DRIFT Travel Magazine Spring 2021

BRUSH STROKES OF AFRICA

ARTIST LARRY NORTON TAKES US ON A MAGICAL JOURNEY

THE MIGHTY AMAZON BY HAMMOCK

EXPLORING PERU, COLOMBIA + BRAZIL BY RIVERBOAT

CURATED PARIS

THE BEST OF MUSUEMS, FRENCH FOOD + CULTURE

PUBLISHER

GLOSSY MEDIA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

STEVE DRAKE

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL

ASHLEY BRANKIN, JUNE DAGNALL, TRACEY DRAKE, ANDREW MARSHALL, SOPHIA MASON, RUSS MEAD, LARRY NORTON, CURTIS STONE

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY

MATT AYLWARD, TOMMASO CANTELLI, VIRGINIA CHO, NIGE COWAN, STEVE DRAKE, ANDREW MARSHALL, LARRY NORTON, PIXABAY, WOLFGANG SCHOLVIEN, CLAUDIO SCHWARZ, AREK SOCHA, ADOBE STOCK, UPSPLASH, VISITBERLIN, NELLY VOLKOVICH, WIKIMEDIA

ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING RIGHTS INQUIRIES sales@DRIFTtravel.com | DRIFTtravel.com Published by:

© COPYRIGHT DRIFT TRAVEL MAGAZINE GLOSSY MEDIA 2015-2021

06 Liquid Inspiration

BY SOPHIA MASON

Five of the world’s most stunning swimming pools that are a must dip.

12 Amazon by Hammock

BY ANDREW MARSHALL

Traveling the mighty Amazon River through Peru, Colombia & Brazil.

40 Curated Paris

BY TRACEY DRAKE

Up close and very personal at The Louvre, Versailles & Le Mariais.

52 Swing of Things

BY JUNE DAGNALL

When it is time to travel, make sure your golf game is good to go.

58 Visit Virtually

BY ASHLEY BRANKIN

Travel the world from your sofa with these 12 incredible virtual tours.

70 Travel Bites

BY RUSS MEAD

Australian Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone teaches us how to make Numus ceviche.

Liquid Inspiration

BY: SOPHIA MASON

With incredible choices for every kind of wanderlust bucket-list, here’s our pick of some of the world’s most stunning swimming pools - in some of the finest hotels - big and small - around the world. This list is not just about size or grandeur – these properties have unique locations, creative pool formations and are designed for water loving travelers. From the hills of Tuscany to the shores of Malaysia, each pool - be it infinity, wrap around or thermalhas jaw-dropping views in breathtaking locations.

Villa Sueno | Spain

Set on a hillside in the Tramuntana Mountains on Mallorca’s west coast, Villa Sueno offers stunning sea and mountain views from its impressive infinity pool that gives the illusion that you are swimming out to sea.

Jade Mountain | St. Lucia

Set high in the hills of St. Lucia, five-star luxury resort, Jade Mountain has 24 open-air Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and 5 Sky Jacuzzi Suites – each of which have been built without a fourth wall so that guests have panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the most arresting sights in the world, the World Heritage Piton Mountains. Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, all Infinity Pool Sanctuaries are individual works of art and ranges in size from 400 - 900 square feet, each unique in color and shape.

Grand Bad Ragaz | Switzerland

The wellness resort’s Helena bath provides guests with the opportunity to bathe in the world-renowned thermal waters which are sourced from the neighboring Tamina Gorge. The historic 19th century pool is set in impressive surrounds and offers a relaxing setting for guests, where they can enjoy, and benefit from, these healing waters. Famous for its effect on the body, the water is naturally sourced at 36.5° Celsius and its rare composition is believed to trigger positive reactions within the body, with people traveling to experience the mystic thermal springs since 1242. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is one of Europe’s leading wellness and medical health destinations.

Pankor Laut Resort | Malaysia

YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort is an exclusive private island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Nestled comfortably into its jungle island habitat, every element of the resort brings nature and comfort together in perfect harmony. The resort is not just famous for its celebrity clientele (including the likes of the late Pavarotti, Joan Collins, Nick Faldo and Sir Jackie Stewart) but it’s stunning infinity pool. The crystal clear pool stretches along the front of the resort, blending seamlessly into the emerald green bay and bright blue sky. With panoramic views of the Malaysian coastline there is no better place to take a peaceful dip and experience nature’s healing tranquility.

Crillon Le Brave | France

Crillon Le Brave lies in an exquisitely authentic natural setting, nestled within a maze of 17th century buildings. Guests will feel ultimate tranquility whilst cooling down in the pool while surrounded by gorgeous quaint buildings, with sprawling views of neighboring vineyards and picture-perfect Provencal countryside.

The Amazon by Hammock

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL

Andrew Marshall lives out his dream of traveling the mighty Amazon River through Peru, Colombia and Brazil...

Absolute mayhem. People shouting, bodies pushing, a zillion three-wheeled motorcycle taxis screeching and honking horns. Men with heavy loads on their backs stream back and forth from the many boats tied bow first to the docks. The British consulate in town had clearly warned me, “It’s at the port just before you board the boat that you have to watch out for hustlers.” This is the Amazon River, Iquitos, Peru.

Here in Iquitos, the age-old vision of the Amazon River as a watery wilderness that crosses a continent flanked by steaming rainforest, teeming with wild animals and populated by isolated communities of indigenous Indians couldn't be further from the truth.

I can't remember when I first had the romantic notion to travel the length of the Amazon River, and for some reason I'd always imagined doing it by dugout canoe. But time and reality have made drastic changes to both my dreams and the river, and by the time I find myself on banks of the Amazon in Peru, the boats have become bigger and the river has become a highway for the endless tide of landhungry humanity that has populated its furthest reaches.

The lifeline of the river communities is the boats. Mostly constructed of wood (many are in a disreputable condition and way overcrowded), they ply the river creating a super highway of commerce. Laden with all types of cargo, from vehicles and livestock, to farm machinery, boxes of groceries and building materials, the ferries are the Amazon's public transport system and I have come to travel and experience it the way the locals do.

My accommodation for the three-day trip to the Colombian/Brazilian border towns of Leticia and Tabatinga is deck-class hammock, BYO or 'bring your own' of course. Arriving two to three hours early is the only way to make sure you get the best position on your chosen boat to hang it, thereby avoiding the multitude of annoyances that can besiege a passenger.

Hang you hammock by the stairwell leading to the loo and you'll be kept awake all night by bad smells. Hang it below one of the many light globes, and you'll enjoy the full benefits of observing the Amazonian insect life at close range. I find myself sandwiched hip-to-hip between an entire family in a double hammock and some giggling teenagers. On the deck below me, lie an elderly couple with sacks of something, that every now and again wiggles and squeaks.

On the second day of my journey we hug the northern shore close enough to view the interminable tangle of vegetation; vines that climb, smother and strangle, epiphytes that claim lofty anchorages in the limbs of trees, and the crowns of towering rainforest giants. If I watch for long enough, I am rewarded with occasional glimpses of squirrel monkeys working their way along a highway of tree limbs, or the dark slumbering shape of a sloth in the jungle canopy.

By day three I am thoroughly in love with riverboat life - it's like one big pajama party with lots of friends swapping hammocks. I have named the pig that lives in the sack below me, Alfredo, and have pressured the crew to allow it free reign on a leash. Carlos and Carmina and their two children in the hammocks next door are best friends, and I have yet to fall ill on the beans, chicken and rice that we are fed three times a day. When we pull into small pueblos along the way, there is enough time to get off, stretch the legs and meet a few locals.

Leticia in Colombia is not what I had imagined it would be. This sleepy port seems to be inhabited mainly by Colombians that have escaped the rat race of violence that typifies the rest of the country. Mention Bogotá or the Medellin cartel to locals and they roll their eyes and shudder, then proudly tell you that here, they can leave their doors unlocked at night.

Just across the border in Tabatinga, Brazil, I get lucky and find a boat leaving for Manaus the same day. Sometimes you can be left waiting days for an onward passage. By the afternoon we are off once again. The mighty Amazon River is

many kilometers wide at this point, but is dissected into so many channels and branches, that at times you might be led to believe it is only a hundred meters wide. What looks like a solid length of riverbank, inevitably reveals itself to be an island with yet another channel beyond.

Life on board slips into a leisurely pattern. Swinging in the hammock chatting to neighbors and practicing my limited Spanish and Portuguese is the major pastime. On the top deck, singer Renaldo Vincinetti croons Portuguese love songs into a microphone. Around him men fill the tables as they eye up the three dusky beauties bathing on the sun deck. Cervezas are plentiful and the mood is languid.

Seated on the rail gazing out across the river is what I like to do most. Breathing in the sultry humidity, I wonder how many ways you can describe the beauty of the Amazon River? At dawn she is a liquid path of new light reflecting all the colors of the sky, from pale blue to rose red and pink. Where the mysteries of her currents form whirlpools, pure gold gilds the ripples casting rings of light along her length.

At midday she is interminable. A brown ocean covered in floating debris with islands of aquatic plants adrift on the currents, arks of life blooming with purple lilies. Sometimes great tree trunks drift by, ripped up by their roots in some violent storm up river.

In the late afternoon, when the heat of the day builds to a steaming furnace and culminates in a tropical storm, shafts of white lightning streak the sky, raking the rainforest with angry fingers, casting a strobe light show across the waters.

But when it is all over and the sun is once more a molten ball sinking on the horizon, the small communities whose timber huts line the riverbanks, steam in

the golden light. It's the time of day when all the chores are done, and families reemerge to relax on their verandas, while children splash in the shallows.

I am enthralled by this riverside pageant of life viewed from my floating observatory. I already know, that by the time I will have traveled the Amazon River from its source in the glaciers of the Peruvian Andes, to the river mouth on the Atlantic Ocean, it will be the people and their special relationship with the river that will leave the most lasting impression.

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OCTAVE battpak

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LABORATOIRE DR RENAUD cell’defense suncare

A beautiful tan, safely – with Cell’Defense. The new triple UVA+UVB+IR protection line from Laboratoire Dr Renaud gives you all the sun’s benefits, all year around. With a tan enhancing veil, moisture, sunscreen and lose powder this kits the perfect suncare travel pack.

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ORIMEI packable coats collection

Orimei’s timeless design elevates style for any occasion and helps simplify daily routines. The compact coats help save time on packing too, allowing women to focus more on what they love doing most.

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BUMKINS wet bags

Thier signature waterproof fabric and heat-sealed seams hold moisture inside the bag, making them ideal for swimming gear, gym gear, diaper bags, cloth diapers, potty training, and more. They coming many sizes making them easy to pack. bumkins.com

HEAT HOLDERS

When you need to stay warm, Heat Holders has you covered. From hats and gloves featuring HeatWeaver® technology to loungewear made with the softest fabric they could find. These must pack items are perfect when you’re heading to a colder climate. heatholders.com

LOWO GOLF cabretta golf gloves

Introducing some fun to the world’s most serious sport. Our genuine Cabretta leather golf gloves are designed to have you hitting in comfort and style - even if they won’t fix that slice of yours.

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LIVSN flex canvas pant

The pants have a gusseted crotch, zippered security pockets, discrete EDC pockets, ventilation, and reinforcements at all stress points. And because over packing can cramp your style, the Flex Canvas Pant will undoubtedly lighten the load of your carry-ons because they’re great for hiking, nights out, comfortable enough to sit on a cramped plane, and easy to clean.

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Phantom of the Falls

In early 2020 good friends had walked into the rain forest adjacent to the Falls and saw a leopard. The following morning in the pouring rain I went there to search for signs. As the mist, rain and spray combined to create this mystical atmosphere, it was easy to picture a feline apparition on the edge of the chasm. Days later we found tracks nearby.

AFRICA An Artistic Journey

Featured Artist: Larry Norton

Instagram: @larry.norton

Facebook: LarryNortonArt

Website: larrynorton.co.za

Larry’s classic painting style was inspired by his many experiences at a very early age with his family in remote parts of Zimbabwe. Throughout his international career he has traveled extensively in Africa soaking in the diversity and richness of the continent’s people, wildlife and landscapes. His work has been exhibited in New York and London and continues to be collected worldwide.

He currently lives and works from his home studio in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where his work and Gallery are situated in the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. He undertakes commissions and sells fine art prints on canvas as well as a full gift range which is on display in the gallery.

Chizarira Black rhino

By the Palms

A lion and lioness recline on a sandbank. The river’s banks are resplendent with Reclinata and Ilala

Palms and thick riverine bush. It is another tranquil afternoon on the edge of the Zambezi.

Scent of Rain

In Hwange National Park in October, an elephant bull senses the end of the dry season. A storm builds across dusty earth, dry grass and sparse bush. The scent of rain permeates the air. It is that incredible time of year again...

Tall as Trees

The magnificent snow-clad peak of Mt Kilimanjaro dominates Amboseli National Park, rising to 5895m / 19340 feet in height. A herd of giraffes walk tall through thick bush, set against this unforgettable backdrop.

Moment

A flight of egrets, backlit against the dawn traverse the Victoria Falls. Each time that I visit the Falls it is different. Shifts in light, season and water levels create ceaseless inspiration.

Tembwahata

A hundred stories seem intertwined at this busy pan, deep in the Gonarezhou bush. I camped here for a few days whilst sketching out the canvas for the final painting. It was like walking through the unfolding pages of a storybook. Wherever I looked, herds of game, flocks of birds and swarms of insects interacted, feeding, hunting and playing in thick riverine bush.

Great Victoria Falls Bridge

This classic historic bridge has spanned the Zambezi gorge since 1905. Cecil John Rhodes commissioned the bridge, envisioning a railway line from the Cape to Cairo. We train for kayaking in the rapids below the bridge. It is an extraordinary place with Schalow’s Turaco flying across the gorge and the occasional sighting of otters in the river.

Archipelago

Just another day on the Mozambique coast. The east coast of Africa has always been one of my favorite places.

North East Zimbabwe

In the North East Zimbabwe in September, the brachystegia woodlands attain colors that are hard to credit as real. The explosion of color passes too quickly as the spring leaves soon turn to green.

Towards the Hidden Falls

A pair of Taita falcons are depicted here against the backdrop of the Hidden Falls. These mysterious Falls, between Devil’s Cataract and the Main Falls are only visible at higher water. The uncommon Taita Falcons find ideal habitat and prey species in these rugged basalt gorges.

Wild Dogs

It is late afternoon on the banks of the Zambezi river. A pack of wild dogs recline on the edge of this majestic backdrop. Few places evoke such African nostalgia as Mana Pools.

Great White Shark

A massive Great White pursues seals in the cold waters off Seal Island, Cape coast. Seeing this creature under water in its element, separated by a few steel bars was unforgettable.

At Rest

A cheetah pair recline on a ridge overlooking the plains of the Masai Mara with the Rift valley beyond, it is East Africa at its best.

Curated Paris

BY: TRACEY DRAKE

The best of Parisian culture shared by true local experts

Iam a contrarian traveler. I prefer to visit places off season so that I can become one with the locals, and not stand out like a tourist. I choose to design my own itineraries, so that I am certain that I get the most authentic experience in any city or country. As a rule, I don’t like group tours, and I especially loathe city sightseeing tours planned for the masses, where you are crammed onto odorous buses and asked to follow a bobbing flag. So, it still baffles me somewhat that in the tail end of 2019, just before the pandemic shut down the world, I ended up taking three tours in Paris, in a single week, and absolutely had the time of my life.

Paris was in the midst of a national transit strike during our visit, getting around the City of Lights was nearly impossible and we had eight days to see it all. We stayed at the Novatel Tour Eiffel Hotel, overlooking the Seine River and walking distance

to the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens, and several of the most famous Parisienne bridges. Walking so much, due to demand for taxis during the transit strike, introduced us to many unique little cafes, patisseries, and boutiques that we might have never discovered.

The Tour Guy came highly recommended and we decided to give it a try. It is a tourism company that began in Italy when a man who loves to travel fell in love with an Italian woman and never left. The Tour Guy is made up of many expert guides in many countries. We booked three experiences – Le Marais Food tour, Louvre Under the Night Stars tour, and Golden Versailles Palace and Gardens tour. Groups are very small (our largest group was 8), and the guides are incredible – friendly, funny, and so knowledgeable.

Le Marais Paris Food Tour –Eat like a Parisian with local expert Rene Khabbaz Diaz

The most delicious day of our time in Paris was an informative and delicious food tour of Le Marais, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Paris. Rene, our tour guide was interesting, funny and very Parisian and he really understood the foundations of French food. We were a small group of six, and it was a bright, crisp evening in the city.

We began with a tour toast that consisted of Champagne and fresh oysters. Next, we stopped at a frommagerie in a Marais market, where we sampled several types of cheese, each paired with a good French wine. Strolling the streets of Le Marais at night is magical. As we walked, Rene stopped and share history about the third arrondissement. One of my favorite eateries was a little corner brasserie that served the most incredible crepes. Lastly, we ventured to a private room in the back of a restaurant and feasted on savory Beef Bourguignon, so good it would have made Julia Child cry; finishing the evening with a luscious Crème Brûlée.

As an easy group that became fast friends, we walked, talked and ate for hours and our host guide didn’t seem to mind when we exceeded our three-hour time limit.

Louvre Under the Stars Evening Tour – Skip the line access with expert guide Zdravko Horvat

I desperately wanted to explore The Louvre Museum but the crowds were daunting. One of the reasons I came to Paris was to have a private audience with the Mona Lisa, but she was surrounded by tourists that had waited in line forever to catch a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s archetypal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. This evening tour of the museum was nothing short of amazing. We were a small group of five and Zdravko (the z is silent) was warm spirited and passionate about art. On this night, the sky

was dark velvet blue and intensely bright. We went in a back door and skipped the line. In an effortless yet skilled way, Zdravko moved us around the museum in a way that made the crowds feel distant. From the paintings in the Great Hall to the Captif sculptures and Liberty Leading the People, it was all so breathtaking. When we finally arrived at Denon Wing Hall, my few minutes spent in private audience with the Mona Lisa was all I had hoped for; it is true that you feel like she only has eyes for you. At the end of this two-hour mesmerizing tour, we were left to wander the museum on our end at our leisure.

Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour – VIP access with palace expert Ferit Onger

Take the time to visit Chateau de Versailles. The history, the opulence and the gardens are exceptional and a must see on any visit to Paris. This tour including return transportation from Paris, usually by train, but because of the transit strike, they picked us up in a very nice Mercedes-Benz passenger bus. There were just 8 people in our group, including our expert palace guide Ferit. We did not wait in the long entry line, started with a beautiful private tour of the extensive gardens featuring 1,400 fountains, and then went into the opulent 17th century

palace that is dripping in gold. With more than 2,000 rooms and 2,000 windows, the interior is filled with priceless artwork, exquisite décor and period furniture, including the bed slept in by Marie Antoinette. Once inhabited by King Louis XIII, it was his famous son Louis XIV who built Versailles as you see it today. Our guide, Ferit also shared the interesting history of Louis XIV’s private bed chamber, and the secret door in which is many mistresses would come and go. My favorite part of the castle was the Hall of Mirrors; a long room adorned with 357 mirrors and many chandeliers. It was in this space that the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.

Our guides were incredible – friendly, funny, and so knowledgeable. Of course, these are in person tours. Via their website, The Tour Guy currently offers interesting virtual tours with expert local guides. I recommend taking the 60-minute Louvre virtual tour – Napoleon’s Personal Treasure Trove. It is an immersive tour of the main works of art in this stunning museum and because it’s live, you can ask questions – and all for about $15 USD! Check them out and book online at thetourguy.com.

Berlin HOURS IN... 48

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL

Berlin has certainly lived through some turbulent times. Decline, fall and rise again have followed each other in rapid succession since the start of the 20th century. But since 1989, when the Wall that cut through Berlin’s heart came tumbling down, the city has re-invented itself as a European hotspot. Less frenetic than London and cheaper than Paris, this is the place to come for quirky attractions, buzzing nightlife, chic shopping and history at every turn. Here's what you can do in two days in the German capital of cool...

DAY 1

MORNING | Tour With A Twist

Get your Berlin trip underway by booking a Trabi Safari, a sightseeing experience with a difference. This enterprising company has breathed new life into the now nearlyextinct Trabant (or Trabi), an East German- produced automobile from Communist times, and rents them out for self-drive tours. The route of the popular 75-minute 'Berlin Compact' tour leads you through the middle and the former east part of the city along the Karl-Marx Allee and East Side Gallery and through the neighborhood of Kreuzberg. The East Side Gallery is a real highlight, where hundreds of artists have revamped a 730-meter stretch of the Berlin wall on the north bank of the Spree River to create the world’s largest open-air gallery featuring hundreds of airbrushed murals.

AFTERNOON | Step Back In Time

This is an opportunity to experience some of Berlin's main attractions. Museum lovers should cross the Spree River over the Monbijou Bridge to Museumsinsel (Museum Island), a UNESCO World Heritage site that's home to some splendid museums and galleries. The Bode Museum exhibits medieval sculptures and early Christian and Byzantine art; the Neues Museum (New Museum) has collections of Egyptian art, prehistoric objects and classical antiquities, and the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) showcases works by 19th century impressionists such as Monet, Degas and Manet.

For an immersive insight of everyday life in the former German Democratic Republic, visit the DDR Museum, where you can put on headphones and listen to East German TV shows, see the typical living room found in a concreteslab apartment and walk into an interrogation room. A thoughtprovoking and moving experience is to wander amongst the 2,711 concrete columns rising in sombre silence from the undulating ground, that make up the HolocaustDenkmal, officially known as the 'Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.'

EVENING | Eat Like A Local

A gastro must-do when in Berlin, is to sample the legendary currywurst. Costing a few euros, this chubby pork sausage doused in tomato sauce and laced with spices is traditionally eaten from a paper plate with a tiny disposable fork while standing at chest-high snack tables on the pavements. The cult place to go is Konnopke's Imbiss situated underneath the green girders of a subway in Prenzlauer Berg, which has been serving the hungry hordes from this spot since 1930.

DAY 2

MORNING | Market Bargains

After breakfast, perhaps some retail therapy is the order of the day. A good place to begin is the centuryold Berlin institution of KaDeWe with a seemingly never-ending array of quality merchandise spread over several floors. For surprising buys, visit one of Berlin's many flea markets selling antiques, retro furniture, secondhand clothes and vintage knick-knacks. Try the antiques market on Georgenstrasse in the Mitte district under the S-Bahn bridge or the Sunday flea market at Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg.

Follow in the footsteps of artists like Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec (who drew inspiration from the mind-altering drink absinthe), by visiting the Absinth Depot. The expert owner at this Berlin one-ofa-kind will guide you through a 100 types of the ‘green fairy’ ranging from 70cl bottles to smaller giftsized ones. Absinthe paraphernalia ( spoons, glasses and literature) and absinthe chocolate and present sets are also available.

AFTERNOON | Swimming Spree

Take some time out from your sightseeing and shopping by relaxing at one of Berlin's several Strandbars (beach bars) made from construction-site sand placed on strips of industrial wasteland along the Spree River, each with their own atmosphere. An interesting twist on the Strandbar is the Badeschiff (Bathing Ship) located in a gritty

section of the south-eastern Berlin district of Treptow, this 30-meter barge-turned-swimming pool anchored in the Spree River offers spectacular city panoramas. A wooden footbridge with hammocks connects the barge containing the pool to the river bank where the hipster crowd kick back in beach chairs with cold drinks, play volleyball or practice yoga.

EVENING | Dinner In The Dark

For a dining experience with a difference, reserve a table at the unsicht-Bar 'dark restaurant' on Gormannstrasse. Blind or visually impaired waiters or waitresses lead you through the pitch-black dining room to your table and explain the placing of utensils using a clock analogy (for example, the fork is located at 9 o'clock and the knife is at 3 o’clock), so that you can eat in the dark. The theory behind the concept is that by voluntarily abandoning your vision, you will be able to experience what wonderful work your other senses are capable of.

Golf season, not to mention golf travel, is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your “A game” ready. A day on the links has psychological benefits that improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase confidence. Golf keeps you fit, engaged, and sparks friendly competition.

Before you hit the links on your home course or take off to play a famous Nicklaus designed golf course in Mexico, here are some simple “get ready” tips to make sure you are primed to play with confidence.

Get Back into the Swing of Things

BY: JUNE DAGNALL

Your Short Game

Approximately 70% of a final golf score is dictated by the short game. Set up a makeshift putting green in your home and take a few strokes whenever you have down time. Practicing at home is a great way to focus on fundamentals that are essential to putting well. There are many inexpensive options on the market to choose from to have you “rolling the rock” in no time. Everyone can attest to how frustrating those three putts can be. Practicing in the off season can make the 19th hole that much more enjoyable.

The art of chipping is essential to keep your score down. Improving the small shots around the green can save shots significantly affecting your overall score. A small chipping net and some foam balls can be a game changer for getting the practice you need at home.

Get a Grip

Golf professionals continually express how fundamentally important the grip is. It determines what your club face looks like at impact. Holding the club properly will enable you to have security without tension, resulting in good speed and power for your swing. The wear on grips is an important factor to be looked at before the season begins. If the grips are still in good shape, a thorough cleaning with soap and water will get them ready. If the grips appear cracked, dried out, or are slipping, the clubs likely need to be re gripped. Do this in advance of your first game of the season to give you time to adapt to the new grips.

It is no secret that flexibility is one of the most important factors when it comes to the golf swing. In addition to stretching before and after your regular workouts, flexibility allows for a better range of motion and improves your ability to turn through the ball. The hamstrings need to be flexible enough to allow you to get into a good golf posture. An easy exercise of bending from your hips and allowing your arms to hang towards the floor can help to loosen the hamstrings and work towards an optimum golf posture.

Stretching Your Limits

(Yes, it’s a thing!) - Increasing your overall cardiovascular endurance prior to golf season will help maintain stamina on the links. A player walks an average of three to five miles during an 18-hole round. Fitness experts attest that cardiovascular workouts that alternate walking and jogging can improve cardio, and also prepare the muscles to keep firing through all 18 holes.

Cardio for Golf

The preseason work of practice and getting into shape has been completed. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a lesson. A seasoned, knowledgeable, and observant teaching professional can assist with small adjustments that will improve your golf game. In the end, golf is a game where your only true competition is yourself, so get a lesson to get your game pointed in the right direction.

Learn from a Pro

Where to Play...A Round the World

Punta Mita, Features 36 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf. Set on 380 acres of peninsula bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Banderas Bay, golf in Punta Mita is truly a spectacular setting. Panoramic views make a camera a must as you play world class golf on either of Punta Mita’s par 72 Championship courses. The private Punta Mita Golf Club is open exclusively to Club Punta Mita Members and their guests, and guests of the Four Seasons and St. Regis resorts.

golfpuntamita.com

In addition to its two signature courses (The Bay Course and The Dunes Course), Costa Navarino is opening another two 18-hole courses (designed by Jose Maria Olazabal) in the next 12 months. When the project is completed in spring 2022, the Mediterranean’s prime, sustainable destination will be in the enviable position of being able to offer its guests four signature 18-hole golf courses – all within a 13km radius.

costanavarino.com

Links Course at Royal Isabela

This is a boutique luxury resort on the Northwest tip of the Island, approximately two hours from capital San Juan in the Northeast. It has casitas with private plunge pools for guests (see picture) and sits perched above 150-foot cliffs overlooking the ocean. The course is a conservationist’s dream, as owners and brothers Stanley and Charlie Pasarell worked with golf architect David Pfaff to ensure the course unfurled as seamlessly and naturally as the gorgeous land deserved.

royalisabela.com

Costa Navarino

Villas Borghetto

The idea of Villas Borghetto is based on the concept of unlimited luxury and pure perfection for every seeker of an unforgettable holiday. Located in the magical land of Istria, villas offer to stay in an area of beautiful nature and unbeatable charm of authenticity. This is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, which boasts a wealth of cultural-historical heritage and offers a fascinating diversity of activities to every taste.

The lavish villas are situated close to Poreč, providing both a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the vibrancy of a modern tourist center. This is an unsurpassed destination to escape from the everyday routine and find yourself during breathtaking scenery of Istria.

Besides the comfortable residences themselves, the guests of Villas Borghetto can enjoy the numerous opportunities for active leisure and adventures in Istria. The marvelous region is open for exploration through private sightseeing tours, panoramic flights, cycling tours, or scuba diving in the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea. The local restaurants offer splendid menus of European and local cuisine, including truffles and olive oil, complemented by the fine wines from the renowned wineries of Istria.

villasborghetto.com

Travel the World from your Sofa: 12 Destinations to Visit Virtually

BY: ASHLEY BRANKIN

Traveling around the world is on many people’s bucket list, but this can prove to be a costly dream. Whether its time or expense, there can be several barriers that get in the way of travel. Here are twelve destinations that can be visited around the world virtually, without ever leaving your sofa and worrying about how you can afford it. From zoos and museums to exploring the great outdoors and theme parks, there is something to keep everyone entertained.

The British Museum - London, England

We begin our journey in London, England, where the British Museum awaits. Founded in 1753 this museum hosts a wide range of collections and the virtual tourist can browse 8 million of them online, which is sure to capture the attention of any museum lover. If the collections aren’t just enough, there are other areas to visit, such as the podcast library and behind the scene tours. britishmuseum.withgoogle.com

Musee d’Orsay - Paris, France

Keeping in the theme of museums the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France is next on our list. Learn the history of the Statue of Liberty. From its conception and journey to becoming one of the world’s iconic symbols. Find out why France opted for such an extravagant gift to present their American friends and feel that little bit more knowledgeable by making this virtual journey. artsandculture.google.com

Monterey Bay Aquarium - Monterey Bay, USA

Hopping across the pond, the next stop is the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey Bay, USA. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this Aquarium is a popular destination for many people around the world. Amazing sights await the explorer with live camera feeds available to view. From the open sea to sharks and sea otters, hours can be spent just soaking up the marine life.

montereybayaquarium.org

Grand Canyon - Arizona, USA

After a morning spent in museums, it is time to take a breath and enjoy some nature at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. Whether it’s hiking or rafting, the virtual tourist is very well catered for here. From a virtual hike through the trails of the canyon to a raft trip online, there is no doubt that whatever option the traveler selects, there are some spectacular views to be seen.

grandcanyon.org

Museum of Broken Relationships - Los Angeles, USA

Over to the west coast of America, we find ourselves at the Museum of Broken Relationships. This destination was designed to be a virtual and physical museum, so this location is well prepared for the armchair explorer. The collections here hold some personal significance to their owners, and while browsing the items, the spectator can learn all about how the history of their broken relationships and feel a deeper connection. brokenships.com

Walt Disney World - Florida, USA

Flying over towards the east, we hear Walt Disney World in Florida call our name. Thanks to amazing features on Google Maps, guests can ‘walk’ undisturbed around these fantastic theme parks. Take in the castle at the Magic Kingdom, see a wide variety of animals at the Animal Kingdom, look at futuristic Epcot or feel the glamour of Hollywood at Hollywood Studios. Any rides that catch the guest’s eye can be experienced on YouTube from the firstperson point of view. Magical. visitorlando.com

Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, USA

Moving on to Cincinnati, virtual tourists are in for a treat. Every weekday at 3 pm EST Cincinnati Zoo goes live for audiences around the globe. Follow the zookeepers on a live-action safari to learn about a different animal every day. Perfect for all those animal lovers out there. cincinnatizoo.org

Acropolis Monuments – Greece

Heading back over to Europe, thousands of years of history awaits the virtual tourist to explore at the Acropolis Monument in Greece. Armchair adventurers can take an interactive tour to delve into some ancient relics that have so much history attached to them, it is almost unbelievable. The Temple of Athena Nike is one of the included attractions to visit and can leave the visitor in awe. takewalks.com

Picasso Museum - Barcelona, Spain

You don’t have to be an art lover to know who Picasso is. This famous artist has an entire museum dedicated to him in Barcelona, Spain, and guests can take a virtual stroll around Barcelona and check out where this art legend lived and worked. An excellent way to spend the afternoon.

bcn.cat

Jerusalem Tour - Jerusalem, Israel

One of the most religious cities in the world opens up its doors as we jump to Jerusalem, Israel. Thanks to Samsung’s incredible 360-degree virtual tour, people from all over the world can explore this historical city without ever stepping foot in a plane, train, or automobile. Accompanied by a tour guide, viewers are encouraged to scout out their fascinating destination.

amazingjerusalem.com

Northern Lights - Lapland, Sweden

The beautiful sights of the Northern Lights are our final stop on our virtual tour, and it will not disappoint. See the beauty in the skies above Lapland by taking a dog sled virtual tour. Watch as the sky lights up in a colorful fashion that must be seen to be believed. A fantastic end to a fabulous day.

lightsoverlapland.com

Traveling the world can be expensive and, unfortunately, can be way out of many people’s budgets. These twelve destinations allow the tourist to explore virtually without ever leaving their hometown or spending a penny. From theme parks and zoos to museums and nature, there is something here that everyone will enjoy.

miles and pointstravel perks that can work for you

BY: JUNE DAGNALL

2020 saw flights grounded, trips canceled, borders closed, and major cities and popular destinations completely deserted.

This is 2021, and the world is feeling optimistic and excited to get back on the road again. Where will our travel dreams take us? There is no better time to plan than the present, and it starts with your credit card and how it can help you travel better, further, and more often.

Learning the ins and outs of the credit card loyalty points and miles game is important and since it can be done from the comfort of your chair, now is the perfect time to learn!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel... read only a page.”

– Saint Augustine

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-travel-credit-cards/

Using a bank debit card, you are spending money and not getting anything back in return. When using a credit card however and shopping online, eating out, buying groceries, or using it for any other purchases, valuable points can be earned to use on a future vacation. Other important benefits on many credit cards include purchase protection and built-in coverage for trip delays or cancellation.

To avoid overspending and incurring interest charges on these purchases, be diligent and pay monthly credit card bills on time.

Earning points, earning miles, or earning both can be used like a type of currency. Credit card companies, airlines, and hotels are closely intertwined with the objective to use these currencies to travel. Typically credit card companies and hotels use points, and most airlines use miles.

According to CNBC Select research published in March, 2021, these are the best cards on the market:

Set up your next travel goal. Will it be spending a week in Paris? Taking the family to Disney World? Vacationing in Hawaii? Cycling through Vietnam? The options are infinite.

Take time to investigate and research different credit cards that enable you to earn the points required to make travel dreams happen. Ensure that the card has transferable points so these can be transferred to airlines and hotels.

Typically credit card companies carry an annual fee which can range from approximately $95 to $550 depending on the company and the perks that are offered. Don’t be deterred – if you choose the right card, the points earned and valuable member perks with easily outweigh the annual fee.

Look for sign-up bonuses! These are an easy way to get you closer to your next vacation with generous points, miles and sometimes even cashback offers to entice you to become a card member.

Travel Bites

Curtis Stone’s Taste of Australia

BY: RUSS MEAD

While we patiently await borders to reopen, it is always nice to enjoy a little bit of Australia at home. From bustling Melbourne in Victoria, up to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, and Kangaroo Island down south, Australia has something for everyone, and when it’s safe to welcome travelers back, Australia will be waiting to say G’Day and show you everything this place has to offer. But for now, let’s take a culinary trip to Australia with this interesting recipe from celebrity chef and Australian tourism ambassador Curtis Stone.

South Australia is a brilliant blend of the country’s relaxed lifestyle, great food and wine, incredible Outback landscapes, and wildlife experiences. In fact, South Australia is the artisan Australia and offers intimate and behind the scenes culinary and wine experiences like no other in the world. The capital of Adelaide is also one of the Wine Capitals of the World and a premier food destination of

multicultural cuisine. The landscape of South Australia varies enormously between regions, and it’s not just the picturesque landscape, wildlife in the wild experiences, and world-class cellar doors (200 within a 2-hour drive of Adelaide) that woo travelers to the regions, but it’s the top-notch local produce, comfortable country retreats and uncrowded charm that keeps them there.

NUMUS WITH GREENS AND AVOCADO

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Make-Ahead: Numus and fried garlic and shallots can be made 8 hours ahead. Store fried garlic and shallots airtight at room temperature. Keep numus refrigerated.

INGREDIENTS

Numus:

1/2 medium white onion

1 small Fresno chile pepper

1 small Serrano chile

9 garlic cloves

2 shallots

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

Splash of good extra-virgin olive oil

1 fillet lean white fish (such as black snapper)

Sea salt

Vegetable oil, for frying

Salad:

2 small firm but ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, sliced

1/4 cup small basil leaves

1/4 cup small mint leaves

1/4 cup small arugula

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1 finger lime, halved

METHOD

To make numus:

1. Using mandolin, very thinly slice onion, chilies, garlic, shallots, and ginger. In mixing bowl, combine sliced onions, chilies, one-third of garlic, and ginger. Stir in lime juice, vinegar, and splash with oil.

2. Thinly slice fish fillet and add fish slices to onion mixture. Season with salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fish slices are opaque.

3. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining garlic to hot oil and fry for about 1 minute, or until crisp and golden. Using a mesh spoon, transfer fried garlic to paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with shallots.

To serve:

4. Arrange fish slices along with some chile slices in single layer over plate. Top with avocado and herbs. Drizzle with some marinade. Sprinkle with fried garlic and shallots. Sprinkle with sugar. Squeeze finger lime segments over numus and serve immediately.

“The numus, a raw fish preparation, was inspired by meeting Dwayne Bannon-Harrison on the rooftop garden in the middle of Sydney. I was introduced to Dwayne by my mate, Ben Shewry. Both chefs champion indigenous ingredients. The fish showcases the incredible seafood and fresh produce of New South Wales.” -Curtis Stone

#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 gastromony. Photojournalist Andrew Marhsall takes DRIFT readers on a delicious tour of Parma, Modena and Bologna to savor some of the legendary foods produced there. Coming to the May/June 2021 issue.