Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests while searching for the Northern Lights.
(Longyearbyen, SVALBARD) — Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, making it the lowest impact Arctic Northern Lights adventure ever. Using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests indulge their green sensibilities at any hour of the day while searching for the Northern Lights in the eco-friendly “Truly Green Aurora” holiday.
The new adventure is
based in Longyearbyen on the island of Svalbard at 78° North, an island
designated as a Sustainable Destination. The itinerary is recommended from
November to January when the skies over the island are almost permanently
black, forming a perfect backdrop for searching the Aurora both daytime and
nighttime. www.offthemap.travel
“Although the Northern
Lights are a natural phenomenon and are never guaranteed, you need clear, dark
skies to optimize your chances to see them,” notes Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel
expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. He explains, “Svalbard’s dark skies
and extended Aurora viewing are due to the sun’s being at least 6 degrees below
the horizon. This means it can be dark all day so the Northern Lights can
appear at any time. In effect, the sun never rises.”
To compliment this eco
Arctic adventure, guests will also journey into the wilderness on a snowshoe
trek and hunt for the Aurora while driving a dogsled. The activities and
experiences minimize travel impact and encourage connection with the
environment and culture. The new holiday is in line with the reason Svalbard
and Longyearbyen were designated a prestigious Sustainable Destination where
travel experiences are designed to care for nature, culture and environment as
well as strengthen local social values.
“The new eBikes are
snowmobiles that use electric motors that are great for the environment as well
as totally quiet permitting a closer connection with local wildlife and
nature,” states Cooper. “The quiet engine allows for gentle searching of the
Northern Lights, reindeer, ptarmigans and polar foxes. Exploring some of the
most uncharted areas of our planet has never been more eco-friendly,” he adds.
As with any itinerary
from Off the Map Travel, every adventure can be tailor-made to fit the wishes
and requirements of any guest. As an example, a 4-day, 3-night A Truly Green All Day
Aurora itinerary with Off
the Map Travel, is priced starting from $1407 per person, not including
flights. This includes private transfers and three nights at Funken Lodge on a
B&B basis, Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz, use of an
electric snowmobile under the Aurora, dog sledding under the Aurora,
snowshoeing to an ice cave, and a tour to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an
underground bunker where seeds, nuts and plant species are stored and protected
against global crisis. https://www.offthemap.travel/green-aurora/
Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with
experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the
world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off
the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive
vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations
anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke
itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for
families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with
activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel
On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.
TRUCKEE,
CA – On Dec. 4, 2021, there
will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream
about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship
expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the
Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the
south polar region.
Vessels accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers are specifically appointed to
maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of
the moon shadow during the eclipse.
Itineraries of 20 to 24 days will utilize in-depth technology to find the best
possible viewing area, hoping to ensure an unobscured sun.
Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, the ultimate polar
wilderness. These eclipse cruises aim to be in the Weddell Sea to witness the
phenomena among giant tabular icebergs and sea ice.
For some passengers the eclipse will be the expedition’s highlight. However,
the ongoing adventure into spring in Antarctica will leave everyone in awe over
some of the world’s most impressive scenery, including icebergs of every size
and description, and Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Waters
rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. Penguins form
large nesting colonies on land.
Antarctica cruises, already once-in-a-lifetime experiences, become even more so on
the following small ships in December 2021. Following are the scheduled
departures for eclipse viewing:
Nov. 25-Dec. 14, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Janssonius; per person double
rates from $16,400.
Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius; per person double
rates from $16,400.
The Plancius, Janssonius and Hondius are purpose-built expedition vessels
designed exclusively for polar cruises. These ships offer top-tier activity
gear and exploratory educational travel programs, with guests spending as much
time ashore as possible.
23-Day
Voyage
Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2021 – Antarctic Wildlife Adventure, aboard 114-guest Sea Spirit; per person double rates from $18,395. Complementing the strong
credentials of the ship’s team of marine biology, history, geology and
ornithology specialists will be Paul M. Sutter, astrophysicist, author,
speaker, producer and on-air host. His first book, Your Place in the
Universe; Understanding Our Big, Messy Existence, was published by
Prometheus Books in 2018. He is the author of over 50 articles on astrophysics
and serves as Chief Scientist of the Center of Science and Industry in
Columbus, Ohio.
On these National
Geographic cruises, photography experts will share information about special
equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse, like solar
filters. And the onboard National Geographic photographer and certified photo instructor
will prepare guests for the special challenges of shooting an eclipse from a
ship, where tripods and long exposures don’t work on what amounts to a moving
platform. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and
background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in
the Southern Ocean and Southern Hemisphere.
For intrepid explorers who can’t wait until 2021 to experience Antarctica,
AdventureSmith Explorations announces availability with some rate savings on the
following Antarctic expeditions in the 2019-2020 season.
Antarctic Peninsula – 5 percent savings if cruise for 2019, 2020 and 2021
seasons is booked by Dec. 1, 2019.
Antarctic Latitudes – save 15 percent on 2019-2020 cruises if booked by Nov.
30, 2019; and save up to $1,700 per person on 2020-2021 cruises if booked by
Dec. 31, 2019.
Founded in 2003,
AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of
Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd
Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists
list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.
For details on all of
AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and
for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit
the company website.
Poseidon Expeditions, specialists in Arctic cruises, offers opportunities aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat. On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Bet of Svalbard cruises, guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals.
PROVIDENCE, RI– In an ancient ice age the
four-legged critter we associate with Santa’s sleigh lived as far south as
Tennessee. Whether those reindeer picked up a southern drawl is still up for
debate.
What’s non-debatable is that Rangifer tarandus or reindeer
(aka caribou), meaning snow shoveler, was so named by the Mi’kmaq, who were
among original inhabitants of the Atlantic Provinces of Northern Canada.
The specialists in Arctic cruises, Poseidon Expeditions, offers opportunities
aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see
reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat.
On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Best of Svalbard cruises,
guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals as…
A reindeer’s hide is covered with hair follicles that are hollow and that trap air that provides insulation.
Their noses warm the air before it reaches the lungs.
In the winter, facial hair grows long to the mouth, protecting muzzles while grazing in snow.
Its body temperature adjusts to just above freezing to avoid losing body heat in extremely cold conditions.
Both male and female reindeer sport antlers.
They vocalize through air sacs in their neck, males warning other males away from girlfriends and females communicating with their young.
The knees of one subspecies of reindeer make a clicking noise while walking, sounds that allow a herd to stay together in a blizzard.
And about the polar bear?
Adult females often weigh between 500 and 600 pounds; males are double these weights. Cubs enter the world at around one pound, females reaching full weight at age five and males by age 10.
Ask anyone what color a polar bear is and they’ll reply “white” with total confidence. The fact is, their fur is actually transparent and holds no color. It only appears white because it reflects visible light. The transparent fur also traps in the sun’s heat to help keep the polar bear warm.
When polar bears swim, they use their large front paws to propel themselves through the water and their back legs to steer. They can actually move pretty fast at approximately at 6 mph, closing their nostrils when under water.
They can go days, even weeks, without eating. When they reach a week or more without food, their metabolism slows down and goes into starvation mode until the next meal.
Polar bear cubs learn to freeze or “play dead” while momma bear hunts for food. If they’re caught moving, mom will discipline them, with a smack to the head.
Two-thirds of polar bears could disappear by 2050 due to disappearing hunting grounds, or sea ice. They are now compelled to swim such long distances that they are drowning from exhaustion.
While cruising around seldom-visited, natural preserves of the far north, guests may also experience polar wildlife from the perspective of a kayak. Imagine paddling with bearded seals, large and peaceful creatures that are often encountered at close range reposing on ice floes in sheltered bays and fjords. Harbor seals and ringed seals can be seen from a kayak as well. Sometimes massive walrus can also be seen.
Guests may also access beluga whales via kayak. Paddling with these gentle and intelligent creatures in the wild — hearing their breaths and feeling their inquisitive gaze upon you — is a life-changing experience, especially if it happens to be a pod of over a hundred beluga whales swimming in long procession past and underneath the kayaks.
Poseidon Expedition’s sea kayak guides are well versed in the wildlife viewing and protection protocols developed by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).
The rates for 2020 Arctic Wildlife Safari, West Spitsbergen & Polar Ice Edge, are discounted: May 31-June 8, June 7-June 15, June 14-June 22 from $5,895 to $5,305; June 21-July 1 from $7,295 to $6,566 and June 30-July 11 from $8,095 to $7,286. On the June 7 departure guests receive a bonus, the opportunity to mingle with a polar bear expert from the Cincinnati Zoo.
Best of Svalbard, Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge cruises offers three departures in June and July 2020. Children under age 12 travel at half the regular rate when sharing a double-occupancy cabin with an adult. Per person double rates are from $10,095 double in a main deck suite.
For inquires and reservations in North America, or to request a catalog, contact the company’s Providence, RI, sales and reservation office at www,poseidonexpeditions.com or call 347-801-2610, or contact your travel agent.
With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia, Cyprus and China, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
PONANT announced a new partnership with the Musée du Louvre to bring Paris to the sea with two new sailings in the Adriatic and Persian Gulf departing in August and November 2020 respectively. In collaboration with PONANT, onboard programming will be carefully designed with curators and department directors from the Louvre for guests to discover the ancient lands that have inspired the museum’s collections.
PONANT, a leader in
luxury expeditions, will continue to broaden its horizons in 2020 with the
addition of two new ships, a new partnership and 50 new itineraries through
destinations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
NEW SHIPS
The PONANT EXPLORERS
fleet will total six ships with the launch of LeBellot in April 2020and LeJacques
Cartierin July 2020.Both vessels will feature an
innovative Blue Eye lounge located eight feet beneath the water line. The
industry-first, multi-sensory space will allow guests to experience the
subaquatic world through sight, sound and feel.
Space to watch: PONANT will also
launch Le Commandant Charcot in May 2021. As the first
luxury hybrid polar vessel, it will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas and
electric battery. The ship will be able to reach the true North Pole at 90
degrees latitude.
NEW PARTNERSHIP
PONANT announced a new partnership with the Musée du Louvre to bring Paris to the sea with two new sailings in the Adriatic and Persian Gulf departing in August and November 2020 respectively. In collaboration with PONANT, onboard programming will be carefully designed with curators and department directors from the Louvre for guests to discover the ancient lands that have inspired the museum’s collections.
NEW ITINERARIES
NORTH AMERICA: PONANT will have a new eight-day itinerary from
Alaska to British Columbia. As the leader in
luxury polar expeditions, PONANT is the authority on traversing the
northern icy waters. On the July 22, 2020 departure, Le Soléal will travel along
the Tracy Arm Fjord, amidst dramatic cliffs that rise more than 3,000 feet on
either side. Travelers will then explore smaller inlets on the coast where
guests can see humpback whales, cascading waterfalls and neon blue
glaciers.
EUROPE: PONANT will have eight ships exploring Europe’s
coastline on more than 15 new itineraries. Among the highlights is a
nine-night, music-themed cruise in September 2020 that will cover the rich
cultural heritage of Northern Europe accompanied by world-class chamber
musicians performing an all-Beethoven repertoire. The sailing coincides with a
worldwide celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. In warmer
waters, new Mediterranean sailings will include trips between Athens and Venice
and voyages through the Aegean Sea.
ASIA: Le Jacques Cartier – one of the line’s newest vessels – will
debut five Asia sailings in fall and winter 2020. The ship, which features the
industry-first Blue Eye lounge, is set to travel through the Persian Gulf and
Gulf of Oman on an eight-night journey that makes stops in Muscat, Dubai, Abu
Dhabi and Doha among other smaller ports, like Sur, Khasab and Sir Bani
Yas. Meanwhile a new itinerary on Le Lapérouse will
depart from Mumbai on December 28, 2020 and continue south to the atolls in the
Maldives before concluding in Sri Lanka.
AFRICA: Guests will be able to see the Seychelles like
never before as Le Bougainville and its underwater lounge
embark on a selection of new expeditions in the region beginning in December
2019. The ship will make a new port of call each day. Suspended in the
Indian Ocean, the atolls are only accessible by boat. In addition to exploring
UNESCO World Heritage sites, there will be opportunities to spot wildlife, like
the indigenous Aldabra tortoises, weighing up to 550 pounds.
WORLDWIDE: In 2020, PONANT will continue to offer a series
of themed cruises that feature onboard speakers and tailored shore excursions
that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into the history of the
destinations. Each of the six different itineraries will touch on a different
topic with highlights including a birding trip through Costa Rica, a culinary
sailing that circumnavigates Sicily, and a voyage through the Baltic Sea with
leading policy makers, including former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO Admiral James Stavridis.
Established in 1988 by
Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and a dozen officers from the French Merchant Navy, PONANT
offers a style of sea travel which combines exceptional itineraries with luxury
hotel services aboard smaller-scale ships. In 2021 PONANT will launch Le
Commandant Charcot, the first electric hybrid cruise ship with luxury
appointments, yet another pioneering development in polar exploration. It
will be the first ship to reach the true geographic North Pole.
For more information on PONANT’s worldwide itineraries to the Arctic, Antarctica as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Asia, Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, Eastern Asia, Oceania, Central and South America, visit www.ponant.com, call l 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.
In 2020, take the kids on an alternative spring break that will bring classroom learning to life. Discover art and history or wildlife and nature on board a CroisiEurope cruise.
In 2020, take the kids
on an alternative spring break that will bring classroom learning to life.
Discover art and history or wildlife and nature on board a CroisiEurope cruise. From the
historical seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle in France’s Aquitaine
Region to Africa’s diverse flora and fauna, there’s a new adventure for every
type of traveler waiting to be discovered.
Travelers who book a
2020 cruise before November 30, 2019 can receive a discount of up to 5% off per
person, per trip with the special code: EARBOOUS.
Travel to the ends of the earth in South Africa: From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, discover incredible wildlife, take in the breathtaking scenery, and indulge in local flavors of Africa. Prices for this 9-day trip begin at $7,315 per person.
Discover the Spanish Coast, the Algarve Region, and Lisbon: Eat your way through famous cities like Barcelona, Cartagena, and Malaga and enjoy a guided tour of Portugal’s “City of Light,” Lisbon. Prices for this 11-day trip begin at $6,725 per person.
Cruises
include all excursions, activities, meals and drinks served on board.
Set on 450 acres of parkland, Dromoland Castle dates back to 16th century Ireland when it was home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Converted to a hotel in the 1960s and fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration, Dromoland Castle exhibits the best of its regal Irish heritage.
As frosty days turn to
long nights, there’s no need to escape the cold. Put the winter doldrums aside
and embrace the best that the season has to offer, Downton Abbey-style, at
Ireland’s Dromoland Castle. Think: Cozy spaces. Evenings spent by the fire.
Brisk walks through the countryside. Days idle by, with opportunities to enjoy
falconry or horseback riding. Warm up with afternoon tea or a signature spa
treatment. Nights are for indulging in an artful take on traditional Irish
ingredients at The Earl of Thomond Restaurant before retiring to the cocktail
bar for a tarot-card inspired libation or a glass of Irish whiskey. Then, it’s
off to the stately guest rooms for a restful night before beginning another day
as a royal.
If Ireland’s temperate
climate isn’t enough to lure travelers from the States – though it’s chilly,
the daily low rarely dips below freezing – Dromoland Castle in County Clare has
a number of winter specials on offer. Stay two nights and receive a special
rate that includes a five-course Table d’Hote Dinner in the Earl of Thomond
Restaurant. The two-night package starts at $700 based on double occupancy. Or,
gather your gal pals for a special wine weekend from February 21–22. The
getaway includes a six-course meal that showcases the best of the Co. Clare
culinary scene, paired with six different wines. Rates start at $881 for the
two-night package.
Set on 450 acres of
parkland with 97 rooms and suites, Dromoland Castle dates back to the 16th
century when it was home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back 1,000
years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Converted to a
hotel in the 1960s and fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration,
Dromoland Castle exhibits the best of its regal Irish heritage.
Central to Dromoland
Castle’s appeal is its location. Just 15 minutes from Shannon Airport,
Dromoland sits at the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way – the 1,553-mile route
along Ireland’s west coast. Dotted with small fishing villages, the trail
passes vivid seascapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop to enjoy a local
catch. The Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just an hour’s
drive from the Castle. And the limestone, lunar-like landscape of the Burren
National Park is only 45 minutes away.
Though surrounded by
Ireland’s famously dramatic landscapes, Dromoland Castle is just an hour away
from Galway, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2020. The arts
abound, as the city has been designated a UNESCO City of Film, and it has a vibrant
musical, theater and literature scene. Dublin, home to the newly opened Museum
of Literature Ireland, is 2.5 hours east.
Families: Multigenerational families have the perfect venue at Dromoland,
which features something for each age group – tennis lessons, bespoke golf
clinics, horse and buggy rides, archery, garden tours, falconry, bubble baths
on demand, and even a genealogy expert to help trace any Irish familial roots.
Golf: No one does greens better than Ireland. With its 18-hole parkland course,
Dromoland offers expert lessons at its School of Golf, as well as a newly
renovated driving range that feature “power tees,” eliminating the need for
bending down to replace a tee each time.
Dromoland is perfectly
suited to enjoy Ireland’s famed links courses – Lahinch, Ballybunion
and Tralee – as well as the new Adare Manor, which will host the Ryder Cup in
2026. Stay at Dromoland and transfer between the courses via helicopter – which
the Castle can arrange – or simply take advantage of Dromoland’s ability to
book a tee time.
Weddings: All of Dromoland Castle can be rented out for royally lavish
weddings. Among the Irish touches: The bride can make her entrance via horse
and carriage; bagpipers can create fanfare as the guests arrive; tents or even
glass pavilions can be erected on-site; step dancers can perform; and fireworks
over the golf course will end the evening with a pop!
Belmond’s new two-night package, “The Party” begins at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice before boarding the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a jazzy jaunt to London.
Belmond’s iconic Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express will put the roar from the 1920s into the 2020s with the
launch of “The Party” – a new two-night package that transports guests
across Europe and back in time. Held from March 27–29, 2020, the festivities kick
off at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice with a speakeasy party to rival any Jay
Gatsby could have thrown. The following day, guests will board the train to be
whisked off to London for a jazzy jaunt that will evoke the Golden Age of
glamour.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
will wind through Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France, passing the snowy
Alps and glassy lakes. Clad in flapper dresses and spats, guests will bring
history to life on board the train’s 17 carriages, all of which are from the
1920s. As “The Party” roars along the rails, surprise entertainment and
impromptu performances will unfold both on and off the train.
Prices for “The Party”
start at £3,760 (approximately $4,845) per person, which includes a one-night
stay at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in a Garden View Room, the celebratory party, a
stay in a twin cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and all drinks,
table d’hote meals and entertainment aboard the train.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
travels throughout Europe from March to November, and the train embarks on the
iconic journey to Istanbul once a year. The 2020 season sees the addition of
three new Grand Suites on the train – each with 24-hour butler service, free
flowing champagne and a private en-suite bathroom – named for the cities that
inspired the design: Vienna, Budapest and Prague.
The event is being curated in partnership with
Private Drama Events. Private Drama Events is a leading UK creator of
luxury experiences and collective of storytellers (www.privatedramaevents.com @privatedramaevents).
Belmond
Ltd., part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët
Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has been a pioneer of luxury travel for more than
40 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of
one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching
destinations.
Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in
Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to push industry boundaries,
taking discerning global travellers on surprising and unforgettable
journeys spanning land, water, adventure and relaxation, with
international acclaim. The portfolio of 46 properties extends
across 24 countries, encompassing
three luxury safari lodges, two river
cruises, seven luxury trains (including the iconic Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express) and the legendary ‘21’ restaurant in New York. From historic city landmarks like Belmond Cadogan
Hotel and Belmond Copacabana Palace to hidden retreats at Belmond Cap Juluca
and Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, each incomparable property has its own
timeless story to tell, yet the hallmarks of the brand thread through them
all: heritage, craftsmanship and a reputation for genuine, unscripted service
in an unrivalled location, creating exceptional experiences that stir
the soul. www.belmond.com
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.
Glamping Hub is an online
booking platform and leading portal for unique outdoor accommodations across
the globe. With over 35,000 accommodations in over 120 countries, Glamping
Hub’s mission is to connect travelers with nature in order to create authentic
experiences in which travelers can stay in the great outdoors without having to
sacrifice creature comforts—camping with added luxuries and five-star
amenities.
Glamping Hub is a third-party booking platform and does not own any of the vacation rentals listed on the website. Guests can find over 27 different types of glamping accommodations to choose from on Glamping Hub from safari tents, tree houses, and cabins to tipis, villas, and domes.
There are
several defining factors Glamping Hub looks for in an accommodation in order to
determine its eligibility for listing. It must have close access to nature,
hotel-quality comfort, and offer guests a unique experience. Glamping Hub’s
business model is both transactional and highly scalable. For each transaction
made through the website, Glamping Hub collects a 4% commission from the hosts
and a 6% to 12% service fee from the guest (depending on the size of the
booking), resulting in an average of 10% of the total booking that Glamping Hub
retains from each transaction.
In the
global market, there is an estimated 100,000+ glamping accommodations—with
eight units per site and an average of $320 per night stay—creating a $45
billion (and growing) market. And glamping is not just luxury camping, but also
ski getaways, wine country stays, safari excursions, surf camps, yoga retreats,
and wildlife tours, which increases the outdoor accommodation marked to $200
billion and growing.
Within the vacation rental sector, Glamping Hub is the one of the only platforms that is both transactional and specialized, which is due to a number of factors, including rigorously researched SEO practices, lower rates and costs, organic traction and unique visits, and its marketing tools. In 2016, Glamping Hub received 2.6 million visits, resulting in 12,000 booking requests and $2.1 million in revenue, and by the end of 2018, those figures tripled.
Glamping
Hub is a global team with two offices—one in Sevilla, Spain and the other in
Denver, Colorado—with over 100 employees and interns from over 13 different
countries. Not only does Glamping Hub shine with 90% of guest reviews with
4-star and 5-star ratings, but Glamping Hub has also been featured in many
highly-regarded publications, including The New York Times, the New York Post,
Forbes, TIME, NBC, USA Today, Travel and Leisure, Lonely Planet, O Magazine,
and more.
At Glamping Hub, the accommodation is the destination. In August,
2018, Glamping Hub launched it’s first ever, “This is Glamping Hub” video,
on the homepage to redefine what is glamping. Travelers choose Glamping Hub
because they care about their trips being truly memorable. We’re
different to other websites in that all of our accommodations have been handpicked
and placed in a targeted collection, and support our four core values: Unique,
Experience, To-Gather, and Nature. Glamping Hub’s accommodations are
one-of-a-kind and completely submerged in nature, where our guests can
disconnect from their daily lives and reconnect with each other for an
experience they will never forget.
By combining the amenities of a luxury boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a wooded campground, Fireside Resort offers Wyoming’s best glamping experience
Interest in glamping – or, “glamorous camping” – is growing among North American leisure travelers, according to the 2019 North American Glamping Report. The report reveals that 30% of North American travelers have taken a glamping trip over the past two years, and 60% of those travelers represent the millennial or Gen Z generations. An array of glamping destinations have popped up around the world in recent years, offering everything from geodesic domes to Airstream RVs to tiny homes. Here are five glamping options in South America, Africa, Russia and the USA that rival anything on the market:
1. Fireside Resort: By combining the
amenities of a luxury boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a wooded
campground, Fireside Resort offers Wyoming’s best glamping experience. The
lodging options reflect the heritage of the valley’s original homesteader
cabins, with cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, private furnished decks, and
outdoor fire pits. Situated on wildlife-filled acres where moose, elk,
red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and deer roam, Fireside Resort is a mere seven
miles from Jackson’s bustling town square.
2. Kachi Lodge: On
Adventure Life’s High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile tour, explore the extreme
geography of Lake Titicaca, mountains, canyons, lagoons and the largest salt
desert in the world, Salar de Uyuni. Upgrade your trip and stay in a Kachi
Lodge dome, offering the comfort of a luxury hotel room and authentic,
inventive dining on the salt flats at the foot of Tunupa Volcano, at an
altitude of 11,800 feet.
3. Ryabaga Camp: The
Ponoi River in Russia offers some the world’s best Atlantic salmon fishing. At
Ryabaga Camp, guests enjoy their own cabin with queen beds and en suite
bathroom with hot water, electricity and internet (email access). Gourmet, chef-prepared
meals are served in the “Big Tent,” the camp’s social hub. For a true
wilderness location, Ryabaga Camp stands alone with its level of service and
accommodations.
4. Kestrel Camp: The
American Prairie Reserve in Montana is piecing together what will be the
largest nature reserve in the lower 48 states, totaling 3.5 million acres, and
restoring habitat and species in the process. APR’s Kestrel Camp offers five
yurt-style luxury suites set around a central lounge and dining room serving
chef-prepared meals, as well as a safari-style experience with special access
to tour the reserve’s ecosystem with personal naturalists.
5. Sossus Under
Canvas: On Adventure Life’s Namibia Under Canvas tour,
climb the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the coastal city of Swakopmund,
marvel at the natural wonders of Damaraland and search for wildlife in Etosha
National Park. Return each night to a camp like Sossus Under Canvas, where
tents are protected from the elements by natural stone walls and roofs built
from recycled oil drums, and furnishings are made of recycled metal and wood.
The camp is virtually invisible from any distance has a low environmental
footprint.
