Bold Traveller Holiday Edition 2019

DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020

DISCOVERING

ANTIGUA BARBUDA

&

San Francisco Cape Town Michoacรกn Los Cabos TWO WAYS

Holiday Style!

GIFT GUIDE 2019

WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO WEAR

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Cairo, Egypt: There is no finer view than seeing the Pyramids from your private balcony at the five-star Mena House Hotel .

Related journeys: Elegance of Egypt, Elegance of the Pharaohs, and Elegance of The Nile

M

arvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza, explore the ancient temples and tombs, watch the sun rise on Mount Sinai and spend time in the colourful capital of Cairo.

Discover the wonders of Egypt on your own immersive journey with Luxury Gold.

DISCOVER ENCHANTING

Contact your preferred travel advisor for more information.

IN 2020

LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020

Contents

Features 66 Trade Winds

Resilience and creativity—never mind the bountiful beaches and culinary delights—set Antigua and Barbuda apart from the crowd, reports Gordon Bowness

74 Flights of Fancy

78 Chic & Passionate Natalie Preddie and Doug Wallace give us two snapshots of what’s in store for visitors to Punta Cana: equal doses of romance and on-trend glam

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Redcliffe Quay in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

Photo by Sean Pavone

The monarch butterflies have gotten it exactly right: Mexico’s Michoacán state is a perfect winter retreat, writes Ruth J. Katz

Enjoy up to 25% savings the longer you stay in New York City.

Live the French way Sofitel New York, 45 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036 United States.

Book your stay at sofitel.com or call your travel advisor.

PARIS – LONDON – NEW YORK – BEIJING – BALI – Coming soon: MEXICO CITY

DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020

Contents 22

58

44

Also in This Issue 12 EDITOR’S ITINERARY: A whirlwind tour of Southeast Asia 14 EDITOR’S NOTE: The call to be open to culture, as well as the sunshine 16 CONTRIBUTORS: Meet the talented pros who brought this issue to life

21 AGENDA: A very Swiss

chalet, Santo Domingo’s renos, plus more

48 GLOBETROTTER: Watch designer Alexandre Beauregard

51 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: What

to pack, and what to give

62 STYLE: Graffiti artist Nasty’s oneof-a-kind work for Azzaro Wanted

98 TRAVEL INTEL: Where to take your offline holiday, plus more 100 WORTH TRAVELLING FOR: Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

24 STAY: Tamil Nadu’s top five-star stays

28

28 TRAVEL TWO WAYS: All-inclusive or dialed-in in Los Cabos

32 WEEKENDER: Classic

51

San Francisco… and then some

36 LOCAL EXPERT: Tour guide Maryke Nel’s guide to Cape Town, South Africa 42 CRUISE: In search of underwater adventure

ON THE COVER The colourful shacks of Pineapple Beach Club, on Long Bay, Antigua. Photo

by Jennifer Fast and Glenn Parry.

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44 DRINK: Chilly delights at Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace

46 FOOD DIARIES: The life of TV chef Christine Cushing in words and pictures

100

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

EDITOR’S ITINERARY

Savouring Southeast Asia Let some of the world’s most storied sites become the foundation for your visit across the Pacific

– by Liz Fleming –

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Each morning in the UNESCO World Heritage site at Luang Prabang, a group of monks in flowing saffron robes perform the solemn alms procession, during which they gratefully accept donations of food from the faithful. Start your day there, in the quiet temples, then head for the jungles that surround the site to explore a stunning landscape of waterfalls, echoing caves and pools for bathing. Bangkok Airways has recently launched a direct flight here from Chiang Mai, Thailand, making it an ideal add-on to a Thai holiday.

BALI, INDONESIA

Floating above the temples at Bagan, Myanmar.

Half of the world’s population lives in the Asia-Pacific region, making it one of the most culturally diverse regions we have. That’s part of the reason why 37 per cent of international tourists travel there each year, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. And the numbers are growing—the number of visitors was up by seven per cent last year. It can be hard to know where to start. Here, a top five sights-to-see list, along with a suggestion for a particularly fun way to travel in the region.

THE TEMPLES AT BAGAN, MYANMAR Sunsets are gorgeous anywhere, but some of the most beautiful shimmer on the thousands of temples that cover the Bagan plains. Once, 13,000 elaborate temples stood in Bagan, the capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Pagan, which sat on the plains next to the Irrawaddy River. They were built over the course of hundreds of years. Time and earthquakes have unfortunately taken their toll. Just more than 2,000 monuments of various sizes are still standing, in varying states of repair. Yet they still remain one of the most under-visited and underrated temple complexes in the world.

HALONG BAY, VIETNAM Discovering the famous Bay of Descending Dragons can feel like sailing into an enchanted jungle. There, more than 2,000 limestone islets jut randomly out of the water, each covered in dense green vegetation. Cruise into one of the many natural harbours and explore, hike, climb or just enjoy the cool green ambiance. The ideal visiting time is from October to December to avoid the monsoon season. The myth around the creation of the place is as intriguing as the landscape.

ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, CAMBODIA The creation of generations of Khmer rulers, Angkor Wat has become one of the world’s biggest bucket-list destinations and is considered one of the most important archeological sites in Southeast Asia. Founded in the 9th century, it was abandoned to the jungle in the 15th century, perhaps because of a Thai invasion. While most tourists head for the well-known areas of Angkor Wat, Banyon and Ta Phrom, there are more than 400 square kilometres of jaw-droppingly beautiful temples to explore. You won’t see it all in a day; some dedicated visitors might spend a couple of weeks touring the place.

Time your visit well; 3.5-million people visit each year.

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Those looking to hang with the cool kids will find them in Bali. Whether it’s for the surfing, with some of the world’s wildest waves, for lolling on the black sand beaches, for volcano trekking or even, for history buffs, exploring the incredible array of ancient temples, the “Island of the Gods” has many adventures to offer. Visiting during Nyepi, Balinese New Year—which in 2020 happens on March 25 and 26—can be a magical time. The demon parade is fantastic. But be forewarned; the day of silence that follows is taken very seriously. Visitors are not permitted to leave their hotels and loud noises are forbidden.

GETTING AROUND BY SEA While there are certainly an impressive array of hotels at all price points in Southeast Asia, and tour guides eager to plot your course, a luxurious river cruise ship can be a smart way to have all the details taken care of for you.

Emerald Waterways is now cruising Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong River, showing guests the best of the area on their beautiful Star-Ships. They offer three great itineraries with a blend of hotspots and littleknown gems: The Majestic Mekong River Cruise (13 days); Treasures and Temples of Vietnam and Cambodia (17 days); and the Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia (21 days). Cruise packages include all on-board gourmet dining, along with complimentary selected alcoholic and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, onshore excursions, hotel stays, transfers and tips. On board, in addition to the comforts of the wellappointed suites, a friendly, well-informed tour director and teams of local guides will ensure passengers experience it all.

DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020

Editor’s Note Southern therapy

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But I would argue that there’s no reason a sun destination can’t also be enjoyed as an inspiring cultural destination. Relax, of course. But trying out new things can also be a way to cleanse your soul of quotidian concerns and recalibrate what’s important in life and, perhaps more importantly, what’s not. It’s fantastic that the top resorts and cruises have such a wide array of cuisines on offer, but when the menu also contains local dishes—often made with fresh, local ingredients by a person well versed in local culinary traditions—it may be exactly the right occasion to give the steak and frites a pass. When you set aside expectations built on previous trips and start embracing the specifics of a place— the lilting accent of the server, the unique design of the cutlery, the unusual flowers in the landscaping—time really does slow down. Even all-inclusive devotees should dedicate at least one evening of their holiday to a visit to the nearest “real” town or village for a meal and to get a better sense of what life is really like there. It wasn’t delightful? At least you tried and learned something in the effort.

Singular, life-changing experiences come to those who are open to them.

I remember staying at one lovely but kinda cookie-cutter resort and thinking, “As long as they can make a decent Dark ’N’ Stormy I’ll be fine.” Then I struck up a conversation with a bartender who shared some of the dramatic events of his life that had brought him to this job. Suddenly, the size of the pool mattered much less, the connections between all the inhabitants of this planet much more.

Oh, and he made a mean Dark ’N’ Stormy.

“Singular, life-changing experiences come to those who are open to them”

Paul Gallant Executive Editor

Photo by Tishan Baldeo

I can totally relate to the monarch butterflies that Ruth J. Katz writes about in this issue (page 74) of BOLD. Take to the skies when fall’s winds turn cold, see some fantastic landscape in transit, settle down in a lush southern idyll in November and then head back to a latitude above 43.6532° the following March to watch everything turn green again.

Though I’m Canadian to the bone, I do not like to be cold. “The water’s warm enough for swimming, for you Canadians, anyway,” our guide declared on a recent excursion to a pristine mountain lake in Peru. Sorry, miss, but it’s way too cold for this Canadian. I’ve been gently mocked when I’ve visited friends in the Sierra Gorda mountains of Mexico, where the nighttime temperature can drop to five celsius for a few weeks a year. The locals just bundle up and laugh and party their way through the short nippy period, while I curse the total absence of central heating. “But you’re Canadian!” they tell me. “So?” I reply, wrapping myself up even more tightly in a blanket.

I am not alone among my fellow Canucks in my desire to spend part of the winter in balmier climates. The Caribbean and Mexico provide a short-haul solution for winter Vitamin D deficiencies—doesn’t it somehow seem like magic that these places are a three- or four-hour flight away?—but Canadians have been known to go as far as Bali, the Maldives, Thailand or Australia in search of a beach suitable for tanning in January or February. For those wanting to avoid the minus-zero blues, any stretch of sand where stiff cocktails are served might do.

DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020

Contributors 24 MRINALINI SUNDAR Writer

5-STAR SOUTH INDIA With a journalism background, Mrinalini Sundar is currently based out of Toronto and is constantly in search of high adventure, exotic food and newer experiences. If you don’t find her filling stories, you’ll find her in a movie theatre. She is the happiest amidst mountains, with no Wi-Fi. Bigger accomplishment: Climbing The Everest Base Camp. @new_girl_in_to

66 GORDON BOWNESS Writer

TRADE WINDS Singaporean-Canadian Gordon Bowness is a writer, editor and producer who finds himself happily marooned on a small island in Toronto Harbour with his boyfriend, illustrator Maurice Vellekoop, and a cat named after a favourite cocktail. @gordonbowness

74 RUTH J. KATZ Writer

FLIGHTS OF FANCY The author of five books, BOLD contributing editor Ruth J. Katz has been a contributing editor to several Hearst magazines and has been a regular columnist for The Modern Estate, Golf Connoisseur and New York Spaces. She was the style/travel editor of Promenade magazine for eight years and has contributed extensively to both The New York Times and New York magazine. Additionally, she was an on-air consumer/shopping reporter at FOX-TV. She has visited 90 countries… and counting.

Marlon J. Moreno CEO + Editorial Director Luis Chavez Vice President, Operations Pina Russo Chief Digital Officer Paul Gallant Executive Editor Liz Fleming Associate Editor Magda de la Torre Americas Editor Ruth J. Katz Contributing Editor

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gordon Bowness • Liz Fleming Ruth J. Katz • Natalie Preddie Mrinalini Sundar • Doug Wallace ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN Laura García • Malcolm Mc Kee PHOTOGRAPHY Tishan Baldeo WEB DEVELOPER Rahul Nair SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Juan Felipe Galán

ADVERTISING & SALES For Lifestyle and Co-Branded Partnerships, Promotions, Reprints and Sponsorships inquiries: marlon@morenoco.com Digital Advertising pina@morenoco.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY Jesson + Company jessonco.com info@jessonco.com 77 Bloor St. West, Suite 1200 Toronto, ON M5S 1M2 CORRESPONDENCE The Hudson Bay Centre 20 Bloor St. East, P.O. Box 75075 Toronto, ON M4W 3T3 BOLD ® is published bimonthly by Moreno & Company Inc. Opinions expressed in BOLD® are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher or advertisers. BOLD® does not assume liability for content.

All prices quoted are in rounded Canadian dollars, accurate at press time, unless otherwise noted. www.boldmagazine.ca

The name Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine beings dancing.”

EXPLORE

A Journey Like No Other Embark on a voyage through time and space. Let Shen Yun transport you from the present to antiquity, from this physical world to other dimensions, from the reality of our modern world to the wonder of heavenly realms. Discover Shen Yun.

Ottawa • Dec 26–28 National Arts Centre

Hamilton • Dec 30–31 FirstOntario Concert Hall

Montreal • Jan 2–5

Place Des Arts

Mississauga • Jan 8–12

Living Arts Centre

Winnipeg • Mar 4 Centennial Concert Hall

“THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD! GO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT.” —Joe Heard, former White House photographer

Presented by local Falun Dafa associations |

Edmonton • Mar 6–7 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Calgary • Mar 8–10

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Vancouver • Mar 13–22 Queen Elizabeth Theatre

ShenYun.com

Toronto • Mar 24–29 Four Seasons Centre

A GRAND

G E T AWAY O

pened in December of 2018, The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real is Meliá Hotels International’s newest venture into luxury experiences. This $110 million exclusive vacation experience features 288 expansive suite-style accommodations, fourteen restaurants and bars varying in cuisine and atmosphere, a full-service spa by Natura Bissé, a Beach Club with access to the famed Bavaro Beach, a family-friendly kids club and aqua adventure park, and a wellness facility with top-of-the-line gym equipment. Guests of The Grand Reserve also gain access to The Reserve and Paradisus Palma Real which will open the door to an array of adventure opportunities during their Paradisus experience.

Designed in the shape of a circle to emulate the universal symbol of wholeness and perfection, The Grand Reserve boasts the most luxurious experience in Punta Cana with its brand-new accommodations. Ranging from 800 to over 3,000 square feet, suites contain either one or two bedrooms and offer an assortment of amenities including living and dining spaces perfect for family vacations, independent soaking tubs and walk-in showers for pure relaxation, and secluded balconies with hydro-massage whirlpool tubs and outdoor living spaces.

One especially luxurious and unique part of the new offerings is The Grand Reserve’s Swim-Up Suites which have direct access to a private pool surrounded by lush garden areas and a solarium.

For guests of The Grand Reserve there are endless opportunities for activities.

Located along the shores of the lively Bavaro Beach, activities can include a relaxing stop by the property’s own Beach Club, enjoying a cigar at the The Grand Reserve’s Black Oak Cigar Bar, working out at the Circle Studio with new state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a Kids Club featuring education-based programming alongside dance and yoga classes for the whole family, participating in WOGA (water yoga), wellness programing at The Grand Reserve Spa by Nature Bissé which features signature services using the Spain-based beauty line Natura Bissé and more. For additional added fun, The Grand Reserve offers an adventure-filled Aqua Park for families with water slides and aquatic games.

TO BOOK YOUR OWN PRIVATE PARADISE CALL 1-855-269-5374 OR VISIT WWW.PARADISUS.COM

AGENDA WHERE WE’RE EXPLORING NEXT

MAL-TEASING Mediterranean beaches usually empty out by mid-October. But those seeking winter warmth, as well as a deep cultural experience, should take note of Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Spaniards, French and British have, at various times in history, taken a shine to the place. >> BOLD

21

AGENDA | WHERE WE’RE EXPLORING NEXT

>> Modern-day Europeans flock to the tiny three-island nation for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches and package holiday deals. But these days it’s not just budget-conscious Brits claiming all the chaise lounges. The capital Valletta’s first five-star hotel, The Phoenicia, has hired a new general manager to supervise the last stretch of an 18-month, $44-million renovation, which will conclude with the opening of a new spa in 2020. A 1930s Art Deco beauty, the hotel is a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II; Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a fan.

The Phoenicia’s new look.

STILLNESS IN MOTION

MISSIONARY ZEAL

Visitors to the capital of the Dominican Republic this winter will get to enjoy the fruits of the mayor’s efforts to beautify Santo Domingo’s waterfront.

Phase one of the Paseo Marítimo or “Seaside Walk” has been completed, with better lighting, improved pedestrian walkways and new spots for recreation and entertainment along 3.5 kilometres of the malecon.

Also on the waterfront, near Playa Montesinos, the city has opened a brand-new tourist site, Plaza Fray Anton de Montesinos. Well, not exactly new. The 15-metre-high monument to the Spanish monk Fray Anton de Montesinos was a gift from Mexico in 1983, and the spot is where, in 1510, the missionary spoke up in favour of the island’s Indigenous people, and against slavery. Over time, the area had become little more than a parking area for cargo trucks. Now restored, with a new conference centre, the plaza is the perfect spot for gazing out at the Caribbean Sea. godominicanrepublic.com 22

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Helpful travel writing needn’t be a list of recommended attractions and a train schedule. Publisher Leaping Hare Press and British writer Sarah Samuel, author of Mindful Crafting, have published Mindful Travelling, which is as much about discovering yourself as discovering the world.

Whatever your destination, Samuel suggests taking extra steps to open our eyes to the world around us and how we’re feeling about it. “The moments of travel that are the most vivid in my memory are those moments when what was going on inside me—be it anger, excitement, joy or sadness—settled down and I was able to be completely present with what was around me,” she writes. “This could be giving my full attention to a flower, with its textures, colours and scent, or sitting on the side of a hill, taking in the view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks.

In the stillness, I become part of the scene, connected to all that is, simultaneously aware of my own response to it. These are the moments that we can hold onto forever and re-enter in our memories time and time again. These are the moments that remind us of our ultimate connection to all that is.”

Sheki photo by Ana Flaske

SLOPED VIEWS

Built in 1969, Switzerland’s Crans Ambassador hotel is a 56-room mountain lodge designed to look like stylized mountain peaks. Through the 1980s and ’90s, it might have seemed cheesy. But in our current era, with its affection of quirky, even cartoony, architecture shapes, it seems just right. Since 2017, it’s been a member of the posh Victoria-Jungfrau Collection (which is opening the palatial La Réserve Eden au Lac in Zurich this fall) and reopened this summer after getting a facelift.

Located on a sun-drenched plateau in the French-speaking part of the Valais canton, in the Crans-Montana alpine ski region, it has panoramic views of the Rhone Valley. And the interiors are just the right mix of stately, comfy and playful—cosy for ski adventures and airy enough for a summer escape. cransambassador.ch

YOUR NEW BUCKET LIST

Getting on UNESCO’s registry of World Heritage sites can elevate a destination of regional or specialist interest to a genuine global phenomenon. It’s the tourism equivalent of winning an Oscar or being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Last summer, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 29 new sites and cultural phenomenon to its roll. Some might be familiar to knowledgeable travellers—the 20th-century architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright or the ruins of Babylon in Iraq. But others will have to fight harder to win their way onto global must-see lists.

• Metallurgy sites in Burkina Faso dating back to 8th-century B.C.

Located in different provinces across the country, these sites, including natural-draught furnaces, provide insight into the development of iron production.

• Australia’s Budj Bim cultural landscape, located in the traditional country

of the Gunditjmara Aboriginal people in south-eastern Australia. One of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems, the Budj Bim lava flows provide the basis for the complex system of channels, weirs and dams.

• Historic Centre of Sheki in Azerbaijan. Located along important historic trade routes, the city’s architecture is influenced by Safavid, Qadjar and Russian building traditions. The Khan Palace reflects the wealth generated by the silkworm trade in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

• Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai’pi on the northern edge of Canada’s Great

A building in the historic centre of Sheki in Azerbaijan.

Plains. The Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikáíítsitapi) left engravings and paintings on the sandstone walls of the Milk River Valley more than 4,500 years before contact with Europe. “This landscape is considered sacred to the Blackfoot people, and their centuries-old traditions are perpetuated through ceremonies and in enduring respect for the places,” states the inscription document.

BOLD

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A G E N D A | S TA Y

5-Star South India Tamil Nadu’s top properties have the history (and fancy eats) that would delight royalty

BY MRINALINI SUNDAR

P

ristine beaches, century-old temples, lush green paddy fields and scorching heat, Tamil Nadu is the gateway to southern India. With a population of more than 80 million people, the state has earned a place in the spotlight for its top-notch cuisine, architecture and musical heritage. Here are five, five-star experiences in this hotbed of Indian culture.

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1. The Tamara Kodai, Kodaikanal The hill town of Kodaikanal has abundant forested hills and a star-shaped lake, and The Tamara Kodai provides stellar views of much of it. This luxury resort, the former estate of a British district judge, dates back to 1840. Almost 2,000 metres above sea level, the property also offers guests cool fresh air. I stayed in a luxury suite with a colonial-style sitting area, sophisticated bedroom and a balcony with a view of the surrounding hills. After trying out a couples archery session, visitors can take a seat in Bistro 1845, a vintage English-themed resto-bar (think brick walls, intricately carved wooden chairs and an area for bonfires on chilly nights) that serves serves European, Asian and Indian cuisine. thetamara.com

DRIFT

B E YO N D

Tranquility

Come discover a place with 33 powder-white beaches, turquoise waters and culinary delights, with cay islands and caves waiting to be found. A place where locals wave hello as you pass by on your way to explore a world beyond expectations.

1

#

Island in the Caribbean 3 Years in a Row! TRAVEL+LEISURE

BEYOND ivisitanguilla.com

A G E N D A | S TA Y

2.

4.

3.

2.

Savoy, Ooty

4.

The Vaadhyar’s House, Kanadukathan

The popular hill resort town of Ooty is perched in the cool Nilgiri hills.

All 40 suites at the 190-year-old Savoy are cottage-style, opening up onto the property’s sprawling lawns. Previous guests who have sought refuge here include King Edward VII, writer Harold Robbins and director David Lean. The Savoy’s outdoor afternoon high tea—think Nilgiri Spiced Tea Tarts (baked tart shells filled with Indian masala chai)—is served with old-fashioned cutlery and warm smiles from the butler. During the hotel’s tea mixology session, I learned about inventive cocktail strategies like Glendale Twirl, whose ingredients include black tea, pineapple juice and whiskey. But the sweetest touch is the postcards emblazoned with vintage images of the hotel, available for mailing from the 150-year-old postbox situated on the hotel’s main porch. seleqtionshotels.com

Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga region is known for its opulent mansions, ancient temple architecture, athangudi tiles (manufactured by a unique method using local soil), spicy food (even by Indian standards) and arid red soil. I chose as my base this 150-year-old palatial bungalow which was, at one point, rented out as a teachers’ (vaadhyars) residence. Recently restored

by Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels (one of India’s oldest and largest business conglomerates), this property has been flooding Instagram with its courtyards, intricate woodwork on the door frames, Italian furniture and massive chandeliers. The food is the right mix of local favourites like kuzhi paniyaram (shallow fried rice dumplings) and kavunarish halwa (native black rice pudding); their “Vaadhyar’s Wife’s” thali includes more than 18 vegetarian dishes. theparkhotels.com

3.

5.

Taj Connemara, Chennai

Feel like time travelling back to the British era? Dating back to 1854, this hotel in the capital has a legendary history that shows in its classic colonial style. Each of the 147 suites comes with period four-poster beds, vintage prints, illustrations of maps of yesteryears and objects d’art. The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge, with its high ceilings, timber floors and the extensive use of Macassar ebony, will remind visitors of a London gentlemen’s club. Raintree restaurant represents the best of Chettinadu cuisine with their specialty: slowcooked lamb shoulder in pepper masala. tajhotels.com

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Heritage Madurai, Madurai

The cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai, an ancient city on the banks of the Vaigai River, is an essential stop for travellers. In fact, Madurai’s appeal and importance gets a mention in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to the 6th century. I established my base at the Heritage Madurai, formerly called the Madras Club. Its architect, Geoffrey Bawa, was a force in the style known as Tropical Modernism. Built in 1959, the hotel has had a modern restoration by Bawa student Vinod Jayasinghe, who maintained the Bawa’s aesthetic but added features like an Olympic-sized temple tank pool. Of the 72 suites, 35 are private villas with personal courtyards, some overlooking blossom-laden frangipani trees. heritagemadurai.com

EMBR ACE YOUR NAT UR E

Luxurious oversized rooms and suites - Swim-up suites with private garden and terrace - 8 restaurants and 6 bars - Maia Spa by Natura BissÊ ($) Stay at 1, Play at 3 program - Blast! Aqua Waterpark - Habitat kids & teens club BURN fitness center with the latest equipment - 8 Swimming pools - Day & Nighttime activities and entertainment paradisus.com – 1.855.269.5374

AG E N DA | T R AV E L T WO WAY S

HIT THE BEACH OR HIT THE SWEET ESCAPE

A

t the very bottom of the 1,100-kilometre Baja California peninsula dividing the Sea of Cortes from the Pacific, Mexico’s Los Cabos region can feel like a paradise at the end of the world. The arid desert landscapes, the rocky cliffs, the inky, starry skies—visitors are always on the edge of something spectacular.

The waters here can be rough, though, and as I head back up to my room at the Paradisus Los Cabos after a little dip in the ocean, I am thankful for the resort’s uniquely swimmable beach. Located about halfway between the resort towns of Cabo San Lucas (the glitzy one) and San José del Cabo (the artsy one), the Paradisus’ access to a protected crescent cove is a rare treat.

Back on the property, I admire the thoughtful touches rarely seen at all-inclusives—the daring design choices, including the generous use of natural materials, and the focus on the arts, including ever-changing exhibitions in the art garden.

“I can’t be at a hotel without offering something that’s different from next door,” managing director Teresa Alfonso tells me one night during our journey through the tasting menu at chef Martin Berasategui’s Gastro bar. Maybe right after the picaña with pasta, mushrooms and truffle cream, but before the saffron pistil veil? Six courses in, with as many fine wines on the menu, who’s to say?

Like many of its Los Cabos neighbours, the hotel was renovated (to the tune of US$50 million) and relaunched after 2014’s Hurricane Odile hit the area hard. Palma, Spain– based Meliá Hotels International used it as an opportunity to give the four-and-a-half-star property the sophisticated contemporary look Meliá is known for—there’s nary a piece of cucaracha kitsch in sight. Their membership in Leading Hotels of the World tells you all you need to know about the standard of service.

Though Paradisus Los Cabos is definitely a family-friendly resort, it’s certainly not a scene; with just 350 rooms, it’s the smallest of the Paradisus family. Still, the Royal Service wing, with its adults-only pool and lounge, can provide a further refuge for those who choose to indulge in the upgrade. The Royal Service’s swim-up suites—your own pool, right outside your window—are as coveted as the swimmable beachfront.

For all the activities the resort provides (a kids Mini Club, nightly music, wine and tequila tasting experiences, for example), the Paradisus’ key role might be seen as a sanctuary of sanity, a place designed so that something spectacular might happen. All-inclusive rooms from $520/night. melia.com

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1. Platinum Welcome Bonus - This offer is only available to new Platinum Cardmembers. For current or former Platinum® Cardmembers, we may approve your application, but you will not be eligible for the Welcome Bonus. Account must be in good standing. To qualify for the 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points, you must have at least $3,000 in net purchases posted to your account in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Purchases must be posted to your account on or before your three month anniversary date. Please allow up to six weeks for the Welcome Bonus to be awarded. Account must be in good standing. Membership Rewards points will be earned by the Basic Cardmember on the amount of purchases, less credits and adjustments. Interest charges, annual fees, other fees and cash equivalent transactions are not purchases and do not qualify for Membership Rewards points.

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EP

Process

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DANCE FLOOR IN LOS CABOS – by Paul Gallant –

STEALING THE SHOW

A

s we cross the breezy pool deck of ME Cabo, our lovely host is telling us about the “aura” of the ME by Meliá brand—something about emotions, intellect and desires. I am trying to listen, even though I’m a bit distracted by the beautiful people wandering around the lobby and the view over Cabo San Lucas’s El Medano Beach—a cruise ship and probably a dozen yachts float just offshore.

But when I see the DJ station by the pool, and then, a little later, the DJ booth in the two-level rooftop room they call Suite ME, I understand everything I need to know about ME. They say it’s about the “contemporary European lifestyle” but it’s really about music, music, music, especially what the trendsetters are listening to—or making. The whole of this 162-room resort is wired for sound, and the minibars are stocked with Jack Daniels.

The music does serve a deeper purpose: ME is as much about feeling like part of a community as it is about enjoying the sun and sand. There are eight suites where you share a hot tub with the neighbouring suite— certainly one of the quickest routes to making new friends to hit the dancefloor with. Even the décor—the purples and turquoises in the lobby furniture or the risqué art in the rooms, for example—seems designed to spark conversation. While there is no adults-only policy, it takes a special kind of parent to bring their kids along— though I did see a couple of smartly dressed toddlers during lunch at the outdoor Blue Marlin Ibiza restaurant.

The poolside restaurant turns into something of a nightclub on weekend nights.

While so many Los Cabos hotels have been staking their claim along the beachfront corridor connecting the two anchoring towns, ME nestles itself right in the heart of bustling Cabo San Lucas. It’s actually walking distance from things. Out front, Medano might be one of the sceneiest beaches north of Puerta Vallarta. It’s a sevenminute walk to the hipster-filled Baja Brewery and less than 15 minutes to the marina, which is the heart of the town (and where you’ll charter a boat for aquatic outings).

ME is decidedly a place for those seeking connection rather than retreat. Rooms from $390/night. mebymelia.com

BOLD

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WHERE TO FIND

THE BEST OF

SAN FRANCISCO

by Paul Gallant

W

a l k i n g t h ro u g h t h e upscale Westfield San Francisco Centre on Market Street, just outside Bloomingdale’s, I pass the large uncovered windows of a co-working space called Bespoke, where businesses that don’t have their own offices (yet) can do their thing. Inside, a group of well-groomed people are sitting around a boardroom table, hands raised to give a thumbs up or thumbs down to some sort of proposal. I think: Could this be a start-up team on the verge of building the next Facebook? It’s San Francisco—why not?

“It’s San Francisco—why not?” was also the first thing that popped into my head when, two days later, my fellow passenger on the hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour gasps when she notices

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several naked people in Santa Claus hats hanging around the corner of Market Street and Castro. Same thing when, at the Four Seasons’ MKT Restaurant and Bar, my waiter lifts the lid off my Fog City cocktail (rye, earl grey, angostura bitters, madeira) and a puff of smoke comes out.

America’s West Coast cultural capital is sophisticated and historic, but innovation and quirk are also part of its brand.

While the tech industry has made the Bay Area an expensive place to live, the way the MarkZuckerberg types throw money around guarantees that there are lots of fun things to do, fantastic places to eat and funky places to shop. San Francisco remains

one of the United States’ great places to visit: compact, easy to get around, always lively. Its classic attractions remain classic: family-friendly Fisherman’s Wharf, peace-loving Haight-Ashbury, ritzy Russian Hill, super-gay Castro, forever photographable Golden Gate Bridge. Indeed, it’s hard to write about many of San Francisco’s attractions without using the word “famed.”

Here’s our guide to San Francisco right now, from classic spots to emerging neighbourhoods.

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AGENDA | WEEKENDER

STAY T

he InterContinental’s two downtown properties echo the city’s two mentalities: traditional and on-trend. Take your pick. Both are walking distance from Union Square, but in opposite directions. In the heart of SoMa (South of Market Street), the glass-faced, LEED Gold (a certification for environmentally conscious design) InterContinental Hotel San Francisco has neighbours like Yahoo, Quantcast, Indiegogo and, most conveniently for people here to do business, the Moscone West Convention Center. The rooms are sleek, luxurious and tech-friendly, while the lobby bar, Bar 888, is always hopping. Meanwhile, straight up 5th and then Mason—and by “up” I mean a steep drive, cable-car ride or glute-busting walk up a famously steep hill—is sister property InterContinental Mark Hopkins. With its ornate 1920s décor and layout mostly intact, it’s the grandest of grand dames. As a historic property literally at the top of the city, it’s also got small elevators—so you get to know people a bit on the way up to dine or have a drink at its famed Top of the Mark. The restaurant may have the best view of the San Francisco skyline, the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com; intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com Super-new kid on the block, Virgin Hotels opened its second property (nine more are already planned) in SoMa last February. Affordable but funky. Virgin’s rooftop deck Everdene has already attracted a scene. virginhotels.com In the heart of hip, San Francisco’s W is as modern as you’d expect from Marriott’s coolest brand. Their Trace Restaurant is a great place for a meet-and-much. marriott.com

Right: The bar at the new Virgin Hotel.

Below: A cable car heads down Van Ness.

Right: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

SEE & DO

M

any North American cities have Chinatowns, but San Francisco’s might be the most charming and most storied. It was where fortune cookies were invented, but also where oppressive government policies of Chinese exclusion limited people to specific kinds of businesses—so it’s where stereotypes like the “Chinese laundry” began. Sign up for the Local Tastes of the City Tours walking and eating tour, which will have you sampling Peking duck, seafood hot pots and dumplings, as well as getting a crash course in tea. The guides are very knowledgeable about not only the area, but the city itself. Food tours of North Beach/Little Italy are also available, if you’ve room in your stomach for more. sffoodtour.com Built in 1995, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was a revelation—the dramatic modern architecture, the thoughtful exhibits and the way it helped transform SoMa into a more obvious cultural zone. Then there was a massive renovation and SFMOMA reopened in 2016 with triple the gallery space and a ground floor meant to be more open and publicly accessible; you can see conversation-starting exhibitions in the lobby for free. The new wing, a curvy geologically inspired design by Snøhetta, is completely different, yet totally complementary to the original Mario Botta building. An outstanding museum has come through a reinvention the better for it. sfmoma.org

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It’s probably not fair to describe the San Francisco waterfront as a single attraction. There’s so much to see between Embarcadero and Golden Gate Park—the Golden Gate Bridge, for starters. But if you hop on a bike, you’ll find the distances aren’t so great and the abundance of trails and quiet residential streets make for a safe cycling experience.

North Beach is a great place to start, with several rental options including Bay City Bikes. Unless you’re a professional cyclist training for the Tour de France, stick to the waterfront and don’t try to cut through Russian Hill. baycitybike.com Public transit might hardly seem like a must-do, but sitting on one of San Francisco’s cable cars as it ascends and descends the city’s steep hills is an enthralling experience. It doesn’t hurt that the architecture along the way is splendid, as are many of the views. Lineups at Powell Station can be long in the late afternoon; try to get there early. sfmta.com Many people will tell you that The Castro ain’t what it used to be. Yet it’s still one of the world’s queerest strips, with rainbow flags on pretty much every business, be it bar, restaurant or underwear boutique. The nightlife starts early (young people have a long commute back to more affordable suburban neighbourhoods) and the Happy Hours are a great way to kickstart an evening.

You might find yourself dancing on the speakers before 8pm.

“ THE WAY THE MARK-ZUCKERBERG TYPES THROW MONEY AROUND GUARANTEES THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF FUN THINGS TO DO, FANTASTIC PLACES TO EAT AND FUNKY PLACES TO SHOP”

Right: San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39.

Below: Franciscan Crab Restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf.

DINE

S

an Francisco earns its title as one of the best American cities for restaurants. Here’s a mix of classic and newer spots.

Known for fresh (they have their own fishing licence and can buy directly off the boats), Italian-style seafood and large portions, Scoma’s has been a Fisherman’s Wharf must-go for more than 20 years. Though it started out as a grub place for longshoremen, it’s become a much more refined experience, though still cozy and relaxed.

Their craft cocktails have become a thing—which is saying something in San Francisco. You’ll see “cioppino,” an Italian-style seafood stew, on many San Francisco menus, but Scoma’s sets the standard. They’ve also taken action to be environmentally responsible; 90 per cent of their waste is diverted from the garbage system. scomas.com A Fisherman’s Wharf stalwart, Franciscan Crab Restaurant is a fun place to take a family or group, with an unimpeded view of the bay and Alcatraz Island. The prix fixe menu, which includes items like crab legs, crab enchiladas and short rib, is excellent bang for the buck. franciscancrabrestaurant.com Opened in 2013, Le Marais Bakery is a little piece of Paris just off Castro. You can grab a fresh pastry and a coffee to go, but their delicious choose-your-owningredients boards, bowls and salads are worth sitting down for. Besides, lingering in a sunny bistro with a novel from nearby Dog Eared Books is a perfect way to spend a San Francisco morning. lemaraisbakery.com; dogearedbooks.com A place to see and be seen—oh, and the food and drinks are great, too. The Four Seasons’ MKT Restaurant has a speakeasy vibe—buzzy but intimate—with hearty marketto-table American cuisine mains and interesting salads.

Plus a great view of all the action on Market Street. mktrestaurantandbar.com ThirstyBear Brewing Company is not named after the hairy guys who hang around The Castro. Opened in 1996, right after the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art opened up in the neighbourhood, it’s a SoMa haunt for those who love its wide range of organic craft beer options. Spanish cuisine, like paella and various tapas, shares the menu with fresh sandwiches and burgers. thirstybear.com Historic food? John’s Grill opened in 1908, the first downtown restaurant to open after the big San Francisco quake. In Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel The Maltese Falcon, detective Sam Spade eats here. These days it’s not so noir-ish. Actually, it’s packed with fans of its extensive surf and turf menu. Sam Spade had the pork chops, but you gotta try the steak. johnsgrill.com The New Spot on Polk is, indeed, relatively new, opening just a couple of years ago. The diner-styled place got the name temporarily during construction—and it stuck. The super friendly service and generous portions make it an easy-peasy all-day breakfast go-to in Russian Hill. They know what people need for their morning meal; one of their omelettes is called “Hangover.” thenewspotonpolk.com There are many reasons to take a wander around the colourful Mission neighbourhood, but you might only need one: brunch at Locanda Osteria and Bar, an Italian-style bistro, all hardwood floors and high ceilings. It’s been around for more than nine years, which is impressive in this ever-evolving neighbourhood. locandasf.com

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AGENDA | LOCAL EXPERT

Cape chill In laidback Cape Town, landscape and wine is always on the menu. Guide Maryle Nel gives us a tour

Maryle Nel was born and raised in the suburbs of Cape Town, and speaks Afrikaans as her mother tongue—she’s from what people call boer (farmer) stock. A guide for seven years, and a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) with G Adventures for four, she’s given tours all over Africa and considers herself something of a bush expert. When she’s on the road, Nel misses her hometown, a coastal city of about 3.8 million nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic and Indian oceans. “Cape Town in Afrikaans is called Kaapstad and people from Johannesburg, which is a much bigger city, call it Slappstad, or Sleepy City, because we’re very relaxed,” says Nel. Which isn’t to say Cape Town doesn’t have great food, lots of arts and culture and a vibrant nightlife. “Prices have gone up since World Cup [in 2010], but it’s still a cheap destination.

You can eat and drink very well here.” In her own words, here are Nel’s recommendations for visitors.

HOTEL

CASUAL DINING

One of my favourites is the Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront Cape Town. They’re professional and it’s smart, but funky, with a hint of urbanism to it, which is very Cape Town. The city these days is very hipster, and designers like to mix ways of doing things, old and new. It’s part of the V&A Waterfront [a 123-hectare mixed-use development with hotels, retails, dining and entertainment, including the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa]. Anything you could want in Cape Town, you could get there on the waterfront. radissonhotels.com

People come to the Western Cape for seafood, and the restaurant my family would go to once a week would be Ocean Basket. You easily can pay $60 for a seafood platter, but the value at this chain is great for such a varied menu. It’s where the locals eat. You can have a bottle of wine with some garlic white-wine mussels, oysters and calamari. Hearty, homestyle food. oceanbasket.com

FINE DINING Wine tasting is the biggest thing to do in Cape Town, aside from hiking the mountain.

Stellenbosch is the main wine region nestled in a valley about a 40-minute drive outside Cape Town. I save up to go to Boschendal Wine Estate once a year. It’s an old farmhouse converted to a luxurious restaurant. Go in the daytime so you can get the views, and walk through the garden and park area before dinner. They have an incredible three-course meal, South African-style cuisine done in a smart way. There’s usually lamb on the menu, which is very traditional. boschendal.com 36

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COCKTAILS Big Bay is about a 25-minute drive from central Cape Town, just north of Bloubergstrand beach. There’s Moyo restaurant, which I wouldn’t recommend for food, but it’s a beautiful setting near the beach to have a cocktail. They have these benches that are surfboards, so you sit with your feet in the water. Go there with friends, take a long walk on the long stretches of white beach and watch the sunset. moyo.co.za ARTS SPACE I used to be a classical ballerina, so I love Artscape.

It’s the city’s big theatre and they have ballet, opera, comedy, modern dance, everything. The theatrical productions are mostly in English—it has a really international audience—although some comedy shows would be in Afrikaans, so some of the jokes would be lost on you. artscape.co.za

ATTRACTION You have to hike Lion’s Head. It’s a 10-minute taxi drive from downtown. Depending on your fitness, it can take from 45 minutes to an hour and a half to get to the top. Go up for sunset with a group of friends, and bring along some wine and crackers.

You get 360-degree views of the whole city, looking down on Table Mountain. You have to take a flashlight to get down because there’s no public lighting or security.

QUICK ESCAPE Noordhoek is a small village over Table Mountain. It’s a farmers’ village with small restaurants, coffee shops, they’ll have live music on weekends. You can buy homemade cheese, preserves, local meats. You can have an organic burger and enjoy the views of the mountain. From there you can walk down to some of the longest stretches of white beach we have in the area. You can go horse riding there. It’s phenomenal, but not touristy at all. noordhoektourism.co.za

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A Slice of

HEAVEN Exquisite, idyllic and more accessible than ever, Anguilla promises the very best of the Caribbean

G

entle waves lap at the ivory sands of Shoal Bay, the radiant Caribbean sun dancing on the turquoise water. The clinking of glass and the sizzle of a grill punctuate the chatter of inquisitive seabirds, rousing sunbathers with the promise of a tantalizing beachside lunch. A family of snorkelers poke their heads above the sea, the excitement of swimming with sea turtles apparent in their happy laughter; as a windsurfer skirts the tranquil Scilly Cay. This isn’t the fever dream of an office worker desperate for vacation: it’s just an average day in Anguilla.

Known to insiders as the “hidden gem” of the Caribbean, Anguilla has quietly built a reputation as one of the finest island destinations in the world. A close neighbour to Saint Martin, Anguilla’s appeal has traditionally been predicated on the quality of its beaches, its laid back style and its rustic charm. For all that can be said about Anguilla’s 33 dazzling beaches, so much more can be said about the experiences that lie beyond them. In recent years, Anguilla has worked hard to assert itself as the culinary,

cultural, and experiential capital of the Caribbean, winning acclaim for the breadth of its tourism offering.

titillating taste buds with fall-off-the-bone ribs, spicy jerk chicken sandwiches, and Anguilla’s famous rum punch.

In search of the true character of the destination, we looked beyond Anguilla’s idyllic sands and discovered three big reasons why this little island is truly beyond extraordinary.

If you’re in the mood for something upscale, Anguilla’s fine dining options do not disappoint.

As the name perhaps gives away, the Resorts and Residences by Cuisinart delivers scrumptious dishes reflecting a variety of disciplines.

Japanese, Moroccan, and Mediterranean food is all on offer in the acclaimed eateries of this sprawling resort, spoiling guests for choice. Elsewhere, at the award-winning boutique Quintessence hotel, Chef Dominique Thevenet elevates the art of blending tropical flavours with classic French bistro. Inspired dishes like the burgundy escargot and spicy crayfish fritter both pair well with a wine selection from their globally-recognized Q Cellar, making this five-star restaurant a prime example of why Anguilla’s food is both envied and desired. Blanchard’s is a perennial favourite and must for most visitors. And be sure to check out Ember: the latest entry by celebrated Chef Marc Alvarez.

A Pleasure for Every Palate While many Caribbean islands can claim competency in the culinary arts, few can match the exceptional devotion to quality and flavour showcased in Anguilla. Anguilla’s cuisine is an eclectic fusion of tastes drawn from a variety of cooking traditions, including African, British, and Spanish. As one might expect, fresh seafood constitutes the core of many dishes, with mouthwatering snapper and succulent lobster standing out as particular favourites. Restaurants like Johnno’s and Sunshine Shack specialize in serving up Caribbean comfort food right on the beach,

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Marital Bliss A bit of trivia: what do actors Orlando Bloom and Kate Winslet and R&B singer Amerie have in common? Besides fame and fortune, all three tied the knot in Anguilla. The island’s destination wedding credentials speak for themselves: the fantasy of exchanging vows on the white sands of paradise becomes reality on the sparkling shore of Barnes Bay. Or frame your vows on a yacht anchored just off The Arch on the island’s western tip. The mind struggles to conjure images more intimate than a kiss between lovers under the stars, their hands linked as they gaze out onto the endless sea from the lavish terrace of their cliffside villa.

Of course, what comes after the ceremony is just as important as the ceremony itself. Beyond providing a breathtaking locale, Anguilla’s richness in romantic activities proves its status as a honeymoon hotspot is well-deserved.

The secluded privacy of untouched beaches and offshore cays provide the perfect hideaway for a lover’s picnic. You and your partner can relax those pre-wedding nerves at any one of the worldclass spas. Zemi Beach House, Malliouhana, and

Auberge Resorts Collection are standing by with aromatic compresses and full body tissue therapy to cleanse your senses. For those couples who’ve always secretly yearned to grace the cover of a romance novel, Seaside Stables can make that dream come true. Cantering across Cove Bay at sunset is the best way to cap a magical date in Anguilla. Sip cocktails in the Four Seasons Sunset Lounge before a candlelit dinner in their newly opened SALT restaurant. (Opens November 1)

Luxurious at Any Level Anguilla’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in opulent accommodations is reflected in its epithet as “the island for the rich and famous”. When the tabloids picked up that Lebron James was staying in a massive Anguilla villa overlooking Mead’s Bay, jaws dropped when it was revealed he was paying around $75,000 a week to do so.

While the average traveller will pay no more than a fraction of that amount during their stay, they can still expect to receive the same standard of hospitality and care. Anguilla has something for everyone.

Properties like the Four Seasons, Belmond Cap Juluca, Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection, Resorts and Residences by Cuisinart, and Zemi Beach House are emblematic of the essential luxury of staying in Anguilla. Usually sitting directly on the beach, these elegant properties offer generous amenities, extensive recreation, and modern accommodation - all with an ocean view. The Villas at the Four Seasons in particular are a must-stay: incredibly spacious and expertly accented, they provide both the space and comfort to explore the island at your own enjoyable pace.

Even if you aren’t a celebrity, never fear: Anguilla has a collection of affordable accommodations. Enter the Charming Escapes: smaller, often locally-owned properties providing authentic Anguillian comfort and hospitality at an accessible price point. Ranging from bungalows to apartments and yes - even villas, the Charming Escapes are a perfect choice for guests looking for something a bit more personal without compromising on privacy and quality. Favourites like Shoal Bay Villas, Carimar Beach Club and Paradise Cove have won over guests with their winning mix of service and location, often situated just steps away from desirable beaches and verdant tropical gardens. Of course, the best endorsement of these enchanting properties comes from their bookings: the same guests return year after year, their loyalty secured by the comprehensive experience packed into these affordable getaways.

Exquisite, idyllic, and more accessible than ever. What are you waiting for? ivisitanguilla.com has everything you need to start daydreaming about that perfect Caribbean vacation.

PROMOTION

LEAVE THE WORLD

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BEHIND

nspoiled natural beauty, crystal clear beaches, and an exceptionally welcoming culture has propelled Nicaragua from anonymity to adoration; establishing the Central American country as a true destination for adventure travellers. Of course, its verdant nature and tranquil locales are also ideal for wellness-seeking travellers. To those in need of some serious R&R, we present our essential guide for the best places to recharge, rejuvenate and recalibrate in Nicaragua.

THE CORN ISLANDS

If you’re looking to get away and unplug, then a trip to the remote Corn Islands is a must. Once a refuge for pirates, Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island are now a secret hideaway for many Nicaraguans and visitors from around the world. White-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and clear turquoise waters are par for the course on both Corn Islands.

Little Corn Island in particular seems like it jumped right off a postcard; a quiet and verdant jewel surrounded by calm cerulean waters. The gentle waves and supple sands lend themselves to world-class scuba, sailing, and fishing, while the charming amenities of the Village offer an escape from the mainland bustle. Unassuming Little Corn may be out of sight, but this idyllic escape deserves to be top of mind.

YEMAYA ISLAND HIDEAWAY

Named after the goddess of the sea, Yemaya Little Corn caters to wellness enthusiasts who seek out tranquility in natural locales. Yemaya is a unique island hotel, offering 16 oceanfront rooms with stunning sea views, exquisite white sand beaches surrounded by lush jungle, a pristine reef teeming with sea life, and of course a daily deluge of lovely local smiles.

Do not expect marble foyers or uniformed bellhops: the decor is both locally inspired and tasteful. The organic garden that supplies the resort’s kitchen adds a healthy and authentic touch to the delectable cuisine. For guests looking to kick back on a barefoot beach vacation, Yemaya boutique hotel is the perfect place for you. yemayalittlecorn.com

MALIBU POPOYO SURF RESORT

Malibu Popoyo is what you get when you cross a luxury surf retreat with an adventure sanctuary. This all-inclusive, eco-friendly boutique surf resort and retreat center caters to surfers, yogis and adventurous souls. Located beachfront in the heart of Popoyo, Nicaragua, Malibu Popoyo is grounded

PROMOTION

two open-air rooms and private showers for spa treatments. A highlight at Jicaro is the floating yoga deck accessible by boat, a serene location where guests can enjoy sunrise yoga, afternoon meditation and sunset dinner. jicarolodge.com

AQUA WELLNESS RESORT

Nestled among the treetops and overlooking a private white-sand beach along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is Aqua Wellness Resort. This Rainforest Allianceverified resort maximizes the beauty of its natural surroundings by offering tree-top villas: the perfect choice of lodging for travellers keen on meeting a variety of flora and fauna, including monkeys, birds and butterflies. Additionally, Aqua rests on a turtlenesting beach that affords frequent sightings on the majestic animals. Aqua offers daily yoga on the elevated, open-air platform overlooking the beach and pampers guests at The Aqua Spa, with treatments that draw inspiration from Nicaragua’s natural resources, with local fruit and cacao. aquanicaragua.com

COCO LOCO RESORT

in Nicaraguan culture, a neighbour to more than 10 world-class surf breaks and run by an exceptional staff committed to delivering a transformational experience.

Malibu Popoyo isn’t just a hotel, a surf haven, a yoga studio, a restaurant. It’s all of these things and more, accentuated with calculated convenience and invigorating experiences finely curated to individual passions and wanderlust desires. With stimulating and satiating experiences for all walks of life, this high-end accommodation bristing with ecofriendly amenities will indulge the senses — without breaking the bank. malibupopoyo.com

JICARO ISLAND LODGE

Produced by Moreno & Co. 2019

Relaxation and wellness at Nicaragua’s west coast “Tourism Triangle” are easily within reach at Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Located on a private island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua and just a short boat ride from the colonial town of Granada, Jicaro is a serene alternative to the bustle of the nearby historic city. The ecolodge is comprised of nine private twostory casitas, many with a glorious view of the lake and nearby Mombacho Volcano.

Jicaro offers year-round yoga and wellness retreats that combine exceptional yoga experiences with opportunities to learn about the destination and its culture. The wellness center at Jicaro, overlooking the lake, features

Coco Loco Resort, a community focused eco-resort in northern Nicaragua, offers guests a very special travel experience. Since 2009, Coco Loco has worked to improve the quality of life of the local community through education programs, development initiatives and volunteer efforts. Over the past 10 years, Coco’s Waves of Hope foundation has invested over $400,000 into projects and initiatives focused on education, infrastructure, health care and the environment.

After giving back, guests can nurture themselves with yoga retreats, private classes and a teacher-in-training program. Guests can also take up surfing at all levels.

Accommodations include eight palm-thatch cabanas on the main property and three boutique rooms in the new beach house. cocolocoecoresort.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISITNICARAGUA.US

AGENDA | CRUISE

The sub bubble heads back to Crystal Cruise Line’s Esprit.

BENEATH THE WAVES Why stay above deck when a sub can take you deep into the blue?

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uxury expedition cruise ship lines are a competitive bunch, always striving to offer one more tempting feature to lure guests onto their ships and into their staterooms. From Michelin-style cuisine and world-renowned experts providing onboard seminars on everything from local flora and fauna to ancient history and geo-politics, to fitness instructors, yoga masters, massage therapists, hair stylists and more, the range of guest services rolled out in hopes of encouraging bookings is almost endless.

The next trend? Underwater exploration, minus the Scuba gear. Crystal Cruise Lines is making a big splash with its new submerged program. Guests aboard the yacht-sized Crystal Esprit can now hop into the C-Explorer 3, a tiny submarine that can accommodate two passengers and a pilot. Like a sort of underwater swimming bubble, the C-Explorer 3 provides a 360-degree view through its curved Plexiglas hull, moves as quickly as three knots per hour and dives down as far as 30 metres. It can stay under for up to 16 hours, although most trips last about 25 minutes.

Passengers attend a short safety briefing, take a Zodiac ride to a good diving location, climb into the C-Explorer 3 and begin their undersea adventures.

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Crystal hasn’t quite cornered the market, however, on luxury expedition ship subs. Seabourn has recently invested in its own submarine technology.

Their newest ship, the Seabourn Venture, launching in 2021, will feature two battery-operated submarines that will take six guests and a pilot 300 metres below the waves to explore sunken wrecks and reefs, and come face-to-face with marine wildlife.

The two subs, designed specifically for Seabourn, will accommodate guests in clear acrylic spheres flanking the centre pilot’s station, giving guests a unique perspective of the marine world around them. The three passenger seats in each sphere will be mounted on a rotating platform to ensure clear sightlines.

During the adventure, both a 4k underwater video camera system and an internal video recording system will be rolling to record the fun both inside and outside the sub. Later, those videos will be shown during Discovery Center lectures back on board. Even under the sea, Seabourn will maintain its focus on a luxury guest experience, ensuring that each sub is equipped with leather upholstery, air conditioning, a Bluetooth stereo system and a Champagne chiller.

For those seeking a slightly more spacious underwater experience—and who are led by their appetites—the Maldives has a couple of options. First, the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel, is reputedly the world’s first all-glass undersea dining venue. Then there’s Sea at Anantara Kihavah Villas. At Sea, a mirrored interior reflects all the ocean life that surrounds diners, making it hard to concentrate on what the maitré’d and sommelier are saying. When it’s time to dance off all those calories, head for the Niyama Resort’s Subsix, a hot dance club where internationally famous DJs spin for partiers dancing almost seven metres beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular night views of the illuminated ocean floor. — LIZ FLEMING

Château de Chantilly, Chantilly, France

Experience a different type of royal oui .

DAY 2 On your guided tour of the grand stables of the Château de Chantilly — the largest stables in Europe, built by the seventh Prince of Condé – you’ll be charmed by the royal’s extravagant ode to the noble beast. Later, as you and fellow Globe travellers are served a dinner of French delicacies in the idyllic Maison de Sylvie, you’ll understand just how it felt to be a 18th-century prince.

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For more cruise details or to book your cabin, call Scenic at 1 - 855 - 863 - 8683 or visit G LO B EA N D M A I LC RU I S E S .CO M

Bordeaux Itinerary

Day 1 May 25

Day 2 May 26

Day 3 May 27

Day 4 May 28

Day 5 May 29

Day 6 May 30

Day 7 May 31

Day 8 June 1

Day 9 June 2

Day 10 June 3

Add-On June 4

Chantilly

Chantilly

Cadillac

Cadillac

Pauillac

Blaye

Libourne

Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Bordeaux

See website for pricing, full details, itinerary inclusions and exclusions and Scenic River Cruise terms and conditions. Cruise provided by Scenic Canada. All travel arrangements, reservations and bookings will be made with Scenic, a company wholly independent of The Globe and Mail. Dates, itineraries, program details and costs are given in good faith based on information available at the time of posting, and subject to change. The Globe and Mail does not guarantee the attendance of any particular host. See website for host schedule. The Globe and Mail, its affiliates, and their respective officers and employees, do not assume any responsibility for the financing, arranging or conduct of the cruise and will not be liable for any damages or financial loss to person or property of any description that might occur in connection with the cruise operated by and arranged through Scenic. Pricing based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Please see website terms and conditions for details at www.globebordeauxcruise.com.

AGENDA | DRINK

ICE, ICE, BABY A frozen shot-glass fairy tale comes to life at Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace, reports Doug Wallace

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othing like a little nip when there’s a nip in the air. Minus five Celsius to be precise.

Socializing in a parka and toque is nothing new to Canadians, but sipping Champagne from an ice glass in an ice palace is a whole different hockey game. Such is the case at Hôtel de Glace, built entirely of ice at the Hôtel Valcartier winter playground 20 minutes north of Quebec City and set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2020.

About 50 artists and sculptors work through December to custom-create a different 40-room Hôtel de Glace each year, open from early January to late March when it melts. During last year’s incarnation, we check in at the usual 4pm and wander through the rooms. It’s like a rich friend has invited us over to their igloo mansion, all artfully carved ice furniture, dramatically lit ice bars, glistening ice sculptures, glowing fireplaces and hide-covered seating.

We fully embrace the Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne (cocktail recipe elsewhere on this page) lounging in a cozy nook in the corner. I expect the cast from Frozen to wander in any second and pull up a stump.

And while James Bond has his Vesper, a martini mix of vodka and gin, our Champagne and gin cocktail is so much more glamorous. The gin supplies the welcome kick, its botanicals wholeheartedly embracing the bold lemon, with the Champagne both softening and opening up the flavours. The bubbles go right to my head.

After hitting the tubing slopes and skating rink, we grab dinner inside Hôtel Valcartier, then sink into the outdoor hot tubs. By 9:30, we’ve stashed our stuff in lockers and we’re back in the ice lounges socializing with the other overnighters, the novelty of the experience breaking the ice, as it were. The staff has kitted out the rooms with polar-proof sleeping bags, but everyone is putting off going to bed until they’re good and tired. We keep busy by chiselling our own glasses at a DIY ice-sculpting workshop session. Indeed, the best Champagne martini is the one you enjoy in a glass you make yourself. And we need all the courage we can get.

When bedtime comes, the drill is simple. The ice bed is a faux fur-covered mattress set inside a wooden frame. There is an ice night table, too, but we’ve been warned that things have a tendency to melt into it. Some of the fancier rooms have more elaborate wall carvings and fireplaces.

With all the fresh air and bar fun, and still hot from the hot tub, we doff most of our clothes and slip into nylon cocoons, phones tucked under our arms so they won’t freeze. Yes, sleeping in full ski underwear is pretty Canadian, all right.

Visitors to the complex can tour the hotel and have a drink even if they aren’t staying overnight.

Guests enjoy their rooms from 9pm to 9am.

You can book a regular Hôtel Valcartier room in tandem, if you’re afraid you may not last the whole night. valcartier.com/en/activities/ice-hotel

Signature Hôtel de Glace Cocktail INGREDIENTS

GIN ½ oz

LIMONCELLO 1 oz

“Everyone is putting off going to bed until they’re good and tired”

CHAMPAGNE 1 ½ oz

DIRECTIONS

1. Add gin and limoncello to a martini glass or ice glass.

2. Top with Champagne.

3. Garnish with a frozen strawberry.

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AGENDA | FOOD DIARIES

1. When we film the episodes, the production team keeps me totally in the dark. I know I’m going to learn something, but beyond that, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Those are the most interesting noodles I’ve ever seen made. It was in the jungle an hour and a half outside of Taipei and that day was probably 95 degrees [35 Celsius] and super humid. The noodles are stretched in a very particular way—they’re very high gluten. That’s the fellow running me through the process. There are more ways to mix flour and water than you could ever possibly imagine.

Simplicity In Complexity On TV and in the kitchen, chef CHRISTINE CUSHING

investigates everything that goes into the best recipes

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orn in Athens, Greece, and based in Toronto, chef Christine Cushing should patent her sense of curiosity. Though three seasons of Confucius Was a Foodie, which has been broadcast in more than 100 countries, Cushing has visited almost a dozen countries, exploring food as a way to break down cultural barriers. “It’s a journey of discovery.

I’m really a student,” she tells me. “No matter what you think about a place, until you go there, nothing really stands the test.” The most recent season of Confucious took on a looser structure and approach to “Chinese” food, to allow Cushing to spend more time exploring the locales and the people who play a part in a culinary tradition that goes back 5,000 years. In some ways, the TV screen is where she feels most at home. Her Fearless in the Kitchen show attracted her a major following and she’ll return to the Food Network for an upcoming new cooking competition show.

“Even when the camera’s not on me, I’m still cooking all the time. I’m currently on a sourdough baking journey.” —PAUL GALLANT

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2. The life lived in Bangkok is lived outside. It’s chaos, an affront to the senses, but people themselves had a calmness about it. The ease of everything you can buy, I don’t think a lot of people are cooking at home. We went to the Maekhlong Train Market, which was so wild. The market is partly on top of railway tracks and at a certain point, the people selling their wares move everything, pulling up their tents before the train goes through. It’s like it’s nothing for them.

3. That’s the day in Thailand I had to be covered from head to toe because the sun was so hot. I put the boots on to see what it was like to haul 50 kilos of salt onto that wagon and haul it all in.

The salt is so wet from the sea, it’s extremely heavy.

Just to see people do it, who do it every day, hauling it back and forth, gives you such an appreciation for artisanal products that aren’t made by machinery.

4. That’s really the feeling of summer to me: simple food grilled in front of you.

You remember the flavours and every year you want to taste them again.That’s classic Greek lamb and roasted potatoes. Such simplicity—it’s just time cooking and ingredients.

That plate is licked dry by the time we get out of there.

This was at a beach close to a place called Stoupa in the southern Peloponnese.

6. That’s a beautiful view of the church in a lovely city, Monemvasia, which has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. When you arrive there, you have to walk out on this causeway—it’s a single entry for what feels like an island. You don’t have crazy beaches or big hotels, but beautiful people, great food, great nighttime cocktail bars, people playing music in the square. We didn’t know what to expect when we went there, but everything lined up to make a fantastic visit.

5. That’s a dish I made for a Spanish event at SIAL [a huge food and hospitality trade show in Toronto]. Octopus is ubiquitous in the Mediterranean. It’s braised to be tender, then I grilled it. My approach is about featuring the actual ingredient itself without overcomplicating it. When I compare Spanish cooking to Greek, the thing that’s different is the amount of greenery. I know I’m in Greece, or maybe southern Italy, when there’s more greens on the plate compared to Western Europe.

That’s what I crave when I go to Greece.

7. That’s in Hong Kong, a modernized take on mapu tofu, a classic Szechuan dish that’s super spicy, aromatic and very challenging to make. To succeed, you need a wok with a super hot fire beneath it because you need the ingredients to cook just touching the bottom of the pan for a moment. This restaurant did a high-end version with lobster.

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BOLD | GLOBETROTTER

AROUND THE WORLD WITH Montreal watchmaker

Alexandre Beauregard

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t takes more than a little courage to step into an arena that’s always been dominated by Old World experts. But Alexandre Beauregard, the first Canadian watchmaker to be selected at the Geneva Grand Prix d’Horlogerie, has been fierce about watch- and jewellery- making for most of his life. He started making unique timepieces with a friend in his dad’s garage when he was just 17. By age 35, the Montrealer founded his watchmaking company Beauregard SA in Geneva, Switzerland, setting himself up amongst the world’s luxury timepiece giants.

Working with world-renowned lapidary artist Yves Saint-Pierre, the company produced its first timepiece collection, Dahlia.

With its leafy motifs, pastel colours, a centre flying tourbillon and a dial of cut stones polished by hand, the collection blurs the line between stolid watchmaking and expressive jewellery-making. A true transcontinental project, the design and stone cuts are made in Montreal workshop, while other components and timepiece itself are assembled in Switzerland. Described as “a garden in the middle of summer,” Dahlia earned Beauregard a spot at this year’s Geneva Grand Prix d’Horlogerie, placing as a finalist alongside brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari and Chopard. Not bad for a Canadian upstart launched less than a decade ago. beauregard.ch

Where in the world have you felt happiest?

In a bed. A comfortable bed, anywhere in the world, is a magical thing after a day of discovery, endless walking and sparkling meetings.

To get away from it all, I go to: A hammock under palm tree’s shade, the sound of the ocean, a soft wind and a good book.

What’s the one thing you pack for every trip?

My swimsuit. Even if I go to the Moroccan desert, there is a chance I might find a pond or a small pool. I love water.

What’s your essential item for making travel more comfortable?

Skinny jeans. Total comfort and a trillion times classier than sweatpants.

What’s your guilty pleasure while travelling?

Crème brulée. So far, the best one is to be found at l’Hotel de Ville in La Chaux-de-Fond, Switzerland.

What’s your pet travel peeve?

People that bring two, three and sometimes four suitcases inside the airplane cabin. Caring for yourself is good; caring for others is better.

Which travel experience most changed your worldview and why?

Havana. I took my wife and nine- and 10-year-old kids to stay in a Havana hotel located a one-hour walk from the city centre. Our kids realized what it means to have very little, live in poor conditions and still be a caring human being.

What piece of travel advice do you love to share?

I don’t have any. Travels are for adventure and discovery.

Who is your favourite travelling companion?

Books. I find it hard to sleep on planes and I have seen all the movies they offer.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met on your travels?

Over a dozen names come immediately to mind, but an unusual one is a metalsmith I met in Québec City. He was a captivating storyteller with a sharp mind and was extremely knowledgeable.

What trip-of-a-lifetime lies ahead for you?

Africa.

I lost my heart in….

Italy. My soul is more attracted to Paris, my mind to the United States, but my heart took a new beat while in Italy. I’m even learning the language in my very fewand-far-between spare moments.

What’s the place you are most nervous about visiting?

Asia. A lot of our expectations about foreign countries are forged by movies and Asian movies are not so well distributed in America. So it’s hard for me to picture and apprehend that culture.

Tell us about a time when you got lost and what you learned from it.

I drove to New York with my wife and kids, and on our way back to Montreal we got lost in a tangle of highways. I learned that I am not fun to be around when I’m lost and that I am a bit of a control freak.

If you could live in any other city in the world (other than your own), which one would it be and why?

Paris. To me the whole city is bliss for the eye and the soul; I am very sensitive to beauty. Even while visiting Le Louvre I kept looking out the windows.

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The Holiday

S tyle G i f t Guide 2019 PACKING WITH PERSONALITY:

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL STYLE?

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hat kind of traveller are you and the favourite people in your life? What’s the motivation to just get up and go? Are you sporty or foodie, old-school or fashion forward? Whether for yourself or your adventurous compatriots, we’ve matched travel styles to destinations to give you this season’s top list of what to pack, what to buy and what to give. Here are some of favourite examples of gifts ideas with real mileage.

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The Sun Wors hipper

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Photo by Vinny Pozzatti

TRAVEL STYLE

BOLD | STYLE & GIFT GUIDE

LOCK & CO HATTERS Savannah grosgrain-trimmed straw Panama hat, $438, mrporter.com

DOLCE & GABBANA One-piece swimsuit in Portofino print, $1,015, store. dolcegabbana.com

MIU MIU Shield sunglasses with crystals, $670, holtrenfrew.com

LUZLI Foldable aluminium and stainless steel headphones, $4,175, mrporter.com LOEWE Basket-woven leather bag, $4,750, holtrenfrew.com

THE HOT SPOT: BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

GUERLAIN Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic eau de toilette, 75ml, $90, sephora.com

CHANEL LES BEIGES Healthy Glow lip balm, $46, chanel.com

BOUCHERON Serpent Boheme rose gold pendant earrings with diamonds and rhodolite garnet (Holt Renfrew exclusive), $31,300, holtrenfrew.com

VILEBREQUIN Printed swim trunks, $335, harryrosen.com CLARINS Sun kit with body oil, SPF 30, $42, clarins.ca

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BOLD | STYLE & GIFT GUIDE

TRAVEL STYLE

The Culture Vulture A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana show at Milan Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2019/20.

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From the Carolina Herrera Spring 2020 collection.

THE HOT SPOT: SEVILLE, SPAIN

VERSACE Chain Reaction panelled calf hair, rubber and suede sneakers, $1,410, mrporter.com

RED VALENTINO Midi dress in tapestry print, $1,540, holtrenfrew.com

SAINT LAURENT Opyum leather YSL snakeheeled ankle boots, $2,325, holtrenfrew.com

ASPINAL OF LONDON Lion mini-trunk rose crystals clutch, $1,125, aspinaloflondon.com

DOLCE & GABBANA Pussy-bow organza blouse with queen print, $1,805, store. dolcegabbana.com

CHRISTOPHER KANE Flock leopard frill skirt, $2,845, christopherkane.com

LA MER The Genaissance de la Mer Collection, $1,465, cremedelamer.com

HERMÈS Kelly Chaine asymmetric earrings, $3,825, hermes.com

CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour (exclusive creation—limited edition), $55, holtrenfrew.com

CHRISTOPHER KANE Gel crystal satin coat, $3,070, christopherkane.com BOLD

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BOLD | STYLE & GIFT GUIDE

TRAVEL STYLE

The Spor ts Fan From the Byblos Autumn/Winter 2019/20 collection.

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POC Retina Clarity Comp ski goggles, in “hydrogen white,” $200, altitude-sports.com

PERFECT MOMENT Soft bear jumpsuit, in merino, $675, perfectmoment.com

MONCLER Mrs Moncler sunglasses, in “dark Havana,” $340, altitude-sports.com

SANTONI Burnished buckle boots (Harry Rosen exclusive), $2,450, harryrosen.com

THE HOT SPOT: ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

MONCLER Red wool toque with fur pom, $450, holtrenfrew.com

UCON ACROBATICS Jasper Lotus backpack, 20 litres, in mustard, $150, altitude-sports.com

BOND NO. 9 NEW YORK The New Bond St. Swarovski 3-piece perfume box set, $11,085, saksfifthavenue.com

JAMES PURDEY & SONS Leather and stainless steel flask, $416, mrporter.com

LA PRAIRIE Skin caviar luxe eye cream, 20ml, $495, holtrenfrew.com VALENTINO Wool and cashmere sweater, $3,710, modesens.com

HARRY WINSTON Precious emerald watch, POA, harrywinston.com BOLD

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BOLD | STYLE & GIFT GUIDE

BOLD CHOICES: Give the gift of holiday cheer with this season’s most-wanted whiskies. From limitededition releases for whisky aficionados to excellent introductions for any interested novice, there’s a Scotch for everyone on your gift-giving list, including for yourself.

WHISKEY GUIDE

BOLD PARTNERSHIP

LIQUID LUXURY Johnnie Walker Blue BOLD WHISKY CHOICE: An unrivalled masterpiece, Johnnie Walker Blue is an outstanding blend of some of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in ten thousand casks is chosen to create the elusive combination of complex flavours and signature smokiness. Whether served neat or on the rocks, Johnnie Walker Blue delivers a truly remarkable taste experience to even the most discerning of whisky aficionados. A reflection of how truly precious this spirit is, each bottle is individually numbered.

SOURCE SPECS: Created using a selection of rare casks from the Speyside and Highland distilleries, including Cardhu and Clynelish, Benrinnes; incorporating Islay malts for the signature smokiness.

TASTING NOTES: Velvety smooth Johnnie Walker Blue starts off mellow with a dry waft of smoke and the sweetness of raisins. It serves up luscious vanilla and honey, with lingering notes of sherry, orange zest, hazelnut and dark chocolate.

HOLIDAY PAIRING: Savour with a selection of rich, dark chocolates. Cigar optional.

Johnnie Walker Blue is ideal for that rare one-of-a-kind individual with a sophisticated palette and respect for excellence.

PERFECT FOR: Extra special occasions and intimate gatherings.

BOLD | STYLE & GIFT GUIDE

STELLAR SIPPER Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years BOLD WHISKY CHOICE: For an impressive gift, Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a smooth, well-rounded blend of up to eighteen whiskies, each selected for its flavour and superior quality achieved through aging for at least eighteen years. Patiently awaiting while the whisky slowly matures in casks for nearly two decades pays off with a success that commands attention. Proof that good things are, indeed, worth the wait.

SOURCE SPECS:

HOLIDAY PAIRING:

A wonderful merger of both classic and contemporary tastes, the eighteen different whiskies are sourced from distilleries all across Scotland.

Serve with charcuterie, featuring award-winning cheeses and on-trend, beef Biltong.

TASTING NOTES: Expect a mesmerizing aroma of sweet fruit with notes of caramel and toffee, along with a subtle smokiness. Then delight with a beguiling blend of fragrant almonds, warm, luscious vanilla and a hint of fresh tangerines. The lingering finish is rich and intensely flavoured powerhouse of dark chocolate, orange peel and slight smoke.

A confident choice if ever you can’t decide which whisky to give.

An iconic blend for indulging anyone on your gift-giving list, as well as an entertaining essential for your own at-home bar.

PERFECT FOR: Elevating festive gatherings and holiday reunions.

BOLD PARTNERSHIP

BOTTLED BRILLIANCE

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal BOLD WHISKY CHOICE: Incredibly unique and truly special, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal is the culmination of an expertly crafted blend of “ghost” whiskies originating from long-since closed distilleries with some very rare malts. The notable star of this blend is a Highland single malt from Glenury Royal, a now-shuttered distillery bearing a long and colourful history dating back to 1825. This ghost distillery was once destroyed by fire, rebuilt and eventually became one of only three Scottish distilleries to have a Royal title.

SOURCE SPECS:

HOLIDAY PAIRING:

Highly sought-after “ghost” whiskies from Cambus and Pittyvaich, along with five incredibly rare malts from Cameronbridge, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie, Glen Elgin and Inchgower.

A magical match, present with slices of Christmas cake, dense with fruit, raisins and nuts.

TASTING NOTES: First impressions of light peatiness, a subtle sweetness and faint smokiness. The haunting experience continues with waves of rich fruit flavours, beginning with hazelnut and dark chocolate, cascading into luscious vanilla, honey and dried fruits.

Lingering notes of creamy toffee and butterscotch are perfectly balanced with the sweetness of apple and delicate apricots.

A highly anticipated and rare commodity, reserve for gifting to that person you consider to be simply irreplaceable, along with individuals with a true appreciation for provenance and keen interest in the history of whisky.

PERFECT FOR: Celebrating once-in-a-lifetime occasions and the magic of the holidays.

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ART SCENTS It’s nothing new to have a luxe brand collab with an artist—Vuitton and Murakami, Tiffany and Picasso—but for a series of fragrance bottles, this Nasty boy takes it personally

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Nasty hand-painted a selection of much-coveted Wanted bottles.

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N

atural born artists have a magical power to turn something ordinary into something spectacular with simple body movements, gestures, sounds that start in the lungs or the back of the throat.

During our meeting at Toronto’s Hotel X, graffiti artist Nasty casually takes a black Sharpie to a Paris public transportation map. Within a minute or two his faux-gothic lettering transforms an otherwise banal document into something you might expect to see framed.

At age 12, the Franco-Swiss artist took to the streets armed with spray cans, a European kid inspired by New York’s electric hip-hop culture.

Those early forays in the alleyways and subway platforms were also an act of rebellion. “The success with graffiti 20 years ago, 30 years ago wasn’t expected because it was illegal,” Nasty tells me. “But with time people get used to it and now it’s an artform that’s recognized. We used to be chased by the police, but now people come to me, show me a wall and tell me to make what I want.”

For Nasty, it’s the art of lettering, bending and distorting script in ways that upend our literal comprehension of words. “I’m not an artist,” he says, “I’m a writer.”

I caught up with Nasty during his short Canadian tour, part of his partnership with the men’s fragrance Azzaro Wanted, which started about a year ago. It’s like few other artistic collaborations with brands. For starters, each bottle is hand painted—and not in a factory nor by assistants.

Small batches (just 70 for the Canadian market) of the fragrance bottles arrive at Nasty’s Paris studio and he uses his magic to transform each one into a unique piece of art. He confesses he does much of his work outside in his garden—all the paint fumes can be a bit much. Nasty also tells me he doesn’t listen to music when he’s creating— for him, it’s all about the visuals.

At in-store events, Nasty will graffiti a wall of boxes of Azzaro Wanted, each box capturing a section of the work. A small number of the boxes will contain a “golden ticket,” entitling the shopper to claim a one-of-a-kind bottle. It’s the rare case of the outside having as much value as what’s inside.

“For me, it was a natural fit since the name of the perfume is Wanted,” says Nasty. “We [initially] made only 100 bottles and so the bottles themselves became wanted. The tagline is ‘Can you catch me?’ and so it suggests the product is very unique, very hard to get.”

With flamboyant spicy-woody-citrus notes, Wanted was introduced in 2016 to the Azzaro roster, and quickly became a hit among men who embraced its hedonistic and maverick sensibility.

The scent’s creator, renowned scent-maker Fabrice Pellegrin, won the title of Perfumer of the Year 2017, the year after the launch.

Graffiti artists, along with perhaps drag queens, are possibly the most generous of artists. They will do what they do for free, turning grey alleyways into colourful fantasias that can transform a community.

“You accept that your work may be destroyed or erased the day after. Not a lot of artists would like that.” With the Azzaro Wanted project, Nasty can be sure nobody’s throwing out the bottles when they’ve been emptied. — PAUL GALLANT

French Street Art Essentials Although the modern street-art aesthetic has its roots in New York City, these days the best place to see it is “anywhere,” says Nasty. Social media has democratized this most democratic of artforms.

It’s no longer tied to a particular place. Where there are bland urban surfaces, there are artists craving to spray and splatter them. “There are so many ugly walls to paint.”

In France, there are at least three pilgrimages that graffiti aficionados must make. Paris, of course, particularly in the eastern districts of Oberkampf, Belleville and Ménilmontant. Paris’s Street Art Tour offers several itineraries, including one that takes visitors inside the Louvre to learn how classical art and graffiti have interacted through history.

Then there’s Roubaix, a small city close to the border of Belgium. Formerly a major textile producer, many of the city’s old industrial buildings have been abandoned, providing ample canvas for street art. The city even produces a map to help visitors find the best stuff.

Finally, inside the ramparts of the fortified UNESCO World Heritage city of Neuf-Brisach, near the German border, there’s MAUSA Vauban, the museum of urban art and street art. Artists have been invited to paint the fortress walls, which were built between 1698 and 1704. streetarttourparis.com; www.roubaixtourisme.com; mausa.fr BOLD

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SURE, ANTIGUA’S BEACHES AND RESORTS ARE SPECTACULAR. BUT GORDON BOWNESS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CARIBBEAN COUNTRY’S COOL

Photo by Chiara Magi

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SUPERETTE.

WHAT a

WONDERFUL word

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A superlative married to a diminutive. On the east Caribbean island of Antigua, a superette is a small mom-and-pop grocery store. Antiguans love their diminutives: shackette, snackette… and superette. I can’t think of a better word to describe this little island with its outsized attitude.

On a recent whirlwind tour of this sunny nation, I was determined to get a handle on what comprises that unique Antigua attitude.

The country, a jagged network of coves and promontories, dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, has been a prime destination for the well-heeled and well-travelled ever since the 1960s when it was one of the first islands in the region to turn from sugarcane production to tourism. Socialite Bunny Mellon was an early convert, welcoming the likes of Jackie O and Robert Kennedy to her secluded villa above Half Moon Bay (recently restored by the current owner, American fashion designer Tory Burch). Giorgio Armani still has a home here, as does Eric Clapton, Lord Sainsbury, Pierce Brosnan, Oprah… the list goes on.

Yet Antiguans—a tiny nation of about 80,000, built by slaves and their descendants—are famously blasé about their celebrity visitors. While having dinner at Trappas, a boisterous eatery popular with both locals and tourists in the town of English Harbour, I ask my host, Mauricia Frith of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, about her favourite celebrity sightings. She demurs. “Oh, no,” she says, waving her hand. “We don’t care about such things.” There is an intriguing nonchalance to Antiguans.

They’ve seen it all. Most locals work in or support the tourist industry.

They are very adept at handling the idiosyncrasies, if not the idiocies, of all manner of tourists. I call that sophistication, which is just an old-fashioned word for cool.

Antigua is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Caribbean. Upon arrival in the airport, it’s common to see two or three grooms-to-be holding giant garment bags containing fluffy wedding dresses and veils. This presents a delightful irony. For on this island of love-ever-after, the most visited attraction is named after a cad, Horatio Nelson, English hero of the Napoleonic Wars.

“Maritime criminal” is the preferred term of Antiguan writer Jamaica Kincaid to describe Nelson, who was an ally of Caribbean slave owners and took a position against the abolitionist movement in Britain. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an estimated four million were brought to the sugar islands of the Caribbean, though many died on the journey or soon after arrival.

Antigua remains one of the world’s yachting capitals.

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A cocktail at Sandra’s Bar and Grill at Jolly Beach.

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Although Nelson can be seen primarily as a symbol of the global scale of British colonial aggression, he is a notable as a character specific to the history of Antigua. English Harbour is home to Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s best-preserved Georgian-era dockyard. The UNESCO World Heritage site is still very much a working marina with a suite of 250-yearold stone buildings refurbished as boutique hotels and chic restaurants.

At Pillars, housed in the former pitch and turpentine storehouse, you can order a Dark ’N’ Stormy (rum and ginger beer) under the watchful gaze of Nelson, whose portrait presides over the dark wood bar. From underneath the almond trees by the patio, I look out across the water to the recently restored Clarence House, a very pretty 18th-century cottage overlooking the harbour. It inspires dreams of great love. Kind of. It’s where Nelson likely fell in love with a married woman, Mary Moutray, wife of the harbour master when Nelson was stationed here in the 1780s. She would return to England and Nelson would marry a widow from the nearby island of Nevis, though that marriage didn’t end well either.

In matters of romance, a healthy dose of skepticism goes a long way. I find a kindred spirit while dining at Sugar Ridge Resort. Its special event restaurant, Carmichael’s, is one of the most romantic dining spots on the island, perched way up a hill above Jolly Harbour. Facing west, it catches the sun setting over the Caribbean as tree frogs begin their nightly serenade. When our dinner conversation turns to divorce, as it sometimes does, Sugar Ridge’s food and beverage manager sounds off. “We renew our car licence, we renew all kinds of licences,” says Alfredo Diedrick, “so why don’t we renew our wedding licences?” It’s a grown-up dose of realism in the land of young romance. While happy to host weddings, Diedrick finds greater satisfaction from hosting couples who choose to renew their vows at Carmichael’s. “Five years, 10 years in a relationship,” he says, “that’s something to celebrate.”

Throughout the trip, I was on the hunt for national dishes like saltfish and ducana (white sweet potato and coconut), fungee (cornmeal and okra dumpling) and pepperpot (salt beef, chopped vegetables and mine had pickled pig tail).

“I hate making ducana,” says Frith over a plate of seasoned rice. “My mother insists I grate everything by hand. I can’t use a blender, I just can’t.... Our food takes a long, long time to make and a lot of finesse.”

That finesse is an essential component of Antigua’s history. These national dishes began as off-cuts and other foodstuffs the slave owners didn’t want, but were transformed through hard work and a few ingenious flavourings into something sustaining and delicious. They suggest the most crucial ingredient in Antigua’s bewitching attitude: resilience.

Sophistication, realism, hard work, resilience—that’s Antigua cool.

I love what ordinary Antiguans have built here. This is a beautiful island that has moved past its dark colonial history. Superette.

Clockwise: Fruit fresh off the trees, the telephone box at Dickenson Bay, one of the island’s endless beaches.

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ANTIGUA + BARBUDA Essentials

SEE Wallings Nature Reserve is a community-run national park offering beautiful, medium-difficulty nature walks. The shortish but very vertical hike to Signal Hill is a must. Hikers emerge from the shady forest into a sun-blasted meadow of tall lemongrass blowing wildly atop a rocky outcrop that offers stunning views to both sides of the island. wallingsnaturereserve.org

STAY

CRUISE

ROMANCE

If the view is good enough for Giorgio Armani…. Galley Bay Resort is one of the oldest on the island, dating back to 1959. Expanded repeatedly over the years, now at 98 rooms, it’s still the only resort on Galley Bay and its secluded beach. Celebrated for superior service and unpretentious glamour—Garbo stayed here!—this adult-only all-inclusive is a perennial favourite with scores of returning customers. Even Armani, whose villa is perched on a cliff at the northeast end of the beach, is known to grace the resort’s delightful open-air bar. galleybayresort.com

The nautical calendar kicks off early December with the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, the ultimate showcase for rich boys (mostly) and their giant toys. That’s followed by a series of popular regattas culminating late April in Sailing Week, considered one of the world’s best regattas. Featuring six days of races and parties, Sailing Week offers a very Antiguan mix of wealthy jet-setters, ordinary residents and sailors at all levels, from Olympic-champions to local juniors.

Non-competitors get in on the action with numerous spectator boats chasing the racers and land-based viewing parties. English Harbour and neighbouring Falmouth Harbour, already jammed with restaurants and bars, are filled to bursting during Sailing Week with scores of additional food stalls and vendors.

In the heart of the action are the historic Admiral’s Inn and Copper and Lumber Store Inn; bookings for Sailing Week are made a year in advance. antiguayachtshow.com; sailingweek.com; admiralsantigua. com; copperandlumberstore.com

Carmichael’s is the spot for a romantic sunset, whether sampling cocktails by the infinity pool or savouring dinner in the cliff-hugging open-air restaurant.

Built high atop a peak overlooking Jolly Bay and operated by the lovely (non-beach) resort Sugar Ridge, Carmichael’s is always a special event. sugarridgeantigua.com

EAT Way at the end of Fort James Beach is Beach Limerz, a charming familyowned resto-bar offering a mix of local and international fare, from delicious goat curry to satisfying burgers and fries. Situated on a long beach popular with day-tripping cruise passengers, find out when they are not descending on this locale to enjoy it at its best. beachlierz.com The Farmers Market near the port in St. John’s is held every Saturday, offering a great selection of fruit, fish, baking and other goodies. Saturday is also the day locals eat goat water (a hearty stew), bull’s foot soup and other traditional dishes served up in street stalls around the market. If those prove too daunting for some travellers, head over a few blocks to Joe Mike’s, a clean, barebones cafeteria (and casino?!) popular with locals that serves up a selection of inexpensive Antiguan dishes. joemikes.com

Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, has been making a comeback after Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017. Although the entire population of 1,800 had to be evacuated, most Barbudans have come back.

As have the frigate birds—Barbuda had one of the largest colonies in the world of frigate birds, impressive creatures with eight-foot wingspans and bright red throat pouches. The island’s pristine 27-kilometre beach is again hosting day-trippers from Antigua, and a few accommodations have re-opened for more adventurous nature lovers.

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“The trees’ sagging, burnt sienna cloaks were opaque with a blanket of russet and ginger roosting monarchs”

Flights of Fancy RUTH J. KATZ CLIMBS THROUGH A FOREST TO SPY ON MONARCH BUTTERFLIES, AND FALLS UNDER THE SPELL OF MEXICO’S PUEBLOS MÁGICOS

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ith naïve wonder, I imagined what the town of Valle de Bravo in the Mexican state of Mexico would be like. It was, after all, one of the country’s designated Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Villages). Would Merlin or Houdini come popping out of one of the quaint white-washed buildings?

But it’s not that kind of magic. The formal Pueblo Mágico appellation is bestowed by the country’s Ministry of Tourism to municipalities that display certain characteristics—be it natural beauty, cultural uniqueness, historical importance, fascinating folklore, native crafts or outstanding cuisine, for example.

These days, there are more than 100 such villages in Mexico. My tour, with seven other tourists, from as far away as Switzerland, included four of them, two in the State of Michoacán and two in the State of Mexico.

Charming Valle de Bravo would be our first stop on a nine-day sojourn with our guide Marina Aguirre de Samaniego who runs the tour company Marina in Mexico. The focal point of our tour was two days visiting the national biosphere preserve where monarch butterflies from Canada and the U.S. spend the winter. The government has sanctioned a site of almost 57,000 hectares (in Mexico and Michoacán) of forest as a protected area for the butterflies, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well.

The quirky and welcoming El Mesón de las Leyendas Hotel in Valle de Bravo is our home for these first two nights, itself a kind of magical experience, with a central courtyard overgrown with wild and untamed foliage, brightly painted walls, and colourful glass lighting in the open-air courtyards. After a generous breakfast smorgasbord, we set off for the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, which is one of

four butterfly-viewing sites open to the public. And, I might add, that breakfast proved necessary: It is a challenging, if not arduous, climb to the observation areas—some 3,000 metres up. If you don’t want to hoof it, a four-legged pony can take you for a very low price. The slope of the dusty trail increases rapidly and is marked by hairpin switchbacks.

Though Piedra Herrada Sanctuary is interesting, it’s El Rosario Sanctuary, which we visit the next day in neighbouring Michoacán, that I’d recommend, despite the crowds. It is arguably the most popular of the public viewing parks, perhaps because it offers an easier climb (horses also available). A literal yellow-brick road lined with shops marks the way to the “launching pad” for the climb. The “prize” for the hour’s climb is overwhelming: Butterflies flutter and perch literally everywhere.

As I scrutinize the canopy of towering (dare I say, well over 30 metres high) oyamel fir trees (also known as sacred firs), I think at first that the branches of these majestic colossi had withered and died. Then it hit me: The trees’ sagging, burnt sienna cloaks were opaque, not with dead branches, but with a blanket of russet and ginger roosting monarchs, each weighing less than a gram. As I watch, phalanxes of them take flight, thousands in a rapturous, undulating formation, while thousands more flutter away individually, like confetti in the wind. It was beyond what I anticipated and, assuredly, worth the climb to get to this 3,000-metres-high viewing perch.

Michoacán, beloved as a Mexican national tourist destination, has much more to offer. We make our way to Morelia, the state capital and a city of about a million, anchored by the imposing Morelia Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque-style structure, begun in 1660, and the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese. On the Saturday night following Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (the former celebrated with an exuberant festival and fantastical parade), a light show and a rainbow of fireworks illuminates the sky around the cathedral, much to the delight of the thousands of us in the streets. It turns out, this is not merely to acknowledge the Festival of the Bull, but is an event every Saturday night!

Morelia has much history and architecture to see: The majestic Government Palace, built in 1781, features interior murals by the renowned artist Alfredo Zalce, depicting regional history and scenes from the Mexican Revolution; the Clavijero Cultural Centre, a former palace, mounts exhibits and stages lectures; the Colegio Primitivo y National San Nicolas de Hidalgo features a serene inner, wisterialaden courtyard and cloister; the bucolic Plaza de Armas, with its gazebo and handsomely sculpted laurel trees; the Museum of Sweets (El Museo del Dulce), part of the family-owned Del Camino Real Candy Company; and of course, the famous aqueduct, built in 1730.

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Beyond Morelia, we visit Santa Clara del Cobre, one of the state’s eight Pueblos Magicos, where we luck into yet another street festival. The town is renowned for its copper arts, and there are countless foundries and workshops where exquisite hand-wrought copper objets are exhibited and sold; seek out the workshop of Abdón Punzo Ángeon, an acknowledged master. Another Pueblo Magico, Tzintzuntzan, is home to an astonishing archeological site featuring five yácatas or ovalshaped pyramids, which pre-date the Spanish conquest in the 1520s. They overlook Lake Pátzcuaro and the nearby town of the same name, where we stumble upon yet another festival in the massive town square.

Our last outing is to the area around Paricutín volcano, which last erupted in 1943, and is considered the youngest in the world.

Six miles from the volcano is the 18th-century church, Iglesia de los Milagros, most of which was destroyed by that eruption.

Miraculously, its altar survived and if you are feeling frisky, you can scale lava to get to it—no ponies available this time. visitmexico.com

Such a long journey

From banking to butterflies

At its height, the monarch butterfly migration population was more than a billion, but in the last 20 years that number travelling from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico and back has dwindled to just under 100 million.

Marina Aguirre de Samaniego of Marina in Mexico is an effervescent fountain of knowledge, bubbling with insider 411 about her native Mexico. An ardent (and well-connected) ambassador for her country and, simultaneously, a mother hen to “her charges,” those who travel on her tours.

The monarchs make an annual migration, covering some 4,000 kilometres, taking flight from the Eastern United States and as far north as the Canadian Maritime provinces, soaring over the mid-Atlantic states, and hanging a right toward Mexico somewhere in the U.S. heartland. They arrive in Mexico early November, around the time of the Day of the Dead. They overwinter here and start “itching” to return north in early March.

The monarchs are a marvel of Mother Nature, armed with magical-radar DNA, as a single generation does not make this round trip: It takes four, perhaps even five, generations to return north. Interestingly, the generation that makes the trip south is comprised of “super” monarchs and that generation flies the entire distance.

The best viewing time is in January and February. To capture them digitally, all you have to do—literally—is point and shoot. You are guaranteed at least one imperial monarch—if not hundreds—on any flower or leaf at which you aim your lens.

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Her company is eight years old and offers about 10 intimate (no more than 16 people) journeys; it is not unusual for people who have travelled with her once to return repeatedly. “Wherever we went, Marina knew all the locals, even the mayor, so you share a very welcoming experience, and you also travel to places where you are the only tourists,” says Santa Fe-based Anne Frej, a veteran of several trips. Frej, along with her husband, Bill, are seasoned global citizens, having lived overseas for nearly 30 years, while Bill was a diplomat. “Because Marina is both an anthropologist and a historian, and is so passionate, her commentary is rich and detailed.”

Indeed, Aguirre de Samaniego is a highly educated ethno-historian and archaeologist, with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (her first career was in banking); a second Bachelor’s in Anthropology with a specialty in Archaeology; a Master’s in Ethnohistory; and a Doctorate in History. She carries on family tradition: her grandfather Porfirio Aguirre Dircio was a renowned archaeologist. marinainmexico.com

The Michoacán town of San Juan Parangaricutiro was abandoned in 1943 after an eruption of Parícutin volcano.

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CHIC &

PASSIONATE TWO WRITERS, TWO APPROACHES TO THE DR

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“

Here, palm tree-lined white sandy beaches

blend into crystal clear waters, all

captured underneath a sunny blue sky

“

A walk down the beach of Cap Cana, outside Punta Cana.

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A

WE ARE LYING ON OUR BEACH BED, legs draped across one another, gazing across the white sand at the sparkling blue waters, each of us with a glass of prosecco in hand. I smile at my husband as the waiter comes and refills our flutes. Our time at The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palms Real, about a half-hour drive from the Punta Cana airport, has been a celebration of us, our family and our love, capturing romance in a way only the Dominican Republic can.

We aren’t the only couple here: Dotted across the beach are other lovers soaking in the sun, bobbing in the ocean and enjoying their time together in this Caribbean paradise.

Often it’s the details, rather than the drama of the location and the building design, that makes for the perfect romantic getaway. The concierge service here is second to none; our butler is a master of discreetly delivering bubbly and chocolate to our room while we are sunning in a private cabana by the large pool or enjoying our large rain shower, which is clearly built for two. Bottles of wine, liqueur for our coffees and fresh flowers find their way to our room on a daily basis, our balcony prepared for watching the vivid oranges, pinks and reds streak the sky at sunset.

The night is warm and our cheeks are glowing from the day’s sunshine. Before dinner, we head to the stylish lobby bar for a cocktail. A live band hums in the background while we make our way to the lobby beds, cabanas made for two. Here, in our bubble, we savour our drinks, watch other guests wander by and, most importantly, spend uninterrupted time connecting and laughing with one another.

Although we don’t need to make reservations at one of the resort’s many restaurants, our concierge lets our favourite steak brasserie know when we are coming. This venue understands the delicate balance between too much and too little lighting, music that is too loud or too soft, and service that is neither overbearing nor absent. When we arrive, a table for two is candlelit and waiting, a bottle of luscious red breathing between a pair of wine glasses. It is the perfect location for enjoying an exquisite meal with the one I love.

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LITTLE

ROMANCE “Our butler is a master of discreetly delivering bubbly and chocolate to our room”

The manicured lawns and meandering paths between the villas are perfect for a handheld stroll back to our room. The idyllic lighting along the stone walkways makes it easy to steal kisses and capture moments in the moonlight while crickets sing nearby and a sky full of stars serenade us from above. It’s as if we’ve fallen into a movie.

Romantic indulgence comes naturally here: As one of the Caribbean’s top wedding destinations, the Dominican Republic knows all about passion. Here, palm tree lined white sandy beaches blend into crystal clear waters, all captured underneath a sunny blue sky.

The country features a number of adult-only resorts, some on their own private islands but all with discreet yet obliging staff.

Year-round sunshine, colourful sunsets and picture-perfect views create the ideal setting for candlelit dinners on the sand, unwinding at natural beach spas and holding your partner close beneath a beautiful waterfall.

As we fall into each other’s arms at the end of a lazy day, we are grateful to have found ourselves a piece of paradise. melia.com —NATALIE PREDDIE

The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palms Real is a feast for all the senses.

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At Punta Cana’s CHIC

By Royalton Resort, style is of the essence.

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T Punta Cana’s CHIC By Royalton Resort is one of a new generation of properties that brings the bling.

TIME WAS, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches were all you needed to lure visitors to the Caribbean. Now, it takes bells and whistles piled on thick to stand out in the sea of resorts clambering for increasingly fickle dollars.

No one knows this better than CHIC By Royalton Resort, which bills itself as an “all-exclusive” luxury experience on the golden sands of Uvero Alto beach just north of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. While the DR is well-known for its affordable fun along the Coconut Coast, an injection of style is trending in this part of the Caribbean, as hints of opulence and the promise of a grownup vacation experience ignites the imaginations of 25- to 50-somethings looking to be pampered.

More casually known as CHIC Punta Cana, this adultsonly, 320-room retreat comes by its name honestly enough.

The style is an intriguing mix of Las Vegas and South Beach, which sounds incongruous, but actually works. I found that by embracing the glam of both vibes, I was able to enjoy the place to the fullest. When in Rome, right?

The all-in luxury concept seems to tick all the right boxes at CHIC, starting with its lineup of à la carte restaurants, which cover a wide culinary swath: Italian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Texan!—each designed to the hilt. There’s a giant pool, of course, with private cabanas, and the beach is practically two steps away. A main bar and a pool bar are augmented with a sports bar and billiards lounge that doubles as a nightclub. Unlike most sunspot resort nightclubs that are full-on cheese, this one I actually enjoyed spending time in. To prop up the Vegas effect, a sizeable casino—offering Blackjack, Roulette and slot machines—is open from noon until 3am. To amp up the Miami factor, the Detox Oxygen Bar yields “recreational” oxygen shots and healthy drinks to bring guests back up to speed.

CHIC is not the only one trying to forge its own path along this particular coastline. Other luxe brands offer an alternative to the rustic beach style the island is famous for, so you can dip your painted toes in more exclusive waters. Big

“Hints of opulence and the promise of a more grownup vacation experience”

chain-wise, Royal Service at the Paradisus Punta Cana, for example, is incredibly skilled at delivering total luxury beach escapes. And Exclusive Resorts, with boutique properties that include the Eden Roc Cap Cana, can offer a quieter, more private side of the Dominican.

At CHIC, I zeroed in immediately on the Diamond Club upgrade, which presents extremely good value, an ultra-important factor with this crowd; the well-to-do do love their perks. Bring on the private check-in lounge, butler service, exclusive pool and beach areas, access to the Club Lounge, which is where I found the premium spirits, an upgraded room-service menu, plus the pièce de la résistance: access to the Mermaid Pool, its mosaic tiling and glass walls perfect for that living-the-lifestyle photo op.

Did I completely lose myself in the overall aura of this sexy spot? Yes, and with ease.

Next time, though, I’m bringing my friends: The resort also has an over-the-top sixbedroom mansion with my name all over it.

From $350/night. ChicResorts.com —DOUG WALLACE

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Our world deserves more you.

Because it’s yours. The quirkies, the friendlies, the curious, and of course the kind. Small group tours bring you closer to our world, its people, their culture, and their way of life. If you want to be part of where our world is headed, go and see where the rest of it is going.

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DAZZLING DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE IN THE CARIBBEAN’S MOST ECLECTIC COUNTRY

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There are few places in the world where locals and visitors alike always seem to have smiles and laughter in their eyes. Welcome to the Dominican Republic: a place to let your worries go and embrace the island life. Feel the grasp of a warm breeze as palm trees sway to merengue beats. Find yourself refreshed by the cool turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or set your spirit free on an adventurous excursion and feel the adrenaline awaken your senses.

The Dominican Republic has it all. Easily accessible through its eight international airports, paradise has never been easier to explore. We invite you to discover our amazing country and create memories that last a lifetime.

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SANTO DOMINGO

LOS TRES OJOS

This open system of limestone caves has four natural pools whose waters cast mysterious reflections of blue, green and yellow, created by tectonic fractures centuries ago. They are surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites and are home to ancient drawings of the Taíno Indians. Visitors can explore the caves through their staggered trails surrounded by lush vegetation while keeping an eye out for native fish inhabiting the area.

BEACHES

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anto Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is the most culturally rich destination in the Caribbean and arguably the most vibrant, preserving all the splendour of the colonial past. Visitors are captivated by the charm of its colonial buildings and contemporary hotels stationed in ancient cobbled streets, as well as the gastronomy reflected in the gourmet restaurants serving both Dominican and international cuisine. With abundant luxury boutiques like Cartier, Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton etc and recognized chain stores from the United States and Europe, shopping attracts tourists and residents alike. Santo Domingo’s Colonial City was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990 for its high historical and cultural value and wealth of museums, art galleries and theatres—all ensuring countless cultural experiences for international visitors and locals.

COLONIAL CITY

Travel to the past while exploring the cobblestone streets of the Colonial City and let your imagination be free to walk with the pirates and colonists who once inhabited it. The first city established in the New World, built by Bartholomew and Diego Columbus, still keeps the first structures of the Americas well-preserved and open to guests. The centuries-old cathedral, hospital, university, monastery and historically significant Calle Las Damas beckon to travellers.

If you prefer a guided tour, we recommend starting it on Calle El Conde, famous for its handicraft shops selling colourful paintings and ceramic, wood, leather and metal. Keep walking to Parque Colón, where you will find the majestic statue of Christopher Columbus. On one side of the park is the Basílica Catedral de Santa María de la Encarnación, the first of the Americas, whose construction dates back to 1540. On the other side of the park, see how famous Dominican cigars are made by hand.

Once you leave the park behind, continue along Calle Las Damas, the first street of the New World, to glimpse the impressive Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest fortress of its kind in America. It houses the Casa de Bastidas and the Torre del Homenaje tower, where the cannons that once protected the port city still keep their vigil. On this street, you will find the National Pantheon, the Museo de las Casas Reales and the sundial, all surrounded by fortified walls. Just at the end of Calle Las Damas is the Plaza de España and the Alcázar de Colón, former home of Diego Columbus.

If you’re craving additional excursions, be sure to visit the ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari, San Francisco Monastery, the Amber Museum, the Choco Museum and the Museum of Larimar. Now, there are several options to explore the Colonial City: walking, biking, trekking or by taking a 45-minute train ride.

Near the city of Santo Domingo are two main beaches: Boca Chica, just 19 miles (30 kilometres) east of the capital, famous for its fine white sand and large crowds during weekends; and Juan Dolio, a relaxed tourist destination about 12 miles (20 kilometres) from Boca Chica with a large variety of delicious restaurants.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Santo Domingo is a cosmopolitan city with a breadth of specialty restaurants and nightlife spots such as casinos, theatres and bars. From romantic and bohemian settings of the Colonial City to the modern flair of the city’s main avenues, travellers of all ages and interests are sure to find the perfect way to enjoy their evening.

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PUNTA CANA

GOLF

For enthusiasts of the sport, Punta Cana continues to be one of the premier golf destination. The region offers the largest selection of world-class golf, thanks to its 10 designer courses set up in the most magnificent resorts in the country.

ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTSEEING

Thanks to its great diversity, the region offers a variety of activities including diving and snorkelling, playing rounds of golf on designer courses, visiting familyoriented water parks with friendly dolphins and stingrays, and much more. You can also bring out your adventurous side and get your adrenaline fix by riding buggies through the jungle or enjoying adventure parks featuring zip lines, flight simulators, hiking trails and more. If you just want to relax, enjoy a refreshing swim in the area’s springs and lakes or visit one of the many fine, luxurious spas in the Caribbean.

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unta Cana is the most splendid and popular destination of Dominican Republic, with nearly 100 miles (160 kilometres) of the best beaches in the world. The coast, lined with magnificent world-class resorts looking out on spectacular turquoise waters, white sands and stunning palm trees, attracts vacationers from around the world who come to explore the area’s natural treasures and enjoy its luxurious accommodations.

BEACHES

The main attractions of this exotic destination are the pristine beaches, consistently named among the most beautiful in the world. These border the meeting point between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and boast warm, crystalline shores.

Bright white sands and a wide range of activities create an unforgettable impression on visitors. The best beaches in Punta Cana are Playa Juanillo, Punta Cana, Playa Blanca, Playa Cabeza de Toro, Playa Bávaro, El Cortecito, Playa de Arena Gorda, Playa Macao and Uvero Alto.

PARQUE NACIONAL COTUBANAMÁ

Also known as the Parque Nacional del Este, this park is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful beaches, with a total of 162 square miles (420 square kilometres), including Saona Island. Caves of great archaeological value still contain preserved ancient Taíno Indian paintings. The park’s lush forests and mangroves are home to manatees, sea turtles, dolphins and more than 112 species of birds, eight of which are endemic to the island and 11 to the Caribbean.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Punta Cana offers a wide selection of evening entertainment, both within the resorts and downtown.

You can visit international clubs like Coco Bongo, the more local Mangú and the exotic Imagine, set in a rocky cave. When it comes to gastronomy, the haute cuisine of the region has been recognized as one of the best in the Caribbean, made even better when it’s enjoyed at seaside tables at picturesque beach restaurants.

PUERTO PLATA

OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE PARK

A favourite of children and adults alike, Ocean World allows you to enjoy a close encounter with dolphins, sea lions and sharks. Swim with some of the most majestic creatures of the ocean, creating an undeniable link with them. Enjoy the family atmosphere complemented by the local cuisine, live music and evening entertainment. oceanworld.net

CAYO ARENA

Also called Cayo Paraíso, the small coral island of Cayo Arena is located between the beaches of Punta Rucia and La Ensenada. Upon arrival, you will feel as though you are in the secret island of your dreams. Soft white sands bordered by turquoise waters surround you, ideal for snorkelling with colourful fish or relaxing with travel companions.

CABARETE

A mecca for water sports and one of the top 10 beaches in the world for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, Cabarete is known as a Kiteboarding Capital of the World. Throughout the year, the tradewinds cause perfect waves and spectacular conditions for the delight of water sport lovers. From here, you can make excursions on foot, by horseback or by jeep to El Choco National Park to explore the caves and admire the surrounding nature.

SOSÚA

This picturesque village is famous for its huge, crescent-shaped beach with gentle waves and its marine sanctuary, perfect for diving and snorkelling. Sosúa is a small hospitable area with comfortable restaurants neighboured by seaside bars, lively nightclubs and colourful hotels.

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uerto Plata, with nearly seven miles (11 kilometres) of long, beautiful beaches surrounded by lush vegetation, is the site at which Christopher Columbus first landed to reach the Americas. In 1493, Columbus named this city Puerto Plata, or “Silver Port,” referring to the silver shimmer of its bay by sunlight.

The region is an ecological paradise and a mecca for water sports. Put on your adventure gear or diving fins—it’s time to defy the laws of nature by cascading down waterfalls, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, playing golf and much more. This hospitable town is full of fascinating activities, adrenaline, rich history and culture, as well as delicious cuisine.

CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE

Admire the colonial architecture during a walk through streets lined by beautiful Victorian houses and buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries in the heart of Puerto Plata, stopping at La Fortaleza de San Felipe, a fort built by the Spanish in 1541. Be sure to visit the Amber Museum to see the famous prehistoric gem found in abundance in this area, and the famous Ron Brugal factory where a tour will explain the process of making delicious Dominican rum.

MOUNT ISABEL DE TORRES

Reach the top of the heavens by taking a 2,290-foot (700-metre) cable car ride to the summit of Loma Isabel de Torres. A tropical forest, with an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and a replica of Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer, is waiting with open arms. telefericopuertoplata.com

27 SALTOS DE DAMAJAGUA

Feel the adrenaline as you discover one of the best-kept secrets of Dominican Republic, just south of Puerto Plata: the 27 Falls of Damajagua. Climb one of the many waterfalls to jump from its cliffs or slide down through unforgettable natural waterslides. 27charcos.com

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Puerto Plata offers fun bars and nightclubs where Dominicans and visitors dance to the contagious beat of merengue. In addition, most resorts have nightly shows that boldly fuse together different artistic expressions such as dance, music, merengue lessons and beauty contests. Delicious dining experiences set on golden sands shimmering in the moonlight make romantic dinners a seashore delight.

LA ROMANA & BAYAHIBE

BAYAHIBE

Located 25 minutes east of La Romana, Bayahibe was founded in 1874 as an authentic fishing town. The region offers a combination of picturesque beaches, majestic nature, exquisite accommodations and fun attractions. This ecotourism region is home to the national flower, the exotic Bayahibe Rose, and is an ideal locale for those who practice snorkelling and diving. Charming beach restaurants offer fresh seafood daily, served at numerous restaurants bordering the shore.

ISLA SAONA

Leaving from Bayahibe you get to Saona Island, located in the Parque Nacional Cotubanamá. This dream beach was selected as one of the best in the Caribbean and is certainly one of the loveliest beaches in Dominican Republic. The island is home to birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees, remaining a must-visit site and popular excursion for tourists visiting the area.

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long the southeast coast of Dominican Republic lies La Romana, a vast stretch of sugar cane plantations around some of the most picturesque areas of the country that has elegant accommodations and an unparalleled range of entertainment. La Romana, with its world class golf, beaches and scuba diving options, is the ideal destination for families, couples, golfers and lovers of fishing and sailing.

ALTOS DE CHAVÓN

This hidden gem is an impressive replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, complete with cobbled streets and buildings made of coral stone and terracotta.

Altos de Chavón was built in 1976 on the heights of the Chavón River. The City of Artists, as it is known, has become an important cultural centre, home to artists’ studios, art galleries, restaurants, museums and an amphitheatre that hosts worldclass concerts and performances. In the centre of the village is the church of San Estanislao, where masses are offered to all.

CASA DE CAMPO

The favourite escape of celebrities, Casa de Campo is one of the most luxurious and elegant Caribbean resorts. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in any of the best four courses in the country: Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, The Links and La Romana Country Club. It also has an attractive marina, where you’ll find internationally renowned boutiques, specialty restaurants with culinary options of haute cuisine and much more.

TABACALERA LA MATILDE

Cigars from Tabacalera La Matilde have become a benchmark for cigar lovers. It produces some of the most sought-after brands in the market. Here, you will get to know the manufacturing process from start to finish, as well as the proud work of the most skilled craftsmen in the tobacco industry. Its cigar shop, the largest in the Americas, offers the finest selection of Dominican cigars at the best prices.

Located off the coast of La Romana, Catalina Island is surrounded by a natural coral reef. It is one of the best places to dive in Dominican Republic, thanks to its “Living Underwater Museum,” where you will find the wreck of Captain Kidd. A spectacular underwater coral garden is on an incline only 10 feet (three metres) deep, making it ideal for snorkelling. Also, it is a popular stop for destination cruises that dock there in search of beauty and rich underwater sights.

CUEVA DE LAS MARAVILLAS

Located between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, Cueva de Las Maravillas is home to the most important examples of rock art and boasts amazing stone formations. This fascinating cave system contains almost 500 petroglyphs, pictographs and well-preserved etchings, created by the Taíno Indians who lived here thousands of years ago.

SAMANÁ

CAYO LEVANTADO

Located in Samaná Bay, this idyllic island of six square miles (15 square kilometres) has become one of the best tourist destinations in the area to fall in love, relax, sunbathe and enjoy the delicious Dominican gastronomy after diving and snorkelling in the company of colourful fish.

ZIPLINES EXCURSIONS

Adventure seekers can also enjoy a new dimension of entertainment at Juana Vicente, located just minutes from the Samaná Bay, and in El Valle, where visitors will experience the thrill of flying over coconut palms, lush green valleys with spectacular views of Cayo Levantado and Samaná Bay.

BEACHES

Samaná boasts magnificent sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Those that are located in the bay are the most isolated and quiet in the area, like Playa Rincón and Las Galeras. The most popular and touristic beaches are Las Terrenas, Playa Bonita, Playa Cosón, Las Ballenas, Portillo, El Limón and Playa Morón.

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he Samaná Peninsula is a stunning paradise of majestic, crystalline waterfalls, pristine beaches lined with coconut palms and mountainous hills.

This peninsula is a natural jewel, a hidden gem yet to be explored by those seeking adventure, nature and romance, yet it provides an infusion of rich culture and history.

PARQUE NACIONAL LOS HAITISES

Los Haitises—“high land” in the Taíno language—is a unique and very diverse protected area of approximately 232 square miles (600 square kilometres), consisting of mangroves, karst mountains, inlets and bays. It is easily accessible by a boat ride through Samaná Bay and is renowned for its magnificent limestone caves covered with Taíno art. In the mangroves, visitors will find a variety of lush flora and fauna to admire.

HUMPBACK WHALES

From January to March each year, Samaná Bay is a sanctuary for between 3,000 and 5,000 humpback whales that mate and reproduce in the warm waters of Dominican Republic. You can appreciate this true miracle of nature from a boat, watching the whales frolicking at a distance, or if you prefer to see them from the mainland, visit the Whale Observatory in Punta Balandra.

SALTO EL LIMÓN

Considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, Salto El Limón thrills you as water falls from more than 160 feet (50 metres) to a natural pool where you are welcome to enjoy a refreshing swim. Although the waterfall is accessible on foot, the best way to get there is on horseback while exploring the lush vegetation.

LAS TERRENAS

Formerly a fishing village, Las Terrenas offers a mix of restaurants, bars, lodging, attractions and vibrant nightlife to suit any style and budget. Its 17 miles (28 kilometres) of spectacular beaches and diverse vegetation allows for a wide variety of entertainment, from water sports and off-road adventures to horseback riding and relaxing on the beach.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

The Samaná Peninsula is known for the use of coconut in their signature dishes: fish with coconut sauce, coconut bread and coconut sweets. The Pueblo de los Pescadores, “Fisherman’s Village,” located in Las Terrenas, is the centre of nightlife in the region, thanks to its array of restaurants and bars facing the beach, with several dining and entertainment offerings. The casual and relaxed atmosphere allows you to socialize with locals and tourists alike.

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BARAHONA & PEDERNALES BAHÍA DE LAS ÁGUILAS

Located in the Jaragua National Park, this beach dazzles visitors with its soft white sand, clear water and rocky high coast. The pristine beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the country, is home to manatees, sea turtles, lobsters and a variety of colourful fish. To access the beach, you can rent a boat in Cabo Rojo or take a 4x4 vehicle.

LAGO ENRIQUILLO

Located just over one hour from Barahona, Enriquillo is the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean and, at 131 feet (40 metres) below sea level, it is the lowest point in the Caribbean. It serves as a sanctuary for flocks of pink flamingos, and its high salt content is ideal for the resident American crocodiles. Three islands lie within the lake: the largest, Isla Cabritos, features cacti, Ricordi iguanas and a massive group of rhinoceros iguanas that are easily tempted with food from visitors.

LAS CARITAS

These archaeological caves north of Lake Enriquillo have the largest variety of petroglyphs in the area, providing evidence of the ancient inhabitants, the Taíno Indians.

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LAGUNA CABRAL O RINCÓN

BEACHES & RIVERS

HOYO DE PELEMPITO

nown as the “Pearl of the South” and “Natural Wonder,” Barahona is one of the best-kept secrets of Dominican Republic. With its remarkably diverse landscape, it offers a striking contrast between the beautiful pristine beaches, majestic mountains and dry desert areas. Small hotels here encourage sustainable tourism and independent adventure travel.

The coast of Barahona offers stunning coastal scenery with soft white pebble beaches and breathtaking waters in different shades of blue. Many of the beaches here are perfect for surfing thanks to the ideal conditions of waves and wind. The most important beaches are Quemaito, Bahoruco, La Ciénaga, Playa Paraíso and Los Patos. Also, Playa San Rafael, located at the mouth of the river of the same name, which feeds a pool at Villa Miriam of refreshing and cold water revitalizes those who decide to take a dip after a day of exploring.

LARIMAR MINES

Larimar is a semiprecious stone, also known as “Dominican turquoise.” The larimar mines in Bahoruco are a popular destination for an adventure, as this is the only place in the world where you can find this blue stone. Local miners spend eight hours a day nearly 700 feet (213 metres) deep in the mountains to extract the stones. Explore the mines on a guided tour explaining the process of extracting, cutting and polishing these gems.

LAGUNA DE OVIEDO

This saltwater lake, located in the Jaragua National Park, is one of the most important ecological reserves in the Caribbean and is the second largest body of water in Dominican Republic after Lake Enriquillo. It has 24 keys which can be seen on a three-hour boat tour, but the most popular is the “Cayo de las Iguanas,” known for its large population of iguanas and birds, making it the ideal destination for those who love watching these animals.

PARQUE NACIONAL JARAGUA

This is the largest national park in Dominican Republic and one of the country’s natural treasures. Located in the nearby province of Pedernales, it is well known for its different types of cactus and the 130 bird species it houses. The weather here is mostly warm with low precipitation, making it ideal for hiking.

Laguna Cabral is the largest freshwater lake in the country, reaching 18 square miles (46.6 square kilometres). It beckons to bird lovers as it is home to a variety of wildlife including freshwater turtles, iguanas and more than 50 species of birds like flamingos, pelicans, herons and ducks.

An impressive geological depression in the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, Hoyo de Pelempito is located within the high mountains of Pedernales. It is considered one of the wonders of the Caribbean, thanks to the contrast between the warm temperatures typical of the region with that of the depression (between 77°F and 32°F or between 25°C and 0°C). The park facilities include an information centre and several trails that let you discover the full diversity of the flora and fauna.

PALMAR DE OCOA

At a distance of nearly two hours, in the province of Azua, is Palmar de Ocoa, a beach of gray sand and deep waters with breathtaking landscapes worthy of a postcard. It has diverse marine life, making it a favourite place for water sports fans, especially fishing enthusiasts. It also has the first Dominican vineyard and the first eco-enological destination in the Caribbean, Ocoa Bay, producing world-class wines.

DUNAS DE BANÍ

South of the province of Peravia, and less than half an hour from Palmar de Ocoa, are the Baní Dunes. This natural monument was caused by the action of the wind in one direction, forming mighty mountains of golden sand. The dunes stretch for over nine miles (15 kilometres) to the edge of a beach of incredibly salty water, Salinas, known for its excellent conditions for windsurfing and sailing sports.

JARABACOA & CONSTANZA

EXCURSIONS

Tour the Café de Monte Alto or visit sustainable coffee plantations like Café Altagracia, owned by acclaimed writer Julia Álvarez at Los Dajaos, to taste and learn what makes this coffee truly exquisite. Also, just a 20-minute drive from the town of Jarabacoa, you can find a hydroelectric dam and the falls of Baiguate and Jimenoa where you can enjoy panoramic views. Adults and children alike will get excited as they go across the three suspension bridges leading to the majestic waterfall.

CONSTANZA

Located just an hour from Jarabacoa through a panoramic road with sharp bends and amazing views of mountain landscapes, Constanza is the highest and coldest city of Dominican Republic at 3,800 feet (1,164 metres) above sea level. It has a high production of vegetables, garlic, potatoes, strawberries and beautiful flowers, as well as many tourist attractions like the Salto de Aguas Blancas, a pyramid representing the four cardinal points of the island, and protected areas like Las Neblinas, Ébano Verde, Valle Nuevo and José del Carmen Ramírez national parks.

SANTIAGO

One hour from Jarabacoa is the second largest city in the country, Santiago de los Caballeros. The city was named by Christopher Columbus to honour the 30 Spanish aristocrats who founded it in 1495 and formed the original community. Santiago, a major producer of cigars thanks to its many tobacco factories, is known as the Cigar Capital of the World. Today, it is also a cultural centre where the Centro León showcases the Caribbean and Dominican identity through exhibitions about folklore and culture.

CARNIVAL

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t the foot of Pico Duarte, 1,640 feet (500 metres) above sea level, Jarabacoa is known as the region of eternal spring for its pleasant temperatures throughout the year (averaging 72°F or 22ºC). With a mountainous landscape full of pine forests and numerous rivers, the region offers a variety of adventure and ecotourism activities. Camps throughout Jarabacoa are starting points for a variety of excursions such as nature walks, tubing or whitewater rafting downriver, and climbing up to Pico Duarte. Here, the possibilities are endless.

PICO DUARTE

Pico Duarte is the highest mountain peak in the Caribbean, over 10,000 feet (3,087 metres) high. It can be reached by hiking for two, three or four days, depending on the chosen route. All routes guarantee stunning views of the cloudy forest of tropical pines. The official guide and mule to load food and bags should be hired in the government camp La Ciénaga. You can spend your nights at the camping areas La Compartición or Valle de Lilís.

SPORTS

Tubing, rafting, rappelling, canoeing, paragliding, horseback riding or mountain biking are just some of the adventurous activities Jarabacoa has to offer. On the other hand, Jarabacoa has a beautifully quiet golf course with nine holes surrounded by a landscape of pine trees. Here, the tranquility of the mountains meets the adrenaline produced by its many rivers.

La Vega carnival, whose tradition dates back to the 16th century, is held annually every Sunday in February. This internationally renowned carnival is one of the country’s most important festivals. The central character is the Diablo Cojuelo, not a “devil” in the popular sense, but someone who introduces noise, mischief, dancing and joy. His disguise ridicules medieval knights with a decorated coat, baggy pants and flashy colourful mask representing an animal or an ugly face.

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ESSENTIAL DR LOCATION

Dominican Republic occupies two thirds of the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republic of Haiti. The second largest Caribbean country, with an area of 18,704 square miles (48,442 square kilometres), has a population of about 10 million. The official language is Spanish, but in tourist areas a good level of English, French, German and Italian is also spoken, among other languages.

GETTING HERE

Dominican Republic currently has eight international airports throughout the country, including: Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), La Romana International Airport (LRM), Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, El Catey International Airport (AZS) in Samaná and El Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago. Maritime ports that regularly receive cruise ships in the country include: Santo Domingo Port (Don Diego and Sans Souci Terminals), Casa de Campo Port in La Romana, Samaná Bay facilities and the country’s newest port, Amber Cove in Puerto Plata.

WEATHER

Because of its location in the Caribbean, the climate is excellent all year round.

During the summer, the temperature is between 78°F and 88°F (25°C and 31°C), while in winter, temperatures can dip down to the mid-sixties (approximately 18ºC).

In the high mountainous areas of Jarabacoa and Constanza, the weather is cooler and usually ranges between 32°F and 60°F (0°C and 15°C).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For most visitors, a valid passport along with a US$10 Tourist Card (available online or at the airport) is required to enter the country. Any person, no matter their nationality, can enter with a Tourist Card if they are a legal resident or if they have one of the following valid visas in their passport: United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Schengen. dgii.gov.do/tarjetaturistica/en

TRANSPORTATION

It can be difficult to travel between different regions by bus, but there are some private companies that run modern and comfortable coach buses for very reasonable prices. These charter busses tend to be very cold because of the air conditioning, so it is recommended that you bring a jacket.

Autobuses Metro: www.metroserviciosturisticos.com Caribe Tours: www.caribetours.com.do Expreso Bávaro: www.expresobavaro.com

MEDICAL SERVICE

Public and private hospitals near tourist areas have air rescue services and the majority of hotels have modern medical facilities with qualified personnel on hand.

Santo Domingo has a new Emergency and Security Centre. One can call 9-1-1. 911. gob.do

RECOMMENDATIONS

Even if the day is cloudy, don’t forget to use sunscreen; the Caribbean sun is very strong. All-inclusive hotels encourage the consumption of food and drink, but moderation is recommended to avoid an upset stomach. Stay hydrated by drinking bottled water or natural beverages. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice.

GoDominicanRepublic

@GoDomRep

GoDomRep

TRAVEL INTEL Our tips and tricks to navigating the world

BOLD QUERY I ALWAYS LEAVE THINGS BEHIND IN HOTELS! WHAT’S THE CURE? Make a checklist to ensure that you look in all the usual (and unusual) spots where you’ve left gear in the past. Our list includes: the safe (did you put your passport and wallet there?); bedside table and drawer (your e-reader and nighttime medications?); the closet and all drawers (remember that first day, when you decided to put your stuff away, so you’d know where it was?); on the counter by the sink and behind the bathroom door (Aha! That’s where you hung your bathroom kit!); and, finally, under the bed skirt (who knows what you dropped?).

Seven nights, seven treehouse rooms

BY LIZ FLEMING

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wedish tour experts Off the Map Travel have created a fascinating way to explore with their Seven Nights in Seven Rooms expedition. Each night, guests will bed down in treetop accommodations in different Swedish locations.

Starting in Lulea, in Northern Sweden, the hotels include: the iconic Treehotel itself; the Blue Cone, a surprisingly red treehouse cabin perched in a tree on a wooded hillside; the spherical “UFO” structure designed for stargazers and lovers of the northern lights; the reflective-onall-sides MirrorCube that blends seamlessly into the canopy of the forest; the Birds’ Nest hideaway made inside a nest-like surrounding of sticks; the “Cabin” in the trees; and a second and final night in the highest of all rooms at the TreeHotel, in which guests can choose to sleep in an outdoor hanging net.

As part of the week-long tour, guests will enjoy a range of outdoor adventures and dining experiences, learn about the local Sami culture, and discover all that the forest has to offer from foraging to rejuvenating spa treatments, and viewing the Northern Lights and the star-filled Arctic sky. offthemap.travel/7-nights-7-rooms-treehotel

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A study into the proportion of female pilots across the world’s biggest airlines found some interesting results.

The research, by travel platform fromAtoB, looked primarily at Australian, European, American and Canadian airlines. They found that Flybe, Luxair, Qantas and Hawaiian have the highest proportion of female pilots, while the fewest number of women are in the cockpits of Aeroflot and Emirates.

Overall, the numbers are very small. The global average of female pilots working for all airlines sits at just 5.2 per cent, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Australia’s QuantasLink, the top airline for female pilots, barely manages to double that low number, with 11.6 per cent female pilots.

Although Russian carrier Aeroflot has nearly 4,200 pilots, just 58 are women, putting it at the back of the pack.

Illustration by Laura García

WHO’S DRIVING THIS PLANE?

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Finish off your routine with Colgate Total* mouthwash for a fresh, confident smile.

Always read and follow the label.

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WORTH TRAVELLING FOR

GOING TO GREEN HEAVEN Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

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alápagos Islands have become such a “must see” destination, it’s easy to think that a perfect trip to Ecuador is an island cruise combined with a stopover in colourful Quito. But this equatorial nation has its own chunk of the Amazon basin, as well as the species-filled hilly cloud forests that wrap much of the small country in lush mystery.

It’s no surprise that Ecuador is the first country with “Rights of Nature” written right into its constitution.

This year, already buzzed-about Mashpi Lodge, located on a plateau 950 metres high in the cloud forest, doubled the size of the private reserve on which it sits. The reserve, part of the Chocó biogeographical region, is now more than 2,500 protected hectares of cloud forest.

It’s not only an achievement in sustainability and eco-activism, but for guests who stay in the lodge’s 22 rooms and suites, it’s also an

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enormous green buffer against the distractions of civilization. Floor-toceiling glass walls allow guests to feel that they’re right in the forest, but protected from the snakes and insects. The rooms on the upper floors put guests up in the tree canopy where they can get glimpses of the 500 species of birds that live in the region.

The lodge, which opened in 2012, is the dream of visionary founder Roque Sevilla, the former mayor of Quito, who had a strong hand in the lodge’s earthy modernist architecture. Sevilla also owns Metropolitan Touring, one of the leading Galápagos excursion companies, and his Mashpi Lodge project is, in a way, a response to that business, providing a “carbon bank” to balance out his more carbon-intensive endeavours.

Guests can feel they’re participating in Sevilla’s sustainable dream.

Rooms from $925/night. mashpilodge.com —THE EDITORS

Jo u r n e y B e yo n d t h e O r d i n a r y OV E R 5 0 I M M E R S I V E L U X U RY J O U R N E Y S

B R I TA I N , E U R O P E , U S A , C A N A DA , P E R U , C H I L E , B R A Z I L , A R G E N T I N A , E C U A D O R , C O L O M B I A , A U S T R A L I A , N E W Z E A L A N D, C A M B O D I A , L AO S , V I E T N A M , J A PA N , I N D I A , B H U TA N , N E PA L , E G Y P T, S O U T H A F R I C A

CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED TRAVEL ADVISOR, CALL 1 844 649 3582 OR VISIT LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

Luxury Gold is part of The Travel Corporation, a family-owned and passionately run collection of 42 travel brands celebrating 100 years of excellence

Connect with us and inspire your wanderlust /LuxuryGoldVacations

@LGVacations

/LuxuryGoldVacations

@LuxuryGoldVacations

St anley

Tollman & Be atri ce To llm an in New York City

always in pursuit of excellence.

Beatrice Tollman with a Red Carn

Our never-ending journey of innovation sees new experiences and new destinations in 2020. On select departures of our new Art, Culture & Cuisine of Colombia journey, you can meet acclaimed author Juan Gabriel Vasquez, who was shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize, in Bogota.

And on select departures of the Treasures of the Incas journey, you’ll meet the patriarch of one of Peru’s most prominent families, Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara, for a reception at his beautiful villa.

ation chef

These are just a few examples of what Luxury Gold makes possible. Now, at my personal invitation, let’s explore the world together.

Bon Voyage!

Be atrice To

FAMILY VALUES

llman

A LONG TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL Along with Insight Vacations, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and dozens of other award-winning niche travel companies, Luxury Gold is part of The Travel Corporation family of brands.

As a fourth-generation, family-owned and passionately run travel company, TTC shares its 100-year heritage and expertise in creating enriching travel and hospitality experiences with our guests.

LOYALTY DESERVES TO BE REWARDED Past guests of Luxury Gold and our sister brands are eligible for exclusive benefits. For more details on where you can travel with TTC, visit LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD.

BRENDAN VACATIONS

TRAVEL FOR 18 - 35 YEAR OLDS

31

A

A Legacy

In Travel The Family Behind The Brands

s the Chairman of The Travel Corporation (TTC), in my over 60 years of exploring, I have been fortunate to build an incredibly successful travel company, together with my family and a brilliant team of industry professionals.

My father started our family’s legacy in travel 100 years ago, by opening a small hotel in South Africa. Alongside my wife Beatrice and our children, we’ve expanded from that single hotel to a collection of 42 niche travel brands that welcome guests from all over the world.

Over the decades, our family’s passion for discovery and seeking out new experiences has combined with our drive to create superb quality, service and value in every travel business we have built.

Our family motto is “always in pursuit of excellence,” and our philosophy of always delivering the best has driven us to create some of the most luxurious, award-winning

Be atrice To

llman & Br

Through Luxury Gold, I get to share some of our favourite experiences with you, as you travel around the world with us.

A few years ago, I decided to apply our tremendous experience in luxury hospitality to create a travel company that provides the very best, immersive luxury travel experiences with the perfect blend of guided and independent exploration – and so, Luxury Gold was born.

restauranteurs were just starting out. People travelled so elegantly but it took a long time to get anywhere.

hospitality companies, from the worldrenowned Red Carnation Hotels to Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Luxury Gold is motivated by my personal love of travel and my collection of cherished moments that I wish to share with you, enabling you to enhance your travel senses and experiences, as you dream and discover the world with us.

My wife Bea and I always dreamed of travelling during the “golden age of travel” – the ‘20s and ‘30s. Back then, there was the superb elegance of classic hotels and supper clubs, and some of the finest chefs and

Wherever you go, we’ll delight and surprise you with amazing experiences, tastes, sights, sounds and people. You can indulge, relax, enjoy, open up to the charm of different cultures and let us take care of every little detail, perfectly and seamlessly.

Through my Chairman’s Collection of exclusive experiences, we’ve called upon our extensive connections to introduce you to the world’s legendary locals, including opportunities to mingle with European nobility and starry icons in the USA & Canada.

et t Tollman

St anley Tollman

& Bret t Tollm

an

Stanley Tollman & Beatrice

Tollman on Capri

LUXURY GOLD | LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

30

MAJESTIC JAPAN

YOUR ITINERARY - AT A GLANCE

1 COUNTRY | 10 BREAKFASTS 7 LUNCHES | 5 DINNERS 17 INCLUDED EXPERIENCES 5 RELAXED STARTS DEPARTURE DATES

JOURNEYS DEPART ON SET DATES BETWEEN MARCH AND NOVEMBER 2020.

SEE LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD FOR DETAILS.

MAJESTIC JAPAN

Key:

1 1

Join/Leave Options Cruise Train UNESCO Heritage Site Luxury Gold Hotel + Nights Start/End Locations + Nights

OIRASE GORGE 2 (Day 8 & 9)

Shin-Amori Bullet Train

Bullet Train

1

Matsushima Bay SENDAI (Day 7)

JAPAN

Please see page 4 for information key on dining and itinerary icons.

TOKYO (Days 5, 6, 10 & 11)

KYOTO Bullet Train Hiroshima

1

2

(Days 3 & 4)

2 2

Bullet Train

Mount Fuji

OSAKA (Days 1 & 2)

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DAY 6 · RELAXED START EXPLORE TRADITIONAL TOKYO. Visit a traditional teahouse where you learn how to prepare the perfect cup of Matcha Green Tea. Try your hand at making sushi with the highest quality fish and discover why it takes 10 years to become a Master Sushi Chef, before sitting down to a delightful Highlight Lunch.

Enjoy time exploring Ginza, known as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo.

During a Your Choice Evening you're in for a true local experience with the choice of two hand-picked restaurants, each specialising in local delicacies. You may try either Shabu-shabu which are hotpots of meat and vegetables or Teppan-yaki where rice, meats and vegetables are freshly cooked on a grill.

(B) (L) (DW)

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DAY 7 JOURNEY TO SENDAI. Journey by bullet train to Sendai, the City of Trees. Enjoy a private cruise along the dazzling Matsushima Bay to Katsurashima Island.

Meet the owner of a local inn and dine as the locals do with a seafood lunch, as the owner shares insights into life on the island.

Return by ferry to Matsushima, where you explore the site where Aoba Castle once stood. Continue to your

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five-star hotel where the evening is at your leisure. (B) (L)

amenities or visit a local brewery to taste Japan's national drink, sake. (B) (L) (DW)

The Westin Sendai (Superior Rooms).

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| Traditional | ∂ DAY 8 TSUGARU AND HIROSAKI CASTLE. Journey by bullet train to Shin-Aomori Station to visit Hirosaki Castle. Meet a cherry blossom doctor who ensures the trees are kept healthy when in season. As you explore Tsugaru han Neputa Village see the colourful decorations used during the summer Neputa Festival and watch craftsman create the perfect chopsticks. Enjoy a private musical performance of Tsugaru Shamisen and Taiko, traditional Japanese guitar and drumming.

Continue to Oirase Gorge. (B) (DW)

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Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, Oirase Gorge. | Traditional | ∂

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DAY 9 · RELAXED START RELAXING ORAISE. Explore the spectacular Oirase Gorge, a place of special scenic beauty. Admire the cascading waterfalls and marvel at the seasonal colours of the indigenous forest.

Continue to a local restaurant for lunch.

Once back at the hotel, you will have the choice to relax and enjoy the

DAY 10 EXPLORING OIRASE GORGE. Return to Tokyo via bullet train, for your final night in this intriguing city.

Visit the Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple, the oldest and most-visited temple of Japan, and wander along the famous Nakamise Street and explore Kappabashi, a local back-street known as Tokyo's foodie hub.

Venture to the heart of the city for a dazzling Celebration Dinner.

Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai is a famous restaurant specialising in tofu cuisine. Savour a range of intricately prepared dishes all accompanied with beer or wine.

(B) (DW) Imperial Hotel Tokyo.

DAY 11 FAREWELL JAPAN. Bid farewell to your travel companions and head to Narita or Haneda International Airport for your onward journey. (B)

To book or for more information, visit LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD, call 1 844 649 3582, or speak to your Travel Advisor. 29

ASIA

Meet a Maiko (an apprentice geisha) in Kyoto

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DAY 1 WELCOME TO OSAKA, JAPAN! On arrival at Kansai or Itami airport, you will be welcomed and taken to your five-star hotel situated in the heart of the city, where there is time to relax.

At 20:00, meet your Travelling Concierge at the hotel's Rainbow Lounge for your Welcome Dinner, a delicious Japanese meal of tempura and sushi. (DW) Imperial Hotel Osaka. | Traditional | ∂ DAY 2 · RELAXED START HIGHLIGHTS OF OSAKA. Situated in the heart of Japan where rivers and sea routes converge, Osaka is a hub of cutting-edge architecture, exotic flavours and laid-back locals.

Today you will discover the city's highlights, starting with a visit to Osaka castle, beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Discover why Osaka is the kitchen of Japan on a food-tasting exploration with a local foodie. Try local specialities such as Takoyaki before enjoying a two-course lunch.

In the afternoon, venture to the top of the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building for incredible city views. With the evening at leisure, ask your Travelling Concierge for local recommendations to explore this exotic city further. (B) (L)

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Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

DAY 3 A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE ON HIROSHIMA. Journey to Hiroshima on the Shinkansen bullet train, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the only structure left standing after the first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II. Meet a survivor who will share insights into this dark chapter of world history.

For lunch you will be treated to traditional Japanese savoury pancakes known as Okonomiyaki, a dish typical of the region.

Your journey continues by bullet train to Kyoto, known for thousands of years as the Imperial capital of Japan.

After you check in to your centrally located hotel the rest of the evening is yours. (B) (L) Hotel Granvia Kyoto. | Contemporary | ∂ DAY 4 · RELAXED START THE TEMPLES AND GEISHA OF KYOTO. Uncover why Kyoto is Japan's geisha capital and a hub of ancient tradition and culture. Marvel at the Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkakuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and see its famed Golden Pavilion to appreciate its classic architecture. Visit the famous Giouji Temple, where you'll learn about local folklore and walk through the indigenous bamboo forest.

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Savour a Highlight Lunch of traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine made of seasonal ingredients, whilst you enjoy a performance by a Maiko, an apprentice geisha.

Embark on a walking exploration of the vibrant Gion neighbourhood, known as Kyoto's primary geisha district. (B) (L) DAY 5 MT FUJI AND ONTO TOKYO. Board the bullet train to Mishima to stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Fuji. Descend to Lake Kawaguchi where you will be captivated by the flawless reflections of the mountain.

Continue to enjoy spectacular views of Japan's tallest mountain as you enjoy a lunch made of fresh, seasonal ingredients at a local restaurant.

Explore Mt Fuji Your Way. Choose between a visit to the Icchiku Kubota Art Museum with its unique works of art, traditional architecture and seasonal gardens or climb aboard the Kachi-Kachi yama ropeway for amazing views of Mount Fuji.

Travel to Tokyo and check in to your hotel for the evening at leisure.

(B) (LW) Imperial Hotel Tokyo. | Traditional | ∂

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28

A taste of what’s to come

11 DAYS A master of modernity and steward of tradition, Japan delights and surprises with neon-lit highstreets, ancient temples and boundless natural beauty. Meet knowledgeable locals, see iconic sites, taste exotic flavours and wonder at Mother Nature, as you journey via bullet train from cutting-edge cities to unexplored wilderness in luxurious comfort.

ALL DEPARTURES SMALL GROUPS

VIP EXPERIENCES HIROSHIMA:

Be part of a truly poignant travel experience, as you meet a survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb, which destroyed most of the city during World War II and changed world history forever.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS OSAKA:

Visit Osaka Castle and explore this fascinating landmark, home to a variety of artefacts showcasing Osaka’s extensive history.

TSUGARU HAN NEPUTA VILLAGE: See the colourful decorations for the summer Neputa Festival and witness a private musical performance of Tsugaru Shamisen and Taiko, traditional Japanese guitar and drumming.

EXCEPTIONAL DINING TOKYO:

Amid one of the most tranquil Japanese gardens in the heart of Tokyo, overlook Tokyo Tower and dine on local delicacies for your Celebration Dinner at the famous Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai.

LUXURY HOTELS OIRASE GORGE:

Exclusively situated moments away from the serene Oirase Keiryu stream, the luxurious Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel offers spacious bedrooms, five-star facilities and easy access to natural hot springs situated in the nearby forest.

Your complete journey beyond the ordinary is revealed in the itinerary 27

ASIA

MAJESTIC JAPAN

Mount Fuji 26

LUXURY GOLD | LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

TREASURES OF THE INCAS

TREASURES OF THE INCAS

YOUR ITINERARY - AT A GLANCE

1 COUNTRY | 11 BREAKFASTS 9 LUNCHES | 7 DINNERS 21 INCLUDED EXPERIENCES 3 RELAXED STARTS DEPARTURE DATES

JOURNEYS DEPART ON SET DATES BETWEEN AUGUST AND OCTOBER 2020.

SEE LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD FOR DETAILS. Please see page 4 for information key on dining and itinerary icons.

1

DAY 7 · RELAXED START RETURN TO CUSCO. Travel to Cusco by train.

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Savour a sumptuous Pachamanca Feast of Peruvian cuisine for your Highlight Lunch.

After lunch, get up-close to llamas, guanacos, alpacas and even the rare vicuñas before arriving at your hotel in Cusco, steps away from the Plaza de Armas. (B) (L)

PERU MACHU PICCHU (Days 5 & 6)

LIMA

2

(Days 1, 2, 11 & 12)

1

2

SACRED 2 VALLEY (Days 3 & 4)

Moray

(Days 7 & 8)

Uros Island Amantani Sillustani 2 Island LAKE TITICACA / PUNO

Join/Leave Options Included Flights Cruise Train UNESCO Heritage Site Luxury Gold Hotel + Nights Start/End Locations + Nights

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JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.

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Libertador Lake Titicaca, Puno.

Maras 2 CUSCO

Key:

1

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| Heritage | ∂ DAY 8 · RELAXED START COLONIAL CUSCO. Join your Local Expert to explore Cusco, Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha and San Blas.

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In the evening, enjoy a candlelit Highlight Dinner with wine at one of the city's most prominent culinary scenes, the MAP Restaurant in the courtyard of the Museum of PreColombian Art. (B) (DW) DAY 9 LAKE REGION OF PERU. Fly to Juliaca and head to Sillustani to explore the impressive burial grounds.

(B) (L) (DW)

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(Days 9 & 10)

ME TO WE TRAVEL OPTION 2 COUNTRIES | 16 BREAKFASTS 12 LUNCHES | 10 DINNERS 27 INCLUDED EXPERIENCES 3 RELAXED STARTS

DAY 10 THE FLOATING ISLANDS OF LAKE TITICACA. Cruise Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands, where locals bundle reeds from the lake to build floating platforms, houses and canoes.

QUITO

On Amantaní Island, join the local community for a lunch of regional specialties.

Afterwards, explore local handicrafts before returning to Puno where you can relax this evening. (B) (L)

(Days 1 & 5)

1 Coca

3 TENA (Days 2, 3 & 4)

DAY 11 PUNO, BACK TO LIMA. Depart your lakeside retreat and return to Lima.

DAYS 12 - 16 ECUADOR ME TO WE CULTURALLY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE. Why not extend your Treasures of the Incas journey with the perfect sustainable Amazon experience in Ecuador. Participate in an immersive international development project, connect with community members and explore nature as you trek the Amazonian rainforest. See our website for more details.

Savour a sensational Celebration Dinner at Matria, where chef Arlette Eulert Checa intrigues and delights with creative seasonal dishes. (B) (L) (DW) JW Marriott Hotel Lima (Ocean View Rooms). | Contemporary | ∂ DAY 12 DEPART LIMA. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers before transferring to Lima International Airport. (B)

WHY NOT COMBINE THIS JOURNEY WITH CLASSIC SOUTH AMERICA TO FULLY EXPERIENCE SOUTH AMERICA? SEE GRAND SOUTH AMERICA AT LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD.

| Traditional | ∂

To book or for more information, visit LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD, call 1 844 649 3582, or speak to your Travel Advisor.

25

Indigenous Quechua lady, Cusco

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DAY 1 ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU. On arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your luxurious hotel in Miraflores.

JW Marriott Hotel Lima (Ocean View Rooms).

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You can relax before meeting your Travelling Concierge at 18.00 for a Welcome Dinner at MAYTA with chef Jamie Pesaque. (DW)

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| Contemporary | ∂ DAY 2 LIMA, CITY OF THE KINGS. Experience Lima through the eyes of a Local Expert. Explore the UNESCOlisted Historic Centre of Lima.

A Highlight Lunch is served at Amoramar, in Barranco, the trendy bohemian district.

Experience Lima Your Way and visit the workshop of Víctor Delfín, one of Peru's leading artists, or a take a guided visit to MATE-Museo Mario Testino, created by one of the world's most influential photographers. (B) (LW)

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LATIN AMERICA

Plaza Mayor, Lima

If you are on a Chairman’s Collection departure, today you will meet Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara.

Truly a man of many talents, he is a gifted lawyer, farmer, entrepreneur and politician descending from an impressive family heritage including former presidents of Peru and nobility in Spain.

DAY 3 ON TO THE SACRED VALLEY. Fly to Cusco and continue on to Peru's Sacred Valley. Visit the Chinchero market. Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques. (B) (L) (DW)

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Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley. | Traditional | ∂ DAY 4 · RELAXED START EXPLORING THE SACRED VALLEY. Visit the terraced salt pans in Maras, where you'll meet a local family.

Feast on a local caja china lunch cooked in a wooden box.

After lunch, witness a private Pachamama Ceremony. (B) (L)

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DAY 5 JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo.

Board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu village. Enjoy lunch followed by a guided exploration. Discover a working tea plantation and view the world's largest private collection of indigenous orchids.

Learn how to blend the perfect pisco sour before your dinner with wine at the hotel. (B) (L) (DW) Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. | Traditional | ∂ DAY 6 MYSTERIOUS MACHU PICCHU. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu before the crowds with a Local Expert.

In the afternoon, enjoy time to explore Machu Picchu at your leisure or return to town and continue your afternoon there.

After a full day of discovery, enjoy a delicious dinner with wine. (B) (L) (DW)

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24

A taste of what’s to come 12 or 16 DAYS Discover the mysterious world of the ancient Inca Empire and Peru’s modern gastronomy.

On Chairman’s Collections departures, join Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara for an exclusive experience. Scheduled on Day 2 of Treasures of the Incas. See itinerary and our website for details.

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VIP EXPERIENCES LIMA:

Visit the home of local artist Victor Delfin, known for his monumental El Beso sculpture, at his workshop in the city’s trendy Barranco district.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS MACHU PICCHU:

Spend a full day exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. A Local Expert helps you understand the enigmatic fortress abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century.

LAKE TITICACA:

Visit the Uros Floating Islands to learn about the lifestyle and customs of the local people and enjoy lunch with the community.

EXCEPTIONAL DINING CUSCO:

Dine at MAP restaurant, one of the city’s most prominent restaurants, situated on the lively, modern courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.

LUXURY HOTELS CUSCO:

The stylishly decorated and luxurious JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is built atop ancient Incan ruins.

Your complete journey beyond the ordinary is revealed in the itinerary

23

LATIN AMERICA

TREASURES OF THE INCAS WITH ME TO WE OPTION

Machu Picchu 22

LUXURY GOLD | LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

ULTIMATE IRELAND

YOUR ITINERARY - AT A GLANCE

2 COUNTRIES | 11 BREAKFASTS 5 DINNERS 22 INCLUDED EXPERIENCES 2 RELAXED STARTS

ULTIMATE IRELAND Key:

1 1

Join/Leave Options UNESCO Heritage Site Luxury Gold Hotel + Nights Start/End Locations + Nights

DEPARTURE DATES

Giants Causeway Londonderry

ASHFORD CASTLE

JOURNEYS DEPART ON SET DATES BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER 2020.

SEE LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD FOR DETAILS.

NORTHERN IRELAND

(Days 10, 11 & 12)

Galway

(Days 1, 2 & 3)

DUBLIN

Shannon

DAY 7 BANTER IN BLARNEY. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the High Kings of Munster. You then visit Blarney Castle, where legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone gives you the gift of the gab.

In the evening you’ll enjoy dinner at the family-run Treyvaud’s restaurant.

Later, try Irish dancing during a simple dance class with the Gaelic Roots, before settling in your VIP seats to watch the show. (B) (DW) The Dunloe, Killarney.

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LIMERICK (Day 9)

KILKENNY

(Days 7 & 8)

Killarney National Park

2

Glendalough 1

Cashel

KILLARNEY

2

3 BELFAST

2

IRELAND

Cliffs of Moher

(Days 4 & 5)

Please see page 4 for information key on dining and itinerary icons.

Adare Ring of Kerry

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| Traditional | ∂ DAY 8 SWEET RING OF KERRY. Enjoy a morning at leisure in the comfort of your luxurious, five-star hotel, before travelling through beautiful Killarney National Park, where sweeping mountains, lush lake lands and valleys await you as you drive along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Enjoy a pint in one of Killarney’s most popular pubs and perhaps stay to enjoy the local musicians later in the evening.

(B)

(Day 6)

Blarney

DAY 9 EXPLORING LIMERICK. Start your day with a jaunting car ride.

Journey along the Dingle Peninsula to witness the craggy clifftops and rolling hills that have inspired films such as ‘Ryan’s Daughter’. Head on to the village of Adare. Famous for its thatched-roof cottages and charm, this heritage town is a worthy detour for budding photographers looking to document their journey. Your travels continue to Limerick where your Travelling Concierge leads you on an orientation of the city. While here you’ll see St. Mary’s Cathedral and the city’s stone, where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. (B)

features. The castle is set upon an idyllic 350-acre estate, making it a dreamy location for relaxing, romantic getaways.

Ashford Castle, Cong.

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In the evening you will dine à la carte at the esteemed George V Dining Room. (B) (DW)

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| Castle | ∂ DAY 11 · RELAXED START MAJESTIC ASHFORD CASTLE. Enjoy a relaxed start in your stately abode. During your leisure time why not head for a walk in its grounds and take in the plush exterior and crisp, fresh country air.

Experience Ashford Castle Your Way with a choice between a unique falconry experience or scrumptious afternoon tea.

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The Savoy Hotel, Limerick. | Boutique | ∂ DAY 10 REGAL COUNTY MAYO. Travel through beautiful Country Clare and stop to admire the Cliffs of Moher. Continue to Galway where you’ll explore with your Travelling Concierge. Journey on to the pretty village of Cong in County Mayo.

This beautiful destination houses the famous Ashford Castle, where on arrival a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. This luxury hotel was formerly home of the Guinness family and boasts sumptuous rooms, antique furniture and unique historic

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Your final day culminates with a Celebration Dinner where you can share stories from the journey with your new-found friends, over dinner and wine. (B) (DW) DAY 12 DEPART SHANNON. It’s time to say goodbye or ‘slán’ to your fellow travellers, as a transfer takes you to Shannon airport. (B)

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To book or for more information, visit LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD, call 1 844 649 3582, or speak to your Travel Advisor.

21

Giant’s Causeway

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DAY 1 WELCOME TO ENERGETIC BELFAST. Welcome to the memorable capital of Northern Ireland. On arrival at Belfast International Airport a complimentary transfer will take you to your luxurious hotel for the next three nights. Located in the heart of Belfast city centre, you'll have time to get settled in.

Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.

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Join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travelling companions at 18:00 for a delicious Welcome Dinner. (DW)

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| Traditional | ∂ DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF BELFAST. Delve into Northern Ireland's inspiring and heartbreaking history in Belfast.

Begin the day at the Titanic Belfast Museum. With your Local Expert enjoy a panoramic tour of Belfast, hear the history of the city and learn about the city's progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. (B)

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EUROPE

Ashford Castle

DAY 3 GIANT'S CAUSEWAY AND LONDONDERRY. See Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonders at the Giant's Causeway, on a private tour with a local ranger who will explain its ancient history and impressive formation.

Next, you'll head to Londonderry to meet Ronan, a Local Expert and one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers.

He'll share local tales and advise you on where best to head for lunch. The evening is yours at leisure, so why not head back to your luxury hotel and make the most of its facilities? (B) DAY 4 VIBRANT DUBLIN. Journey to Dublin, a haven for literary buffs and Guinness lovers. Take a city tour with your Travelling Concierge to see O'Connell Street, Custom House and Dublin Castle, before heading to the Little Museum of Dublin after hours.

This experience taps into Ireland's dynamic history in an animated way.

You'll explore the museum with its founder, respected author Trevor White, who'll also provide you with a signed copy of his critically acclaimed book, 'Alfie.' Enjoy a glass of prosecco with him as you learn more about the lives of Dubliners. (B)

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DAY 5 A TRULY IRISH EXPERIENCE. Head to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, which you'll explore before it opens to the public, with a private opportunity to learn to pull the perfect pint. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Dublin. Why not head to the National Museum of Ireland or the Dublin City Gallery? If more Guinness is on your mind, ask your Travelling Concierge for local advice on the best pubs Dublin has to offer. (B) DAY 6 · RELAXED START GLENDALOUGH TO KILKENNY. Travel to Glendalough, where you'll explore with a Local Expert. Continue to the medieval town of Kilkenny.

Known as the Marble City, take a stroll on Kilkenny’s marble mile which is a trail that links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral and filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and picturesque alleyways.

End the day with a Michelin-starred dinner at Lady Helen and savour a dish prepared using locally-sourced ingredients. (B) (DW) Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny. | Historic | ∂

Dylan Hotel, Dublin. | Boutique | ∂

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A taste of what’s to come 12 DAYS Welcome to the Emerald Isle. A storyteller's paradise, you'll explore the natural elements of this vibrant country, meeting some colourful characters along the way. From esteemed author and Dubliner, Trevor White, to Killarney locals and the lively performers of Gaelic Roots - who will teach you a few moves - you're in for a journey rich in history, fascinating local insights and lots of laughter!

We are certain the breathtaking landscapes and lyrical personality will have you leaving this rugged, fairytale land inspired.

VIP EXPERIENCES DUBLIN:

Meet esteemed author Trevor White on a rare, personal after-hours tour of The Little Musuem of Dublin, which he founded. You'll learn about his work, his life as a Dublin local and what it means to be a Dubliner. You'll also receive a signed copy of his latest book, 'Alfie.'

KILLARNEY:

Learn how to Irish dance with the best of the best. The performers of Gaelic Roots will give you a simple dance class before you later watch them take to the stage from your VIP seats.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS GIANT'S CAUSEWAY:

Visit this iconic site on a private tour with a wildlife ranger and learn more about this majestic phenomenon.

EXCEPTIONAL DINING KILKENNY:

Gourmet dining and opulent ambience, the Michelinstarred restaurant Lady Helen will allure your senses with its ambitious and visually impressive dishes using locally-sourced ingredients from the estate, the country and the coast.

LUXURY HOTELS ASHFORD CASTLE:

Magnificent Ashford Castle is set in a 350-acre estate in the countryside. It is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or simply to get back to nature. Expect warm Irish hospitality and charm aplenty.

Your complete journey beyond the ordinary is revealed in the itinerary 19

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ULTIMATE IRELAND

Cliffs of Moher 18

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DAY 10 THEATRICAL VENICE AND THE DOGE'S PALACE. Cross the fertile Po Valley to Venice and take a water taxi via the famous Grand Canal to your five-star hotel.

In the evening, you are invited to a private, after-hours visit of the magnificent Doge's Palace. As all crowds disappear, discover the history, art and culture of the Venetian Republic with your Local Expert. (B) Bauer Palazzo, Venice. | Heritage | ∂ DAY 11 · RELAXED START THE MAGIC OF VENICE. Venture to a craftsman's workshop to witness the age-old skill of glassblowing and admire the famous St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Later, take your seat in a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals.

Learn the secrets behind your aperitif, Venice's Bellini cocktail before your Celebration Dinner tonight at the atmospheric Taverna La Fenice.

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ULTIMATE ITALY

ITALY RAPALLO

River Po

2 Emilia Romagna

VENICE

(Days 10, 11 & 12)

(Day 9)

1

Cinque Terre

FLORENCE (Days 6, 7 & 8)

Pisa

3 Chianti (Day 5)

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Umbria Apennine Mountains

Assisi 2 ROME & VATICAN CITY Frascati

Join/Leave Options Cruise Train UNESCO Heritage Site Luxury Gold Hotel + Nights Start/End Locations + Nights

(Days 1 & 2)

Campania

Naples

2 River Po

Emilia Romagna

Pompeii

2 CAPRI (Days 3 & 4)

VENICE-SIMPLON-ORIENTEXPRESS TRAVEL OPTION

2 1 1 1 1

VENICE

(Days 10, 11 & 12)

(Day 9)

Cinque Terre

PERUGIA

San Gimignano Tuscany

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SUMMER DEPARTURES

Select departures during June, July and August operate per the alternate itinerary below.

ITALY RAPALLO 1

FLORENCE

COUNTRIES | 4 BREAKFASTS LUNCH | 1 AFTERNOON TEA DINNER INCLUDED EXPERIENCE RELAXED START

(Days 6, 7 & 8)

Pisa

DAY 12 ARRIVEDERCI VENICE. Transfer by private boat to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your onward journey. (B)

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PERUGIA

San Gimignano

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VENICE SIMPLONORIENT-EXPRESS

(Days 15 & 16)

Umbria Apennine Mountains

Tuscany

(Day 14)

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Assisi

FRANCE

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SWITZERLAND

(Days 1 & 2)

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ITALY

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YOUR ITINERARY - AT A GLANCE

VENICE

2 SORRENTO

Capri

2 COUNTRIES | 11 BREAKFASTS 3 LUNCHES | 5 DINNERS 27 INCLUDED EXPERIENCES 3 RELAXED STARTS

(Days 12 & 13)

(Days 3 & 4)

DEPARTURE DATES

JOURNEYS DEPART ON SET DATES BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER 2020.

SEE LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD FOR DETAILS.

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DAY 3 POMPEII, SORRENTO AND THE ISLE OF CAPRI. Visit Pompeii with a Local Expert.

Stay overnight in Sorrento. (B) (DW) Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Room). | Contemporary | ∂ DAY 4 EXPLORE THE ISLE OF DREAMS. Board a hydrofoil to Capri. Cruise to the white grotto, take an open-top taxi and a walk the Caesar Augustus gardens with a Local Expert. Dine in Michelin-starred Mammà for lunch.

(B) (LW) Your journey continues per the regular itinerary.

Please see page 4 for information key on dining and itinerary icons.

DAYS 12 - 16

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FROM VENICE TO PARIS.

Why not extend your stay in Venice for two extra nights before travelling onward to Paris in timeless elegance onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train? This part of your journey is not accompanied by a Travelling Concierge.

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Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel. | Contemporary | ∂

Visit luxurygold.com/bold for prices and details.

To book or for more information, visit LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD, call 1 844 649 3582, or speak to your Travel Advisor.

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DAY 1 WELCOME TO ROME. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, you will be met and transferred to your elegant hotel, Palazzo Montemartini, located in the heart of the city.

At 18:00, meet your Travelling Concierge for a short stroll through the charming streets followed by a Welcome Dinner in an elegant restaurant just off Piazza Navona where you'll have time to admire the wonderful Bernini fountains and watch the world go by. (DW)

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Hotel Palazzo Montemartini, Rome. | Contemporary | ∂ DAY 2 ROME AND THE VATICAN. Our VIP entry into the Vatican Museums is the best way to enjoy the timeless Papal art collection. Enter Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel for a tour with a Local Expert before it opens to the public.

Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, before seeing the Roman Forum and visiting the grand Colosseum. (B) DAY 3 POMPEII AND THE ISLE OF CAPRI. Journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii. Join your Local Expert to learn about the lifestyles of its former residents. Board a hydrofoil at the Bay of Naples for the sun-drenched Isle of Capri. On arrival, ride in a stylish, open-top taxi to your luxurious hotel.

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Quisisana Hotel, Capri. | Boutique | ∂ DAY 4 · RELAXED START EXPLORE THE ISLE OF DREAMS. Embark on a dazzling cruise to see the white grotto and spectacular cliffs of the island, before arriving in Capri town to cool off with a refreshing lemon granita. Walk with your Local Expert to the gardens of Caesar Augustus to view the legendary Faraglioni Rocks, jutting out of the water.

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Prepare for a Highlight Lunch at the incredible Michelin-starred Mammà. Enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples whilst savouring Mediterranean flavours created with passion.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

(B) (LW) DAY 5 LUSH UMBRIA AND ON TO ASSISI AND PERUGIA. Return to the mainland to the winding, cobbled streets of Assisi for a guided visit to the imposing Basilica of St. Francis with your Local Expert.

Continue to Perugia and meet your Local Expert for a walk along the Corso Vannucci to the main square.

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Brufani, Perugia. | Heritage | ∂ DAY 6 · RELAXED START SAN GIMIGNANO AND TUSCANY. Meet Marta, the director of Laboratorio Giuditta Borzetti and the recipient of a TreadRight grant, to learn how the workshop's artisans are preserving the heritage craft of textile loom-weaving. Journey to the 15th century wine domain of 'Guardastelle', with its spectacular views over the rolling vineyards and the 'medieval Manhattan' which is San Gimignano.

Explore the vineyard estate with a wine expert to learn about the various grape varieties and visit the ancient cellars, where you will enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties and beautiful views of the countryside.

Continue to San Gimignano, to taste the award-winning gelato of Sergio Dondoli. (B) (LW)

Ville sull’Arno, Florence. | Boutique | ∂

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If you are travelling on a Chairman's Collection departure, you are invited to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuriesold Tuscan estate. This experience will replace the lunch and wine tasting at ‘Guardastelle’.

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DAY 7 RENAISSANCE FLORENCE. Explore Florence Your Way. Choose to join an art historian for an insider's guide to this romantic city.

Admire Michelangelo's original statue of David in the Accademia Museum, before strolling to the cathedral, baptistery and Piazza della Signoria.

Alternatively, join a local foodie on a walking tour of the best gastronomic treats.

This evening, forage for the region's famous aromatic truffles guided by an exper truffle dog.

Enjoy a tasting of these precious 'diamonds' followed by dinner in an elegant villa which will include a choice of dishes including the famous 'Fiorentina' (mouth-watering grilled Tuscan beefsteak). (B) (DW) DAY 8 TUSCAN COOKING CLASS AND PISA. Join a professional chef and uncover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during an authentic culinary masterclass set in a historic villa. Complete your cooking experience by savouring the fruits of your labour with a lovely lunch.

In the afternoon, travel to Pisa and meet your Local Expert to view the splendid Duomo, baptistery and the famous, gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa. (B) (LW) DAY 9 EXPLORING THE CINQUE TERRE. Journey northwest towards the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join your Local Expert in the picturesque fishing village of Manarola, then cruise along the rugged coast to explore Monterosso's medieval quarter and popular sandy beach.

Enjoy lunch at leisure, then journey by train to the resort town of Rapallo.

(B) (DW) Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo. | Historic | ∂

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A taste of what’s to come

12 or 16 DAYS This magnificent journey showcases Italy’s grand past, romantic cities and exquisite natural wonders.

On Chairman’s Collection departures, join Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate.

Scheduled on Day 6 of Ultimate Italy.

See itinerary and our website for details.

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VIP EXPERIENCES VENICE:

Discover the secrets of the Venetian Republic on a private evening tour of the Doge’s Palace with your Local Expert.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS PERUGIA:

Meet Marta, recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop.

TUSCANY:

Journey to the 15th century wine domain of ‘Guardastelle’ and visit the ancient cellars with a wine expert, where you will enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties.

EXCEPTIONAL DINING ISLE OF CAPRI:

Take in beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples from the privileged perch of Michelin-starred Mammà. Savour a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavours in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione.

LUXURY HOTELS VENICE:

The Palazzo is divinely located on the Grand Canal, just off St Mark’s Square, and offers spacious and elegant guest rooms.

Your complete journey beyond the ordinary is revealed in the itinerary

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ULTIMATE ITALY

WITH VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS OPTION

Cooking class with a master chef, Tuscany 14

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AN ANCIENT HISTORY, EXPLORED AFTER-HOURS Often referred to as “the world’s greatest open-air museum,” the modern city of Luxor blends seamlessly with its ancient temples and ruins, which date back to Egypt’s eleventh dynasty.

Hazem was there, not only to help me understand the founding of the city and what’s happened in the 4,000 or so years since, but also to usher us behind the scenes to one of its greatest treasures – Luxor Temple.

After the temple closed to the public, we entered and explored the massive statues, columns, and inscriptions.

After the temple closed to the public, we entered and explored the massive statues, columns, and inscriptions. As the sun set, its final golden hues lingered upon the ruins, gradually being replaced with the beautiful nighttime lighting, giving the ruins an added magic. Never before have I felt so small, standing next to massive sandstone ruins.

With Hazem by our side, we learned something special about this ‘southern sanctuary.’ Unlike other temples, which were often devoted to a single deity, this one was dedicated to the ascending Pharaohs and central to the Opet festival, which hosted the annual recoronation ceremony.

He also pointed out that the pink granite obelisk, central to the temple complex, is the sister of another famous one in Paris’s Place de la Concorde, and originally stood here by its side.

EGYPT, WHERE LUXURY MEETS ADVENTURE “The journey not the arrival matters,” or so said author and poet, T.S. Eliot. A Luxury Gold journey through Egypt lives and breathes these words, with fascinating experiences and countless adventures on your voyage down the legendary Nile.

Discover the wonders of Egypt on your own immersive journey with Luxury Gold.

Related journeys:

Left: Traditional felucca gliding down the Nile Right, top to bottom: Hieroglyphics, Tomb of Ramsses VI, Valley of the Kings; Exploring Karnak Temple ruins, Luxor

– Elegance of Egypt – Elegance of the Pharaohs – Elegance of the Nile Learn more about these journeys on luxurygold.com/bold

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LUXURY GOLD EGYPT STORY

MY TIME WITH THE BIRDMAN, AND OTHER LOCALS Out of the rugged desert, in the lush oasis of Aswan I found greenery, flowers and charming locals. One such individual was its birdman. A member of the ancient Nubian community, he took me on a boat ride along the Nile, showing me its secret corners and pointing out the area’s abundant species of birds and local flora.

The real beauty of Egypt for me was its people.

Having the chance to visit the home of a local family, I never expected such hospitality.They believe in the mantra, “your children are my children,” which speaks to their centuries-old appreciation of close friends and family.

One humble yet important tradition that continues to this day is the sharing of freshly baked bread among the whole family. Experiencing this special gesture of appreciation towards family was a beautiful thing, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

Having the chance to visit the home of a local family, I never expected such hospitality.

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MY WORTHY TRAVEL COMPANION Arriving at Cairo’s historic Mena House, whether it’s after an international flight or a day of exploring, is always a treat.The tranquil, palm-fringed gardens inspire a sense of calm, while the intricately carved ceilings and elegant décor evoke the country’s rich architectural heritage.

Unsurprising given its golden-age grandeur, the Mena House has played host to several notable guests, such as Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, King George V and Queen Mary. What a treat indeed to count myself among these famed guests.

Upon arrival on my first day, I found I had already been checked in by my smiling Travelling Concierge, Hazem. He showed me to my room, where my luggage was waiting for me, along with the most breathtaking view of the pyramids. Just one of the special benefits that Hazem and Luxury Gold had arranged.

A qualified Egyptologist, Hazem was eager to share his local and historic knowledge with me. We looked at the role women played in Ancient Egypt, as he spoke of the powerful and respected Pharaoh, Hatshepsut, who renowned Egyptologist James Henry Breasted declared “the first great woman in history of whom we are informed.”

Although subsequent rulers tried to erase her legacy, Hazem had studied the partially remaining hieroglyphs in her temple and explained how they recite the belief that the sun god Amun created her himself. A testament to her political savvy, Hatshepsut’s grasp of religion, as well as her heritage and education, were instrumental to her becoming Pharaoh and ruling over a time of great peace and prosperity.

THE LUXURIOUS RIVER TOSCA Your Egypt adventure includes a luxurious cruise on the elegant River Tosca. Read more about the decor, dining and service on luxurygold.com/bold.

A GOLDEN-AGE OF EXPLORATION, EGYPT THEN AND NOW The duality of Cairo is impressive. One can get lost in its sweeping skylines and bustling streets yet remain enchanted by its old-world charm, perfectly fitting for a country whose history dates back several thousand years.

There to help me navigate this vast history was Hazem. As an Egyptologist, he was an invaluable resource for exploring the famed Egyptian Museum, which holds the treasures of the Pharaohs. During our journey through the ages, he made sure to point out the notable figures like Tutankhamun and Ramesses the Great, without overlooking the contributions of Nefertari, the latter’s equally impressive wife, who served as one of his most skilled diplomats.

The delights of exploring these lesser-known details of Egyptian history did not stop here.

Left: Pyramids of Giza; Right top to bottom: View from Mena House Hotel room; Delicious tea, fruit and cakes

For my time in Aswan, I stayed at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, a relic of the golden age of travel, which thrived after

Howard Carter found the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922 and inspired a wave of interest in Egypt.

Specially arranged by Luxury Gold, I indulged in a high tea of finger sandwiches and fresh fruits on the legendary hotel’s terrace, overlooking the traditional felucca boats as they gently glided down the Nile. As I relaxed in the colonial surroundings, I imagined myself as a bookish Agatha Christie, who – legend has it – wrote her murder mystery novel “Death on the Nile,” in this inspiring location.

I indulged in a high tea of finger sandwiches and fresh fruits on the legendary hotel’s terrace, overlooking the traditional felucca boats.

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Egypt

A COUNTRY OF CONTRAST BEST EXPERIENCED WITH LOCALS Story by: Ulla Hefel Böhler, CEO, Luxury Gold

Egypt has long been fancied as a destination of mighty monuments, desert lands and intriguing ancient artifacts. On my recent Luxury Gold journey, I found that Egypt is so much more. Indeed, the country’s ancient history plays second fiddle to its welcoming locals, eager to share their knowledge and traditions. Read all about my Luxury Gold journey to Egypt in the following pages.

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SEVEN REASONS TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

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s a traveller, you have the opportunity to give back to the destinations you visit and make a positive impact on the world. We share this philosophy of “treading right” with you, as we work together to ensure that the places we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. We’re committed to making travel matter by partnering with the TreadRight Foundation to support projects which positively impact the people, planet and wildlife. We want the next generation of our family to welcome the next generation of yours on vacations that connect us with special people and places around the world.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES Working toward our long-term goal of removing single-use plastics from our operations, we’re proud to provide Luxury Gold guests with elegant, reusable water bottles so you can stay hydrated the environmentally friendly way. We commit to providing potable drinking water for you along your journey in a sustainable way.

A Family Legacy OF MAKING TRAVEL MATTER Story by BRETT TOLLMAN, TTC CEO In 2020, we are celebrating two important milestones – our TreadRight Foundation’s 12th year and our parent company’s 100th anniversary.

TreadRight is our not-for-profit foundation supported by The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of 42 award-winning brands around the world.

As a fourth-generation, family owned business, we are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of TTC, which was founded by my grandfather, Solomon Tollman.

He opened our first hotel in South Africa 100 years ago, and we continue to build on his enduring legacy.

Our mission statement is to Make Travel Matter, with a commitment to creating a positive impact by helping to safeguard the people and communities we visit, to help protect and respect wildlife, and to care for our planet for generations to come.

TreadRight has supported more than 50 sustainable tourism projects worldwide to date. Our support is provided through grants and donations to leading partners across the sustainable travel spectrum and all funding comes from our company. We do not believe it is our place to ask our guests and travellers to donate.

We understand that making travel matter is important to our travellers and we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact too. It is estimated that eight million tonnes of discarded plastics end up polluting our oceans annually.

Preserving the art of loom-weaving in Perugia, Italy

Since 2013, our TTC teams across the globe have logged more than 34,000 volunteer hours, including beach clean-ups of plastic waste.

Since 2018,TTC and our global brands have committed to eliminating all avoidable single-use plastics across our operations by 2022.

We already no longer make singleuse plastic bottles available on our motor coaches, including Luxury Gold. We are working with our partners on the ground to make sure our valued guests still have access to clean drinking water, and we will identify convenient points along their journey where they can safely and responsibly source drinking water. Even more has been done within our luxury hotels and on board our luxury river ships.

Our guests are positively impacted by our initiatives to make travel matter. We have invested in and introduced an electronic document system to replace paper, while committing to plant a tree for each guest who opts for e-documents with our partner, One Tree Planted (OTP).

This notable not-for-profit organization is focused on global reforestation, with a mission to create a world full of trees. Luxury Gold Cares and OTP are planting trees in India to help support this destination’s fragile ecosystem and the millions of people there who depend on forest products for subsistence.

As engaged citizens of the world, we all can do more, share best practices, as well as to reduce, reuse and recycle in our respective daily lives so we can help build and preserve a more sustainable planet for future generations.Thank you for helping us on this journey by being a responsible, involved traveller and citizen too.

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SEVEN REASONS ELEGANCE ELEVATED

uxury Gold hotels are simply the best of the best. In terms of luxurious comfort, elegant surroundings, excellent locations and supremely high standards of service, our carefully curated selection of places to stay truly immerse you in each destination.

Relax at the Belmond Copacabana’s pool

Feel at home while abroad, with sumptuous amenities that cater to your desires. With multiple night stays in many cities, we invite you to spend your leisure time relaxing at rejuvenating spas, golfing on world-class courses and sipping on cocktails at distinctive bars.

The Belmond Copacabana Palace, ideally located on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beach, is truly a home away from home.

Inside its Art Deco walls, you can find a beautiful pool and spa, the finest rooms in Rio and acclaimed restaurants for your dining pleasure.

RELAXED STARTS On days with Relaxed Starts, you can set the clock for a later start or linger longer over breakfast in bed with complimentary room service.

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herever you journey with Luxury Gold – and whether by road, rail or river – we will do everything within our considerable powers to ensure you enjoy the best, most comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. We always choose the best mode of transport for the destination, ensuring you travel in luxury and comfort each step of the way.

Relax in our luxurious motorcoaches, customized with double the standard legroom. You’ll also travel the local way in the destinations you visit, from arriving at your Venetian hotel on board a private water taxi, to journeying through the spectacular Alps via the famed Glacier Express train and exploring Krueger National Park in a deluxe safari vehicle.

A luxurious arrival in Venice via the Grand Canal.

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03 YOUR TRAVELLING CONCIERGE

SEVEN REASONS YOUR JOURNEY YOUR WAY

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e invite you to savour every moment of your Luxury Gold journey, because your dedicated Travelling Concierge is with you all the way. Relax as they take care of every detail, and tailor the journey to your wishes and whims.

Because your free time is precious, your Travelling Concierge is on hand to help you make the most of it.

They can book spa appointments at your luxurious hotel, suggest the best places for a scenic stroll, and make dinner reservations for evenings at leisure.

EXPLORE YOUR WAY And look for days marked “Your Way,” where your Travelling Concierge will offer you a choice of included experiences.

Your Travelling Concierge is on hand throughout your journey

04 SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS

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ur journeys can inspire friendships that last a lifetime. Exploring the world with a small group of like-minded fellow travellers can make your journey all the more enjoyable. With an average of just 28 guests per journey, you benefit from more personal service from your Travelling Concierge, while retaining the camaraderie of a friendly, sociable group.

Travelling as a smaller group also means you have access to experiences that cannot accommodate larger groups of travellers. For example, at the elegant Villa Dianella in Tuscany, step up to your individual cooking stations and join a master chef for a culinary masterclass on Italian specialties followed by a delicious lunch with wine.

SPECIAL SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES Looking for an even more intimate exploration? On our special small group departures, you’ll travel with an average of 15 guests and a maximum of 24 guests per departure. Just look for the symbol on the journey planner box of each itinerary on our website. Journeys to India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa exclusively feature small groups.

Learn the secrets of Tuscan cooking alongside a master chef

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01 EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCES

SEVEN REASONS INDULGE IN THE EXCEPTIONAL

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hese unforgettable experiences are reserved exclusively for Luxury Gold guests and are unavailable to other travellers. Meet a fabulously entertaining bagpiper at Edinburgh Castle, renowned for being the late Queen Mother’s favourite.

Stand serenely beneath the frescoed ceilings of the Schönbrunn Palace during your after-hours visit. Be among the privileged few to witness the Ceremony of the Keys, a tradition carried on for 700 years.These VIP Experiences are just a glimpse of what’s possible for you as a Luxury Gold guest.

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Meet the late Queen Mother's favourite bagpiper in Edinburgh

02 EXCEPTIONAL DINING

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ne of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its cuisine. With Luxury Gold, you’ll dive into a diverse world of exceptional dining experiences. From your first warm welcome dinner to the grand finale celebration, and all the delicious experiences in between, your journey will be a feast for the epicurious.

Roll up your sleeves and learn the secrets to local cuisine alongside master chefs during your very own hands-on cooking class. Feel like you're joining old friends for dinner as you accompany an EatWith host for a home-cooked meal in cities across Europe. Indulge in the exquisite flavours and masterful techniques of renowned chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants and other acclaimed establishments.

From the comfortable to the elegant, your dining experiences will be nothing short of divine and delicious.

Dine at the acclaimed Restaurant 1135 AD, Jaipur LUXURY GOLD | LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

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REASONS TO CHOOSE LUXURY GOLD Read on and inspire your wanderlust as you learn more about the Seven Great Reasons to Choose Luxury Gold.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCES

EXCEPTIONAL DINING

YOUR TRAVELLING CONCIERGE

SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS

LUXURIOUS HOTELS

LUXURIOUS TRAVEL

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

Machu Picchu, Peru 5

CONTENTS

DISCOVER LUXURY GOLD

Sample inspiring stories from our editorial contributors and discover some of our guests’ favourite journeys around the world. The full worldwide collection of immersive journeys is available online at LUXURYGOLD.COM/BOLD

LUXURY JOURNEYS

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A FAMILY LEGACY

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SEVEN GREAT REASONS TO CHOOSE LUXURY GOLD

- STORY BY BRETT TOLLMAN, CEO, TTC

EGYPT: A COUNTRY OF CONTRAST

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- STORY BY ULLA HEFEL BÖHLER, CEO, LUXURY GOLD

A LEGACY IN TRAVEL

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- STORY BY MR. STANLEY TOLLMAN, CHAIRMAN, TTC

EUROPE ULTIMATE ITALY CC ULTIMATE IRELAND

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LATIN AMERICA TREASURES OF THE INCAS CC

12 or 16 DAYS

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ASIA MAJESTIC JAPAN

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THE CHAIRMAN'S COLLECTION

We invite you to join our most exclusive experiences, personally curated by our Chairman, Mr. Stanley Tollman, and inspired by his life in travel.

As part of his Chairman’s Collection, the world’s legendary locals open up their homes and their hearts, so you can meet regal figures and acclaimed luminaries.

These experiences are included on Chairman’s Collection journeys marked with our official stamp (above). The relevant departure dates are highlighted with the CC symbol on the journey’s page on our website.

KEY ITINERARY Flight

℮



Cruise Hotel

DINING B MT L

Buffet Breakfast Morning Tea Lunch

Ω

∂

ℓ LW AT

TripAdvisor Rating

Wi-Fi

Your Way

Train

Dining

CC

Chairman’s Collection

D Dinner DW Dinner with Wine

Lunch with Wine Afternoon Tea

SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES Visit: You will enter a specific site and applicable fees are included.

See/View: You will walk or drive to (or nearby) the site during your guided trip, often with a brief stop and photo opportunity.

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We invite you to indulge your passions on an immersive, small group journey, offering the perfect blend of guided and independent exploration.

At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise accumulated over the past century as a family business, now celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Imagine meeting Marchese Mazzei, a member of the 24th generation of his winemaking family, at his villa estate in Tuscany. Learn about his heritage as you sip on his spectacular wines, visit his beautiful vineyard and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the following pages, you’ll sample stories from our editorial contributors – individuals passionate about travel, food, wine, history, and art – capturing the exceptional experiences that await when you travel with us.

A world of immersive journeys awaits you, each with VIP experiences, exceptional dining, elegant hotels and a Travelling Concierge who’s there to tailor everything to your desires.

Bon voyage!

STANLEY TOLLMAN – CHAIRMAN THE TRAVEL CORPORATION

ULLA HEFEL BÖHLER – CEO LUXURY GOLD

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Welcome to a

JOURNEY BEYOND THE ORDINARY

Tuscany, Italy: As part of our Chairman’s Collection, join Marchese Mazzei at his villa estate to learn about his family’s winemaking heritage.

Related journey: Ultimate Italy, page 14 2

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WORLDWIDE

2020 L U X U RY E S C O RT E D J O U R N E Y S B R I TA I N , E U R O P E , U S A , C A N A D A , P E R U , C H I L E , B R A Z I L , A R G E N T I N A , ECUADOR, COLOMBIA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, CAMBODIA, L A O S , V I E T N A M , J A PA N , I N D I A , B H U TA N , N E PA L , E G Y P T, S O U T H A F R I C A

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