spends time with friends, including Bono, Grace Jones, and Bob Marley’s family. There’s no cell service; no alarm clocks; no set schedule. There’s a two-bedroom guest cottage that is exclusively available to the overnight guests of Island Outpost, Blackwell’s hospitality brand. At Pantrepant, enjoy farm fresh meals prepared by head chef Mama J, who was trained by Blackwell’s personal chef and has been cooking at Pantrepant for more than 20 years. She harvests callaloo from the garden, plucks eggs from the coop and sources milk from the cows. Visitors can spend the day swimming or kayaking in the aqua-marine Martha Brae River or touring the farm via horseback.

Red Alert: Saffron is one of the leading exports for Morocco, and harvest season is right around the corner. Lasting for three weeks in late October and early November, the saffron harvest is typically done by Berber women who gather early in the morning to hand-pick before the sunlight hits and the flowers begin to bloom. Royal Mansour sources all saffron from a local farm in the Ourika Valley, incorporating the spice into its restaurants as well as a new bespoke hammam treatment, The Gourmet Glow wrap. Saffron helps brighten, lift, firm, and hydrate skin. Tip to know it’s not fake? Crush the red stigma and it should turn a mustard yellow color.

Everyday I’m Trufflin’: Belmond Castello di Casole’s vast Tuscan estate is home to a treasure trove of truffles. Guests are welcome to join expert hunter Mauro Nesi and his Lagotto Romagnolo dogs to sniff out the precious tubers, which are particularly abundant in September in October. Once unearthed, the hotel kitchen uses the delicacy to infuse a tasting menu of Taglierini, Tosca fillet and Black truffle tarts.

Wine Not: The Napa Valley’s rich vineyards make it the perfect destination for farm-focused travel. September and October are “crush” season in Napa Valley – the time when vineyard workers pick the grapes and the scent of wine permeates the air. To celebrate, wineries across the region will offer interactive experiences, such as grape stomps at Peju Province and Bell Wine Cellars, and wine blending classes at B Cellars and Judd’s Hill. Stay at the Four Seasons Resort & Residences in Calistoga, which opens January 2020 and will feature an on-site vineyard and tasting space for guests to enjoy the hyper-local harvest. Nearby, learn more about harvest season at 1881, Napa Valley’s first wine history museum and tasting salon. The space features a collection of winemaking artifacts such as decanters, vineyard tools and labels from the 18th and 19th centuries. Afterward, enjoy a meal at Brix Restaurant and Gardens in Yountville – the only restaurant in the region with an on-site vineyard. It reopened in April a three-month, top-to-bottom renovation.

ampr january newsletter

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

 

 

 

 

International Yoga Day

On June 21st, yogis from around the world will come together to celebrate International Yoga Day. While yoga’s easy enough to practice on your own or at your local gym, we’ve been looking for some of the coolest places to find your inner Zen. Here are just a few spots that can’t be beat:

On a Rooftop in Barcelona

At the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona, you can practice yoga on the roof with panoramic views of the city from the hotel’s prime location on Passeig de Gracia. From there, you’ll see Barcelona’s famous mountains and Gaudi’s modernistic Sagrada Familia, all while staying above the bustle of city life. The Majestic Hotel & Spa offers both group classes and private lessons that can be adapted for any level of experience.

Above the Jungle in Bali

At COMO Shambhala Estate, you can take complimentary classes or schedule private yoga lessons in a studio overlooking the Bali forests and mountains. There they practice Hatha Yoga, which combines asanas (postures), better breathing, and meditation. At COMO Shambhala Estate, a 23-acre property set on the River Ayung, yoga is just one part of the holistic wellness regime that begins the moment you set foot on the grounds.

On a Private Beach in Turks and Caicos

At COMO Parrot Cay, yoga classes are offered right on the beach. There’s nothing like the sound of the surf to soothe your senses and get you in a meditative state of mind, and the resort’s location on a private island is the ideal place to find inner peace. The only thing better than Yoga Day is five yoga days, COMO Parrot Cay offers five-day yoga retreats with top instructors like America’s Rodney Yee to allow you to fully dive into the experience.

In the Rainforest in Costa Rica

Nayara Springs has a pavilion set in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, where you can relax and enjoy one of the many complimentary group yoga classes or a private yoga lesson with an experienced instructor. When you’re completely surrounded by the forest and fresh air, listening to the humming birds sing, and feeling the warm Costa Rican sun on your body, you’ll feel at peace with the world.


Unlimited Yoga in St. Barth

“Ommm” en Français: Sibarth Guests Receive Personalized Yoga Instruction

Picture it: Morning Kriyas on empty Saline beach, snacking on mangoes in a private villa, and a personal concierge team to arrange it all.  Sibarth, the original St. Barth villa rental company, is offering complimentary passes to the St. Barth Summer Camp Yoga Challenge from July 15-August 18, led by yoga instructor and wellness coach Diana Bourel, who has created programs and yoga retreats for some of the world’s leading luxury hotels and spa properties including Chiva-Som and Kamaata in Thailand.

Guests staying in select villas during this time will enjoy a peaceful island vacation coupled with daily yoga classes on a personalized schedule. Guests arrive to a health and wellness basket packed with fresh produce, health foods, and refreshing drinks. Sibarth’s personal concierge team is also on hand to arrange yoga schedules, deliver organic foods from local shops, or arrange a spa treatment.

To book, visit www.sibarth.com or call 888 610 1060.

private island pilates

Parrot Cay

Come February, when winter’s cold has really outworn its welcome, jet down to Parrot Cay for a restorative Pilates Retreat. Already known for its amazing yoga retreats, the private isle is kicking off its new offering, continuing to be ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness. The retreat comes after the success of the resort’s mini-Pilates programs last year.

Elizabeth Feltman, instructor at the renowned Manhattan studio Erika Bloom Pilates Plus, is teaching this immersive program. With two classes each day, participants learn to set intention behind each movement for a true body transformation and form a great foundation for an active and balanced lifestyle. Feltman’s love of movement began with dance, and for the last 11 years, along with dancing and integrative nutrition, she has trained using Pilates to deepen her understanding of anatomy and kinesiology (the study of human movement).

 

While on the island, be sure to take advantage of the white sand beaches, healthy COMO Shambhala cuisine with an Asian flare emphasizing raw foods, and the very Zen COMO Shambhala Retreat and its host of Asian-inspired treatments. Daily group yoga classes are also available gratis!

 

Dates: February 2-7, 2011

Inclusions: (more…)

with and without the kids

Before school starts, take the kiddies on one last hurrah this summer with a fun family trip. Or, wait ‘til they’re back in school and sneak off for a grown-ups only, post-summer getaway.

Parrot Cay

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new year, new you with como hotels and resorts

YOGA

Make a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep: achieve total health in mind, body, and spirit by booking an invigorating yoga retreat with COMO Hotels and Resorts.

Choose between the On Top of the World yoga and meditation retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan, January 9 – 15, 2010, or Yoga in Balance at Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos, February 28 – March 6, 2010.

Meditate with top Australian yogi Judy Krupp as she returns for her third encore at Uma Paro. Or join Parrot Cay’s yoga specialist, Andrea Curry, and her sister, Christina, the COMO Shambhala Estate’s resident instructor, for a combined inspiring and nurturing approach to teaching at the Turks and Caicos resort. Guests of the retreats are encouraged to overcome physical and mental barriers to promote balance, energy, and relaxation.

Prices for Uma Paro start at $3,227 single occupancy and include the following:

  • Six-nights of accommodation
  • Up to 21 hours of yoga and meditation instruction
  • Return airport transfers
  • Daily breakfast and lunch (beverages not included)
  • Two dinners – one welcome and one farewell (beverages not included)
  • Cultural excursions to Bhutan’s oldest temple Kyichu Lhakhang, a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), and Uma Paro’s majestic government and monastic center the Rinpung Dzong

Prices for Parrot Cay start at $6,617 single occupancy, $9,605 double occupancy and include the following:

  • Six-nights of accommodation in a Garden Room
  • Five days of yoga and meditation instruction
  • Round-trip airport transfers (for commercially scheduled flights only)
  • Daily American breakfast, lunch, and dinner (beverages not included)

108 salutes to the sun

tree pose

Breathe in…breathe out…breathe deeply. Thousands of yogis and yoginis around the world practiced their pranayama last weekend in celebration of the Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project.  Founded by Shiva Rea, the project brings together the worldwide yoga community for two days of yogic celebration, spanning borders and yoga disciplines in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Here in New York City, AMPRers unleashed a sea of ujai and performed countless reps of urdhva mukha svanasana at exhale, where a group of nine instructors heralding from different practices and backgrounds guided nimble students through sun salutations A and B… 108 of them!

If you missed this year’s Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project, be sure you mark your calendars for next September’s autumnal equinox.  Om shanti.

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