MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Cultural Travel, Responsible Travel

Wildland Adventures Guides Guests Beyond Over-Touristed Sites On Explorations of Turkey

September 18, 2019 MoralCompass

Wildland Adventures to Turkey embrace the culture people flock here to experience.

SEATTLE, WA – Over-touristed sites are now the new norm throughout the world.

For example, this year in record numbers, tourists are queuing up at the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul.

“Travel is an investment in time and money. Istanbul has cultural and historical treasures that extend beyond the Blue Mosque. So why waste hours just to get inside a building you have been told you must see?” asks Kurt Kutay, CEO and President of Wildland Adventures.

Instead, Wildland Adventures guides with deep knowledge of Istanbul and Turkey will share the Blue Mosque story with fine-tuned timing that skirts crowds and by introducing historical/cultural takeaways at less selfie-prone places.

“This resurgence of interest to visit Turkey is keeping us on our toes,” Kutay says. “We have to be aware, well in advance, where the maddening crowds will gather next. Then we plan contingencies that will connect the same cultural dots that the hot spots do – but perhaps even more effectively without the distractions that come with crowds.” Turkey has 100,000 registered historic spots. If a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site is over-run by crowds, Kutay’s team will choose the best hours to visit or designate a comparable place to fulfill a similar interest and expectation.

Wildland Adventures to Turkey embrace the culture people flock here to experience. “We bring our guests as close as possible to real worlds, freed of artifice, must-sees and must-dos,” Kutay explains. Among the takeaways that Wildland Adventures guests enjoy are:

Extant Greek and Roman ruins, more numerous here than in Greece and Italy combined.
One of the world’s prized cuisines. “We make sure to feature a different dish every day. Dining in Turkey is simultaneously a history lesson served up on a plate,” Kutay exudes, paraphrasing Poet Abdulhak Sinasi who wrote: “Do not dismiss the dish saying that it is just, simply food. The blessed thing is an entire civilization in itself.”
Visits to less-known alternative sites that are comparable to the crowded hotspots to imbibe history, culture and traditions. “Instead of waiting in lines, our guests talk with local people including merchants, artists and religious leaders.” Most tours focus exclusively on historic sites around Sultanahmet Square, which is less than half a mile in diameter and a stone’s throw from the cruise ship dock. But Constantinople (so named until 1930) is surrounded by 14 miles of walls; the heart of the ancient city is four miles east to west. Wildland Adventures extends tours into old, traditional neighborhoods and to Bosphorus villages for a full understanding of old and contemporary Istanbul.
Experiences that move beyond monuments and historic buildings. Guests visit markets, eat street food, visit artist workshops, neighborhood coffee shops, wine bars and panoramic rooftop bars to take it all in on a grand scale.
Cruising the Turquoise Coast of the Mediterranean in traditional hand-built Gulets (classic Phoenician-style, wooden yachts). Guests explore along footpaths only accessible from the sea, paths that lead to pastoral grazing lands chalk full of Crusader, Byzantine Greek and Roman archaeological sites. “It’s all about timing as well by avoiding busy coastal towns and beaches where tourists flock by day,” underscores Kutay. “We anchor in quiet coves and wait until tourists disappear for the day. We then serve wine and appetizers in ancient ruins where, sitting in the sunset, we take turns reciting poetry or singing a song in the Odeon (a stone structure specific to the ancient arts).”

The tours Wildland Adventures offers in Turkey are:

Turquoise Coast Odyssey – a 13-day itinerary from $4,965 per person double. Accommodations include a restored Ottoman home in the heart of a mountain village, a boutique cave hotel and Istanbul inns with rooftop restaurants. Highlights are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kas, an Anatolian village, Ephesus and a voyage along the Turquoise Coast in a traditional gulet yacht.
Highlights of Turkey – a 9-day exploration from $3,695 per person double. This itinerary embraces Turkey’s three most important cultural and political centers: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus on foot along ancient pathways and by boat. Guests enjoy well-appointed friendly hotels, a boutique cave accommodation and a renovated historic hotel in the Aegean highlands.

Departure dates are available upon request. Kutay notes that even though there’s more pressure on prices because of renewed demand by tourists, the Turkish Lira has fallen against the stronger dollar.

“Our trip prices remain the same as they were three years ago,” he notes.

Kurt Kutay, Founding CEO/President, and Anne Kutay, Vice-President, established Wildland Adventures in 1987. As active managing directors, they are continuously refining and evolving their Wild Style of travel. The ‘Wild Style’ is based on an ethic of sincerity, compassion and understanding that breaks down barriers of separation to build lasting intercultural, interpersonal, and environmental bonds designed to enhance rather than exploit the people and places where they travel.

For more information on these itineraries and all of Wildland Adventures’ worldwide offerings, availability and reservations, call 1-800-345-4453 or email [email protected]. Visit http://www.wildland.com/. Kutay has also recently published 6 Ways to Travel Responsibly in an Age of Overtourism.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, Cultural Travel, cycling trips, Historic Places, international travel

Ride & Seek Organizes Marco Polo Cycling Expedition

September 18, 2019 MoralCompass

Ride & Seek adventure cycling company has introduced the first two stages of The Marco Polo Expedition, cycling 1900 km from Venice to Athens.

(Provence, France) — Ride & Seek, an adventure cycling company offering itineraries that follow in the footsteps of historical figures, is thrilled to announce its most ambitious project to date: The Marco Polo Expedition. The goal of this newly created tour is to cycle from Venice, Italy to Beijing, China in seven distinct stages. The first two stages are scheduled to run in September 17 – October 14, 2020, leading riders 1,900 km from Venice to Athens, Greece over 26 days.

Guests will bike down the coast from Italy through Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece, riding from harbor to harbor. Accommodations range from charming Soviet-style hotels to agriturismos and modern boutique hotels. Fine wine and gourmet food will be featured throughout the trip. This epic excursion ranges from $5,260 USD to $11,248 USD per person.

“Our Epic Adventures are all created with a sense of discovery at their core, and this tour fulfills that in abundance,” said Ride & Seek Founder Dylan Reynolds. “Marco Polo is one of the great travelers in history and in many ways, he embodies the spirit of the tours we run.”

Polo was a Venetian merchant who journeyed across Asia at the height of the Mongol Empire. He first set out at age 17 with his father and uncle, travelling overland along what later became known as the Silk Road. Upon reaching China, Marco Polo entered the court of powerful Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, who dispatched him on trips to help administer the realm. Marco Polo remained abroad for 24 years.

STAGE 1 – Venice to Dubrovnik
Leaving Venice by boat, the first stage of The Marco Polo Expedition embraces the essence of island-hopping, which lies at the heart of this tour. We negotiate our way down the stunning Dalmatian coast via Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace of Korcula and take in such jewels as Hvar and Split on our way to the enchanting city of Dubrovnik. 12-days/11-nights, 738 km, September 17-29 2020

STAGE 2 – Dubrovnik to Athens
Leaving Dubrovnik, riders quickly enter the beguiling country of Montenegro before jumping on to the road-less-traveled through fascinating Albania, a true tour highlight and phenomenal cycling destination. The final week take guests first to Corfu, before heading inland towards Athens. 16-days/15-nights, 1,050 km, September 29 – October 14, 2020

For more information, visit https://www.rideandseek.com/tour/marco-polo/.

Ride & Seek is a worldwide adventure cycling company offering unique historical itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy, and cultural immersion. Cyclists can not only ride some of the greatest roads in Europe but also visit some of the most spectacular sites as well. Providing a cultural insight into the areas visited both historically and gastronomically is central. Historical journeys and cultural adventures are the company’s specialties. https://rideandseek.com

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Active Travel, Cultural Travel, Endangered Places, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel

Industry to Gather on World Tourism Day to Discuss Best Practices for Responsible, Sustainable Travel

September 3, 2019 MoralCompass

Biking in India: Travel can provide the economic base to sustain ancient heritage and conserve wildlife and environment but too much can also destroy. Responsible travel industry entities and governments are working to minimize adverse impact. One of the ways for travelers to maximize their contribution and minimize adverse impact is by a bike tour © *Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

How can the travel industry better support the communities we love around the world? On World Tourism Day, leaders in tourism and community development will come together in Washington, DC on Friday, September 27, to discuss best practices for travel giving, voluntourism, and corporate social impact.

The 2019 World Tourism Day Forum, Impact Tourism: Giving Time, Talent, & Treasure, is a day-long event focused on how tourism business, travelers, and organizations are successfully making strategic contributions of time, talent, and treasure to social and environmental projects in destinations. Recognizing that “doing good” does not always mean “doing right,” the forum will also examine the downsides of poorly implemented travel giving programs.

Hosted by the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) and the Organization of American States, this event will trace the evolution of what was originally referred to as “travelers’ philanthropy” into “impact tourism,” which is recognized today as a core component of responsible travel. Designed to generate insights and highlight innovation, the forum will also discuss the future of this growing source of development assistance.

Select speakers include:

James Thornton, Chief Executive Officer, Intrepid Travel
Chris Blackwell, Founder, Island Outpost
Meenu Vadera, Founder & Executive Director, Women on Wheels/Azad Foundation
Katherine Redington, Vice President of Social Impact Journeys and Business Development, Elevate Destinations
Carmen Portela, Co-Founder, Local Guest

For a complete list of speakers and topics, visit the event website.

The event is taking place on Friday, September 27, 2019, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m at United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC (reached by the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines).

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, international travel, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel

Hope Trekking Offers Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal with Flexible Dates

August 11, 2019 MoralCompass

*Hope Trekking offers an Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal with flexible tour dates.*

Hope Trekking is offering an Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal with flexible tour dates.

A trek to Everest Base Camp is the adventure of a lifetime. Follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest and most famous trekkers and climbers. Embark on a mind-blowing trek to base camp of the world’s highest mountain.

When you land in Lukla, the gateway to Mount Everest, you’ll be greeted by fresh mountain air, smiling Sherpa faces, and the wonderful absence of sound. For the next 14+ days, you will not encounter even one motorized vehicle! There are no roads to Everest, just gorgeous trails. And this is just the beginning.

You will see countless carved Mani stones and prayer wheels, stunning Buddhist mountain monasteries, breath-taking views of the Himalayas at every turn, and will immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture as you walk through village settlements and over suspension bridges. Each night you will stay in a rustic and charming tea house. Gather around the stove in the main dining room, meet travelers from around the world as you enjoy an authentic and delicious Nepali dinner. Every day of the EBC trek is new discovery for your senses. Hike through Rhododendron forests, over raging rivers, inside gorgeous valleys, and along stunning mountain ridges. You will never regret taking this life-changing adventure!

“At Hope Treks, we believe in doing the right thing and passing on the good karma to you, our client. In addition to funding medical research for the world’s most devastating and terminal childhood disease, we also practice responsible and green tourism through treading very lightly in the mountains and the countryside of Nepal. We make every effort to minimize negative social, economic and environmental impacts on the places we travel. We are committed to paying a living wage to our Nepalese guides and porters who, in the past, have often worked for as little as $10 a day. We ensure that they have proper, safe clothing and gear, as well as insurance.

“Isn’t it time for your ultimate, altruistic adventure?”

Tour Name: Everest Base Camp Trek
Tour Dates: Flexible
Tour Rate: $2200 USD per person
Rate Includes:

Accommodation with breakfast at deluxe hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day while trekking
Tea House accommodation during the trek.
Experienced, English-speaking guide and porters (1 porter between 2 people). Also included is their food, accommodation, salary, and insurance.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card).
Flight fare from Kathmandu to Lukla/Kathmandu.
Sagarmatha national park permit.
Tour Location (countries, regions, etc): Nepal

Website: www.hopetrekking.com

Company Profile: Hope Treks offers Treks in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp, and profits go to the Hope for Gus Foundation, which funds medical research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, hiking, international travel

Mountain Kick, Kathmandu-Based Operator, Offers Mount Everest Base Camp Trek at Discounted Rate

August 11, 2019 MoralCompass

Mountain Kick, a Kathmandu-based trip operator, is offering a Mount Everest Base Camp Trek at discounted rates for the rest of its 2019 departures and for early bookings for 2020.

Beginning from Lukla, you will walk through all the Sherpa villages on the way to the Everest and back. Stand on the foot of Mount Everest and gaze at the majestic giant all you can. The Everest Base Camp is where all mountaineers begin their summit of the highest peak in the world. But the journey begins quite before that. You have to walk through gorges, valleys, rivers, forests and villages to reach the base camp itself. Although you will not attempt to scale the Everest, you will set foot on it nevertheless. It is not the same but it comes quite close. Maximum altitude is from 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 18,519 feet at Kala Patthar.

About Mountain Kick: Mountain Kick is a Kathmandu-based trip operator and we organize adventure sports, trekking and sightseeing trips all over Nepal. We believe that a true Himalayan adventure is a blend of endurance in general and a healthy dose of thrill in particular. We attempt at making your holiday just that. We are a team of travelling enthusiasts ourselves and after years of exploring the Himalayas we like to believe that we know our way around the mountains and can share the “kick” that enthralled us with you. Although Mountain Kick is just a startup, all of us have done this for long enough to see what the Himalayas had to offer beyond commercial holiday packages to carve a niche for ourselves. The Himalayas never fail to inspire.
Duration: 15 days

Rate: $2,250 USD, All inclusive

INCLUDED IN COST

·Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.

·Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.

·Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.

·Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.

·Local government-licensed guides.

·Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.

·Fees for Sagarmatha National Park entering permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System card

·We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.

·Fully paid round-trip tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla flight and back. Rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.

·A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.

·A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.

·All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Website: http://mountainkick.com

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benefits of travel, Eco-friendly resorts and hotels, Environmental Activism, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel, Uncategorized

Four Seasons Resort Nevis Partners with Sea Turtle Conservancy on Research

August 11, 2019 MoralCompass

Four Seasons Resort Nevis sponsors GPS satellite transmitters to support the Sea Turtle Conservancy track the migration patterns of sea turtles that return to Nevis to lay their eggs, and this year, even with the Resort’s ongoing renovation, the research needed to continue.

NEVIS, WEST INDIES – From June to October, the beaches of Nevis come alive with the scurrying of one of nature’s most beloved animals, the sea turtle. Each year, the partnership between Four Seasons Resort Nevis and the Sea Turtle Conservancy aims to educate and create awareness about the protection of these beautiful sea creatures through a joint program that helps researchers study the migration patterns of the endangered species that nest on Nevis’ beaches.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis sponsors GPS satellite transmitters to support the Sea Turtle Conservancy in tracking the migration patterns of sea turtles that return to Nevis to lay their eggs, and this year, even with the Resort’s ongoing renovation, the research needed to continue.

“This is our 13th year coming to Nevis and conducting research on these beautiful hawksbill sea turtles,” says David Godfrey, Executive Director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy. ”For us, this partnership is more than just the research; it’s an opportunity to be a part of the Nevisian community year after year and see how much they truly value our efforts and being a part of this very important initiative.”

Along with the help of the Nevis Turtle Group and Ignacio Ottley, one of longest standing sea turtle participants from the Resort, the team was able to successfully locate and track two new nesting hawksbill sea turtles on the beaches of Cades Bay, located just 15 minutes from Four Seasons.

As they headed out to the beach in the late evening, no sooner had they spotted the first turtle nesting along the beach. The conservation team began taking notes, measurements, and nesting patterns when another turtle began to make its way up the banks, just a few steps away. And, just like that “Spongie” and “Patches” were cleaned up, tagged and sent back to the ocean.

Just one week before the team came to Nevis, the Nevis Turtle Group was already out looking for turtles when they found “Sundrop” nesting on Jones Bay Beach. Initially tagged in 2016, her return to Nevis shows the thriving population on the island and that the turtles do come back to nest on the same beaches.

Three species of sea turtles nest on the shores of Nevis: the hawksbill, the leatherback, and the green turtle. These majestic creatures journey hundreds of miles each nesting season to return to the same place where they were hatched and, under the glow of the moonlight, lay the next generation of sea turtles that will one day make the same journey. With only 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 baby sea turtles surviving to adulthood, the sea turtle conservation program needs to continue tracking and protecting these animals for future generations. To follow the tagged sea turtles, visit ConserveTurtles.org.

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Uncategorized

Experience 2020 Total Eclipse of Sun in Chile with Lost World Adventures

August 8, 2019 MoralCompass

Four-day Eclipse trip in Chile with daily guided excursions and overnights in luxury Sibley tents for four days/three nights starting at $3150.00 per person.

Lost World Adventures is offering a Four-day Total Eclipse of the Sun trip in Chile with daily guided excursions and overnights in luxury Sibley tents for four days/three nights starting at $3150.00 per person.

Chile will be privileged once again with another Solar Eclipse that will occur near the city of Pucon in the Chile Lake District on December 14th, 2020. A specially-designed Glamping site will be setup in the area with a 4-day itinerary that will allow guests to explore the different natural and cultural aspects of the Araucania area, home of the Mapuche culture, prior to the Solar Eclipse.

Overnight accommodations are in classic Sibley tents. From an original design dating back to 1856, the Sibley tents provide a luxurious stay in a comfortable environment, to revive the style of the camps that were mounted by European aristocratic travelers. The tents are 220 square feet in area. Made of 100% cotton canvas, they are waterproof with natural breathability. Pre-trip and post-trip options include the Chile Lake District, Torres del Paine National Park, Santiago and the surrounding Wine Region, Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, the Atacama Desert, Easter Island.

Rate:
Price from $3,150.00 per person, based on double occupancy

Includes: 4 days/3 nights
Temuco Airport transfers
Accommodations in Sibley-style tents
All meals including buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
Guided excursions

Excludes:
International and domestic airfare
Round-trip airfare Santiago-Temuco – $120, per person, based on 2019 fares

Web: www.lostworld.com

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Uncategorized

Belmond Royal Scotsman Launches Bespoke Excursions

August 8, 2019 MoralCompass

Guests on the Belmond Royal Scotsman can choose to explore the night skies with a private stargazing excursion in the Cairngorms National Park complete with a certified astrologer whilst a late-night picnic is served under the stars, among the new bespoke excursions the luxury sleeper train has introduced.

Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland’s only luxury sleeper train, has introduced bespoke excursions that takes guests off the rails and into the wilds of Scotland. Guests can now tailor their itinerary by choosing from a range of activities including stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Europe, in the Cairngorms; hiking the gorges of Aviemore; canoeing on Loch Ness; clay pigeon shooting at Rothiemurchus Estate or teeing off for golf at some of Scotland’s most famous links courses.

Gary Franklin, Vice President, Trains & Cruises, Belmond comments, “Our guests are increasingly looking to personalize their experience and we hope these options give them the flexibility to see the Scotland of their choice. The experiences showcase some of the real highlights of Scotland and allow guests to connect with nature through incredible Scottish landscapes. These new experiences appeal to everyone from adrenalin junkies to whisky enthusiasts and we are very excited to be able to offer stargazing.”

AFTER DARK

The Scottish Highlands offers a rich cluster of Dark Sky Discovery sites and is fast becoming one of the best places for stargazing in the world. Guests can choose to explore the night skies with a private stargazing excursion in the Cairngorms National Park complete with a certified astrologer whilst a late-night picnic is served under the stars.

Ensuring a good night’s sleep, The Bamford Haybarn Spa Car, has introduced a new ‘B-Silent’ Treatment, designed to relax the body and prepare guests for a sound, restful night.

FOR ADRENLINE JUNKIES

For those with an adrenaline streak, activities now on offer include white water rafting, gorge walking in Aviemore, paragliding in Fort William or traditional Scottish outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting, falconry or quad biking at the famed Rothiemurchus Estate.

Guests can also choose to make the most of the outdoors and the breathtaking Scottish scenery with active excursion options such as guided cycle tours, guided hikes and options for running tours.

FOR WATER BABIES

The lochs of Scotland are an iconic part of the Scottish scenery and there are plenty of water-based activities to choose from for guests with a love of water – from spotting the mythical ‘Loch Ness’ monster on a boat cruise, kayaking in Clachnaharry Works Loch, dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth or a quiet fishing trip on the Atholl Estate in Pitlochry.

SCOTLAND’S BEST GOLF COURSES

Golf enthusiasts can choose to add a round of golf into their itinerary with tee times at Gleneagles, Royal Donorch Golf Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links, and Kingbarns Golf Links.

FOR A WEE DRAM

Scotland is known for its whisky and consequently its distilleries – Belmond Royal Scotsman itself serves over 60 varieties on board.

Those with a taste for the finest malts can choose to visit some of the Highland’s best-known distilleries. Including Glen Ord, one of the oldest in Scotland, Glenlivet Distillery, home of the iconic malt that inspired the Speyside Region; and Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village where guests can join a tour led by the distillery’s master blender.

Departing from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, Belmond Royal Scotsman travels on circular routes through the heart of the Highlands. With only 40 passengers on board, the train replicates a ‘Country House on Wheels’ and has two, three- or four-night itineraries.

To book or for more information visit Belmond.com or call 0845 077 2222.

Excursion options vary depending on the route the train takes. Prices vary per excursion option and will be given upon booking.

A full list of excursions can be found here: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/scotland/belmond-royal-scotsman/activities

Video link can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lF7i1BxBpM

For more information, please contact Alice Marshall Public Relations at [email protected].

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 travelers 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 create exceptional experiences that stir the soul. www.belmond.com.

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Uncategorized

Top Luxury Hotels for Animal Lovers

August 8, 2019 MoralCompass

*The Woof cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin are designated for guests traveling with pets.*

Here are some of the best luxury accommodations to bring your pet or see animals around the world:

To bring your pet…

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

· The Woof Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin are designated for guests traveling with pets. Pups are welcomed with Draper Canine beds, a basket of treats and toys, food and water bowls, dog-walking services, and personalized pet tags. For tips on the best dog-friendly activities on Nantucket, guests can email Bailey, the WOOF Cottages’ resident Black Lab/Britney Spaniel mix and pet concierge at [email protected].

· For fashionistas and theater buffs alike, Chatwal’s ‘Pet Wardrobe Supervisor’ can curate a personalized pet closet for its ViPets with a Chatwal-red faux fur pet jacket, booties, bowtie, and a neck bandana. In-room amenities include a NYC yellow cab plush toy, a doggie treats menu printed as a Playbill, Chatwal-red food and water bowls and pet bed, plus a VIPet Tag.

· After a Mayan blessing by resident Shaman rids Fido of his anxiety, Viceroy Riviera Maya gives each pet his own handmade, portable pet palapa – complete with a personalized menu of made-to-order meals.

· Cab-Bone-Nay or Char-Dog-Nay dog biscuits (made with real wine) and a special blanket greet pets at Napa River Inn. At the spa, they receive a dog walk, dog cookie, and mini massage.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

· In Lima, Belmond Miraflores Park welcomes its four-legged guests with a special letter from the hotel’s resident pup, Sariri.

EUROPE

· In Portofino, Belmond Hotel Splendido offers curated wellbeing sessions where trained pet therapists will practice Swedish massage in an open-air space overlooking Portofino Bay.

· Home to the city’s largest spa, La Reserve Geneva caters to guests and their pups. Dogs at La Reserve receive bowls personalized with their name and monogrammed blankets.

· Set in the Oxford countryside, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons has plenty of land for curious pets to explore before retiring back to the room with all-day doggy room service.

To see animals in their natural habitat…

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

· With the opening of Nayara Tented Camp in December 2019, the Sloth Sanctuary at the Nayara sister properties – that is currently a haven to more than 15 of Costa Rica’s native sloths – will expand as part of Nayara’s reforestation project. This undertaking will bring in 40,000 indigenous trees, including Cecropia trees, which are the main food source of sloths. Nayara’s expert nature guides are beginning to see more baby sloths, a sure sign that the animals are reproducing at Nayara and are likely to stick around.

· Often seen roaming freely across the front lawn, Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado invites guests to care for and bottle feed the baby alpacas. Prized for their hair which is woven into blankets, hats, and sweaters, the resort cares for the youngsters until early adulthood when they are returned to local communities in exchange for the next generation of crias.

EUROPE

· Families traveling to Cork can book the ‘Family Fun at The River Lee’ package and receive a turndown of milk and cookies, activity pack, and a trip to Rumleys Open Farm – kids can get up close to all kinds of baby animals including tiny chicks, lambs, bunnies, puppies, piglets, llamas, and more.

AFRICA

· At andBeyond Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar, Green Turtle nesting season is year-round, peaking in February and March. The turtles lay their eggs on the beach and in September and October, baby turtles emerge into the world. With only 10 thatched roof bandas on the island, guests can watch the tiny hatchlings make their descent into to the water without a crowd.

· Travelers on andBeyond’s Gorilla Tracking Safari in Rwanda can get up close to families of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Hiking the forested slopes of the Virungas Volcanoes, guests set out in search of the world’s largest population of wild mountain gorillas – including the littlest members of the family and their childlike antics.

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