January/February 2022 Global Traveler by Global Traveler

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January/February 2022

BARCELONA p. 56 HONG KONG p. 61 HUDSON VALLEY p. 64 INDIANAPOLIS p. 54 NASHVILLE p. 60 SANTIAGO p. 48 SAUDI ARABIA p. 70 SEOUL p. 58 TURKS AND CAICOS p. 72

NOT JUST ANY PORT

Explore Porto’s gems, from art and architecture to its famous wine. p. 68

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ®

EDITORIAL Editor In Chief Kimberly Krol Inlander kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President/Digital Director Katie Skrzek katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor Janice Hecht jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor Patricia Vanikiotis patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Social Media & Editorial Coordinator Mary Melnick mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor Aoife O’Riordan aoife.oriordan@globaltravelerusa.com ART Art Director Tracey Cullen tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer Christopher P. Ottaunick christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor Vance Piccin

Reunited: Kimberly with Mary Melnick, Tracey Cullen and Katie Skrzek at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills PHOTO: © KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

The Big Comeback

elcome to our first issue of 2022! We’re all more than ready to kick off a new year of travel, especially as our great, big, wonderful world continues to reopen. It may be hard to imagine at this moment, with parts of the world in different stages of the omicron COVID-19 surge, but I truly believe travel will continue its boom this year. While I haven’t yet traveled internationally since the start of the pandemic, I plan to do so this year — as do so many of you. Becca Hensley dipped her toe back into the international pond in 2021 to report on the world’s return to international travel on page 38. The world is also preparing for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. While spectators are off-limits this year, we can still get into the Olympic spirit in former host destinations around the globe. Find out more on page 42. We embraced a sense of normalcy as a team in December, returning to Beverly Hills for our 18th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards. This year marked our 10th time hosting the event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. My colleagues and I spent nine years taking a mid-December jaunt to the City of Angels before COVID-19 put a pause on the tradition in 2020. It felt so good to reunite, and some members of our editorial team did so over a delicious breakfast at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. For more on my stay at the property, check out my

review on page 20. With a new year come new changes to our usual print lineup. On pages 76, 80 and 81, you’ll find new columns for 2022 and beyond: Diversity, Ecotourism and Sports, respectively. Our Diversity column kicks off highlighting Black History Month travel, with future columns examining autismfriendly travel, indigenous travel and traveling with disabilities. Sustainable travel is relevant every year, with travelers constantly striving to be more ecofriendly. This month’s first Ecotourism column looks at agritourism, while the rest of the year delves into offsetting carbon emissions, Iceland’s ecotourism and eco-lodges. We explore the universal language of sports in our Sports column, kicking off with a look at 2022 golf events. The rest of the lineup checks out baseball stadiums around the globe, sports-themed cruises and interesting sports festivals. We kick off 2022 in Seoul, Nashville, Saudi Arabia, Santiago, New York’s Hudson Valley, Turks and Caicos, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Indianapolis and Porto. Join us next month for a look at influential women in travel history. Until then, bon voyage!

COLUMNISTS Jack Guy Kelly Magyarics

WRITERS Kristy Alpert Jaron Ashkenazi Susan Barnes Elyse Glickman Becca Hensley Jessica Kelly Sharon King Hoge Dale Leatherman Irvina Lew Greg McCluney Katie McElveen Sheryl Nance-Nash Richard Newton Irene Rawlings Holly Riddle Barbara Rogers

For complete bios visit globaltravelerusa.com

CIRCULATION Special Projects Manager John Wroblewski Specialist Louie Atsaves Managers Jayhawk Evans, Mark P. Ford, Teresa Jackson, Anthony “Scraps” Dimera Circulation Director Michele Shannon Circulation Manager Anna Pudzianowski Research Consultant Sharon Sterne ADVISORY BOARD Chairman Michael Donahue COO Michael Kiely President Carlos Cappuccio Deputy Vice President Aviation Edward Jefferson Deputy Vice President Accommodations Stephen Doherty Deputy Director Destinations Wayne Tallman Vice President Special Events/Photography Christopher Ottaunick Secretary Mark Lane Research Director Frank LoVerme Director of Technology Bob Hancock Director of Digital Advancement Jared Torgan Vice President of Corporate Giving Jim Bolger Director of Emerging Markets & New Business Frank Wood

GENERAL COUNSEL Thomas F. Goldman CONTACT US General Inquiries/Issue Requests/Reprints info@globaltravelerusa.com Subscriptions tel 818 286 3134 | gbtcs@magserv.com Public Relations kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Letters to the Editor letters@globaltravelerusa.com

Kimberly Krol Inlander Editor in Chief

Global Traveler is published monthly by FXExpress Publications, Inc., 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067. The U.S. subscription rate is $42 for one year, $79.95 for two years, $121.95 for three years. Postmaster: Please send changes of address to Global Traveler, 309 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067

As of publication, the destinations and venues mentioned in this issue were planning to reopen or are currently operating, but many may have restrictions or limitations in place to address current public health concerns. Always check in advance to confirm current requirements and restrictions.

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER ®

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Man’s Best Friend: Francis in North Carolina with one of his favorite travel companions

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PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

Open the World

trust you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year’s celebration. I took the opportunity to visit a few locations on the way to Sarasota, Florida, where we established an office a year ago. With two Dalmatians in tow, we stopped in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and then made our way to Savannah, Georgia, for a few days. We walked the beach and toured the historic district (you voted Savannah Best Weekend Destination in our Leisure Lifestyle Awards). If you’ve never hit the Savannah bar scene with two big dogs, I recommend it! The staff at Zunzi’s on Drayton Street offers lots of treats to pups, including South African sausages. After an exciting 18th GT Tested Reader Survey awards event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, I am pleased to say we launched voting for 2022; you can complete a ballot with your choices in this issue or at globaltravelerusa.com. The event was a great success, with heartfelt and inspiring addresses by Scott Linebrink, former MLB pitcher and current partnership director of Water Mission, and Luc Bondar, president, United MileagePlus, and vice president, Marketing & Loyalty, United Airlines. We will feature a recap of the awards in the March issue. Water Mission focuses on building water, sanitation and hygiene solutions so everyone has access to clean, safe water. Currently, 2.1 billion people lack access, and COVID-19 greatly disrupted efforts at a time when clean water was more valuable than ever. Scott emphasized the importance of safe and close

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water access. The dangers are unimaginable when people are forced to travel long distances to haul water. We encourage you to help Water Mission through donations; please see its advertisement in this issue. As we continue to move through this new world of travel, I encourage you to #OpenTheWorld (the theme for the GT Tested Reader Survey awards event) and travel to the destination of your dreams. I firmly believe the aviation, lodging and cruise industries have done their utmost to make your travel experience safe. I would say you are safer traveling than going to the local grocery story or gas station … that’s my impression after my recent travels. We have to learn to live through this, and once the omicron surge subsides, I can only assume things will improve. But either way, shutdowns and lockdowns seem to have little positive effect. Start planning your trips! I have friends who took six cruises last year and booked several this year. Testing and vaccinations worked, and they had no issues with any of their voyages in 2021. Open the World — I hope to see you on board soon!

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60 features

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January/February 2022

BARCELONA p. 56 HONG KONG p. 61 HUDSON VALLEYp. 64 INDIANAPOLIS p. 54 NASHVILLE p. 60 SANTIAGO p. 48 SAUDI ARABIA p. 70 SEOUL p. 58 TURKS AND CAICOS p. 72

NOT JUST ANY PORT Explore Porto’s gems, from art and architecture to its famous wine. p. 68

Reviving the Dream Trip Vacationers seek unforgettable experiences in a return to international travel.

Epic Attractions Past Winter Games venues keep the Olympic spirit alive for visitors.

COVER PHOTO: PORTO, PORTUGAL, OLD TOWN ON THE DOURO RIVER PHOTO: © TOMAS1111 | DREAMSTIME.COM

globaltravelerusa.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

business destinations 48

Destination One: Santiago Chile’s vibrant capital boasts fine wine, a flourishing culinary scene and panoramic views.

Stateside: Indianapolis A Midwestern neighborhood manufactures a new culture for Indianapolis.

MICE: Barcelona The city of iconic art and architecture lures visitors for memorable events.

9–5: Seoul Immerse in the current culture to impress business contacts in Seoul.

After 5: Nashville Nashville hums with cool tunes and hip hot spots.

PHOTO: © SEAN PAVONE | DREAMSTIME.COM

January/February 2022

CONTENTS

FEEL THE

LEVEL

L I V E A Q U A B E A C H R E S O R T P U N TA C A N A

I N D U LG E YO U R S EN S ES W I T H L I V E AQ UA , LU X U RY L I F EST Y L E H OT EL S W I T H SO PH I ST I CAT ED A N D S ED U CT I V E AT M O S PH ER ES T H AT TO U C H T H E S EN S ES W I T H A R O M AS, T E X T U R ES, F L AVO R S, SO U N D S, C O LO R S A N D L I G H T.

LIVE AQUA URBAN RESORT MÉ XICO

C A N C U N • L O S C A B O S • M E X I C O C I T Y • M O N T E R R E Y • P U E R T O VA L L A R TA P U N TA C A N A • S A N M I G U E L D E A L L E N D E

L I V E AQ UA .C O M

(sensation)

January/February 2022

CONTENTS

in every issue 10 14 16 21

Mail Call News Reviews One on One Goway Travel One on One Preferred Hotels & Resorts Technology Wine & Spirits Spas Golf Chefs Cruising Diversity Airport Update Ecotourism Sports Preview

26 27 28 30 32 34 36 76 78 80 81 82

leisure destinations 61

Neighborhoods: Hong Kong Local meets global in multicultural Hong Kong.

Friends & Family: Hudson Valley Discover the Hudson Valley, steeped in history, art and scenic beauty.

68 70

Bucket List: Saudi Arabia Get a mesmerizing glimpse of the history and heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Kicking Back: Turks and Caicos Take it easy in the tropical paradise of Turks and Caicos.

EXPRESS

P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .

Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material. AAM member 04-0361-2. AAM audited circulation 111,517. ISSN 1551-7187 ©2022 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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PHOTO: © STEVE CALLAHAN | DREAMSTIME.COM,

Tours: Porto Explore Porto’s gems, from art and architecture to its famous wine.

Thank you for voting IHG® Business Edge Best Small to Mid-Sized Business Program for the third consecutive year. We understand the pressures you are under between managing your bottom line, optimizing business, and ensuring the safety of your employees. Thank you for continuing to trust in IHG Business Edge to help you simplify your travel management.

2019-2021 InterContinental ® Los Angeles Downtown

MAIL CALL

Q&A WITH MARY MELNICK, SOCIAL MEDIA AND EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Happy New Year! With the new year come new adventures. This year I am hoping to travel to Clearwater, Florida, for a Philadelphia Phillies spring training game. Are you planning any travel for special events? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com

In our December 2021 issue, we asked: As the holidays approach and many of us plan on spending time with family, what were you most excited about for the holidays? A few readers wrote in: My wife and I never liked cold weather; we try to follow warm weather and soak up the sun, even in December. Last year we were unable to travel anywhere warm because of the pandemic, but this year we booked a flight to Saint Lucia for some much-needed relaxation. We stayed at Jade Mountain Resort for a few nights to enjoy the gorgeous views and amazing amenities, about which we have heard so many great things. My wife was particularly excited for the spa, whereas I looked forward to exploring the area and resting in the sun by the pool. RYAN SHELTON, VIA EMAIL Last holiday season we had a rather mellow gathering due to the pandemic, so this season we are most excited to have our family and friends come together. Sometimes we have taken our family and friends for granted, but this pandemic taught us we must cherish our time with them, and so that is exactly what we intended to do. The vaccines allowed us to all meet up for the holidays for the first time in two years. We typically spend our Christmases in Minnesota

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because our children love the snow. My sister loves to host a grand Christmas feast, and so we all flew or drove to Minnesota to spend the special holiday break together. MARLIE DAVID, VIA EMAIL

FIRST CLIMATE-POSITIVE HOTEL BRAND In the Nov. 24 issue of eFlyerUSA, we told readers Inkaterra Hotel was named the first climatepositive hotel brand in the world by GreenInitiative. We asked: Do you think more hotel brands should strive to become climate-positive? One reader shared feedback. After reading about this exciting announcement on Inkaterra’s accomplishment, I began researching other hotel brands on their way to becoming more sustainable and eco-friendlier in their approaches. As we hear and read more about the negative impacts of climate change, the travel industry, I believe, must adapt to help the environment and our planet so we, as travelers, can still see the world in a guilt-free manner. If more hotel brands strive to match Inkaterra in terms of becoming climate-positive, the tourism and travel industry would see long-term benefits. VICTORIA BELL, VIA EMAIL

CONTACT GT DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? THOUGHTS ON A RECENT GT ARTICLE? Email: letters@globaltravelerusa.com Write: Letters to the Editor 309 Floral Vale Blvd. Yardley, PA 19067 Letters must be written exclusively to Global Traveler and must include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number. Letters become the property of Global Traveler. We cannot respond to every letter. Global Traveler reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in Mail Call are not necessarily those of Global Traveler, and Global Traveler cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

PHOTO: © MARY MELNICK

Q&A TIME

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF GLAMOUR Join The Peninsula Beverly Hills in celebrating 30 years in sunny Beverly Hills with the Celebrating 30 Years of Glamour offer. Inclusive of any room or suite for stays through December 31, 2021. Daily $100 Hotel Credit | Welcome Laurent-Perrier Champagne | Flexible Check In & Departure Complimentary Parking | Daily Continental Breakfast | Commemorative 30th Anniversary Gift Exclusive Two Rodeo Drive Luxury Shopping Card

9882 SOUTH SANTA MONICA B OULEVARD, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212 | +1 310 551 2888 | PBH@PENINSUL A . C OM

MAIL CALL

JETBLUE BUNDLES FLIGHT, CRUISE, HOTEL BOOKINGS

PHOTO: © FILIPPO ROMEO | DREAMSTIME.COM

In the Nov. 10 issue of eFlyerUSA, we told readers about JetBlue’s new initiative to allow customers to book a flight, cruise and hotel in one place. We asked: Are you more likely to fly airlines that bundle hotels and cruise lines for a smoother experience? One reader shared feedback. There have been more trips than I can count where a flight to a cruise port was delayed and made me miss my departure time for the cruise. The difficulty in getting the cruise line and airline to communicate with one another and help me to not miss any more of my cruise was stressful and time-consuming, and I vowed never to do this sort of travel again. However, upon reading about JetBlue’s new initiative, I was curious and looked more into the details. Long story short, I booked a flight and cruise for next year with the comfort of knowing that, should any delays or issues arise, JetBlue ensures everything is taken care of.

Q&A TIME — AGAIN In our November 2021 issue, we asked: What was your favorite place you’ve traveled to this year? A reader wrote in after our last issue went to print, but we still wanted to share his underrated destination suggestion: Because travel restrictions were still quite strict earlier in the year for international travel, I decided to fly domestically and travel out West to finally visit Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. I had seen images of both locations before, but nothing compared to actually

MIKEY WHITTAKER, VIA EMAIL

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kicking back | COOK

ISLANDS

fine vines

Torrontés Tango

FAMILY BUSINESS MEETS ROMANCE IN THE WHITE CITY

Argentina’s signature white will have all your senses dancing.

n an attempt to describe Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white wine, some have compared it to Pinot Grigio, Viognier, even Riesling. But none come close. Made from the grape of the same name, Torrontés is like no other. It begins with an aroma that conjures up a bouquet of flowers (the honeyed, perfumed Muscat of Alexandria is one of its ancestors), hinting that a sweet wine will follow. But no, Torrontés goes toward dry and fruity with a tangy and spicy edge. It is the perfect aperitif and equally right with shellfish, Niçoise salad, chicken, other whitemeat dishes, lightly flavored cheese and many Asian foods. As Americans discover this intriguing wine, they will also discover that, with a myriad of choices, even the most attractive Torrontés usually costs under $20. And what are the most attractive Torrontés? Among two dozen that I’ve recently tasted, these are my favorites. Xavier Flouret Flaca 2008 ($18) is one of the most elegant Torrontés, with a delicate floral nose that hints of apricot and peach; a dry, Powered by round, well-structured body; a fruit-filled taste and vibrant acidity; and a long, delicious finish. Its Muscat ancestor comes to the fore in Lo Tengo 2009’s ($11.50) vivid, flowery aroma. It goes on to be a clearly focused, intensely flavored, bright and satisfying wine. IN THE COOK ISLANDS, on Rarotonga, I’m walking along a dusty path, edged There is a suggestion of by a plethora of plants and trees. Fat papayas hang from their umbrella-like sweet mint and an evocation trees; bananas, still green on the stem, invite; and mangos, ripe and ready, have of orange and peach in Finca fallen from their roost. Blossoming bushes waft a perfume, butterflies circle halos La Linda 2009’s ($11) aroma, around my head, and a stream gurgles nearby. A mother sow and her family of followed by a relatively full body cartoonish piglets join me on the road. Not one but 10 roosters crow in competing symphonies — though early morning is long past. The sea lies nearby, but and excellent balance. Altogether a here, hiking inland, surrounded by steep hills and much vegetation, I feel like the pleasing, inviting wine. only person left on Earth. Finca El Origen Reserva 2009 ($12) Luckily, I’m not. I share this walk with one of the Cook Islands’ most Ease body, mind and soul in is clean, crisp and refreshing, offering a famous residents, a larger-than-life figure known as Uncle Pa, once a world typical Torrontés floral flavor with pear the natural goodness of the surfing champion. Though an octogenarian, he wears long dreadlocks, treks and peach overtones and a gentle reminder shirtless and sports a colorful sarong. With rippling muscles and the physique of citrus fruits in the A particularly of a 30-year-old man, he belies aging and serves as the metaphorical poster Cook Islands. BY mouth. BECCA HENSLEY harmonious wine. child for his role as this island nation’s most famous healer. An herbalist or The delightful Pascual Toso 2009 ($15) kahuna, he learned from his grandmother about the power of the plants that BEACHSIDE BLISS:herbal notes grow on these less-traveled islands. Intuitive, fearless, with a foot in both the combines keen fruit flavors, Spa treatment on the beach at and a fresh lemony acidity with a trace of past and the modern world, Uncle Pa has helped thousands of people regain Aitutaki Lagoon their health over the years. As we walk, he picks leaves, flowers, berries and honey and floral tones. PHOTO: © STEVE ALLEN | DREAMSTIME.COM Following its aroma of fresh flowers and ripefruit. He tells me how he makes elixirs or poultices from them; he lets me taste fruit, Colomé 2009 ($15) is a graceful wine with notes reminiscent of grapefruit. 72citric globaltravelerusa.com JUNE 2017 The pale-shaded Dominio del Plata’s Crios 2009 ($13.50) has a lilac-scented aroma with peach overtones followed by a dry, tangy taste. 

Art of Healing

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INFO TO GO

A variety of international airlines fly to Rarotonga International Airport on the Cook Islands’ main island. In December 2016 Air New Zealand began weekly non-stop flights on its comfortable Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which offers a new premium-economy option, from Los Angeles (LAX), making the trek from the United States easier than ever.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON GT BLOGS? Updated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives and travels of the GT staff. Last

month we featured blogs about everything from camping in the North Carolina mountains to Thanksgiving and holiday preparations and celebrations. globaltravelerusa.com/blog

ICELAND

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

May 2011 | Global Traveler | 35

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standing there in person and taking in the vast views. Death Valley looks like another planet, and I could not get over just how dry the air and ground were (something I am not used to, coming from a city by the ocean). The Grand Canyon will forever be one of my favorite places I have visited as well, now that I can finally say I have seen the expansive system of rocks and canyons.

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NEWS, DEALS AND REWARDS Congratulations, Hilton Head Island! FXExpress Publications, Inc.’s publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher and account executive Carrie Cox traveled to South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island to present the destination with its Best Island in the United States win in the 2021 Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Ariana Pernice, vice president of the Visitors & Convention Bureau, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, accepted the award. Congratulations! _______ hiltonheadisland.org

Iberia Adds New U.S. Routes

iberia.com

Windstar Cruises Adds All-inclusive Pricing Windstar Cruises now gives guests the option to select an all-inclusive price when booking a Windstar trip. All-inclusive on a Windstar sailing includes unlimited beer, wine and cocktails as well as WiFi, all gratuities and the cruise fare. Previously, guests paid a base cruise fare with the option to add other purchases like gratuities, alcohol and other onboard services on top of the base fee. The all-inclusive prices are now featured on Windstar’s website alongside base cruise fares. Base cruise fares are listed per person based on double occupancy. The all-inclusive pricing now applies to all Windstar yachts. _______ windstarcruises.com

Art Deco Hotel Sommerro to Launch in Oslo Oslo’s newest hotel, Sommerro, is set to open in September 2022 under Nordic Hotels & Resorts. The hotel will grace the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s original electric company, and will draw heavily upon Art Deco influences for the design. Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ newest addition includes an eco-sustainability approach through on-property practices and amenities. With sweeping views of the capital, Sommerro will contain 231 rooms with 56 branded residences. The hotel will also feature four restaurants and three bars as well as a 200-seat gilded theater in true Art Deco fashion. Some of the restaurants will feature cuisines and dishes such as Spanish tapas accompanied by an elegant wine bar; Thai cuisine; and local, sustainable Norwegian and Japanese dishes. The city’s first year-round rooftop pool, sauna and terrace will also be found at Sommerro along with state-of-the-art social spaces for all occasions. The rooftop terrace will house a contemporary restaurant, Tak Oslo, and the pool deck will include refreshment and light bites for guests. One of Norway’s last public baths has not only been restored for inclusion at Sommerro but also has been expanded into an 8,000-square-foot underground wellness paradise. _______ nordichotels.com

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PHOTOS: © IAKOV FILIMONOV | DREAMSTIME.COM, © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, © WINDSTAR CRUISES

Starting April 2022, Iberia will add more U.S. destinations to its network, including Dallas (DFW); Washington, D.C. (IAD); and San Francisco (SFO). The airline already flies to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS) and Los Angeles (LAX). Iberia will operate four weekly return flights from Madrid (MAD) to Dallas; four weekly return flights from Madrid to Washington, D.C.; and three weekly return flights from Madrid to San Francisco. The new routes will bring Iberia’s total of U.S. and U.S. territory cities served to nine. In addition to the new destinations, Iberia, American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair have entered a Joint Business Agreement to provide customers a global network of routes. This partnership links more than 400 cities in 100 European and North American countries. The wider range of destinations also means more access to Spanish destinations for those traveling on Iberia. Currently, Iberia operates 10 weekly return flights from Madrid to both New York and Miami. The airline also operates five weekly flights to Chicago, four weekly flights to San Juan in Puerto Rico (SJU) and three weekly flights to Los Angeles and Boston. The North Atlantic JBA includes San Juan as a destination with American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair. _______

Viking Announces New Expeditions for Summer 2023 Viking announced the summer 2023 season with past favorite and all-new expeditions. In June 2023 Viking will debut its new 15-day Great Lakes Collection itinerary where guests will voyage between Toronto and Duluth. High demand has also led Viking to announce sailing dates for four existing Great Lakes expedition voyages: eight-day Great Lakes Explorer, Undiscovered Great Lakes and Niagara & the Great Lakes itineraries. The 13-day Canadian Discovery itinerary will also return. Some of the other new itineraries will take guests along the coasts of North and South America. The 16-day Canada & the Atlantic Coastline itinerary takes guests along the St. Lawrence Seaway and sails between Fort Lauderdale and Toronto. For guests wanting to sail beyond North America, the Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords itinerary offers guests 14 days exploring the beauty of Patagonia, sailing from Santiago, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina. One of the longer and newest expedition voyages coming in 2023 is the Panama & Scenic South America trip. This 18-day itinerary brings together the cultures and landscapes of North, Central and South America in one trip, bringing guests from Santiago to Fort Lauderdale. Viking will also launch the new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris ships, both able to carry up to 378 passengers in 189 staterooms. These ships come with expedition equipment, science labs for researchers, the Aula & Finse Terrace and, for the first time on a polar expedition cruise vessel, a Nordic Balcony. _______ viking.com

PHOTOS: © VIKING, © HOTEL BOULDERADO

Hard Rock Hotel New York Debut Hard Rock Hotel New York, set to open in Midtown Manhattan in April, is now accepting reservations. Located at 159 West 48th St., the hotel will be just steps from Broadway, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue. With 446 rooms overlooking New York’s streets and skyline, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of the city. Fine-dining restaurants NYY Steak and Sessions will sit on the 33rd floor so the rare views can accompany good food. Specialty suites will offer floor-to-ceiling windows, and, on the 34th floor, the Rock Star Suite penthouse will boast one of the largest terraces for entertaining in New York City. The hotel will serve as not only an entertainment destination but also as a place to honor the legacy of Music Row. Award-winning design firm Jeffrey Beers International leads the interior designs of the hotel, seeking to bring a music-infused vision to life with displays like John Lennon’s 1972 handwritten lyrics and Lady Gaga’s silver patent leather boots. The hotel will also offer a backstage pass to the city’s historic Music Row. _______ hardrockhotels.com/new-york

Winter Wanderlust at Hotel Boulderado Hotel Boulderado celebrates each season with many exclusive deals, and the Winter Wanderlust offer is no exception. It allows guests to explore downtown Boulder at their own pace. Available through April 30, guests can relax in luxury when they book two nights, getting the third night free. Additionally, guests who stay six nights will get two of the nights free. Rates start at $338 per stay based on double occupancy; the third night free promotion applies only to sequential nights on the same reservation in the same room. _______ boulderado.com

The Brehon Hotel & Angsana Spa Special Rates in Ireland The award-winning Brehon Hotel & Angsana Spa announced an exclusive deal for this spring. Situated in the heart of Killarney, Ireland, and just a short drive from the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, The Brehon celebrates St. Patrick’s Day and the spring season with a special rate. Guests who stay three nights at The Brehon save 10 percent. Guests staying six nights or more will not only save 10 percent but also will receive a free upgrade to a superior bedroom worth $200. This rate is valid through April. _______ thebrehon.com

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THE CLAREMONT HOTEL ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My husband and I planned a Maine road trip for our first anniversary last summer — and it seemed many other travelers had a similar game plan, with Maine experiencing one of its busiest seasons on record in 2021. The morning of our anniversary, we took a whale-watching excursion out of Bar Harbor before escaping the crowds and busyness of that area and settling into our accommodations at The Claremont Hotel, situated across from Acadia National Park in Southwest Harbor. The quiet oasis was the perfect spot to spend our last night in Maine. For those looking to set up a base for exploration of Acadia, Southwest Harbor and The Claremont still make a great option for that, as well. Parking lots are available throughout the property; we pulled up in front of the Historic Main Hotel, which houses the lobby, some accommodations, a gift shop, Harry’s Bar, Little Fern Restaurant and Buttercup Bakery. Checkin was quick and personalized. Our guestroom was located in Phillips House, just a short walk from the lobby. We moved our car to an adjacent parking lot and carried our bags up to our second-floor room.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Other enhancements and amenities include an intimate spa, a heated pool overlooking the sound, four food and beverage venues, a garden and a croquet club. In addition, the hotel offers yoga on the lawn, beach cruisers, live music, boat charters and a game room, alongside its enviable and picturesque location. Of the four on-site culinary venues, we only missed trying

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the casual Batson Fish Camp, located on the private dock. The colorful lobster buoys decorating the side of the building make for a perfect picture which, if it’s anything like the other eateries, I’m sure matches the cuisine. We grabbed a cocktail from Harry’s Bar, with its antique nautical accent pieces, and enjoyed them on the lawn until late summer mosquitos drove us indoors. And our dinner and breakfast at Little Fern were both imaginative and quite tasty. Overall, The Claremont offers a retro-chic yet thoroughly modern retreat amid some of our country’s most gorgeous natural scenery. Should your Maine visit coincide with The Claremont’s season, I’d absolutely recommend a stay. REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

With convenient access to Acadia National Park, step away from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor with a stay on the quieter Southwest Harbor side of the park. -------------------------Located right down the street from The Claremont, a visit to Beal’s Lobster Pier is a must! We shared a buffalo lobster roll and a lobster grilled cheese, alongside blueberry-flavored cocktails. -------------------------I brought home delicious — and large — whoopie pies from Claremont’s on-site Buttercup Bakery. THE CLAREMONT HOTEL 22 Claremont Road Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 tel 207 244 5036 theclaremonthotel.com

PHOTOS: © THE CLAREMONT HOTEL

GUEST QUARTERS: Our cutely decorated guestroom proved perfect for an overnight. The door opened into the bedroom, with a fireplace in the corner to the left of the entrance. The mantle above was adorned with beautiful fresh flowers. The bed, directly opposite the entrance and flanked by two nightstands, sat across from a long dresser with the TV perched on top. The blue-and-white patterned wallpaper uniquely blended with all the different design elements of the room, and several windows overlooked the property. A closet sat in one corner, farthest from the door, and a small bathroom — with toilet, stall shower and standing sink — lay to the right of the entry. Our August 2021 stay came after the hotel reopened for the season in May 2021 under new ownership, following an extensive renovation. After the transformation, The Claremont now boasts 51 accommodations, with 12 cottages, four suites, a three-bedroom waterfront haven and 34 guestrooms.

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GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

PHOTOS: © CARRIE COX

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived at Gaylord Rockies Resort late in the afternoon in mid-October. As someone who lived in Colorado for more than 20 years, I observed the resort being built … but never enjoyed an overnight stay. In general, Gaylord Hotels properties are known for their grandeur and largeness of scale, and the Denver property certainly extends and enhances that reputation. Upon walking through the front door, I was quickly awe-struck by the enormity of the open foyer and the wall of windows which showcased the downtown Denver city skyline, with the beautiful Rocky Mountains serving as a backdrop. Indoor water features; open beams near the ceiling; and a full-sized, authentic train caboose made it hard to determine how large the area actually was. At the reception desk, I confirmed my spa appointment and was asked if I needed a meal before turning in for the evening. With nine restaurants on site and a brief description of each, I decided to check out The Marketplace, with plans to visit another restaurant later in my trip. I received my room keys for the seventh floor and made my way to the elevators on the south side of the resort. GUEST QUARTERS: When I walked into my room, I was, again, amazed at my magnificent mountain view. I had requested and was given a double queen room to allow family to join me later in my stay. The room was highlighted by a large, horizontal “wall of wood” which doubled as a headboard for both beds, spliced with muted gold bars running vertically, slightly resembling a saddle from the Wild West. Native American prints on the throw pillows, along with a similar trim etched into the large bathroom mirror, completed the mountainrustic look. Although the dual sinks were a bit small, they were separated by a door from the toilet and large standing shower, offering privacy and additional space. SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed several amenities from the resort during my stay, including a 90-minute massage at Relache Spa, along with time in the steam room and relaxation area complete with fireplace, drinks and a variety of snacks. Free tickets

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for drinks or homemade cookies were available at Sky Village Cantina. Although it was a bit chilly for me to partake in the Arapahoe Springs Water Park, I saw numerous families enjoying the indoor water slide, five hot tubs and lazy river. Further, I was a bit astonished by the 75-foot flat-panel TV inside Mountain Pass Sports Bar but managed to share my Mountainous Chicken Nachos and Drunken Mushroom Burger with family who joined me. Finally, a friendly game of cornhole, just outside the resort door, capped off my trip. REVIEWED BY Carrie Cox

Securing a mountain-view room is worth the extra expense. -------------------------Equal number of indoor and outdoor activities for families and resort guests -------------------------Various seating areas are located throughout the resort with double-sided fireplaces, large leather chairs, plush rugs and throw pillows for simply relaxing while enjoying the atmosphere and view. GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd. Aurora, CO 80019 tel 720 452 6900 marriott.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

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KIMPTON EPIC MIAMI ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I flew from Philadelphia to Miami on one of my first trips post-pandemic. Landing at MIA proved convenient, as I was able to deliver the reader-voted awards the airport recently won, dropping them off for the new director and CEO, Ralph Cutie. Once I completed this task, I decided it would be faster to play it “old school” and went to the taxi line, where a cab was waiting. I noticed rideshare passengers seemed to be waiting as I passed them on the way to the Kimpton Epic. The hotel is located in the heart of Miami, which over the years has grown with more activities and restaurants. I noticed construction all over town, with cranes and new buildings everywhere I looked. I arrived at the hotel’s circular driveway in 15 minutes. I had been wearing a mask in the cab and kept it on when I entered the hotel. I noticed I was the only person wearing one, and another guest said, “Hey, this is Florida!” The woman at the front desk politely greeted me and asked if I needed anything. I requested a few bottles of water, and she had them delivered to my room. Keys to room 2714 in hand, I took the elevator up to the 27th floor for the spectacular view. GUEST QUARTERS: Besides offering a beautiful balcony overlooking the Miami River where it meets the South Channel and the water beyond to Miami Beach, the room was comfortable and appealing. A king-sized bed sat at the right side of the room past the bathroom, and the opposing wall housed a credenza and flat-screen TV. To the right of the TV sat a round table and chair where I set up Global Traveler’s South HQ while I was in town. Due to COVID, meetings were more sparse than normal, so I always had time for email work. A chair and an ottoman near the balcony allowed me to turn and observe the glorious skyline. The balcony outside had two chairs and a table; I used this venue to take a few selfies for my future publisher’s letter picture. I found the quadruple electrical outlets near the table a real plus, and those by the bed useful. The immense bathroom featured a tub on the left and a cut-out window to the room that provided a view beyond (it could be shuttered for privacy). The large shower on the left side of the tub had glass walls and included a rain showerhead. To the right of the tub, double raised-bowl sinks and a smart-looking vanity offered lots of room for travel toiletries.

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Great location within walking distance of many great restaurants In the heart of all the action -------------------------Recently renovated from top to bottom

serving local and international cuisines. The bar makes a nice hangout; I entertained there several times during my stay. Zum, ground level, also offers outside seating. It features a highly respected modern Japanese dining style called izakaya, which offers a distinct alternative to Miami cuisine. REVIEWED BY Francis X. Gallagher

KIMPTON EPIC MIAMI 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way Miami, FL 33131 tel 305 424 5226 epichotel.com

PHOTOS: © KIMPTOM EPIC MIAMI, © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Amenities in the bathroom include grooming products by White Tea such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and skin cleanser. A host of other products from cotton balls to swabs are available. The main restaurant, Area 31, is located on the water side of the hotel on the 16th floor, featuring an open-air terrace and

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AEROMEXICO CLASE PREMIER MEXICO CITY (MEX) TO NEW YORK (JFK)

ON THE GROUND: I arrived at Mexico City International Airport early in the morning, ready for my Aeromexico flight to JFK, the first leg of my journey to attend The Trazees, Wherever Awards and Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2021 event. In spite of making an early online check-in, I went to the airline counter to present my negative COVID results so I could enter the United States. Once through security, I headed to Aeromexico’s Premier lounge to have a coffee before boarding. My time there was peaceful and the attention incredible, making it the ideal place to wait for a flight. As my boarding time approached, I headed to my gate. The airline team received me warmly and directed me to the Premier counter and to my seat.

PHOTOS: © AEROMEXICO

PRE-FLIGHT: Clase Premier on the Dreamliner 787-9 offers spacious and extremely comfortable seats with plenty of space so you don’t have to disturb the person next to you. We were the first to board, so the flight attendant offered us juice, water or Champagne as we waited for take-off. IN-FLIGHT: Once in the air, I explored the variety of available entertainment — there’s definitely no way to get bored in flight! I was pleased the WiFi quality was good enough for me to send out some emails and get ahead of the day before work even started. After working a little, I took an involuntary nap which my mind demanded, but the flight attendant was kind to wake me up for breakfast. I chose the pancakes with fruit and coffee. Due to the time of the flight, a few hours after breakfast the crew offered snacks — ideal for me since I had a flight connection. Just before they cut the service, I accepted a glass of Champagne. There was no better way to finish my perfect flight than with a flourish!

TOP TAKEAWAYS: One of my favorite benefits of Clase Premier is the preferential access to be the first to enter the plane and start relaxing before take-off. -------------------------Toilets in this section are spacious and comfortable. -------------------------Unique space to stow carry-ons -------------------------When landing, being the first to exit the plane was helpful with my connecting flight. AEROMEXICO aeromexico.com

REVIEWED BY Mariana Zenizo JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

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WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS

GUEST QUARTERS: With a muted palette and premium finishes, a guestroom at Waldorf Astoria is a place you can sink into as soon as you step over the threshold. My room opened into a small foyer, with a mirror and table in front and another small, attached tabletop to the left. A hallway with cream tile floors and gold accents led into the bedroom, with a large closet to the right and the elegant bathroom to the left. The bathroom

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boasted both a large standalone shower — with plenty of shelving for all the amenities — and a soaking tub. A dual sink and a water closet rounded out the space. The bedroom featured a comfortable king-sized bed flanked by nightstands, with a leather bench at its foot. Across stood a dresser with TV. There was also a desk with two chairs and a plush armchair with a small table in front of my favorite part of the room — the wall of glass doors leading to my private balcony and offering exceptional views of the Los Angeles skyline. Control panels for lighting and curtains/sheers were located in a couple of different spots in the room. SERVICES/AMENITIES: My colleagues met me for breakfast in Jean-Georges Beverly Hills; the lobby-level restaurant offers indoor and alfresco dining and serves breakfast daily 7–11 a.m. and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30–10 p.m. Guests can also enjoy The Rooftop at JG and a separate bar menu at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills Bar. The Lobby Lounge is currently closed. The 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa boasts six treatment rooms and a full array of services. There’s a heated pool on the rooftop lounge deck, and cabanas can be reserved. The 24-hour fitness center also has yoga instructors and personal trainers available on request, and KEVIN B Salon is a full-service salon open Tuesday through Sunday for makeup, hair, eyebrows and threading. The hotel also offers 5,600 square feet of event space. REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

TOP TAKEAWAYS: I was immediately struck by a scrumptious scent the minute I entered the lobby. I found out later, during a chat with the hotel’s Antonio Bugarin, the fragrance is Diptyque Baies. -------------------------While rain eliminated my chances of soaking in the view on this visit, a trip to The Rooftop by JG is a must — for both the food and the panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. -------------------------Each element of the property’s aesthetic feels as though it was perfectly chosen to offer a calming, luxurious vibe to every stay, from the color choice and aforementioned scent to the volume level and the floorplan. WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS 9850 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 tel 310 860 6666 waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com

PHOTOS: © WALDORF ASTORIA

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Pre-pandemic, I traveled to Los Angeles several times a year, and I basically saw the construction of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills from the ground up. My first glimpse at one of the guestrooms was during a meeting with a member of the opening team when the accommodations’ aesthetic was just a model in a concept room off the office. I had enjoyed meals on site before, but I’d never actually stayed at the luxurious property. Therefore, it only felt fitting that, when I made my return to Beverly Hills in December 2021 following a two-year, COVID-related break, I stay at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Arriving in the afternoon but still before check-in time, the front desk attendant and I chatted over the issues of changing your name post-marriage: My reservation was under “Krol,” and my ID is now “Inlander.” We commiserated together on how the pandemic made the whole process even more difficult, with long delays for things like new identification. The chat made the check-in process go by even more quickly, and my room was ready early. Before I knew it, I was on the way to my room.

ONE ON ONE

Bruce Hodge President, Goway Travel Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? Richard Branson. He is a true business entrepreneur, prepared to tempt fate in his life and business and able to face down a Goliath (British Airways) as a David (startup Virgin Airways).

PHOTO: © BRUCE HODGE

THE BASICS Name: Bruce Hodge Title: President Company, city: Goway Travel; Toronto, Canada First job: Research economist Where to next? Hopefully, Easter Island A LITTLE BIT MORE What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? Hugh Jackman, not because of his The Wolverine character but because he played The Boy from Oz in the Broadway play and Drover in his movie Australia. What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry? Economist in the Reserve Bank of Australia What is your favorite book, movie or television show? Game of Thrones. For me, it captured somewhat real themes in a mythical world. All the actors were well-cast to play their parts.

What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? Winston Churchill. He had such a long life as a leader, which ranged from being the right person in the right place at the right time in World War II to the failure of Gallipoli in World War I. THE BUSINESS What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? Rebuilding a re-invented Goway Travel to not just survive the pandemic but to be digitally and otherwise prepared to be a leader in travel for our next 50 years What is your favorite aspect of the job? Facing new challenges and creating new things. It might be new travel products and destinations, new business systems and ways to make them work, or new ideas to be more efficient and satisfy customers. What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? Starting Goway Travel with no business contacts and no money in a new country … with no safety net

AS A TRAVELER Tell us about a travel nightmare. Traveling with my wife and two young children to Africa, we were flying via London to South Africa to drop the kids with an aunt before continuing to Kenya for a safari. Operation Desert Storm was underway in Iraq. We arrived in London for a 12-hour stopover during the worst snowfall in years. IRA terrorists mortar-bombed No. 10 Downing Street that morning. Snow and security at Heathrow Airport created total bedlam. After many delays, in the middle of the night we transferred to a hotel and the next day at last boarded our flight to South Africa. We were booked on Lufthansa, which had a terrorist threat days before, but, as we boarded, we were relieved to see we were flying Swissair! Share a comical travel experience. I was led to believe the French in France didn’t like to be spoken to in English. My first day in France, on a tour-leader training trip, our bus broke down and I volunteered to hitchhike to a service station for help. My pickup was an Englishman. At the garage, I wanted to impress the mechanic, even though at school I was kicked out of French class. I walked up to him with my hand extended for a shake and exclaimed, “Au revoir, monsieur.” The Frenchman nearly died laughing. What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? Train travel stimulated my globetrotter instincts as a kid. The cabins had pictures of beautiful places in other parts of Australia. When traveling by rail, you get to see and feel the vastness of a country and are guaranteed to meet the locals. I have been fortunate to cross continents by train on The Canadian, The Indian Pacific and The Trans-Siberian. What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? This was on a train, on The Rovos Edwardian journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Dedicated to recreating the golden age of train travel, they delivered impeccable service in the dining car and in the open-air rear bar carriage. There was even a bath in a classic bathtub in my suite.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

CELEBRITY CRUISES GIVES YOU A WORLD OF OPTIONS FOR THE VACATION YOU DESERVE

There are so many captivating places for modern travelers to experience, and there’s one way you can do that without leaving your love of the finer things in life behind. Celebrity Cruises has offered luxury vacations for more than 30 years, and as they continue to transport guests all over the world, they’re always improving on that experience by designing and building some of the most innovative ships at sea. INTRODUCING A SHIP BEYOND YOUR WILDEST IMAGINATION Welcome to a place where you can disconnect entirely while you reconnect with each other —and the world. This place is Celebrity BeyondSM. It’s the third ship in Celebrity’s revolutionary Edge® Series, and it takes the brand’s innovative outward-facing design further than ever, creating an even closer connection between you, the sea and every exciting

place on the horizon. More space means more luxury to love — and more incredible outdoor escapes to discover. That includes a terraced Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus, with an international beach club ambience and some of the best views onboard. The reimagined Rooftop Garden now extends over the water’s edge with two cantilevered float pools soaring above the sea. And The Retreat® Sundeck, part of Celebrity’s ultimate luxury experience, now offers two levels of outdoor bliss. In keeping with Celebrity’s passion for creating the best fine-dining experience at sea, Celebrity Beyond offers you a culinary journey like no other. Every menu is crafted by Celebrity’s Michelinstarred chef and inspired by the regions they visit. Explore 32 restaurants, bars and lounges onboard, including Le Voyage, the first signature restaurant at sea by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud. A

larger, redesigned Grand Plaza with a fully circular Martini Bar — always a hot spot — is the perfect gathering place for a night on the town — miles out at sea. Of course, all of the visionary spaces that made Celebrity’s Edge Series ships so popular make their return on Celebrity Beyond. Fly across the open ocean on the Magic Carpet®, a cantilevered platform where you can dine, drink and soak up the amazing views. Lounge away the day at the asymmetrical, outward-facing pool area. Awaken all your senses at Eden, an ever-evolving venue wrapped in three stories of glass. And find new ways to relax and rejuvenate at The Spa, where Celebrity took its dedication to holistic wellness to awe-inspiring new heights. Be among the first to experience Celebrity Beyond, sailing the Mediterranean starting April 2022 and the Caribbean October 2022. DISCOVER AN ESCAPE SO EXCLUSIVE, IT HAS NO ADDRESS For the ultimate luxury experience at sea, book your next vacation in The Retreat® — only on Celebrity. The Retreat isn’t just a place. It isn’t just a service. It isn’t just an amenity. It’s all this and more — an unparalleled vacation that combines stunning

suite accommodations, a private restaurant and exclusive spaces, including a lounge with concierge service and an outdoor sundeck that rivals any high-end resort you’d find on land. Every suite in The Retreat surrounds you in luxury with beautifully designed spaces that feature

floor-to-ceiling views, including the two-story Edge Villas with private plunge pools. There’s plenty of room for the whole family to unwind, and you’ll find everything you need to relax in total comfort, from Celebrity’s exclusive eXhale® bedding, featuring a luxurious CashmereTM Mattress, to plush Frette

robes, towels and slippers. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with every thoughtful detail you discover. The Retreat takes Celebrity’s passion for fine dining to new heights at Luminae. This private restaurant only for guests of The Retreat features a design as bold and distinctive as its cuisine. Not only is the restaurant exclusive, but so are its menus. Crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, the cuisine served in Luminae is not available anywhere else onboard. The Retreat Sundeck is a chic outdoor hideaway that makes it easy to unplug. Dedicated attendants take care of your every whim — cocktails, fresh towels, you name it. This open-air enclave is available on all Edge Series ships, as well as Celebrity Silhouette®, Celebrity Equinox®, Celebrity Summit® and Celebrity Millennium®. At The Retreat Lounge, you’ll discover a warm and inviting space where you’ll have access to an exclusive concierge who’ll make any arrangements you need — onboard or off. You’ll also enjoy complimentary beverages, gourmet bites and a comfortable place to catch up with friends or just kick back and relax. As guests of The Retreat, everyone in your suite will enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities, starting with premium drinks, streaming WiFi, tips, an onboard credit and a shore excursion credit.* Your vacation also includes a Personal Retreat Host who ensures you’ll never have to lift a finger — and a dedicated Retreat Concierge to arrange every moment of your vacation. There’s simply no better way to discover the world than The Retreat.

SAIL ON THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES Now is great time to plan your vacation aboard Celebrity’s highly awarded Edge® Series ships, including the brand-new Celebrity Beyond and the ships that started it all — Celebrity Edge® and Celebrity ApexSM, awarded “World’s Greatest Places” by Time magazine. That’s because Celebrity’s Journey WonderFULLSM Event is underway. Not only are drinks, WiFi and tips Always IncludedSM in all staterooms from inside to AquaClass®, but, for a limited time, you’ll save up to $1,200* and enjoy airfare as low as $299* when you book using Flights by Celebrity. Step up to The Retreat® and

you’ll save up to $3,000, while also receiving the premium amenities that come with booking this unrivaled luxury experience.* Every Edge Series ship offers you a wide array of unforgettable sailings in Europe and the Caribbean. During the Europe season, you can soak up the history, culture and romance of places like the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, and Greek Islands. In the Caribbean, you can get away from it all in destinations from the Virgin Islands to the Yucatán — and every sunsoaked locale in between. With options this extraordinary — and an offer as good as the Journey WonderFULL Event — you might even

be tempted to book more than one of these awardwinning vacations. CELEBRITY CRUISES IS THE NATURAL CHOICE IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Discover a corner of the world so awe-inspiring, it’s like you’ve left the planet completely. An archipelago time forgot — the breathtaking Galapagos Islands. Come face-to-face with extraordinary creatures that have no natural fear of humans, including 100-year-old Galapagos giant tortoises, free-diving marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and other exotic species found nowhere else on the planet. A visit here is nothing short of life-changing, so the experience calls for an equally extraordinary ship. That’s where Celebrity comes in. Celebrity Flora® is the first luxury, mega-yacht designed specifically for the Galapagos Islands. It’s innovative, outward-facing design means you never have to take your eyes off the unspoiled natural wonders around you, and the all-suites

accommodations and stunningly designed public spaces mean you’ll be spoiled with every luxury while on board. You’ll also enjoy a long list of premium amenities and services, including a Personal Suite Attendant to take care of all the details. In fact, everything you need to enjoy this incredible destination is included — daily shore excursions guided by certified naturalists, drinks and locally sourced cuisines from menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, just for starters. Celebrity Flora offers unique experiences that create a closer connection to the islands. Step into The Lab to learn more about the region’s ecosystem and Celebrity’s efforts to conserve it. Go camping at sea Celebrity-style with Galapagos Glamping and enjoy an evening under the stars in stylish cabanas. Celebrity Flora even makes getting to and from the islands more seamless with custom-designed Novurania yacht tenders. When exploring a place as precious as the Galapagos Islands, you want to know you’re

traveling in good company. That’s why Celebrity Flora was designed to be one of the most eco-friendly ships in the region, with solar panels to supplement energy, a dynamic positioning system to protect the seabed from anchoring, and a reverse osmosis water system. Everything about this amazing ship was designed to make the guest experience better — while helping protect the environment. Book your Galapagos vacation right now and you’ll enjoy 20 percent off your cruise fares.* Plus, Celebrity is giving you round-trip airfare, valued up to $750 per person, as part of your all-inclusive experience on 10- to 16-night Galapagos offers.* It’s an incredible opportunity to plan the vacation of a lifetime. To learn more about Celebrity Cruises and its fleet of award-winning ships, call 1 800 CELEBRITY, contact your travel advisor or visit celebrity.com.

*Visit celebrity.com for full terms and conditions. Always Included Pricing Packages apply to inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass® staterooms (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the “Always Included” pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Surf Internet package. All guests with an Eligible Booking in The Retreat will receive the Indulge Package at no additional charge including Premium Beverage Package, Tips Included, OBC and an unlimited Stream Internet package, for all guests in the stateroom. OBC amount varies by length of sailing. Savings Offer: Cruise must be booked Dec. 14, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022 and applies to sailings 3-nights and longer departing Jan. 1, 2022 – Mar. 31, 2023, excluding Galapagos. Savings Offer provides cruise fare savings up to $1,500 per person, applicable to the first and second guests in the stateroom and will be automatically applied at checkout. No promo code required. Savings amounts are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by sailing length and stateroom category and are combinable with Always IncludedSM. Full deposit must be paid by deposit required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if the booking is cancelled within final payment period. See Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Air Offer: Cruise and airfare must be booked Dec. 14, 2021 – Jan. 31, 2022. Offer applies to airfare purchased via Flights by Celebrity out of select major U.S. and Canada gateways for select European cruises departing May – Oct. 2022; select Caribbean cruises departing Jan. – Nov. 2022; and Alaska cruises departing May – Sept. 2022. Specified major gateways offer fixed airfare rates per person, and rates vary by departure and arrival gateways. If market airfare exceeds the range specified for fixed air rates (range varies by cruise itinerary), guest will be responsible for paying the difference between the market rate and the threshold rate stated, on top of the fixed air rate. Offer is not combinable with Interline, Net, Travel Partner, and Employee Rates. Galapagos 20% Savings Offer: Applies to new bookings made 12/10/21 – 2/28/22 (“Offer Period”) and provides 20% cruise fare savings on the Standard Rate for the 1st and 2nd guests in the same stateroom on select 7-, 10-, 11-, and 16-night Galapagos sailings aboard Celebrity Flora®, Celebrity Xpedition®, and Celebrity Xploration® departing 1/1/22 – 12/31/23. Offer is combinable with Captain’s Club Offers, Galapagos No Air Savings offer, and the Fly Galapagos Offers. Offer applies to new, individual bookings and group bookings named and deposited during the Offer Period; excludes charters and contracted groups. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and non-transferable. Galapagos Flights On Us Offer: Applies to new, individual bookings made 1/01/22 and 2/28/22 for select 10-, 11-, and 16-night Galapagos cruise packages aboard Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition, and Celebrity Xploration departing 1/01/21 – 12/31/23. Offer includes round-trip airfare, valued up to $750 per person including air taxes and fees, departing from U.S. or Canadian gateways, booked via Flights by Celebrity. Air must be booked via Flights by Celebrity prior to cruise final cruise payment due date. Guests with independent air arrangements may choose a $500 per person cruise fare savings instead of airfare via Flights by Celebrity. Offer applies to the first two guests in the stateroom, is subject to availability, subject to change, capacity controlled, non-transferable, not combinable with any other offer, and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Refer to celebrity.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Changes to booking may result in removal of offer. Offers and prices are subject to availability, cancellation, and change without notice at any time. Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

ONE ON ONE

Caroline Klein

THE BASICS Name: Caroline Klein Title: Chief communications officer Company, city: Preferred Hotels & Resorts; Newport Beach, California First job: In high school I ran the morning drive-through at Einstein’s Bagels. Where to next: My next confirmed trip starts with a long weekend at the newly opened Montage Big Sky before flying to Hawai’i for a bleisure trip that starts with Preferred’s Leadership Summit in Honolulu and ends with a weekend flying to two different islands to hike both of the state’s national parks. A LITTLE BIT MORE What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? An aspirational request would be

Jessica Chastain. She’s chic, earnest, stays consistent with her values, commands respect and speaks her truth. She is a strong female personality. What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry? An executive producer for a morning news program — I already run at that frenetic pace. What is your favorite book, movie or television show? Life, on the Line by Grant Achatz is the ultimate story of resilience, work ethic and artistic genius, told with refreshing, unapologetic honesty. Restaurant and chef culture have always fascinated me. What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? Anna Wintour; despite her public persona, there’s still mystery about her.

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THE BUSINESS What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? Our newest brand, Beyond Green, is a portfolio of Earth’s most sustainable hotels, launched in April 2021. Even before the pandemic, our ownership, the Ueberroth family, committed to building a better future for travel in a way that protects the planet for future generations. It is a testament to their leadership and foresight to see how the industry and global travel community embraced the brand. What is your favorite aspect of the job? First, it allows me to marry my two passions, storytelling and travel, daily. Second, the people! I find inspiration in interacting with counterparts all over the world regularly. The global lessons about life, business and regional culture and traditions have been invaluable. What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving a secure position at one prominent, established hospitality PR agency to start a new one with my former boss. I went from an account support role to the No. 2 person in a week, had to learn how to run a business and manage team members, and discovered my passion for building brands and new business. Most importantly, that experience showed me what I need to feel passionate and fulfilled, and that led me to Preferred. Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? Jacqui Gifford, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure. An incredibly kind, welcoming and humble person, she wields her influence as a master storyteller to consistently champion travel (even when that concept goes against popular opinion, like at the onset of the pandemic).

AS A TRAVELER Tell us about a travel nightmare: Eight miles into a solo hike in Oman’s Jebel Akhdar, a torrential downpour came out of nowhere — no cover or another living being for miles. The trail was not marked on the way back and, even if I had cellphone service, there was no way someone could get me. I have never been more grateful for the comforts of a luxury hotel as I was that night. Share a comical travel experience: I took a 12-night solo trip to the Maldives. I booked a special Solo Experience at my second resort with a lot of amenities that sounded incredible. However, it was not until I was in the moment that I realized how awkward it was to Dine in the Dark while blindfolded with a waiter watching me fumble my food and guess what I was eating. What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? I love to fly for the sake of efficiency; our time is too precious and I value the uninterrupted hours to work, sleep or just think with no distractions. Actually, the only person I’ve ever really talked to on an airplane is now my boyfriend! As a hopeless romantic, I also love train travel. What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? I had an unexpected stopover in Amsterdam after several flight cancellations and a loss of baggage. When I checked into The Pulitzer Amsterdam late that evening, the front desk manager smiled, said they had a surprise for me and walked me to my room. They looked at my social media to learn I was a passionate reader and upgraded me to the Book Collector’s Suite. I was so in awe of the suite and gesture, it immediately changed my mood.

PHOTO: © PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS

Chief Communications Officer, Preferred Hotels & Resorts

TECHNOLOGY

Fresh Start Tackle the new year with functionality and flexibility.

FUJIFILM X-T4 BY JACK GUY

Phone cameras may have advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, but they still can’t match a serious piece of kit like the X-T4. Although this durable and weather-resistant camera is housed in a classic-style body, it’s packed with cutting-edge technology such as body image stabilization and incredibly fast autofocus. Fujifilm made a camera great for everyday photo use, thanks to features such as a large-capacity battery and weatherproofing, as well as the ability to record video in full HD. $2,099. fujifilm.com

LUMEN METABOLISM TRACKER The new year sees a spike in interest in diet and wellness after the excesses of the festive season, and this clever metabolism tracker will help those trying to get in shape. Simply inhale through the device, hold your breath for 10 seconds and exhale, then let the Lumen analyze your breath to determine whether your body is currently burning carbohydrate or fat for fuel. The accompanying app will then recommend a daily diet designed to boost metabolic flexibility, associated with better health, better sleep and easier weight loss, among other benefits. From $249. lumen.me

PHOTOS: © LUMEN, © FUJIFILM, © BOSE, © KEF

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 45 Rated among the best noise-cancelling headphones by various experts, these Bose headphones promise to block out annoying sound whether you’re on a plane or struggling to concentrate in the office. Long hailed as an industry leader in noise-cancelling technology, Bose tweaked its technology to offer amazing performance when faced with low rumbling such as engines or high-pitched noises like clinking glasses. The sound quality is as good as you’d expect from Bose, with a simple and understated design. $329. bose.com

KEF LS50 WIRELESS SPEAKERS Wireless speakers are commonplace these days, but few can match these examples from KEF. Stream from any source in your home, or wire up your TV, turntable or games console, all with audiophile-worthy sound quality. The KEF app makes setup incredibly easy, and the speakers earned multiple awards. These look great in a variety of colors and offer room-filling sound without being overly bulky. They’re far from the cheapest speakers on the market, but those who can afford them won’t regret splurging. $2,799. kef.com

WINE & SPIRITS

Vintage Charlottesville Renowned wineries, old and new, mean Virginia is for wine lovers. BY KELLY MAGYARICS

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PHOTO: © EARLY MOUNTAIN WINERY / BEKAH IMAGERY

uch has been written about Thomas Jefferson’s lifelong yet fruitless quest to make quality wine in Virginia. But the Founding Father — and rabid oenophile, who had a propensity for Burgundy and Madeira — would take delight in today’s burgeoning wine and food scene in the region surrounding his beloved Monticello. To experience the local flavor, make the stunning Keswick Hall your home base. This 80-room resort dating to 1912 recently reopened after an extensive multiyear renovation, touting classic Virginia design with clean, modern lines. Start with the romantically named Loveless Fascination cocktail at Crawford’s (gin, vermouth, citrus and absinthe) before dinner at Marigold, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s first venture in Virginia. The 130-seat restaurant spotlights ingredients sourced from local farms such as prime tenderloin with parsnips and Brussels sprouts, and roasted cauliflower with tamarind tahini. A fun diversion closer to town, Dairy Market, a new 23,000-square-foot food hall, resides in the former Monticello Dairy. Its latest addition is South & Central, a Latin American churrascaria. The best dishes are touched by the flame, like charred leeks and cherry peppers with romesco, or picanha, a top sirloin cap that’s the most underrated cut on any asado menu. The pisco sour is perfect, as is the list of South American bottles, including a grippy Mendoza Malbec and a Cabernet-Merlot blend from Chile’s Maipo Valley. Wineries crop up in the Albemarle area, but it all started at Barboursville. Its flagship wine, Octagon, a Bordeaux blend (the label shows Jefferson’s design for the Barbour Mansion, whose ruins remain on the property), wins accolades for its complexity and age-worthiness. Luca Paschina, head winemaker since 1990, experiments with varietals including those of his native Italy. His crisp and mineral-driven 2019 Vermentino elicits dreams of sea-drenched, sun-soaked days on a beach in Sardinia, while the firm and dense 2018 Nebbiolo Reserve is on par

with any Barbaresco. Sip them in a self-serve tasting room or reserve a sit-down experience in the parlor overlooking the vineyards. About 20 minutes north of C’ville in Madison, Early Mountain Vineyards represents the best of the new breed of Virginia producers. Upon first glance at the exposed white brick, sumptuous seating and high ceilings of the stunningly bright and airy tasting room, you might assume the operation eschews substance for style. Not so. Winemaker Ben Jordan uses his keen sense of terroir in expressions like the dry and aromatic 2020 Five Forks, a blend of Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2019 Novum, a Cabernet Franc and Tannat blend with dark fruit, cocoa, herbal tones and great structure. And the best rosé to sip all day comes not from Provence but from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its pale pink ballet slipper hue matching its style: restrained and elegant, with subtle hints of white peaches and strawberries, a touch of minerality and a refreshing finish.

2022 Wherever Awards Ballot Whereverfamily.com, the trusted travel source for the modern family, has opened voting for the 2021 Wherever Awards. Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

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PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO:

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SPAS

Oasis of Calm

Seek solitude and sanctuary at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando. BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

Time Out: Relaxation room PHOTO: © FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO

THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT 10100 Dream Tree Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 tel 407 313 7777 fourseasons.com

hile in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Business Travel Association’s annual convention, I decided to sneak in a little relaxation pre-trade show kick-off and sought a few hours of calm at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. As the convention center is not located on Disney property, this also gave me my one and only chance on that trip to get a taste of Disney. Just the right taste, that is. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World boasts many of the Disney amenities and proximity travelers crave without the in-your-face design and Disney mania some travelers want to avoid. And it also boasts the only adults-only pool on Disney property, as well as a kids club. Parents with children on a trip to Disney might think they can’t seek a moment of solitude from the little ones, but Four Seasons ensures that possibility, in more ways than one.

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Guests can also see all the parks without leaving the property limits, as all Disney parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom — are visible from the resort, and select guestrooms offer views of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks. But you’re not here for Disney, and neither was I. I was here to bring myself back to center before a busy week of conventiongoing — for the first time in almost two years! And I definitely found it at this gorgeous sanctuary in the midst of one of the busiest U.S. cities for attractions and conventions. In addition to being relaxing, The Spa is also high-tech. While not typically a word associated with spas, this one is on the cutting edge of the newest and latest in innovative treatments. Alongside classic treatments like massages and facials, The Spa menu also boasts therapies like cryotherapy, Vitality Drips, vibrational sound, oxygen facials and the Sleep Ritual Massage.

Upon its reopening after pandemic-related closures, with health and wellness top of mind, The Spa introduced a collaboration with Dr. Olga Ivanov to offer Vitality Drips, intravenous hydration and vitamin injections administered by a registered nurse. Different IV blends have a variety of benefits, like Dr. Ivanov’s signature blend of vitamins B, C and gluthathione. Also in line with some of the changes following COVID19, the Vibrational Sound Therapy massage uses actual vibrations from metal bowls to perform the massage, rather than the therapist’s hands. Only available at Four Seasons locations at Walt Disney World and Westlake Village, the Sleep Ritual Massage, offered since 2018 and developed with Robert Michael deStefano, co-founder of wellness company Longeva, incorporates breathing techniques, sleep-inducing botanicals and ultra-relaxing touch therapies. This treatment is ideal for late afternoon or early evening. Three cryotherapy treatments — utilizing cold and thermal shocks — include Cryoslimming, Cryotoning and Cryofacial. Back to that Disney element quickly: I found these three treatments at The Spa that cater to children in a way very befitting its destination worth mentioning. The Magical Moments for Kids include Shining Knight, with groomed hair, a crown, a sword and a shield; Royal Treatment, turning kids into a princess of their choice with the appropriate hairstyle, dress, tiara, wand, makeup, manicure, fairy dust and more; and Belle of the Ball, which is similar but excludes some elements like the

princess dress. With so many options, it was almost impossible for me to decide what treatment I wanted to indulge in. I finally settled on a treatment exclusive to Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World: the Sticks and Stone Massage. My therapist utilized sculpted basalt stones and birchwood massage sticks throughout the treatment to target areas that ailed me for a variation on the traditional hot-stone massage. The therapist’s combination of massage movements and muscle release techniques ensure tension relief, tissue purification and relaxation. Just being at The Spa makes one feel like an exclusive VIP at a secret hideaway. Its aesthetic is luxurious, with no detail overlooked. The locker rooms are spacious, the amenities plentiful, the bathrobes lush and the lounge waiting area indulgent. Any amount of time spent here, away from the chaos of the bustling city and the sensory overload of Disney parks, guarantees to soothe. It felt like the time flew from when I first settled myself on the massage table to the massage therapist’s gentle tap on my arm to alert me of the treatment’s end. What did linger, however, were the benefits, the feeling of calm and overall body reset I felt as a result of the massage. They were all that was needed to conquer the trade show floor at Orange County Convention Center. I was more than poised to welcome back business travel with my colleagues and friends from the travel industry.

Stress Relief: Sticks and Stone massage PHOTO: © FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

GOLF

Turkey Bowl Revisited

The competing teams go back for seconds at Cream Ridge Golf Course. BY FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

Legend of 2020: Hole 2 PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

CREAM RIDGE GOLF COURSE 181 Route 539 Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 tel 609 208 0050 creamridgegolfcourse.com

n 2020 we felt Cream Ridge Golf Course was the perfect place to meet for the annual Turkey Bowl during COVID with its easy access from New York and Philadelphia. In 2021 we decided to try a reboot of the course and found the weather was far from our friend. Participants were dropping like flies as the date approached and the forecast predicted nearly freezing temperatures and wind gusts up to 35–40 mph. Even old standbys, like myself and Chris Ottaunick (also known as Yammi and our staff photographer), were second-guessing. When I turned in Thanksgiving evening, I assumed we would cancel. The morning brought a plethora of text messages — should we go or not, was it going to rain as well — but, in the end, a small group headed out to play. Once again we had father-and-son combos playing from the Advisory Board including Chris and John Ottaunick; Carlos and Chris Cappuccio; and Steve Montgomery (winner of last year’s trophy), who brought his two sons, Matt and Mike, for

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the day’s festivities. We ended up with two foursomes: The Ottaunicks joined the Cappuccios, and I teamed up with the Montgomery clan. HOLE 1 520 yards, par 5 The Cappuccios and Ottaunicks teed off before us with clear weather but a raging wind. The Montgomerys and I were up next, the boys pushing their drives left, me hitting right and Steve heading right down the middle, which is the smart play. He continued with a perfect 3-wood shot to land within green striking distance and putted in for a bogey. The rest of us, freezing and swinging, ended with double bogeys. The chatter was all about the previous year and what happened on Hole 2.

HOLE 2 138 yards, par 3 I made Turkey Bowl history in 2020, scoring the first hole in one. Well, 2021 was not quite the same. Up to bat first were Matt and Mike Montgomery. They teed up and overshot this par 3, one right and one back. Steve landed left of the pin but pin high and in good position. Trying to repeat the legend of 2020, I hit a high shot, but it landed just short of the green. (The famed hole in one hit the front collar and rolled slowly to the cup and in.) Trying to save par, we chipped up, Matt overshooting and rolling off. The best score this year was a 4. For those historians, I am proud to say the club added a plaque in my honor. Mind the velvet ropes. HOLE 5 343 yards, par 4 From an elevated tee box you can clearly see this dogleg to the right. Just below lies another pond, but this should not come into play. Steve hit his drive long, slightly left and under some tree branches — seems like a common place to land. He went in so far, the ball rolled into a pile of leaves, lost forever in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. I secured a drive that was not long but on the fairway. My approach overpowered the green, landing on the back and rolling off; it was a long chip back. Matt and Mike made friends with a lone pine tree; we never really got their score. HOLE 14 362 yards, par 4 When we reached the ninth hole, which I birdied, the Montgomerys had enough of the wind, cold and impending rain. They took off for home to enjoy some hot cocoa. I joined the Cappuccios and Ottaunicks in an illegal fivesome. Yammi killed a drive and landed squarely about 40 yards from the green. I seem to recall he was nearly on the green the prior year. The course groomed some of the trees to the left, opening up this hole and making tee shots easier. John put everything into his shot, but, unfortunately, it went straight into a tree (we allowed a redo).

The Cappuccios, more skilled at fishing, both dumped their balls into the woods. Often, a magnetic attraction seems to pull a ball as close as possible to the left side, clipping a branch and sending the shot out of bounds. I struggled with my lackluster drive but came back to card a double bogey. This hole should not be as difficult as we made it; a nice shot left center would leave you with a mid-iron to the green. Yammi secured a birdie … was he thinking of the trophy? HOLE 18 488 yards, par 5 A great finishing hole and tricky to match, but a hole that needs a little TLC from the maintenance crew. We were forced to park our carts 60 yards short of the tee box and tiptoe through the mud to the tee markers. The tee box is set back and positions you over a pond, making most players aim too far right. I warned the others, but all except Yammi went too far left. I hit another killer drive, overflying my ball, which landed on the devilish right side. My second shot was better, sailing over the trees on the right and landing in

the fairway within 100 yards of the green. Yammi followed me and landed within a few feet of my shot. Both Yammi and I managed to land on the green in three and two-putted for par. The rest limped their way in, losing balls and shots to the defiant Team Turkey. We wrapped up the 27th annual Turkey Bowl without needing to count or review the secret ballots. It was clear Chris “Yammi” Ottaunick was the winner for 2021!

Risk and Reward: Hole 18 (top), and Fran’s hole-in-one plaque (bottom) PHOTOS: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

CHEFS

Simple Pleasures Chef Riccardo Schievano celebrates Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors at Beach House St. Barth. BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY? I would certainly build a menu based on my guests’ taste; but if I had full autonomy, I would go straight to pressed watermelon, roasted octopus, candied tomato and buffalo burrata. Simple, effective and delicious at the same time.

“C

ooking in the family from an early age laid the foundation for my future in food.” So said Chef Riccardo Schievano, born and raised in northeastern Italy’s village of Veneto. Today, Schievano does so for sated travelers as executive chef at Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth. He joined the resort in April 2021, and alongside his team, he serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that highlights the delicious simplicity of fresh, local ingredients. Schievano’s culinary tour took him to Australia, Bora Bora, Gstaad and more, but his motto of “every plate has a story to tell” has remained unchanged throughout his career. Beach House St. Barth serves as the heart of Rosewood Le Guanahani with its unique interpretation of mezze-style dining. The shared plates pair well with Bar Mélangé’s wines and cocktails, which capture the unique flavors of the island. Set in a new-build, oceanfront enclave, the breathtaking views provide the cherry on top of this culinary journey.

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WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE? I take pleasure in simplicity, so, for me, a good bread with a slice of tomato and quality olive oil is priceless. I do not think there are any ingredients I would be fully opposed to cooking with, but I do not like complicating ingredients to the

WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN? With my Italian roots, I cannot deny the first dish I made was fresh pasta. It was a difficult recipe — especially when I had to prepare it for my mother! It was not perfect, but, with time, I’ve improved my pasta-making capabilities, and now my mother is certainly proud of me.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY? In addition to cooking, music is a real passion of mine and something I lean on when preparing my dishes. I seek to create dishes that showcase a harmonious yet unexpected combination of fresh aromatic notes and flavors: a head of legumes, marinated with citrus fruits and mint with a reduction of juniper, green apple and blackberries. WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR? Most culinary trends have their merits, but, overall, I believe fast food is something to avoid. Taking the time to enjoy a meal has, unfortunately, become somewhat of a luxury. In my opinion, going back to the basics of sharing a meal, savoring the flavors and taking pleasure in cooking itself should be our normal. BEACH HOUSE ST. BARTH Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac St. Barthélemy 97133 tel 590 590 52 90 00 rosewoodhotels.com

PHOTO: © ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI ST. BARTH

point where you cannot enjoy their flavor. I also believe balance is key in a dish; it can be tempting to just combine several ingredients and flavors you like, but it’s critical to do a taste test before serving to make sure everything is working together as it should.

2022 Leisure Lifestyle Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

Best Beaches __________________________________________________________________________

Best River Cruise Line _________________________________________________________________

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic _________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Entertainment ______________________________________________________

Best Historical Attractions, International ______________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Dining _______________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic ________________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Spa ___________________________________________________________________

Best Adventure Destination, International ____________________________________________

Best Cruise Ship Excursions __________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in the United States ________________________________________

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program __________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Europe____________________________________________________

Best Cruise Port _______________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Africa _____________________________________________________

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World ______________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Asia _______________________________________________________

Best Hotel Chain Resorts _____________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America _____________________________________

Best Hotel Chain Caribbean ___________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico ____________________________________________________

Best Hotel Chain Thailand _____________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Destination for Groups (Four or More) __________________________________

Best Eco-Friendly Hotel ________________________________________________________________

Best Weekend Destination in North America _________________________________________

Best Family Resort Chain in the World _______________________________________________

Best Weekend Destination in the World ______________________________________________

Best All-Inclusive Resort________________________________________________________________

Best North American Ski Destination __________________________________________________

Best Tour Operator ____________________________________________________________________

Best International Ski Destination _____________________________________________________

Best Airport for Layovers ______________________________________________________________

Best Caribbean Island ________________________________________________________________

Best Airport Recreation ________________________________________________________________

Best Island in Europe _________________________________________________________________

Best Stopover Program ________________________________________________________________

Best Island Pacific Rim ________________________________________________________________

Best Leisure Airline ___________________________________________________________________

Best Family Cruise Line _______________________________________________________________

Best Eco-Friendly Airline _______________________________________________________________

Best Luxury Cruise Line _______________________________________________________________

Best Airline Onboard Entertainment __________________________________________________

Best Value Cruise Line _________________________________________________________________ Best Cruise Line Suites ________________________________________________________________ Best Adventure Cruise Line ___________________________________________________________

Best Airline Onboard Menu____________________________________________________________ Best Premium-Economy Class _______________________________________________________ Best Luxury Vehicle ___________________________________________________________________ Best Car Rental ________________________________________________________________________

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line (Fewer than 1,000 passengers) _______________________________________________________

Favorite Luxury Watch Brand _________________________________________________________

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line

Best Destination Jewelrey Brand ______________________________________________________

(2,000 or more passengers) ___________________________________________________________

Favorite Liquor Brand __________________________________________________________________

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CRUISING

Staying Afloat Cruise lines integrate COVID precautions as an added value with a personal touch. BY ELYSE GLICKMAN

Back on Board: AIDAblu restart PHOTO: © CARNIVAL CORPORATION

t the beginning of the late August christening cruise of AmaSiena, cruise manager Martina Valachova and hotel manager Romeo Luchian exuded warmth and humor to set the tone for its COVID-era maiden voyage by explaining how AmaWaterways’ new health and sanitation practices would enhance the experience. Their PA announcements throughout the cruise positioned the necessities of masking up, pre-meal temperature checks and pre-departure COVID tests as extensions of the safety protocols that existed in the “before-times.” “During these unpredictable times, we are confident in our teams’ ability to react quickly to changing conditions and come up with creative solutions to collaboratively implement the measures,” said Kristin Karst, cofounder and CEO, AmaWaterways. “The same attention to detail and willingness to take on new challenges pre-COVID shapes how we’ve moved forward. We have tried to instill in our teams the freedom and confidence to make decisions as long as they are always in the best interest of our guests. This validated that we have done things the right way in Europe and are now fully prepared for the [remainder of ] 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons.”

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During summer 2020, a year before the AmaSiena christening, AmaWaterways management staged a dress rehearsal in collaboration with a German tour company. Safety and health protocols were put into practice for four months with European passengers, and with no cases of COVID, they were implemented on a wider basis once American tourists were allowed to travel to Europe. The protocols will extend throughout AmaWaterways’ fleet. Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer, Carnival Corp., touched on how the cruise operator implemented its enhanced protocols first on its AIDA and Costa brands, which began cruising on a limited basis in Europe in late 2020. Based on positive passenger feedback and effectiveness, the protocols were expanded throughout the Carnival fleet through a “gradual, phased-in restart with limited guest occupancy” so crew and passengers would become familiarized with the new onboard “normal.” Onboard dining industry-wide is changing, with the phasing out of selfservice (buffet dining). In part a reaction to public concerns about COVID, it also reflects changing tastes among passengers wanting meals to be more personalized and elegant. AmaWaterways president Rudi Schreiner expressed

EXTRA PROTOCOLS Crystal Cruises, which resumed cruising in July 2021, adopted the Crystal Clean+ banner to cohesively group its protocols and procedures. The initiative mandates vaccines and negative COVID-19 tests for all guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, nimble mask policy, rigorous cleaning procedures, isolation rooms in case of illness, contactless options such as QR codes for menus, and a health screening questionnaire at embarkation. All guests, regardless of age, must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel for all Crystal River ships through Dec. 31, 2022.

in his speech aboard AmaSiena he had long wanted to eliminate self-service in favor of menus and personal attention. Across its global, 10-brand fleet, Carnival continued to expand the number of shipboard full-service restaurants and other dining options. “As an industry, we have dealt with many types of viruses previously and already have effective protocols in place on board our ships, including screening measures, medical centers and enhanced sanitation procedures,” said Frizzell. “Cruise lines have some of the most stringent and effective public health and sanitation practices, with multiple layers of protection encompassing the entirety of the cruise experience. The successful resumption of cruise operations has been a testament to that approach.” While practices differ significantly between ocean and river cruise ships as well as large- and small-sized lines, according to Cruise Lines International Association, the parameters set by its ocean cruise members present a good overview of what cruise lines of varying sizes, demographics and products (itineraries and travel offers) are doing to ensure everything will be afloat as soon as possible. Every CLIA-member ocean cruise line has its own policies to monitor, detect and respond to cases of COVID-19. In the relatively rare instances of COVID-19 occurring since operations resumed, pre-arranged response plans on board every ship under the CLIA umbrella swiftly address the cases. A 2021 CLIA survey found 82 percent of veteran cruise travelers will resume cruising (exceeding pre-pandemic levels), while 62 percent of general travelers now say they are open to cruising. In her opening remarks for CLIA’s annual conference in July 2021, president/CEO Kelly Craighead said numbers reflect both growing confidence among travelers as well as member cruise lines’ continued commitment to

Safety Procedures: Costa Firenze restart (top), and COVID-19 testing facility

Princess Cruises introduced new social distancing-driven crowd control measures. To avoid embarkation crowds and to stagger boarding, guests can prepare to board at home by filling out their pre-cruise health questionnaire on the MedallionClass app as well as select a preferred time to arrive at the port. The traditional safety drill is now streamlined so guests can watch the required safety video any time on the MedallionClass app or their stateroom TV on embarkation day. While passengers are required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within two days of their embarkation, if the ship sails on a Sunday, the test may be taken on Friday or Saturday and as late as Sunday if the passenger is guaranteed to receive results in time for check-in.

PHOTOS: © CARNIVAL CORPORATION

stepped-up safety efforts. What does all of this mean for avid and novice cruisers? They may need to allow more time for extra planning and preparing before their cruise. The trade-off, however, is cruising will deliver a satisfying means to explore the world with less risk all around. At press time, 30 countries reopened to cruise tourism, with additional markets poised to reopen, according to CLIA. By taking collaborative efforts to install sciencebacked protocols through the industry, CLIA member lines and others work closely with governments around the world to facilitate a smooth resumption of operations and help put people back to work while serving as a model of responsible travel. This adds up to something with which passengers and crews all will be on board to support.

In compliance with the Bahamian government’s emergency order regarding vaccination, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line requires all passengers aged 12 and older to be fully vaccinated for COVID19 at least 14 days prior to sailing and present their original CDC vaccination card at the pier upon embarkation. Passengers must also obtain a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR test at least 72 hours prior to sailing. Unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 must provide a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to boarding plus take an antigen test at the terminal.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

FEATURE: INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Reviving the Dream Trip Vacationers seek unforgettable experiences in a return to international travel. BY BECCA HENSLEY

Travel Rebound: (Left to right) Happy couple on a trip, Ritz Paris Suite Windsor and Salon d’Été, and French pastries PHOTOS: © PROSTOCKSTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © VINCENT LEROUX, @ BERNHARD WINKELMANN

leary-eyed after an overnight flight to Paris, I stumble off the plane and wend my way toward passport control. Before I’ve had a chance to take the inevitable, jet lag-inspired wrong turn, an elegant man catches my eye. He’s holding a placard with my name and waving to me. “I’m with the Ritz,” he says, taking my bag and leading me to the one passport control aisle with nobody waiting in line. “She’s a VIP,” he says to somebody as we pass, and I see a man gape at me, then, not recognizing me as a tabloid star, turn away, disappointed. I want to tell the poor fellow I’m nobody, actually, that every guest with a reservation at Ritz Paris gets this de rigueur spin through the crowds. As if proving my point, my companion ushers me efficiently through passport control, baggage claim and customs, then puts me into a limousine. There’s traffic, but even Ritz Paris can’t eliminate that. Eventually we arrive at Place Vendome, where the Ritz — a grand palace hotel, the first in the world to introduce electricity and

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telephones to every room — presides over the square. But that’s not all. It’s 8 a.m., and my suite is ready. When I show surprise (and relief because, as all international travelers know, the room is never ready after those overnight flights), the front desk manager explains, “At the Ritz, your suite will always be ready, Madame.” And it’s true. The Ritz reigns as the only hotel in Paris to guarantee your room will be ready the moment you arrive. Not only that, there’s a petit déjeuner waiting (warm croissants, fresh-squeezed orange juice and coffee in a silver pot), a bottle of Champagne and a bathtub flaunting gilded-bird faucets. My room overlooks an astonishing garden. Classical paneling and boiserie line my walls, sumptuous fabrics — gaufrage velvet, satin damask, fringe and braided trim — abound, and the hotel’s original, gilded electrical switches gleam. It’s all so extraordinary, I almost forget we’re in a pandemic. Ritz Paris, with its assiduous attention to detail, its history, magnificence and commitment to COVID safety makes one

thing strikingly clear: We need not turn our backs on dream travel. One obvious emerging trend with post-quarantine travelers is an urgency to travel large. People who have waited years for a long-planned anniversary trip, spent time dreaming of a honeymoon or saved up for their jaunt of a lifetime likely found their hopes dashed and their plans dissolved — or at least sorely postponed — during the pandemic’s earlier phases. “I couldn’t wait to make up for lost time,” said Boulder-based Beryl Stafford, founder, Bobo’s Bars, who began booking trips as soon as she was vaccinated. “Every trip should be a bucket-list trip,” she said. Like the lesson learned when that fine china reserved for special occasions gets broken before it ever was used, travelers gleaned from the pandemic’s limitations and losses that waiting for the perfect time to travel might not be an option ever again. “Clients are wanting the best, and they’re staying longer. COVID taught us that life is too short and too unpredictable to not go explore and do it right,” explained Keith Waldon, owner, Austin-based Departure Lounge, a Virtuoso-affiliated travel agency focused on luxury leisure travel. With his agency’s sales at 89 percent above where they were in 2019, Waldon believes Departure Lounge’s numbers show luxury travel is the first segment to come back strong. “Current trends are a return to cities, domestic and abroad, plus continued strong sales for private homes/villas, beach and nature resorts in North and Central America and the Caribbean, much of Europe, the Middle East, Egypt, South

‘WHETHER IT’S LOCAL WEEKEND TRIPS, HEADING ACROSS THE POND TO SEE FRIENDS IN THE U.K. OR PLANNING FAMILY REUNIONS PUT OFF FOR TWO YEARS, EVERYONE IS MAKING SOME TYPE OF PLAN FOR TRAVEL IN 2022. WITH THE RIGHT PRECAUTIONS (MASKS, VACCINES, CLEANLINESS PROTOCOLS), THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY WILL CERTAINLY SEE A REBOUND NEXT YEAR [2022] AS OUR FREEDOM TO ROAM RETURNS WITH A VENGEANCE.’ — LAURA DAVIDSON, PRESIDENT, LAURA DAVIDSON PUBLIC RELATIONS

Africa and the South Pacific,” he said. Indeed, dream trips, such as safaris to Africa, top the list. “We are virtually sold out for most of 2022, with large multigenerational families and milestone celebrations — such as anniversaries, birthdays and honeymoons — making up most of the demand,” said Dennis Pinto, managing director, Micato Safaris. Laura Davidson, president, Laura Davidson Public Relations, an agency with myriad luxury clients, has been delighted to see optimism return to the travel industry. “Whether it’s local weekend trips, heading across the pond to see friends in the U.K. or planning family reunions put off for two years, everyone is making some type of plan for travel in 2022. With the right precautions

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INDEED, DREAM TRIPS, SUCH AS SAFARIS TO AFRICA, TOP THE LIST. ‘WE ARE VIRTUALLY SOLD OUT FOR MOST OF 2022, WITH LARGE MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILIES AND MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS — SUCH AS ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS AND HONEYMOONS — MAKING UP MOST OF THE DEMAND.’

Trip of a Lifetime: African safari PHOTO: © INNA FELKER |

— DENNIS PINTO, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MICATO SAFARIS

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(masks, vaccines, cleanliness protocols), the travel industry will certainly see a rebound next year [2022] as our freedom to roam returns with a vengeance,” she explained. But Brandon Berkson, founder, Hotels Above Par, warns consumer confidence may have a way to go. “After a traumatic, unprecedented pandemic, it’s understandable why many people might not be at ease hopping on the next overseas flight,” he said. His company’s HAP Concierge helps trip-goers navigate the irregularities of the new postpandemic travel world. “Our team of experts plan everything, from start to finish. This includes making sure health and safety protocols enhancing comfortability are employed at every capacity on the itinerary, which in turn helps travelers thoughtfully plunge back into this great big world and all the opportunities for exploration that come with it.” The way we travel always evolves, pandemic or not. Hilton Hotels kept track of its guests’ preferences and travel styles before and during the pandemic. Aware of how travel habits change, it’s noticed a few trends emerge during COVID’s various phases. Interest in wellness and health maintenance, for example, has been paramount. “As workplaces were reimagined and new routines and habits solidified, travelers sought — and will continue to seek — more grounding and balance into their travel schedules,” said a spokesman for the hotel group. This means during the past two years gyms and pools have become vital to Hilton guests. “We’ve also noted that travelers have been willing to utilize smaller spaces, such as their own hotel room, for workouts,” said

the spokesperson. Pets also hoofed it to the forefront, according to Hilton’s research. Since 23 million U.S. homes welcomed new pets during the last two years, no wonder that recent Hilton data shows the “pet-friendly” booking filter has been the third-most used search filter on hilton.com. As a result, it’s vowed to make as many of its hotels pet-friendly as possible, with Homewood and Home2 Suites by Hilton in the United States and Canada going completely pet-friendly in January 2022. Its affiliation with Mars Petcare, whose portfolio includes IAMS and Pedigree, further supports pet parents and their brood. Finally, in response to statistics that show work and play merged for people both at home and on the road, Hilton plans to continue to promote work-fromhome hotel offers. “Workcation will only increase in popularity,” said Hilton’s spokesperson. It’s been a topsy-turvy ride during the last two years, with regulations, directives and news ever-evolving, and this year appears to continue with new challenges in the face of the omicron variant … and perhaps others. Travelers going forward, though, should do what they’ve always done: Research a destination before you travel, double-check the current regulations and choose places that support you (as Ritz Paris does when it helps organize your COVID test to return home, or Hilton does when it allows your pet to be your plus-one). But, most important, don’t be afraid to leap into the world of travel. As Oprah Winfrey put it, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” Bon voyage!

Making a Splash: Dogs on vacation PHOTO: © THAMMARAT SUKWAT | DREAMSTIME .COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

FEATURE: OLYMPIC SITES

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Epic Attractions Past Winter Games venues keep the Olympic spirit alive for visitors. BY HOLLY RIDDLE

Olympic Lore: Lausanne (top), The Olympic Museum in Lausanne (bottom left), and St. Moritz (bottom right) PHOTOS: LAUSANNE TOURISME, © LI JINGXUE | DREAMSTIME.COM, © KULM HOTEL ST. MORITZ

or the month of February, the world’s eyes will look to Beijing as the 2022 Winter Olympics kicks off Feb. 4. Much like the 2020 Summer Olympics, the games are awash in concern over the COVID-19 pandemic as well as swarmed in controversy connected to human rights issues. The uncertainty has created an environment that could make one wish for Olympics events of the past, when the Games were synonymous with universal pride and a sense of togetherness that overcame cultural differences and geographic boundaries. At past Olympic venues around the globe, echoes of this emotive backdrop still permeate the air. At many, communities and Olympics fans alike joined together to keep the Olympic spirit alive long after the athletes left, providing travelers with the perfect mix of historic significance and modern thrills. Of them all, one destination stands as a stalwart, unchanging representation of Olympic heritage: Lausanne, Switzerland, the official Olympic Capital of the world and home to the International Olympic Committee. The fourth-largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne gained the status as Olympic Capital in 1994, though it was home to the International Olympic Committee as early as 1915. The city’s Olympic Museum attracts around 300,000 visitors each year with its more than 1,500 artifacts and exhibitions on the Games.

However, for all its Olympic lore, Lausanne itself never hosted the Games. For that, travelers must look elsewhere in Switzerland. On the other side of this small country, about a five-hour drive away, St. Moritz, in the region of Graubünden, awaits as a two-time Winter Olympics host.

refrigerated. Stateside, in Lake Placid, New York, visitors to the Adirondacks find further Winter Olympic fun, as well as a bevy of recent enhancements and improvements made at the region’s many Olympic venues, used in both the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter

‘WINTER SPORTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE PART OF SWITZERLAND’S HERITAGE, PARTICULARLY THE CANTON OF GRAUBÜNDEN AND ST. MORITZ, WHERE THE SECOND WINTER OLYMPICS EVER WERE HELD IN 1928 [AND] THEN AGAIN 20 YEARS LATER.’ TAMARA LOEFFEL, HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GRAUBÜNDEN

“Winter sports have always been a huge part of Switzerland’s heritage, particularly the canton of Graubünden and St. Moritz, where the second Winter Olympics ever were held in 1928 [and] then again 20 years later,” commented Tamara Loeffel, head of business development, Graubünden. For the most immersive Olympic experience possible, travelers can book a stay at Kulm Hotel St. Moritz. The property boasts the ice-skating rink used for the Games and which now hosts ice skating and curling competitions throughout the year, along with everyday usage and lessons. The Olympic Bobrun is also located on the property. It is the oldest bobsleigh track in the world as well as the only one still in existence that is naturally

Games. The past few years brought improvements at a range of new venues including at the Mount Van Hovenberg complex, with its skeleton and bobsled track (as well as the longest mountain coaster in North America); Whiteface Mountain Ski Area; the Olympic Jumping Complex; and Lake Placid Olympic Center. Located in downtown Lake Placid, it houses the area’s Olympic Museum and was the site of the U.S. hockey team’s 1980 Miracle on Ice. Many of these changes are in partial preparation for the FISU World University Games, slated for January 2023, but the benefits extend to every traveler. Along those lines, Lake Placid Village has been undergoing a reconstruction initiative to benefit

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travelers of all types, not just those in town for the Olympic heritage, with changes that make the village more pedestrian-friendly as well as improve the overall aesthetic. But Lake Placid isn’t just beloved by Olympic fans. It’s also a hot spot for athletes, churning out talent at a remarkable rate. “The village’s Olympic legacy is unmatched. Lake Placid has sent at least one athlete to every Winter Games and, in total, has sent over 100 athletes to compete since the first modern Winter Games in 1924,” explained Michelle Clement, director of marketing, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. “Other area athletes have also claimed Olympic glory, including Andrew Weibrecht, a two-time Olympic medalist in Super-G; Billy Demong, a two-time Olympic medalist and Olympic champion in Nordic Combined; and Chris Mazdzer, an Olympic silver medalist in men’s singles luge. This is accomplished through Lake Placid’s commitment and support of its Olympic sports development programs.” To the west, 2022 marks an important year for the Olympic venues in Salt Lake City, as the destination celebrates its 20th anniversary of hosting the 2002 Olympic Winter Games (with an anniversary celebration taking place downtown Feb. 12). In fact, Melanie Welch, director of marketing and sponsorships, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, credits the Games for putting Salt Lake City on the map for both international and domestic travelers, in 2002 and today. “The Utah Olympic Legacy venues are five times busier today than they were following the games,” she said. “All three venues host international, national and regional competitions as well as year-round training, drawing athletes and their families from around the world. All three venues also offer Olympic experiences for visitors throughout the winter and summer.” Bobsledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, winter tubing, ziplining, ropes courses, alpine slides, freestyle shows: They all await at the organization’s Utah Olympic Park, Utah Olympic Oval and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. The Olympic Games bring many destinations to the forefront of the travel community’s attention, though. British Columbia, much like Salt Lake City, chalks up a renewed influx of traveler attention to its 2010 Winter Games. “People from all over the globe tuned in, where they quickly discovered what a wonderful destination British Columbia is, and as a result, many of these viewers turned into visitors,” said Kristen Learned, corporate communications specialist, Destination British Columbia. “Between February 2010 and February 2011, tourism spending related to the Games was estimated at $463 million CAD. International flight bookings to Canada doubled in 2010 over 2009, and the legacy of our Olympic venues and attractions continues to draw visitors year-round, especially in the host communities of Whistler, Richmond and Vancouver.” Officials at Tourism Richmond said the Games made a particular impact on what they call a “lesser-known destination.” Today Richmond is home to North America’s first Olympic Museum, the Richmond Olympic Experience, as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval, originally a long-track speed skating venue. The destination took advantage of pandemic-related closures to update and add to its Olympic venues. When the museum and oval reopen this year, they’ll offer even more ways to experience British Columbia’s Olympic heritage, such as with a new Train Like an Olympian experience, which officials anticipate will be “a major draw for visitors.”

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But before Canada hosted the Winter Olympics in British Columbia, it did so in Calgary, in 1988. There travelers find Canada Olympic Park. But Dale Oviatt, senior manager of communications, WinSport (the operational name for the Calgary Olympic Development Association), is quick to note the Olympic landscape in Calgary evolved since the 1980s. “WinSport has built one of the top halfpipes in the world to go along with an FIS-sanctioned slope-style course. Calgary has also become a main training center for Canada’s freestyle skiing and snowboarding athletes,” he said. And the evolution is hardly complete, with renovations for the sliding track — used for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge — planned. “In 2022,” he added, “visitors can try their hand at skiing or snowboarding, taking in the summer bobsleigh or zipline or visiting the Markin MacPhail Centre, highlighted by four NHL-sized hockey rinks and a high-performance training center, where hundreds of Canadian athletes, mainly winter, train… .” The Olympic spirit lives on at these historic venues and at the more than a dozen other Winter Olympics host destinations throughout the world. In many ways, the Olympic spirit is like that of the intrepid traveler — adventurous, determined and unifying, with a love for legacy but always with an eye to the future. The next time your travels bring you across an Olympic host city or venue, consider stopping by — you might just find more inspiration than you bargained for.

Winter Fun: Lake Placid slopes (top) and a family at a resort (bottom) PHOTOS: © REGIONAL OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can bring about many emotions. Hope is finally one of them.

Stand Up To Cancer Ambassadors TIFFANY HADDISH & MARLON WAYANS

Photos By Koury Angelo & Matt Winkelmeyer

When you or someone you love is facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, access to cutting-edge treatments can help make long-term survival possible and improve future patient outcomes. That’s why Stand Up To Cancer and the Lustgarten Foundation have teamed up to bring over 30 pancreatic cancer clinical trials to those who need them. For more information about the latest pancreatic cancer research and clinical trials near you, visit PancreaticCancerCollective.org.

Stand Up To Cancer is a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

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Zest for Life European sophistication meets Latin passion in Buenos Aires. BY ARI BENDERSKY

Art Scene: Couple dancing the tango in front of the sculpture Floralis Genérica PHOTO: © ELULTIMODESEO | DREAMSTIME.COM

ntil you visit, you may never know the extent of Buenos Aires’ cosmopolitanism. From design and architecture to technology and banking — and across all the arts — Buenos Aires truly has a global feel that rivals Paris, New York and Tokyo. While it’s on the water, Buenos Aires is not a beach destination like Rio but rather a port city — hence locals are called Porteños and have a zest for life and want to share it with all who visit. Almost as soon as you enter this beautiful Argentine capital, it becomes obvious just how fantastic this energetic metropolitan city truly is. You’ll likely spend most of your time between upscale, classic Recoleta; chic, eclectic and fashionable Palermo; and the romantic and gentrified San Telmo, where you’ll find a sprawling open-air antique flea market each Sunday. But the Central Business District of La Citi, between the San Nicolás, Montserrat and Retiro neighborhoods, is home to the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, Argentina’s Central Bank and other financial institutions. No matter where you gather with colleagues and clients, you’ll notice quite quickly

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the European influence on the city’s architecture. Waves of immigrants from Spain, Italy and Germany — and what now comprises the world’s sixth-largest Jewish community — all arrived in Buenos Aires in the 19th and 20th centuries, bringing with them design, culture and gastronomy. All over the city their impact can be observed by simply walking around the neighborhoods and looking up at the homes and buildings. You’ll especially see it at Teatro Colón, one of the most important opera houses in the world, where singer Maria Callas famously performed and which offers group tours. At the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, modern and folk art converge in permanent and rotating exhibits. You can experience it in any number of the city’s top spots to watch the romantic, sensual tango shows — and learn a few moves yourself in this, the world’s tango capital. You’ll even encounter it in La Recoleta Cemetery, a neighborhood in its own right where some of the city’s most important residents, including Eva Perón, are buried. When it comes to business, Buenos Aires’ numerous industries converge. In 2017 the city was named a smart city due to its welcoming attitude toward innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and app development. The newer Buenos Aires Exhibition and Convention Centre hosted the 2017 Smart City

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business destinations 48

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SAUDI ARABIA Formation of a Kingdom: Masmak Fortress PHOTO: © SWISSHIPPO | DREAMSTIME.COM

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TURKS AND CAICOS

DESTINATION ONE | SANTIAGO

Santiago Soars Chile’s vibrant capital boasts fine wine, a flourishing culinary scene and panoramic views. BY KATIE MCELVEEN On High: Neptune Fountain on Santa Lucia Hill (left), and Gran Torre Santiago in the financial district (right) PHOTOS: © IONUT DAVID | DREAMSTIME.COM, © MARIANA IANOVSKA | DREAMSTIME.COM

anta Lucia Hill might not be the biggest park in Santiago, but over the centuries it played an outsized role in the transformation of this former Spanish colony into a thriving metropolis. Formed by a volcano, the peak was chosen by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541 as the site to declare Chile a Spanish colony. By the early 19th century, as Chile fought for independence from Spain — which it won in

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1818 — the hill served as a fortress for Spanish troops. Today it’s hard to imagine this lush park as a former bastion: Ornate staircases shaded by mature trees lead through a vertical greenspace filled with sculptures, fountains, chapels and dramatic overlooks. The hill isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Beyond the ancient church spires and broad plazas of the historic center, Santiago’s outward development spans a shining sea of skyscrapers spreading nearly to the mountains and including Latin America’s tallest building. According to the World Economic Forum, Chile is not only Latin America’s most competitive nation, but — thanks largely to exports of minerals, wood, fruit, seafood and wine — it also boasts South America’s highest

LODGING

DINING

The Aubrey Occupying a pair of 1920s mansions in trendy Bellavista, the 15-room Aubrey boutique hotel welcomes guests with a pisco sour at check-in. Complimentary breakfast is served in a leafy courtyard.

Boragó Hyper-local Boragó is widely regarded as Santiago’s top dining experience; in 2021 it ranked as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Each dish, sophisticated or rustic, is a love letter to Chile’s bounty.

Constitución 317, Bellavista $$$

Av. San José María Escrivá de Balaguer 5970 $$$$

Mandarin Oriental, Santiago A parklike setting, gorgeous views and a highly regarded restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine make this Las Condes high-rise popular with both business and leisure travelers.

gross domestic product. The country also remains one of the United States’ strongest partners in Latin America and a leader in promoting respect for the rule of law, economic stability, education, environmental protection, human rights and sustainable development. As Chile grows, planners work to ensure infrastructure will meet demand. After five years, Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport completed its expansion project. The new international terminal, which will allow the airport to handle 30 million passengers per year, expects to open in early 2022. In 2020 the country launched Chile on Rails, a $5.5 billion investment plan to expand and improve passenger and cargo rail service. The program will also work to integrate trains with other modes of transport, including Santiago’s Metro system. An additional $330 million in roadwork projects will keep truck and automobile traffic flowing in and around the sprawling capital city.

Presidente Kennedy Ave. 4601, Las Condes $$$

Mestizo Though Mestizo is best known for super-fresh ceviche, tender grilled octopus and creamy mascarpone risotto, the lakeside setting on the edge of Bicentennial Park proves equally stunning. Bicentenario 4050 $$

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago Situated in Santiago’s posh Las Condes neighborhood, this clubby hotel features a wood-paneled lobby bar and a rooftop pool within a glass cupola.

Restaurante 040 Dinner at 040 unfolds each night like a theater performance, with each of the 12 courses arriving like clockwork, perfectly paired with wine or a miniature cocktail.

El Alcalde 15, Las Condes $$$

Calle Antonia López de Bello 40 $$$$$

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Dazzling Designs: Graffiti art in Valparaíso PHOTOS: © MIRA AGRON | DREAMSTIME.COM, © MIRA AGRON | DREAMSTIME.COM, © VIC36 | DREAMSTIME.COM

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What would surprise first-time visitors to Santiago? The great variety of attractions nearby. The largest skiable area in the entire Southern Hemisphere lies less than two hours from Santiago and offers firstrate services. You’ll also find more than 35 vineyards nearby where you can enjoy a world-class wine tasting, dine in their restaurants or explore by bicycle. El Cajón del Maipo is incredibly beautiful; it offers plenty of outdoor adventure including rafting, hiking, climbing and horseback riding through the mountains. Also, less than two hours from Santiago you can visit Valparaíso. Its graffiti-covered streets were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. What Chilean dishes should visitors try when in Santiago? Caldillo de congrio, a hearty soup made from conger; curanto, a full meal cooked in the ground; and machas a la parmesana, baked razor clams with Parmesan cheese, are all part of our culture.

CHECKING IN WITH JUAN JOSÉ ORTEGA PÉREZ

PHOTOS: © CHILE NATIONAL TOURISM SERVICE, © MAX MAXIMOV PHOTOGRAPHY | DREAMSTIME.COM

INFO TO GO Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, the largest airport in Chile, lies about nine miles northwest of downtown Santiago. Turbus and Centropuerto both offer regular bus service between the airport and the city at a fare of 1,900 CLP (about $2.35). Santiago airport’s blue cabs are part of Vía Controlada, which allows passengers to pre-pay fares at a designated station and show the voucher to the driver. One-way fares between the airport and downtown range 15,000–20,000 CLP (about $18–24); the trip can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.

JUST THE FACTS Time zone: GMT -3 in summer (Southern Hemisphere); GMT -4 in winter Phone code: Country code: 56 City code: 2 Currency: Chilean peso Key industries: Agriculture, mining, construction, health care, telecommunications equipment

Manager, Chile National Tourism Service

Santiago presents a fascinating blend of old and new. What are some of your favorite places to send visitors to help them see both sides of the city? Las Condes, in the eastern sector of the city, is an outstanding gastronomic neighborhood where visitors can also appreciate several parks and some of the newest real estate development in the city. In the historic center, I recommend visiting Palacio de la Moneda (the presidential palace). At 11 a.m. on odd days and weekends, you can watch the changing of the guards. The Palacio stands on the Plaza de Armas, where the city was founded. You’ll also find various attractions on the plaza including the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which houses the largest collection of preHispanic art in all of Latin America. Cerro Santa Lucia is another must-see in the historic center, offering a 360-degree view of the city. Finally, Cerro San Cristóbal Metropolitan Park is one of the four largest urban parks in the world. You can hike through the park or ride a funicular to its cable car.

Culture and Cuisine: Juan José Ortega Pérez (left), and curanto cooking in the ground and served (right)

COMING AND GOING How is Santiago changing? Santiago underwent great changes in recent years as a result of economic development and commercial openness. Chile has an open economy and many free trade agreements, which has made it an excellent place to do business. The change is noticeable in the strong real estate development, in the architecture and the new skyscrapers. Immigration has also brought talent from different cultures, which makes Santiago a cosmopolitan city filled with new businesses, services, foods and ideas.

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport; no visa required. You will be given a tourist card upon arrival; it must be surrendered when you leave. If it is lost or stolen it must be replaced before you will be allowed to leave, a process that may take days.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Spanish

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Old and New: Vineyards at Vina Undurraga (above), Lastarria neighborhood (left), and Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago on Plaza de Armas (below) PHOTOS: © ALEKSANDAR TODOROVIC | DREAMSTIME.COM, © DIEGO GRANDI | DREAMSTIME.COM, © WASTESOUL | DREAMSTIME.COM

DIVERSIONS Santiago proves an easy and enjoyable place to spend time away from work. The Plaza de Armas anchors the historic section of the city; the elegant plaza includes several 19th-century buildings. After a stroll through the shop-lined streets of the Lastarria neighborhood, hop aboard the funicular and aerial tramway that floats above the city’s massive Metropolitan Park for views of the city. The ride ends in Bellavista, a hip neighborhood known for street art, galleries and outdoor cafés. Farther northeast, in Las Condes and Vitacura, you’ll find designer boutiques and elegant restaurants. For more low-key shopping, visit Centro Los Dominicos, an artisan village where you can wander through more than 200 stalls filled with gorgeous wool and alpaca goods, local foods, jewelry and art. Farther afield, in the coastal city of Valparaíso, street artists armed with nothing but paint and imagination transformed brick walls, buildings, staircases and even curbs into works of art. Wine lovers can visit Maipo Valley’s Undurraga Winery, established in the 19th century with vines hand-carried from France. The winery’s graceful historic hacienda hosts wine tastings.

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STATESIDE | INDIANAPOLIS

Rust Belt Revival A Midwestern neighborhood manufactures a new culture for Indianapolis. BY KRISTY ALPERT

ndianapolis is booming. According to the World Population Review, the city experienced a growth increase of 8.14 percent in the past year alone, with new infrastructure, new jobs and a wave of innovative entrepreneurs breathing energy into the greater city limits. No neighborhood has been immune to this urban revival, but also no neighborhood has played a bigger role than Windsor Park, just northeast of downtown. Here a series of abandoned warehouses, deserted factories and empty lots that once

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exemplified Indiana’s Rust Belt transformed into vibrant art galleries, urban park systems and community-centric businesses the likes of which the city has never seen. The Circle City Industrial Complex — one of the first major projects in the neighborhood — renovated and restored a 540,000-square-foot industrial space into a commercial center now home to a diverse group of tenants including artists, makers, restaurants, breweries, small businesses and more. “Windsor Park has undergone tremendous growth since we purchased the Circle

City Industrial Complex six years ago,” said Rachel Ferguson, vice president, Teagen Development. “Just from the CCIC’s front door we can see nearly a dozen new homes that have been built since we came to the neighborhood and more lots for sale that will accommodate new single-family homes.” When the CCIC building was first constructed in 1918, many of the adjacent homes were occupied by the people who worked in the factory, then the Schwitzer manufacturing facility. “Now most of our neighbors have no existing connection to the CCIC,” Ferguson explained. “So in the past six years, our decisions have been heavily informed by what would add value to the neighborhood. That’s meant leaning away from the building’s traditional intensive industrial uses that can create noise and pollution and heavy truck traffic and more toward uses like Centerpoint Brewing [a

brewery with a family- and dog-friendly tasting room that holds events like Thursday night trivia], Dance Kaleidoscope [a modern dance company that also offers dance classes for children], or our many artists and galleries and craftspeople who the neighborhood and general public can come visit and enjoy on the first Friday of every month. It has proven to be a symbiotic relationship, with the neighbors providing an important customer base for our tenants and our tenants providing attractive amenities and gathering spots to the neighborhood.” As in many major cities, the development of a neighborhood on the immediate outskirts of an urban center proves attractive for people who want to be within walking and biking distance of the bars, restaurants and culture of downtown but desire ending the night in a quiet place in a safe neighborhood. “I think that the resurgence of our near-downtown neighborhoods has been highly positive,” added Edward Battista, president, Indianapolis Property Holdings, and founding board member of Indianapolis Film. “It’s a national trend that is highly beneficial to the dining, arts and culture of a healthy and growing urban core. [Windsor Park] is and always has been a strong community. While there are a lot of changes happening, most of what has always made Windsor Park great persists. I consider it of the utmost importance to celebrate what the community already is instead of letting the historical fabric fade as new people move into the community.”

Battista has been behind some of Indianapolis’s most successful (and most beloved) institutions, including restaurants Bluebeard, Milktooth and King Dough. His latest ventures have all taken place in Windsor Park, where locals flock to the European-style baked goods at Amelia’s Bakery and book reservations well in advance at the three-screen cinema and restaurant Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie. “There is nothing like it nationally,” Battista beamed. “It’s a 501c3 art house cinema dedicated to the development of film arts in our city. It is a dining experience helmed by six-time James Beard Foundationrecognized chef Abbi Merriss. It’s playful. It’s communitydriven. And it’s all about art and experiences.” And it only exists in Windsor Park. The cinema — available for meetings and events — is part of a movement gaining momentum in the neighborhood. Here new projects include the first brick-and-mortar location of Sidedoor Bagel (a local farmer’s market favorite selling New York-style bagels from the CCIC parking lot each summer and fall) and a recent multimillion-dollar investment in a trail system. It will fully connect Windsor Park and the Near East Side to the Marian and Gene Glick Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Monon Trail. “The shift from the suburbs to the urban core or urban core adjacent is an incredibly meaningful development for the future of Indianapolis,” Battista added. “There is a lot to celebrate right now.”

SCENIC DRIVES Head one hour south on Highway 65 toward Brown County State Park to explore one of the hilliest parks of the state. The scenic views start just before you exit city limits and continue until you’ve reached Indiana’s largest state park. During the fall, the leaves put on a dramatic display, with more than 20 miles of tree-lined roads and scenic vistas, but in winter the more than 30 hiking trails delight hikers with paved and trail options (no snowshoes necessary). Head west for an hourand-15-minute drive to Turkey Run State Park. On the way, a drive through Parke County’s historic covered bridges sets the stage for the beauty and history to come. Many historic sites and homes remain from the 1800s throughout the park and are open for exploration, even the 1871 Log Church that holds services at 10 a.m. on Sundays during the warmer months. During winter, the nature center and hiking trails keep guests entertained. The Big Tree Trail has become a favorite as it winds three miles toward the historic Narrows Covered Bridge and nearby Goose Rock and the Lusk Earth Fill before ending at Box Canyon. Films and Food: Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie PHOTO: © VISIT INDY

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MICE | BARCELONA

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Barcelona Beckons The city of iconic art and architecture lures visitors for memorable events. BY IRVINA LEW

s travel for events resumes, the urbane metropolis of Barcelona, which once hosted more than 200 conferences in a year, beckons anew as a welcoming destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. The temperate, seaside resort city — which curves along the Mediterranean at the foot of Mount Tibidabo and a mountain called Montjuïc — sits in the northeast corner of Spain, about 100 miles south of the French border, easily accessed via non-stop flights from major gateways. Barcelona showcases an architectural legacy dating to Roman times, which visitors W BARCELONA, NEARER THE OLD PORT, DOMINATES can view at Casa de l’Ardiaca, site of a portion of an early BARCELONETA BEACH, THE Roman wall and a replica of the FISHERFOLK ENCLAVE WITH original aqueduct. Walkers along the narrow, AN ARRAY OF AUTHENTIC cobblestone side streets winding through El Raval, Barrio SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, Gótico, El Born and La Ribera INCLUDING SEASIDE HUTS value the centuries-old buildCALLED CHIRINGUITOS. ings, snack in family-owned tapas bars (La Cova Fumada), eat fresh seafood (Can Pepe) and admire the 14th-century Gothic basilica Santa Maria del Mar. La Rambla — the celebrated, tree-shaded, pedestrian promenade crowded with costumed street performers and lined with markets selling flowers and birds — stretches three-quarters of a Captivating: W Barcelona mile from the Columbus Monument at the port, past the (top), Monument Miró mosaics to the modern city at Plaça de Catalunya. En El Pez Dorado route along La Rambla, the famous Boquería market dates in the Olympic Port (bottom left), to 1840. Its neighbor, the horseshoe-shaped opera house and Casa Batlló, Gran Teatre del Liceu, also opened in the mid-19th century. designed by Gaudí (bottom right) Today the opera house offers a meeting space seating more than 2,200 within its extravagant gold and plaster interior. PHOTOS: © BARCELONA TOURISM, © PATRICIO Among the city’s four dedicated convention centers, HIDALGO | DREAMSTIME .COM, © NICOLAS DE where conferences convene in auditoriums, lecture halls CORTE | DREAMSTIME .COM and meeting rooms, the newest and largest is Gran Via Conference Centre — a venue of Fira de Barcelona, a major trade show organization. Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Toyo Ito, it accommodates 1,272 in one of its 70 conference rooms. The 1 million-square-foot Barcelona International Convention Center is an avant-garde, seafront building which hosts 15,000 delegates, while another exhibition and meeting venue, CaixaForum, resides within one of the best examples of industrial modernist architecture in Barcelona. MICE attendees also have options to

meet in the seafront World Trade Center or at fairgrounds, a beach club, a fútbol stadium (Camp Nou), an Olympic stadium and various museums. Barcelona celebrates its Catalan culture, especially the legacy of artists whose work lures visitors to the city. Two different museums house the collections of Pablo Picasso, who was born and studied art in Barcelona, and Joan Miró, who created the eponymous foundation which displays his work. The city itself serves as the backdrop for the iconic and extravagant works by Antoni Gaudí. Inside the unfinished, Art Nouveau-style Sagrada Familia cathedral, begun in 1882, spires soar as light streams through tall, Gothic, stained-glass windows. On the rooftop terrace at the lavish Palau Güell, off La Rambla, and throughout the family’s phantasmagorical Parc Güell complex, colorful brokenglass and tile mosaics range across undulating surfaces. Several 5-star hotels welcome MICE guests with ideal amenities. Two boast waterfront settings along Paseo Maritimo, a three-mile promenade between the two busy ports. The stylish Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona, situated near the Olympic Port and Frank Gehry’s El Peix sculpture, features huge, perfectly appointed rooms; a 2-Michelin-starred chef at Enoteca Paco Pérez; a concierge lounge; 32,000 square feet of event space; and a fabulous spa 44 floors above the sea. W Barcelona, nearer the old port, dominates Barceloneta Beach, the fisherfolk enclave with an array of authentic seafood restaurants, including seaside huts called chiringuitos. The sail-shaped hotel offers 473 window-walled, waterfront accommodations; a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi; and marvelous waterfront meeting spaces, including the Sun Deck, FIRE grill, Eclipse Asian fusion and the swank Sky Bar. In a redecorated historic building, Le Méridien Barcelona enjoys an ideal location on La Rambla and offers fabulous street-scene views from the recently renewed Restaurant CentOnze. Schedule an event in any of seven meeting rooms, four of which combine into one; in the top-floor spa, with its outdoor deck and whirlpool; or on the Grand Terrace or Panoramic Terrace. Edition, a highly designed, 100-room, Ian Schrager hotel near Santa Catarina market and the cathedral, features meeting spaces in Bar Veraz; the speakeasy-style Punch Room; in penthouse suites; in the underground Cabaret; and on The Roof with a view, pool and fitness center. Business visitors are lucky, indeed, when a meeting takes place in Barcelona.

UNIQUE VENUES On sophisticated Passeig de Gracia, in the 19th- and 20th-century Eixample neighborhood, two of Gaudí’s modernist masterworks — both UNESCO World Heritage sites — offer one-of-akind, fantastical settings for events. Casa Milà, an apartment house known as La Pedrera, features ornamental balconies with piecrust-pinched curves on the roof and can host 250 guests. The vibrant Casa Batlló, which houses 100 for meetings, offers a series of concerts and performances that take place on the spectacular Dragon Roof Terrace, beneath strings of twinkling lights. lapedrera.com casabatllo.es From Montjuïc’s Miramar cable car station, visitors soar over the old port to the popular Torre d’Alta Ma seafood restaurant in Tower de San Sebastian, a freestanding, 200-foot-tall, latticework tower which opened in 1931 and offers 360-degree views. The restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine and can accommodate 120 people; you can book the whole restaurant for private events or selected areas for smaller groups. torredealtamar.com

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9–5 | SEOUL

Catch the Wave Immerse in the current culture to impress business contacts in Seoul. BY RICHARD NEWTON

he Korean Wave reached the English-speaking world belatedly. K-pop band BTS broke through in America in 2018, the movie Parasite won the Best Picture Oscar in 2020, and in 2021 the TV show Squid Game became the most-watched series ever on Netflix. Asia has been under the grip of Korean culture since the 1990s. Now the rest of us are falling under its spell. But to think of the Korean Wave as traveling in one direction would be misleading. In truth, the dynamism of modern Korean culture resides in its willingness to absorb and transform outside influences. You gain an immediate sense of that when you go looking for breakfast among the street food stalls of downtown Seoul’s Myeongdong district. Although the stalls are most popular after dark, some of them open early in the morning to provide commuters with breakfast on the move. Many offer variations on the theme of toast. There’s French toast, omelet in toast, egg and bacon in toast, fried vegetables in toast and many other combinations. A more

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traditional delicacy is gyeran-ppang, or egg bread, a sweet (or sometimes savory) snack that looks like a miniature loaf of bread embedded with a fried egg. The most popular egg bread stalls often have long queues of waiting customers. Whatever your choice, for around $2 you’ll get a filling, tasty breakfast. For a formal (and much more expensive) business breakfast, The Seven Square in THE PLAZA Seoul hotel offers a sophisticated downtown option, with private rooms for up to 30 people. Breakfast is served 7–10 a.m. With a population of 20 million, Seoul is the world’s second-most populous metropolitan area after Tokyo. This big, sprawling city is disrupted by a pre-existing geography of mountains and the great Han River. The busy highways twist around the natural contours and funnel through tunnels and over bridges. By vehicle, especially in peak periods, it can be a challenge to get from one district to another. By metro it’s relatively effortless. From Myeongdong we speed under the forested hulk of Namsan Mountain and emerge on the other side in Itaewon, a shopping district that has attracted American GIs and other foreigners since the Korean War.

There are plenty of great Korean restaurants to choose from in Itaewon, as well as the full range of international cuisine, including halal and vegan. For a swanky business lunch, one of the latest venues is Cleo, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant in the new Mondrian Hotel. You can eat inside or out on the terrace. In the afternoon, we hop back on the metro and travel under the Han River to the upscale neighborhood of Gangnam. If there’s a source for the Korean Wave, it’s here. Many of the world’s cultural and technological trends are forged among Gangnam’s glitzy skyscrapers and cutting-edge cafés and bars. While techies flock to Gangnam’s electronics stores, the district is perhaps best known as Seoul’s center of fashion. Apgujeong Street, with its abundance of exclusive boutiques housed in breathtaking buildings, resembles Rodeo Drive. Perhaps the most celebrated boutique is House of Dior, since 2015 occupying a striking white building designed to reflect the classic flowing Dior dresses of the 1940s. Alongside high-end shopping, Gangnam developed a sophisticated café culture, which reaches its pinnacle at Dior. Take the elevator to

the fifth floor and step out into an environment of mirrors and white marble. Café Dior is a favorite venue of Seoul’s fashion elite, so no matter how much effort you make, you’ll invariably feel underdressed. The setting is one thing, but we’re here for the legendary afternoon tea, with patisseries designed by one of the world’s greatest pastry chefs, Pierre Hermé. It’s not cheap: For a formal tea for two expect to pay around $120 … perhaps worth the price to impress a special client. For an informal business meeting, Jogakbo Bites & Wine at Andaz Seoul Gangnam hotel fits the bill. You can opt for afternoon tea (complete with cakes and pastries) or tapas paired with Champagne, wine or craft beer. It’s a great place to end the business day or to begin a night on the town with business contacts. The Korean Wave takes the familiar (pop music, genre movies, TV series) and makes it exotic — and vice versa. We experience that same exhilarating, see-saw duality throughout our time in Seoul. From the cheapest of breakfasts in Myeongdong to the international flavors of Itaewon to the cosmopolitan sophistication of Gangnam, this city lets you reinvent yourself several times in the course of a day.

Seoul Sophistication: House of Dior boutique (above left) and Café Dior (top right), and Jogakbo Bites & Wine at Andaz Seoul Gangnam (bottom right) PHOTOS: © DIOR, © ANDAZ

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AFTER 5 | NASHVILLE

Music in the Air Nashville hums with cool tunes and hip hot spots. BY GREGORY D. MCCLUNEY

ashville, or Music City as it’s known, offers visitors a range of entertainment and nightlife most cities only dream about. The country stars of the future work smaller clubs and bars while the Hall of Famers perform at the Grand Ole Opry, the major hotels and restaurants, and the famous Ryman Auditorium. And unlike many big entertainment cities, live music venues, bars and clubs lie close together near the city center and are surprisingly reasonable and sometimes even free for the price of a cocktail or beer. You can find live music in almost every one of the city’s 20-some neighborhoods. Visitors can cruise the business district downtown, which doubles as an entertainment area as well. Begin with a stop at a famous hotel bar that will awe your group, such as the luxurious Lounge at Prime 108 or Mason’s in the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Or sample Drusie & Darr, The Hermitage Hotel’s new restaurant and bar (formerly The Oak Bar) from celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Board the famous Nashville Tractor, which plows the bars with frequent stops, or stay aboard for drinks and dancing. For a great city view at sunset, take a walk to the Cumberland River near downtown. Live entertainment pops up everywhere in Nashville, from famous country performers to honky tonks along their own highway, hard rock, folk and the blues (see listings on visitmusiccity.com). You may see top-rated talent or the next up-andcomers. Check out who’s on at the Grand Ole Opry, which usually presents a little of everything. For late-night partiers, try the new multilevel hot spot Acme Feed and Seed. Head to the rooftop for the view and a nightcap. If you have some free time, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see, or consider a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, just a short drive into the country. LGBTQ+ visitors will be pleased to learn Nashville welcomes all with hospitality, bars and restaurants that cater to them. Play Dance Bar on Church Street rates as the best dance venue. Canvas, also on Church, serves cocktails, karaoke and some bar food. For a more informal atmosphere, check out The Lipstick Lounge.

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Sweet Harmony: Honky tonks on Lower Broadway (above), and backstage at the Grand Ole Opry (left) PHOTOS: © SEAN PAVONE | DREAMSTIME .COM, © MICHAEL CALDWELL | DREAMSTIME.COM

NEIGHBORHOODS | HONG KONG

Fusion Focus Local meets global in multicultural Hong Kong. BY JARON ASHKENAZI

Time-Honored Traditions: Man Mo Temple (left); and Xiqu Centre, a world-class arts venue for xiqu, or Chinese opera, in the West Kowloon Cultural District (right) PHOTOS: © ALEXANDER SHALAMOV | DREAMSTIME.COM, © SAKURAGIRIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

easuring 427 square miles and comprising 18 districts, Hong Kong remains one of the most densely populated places in the world. Also ranking as one of the most developed (and expensive) cities globally, it boasts a significant financial center, commercial port and the largest number of skyscrapers of any city in the world. Hong Kong’s impressive financial and institutional power combines with a hybridized culture that seamlessly fuses East and West. Beneath the skyscrapers, locals and savvy visitors know Hong Kong as a city of street stalls, markets and temples. An appreciation for the honored traditions of the past — like the truly remarkable Man Mo Temple in the Sheung Wan District — represents the city’s lifeblood. Discover the dual aspects of Hong Kong at 70 Michelin-starred restaurants and authentic dai pai dong cafés. Hong Kong has elevated the rooftop bar to an art form. Check out The Ritz-Carlton’s Ozone,

the highest bar in the world; Sevva on the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building in the Central District; and Sugar in the EAST hotel in the Quarry Bay District. Hong Kong’s art scene garnered international attention in the 1940s when it developed into a filmmaking hub and further blossomed in the 1970s and 80s with Bruce Lee’s fame. Its current arts hub is West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the largest cultural projects in the world. Stretching across 98 acres, the district is steeped in old traditions combining modern art, theater, dance and crafts. This visionary development features the Arts Pavilion, the Xiqu Centre, Freespace, the Art Park and the recently opened masterpiece M+ museum. Perhaps Hong Kong’s most well-kept secret, its stunning great outdoors encompasses 70 percent of its land volume, featuring some of the finest hiking trails in Asia in addition to the UNESCO Global Geopark. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

R E C O N N E C T, AND

REVIVE,

R EDI S C OV ER

From colorful reefs to dramatic mountains, secluded beaches and welcoming culture, you will find what you need to revive your senses and rediscover your spirit of adventure. Visit TahitiTourisme.com to plan your tri p.

FRIENDS & FAMILY | HUDSON VALLEY

City Break

Discover the Hudson Valley, steeped in history, art and scenic beauty. BY JESSICA KELLY

Beauty Abounds: (Left to right) Hudson Athens Lighthouse, Dover Stone Church, and Kaaterskill Falls with autumn foliage in the Catskill Mountains PHOTOS: © STEVE CALLAHAN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JASON ONDREICKA | DREAMSTIME. COM, © DEMERZEL21 | DREAMSTIME.COM

he sound of water rushing over stones scattered along the 315-mile-long Hudson River fills the air, from the northern tip near Albany and Troy in the Capital Region down to Westchester County. The Hudson Valley, well-known for its agriculture, produces local meats, cheeses, milk and seasonal vegetables and boasts vineyards full of plump grapes used to create some of the best wine in the region. Aside from its valuable farming and production efforts, the area features plenty of eateries, galleries, small businesses and history. Begin your Hudson Valley discovery in Hudson, New York. If traveling by train, you’ll take Amtrak’s Empire Service route or Metro North’s Hudson Line. The area is full of quaint local shops, eateries and boutique hotels. Stroll along Warren Street to explore the antique stores such as Antigo and local businesses like The

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Spotty Dog Books and Ale, a bookstore where you can grab a pint of beer while you browse through its collection. While scanning the river and surrounding landscapes, view Hudson Athens Lighthouse, around since the mid-1870s and still operating today. Enjoy a hike to Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains, New York, a hidden gem in the woods of the Hudson Valley. Across from Dover Elementary School, a blue historical sign points to a tree-lined path. After a brief walk, approach the creek that leads to a cave opening, revealing a small waterfall inside. Be sure to wear proper shoes if you want to go into the cave; it’ll be wet and slippery, so enter at your own risk. From Hudson you can take an hour’s drive southwest to the Catskill Mountains if you have your own vehicle. The 700,000 acres of Catskill Park encompass the beautiful Catskill Mountains. The Catskills branch off of the Appalachian Mountains as a dissected plateau that offers trails to the tallest twotiered waterfall in New York, Kaaterskill Falls. Plan to get there in the morning; there can be an hours-long line to enter the parking lot. Alternatively, keep an eye out as you near the park entrance, as locals offer parking spots on their property for a price. The hike begins at an easy pace, with level footpaths that lead to a long, narrow set of steep stone steps. The close-up waterfall views are

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Hotel Tivoli The minimalist hotel incorporates art and pops of vibrant color in a centuryold building, giving the boutique accommodations a French feel. Tivoli village, near Rhinebeck, features bookshops, a general store and cafés serving latte.

American Glory The contemporary barbecue spot dishes out smoky comfort food: crisp, smoked wings; charred, tangy ribs; creamy mac and cheese; fluffy cornbread; and daily specials like jambalaya or kielbasa pierogi.

53 Broadway, Tivoli $$$$

worth the strenuous ascent in any season. After the day’s activities, reward yourself with a local cheese plate or something heartier, such as the house-made chicken pot pie at Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café in Tannersville. Besides hiking, there are other seasonal activities and charming small towns to explore. Woodstock, best known for the music festival that drew half a million people in 1969, is a delightful little town in the Catskills with small shops, an award-winning flea market and beautiful Airbnbs nearby. Glasco, in Saugerties, is perfect for larger groups with its huge kitchen, incredible mountain views, a hot tub, multiple firepits and accommodations for up to 16 people. Explore Tinker Street, Tannery Brook Road, Mill Hill Road and Rock City Road within the neighborhood, popping into local boutiques and bakeries like Bread Alone for fresh sticky buns. The

Mud Club makes a great spot to stop for a sourdough wood-fired pizza to share, with bagels offered on the weekends. About 20 minutes southeast of Woodstock find Kingston, a city full of colorful street murals and history. Rough Draft Bar & Books, for example, makes up one-quarter of the Four Corners, featuring four stone houses at an intersection established prior to the Revolutionary War. Across the Hudson River, east of Kingston, lies Rhinebeck, within Dutchess County. (Use the Rhinecliff train station stop, about seven minutes from Rhinebeck, on Amtrak’s Empire Service if taking the train.) Along the main strip, Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan own a candy shop together called Samuel’s Sweet Shop that sells nostalgic candies and treats. The art and history in the area contribute to some outstanding architecture, including the Fisher Center at Bard, where you can

The Roundhouse Splurge for a penthouse suite and revel in a private deck overlooking Beacon Falls, plus a spacious bathroom, separate living room and bar, comfortable bed and luxurious round soaking tub with waterfall view. 2 E. Main St., Beacon $$$–$$$$$

342 Warren St., Hudson $$–$$$$ Bread Alone Bakery Despite the name, the team not only bakes fresh, organic pastries and breads daily, it also serves quick bites like the halloumi cheese sandwich with roasted tomato, green olive pesto, arugula and red wine vinaigrette on organic ciabatta. 22 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock; and 45 E. Market St., Rhinebeck $$

The Roxbury Hotel Each room sports an imaginative theme such as Superheroes, Dracula, Cinderella or Fairies, bringing unique flair to the luxury accommodations.

Prospect In the heart of the Catskills, Prospect offers beautiful dishes incorporating handmade pastas, locally sourced ingredients, fresh produce, Hudson Valley cheeses, Highland Hollow meats and handcrafted desserts. Enjoy the mountain views or outdoor firepit.

2258 County Highway 41, Roxbury $$–$$$$$

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, 13 Scribner Hollow Road, Hunter $$$$$

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Flights of Fancy: The Frank Gehrydesigned Fisher Center at Bard (top), and a historic Avro 504K biplane taking off from a grass runway at a show in Rhinebeck (above) PHOTOS: © BRIAN LOGAN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JAMES KIRKIKIS | DREAMSTIME.COM

listen to music or see a show. Take a stroll through Poets’ Walk Park in nearby Red Hook, exploring the connection between the natural elements and poetry. The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome displays vintage aircraft dating back to World War I, some still flown in its summer air show. Attendees even have the opportunity to take a biplane ride after the show. The Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School in Millbrook is known for not only residing at a high school but also actually being primarily run by students. In the 1930s Frank Trevor wanted to

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involve students in wildlife care, and the zoo still operates today with more than 180 exhibits. The Millbrook Vineyards & Winery offers wine tastings and invites visitors to explore the grounds. To end the evening, book a massage and a dip in the Aqua Terrace at Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck. Just shy of an hour south and a stop along Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line, Beacon is primarily known for its massive collection of contemporary art. The Dia Beacon Gallery holds one of the most bountiful collections of contemporary art in the country, with pieces dating back to the 1960s. The small local shops filled with crafted art pieces and gifts stretch throughout the surrounding neighborhoods; you’ll find everything from accessories at Lucky Thirty One to gag gifts at Zakka Joy. The year-round holiday shop, Kringles Christmas House, overflows with decorations and ornaments to collect for the holiday season. To escape the cold, stop into the Yankee Clipper Diner for a cup of steaming hot coffee or a handcrafted doughnut from Peaceful Provisions before continuing your shopping spree along Main Street. The Hudson Valley demonstrates there’s more to New York than the bustling city, bringing visitors back to discover more small towns and hidden gems for years to come.

INFO TO GO When navigating the Hudson Valley, the easiest and most convenient method is always having a car on hand, be it yours or a rental from a local option. Having your own car gives you the freedom to deeply explore the region and the Catskill Mountains within the Hudson Valley, where it can be difficult to find public transportation or rideshares. However, if a car isn’t a possibility, the train offers a worthy alternative, with MetroNorth and Amtrak stops throughout the Hudson Valley and boasting beautiful views along the way.

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PHOTOS: © STEPHEN VANHORN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © F11PHOTO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES, © DELSTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © LENNART PITTJA, © TRIPS BY CULTURE TRIPS, © FOUR SEASONS ANGUILLA, © CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA, © WING TRAVELING | DREAMSTIME.COM

Make Global Traveler your travel companion! Like our Facebook page; connect with us on LinkedIn; and follow us on Twitter @GTmag #travelnews and #traveldeals, Instagram @globaltravelermag #snapshots and Pinterest pinterest.com/global traveler for travel updates, deals and more. Share your updates with us by using #globility. If you haven't checked them out lately, here's a sampling of what you may have missed:

A trip to San Francisco means fun at the zoo, exploring the history of Alcatraz Island, stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and more.

The new MSG Sphere located in Las Vegas is changing the entertainment game.

American Queen Voyages debuts a new route and a winter sale.

The world’s first and highest 360-degree infinity pool opens in Dubai.

Tour operator Off the Map Travel offers an immersive itinerary in Sweden. The new Sápmi Experience brings travelers to northern Sweden for a cultural experience with the indigenous Sámi people.

Explore unique places and dive deep into a destination’s culture with TRIPS by Culture Trip.

Travelers looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway, delicious culinary experiences, seasonal spa offerings and more should head to Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley.

Discover endless possibilities during an unforgettable trip to South Africa. Visitors to Johannesburg and Cape Town can climb or ride up Table Mountain, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, explore the Apartheid Museum, get up close to wild animals and more.

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla opened its acclaimed doors Oct. 22, 2021, to celebrate its fifth and most exciting season. The resort will introduce new programming including culinary, fitness and music.

TOURS | PORTO

Not Just Any Port Explore Porto’s gems, from art and architecture to its famous wine.

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

orto’s story is one of wine and a river. Portugal’s secondlargest city was built on this winning combination that began when the Romans planted vineyards along the steep, sun-drenched banks of the Douro. It was a natural: Wine from the vineyards traveled by boat to age in Porto’s vast wine lodges, then was shipped around the world in Porto-built vessels. You can see the results of this profitable trade in the gold and silver that encrusts altars in its churches (it took 200-plus pounds of gold to cover São Francisco’s Rococo interior). Tours can uncover Porto’s quirky secrets — a railway station lined with tile murals, elegant Art Nouveau cafés, Europe’s most beautiful bookstore. And they can take you inside the story of Porto’s most famous product. Porto Walkers offers a four-hour Port Wine Lodges Tour that includes seven tastings, a visit to a traditional wine cellar and an interactive wine museum. Other local-guided tours with Porto Walkers operate on a pay-what-you-like basis. The ultimate wine tour, offered by Oporto Road Trips, takes you up the Douro to the vineyards and includes a river cruise for the best views, tours of two wineries, tastings and lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. For a good overview, the half-day Highlights & Hidden Gems of Porto offered by Withlocals features a good blend of famous sights and lesser-known places tourists would not likely find on their own. Withlocals also offers a Harry Potter Tour featuring places that inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in Porto and worked on the first manuscript. Other tours stress architecture and street art, a fastemerging form here. On a two-hour private Off the Beaten Track tour with Get Your Guide, you’ll explore the old Ribeira neighborhood to see beautiful iron-work doorways, tilecovered façades and some of the best of Porto’s murals. For an introduction to Porto’s — and Portugal’s — unique cuisine, take Eating Europe’s food-centric look at the city with stops for tastings at locals’ favorite places. Eating Europe also offers an in-depth tour of the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood, home of the great wine houses, with a visit to the oldest wine cave in Portugal.

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Wine and Wonder: Traditional rabelo boats transporting wine barrels on the Douro River with Porto’s old town as the backdrop (top), and wooden staircase inside the Livraria Lello bookstore, rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter settings PHOTOS: © SEAN PAVONE | DREAMSTIME.COM, © VIKTOR BONDAR | DREAMSTIME.COM

Read Global Traveler on PressReader. Your definitive guide to your next trip, right at your fingertips.

BUCKET LIST | SAUDIA ARABIA

Tales of a Kingdom Get a mesmerizing glimpse of the history and heritage of Saudi Arabia. BY SHARON KING HOGE

Saudi Symbols: (Left to right) Masmak Fortress in Riyadh exterior and interior, and King Abdul Aziz’s Rolls-Royce collection and family artifacts at Al Murabba Palace residence PHOTOS: © SWISSHIPPO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © SHARON KING HOGE

he life story of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia follows a journey from riches to rags to untold wealth, and tracing the emergence of Ibn Saud, who became King Abdul Aziz, presents a fascinating itinerary. Wearing a long skirt and long-sleeved T-shirt, although no head covering, I went sightseeing undisturbed on foot and in cars to locations of Saudi history. The ancestral story begins in 1744 in Diriyah, a mudbrick village and the stronghold of the first Saudi family dynasty. A flourishing crossroads of traders and pilgrims, it served as capital until 1818, when Turks conquered it and banished the Saud family to neighboring countries.

Today the Diriyah Gate project reimagines and trans-

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forms the antique village into a 2.5-square-mile cultural and mixed-use destination. Calculated to celebrate the country’s rich cultural history, it centers around Al-Turaif, the original citadel area and a UNESCO Heritage site. Eventually the site will include a diverse collection of galleries and museums; leading brand hotels and stores; a 15,000seat arena; and a Formula E racetrack. The mammoth project will open in phases, starting with the Al-Bujair district. Behind huge crenelated sandstone walls and picturesque towers, it incorporates a maze of twisting streets lined with low-lying mud structures brightened with colorfully painted, heavy wooden doors. Four museums pay homage to Saudi history, daily life, military achievements and the Arabian horse. Scattered among cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine, streetside craftsmen demonstrate weaving and calligraphy. A bridge crosses over to the Al-Turaif district, still in the process of being converted into a large open-air museum built around the actual sites of key historic events. Because so much is unfinished, and perhaps because of the pandemic, not all of Diriyah was open when I visited in early 2020. But through some apparent misunderstanding, the public relations officer showed me in, and I spent two fascinating hours alone wandering up and down stone steps

in the multilevel buildings, poking into collapsing palaces and mosques which were marked with signs but still in ruins. Eventually I encountered a golf cart with officials demanding to know what I was doing there and not accepting my “working journalist” explanation. Instructing me I was “trespassing on the property of the king,” they graciously but firmly escorted me out. Proceeding to the next stage of Saud family history, I summoned an Uber to drive back through the ultra-modern streets of northern Riyadh to its central historic feature, Masmak Fortress. Growing up during the years in exile, the young Ibn Saud went to the desert to learn strategic and survival skills. In a daring raid in 1902, he stormed and captured the fort, gaining control of Riyadh. The head of a spear he’s said to have thrown remains embedded in the garrison door. The four-tower stone structure now houses a museum where visitors see a vivid black-and-white film with lots of spears and gunfire portraying a reenactment of the battle with fierce and striking Ibn Saud standing out dramatically among his followers. For the next three decades he consolidated tribes and lands on the peninsula, employing negotiation and tactical skill and applying Islam as a unifying influence. In 1932 he declared the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with himself at the head.

From the fort I walked about a mile north to King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, a complex of parks and cultural buildings developed around Al Murabba, the original 1930s royal palace. The district covers nearly four square miles of landscaped lawns and paths, open-air exhibits, museums and exhibition halls, a theme park and the impressive Saudi National Museum documenting the kingdom’s history. Excellent displays mounted in both Arabic and English cover the peninsula’s geography, pre-Islamic Arabia, the life of Mohammed, Islam’s role in the region, the caliphate and early Saudi states. Full-scale models of Diriyah and Mecca take up two entire rooms. Step-by-step exhibits detail the life and accomplishments of the king who ushered his country into the age of oil. On a tour of his Al Murabba Palace residence, Abdul Aziz becomes a familiar figure. You’ll find divans, rifles, elaborate clocks, braziers and the first royal Rolls-Royce among the artifacts capping his ultimate achievements. Souvenirs and family photos show the progression from audacious warrior to royal politician, and one notable picture portrays the king seated firmly among 19 of his sons, six of whom later ruled as descendants of the fierce, accomplished, crafty patriarch who established the peninsula nation.

INFO TO GO The second-largest in the world, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport lies 21 miles from downtown. Travelers can book taxis, airport shuttles, shared rides and private vans or summon Uber, Careem and internet car services. The yellow Metro line runs from Terminal 5 into the financial district.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

KICKING BACK | TURKS AND CAICOS

Sweet Retreat Take it easy in the tropical paradise of Turks and Caicos. BY SUSAN B. BARNES

Island Vibe: Grace Bay Beach (above), and (opposite page) paddleboarding, pools and Seven restaurant at Seven Stars Resort & Spa PHOTOS: © JO ANN SNOVER | DREAMSTIME.COM © SEVEN STARS RESORT & SPA, GRACE BAY BEACH

ying under an umbrella, I watch the sunlight dance on the sea’s varying shades of teal, turquoise and azure blue, beckoning me to join. As I walk toward the shoreline, I notice the water turns crystal-clear, effortlessly pushing itself onto the unbelievably soft powder-white sand. I wade in up to my knees, letting the water envelop me in its cool embrace. No other people are around to distract me; and when I close my eyes, I easily transport myself back to when my husband and I honeymooned on this Caribbean island 20 years ago. When we chose Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon, few if any of our family and friends had heard of this island nation floating in the Atlantic Ocean. (Though it lies in the Atlantic, Turks and Caicos is considered a Caribbean destination.) Back then, only a handful of

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resorts welcomed guests on the island of Providenciales — Provo to those in the know — or appeared in the pages of a travel magazine. Pulling myself back to the present and refreshed from my dip in the ocean, I retreat to my spacious junior suite at Seven Stars Resort & Spa to prepare for the evening. This time I am distracted by the sun beginning to set, its golden light illuminating the ocean, all seven miles of Grace Bay Beach and the Seven Stars pool. A warm tropical breeze kisses my skin as I sit on my private balcony, reminding me to slow down and take time to soak in every bit of this paradise on Earth. It’s easy to take it easy in Provo, with its stretches of idyllic, sundrenched beaches and laid-back island vibe. Though more than 40 small islands and cays comprise Turks and Caicos, only eight islands are inhabited by about 31,000 full-time residents, the majority of whom live and work in Provo. I don’t know how they do it, but even with more than 1 million visitors every year, it somehow seems there’s never a crowded or rushed feeling in Turks and Caicos. Once you arrive in Provo, before you know it you’re spending hour after hour lazing poolside or beachside under the sun, sipping frosty umbrella drinks and pondering your next plan of action, if indeed there is one. There’s no rush to make any decisions on the

LODGING

DINING

Ambergris Cay Hop a private plane to transfer from Provo to this private island retreat complete with one-bedroom beachfront suites, 5-star dining and total rest and relaxation.

Coco Bistro Dine on local dishes surrounded by a coconut grove right in the heart of Grace Bay. One signature dish to try: Conch 2 Ways with pineapple, lemon and hot pepper.

Big Ambergris Cay $$$$$ The Palms Turks and Caicos You’ll feel like you’re arriving at a friend’s luxury home when you stay at this 72suite hotel sitting on 12 acres on Grace Bay Beach. Grace Bay Beach, Princess Drive, Providenciales $$$$$ Seven Stars Resort & Spa This beachfront resort overlooks the sublime sands of Grace Bay Beach and its fiery sunsets. Luxurious accommodations ranging from junior to three-bedroom suites, exceptional dining and a revitalizing spa ensure you’ll never want to leave. Grace Bay Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales $$$$$

Grace Bay Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales $$$$ Parallel 23 Savor Caribbean fusion cuisine served alfresco and under the stars or in an elegantly chic dining room. Tip: Order the Caesar salad for an unexpected culinary work of art. The Palms Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay Beach, Princess Drive, Providenciales $$$$ Seven Chef Edwin Gallardo draws upon his culinary prowess, local seafood and his rooftop organic garden to create memorable dishes. The Tasting Room is a must for any foodie. Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales $$$$$

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

INFO TO GO All international flights to Turks and Caicos arrive at the Providenciales International Airport. A handful of major airlines operate direct flights from Atlanta (ATL); Baltimore (BWI); Boston (BOS); Charlotte (CLT); Chicago (ORD); Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW); Fort Lauderdale (FLL); Houston (IAH); Miami (MIA); Minneapolis (MSP); New York (JFK); Orlando (MCO); Philadelphia (PHL); and Washington, D.C. (IAD). Car rentals are available on Provo, as are taxis and private cars. The official currency of the Turks and Caicos is the U.S. dollar, and a valid passport is required for entry.

island, aside from what time dinner will be. If you must pull yourself away from the beach or the oceanside pool, however, plenty of other things will keep you busy on and around Provo. For those who love being in and on the water, welcome to paradise! Choose to go standup paddleboarding or float along in a clear kayak for a different, bird’s-eye perspective of the island’s waterways. Consider paddling in Mangrove Cay, a small, uninhabited island that’s part of Princess Alexandra National Park on Provo. The bird life includes herons, egrets and pelicans, while underneath the crystal-clear water’s surface you may spot conch, starfish, turtles, stingrays and more. It’s easy to get lulled into relaxation here, the only sound that of birdsong and your paddle gliding through the water. If the wind is blowing, as it often is in Provo, opt to go sailing, windsurfing or kiteboarding. After all, one of the spots considered best for these air-fueled sports lies off Long Bay Beach on the southeast side of Provo. You don’t need to be a pro to go, either — lessons are available and will have you flying in no time. Dive below the water’s surface and you’ll discover a whole other side of Provo and Turks and Caicos. If you have your snorkeling gear with you, simply stop at any of the beaches, don your gear and make a splash. A couple of snorkeling sites accessible right from the shore are the outer reef at Smith’s Reef (down a dirt road) and Bight Reef, also known as Coral Gardens. Dive into Coral Gardens and you may spot sea

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turtles and eagle rays, as well as colorful tropical fish like angelfish, triggerfish and parrotfish. It’s no wonder Bight Reef proves one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island. For even more snorkeling spots, check with tour operators who can share their favorites, and join them for an outing. Scuba divers from around the world travel to the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef, the third-largest in the world. The reef keeps the waters of Grace Bay tranquil and flat. If you’re planning on diving, book underwater adventures ahead of time to ensure you can thoroughly explore dive sites that span about 70 miles of barrier reef and walls. Look for protected dive sites just off the coast of Provo in Princess Alexandra National Park, Northwest Point National Park and West Caicos Marine National Park. Back on land, there are plenty of ways to keep busy, from an island tour with a local to birdwatching and checking species off your life list to horseback riding on the beach with Provo Ponies. Of course, you can always return to the beaches and pools, too. All of this activity is sure to work up quite an appetite, and you’re in luck in Provo. Even though it’s a small island, it boasts quite an impressive dining scene, from fine dining to casual beachside spots. After a day of adventure, stop by Omar’s Beach Hut, overlooking the water in the Five Cays district. Order a rum punch and split a plate of conch fritters to enjoy while recounting a fun-filled day and making plans for the next … or even planning not to plan at all.

Travel Transforms Life

You can transform hers.

Water Mission builds best-inclass safe water solutions that aim to transform as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible. With accessible safe water, children can be healthy enough to attend school. Parents can provide for their families instead of spending hours collecting water. Communities experience economic opportunities that help break the cycle of poverty.

Join us and transform lives through safe water. Visit watermission.org/traveler.

DIVERSITY

Legacy of the Past When it comes to Black history, looking back offers insight into today’s headlines. BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

lack History Month is a good time to immerse yourself in the lore, but it’s a journey worth taking, period. For a trip that’s educational and celebratory, consider these destinations. In Greensboro, North Carolina, stop at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum at the F.W. Woolworth building, where four college freshmen sat at the “whites only” lunch counter and helped launch the sit-in movement. Take in the pictorials, video reenactments, interactive components and artifacts. Stay at historic Magnolia House, a former Green Book motel, where legends like James Brown and Ray Charles slept. Make the 90-minute drive to Charlotte for the Levine Museum of the New South, a comprehensive interpretation of the post-Civil War South, and the cutting-edge Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. The self-guided Richmond Slave Trail includes 17 markers along the path that tells the story of slavery in Richmond, Virginia. Then there’s Jackson Ward, the country’s first historically registered Black urban neighborhood and a center for Black enterprise and entertainment from the 1920s to the 1940s. Now it’s home to the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, honoring the first African-American woman to charter a bank and serve as president; the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia; the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Monument; the Mending Walls murals; and Black-owned restaurants. Glimpse life in the 1950s and ’60s along the Downtown Civil Rights Trail in Louisville, Kentucky. Find more truth at the new Roots 101 African American Museum, which doesn’t sugar-coat Louisville’s history. Don’t miss the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Black Heritage in Racing Tour honoring Black jockeys who dominated horse racing before they were forced out by Jim Crow laws. The Muhammad Ali Center is a must, as are a self-guided Footsteps of Greatness tour of his childhood home and his final resting place. The new weekly pop-up market MELANnaire is the city’s first permanent market to feature Black artisans. Montgomery, Alabama, was ground zero for the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the Rosa Parks Museum; Freedom Rides Museum; Dexter Avenue Church where MLK, Jr. preached; the National Memorial for Peace & Justice; and the Legacy Museum, honoring the victims of lynching and displaying the history of U.S. slavery and racism. If you have time, follow as much of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail as you can, featuring more than 120 landmarks across 14 Southern states. Download a pre-planned itinerary or customize your trip at civilrightstrail.com. For additional tour and site suggestions, check out the enhanced version of this article at globaltravelerusa.com.

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The FIght for Rights: Historical marker for the Montgomery Bus Boycott (above), and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in downtown Montgomery, Alabama (left) PHOTOS: © JACQUELINE NIX | DREAMSTIME.COM, © MCCALLK69 | DREAMSTIME.COM

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AIRPORT UPDATE

Airport Resilience London’s airports continue to focus on the future. BY MARY MELNICK

GATWICK AIRPORT ORIGINALLY OPENED IN 1930 AS SURREY AERO CLUB, A SMALL CLUB OF FLYING ENTHUSIASTS. IN 1950 GATWICK WAS OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED LONDON’S SECOND AIRPORT.

ondon-area airports are pushing forward, making improvements and expanding despite setbacks from COVID-19. Heathrow Airport was built in 1930 as a private airport to assemble and test aircraft and featured a single grass runway. Throughout the years the airport expanded and fulfilled other services. Now the largest airport in London, Heathrow plans to expand with a third runway to the northwest of the other two, a plan supported by the government’s Airports National Policy Statement. The project will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic

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benefits to the United Kingdom. Although officials continue to consult with investors, government and airline regulators on the next steps, the proposed plan would demolish Terminal 3 to make room for a series of new satellite terminals. The space would accommodate an additional 260,000 flights per year and create new transportation points and parking facilities. Gatwick Airport originally opened in 1930 as Surrey Aero Club, a small club of flying enthusiasts. In 1950 Gatwick was officially designated London’s second airport. Today the airport’s future plans include improvements to better serve passengers. Gatwick plans to bring the existing Northern Runway into routine daily use along with the Main Runway. Both runways would handle departures, with the Northern used for smaller aircraft, while all arrivals would still utilize the Main Runway. The plans also include the development of supporting infrastructure and facilities such as road improvements, realignment of the runway, additional parking, hotels and more. With these upgrades, Gatwick Airport hopes to boost the local economy and support the local community, all while doing it responsibly by managing and mitigating environmental effects. London City Airport, one of the newest and most modern airports in the United Kingdom, began construction in 1986, with Charles, Prince of Wales laying the terminal’s foundation stone. Today the airport continues to flourish and hold its own against some of the bigger, busier airports. The airport is currently developing plans for expansion but in the meantime focuses on putting the health and safety of its travelers and employees first. Recently, it was one of the first airports in the U.K. to receive health accreditation from the International Civil Aviation Organization. It also received Civil Aviation Authority and Public Health England accreditation for new health measures.

2022 GT Tested Reader Survey Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

HOTEL BEST

AIRLINE BEST

Overall Best Airline in the World ____________________________________________________ Airline Alliance _______________________________________________________________________ Aircraft Type ________________________________________________________________________ Airline Website ______________________________________________________________________ Fastest-Growing Airline – Trans-Pacific _____________________________________________ Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers _________________________________ Best Airline for . . . Business Class __________________________________________________________________ International First Class ________________________________________________________ Domestic First Class ____________________________________________________________ Onboard Service _______________________________________________________________ Lounges ________________________________________________________________________ Flight Attendants _______________________________________________________________ Flight Attendant Uniforms _____________________________________________________ Airline Cuisine __________________________________________________________________ First-Class Seat Design _________________________________________________________ Business-Class Seat Design ___________________________________________________ Airline Cabin Cleanliness ______________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Flyer Programs Overall Best Frequent-Flyer Program __________________________________________ Elite-Level Program _____________________________________________________________ Bonus Promotion ______________________________________________________________ Award Redemption _____________________________________________________________ Customer Service ______________________________________________________________

BEST AIRLINE BY LOCATION Best Airline in . . . Africa____________________________________________________________________________ Australia and New Zealand_____________________________________________________ Central/South Asia and India _________________________________________________ China ___________________________________________________________________________ Eastern Europe _________________________________________________________________ Europe __________________________________________________________________________ Mexico __________________________________________________________________________ The Middle East ________________________________________________________________ North America __________________________________________________________________ North Asia (excluding China) ___________________________________________________ The South Pacific _______________________________________________________________ To South America and Central America ____________________________________________ To Japan _____________________________________________________________________________ Trans-Atlantic Airline ________________________________________________________________ Trans-Pacific Airline _________________________________________________________________

AIRPORT BEST Overall Best Airport in the World ___________________________________________________ Overall Best Duty-Free Shop in the World __________________________________________ Airport Staff/Gate Agents ___________________________________________________________ Airport Dining _______________________________________________________________________ Airport Parking ______________________________________________________________________ Airport Shopping ___________________________________________________________________ Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport ________________________________________________________ Best Duty-Free Shops in . . . Asia _____________________________________________________________________________ Africa____________________________________________________________________________ Europe __________________________________________________________________________ The Middle East ________________________________________________________________ Best Airport in . . . Asia _____________________________________________________________________________ Africa____________________________________________________________________________ Europe __________________________________________________________________________ The Middle East ________________________________________________________________ North America __________________________________________________________________ South America __________________________________________________________________ * Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions

Best Individual Hotel in the World ________________________________________________ International Hotel Chain _________________________________________________________ Domestic Hotel Chain _____________________________________________________________ Lifestyle Hotel _____________________________________________________________________ MICE* Hotel ______________________________________________________________________ Hotel Website _____________________________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Stay Programs Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World __________________________________ Elite-Level Program ___________________________________________________________ Bonus Promotion ____________________________________________________________ Award Redemption ___________________________________________________________ Customer Service_____________________________________________________________

HOTEL BEST BY LOCATION Best Hotel in . . . Asia ___________________________________________________________________________ Europe ________________________________________________________________________ South Korea __________________________________________________________________ The Middle East ______________________________________________________________ The United States ____________________________________________________________ Japan __________________________________________________________________________ Singapore _____________________________________________________________________ Best Hotel Chain in . . . Asia ___________________________________________________________________________ Europe ________________________________________________________________________ Latin America _________________________________________________________________ Mexico ________________________________________________________________________ The Middle East ______________________________________________________________

OTHER BEST Overseas Delivery Program ______________________________________________________ Rental Car Company ______________________________________________________________ Tourism Destination ______________________________________________________________ MICE* City ________________________________________________________________________ WiFi Service ________________________________________________________________________ Luggage Brand ____________________________________________________________________ Hotel App __________________________________________________________________________ Airline App _________________________________________________________________________ Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program _____________________________________ Best Offshore Business Location _________________________________________________ Best Credit Cards Overall Credit Card ________________________________________________________________ Small-Business Credit Card _______________________________________________________ Credit Card Special Events _______________________________________________________ Credit Card Rewards Program ____________________________________________________ Credit Card Design _______________________________________________________________ New Credit Card Launch __________________________________________________________ Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card ________________________________________________ Promotions ___________________________________________________________________ Benefits _______________________________________________________________________ Redemptions _________________________________________________________________ Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card________________________________________________ Promotions ___________________________________________________________________ Benefits _______________________________________________________________________ Redemptions _________________________________________________________________ Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card ___________________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO: Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or FAX to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot Name Street Address City Home Phone

State

ZIP Code Email

ECOTOURISM

Going Up the Country Reconnect with nature on an authentic farm or ranch stay. BY IRENE RAWLINGS

THERE’S SOMETHING TIMELESS ABOUT TENDING HERITAGE CHICKENS, PRESSING OLIVE OIL, MAKING GOAT CHEESE OR RIDING OUT AT DAWN TO CHECK ON THE CATTLE.

here’s a worldwide yearning (because of COVID, perhaps) to get back to what really matters — not only family, friends and the great outdoors but also organic, sustainable and locally grown food. In the not-too-distant past, even though we lived in cities, we knew someone — maybe grandma and grandpa — who lived on a farm or ranch. As the world became more urbanized, many of us lost that connection but still want to reconnect with farm and field. The name for this vacation trend: agritourism. Farmers and ranchers support agritourism not only to augment their income but also to engage their guests in the process of growing and harvesting food. There’s something timeless about tending heritage chickens, pressing olive oil, making goat cheese or riding out at dawn to check on the cattle. Later, enjoy an early dinner — maybe heirloom tomato-topped pizza in a brick oven, or country-style ribs in cast iron — and stargazing in a night sky unaffected by city lights. Accommodations vary widely: a hayloft, sheep wagon, bunkhouse, farmhouse bed-and-breakfast, rustic-chic vintage trailer, historic log cabin, wooden tree house ... or pitch your

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own tent in a meadow next to a fast-flowing brook. Wake up to country sounds: roosters crowing, birds chirping and horses nickering. Breathe in the cool morning air. Then savor a fieldto-fork breakfast featuring homegrown and locally sourced products. The best resource for authentic farm and working ranch vacations in the United States is farmstayus.com, where you’ll find a comprehensive listing of accredited properties that offer stays for a day, week or longer. The properties can be a lavender farm in New Mexico, a sheep ranch in Montana, a tropical orchard in Hawai’i or a maple sugar farm in Vermont. For more than 300 listings in Europe, ranging from luxury farmhouse hotels in Spain to stays in Tuscan vineyards and Sicilian citrus orchards, visit farmstayplanet.com. Rates range $75–500 per day and usually include all meals and activities. If you have a self-contained RV or travel trailer, Harvest Hosts (harvesthosts.com) proves a good resource. Membership ($99–139/year) includes access to more than 2,500 camping possibilities at ranches, farms, orchards, breweries and vineyards across the United States.

SPORTS

Pro Tours Plan now for the top golf tournaments of 2022. BY DALE LEATHERMAN

he list of 2022 golf tournaments is impressive in quantity and quality — and the venues are arguably as diverse and challenging as ever. At least 48 tournaments are scheduled on the PGA Tour, 34 on the LPGA Tour, 28 on the PGA TOUR Champions and 47 on the DP World Tour (“European”). There will be many hours of television coverage, but being there is special, so buy tickets now. Play starts in January, building to major championships in the spring. Here are don’t-miss majors on the PGA and LPGA tours:

MARCH

Justin Thomas defends his title in the Players Championship (March 10–13) at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Hole 17, “Island Green,” is a world-famous par 3. The women’s Chevron Championship takes place at California’s Mission Hills (March 31–April 3). Patty Tavatanakit won in 2021.

APRIL

All eyes turn to Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Course for the spring classic, The Masters (April 7–10). Check out new features on the course as 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama attempts to keep his green jacket.

MAY

Gil Hanse restored Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Perry Maxwell’s 1936 design (with devilish tabletop greens) and made it a formidable test for the PGA Championship (May 19–22). Phil Mickelson won in 2021 at Kiawah Island.

JUNE

The U.S. Women’s Open (June 2–5) returns to Pine Needles in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Yuka Saso won in 2021 at California’s Olympic Club. The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, welcomes the men’s U.S. Open (June 16–19), won last year by Jon Rahm at California’s Torrey Pines. The following week the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, hosts the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (June 21–26), won by Nelly Korda at the Atlanta Athletic Club in 2021.

JULY

The iconic Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, hosts the 150th Open Championship (July 14–17). Collin Morikawa won in 2021 at England’s The Royal St. George’s Golf Club. A week later, women pros play in Évian-les-Bains, France, for the Amundi Evian Championship (July 21–24), won last year by Aussie Minjee Lee.

AUGUST

Anna Nordqvist is defending champion in the AIG Women’s Open (Aug. 4–7) at Scotland’s legendary Muirfield. The Swede won at Carnoustie in 2021.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 globaltravelerusa.com

PREVIEW

Fjords of Scandanavia Ancient tales abound of noble kings and enchanted maidens, of bloody battles and fierce serpents, and of brave Vikings and devious wizards. Though the truth beneath the sagas and stories is for someone else to decide, one thing is certain: The rich mythology pales in comparison to the supreme — and very tangible — natural beauty of these watery landscapes. Learn more when you read Bucket List: Fjords of Scandanavia in the March issue. PHOTO: © GEKASKR | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Live the French way Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills 8555 Beverly Boulevard, 90048 Los Angeles Visit www.sofitel-los-angeles.com

Travel without leaving your comfort zone Fly to Europe with all the space and privacy you need to relax and arrive refreshed. A330neo Aircraft Rest assured. The AirSpace by Airbus cabin oﬀers a more modern, spacious and confortable Executive Class with state-of-the-art full-ﬂat seats.

Economy seating is also completely upgraded, and the new EconomyXtra oﬀers a greater reclining angle and added legroom.

TAP won in Global GT Tested Reader TAP won 2021Traveler's Global2021 Traveler's Award Survey awards as voted by the readers of Global Traveler, as voted by the readers of Global Traveler, www.globaltravelerusa.com. www.globaltravelerusa.com.

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