DRIFT Travel Magazine Spring/Summer 2021

CHÂTEAUX, CHAMPAGNE & GOLF

A TRAVEL TRIFECTA IN FRANCE

THE ALLURE OF NEW ORLEANS

EXPLORING FOOD AND CULTURE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY

THE STUNNING STREETS OF TAIPEI, TAIWAN

EPIC TRAVEL INSPIRATION

FILMS AND BOOKS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR BUCKET LIST

PUBLISHER

GLOSSY MEDIA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

STEVE DRAKE

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL

JIM AND JUDY BROWN, BONNIE CONRAD, JUNE DAGNALL, TRACEY DRAKE, KEVIN HELLON, EVELINA IAGOFAROVA, ANDREW MARSHALL, GABRIELLA RIBEIRO, CAT TROIANO

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY

AMAZON, JIM AND JUDY BROWN, STEVE DRAKE, ROSIE KERR, EVELINA IAGOFAROVA, SEBASTIAN PENA LAMBARRI, PAUL MARSHALL, ROBSON HATSUKAMI MORGAN, MOVIESTILLSDB, MERCEDES SCHULZ, ADOBE STOCK, DARIO VERONESI, WIKIMEDIA

ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING RIGHTS INQUIRIES sales@DRIFTtravel.com | DRIFTtravel.com

© COPYRIGHT DRIFT TRAVEL MAGAZINE GLOSSY MEDIA

2015-2021

So much more than historic French architecture and exceptional Champagne, this region in France is quickly becoming known for its world class golf - offering the best of all worlds. Discover a whole new side of the Champagne Region of France.

18 Phuket Town

BY KEVIN HELLON

An incredible town with a fashion forward state of mind.

22 Travel Bites

BY CAT TROIANO

The sights, sounds and tastes of the French Quarter in New Orleans.

32 The History of Baguio

BY BONNIE CONRAD

A getaway to this little known vacation spot in the Philippines.

34 A Photographic Journey

BY EVELINA IAGOFAROVA

A stunning look at the unique streetscapes of Taipei, Taiwan.

48 Asia’s Wellness Center

BY GABRIELLA RIBIERO

Book a trip to the Setouchi region of Japan for unique self-care.

56 Ten Epic Travel Movies

BY TRACEY DRAKE

Modern and classic, these must watch travel focused films feature incredible scenery.

60 Words That Inspire

BY JUNE DAGNALL

Words have a way of stirring our soul and these travel books are no different.

Châteaux, Champagne & Golf

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL

Around 100km from Paris in the north-east of France, is the historical province of Champagne-Ardenne, best known for its production of the world’s most famous sparkling wine. But it's not just the grape that reigns supreme here – there’s ‘golf among the grapes,' with a collection of challenging and affordable courses for players of all abilities, and some beautiful stately homes and châteaux to spend the night. These three elements of the good life that complement each other, can provide a strong focus for visiting the region – enjoy a few rounds of golf, taste some champagne and stay at a châteaux…

Golf among the grapes

There are several courses to play in this up-and-coming golf area of France. Get proceedings underway at arguably the pick of the bunch, by teeing off at Golf de Reims situated 8km west of Reims, in the middle of the famous vineyards. This picturesque, gently undulating 18-hole woodland course provides an attractive mix of tight tree-lined fairways and large elevated wellguarded greens in the beautiful surroundings of the 15th century Château des Dames surrounded by a moat.

Founded back in 1928 by the Reims and Épernay Champagne houses, the 6,055 meters par-72 course, which was originally a 9-hole layout, was later extended to 18 holes by Michael Fenn in 1973. To avoid the numerous trees that come into play, it’s important to plot a strategic route around the course and it’s not unusual on any given day to hear more sounds of golf balls hitting timber than woodpeckers during nesting season. At each tee-block the various Champagne Houses such as Moet & Chandon, Louis Roederer, Laurent Perrier, and Mumm advertise their produce, whetting the appetite for a flute or two of bubbly in the château clubhouse after the golf.

50km north-east of Reims on the outskirts of Fagnon village, is Golf de l’Abbaye de Sept Fontaines - a lovely 18-hole course built around an historic château nestling between valley and forest. The front nine is

purely parkland with superb views of the château especially from the par-3 9th hole. Stop for lunch in the excellent restaurant before tackling the newer, more open back nine featuring characteristic rocky boulders landscaped around the greens.

Located in the south of Champagne-Ardenne near the small village of Chaource on the edge of the Aumont forest is Golf de Troyes-la Cordelière, previously the property of the Counts of Chandon de Briailles. Its 18 hole-course rolls over a vast carpet of gently undulating greenery, dotted with water features and ancient trees.

Other golfing options in the region include Golf de l’Ermitage (37km east of Troyes) with its par-3 12th signature hole and island green, La Grand Romanie (40km south-east of Reims), built on the site of an old Roman camp and Golf d’Arc en Barrois (80km south of Troyes), situated in the grounds of a château and featuring two lakes and elevated greens.

Where to Play

Golf de Reims: www.golf-de-reims.com

Golf de Troyes-la Cordelière: www.golfdetroyeslacordeliere.fr

Land of the liquid gold

In between rounds of golf, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the region’s famous product – champagne. Champagne is in fact a ‘sparkling wine’ and traditionally made using a blend of three varieties of grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Once the juice is extracted, champagne undergoes two fermentation processes, first in casks and the second after the wine has been bottled and had sugar and yeast added. This allows the carbon dioxide to get trapped in the wine, giving rise to those famous and distinctive bubbles. Non-sparkling wines are only fermented once in casks.

An excellent way to learn more about the champagne-making process is to explore the signposted roads that make up the Route

Touristique du Champagne

(Champagne Tourist Route) –600km in total, divided into various circuits meander through the region’s principal wine-growing areas including Montagne de Reims (between the two champagne centers of Reims and Épernay), Côte des Blancs (south of Épernay) and further south, the Côte des Bar, specializing in smaller producteurs (champagne producers) that welcome thirsty golfers.

The provincial town of Épernay is the best place for champagne tasting, and underneath the streets of the ‘capital of bubbly’, in some 100km of subterranean cellars, millions of dusty bottles of

sparkling wine are maturing sideby-side until one day being popped open in celebration. Épernay is home to some of the world’s most famous champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, De Castellane and Mercier, the most popular brand in France. Many of them are situated on or near the Avenue de Champagne and offer entertaining, informative tours followed by tastings and a visit to the factoryoutlet champagne shop.

From Epernay, it’s only a 6km drive north to Hautvillers, where champagne was first created three centuries ago. According to tradition, the ingenious idea of mixing various grape varieties from the Champagne-Ardenne region, and sealing the lot with a cork held in place with a wire collar to withstand the fermentation pressure, came from Dom Pérignon (1638 – 1715), cellar master at the Benedictine Abbey in Hautvillers.

Hautvillers is one of those pictureperfect French villages with a bar, church and a few pretty houses. In the square you’ll find the Tourist Office where, for a few euros, you get a gentle walking tour with an explanation of Pérignon’s life and the effect he had on perfecting champagne. The highlight is the Abbey where he is buried.

Northeast of Hautvillers, situated in the wooded hills around Verzy, is a totally new concept in enjoying champagne - the world’s first champagne bar in the trees. Le Perching Bar, is the brainchild of co-designers Germain Morisseau and Oliver Couteau, and sits on a wooden platform supported by 6-meter high stilts, accessed by a number of boardwalks suspended between the trees. Cool sounds emanate from the speakers, several local champagnes are on offer and the views are exceptional.

From Verzy, it’s only a flute or two of bubbly to Reims, a town with a rich history, and together with Épernay, is the most important center of champagne production and home to some prestigious producers such as Mumm, Tattinger, Pommery and Louis Roederer.

Staying at one of the many historic châteaux, manor houses or stately homes is an excellent way to complement the golfing and champagne lifestyle of the Champagne-Ardenne region. A classic example is Château d’Etoges, situated 22km south of Épernay in the small village of the same name surrounded by vineyards. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, Château d’Etoges was once a privileged place where the Kings of France enjoyed staying on their way to the east, and Louis XIV himself greatly admired the beauty of the château’s garden, fountains and ponds.

Overlooking a quintessential moat, this beautifully renovated château has twenty individually appointed bedrooms furnished with genuine antiques and tapestries. Downstairs, an imposing fireplace bears witness to banquets, meetings and celebrations from a medieval past. Classy French cuisine (with a good selection of wines and champagnes) is served in the adjoining L’Orangerie dining room, and after a tasty dinner it’s only a short stumble to your comfortable four-poster bed.

The château of choice for Reims, and nicely situated for playing Golf de Reims, is Domaine Les Crayères. Nestled discretely in a 7-hectare park with lush vegetation in the heart of the champagne city, this elegant home once owned by the Polignac family is now a luxurious gourmet retreat, where guests can relax in the twenty sumptuous rooms and where fine dining takes center stage.

General manager Fabrice Mercier and Didier Elena, the head chef, set out to create the perfect restaurant and to combine it with the ultimate in accommodation. The restaurant is the main event, and any day at Domaine Les Crayères revolves around mealtimes and the sublime heights of the chef’s highly regarded cuisine awarded with two Michelin stars, and the extensive wine list with over 400 champagne labels.

North-east of Reims is Château de Montaubois, a beautiful 18th century building set in 4 hectares of parkland in Signy l’Abbaye. The owners, eccentric and likable JeanFrançois Monteil and his lovely wife Elizabeth have spent nearly three decades renovating the château to its former glory with original features and period furniture. They now offer B & B accommodation with five sumptuous rooms available to guests, delicious home cooked meals and a fascinating power point presentation about the history of the château and the renovation process. Château de Montaubois is conveniently located for playing Golf de l’Abbaye de Sept Fontaines which is only a short drive away.

Where to Stay

Le Château d’Etoges: www.chateau-etoges.com

Château de Montaubois: www.chateaudemontaubois.com

Domaine Les Crayères: www.lescrayeres.com

Facts about Champagne

• Approximately 49 million bubbles can be found in a 750 ml champagne bottle that is stored at 20 ºC. Renowned scientist Bill Lembeck calculated this figure.

• The pressure in a champagne bottle is three times higher than in an automobile tire, measuring at ninety pounds per square inch.

• The world’s tallest champagne glass stands at approximately seven feet and can hold up to 22 bottles of champagne. This glass was unveiled at a festival in Spotelo, a city in Italy.

• The name ‘Champagne’ is copyrighted, and the wine can be named as champagne only if it is produced in France’s Champagne region. If a similar wine is produced, using the same methodology, elsewhere other than Champagne, then it has to be labeled as methode champenoise so as to give credit to the procedure.

• Champagne goes particularly well with seafood, especially smoked salmon, lobsters, crabs and oysters.

• Heidsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Champagne Brut was the champagne that was served on Titanic. There was a rumor that a few bottles of this champagne that were recently brought out of the wreckage still tasted fantastic.

• Marilyn Monroe is believed to have once taken a ‘champagne bath’ that took approximately 350 champagne bottles to fill the bathtub.

• A champagne cork leaves the bottle at a velocity of approximately 38-40 mph.

• Non-vintage champagnes are aged for at least 18 months and vintage champagnes aged for a minimum of three years and up to ten and are the most expensive.

• The temperature of the champagne should ideally be 6 to 8 degrees. Champagne should always be drunk in a tall narrow glass called a ‘flute’ to confine the bubbles and concentrate the aroma. To enhance the taste and aroma, the champagne should be allowed to sit for a few minutes after pouring into the glass.

• The size of the bubbles is one of the factors that determine the quality of the champagne. Tiny bubbles denote high-quality champagne. Large bubbles are a mark of inferior quality.

PHUKET TOWN A Fashionable Destination

BY: KEVIN HELLON

Think of Phuket in Southern Thailand and inevitably thoughts turn to idyllic, tropical, palm-fringed beaches lapped by the waters of the Andaman sea. Famous and compelling as these beaches are, there is another side to Phuket and that is old Phuket Town. Although elevated to the status of a city in 2004, most people still refer to the city as Phuket Town.

Phuket Town is easily reachable from the island's west coast beaches during the day by public bus services, which run from early in the morning to late afternoon. Historically, all bus services have been routed from the island's extremities into Phuket town because that is where the only roads led. However, 2018 saw the introduction of a much-needed bus service connecting the airport with the west coast beaches down to Rawai.

Of late, the town has been undergoing a metamorphosis from a sleepy provincial town stacked with local businesses servicing the wider Phuket community into a hub of tourist activity. The old town infrastructure has been vastly improved in recent years by

installing underground cabling, adding new pavements and renovating old Sino Portuguese style shophouses. Hotels, guesthouses, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants are springing up constantly as the community gears itself to the influx of more and more tourists.

Much of the towns previous wealth and prosperity, evident by the number of late 19th and early 20th century mansions dotted around the town, is due to tin mining, which was particularly exploited by Chinese immigrants. It is Phuket's Chinese historical and architectural heritage that forms the backbone to the burgeoning tourist industry today.

There are four major streets of most interest to tourists, although there are other attractions beyond these areas. The streets in question are Phang Nga Road, Thalang Road, Yaowarat Road, and Dibuk Road, which all feature, now mostly restored, Sino Portuguese architectural style shophouses in an array of pastel colors. Cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir, and other shops serve both the local community and tourists alike.

Every Sunday Thalang road hosts a very lively walking street market offering local handicrafts and food from the many stalls. Music and cultural activities are also on show. The market and especially the food stalls are so successful that it is quite possible locals outnumber the tourists.

To the streets mentioned above, can be added the once Infamous

Soi Rommanee that runs between Thalang Road and Dibuk road. The street was once the home of brothels and prostitutes serving the local and Chinese mining communities. It is now resplendent with boutique guesthouses, bars, souvenir shops, and coffee houses.

Within and on the periphery of the old town are several places of interest. Of course, no self-respecting Thai town would be without a splendid Buddhist temple. Wat Mongkol Nimit at the end of Soi Rommanee is just such a temple. There are also several Chinese temples dotted around the town most notably the Jui Tui shrine on Soi Phutorn, which is especially important during the annual vegetarian festival. Also, the Shrine of the Serene Light on Phang Nga road is a beautifully renovated Hokkien shrine that was established in 1891 and well worth taking the time to visit.

For early birds, a visit to the local wet market provides a fascinating insight into local life and produce. Phuketians, especially those owning restaurants, come from all over the island early in the morning to shop here for fruit, vegetables meat, and seafood.

On Krabi road, which is an extension of Thalang road, sits the Thai Hua museum. The museum, which is free, is set back from the road in a beautiful building and focuses on the history of Chinese settlers in Phuket. A little further down the street is Baan Chinpracha where one can experience the wealth and luxury of a rich Phuketian in the

early 20th century. Further, at the intersection of Phang Nga road and Phuket road is the recently opened Perannikannitat museum housed in a renovated building that was originally constructed for the Standard Chartered Bank. The museum is dedicated to the Baba Nyonya community and their development in Phuket.

For those with a greater interest in tin mining, the Phuket Mining Museum lies a short taxi ride away. The museum is in a purpose built Sino Portuguese style villa and showcases the history of tin mining and other minerals extraction on the island.

Phuket Town is fast becoming a fashionable place to visit with many new hotels to suit all pockets. The infrastructure is constantly being improved and it has become a mustvisit place on the island known as the Pearl of the Andaman.

The French Quarter

A Tour of Heritage, History and Culture

BY: CAT TROIANO

Steeped with history and culture, the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. Known for restaurants that offer savory and aromatic Creole fare, jazz and zydeo emanating through the doors of nightclubs, and the old world charm of elaborate iron scrollwork balconies, the French Quarter tantalizes the visitor’s senses.

Originally a French colony, Louisiana was then ruled by the Spanish until possession transferred to the United States with the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Creoles descended from colonial settlers in Louisiana, their French and Spanish ancestors greatly influencing the various facets of New Orleans culture including cuisine, architecture and music. These cultural influences remain evident today, particularly in the French Quarter.

The perfect opening to a day in the French Quarter is the indulgence of courtyard dining. Welcomed by a splashing fountain, guests are ushered into a courtyard jazz brunch at The Court of Three Sisters. Brunch offers an extensive assortment of authentic Creole fare, accompanied by the relaxing background music of a jazz trio.

Daytime sightseeing offers vast opportunities. Horse-drawn carriages await to take vacationers on a leisurely tour of the Quarter, the driver pointing out various landmarks that beckon further exploration. The famous Jackson Square, a park displaying an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson in the foreground of the Saint Louis Cathedral, defines the center of the French Quarter. Gardens line the center of the square, its perimeter alive with street musicians, mime performers, tarot card readers, artists and fortunetellers. The Saint Louis Cathedral is flanked by additional historic landmarks on each side, both identical in architecture: The Cabildo and The Presbytere. The Cabildo, erected in 1795-1799, was once the city hall where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Today it is

a museum featuring artifacts of bygone eras, including an auction block used during slavery, a Civil War surgeon’s chest and Napoleon’s death mask. The Presbytere, originally constructed in 1791 as a residence for clergymen and then subsequently used as a courthouse, is now a museum as well, offering several exhibits including an ongoing Mardi Gras feature. This Carnival exhibit examines the origins and pageantry of Mardi Gras through displays of costumes, floats and other memorabilia.

A short stroll from Jackson Square leads to Riverwalk, a lengthy boardwalk that offers breezy views of the Mississippi River along one side; a shopping mall spans the other. Within the mall, numerous shops and boutiques provide tempting opportunities to load up on souvenirs, a jazz combo strolls along and the shopper can take a load off while indulging in a seafood po’boy sandwich for lunch.

Visitors are guided by the scents of chicory coffee and beignets riding on the breeze from the direction of the famous Café du Monde. Reminiscent of the outdoor Paris café, tourists can take a break from sightseeing and indulge in a café au lait with beignets, the deepfried dough pastries dusted with powdered sugar.

Architecture should not be overlooked. The pastel-hued stucco and elaborate iron scrollwork that wraps around corner balconies throughout the city showcase the Spanish influence, as many of the buildings were constructed during the era of Spanish rule.

Guided tours through the oldest cemeteries provide intriguing insight to unusual local burial methods, tales of voodoo practices and their West African origin and Catholic influences, and a visit to the tomb of Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen herself. The decaying above ground stone mausoleums comprise cities of the dead, offering centuries of haunted lore and legend still recounted to this day.

As the sun goes down, attention turns to dining and entertainment. Restaurants abound, featuring traditional Spanish and French influenced Creole dishes as well as Cajun delicacies that have made their way into the city from the bayou country. Chefs such as Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse have spurred the popularity of these foods. Lagasse’s NOLA, Prudhomme’s K-Paul, Brennan’s and Arnaud offer such Creole culinary delights as jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish etouffe, oysters Rockefeller and smothered chops or steaks. The traditional dessert of bananas Foster is prepared table-side with flare and artistry. Another dining option is offered aboard the Natchez, a riverboat that provides jazz dinner cruises along the Mississippi River.

Jazz clubs invite tourists to experience the sultry notes of a solo saxophone, the lively harmonics of a brass trio or the mesmerizing tunes of a jazz combo. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, the original form of the genre referred to as Dixieland, which took on influences from marching bands, blues and polyphonic improvisation. Louis Armstrong is the most celebrated traditional jazz musician of all time. Older than jazz itself is the musical

style of zydeco, a rapid tempo Creole blend incorporating such instruments as rubboards, fiddles and accordions.

The most famous street in the French Quarter is Bourbon Street, a bar and club lined strip offering unlimited opportunity for indulging in boozy libations. No visit to the French Quarter is complete without imbibing a Hurricane, the crimsoncolored fruity cocktail invented at the Bourbon Street pub of Pat O’Brien’s. Unlike most of the United States, New Orleans and its French Quarter is one of the few areas in which it is legal to consume alcohol from open containers on the street. After dark, Bourbon Street therefore becomes the scene of social camaraderie.

Other attractions just outside the French Quarter limits include the world-famous Commander’s Palace restaurant, where celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s career was launched, the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium. Beer aficionados will revel in a trip to Jax Brewery. Interesting remote tours that depart from the French Quarter include a tour of the picturesque Louisiana swamp swathed with Spanish moss drapery and alive with alligators, and tours of the Oak Alley and Laura Creole plantations from the 1800s.

New Orleans’ French Quarter has offerings of enjoyment for everyone, from the devoted gastronome to the music enthusiast to the history buff. The French Quarter is alive and well after Hurricane Katrina, its culture and hospitality awaits to bid a warm welcome to all.

THE NORTH FACE for her

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TKA Kataka

1/4 Zip Fleece

With a 100%-recycled body fabric, the relaxed-fit Women’s TKA Kataka ¼ Zip Fleece has the ecofriendly credentials to go with its clever features and clean urban silhouette.

Bozer Hip Pack III-S

The Bozer Hip Pack III—S has enough space for light adventuring and an expandable ripstop stash pocket inspired by their classic sleeping bags.

Vectiv Taraval

Zip through your trail explorations in the stable and grippy Women’s VECTIV Taraval.

Karakash Cargo Pant

You’ll never be at a loss for comfort or quick-access storage in the relaxed-fit Women’s Karakash Cargo Pant.

Base Camp Duffel-M

71-liter version of their iconic duffel delivers deeply considered features and legendary expedition-tested durability.

Paramount Active Shorts

Lightweight, stretch shorts for hiking in variable spring conditions.

Vectiv Escape

Propel your off-road adventures with the VECTIV Escape.

Class V Fanorak

The updated Class V Fanorak is stretchable, packable, easy-to-carry protection for your next adventure.

AIR PIX pocket-sized, ultra-light aerial camera

The easiest and most affordable way for anyone to capture everyday and special moments while staying completely immersed in their life. With AIR PIX, you’ll get features and performance found in other devices that are more than twice the price! airselfiecamera.com

MINDSHIFT ROTATION backpack series

Rotation180® technology enables photographers to quickly access their camera without taking off the backpack. Rapid access to camera gear helps you keep up your creative momentum, so you don’t miss a shot. Simply rotate the integrated belt pack to the front of your body and your camera is at your fingertips. Snap the shot, slide the belt pack back in, and you’re on your way!

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PORTOVINO the swankey collection

Discreetly take your beverage of choice or any 3L boxed wine pouch and pour from the spout anywhere you go. The unique hidden undercooler is designed to store and keep your 3L pouch, 6 packs or picnic items chilled – NO glass bottles. porto-vino.com

CLEARLY FRAMES five plastic bottles = 1 frame

The Reincarnate line is about creating change: changing waste into something useful and changing consumer habits to be eco-conscious. This new product line offers consumers a sustainable option, without foregoing the exceptional quality vision products that help them see the beauty of the world around them. The Reincarnate range is available at a reasonable price point, ensuring that the line of sustainable frames is accessible for all eyeglass wearers.

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BIND BUDDY on-the-go jacket holder

A high-quality device that uses a nylon strap to stash your coats, sweaters, and jackets by your side. bindbuddy.com

Ikos Andalusia

Between the mountains and the Med, Andalusia is a fascinating region of contrasts and surprises, from the historic attractions of Estepona to the exclusive charm of Marbella.

At the foot of the beautiful Sierra Blanca in Spain, vibrant Marbella entices visitors from across the world with its luxurious lifestyle, abundance of golf courses and glamorous nightlife, while Estepona’s historic town is adorned for its picturesque white streets and character.

Guests of the new hotel are encouraged to discover the local area, with complimentary use of a MINI car for the day, tickets to the best museums in Malaga or free green passes for golfers at the exclusive Los Naranjos Golf Club all included in their stay. The hotel also offers the pioneering Ikos Dine Out initiative, allowing foodies to enjoy meals at some of the best restaurants across Marbella and Estepona, all within their all-inclusive experience.

In addition to the Dine Out opportunities, guests of Ikos Andalusia will be spoiled for choice with seven restaurants at the resort. These include one Mediterranean buffet and six à la carte menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and ranging from modern Greek, classic Italian, Asian/Oriental, Provencal, and authentic Spanish. All meals are complemented with an extensive choice of 300 local and international wines selected by the Ikos Sommelier. Cocktail lovers will be impressed to find six bars serving drinks curated by Mariam Beke, the award-winning mixologist and owner of the acclaimed Gibson Bar in Shoreditch.

ikosresorts.com

The Fascinating History of Baguio

What Makes This Vacation Getaway So Special

BY: BONNIE CONRAD

For many people, travel is more than a simple getaway - it is a way of life. If you long to explore the world and meet new people, the same old destinations simply will not do.

For those intrepid travelers, adventure is the name of the game. If you are one of those adventurous souls, there are plenty of reasons to make Baguio in the Philippines your next travel destination.

Exploring the history of the region is one of the best things about travel, and when you visit Baguio, you will find plenty of historical sites to explore, and lots of fascinating sights and sounds at every turn.

What you may not know is that Baguio has a long and storied history, and you can rediscover that history when you visit. You can also learn about the amazing role this region has played in world history before you go, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture and truly enjoy your next travel adventure. Here are some of the highlights in the history of Baguio in the Philippines.

A Summer Getaway

Baguio has long been a summer getaway for residents of the Philippines and the surrounding region, so much so that the city is often called the Summer Capital. The same wonderful weather and temperate climate that earned Baguio that nickname still welcomes visitors today.

The history of the region goes back to at least 1846 when Spanish settlers created a number of small settlements. Back then, Baguio was just one of many, but the city quickly grew, welcoming visitors and settlers from miles around - and today you can experience the same warmth and beauty that drew those original inhabitants.

The Last World War II Holdouts

If you are familiar with World War II history, you may recall tales of Japanese soldiers unwilling to accept defeat and surrender to the Allies. Some of the strongest holdouts of the World War II era found themselves stationed right here in Baguio.

For history buffs, there is no better place to learn about World War II than modern-day Baguio. When you visit, you may even encounter some of those original World War II holdouts - or at least their descendants.

Home of the World's Weirdest Chess Match

The game of chess has attracted its fair share of eccentric geniuses, and none is stranger than Bobby Fischer. This world-famous chess champion is as famous, or infamous, for his antics off the board as on it, and he found a home in Baguio during part of his long exile.

In addition to the Fischer connection, Baguio is world famous as the site of one of the most unusual chess matches in history, and fans of the game still come here to relive the glory days. Whether you are an avid fan of the game or just a curiosity seeker, you are sure to find the Baguio chess tournament a fascinating part of history.

Knowing the history of a place can make your travel experience that much richer. If you are an adventurous traveler in search of an unusual destination, why not set your sights on the city of Baguio. This Philippine gem is sure to please, and any time is a great time to visit.

Anatoly Karpov - 1978 World Chess Championship

Flowers for the Baguio Flower Festival

From Elephant mountain - one of the best places to get a panoramic view of Taipei City and, of course, Taipei 101 - an iconic symbol of Taiwan.

TAIPEI A Photographic Journey

Featured Artist: Evelina Iagofarova

Instagram: @eveline_ia Website: seeyoueveline.com

Evelina developed an interest in photography just three years ago. Since then, she has been developing her skills and trying new approaches. Evelina loves traveling abroad as well as in her native country, Russia.

Photographic equipment used: Nikon D7200, Sigma AF 17-50mm f/2.8

Spectacular view of Taipei city from the observation decks that is located on the 89th floor of the 10th tallest building in the world, Taipei 101.

You definitely won’t stay hungry in Ximending. There are lots of options for Taiwanese street food in the area. For example, this man making an oyster omelet.

Taiwan is a great place for seafood lovers. Most of the street food kiosks in Taipei offer different types of seafood dishes.

The National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a landmark in Taipei - erected in memory of the former political leader Chiang Kai-Shek.

Ximending is famous for its’ nightlife and entertainment. Street performers in Taipei always know how to gather big crowds of people around them.

Old apartment buildings are still being kept in the Datong district in Taipei. They add history and contrast to the city.

The best way to explore old Taipei is to walk around Datong District. It is one of the oldest areas in the city.

Jiufen - a small picturesque village in the mountains, just one hour drive from the city of Taipei. It is a perfect place to learn more about Taiwanese culture.

It is captivating to walk the old streets of Jiufen, visiting traditional tea houses and shops along the way.

Japan's WELLNESS SPOT

BY: GABRIELLA RIBEIRO

It’s been a long road but now, more than ever, we are ready to embrace unique healing experiences in a whole new way and the Setouchi region of Japan is truly the wellness center of Asia.

Whether you’re craving emotional, spiritual or physical healing, Setouchi’s incredible onsens, found nearly everywhere are the new “hot spots”. These bubbling springs refresh with hot mineral-rich waters that rise to the surface at 25 degrees Celsius minimum and they connect your body with your mind and create a new unique space in your mind to be able to think more clearly and set you on a revitalized pathway forward.

One can easily find an onsen at a range of boutique hotels and traditional guesthouses, or whilst trekking or exploring on foot, indicated on signs and maps by the kanji 湯 (yu, meaning “hot water”), and it’s best to familiarize yourself with the rules and etiquette of enjoying one as is customary with many experiences in Japan!

Setouchi’s onsen scene delivers on the promise of physical and spiritual healing. Always framed by natural backdrops, these experiences provide soothing baths of sparkling, fresh clean water and a restorative balance between the body and the mind. Some are best for skin beautifying qualities, others are said to heal joint problems, and the list goes on but regardless, it’s a soothing bath of sparkling, fresh and clean waters generally framed by impossibly gorgeous views and background.

Want the insider scoop on the top hot spring hot spots? Several top

the list with a blend of phenomenal healing waters and pitch perfect locations. Dogo Onsen is Japan’s oldest, said to have been curing ailments for over 3000 years and the experience goes beyond the waters with recommended strolls through nearby shops, tea tastings and a sampling of local dumplings. Arima Onsen lies peacefully in the foothills of Mount Rokko and features waters unusually rich in minerals and natural elements. And, dating back 1300 years is Kinosaki Onsen, best known for its seven public springs where each of the local bath houses work in tandem with one another formulating a cozy, connected ryokan-style intimate experience. Here, it’s entirely acceptable to roam around in your robe and wooden geta sandals while exploring local haunts.

Setouchi encompasses 7 prefectures and features over 700 islands that dot the Seto Inland Sea, and beyond wellness, it is a haven for lovers of adventure, art and nature.

For more information, visit setouchifinder.com

Tips For Finding the Perfect Charter Yacht

For first timers who want an affordable, all-inclusive experience

BY: JIM AND JUDY BROWN

Thinking of chartering a yacht but have no idea what to look for? Here are some tips from experienced charter hosts Jim and Judy Brown of Sail Dauntless, to ensure your first taste of the cruising life is affordable and memorable for all the right reasons.

The Crew

The most important aspect of picking a charter yacht is crew selection. Your crew are, at all times, responsible for your safety while on board and will provide you and your party the best experience possible while catering to your every need. They will maintain the numerous on board systems along with keeping the yacht in shipshape while navigating to those exotic destinations. When booking a charter yacht, ask for the captain and crew’s professional credentials on the specific yacht you are interested in.

Ask questions regarding their marine qualifications and culinary skills, and request and testimonials from prior guests. Do not assume because the yacht photographs look clean, safe and inviting in the advertisement, that the crew will be too.

Sea Comfort & Speed

Sea comfort for your guests is one of the most important qualities in charter yacht selection. It’s important to remember that a lot of your time will be spent traveling to those incredible anchorages, so how your chosen vessel handles is important. When it comes to monohulls, a longer yacht design provides a smoother ride and more speed. When sailing upwind, the boat will heel over a little, so you will have to get used to ‘life on the lean’. Sailing downwind is more pleasant and offers a flatter ride. A catamaran has two hulls, so it doesn’t heel over like a monohull, however this comes at a greater expense. They are often faster and provide great views as they sit on top of the water. Motorboats are faster again and can cruise at 20 knots; however, this comes with the added drone of the engines and a potentially rolly ride.

Culinary & Beverage Skills

The crew of your charter should have experience cooking for more than two people. Although they will not necessarily be sous chefs, they should possess the skills to provide quality meals for the guests on board. The chef should provide preference sheets to the guests prior to boarding, so the crew can provision for what guests prefer. Provision sheets should also include non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage choices. Most charter yachts stock a ship’s bar with a variety of premium liquor, wine and beer. Specialty cocktails, such as pina coladas, bloody marys, and martinis, should accompany any sunset.

Aesthetic Appeal & Layout

Your chosen vessel should have adequate cabins for your guests, as well as ample toilets and showers. Up on deck, sheltered areas with views of the water and uncluttered decks with wide entertainment zones will allow guests to enjoy their sailing adventure.

Toys

Upon arrival at your chosen anchorage, the best yachts will have all the water toys out and ready for you to enjoy. A quality charter service should provide paddleboards, snorkeling gear and floats. Top shelf charters may provide extreme toys, including electronic Efoils, kitesurfing gear or underwater sea scooters.

Entertainment & Activity Space

Depending on the size of your party, entertaining and activity areas are an important feature when selecting your yacht. For maximum guest comfort, locations throughout the vessel should feel spacious and allow guests a variety of areas to lounge about, sunbathe or enjoy one another's company in privacy. A cockpit where guests can share meals, have easy access to the water when swimming, and a safe and comfortable ride while sailing, will ensure a memorable cruise.

Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri

Itinerary & Destinations

There are virtually endless sailing destinations the world over, however, to begin with, choose an area that is a known crowd pleaser. For those in the US, one popular charter area is Long Island’s South Fork which encompasses The Hamptons, which, like its neighbor to the North, Newport, RI, is a beautiful playground for the rich and famous. With stunning scenery, magnificent houses (The Vanderbilt’s summer cottage for example), hotels, restaurants and great sailing, it is a destination sure to impress. These locations are within driving distance for millions of people within the US and with Airlines’ quick & inexpensive flights, are accessible to millions more. You may choose a day trip, a sunset sail, or a 2-7night charter for 2-12 guests, depending on yacht size.

Marine Hygiene

Covid-19 has impacted the charter industry in the same manner as any other. Look for a charter company that provides a level of cleanliness that allows you to relax and enjoy your time on the water. When arriving at the boat, it should feel clean, fresh and airy with no mold or evidence of previous guests.

On Board Safety

A well-appointed yacht should have all the required safety gear to keep her passengers safe. This includes life jackets, fire control systems, man overboard equipment and life rafts, to name a few. Certified crew training, including the ability to resolve medical emergencies, and review of safety protocols with guests upon boarding, should be a minimum standard of any charter yacht you choose.

Quality On Board Systems

Your charter yacht should have adequate on board systems to ensure you have the best experience possible. A generator able to provide electrical power is a must. The ability to charge multiple devices, run cabin and deck lights at night and keep the tunes playing is not unreasonable. Multi-zone air conditioning is a luxury that will reduce humidity and keep your stateroom cool and fresh. An on board water maker that converts seawater to drinking water will avoid the hassle of having to dock for water. saildauntless.com

If you are looking for a relaxing and unique vacation experience, now is the perfect time to charter a yacht. Traveling by boat is not only exciting but it is the perfect socially distanced vacation option, offering freedom and luxury without the need for international travel. Jim and Judy speak from experience when they say not all charter yachts are created equally. Do your homework and use this list to ask the right questions next time you are considering a chartered yacht experience. By choosing the right yacht, you are sure to have simply your best vacation ever.

10 EPIC

Movies Set In Stunning Travel Worthy Locations

BY TRACEY DRAKE

It’s true… almost a year and a half into this global pandemic and even the most unaffected, unromantic of us are in desperate need of a little escapism. Make some popcorn, settle in and prepare to be transported to faraway places with our epic list of must-see movies that are either about travel or set in the most incredible bucket worthy destinations.

ONE WEEK

RELEASED: 2008

STARRING: JOSHUA JACKSON COUNTRIES: CANADA

An uplifting story that follows Ben Tyler ( Jackson) on a motorcycle journey across Canada – from the big city streets of Toronto, Ontario across the vast country to finish on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island in Tofino, British Columbia. If you have never visited Canada, or have not seen it from a road trip perspective, One Week will have you lusting for the gorgeous wide-open Canadian spaces and magical landscapes.

BEFORE SUNSET TRILOGY

RELEASED: 1995(BEFORE SUNRISE), 2004 (BEFORE SUNSET), 2013 (BEFORE MIDNIGHT)

STARRING: ETHAN HAWKE, JULIE DELPY COUNTRIES: FRANCE, AUSTRIA, GREECE

The best of romantic travel movies, this trilogy was filmed over a span of 27 years (yes - really!!) starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in all three movies. It is the story of a Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) who meet in Vienna on a train and spend a few hours together, meet again by chance in Paris nine years later, and then catch up with a decade later in Greece. It follows their life, love and some seriously beautiful cities and scenery. Hawke says they plan on a fourth movie at the next 10 year milestone so keep it on your radar!

ROMAN HOLIDAY

RELEASED: 1953

STARRING: AUDREY HEPBURN, GREGORY PECK

COUNTRIES: ITALY

It is a classic and it is so worth watching again and again. Princess Ann (Hepburn) is a bored royal who escapes the confines of her sovereign guards and falls in love with Joe Bradley (Peck), an American reporter. The scenes of Rome are splendid and innocent. The movie won three Oscars including best screenplay, best costume, and best actress in a leading role for Hepburn’s portrayal of Princess Ann.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

MOVIE: 2010

STARRING: JULIA ROBERTS, JAVIER BARDEM COUNTRIES: ITALY, INDIA, INDONESIA

The best parts of this movie is the locations and the three-country scenic adventures that Liz (Roberts) goes on as she takes a gap year from life to try and find herself. From the streets of Rome and pizzerias in Naples, to the chaos of India and the marvels of Bali, you need to watch this one at least twice just to take it all in.

THE TRIP TO SPAIN

RELEASED: 2017

ACTORS: STEVE COOGAN, ROB BRYDON COUNTRIES: SPAIN

Good friends Steve and Rob are at it again, this time taking on the Spanish coastline. Along the way, they sample restaurants and hotels, and offering their take on life and bad impressions over countless meals. The scenery is breathtaking, the food looks incredible and this comedic duo make it just serious enough to make you seriously fall in love with Spain.

OUT OF AFRICA

RELEASED: 1985

STARRING: MERYL STREEP, ROBERT REDFORD COUNTRIES: AFRICA

Based loosely on a true story, aristocratic Karen (Streep) travels to Kenya to join her husband, and after a series of heartbreaking events, embarks on a passionate love affair with hunter Denys (Redford). The African backdrop to this 20th century epic love story will leave you breathless and curious about the landscapes of Africa today.

RELEASED: 2014

STARRING: REESE WITHERSPOON COUNTRIES: UNITED STATES

A poignant chronicle of Cheryl (Witherspoon) and her 1,000-mile solitary hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Based on a true story, the movie has powerful moments (that we can all relate to right now) and offers an incredible look at Pacific Northwest landscapes that will have you thinking about a hike of your own.

A GOOD YEAR

RELEASED: 2006

STARRING: RUSSELL CROWE, MARION COTILLARD, ALBERT FINNEY COUNTRIES: FRANCE

A snarky, narcissistic British investment broker (Crowe) inherits a fanciful French chateau from his estranged uncle and visits France for the first time since his childhood to fix up the estate for selling. He soon discovers the charm and cultural bliss of Provence, and it changes his life. The delightful countryside, quaint villages and Parisian way of life will fulfill your travel angst (temporarily) for this wine and sun filled land.

THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY

RELEASED: 2000

STARRING: HELEN MIRREN COUNTRIES: FRANCE

When the Kadam family leaves India to open a restaurant in France, they did not plan on the likes of Madame Mallory (Mirren) and her Michelin-starred restaurant across the street. The story is fun, quirky and charming, if not completely predictable. However, if you associate travel to France with fine foods, good French wines, and idyllic scenery, this movie is a must watch.

THE BEACH

RELEASED: 2000

STARRING: LEONARDO DICAPRIO COUNTRIES: THAILAND

Young, adventurous, video game loving Richard (DiCaprio) finds a map in a hotel that leads to an island paradise. While the movie is not five stars, for those who have never been to Thailand, this is a heady introduction to the beauty and natural awesomeness of Phuket especially.

WORDS TO INSPIRE: 8 Books To Stir Your Wanderlust

BY JUNE DAGNALL

The worldwide pandemic has put a temporary halt on everyone’s travel plans. It’s the perfect time to embrace being an “armchair traveler”.

Let your mind get lost in the wonders of new destinations through the lens of a camera or the words of an author. When it is time to travel, you will have a renewed bucket list with places you might not had on your radar before.

Buckle up, escape to anywhere in the world, and skip the jet lag!

In A Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is one of the most prolific and recognized names in travel writing. In a Sunburned Country takes us on a grand tour of Australia by car and train from east to west. It’s a place where interesting things happen all the time. Australia is the only island that is also a continent, and the only continent that is also a country. Its aboriginal people, a remote and mysterious race with a tragic history, have made it their home for hundreds of years. Australia has more things that can kill you in extremely nasty ways than anywhere else: sharks, crocodiles, the planet’s ten most deadly poisonous snakes, fluffy yet toxic caterpillars, sea shells that actually attack you, and the unbelievable box jellyfish.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu, by Mark Adams

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archaeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth, however he had never even slept in a tent. This book is the fascinating and funny account of Adams’ journey through some of the world’s most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

First published more than thirty years ago, Paul Theroux’s strange, unique, and hugely entertaining railway odyssey has become a modern classic of travel literature. Theroux recounts his early adventures on an unusual grand continental tour. Asia’s famous trains -- the Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Frontier Mail, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Mandalay Express, the Trans-Siberian Express -- are the stars of a journey that takes him on a loop eastbound from London’s Victoria Station to Tokyo Central, then back from Japan on the Trans-Siberian. This fantastic chronicle is essential reading for both the passionate adventurer as well as the armchair traveler. Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.

A Year of

Living

Danishly by Helen Russell

Denmark is officially the happiest nation on Earth. When Helen Russell is forced to move to rural Jutland, she sets out to discover what these secrets are.

A Year of Living Danishly looks at where the Danes get it right, where they get it wrong, and how we might just benefit from living a little more Danishly ourselves.

Love with A Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche

Torre De Roche is a city girl looking for anything but love, however a chance encounter in a bar in San Francisco sparks an instant connection with an Argentinian man who unexpectedly sweeps her off her feet. The problem is that he is just about to cast the dock lines and voyage around the world on his small sailboat, and Torre is terrified of deep water. Torre determines that to keep the man of her dreams, she must embark on the voyage of her nightmares, so she waves goodbye to dry land and braces for a life changing journey that is both exhilarating and terrifying. This hilarious, harrowing, and poignant memoir is set against a backdrop of the world’s most beautiful and remote destinations. Equal parts love story and travel memoir this book is witty, charming and proof that sometimes risks are definitely worth taking.

Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land by Noe Alvaraz

The son of working class Mexican immigrants flees a life of labor in fruit packing plants to run in a Native American marathon from Canada to Guatemala. Growing up in Yakima, Washington, Noé Álvarez worked at an apple packing plant alongside his mother, who “slouched over a conveyor belt of fruit, shoulder to shoulder with mothers conditioned to believe this was all they could do with their lives.” At nineteen, he learned about a Native American/First Nations movement called the Peace and Dignity Journeys, epic marathons meant to renew cultural connections across North America. Álvarez writes about a four month journey from Canada to Guatemala that pushed him to his limits. Running through mountains, deserts, and cities, and through the Mexican territory his parents left behind, Álvarez creates a new relationship with the land and the dream of a liberated future.

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

An international best seller, the story follows a young shepherd boy, Santiago, from Spain to Egypt. After having a recurring dream of finding treasure in Egypt, the young Andalusian shepherd sets out to make that dream a reality. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along the path of life, and most importantly, to follow our dreams.

Footnotes: A Journey Round Britain in the Company of Great Writers by Peter Fiennes

Peter Fiennes follows in the footsteps of twelve inspirational writers, bringing modern Britain into focus by peering through the lens of the past. The journey starts in Dorset, shaped by the childhood visions of Enid Blyton, and ends with Charles Dickens on the train that took him to his final resting place in Westminster Abbey. From the wilds of Skye and Snowdon, to a big night out in Birmingham with J. B. Priestley and Beryl Bainbridge, this book is a series of evocative biographies, a lyrical visit into the past, and a quest to understand Britain through the books, journals and diaries of some of our greatest writers.

#WHERE TO NEXT

EMILIA-ROMAGNA, ITALY

A region in northern Italy, known the world over for its medieval cities and coastal retreats, EmiliaRomagna is also home to extraordinary gastronomy. Photojournalist Andrew Marshall takes DRIFT readers on a delicious tour of Parma, Modena and Bologna to savour some of the legendary foods produced there. Coming to the July/August 2021 issue.