Mail Call

from September 2022 Global Traveler

Ecotourism

Q&A WITH PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR/COPY EDITOR

Many cruise lines this year celebrate the return of full-fleet service after weathering two years of devastating COVID-19 impacts. After enjoying my first post-pandemic overseas trip on a safe and delightful Princess Cruises Discovery Princess Mexico sailing this spring, I’m curious: Is a cruise in your future travel plans? What destinations would you recommend, and what regions would you sail to that you haven’t yet explored?

Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com

Q&A TIME

In our August 2022 issue, we asked: Do you have a favorite island destination? A few readers wrote in:

Katie, if you loved your trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora and are looking for another island destination for a future vacation, I definitely recommend either the Maldives or Fiji. Both places are absolutely stunning, and I have been to both in the past five years. When I went to the Maldives with my wife, we stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and didn’t want to leave. The resort provides some of the best views of the island, and there’s just so much to do each day, whether you like exploring the waters or relaxing under the sun.

I hope everyone gets to visit the Maldives, as it’s one of my favorite places in the world!

JAC LYONS, VIA EMAIL

While most people think of an island vacation as somewhere tropical, one of my favorite island destinations (which I visited just this year) is Crete. The location not only offers the beautiful views and waters of CONTACT GT

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Globility

\glo ‘bility\ n: 1. The quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences

a tropical island but also comes with that Mediterranean influence, from the historical sites to the food and music. Anyone looking for inspiration to travel to Europe should definitely consider Crete and some of the other gorgeous islands situated throughout the Mediterranean.

ANGELA REILLY, VIA EMAIL

GLOBAL CITY GUIDEBOOK: NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

In our special July edition of the Global City Guidebook, we covered more than 50 cities across the world, including some in the United States like Nashville, Tennessee. One reader wrote in:

I enjoyed reading the July 2022 edition during my flight back from Nashville. I wanted to mention the Nashville Parthenon is quite impressive and should have been mentioned in the attractions section.

Great job with the magazine!

NEIL GOUVEIA, VIA EMAIL

BAHA MAR ANNOUNCES FIRSTEVER THE BAHAMAS CULINARY AND ARTS FESTIVAL

In the July 6 issue of eFlyer, we told readers about Baha Mar’s hosting of the first-ever The Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival. As it’s a popular cruising destination, we asked: Are you considering attending this exclusive and firstever event? One reader wrote in:

I have been to The Bahamas twice before and always wanted an excuse to return, especially this year. After hearing about Baha Mar’s The Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival, I knew I had to plan my next trip to the islands. As of last week, I secured a slot to attend this inaugural festival and am beyond excited to experience it!

FREDDIE HALL, VIA EMAIL

SILVERSEA UNVEILS RESTAURANTS FOR NEW SILVER NOVA

In the June 15 issue of eFlyer, we told readers about Silversea’s unveiling of eight new signature restaurants aboard its newest ship, Silver Nova. We asked: Do you plan to stay aboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova? Which restaurant are you most excited to experience? Two readers wrote in:

I have been patiently waiting to hear news of Silversea’s newest ship and its features. Restaurants play an important role for me when deciding not only which cruise line to choose but also which itinerary within that cruise line. Silversea’s unveiling of the not one or two but eight new restaurants sealed the deal for me, and I fully plan on sailing aboard Silver Nova soon.

SIMON YORK, VIA EMAIL

I have sailed with Silversea before and wanted to book another cruise ever since my last one ended! With the recent announcement of Silver Nova’s eight restaurants, I am most excited to dine at Kaiseki, the Japanese restaurant with less seating than some of the other restaurants, providing a more intimate dining experience. That being said, I also anticipate making a visit to La Dame, as I have a weakness for delicious French cuisine.

TINA WHITMORE, VIA EMAIL

Some of the best cruise dishes I have ever tasted came from my time spent aboard Silversea Cruises, and the eight new restaurants on Silver Nova will surely blow me away. I plan to dine at all of the eight new restaurants but am particularly eager to try The Marquee and La Dame.

BRENDON CLAY, VIA EMAIL

kicking back | COOK ISLANDS

fine vines

Torrontés Tango

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

in 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, round, well-structured body; a fruit-filled taste Powered by 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. There is a suggestion of sweet mint and an evocation of orange and peach in Finca la linda 2009’s ($11) aroma, followed by a relatively full body and excellent balance. altogether a pleasing, inviting wine. Finca el origen Reserva 2009 ($12) is clean, crisp and refreshing, offering a typical Torrontés floral flavor with pear and peach overtones and a gentle reminder of citrus fruits in the mouth. a particularly harmonious wine. The delightful Pascual Toso 2009 ($15) combines keen fruit flavors, herbal notes and a fresh lemony acidity with a trace of honey and floral tones. Following its aroma of fresh flowers and ripe fruit, Colomé 2009 ($15) is a graceful wine with citric notes reminiscent of grapefruit. 72 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 IN THE COOK ISLANDS, on Rarotonga, I’m walking along a dusty path, edged by a plethora of plants and trees. Fat papayas hang from their umbrella-like trees; bananas, still green on the stem, invite; and mangos, ripe and ready, have Healing fallen from their roost. Blossoming bushes waft a perfume, butterflies circle halos around my head, and a stream gurgles nearby. A mother sow and her family of 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 here, hiking inland, surrounded by steep hills and much vegetation, I feel like the only person left on Earth. Ease body, mind and soul in Luckily, I’m not. I share this walk with one of the Cook Islands’ most the natural goodness of the famous residents, a larger-than-life figure known as Uncle Pa, once a world surfing champion. Though an octogenarian, he wears long dreadlocks, treks Cook Islands. BY BECCA HENSLEY shirtless and sports a colorful sarong. With rippling muscles and the physique of a 30-year-old man, he belies aging and serves as the metaphorical poster child for his role as this island nation’s most famous healer. An herbalist or kahuna, he learned from his grandmother about the power of the plants that BEACHSIDE BLISS: grow on these less-traveled islands. Intuitive, fearless, with a foot in both the Spa treatment on the beach at Aitutaki Lagoon past and the modern world, Uncle Pa has helped thousands of people regain their health over the years. As we walk, he picks leaves, flowers, berries and PHOTO: © STEVE ALLEN | DREAMSTIME.COM fruit. He tells me how he makes elixirs or poultices from them; he lets me taste 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.

www.globaltravelerusa.com May 2011 | GLOBAL TRAVELER | 35

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