Wailea Beach Resort
Dear Traveler, What’s on your bucket list? This is the kind of question we’ve been asking our clients (and ourselves) a lot lately. What goals do you have that exist beyond the norms of your daily life? What kinds of experiences move you out of your comfort zone in the best possible way? This is what bucket lists are all about, after all, making it no surprise they’re often travel-related. Even for the most steadfast and responsible, they’re a way to think big, live boldly and truly engage with all the world has to offer. So why are we asking these questions now? Because now is the time to think about the dreams you’ve always said you’d “get around to someday.” It’s the time to take advantage of that untouched travel account. It’s the time to realize that after two years of tension and uncertainty, ‘someday’ might as well be now. And our agency would like to help. This issue is packed full of ideas for turning what were once just hopes and dreams into proper realities. We’ve got inspiration for embarking on once-in-alifetime outdoor adventures; splurging on a villa or penthouse for your next romantic getaway; taking a wellness holiday that’s truly about you; dedicating
an entire trip to Michelin star restaurants; taking it slow in Chesapeake Bay or diving into the glamour of Midtown Manhattan; planning the epic family reunion you’ve always wanted; and being some of the first in your circle to visit a small but mighty Mediterranean gem. Not only that, but we’ve consulted with local experts to create detailed, multi-day itineraries for eight of these destinations. From the ultimate Parisian culinary journey to every skier’s fantasy trip to Aspen, we’ve got the insider scoop on where to stay, play and dine during these life-changing trips. And, thanks to our exclusive SELECT collection of hotels and resorts, our agency will ensure you’re staying in the best luxury accommodations wherever you go, and that you have access to plenty of VIP perks and amenities while there. As excited as we are to hear about your bucket lists, we’re even more excited to help you make them happen. We look forward to thinking, living and traveling big with you during 2022! Happy Travels!
As a member of Internova Travel Group, our agency has access to world-class amenities and partnerships, giving us the power to deliver highly customized travel experiences not available anywhere else. Established in 2008, Internova Travel Group delivers a high-touch, personal level of travel expertise to leisure, luxury and corporate clients through our more than 6,000 companyowned, franchised and affiliated travel agencies throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico and a presence in more than 80 countries.
SELECT Magazine is produced four times a year by Internova Travel Group. The magazine’s contents are protected by copyright 2021 and all rights reserved. Reproduction without prior permission is forbidden. Every care is taken in compiling the contents in this magazine, but the publishers assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rates, offers and information are valid at the time of printing and are subject to change and availability. © 2021, Internova Travel Group. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. SELECT Magazine is published by Internova Travel Group. Please address all advertising and subscription inquiries to: SELECT, 1633 Broadway, 35th Floor, New York, NY, 10019
CONTENTS FAMILY
04
Time For A Family Reunion
WELLNESS
12
Finally, A Trip That’s Truly For You
CULINARY
22
Your Culinary Checklist Complete
ROMANCE
30
Darling, It’s Time To Go Big
UP & COMING
38
The Mediterranean’s Big Secret
CULTURE
46
East Coast Escapes
ADVENTURE
54
Extraordinary Adventures
Paris, France
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Family vacation
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FA M I LY
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TIME FOR A FAMILY REUNION Have you always dreamt of that extra-special family reunion? Not just any visit, but an unforgettable holiday that’ll bring kids, parents and grandparents together after far too long of being apart? Now is the time to make those dreams a reality, so we’ve curated a list of destinations that’ll keep every generation — from the golfers to sandcastle builders and all those in between — happy and engaged during your most memorable family reunion yet.
Paddleboard adventures
WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB – DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA Beach-loving families should meet in Dana Point, California, where the 175-acre Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. Halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, Dana Point is a laid-back Southern California surf town, a place where folks wear flip-flops whether they’re headed to the beach or off on a wine tour. Guests of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club have exclusive access to its private beach club, where they can gear up with surfboards, snorkels, stand up paddleboards and more — or perhaps just a comfortable beach chair and book? Also at the resort is a spa, plenty of daily activities, the Monarch Beach Golf Links, and a dedicated kids’ pool with graduated entry and an entertaining “sprayground.”
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Pool, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
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Dana Point isn’t just any beachside destination,
so you can see — depending on the season —
however; it’s widely considered to be the best place
humpbacks, grays, minkes, and even the largest animal
in the world for whale watching and is home to more
on the planet: the blue whale. After this once-in-a-
dolphins per square mile than anywhere else. Our
lifetime experience, wander over to the Ocean Institute,
agency can arrange a private whale watching excursion
where kids can learn all about the waters they were just
for the whole family,
on through interactive and hands-on exhibits.
HYATT REGENCY INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA - INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA Just a few hours northeast of Dana Point is another unique destination: the beautiful desert landscape of greater Palm Springs, where the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa awaits. An ideal reunion site for active families with younger kids, this resort has a nearly endless number of adventures on offer and is petfriendly, so the entire clan can come!
During your time there, family members can choose from two championship golf courses; tennis facilities that have hosted some of the sport’s most legendary players; seven pools, including a water park with “dueling” slides, a 450-foot lazy river, splash pad and water cannons; and a quiet and luxurious spa with views of the surrounding mountains.
Hot air balloon ride
When you’re ready to explore slightly farther afield, Palm Springs has activities suited to all ages. Visit impressivelycurated sites like the Children’s Discovery Museum or Palms Springs Architecture + Design Center, stunning Joshua Tree National Park or take the whole crew up, up and up with a hot air balloon ride over Coachella Valley.
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THE RITZ-CARLTON, SARASOTA - SARASOTA, FLORIDA Under the bright Floridian sun, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a wonderful option for family gatherings — including those with older kids. The resort’s prime location offers a dynamic mix of ocean and urban activities, with easy access to downtown Sarasota and its array of cultural sights. Take the expansive John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, for example, which brilliantly displays the history behind America’s most famous circus; there’s also the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a Venetian Gothic palace that was formerly home to the Ringling family and is now open for tours. Check out the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, shopping at St. Armands Circle, countless art galleries and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which are home to more than 200 species of native and exotic animals. If your motto is “the family that plays together, stays together,” The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota has you set with family golf programs that include kids’ rentals and two sets of family tees. When it’s just the adults, challenge yourselves to the hotel’s par-72 course designed by Tom Fazio; its last three consecutive holes are some of the most difficult in Florida, and players that achieve par (or better) receive a congratulatory shirt from the golf shop!
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
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SELECT Have us book your big reunion at one of these outstanding family-friendly hotels. Then we’ll make life even easier with special perks and amenities provided through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa Indian Wells, California The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Sarasota, Florida Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Dana Point, California Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Golf Course
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FIVE FAMILY DAYS IN DANA POINT
Whale watching excursion
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
3:30pm: Check in to the
7:00am: For the early risers, the
Waldorf Astoria Monarch
day begins with yoga on the
Beach Resort & Club and settle
beach. After, everyone gathers for
the whole family into their
breakfast, then heads to Part &
Presidential Suite, a penthouse
Parcel to pick up a curated family
that sleeps six and is the perfect
picnic basket for later.
home away from home.
11:00am: Climb aboard for a private
6:30pm: After a few hours by
whale watching excursion! With
the pool, it’s dinnertime at the
the whole boat to yourselves, go in
resort’s Aveo restaurant with
search of dolphins, gray whales, and
Dungeness crab for the adults
even the magnificent blue whale.
and Super Mario’s Spaghetti
Enjoy your Part & Parcel picnic for
for the kids.
lunch while out on the water.
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1:45pm: Visit the Ocean Institute to learn all about the animals you just saw and their fascinating marine environment. 6:30pm: All tuckered out, you opt for a casual dinner via room service so you can pore over photos and videos from the day’s adventures.
As the dolphin and whale watching capital of the world, southern California’s Dana Point already has a lot going for it. Add to that an easygoing vibe, gorgeous beaches and an abundance of family-friendly activities, and you have a prime spot to gather for five unforgettable days.
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR
DAY FIVE
9:30am: After breakfast, it’s on to a
9:30am: After breakfast, it’s beach
round of golf at the Monarch Beach
time! Head to the exclusive Waldorf
8:15am: On your last morning
Golf Links for some, a morning of
Astoria Monarch Beach Club where
pampering at the Waldorf Astoria
surf lessons, boogie boards and
Monarch Beach Resort & Club Spa
at Aveo.
plenty of other activities await.
for others, and endless hours of
12:30pm/6:00pm: Not wanting to
10:00am: Before checking out,
play at the kids’ pool splash pad for
leave the waves, the beach club’s
adventure with the “Kids’ Escape
the rest!
restaurant serves for both lunch and
1:15pm: Lunch is poolside at
Room” experience!
dinner, with the “Beach Bum Burger”
Sombra Cantina with Dip n’ Dots
and fish tacos proving most popular
for dessert.
among the group.
together, it’s smoothies, waffles and huevos rancheros for breakfast
the kids squeeze in one last resort
3:15pm: A few hours of fun lawn games and crafts with the resort’s Kid’s Club. 7:00pm: The adults indulge in steak, halibut, lobster and more at the Bourbon Steak restaurant by Chef Michael Mina.
Surf lessons
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Spa treatment at Sensei Lana’i, A ·Four Seasons Resort SELECT 2021
WELLNESS
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Enchantment Resort
FINALLY, A TRIP THAT’S TRULY FOR YOU The phrase “I need a vacation from my vacation” exists for a reason. Not every holiday is a relaxing one, and that’s fine — plenty of trips (with young kids, for example) are busy, chaotic and absolutely joyful. Sometimes, however, you need a different kind of trip. The kind that puts your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing above all else, asking you each and every morning: “What would you like to do today?” The kind of holiday you’ve always wanted, but have been profoundly talented at putting off. Well, the excuses end here. Whether you’re envisioning serious spa time or a more intensive experience with oneon-one guidance, we’ve found three resorts that are ideal for putting you — imagine that! — front and center.
ENCHANTMENT RESORT
Tucked in at the base of Boynton Canyon, this secluded resort and spa has something for everyone when it comes to wellness. Its casita guest rooms
Sedona is iconic on many levels; it’s not just the
and suites feature private patios, cozy fireplaces and
staggering beauty of its red rocks, or how those
beautiful Southwestern designs — the perfect place
shades of red drift up into the sky at dusk. It’s
for resting between the resort’s extensive selection
also the way this region inspires a sense of
of offerings.
calm and possibility, which is exactly the feeling you’ll get at Enchantment Resort.
Some days you’ll partake in morning yoga, canyon walks and private sessions with experts on stress management, nutrition or sleep.
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Other days you’ll stop by The Trail House to chat
In fact, Miami loves a spa so much, they’ve
with an expert guide about navigating the area’s
dedicated 62 days of the year to them! The city’s
300 miles of scenic trails. Perhaps another day
annual ‘Spa Months’ run during July and August, and
might be dedicated entirely to a reiki massage,
Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel’s Esencia Spa always
signature facial and jojoba butter wrap in the spa.
joins in.
Regardless of how you work up your appetite, it will be satiated at the resort’s Che Ah Chi restaurant, which sources many of its ingredients from local Native American purveyors. Fuel up with dishes like quinoa bowls; special freshly-pressed juice blends; tonics for wellness, sleep and energy; and chargrilled bison tenderloin.
Esencia’s 22,000 square foot space is crafted entirely around the concept of holistic wellness, meaning you’ll have access to a custom scrub bar, hydrotherapy circuit with whirlpools, sauna, treatments like the “Keep Calm” full body massage and much more. Post-treatment, wander into the Relaxation Room for gorgeous ocean views and plenty more time spent lounging in your robe.
EDEN ROC MIAMI BEACH HOTEL
When not at the spa, relax in the comfort of a shaded cabana next to one of the resort’s three
Open since the 1950’s, Eden Roc Miami Beach
crystal-clear pools. For many, this is the very
Hotel’s glamorous tone was first set by Old
definition of wellness: a morning of pampering
Hollywood, and it’s only grown more alluring in the
followed by avocado pizza, glasses of frosé and the
decades since. While it may not seem obvious at
summer’s hottest beach read by a pool. Enjoy.
first, this Miami Beach hotel’s enviable pool and spa — not to mention incredible food — make for an ideal place to spend a weekend of wellness in the city.
Spa treatment
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Sensei Lana’i, A Four Seasons Resort
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SENSEI LANA’I, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT If your wellness bucket list includes a more secluded retreat, Hawaii’s luxurious Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort is an ideal destination. In collaboration with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Sensei Lānaʻi, has brought some of the world’s premiere wellness practitioners to the beautiful and remote Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi; there, through the use of innovative technology and evidence-based practices, they’ve created a multifaceted experience like no other. Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort offers holistic wellness journeys that are tailored to each guest’s
Yoga at Sensei Lana’i, A Four Seasons Resort
particular needs. That means one-on-one sessions with experts — the first of which will help you set personal goals and intentions — and endless encouragement toward self-discovery through a wide variety of practices. Those include things like aquatic bodywork, during which a therapist leads you through a series of water-based stretches, massages, joint mobilizations and shiatsu. You might also learn tools for managing anxiety; be guided in an “open sky meditation”; breathe in the island’s clean, sweet air while you forest bathe; hike to see the infinite views from Koloiki Ridge; horseback ride along the beaches of Lānaʻi; and much more.
SELECT The following hotels are sublime destinations for wellness holidays. And while there, you’ll be pampered even further through the bonus amenities available through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel Miami Beach, Florida Enchantment Resort Sedona, Arizona Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort Lanai City, Hawaii Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.
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FIVE DAYS OF WELLNESS DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
4:00pm: Check into your Pool
7:30am: Enjoy a ‘superfood bowl’
6:45am: Today begins with an
Suite at the Enchantment Resort
for breakfast loaded with egg
early morning stretch, freshly-
resort, then relax with a book and
whites, spinach, hemp seeds,
pressed juice and steel cut oats.
view of the red rocks.
squash, pico de gallo, avocado
9:15am: Now that you’re
7:00pm: Settle in at the resort’s
and more.
warmed up, join a total body
Che Ah Chi restaurant, then
9:00am: Learn the basics of
toning class before a relaxing
savor a dinner of gazpacho, blue-
watercolor painting in a private
swim in the pool.
corn dusted heirloom tomatoes
class, with the surrounding views
and pan-roasted scallops.
of Boynton Canyon providing
9:00pm: With Sedona being
plenty of inspiration.
one of the world’s best places to
1:30pm: After lunch, take the rest
stargaze, you join a guided tour
of the afternoon to read by the
on your very first night. Powerful
pool, swim and relax.
telescopes and binoculars are
6:15pm: Join a guided hike for the
offered for your use while the
very best views of a magnificent
resort’s expert astronomers share
sunset over the red rocks.
all they know about Sedona’s starry skies.
Sunset over Sedona
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People find health and serenity in a variety of ways, and what works for one person won’t necessarily do the trick for another. However, if stargazing, painting, hiking and spa treatments all appear on your wellness wishlist, a trip to Sedona is in order. Here’s how to spend five tranquil days in Arizona among the red rocks.
Hiking in Sedona
yourself to a Prickly Pear Butter
DAY FOUR
DAY FIVE
Wrap in the resort spa. Utilizing
8:45am: After breakfast, head
the anti-aging properties of
out with a hiking guide to
7:30am: A final Che Ah Chi
the prickly pear, this treatment
see Sedona’s largest sinkhole:
includes a scrub and shower
and fruit.
the Devil’s Kitchen. On this
along with a body butter wrap.
moderate hike you’ll also be
8:30am: Relax and stretch
4:00pm: With a private guide,
treated to impressive views
experience canyon bathing
of Coffee Pot Rock, Munds
meditation, a practise of
Mountain Range and
mindfulness within the healing
Wilson Mountain.
surroundings of
12:15pm: Lunch at Tii Gavo.
Boynton Canyon.
2:00pm: The only thing better
6:30pm: Tamale bowls and tres
than a spa treatment on holiday?
leches for dinner at the popular
More than one spa treatment
Tii Gavo restaurant.
on holiday! This afternoon,
1:30pm: After lunch, treat
breakfast of avocado toast
with a Yin yoga class before checking out.
savor a relaxing lymphatic facial, which is designed to stimulate your lymphatic system and simultaneously improve your skin’s tone and texture. CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES
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ALL YOU WANT IS GREECE When pondering where to travel to next, it’s wise to ask yourself, “What do you want?” Do you want a destination where the local history is so captivating and so deep you can dive into it for days? Do you want to taste flavors so exceptionally fresh and decadent that you’ll be fantasizing about them long after the trip has ended? Do you want scenery so inspiring that you’ll consider moving there permanently? After dealing with restrictions during these trying recent times, all you want is a place that indulges all your whims. A place where you’re free to enjoy experiences tailor-made just for you. All you want is Greece. Read on to learn more about the many sides of Greece that are a pure joy to discover while on your luxurious escape. Then, contact your travel advisor to design the ideal itinerary for you.
CENTURIES-OLD CULTURE Greece is a true paradise for the culturally curious, an unforgettable journey into history and art. Here you can visit countless monuments in both the open air and in museums, along with vast collections of ancient and modern art. Archaeological sites — from the mighty Acropolis in Athens to the island sanctuary of Delos — leave you awestruck while making the past come alive. Numerous civilizations shaped the land here, leaving their footprints for all to admire.
Athens, Greece
FLAVORFUL CUISINE Republics and emperors have come and gone, yet the food in Greece — the tender grilled lamb and world-renowned feta, the fresh-caught fish and honey-soaked pastries — has stayed the same. Why tamper with perfection? Each dish pairs perfectly with a regional wine of international acclaim. Created from age-old vinification traditions married with modern techniques Greek wines come in a spectrum of choices, from famous white varieties such as assyrtiko and moschofilero, red ones including agiorgitiko from Nemea and kotsifali from Crete, dessert wines and more. Don’t worry: drinking them is easier than
Greek olives and feta
pronouncing them.
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LEISURELY PURSUITS
NATURAL WONDERS
Why is Greece a popular year-round destination for
With 80% of the country’s landscape mountainous, you’ll
travelers? Because the country is full of theatres,
find breathtaking views in nearly every direction. Couple
music venues, cute cafés, nightclubs, pampering spas,
the geographic splendor on display — ancient caves and
fashion boutiques, traditional markets and trendy
gorges, alpine forests teeming with biodiversity, historic
restaurants open all year. Greece also offers a wide
volcanoes — with its mild climate, and you have the
range of products that will satisfy every taste and
perfect recipe for outdoor adventures. Yet when it comes
desire — including European brand-names, renowned
to natural beauty, the Greek Isles are in a world of their
multinational chains and local treasures — making it a
own. When the mesmerizing deep blue waters of the
mecca for shoppers.
Mediterranean fill your eyes, you may find it difficult to blink.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Of course, the birthplace of the Olympic Games can
With one of the longest coastlines in the world
provide you with ample ways to get your blood pumping.
— almost 10,000 miles — Greece is a veritable
In between exploring archeological wonders, you can
playground for those seeking sun-and-fun. Crystal
hike mountain trails on Mt. Parnassos, enjoy sea views
clear Mediterranean waters can easily be enjoyed in
while bouldering on Kalymnos, hit the slopes on Mt.
sheltered bays and coves, golden stretches of sand with
Vassilitsa, search for gods while rafting near Mt. Olympus
high dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep
or kayak down Pineios River, just to name a few. After
rocks and dark volcanic sandy shores. From luxurious
which, you can enjoy one of the most popular outdoor
resorts to boutique hotels, our agency can find the
activities in the country — drinking ouzo over ice at an
perfect beachfront getaway for you.
open-air taverna. We can help you plan the ultimate holiday in Greece! Contact our agency today to learn more. CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES
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Culinary art
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C U L I NA RY
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YOUR CULINARY CHECKLIST COMPLETE Ask any serious chef or foodie what’s at the top of their bucket list, and they’re likely going to give the same answer: a Michelin star. In the case of the chef, however, their goal is to earn one, while in the case of the foodie, their true dream is to eat one (metaphorically, of course). If you fall into the latter category of those ravenous for a star, we’re ready to make this happen! We’ve put together a tour of culinary hotspots in France, Spain and Italy featuring many of Europe’s best Michelin star restaurants. So whether you’re keen to be within view of the Eiffel Tower, wandering Catalonia’s chic capital or at high altitude in northern Italy, why not plan a Michelin star pilgrimage across the Atlantic?
Delectable dishes
PARIS, FRANCE With so many Michelin stars twinkling across the City of Lights, you may as well eat like you’re Julia Child while there. The Shangri-La Paris, formerly home to Prince Roland Bonaparte (yes, of the Napoleon Bonapartes), is a luxurious place to call home; this handsomely-restored hotel is minutes from the Champs-Elysées, a skip across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower and just around the corner from some of the city’s most exclusive designers. We recommend beginning your culinary journey at the hotel’s very own Shang Palace, the first Chinese fine dining establishment in France to earn a Michelin star.
Impressive cuisine
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Chef Samuel Lee Sum and his team of Hong Kongtrained master chefs create elevated and inspired Cantonese cuisine, from artfully-crafted dim sum to BBQ and beyond. Another essential destination is L’Ambroisie, which — despite its 35-year tenure in a former goldsmith’s shop — remains as difficult as ever to land a reservation. All the more incentive to book ahead! Chefs Bernard and Mathieu Pacaud, a father and son team, have earned their small restaurant three Michelin stars with perfectly-executed and exquisitely-flavored Parisian cuisine; dishes like sea bass escalopines with artichoke and golden caviar can truly be considered ‘food of the Gods,’ the concept for which the restaurant was named.
BARCELONA, SPAIN Thanks to its exceptional olive oil, bounty of regional ingredients and myriad of historical influences, Spanish cuisine has long been revered internationally. Barcelona — Catalonia’s dynamic and cultured capital — is a worthy destination for experiencing this culinary diversity, from groundbreaking Michelin star creations to simple but excellent tapas slung across worn wooden bars. Where to stay? Boutique hotel The Barcelona EDITION manages to be the perfect escape while also placing you at the center of the action. It features 100 stylish rooms and exclusive penthouses with panoramic terraces — ideal for taking in the Gaudi-peppered cityscape.
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Just a twenty-minute walk from the hotel is Lasarte, a contemporary three Michelin star restaurant by Martín Berasategui. This renowned chef holds more Michelin stars than any other in Spain — a total of twelve between seven restaurants — and he’s celebrated the world over for his expertise in Basque cuisine. At Lasarte, Berasategui and his team craft imaginative dishes like sliced Iberian presa and foiegras curd with oyster tarama and mustard ice cream. While their flavor combinations may be impossible to predict, it’s guaranteed that each plate set before you will be its own unique and colorful work of art.
SAN CASSIANO, ITALY Moving from the sprawling cities of Paris and Barcelona to the northern Italian town of San Cassiano, charming Rosa Alpina, an AMAN Partner Hotel sits within the UNESCO-protected Dolomite mountains. This family-run hotel and spa draws guests who love to ski, hike, climb, bike, paraglide and — most importantly — eat. St. Hubertus, the hotel’s three Michelin star restaurant, is led by celebrated chef Norbert Niederkofler (universally known as “Nobert”) and operates on a “Cook the Mountain” philosophy. This sees the alpine — in all its wild and locally-cultivated forms — tapped to create a distinctive, sustainable and seasonally-based cuisine. Expect ingredients like foraged mushrooms, juniper, wildflowers and mountain pine alongside products from celebrated local artisans. The result? Dishes such as wild garlic risotto, gnocchi with goat graukase (a traditional mountain cheese) and sweetbreads with larch. It’s a cuisine of and for the Dolomites, and with its emphasis on sustainability, it’s also one that’s earned St. Hubertus a Michelin green star in addition to its other three. Certainly worth traveling to (literally) great heights for.
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Risotto with sweetbread and black truffles
SELECT When it comes to your Michelin star journey in Europe, not only will we take care of every detail, but you’ll also receive special amenities and VIP perks through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Rosa Alpina, an AMAN Partner Hotel San Cassiano, Italy Shangri-La Paris Paris, France The Barcelona EDITION Barcelona, Spain Ask about other experiences we can provide in these regions of Europe.
Dining at St. Hubertus
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A DELICIOUSLY LOVELY WEEK IN PARIS
Paris is a city for the curious and the hungry. Entire days can be spent wandering its
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
5:00pm: Arrive and check in at the
9:30am: After breakfast at the
Shangri-La Paris, one of the city’s
historic streets, happening upon one quirky
most magnificent luxury hotels,
old museum after another and popping into
then stroll through the nearby
patisseries for (just a few!) more pastries.
Jardins du Trocadéro to admire the
Informed by a local food writer with the
Eiffel tower at dusk.
Parisian love of walking in mind, here’s how
7:00pm: Dinner in the hotel at
to spend a bewitching — and Michelin star-
Shang Palace, France’s first Chinese
filled — week in the French Capital.
fine dining restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.
hotel, you’re picked up for a private guided walking tour of Montmartre. This remarkable village within Paris has a history that stretches back centuries and was formerly home to artists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cezanne and others. 1:15pm: A lunch of Croque Forestière (a take on the classic Croque Monsieur with earthy roasted mushrooms) at the heavenly Buvette bistro. 2:45pm: A quick car ride brings you south to the Louvre, where you enjoy a stroll around the pyramid before making your way back along the Seine to the hotel. 7:45pm: A light dinner in the hotel’s chic but comfortable lounge.
DAY THREE 10:30am: After a relaxed breakfast, you’re off to explore Marché Beauvau and Marché d’Aligre, an adjoining pair of popular markets (one covered, one open). On a private culinary tour with a local guide, stroll through and admire the boxes of golden chanterelles, stacks of freshly-cut flowers and cases filled with more cheese and butter than you can imagine. 12:15pm: At nearby wine bar Le Baron Rouge, join the ever-present crowd indulging in freshly-shucked oysters and crisp glasses of Muscadet.
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Strolling in Paris
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1:15pm: Unwind with a quiet stroll René-Dumont’ (aka Promenade
DAY FIVE
Plantée), working up an appetite for
9:15am: After breakfast, it’s time for
1:15pm: Have a seat and prepare
one of the hotel’s signature rebalancing
to taste some of the best chocolate,
massages at Chi, The Spa.
pastries and sweets both in the
11:00am: Feeling refreshed, you’re
Marais and on the planet.
off to Le Centre Pompidou for a
A reservation for tea in Jacques
private tour of one of the world’s best
Genin’s airy and minimalist shop
collections of contemporary art.
means otherworldly chocolates and
1:00pm: Stop into pint-sized Caractère
caramels, plates of exquisite Paris
de Cochon for the perfect Parisian
Brest and mille-feuilles that may very
lunch: a baguette sandwich with butter
well have a thousand layers each.
a privately-guided day trip to some
and ham.
Don’t forget a few pâte de
of France’s most opulent palaces.
1:45pm: If you have more museum
fruits to go.
time in you, the quirky and under-the-
3:30pm: Bellies full, take a stroll
17th-century château that served
radar La Musée de la Chasse et de la
towards Pont Neuf and along the
as the inspiration for the later-built
Nature is always worth a visit.
Seine to visit Shakespeare and
Versaille; because it’s the lesser-known of the two, you
7:00pm: Dinner at Le Bon Georges,
Company, a beloved local book
can enjoy a more intimate and
a classic Parisian bistro with fat stalks
shop.
of white asparagus smothered in
7:00pm: Dinner at the hotel.
along the elevated ‘Coulée verte
the dinner of a lifetime. 7:30pm: Dinner at L’Ambroisie, the renowned 3 Michelin star restaurant by father and son chef team Bernard and Mathieu Pacaud.
DAY FOUR 8:00am: Leave bright and early for
First stop is Vaux-le-Vicomte, a
leisurely tour of this architectural masterpiece. Next you’re off to Fontainebleau, the only palace inhabited by every French monarch from the 12th to 19th centuries, and last residence of Bonaparte before his abdication. After the château
béarnaise, delectable steak frites, perfectly-cooked duck breast with wild blueberries and much more.
DAY SIX
DAY SEVEN 9:00am: One last lovely breakfast at La Bauhinia in the Paris. 11:30am: If time allows after
tour, a stroll through Fontainebleau’s
9:00am: Breakfast at the hotel.
checkout, enjoy a walk over to
beautiful ancient forest is a must.
11:15am: If the sun is out for your
Avenue Montaigne to peruse its
7:00pm: After a long day spent
last full day, there’s no better place
couture offerings; once inspired,
exploring palaces, enjoy a quiet and
to be than the Sculpture Garden
visit the nearby Musée Yves Saint
relaxed dinner at the hotel.
at the Musée Rodin. If it’s raining,
Laurent for an even deeper dive
there’s still plenty to explore inside.
into the history of French fashion.
Musée Rodin
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One&Only MandarinaSELECT
· 2021
RO M A N C E
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DARLING, IT’S TIME TO GO BIG It’s been too long since you could take your loved one on a romantic trip, or splash out for an anniversary. Too long since the couples who’d planned 2020 nuptials have been able to plan a proper honeymoon. And far too long since you’ve been able to say, “We’ll book the couples massage, please” while surrounded by palm trees and with cocktails in hand. You’ve waited patiently and you’ve saved, so there’s really only one thing to do now: go all out. Upgrade to the penthouse. Spare no expense at the spa. Order the best bottle of wine in the restaurant and enjoy every last sip of it. After all, it really has been too long, hasn’t it? Here are three exceptionally luxe destinations where you can finally getaway — and go big! — with
Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth
your love this year.
ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI ST. BARTH
On the sunny and celebrity-adorned island of
The Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is one of
St. Barth, you could be some of the very first
the best places on the island for kayaking, paddle
guests at Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth.
boarding and snorkeling, and you’ll also find a
Opened just recently in the fall of 2021, this new
relaxing spa, well-equipped fitness center and
addition to the Rosewood hotel collection offers
plenty of refined bars and restaurants.
its guests a true escape to paradise. Colorful and private Caribbean cottages make up the
Beyond the resort, we suggest a drive with the
hotel’s 27 suites, each with their own terrace and
top down to explore this small and enchanting
garden; we suggest the Beach Pool Suite, which
island. Stop in at the quaint Wall House Museum,
is located close to the water’s edge and has both
which delves into St. Barth’s storied past, spend an
an extended sun deck and private pool. With
afternoon on the powdery white sands of Saline
accommodations as relaxing as these, you may be
Beach or take a break for some ceviche, cold drinks
reluctant to venture out, but when you do wander
and a view. Finally, our agency can arrange for a
through the bougainvillea toward the rest of the
private boat tour around St. Barth’s lush coastline,
resort, you’ll be glad you did.
with frequent breaks to dive into the crystalline waters for a swim.
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ONE&ONLY MANDARINA Hidden within the leafy coastline of the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s One&Only Mandarina is a place where romance is innate. Elemental. Present within every rippling cliff, bending green palm and finely-crafted detail of the hotel’s minimalist design. This is a place so seductive, the hotel created itineraries specifically designed for couples, each beginning with your very own treehouse. Sitting nearly forty feet off the ground, these elevated suites were built with the surrounding trees — some of which are up to 200 years old — in mind. From your private tree-top digs, you’ll have unparalleled views of the Pacific, and nothing to interrupt your sleep at night but the sounds of the jungle. In this coastal utopia, you can spend your days together riding horses; preparing local cuisine in private cooking classes; learning how to surf or paddle board at the Jetty Beach Club; and relaxing in the natural volcanic rock garden of the resort’s quiet spa. During one of their specially-curated treatments for couples, you can spend an afternoon enjoying foot massages, tuning fork rituals, face mappings, kinetique face massages, warm honey therapies and soothing head and hand massages. Each evening at sunset, admire a sky brushed with gold at the Treehouse bar, where cocktails infused with edible flowers and indigenous herbs are mixed by hand. For dinner, you’ll dine cliffside at Carao restaurant, where famed chef Enrique Olvera has created Mexican and globally-influenced dishes like charred avocado with cured scallops, herbs and yuzukoshō.
One&Only Mandarina
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Nobu Hotel Miami Beach
NOBU HOTEL MIAMI BEACH In the heart of colorful Miami Beach, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach proves that not all romantic adventures have to be remote. Set on the ocean, this hotel has the feel of a “contemporary Japanese beach house,” with penthouselevel villas providing a true escape within the city. The signature NOBU Villa is up to 1900 square feet and features panoramic views from its wrap-around balcony, VIP dining, an exclusive bar, private gym and much
SELECT The following hotels are ideal for your biggest romantic trip yet. At each one, enjoy special bonus amenities courtesy of SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS
more; if you’re looking to spring for the penthouse, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach
this is it. When not dining privately in your villa, take a seat in Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-renowned restaurant for traditional Japanese cuisine with Latin American influences — think lobster quinoa ceviche with bibb lettuce, and crispy kurobuta pork belly with watermelon, ginger ama-zu, peanuts and cilantro. There’s even a daily Tanoshi Hour on the terrace complete with signature
Miami Beach, Florida One&Only Mandarina Nayarit, Mexico Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth St. Barthelemy, St. Barths Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.
Nobu bento boxes. Finally, if you’re a couple who loves dancing, you’ve come to the right place. Miami Beach becomes even more alluring and alive after dark, so get dressed up and head out with your honey to dance the night away.
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A COLORFULLY ROMANTIC WEEKEND IN MIAMI BEACH With sun, sand, and luxury abounding, Miami Beach is a wonderfully indulgent place for a romantic weekend. Here’s how to make it count during a love-filled few days in this glittering Florida destination.
DAY ONE 5:30pm: Check into Nobu Hotel Miami Beach’s signature NOBU Villa, then spend some time enjoying a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and the incredible view from your wraparound Penthouse balcony. 7:30pm: Sit down in the hotel’s namesake signature restaurant for a Latin American-inspired Japanese feast by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
DAY TWO 9:15am: Sneak in a quick workout in your villa’s private gym, then room service delivers an amazing breakfast of fresh fruit, omelettes, Liege waffles and coffee. 11:00am: Your private guide picks you up for a walking tour of Miami Beach’s famed Art Deco District. With over 800 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, this colorful area is as photogenic as they come. 1:30pm: Lunch is on the patio at Joe’s Stone Crab—a local institution—with at least a few mojitos to cool off. 3:00pm: Check in for your “Esencia for Two” experience at the hotel spa. After a hot tub, skin scrub and blissful massage, spend a few more hours relaxing in your robes before getting dressed up for dinner. 8:00pm: An easy cab ride across the causeway brings you to Amara at Paraiso, one of Miami’s most romantic destinations for dinner. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, dine on food described by chef and owner Michael Schwartz as “a love letter to Miami.” Then you’re off for a salsa lesson and dancing well into the night!
DAY THREE 9:45am: It’s steak and eggs, fresh Florida orange juice and (plenty!) of coffee this morning at Malibu Farm before checking out.
Nobu Hotel Miami Beach
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SELECT · 2021
RECONNECT WITH THE WORLD At Four Seasons, we are united by a love of travel – it connects us to one another and to the world around us. Be it close to home or far away, we invite you to reconnect and rediscover through life-changing travel.
Contact our agency for more information on the benefits available when booking Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
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Experiencing Malta
SELECT · 2021
UP & COMING
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THE MEDITERRANEAN’S BIG SECRET Compared to the imposing forms of Sicily to its north, Tunisia to its west and Libya to its south, the small Mediterranean nation of Malta is but a speck on the map. Its five tiny islands have been passed through infinitely over millennia, with the occupying powers of the Phoeniceans, Romans, Arabs, British, French and each inscribing their own complicated influence. The result? A singular and fascinating culture set within a stunning landscape that only European visitors seem to have taken notice of. If you’re looking for a more under-the-radar Mediterranean experience, here’s why Malta is (more than) worth a visit: Historical architecture in Malta
THE RICH HISTORY From ancient monuments to WWII bunkers, Malta has an astounding number of historical sites for such a small place. The Megalithic Ġgantija Temples on Gozo, for example, date back to between 3600 and 2500 B.C., making them older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. There’s also the three subterranean levels of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground burial site dating back to the neolithic period, and the ancient (but still inhabited) former capital of Mdina. Practically new in comparison are structures like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a 17th-century golden Baroque masterpiece, and Fort Rinella, the world’s first mechanical fort (and current vestige of British colonialism) built in 1878. Cobblestone street, Malta
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Legendary diving and snorkeling location The Blue Hole, Malta
THE OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPES Whether you’re walking, swimming or just sitting and admiring, Malta’s dazzling natural beauty is reason enough to go. Colossal limestone cliffs, natural arches and caves surround the islands and offer plenty to look at above sea level, but there’s also some of the world’s most interesting dive sites to explore below. Inland and coastal hikes of all levels are ideal for those wanting to explore on foot, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to swimming spots; some of the best include The Blue Lagoon (named appropriately for its clear, azure waters) and St. Peter’s Pool near the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. And if you ever have difficulty finding the spot you’re looking for, good news — the Maltese are famous for their warm and welcoming demeanors, so ask for a little help and you’ll be on your way in no time.
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Valletta, Malta
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THE LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS AND EXCELLENT EATS With so many stately old palaces built across it, it’s no surprise that Malta is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most opulent hotels. At the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, for example, you can wander their own exquisite grounds before exploring the San Anton Palace and Gardens just across the road. The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa is also a popular culinary destination; in a centuries-old villa, guests dine on dishes like scialatielli with rabbit ragout, broad beans and ricotta salata, and squid ink and crab arancini with rose harissa aioli. There’s also the hotel’s popular Afternoon Tea, with both a traditional English menu on offer as well as one with a Maltese ‘twist’; the latter includes delights such as orange blossom cumin scones and date fritters with honey liquor. Further east on the island is Rosselli, a boutique
When cutting highly-prized fabric, they took great
luxury hotel in the heart of historic Valletta. Its
care to ensure their scissors moved along the grain
designer rooms marry Baroque sensibilities with
to prevent fraying; similarly, the Under Grain’s chefs
contemporary aesthetics, meaning you’ll find plenty
have a reverence for their ingredients, many of
of colored marble, brass and audacious wallpaper
which come from nearby. Fresh fish, for example,
throughout. This hotel also has a renowned culinary
is brought in daily from the Marsaxlokk market and
program, with a Michelin star earned by ‘Under Grain’
featured in dishes like pixxispad (swordfish) with
in 2021. This restaurant takes its name not from
heritage tomatoes, cantabrian anchovies, courgette
the agricultural product, but from the tailors who
and green peppercorn sabayon.
historically worked on nearby Merchant’s Street.
SELECT The following hotels make incredible home bases from which to explore Malta, each with their own exclusive bonus amenities made available to you through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa San Anton, Malta Rosselli Valletta, Malta Ask about other experiences we can provide in the beautiful islands of Malta. Traditional Maltese cannoli on the Marsaxlokk Open Market
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SEVEN DAYS IN MAGICAL MALTA DAY ONE
DAY THREE
4:00pm: Check into the Corinthia
8:15am: After breakfast at the hotel,
6:30am: In order to have one of Malta’s
Palace Hotel & Spa in central Malta.
your private guide will take you to the
most brilliant natural sites to yourself,
6:45pm: At Villa Corinthia, enjoy a
“silent city” of Mdina. With a history
you’re up with the sunrise! By private
beautiful dinner of quail with miso,
that traces back more than 4000 years,
charter (with a packed breakfast to go),
pomegranate, eggplant and walnuts.
this traditional home of nobility is
you drive north, then sail to the Blue
one of Europe’s most well-preserved
Lagoon off the western coast of Comino
ancient walled cities and is elaborately
Island. After a swim in its cerulean
marbled with quiet, narrow lanes.
waters, spend the morning visiting other
You’ll also explore the nearby city of
extraordinary coastal sites by boat,
Rabat and St. Paul’s Catacombs before
including the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs and Fungus
stopping for lunch.
Rock (which is better than it sounds, we
2:30pm: Stand 830 feet above water—
promise).
the highest point in the Maltese
4:00pm: Indulge in the Corinthia Palace
islands—at the Dingli Cliffs on the
Hotel & Spa’s famous Afternoon Tea,
western coast.
opting for the “Maltese Twist” menu
6:30pm: Unwind poolside for a few
to go along with steaming pots of
hours, then enjoy dinner on the patio at
Darjeeling Jungpana and the hotel’s
the hotel’s Summer Kitchen restaurant.
signature robust blend of Earl Grey,
DAY TWO 9:00am: Your privately guided tour of Valletta begins after breakfast! One of the most densely concentrated historic sites in the world, this UNESCOprotected city includes the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, and Barrakka Gardens. Lunch comes with a view of the Three Cities. 7:30pm: Dinner at Under Grain, a Michelin star restaurant in Valletta serving modern Mediterranean cuisine.
DAY FOUR
Oolong and Assam. 8:00pm: With appetites still satisfied by your afternoon tea, you enjoy a few small dishes under the stars at Rickshaw.
The Blue Lagoon
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Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa
SELECT · 2021
A small archipelago nation amongst much larger neighbors, Malta is a destination that often goes unnoticed. However, with an astounding amount of history on display, awe-inspiring natural beauty and a culture that’s warm and welcoming, it’s unlikely this Mediterranean jewel will remain a secret much longer. Here’s how to spend a week exploring the fascinating islands of Malta.
Paddleboarding, Wied il-Ghasri
DAY FIVE
1:45pm: Next stop is the
2:00pm: Your final afternoon in
monumental shrine to Our Lady of
Malta sees you visit the remarkable
7:15am: An early breakfast and early
Ta’ Pinu, a 20th-century architectural
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a massive
masterpiece with sculptures carved
prehistoric subterranean burial site with
of Maltese stone.
the ancient remains of around
2:45pm: To round out a busy day,
7000 individuals.
stop for a swim at the unique Wied
3:30pm: Following the hypogeum,
il-Ghasri, an inlet of blue water that
it’s a quick drive southeast to see the
creeps inland between
colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk,
dramatic cliffs.
where locals flock on Sundays to buy
6:15pm: Exhausted after hours of
the day’s catch.
departure to Malta’s northern coast, where you board a private charter to Gozo, the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago. 10:00am: With an expert local guide, explore this fascinating island on a private tour. First stop is one of the world’s most important archeological sites: the megalithic Ġgantija Temples. 1:00pm: Following lunch at Latini Restaurant Xaghra Gozo, a quick drive north brings you to the Marsalforn salt pans; there
traversing Gozo, it’s back to the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa for room service for dinner tonight!
DAY SIX
you’ll witness fifth-generation salt
9:30am: After breakfast, savor a
farmers laboring over a glimmering,
slow morning of hot stone massages,
patterned landscape made up of
personalised facials and the vitality
shallow pools.
suite circuit at the hotel’s
DAY SEVEN 7:45am: Breakfast in the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa’s beautiful villa dining room and one last swim in the pool before checking out.
Athenaeum Spa.
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Art appreciation
SELECT · 2021
CULTURE
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EAST COAST ESCAPES Not ready to go abroad just yet? Not a problem. Whether you’re craving small town Americana or big city culture, we’ve put together two very different ways to scratch your travel itch without crossing a border. So pack up: we’re off to tranquil Chesapeake Bay and the beating heart of Manhattan.
Sailing lessons at The Tides Inn
THE TIDES INN - VIRGINIA To visit Irvington, Virginia is to almost travel back in time. Back to an era when our grandparents took holidays that could easily be described as “wholesome,” and kids spent afternoons fishing in the pond before chasing fireflies at dusk. This is the kind of holiday still possible at The Tides Inn, a historic hotel resting between the creek and the sea just outside of Irvington. It was opened in 1947 by businessman E.A Stephens (known as “Big Steve”) and his wife “Miss Anne,” and was intended as “the finest thing that could be developed and still keep the rural atmosphere.” More than seven decades later, it’s clear they succeeded.
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Fish Hawk Oyster Bar delicacies
No matter their age, every guest of The Tides Inn will have an abundance of daily activities to choose from. Tap into your artistic side with watercolor or pottery classes taught by the resort’s artists-in-residence; fish for bass in the pond, or get out on the water with sailing lessons; golf the 18 holes at Golden Eagle Golf Course; creek kayak with The Tides Inn ecologist; become a bivalve expert with the Oyster Academy; or much, much more. Midway through these adventures, you’ll want to stop for lunch at the Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, where dishes like shrimp ceviche, fried oysters and fried pickles with buttermilk dip are served up daily. For dinner, there’s the Chesapeake Restaurant & Terrace, where you’ll dine on east coast favorites before retiring to the beach for s’mores over a campfire — does it get any more wholesome than that?
The Tides Inn
CONRAD NEW YORK MIDTOWN - MANHATTAN
Still on the east coast but providing a very different kind of energy, Manhattan is perfect for a weekend where spontaneity reigns. Stay at the Conrad New York Midtown, located just south of Central Park, which makes a chic home base with their residential-style one- and two-bedroom suites. And for art lovers, you’ll have plenty to admire without even leaving the hotel; that’s thanks to its impressively-curated collection of abstract expressionism, sculpture, lithographs, pop art — including two original Andy Warhol silkscreens — and other pieces that are displayed throughout.
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From the Conrad New York Midtown, you’re within walking distance of iconic destinations like the MoMA (be sure to visit Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte before or after your tour for some of the city’s best steak frites); the city’s unparalleled Theater District; Rockefeller Center; Times Square; and plenty of exceptional private art galleries. For the cinephiles, the Conrad New York Midtown is also just a stone’s throw from Manhattan’s sole surviving single screen independent cinema: The Paris Theater.
Times Square
New York City skyline
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Of course, you’ll have no problem finding a slew of excellent options for eating and drinking — you’re in New York, after all. There’s Dabble, the Conrad New York Midtown’s swanky choice for all-day dining, and nearby (enough) Bemelmans, a bar so exquisitely lovely you’ll find it hard to go just once. There’s also Midtown’s newlyopened Iris, serving highly-lauded Greek and Turkish cuisine, while Keens Steakhouse in Midtown South is a nostalgic choice for a classic steak dinner. Finally, when in need of caffeine and a plump, crackly-topped cream puff, Bibble & Sip is just a hop and a skip southwest of the Conrad New York Midtown. Conrad New York Midtown
SELECT The following hotels make the perfect home bases for your east coast jaunts; plus, you’ll enjoy all the bonus amenities available through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Conrad New York Midtown New York, New York The Tides Inn Irvington, Virginia Ask about other experiences we can provide in Virginia and New York.
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AN EXTRA-LONG WEEKEND IN VIRGINIA DAY ONE
DAY TWO
5:45pm: Check into The Tides
9:15am: After a delicious
Inn, a family-friendly resort (and
breakfast of eggs, country-style
local institution) just outside of
grits and sausage, you’re off to
historic Irvington, Virginia.
see Irvington’s unique Steamboat
7:15pm: Enjoy dinner at
Era Museum.
Chesapeake Restaurant & Terrace,
11:30am: Grab an early lunch
where you’ll dine on seasonal
at the farmers market, where
coastal cuisine like crab cakes
a nearly endless array of local
with fingerling potatoes and
produce, artisanal cheeses,
chardonnay-lemon butter.
homemade bread and food trucks await.
2:00pm: Led by The Tides Inn’s very own ecologist, it’s finally time for that oysters class! During this guided tour you’ll hop aboard a traditional waterman’s boat, pull up an oyster cage and learn all about this region’s keystone species. Of course, you’ll also get to taste some Chesapeake Gold. 6:30pm: Inspired by your afternoon on the water, dinner tonight is at the Fish Hawk Oyster Bar. Chow down on oysters (of course), cobb salad with blue crab and steamed clams tossed in Old Bay. 8:45pm: Over a beach campfire and under a starry sky, it’s time for s’mores.
Fish Hawk Oyster Bar
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SELECT · 2021
If you’ve always felt there aren’t enough inns offering oyster education, you might want to visit Chesapeake Bay. Virginia’s idyllic east coast is both bivalve obsessed and a true joy to explore over an extra-long weekend.
Pottery lessons
DAY THREE 7:45am: Your day begins with a half-hour guided morning stretch session, followed by breakfast. 10:00am: Get your hands dirty with a 2-hour beginner pottery wheel class, taught by a Tides Inn artist-in-residence. 12:15pm: After a light lunch at the Fish Hawk, you’re off to the nearby Dog and Oyster Vineyard for a flight of wines and some soft shell crabs prepared by Chef Stuart Tyson.
3:30pm: You’ve been busy, so the rest of the afternoon calls for a Rappahannock Renewal at the resort spa. Revel in this detoxifying body scrub and wrap, warm oil scalp treatment and more, with $5 from every treatment going directly to the support and maintenance of the Chesapeake’s Bay region’s natural ecosystem. 7:00pm: After another seafood
DAY FOUR 8:30am: Begin your final morning with a yoga class in the shade, followed by a delicious breakfast of buttermilk griddle cakes and fruit smoothies. 10:45am: It’s checkout time, a.k.a. time to start plotting your return to Chesapeake Bay.
feast for dinner, take in the musical stylings of Mercy Creek on the resort lawn.
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Wailea Beach ResortSELECT
· 2021
ADVENTURE
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EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES Even if you consider yourself only mildly adventurous, chances are good that you’ve felt pent up—both physically and emotionally—over the past two years. And that’s because you’ve been restricted in your ability to move around and explore, a vital part of our health whether we’re 1 year-old or 100. Not only that, but you’re no longer used to the thrill that only comes when you push (even slightly) beyond your comfort zone and try something new. So whether you’re the “mildly adventurous” type or a full-blown mountaineer, now is time to re-discover that thrill. Here are four destinations with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that’ll get you exploring and feeling more alive than you have in years.
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA: SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS A mere twenty-eight miles from Mexico’s Cancun International Airport, Rosewood Mayakoba sits serenely within the mangrove forests and shimmering lagoons of the Mayakoba waterway. This is a place where you can feel remote without having to travel far, and where you’ll be dropped off by boat at your suite — a delightful foreshadowing of the water-bound adventures to come. With an exclusive collection of private residences and 129 suites, Rosewood Mayakoba exudes a quiet and easy-going kind of luxury, with plenty of exceptional restaurants and attentive butler services for its guests. Close by, in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the world’s second largest barrier reef awaits, as well as the opportunity for an underwater experience like no other: swimming with whale sharks.
Swimming with whale sharks
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Approximately the size of a school bus, the majestic and slow-moving whale shark is the largest of any shark or fish in the ocean. And with a diet made up entirely of plankton, it’s also one of the most harmless, making it possible to swim alongside whale sharks’ immense, speckled bodies as they languidly search for their next meals. Rosewood Mayakoba’s six-hour tours are offered from mid-June to mid-September, meaning you have plenty of flexibility when it comes to crossing “swim with the world’s largest shark” off your list.
WAILEA BEACH RESORT: HIKE A VOLCANO At any time of year, Hawaii beckons to those who love exploring, and Maui’s Wailea Beach Resort makes for a popular home base. Just steps from the ocean, this 22-acre family-friendly resort offers championship-level golf courses, a spa, private floating cabanas, the longest waterslide in all of Hawaii and easy access to the outdoors. Case in point: just an hour away is Haleakalā, a 30,000-acre National Park that’s home to some of the most sculptural and colorful landscapes on earth. It’s also a place where you can ramp up your hiking game by ascending a volcano! Our agency can arrange for a privately guided hike up Haleakalā’s dormant volcano, thought to have last erupted in the 17th century. Standing 10,023 feet above sea level and clocking in at 2,600 feet deep, this million year-old crater is home to some of Hawaii’s rarest species of flora and fauna; in fact, Haleakalā has more endangered species within it than any other U.S. National Park, and you may even spot some nenes, a Hawaiian goose that was once nearly extinct.
Wailea Beach Resort
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SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN: CANYONEERING Just minutes from downtown Scottsdale, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is a resort for those who love pairing luxury with heart-pumping adventure. Its 53 acres rest at the base of its namesake mountain — overlooking the aptly-named Paradise Valley — and host a huge variety of activities each day. Start your mornings with stand-up-paddleboard yoga, a game on one of their championship tennis courts, or perhaps in one of their shaded private cabanas next to the infinity pool. Then it’s off into the wilderness for a unique and adrenaline-filled afternoon of canyoneering. Arizona’s plethora of rock and world-renowned canyons make it one of the best places on earth to enjoy this thrilling recreational sport. With rock faces as high as 200-feet rising above you, you’ll rappel down cliffs, traverse canyons, swim across hidden pools and scramble through a landscape replete with geological wonders. For those who can’t get enough, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain also offers private and customized rock climbing excursions.
Rock climbing in Arizona
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SELECT · 2021
Skiing in Aspen
THE LITTLE NELL: EXCLUSIVE SKIING If you love winter sports, plain old “skiing” probably isn’t on your bucket list. “Seeking fresh powder on one of the world’s best mountains from its only Five-Star, FiveDiamond ski-in ski-out hotel,” however, may be more likely to make the cut. So don’t put it off another season! It’s time to live your wildest ski fantasies at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. Along with its unparalleled service and luxury accommodations, this iconic hotel offers its guests the only ski-in ski-out access to Aspen Mountain, whose slopes have hosted countless World Cup finals over its seventy-year history.
SELECT The following hotels provide luxurious home bases for all of your bucket list adventures. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy special perks and amenities through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS
The Little Nell is the kind of place that offers not just one,
Rosewood Mayakoba
but an entire team of “Ski Concierges” who’ll help you with
Riviera Maya, Mexico
everything from boot warming and tune-ups to arranging
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
exclusive opportunities like Snowcat Powder Tours. Après-
Scottsdale, Arizona
ski has also never looked better. Visible from halfway up
The Little Nell
the slopes, Ajax Tavern boasts a sunny patio that’s perfect
Aspen, Colorado
for late afternoon drinks; other days, you may opt to head
Wailea Beach Resort
straight to the hotel’s Health Center for a massage that’ll
Maui, Hawaii
soothe those ski-weary muscles. In the evenings, you’ll be treated to “Colorado contemporary cuisine” at Element 47, The Little Nell’s renowned restaurant with a wine cellar
Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.
boasting more than 20,000 bottles in its collection.
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A LONG WINTER WEEKEND IN ASPEN
Overlooking Aspen
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
4:00pm: Arrive at The Little
6:45am: You’re up bright and
Nell and check into your
early to grab breakfast before
mountainside suite at this
taking your reserved (and
luxurious ski-in ski-out hotel.
coveted) seat on The Little Nell
6:30pm: Dinner is a stone’s
Powder Cat. With just eleven
throw away at Betula, an Aspen
others, you’ll have access to fresh
institution serving French pan-
powder on the backside of the
American cuisine. Roast chicken,
mountain, followed by a late lunch
grilled tenderloin and a sky-high
(and complimentary massage) in a
Grand Marnier soufflé take the
wood stove-heated cabin.
chill off a cold winter’s night.
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SELECT · 2021
3:30pm: Après-ski (with a side of excellent people watching) is at Ajax Tavern. Share an order of their world-famous truffle fries along with a few pints of Colorado-brewed IPA. 7:00pm: Dinner at Element 47 in The Little Nell. Named for silver, a metal that’s been mined here for centuries, this renowned New American restaurant is worthy of gold.
A small ski town with an enormous reputation and even bigger mountains, Aspen strikes the perfect balance between wild outdoor adventure and over-the-top luxury. Here’s how to treat yourself to an extra-long, powder-filled weekend in this glittering Colorado ski mecca.
Horse and sleigh through the mountains
DAY THREE 7:15am: With The Little Nell’s exclusive First Tracks program, after breakfast you’re up the mountain before it opens to the public to enjoy freshlygroomed runs. 1:00pm: After a break for lunch, head over to explore the 133-year-old Victorian home
6:00pm: By horse and sleigh, glide into the woods and past the ghost town of Ashcroft to Pine Creek Cookhouse for dinner. Nestled at the base of the Elk Mountains, you enjoy a feast of goat cheddar and green chile biscuits, Pine Creek smoked trout, elk chops with lingonberry sauce and warm apple crisp.
DAY FOUR 8:15am: Enjoy a final breakfast of eggs, potato cakes, sautéed spinach and freshly-pressed juice at Element 47. 9:30am: Finally, because two massages on a trip are better than one, sneak in a sports massage at the hotel’s Health Center before checking out.
that houses the Aspen Historical Society. Then it’s back to the mountain for a few more hours. CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES
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