Category Archives: Gift of Travel

Steeped Coffee Wins USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers

You can enjoy the convenience, luxury and sustainability of fine coffee on a camping trip with Steeped Coffee, which won USA Today honors as Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Santa Cruz, California – Steeped Coffee(R), the innovator behind the SteepedTM Brew Bag Method, was named USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award recipient for Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers. This prestigious award from one of the nation’s leading news platforms celebrates Steeped Coffee’s commitment to quality, convenience, and sustainability, making it the perfect accessory for outdoor enthusiasts.

The nominees for Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers were submitted by a panel of experts and then selected by USA TODAY’s 10Best editors before being shortlisted for voting by the public. Of the 20 nominees, Steeped Coffee was voted #1 by consumers who recognized Steeped Coffee’s outstanding contribution to the outdoor experience.

Steeped Coffee’s innovation lies in its SteepedTM Brew Bag Method – a simple, yet elegant brewing solution similar to brewing tea, providing outdoor adventurers with delicious specialty coffee without the need for heavy brewing equipment. Each brew bag is filled with meticulously sourced, craft-roasted beans that are precision-ground and triple nitro-sealed for unbeatable freshness and superior flavor. With the entire packaging – both the inner brew bags and the outer packs – being commercially compostable, adventurers can enjoy the highest-quality coffee while leaving no trace behind.

“We are beyond thrilled to be chosen by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award as the Best Gift for Outdoor Adventurers,” said Josh Wilbur, CEO and Founder of Steeped Coffee. “Our mission has always been to provide a simple, yet exceptional coffee experience that aligns with the adventurous lifestyles of our customers, without compromising the planet. This recognition is a testament to our efforts and the perfect indicator that our game-changing brew method is hitting the mark.”

The best-selling variety pack, The Lineup, offers outdoor and coffee enthusiasts a collection of Steeped Coffee’s most popular roasts, ensuring that every preference is catered to, even in the wilderness. The Lineup features the following roasts:

  • Sunrise Blend: A signature light roast with vibrant notes of toffee, cocoa nib, and lemon-lime
  • California Blend: A classically-inspired medium roast with hints of roasted nuts and chocolate
  • Odyssey Blend: A robust dark roast with savory and earthy undertones
  • Breakwater Blend: A full-bodied French roast with subtle sweetness and smoky notes

Buy directly from the site (www.steepedcoffee.com) where you can take advantage of 15% off holiday discount (code Coffee15), or on Amazon.

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Steeped Coffee is a Certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation helping to make great-tasting craft coffee more accessible, more ethical, and more sustainable through its patent-pending SteepedTM Brew Bag Method. The proprietary method brews coffee similarly to tea in pre-portioned compostable coffee bags, allowing coffee lovers to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee anytime, anywhere. Licensed to over 500 of the top specialty roasters around the globe, the SteepedTM Brew Bag Method is the easiest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by simply adding water without pods, plugs, or expensive equipment.

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EF Go Ahead Tours Discounts Bucket List Worthy Trips this Holiday Season

Solo travelers get a holiday discount on EF Go Ahead Tours:  Get 16% off Portugal for Solo Travelers © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

EF Go Ahead Tours, a leading provider of immersive, small group travel, is running its Black Friday sale through Nov. 26 offering steep 2021 discounts on 2022 and 2023 “bucket list” itineraries, likely the lowest these future tours will ever be, with prices locked in and flexible payment plans available. Get up to $600 off per person /$1,200 off per couple — with many of the most in-demand itineraries discounted by 20% or more.

From Nov. 12-18: A focus on UK & Ireland:  Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland 15% off / $500 off, discounted at $2,779; A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway 27% off / $600 off, discounted at $1,599; Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland 15% off / $500 off, discounted at $2,819.

From Nov. 19-25: Bucket List Worthy to Iceland, Egypt Kenya, Costa Rica, Galapagos such as Egypt & the Nile 20% off / $600 off, discounted at $2,399; A Week in Egypt: Giza, Nile River Cruise & Cairo 19% off / $500 off, discounted at $2,159; Kenya Wildlife Safari 4/8/22 departure. 13% off / $600 off, discounted at $3,919.

Black Friday: Nov. 26: “Special Lightning Deals!” with the best of what’s left! Plus up to $600 off on worldwide tours plus a doorbuster on Black Friday day!

Traveling solo within group travel is discounted too. Get an extra $100 off for private rooms on top of the sales, which could equate to a free single room.  Just one of many examples of a bucket list solo trip: Portugal for Solo Travelers 16% off / $500 off, discounted at $2,539.

Let EF Go Ahead experts navigate travel and health & safety guidelinesand plan with fully refundable trips with no change fees Only $99 down secures a spot when you enroll in AutoPay. Book before November 30th and if you have to change plans, receive a refund of all money paid for that tour, including the deposit, through February 1, 2022. Change tour date or destination without a rebooking fee up until the Final Payment Date. EF offers Covid Care Promise, a comprehensive offering that supports travelers, at no additional expense through unforeseen on-tour quarantines or hospitalizations. 

EF Go Ahead Tours, 800, 590-1161, www.goaheadtours.com

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Newport’s Preservation Society Hosts Online Holiday Auction of Exclusive Experiences

The famous Gold Room at Marble House, one of the Preservation Society of Newport County’s legendary Gilded Age mansions. The Preservation Society is hosting an online Exclusive Experiences Holiday Auction from Nov. 22 through Dec. 6 with proceeds supporting the society’s preservation efforts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NEWPORT, R.I. – The season of giving is fast approaching and, just in time, the Preservation Society of Newport County will be conducting an online Exclusive Experiences Holiday Auction from November 22 through December 6.

Offering unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that allow people to explore the Newport Mansions in new ways, the Preservation Society is making 19 remarkable packages available for bid. All proceeds from this auction will support the preservation work of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

“If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, we are auctioning off some unbelievable experiences that have never been available to the general public,” Preservation Society CEO and Executive Director Trudy Coxe said. “This is a rare opportunity to create memories for your family, your best friends, and other special people in your lives. And you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of supporting Rhode Island’s largest cultural organization as it continues to preserve and protect 11 historic properties and landscapes, including seven National Historic Landmarks.”

Winning bids will take participants to some extraordinary heights, literally and figuratively. Here are a few examples:

         Enjoy beautiful views of land and sea during a helicopter sightseeing tour for two over Newport before landing on the grounds of The Breakers to receive a personalized and special tour. Top it off with light refreshments.

         Bid on the unequaled opportunity to have a wedding at The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages.” Imagine entertaining family and friends in one of the most opulent settings in the country. The awe-inspiring Great Hall, the palatial Dining Room, the stunning views of the ocean and its breaking waves will leave you and your guests with memories to treasure forever.

         Enjoy a night of “glamping” – glamorous camping – for up to four people on the awning-covered terrace at Rosecliff or Marble House with a catered picnic supper on the back lawn, night-time snacks and a catered breakfast in bed the next morning.

Some of our other auction packages include: a sleepover for eight children, ages 8-17, and up to four adult chaperones in The Great Hall of The Breakers; a New England clambake for up to 20 at Green Animals Topiary Garden; an in-depth tour of The Elms highlighted by the very rare opportunity to enjoy a French-inspired dinner for 10 guests at the Dining Room table; and a catered reception and three-course dinner for up to 10 people in The Gold Room at Marble House.

For the complete list and description of all of the amazing packages the Preservation Society will make available during this Exclusive Experiences Holiday Auction, check www.newportmansions.org beginning Friday, November 20. Note: there is no time restriction on any of the auction items, so now is the time to plan for post-COVID-19 days.

Send questions about the auction to [email protected].

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

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Black Friday, Cyber Monday Luxury Travel Offers From Around the World

The newly opened White Elephant Palm Beach hotel in Florida is among the luxury travel properties offering Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.

From Black Friday (November 27) to Cyber Monday (November 30), here are just a few of the top luxury travel offers from around the world.

Caribbean

 30% Off | Strawberry Hill and The Caves| Jamaica 

Island Outpost properties, Strawberry Hill and The Caves, will offer 30% off all bookings of two nights or more made from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

  • Inclusions: Complimentary breakfast at Strawberry Hill and all-inclusive rates at The Caves; welcome cocktail; flask of Blackwell Rum (founded by Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Outpost); and $10 per night donation to a nearby charity (Town-Redlight-Middleton Citizens Association Limited to support the elderly for Strawberry Hill; and The Ironshore Kindergarten on the West End of Negril for The Caves).
  • Travel dates: January 4-December 19, 2021, excluding April 1-4; July 1-4; and November 24-28, 2021
  • Cancellation policy: Fully prepaid at the time of booking; refundable up to 30 days prior to check in to allow for more flexibility
  • Price:
    • Rates at Strawberry Hill start at $217 (ordinarily $310) per night
    • Rates at The Caves start at $343 (ordinarily $490) per night 

Africa + South America 

20% Off | andBeyond | Africa + South America

andBeyond will offer a 20% discount on a its series of ‘7 Wonders in 7 Days’ itineraries, which are designed to offer a longer stay in one destination with less travel time. Each itinerary includes conservation and community experiences as a way to do good while traveling. The discount will apply to a selection of itineraries across Africa and South Americaon inquiries made on Cyber Monday only.

Travel dates: November 30, 2020-December 15, 2021 (travel dates do not have to be specified when booking to allow for more flexibility)

Link: https://www.andbeyond.com/cyber-monday/ (link will go live on November 18) 

Cancellation policy: 100% deposit (based on a low season rate) must be made by December 4, 2020. Balance owing (dependent on season of travel) will be collected 60 days before the itinerary’s start date. The deposit is non-refundable. 

United States 

Wildfire Donation | Alpha Omega Winery | Napa Valley, California

Alpha Omega Fundraiser for the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund for wildfires is offering special gifts to those who make a charitable donation to the foundation from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

  • Inclusions: Those who make a minimum of $100 donation will receive a complimentary Signature Selection tasting for two at Alpha Omega Winery; those who make a minimum of $500 donation will receive an exclusive invitation for two to be Alpha Omega’s guests at a vintner-hosted “Thank You to the Friends of Alpha Omega” party at the estate in Rutherford.
  • Terms: Donation must be a recognized 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. The AOC Foundation will remit 100% of all donations made to NVCF’s Disaster Relief Fund for wildfires to help those impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex fires and Glass Fire.
  • Link: https://www.aowinery.com/product/2020-Wildfire-Relief-Donation 

30% Off | The Setting Inn | Napa Valley, California  

The Setting Inn will offer 30% off all three-night bookings made from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

  • Inclusions: when booking a Cottage, guests will receive $100 credit at the rustic Italian restaurant Bottega Napa Valley and $100 transportation credit with Beau Wine Tours.
  • Travel dates: November 27, 2020-March 31, 2021 

21% Off | The Meritage Collection | Napa Valley, California

The Meritage Resort & Spa and Vista Collina Resort & Spa will offer 21% off all two-night bookings made from Black Friday through December 1, 2020. The Meritage Collection will also donate $21 per stay to the First Responders Children’s Foundation to support the families of first responders.

20% Off | White Elephant Resorts | Nantucket, Massachusetts + Palm Beach, Florida

The White Elephant Resorts portfolio, including Jared Coffin House, The Cottages, The Wauwinet, White Elephant, and the Boat Basin in Nantucket, and brand-new White Elephant Palm Beach in Florida (debuted November 4), will offer 20% off the best available rate on bookings made from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

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Animal Lover? Golfer? Art Aficionado? Movie Buff? Give the Gift of Getting Away

Gift your adventure seeker the gift of a visit to India with andBeyond to explore the mountainous region of Ladakh and search for snow leopards

Stuck for a special gift for your animal-lover lover? Your art aficionado? Music buff or theater devotee? How about a snow leopard expedition for your adventure seeker? Think about giving the uniquely personal gift that keeps giving: the gift of a travel experience. The holidays is a time of wish fulfillment, so what better gift that tapping into that bucket list. Here are some ideas for the gift of getting away, no matter the time of year:

For the Animal-Lover

Winner: andBeyond Pangolin Adventure

Pangolins are mini (and adorable) dinosaur-like mammals. While not commonly known in the U.S., these native African anteaters are covered in keratin scales, which are highly valuable to poachers, making them the most trafficked mammal in the world. The species used to roam freely in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, but have been locally extinct for decades. andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve has committed to reintroducing the species to the area, and there are already three thriving in their new environment. Conservation-minded travelers can have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these elusive creatures with andBeyond’s Pangolin Conservation Experience and assist in replacing tags and monitoring behavior. Rates from $3,504 per group (up to six people).

Runner-Up: Nayara’s Sloth Sanctuary

Ever wonder what it would be like to sleep all day? And all night? Of course you have. Humans are naturally lazy. But not as lazy as sloths. The slowest mammal on earth loves to hang around in Cecropia trees. Spot them in the wild at the new Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica, which opens December 20. As a part of Nayara’s commitment to reforestation, the acres surrounding the resort are being replanted with thousands of trees, including the Cecropia trees, so that the sloths can continue to thrive. Take a slow, leisurely stroll around the property to see these fabulous animals in in-action. Rates start from $1,200 per night.

For the Art Aficionado

Winner: La Reserve Paris

Mona-who? Been there, done that. The latest must-see at the Louvre celebrates much more than the Instagram overloaded Mona Lisa. Open through February 24, the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition honors the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance man’s death. Though almost sold out, guests of La Réserve Paris can skip the line by booking the Leonardo da Vinci package, including two VIP fast-track tickets to the exhibition and da Vinci inspired cocktails at Le Bar. Package rates start at $1,330.

Runner-Up: Belmond La Residencia

It’s P-art-y time in Mallorca! Deia, the hillside village on the island’s northwest coast, is an artsy town welcoming painters, sculptors and writers for inspiration. Among Mallorca’s most famous former residents is Joan Miró, and Belmond La Residencia is home to the largest exhibition of his paintings in a hotel anywhere in the world. Thirty-three of his original artworks will be on display in Café Miró, the hotel’s bistro, until September 2020. The hotel lawn is also one of Spain’s largest outdoor sculpture gardens, and it features Tete (1975), a Miró bronze head. After taking in the art, enjoy Belmond La Residencia’s “Tea with Miró,” which is inspired by the artist’s signature use of bold colors and abstract line drawings. The tea is served on an exclusive tea set made of La Cartujade Sevilla porcelain with a design based on Miró’s 1952 work, Sans titre. The setwill be available for purchase in the on-site boutique. Rates start at $470 per night.

Fore! The Golfer

Winner: Belmond Royal Scotsman

Hit the links with Belmond Royal Scotsman as the train travels through the heart of the Highlands from tee time to tee time. Golf enthusiasts can customize the two- to seven-night journeys by adding rounds at Scotland’s renowned courses such as Gleneagles, Royal Donorch Golf Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links and Kingbarns Golf Links. A veritable ‘country house on wheels,’ the Royal Scotsman will also make stops at local distilleries including Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Journeys start at $3,158 per person for the two-night Taste of the Highlands itinerary.

Runner-Up: Dromoland

Enjoy a golf experience fit for a king at Ireland’s Dromoland Castle. Set on a 450-acre estate, the 15-century castle’s parkland course is the perfect place to hone golf skills. Take a lesson at The Academy, the on-site golf school helmed by a resident PGA pro. What’s more, Dromoland can coordinate private transfers and tee times at Ireland’s famed links courses, including nearby Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee and the new Adare Manor. Rates start at $355 per night. 

For the Adventure Seeker

Winner: andBeyond Snow Leopard Expedition

Known as ‘Little Tibet’ or the ‘Roof of the World’, the mountainous region of Ladakh is situated on the northern border of India and is home to the snow-capped Himalayas, cobalt lakes and an abundance of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. The species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ and rare to find, lives in this high-altitude cold desert environment and can be seen during winter months. Conservation-minded, experiential safari outfitter andBeyond offers travelers the opportunity to explore this wilderness with the region’s most experienced guides, offering the rare opportunity to meet a snow leopard, if luck strikes. The 12-day Snow Leopard Expedition sets off in small group set-departures in January, February and March 2020. Rates start from $6,891 per person, including a $200 donation to the Snow Leopard Conservancy.

Runner-Up: Ponant Emblematic Antarctica Cruise

Journey to the ends of the earth, but make it luxury. Swap icicles in your eyelashes for a champagne toast on an Antarctic iceberg with Ponant, the leader in polar cruising. Each trip to the southernmost continent challenges adventure seekers with the trip through the Drake Passage – the 600-mile stretch of ocean between South America and the Antarctic peninsula that boasts some of the roughest seas in the world. Keep an ear out as the captain will often stop and redirect the ship to point out passing whales, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, and crabeater seals. Once in Antarctica, expedition guides and naturalists will lead daily Zodiac excursions with visits to research stations and former whaling stations. Rates start from $13,310 per person for the 11-day / 10-night Emblematic Antarctica journey.

For the Theater Goer

Winner: Chatwal, New York

Do you like your theater with a little side of murder mystery? If so, you’ve come to the right place – The Chatwal, New York. Designed in 1905 by iconic American architect Stanford White – who was famously killed by his mistress’s husband atop Madison Square Garden – The Chatwal was once home to the prestigious Lambs, America’s first professional theatrical club. The Chatwal continues to play homage to its history as the epicenter of Broadway. A dedicated theater concierge can offer access to the most sought-after shows; and guests can enjoy a pre-theater dinner at Geoffrey Zakarian’s The Lambs Club at The Chatwal. Rates start at $595 per night based on double occupancy.

Runner-Up: Westbury

Theater buffs visiting The Westbury in Dublin can explore the history of Ireland’s stage with the complimentary Theatre Walking Tour every Thursday morning. The 90-minute stroll begins in the vibrant Georgian Quarter and brings guests to key sites around the city, including a behind-the-scenes look at the famed Abbey Theatre, which has nurtured the talents of Irish playwrights like William Butler Yeats. The tour also includes a lesson on ancient Irish storytelling at the Setanta Wall, and a look at the drama-inspired artwork within the National Gallery. Rates start at $277 per night.

For the Movie Buff

Winner: GoldenEye

The 25th James Bond movie, which will mark Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007, is heading back to Jamaica. In celebration of the April 2020 release, movie buffs can retrace the island life of Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. The author was a former British intelligence officer and discovered Jamaica during a WWII mission in 1942. Four years later, he purchased 15 acres of under-developed tropical land and named it GoldenEye to pay homage to his naval operation that first brought him to the island. He resided at GoldenEye every January and February for more than two decades and wrote a new Bond novel each winter for a total of 14 books. His beachfront bungalow, which is now called The Fleming Villa with five bedrooms, is part of the 52-acre GoldenEye resort. Fleming’s writing desk and sunken garden where he would entertain the likes of Noël Coward and Katherine Hepburn are available for guests to enjoy. Rates start at $6,365 per night.

Runner-Up: Park Hyatt Tokyo

Guests of Park Hyatt Tokyo can channel Bill Murray while sipping on a whisky flight in the hotel’s 52nd floor New York Bar. Famed as the location of Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation, the bar’s signature L.I.T cocktail with Japanese sake and peach liqueur can be enjoyed to the soundtrack of live jazz while overlooking the sparkling city skyline. Rates start at $600 per night.

For the Romantic Beach Bum

Winner: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

“Love Island” – not just a reality show, but something that could actually be your reality. Give the gift of an ultimate couples’ vacation in the Maldives. When it debuted in July, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi became the first luxury resort to open near the capital of Malé in the last decade. The journey to tranquility begins with a yacht ride from the airport to the resort. The 122 accommodations include 39 beach villas, each of which features a swimming pool and a private alcove on the beach with an outdoor hammock and two sunbeds. Surround yourself with sand and surf on a nearby sandbar, available for a wine pairing dinner or a yoga class. Rates start at $1,700 per night.

Runner-Up: Belmond Cap Juluca

Set on the white sands of Anguilla’s Maundays Bay, known as one of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, each room at Belmond Cap Juluca has its own private slice of sand complete with a dedicated beach butler. Guests of the newly renovated property can soak in the Caribbean sun and sway to live calypso and reggae at the Cap Shack, a laid-back beach bar with a vintage ’80s food truck serving up everything from fish tacos to rum punches and poke bowls. Rates start from $725 per night.

For the #InstagramFamous Friend

Winner: Dalloway Terrace

Off to Europe for the festive season? Why not hit two countries in one – visitors to The Bloomsbury in London will be treated to a Merry Swissmas celebration. The hotel’s heated, al fresco restaurant, Dalloway Terrace, has launched a collaboration with the alpine resort town of Gstaad. Stroll from Regent’s Park into snow-dusted pine garlands and frosty foliage. Gstaad’s Swiss traditions overwhelm the terrace, with bespoke “Scherenschnitte” (Swiss paper cuttings) on display around the restaurant. Guests can warm up with Foxford woolen blankets and warming cocktails like an alpine toddy – a hot toddy with a chamomile twist. Cocktails are delivered to the table with a Retro Viewer that allows guests to gaze upon the picturesque mountains of Gstaad between sips. Afternoon tea starts at $50 per person.

Runner-Up: Almanac Rooftop

360-degree views of Barcelona, check. Instagrammable décor, check. Craft cocktails, check. Almanac Barcelona’s Azimuth rooftop bar is open year-round, beckoning guests with its coral-hued, cocoon-like lounges and cozy blankets during the mild winter months. The city is known for its gin and tonics, with the clear liquid and fizzy bubbles the perfect accessory for an Instagrammable rooftop view. Almanac’s signature ‘Dealer’s Choice’ cocktail is elevated with dry sherry from Jerez, grapefruit bitters and artisanal tonic water. Rates start from $287 per night.

For the Foodie Focused

Winner: Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum in Napa

Give the gift of the CIA. No, not that CIA ­– the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa Valley is the perfect place for travelers to the region to become immersed in the local food culture, with daily cooking classes and tastings from local wineries. Newly opened at the CIA, the Chuck Williams Culinary Art Museum features the 4,000-piece personal culinary collection ­– including rare special cookware, bread baking and culinary tools, appliances, and tableware – of the Williams-Sonoma founder. Admission to the museum is free. Class and tasting pricing varies with rates starting at $30.

Runner-Up: Shou Sugi Ban House

Get a taste for the flavors that put Noma in Copenhagen on the map! Chef Mads Refslund, formerly of the world’s best restaurant, now directs the food and beverage program at wabi sabi-inspired wellness retreat and destination spa Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons. The plant-based menu is inspired by Nordic, Japanese and New England cuisines. Located in Water Mill, New York, adjacent to the Parrish Art Museum, the 13-room property incorporates many forms of wellness in its multi-day retreats, which include spa and healing arts treatments, workshops, meditation and movement. Rates start at $550 per person.  

P.S. Don’t forget the most important carry-on items when traveling: chocolate and a face mask. La Maison du Chocolat’s Bars Unhinged ($14) are the perfect plane-size snack (think mini deconstructed chocolate bars). Guinot’s Newhite Instant Brightening Mask ($77, set of seven) is a travel-size sheet mask that removes those post-flight dark circles and creates a glow in 10 quick minutes.

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Gift of Travel: Insight Vacations’ Offers Special Discounts to Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt and Morocco Thru Nov. 8

Sistine Chapel, Vatican (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

For those looking to get their holiday gifts early this year, you can give the gift of travel this season with Insight Vacations’ air offers to Europe and beyond.

Delight your loved ones with wine under the Tuscan sun, a cruise over the turquoise-blue waters of Greece or even a private tour of the magnificent architecture of ancient Egypt. When they travel with Insight Vacations, they won’t just see a destination, they’ll meet it, feel it and taste it. Insight Vacations creates the opportunity to experience countries in depth with deliciously authentic dining, immersive experiences with locals and hand-picked, luxurious hotels— located in the heart of the destination. Our passionate Travel Directors will be with you every step of the way providing a seamless, magical and unforgettable experience.

From now until Nov. 8, you can save 10% on Insight’s immersive vacations to Europe plus $300 off economy air per couple.

Insight Vacations is offering 10% off trips with its popular Early Payment Discount on trips to Europe for those who book and pay in full by December 18, 2019. In addition, past guests and Club Bon Voyage Members can save up to 5%.

By choosing flights with American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair and Iberia, you can save $150 off per person on Economy, $200 off per person on Premium Economy or $300 off per person on Business Class on departures to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt and Morocco from Oct. 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020, and Sept. 1, 2020 to Nov. 15, 2020.

Insights’ immersive trips to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt include:

Best of Italy (11 days): Showcasing Italy’s grandest attractions, this remarkable journey takes guests to historic landmarks with a local expert such as the Vatican Museum, the Bramante Staircase, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. In Tuscany, guests experience a guided visit through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolò Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote “The Prince.” Afterwards, guests taste wines made from vineyards surrounding the home. They’ll also visit the Italian garden for a view of Florence’s iconic domed cathedral and explore the historic cellar connected to one of the oldest restaurants in Italy by a secret tunnel.  On Giudecca Island, guests will admire the age-old skill of glassblowing by skilled artisans at an arts center, and in Venice they will ride on a gondola while being serenaded through the historic canals under starry skies. Travelers also take a private cruise to the Isle of sun-kissed Capri to enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Wonders of Egypt (9 days): Guests begin this spectacular journey by visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and viewing the treasures of Tutankhamun with Insight’s professionally trained Egyptologist. They experience the splendor of the Great Pyramids and venture inside one of the inner chambers before gazing upon the mythical Great Sphinx. Clients then take a scenic flight to Luxor, where they explore the massive temple complex of Karnak before boarding their cruise ship then visiting the Temple of Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the west bank of the Nile they’ll explore the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt’s pharaohs, and visit a working bakery to watch local artisans making authentic Egyptian bread. The following evening clients experience a traditional Egyptian dinner and galabeya party, and on the final day they see the imposing Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the majestic Temple of Isis. The trip ends with a ride in a traditional Nile felucca, where clients learn about the art of sailing this ancient craft from a local sailor.

For more information, contact Insight Vacations at 800-582-8380 or visit www.insightvacations.com.

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Give the Gift of Travel this Valentine’s Day: Luxury Gold Proposes Top 7 Chairman’s Collection Experiences

Join Princess Anita von Hohenberg at Artstetten Castle

Luxury Gold is inviting travelers to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the meaningful gift of travel and journeys beyond the ordinary by presenting its expanded 2019 Chairman’s Collection of VIP travel experiences personally curated by The Travel Corporation (TTC)’s Chairman Stanley Tollman.

The collection offers travelers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the world’s Legendary Locals such as Princess Anita von Hohenberg at her Artstetten castle and Count Francesco Mazzei at his Tuscan estate. Guests will be transported into an elite world of regal lunches, noble dinners and cocktails with aristocracy and they will also meet other exceptional local characters.

Here are the Top 7 Chairman’s Collection experiences with only a handful of select departures offering opportunities to meet these Legendary Locals:

1. Learn the Art of Wine Making with Marchese Francesco Mazzei at his Centuries Old Tuscan Estate

Wine lovers and guests can join the 12-day Ultimate Italy journey on the May 19th and May 22nd departures to meet Count Francesco Mazzei whose family has perfected the art of winemaking for over 24 generations. For the past 600 years, the Mazzei family has been pioneers and champions of Chianti wines since the very beginning. Travelers will meet a member of the Mazzei family at their vineyard estate, Castello di Fonterutoli for a private tour, including a delicious Tuscan lunch using fresh seasonal ingredients and wine tasting.

2. Enjoy a Private Cocktail Reception with Princess Anita von Hohenberg at Her Home in Artstetten Castle

Austria History buffs and travelers can join the 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury journey on the May 14th and May 20th 2019 departures to meet Princess Anita. She is a proud descendant of the Habsburgs which includes prominent historical figures such as Empress Maria Theresa and Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Guests will join the princess for a private sparkling wine reception and hear personal stories about her family heritage.

3. Join Lady Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland for a Private Tour at Alnwick Castle’s Award-Winning Gardens
Gardening lovers and guests can book the 9 or 10-day British Royale escorted journey on the April 19th and August 9th, 2019 departures. The Duchess takes immense pride in her family home, the majestic 11th century Alnwick Castle which is considered one of Britain’s most iconic castles and was featured in the Harry Potter film series. Thanks to her visionary planning, fundraising and care, the adjoining castle gardens have been meticulously restored beyond their former grandeur. While over 800,000 people visit each year, only Luxury Gold guests will join Lady Percy for a private tour of her award-winning gardens.

4. Indulge in a Memorable Dinner with Count Remy de Scitivaux at Paris’ Oldest Restaurant Francophiles and travelers can join Count Remy at the legendary Le Procope, Paris’ oldest restaurant in continuous operation since 1686 on the 10-day French Vogue journey on May 11th and September 14th, 2019 departures. Count Remy will recount stories of Paris’ greatest intellects and artists who frequented this restaurant. Guests will enjoy an exceptional dining experience located in the equally iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and sample the famous coq au vin and homemade millefeuille.

5. Sample Local Wines with Canadian Olympic athlete and legendary alpine skier, Rob Boyd in Whistler
Sports fans and guests can join an exclusive reception to meet Canadian Olympic athlete, Rob Boyd in the scenic mountain village of Whistler while exchanging insightful stories and sampling local wine on the 22-day Majesty of the Rockies journey on June 2nd, July 14th and August 11th, 2019 departures.

6. Enjoy Locally Distilled Drinks with Grammy Award winner and Country Hall of Fame Musician, Charlie McCoy in Nashville 
Music aficionados who adore jazz, blues, rock and country music can join the lively 14-day Sumptuous Soul of America journey, departing on the May 12th and September 8th, 2019. Guests will meet Charlie McCoy who performed with musical legends, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash and will recount his epic stories over locally distilled bourbon.

7. Exclusive Celebration Dinner with Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Hocajo in Maui

Foodies and guests can meet Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Hocajo and enjoy an exclusive celebration dinner created by world famous chef, Michael Lofaro on the 12-day Luxurious Hawaiian Escape journey, on the April 7th and September 15th, 2019 departures. Kainoa is an emerging leader in the field of cultural tourism and will share impactful stories about his native Hawaiian values and culture. He has studied under the guidance of highly respected kupuna (elders) and to help honour the traditions of his ancestors.

Travelers can view the complete Chairman’s Collection experiences: https://www.luxurygoldvacations.com/us/vacation-types/the-chairmans-collection.

Contact your travel advisor, or Luxury Gold at 888-862-5952, www.luxurygoldvacations.com

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