November 2021 Global Traveler by Global Traveler

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WONDERS OF THE WHITE CONTINENT Make lasting memories on an expedition voyage in Antarctica. p. 72

November 2021

ABU DHABI p. 60 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS p.66 BUSAN p. 62 CASABLANCA p.64 GREEK ISLES p. 74 LISBON p. 50 LONG BEACH p. 70 LOUISVILLE p.56 ORLANDO p. 58

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 Assistant Editor Audrey Lee audrey.lee@globaltravelerusa.com

Face to Face: Kimberly, Mary Melnick and Katie Skrzek reunited in Washington, D.C. PHOTO: © KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

Joyful Reunions

s we worked on this issue, the Peaches & Herb song “Reunited” was on loop in my head: “Reunited and it feels so good …”. Turn to page 36 and you’ll get more context. In this issue we recap our fabulous August 2021 event in Washington, D.C., that celebrated the winners of Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards, trazeetravel.com’s The Trazees and whereverfamily. com’s Wherever Awards. For FXExpress Publications, Inc., this was our first in-person awards event since December 2019 and, especially since experiencing all the trials and tribulations of the pandemic, believe me when I say it felt so good to be reunited! Once again, the greats of the travel industry could safely gather together for a night of celebration in honor of our beloved travel industry. Similarly, it also felt great to travel again with some of my editorial counterparts, as evidenced by the smiles on my face and those of Katie Skrzek, vice president/ digital director, and Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator, as we headed to dinner together for the first time in quite a while on that balmy August evening in our nation’s capital. We enjoyed a meal at the same spot as many of D.C.’s elite, past and present, at Bistro Bis at Kimpton George Hotel. Learn more about the long-time favorite of Capitol Hill on page 30. I strongly recommend both Kimpton George and Kimpton Monaco Washington DC, the host venue for our event, for your next visit to D.C. We’re currently gearing up for a few more in-person events and soirees, one of them being the annual

Global Business Travel Association’s convention. I spoke further with GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang in this issue (see page 24). She highlights the importance of restarting business travel but doing so safely. And I join Suzanne and Jeffrey Goh, CEO, Star Alliance, the subject of our other interview this month, in championing the recent decision to re-open U.S. borders to vaccinated travelers from other countries this month. As you read this issue, that new policy will be in effect, and we couldn’t be happier to say, “Welcome back!” and “We can’t wait to see you!” to our friends from around the globe. GBTA will be held in Orlando, Florida, this year; take a look at the meeting and event offerings in the city on page 58. In this issue we also jet off to Lisbon; Abu Dhabi; Busan; Casablanca; British Virgin Islands; Antarctica; the Greek Isles; Croatia; and, closer to home, Louisville, Kentucky; and Long Beach, California. Join us next month as we announce the winners of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards! It’s hard to believe we’re approaching 2022, and we’re already hard at work planning content to bring you next year. Until then, keep enjoying the safe and happy reunions in your life — be it with loved ones, favorite destinations, old hobbies or a brand-new adventure.

ART Art Director Tracey Cullen tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer Christopher P. Ottaunick christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor Vance Piccin

COLUMNISTS Margaret Backenheimer Debra Bokur J.D. Brown Mark Chesnut Jack Guy Kelly Magyarics

WRITERS Kristy Alpert Susan B. Barnes Teresa Bitler Debra Bokur Elyse Glickman Marlene Goldman Becca Hensley Eugenia Lazaris Greg McCluney Irene Rawlings Kathy Rodeghier

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

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

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.

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

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER ® ®

ADVERTISING Publisher/CEO Francis X. Gallagher tel 215 919 8988 | fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising Manager Haley Fogarty tel 215 932 0284 | haley.fogarty@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Western Region and Asia Maria Angeles tel 215 932 1621 | maria.angeles@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Southern Region and the Caribbean Carrie Cox tel 215 932 0861 | carrie.cox@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive Mexico Mariana Zenizo tel 52 55 6560 1152 | marzenizo@gmail.com Production & Advertising Manager Yasser Ogando tel 267 884 1650 | yasser.ogando@globaltravelerusa.com

REPRESENTATIVES Australia Charlton D'Silva tel 61 2 9252 3476 | charlton.dsilva@pubintl.com.au

Going Places: Francis enjoying a trip to Siesta Key PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

Grand Reopening

n August we held a wonderful, back-to-normal, face-to-face award reception at Kimpton Monaco Washington DC to celebrate the winners of our 2021 FXExpress Publications, Inc. awards — The Trazees (trazeetravel.com), Wherever Awards (whereverfamily.com) and Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards. I’m extending a big thank you to my good friend Bill Hanley (director of sales and marketing at the property), who worked with us to make this event a reality. As one winner told me afterward, it felt strangely normal. It was a lot of fun to gather industry professionals, subscribers, my trusted team and board members for the party. I hope you enjoy our recap of the awards on page 36. We also honored Mike Donahue as the Advisory Board Member of the Year and recognized his battle with Alzheimer’s. Members of the Alzheimer’s Association were on hand to join us in honoring Mike and to address the disease. Award winners flew in from all over the world — Mexico City, Toronto, Chicago and Greece, just to name a few places. Representatives from every corner of the country attended. Washington, D.C., proved a perfect location with travelers able to fly into Dulles International and many from New York able to drive or take the train. Please watch for the December issue in which we will announce the winners of the annual GT Tested Reader

Survey awards. Our awards celebration will take place at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Dec. 14. We’re providing bonus copies of this issue to the Global Business Travel Association delegation attending the annual convention in Orlando, Florida, at Orange County Convention Center (Nov. 17–19). Please note our One on One interview with Suzanne Neufang, CEO and executive director, GBTA, on page 24. We are excited about this restart to travel and will be in full force in Orlando! Now that vaccines are readily available, it is good to see many companies coming back to business and back to their offices. I find it odd that the work-from-home policy is so important to people and their perceived safety, but when it comes to personal travel and personal events, different rules seem to apply. I think we in the travel industry should set an example through vaccinations and trust in the vaccines. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

France Géraldine Roger tel 33 1 88 32 62 61 | cell 33 7 81 22 02 36 | groger@asset-media.com India Vimal Anand tel 91 124 4932020 | cell 91 98100 71000 | vimal@gmnindia.com Indonesia Sarah Hutabarat tel 62 21 29704008 | sarah@mediaman.co.id Japan Yoshinori Ikeda tel 81 3 3661 6138 | yoshinori.ikeda@pacific-business.com Korea Jeff Hwang tel 82 31 702 7782 | cell 82 010 6347 9117 | gng@gngcom.co.kr Malaysia Ester Chai tel 60 3 7722 1968 | esther@fitzgerald.com.my Singapore Peggy Thay tel 65 6871 8964 | peggy.thay@pubintl.sg Slovak Republic (Eastern Europe) Zorka Sipkova tel 421 948094611 | zorka.sipkova@pubintl.eu South America and the Caribbean (excluding Peru and Colombia) Ana Torres de Navarra tel 305 205 3303 | ana@colibri-media.com Spain Olga Martínez tel 34 91 320 0497 | cell 34 669 10 12 73 olga.martinez@aboutim.es Taiwan Keith Lee tel 886 2 2523 8268 | leekh@ms4.hinet.net Thailand Janya Limmanee tel 66 2 0514694 | janya.l@jpp-thailand.com Turkey Elif Mengu cell 90 532 255 83 24 | elif@catalyzismedia.com United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rosy Kachouh Nawfal cell 971 55 607 8163 | rosy@i-repme.com

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globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

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 SAN TA MON IC A B OUL EVA R D, BEVE RLY H I L L S , C A 9 0 2 1 2 | + 1 3 1 0 5 5 1 2 8 8 8 | PBH @ PE N I N SU L A . C OM

November 2021

CONTENTS

PHOTO: © RICARDO ROCHA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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November 2021

feature 36

Something to Celebrate! FXExpress honors the winners in the 2021 awards lineup.

WONDERS OF THE WHITE CONTINENT Make lasting memories on an expedition voyage in Antarctica. p. 72

ABU DHABI p. 60 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS p.66 BUSAN p. 62 CASABLANCA p.64 GREEK ISLES p. 74 LISBON p. 50 LONG BEACH p. 70 LOUISVILLE p.56 ORLANDO p. 58

COVER PHOTO: CRABEATER SEALS ON ICE FLOE, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA PHOTO: © MARTIN SCHNEITER | DREAMSTIME.COM

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

business destinations 50

Destination One: Lisbon With a major seaport, Lisbon remains a critical hub of commerce.

Stateside: Louisville Get a taste of spirits and sports in Louisville.

MICE: Orlando Factor in fun at your next meeting in Orlando.

9–5: Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi delivers a diverse business climate for entertaining clients.

After 5: Busan Busan boasts a stylish mix of neighborhoods to explore.

Thank you for voting us the World’s Best Airline Alliance in the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2021. Congratulations to our member airlines Qatar Airways, voted Airline of the Year, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, and S7 Airlines, who were also winners in this year's Awards. We are honoured by this recognition, and appreciate your support. Learn more at oneworld.com

November 2021

CONTENTS 70

in every issue 10 14 16 22

Mail Call News Reviews

One on One Star Alliance 24 One on One: GBTA

26 27 28 30 34 76 80 81 82

Technology Wine & Spirits Spas Chefs Cruising LGBTQ+ Port Update Medical Tourism Preview

leisure destinations 64

Neighborhoods: Casablanca

Iconic Casablanca blends exotic charm with a modern touch.

Friends & Family: British Virgin Islands

Unwrap the flavor of the British Virgin Islands, bite by bite.

Tours: Long Beach

Relax and reconnect with nature in Long Beach, California.

Make lasting memories on an expedition voyage in Antarctica.

Kicking Back: Greek Isles

Set sail to explore the legendary Greek Isles.

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 © 2021 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

PHOTO: © KASPERKAY | DREAMSTIME.COM,

Bucket List: Antarctica

WE CONTINUE TO SOAR BECAUSE OF YOU We’re proud to be recognized once again as the best in the business, thanks to loyal customers  like you.  Being voted Favourite Airline in North America 2021, as selected by trazeetravel.com, for the  third consecutive year, and Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment and Best Premium-Economy  Class by the readers of Global Traveler for the third consecutive year reaffirms Air Canada’s  superior product offering and exceptional customer service.   Plan your next trip with Air Canada to discover incredible destinations worldwide and experience  our award-winning service for yourself. Plus, book with peace of mind thanks to our industryleading Air Canada CleanCare+ program, featuring enhanced biosafety measures to keep you safe  at every stage of your journey.   Learn more at aircanada.com/travelready

MAIL CALL

Q&A WITH KATIE SKRZEK, VICE PRESIDENT/DIGITAL DIRECTOR With 2021 coming to a close, we’d love to know your favorite place you’ve traveled this year. Do you have any trips booked for 2022? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com

In our September 2021 issue we asked: Are cruises still part of your travel plans? When do you intend to set sail? A few readers wrote in: We are about to take an MSC seven-night cruise out of Miami in September. We are two adults and two kids, ages 11 and 13. We sailed with MSC out of Rome on the Grandiosa in February 2020 just before the pandemic halted travel everywhere. We thoroughly enjoyed that Mediterranean cruise and are excited to sail on her sister ship, Meraviglia. Any fears we had about taking this cruise were alleviated by MSC’s generous “48-hour prior to sailing” cancel policy and the recent mandate by the Bahamas that requires all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated for the ship to call on any port in the country, private islands owned by the cruise lines included. SAMI TAKIEDDINE, VIA EMAIL

Despite COVID, cruises are definitely still part of our family travel plans. Honestly, we see cruising as one of the safer ways to travel with the new mitigation measures in place: mandated vaccines for 12+, negative COVID test before boarding, masks in public/crowded spaces and social distancing enforced in public venues. We’ve actually been on two cruises in the past month, and we have three more booked over the next year. COVID won’t stop these cruise fanatics! JACINTA ANDERSON-LUJANO, VIA EMAIL

Q&A TIME — AGAIN In our August 2021 issue, we asked: Pandemic aside, what do you think is the most underrated vacation destination and why? A reader wrote in after our last issue went to print, but we still wanted to share their underrated destination suggestion: The most underrated destination is Antarctica.

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.

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PHOTOS: © KATIE SKRZEK, © ML12NAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

Q&A TIME

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Ready to plan your next family vacation? Whereverfamily.com is the trusted source for the modern family written by award-winning journalists connected closely to family travel. Updated daily with content unique to today’s traveling families, the website features need-to-know information on planning family trips at any budget for any age group.

whereverfamily.com

MAIL CALL gives them that one last taste and flavor of the Bay Area before they depart. Great job, Alaska Airlines! CHRIS SCOTT, VIA EMAIL

PUERTO RICO REITERATES COMMITMENT TO LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY In the Sept. 15 issue of eFlyerUSA, we told readers about how Discover Puerto Rico is reinforcing its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community with new initiatives. We asked: Do you plan to travel to Puerto Rico soon? Two readers shared.

SALUA KAMEROW, VIA EMAIL

ALASKA AIRLINES OPENS BAY AREA-INSPIRED LOUNGE AT SFO

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GT is more than just a magazine. If you have a computer or smartphone, you can connect with GT.

Visit our website to access past and present articles, reports, guides, hot travel links and deals and video interviews, as well as forms for subscribing to the magazine and our eFlyer newsletter.

May 2011

THE SOURCE FOR LUxURY BUSINESS TRAVELERS

ABU DHABI

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A HALF-CENTURY OF BUILDING CASTLES IN THE SAND

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IMMORTALIZED BY PAINTERS AND POETS ALIKE ISLANDS

fine vines

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.  www.globaltravelerusa.com

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.

ICELAND

globaltravelerusa.com/blog

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON GT BLOGS? Updated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

May 2011 | Global Traveler | 35

and travels of the GT staff. Last month we featured blogs about everything from Greek dining to the start of autumn.

TEL AVIV

Torrontés Tango

Art of Healing

TINA STEVENS, VIA EMAIL

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kicking back | COOK

I have a trip to Puerto Rico planned for November; and while I’m not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I always feel good about supporting destinations and brands that promote inclusivity across the board. Travel is the best way to learn about other cultures and people, and we can only fully do that when we embrace all people!

I had the chance to visit the lounge, and it’s spectacular! As a non-Bay Area resident but someone who has spent ample time in that region, I feel the lounge really evokes the spirit of the city and introduces travelers to the region or

PLUS TRAVEL WITH APP-TITUDE

Globility

LAURENT SCHWARTZMAN, VIA EMAIL

In the Sept. 1 issue of eFlyerUSA, we told readers about how Alaska Airlines unveiled a new lounge at San Francisco International Airport with Bay Areainspired amenities. We asked: Are you excited to check out the new lounge? One reader shared feedback.

pinterest.com/globaltraveler

The new GT app is

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PHOTO: © ADELIEPENGUIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

Antarctica is a faraway destination and quite expensive. However, tourists tend to go where the offers are, not where their goals meet. I always wanted to go there. but I was under the delusion I could not afford it. Yet if a traveler is expecting luxury at a decent price, Antarctica will always be at the end of the bucket list. There are so many other ways to get there and spend less than $10,000. We just have to find good reading sources. I am packing for my upcoming trip to Antarctica, and I hope people discover this spot, getting as accessible as Alaska.

As an LGBTQ+ traveler, I do appreciate when destinations, airlines, hotels and other travel brands show we as travelers are valued. Those are definitely the providers I think of first when I’m planning my travel, and I’ll continue to visit again and again.

Kimpton George Hotel

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC

TWO VIBRANT DC HOTELS AWAIT YOUR RETURN For more information or to confirm your next Kimpton DC experience, visit our websites WWW.HOTELGEORGE.COM | WWW.MONACO-DC.COM

NEWS, DEALS AND REWARDS

Galataport İstanbul to Welcome Guests

SWISS Debuts New Culinary Offerings Swiss International Air Lines will offer business- and first-class passengers a selection of the best top chefs’ creations from the past few years with its SWISS Taste of Switzerland program on long-haul services from Switzerland. The program began in September and will continue for six months. All the dishes will be accompanied by Swiss regional wines and specialty cheeses. SWISS introduced its Taste of Switzerland program in 2002, spotlighting 70 guest chefs from all the country’s cantons. Of those 70, Silvia Manser, Silvio Germann, Jean-Marc Soldati, Mike Wehrle, Thomas Amstutz, Hans-Jörg and Anja Zingg, Franck Reynaud, Christian Kuchler, Lorenzo Albrici and Rolf Hiltl will be featured. SWISS’s business-class travelers can now also enjoy a casual dining option, with the starter, main course and dessert served together at a time of their choosing. The service allows guests to tailor their in-flight experience. A new SWISS Bistro concept allows guests to choose from hot items, cold items and snacks at any time after the main service until shortly before landing. _______

Galataport İstanbul, a new social, cultural and lifestyle destination on almost a mile of Bosporus coastline, will open this year in the city’s Karaköy district. The $1.7 billion project will revive the historic port and welcome 25 million visitors a year, including 7 million tourists and 1.5 million cruise passengers and crew. Galataport will house state-of-the-art cruise facilities. The area can accommodate three ships and 15,000 passengers per day, and cruise activities started in September. The port will also serve as a lifestyle destination with arts, culture, gastronomy, shopping and a Renzo Piano-designed building of the İstanbul Modern Museum. Additional historic buildings are undergoing restorations, and the area will continue to develop. The Peninsula Istanbul is set to open in 2022 with 177 rooms. _______ galataport.com

swiss.com

Cathay Pacific reaffirmed its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with a pledge to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel for 10 percent of its total fuel consumption by 2030. The airline has made pioneering efforts in supporting SAF development for more than 10 years. In 2014 Cathay Pacific invested in Fulcrum BioEnergy; the airline also committed to purchase 1.1 million tons of the fuel over a decade, around 2 percent of its pre-COVID-19 fuel requirements annually. Cathay Pacific plans to begin taking delivery of SAF produced by Fulcrum and using it more widely for U.S.-departing flights in 2024 and onward. Fulcrum will be ready at that time to scale up production. The airline also partnered with Airbus in 2016 to use SAF on new-delivery flights. Since the partnership’s beginning, Cathay has taken delivery of more than 40 new aircraft using blended SAF. Cathay Pacific’s carbon reduction roadmap also includes fleet modernization, operational efficiency improvements, aviation and carbon capture technology innovations, and carbon offsets through its Fly Greener program, which has offset more than 300,000 tons of carbon emissions since 2007. Cathay also pledged to cut its absolute ground emissions by 32 percent from the 2018 baseline by 2030 through enhancing energy-saving measures and exploring renewable energy options in ground operations. _______ cathaypacific.com

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Finnair Adds Frequencies, Destinations Finnair meets increased travel demand with added frequencies and destinations in Europe, Asia and North America for the upcoming winter season. Finnair resumed its Osaka (KIX) service in October, to be followed by Nagoya (NKM) in February. A wide-body aircraft will serve Finnair’s Dubai (DXB) connection. Chicago (ORD) service, previously a summer route, will continue through the winter season. In addition to serving North America from Helsinki (HEL), Finnair will introduce routes to Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) from Stockholm (ARN). Direct routes from Stockholm to Miami (MIA), Phuket (HKT) and Bangkok (BKK) will also launch. In Europe the network will rapidly increase in frequencies throughout winter and will introduce new routes to Kraków (KRK) and Gdańsk (GDN). _______ finnair.com

PHOTOS: © SWISS, © GALATAPORT İSTANBUL, © RICHAIR | DREAMSTIME.COM

Cathay Pacific’s Sustainable Fuel Pledge

Fall into the Keys Hawks Cay Resort, a resort destination on Duck Key in the middle Florida Keys, is celebrating fall as the best time of year for a romantic couple’s vacation with its Fall into the Keys offer. Through Nov. 30 guests receive a savings of 20 percent on accommodations, plus a $50 resort credit. Rates start at $266, plus taxes and resort fees. In fall the resort welcomes couples with seasonal programming including rum tastings, sunset cruises and signature drink specials at adults-only Oasis Cay. Other activities include spa treatments, kayaking, dolphin swims and off-shore fishing charters. _______

Virgin Voyages Launches Scarlet Lady Virgin Voyages embarked on its first official sailing from PortMiami Oct. 6. Dubbed the MerMaiden voyage, the Miami sailing of Scarlet Lady came on the heels of a successful preview season in the United Kingdom. The adults-only experience offers a mix of four- and five-night Caribbean itineraries. All guests will be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding, with the cost covered by the brand, and all sailors and crew are required to be fully vaccinated. Virgin Voyages includes all gratuities, free WiFi, basic beverages, unlimited group fitness classes, 20-plus eateries, immersive entertainment and innovative well-being programming. With the Shake for Champagne feature on the Virgin Voyages Sailor App, cruise-goers can request Champagne anywhere on board with a shake of their phone. Scarlet Lady features 1,330 cabins and 78 RockStar Quarters, with 86 percent of the cabins featuring a balcony and 93 percent with an ocean view. Other amenities include rainfall showers, ambient mood lighting and smart controls. _______ virginvoyages.com

PHOTOS: © MR PAUL HANLEY | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JAMES KIRKIKIS | DREAMSTIME.COM

Indianapolis Airport Receives Largest Grant The Indianapolis Airport Authority will receive the nation’s largest allotment of recent Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement funding, with a massive grant of more than $56 million for airfield improvements at Indianapolis International Airport. According to Mario Rodriguez, executive director, IAA, the grant will help fund the initial construction phase to strengthen and enhance capacity for Runway 5R-23L and initial construction and electrical phase on Taxiway D. IND is also set to receive almost $1 million from the $5.9 million allocated nationally for Zero Emissions Vehicle grants and will purchase two 25-foot electric shuttle buses and charging stations to supplement its existing fleet of 12 electric shuttle buses. Another more than $11 million in received funds will increase capacity to house Remain Over Night parking of aircraft on the airfield. All of this aligns with IAA’s goal of securing additional non-stop flights and new commercial service carriers from the city. Indianapolis announced 21 non-stop flights and added new airlines in 2021. In total, the FAA announced more than $431.8 million on Sept. 21 to build safer, more sustainable and more accessible airports across the United States. The grants will pay for projects at 60 airports in 31 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. _______

hawkscay.com

AMR Collection’s 20th Anniversary Sale AMR Collection, with all-inclusive resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its 20th Anniversary Sale, offering up to half off stays. Book by Nov. 22 to also enjoy $20 off a spa treatment, $20 kid stays and a free night on a future stay for those celebrating a 20th birthday or 20th anniversary during the trip. AMR Collection resorts include Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa, Dreams Jade Resort & Spa, Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort and Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa. _______ amrcollection.com

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NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

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INN BY THE SEA ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: As we pulled up to Inn by the Sea, we had no idea of the beautiful delights that lay just beyond the front door. We left the car at the porte cochère while we checked in, taking in the beautiful lawn, lush with wildflowers, a pool and activities, just outside the back door. A table offered guests fresh, cold lemonade, and in the morning there was coffee and tea along with complimentary newspapers. Keys in hand, we drove our rental car around and parked closer to our guestroom.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: We needed more than our one-night stay to truly enjoy all the resort had to offer, as well! Luckily, we did enjoy two meals at the on-site Sea Glass — dinner alfresco (the clam chowder was divine, and the signature blueberry butter was such a sweet touch!) and breakfast indoors the next morning before departure. My husband is still raving about the swordfish he ordered for dinner at Sea Glass. Give yourself enough time to relax on sandy Crescent Beach. We wandered down the boardwalk just off the main lawn after breakfast and walked through the indigenous seaside gardens to

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

TOP TAKEAWAYS: Conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Portland, a stay at Inn by the Sea affords a tranquil stay and access to the city without the hustle and bustle.

------------------------Also near Inn by the Sea is one of Portland’s main attractions, the historic Portland Head Light.

------------------------The almond French toast on the breakfast menu at Sea Glass was one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve ever tasted.

-------------------------

check out the stretch of beach. The hotel has a table with water and beach amenities set up right at the entrance and chairs and umbrellas on the beach for guest use. Private and tranquil along the sandy shore, the whole set-up screamed relaxation. During our stay, the offered activity schedule included adult yoga, adult swim (there’s an on-site pool, as well), beach ecology walks, family yoga, family beach walks, children’s art, nightly s’mores, garden tours and kids’ eco-classes like a Bug’s Life Tour. Adults can enjoy mixology classes and should take some time to appreciate and peruse the museum-quality art on display, offering insight into the soul of the coastal region. REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

Sustainability is a hallmark of the Inn by the Sea experience: There are solar panels, use of biofuels, farm-to-table dining and eco-education for guests. The property is also collaborating to restore habitat for endangered New England cottontail bunnies at Crescent Beach State Park.

------------------------Inn by the Sea is pet-friendly! INN BY THE SEA 40 Bowery Beach Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 tel 207 799 3134 innbythesea.com

PHOTOS: © INN BY THE SEA, MAINE

GUEST QUARTERS: In 2018 Inn by the Sea opened 10 new one- and two-bedroom luxury suites, complementing a multimillion-dollar renovation of the main house and 12 new two-bedroom suites rolled out in 2017. That feeling of newness and freshness still pervades. We needed far more time than our one-night stay to enjoy all the amenities of our massive two-bedroom suite. The feeling of Maine is sprinkled throughout, even in the small details like a lobster hanger to indicate Do Not Disturb. The suite opened into a hallway with a cutout to the right. To the right of the cutout was the first bedroom, with a king-sized bed flanked by two nightstands, with two chairs in front of the bed and a dresser with a TV above. The marble bathroom, with a soaking tub, two sinks, a large vanity and a spacious stall shower, sat next to the bedroom, and closet space lay adjacent to the bedroom door. Continuing down the hallway we found the second bedroom with two double beds. This room was perfect for spreading out and stashing our luggage. The hallway opened to a living area and kitchen with dining table. A door opened to a patio, offering seating and overlooking the aforementioned lawn. For dinner and any activities in the area, we could depart from the patio door, which locked with the same keys as the main door.

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CAPE ARUNDEL INN & RESORT ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: As we drove down Ocean Avenue, Cape Arundel Inn & Resort appeared to us with an almost residential feel. We quickly pulled into one of two front parking spots while I ran up the front porch steps and into the lobby to make sure we could keep the car there while we checked in and got the lay of the land. Guests immediately feel welcomed as to a personal home. We secured the keys for our second-floor room in the Main House and were instructed to pull our car to the parking lot behind the building. We carried our bags in with no idea what a stunning view awaited us.

TOP TAKEAWAYS: Cape Arundel Inn & Resort is part of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection, which includes other luxury boutique hotels in Kennebunkport like Hidden Pond, The Tides Beach Club, Grand Hotel and The Boathouse Waterfront.

------------------------The ocean view from our second-level guestroom’s expansive bay windows is one of the most breathtaking hotel views I’ve experienced. Cape Arundel offers quaint, cozy, luxury accommodations with an enviable location close enough to all the sights but without the crowds and chaos.

PHOTOS: HEIDI KIRN PHOTOGRAPHY

GUEST QUARTERS: I loved the overall feel and décor of our junior suite. It was a blend of retro and historic, which fits in with the age and history of the building, and modern touches and amenities. The unobstructed Atlantic Ocean views made our jaws drop, and the gas-burning fireplace gave the space a romantic, cozy feel — the sitting area facing the windows and next to the fireplace would be the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a bottle of wine and a roaring fire. A desk and mini fridge sat across from the king-sized bed, flanked by two nightstands. A TV was mounted above the fireplace. I made use of a small closet, and the bathroom, while on the smaller side, was outfitted with a deep soaking tub. SERVICES/AMENITIES: The entire Cape Arundel complex includes Seacrest (the Main House, where our room was located), the Club House located about one-third of a mile up the road, and Ivy Cottage next to Seacrest, which can accommodate six adults. Seacrest was originally built as a summer cottage in 1895 by a prominent Ohio family. The outdoor heated pool is open Memorial Day through midOctober and sits next to the Club House. The Club House Lounge boasts a stone fireplace, bar and board games. The Club House lawn hosts lawn games. Waterview dining at onsite Ocean is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Seacrest. We didn’t get a chance to dine here but appreci-

------------------------I was taken with the charm of Kennebunkport from the minute we drove into the town, and Cape Arundel Inn & Resort perfectly captured the vibe and feel of the whole area.

------------------------Walker’s Point is a short stroll from the hotel along Ocean Avenue.

ated the daily bakery treat delivered to every room at 8 a.m. The front porch of the Main House proved a popular spot for watching the sunset and enjoying cocktails. Freshly brewed coffee is available in the secondfloor butler’s pantry at 8 a.m., and a Nespresso machine and tea kettle are housed here for all-day use. Bags of ice are on offer in an ice chest on the second floor across from Room 7. Each room has complimentary WiFi, with down and memory foam pillows and turndown service available upon request. Guests can also use beach chairs, beach towels and picnic baskets from the inn.

CAPE ARUNDEL INN & RESORT 208 Ocean Ave. Kennebunkport, ME 04046 tel 800 514 0968 capearundelinn.com

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

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W HOBOKEN ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Admittedly, I had high expectations for The W in Hoboken after hearing from a trusted family member that it was the go-to spot to stay in the quaint town bordering New York City. Immediately upon arrival, I had a strong feeling my expectations would be met … and then some. For starters, the beautiful smell of the hotel lobby struck me. The fresh, spa-like scent along with the warm welcome from the agent behind the desk left me pleased and eager to see more of the property. The guests at this particular W hotel were divided between weekenders like myself and extended stay guests or apartment owners in the resident’s tower. I noticed there was a respectful divide between entrances and elevators, which I can appreciate for those who call the W Hoboken “home.” GUEST QUARTERS: The hotel guest elevator transferred me to the 10th floor, where I would find my river-facing room decorated for my welcome, including a treat for the birthday I would be celebrating during my stay. It was evident the hotel takes pride in personalizing each guest stay, based on the birthday balloons and handwritten welcome card. The guestroom was organized for optimal use including desk space, shelving and a giant love seat in the corner facing the Empire State Building just across the water. The single-sink bathroom was equipped with top-brand toiletries and a large rainfall shower. A Nespresso machine and mini fridge were stationed and ready for my morning coffee and water, respectively, complimentary at check-in.

REVIEWED BY Haley Fogarty

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TOP TAKEAWAYS: Excellent location, directly on the Hudson River and in close proximity to the ferry station

-------------------------Davines MOMO high-end products for guests to use and take with them after their stay

-------------------------Valet parking and surrounding garages for convenience W HOBOKEN 225 River St. Hoboken, NJ 07030 tel 201 253 2400 marriott.com

PHOTOS: © W HOBOKEN

SERVICE/AMENITIES: A full spa menu boasts luxury at the Woodhouse Spa attached to the W, and the Halifax restaurant was consistently filled on the riverfront throughout my stay — and was clearly a local favorite. The property held several events in the dining room throughout my stay, offering a wonderful semi-private event space. I was pleased with the service entirely, omitting the lack of communication with housekeeping to deliver a roll-away cot to our room in a timely manner. A good night’s sleep in the queen bed and the same for my sister on the cot made up for the wait, and our stay was complete. The W is certainly a top choice as a weekend spot to visit Hoboken or a convenient alternative for an overnight in NYC.

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MONDRIAN LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After a not-so-long and good flight all the way from Mexico City to L.A., we drove from LAX to Sunset Boulevard just as sunset began … and at a time when the city started to come back to life after COVID. As we entered the hotel, I could swear we were entering a modern art gallery. We didn’t even have to wait a minute for the kind man at the front desk to attend to us. The check-in process took no time, and we had access to our room earlier than expected. He gave us important information about the services, amenities and sanitary regulations so we could have a safe stay to protect ourselves and others.

PHOTOS: © MONDRIAN

GUEST QUARTERS: We stayed in the Deluxe Studio Suite, and the name couldn’t be more accurate. A closet to the right of the entrance offered more space than needed, while a big mirror to the left was handy for confirming I was wearing the right outfit for an appointment or exploration of L.A. A good-sized desk provided the perfect spot to catch up with emails and attend Zoom meetings, and the sustainable bamboo floors caught my attention. A comfortable sofa served as a simple couch or a bed. I appreciated the coffee service in the room because I can’t start my day without coffee. My favorite part? The bathroom, with generous space for two marble sinks and two rainfall showers, which I enjoyed. Last but not least, the king-sized bed was exactly what I needed after a long day of exploring or meetings. Add the great view of Sunset Boulevard, and the suite provides the perfect setting to start a busy day in a luxurious way. SERVICES/AMENITIES: When you arrive at the Mondrian, make sure you let the team know your housekeeping preferences for your room to be cleaned daily or not; due to COVID restrictions, they do not provide daily service without previous notice. This was a thoughtful touch. I loved the Sky Bar — perfect to have drinks with my brother — with its great service and a wonderful view of L.A. at night. I actually

TOP TAKEAWAYS: It was amazing having lots of nearby options for lunch or shopping. My favorite was Mel’s Drive-In for breakfast, worth the price.

-------------------------The hotel displays modern art throughout plus offers great spots to be photographed.

-------------------------The WiFi quality was beyond great, never failed, and I could work perfectly without problems.

-------------------------Incredible views of Sunset Boulevard

thanked my brother for dragging me to the fitness center, properly equipped and perfect to keep up with your routine without spending extra time working out — let’s not forget there’s a city waiting to be explored. REVIEWED BY Mariana Zenizo

MONDRIAN LOS ANGELES 8440 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 tel 323 650 8999 sbe.com

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KIMPTON MONACO WASHINGTON, DC ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I took a leisurely drive from Philadelphia on a Thursday this past summer to visit Kimpton Hotel Monaco, the site we selected for the 2021 FXExpress awards (see the recap on page 36). The drive was easy, and traversing from the Baltimore–Washington Parkway to the hotel was simple. The property sits across the street from the National Portrait Gallery — close to everything but a few blocks from the National Mall, so traffic is not as congested. The hotel valet took my car and parked it in the hotel garage, as I would not need it for the rest of the day. It was great to just pull up in front and not have to worry about finding parking in D.C. The hotel is a historic landmark designed by Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument. The original building was completed in 1842 to house the General Post Office, which soon outgrew it. In 1855 Thomas Ustick Walter, also the designer of the U.S. Capitol dome, designed a new section. This construction was suspended during the Civil War. After the post office moved to a new location, the building housed many government agencies. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The building stood abandoned from 1997 until 2002, when Kimpton turned it into the Monaco. Check-in was swift and friendly. This was the period in July when Washington, D.C., dropped the mask mandate for vaccinated persons, so everything felt normal again.

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Dirty Habit offers the feel of outside — it is all glass — without being exposed to the elements.

-------------------------The location cannot be beat: a short walk to nearly everything in Washington, D.C. KIMPTON MONACO WASHINGTON, DC 700 F St. NW Washington, DC 20004 tel 202 628 7117 monaco-dc.com

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed dinner and drinks at Dirty Habit, the on-site bar and restaurant. There is also an outside patio, frequented by Washingtonians. Make sure you try the tuna tartare dressed with watermelon — it was out of this world! The following month we hosted our event in Kimpton Monaco’s Paris Ballroom, beautiful and full of history. A huge dome at the center lets in natural light; remember, this building was constructed nearly 40 years before cities were electrified. There is also another meeting space on the other side of the building, the Athens Ballroom — I am told both make great wedding venues. REVIEWED BY Francis X. Gallagher

PHOTOS: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

GUEST QUARTERS: My room was on the third floor, and to get there I had to take the elevator and then walk into the other section of the hotel and down a wide hallway adorned with large shades hanging from the center, covering the lights. It made an impressive view. The entire building has very high ceilings, which helped keep the building cool before air-conditioning. The large room had a king-sized bed to the left and a large lion sculpture above the bed to protect you while sleeping. To the right was a round glass-top table with chairs facing a built-in cabinet holding a flat-screen TV and a large bust of Thomas Jefferson. This made a good functional workstation, as I had to attend two Zoom meetings when I arrived. The table and the headboard had convenient power outlets and USB power sockets. Against the window sat an additional comfortable chair with a table/foot stool. The bathroom was large with a tub/shower combo, a bowed shower curtain and great water pressure. Shampoo and amenities, by Atelier Bloom, were scented with basil, green apple and orange blossoms. The room was comfortable, and the bed made for a perfect night’s sleep.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

ONE ON ONE

Jeffrey Goh CEO, Star Alliance

A LITTLE BIT MORE

THE BUSINESS

Name: Jeffrey Goh Title: CEO Company, city: Star Alliance, Frankfurt and Singapore First job: Lecturer of law; Liverpool, U.K. Where to next: Straddling Asia to/ from Europe

What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? Henry Golding, an actor who can play the empathetic side as well as the less polished side when necessary What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry? Professionally, a lawyer, but my own wine bar is a serious contender. What is your favorite book, movie or television show? Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter, about the inevitability of change and the need to embrace it, urgently, either to remain relevant or to survive, or both What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? Lee Kuan Yew (late prime minister of Singapore) remains an inspiration for his strategic leadership, incisive insights and as someone who built a country with no natural resources from scratch. And he was a lawyer.

What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? Foremost among recent projects is Star Alliance Biometrics, a seamless and touchless way for customers to navigate through airports, with the twist that one registration can be used universally within the Alliance among participating airports and airlines. It can render accurate facial recognition even when masks are worn. It was inspired by our constant mission to improve the customer experience but gained new impetus and relevance in COVID times. Regarding COVID and its enormous impact on our cherished travel industry, we worked closely with industry partners, including other global alliances, advocating to regulators to follow data science when making travel restriction decisions, as well as developing effective communication to get passengers flying again — with the underlying message their health and hygiene safety is top

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

AS A TRAVELER Tell us about a travel nightmare: Confusion over COVID-19 rules culminated with a night spent on an airport bench airside, only to be told the next morning, after a sleepless night, that everything was okay after all. Share a comical travel experience: The flight attendant who showed me to the incorrect seat eventually became my partner. What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? It depends: planes for speed; trains for scenery; cruises for leisure. What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? The simplicity of a smile that says nothing is too much trouble.

PHOTO: © STAR ALLIANCE

THE BASICS

of mind. We’ve created powerful videos to this effect, one of which ran on globaltravelerusa.com August–September. Now that the United States is re-opening inbound travel for fully vaccinated passengers, we expect a strong resurgence in business travel, which is excellent news for our corporate travel partners. Of course, while international flying is a necessary underpinning of global business, we also advocate a responsible approach to more sustainable travel. What is your favorite aspect of the job? The challenge in managing the needs and aspirations of 26 member airlines within a global context, each with its own cultural aspects and individualized business models, while working closely together to improve the customer journey What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? The decision to develop the Digital Services Platform, the first Alliance undertaking of a middleware solution that enables all our member carriers to connect their digital product applications with each other: seat selection across all carriers, baggage tracking and many others. Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? Calin Rovinescu, former CEO of Air Canada and former chairman of the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance. He steered Air Canada from the brink of bankruptcy to being one of the most valued and admired companies, placing Air Canada firmly on the global map.

Your Next Step to Success in the Business Travel Industry Join GBTA Gain direct access to a global set of specialized tools, resources, insight, and services designed specifically to address the demanding needs of business travel professionals like you.

 www.gbta.org/join-gbta

ONE ON ONE

Suzanne Neufang CEO, Global Business Travel Association

safe for everyone. For the convention and beyond, the recent announcement from the Biden Administration that U.S. borders will reopen to vaccinated foreign travelers makes the return to business travel even more promising. What is your favorite aspect of the job? I love leading global teams of smart people who work hard, collaborate with each other and inspire many types of stakeholders with great ideas and content. That’s what I have at GBTA! What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? Everything in the time of COVID and its recovery seems to be a risk these days. Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? I admire Sam Gilliland, who was CEO of Sabre for many years when I was there, for his ability to lead and connect with customers, employees and shareholders with a great deal of humility and humor.

THE BASICS Name: Suzanne Neufang Title: CEO Company, city: Global Business Travel Association; GBTA’s headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia, and I am based in New York City. First job: County 4-H Program Coordinator in North Dakota Where to next: Orlando, Florida, for the GBTA annual global convention, and then Germany in December for GBTA Conference Berlin

written my whole life, especially at moments when I really need to center myself. What is your favorite book, movie or television show? Any crime drama or series, especially from the BBC What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? There are many, but because I just saw a PBS special about her, I’d say Sandra Day O’Connor. I’d love to understand more about what it was like to be the first woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice and what challenges we all still face to drive equality in the workplace and society.

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THE BUSINESS

What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? Reese Witherspoon. She’s super smart, and she’s delved into some really intelligent projects as a producer. What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry? I would be running a consultancy or launching a bedand-breakfast in Europe or writing poetry. I’ve

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? Our most important recent project is planning our in-person GBTA Convention in November in Orlando. It’s GBTA’s first face-to-face annual conference in more than two years due to the pandemic — and its inspiration is to make the industry “Ready. Safe. [and] Travel.” again. This is the business travel industry’s coming-out event, and we need to make it special and

Tell us about a travel nightmare: Several years ago on a trip to Asia, I connected from Dallas (DFW) through Chicago (ORD) and forgot my purse in the women’s restroom. It didn’t contain my passport but had just about everything else. To my relief, within 15 minutes of realizing my heart-dropping mistake, I heard my name on the airport intercom. I retrieved the purse with everything still in it from the Customer Service desk. Whew! Share a comical travel experience: Hmmm, every time I’m going through security at a new foreign airport where the rules for shoes, liquids, laptops, iPads and watches are different What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? I love U.S. road trips, which is ironic because we no longer own a car, living in NYC. In Europe, it’s definitely rail. And I have spent so much time in airplanes over the course of my career and on family vacations that they feel like a second home, so planes are definitely right up there. What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? Definitely that O’Hare Customer Service agent who returned my purse so many years ago. But I see great customer service at airport gates and on every airplane I’ve been on in the time of COVID-19. These frontline workers deserve all of our respect.

PHOTO: © SUZANNE NEUFANG

AS A TRAVELER

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

TECHNOLOGY

Personal Choice Select customizable devices to suit your style at home and at work.

BY JACK GUY

KEYSMART TASKPAD This microtextured desk mat will protect your furniture while charging your devices. Simply place your wirelesscharging phone, headphones or other device on the mat, and it will replenish the battery. At 35.43 by 16.54 inches, there is ample space for all of your gadgets, and the waterresistant, stain-resistant and antiscratch material is built to last. It’s a great solution for those with multiple wireless-charging devices who want to elevate their work station. $99.99. getkeysmart.com

SONY SRS-NB10 NECKBAND SPEAKER

LE FEU BIOETHANOL FIREPLACE Wood burners add a cozy feel to your home during the winter months, but their environmental impact presents cause for concern. Le Feu developed a range of bioethanol burners that have the same effect without conscience-troubling emissions. Bioethanol is a type of strong alcohol made from excess organic waste, which Le Feu says is carbon dioxide neutral. The Danish company, established in 2017, offers a range of burners for different homes in various materials and colors. The selection includes wall-mounted, hanging and floor-standing models, so you can choose the best one for you. From $1,895. lefeufires.us

APPLE WATCH SERIES 7 The latest iteration of Apple’s smartwatch boasts a larger screen as well as faster performance and charging. It’s also fully waterproof and dust-resistant for durability and comes with the new watchOS 8 operating system that makes use of the enlarged screen, including offering customizable watch faces. There are two sizes and a number of different colors to choose from, as well as stainless steel and titanium models. If you’ve been waiting to invest in a smartwatch, this could be the device that pushes you to take the plunge. From $399. apple.com

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

PHOTOS: © KEYSMART, © SONY, © LE FEU, © APPLE

If your ears get tired of your existing headphones, check out this neckband speaker from Sony. Perfect for when you want to move around your house while still listening to your favorite podcast or work meeting, the SRS-NB10 features a full-range, upward-facing speaker unit; integrated mute button; and USB-C quick charging. It’s also splash-resistant, with an IPX4 rating, and the battery lasts for up to 20 hours on a full charge. Available in black or white. $149.99. sony.com

WINE & SPIRITS

Great Grains Bently Heritage Estate Distillery captures the spirit of the High Sierras. BY KELLY MAGYARICS

t a winery, it’s likely the fruit from the rows of vineyards visible from your sunny patio table is what’s in your glass. However, it’s not quite as common to belly up to a distillery’s tasting bar and sip a whiskey made with estate-grown grains, and those hefty burlap bags stacked floor to ceiling may have been shipped from a farm hundreds of miles away. According to the American Distilling Institute, less than 15 percent of American craft distilleries grow their own grains. But at Nevada’s Bently Heritage Estate, terroir is as important as technique. Located about 30 minutes east of South Lake Tahoe, the grain-to-glass distillery sustainably farms 2,000 acres of winter rye, wheat, oats and barley that’s malted, fermented and distilled on site. The estate’s 4,600-foot elevation equates to a fleeting 90-day frost-free growing season, while ample, pristine snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains augments the region’s measly 10 inches of annual rainfall. The distillery was founded by the husbandand-wife team of Christopher and Camille Bently, who gleaned inspiration from the reverence and time-honored traditions of single malt whiskey during trips to Scotland. They set out to create a world-class American single malt truly expressive of its terroir. Its LEED Goldcertified facility, housed in handsomely restored 100-year-old brick buildings previously used to manufacture butter and flour, opened to the public in early 2019. A striking design aesthetic retains an agricultural, industrial vibe, with high, wood-raftered ceilings and what appears to be miles of artistically installed exposed pipes that serve as form every bit as function. An elevated, shiny copper German Carl hybrid pot flanked by two curved staircases stands in as the altar in this veritable cathedral of whiskey. (It’s joined by a much smaller version dubbed “Carlito,” used for experimental spirits.) Master distiller and general manager John Jeffery said they continue to ramp up whiskey production each year, yet he’s tight-lipped about the initial release date. Of course, any serious whiskey distiller not keen on buying, barrel-finishing and relabeling someone else’s stock while waiting for their barrels to age in the rickhouse faces the challenge of offering something authentic to pique guests’ palates in the meantime. Here that means smooth and creamy Source One Single Estate Vodka, made with wheat and oats, and three iterations of gin: juniper-

forward American Dry Gin; floral-esque Atrium Gin; and Alpine Gin, whose inclusion of piñon pine is expressive of its mountain home. There is also a cacao liqueur and a boozy coffee collaboration with a local roaster. The distillery’s Public House — which peers into the single malt production area and its ingenious thermal fluid-fueled stills — is open for tours, tastings and cocktail experiences. As for that whiskey, it’s resting until it’s good and ready. When it eventually finds its way into bottles, expect a single malt that transcends and reimagines the category, melding old-world tradition with a distinctly American pedigree.

Grain to Glass: Source One Vodka (top), building exterior (bottom left), and tasting room (bottom right) PHOTOS: © BENTLY HERITAGE ESTATE DISTILLERY

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

SPAS

Heart and Soul Seek renewal and inner peace at Sedona’s L’Apothecary Spa. BY BECCA HENSLEY

Serene Setting: L’Apothecary Spa PHOTO: © L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA

L’APOTHECARY SPA L’Auberge de Sedona 301 L’Auberge Lane Sedona, AZ 86336 tel 855 905 5745 lauberge.com

y now, after many trips to northern Arizona’s Sedona, I don’t look for something uncanny to happen during my visit. I don’t wait for a message or desperately try to read the tea leaves in my mug or listen for the voices. I just know the epiphany will come. It always does in Sedona — usually when I least expect it. This time, ludicrously clad in a dress and platform shoes, I’ve flung myself out of the car for one more hike up Boynton Canyon to see Kachina Woman, an ancient, wind-sculpted spire of red rock, vaguely resembling a female figure. Said to be a fount of feminine energy, part of a purportedly powerful vortex site — an energetic or spiritual status that distinguishes the spa and wellness town of Sedona — she towers toward the clouds at the end of a steep, serpentine trail. As I scuttle toward Kachina Woman, lizards watch knowingly from rocks, twisted cypress trees scent the air, and a feeling of peace overwhelms me. The Hopi recognized this parcel of high desert terrain as their Garden of Eden, as the place where “First Woman” gave birth to the human race. Exotically

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

beautiful, rocky-barren and cacti-peppered, the terrain feels like a blank slate — a place where rebirth happens. Uncharacteristically empty today, the trail takes me to a flat area at Kachina Woman’s base, a viewpoint that displays startlingly beautiful vistas. Normally a coterie of people gather around this rock formation, exulting in its palpable positive energy. I’ve seen them meditate, do yoga, sketch or just commune with nature in companionable silent soulfulness. What I feel while standing here might be described as an almost silent buzz — or “omm” sound — in the ears, a warmth in the tummy or a tingling in the toes. Often at Kachina Woman, a “flute man” sits precariously atop the rock, blowing into his Native American instrument, the acoustics of the canyon enhancing his ethereal melodies. He’s also known as the “heart man” because he has a habit of welcoming people to Boynton Canyon, to the vortex, with hand-carved, red sandstone hearts. As he hands them over, he espouses his philosophy of love and kindness. Seeing him always feels a bit like winning the good vibes lottery. But today

he’s nowhere in sight. After a brief rumination, I leave Kachina Woman, feeling a bit sad — even lonely. But after about 20 minutes on the trail, I see a figure approaching. It’s flute/heart man. He’s here after all. He walks right up to me, places a palm-sized, carved heart in my hand and tells me to “Spread love. Use your heart, not your brain, and you will inspire others to do the same.” He makes perfect sense. One of the world’s best-known outposts for renewal, Sedona unfurls around a collection of immense, imposing rock formations, each as captivating as the next. With names such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, the 3-million-year-old spectacles draw both outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for inner transformation. The thriving healing scene accordingly attracts some of the world’s most gifted therapists, those able to utilize the purported power of the vortex sites (portals of legendary curative swirls of energy, believed to uplift, bring tranquility and awaken change) in their restorative bodywork and spa rituals. At L’Auberge de Sedona’s delightful L’Apothecary Spa, such therapists bring their magic. After my encounter with flute/heart man (aka Robert Sechrengost), I float back to my stand-alone cottage on the creek at L’Auberge de Sedona, an 11-acre retreat conceived to celebrate its setting. I sit on my porch and listen to the sounds of flowing water, in harmony with the property’s gift of peacefulness. As it happens (another Sedona moment), a group of Buddhist monks, visiting from Tibet, pass by to bless the resort, their chanting accompanied by birdsong. Before long, I rise and walk the few steps to L’Apothecary Spa, an intimate sanctum, gently themed to feel like an upscale herbalist’s shop positioned in a lavender field in Provence. Meant to further immerse guests into nature’s power, L’Apothecary offers the opportunity to formulate personal bath soaks and body scrubs from a body care station, rich with curative herbs from the region’s yield: piñon pine, juniper, rosemary, to name a few. This herbal bounty repeats in the spa menu, where unique, earth-inspired treatments evoke Sedona’s largesse, from a desert flower massage to a sacred river stone ritual. I’m torn between the Inner Peace and Flower Essence Massage and the Desert Sage Sugar Scrub. The flower massage includes a flower reading and customized, mood-altering botanicals, while the scrub, with smidgens of sage, juniper and cypress, eradicates dead skin cells, detoxifies and promotes the skin’s regenerative powers. Because the herbs in the scrub are the ones I’ve just seen growing and smelled while hiking near Kachina Woman, I choose the scrub, which culminates with a white tea body butter slathering and a stress-relieving neck and shoulder massage. Simply said, it’s bliss.

Natural Healing: L’Apothecary Spa treatment (top), and apothecary (left)

As the sun sets over Sedona’s otherworldly terrain, I take the uphill route to town from L’Auberge, just a five-minute walk. Clutching my sandstone heart like an amulet, I stand on a spot with views of several enthralling rocks on the horizon. Light caps the formations like mysterious, golden halos; the wind blows, a sudden, soothing gust. Perhaps it’s my imagination, but the heart in my hand begins to tremble, as if enlivened. Something always happens in Sedona.

PHOTOS: © L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

CHEFS

Capitol Cuisine

ith a tagline of “Where Capitol Hill Dines,” it’s clear, based not only on location but on aesthetic, vibe and the quality of the culinary creations, that to dine at Bistro Bis is to dine among our country’s elected officials, celebrities and Washington, D.C.’s elite. Housed in the Kimpton George Hotel, both the hotel and its on-site restaurant enjoy an enviable location just down the street from our nation’s Capitol. At this modern version of a French bistro, diners enjoy staples like endive salad, steak tartare, rich beef bourguignon, classic steak frites and succulent seafood and fish renditions. Jeffrey Buben is the chef and owner of Bistro Bis as well as D.C.’s Woodward Table. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he was a young chef working in notable restaurants including The Sign of the Dove and Le Chantilly. Today he enjoys promoting and teaching his profession to young cooks. Buben is a partner with his wife Sallie in both restaurants.

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER

WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE? My guilty pleasure is fried chicken, gravy and biscuits. There’s no one food ingredient I hate, but the most challenging ingredient, I find, is green peppers. WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY? For a dinner party, I will serve a seasonal soup followed by a roast pork rack with garlic potatoes before finishing with a great selection of cheeses.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN? The first meal I prepared on my own was for the staff of an Italian family caterer that I worked for in high school — penne arrabbiata, chicken cacciatore and zuppa Ingles. IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY? A dish that is personally satisfying to do is roast duck. It is old-fashioned cooking, and I love the care you take in roasting a whole bird and creating a beautiful sauce to pair with a great wine.

WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR? I think the idea of cooking trends is tricky. The best cooking I’ve tasted from the new generation of culinarians is when there is an homage to authenticity and soulfulness that they are presenting in a new form. BISTRO BIS Kimpton George Hotel 15 E St. NW Washington, D.C. 20001 tel 202 661 2700 bistrobis.com

PHOTOS: © TWICE BAKED LLC

Enjoy updated classic French fare at D.C.’s celebrated Bistro Bis.

WELCOME, BEYOND MORE SPACE. MORE LUXURY. MORE CONNECTED. Introducing Celebrity BeyondSM , the newest ship in the revolutionary Celebrity Edge® Series. With its innovative outward-facing design, you’ll feel a greater connection to the sea and every exciting destination on the horizon. Celebrity Beyond features a signature restaurant by the renowned Chef Daniel Boulud, a Grand Plaza inspired by the piazzas of Italy, a Rooftop Garden that extends out beyond the water’s edge, a terraced Sunset Bar, and even more new, luxury experiences. Be among the first to experience this innovative ship, sailing the Mediterranean starting April 2022 and the Caribbean in October 2022. You’ll sail without a care, since drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are Always IncludedSM .* Journey Safe. Journey WonderFULL SM .

CALL 1-800-CELEBRITY | CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR | VISIT CELEBRITY.COM Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, 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. * Offer applies to itineraries that depart 1 January 2021 through Open Deployment. Bookings must be made between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. Offer excludes Galapagos and Onboard Future Cruise bookings. Bookings should be made through Espresso and/or normal reservations methods but must select/request the GOVIRTUOSO offer. $90 per stateroom Specialty Dining credit will be applied in the form of an onboard credit (Murano charges an additional $5.00 per person, additionally Holiday sailings may have a surcharge) Offer is $90 Onboard credit “OBC” per stateroom for standard verandas, Concierge, and AquaClass®; and $165 OBC per stateroom for suites. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and to staterooms in non-contracted group bookings, which must be named and deposited. Guests’ stateroom folios will be credited with an OBC. OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 p.m. on the final night of the cruise. Offer excludes interior and ocean view staterooms. Offer is not combinable with onboard/Future Cruise Bookings, Galapagos sailings, or Simply Sail no perk rate. Single occupancy bookings are eligible for the Offer. Refer to Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity reserves the right to cancel the Offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice. For more details, please contact Celebrity Cruises at 1800 754 500 (AU) or 0800 102 123 (NZ), your Celebrity Sales Manager or contact Virtuoso. ©2021 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

FROM THE SHORES OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA TO THE RUGGED GALAPAGOS ISLANDS—LUXURY AWAITS The world has so many captivating places for modern travelers to experience, and there’s one way you can be sure to do that without leaving your love of the finer things in life behind. Celebrity Cruises has been offering luxury vacations for more than 30 years, and as they continue to transport guests all over the world, they continue to improve on that experience by designing and building some of the most innovative ships at sea. WITH ITS NEWEST SHIP, CELEBRITY CRUISES REDEFINES LUXURY TRAVEL—AGAIN. 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 the revolutionary Edge® Series by Celebrity Cruises®, and it takes their 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 on board. 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 Michelin-starred chef and inspired by the regions they visit. Explore 32 restaurants, bars and lounges on board, including Le Voyage, the first signature restaurant at sea by worldrenowned chef Daniel Boulud. A larger, redesigned Grand Plaza with a fully circular Martini Bar—always a hotspot—is the perfect gathering place for a

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 ensure you never have to lift a finger on vacation. 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. night on the town—miles out at sea. Of course, all of the visionary spaces that have made Celebrity’s Edge Series ships so popular are making 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 has taken its dedication to holistic wellness to awe-inspiring new heights. Be among the first to experience Celebrity Beyond, sailing the Mediterranean starting in April 2022 and the Caribbean in October 2022.

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.

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 lifechanging, so the experience calls for an equally extraordinary ship. That’s where Celebrity Cruises 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

To learn more about Celebrity Cruises and their fleet of award-winning ships, Call 800-CELEBRITY, contact your travel advisor or visit celebrity.com

CRUISING

Under Full Sail Cruise lines launch new ships and voyages to meet pent-up passenger demand.

Luxury at Sea: Regent Seven Seas’ Spendor exterior (top), Regent Suite (bottom left), dining (bottom middle), and penthouse suite (bottom right) PHOTOS: © REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

or 20 consecutive months, the world’s seas and waterways were nearly devoid of travelers, furloughed by viral winds, and the ships of major cruise lines remained anchored in a ghostly quarantine stretching around the globe. Only this summer has the maritime lockdown begun to loosen, ports reopen and regulations relax to the point where operators can set sail on a course toward normalcy. The restart has been rocky, however, and it would require a boatload of crystal balls to predict precisely when — and even if — cruise lines can resume full operations. Passengers are therefore advised to scrutinize a cruise line’s refund policies before taking the plunge.

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

BY J. D. BROWN AND MARGARET BACKENHEIMER

Nevertheless, with a robust demand to return to sea, the pent-up desire to explore and vacation at sea unleashed a typhoon of bookings. If all holds tight, 2022 could be the most spectacular cruising year on record. To match this rising tide of expectations, cruise lines are launching a host of new ships and calling on a variety of fresh destinations in 2022. The calendar of next year’s sailings is rife with bucket-list voyages and other bounty, reminding passengers of what they’ve been missing. For example, 2022 coincides with Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 30th anniversary. All five of its all-inclusive ships will be back on the waters, beginning with a 16-night Miami-to-San Diego journey via the Panama

NEW SHIP CALENDAR Here’s a sampling of new ships slated to debut in 2022. Many were delayed by the pandemic, and accompanying supply-chain issues and other factors continue to make launch dates uncertain. JANUARY sees the introduction of the 378-passenger Viking Octantis, an expedition ship, to be followed by its twin, Viking Polaris, in August. Both carry submarines and host working research scientists. MARCH welcomes the 3,660-guest Discovery Princess with the “largest balconies at sea,” and Royal Caribbean International’s 6,988-guest Wonder of the Seas, sailing the Caribbean and Europe. APRIL creates a splash with the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond, the third ship in Celebrity’s Edge Series. MAY finds the 930-passenger Viking Mars orbiting northern Europe, while the 702-guest Azamara Onward (earlier the Pacific Princess) makes its debut. Polar Adventure: Artist’s rendering of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator in Antarctica PHOTO: © ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

Canal, departing Jan. 3, 2022. This is just the first of 17 brand-new cruises Regent has slated to welcome travelers back to cruising. Next year also coincides with an important Holland America Line celebration, the 150th anniversary of the maiden voyage of its first vessel, Rotterdam, in 1872. Holland America’s newest Rotterdam ship (the seventh vessel to bear the name), is scheduled to recreate that historic trans-Atlantic voyage, departing the Netherlands (from Rotterdam, of course) Oct. 15, 2022, for New York City, a 12-day cruise that’s nine days shorter than the original crossing. Hurtigruten Expeditions celebrates its return to cruising in 2022 going pole-to-pole on a single voyage — a 93-day super-cruise aboard the world’s first battery-hybrid-powered ship, the 530-guest MS Roald Amundsen. Departing from Vancouver, Canada, the route includes stopovers in the Aleutian Islands, Greenland, Newfoundland, Labrador, Boston, Miami, the Caribbean, Belize and the Panama Canal on the way to Antarctica. Seabourn will launch its newest ship, Seabourn Venture, in 2022, a purpose-built expedition vessel with 132 “oceanfront” suites, furnished private

verandas, 24 Zodiacs, eight dining options and team leaders on hand. Notable 12-day itineraries in April include an “Inaugural Wild & Ancient British Isles” London-to-Edinburgh cruise and a “Scottish & Norse Legends Expedition” from Edinburgh to Tromsø. The two voyages can be seamlessly combined and then extended further with an 11-day Arctic expedition. The opposite end of the Earth is the setting for what Atlas Ocean Voyages calls “the most adventurous destination wedding on Earth.” In 2022 this line will offer complimentary marriage ceremonies and vow renewals on a Valentine’s Day “Happy Ever Atlas” cruise to Antarctica. The cruise begins with free airfare from Orlando, Florida, to Ushuaia, Argentina, where the 196-passenger World Navigator departs for the south polar region. The wedding ceremony takes place on the ship’s bridge or on land, with seals and penguins standing in as witnesses. (Among the booty for newlyweds: custom-made penguin jackets.) The new year will also mark the launch of Atlas’s second ship, World Traveler, which begins with all-inclusive, high-end voyages in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas.

JUNE belongs to the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish, with the AquaMouse water attraction clinging to its upper decks. AUGUST offers a month of debuts, from Norwegian Cruise Line’s 3,215guest Norwegian Prima to Virgin Voyages’ 2,770-guest Resilient Lady, as well as the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi and American Cruise Line’s 175-passenger American Symphony, both plying the Mississippi River. NOVEMBER witnesses the 6,500guest Carnival Celebration, with the BOLT roller coaster on board. DECEMBER presents three new superships: P&O Cruises’ 5,206–6,264-guest Arvia, powered by LNG; the 6,850guest MSC World Europa, featuring advanced wastewater systems; and the 930-passenger Viking Neptune, embarking on a world cruise from Ft. Lauderdale.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

FEATURE

Something to Celebrate! FXExpress honors the winners in the 2021 awards lineup. BY KIMBERLY KROL INLANDER | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK AND SHAWN WALKER | PICTURE THAT DESIGN

s the travel industry continues its strong, post-pandemic re-emergence, we took the opportunity to celebrate the winners of FXExpress Publications Inc.’s ninth Leisure Lifestyle Awards from Global Traveler, the fourth Wherever Awards from whereverfamily.com and the seventh The Trazees from trazeetravel.com at an event on Aug. 26 at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC. A number of sponsors joined in the festivities, including United Club Infinite Card from Chase, United Explorer Card from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa from Chase, Grupo Posadas, GOWAY, Tahiti Tourisme and United Airlines. The United Airlines co-branded cards from Chase also sponsored a Dom Perignon raffle; congratulations to the Champagne winners: Fern Ottavio, TAP Air Portugal; Maria Pizzo, Celebrity Cruises; Jim Bolger, UE Medical Devices, Inc.; Bill Hanley, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; and Giancarlo Mulinelli, Aeromexico. We enjoyed a beautiful night in our nation’s capital, hosted in conjunction with our good friends at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC. Guests mixed, mingled and celebrated to the sounds of steel drums, bringing a bit of the beach to Washington, D.C. It was also a true pleasure to honor Mike Donahue, chairman of our Advisory Board, for his contributions, advice and work in the past. Join us as we recap the winners of all of our awards across our three platforms. Congratulations to all the honorees!

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Best Pet-Friendly Hotels WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Westin Hotels & Resorts Best Historical Attractions, International Turkey 2021 Best Historical Attractions, Domestic Charleston, South Carolina Best Beaches Costa Rica Fourth Consecutive Year Best Adventure Destination, International India

1. Allison Giangiulio, vice president, United Airlines co-brand marketing manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co. 2. Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, North America, TAP Air Portugal 3. Luc Bondar, president, MileagePlus, vice president, Marketing & Loyalty, United Airlines 4. Christopher Hoey, federal legislative assistant, Chicago Department of Aviation 5. Giancarlo Mulinelli, senior vice president, global sales, Aeromexico 6. Rafael Lizarraga, chief commercial officer, Grupo Posadas 7. Rakan A. Alabodi, global markets specialist, Experience AlUla 8. Joseph Marinelli, president, Visit Savannah 9. Evan Koppel, director of sales, United Airlines

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic Alaska Best Leisure Destination in the United States Charleston, South Carolina Second Consecutive Year Best Leisure Destination in Africa Seychelles Best Leisure Destination in Europe Florence, Italy Best Leisure Destination in Asia Taipei Fourth Consecutive Year Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America Santiago, Chile Best Leisure Destination in Mexico Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Best Leisure Destination for Groups Italy Best Weekend Destination in North America Savannah, Georgia Second Consecutive Year Best Weekend Destination in the World Bermuda Second Consecutive Year Best North American Ski Destination Telluride, Colorado Third Consecutive Year Best International Ski Destination Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Best Golf Destination Kiawah Island Golf Resort

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Westin Hotels Best Caribbean Island & Resorts Dominican Republic 2021 1

Best Island in Europe Santoríni Eighth Consecutive Year Best Island Pacific Rim Cook Islands Sixth Consecutive Year Best Island in the United States Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Best Family Cruise Line Holland America Line Best Luxury Cruise Line MSC Cruises Best Value Cruise Line Emerald Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line Suites Owner’s Suites, Silversea Cruises Fourth Consecutive Year Best Adventure Cruise Line Ponant

1. Jamie Paiko, vice president of sales, North America, Cunard Line 2. Kathy Foster, corporate sales manager, key accounts, Eastern division, American Airlines 3. Norman Haughton, director, IFC Product and Analytics, Air Canada 4. Taylor Adams, deputy city manager and director of economic development, City of Virginia Beach 5. Maria Pizzo, market sales manager, Southeast region, Celebrity Cruises 6. Jeff DelRosso, vice president of operations, Hertz 7. Konstantinos Charokopos, director, USA & Canada, Greek National Tourism Organization 8. Vincent Frascogna, vice president, Americas, Etihad Airways 9. Shirley Rourke, vice president, GOWAY

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line Paul Gauguin Cruises Sixth Consecutive Year Best Large-Ship Cruise Line Cunard Sixth Consecutive Year Best River Cruise Line Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Fourth Consecutive Year Best Cruise Line Entertainment Princess Cruises Third Consecutive Year Best Cruise Line Dining Azamara Club Cruises Second Consecutive Year Best Cruise Line Spas Seabourn Cruise Line Third Consecutive Year

Best Cruise Ship Excursions Princess Cruises Sixth Consecutive Year

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Westin &Program Resorts Best CruiseHotels Line Rewards Captain’s Club, Celebrity Cruises 2021

Best Cruise Port Port Everglades Second Consecutive Year

1. Betsy Grey, director of sales, M&E Mid-Atlantic & Northeast USA, Meliá Hotels International 2. Kristen Stampe, area vice president of operations, Full Service Northeast, Hilton International 3. Marshall Livingston, director, international sales, Holland America Line 4. Leonel Mateo Hernández, counselor, Commercial & Economic Affairs, Dominican Republic Embassy 5. Walter Nadratowski, strategic account manager, Mid-Atlantic, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection 6. Francesco Brazzini, marketing manager, Italian Government Tourist Board 7. Loretta Echols, director of sales, Oceania Cruises 8. Nicholas Panza, vice president, Americas, Air Tahiti Nui 9. Victoria Isley, president & CEO, Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau 10. Matthew Schlitz, general manager, Marriott co-brand, JPMorgan Chase & Co. 11. Beth Gendler, president & CEO, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World Meliá Hotels International Seventh Consecutive Year Best Hotel Chain Resorts The Ritz-Carlton Third Consecutive Year

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Westin Hotels Best Pet-Friendly Hotels & Resorts Westin Hotels & Resorts 2021 Best Family Resort Chain in the World Westin Hotels & Resorts Fifth Consecutive Year Best All-Inclusive Resorts Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts Best Tour Operator Perillo Tours Best Airport for Layovers Miami International Airport Second Consecutive Year Best Airport for Recreation Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Best Stopover Program TAP Air Portugal Third Consecutive Year

Best Leisure Airline Air Tahiti Nui Third Consecutive Year

1. Jai Ferrell, assistant general manager of commercial development, head of marketing, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Ralph Cutié, director and CEO, Miami-Dade Aviation Department 3. Karen Riordan, president & CEO, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 4. Alicia Cummings, vice president of marketing, Paul Gauguin Cruises 5. Jonathan Daniels, port director, Port Everglades; Karen Rech, cruise services manager, Port Everglades; Ken Lavan, customer relations specialist, Port Everglades; Kim Bertsch, customer relations specialist, Port Everglades 6. Shelley Wise, vice president, integrated marketing, Princess Cruises 7. John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Development Company 8. Kristin Carlson, managing director, Tahiti Tourisme North America

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment Air Canada Third Consecutive Year Best Airline Onboard Menu Air Canada Business Class Second Consecutive Year Best Premium Economy Class Air Canada Third Consecutive Year Best Pet-Friendly Airline United Airlines Best Luxury Vehicle Volvo Third Consecutive Year Favorite Luxury Watch Brand Tag Heuer Best Leisure Car Rental Hertz Fourth Consecutive Year Best Destination Jewelry Brand Na Hoku Second Consecutive Year

Best Liquor Brand Woodford Reserve

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

LEISURE LIFESTYLE Best Pet-Friendly Hotels AWARDS SPECIAL Westin Hotels & Resorts ACHIEVEMENT 2021 HONOREES Outstanding Social Responsibility United Airlines Outstanding Customized Services AlUla Outstanding Environmental Achievements Red Sea Development Company

1. Brad Shih, director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau 2. Chris Gabaldon, senior vice president, Luxury Brands, Marriott International 3. Alison Metcalfe,

executive vice president, USA & Canada, Tourism Ireland 4. Rachel O’Neill-Cusey, director of sales, Visit Dana Point 5. Jeffrey Pugliese, director of commercial sales, Volvo Cars USA 6. Jason Nuell, area vice president, Eastern region, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International 7. Christian Mani, general manager, Cook Islands Tourism

Outstanding Innovations Pittsburgh International Airport Favorite Airline in Europe TAP Air Portugal Fourth Consecutive Year

uise Line Favorite Cr

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Favorite Airline in Africa Ethiopian Airlines Second Consecutive Year

Paul Gauguin Cruises Second Consecutive Year

Favorite International Airline United Airlines Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airline Alliance Star Alliance

Favorite Aircraft Type Airbus A350 Favorite Airline Website AA.com Fourth Consecutive Year Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program United MileagePlus Fourth Consecutive Year Favorite Low-Cost Airline Allegiant Airlines Favorite Airline in North America Air Canada Third Consecutive Year

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Favorite Airline in Central/ South America Copa Airlines

Favorite Airline in the Middle East Etihad Airways Third Consecutive Year Favorite Airline in Asia Cathay Pacific Airways Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airline in Mexico Aeromexico Second Consecutive Year Favorite Green Airline United Airlines Third Consecutive Year Favorite Airline App American Airlines Second Consecutive Year Favorite Overall Airport in the World Incheon International Airport Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airport in Africa O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

Favorite Airport in North America Chicago O’Hare International Airport Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airport in Asia Incheon International Airport Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airport in Europe Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airport in the Middle East Bahrain International Airport Favorite Airport in Central/ South America Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Third Consecutive Year Favorite Airport Dining Chicago O’Hare International Airport Second Consecutive Year Favorite Airport Shopping Chicago O’Hare International Airport Second Consecutive Year Favorite Duty-Free Shopping Incheon International Airport Second Consecutive Year Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East Bahrain Duty Free

ine

Cruise L in Africa Favorite Duty-Free Favorite Shopping O.R. Tambo International Airport, Paul Gauguin Cruises Johannesburg, South Africa Second Consecutive Year

Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Asia Tokyo Narita International Airport Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Europe Amsterdam International Airport Schiphol Favorite Duty-Free Shopping in Central/ South America Bogotá El Dorado International Airport

Favorite Hotel Chain Canopy by Hilton 1. Rose Ann Holewinski, finance and administrative manager, TAP Air Portugal; Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, TAP Air Portugal; Megan Ottavio

Favorite Lifestyle Hotel Chain Andaz Second Consecutive Year

2. Janis & Mike Donahue

Favorite Hotel Website hilton.com

3. Jim Bolger, UE Medical Devices, Inc.

Favorite Hotel Rewards Program in the World Marriott Bonvoy

4. Stavros Aktipis, owner, Kellari Hospitality Group; Dr.

Athina Balta, attorney, Athina Balta Law Group PLLC and owner, Kellari Taverna; Konstantinos Charokopos, director, USA & Canada, Greek National Tourism Organization

Favorite Hotel Chain in Central/South America Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts Second Consecutive Year Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts Seventh Consecutive Year

5. Haley Fogarty, advertising manager, FXExpress

Publications, Inc.; Ken Fogarty, enterprise account executive, Neo4j; Olivia Fogarty, student, West Chester University

Celebrity Cruises; Thomas Bailey

Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

7. Vincent Frascogna, vice president, Americas, Etihad

Airways; Amanda Leung, director of business development & specialty sales, Etihad Airways

Favorite Green Hotel Aloft

8. Nicole Bergstrom, Nicole the Travel Scribe

Favorite Hotel App Marriott

9. Rakan A. Alabodi, global markets specialist, Experience

AlUla; Shirley Rourke, vice president, GOWAY; Francesco Brazzini, marketing manager, Italian Government Tourist Board

Favorite Country Greece Second Consecutive Year

10. Mary Casas, corporate account manager, American

Favorite Honeymoon Destination Tahiti Second Consecutive Year

Airlines; Craig Irving, corporate account manager, American Airlines; Kathy Foster, corporate sales manager, key accounts, Eastern division, American Airlines; Andrew Love, account manager, American Airlines

Favorite Adventure Destination Taiwan Fourth Consecutive Year

11. Beth Ann Brown; Maria Angeles, account executive,

Western region and Asia, FXExpress Publications, Inc.

Favorite Foodie City Asheville, North Carolina Fourth Consecutive Year

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6. Maria Pizzo, market sales manager, Southeast region,

ise Friendliest City Favorite Cru Charleston, South Carolina

Line

Paul Gauguin Cruises Consecutive Year Favorite BeachSecond Town, Northeastern United States Kennebunkport, Maine

Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Atlantic United States Cape May, New Jersey Favorite Beach Town, Mid-Southern United States Virginia Beach, Virginia Second Consecutive Year Favorite Beach Town, Southeast United States Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Favorite Beach Town, Florida East St. Augustine, Florida Favorite Beach Town, Florida West Marco Island, Florida Favorite Beach Town, Florida Panhandle Fort Walton Beach, Florida Favorite Beach Town, Gulf United States Gulf Shores, Alabama

Favorite Beach Town, Texas Port Aransas & Mustang Beach, Texas

Favorite Beach Town, Southern California Dana Point, California Favorite Beach Town, Northern California Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Second Consecutive Year Favorite Beach Town, Pacific Northwest Long Beach, Washington Favorite Car Rental Company Hertz Favorite Tour Operator GOWAY Third Consecutive Year Favorite Luggage Brand Travelpro Second Consecutive Year Favorite Credit Card United Explorer Card from Chase Fourth Consecutive Year

Favorite Cruise Line Paul Gauguin Cruises Second Consecutive Year

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Wherever Awards 2021 Best Family-Friendly WINNERS’ CIRCLE MultiGen Destination Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airline of the Year United Airlines Second Consecutive Year

Ireland

Best Family-Friendly Airline in North America Air Canada Third Consecutive Year

Best Family-Friendly International Airline Air Canada Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Flyer Program United MileagePlus Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Hotel Chain Hilton Hotels Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Resort Chain Westin Hotels and Resorts Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Individual Hotel Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas Third Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Frequent-Stay Program Hilton Honors Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Hotel Kids Club Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes, California Best Family-Friendly International Tour Company Lindblad Expeditions Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Cruise Line Azamara Best Family-Friendly Cruise Line Kids Club MCS Cruises Junior Club Best Family-Friendly Credit Card Chase United Explorer Card Third Consecutive Year

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Best Family-Friendly Credit Card Rewards Program Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase Fourth Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly International Destination Tahiti Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination Charleston, South Carolina Best Family-Friendly Caribbean Island Dominican Republic Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic United States Nantucket, Massachusetts Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Southeast United States Virginia Beach, Virginia Second Consecutive Year

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida East St. Augustine, Florida

Best Family-Friendly MultiGen Destination of the Year Ireland

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida West Sarasota, Florida Second Consecutive Year

Best Family-Friendly Amusement Park Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Florida Panhandle Rosemary Beach, Florida Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Gulf Coast, United States Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Beach Town, West United States Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Second Consecutive Year

Best Family-Friendly Waterpark LEGOLAND Florida Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company Hertz Best Family-Friendly Domestic Airport Chicago Midway Airport Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly International Airport Incheon International Airport Second Consecutive Year Best Family-Friendly Airport Dining Miami International Airport Best Family-Friendly Airport Shopping Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

1. Marshall Livingston, director, international sales, Holland America Line; Carrie Cox, account executive, Southern region and the Caribbean, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 2. Bill Hanley, area director of sales and marketing, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Kimpton George Hotel, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; Allison Giangiulio, vice president, United Airlines co-brand marketing manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

3. Mike Donahue, chairman, Global Traveler Advisory Board; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Edward Jefferson, senior attorney, City of Philadelphia; Kevin Ryan, partner, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP

4. Allison Giangiulio, vice president, United Airlines co-brand marketing manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 5. Yasser Ogando, advertising and production manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Anna Torres de Navarra, founder, Colibri Media 6. Giancarlo Mulinelli, senior vice president, global sales, Aeromexico; Mariana Zenizo, account executive, Mexico, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 7. Sue Castorino, president, The Speaking Specialists, and member, Global Traveler’s Globility Board; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.

8. Bill Hanley, area director of sales and marketing, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Kimpton George Hotel, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants 9. Haley Fogarty, advertising manager, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Mariana Zenizo, account executive, Mexico, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Katie Skrzek, vice president/ digital director, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 10. Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Fern Ottavio, sales and marketing manager, North America, TAP Air Portugal; Rose Ann Holewinski, finance and administrative manager, TAP Air Portugal

11. Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc. 12. Taylor Adams, deputy city manager and director of economic development, City of Virginia Beach; Dorothy Wood, member, Global Traveler’s Globility Board 13. Mike Donahue, chairman, Global Traveler Advisory Board; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

Aeroflot – your route to Russia and beyond The Russian flag carrier offers outstanding service and convenient connections FOUNDED IN 1923, AEROFLOT is one of the oldest airlines in the world. Over the past decade, Aeroflot has transformed under the current management team led by CEO Vitaly Saveliev. Today, it is the undisputed leader in its home market of Russia, recognized worldwide by industry experts and passengers alike for its high quality of customer service and all-around passenger experience. Aeroflot today ranks among the largest 20 airlines globally by passenger numbers, carrying 37.2 million passengers in 2019 (60.7 million including the other airlines of Aeroflot Group). As the Russian flag carrier, Aeroflot maintains a global route network. In the United States, Aeroflot operates flights to and from four destinations: New York City, Washington, D.C., Miami and Los Angeles. Through its modern hub at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, Aeroflot offers quick and convenient connectivity from the United States to destinations in China and across Asia, India and the Middle East.

Aeroflot is also a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance, giving passengers access to an expanded route network and the unique service of the global alliance. One of Aeroflot’s strongest competitive advantages is its fleet. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets of any global carrier operating more than 100 aircraft, with an average aircraft age of less than 5 years. Aeroflot holds 4-Star Airline status from Skytrax, and has been named Best Airline in Eastern Europe eight times at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. It also holds Five Star Global Airline status from APEX, the U.S. passenger association.

Time Performance Review. Aeroflot also won two categories at the World Travel Awards 2019 — Leading Airline Brand and Best Business Class. The airline was also named the world’s strongest airline brand by Brand Finance, the authoritative U.K. agency. The airline industry has been among those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But we will emerge stronger from the crisis, and look forward to flying again and giving more passengers the opportunity to experience our warm Russian hospitality and award-winning service.

In 2019, Aeroflot received a 5-star punctuality rating from OAG and was the world’s most on-time mainline airline, according to Cirium’s annual OnLEARN MORE AT aeroflot.com

business destinations

GREEK ISLES 50 LISBON By the Sea: Oia ,Santoriíi, Greece PHOTO: © HARIS VYTHOULKAS | DREAMSTIME.COM

LOUISVILLE

ORLANDO

ABU DHABI

BUSAN

leisure destinations 64

CASABLANCA

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

LONG BEACH

ANTARCTICA

GREEK ISLES

DESTINATION ONE | LISBON

Trading on History With a major seaport, Lisbon remains a critical hub of commerce. BY DEBRA BOKUR Historical Perspectives: (Left to right) Rossio Square in downtown Lisbon, and view from Castelo de São Jorge PHOTOS: © RICARDO ROCHA | DREAMSTIME .COM, © WALLLEE18 | DREAMSTIME.COM

n days gone by, great ships laden with coveted goods set sail from Lisbon’s port, bound for faraway locales. Like other settlements that developed along sea coasts and rivers with deep, natural harbors, Lisbon matured as a vital part of an international trade network. Today it’s still the location of one of Europe’s principal commercial and container ports, with business as usual. Despite setbacks created by the pandemic, the business forecast for Lisbon remains positive and includes projected salary increases averaging 2.2 percent within the private sector during 2022. According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2021 Investment Climate Statement on Portugal, the country’s Recovery and Resilience Plan efforts will benefit from an

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

economic boost in the form of about €14 billion in European Union grants expected to be delivered between this year and 2026 — much of it earmarked to back energy and digital transitions. In the pre-pandemic world, Portugal’s services sphere — especially tourism — supplied much of the momentum for economic recovery and growth. Closely associated with the leisure tourism market, the number of planned conferences and conventions (a key sector for Lisbon) has dwindled significantly. Over the past few years, heavy industries such as the automobile sector have been joined by construction, energy and technology as crucial, expanding components of a mutable economy. “Foreign companies receive very competitive tax incentives that are in

JUST THE FACTS Time zone: GMT (GMT+1 Daylight Saving Time) Phone code: Country code 351 City code 21 Currency: Euro Key industries: Oil refining, chemical industries, auto manufacturing and assembly, textiles, footwear, electronics and tech, wood pulp and cork production, fish and beverage processing

COMING AND GOING U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for up to 90 days, with three months’ validity beyond planned departure date and two blank pages. Travelers not staying in a hotel or tourist accommodation must register their arrival with the Portuguese Immigration Service (SEF) within three business days of arrival.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Portuguese

LODGING

DINING

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON The newly updated historic hotel offers an invigorating take on glamour at city center. Enjoy the outdoor running track, heated lap pool and full-service spa center.

CAVALARIÇA LISBOA The second partnership between Chef Bruno Caseiro and pastry chef Filipa Gonçalves offers tried-and-true favorites such as lime-seasoned prawns served on crackers made from crisp chicken skin. Reservations recommended.

Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 88 $$$$$

full compliance with EU regulations,” said Nisan Larido, vice president, Brand & Product, Gold Tree Hospitality. “Large corporations are taking advantage of this and moving their offices or even headquarters to Lisbon, which is driving a large number of their employees to relocate.” Mainstay industries such as agriculture, textiles and footwear have pivoted to accommodate the world’s changing needs and have grown into important exports. Adaptation is essential, as demonstrated by luxury Portuguese shoe designers including Luis Onofre, who shifted his design focus from an exclusive portfolio of swanky high heels and upmarket men’s shoes to more footwear appropriate for health care professionals and work-at-home scenarios. High heels in particular have taken an understandable hit in a world where comfort has become a priority. Today Portuguese footwear with rubber soles and environmentally friendly materials are seeing a boost in popularity. The lack of legal restrictions in Portugal with regard to foreign investment makes Lisbon, in particular, an attractive base for large companies. The long list of multinational companies with a major presence in Lisbon includes Nokia, Siemens, Vodaphone, Teleperformance, Fujitsu, Microsoft, Novartis, Mercedes-Benz International, Marriott International, Sky and L’Oréal. When it comes to tourism, there’s still a lot of ground to recover, but the sector is making progress. British travelers have traditionally comprised a significant tourist base in Lisbon, the location of the country’s main international airport. The decision by the British government to resume air travel to Portugal has been important. In addition, TAP (Portugal’s national airline) has resumed flights

Rua da Boavista 86 $$$$

HOTEL VALVERDE LISBOA Elegant and serene, this downtown hotel has plenty of uptown flair, providing a London townhome ambience with light-filled spaces, local art and splendid antiques.

DAHLIA Combining food and music, this popular new eatery bills itself as a “listening bar.” The bar menu features clever cocktails such as the Hibiscus Fizz.

Av. da Liberdade 164 $$$$

Travessa do Carvalho 13 $$$

THE IVENS EXPLORERS HOTEL LISBON Part of the Autograph Collection of Hotels, this sophisticated boutique property — complete with parrots, velvet armchairs and luxury services — offers an experience reflecting the city’s spirit of adventure.

O FRADE The family-owned restaurant serves local dishes and an extensive selection of Portuguese wines. House specialties include Empada Especial do Frade. Dine at the U-shaped bar and sample traditional petiscos rice dishes.

Rua Capelo 5 $$$$

Calçada da Ajuda 14 $$$$$

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

PHOTO: © NIR HADAR

from all nine North American gateways, with incentives that include the Book With Confidence program. This program enables passengers to make changes to their booking with no additional fees, provided they do so up to three days before their flight (the program applies to purchases made by Dec. 31, 2021, and excludes discount fares). “Over the past five years, Lisbon has experienced a massive growth both in the volume of tourists that visit the city and in its economy — supported by said visitors,” said Larido. “Lisbon continues to develop its tourism infrastructure by investing substantial amounts of funding in hospitality and simplifying the process for companies to receive its hospitality permits.” While tourism begins to recuperate, tech companies have recognized the advantages offered by a presence in Portugal’s capital. This includes a number of startups in the tech space including YData, Vawlt, Quantam Leap and Navaro. Startups with an entertainment angle such as ScorePlay, an AI-powered management platform for sporting clubs; voice-driven game studio Dopplo; and Augmented Reality content creator MyLADS are also looking to put down roots in Lisbon. Already in place to make travel easier for a new wave of tourists is LUGGit, a personalized transportation service that tracks and delivers baggage to travelers — including that bag packed with comfy designer shoes.

CHECKING IN WITH NISAN LARIDO Vice president, Brand & Product, Gold Tree Hospitality, including Stay&Co. The concept of a private luxury apartment as an alternative to a hotel stay has an undeniable appeal in these days of social distancing. How would you describe your typical client? Although the “serviced apartment” and “aparthotel”

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

segments are booming (especially during the pandemic), the need for a new, hybrid product that optimizes both the guest experience and functionality has been permeating for quite some time. Typical guests of Stay&Co. range from young professionals and entrepreneurs who can work just about anywhere with a strong WiFi signal to corporate travelers on assignments. These guests work in key positions or manage their own companies and need to remain dynamic and flexible when on the road. We believe our guests don’t have to compromise or be confined to shoebox-sized hotel rooms in order to experience Lisbon’s thriving city center, nor need they book a cookie-cutter apartment that adds nothing to their travel experience and is likely located in a far-flung business district a taxi ride away from all the action. Stay&Co. offers a solution that provides guests the comforts of a fully furnished, stylishly fashioned apartment located in the city center just walking distance from hyperlocal hot spots, coffeeshops, art galleries and attractions in areas such as Cais de Sodre, Principe Real or Alfama. What economic factors led to the decision to expand into the Lisbon market? Before entering a new market, we conduct an in-depth, participant-driven market study coupled with insight and consultancy from top-tier hospitality advisors. Our Lisbon study identified the city’s vast potential for a serviced apartment brand unlike anything currently on the market. We understand there is an influx of digital nomads, young professionals, corporate travel-

Modern Flair: Vasco da Gama Mall buildings and square PHOTO: © HELENA BILKOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

ers and relocation needs flooding Lisbon, which ultimately raises the demand for flexible-stay solutions and extended stays — and a product that is uniform and easily identifiable. The market for serviced apartments in Lisbon is still in its infancy. How do you localize the experience for Stay&Co. guests? We developed a design philosophy called “UrbanPop” together with our lead architect Adi Ben Nun and designer Ingrid Aparicio. The “urban” part determines the materials and the actual shape and design of each location, based on the local architecture and materials available in each city we enter. “Pop” is influenced by the local culture and determines the color palette, the art and the accessories we use. We hire local designers in each city who understand what the city is all about, know the local suppliers and can really implement the “Urban-Pop” philosophy. Part of our agenda is to “let the city in,” so all the art and accessories we source is the work of locals. For the artwork in each of the Lisbon apartments, we partnered with both local artist Delia Hamer and Underdogs Gallery, a world-acclaimed cultural platform based in Lisbon that encompasses a gallery, a public art program and art book publisher known as a breeding ground and launch site for Portuguese artists. Portuguese designers Judite Pereira and Antonio Carvalho created tables, furniture pieces, bed frames and curtains. These activities support our claim of being a locally minded brand that supports homegrown creatives and has a distinct style associated with the location.

Age of Discoveries: Padrão dos Descobrimentos PHOTO: © ALESSANDRO CRISTIANO | DREAMSTIME.COM,

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INFO TO GO

DIVERSIONS

Appreciate the Arts: Musicians in front of Museu do Fado (above), and National Tile Museum (right) PHOTOS: © JACEK SOPOTNICKI | DREAMSTIME.COM, © VIOCARA | DREAMSTIME.COM

The demand for Portuguese products may drive much of the business in Lisbon, but the city — one of the world’s oldest — has long been loved for its stunning beauty. Today that cachet is as powerful as ever. Enjoy a ride on a historic tram and steep yourself in views from Castelo de São Jorge. Or explore the wide array of museums, which include Museum of Decorative Arts, housed within the 17th-century Palácio Azurara; MUDE design museum; Roman Theatre Museum; National Archaeological Museum; National Tile Museum; and Fado Museum. Stroll the winding streets to admire the myriad architectural styles, monuments and statuary, including the city’s colossal Rua Agusta arch and the waterfront Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument, dedicated to historical figures who led Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. An excellent way to capture your memories and impressions is on a guided, 2.5-hour Lisbon Film Photography Excursion offered by Eager Tourist. This private tour is led by a city expert and professional photographer who presents each participant with a 35mm camera preloaded with 36 frames of film while also providing hands-on guidance on photography techniques. As part of the experience, Eager Tourist develops guests’ film and mails the photographs to them within three days, providing them with lasting documentation of a unique and personal perspective of Lisbon.

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Humberto Delgado Airport, also called Lisbon Airport or Portelo Airport, lies approximately four miles — or 20 minutes — from city center. Transportation options include rental car, taxi, metro, bus, shuttle and train. The Aeroporto–Saldanha metro line links directly to city center; use requires a reloadable 7 Colinas/ Viva Viagem electronic travel card. The card is also valid on Carris city buses, though buses have strict maximum baggage allowances of 19.6 inches by 15.7 inches by 7.8 inches. If your bag exceeds these dimensions, the dedicated Aerobus and Airport shuttles offer options to the city. The airport’s metro line also connects to Gare do Oriente, Lisbon’s main train station. Official, licensed taxis can be found in queues outside of the arrivals hall; avoid independent drivers soliciting fares in the baggage area. Most major car rental agencies are represented at the airport.

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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:

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The Fiesta Americana brand, La Colección, is adding three new properties in the near future — in Playa Mujeres, Valle de Guadalupe and Naay Tulum.

STATESIDE | LOUISVILLE

Bourbon and Beyond Get a taste of spirits and sports in Louisville. BY GREGORY D. MCCLUNEY

hile the lure of 10 tasting rooms along the only Urban Bourbon Trail in the United States (and the world) brings almost 19 million visitors to Louisville each year, business and city leaders have plans to grow the city to attract another type of visitor — the sports enthusiast. In the past five years, Louisville experienced tourism growth, with key executives assigned to the task as the Louisville Sports Commission, which works closely with Louisville Tourism. The city’s affordable hotel rates, reasonable eateries for all budgets and central East Coast

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

location have landed events and competitions including gymnastics, soccer, lacrosse and indoor track. Add to the mix several PGA events, USA Cycling, NCAA men’s basketball, women’s volleyball and the Breeders Cup — and, of course, the iconic Kentucky Derby. Louisville’s success in sports tourism is supported by the new 10,000-seat Lynn Family Soccer Stadium and the Norton Sports Health Athletics & Learning Complex with 4,200 seats. The city’s Tom Sawyer Park offers 550 acres, including an Olympic pool, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts and a permanent BMX track. Doug Bennett, chief operating officer of

the sports project, said, “We see this as one of the more resilient sectors of the tourism business. Even during the pandemic, these events have continued to be held.” Meeting space and hotel rooms expanded as well, with 4,700-plus rooms adjacent to Mohammed Ali International Airport and the Kentucky Expo Center. Bourbon City added or has under construction more than 2,500 rooms. Many will lie within walking distance of the Kentucky International Convention Center, seven distilleries, two entertainment districts (Whiskey Row) and 130 restaurants. Total rooms: 21,722 and growing. When the meetings are over and it’s a bit early to start tasting, Louisville offers several museums and attractions of interest — no sipping required. Plan a visit to the Mohammed Ali Center, a six-story multicultural center and museum that documents one of America’s greatest athletes. No visit is complete without a stop

SCENIC DRIVES For more than 200 years Bardstown, Kentucky, has held the title “The Bourbon Capital of the World.” Also named “One of America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns” by Rand McNally and USA Today, Bardstown lies just 45 minutes from Louisville, welcoming visitors with four tours and eight tasting rooms. In 1999 Bardstown launched the first Kentucky Bourbon Festival, now a destination in its own right, especially for the leisure traveler. Many travelers begin their day with a visit to the Jim Beam Distillery, just as one exits I-65, followed by a stop at Barton 1792. Don’t miss lunch on the town square — maybe a “Hot Brown” sandwich, a local favorite — and then a real ice cream soda at Hurst Drugs. A lot of bourbon sipping awaits, but you might want to shop the square’s boutiques before pushing on. Sample at Heaven Hill, Willet or Lux Row, but save some time for dinner at Bardstown Bourbon Company. From there it’s just 45 minutes back to your Louisville host hotel.

at the Kentucky Derby Museum, while the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage documents Black history. Get into the swing of things at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can see how the world’s most famous baseball bats are made. NULU 2.0, the “New Louisville,” is a restaurant and entertainment district offering food and drink for every taste including, of all things, a craft brewery right in the center of Bourbon City. On a cool evening, visitors stroll around the open marketplace for a bite, brew or bourbon, a great way to meet friends or make new ones. They can then grab a Bourbon City Cruiser and ride to a new distillery, attraction or back to their hotel. Night

owls may make a stop at Kentucky’s oldest bar, Talbot Tavern, right next door to Old Jailers Inn. LGBTQ+ visitors will find Louisville quite welcoming and more diverse than many Southern cities. In 2011 Mayor Greg Fischer signed the Compassionate Louisville resolution. In 2014 the LGBTQ Hospitality Task Force was created to work with the mayor’s office and business leaders to promote the city as an open and friendly destination. Today Louisville is one of the largest U.S. cities to hold the Model City of Compassion distinction and scored a perfect 100 in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index.

Taste of Kentucky: Copper and Kings Distillery (above), and Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs (below) PHOTOS:© ARNE BERULDSEN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © ERIK LATTWEIN | DREAMSTIME.COM,

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

MICE | ORLNDO

globaltravelerusa.com NOVEMBER 2021

Imagine the Possibilities Factor in fun at your next meeting in Orlando. BY SUSAN B. BARNES

rlando, the No. 1 travel destination in the United States, makes it easy to mix business with pleasure with its warm weather year-round, thriving arts scene and thrilling theme parks. Meeting and event planners find The City Beautiful appealing, too, with 150-plus meeting hotels offering a combined 5 million square feet of flexible meeting space to accommodate nearly any size group and more than 127,000 hotel rooms throughout the city. All told, it’s easy to see why Orlando is consistently named Cvent’s No. 1 U.S. meeting destination. Traveling into the city is as easy as taxiYOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY takeoff-land, with flights arriving at Orlando ABOUT ALL WORK AND NO International Airport from across the country PLAY. ON THE PLEASURE and around the world. SIDE OF BUSINESS TRAVEL, MCO has been awarded Global Biorisk Advisory ORLANDO’S THEME PARKS Council’s STAR AccrediOFFER PLENTY OF ACTIVITY tation, the gold standard of safe venues, and its TO KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY. South Terminal Complex addition should open in 2022. The cornerstone of the airport’s $3.82 billion capital improvement program, the complex will house 15 new gates, allowing the airport to welcome an additional 10 to 12 million annual pasInspired Design: sengers. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort The industry-leading Orange County Convention & Spa meeting hub Center, located just 11 miles from MCO, also earned cocktail reception (top left) and meeting GBAC STAR Accreditation. With 2.1 million square room (top right), feet of exhibition space and 480,000 square feet of flexible Orange County meeting space, the OCCC team works with planners to Convention Center (middle), AC Hotel create unforgettable events. For ease of its guests, four Orlando Downtown hotels — Hilton Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Cielo Meeting Room Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Plaza Hotel — offer more (bottom left), and Walt Disney World than 5,200 guestrooms and direct access to the center via Swan Reserve pedestrian walkways or covered walking bridges. meeting suite (bottom right) In addition, a number of Orlando-area meeting hotels recently opened or are undergoing renovations to meeting PHOTOS: © MARRIOTT, spaces. The area’s newest luxury meeting destination, JW © CRACKERCLIPS | DREAMSTIME.COM, © AC Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa boasts HOTEL, © WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN RESERVE more than 50,000 square feet of event space, including a 22,000-square-foot ballroom. From the rooftop bar, guests can watch the nightly fireworks at Walt Disney World and then retreat to one of the resort’s 516 guestrooms and 81

suites. The new JW joins JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, closer to the Orange County Convention Center. On the grounds of Walt Disney World Resort, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a new addition to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, adding 349 guestrooms, including 149 meeting suites. The addition increases the resort’s total meeting space to more than 350,000 square feet, including two brand-new ballrooms and 12 meeting and breakaway rooms, as well as rooftop space to enjoy the warm Florida air and those nighttime fireworks. Back at the convention center, Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center caters to smaller groups with blocks of up to 200 guestrooms and 2,200 square feet of meeting space. East of the convention center, AC Hotel Orlando Downtown features a European-inspired design in its 180 guestrooms and three meeting spaces. Renovations at meeting hotels and resorts in Orlando include 49,000 square feet of newly renovated meeting space for up to 1,750 guests at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes; the new 215,000-square-foot Peninsula Ballroom and breakout space at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld; and the completion of a $125 million renovation project at Caribe Royale Orlando that includes 220,000 square feet of total meeting space. Orlando World Center Marriott, undergoing a reimagining for completion in 2022, will see renovations of all 2,010 guestrooms and suites along with 24 new breakout rooms, each encompassing 1,200 square feet. At its completion, the resort will boast more than 450,000 square feet of flexible event space. You know what they say about all work and no play. On the pleasure side of business travel, Orlando’s theme parks offer plenty of activity to keep everyone happy — it’s the Theme Park Capital of the World, after all. Jedis can travel to a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort, which kicked off “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” an 18-month celebration of its 50th anniversary, on Oct. 1. The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort races would-be paleontologists against dinosaurs on Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, and want-to-be wizards take flight just like Harry Potter on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Or cool off a bit on Florida’s first dueling-racer raft slide, the new Riptide Race at SeaWorld Orlando. Before you go, download the new Visit Orlando app to make getting from meetings to restaurants to theme parks — and much more — easier than ever.

UNIQUE VENUES This winter, Lake Nona Wave Hotel will open with more than 12,000 square feet of flexible event space in the tech- and medical-focused community. Two main draws of the community are its 130,000-square-foot Lake Nona Performance Club fitness center and the first-of-its-kind Chopra Mind-Body Zone and Spa headed by Dr. Deepak Chopra. With a keen focus on health and wellness affecting all aspects of our lives, hosting an event at Lake Nona Wave Hotel will prove an all-around win. lakenonawavehotel.com Add star power to any event at Madame Tussauds Orlando, in the heart of the city’s convention district. Following an exclusive VIP experience in the attraction, host up to 350 guests in the main hall or 160 in the Stage 3 event space. Afterward, spend time exploring the entirety of the ICON Park entertainment complex, complete with a 400-foot-tall observation wheel. madametussauds.com/orlando Get attendees’ motors running at the Orlando HarleyDavidson Historic Factory with an 8,000-square-foot showroom that can host up to 1,000 guests with, of course, an array of HarleyDavidson motorcycles on display. Vroom, vroom! orlandoharley.com

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

9–5 | ABU DHABI

Warm Welcome Abu Dhabi delivers a diverse business climate for entertaining clients. BY TERESA BITLER Sacred Splendor: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque PHOTO: © PATRYK KOSMIDER | DREAMSTIME .COM

he capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi sits southwest of Dubai on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Its economic history continues to impact its business sector today. Originally, pearls harvested from the Gulf attracted traders from around the world to the area, but the local economy shifted to oil when developers discovered huge reserves offshore in 1958. Because Great Britain had a long-standing, exclusive trade deal with the local sheiks, it helped bring the oil to market four years later. Although Great Britain left when the U.A.E. formed in 1971, its

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influence remains in Abu Dhabi, making it easy for Americans and Europeans to navigate. Most people speak English, and most signs are written or translated into English. Additionally, because it was a trade city, Abu Dhabi has always welcomed people of all ethnicities and religious backgrounds. In fact, the mostly Muslim city’s first synagogue is scheduled for completion in 2022 as part of a multifaith complex. That doesn’t mean the city takes a casual approach to Islam, the nation’s official religion. The call to prayer sounds five times a day, and the work week begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday, with Friday serving as the weekly holy day and Saturday as a day of rest. Islam also influences attire and the way Emiratis conduct business. In public, Emirati men usually wear a white shirt-like garment called a kandura that reaches their ankles, accompanied by a white or checkered headdress. Emirati women similarly wear a loose abaya, traditionally black, with a headscarf or veil. Visitors aren’t expected to cover from head to toe but should dress in a similarly conservative fashion. For male business executives, a dark-colored business suit and tie makes the best impression; women should choose a blouse that doesn’t show cleavage and a skirt that at least covers the knees. As with men, female business executives

Capital of Culture: Middle Eastern cuisine (top), 24-karat gold cappuccino at Le Café at Emirates Palace (middle), and Abu Dhabi Skyline (bottom) PHOTOS: © TERESA BITLER

should stick to dark, conservative colors. Headwear is not required for either gender. Greetings between same-sex business associates are generally warm, with handshakes and generous praise. When faced with an Emirati of the opposite sex, proper etiquette dictates waiting until he or she extends their hand first, then extending your right hand. (Muslims consider the left hand unclean.) If a handshake is not offered, simply smile. Emiratis value connection, so it’s not uncommon for business meetings to begin with small talk. Keep the conversation light, but aim to build trust. If an Emirati asks you a question, avoid saying anything negative about the city, where you’re staying or anything else, for that matter. Because trust is key, Emiratis expect you to honor your word. Failure to deliver can ruin your relationship with your business associates. Coffee figures prominently in U.A.E. culture. Traditionally, sheiks conducted business over a cup of coffee poured by a deaf server who couldn’t overhear the negotiations. While that is no longer the case, business associates often gather for coffee and dates or for a full meal. Most international hotels offer coffee service for guests or have a high-end coffee shop like Le Café at Emirates Palace, known for its 24-karat gold cappuccino. As practicing Muslims, most Emiratis do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Some local restaurants even have sections where pork is not served, and some do not have a liquor license. However, restaurants at international hotels usually feature both. When ordering, follow your Emirati business associate’s lead and skip pork and alcohol unless invited to partake. Because the city is a hub for international business, you’ll find cuisines from around the globe represented in Abu Dhabi. While most Emiratis enjoy dining on Middle Eastern fare at a restaurant like Li Beirut at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, they are equally comfortable with a meal at restaurants such as Latin-inspired COYA at The Galleria at Al Maryah Island or Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill. During the meal, eat with your right hand; and if seconds are offered from a communal dish, accept graciously. (It is considered rude to refuse.) Tipping 10 to 15 percent is appreciated, especially at hotel restaurants. Abu Dhabi has a reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the Middle East and hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA tournament at the Troon-managed Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Other top clubs include Al Ghazal Golf Club, which previously hosted the World Sand Championship, and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, known for its dramatic views of the Persian Gulf. Golfing at one of these or other courses in the area presents an opportunity to develop a relationship with associates in a relaxed setting. Additionally, many golf clubs offer meeting facilities able to accommodate board meetings, training sessions and corporate banquets. Navigating Abu Dhabi is fairly easy; although if you choose to rent a car and drive yourself, don’t drink and drive. The faintest hint of alcohol can land you in jail. You can rent a car at Abu Dhabi International Airport or rely on taxis, usually cheaper than local rideshare options, during your stay.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

AFTER 5 | BUSAN

Enchanted Evenings Busan boasts a stylish mix of neighborhoods to explore. BY ELYSE GLICKMAN

ased on their respective locations and divergent personalities, it’s inevitable there will be New York vs. Los Angeles (or San Francisco) comparisons when discussing the South Korean cities of Seoul and Busan. While Seoul is known as the nation’s business and government hub, Busan is defined by its coastline, beaches, cliffs, mountains and a slower — but by no means sleepy — pace. The city’s public hot springs, historic temples, ornate parklands, regional South Korean flavors and spins on global trends (like craft beer) also distinguish it from its Western counterparts. Each of the neighborhoods that sparkle after dark has its own definitive hot spots. Haeundae has many glossy business district trappings including 5-star hotels, luxury shopping, white tablecloth restaurants and futuristic architecture. However, it also boasts Ciné de Chef, located on the fifth floor of the massive Centum City retail mall, with its plush lounge setting and meticulously prepared French and Italian cuisine served with a side of new movie releases. Gwangan and Gwangalli Beach, a few subway stops from Haeundae, is an eclectic collage of sunset surfing, beachside restaurants, craft beer pubs and cocktail bars. Highlights include a buzzy branch of Galmegi Pub (Busan’s first craft beer brewery), Gorilla Brewing Co., Tap Security Place, Fuzzy Navel, Bar DiLan, Vegenarang (modern vegan temple food) and Happy Monk. In Nampudong, adjoining the port of Busan, fashionable folks gravitate toward The Commonplace, an ultra-stylish hybrid of wine bar and coffee house. Just downstairs, Nogada offers an earthy craft brew pub alternative. If delving into the local music scene is your thing, add Kyungsung University and Pukyong National University neighborhoods to the itinerary. The Vinyl Underground, near Kyungsung University, features weekend music performances mixing up different pop genres. The Basement (near Pusan National University) is a draw for locals and expats with its roster of indie music acts from all around Korea. Seomyeon is regarded as the hipster area for its trendy restaurants, bars and one-off fashion shops. Jeonpo Café Street, lining its eastern edge, bustles with interesting eateries of every description and price point. Fantastic teahouses and hot pot bibimbap joints abound, but it may be worth your while to seek out Yong Ggum, which loosely translates in English as “dragon dream.” It occupies a former World War II bomb shelter burrowed into the side of the hill and boasts a one-ofa-kind ambience (low lighting and gentle cave water trickling) and lovely traditional Korean seafood dishes you can wash down with dongdongju (Korean rice wine). Regardless of how you spend your evening, Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market proves the perfect starting or end point. Opened in 2013,

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Bright Spots: Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market (top), and sunset stand-up paddleboarding PHOTOS: © KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION

the market features around 30 vendors and a mingling of regional Korean specialties and bites from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and other parts of Asia. While the LGBTQ+ scene is less centralized in Busan than Seoul, many welcoming food, bar and club destinations (including those mentioned here) are open to anybody eager to experience what makes Busan refreshingly different from Seoul.

NEIGHBORHOODS | CASABLANCA

Moroccan Allure Iconic Casablanca blends exotic charm with a modern touch. BY MARLENE GOLDMAN

hough it’s been nearly 80 years since Humphrey Bogart uttered those infamous words, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” the name Casablanca still evokes a sense of old-world romance — the image of an exotic French colonial seaside outpost forever imprinted in black and white. But this cosmopolitan port city, home to nearly 4 million, blossomed into Morocco’s commercial hub, its renowned downtown Mauresque architecture — a mix of Moorish style and European Art Deco — blending into today’s fast-paced, bustling city streets. Casablanca’s downtown is also home to upscale business hotels like Barcelo Anfa Casablanca and the 28-story Kenzi Tower, as well as a host of shops and restaurants. Dubbed “White House” by the Spanish and Portuguese who were entranced by the oceanfront white houses, Casablanca is a master at weaving its alluring past into its modern infrastructure, including its centerpiece King Hassan II Mosque, designed by French architect Michel Pinseau from 1986 and finished in 1993. I started my own tour of Casablanca here, marveling at the mosque’s imposing 689-foot minaret, the tallest in the world and topped by a laser that points toward Mecca. The mosque, second-largest in the world, not only overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, but almost half of the massive structure lies over the water. One of the highlights of a walking tour of the mosque is a stop at the glass floor looking down into the ocean, a feature inspired by a verse in the Quran denoting the throne of God was built on water. Though not as exotic as the labyrinth of shops in the old medinas in Marrakech or Fez, Casablanca’s New Medina — or Habous Quarter, dating to the 1930s — offers a mix of small squares and pedestrianfriendly streets, hammams and riads. The medina is home to sensory-filled treasures such as the Olive Souk, its herbal scents as alluring as the sight of mountains of these stone fruits. It’s also lined with handicrafts, souvenir shops, bookshops and other artisan outposts. Some destination management companies, such as Amazing Morocco, use the Habous Quarter as a spot for treasure hunts when meeting groups visit.

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In contrast to the medina, Casablanca’s Corniche, or beachfront district, provides a welcome respite from its busy streets. Locals come for weekend brunches or a day out at a beach club, while tourists people-watch from the many chic restaurants, such as Buddha Bar Beach and Mercat, that line the shore. The Corniche, located in the Ain Diab suburb, offers activities such as jet-skiing and windsurfing and luxury hotels with private beaches. It’s also a nightlife hub with clubs and live music and hosts some of

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FRIENDS & FAMILY | BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

By Land or by Sea Unwrap the flavor of the British Virgin Islands, bite by bite. BY KRISTY ALPERT Island Fare: (Left to right) Norman Island caves, the Moorings, a couple at Soggy Dollar, shoppes at Road Town, and Rosewood Little Dix Bay Sugar Mill Raw Bar PHOTOS: © BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD & FILM COMMISSION

t isn’t the stars or even the winds that direct boats toward their destinations as the months ease into autumn in the British Virgin Islands; instead, captains, crew and passengers all sail with noses high in the air, ready to drop anchor when hunger strikes. Sailing by scent is far superior to any map or GPS while in the British Virgin Islands during November, as the annual Food Fête ignites the islands with the enticing aromas of culinary celebrations and gastronomic gatherings. Visitors arrive barefoot on Norman Island to dine and dance in the warm sands during the Barefoot Gourmet Soirée before embarking on a

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crustacean-centric excursion toward Anegada for the annual Anegada Lobster Festival. The entire month is dedicated to the foods and personalities that bring flavor to the British Virgin Islands — when tourists and locals dine together beneath the sun or sip icy cocktails around beachside bonfires to savor the best of the BVI. However, the islands act as a proverbial feast throughout the entire year for professionals looking to serve up business with a side of pleasure with their accompanying friends and family. More than 60 islands make up the BVI, where traveling by boat proves the best way to experience the islands, islets, rocks and cays that comprise this

INFO TO GO With no direct flights from the United States to the BVI, many visitors arrive via Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua or St. Maarten. There are three airports throughout the islands, with the major airport on Tortola (EIS) welcoming 10 airlines to its gates. From there, visitors can book water taxis, charter boats or board ferries to the other islands. Flights to Virgin Gorda (VIJ) and Anegada (NGD) also arrive daily. Most resorts offer ferry service or chartered flights from Tortola for arrivals earlier than 4 p.m. Keep in mind many resorts and businesses close during the rainy season (typically Aug. 15–Oct. 1), and visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving doesn’t clear up until the early winter months.

LODGING

DINING

Oil Nut Bay Arriving by boat or helicopter is just the start to the adventures at this exclusive resort. Villas can sleep up to 12 guests, while the expansive suites offer sweeping views over the bay.

CocoMaya Don’t let the thatched roof or swing-up bar fool you; CocoMaya is an effortlessly chic dining spot along the Sir Francis Drake Channel. This unassuming yet upscale beachside restaurant serves Latin-Asian fusion cuisine alongside a wine list with more than 140 offerings.

Virgin Gorda $$$$$ Rosewood Little Dix Bay Despite having set the standard for eco-friendly luxury, this celebrated resort raised the bar once again when it reopened after a four-year redesign. The rooms are exquisite and the experience is unparalleled. Lee Road, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda $$$$$ Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this character-rich private-island resort dedicates itself to telling the story of the land. Only accessible by boat or helicopter, the resort features 52 accommodation options ranging from villas to suites.

British Overseas Territory. English is the predominant language and the U.S. dollar is the official currency — despite the required passports for U.S. travelers — and although driving is done on the left side of the road, renting a car is a breeze for travelers staying on the islands less than 30 days. Taxis, water taxis, shuttles and ferries make it easy for guests to navigate the islands and roads without ever getting behind the wheel, and charter boats are readily available for groups to sail with or without a skipper and crew during their time on the islands. Island hopping is a rite of passage in the BVI. Companies like The Moorings BVI and MarineMax Vacations set the standard for chartered trips through the islands, often stopping on Peter Island to sample Jean Kelley’s famous recipe for coconut French toast or dropping anchor at Norman Island to explore the caves where the infamous pirate Blackbeard

once stored his treasure. There’s always an island in view from any point on any of the islands. It’s simply a matter of steering and sailing to arrive and discover something new, such as the uninhabited beaches of Deadman’s Chest Island, the celebrated swim-in Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke (home of the original Painkiller rum cocktail) or the vibrant flamingos who make their home on Necker Island. Even some of the BVI’s most celebrated hotels encourage guests to get out on the water with inviting packages, such as the Stay & Sail experience at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, where guests can soak in the best of the islands by land and by sea. This Virgin Gorda resort was founded by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller more than half a century ago, and it only recently reopened after an extensive four-year renovation and redesign. The resort remains one of the leading examples of eco-

Scrub Island $$$$$

Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda $$$ Foxy’s Tamarind Bar The strong drinks and chill vibe at this beach bar have attracted many celebrities and dignitaries over the years. Come on Friday and Saturday nights when Foxy himself often gets behind the grill for the weekly barbecue dinners. Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke $$$ Nova Restaurant Only accessible by helicopter or boat, Oil Nut Bay’s exclusive restaurant offers over-the-water dining with chic lounge options and over-water hammocks for after-dinner relaxing. Begin with confit duck nachos before feasting on whole grilled lobster or tender risotto. Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda $$$$

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

OIL NUT BAY RESORT IS ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT OR HELICOPTER, WHICH BREATHES AN AIR OF EXCLUSIVITY THROUGHOUT THE 400-ACRE PROPERTY AND CREATES AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPLORING BOTH ABOVE AND BELOW THE SHORELINE.

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In the Swim: Snorkeling and diving at the caves at Norman Island PHOTO: © BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD & FILM COMMISSION

luxury. Its 81 accommodation options, tucked among 500 acres of private beaches and native flora and fauna, provide the perfect place to reunite with friends and family after a day at the office or on the water. Private butlers, multiple fitness programs and an award-winning spa and children’s center ensure visitors are well taken care of during their time at the resort, while a variety of meeting spaces offer the option of doing business on site to minimize time away from each other. Locally inspired cuisine is always on the menu at the resort’s renowned Sugar Mill restaurant, set within an open-air stone mill overlooking the bay. Another option, beachfront dining, delivers a twist on farm-to-table as fresh catches of the day and handcrafted cocktails appear on the menus. The resort’s latest addition, the 57-foot catamaran Vision, is available for half-day sailings, sunset cruises or even multiday immersive experiences. Just on the other side of Virgin Gorda, guests of the Oil Nut Bay resort feast on a menu of watersports, where jet ski rentals, fishing charters and kiteboarding lessons only begin the list of ways to spend time on the water. The resort is accessible by boat or helicopter, which breathes an air of exclusivity throughout the 400-acre property and creates ample opportunities for exploring both above and below the shoreline. The shipwrecks just beyond the resort’s edge teem with treasures to be discovered, and it’s not uncommon to spend the day snorkeling with eagle rays and sea turtles in the protected waters just off the hotel’s beach. Further inland,

the resort’s 117 home sites can accommodate multigenerational families and couples with options ranging from six-bedroom private villas to one-bedroom cliff-side suites overlooking the ocean. Private chefs can prepare meals-toorder en suite, but the ambience of the resort’s chic lounge and restaurant, Nova, plays a vital role in the dining experience. Diners can lounge on the overwater hammocks or daybeds after indulging in multicourse meals paired with delectable wines, or sway to the sounds of live jazz as the sun dips below the Eustatia Sound barrier reef. A full moon is a special occasion in the BVI, and the many lively moonlight parties throughout the islands provide the perfect backdrop to celebrate this monthly alignment. The first full-moon party was held in 1989 at the legendary Bombas Shack; but after the beloved surf shack was shattered by hurricanes Irma and Maria, other restaurants and bars throughout the islands began adopting the tradition. Today there are countless options for celebrating beneath the glow of the full moon. The family-friendly celebration at Trellis Bay on Beef Island, one of the most popular, features costumed moko jumbies — local stilt dancers — performing alongside fire dancers to calypso music among a night market featuring local artisans and Caribbean fare. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Jost Van Dyke proves a favorite of sailors as well as celebrities (Kenny Chesney is a fan), and its full-moon parties always include Foxy’s famous barbecue to kick things off. The expats come to Paradise Club in Cane Garden Bay for this monthly fete, where the party doesn’t even begin until 10 p.m. for an adults-oriented night of dancing barefoot beneath the moon, glowsticks included. The scene is a bit more subdued during the day at all the full-moon venues, especially at Trellis Bay, where the vibrant artist colony becomes a shopper’s paradise for securing one-of-a-kind artwork or handcrafted items. A stroll along Waterfront Road or Main Street in Road Town on Tortola offers another chance for shopping local while in the BVI’s capital city, where boutique jewelry stores stand next to gluten-free bakeries and a mini-village of crafters and artisans. The johnnycakes at Midtown Restaurant are rated among the best in the islands by locals, but you won’t likely find two islanders who would agree on any one restaurant serving the best fish and fungi, the national dish of the BVI. Seasoned with 60 unique islands and peppered with a vibrant culture, the British Virgin Islands serve up a flavor all their own, and like all of the world’s greatest dishes, these islands are best enjoyed with friends and family.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

TOURS | LONG BEACH

Sea and Sun Relax and reconnect with nature in Long Beach, California. BY EUGENIA LAZARIS

s the COVID-19 pandemic began shuttering businesses and discouraging group gatherings, many activities were forced to put the fun on pause. Long Beach, however, was perfectly poised to give people exactly what they needed: fun and adventure in a safe environment. This coastal California city, boasting year-round beautiful weather, welcomes visitors to book a tour designed to showcase the sea and the sun. Sea View Cruises, operated by ToursX, takes visitors on ecotours in glass-bottom boats to explore the local marine ecosystem. While the port of Long Beach, the second-busiest container port in the United States, is a bustling maritime industrial zone, marine life thrives and perseveres. ToursX recognizes this as a unique opportunity for visitors to not only enjoy the sea and sunshine but also to become aware of this delicate ecosystem. “Where there is kelp, there is sea life,” said ToursX owner Nilda Parrado Langston, and she knows exactly where to find it. Tours explore the kelp forests of these bustling waters to introduce visitors to underwater inhabitants like calico bass, garibaldis, sea lions and harbor seals. “Ecotours are not just about sightseeing,” said Parrado Langston, “they are about educating, entertaining and bringing awareness to how our actions above ground impact the life that lives beneath the surface.” She encourages visitors to take advantage of the opportunity to put away their tech devices for a while and connect with nature. Despite hailing from landlocked Bolivia, Parrado Langston developed a love for the ocean and has dedicated her life to the sea. “There is a noticeable lack of Hispanic female-owned businesses in the maritime industry, and it is incredible to be a Latina making waves in it,” said Parrado Langston. For David Chateau, owner, Chill Out Sailing, the pandemic created an opportunity to provide a way for people to get out and explore the waters off the coast, where the open sea air offers a safe and welcoming place to release stress and see the sights. Chill Out Sailing was born of Chateau’s love of sailing, discovered during his time living in the South of France. Upon moving to Long Beach he decided to share that passion by offering sailing tours off the coast. Customizable tours range from three-hour cruises through local waters to overnight tours of nearby Catalina Island. Passengers enjoy seeing sites like the historic Queen Mary and watching the local marine life, along with sunbathing, swimming and taking part in water sports. Some of the most popular tours are sunset cruises where guests can relax with a glass of wine while the sun sinks into the Pacific. Chateau encourages visitors to live by the immortal words of Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

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

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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BUCKET LIST | CRUISING ANTARCTICA

Wonders of the White Continent Make lasting memories on an expedition voyage in Antarctica. BY KATHERINE RODEGHIER Polar Adventure: Iceberg in Crystal Sound (above), and (opposite page, top to bottom) sunbathing leopard seal, Port Lockroy penguins, and Quark Expeditions’ World Explorer and Ocean Adventurer PHOTOS: © KATHERINE RODEGHIER, © SAM CRIMMIN, © KATHERINE RODEGHIER, © NICKY SOUNESS

s a travel journalist who has tallied visits to dozens of countries, I am often asked to name my favorite destination. I don’t think twice: Antarctica. Experiences cruising along the bottom of the world stick in my memory. A penguin crawling into my lap. A ferocious-looking leopard seal preparing to torpedo our Zodiac raft. Sculpted icebergs bobbing in blue-green Crystal Sound below the Antarctic Circle. As with most cruises to the White Continent, my voyage with Quark Expeditions navigated to the Antarctic Peninsula, an arm of rock and ice reaching north toward Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of Argentina. A provider of polar cruises for 30 years, Quark Expeditions currently operates four ships in this part of the world, all expedition vessels carrying fewer than 200 passengers. Its newest, Ultramarine, acquired in April 2021, includes two helicopters for flightseeing and 20 Zodiacs for excursions and shore landings. Cruise lines in Antarctica adhere to the strictures of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, which promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel to this frozen land. Only expedition vessels

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and mid-size ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers may land on shore. Larger ships cruise along the coastline. When my Chicago friends heard I was headed to the bottom of the world in the dead of winter, they questioned my sanity. Indeed, the February day I departed, the temperature had dropped to minus 8 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 28 with the wind chill). But because the seasons reverse in the Southern Hemisphere, Antarctica proved much warmer, ranging 34–52 degrees Fahrenheit during my 11-day trip. On several occasions, I strolled the deck without a coat. The sun set at 9:30 p.m., and twilight lasted long after. We spent our time on board watching educational films and attending lectures from experts in glaciology, ornithology, marine biology and history. Morning briefings gave the day’s highlights and any changes in itinerary due to weather and ice conditions. Evening recaps allowed passengers to share their experiences and pepper the crew with questions about what they had seen. Viewing wildlife without threatening it or its habitat ranks as a priority on an Antarctica cruise. We were told not to collect feathers, stones or any

INFO TO GO

objects on shore and to leave nothing behind. Keep 15 feet between you and wildlife, we were warned, and stay farther from fur seals, which can be unpredictable. If a bird flies and cries overhead, you might be too close to its nest. Our expedition leader advised us to let animals come to us, and one did on Half Moon Island. I sat on a rock watching a group of chinstrap penguins, marked by a black line of feathers running from ear to ear. One waddled over to me, climbed in my lap and cocked its head to peer up at me, perhaps wondering what this odd creature in a red parka might be. At Neko Harbor, dozens of gentoo penguins perched high above the shoreline, striking up a discordant symphony as parents and chicks called to one another. When they are nesting, penguins feed on krill and regurgitate the food into the mouths of their noisy, hungry offspring. Skuas and other marine birds dart overhead, waiting for a chance to snatch a morsel. Zodiacs took us on sightseeing excursions where penguins leaped from the water around us. Seals and minke whales torpedoed toward us, then dove below just out of arm’s reach. I heard a sound like gunfire followed by a whoosh and a roar as an iceberg calved from a glacier.

Waves sent smaller bergs crashing into each other, tossing boulders of ice as if they were mere pebbles. Newborn icebergs might have blue or dark green streaks, a change in the density of the ice when compressed by the weight of the glacier over thousands of years. Wind, waves and collisions with other bergs erode them into fantastic sculptures, some with aquamarine tunnels and emerald caves. Around the bergs, our Zodiac cruised through crystal cubes bobbing in deep-blue water as if we floated in a tropical cocktail. Back on the ship, someone spotted humpback whales about 40 yards away, spyhopping and breaching before a mother and young adult approached us. We lined deck rails on the port side to watch the pair swim slowly past, roll on their sides and look us directly in the eye. The playful creatures dove and reemerged on the other side of the ship, sending cheering passengers scurrying to starboard. This game of now-you-see-us, now-you-don’t went on for more than an hour as we ran from side to side. These experiences packed plenty of adventure for me, but for those who want more, Quark Expeditions offers options for an additional fee such as sea kayaking, standup paddleboarding and overnight camping on shore while snug in a bivouac sack.

The Antarctic cruise season typically runs from early November to late March. Most cruises depart from Ushuaia at the tip of Argentina, though some passengers spend a day in Buenos Aires en route to tour its stunning architecture and absorb its rich history. In Ushuaia, passengers transfer to a downtown location where they might have time to explore this quaint port town before making their way to the pier. Crossing the notoriously rough seas of the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula takes about 48 hours. As an alternative, Quark Expeditions has itineraries flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, and landing on Antarctica’s King George Island, thus avoiding the Drake and shortening the duration of the trip. Quark Expeditions offers 12 itineraries to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Patagonia during its 2021–2023 seasons. Other expedition cruise lines in Antarctica can be found in the IAATO member directory at iaato.org, including Hurtigruten AS, Lindblad Expeditions, Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

KICKING BACK | GREEK ISLES

Mythical Voyages Set sail to explore the legendary Greek Isles. BY IRENE RAWLINGS

ore than 6,000 islands surround mainland Greece, of which only about 230 are inhabited. Beach lovers head to the pebble-covered shores of Corfu, the dazzling white sands of Kefaloniá’s Myrtos and the endless stretches of black sand on Santoríni. Foodies love the Greek islands for their hyper-regional cuisine, fresh-from-the-sea fish (every island has at least one taverna specializing in

Island Hopping: Beach on Corfu (top), temple on Égina (bottom left), and Agios Ioannis church (bottom right); and (opposite page, left to right) Ídra, and Knossos Palace in Iráklio, Crete PHOTOS: © CRISTIAN M BALATE | DREAMSTIME.COM, © NIKOLAI SOROKIN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © KASPERKAY | DREAMSTIME .COM, © FREESURF69 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © GEORGIOS TSICHLIS | DREAMSTIME.COM

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seafood), amazing soft cheeses (not only feta but dessert-sweet mizithra and peppery kopanisti) and those briny kalamata olives. History buffs find an abundance of crumbling castles, ancient ruins and tiny whitewashed churches precariously clinging to steep cliffs. You can climb the 223 stone steps to the church of Agios Ioannis made famous by the 2008 hit musical Mamma Mia! Then, relax in a seaside taverna with a glass of chilled ouzo or a local micro-brew and, after dark, dance to wild and traditional bouzouki music. Plate smashing for “good spirits and good luck” started in ancient Greece but became a big thing after the 1964 cult classic Zorba the Greek. It was outlawed in tavernas in 1969 because too many people were being hurt by flying shards of pottery. Each of the major island clusters presents a distinct character. The Ionian Islands — including Corfu — off the west coast of Greece feel a lot like the Caribbean … 20 years ago. The Argo-Saronic Islands (Salamis, Égina, Poros, Ídra and Spétses) hug the mainland’s east coast and prove popular weekend getaways for wealthy Athenians. The northeast Aegean Islands are mountainous, oak tree-covered and jam-packed with impressive ruins. The Dodecanese include Rhodes, famous for its 14th-century Crusader Palace of the Grand Masters of St. John and for the medieval walled town that surrounds it. The Cyclades, a 56-island archipelago, includes the well-known and popular

islands of Míkonos, Folégandros and Santoríni. Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, lies almost halfway between Athens and the African coast. Between 6.5 and 17 hours away from Athens by ferry, it is less than an hour away by air. Crete is full of archaeological ruins. Don’t miss King Minos’ jaw-droppingly spectacular red-and-gold palace, built around 1900 B.C. Crete, Míkonos and Santoríni rate among the best scuba spots in Greece. Expect reefs, wrecks, caves and marine parks. Certified diving centers offer night dives (a magical experience for experienced divers) in the wine-dark seas to spot bioluminescent plankton, inky squid, octopus and moray eels on their nighttime prowls and fish “sleeping” in small holes. Divers can explore numerous contemporary-era wrecks — the freighter Kyra Eleni, which sank in heavy seas in 1978; Patris, a perfectly preserved paddle steamer that struck a reef and sank in 1868; the British submarine Perseus, sunk by a mine in 1941; and the most famous, the HMHS Britannic (a hospital ship in World War I and sister ship to the ill-fated HMS Titanic), which sank in 1916 and lies off the coast of the little island of Kéa. Diving to ancient wrecks is strictly forbidden. The many ways to experience Greece are limited only by your imagination, the amount of time you have and, perhaps most importantly, by the size of your wallet.

LODGING

DINING

Pontos Imperial Yachts, Ltd. This third-generation, family-owned company features a chauffeur-driven transfer, a personal assistant, king-bedded master cabins, his-and-hers bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining and a wide variety of water toys — all with a touch of serious luxury.

Avra Garden Restaurant Avra is known for its excellent Mediterranean and international food, friendly welcome and elegant garden courtyard setting. It stocks a wide selection of the finest Greek red and white wines, with experienced mixologists standing ready behind the bar.

pontosimperialyachts.com Silversea Accommodating 596 passengers, Silver Moon, one of the largest ships in Silversea’s fleet, maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation hallmarks of the cruise line. silversea.com Star Clippers Consider a sail on a fourmasted tall ship through the northern Cyclades, with Pátmos, Amorgós, Míkonos and Spétses among the ports of call. Enjoy the adventure and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships paired with present-day comforts and amenities. starclippers.com

N. Kalogera St. 27, Míkonos Town, Míkonos $$$ Etrusco Enjoy artful Mediterranean culinary delights in the warm and friendly environment of this award-winning restaurant. Choose from a long or short tasting menu, or order à la carte. The chef can also prepare a personalized menu at a minimum of two days’ notice. Kato Korakiana, Dassia, Corfu $$$$ Pergeros Restaurant Overlooking the stunning caldera, this all-day dining venue at the 5-star Aeifos Boutique Hotel serves freshly prepared dishes inspired by Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. A perfect spot to sample the unique flavors and wines of Santoríni. Aeifos Boutique Hotel, Imerovigli, Santoríni

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INFO TO GO Most major international airlines fly into Athens International Airport. You can take a taxi or limousine directly from the airport to the port of Piraeus to embark on your cruise, about an hour’s drive. Or choose to spend the night in a luxury Athens hotel before cruising. For independent island-hopping, companies such as Aegean Speedlines, Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Seajets offer inter-island service.

Pontos Imperial Yachts, Ltd. is the go-to company for high-dollar and high-expectation clients — A-listers, fashion icons, multimillionaire sports figures and European royalty. This third-generation, family-owned company delivers over-the-top luxury. Features include a chauffeur-driven limo from your hotel to your yacht, helo-flights over distant islands, a personal assistant and hard-to-get reservations at top restaurants during high season. Aboard the modern and elegant yachts: king-bedded master cabins; his-and-hers bathrooms; indoor

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and outdoor dining areas staffed by private chefs; and a wide variety of water toys including Sea-Doos, water skis, wake-surfing boards and stand-up paddleboards, plus a crew to instruct all the adults and children on board. Each yacht is helmed by a captain experienced in Greek waters who can take you to swim in secluded bays; explore clifftop villages; hike spectacular, deep-cut canyons; or allow you to simply relax on the sundeck. Abercrombie & Kent offers 10-day Greek island cruising via chartered small ships (148 guests) with private balconies and personal butler service. The A&K onboard team includes local guides, archaeologists and cultural experts. The ship visits iconic sites such as Míkonos and Santoríni, as well as lesser-known gems like Pátmos, Delos and Síros. The cruise also presents exclusive wine tastings, behind-thescenes visits to museums and monasteries, visits with artisans in their studios, beach breaks (on wind-sheltered beaches, with lounge chairs, hors d’oeuvres and drinks) and other fun adventures like lunch and cooking classes at local rustic restaurants and organic farms. In June Silversea launched a new ship christened Silver Moon to

sail the Greek islands, featuring 298 suites and a 1:1 crew ratio. Two 10-day voyages — both beginning and ending in Athens (Piraeus) — offer different itineraries and different islands to visit. In addition, the ship introduces Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program to immerse passengers in the cuisine and culture of the Greek islands. Aboard, the S.A.L.T. Lab offers tastings and workshops with local chefs and experts, and the S.A.L.T. Kitchen serves freshly imagined drinks and locally sourced foods. Ashore, visit cheese makers and olive mills, local growers and chefs. All food-centric experiences are curated by Adam Sachs, former editor in chief, Saveur magazine. The most romantic way to see the islands is from the deck of a sailing ship. Windstar boasts a trio of four-masted sailing ships (as well as a trio of all-suite small cruise ships) that visit the small, “hidden” ports of the Aegean such as Náfplio, Monemvassía and Pátmos. Star Clippers’ four-masted schooners with teak decks, mahogany rails and polished brass fittings epitomize the dream of Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft to bring back the golden age of sailing ships. You can mingle with the crew and, with supervision and a harness, climb the

65 feet up to the crow’s nest. Sea Cloud Cruises sails the majestic Sea Cloud (built in 1931 for socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, the Post Cereals heiress) and sister ship Sea Cloud II, which exemplify the elegance and glamour of a bygone era. Think marble fireplaces, gold (swan-shaped) faucets, antique French beds and armoires, and dinners in the wood-paneled restaurant on the Promenade Deck. Both ships feature a wide variety of dishes with a Greek-island influence. If you want to hop to some of the unspoiled, under-visited islands, throw caution to the wind and jump on a ferry, catamaran or hydrofoil to places like the small Cyclades (Iráklia, Shinoússa, Áno Koufoníssi). It helps to know a little Greek and have a flexible schedule. If you’re looking for luxury, don’t bother; accommodations are clean and simple. The same goes for the tavernas. There are more donkeys than cars; the internet service is spotty; and there’s not much to do except swim (expect some nude bathers), eat, sleep and toast the slow, glowing sunsets. This is beginning to change as the islands become increasingly popular with sun-loving Italians and free-body-culture Germans.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

LGBTQ+

Making a Splash LGBTQ+ cruises return to the waters in 2022.

BY MARK CHESNUT

he cruise industry may have taken a pandemic-induced pause, but LGBTQ+ cruises are back on the waters for 2022, and travelers will find a variety of interesting ways to set sail. Olivia, the company focused on vacations for lesbians and LGBTQ+ women, offers a number of far-flung and decidedly picturesque cruises on its roster for 2022. The year kicks off in January with a seven-night Costa Rica and Panama Canal luxury cruise aboard Windstar Cruises’ 148-passenger Wind Star, followed by a seven-night Tahiti luxury cruise aboard Windstar’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit that departs from Papeete in July. Iceland, Olivia’s featured cruise destination in August, hosts a seven-night cruise departing from Reykjavík aboard Windstar’s 312-passenger Star Pride, while October features Olivia’s seven-night luxury Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Cruises’ 686-passenger Azamara Quest, departing from Athens and stopping in Limassol, Jerusalem and Santoríni. Those looking to be the first to experience a brand-new cruise ship may consider booking with LGBTQ+ tour and event operator Atlantis Events, set to host a Caribbean itinerary in March aboard Scarlet Lady, a new, 850-passenger cruise ship from Virgin Voyages. Departing from Miami, the five-night itinerary includes stops in Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Croix and Bimini, complemented by plenty of onboard entertain-

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LGBTQ+ TOUR OPERATOR VACAYA KICKS OFF ITS 2022 CRUISE SCHEDULE WITH A CARIBBEAN CRUISE IN JANUARY ABOARD CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM. ment and festivities. LGBTQ+ tour operator VACAYA, meanwhile, kicks off its 2022 cruise schedule with a Caribbean cruise in January aboard Celebrity Millennium. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, the seven-night itinerary includes stops in Curaçao and Aruba and also features live entertainment and a 3-D animated dining experience created by TableMation Studios. VACAYA also has sold-out cruises in the Seychelles, Greece and Antarctica on its 2022 schedule. LGBTQ+ globetrotters looking to combine the pleasures of a cruise with the excitement of Xlsior Mykonos, a major gay summer festival on the island of Mykonos, may want to reserve a cabin with family-owned Greek cruise line Variety Cruises. Its August itinerary, which departs from Athens and includes stops in Paros, Santoríni, Bodrum and Mykonos, is timed to end just before Xlsior, so cruisers can extend their visit to enjoy the additional event.

Flight Path Museum On the Tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport

Experience the glamour, adventure, and excitement of aviation and aerospace, past, present and future. See a real DC3 | Explore the space gallery Plane spotting | Flight simulators | Hear air traffic controllers | Unique event & meeting venue

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PORT UPDATE

Back and Better than Ever The Port of Galveston returns to cruising with new safety and sustainability initiatives. BY MARY MELNICK

‘THIS NEW CRUISE TERMINAL IS A GAME-CHANGER. THIS MUCH-ANTICIPATED PROJECT WILL BRING 800 NEW JOBS, $1.4 BILLION IN LOCAL BUSINESS SERVICES REVENUE, $5.6 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES, AND INCREDIBLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES.’ — RODGER REES, PORT DIRECTOR AND CEO, GALVESTON WHARVES

ith cruising coming back, cruise ports around the United States are getting ready to welcome back travelers, and the Cruise Port of Galveston, Texas, is doing just that. The popular port worked on creating a safer environment for both workers and travelers, making big changes to the port and adding new terminals. About eight months ago, Port of Galveston created an employeeled Safety Committee in charge of building and rolling out a

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successful program to strengthen the port’s safety culture. Since then, the committee established clear objectives to create a culture that prioritizes safety, develop a safety policy statement, provide a safe working environment for all employees and provide appropriate safety training. To reinforce safety, the committee implemented an observation card program. Employees are trained to complete the cards when they observe someone working safely or stop work if it is being done unsafely. The committee reviews the observation cards monthly to identify emerging trends. On Aug. 14 the Port of Galveston, the fourth-most popular cruise port in North America, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal. “This new cruise terminal is a game-changer. This much-anticipated project will bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities,” emphasized Rodger Rees, port director and CEO, Galveston Wharves. This, the third cruise terminal built by Royal Caribbean, is expected to be completed in fall 2022. The project will generate an estimated 400 Texas construction jobs and 400 local operations jobs. As well as new terminals and safety procedures, the Port is focusing on becoming more environmentally friendly. From improving air quality to reducing waste, Galveston is identifying impactful ways to make long-term changes to improve the environment. Led by Green Marine, the initiative will focus on using more renewable energy, creating a Green Building to meet LEED certification standards, switching from diesel fuel to clean-burning natural gas and adding new waste reduction initiatives including recycling and other programs. Galveston Wharves recently earned Green Marine environmental certification, a program which addresses key environmental issues through 12 performance indicators that include air emissions, spill prevention, greenhouse gases, environmental leadership, waste management and more. Galveston is the second port in Texas to make changes and participate in the program.

MEDICAL TOURISM

Health Connections Combine medical visits with Croatia’s world-class wellness culture. BY DEBRA BOKUR

ordered by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s natural beauty, history and wellness offerings have made it a sought-after destination for health-minded explorers. Travelers who long to experience the culture of grand spas and thermal springs are perpetually drawn here, and medical tourists have grown aware of Croatia’s desirability as a destination for affordable surgical procedures available at respected hospitals and clinics. Dentistry is one of the major draws bringing medical tourists to the shores of this scenic country, along with cosmetic procedures, oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology and stem cell research and services. As a built-in bonus, the country’s many leisure offerings, from historic castle tours to excursions along trails through peaceful forests, provide an ideal setting for recovery. The recipient of multiple awards for excellence, including accolades from the European Commission, St. Catherine Specialty Hospital in Zagreb was recently named a Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Medicine in the Republic of Croatia. Offering advanced diagnostics, a variety of orthopedic procedures, sports medicine and spinal surgeries, the hospital acts as a teaching hospital affiliated with several major medical universities and medical centers. The Specialty Hospital Medico in Rijeka, which attained accreditation from the American Accreditation Commission International, provides care in the areas of radiology, dermatology and venerology, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology and neurology. This private hospital is also the teaching center for University of Rijeka School of Medicine. Naturally, choosing a hospital meeting the highest standards should be rule of thumb. The U.S. Department of State notes the quality of medical care at some facilities — including public hospitals and clinics — may vary to a large degree. The State Department also cautions before signing on any dotted lines for a surgical procedure, you should be aware that in the event of malpractice within Croatia’s medical system, legal options for foreigners are limited. Medical travelers should also verify emergency medical facilities are available at their clinic or hospital of choice. As a prep for a hospital stay or once you’re through with the

DENTISTRY IS ONE OF THE MAJOR DRAWS BRINGING MEDICAL TOURISTS TO THE SHORES OF THIS SCENIC COUNTRY, ALONG WITH COSMETIC PROCEDURES, ONCOLOGY, DERMATOLOGY, OPHTHALMOLOGY AND STEM CELL RESEARCH AND SERVICES.

business side of your journey, you can address the gentler side of wellness at one of Croatia’s legendary thermal or mineral spring spas. At Istarske Toplice thermal resort, located beneath a cliff in Sv. Stjepana, medical travelers can enjoy a wellness complex, medical center and dental clinic along with luxury accommodations and a pool where waters rich in sulfur, sodium and calcium collect. In addition to soaking in the waters, guests can partake in related water activities including inhalation therapies and curative mud treatments. Elsewhere, those not feeling up to a session of soaking can instead opt for viewing. In Varaždinske Toplice, the lovely ancient baths of Aquae Iasae are located at the site of a historic Roman forum, perfect for contemplating Croatia’s ancient connections to health and well-being.

NOVEMBER 2021 globaltravelerusa.com

PREVIEW

Banff, Alberta Ice climbing, like many of the winter activities around Banff, puts visitors in the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alberta region, where outdoor adventurers find themselves both catching their breath and losing it at the sight of something beautiful. Learn more when you read next month’s Tours: Banff. PHOTO: © STEPHEN O 1REILLY | DREAMSTIME.COM

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