What’s Trending Now: Feeling Grateful for...
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The Bold, Beautiful & Brand New
While many of us were compelled to pause or pull back on our goals last year, a bold few among us powered ahead. These intrepid business people launched new cruise lines and ships, mod hotels, and even vacation resorts despite the pervasive uncertainty. Today, we’re celebrating these plucky folks — the gritty, tenacious people who persevered against the odds to bring us new places to stay and new experiences as the world opens up again. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will launch in July when its first vessel, Evrima, a small yacht-style ship, will welcome 298 passengers in understated, elegant style. There will be five dining options including S.E.A., an à la carte experience designed by Sven Elverfeld of the three Michelin-starred Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Germany.
WHAT ’S TRENDING NOW
Florida’s Gulf Coast “Pink Palace,” the Don CeSar, has just concluded a complete three-year, multi-milliondollar renovation. In a nod to its iconic pinkness, guest rooms were painted a subtle blush color with whimsical flamingo prints that enliven the walls.
Emeline, Charleston’s new boutique hotel, is steps from the open-air City Market where you can purchase the city’s iconic Gullah Sweetgrass baskets. Guest rooms are decorated with vintage Spoleto Festival posters; most come with Crosley turntables and a selection of vinyl records.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is targeting travelers interested in “luxe adventure.” It’s first ship, World Navigator, will be a polar-class expedition vehicle with Zodiac boats to explore remote ports of call. World Navigator, the first of five new expedition ships, will premier in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea this summer before heading to Antarctica for the winter. When Antigua’s Jumby Bay Island reopened last November, the number of suites was winnowed to 28 making the hotel more exclusive than ever. (There are also 14 villas and 22 private residences). Jumby Bay also introduced a partnership with George Clooney’s Casamigos tequila brand which includes the launch of a pop-up beach shack with cocktails specially curated for the resort.
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ENSEMBLE VAC ATIONS I SPRING 2021
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Our Ability to Help Out
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that every traveler leaves an impact. In a positive light, this means every one of us has the power to nurture the people and places we visit. So, this year, we’re packing a new appreciation for our interconnectedness with other nations, their cultures, and the precious ecosystems that sustain them. As we make our travel comeback, we’re doing so more carefully and meaningfully. We’re treading lighter, noticing every opportunity to reach out, lend a hand, offer a kind word, or fund a worthy cause. Instead of rushing there and back again, we’re embodying the Hawaiian concept of mālama — taking care of, tending to, preserving, and protecting.
