July 2017 Global Traveler

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THE WINE SOUTH AMERICA ISSUE IS OUR BUSINESS BROOKLYN p. 58 THE LARGEST FINGER LAKES p. 66 GUJURAT p. 64 INCHEON p. 60 JINJIANGp. 52 POMPEII p. 70 JAPAN p. 70 SALTZBURG p. 62 LATAM.COM TAHITI p. 72

NETWORK IN THE REGION

JULY 20172017 August

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ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT BOSTON’S NEW NEIGHBORHOODS ACCELERATE A BOOMING ECONOMY p. 58 BASQUE COUNTRY p. 72 BEIRUT p. 62 CAYMAN ISLANDS p. 66 DUBLIN p. 64 JAPAN p. 70 MIAMI p. 60 MUSCAT p. 52

letter from the editor ®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL

WHY WAIT? ON A RECENT TRIP to Los Angeles, a city I visit frequently, I finally visited the Getty Center, one of the more popular sites in Los Angeles. Of course, the minute I stepped onto the beautiful grounds, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t visited sooner.

Have you had a similar experience in a destination you frequent? As intrepid travelers, I’m sure you can relate to that WORK OF ART: Kimberly Krol with co-workers at the Getty Center sentiment of, “There’s always PHOTO: © KIMBERLY KROL next time,” when it comes to cities on our regular travel rotation. I’m glad I didn’t wait once again, and despite being limited on time, my colleagues and I enjoyed our visit.

While the summer travel season is in full swing, things at Global Traveler are also heating up! This month, we launch our CEO Series. This new interview section will include conversations with the brains behind the leading travel companies. We kick off this month with Ed Bastian, the face of Delta Air Lines. Learn more on page 22. And for those of you reading this letter while attending this month’s Global Business Travel Association convention, hear more from Bastian, one of the event’s featured speakers.

The GT team descends on Boston this month. Turn to page 58 to catch up on developments in the city. We’ll be attending the GBTA show and celebrating the winners of the 2017 The Trazees, the awards from our sister publication, trazeetravel.com. Find out the favorite travel providers according to millennials on page 34.

We take off around the globe this month, jetting to Brussels, Muscat, Miami, Beirut, Dublin, the Cayman Islands, Japan, Basque Country and Sydney.

Make sure to join us next month as we debut our Wine Issue. Until then, cheers!

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 Assistant Editor NICOLE QUASTÉ nicole.quaste@globaltravelerusa.com Digital Content Producer DEBRA BOKUR debra.bokur@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com

ART Art Director TRACEY CULLEN tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor VANCE PICCIN

COLUMNISTS

WRITERS

MARGARET BACKENHEIMER J.D. BROWN MARK CHESNUT PATRICK T. COOPER EUNICE FRIED MARY B. GALLAGHER AKHIL KALEPU ALLIE MOORE TERRY A. SPRUNGER

REGINA BARABAN ELLEN CLARK ILONA KAUREMSZKY SHARON KING HOGE KARIN LEPERI FELICITY LONG BETH REIBER VICTORIA RICCARDI ALLISON VOIGTS

ete bios, For compl a.com travelerus al ob visit gl

CIRCULATION Specialists JOHN WROBLEWSKI, 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

s an Island The Caym s for ou m fa e ar shopping. tax-free hotel ur yo Tap to find concierge to score out where als on de st be the ches and at w , ry el jew goods. ry xu lu r othe e or m d Rea 6. on page 6

ADVISORY BOARD Chairman MICHAEL DONAHUE, COO MICHAEL KIELY, President CARLOS CAPPUCCIO, Executive Vice President GARY OSWALD, 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, Treasurer KEVIN RYAN

KIMBERLY KROL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

CONNECT WITH GT Follow GT on Twitter @GTmag

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GENERAL COUNSEL THOMAS F. GOLDMAN CONTACT US

GENERAL INQUIRIES/ISSUE REQUESTS/REPRINTS tel 267 364 5811 SUBSCRIPTIONS tel 818 286 3134 | gbtcs@magserv.com PUBLIC RELATIONS Kimberly Krol tel 267 364 5811 ext 202 | kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@globaltravelerusa.com Global Traveler is published monthly by FXExpress Publications, Inc., 310 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, 310 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067

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letter from the publisher ® ®

SIZZLING SUMMER WHAT AN EVENTFUL SEASON! In May we presented our Leisure Lifestyle Awards at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The gathering drew executives in the travel industry, award winners and their entourages, GT subscribers and Globility Board members. It proved a beautiful evening in a lovely and festive location on the pool deck of the property. Liz Watts and Company provided authentic Polynesian dancing and music, an outstanding and fun way to close the ceremony honoring the best companies in cruising, island destinations and other sectors of this marketplace.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Francis X. Gallagher at a craft market in Madeira, Portugal Next up was our Wines on PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER the Wing International Airline Wine Competition, taking place June 8 at the City Winery in New York City. A panel of judges sampled airline wine through blind tastings under the watchful eye of Eunice Fried, Global Traveler’s wine consultant. Eunice and I have worked on judging business- and first-class wines for more than 25 years, making us the unquestionable experts in the field. Check out our August issue for this year’s Wines on the Wing results.

Our July issue is polybagged with the annual Global City Guidebook and distributed to all the delegates at the annual Global Business Travel Association convention, held this year in Boston July 16–19. The GBTA offers the opportunity for GT staff to meet and speak to top marketers shaping the future of business- and first-class travel. On the evening of July 18, Global Traveler and our sister publication Trazee Travel will host a reception to award The Trazees, voted on by the millennial readers of trazeetravel.com. We’ve booked The Lenox Hotel in Boston for the event; if you are in town that evening, you are more than welcome to attend the festivities.

By the time this issue is in your hands, the staff of Global Traveler will have traveled around the world several times visiting a long list of destinations including Zambia, South Africa and Thailand. I am sure your summer is equally busy — and I hope a little relaxing as well.

Enjoy the July issue and Global City Guidebook!

ADVERTISING Publisher/CEO FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER tel 267 364 5811 ext 200 | fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Vice President RICHARD T. EVANS tel 267 364 5811 ext 203 | dick.evans@globaltravelerusa.com Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher CARLY ALLEN tel 267 495 6287 | carly.allen@globaltravelerusa.com Director of Sales WILLIAM PAPA tel 267 884 1650 | william.papa@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising Manager JEAN-CLAUDE CHAOULOFF tel 215 301 6869 | jean-claude.chaouloff@globaltravelerusa.com Account Executive ASHLEY RICHARDS tel 267 364 5811 ext 205 | ashley.richards@globaltravelerusa.com Office Manager ANGELIQUE PLATAS tel 267 364 5811 ext 210 | angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising and Editorial Coordinator JENNA PAYESKO tel 267 364 5811 ext 212 | jenna.payesko@globaltravelerusa.com Digital Coordinator/ Account Executive ANDREW RISCH tel 267 364 5811 ext 201 | andrew.risch@globaltravelerusa.com Intern ALLIE MENZIONE intern@globaltravelerusa.com

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Egypt CARMEN DOYLE and HASSAN SHEHAB tel 61 0 403866188 carmen.doyle@afrozinternational.com hassan.shehab@afrozinternational.com France, The Netherlands JEREMY PRADERIO-REGIE tel 09 54 20 09 50 | cell 06 07 96 54 15 j.praderio@pema-group.com Germany MICHAELA JUSTI tel 49 69 56 02 01 21 | fax 49 69 56 02 01 23 | cell 49 171 20 29 502 justi@mediasalescompany.de India FAREDOON KUKA tel 91 22 2925 3735 | cell 91 98200 85045 kuka@rmamedia.com Japan YOSHIZUMI MIYAKE, MEDIAHOUSE INC. tel 3 3222 7811 | fax 3 3234 1140 miyake@mediahs.com HIDETADA KOCHI tel 81 3 3222 7811 | cell 81 3 90 8774 9800 fax 81 3 3234 1140 kochi@mediahs.com Mexico CARLOS ALBERTO FRIAS tel 52 55 5254-4490 afrias@fgasociados.mx

FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER, PUBLISHER AND CEO

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contents

July 2017 34

52

FEATURES

BUSINESS DESTINATIONS

34 The Trazees Awards 2017 Global Traveler honors the best in the world of millennial travel.

52 Destination One: Muscat Muscat balances tradition and modernization as it embraces change.

40 On the Safe Side Plan a strategy for doing business in dangerous places.

58 Stateside: Boston Boston’s new neighborhoods accelerate a booming economy.

ON THE COVER globaltravelerusa.com | $4.99

July 2017

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT BOSTON’S NEW NEIGHBORHOODS ACCELERATE A BOOMING ECONOMY p. 58

44 The Long Haul Singapore Airlines stays on top as it celebrates 70 years of service.

60 9–5: Miami Miami’s eclectic culture caters to business travelers.

48 Welcoming the World Tap into Brussels’ brilliance as a host for meetings and events.

62 After 5: Beirut Beirut lights up with life after dark.

52

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BASQUE COUNTRY p. 72 BEIRUT p. 62 CAYMAN ISLANDS p. 66 DUBLIN p. 64 JAPAN p. 70 MIAMI p. 60 MUSCAT p. 52

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COVER PHOTO: BOSTON TEA PARTY MUSEUM PHOTO: © RADOMÍR REŽNÝ | DREAMSTIME.COM

DREAMSTIME.COM, © KYLE KLEIN

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PHOTOS: © AMMENTORP | DREAMSTIME.COM, © VIDA HOTELS AND RESORTS, © LUCA ROGGERO |

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LIFESTYLE

CONNECTIONS

LEISURE DESTINATIONS

24 26 28 30 32 33 76 80

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64 Neighborhoods: Dublin Stroll through Irish history in the city’s Temple Bar District.

Technology Wine & Spirits Spoils Spas Chefs Cruising LGBTQ Health

Mail Call News Reviews One on One Delta Air Lines 78 Airport Update 82 Past & Present

66 Friends & Family: Cayman Islands Combine pleasure with business in the Cayman Islands.

70 Bucket List: Japan Savor the peaceful hospitality of a Japanese tea ceremony.

72 Kicking Back: Basque Country Explore the strong cultural identity and celebrated cuisine of Basque Country.

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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 ©2017 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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mail call MAY Q&A: WITH KATIE SKRZEK, DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Q&A WITH JENNA PAYESKO,

In the May issue, Katie reminisced about her honeymoon, spent exploring New Orleans, Los Angeles, Tahiti and Bora Bora.

She asked GT readers: What do you consider when booking a trip around an anniversary, birthday or other special event? Do you have any memorable experiences?

My husband and I enjoy traveling and have been blessed enough to do so at least twice if not three times a year. I usually pick the destination, and he spends the time researching and booking it. For my 40th birthday, we did a tour of Italy with Trafalgar, and it was amazing. Every day was better and better. For my husband’s 50th birthday, we were invited to a wedding in Germany, so we decided to include Budapest. For my 45th this year, we spent 15 days in China with Sinorama. If there is a word better than awesome, that would be China! For his 55th birthday, I want us to go to Africa. That’ll be in three years, so we have time to plan what we want to see most. Our 20th wedding anniversary will be in three years. Where to go? I believe the world is so big and life is too short not to travel it.

KIM BROCKAMP, via email

ELECTRONICS TRAVEL BAN In the May 16 issue of eFlyer USA, we updated GT readers on the state of the electronics travel ban

ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL COORDINATOR I recently traveled to Los Angeles, Calif., for the first time and had the opportunity to stay in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. During my short stay, I couldn’t help being a tourist and visiting The Getty Center, the Santa Monica Pier, the iconic Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, among other famous sights. Los Angeles is a large county with so much to see.

When traveling to a new destination, do you visit the tourist hot spots, or do you create your own?

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com

on flights from several African and Middle Eastern airports, instituted by President Donald Trump. We asked readers: What are your thoughts on another potential electronics travel ban on flights from Europe?

I understand the reason for the United States government’s decision to ban large electronic devices from airplane cabins during flights from certain foreign airports. I, too, care about the safety of all, and I regularly travel to foreign countries.

I run a small personal business, and I need to take my laptop with me on long trips. I also carry a camera when traveling for pleasure. My concern is for the safety of my laptop and camera inside my checked bag.

We have all heard stories about items being stolen from checked luggage, even when the bags are

locked. Travelers are generally advised not to put valuables into checked luggage. Yet I understand TSA has the right to open and check all bags and even cut locks. So what is a traveler supposed to do? Will the government (or airlines) give me some kind of insurance policy to protect my devices (and their data) while placed in a locked, checked bag?

SUMMER TRAVEL

FAYE HEFFELE, Minnesota I’m concerned. I like to be secure, but there is a point where it’s too much. I’m afraid my plans may be canceled. That would impact a global cruise I’ve paid for, starting in Singapore.

I also like to have my Kindle with me. It’s my partner, as I’ll be traveling solo. The evenings can get long, as well as the flights.

I’m ashamed to say I didn’t save time for a vacation this summer.

With graduations, graduation parties and the busy season starting at work, it wasn’t in the cards this year. Next year, I plan to schedule myself a getaway further in advance because I do believe it’s important to take as many of your vacation days as you can. It’s surprisingly difficult to remember to use them sometimes.

TERRI CALABRESE, Delray

CAROL STATHAM, via email

Beach, Fla.

In the May 23 issue of eFlyer USA, we covered the results of a study that found Americans are foregoing hundreds of millions of vacation days this year, including summer vacation days. We asked readers to tell us about their summer travel plans and asked: Do you plan on taking a vacation?

Have you already booked it?

CONTACT GT Do you have a story to share? Thoughts on a recent GT article? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com or write to Letters to the Editor, 310 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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FIRST CLASS STARTS ON THE GROUND Enjoy a meal before takeoff featuring regionally inspired menus and premium wine and spirits.

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TIM BECKE, via email

HANGZHOU

IMMORTALIZED BY PAINTERS AND POETS ALIKE kicking back | COOK

ISLANDS

fine vines

TEL AVIV

Torrontés Tango

FAMILY BUSINESS MEETS ROMANCE IN THE WHITE CITY

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

I

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 andoffering soul ain is clean, crisp and refreshing, famous residents, a larger-than-life figure known as Uncle Pa, once a world typical Torrontés floral flavor with pear the natural goodness of the surfing champion. Though an octogenarian, he wears long dreadlocks, treks and peach overtones and a gentle reminder shirtless and sports a colorful sarong. With rippling muscles and the physique of citrus fruits in the A particularly of a 30-year-old man, he belies aging and serves as the metaphorical poster Cook Islands.

BY mouth.

BECCA HENSLEY harmonious wine. child for his role as this island nation’s most famous healer. An herbalist or The delightful Pascual Toso 2009 ($15) kahuna, he learned from his grandmother about the power of the plants that BEACHSIDE BLISS:herbal notes grow on these less-traveled islands. Intuitive, fearless, with a foot in both the combines keen fruit flavors, Spa treatment on the beach at and a fresh lemony acidity with a trace of past and the modern world, Uncle Pa has helped thousands of people regain Aitutaki Lagoon their health over the years. As we walk, he picks leaves, flowers, berries and honey and floral tones.

PHOTO: © STEVE ALLEN | DREAMSTIME.COM Following its aroma of fresh flowers and ripefruit. He tells me how he makes elixirs or poultices from them; he lets me taste fruit, Colomé 2009 ($15) is a graceful wine with notes reminiscent of grapefruit.

72citric globaltravelerusa.com JUNE 2017 The pale-shaded Dominio del Plata’s Crios 2009 ($13.50) has a lilac-scented aroma with peach overtones followed by a dry, tangy taste. 

Art of Healing

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

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LAND OF FIRE A

May 2011 | Global Traveler | 35

www.globaltravelerusa.com

CONNECT WITH GT GT is more than just a magazine. If you

MAY 2017

have a computer or smartphone, you

The new GT a

can connect with GT. We’re taking the kids to Puerto Rico this summer for a much-needed change of pace.

We weren’t sure we’d be able to squeeze in a trip with practices and work, but we haven’t gotten away in a while, nor have the kids. The hotel is booked, plane tickets purchased, and now we’re just looking forward to long days on the beach, Caribbean cuisine, live music and quality family time. My husband and I went to Puerto Rico for our honeymoon, so it’ll be great to be back with the kids.

HANNAH LANDAU, via email

TRAVEL STRESSORS In the May 9 issue of eFlyer USA we talked about a recent survey that found business travelers are more stressed than ever about personal safety on the road and maintaining a work-life balance. We asked, have you felt extra concern traveling lately in regards to personal safety or work-life balance?

Traveling always comes with its fair share of risks. While I admit I’ve been a little more nervous the past few months, it’s certainly not going to stop me from traveling for both work and pleasure. Things can happen anywhere at any time, in my own hometown or across the world. It’s not surprising, though, that frequent travelers report stress about work-life balance. Frequent business travel can be exhausting. While it’s great to have the opportunity, it also takes a toll on your body. It’s been taking me longer and longer to

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JULY 2017

get back to normal following a work trip, and I’ve had to put more effort into maintaining a healthy lifestyle when I’m traveling for work.

FELICIA WATKINS, via email

FREE TO ROAM I really enjoyed Richard Newton’s article in the May 2017 issue, as remote business travel is an interesting trend that has changed a lot since I first started traveling for business 20 or so years ago. To be honest, I think it’s a great thing. The ability to stay connected anywhere lets employees see the world rather than working exclusively in an office. As long as the work is getting done well and on time, why not take every opportunity to work remotely if you can?

BILL ZELLWEGER, via email

MOROCCAN RENAISSANCE My wife and I ventured to Marrakech earlier this year, and we were blown away. I’m a history buff and my wife is an art lover, and we never wanted to leave. We stayed in a great hotel with stone courtyards and an oasis pool. We spent a lot of time in the markets trying different food and admiring the handmade artworks. The architecture was the most impressive part of the city for me, so old but beautifully preserved. We were there for 10 days but felt like we barely scratched the surface.

CARL ALBINSON, via email

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Availa at the

news Emirates Decreases Flights to the United States

As the current U.S. administration continues to make changes to border policies and immigration, the global travel climate adjusts accordingly. As such, Emirates plans to decrease the number of flights to the United States.

The Dubai-based airline originally flew to 12 U.S. destinations but decreased the flight availability to five of these destinations since May, including Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Boston (BOS) and Seattle (SEA).

U.S.-imposed travel restrictions that apply to citizens of select countries in the Middle East, a region largely served by Emirates, are the main reason for these flight cuts. Because of these restrictions, a large subset of Emirates customers lost interest in visiting or is unable to visit the United States.

The last of these service cuts will begin July 1, with a twice-daily flight to Los Angeles (LAX) reduced to one flight per day. emirates.com

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO STOP OVERBOOKING FLIGHTS

PHOTOS: © NICHOLAS BURNINGHAM | DREAMSTIME.COM, © HEATHROW AIRPORTS LIMITED

In reaction to the recent public relations struggles facing United Airlines caused by overbooked flights (among other issues), Southwest Airlines decided to abandon the practice of overbooking flights.

In May the airline began working on a new reservations process that would cut down on the number of involuntary denied boardings, or passengers denied boarding due to overbooking. Although the domestic airline ranks the lowest among carriers in terms of customer complaints, Southwest contributes the highest amount of IDBs of any domestic airline, accounting for nearly one-third in 2016.

The practice of overbooking flights prevents the possible loss of money in case passengers do not show up for their flights. Southwest shows no concerns over the potential loss of money generated by overbooking flights, as the airline will no longer need to produce hefty payouts to passengers denied boarding because of this old policy. southwest.com

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London Boasts Best Airport Lounge

Among the plethora of options available when choosing an airport lounge before, between or after flights, travelers who pass through London’s Heathrow Airport can stop by the world’s best, according to Priority Pass.

The service that links travelers to more than 1,000 exclusive airport lounges took a survey of its members to learn their opinions of the various lounges. Lounge goers ranked their favorites based on the availability of services (e.g., showers, bathrooms, refreshments) and overall customer service.

The tallied results showed survey responders favored Heathrow’s Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2. For $43 guests can access the lounge for two hours and enjoy an aura that feels more like an upscale cocktail bar than an airport lounge. A Champagne and tapas bar allows guests to fill up between flights and then retreat to sofas to rest before departure. Private resting areas and spa facilities are available for additional fees. plaza-network.com prioritypass.com

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news

BWI Opens Airport Gym Jamaica Debuts Clothing-Optional Resort

Just before the Easter holiday, Jamaica opened the doors to Grand Lido Negril, a clothing-optional resort on the western tip of the island that promotes natural tourism.

Guests (older than age 21) can choose from all-inclusive packages for one of 26 oceanfront suites, which include daily poolside snacks and drinks; butler service; an exclusive reggae bar and grill; and high-tech amenities like recharge stations, resort-wide WiFi and satellite television. The private pool and beach area allow guests to come as they are for a truly naturist experience.

The amenities and services at two adjacent sister hotels, the Royalton Negril and the Hideaway at Royalton Negril — where clothing is not optional but required — are also available for Grand Lido guests.

Travelers stopping through Baltimore-Washington International Airport now have the option to work out while waiting for their flight.

After going through security, travelers can pass the time by exercising in the 1,200-square-foot gym located between concourses D and E. The gym is outfitted with cardio equipment (elliptical machines, treadmills), free weights, showers and changing rooms.

The gym is open 5 a.m.–10 p.m. every day of the year, and day passes cost $40. For travelers who forgot to pack workout gear, the gym will loan out exercise apparel from Lululemon and sneakers from Brooks. bwiairport.com

Alaska Airlines’ New Bay Area Routes

Since Alaska Airlines’ recent acquisition of Virgin America, the two airlines are broadening their services, especially from the West Coast.

Thirteen new routes will depart from Bay Area airports, connecting the rest of the country and the world with the thriving tech markets in Silicon Valley. The Alaska Airlines routes will depart from San Francisco International Airport and travel to Albuquerque (ABQ), Kansas City (MCI) and Mexico City (MEX), with the

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remaining routes connecting Mineta San José International Airport with Austin (AUS), Los Angeles (LAX) and Tucson (TUS).

Virgin America’s new routes will depart from San Francisco and travel to Albuquerque, Baltimore (BWI), Indianapolis (IND), Kona (KOA), Nashville (BNA), New Orleans (MSY) and RaleighDurham (RDU).

Alaska Airlines plans to add more routes in the future to serve the cities of Minneapolis (MSP), Newark (EWR) and Orlando (MCO). alaskaair.com

In-Room Spin at Westin

Staying in shape while traveling is about to get a lot easier: Westin guests now can participate in grueling spin sessions in the privacy of their own hotel room.

A partnership between Westin Hotels & Resorts and Peloton (an interactive cycle company) leaves guests with few excuses to elude their workouts. Hotel guests will be able to plug in and access an array

of spin classes from the comfort of their hotel room or by visiting one of Westin’s in-house fitness studios.

The program has rolled out at U.S. properties in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Tampa, among others, with hopes of future implementation in more locations. starwoodhotels.com/westin pelotoncycle.com

PHOTOS: © GRAND LIDO RESORTS, © ROAM FITNESS, © PELETON

grandlidoresorts.com

deals & rewards

Double or Triple Hilton Honors Points Citi Partners with Jet Airways

Citibank customers are now able to transfer points from the Thank You Rewards program to Jet Airways thanks to a partnership between the credit card company and JetPrivilege, Jet Airways’ rewards program.

Card members can transfer points at a one-to-one ratio in increments of 1,000 points. The JPMiles website features an

PHOTOS: © JET AIRWAYS, © HIILTON, © JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

Bank 30,000 Points with JetBlue Plus

awards chart and a mileage calculator that allow guests to estimate the number of miles they can use to reserve a flight.

The India-based airline shares an alliance with major international airlines like Etihad Airways, Emirates, Delta Air Lines and Cathay Pacific Airways. citi.com

Get 100,000 Avios with Chase

Hilton Honors members who stay in a Hilton property through August can earn double or triple bonus points after registering for the promotion on Hilton’s website.

Members of Hilton’s rewards program can earn double points on stays, but Diamond status members will be eligible for triple points on stays through Aug. 31.

In order to take advantage of this offer, members must first register online at the Hilton Honors website.

The offer is valid at all Hilton hotels and resorts except for Hampton by Hilton hotels in China. hiltonhonors.com/bonuspromotion

In collaboration with Barclaycard, JetBlue launched a new JetBlue Plus MasterCard.

Travelers who sign up for the new card are eligible to receive up to 30,000 bonus points in their TrueBlue account, the rewards program for JetBlue travelers.

Card members who spend $1,000 in their first 90 days as cardholders will receive 30,000 bonus points. Other card benefits include 5,000 annual bonus points after your first card anniversary, six points for every $1 spent on JetBlue expenses, two points for every $1 spent on food at restaurants and supermarkets, a discount of 50 percent on select in-flight concessions and points that never expire.

Chase’s new British Airways Visa Signature Card offers a total of 100,000 bonus points when new members sign up for and use the card within one year. In order to reap the benefits, members must spend an allocated amount of money in distinct time periods.

After spending $3,000 in the first three months, members receive their first 50,000 Avios. Spending $10,000 in the first year will reward members with an additional 25,000 Avios. Finally, after $20,000 is spent in the first year, Chase will round up the reward points to 100,000.

BA is part of the oneworld alliance that includes American Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways.

barclaycardus.com trueblue.jetblue.com

britishairways.com chase.com

Houston to Manila for $600

Flights between Houston, Texas, and the Philippines are as low as $600 for journeys between August and December.

Beginning Aug. 21, round-trip flights that depart from Houston (IAH) and arrive in Manila (MNL) on select dates cost less than $600, with returns taking place on various dates until Dec. 19. The promotion applies to weekday flights (between Monday and Thursday) on United Airlines and partner airline All Nippon Airways. united.com ana.co.jp

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GT tested

THE RITZ-CARLTON, ATLANTA Reviewed by Kimberly Krol

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ My favorite in-room amenity was a Peloton bike. As a regular spin class attendee, I was happy not to miss my weekly session, and I loved the 1990s-themed class I virtually attended from the comfort of my guestroom.

Guest Quarters: I was excited to learn I was booked in a Wellness Level deluxe room. The special guestrooms are dedicated to health, wellness and well-being and include PURE air purification, the iHome Zenergy light and sound therapy machine, healthy snacks and drinks in the minibar, a Wellness App Directory for in-room meditation and workouts, a yoga mat, a foam roller and a stability ball. Guests also enjoy complimentary daily access to Resolution Fitness at 191 and complimentary transportation to local gyms. I definitely made use of the amenities.

In total, the hotel offers 444 guestrooms and suites. My room opened into a short hallway, with an entry table and stool that doubled as a vanity and a closet to the right and the bathroom to the left. I did find the bathroom a bit in need of a refresh. The room opened up, with a credenza and TV to the right and the comfortable king-sized bed, flanked by

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two nightstands, to the left. The desk and in-room wellness amenities sat by the windows, which afforded a city view.

Services/Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta’s AG is a recently re-imagined steakhouse. My colleague and I enjoyed dinner there one night of our stay; I was a fan of my Brussels sprouts and filet Oscar. We also met the next morning for breakfast and chatted with the friendly bartender, hostess and sommelier. AG takes craft cocktails seriously, and the process was fun to watch.

The renovated interior includes unique décor touches. At Lumen Bar, which we also visited for a cocktail, live music is offered Tuesdays through Sundays. Jittery Joe’s and in-room dining round out the culinary offerings.

The property also boasts more than 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space and both on- and off-site fitness facilities.

We did notice, however, the valet service took a bit of time, so plan accordingly.

◆ Staying downtown allowed us to easily commute to and from our meetings near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and helped us avoid some of the recent traffic congestion and confusion plaguing the city. ◆ The concierge made an excellent dinner recommendation, South City Kitchen, in the Midtown neighborhood.

We arranged for the house car to drive us to and from dinner and were pleased to learn our driver had been with the hotel for 20-plus years.

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta 181 Peachtree St., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 tel 404 659 0400 ritzcarlton.com

PHOTOS: © THE RITZ-CARLTON, ATLANTA

Arrival/Check-In: I traveled to Atlanta with GT publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher for meetings, and the lobby was abuzz when we arrived. Despite a short line, check-in was quick, even with the front desk attendant looking up my loyalty program information for me and adding it to my reservation. I thought it was a nice touch that she wrote her first name on my keycard holder so I could ask for her by name if I had any questions.

GT tested

AEROMEXICO | CLASE PREMIER

Mexico City (MEX) to New York (JFK)

Reviewed by Carly Allen

Pre-Flight: Our early evening flight on a new Boeing 737-800 was busy, but we were offered refreshments of Champagne or water and reading materials at once. Takeoff was quick and on time.

In-Flight: Once we reached cruising altitude, we spread out in our lightly reclining seats, perfectly fine for the five-hour flight.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS: ◆ Aeromexico’s newer Boeing 737-800 aircraft is a welcome upgrade with onboard entertainment and WiFi.

Clase Premier boasts a 2-2 configuration of fairly wide seats, universal electrical outlets and a fully compatible screen and entertainment system offering newly released movies, music and games.

Dinner offerings were plentiful, but I chose the simple pasta dish with a light cream sauce and veggies, accompanied by a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a top-shelf whiskey as a nightcap.

After everything was cleared, I sat back and watched a newly released film while using onboard WiFi to work on emails before resting for the remainder of the flight. The cabin crew was prompt in keeping passengers replenished with water or refills throughout the trip.

◆ The flight attendants were both unobtrusive and accommodating. ◆ Aeromexico’s new VIP Salon Premier in the International Terminal is a must-try; SkyTeam members can also use it.

Aeromexico aeromexico.com

PHOTOS: © AEROMEXICO, © BOARDING1NOW | DREAMSTIME.COM

On the Ground: I always suggest leaving your hotel with plenty of time to spare on your return trip to Benito Juárez International Airport; as in most metropolitan cities, traffic can be unpredictable. Aeromexico has plenty of ticketing counters with friendly staff, and we checked in within five minutes. In my experience at MEX, security lines are never long, so we had plenty of time to find Aeromexico’s temporary Premier Salon lounge. The older VIP lounge was under final reconstruction at the time (it opened April 6 and now includes spa services and a kids’ lounge). The temporary lounge, although crowded, had all the necessities, including a large circular bar, snacks and WiFi.

GT tested

BELMOND REID’S PALACE Reviewed by Francis X. Gallagher

Guest Quarters: We stayed in room 508, a mini suite with views looking over the west end of the harbor and out to the Atlantic Ocean. The room’s entrance hallway featured a wooden floor and a large bathroom to the left. The left wall of the main room included a king-sized bed with an end table on either side. At the end of the suite, a sitting area with a table and two upholstered chairs flanked the doors to the patio. The patio also offered seating, with two white wicker chairs and a matching table. Back inside and on the right of the room stood a writing desk and a wooden chest with a well-stocked minibar that also held a flat-screen TV. The room was comfortable and well-appointed but a little cramped when the two of us put our bags on luggage stands. The closet at the rear of the room was well-designed with glass-fronted drawers that offered a view of the items inside. There was also plenty of hanging space for coats and jackets. Every guest receives a carafe of Madeira wine, which makes a nice addition to the amenities in the room.

The large and spacious bathroom featured a separate tub,

shower and double sinks. The walls were covered in a lightly tinted TOP TAKEAWAYS: pink marble, and there was a host of amenities from the Belmond ◆ Brush up on your manual transmission driving; the Reid’s brand.

Services/Amenities: Reid’s has several fine restaurants to sample.

Let me warn you that if you intend to try William Restaurant, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the property, you must make reservations prior to your arrival on the island. We had some fine meals sitting on the veranda off the lobby and dining room. The staff here is friendly, accommodating and helpful with wine selection. At the hotel’s Ristorante Villa Cipriani we were fortunate to make a reservation the night before, but I also strongly suggest making reservations here prior to arriving. (I suggest this for any of the top-rated restaurants in Madeira.) Cipriani is magnificent and lovely with outside seating when the weather permits. I enjoyed a starter of beef carpaccio and a main course pasta dish with shrimp, which was delicious. I was most shocked by the amount of cigarette smoking on Madeira — any outside restaurant has a smoking section that is overpowering. The breakfast is impressive at Reid’s, served on one of the pool levels. You can choose from the buffet or order cooked items off the menu.

Reid’s really has everything — high tea, three swimming pools on levels close to the ocean (two saltwater and one fresh) and several fine-dining options. From this property you can walk to the center of Funchal, where you’ll find many sights to see and plenty of outside restaurants. You can easily use the property as a base for touring the island; you can either drive yourself or Reid’s will arrange a car and driver for the day at a reasonable fee.

hills on the island are steep and the roads are narrow.

◆ Take the cable car to the top to the Funchal Monte Botanical Gardens; it proves a good start to your tour of the town. ◆ Madeira is a secret golf getaway with two courses on the island and one on Porto Santo Island. Reid’s will reserve tee times and arrange for a shuttle to pick you up. You need to take the ferry for Porto Santo; golf and lunch packages are available.

Belmond Reid’s Palace Estrada Monumental 139 9000-098 Funchal Madeira, Portugal tel 351 291 71 71 71 belmond.com

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PHOTOS: © BELMOND, © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

Arrival/Check-In: Landing early at Madeira Airport, an architectural marvel, we picked up our rental car for a little tour of Funchal before heading to the hotel. After taking the cable car to the peak in the village of Monte and the Botanical Gardens, we set our sights on checking in. The hotel lies just west of the center of town and up a high hill, offering spectacular views.

Unfortunately, even at 3 p.m., our hotel room was not ready, so we waited in the lobby lounge for about an hour before we could fully check in.

one on one | CEO SERIES Global Traveler’s CEO Series presents conversations with some of the brightest, most innovative minds in the travel industry.

We kick off this month with Ed Bastian, chief executive officer, Delta Air Lines.

ED BASTIAN Chief Executive Officer, Delta Air Lines favorite airline. The obvious benefits come from loyalty programs, but you’ll find you’re seeing the same people as you interact with the airline.

Delta people love knowing our best customers by name and see them as part of the family.

ABOUT YOUR BRAND What is the design philosophy behind Delta’s new uniforms? The philosophy was to have comfortable and functional uniforms with a contemporary design that makes Delta people look great. Our employees were a big part of the design process.

over the next years? The next few years provide an opportunity to remake the customer experience on the ground. We are making substantial investments in airport facilities across our system, particularly in New York and Los Angeles, allowing us to rethink how to provide world-class service and improve efficiency. Airlines compete on service for the first time in decades, which is only going to increase — a great development for anyone who travels.

YOUR BUSINESS What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry

What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Don’t be too cautious.

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Best career advice you’ve received: Follow your heart — which I did when I returned to Delta to lead the company’s restructuring. It involved a 50 percent pay cut, but it was the right thing, going back to the company and people I love.

Sometimes we need to embrace our instincts; and if that means attempting something ambitious or even audacious, don’t be afraid to try.

AS A TRAVELER Favorite travel memory or story: The best thing about my travels today is the opportunity to talk to Delta employees and customers and get their feedback. My first travel memory is my first trip on an airplane when I was 25. I had no idea then that one day I would lead one of the world’s largest airlines.

One travel tip you cannot live without: Bring a charger for your phone and tablet. We have power outlets in our airports and on board, but they can’t help you without a charger.

Best advice for business travelers: It’s worth developing a relationship with your

What does the future hold for U.S. carriers in terms of flights to the Gulf? We’re optimistic the new administration will take steps to hold the Gulf carriers accountable to the rules of the Open Skies agreement. Open Skies is based on the idea that competition is fair and equal, and unfortunately the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar violated those agreements with $50 billion in direct subsidies to their state-owned airlines. This has already driven U.S. airlines out of Middle Eastern markets and India, and it will only get worse as the Gulf airlines expand.

What can premium travelers expect from the Delta One experience? We were honored when Delta One recently won the coveted Crystal Cabin Award. Delta One is a luxury experience with a sliding door in each suite that provides a level of privacy we’ve never offered before, bringing the business-class cabin to a new level.

PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES

Name: Ed Bastian Title: Chief executive officer Company, city: Delta Air Lines; Atlanta, Ga. Number of employees: 80,000 Recent project: Notable ongoing projects include closing a joint venture with Aeromexico and launching an expanded partnership with Korean Air, launching a major enhancement and expansion of our facilities at LAX, embarking on a major terminal project at New YorkLaGuardia, and paying more than $1 billion in profit-sharing to our employees for the third year in a row.

First job: Working on a road crew in upstate New York Little-known fact about you: I was once the official accountant for the MTV Music Awards and briefly appeared on the show.

Delta’s newest widebody flagship aircraft will be the Airbus A350-900; what can our readers look forward to? The A350 is a game changer for Delta’s international service. The aircraft will be loaded with amenities including high-speed WiFi, free in-flight entertainment throughout the plane, the new private Delta One suite and other advances in the customer experience. The range of the aircraft will allow us to serve cities nonstop from the United States, particularly in Asia, that we can’t operate today. It also will fly more efficiently, with a reduced impact on the environment and a lower cost.

Wonderful moments await Whether it’s for business or leisure, traveling is always better when you get a great deal. So, we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the best rate—Your Rate—when booking directly with IHG.® This exclusive rate is available only to IHG® Rewards Club members, but what exactly does it mean to join?

Simple, it means you get great rewards every time you stay.

To get the best rate, book directly at IHG.com/YourRate or on our mobile app.

*IHG® Rewards Club not applicable to Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants; to be included at a future date.*IHG® Rewards Club not applicable to Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants; to be included at a future date. ©2017 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and/or operated.

technology

INGENIOUS DESIGN Add a smart touch to work and play. BY AKHIL KALEPU NAVDY All new cars are required to have a backup camera and screen, many of which double as a digital console. For the many drivers who aren’t selling their older model anytime soon, it’s now possible to retrofit a futuristic heads-up display on the dashboard. Navdy is a new portable HUD that fits into any car with an OBD-11 port. Paired with a smartphone, the device provides turn-by-turn navigation, fuel information and Bluetooth calling, all displayed on a clear screen that resembles a hologram on your windshield. Navdy can be controlled with voice commands and motion detection as well as a dial accessory that clips onto the steering wheel. $499. navdy.com

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BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 35

DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO

Bose gets a lot of flak for selling overpriced products, but the company’s one saving grace is its exceptional noise-canceling technology. While you can find better sound quality with other headphones in the same price range, Bose’s QuietComfort line is still the best when it comes to finding peace.

The 35 is the wireless version of the popular QuietComfort 25, updating the technology with a rechargeable battery, an integrated remote and the Bose Connect app. There’s also a headphone jack if your batteries run out or if you want to enjoy in-flight entertainment without the sound of jet engines. $349.95. bose.com

Drones are all the rage, popular with kids and professionals alike. DJI is one company on the forefront of bringing these devices to the mainstream, manufacturing industrial-grade drones for professionals and consumer-grade drones for the backyard pilot. Its Phantom line is especially popular with beginners and veterans alike, striking the right balance between features and affordability. The Phantom 4 Pro has a range of more than 900 feet, a flight time of 30 minutes, a 4K camera and a 20-megapixel sensor. On top of that, the drone can reach a remarkable top speed of 45 mph, pretty fast for a consumer-grade drone. $1,499. dji.com

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You’re probably familiar with the smart home company Withings. Its latest product is the Hair Coach, designed in collaboration with L’Oreal and Kérastase. We’re still waiting for the price, reportedly less than $200, getting you a typical brush loaded with a microphone to identify your hair type, conductivity sensors to detect wet hair and an accelerometer and gyroscope to measure your brushing power. Depending how you feel about smart products, the Hair Coach is either ingenious or an overpriced way of finding out you’re brushing too hard. All the information is sent to a WiFi-connected app, giving you the data in real time. Available fall 2017.

Price TBD. withings.com

PHOTOS: © NAVDY, © BOSE, © DJI, © WITHINGS

WITHINGS HAIR COACH

wine & spirits

SINGULARLY SUPERB At Laphroaig, the custodians of the craft make distinctive single malts.

BY EUNICE FRIED

ional their nat ll e p s h is t The Scot hiskey.’ ky,’ not ‘w is h ‘w s a drink

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PHOTOS: © LAPHROAIG

FOR ALL THE DAZZLE of the modern digital age, centuries-old products continue to bring delight, comfort and joy. And Scotch, the fabled whisky of Scotland, is one of them. Scotch takes its basic character from barley, its raw material. As a result, where the barley is grown and how it is treated very much determines the whisky’s ultimate taste and character. That individualistic taste is especially strong in single malt Scotch, whisky made solely from the barley of a single distillery. No blends, no additions, simply a pure representation of its origins.

The most distinctive of all single malts are those from Islay, a rocky island off the west coast of Scotland. The first steps in making Scotch include soaking the barley in water to germinate and malt, then drying it with peat fires. The barley picks up the distinctive flavors of the island’s peat, making it a major contributor to a Scotch’s character.

Recently, a friend and I tasted two single malt Scotches from Islay’s Laphroaig, a 200-year-old distillery producing some of the most distinctive of all Scotches.

Laphroaig 10 Years Old Single Malt ($49–55) is a bright golden brown reminiscent of polished amber.

And its flavors — dominated by powerful aromas, peaty, smoky and earthy — bring its origins to the fore. Its robust, distinctive and forward characteristics can be found only in a single malt Scotch from Islay. Its flavors are deep, its taste long-lasting. After you swallow, they continue to linger.

Laphroaig Lore ($81–129) presents a lighter golden shade. The bold Islay flavors are there — peat, wood smoke and oak — all well-integrated and slightly softened by a hint of caramel and a whiff of vanilla from a long time in oak barrels. And while it is rich and spicy and deep, Lore is extremely smooth and balanced, with a finish that seems to go on forever.

How to pronounce Laphroaig? Simply “la-FROYG.” And Islay? Call it “AISLE-uh.”

Enjoy.

spoils

KEEP IT BRIEF Pack light and travel in style. BY PATRICK T. COOPER AND TERRY A. SPRUNGER

TUMI Ladies first, please. Every successful businesswoman needs the proper accoutrements to seal the deal. Tumi’s Mariella Eva Satchel briefcase will certainly turn heads.

Gray leather makes a graceful statement, and the durability of a timeless Tumi design makes this bag a beast in the boardroom. $1,200. tumi.com

BRUNO MAGLI A classic is always relevant, hence the title of this finely crafted bag. The Neoclassico Document Case by Bruno Magli has you covered, with zippered closures and an inner pouch designed specifically to accommodate your smart tablet. You will be all set to conquer the world with your undeniable fashion presence and your documentation secured. This spoil will surely elevate the bottom line of your business. From $1,495. brunomagli.com

TROUBADOUR GOODS Navy is such a royal color. Troubadour’s craftsmanship of vegetable-tanned leather goods will garner major attention from almost any onlooker. The decision wasn’t an easy task, however. We decided to pair the rucksack and the 24-hour bag, and now you are all set for globility. The versatility of these bags will ready you for running around town, an overnight or a weekend jaunt. Your pick, but you cannot go wrong with the smart lines and sophistication of Troubadour Goods.

Tanned leather rucksack, from $1,725; nylon and tanned leather, from $695. troubadourgoods.com

HOUSE OF SILLAGE The content of your luggage is often priceless. We all have our secret sources and beauty regimens that make us feel sexy, and a delightful scent is a necessity while traveling. Add the romantic and fun elements of the Arabesque Travel Spray Collection by House of Sillage to your repertoire.

Your pulse points will illuminate any room with mysterious notes and fragrant intrigue. Take your hand-painted custom enamel flacon in flight, but be sure not to blind the pilot with shimmering solid golds and Swarovski crystal finishes. Available at Neiman Marcus. From $370. houseofsillage.com neimanmarcus.com

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PHOTOS: © TUMI, © BRUNO MAGLI, © TROUBADOR, © HOUSE OF SILLAGE

NO ONE WANTS THE drawn-out, unabridged version of any story. Time-saving, eco-friendly initiatives and minimization of clutter are characteristics that contribute to a lean executive style. Tuck grandfather’s briefcase safely away as a family heirloom or as office décor. Be precise with your handbag selection to ensure a powerful statement and send opposing counsel scrambling. We all want to be that laser-sharp and primped executive dashing through the airport in effortless style. Join the ranks of the chic concourse strollers with our spread of luggage to make your journey iconic. It’s time to trim the fat; space is limited. As the saying goes, “Travel light, travel far.”

THE GLOBAL CREATOR Weekends just got easier. Short, sweet and to the point, duffle bags make for an easy getaway. The Global Creator’s version of this essential travel bag makes packing a dream.

Encouraged to roll tight and pack light, you’ll enjoy an effortless journey. The cognac Gypsy Weekender with shoulder strap fits the definition of perfection. Did we mention the subtle, 100 percent leather construction? $695. theglobalcreator.com

MILES REGIS Once you close the deal with brevity and poise, artist Miles Regis will make your eyes marvel.

Brilliant colors and movement by this unique painter will have you addicted and working to cover the walls of your dwelling. Not to brag, but music mogul Jay Z is among the countless celebrities clamoring for Regis’ artistic expression. Make the investment now — you will applaud yourself nightly as you arrive home, hand your briefcase over to your valet and indulge in your Scotch. Prices vary. milesregis.com

CROSS Ink the deal. Any old writing instrument won’t suffice; make appending your signature epic. Your signature is worth its weight in gold, so make it effortless for your fingers to make your mark in daily documentation. Cross the perfect pen off the to-do list. $5,000.

PHOTOS: © MILES REGIS, © THE GLOBAL CREATOR, © CROSS, © GHURKA

cross.com

GHURKA Make the investment in the appropriate trunks for your travels. Only the best will do, precisely why we could not curate a travel spoil without Ghurka. The product of a brilliant collaboration with the Bertoni family in Varese, Italy, the wardrobe trunk exudes sophistication. French bull leather construction and trim make a durable, traveling work of art. Hand-painted stripes and cotton twill linings speak voluminous luxury. Hasten to place your order, as there is a waiting period. Believe us when we say it is well worth the 10-and-a-half weeks’ wait. You will be spoiled in time for autumn excursions. Trunk, $19,500; trolley, $7,500. ghurka.com

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spas

So L.A. Indulge in personal pampering at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. BY KIMBERLY KROL

TIMES TWO:

Couple’s treatment room PHOTO: © SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS

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THE GLOBAL TRAVELER TEAM often finds itself in Los Angeles, as the city hosts two of our awards events annually, but only recently did Katie Skrzek, digital director, and I start to take better advantage of our visits.

In December we escaped on a girls’ weekend pre-event, and in May, while we celebrated our 2017 Leisure Lifestyle Awards at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, we extended our stay by one day to partake in some of the city’s activities we’d been remiss in visiting prior. Of course, that included a morning visit to SoSPA. We started our morning with an arduous hike in L.A.’s famed Runyon Canyon. Novices to the trails, we ended up taking the more difficult dirt path directly up, watching and wondering how our counterparts ended up on the larger, nicely paved path to our left. Nevertheless, as we made our way down that same path and noticed the turn-off we missed on our way up, we were pleased we conquered the harder trail, feeling we truly earned our spa time

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and the leisurely day ahead.

This was my third time at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

And while I’d passed through the spa lobby many times on my way to the ample, on-site fitness center, this was my first opportunity to walk through the spa doors into the dark wood, Zen oasis of the spa. Katie was scheduled for the 60-minute So Rejuvenating Facial, while I was slated for the 90-minute So Detox.

The So Rejuvenating Facial is an aromatic treatment and one of the spa’s signatures, known for hydrating and restoring a supple, radiant complexion. My So Detox treatment included a full-body exfoliation with nourishing oil followed by a massage to release tension and restore vitality. Other available treatments include massages, such as the So-On-The-Go, So Jet Lag, So Powerful and So Hot Stone; body scrubs; facials, like So Red Carpet and So Got Your Back; enhancements, with options including a chemical peel,

retinol booster and bio-cellulose restorative mask; and waxing. A salon is on site as well. SoSPA utilizes products from French brands Carita and Declour.

The SoSPA experience begins even before you enter the doors.

Once I made my appointment, I received regular communication from the spa, confirming and reminding me of my appointment and welcoming me to the spa.

The gentle reminders weren’t overbearing but rather a nice way to let me know they were expecting me. The thank you email I received post-treatment also proved a nice touch, and one that left a lasting impression beyond the benefits of my treatment.

After a brief tour of the facilities, we changed into our lush robes and headed to the relaxation area, where my therapist found me. Katie and I separated, and she filled me in later on the details of her spa experience. She described her therapist as detailed about her recommendations, both for products and for skincare in general, and Katie enjoyed the moisturizing products used during the treatment. A neck/scalp and arm massage as the facial mask set was doubly appreciated. An added bonus: Katie’s skin felt hydrated for our evening flight, a red-eye through Detroit that left us both a little sleep deprived. You couldn’t tell by looking at Katie’s skin!

I started my treatment by selecting an essential oil to be used in the scrub and massage. Of the three options, I chose peppermint, known for its invigorating qualities. I wanted an oil that would energize me for the day while still relaxing and mellowing my muscles. A quick shower to wash all the granules away followed my 30-minute scrub. The shower was amazing; I didn’t take advantage of all of them, but there was a large overhead showerhead, and multiple showerheads covered two of the walls.

After rinsing off, I drifted into a state of bliss during a 60-minute massage. I’d noted a few problem areas prior to starting and noticed my therapist paying extra attention to those spots. She also discovered other areas in need of some work, and I felt my muscles respond to the pressure and movement. I enjoyed the scalp massage portion and appreciated that my therapist had checked in prior to ensure I was okay with oils being used in my hair.

It all ended far too quickly, as massages always seem to do. It was back to reality, but luckily we had more planned on our perfect L.A. afternoon, and we were now, thanks to SoSPA, in the perfect mindset for it.

TAKE FIVE:

Relaxation area PHOTOS: © SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS

SoSPA Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills 8555 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048 tel 310 278 5444 sofitel.com

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chefs

SEAFARING STYLE Chef Franck Garanger keeps the cuisine fresh and flavorful for Oceania Cruises. BY KIMBERLY KROL

IT ALL STARTED in a pâtisserie-boulangerie in the Loire Valley. What may sound like the beginning of a fantasy fairy tale is actually the start of Chef Franck Garanger’s culinary journey. Inspired by watching his father in the family-owned operation, Garanger went on to work at and with culinary greats, including Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Silversea Cruises, and chefs Alain Passard and Thierry Marx.

Since 2003 Garanger has served as the fleet corporate executive chef for Oceania Cruises, sharing the cruise line’s passion for serving only the finest cuisine at sea while blending flavors from all over the globe.

Among the chef ’s many accolades are the prestigious Maitres Cuisiniers de France 2008 and recognized membership in the Academie Culinaire de France.

WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CULINARY HERO? I had the privilege to train with Paul Bocuse and his team for the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competition in 2008. This is a nationwide competition held every three to four years to celebrate outstanding French artisans in many different creative trade professions, including culinary.

Bocuse was the first to bring chefs to the forefront — but only by working hard and demonstrating a commitment to excellence, not by being a chef TV star as many in the younger generation do now.

At the age of 91, he still runs a threeMichelin-star restaurant with his M.O.F. team since 1965, making him the oldest threeMichelin-star restaurant owner in the world.

WHAT ONE PERSON MOST INFLUENCED YOUR COOKING STYLE, AND HOW? It was my apprentice chef, Jean Francois Piers, French Master Chef. I was an apprentice for two years in a Michelin-star restaurant in Angers, where I grew up. Chef Piers was a fantastic chef; everything was homemade, and we learned so much. I was an apprentice at ages 15–17, and then he sent me to Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. I can’t ever thank him enough for all I learned.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT BIG TREND ON THE FOOD SCENE WILL BE? Travelers look more and more for authenticity in flavor and organic ingredients. There is a big movement of going back to true cooking with real tradition, technique and taste, far from molecular cuisine. On Oceania Cruises, we pay attention to all of this — you must begin with excellent ingredients, and there are so many stories and traditions tied to the dishes we prepare, inspired by family recipes and our travels around the world.

Oceania Cruises oceaniacruises.com

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PHOTO: © OCEANIA CRUISES

WHICH DESTINATIONS INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION TRANSLATED INTO YOUR COOKING/MENUS? Definitely all of the Mediterranean basin, from north of Africa: Spain, where I live; Italy; Greece; France; Turkey; and Israel. This inspiration is reflected in our menu variety — especially in Terrace Café, which I consider one of the most important restaurants on board because of the large selection of dishes from all over the world served every day and evening. I spend a lot of time with my chefs going to local markets and choosing fresh fish and vegetables for special theme dinners on board. We always aim to emphasize local influences through our ingredients and recipes. Since my chefs are mostly French and Italian, we have many “secret” recipes from our mothers and grandmothers that we share among ourselves.

cruising

TEE TO SHINING TEE Make the rounds around the world on a golf cruise.

SWING TIME:

PerryGolf offers cruises which include golf at Bro Hof Slott in Stockholm, Sweden (top), and Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin, Ireland (bottom); and Kalos Golf administers golf cruises on Silversea Cruises’ Silver Explorer (right) PHOTOS: © PERRY GOLF, © SILVERSEA CRUISES

BY J.D. BROWN AND MARGARET BACKENHEIMER

CRUISE LINES HAVE LONG SOUGHT to bring the pleasures and perks of land-based luxury resorts to passengers at sea. Golf is no exception. Golfers today can get in a round even on board, thanks to the development of sophisticated golf simulators. These high-tech, compact games — employing clubs, balls, tees and computerized projection screens — first appeared in 1997 on Princess Cruises, and they have proliferated. So have netted driving ranges, putting greens and teaching pros at hand to fine-tune a passenger’s swing. For those seeking play on real fairways, some cruise lines now make it easy to book tee times at selected ports of call, while others offer the ultimate golfer’s sailing: a golf-themed cruise.

Unlike a vacation at a golf resort, a golf cruise sweeps from port to port, shuttling its guests from sea to tee at a number of widely separated world-class courses. There’s no need to change accommodations along the way. A golf cruise also addresses the complaints of the golf widow (or widower) by enabling a non-golfing spouse to enjoy all the options of a normal sailing, including exotic ports and shore excursions.

Golf cruises are usually run by private agencies. One such, GolfAhoy, pioneered the concept in 1988 and now provides full golfing services on 193 ships worldwide. GolfAhoy’s Circle Hawaii golf cruises feature butler service and penthouse suites on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. A New Year’s cruise departing Dec. 30 includes golf at five Hawai’ian courses capped by special admis-

sion to the PGA Tour Tournament of Champions. GolfAhoy also offers a 21-day Ultimate Antarctica and Patagonia Golf Cruise on Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Quest, departing Jan. 13, 2018, with golf rounds in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Montevideo, Punta Arenas and the Falkland Islands.

Another agency, Kalos Golf, administers 15 golf cruises in 2018, including a South Africa cruise Jan. 4–18 on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony, a Bordeaux golf and wine cruise on AmaWaterways May 16–27, and a Pacific Northwest cruise on Silversea Cruises’ Silver Explorer Sept. 5–15.

Perhaps the cruise line most dedicated to golfers, Azamara Club Cruises, teamed up with PerryGolf for six special cruises in 2018, with itineraries in New Zealand/Australia, the Iberian Peninsula, the French Riviera, the Baltic Sea, the Arabian Gulf and the United Kingdom (which includes attendance at the final round of the 147th British Open). PerryGolf oversees all aspects of Azamara’s golf cruises, from daily pairings and caddies to handling of each participant’s clubs. PerryGolf also arranges golf cruises on SeaDream Yacht Club’s two mega-yachts in the Caribbean and the French Riviera.

Golf cruises are especially popular with small groups and are often given as gifts for anniversaries and birthdays. For couples split between a desire to tour the world by sea and golf the world’s great courses in luxury, a golf cruise can be the perfect unifier.

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feature FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE: Delta Air Lines PHOTO: © VANDERWOLFIMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN: Aloft PHOTO: © ALOFT

FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL HOTEL: Moxy New Orleans PHOTO: © MOXY HOTELS

FRIENDLIEST CITY: Atlanta PHOTO: © ANDREYKR | DREAMSTIME.COM

The Trazees Awards 2017 Global Traveler honors the best in the world of millennial travel. BY KIMBERLY KROL ACCORDING TO INTERNET MARKETING INC.’S “Millennial Travel Trends: A Look at the Largest Generations’ Habits,” a number of travel traits characterize this generation, which we define as those aged 18–35.

Not surprisingly, social media plays a significant role, with 87 percent looking to Facebook for travel inspiration, 97 percent posting about their experiences on social media and 46 percent actually booking through smartphones and tablets. A large majority check multiple sites before booking and stay loyal to programs offering the most rewards. The bulk of those surveyed also upgrade their experiences by purchasing add-ons, and nearly half (49 percent) take last-minute vacations.

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What does this all mean for travel providers? They need to reach this subset across a number of touch points and target them with enticing offers and rewards up until the very last minute. Which providers are doing an award-winning job of this? According to the readers of trazeetravel .com, there are several, and we award them on the following pages as we announce the winners of the third annual The Trazees awards.

Trazee Travel, the sister web publication to Global Traveler and global travelerusa.com, is a one-stop resource for millennial travelers with news, tips, reviews and more updated daily. For the third year, trazeetravel.com awards the best in the travel industry, as named by this ever-growing and extremely important travel segment. Reader nominations and nominations from the website’s intrepid group of contributors were collected December 2016–March 2017; FX Express Publications, Inc.’s management selected the final winners.

Here’s a closer look at those savvy travel industry providers deemed tops by millennials around the globe; congratulations!

IT’S UP, UP AND AWAY with these award-winning airlines. Delta Air Lines keeps the millennial set smiling, nabbing recognition in two categories: Favorite International Airline for the second consecutive year and Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program for Delta SkyMiles.

Oneworld, with member airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and LATAM, earns the top spot for favorite airline

alliance, while the newer Airbus A350, of which Qatar Airways, a oneworld member, was the launch airline, FAVORITE GREEN HOTEL: Element wins Favorite Aircraft Type. Qatar Airways is the Favorite PHOTO: © ELEMENT HOTELS Airline in the Middle East winner for the second consecutive year.

We know millennials prefer to book travel via mobile devices, making the next category all the more important. Jetblue.com is Favorite Airline Website for the third consecutive year, with Kimpton.com its hotel counterpart, earning Favorite Hotel Website accolades.

Two North American carriers claim the next two titles, with two-time winner Alaska Airlines named Favorite Airline in FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA: Hartsfield-Jackson North America, and Southwest Atlanta International Airport Airlines dubbed Favorite Budget PHOTO: © NADEZDA MURMAKOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM Airline. Around the rest of the globe, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aer Lingus, South African Airways and Korean Air score high in their regions, winning Favorite Airline to South America, Favorite Airline in Europe (for the third time), Favorite Airline in Africa (for the third time) and Favorite Airline in Asia (second consecutive year), respectively.

Eco-friendly initiatives go a long way in impressing this age group, and Lufthansa makes the grade as Favorite Green Airline for the second consecutive year. In the hotel world, Element Hotels nabs the top spot for Favorite Green Hotel for the third time.

FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION: Dubai Of course, it’s not just in the air that matters — matters on PHOTO: © BURHANAYPHOTOGRAPHY | DREAMSTIME.COM the ground are equally important, and these worldwide airports are among millennials’ favorites. Munich Airport, for the third time, continues to generate buzz as Favorite Overall Airport in the World. Another international favorite is Singapore Changi Airport, Favorite Duty-Free Shops. In the United States, three-time honoree Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport claims the top spot for Favorite Airport in North America and wins Favorite Airport Dining for the first time. To shop ’til you board, book a flight through Denver International Airport, Favorite Airport Shopping.

New Orleans, a popular city to visit among millennials, earned two honors this year. The Moxy New Orleans was named Favorite Individual Hotel, while the city itself was dubbed Favorite Foodie City.

For the second consecutive year, Aloft Hotels & Resorts earned Favorite Hotel Chain honors. Kimpton Hotels claimed the title Favorite Boutique Hotel Chain, and its nation’s capital property, Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle, is crowned Favorite Individual Lifestyle Hotel.

For other smart options for accommodations for your next trip, consider these other big winners: ME Miami, Favorite Individual Boutique Hotel; Barceló Hotel Group, Favorite Hotel Chain in Latin America; Fiesta Americana, Favorite Hotel Chain in Mexico for the third year; and Vida Hotels and Resorts, the two-time

urop e ir lin e in E F avor ite A

WINNERS’ CIRCLE Aer Lingus

THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE 1. Delta Air Lines 2. American Airlines 3. United Airlines 4. Alitalia 5. Aer Lingus FAVORITE AIRLINE ALLIANCE 1. oneworld 2. SkyTeam 3. Star Alliance FAVORITE AIRCRAFT TYPE 1. Airbus A350 2. Airbus A380 3. Boeing 787 Dreamliner 4. Boeing 777 FAVORITE AIRLINE WEBSITE 1. Jetblue.com 2. Delta.com 3. United.com 4. AA.com 5. Southwest.com FAVORITE FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAM 1. Delta SkyMiles 2. United MileagePlus 3. Southwest Rapid Rewards 4. American Airlines AAdvantage 5. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan FAVORITE AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA 1. Alaska Airlines 2. JetBlue 3. United Airlines 4. Delta Air Lines 5. American Airlines FAVORITE BUDGET AIRLINE 1. Southwest Airlines 2. JetBlue 3. Spirit Airlines 4. Frontier 5. West Jet FAVORITE AIRLINE IN SOUTH AMERICA 1. Aerolineas Argentinas 2. LATAM Airlines 3. Aeromexico 4. Avianca

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u ro p e ir lin e in E F avor ite A

WINNERS’ Aer CIRCLE Lingus THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN EUROPE 1. Aer Lingus 2. Lufthansa 3. Turkish Airlines 4. Alitalia 5. Virgin Atlantic Airways

FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL: ME Miami

FAVORITE OVERALL AIRPORT IN THE WORLD: Munich Airport

PHOTO: © ME MIAMI

PHOTO: © YORGY67 | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN AFRICA 1. South African Airways 2. Royal Air Maroc 3. Ethiopian Airlines 4. Mango FAVORITE AIRLINE IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Qatar Airways 2. EL AL Israel Airlines 3. Etihad Airways 4. Emirates 5. Saudi Arabian Airlines FAVORITE AIRLINE IN ASIA 1. Korean Air 2. EVA Air 3. Singapore Airlines 4. China Airlines 5. Cathay Pacific Airways

FAVORITE WORLDWIDE CITY: Athens PHOTO: © KISAMARKIZA | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE GREEN AIRLINE 1. Lufthansa 2. Alaska Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines 4. Virgin Atlantic Airways 5. Aer Lingus FAVORITE OVERALL AIRPORT IN THE WORLD 1. Munich Airport 2. Reykjavík Keflavík International Airport 3. Incheon Airport 4. Singapore Changi Airport 5. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport FAVORITE AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 3. San Francisco International Airport 4. Boston Logan International Airport 5. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

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winner of Favorite Hotel Chain in the Middle East.

Rounding out the hotel category is IHG Rewards Club, the Favorite Hotel Rewards Program winner for the third consecutive year.

Another perennial favorite, Spain nabs the honor of Favorite Country for a third consecutive year. With so much to offer any type of millennial traveler and a myriad of Instagram-worthy attractions, it’s no wonder Spain repeatedly appears on our winners’ list. Ditto for Athens, a first-time winner for Favorite Worldwide City.

Millennial travelers are flocking to the historic city and capturing the perfect snaps to share on Snapchat from any number of Athens hot spots. It’s the GoPros that come out in Thailand, Favorite Adventure Destination, as adventurous travelers hope to perfectly capture those viral moments.

What other worldwide destinations provide the perfect picturesque backgrounds to inspire envy among social media followers? Our experts say Turks & Caicos, Favorite Honeymoon Destination; Dubai, Favorite Shopping Destination; Bangkok, Favorite Nightlife Destination; and Atlanta, Friendliest City. The #FavoriteEventAroundthe Globe honor goes to Rio Carnival.

Despite notions otherwise, millennials do still take advantage of car rentals. When not opting to walk, cycle or ride share, they choose National Car Rental, voted this year’s Favorite Car Rental Company. Perhaps they

FAVORITE AIRLINE IN EUROPE: Aer Lingus PHOTO: © AER LINGUS

book the service with their Chase Sapphire Rewards card, named Favorite Credit Card.

We’ve covered by air and by land, but we’re missing by sea. New to the survey this year, Royal Caribbean International is the first cruise line honored as Favorite Cruise Line. And traveling with millennials no matter where they may be, the chosen one for Favorite Luggage Brand is BlueSmart, the trackable, technology-driven suitcase.

Cheers to this year’s winners, those who continue to capture the attention of millennial travelers and inspire them to see the world, documenting the treasured moments from anywhere on Earth.

OH, THE PLACES WE GO. 119 destinations.

1,200 daily flights.

Get started with one of our business travel programs now at www.alaskaair.com/corporate-travel

FAVORITE ADVENTURE DESTINATION: Thailand PHOTO: © MARINA TROSHENKOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

e WINNERS’ CIRCLE e in E u ro p or ite A ir lin F av

FAVORITE AIRPORT DINING Aer Lingus 1. Hartsfield-Jackson THIRD CONSECUTIVEAtlanta YEAR International Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Munich Airport 4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 5. London Heathrow FAVORITE AIRPORT SHOPPING 1. Denver International Airport 2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 3. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 4. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport 5. Los Angeles International Airport FAVORITE DUTY-FREE SHOPS 1. Singapore Changi Airport 2. Dubai Duty Free 3. Incheon Airport 4. London Heathrow 5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL HOTEL 1. Moxy New Orleans 2. Hotel Zaza, Dallas 3. Element New York Times Square West 4. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix 5. Aloft New York Brooklyn

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN THE MIDDLE EAST: Vida Hotels and Resorts PHOTO: © VIDA HOTELS AND RESORTS

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN 1. Aloft Hotels & Resorts 2. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 3. Element Hotels 4. Moxy Hotels 5. W Hotels FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL 1. ME Miami 2. INNSIDE New York NoMad 3. Kimpton Muse Hotel 4. Moxy London Excel 5. Kimpton Alexis Hotel FAVORITE BOUTIQUE HOTEL CHAIN 1. Kimpton Hotels 2. Canopy by Hilton 3. Curio by Hilton 4. Tribute Portfolio 5. EVEN Hotels

FAVORITE HOTEL WEBSITE 1. Kimpton.com 2. Marriott.com 3. Hilton.com 4. Westin.com 5. Hyatt.com

FAVORITE INDIVIDUAL LIFESTYLE HOTEL 1. Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle 2. The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton 3. EVEN Hotels, Brooklyn 4. The London EDITION 5. Hotel G Beijing

FAVORITE HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAM 1. IHG Rewards Club 2. Starwood Preferred Guest 3. Hilton Honors 4. Marriott Rewards 5. World of Hyatt

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FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN LATIN AMERICA 1. Barceló Hotel Group 2. Sheraton Latin America 3. Four Seasons 4. Hilton Hotels 5. Meliá Hotels & Resorts

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1. Vida Hotels and Resorts 2. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts 3. Address Hotels + Resorts 4. Starwood Hotels & Resorts 5. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

FAVORITE HOTEL CHAIN IN MEXICO 1. Fiesta Americana 2. Live Aqua 3. Rosewood Hotels 4. Westin Hotels & Resorts 5. Camino Real

FAVORITE GREEN HOTEL 1. Element Hotels 2. Sofitel 3. Earth Lodge, Antigua, Guatemala 4. Jean-Michel Cousteau, Fiji 5. Hilton Hotels

FAVORITE COUNTRY 1. Spain 2. Ireland 3. Greece 4. Italy 5. Thailand FAVORITE WORLDWIDE CITY 1. Athens 2. Bangkok 3. Dublin 4. London 5. Sydney FAVORITE HONEYMOON DESTINATION 1. Turks & Caicos 2. Greece 3. Aruba 4. Cook Islands 5. Hawai’i FAVORITE ADVENTURE DESTINATION 1. Thailand 2. India 3. Costa Rica 4. New Zealand 5. Australia FAVORITE EVENT AROUND THE GLOBE 1. Rio Carnival 2. Running of the Bulls 3. Oktoberfest 4. Full Moon Parties 5. South by Southwest

FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION 1. Dubai 2. Paris 3. London 4. New York City 5. Milan FAVORITE NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION 1. Bangkok 2. Barcelona 3. Miami 4. London 5. Las Vegas FAVORITE FOODIE CITY 1. New Orleans 2. Chicago 3. Rome 4. Paris 5. New York City FRIENDLIEST CITY 1. Atlanta 2. Copenhagen 3. Chicago 4. Toronto 5. Boston

FAVORITE LUGGAGE BRAND 1. BlueSmart 2. Samsonite 3. Rimowa 4. Tumi 5. TravelPro

FAVORITE EVENT AROUND THE GLOBE: Rio Carnival PHOTO: © CELSO PUPO RODRIGUES | DREAMSTIME.COM

FAVORITE CREDIT CARD 1. Chase Sapphire Rewards 2. Venture Card from Capital One 3. American Express BlueSky 4. United MileagePlus Explorer Card

by Chase 5. Bank of America Rewards FAVORITE CRUISE LINE 1. Royal Caribbean International 2. Carnival Cruises 3. Disney Cruise Line 4. Norwegian Cruise Line 5. Princess Cruises

FAVORITE CAR RENTAL COMPANY 1. National Car Rental 2. Hertz 3. Avis 4. Enterprise 5. Budget FAVORITE CREDIT CARD: Chase Sapphire Rewards PHOTO: © CHASE

FAVORITE LUGGAGE BRAND: BlueSmart PHOTO: © BLUESMART

FAVORITE CRUISE LINE: Royal Caribbean International PHOTO: © ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

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feature

On the Safe Side Plan a strategy for doing business in dangerous places. BY KARIN LEPERI BEFORE YOU GO:

(Left to right) Be sure you have the required vaccinations and proper paperwork, use TSA-approved locks on a backpack to keep contents safe, and access the U.S. Department of State’s website for useful information and travel warnings.

PHOTOS: © MAXEXPHOTO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © TANAWAT BUNYUEN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

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IN THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Bilbo Baggins says, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

“Dangerous” is the operative word here, and Bilbo is right when referring to the unpredictability of what can happen once you step outside your door — beyond your comfort zone. In fact, “dangerous” is how many of the world’s business executives would describe travels to high-risk zones.

After all, you can find yourself facing unexpected perils such as kidnappings, natural disasters and even political instability and turmoil. Staying safe in countries beleaguered by poverty, drug trafficking, gang wars, corruption and even terrorism can be a challenge of the highest magnitude.

When precarity is the norm, be aware of what you’re getting into and how best to prepare for the unknown. The following tips will help keep your feet grounded on the road so you’re not swept into a treacherous abyss. We include advice from experts such as Jeff Rutledge, CEO, AIG Travel, and Kent O’Donnell, senior security specialist, 360 Worldwide Security. Also, Michael Clyne, information services manager, Venture Risk Management, provides risk management insights.

GAIN STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE. This is all about educating yourself regarding your destination and the current state of affairs. From visa and medical vaccination requirements to knowledge of cultural etiquette, preparing yourself is the best preventative measure.

The U.S. State Department is your best friend while overseas. To take full advantage of its help, register with its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov. The free service enables U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, providing the embassy and family or friends a means of contacting travelers in case of emergency. You can also receive alerts regarding

the security of a specific country.

Don’t skip this resource even if you’re going to a traditionally safe country. Last year, I unexpectedly ended up in an Irish hospital in Galway for four nights. I hadn’t signed up with STEP, thinking Ireland was a safe country. Nor did I have international cellphone coverage. However, I effectively short-circuited the process by using Twitter and the hospital’s WiFi to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. Within an hour, I had an embassy contact serving as my advocate and notifying my family members.

Use STEP along with the State Department’s travel alerts and warnings system. Consider carefully whether you should go to a country if travel warnings include unstable government, civil war, ongoing intense crime or violence or frequent terrorist attacks.

Travel warnings remain in place until the situation changes; some have been in effect for years. Travel alerts are short-term events you should know about, such as an election season bound to have many strikes, demonstrations or disturbances; a health alert like an outbreak of H1N1; or evidence of an elevated risk

of terrorist attacks. When events are over, the alert is canceled.

There’s a wealth of unclassified resources out there. When I worked at the Pentagon, a starting point for any country analysis was the CIA’s World Factbook and the State Department’s country-bycountry advice on security. But we didn’t stop there.

To eliminate potential political bias, we also checked sites hosted by Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia regarding country alerts and warnings.

Don’t forget to check if the destination country has a website as well.

“Gain situational and environmental awareness,” emphasizes Clyne. “In most of East Africa, kidnappings are less common than other violent crimes, and carjacking is endemic in Kenya, where motorists are targeted by increasingly organized and brazen gangs.”

Check for medical information and vaccination requirements with the Centers for Disease Control.

Finally, obtain a required visa prior to leaving home if possible. This way you can avoid long lines and translation issues at your destination airport.

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JUST IN CASE

Some travel insurance policies include assistance from experts who can help you in case of emergencies.

PHOTO: © SCYTHER5 | DREAMSTIME.COM

u are If yo while lized a t i p end hos even r o seas , ask over ested r r a ing t up be ares he ne t t c nta to co assy Emb . .S U . The ately i d e imm tact n con a c y ss emba r ds o frien , y l i n fam ain a ; obt s r e oy ct empl prote d n a ; rney atto s. right your

INSURE YOURSELF. Let’s face it. Doing business in dangerous zones is risky. Infrastructure is often minimal and medical services may be below par or nonexistent. Unexpected things can happen. The key is to manage the risk, and good insurance can help.

“Travel insurance is a good way to not only protect yourself financially from potential crimes but to also ensure you have access to on-the-ground expertise if the worst happens,” according to Rutledge. “Be sure to look for a plan with security and assistance services, which may include benefits such as experts who will interact with law enforcement, help prevent identity theft and coordinate with your family in the event of an emergency.”

Health insurance is essential as is medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Remember, while medical evacuation insurance doesn’t cost much, it’s the actual medical evacuation that can cost more than $100,000.

If traveling in hostile environments, conflict and terrorism insurance is necessary. If your destination is known for kidnappings, consider kidnap and ransom coverage. “In Nigeria, kidnappings increase around elections, as ransoms actually help finance political campaigns,” notes Clyne, who tracks Nigerian kidnappings. “Crime statistics, particularly kidnapping in the developing world, are notoriously underreported, as victims and families are unlikely to self-report when they don’t trust police to peacefully resolve the crime.”

DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN and leave a paper trail.

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Before leaving on your trip, have your affairs in order. These are the things nobody likes to talk about but should — like having a will, power of attorney and medical directive. Have backup copies of your passport, credit cards, prescriptions and itinerary in case originals are stolen (I keep a digital copy in my Dropbox). Leave a set with a trusted individual.

For your arrival, plan on having phone numbers and contact information handy such as the embassy, a driver and local business contacts. O’Donnell highly recommends you arrange a national contact on the ground prior to and upon arrival. Meet at the airport. He adds, “They will know road disruptions and things that aren’t in the newspaper, plus they know the local language. And be aware of taxis, as they can be high-risk; they may be the next kidnapper.”

PACK AS IF YOUR LIFE depends on it. O’Donnell strongly suggests travelers pack some basic items when traveling to dangerous zones. He is a firm believer in stashing a head lamp to keep hands free should lights go out. “Don’t rely on technology to keep you safe,” he says. “I carry granola bars for quick energy in case I need to escape on foot and a folded American flag that I unfurl to mark my location for U.S. rescue.” He adds that if seeking refuge in an American embassy, the flag can be displayed to embassy officials for quick identification.

MAKE YOURSELF A HARD TARGET. Make it difficult for thieves to target you so they move on to softer targets.

(They really want an easy target with little or no fuss.) Remember, even minor obstacles serve as a deterrent, such as carrying your valuables in front pockets or money belts or, for the ladies, in slash-proof crossshoulder bags.

“No matter how unfamiliar you are with your surroundings, it’s also a good idea to always walk with purpose and visibly observe your environment,” says Rutledge, “as criminals may expect someone who’s engaged to defend themselves and move on to a more passive alternative.”

By practicing these pointers out in public, you devalue yourself as a target. Awareness is important. It is equally vital to not become distracted, as that will be used against you.

PROTECT amazed how many people instantaneously search for the free WiFi. VALUABLES Makes complete sense because of data limits imposed on cellphone Consider wearing plans, but did you know 95 percent of public WiFi networks are not a backpack on the front of your body encrypted? That means any of the data you share can be hacked. while in crowded Your personal information is compromised. places to prevent To counteract this, use a virtual private network whenever connect- theft. ing to public WiFi. The best on the market is ExpressVPN, a super-fast PHOTO: © AMMENTORP | and extremely reliable paid-app perfect for streaming. By keeping the DREAMSTIME.COM IP address and data hidden, as well as getting around blocked websites such as Facebook and Gmail in certain countries, ExpressVPN is a must-have app, especially when traveling to restrictive regimes. I tested this recently in China and was extremely satisfied with the results.

CARRY VALUABLES IN FRONT. The key is to be aware and keep a low profile. Blend in. Dispense with the bling and expensive items and stash some safety cash separate from your main wallet/purse.

Always carry valuables in front and close to your body.

O’Donnell sees it this way: “Back pockets are for handkerchiefs and things you don’t mind losing. I often carry a backpack and use a small TSA combo lock on it. I wear it backwards across my chest in crowds, especially in subways.”

Don’t keep anything valuable or important in outside pockets.

This includes your suitcase, jacket and purse. For important papers, use the inside pockets of your jackets and purses, preferably ones that have zippers or buttons. Dress in layers and use this to your advantage by burying your documents and cash as close to your skin as possible.

DOWNLOAD A DIGITAL LIFESAVER. “Technology is often a traveler’s first line of defense against crime,” explains Rutledge.

“There are many free and inexpensive apps that can help minimize your risks, including apps that help translate key words and phrases, identify safe walking routes or protect data on your mobile phone from hackers.”

For example, AIG offers a mobile app with one-touch emergency travel assistance. It also offers Travel Guard Travel Tracer, an app that tracks and manages business travelers’ safety worldwide. Users have access to a situation map which instantly visualizes their planned locations and itineraries as well as incidents and emerging worldwide events in proximity to their destination.

Yes, the world is a dangerous place. But with proper preparation, planning and situational awareness, your overseas trip to dangerous zones can be productively safer.

USE A VPN FOR PERSONAL SECURITY. Every time I travel, I’m

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airline update | SINGAPORE AIRLINES

The Long Haul Singapore Airlines stays on top as it celebrates 70 years of service.

BY ELLEN CLARK

TOP FLIGHT:

(Left to right) Airbus A350 aircraft; and cuisine, Champagne service and business class on the A350 PHOTOS: © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

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IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE 2017 marks Singapore Airlines’ 70th year. The name changed, the destinations multiplied, the planes grew from mini to mega, but in one form or another, Singapore has had an aircraft in the sky for seven decades.

In 1947 the airline started its incarnation as Malayan Airways Limited, running three flights a week to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang in a five-seater, twin-engine Airspeed Consul. In 1963 the name changed to Malaysian Airlines Limited. The Singapore name didn’t appear until May 1966 when the airline became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines. Finally, in 1972 the two airlines separated, with one becoming Malaysian Airline System and the other becoming Singapore Airlines, or SIA, as we know it today.

Since the 1970s Singapore Airlines has experienced major changes and some impressive firsts. In 1983 the first Boeing

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747-300 flew from Los Angeles via Tokyo. In 1989 SIA became the first airline to send a Boeing 747-400 commercial flight from Singapore across the Pacific. In 1998 the carrier established its International Culinary Panel. Comprising five world-acclaimed chefs from five countries, the panel brought in-flight dining to new heights. And in 2001 Singapore was the first to provide audio and video on demand to all passengers in all classes.

Sek Eng Lee, regional vice president Americas, Singapore Airlines, says, “Any airline can sell a seat, but service is what really sets us apart.” It’s a testament to this commitment to service that Skytrax declared Singapore Airlines one of the top three in its Airline of the Year awards 14 times since 2001. Singapore has been voted the No. 1 international carrier for the entire 21-year history of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. And in our most recent GT Tested Reader Survey, Singapore Airlines earned its second consecutive award as Best Overall Airline in the World as well as Best Airline for Business Class for the third year in a row.

Singapore Airlines always centered its brand around customer service, and one of the most famous symbols is the iconic Singapore Girl. In the early 1950s the airline hired “female pursers” to serve customers aloft. In 1968 French

couturier Pierre Balmain designed the sarong kebaya uniform for the flight attendants. And when the airline became Singapore Airlines in 1972, the sarong kebaya-clad flight attendants became known as the Singapore Girls.

Today, 40 percent of the Singapore Girls are actually guys, but except for some gender-appropriate tweaks, the standards and training for the men are no less rigorous than they are for the women.

There’s a reason the Singapore girls and guys have such a fabulous reputation. The airline’s stature, and the resulting prestige of the job, allows SIA to be highly selective during the recruitment process. Once applicants are accepted, they begin an intense 15-week training session. The rules of grooming and makeup and even hairstyle are exacting, right down to the height of the signature Singapore Girl chignon, which must measure between 6.5 and 7 centimeters wide and be centered between the 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock positions on the back of the head. But grooming is only part of the training program.

Much of the training time concentrates on learning how to make cabin service seem effortless and seamless, how to handle difficult passengers and, of course, how to deal with any kind of emergency from a cabin fire to water evacuation.

As it rolls into its 70th year, Singapore Airlines continues

to strive to keep its standing as one of the world’s top airlines.

Over the years the bar has been raised, especially by the Middle Eastern airlines that specialize in continuing innovations, upscale service and luxurious perks, so keeping up is not an easy task.

What is Singapore doing to continue to stay on top? For starters, its fleet is a far cry from the original five-seater airplane of 1947. SIA now boasts a fleet of somewhere between 105 and 109 aircraft and prides itself as having some of the most modern aircraft and one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies.

SIA, not one to rest on its laurels, believes in continuing to improve service and passengers’ in-flight comfort. To this end, in 1998 SIA unveiled an approximately $350 million makeover.

This included not only a new suite of cabin products for all classes of travel but also more choices of both cuisine and entertainment. In 2006 the airline introduced another suite of new-generation cabin products for all classes, including the world’s widest first- and business-class seats, which transformed into fully flat beds. And in 2015 it introduced its new premiumeconomy class with a price tag of $80 million.

SIA Suites offer the ultimate in luxury and include their own sliding door and window blinds, a stand-alone bed,

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PERSONAL SPACE:

Airbus A350 economy class (top), and SIA Suite (bottom) PHOTOS: © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

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gourmet meals served on bone china by Wedgwood and sleeping essentials including pajamas and turndown service. Hard to imagine what could top all this, but in an effort to entice its highend passengers to travel on SIA rather than on the Middle Eastern airlines with their elaborate first-class suites, SIA will reveal its all-new Airbus A380 first-class suites mid-year, just ahead of their debut on a fresh superjumbo fleet due to arrive in late 2017. There is much speculation about exactly what the upgrade will entail, but specific information is highly secret, and not even some of the top SIA executives know all the details.

New routes also mark the airline’s 70th year. In October 2016 SIA launched its first-ever trans-Atlantic service between the United States and the United Kingdom, flying non-stop from

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Houston (IAH) to Manchester (MAN). A non-stop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN) aboard the Airbus A350-900 also launched in 2016. And in 2018 non-stop service from Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (airport to be determined) will be introduced when Singapore Airlines becomes the launch customer for Airbus’ new “ultra long-range” variant of the A350: the A350900ULR. Technology makes many things possible, and Singapore embraces the possibilities. Its Companion App won the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Award in recognition of the app’s introduction for in-flight entertainment. Prior to boarding, travelers can access the app via their devices to view movie trailers and schedule their favorite films, music and TV shows in advance of their flight.

Once on board, the Companion App links with the seatback screens, allowing SIA’s passengers to view their entertainment choices on their personal devices. Not only that, but if a passenger is in the middle of a movie when the flight lands, it’s possible to pick it up where it left off on a connecting SIA flight.

Another app helps the flight crew provide the exemplary service SIA passengers have come to expect. Called Beyond Excellent Service through Technology, it is currently used in the first- and business-class cabins. Crewmembers use iPads with the app installed to retrieve and add information on passenger preferences. Minute details, such as a frequent flyer’s preference for extra Tabasco sauce in a Bloody Mary, can be stored and accommodated. Broader preferences can also be tracked and proper action taken, such as adding Chinese magazines to a certain flight that historically shows a demand for them.

Always with Singapore Airlines it comes back to service. As James Bradbury-Boyd, vice president public relations, Singapore Airlines, says, “Great service is just part of our DNA.”

mice | BRUSSELS

Welcoming the World Tap into Brussels’ brilliance as a host for meetings and events.

BY KIMBERLY KROL

ARTISTIC ACTIVITY:

BOZAR exterior (above), and Henry Le Boeuf Hall (right) PHOTOS: © YANNICK SAS, © JEROME LATTEUR

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Never is this sentiment more true than when choosing a city for your next event. And situated in central Europe, Brussels really lies at the crux of it all, providing a viable answer to the all-important question of where.

The city, capital of the European Union and home to the European Commission, European Parliament and NATO, is designed to welcome the world to its doorstep. Brussels’ infrastructure, programming, business and culture are conducive to any type or size of international meeting, incentive, convention or exhibition.

Brussels Airport serves a number of international destinations daily and is a hub for transit to and throughout Europe, given its desirable location in the heart of the continent. It’s equally easy to transit to and throughout Brussels; the airport is about a 17-minute ride from city center. The STIB metro lines operate 6 a.m.–midnight, and bikes and taxis are ubiquitous. Also an extremely walk-

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GRAND STYLE: Hotel Le Plaza Brussels PHOTO: © HOTEL LE PLAZA BRUSSELS

UNIQUE VENUES

able destination, Brussels houses more than 19,000 hotel rooms, with luxury accommodations including Le Chatelain Hotel, Stanhope Hotel, Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo and two Sofitels.

Block allocations for large groups reach 4,000 guestrooms.

As a city with an international flourish, facilities, amenities and planning resources abound. Translators and interpreters are easy to access, while many of the venues are convenient and near other attractions and restaurants. A hotbed for science, health care and research, Brussels attracts like-minded institutions and individuals, creating an atmosphere of innovation and cutting-edge ideas. Visit.brussels, the official website of the Brussels Convention and Visitors Bureau, offers planning assistance.

Among the city’s largest venues is Brussels Expo, meeting the needs of events hosting 400 people to 10,000. Ample options include two auditoriums, 11 conference rooms and 12 halls, easily accessible via public transport or by car, boasting more than 15,000 parking spaces. A team of 90 professionals works with planners to ensure a successful event.

At nearly 140,000 square feet, SQUARE, centrally located in the city’s historic center, brings state-of-the-art space and amenities to the heart of Brussels. Large, multipurpose halls and four auditoriums hold events both intimate and grand.

Also offering up a side of history, Les Sheds Tour & Taxis has hosted worldwide events, including Brussels Art Fair and Japan Expo, in its nearly 185,000 square feet of space, first built in the early 20th century and used for merchandise in transit

from the Belgian colonies. Its layout and space make loading/ unloading and set-up and breakdown a breeze, and more than 3,000 hotel beds are within walking distance.

Accommodating up to 2,200 people, BOZAR’s Henry Le Boeuf Hall is considered one of the best concert halls in the world. Its other musically inclined event spaces include Victor Horta Hall and the Chamber Music Room.

Allow your creativity to run wild at The Egg, offering modular spaces for events up to 999 guests. A large, welcoming reception area helps kick off any reception, gala, meeting or workshop. A more unique on-site space, the aptly named Riverside Room, actually has a river running through it, in addition to cutting-edge equipment, projection capabilities and a ceiling of glass and metal.

Hotel Le Plaza Brussels offers not only 190 luxury guestrooms but also event space with a capacity of 950 people.

The independent, 5-star property prides itself on important personal touches including free WiFi, on-site coordinators, high-level gastronomy and soundproof rooms.

In 2016 Brussels welcomed its first 5-star hotel in 25 years; HNA, a Chinese investment group, chose the city as home to its first European property, and Tangla Hotel Brussels opened in April 2016, a welcome boost to the tourism sector after the tragic terrorist attacks in the city earlier that year. Choose to host an event in the Imperial Ballroom, where the chandelier’s 29,000 individual crystals serve as a reminder of what a gem Brussels is on the MICE scene.

What could be more Belgian than hosting your next event inside a brewery? The founders transformed the Bellevue Brasserie, in the heart of Brussels, into event space Brussels Event Brewery.

Drawing events looking for space, soundproofing and logistical facilities, the large hall offers more than 16,000 square feet and, on three floors, the silo rooms are best suited for cocktail parties, presentations and meetings.

Built for the 1958 World’s Fair of Brussels, the Atomium is part cubic, a bit spherical, a dash of sculpture and a touch of architecture — all in all, an icon on the city skyline and, perhaps, the host venue for your next MICE event.

The flexible space can host meetings, seminars, cocktail parties and more, boasting panoramic views of Brussels and including access to the Atomium’s exhibits.

Add a touch of history to your event at Choux de Bruxelles, the vaudeville theater dating to 1884.

After a recent refresh, the theater, now a historic monument, offers modern technology, allowing for a state-of-the-art function with 19th-century flair. A unique system allows for the seats to be stored under the stage, and its central location in the Galerie de la Reine allows for easy access.

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o reat t t a e ay b fish m n s, o i l red Island g n n a i k m o y a c-lo h f the C f Exoti o s, whic g r n o i t v a i d e, en d pre y, whit cious see wh a k r a l o f v he ey are t see t . h g i but th m menus ou t y n a y r h tau ns w on res explai h s i f g tastin mild-

BUSINESS destinations

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MUSCAT

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BOSTON

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BEIRUT

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LEISURE destinations

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DUBLIN

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CAYMAN ISLANDS

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BASQUE COUNTRY

destination one | MUSCAT

Vision for the Future Muscat balances tradition and modernization as it embraces change.

BY SHARON KING HOGE

ROYAL RESIDENCE: Al Alam Palace of Sultan Qaboos bin Said PHOTO: © EMANUELE MAZZONI | DREAMSTIME.COM

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AMID THE CHAOS AND CONFLICT of the Middle East, Muscat, Oman, has been a stable oasis.

Surrounded by mountains and desert, jutting into the Gulf of Oman as it narrows into the Strait of Hormuz, the city’s strategic location and maritime tradition have made it an important trading port since early history, when it was a source of copper, gold and treasured frankincense. Described in a

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1790 British East India Company report as “one of the most important cities in Asia,” it is recovering from an early-20th-century decline and is said to be undergoing a renaissance.

A hub of local and international activity and the flagship of Oman’s 11 governorates/regions, Muscat is the heart of the country’s political, economic and administrative system. One-third of the 4.5 million Omani people reside within Muscat’s six provinces, or wilayats. Technically encompassing 1,400 square miles, the city includes three primary urban areas.

Muscat proper is a small enclave of restored historic homes and buildings. The original harbor, Muttrah, transformed into a waterfront tourist mecca, while the commercial district centered in ancient Ruwi upgraded to accommodate the headquarters of banks and international businesses. These include Toshiba, Seiko, General Motors, Hertz, Chrysler and Mitsubishi as well as other overseas firms conducting business through Suhail Bahwan Group, Bahwan Group and other trading companies.

COMING AND GOING

U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months as well as a visa.

For 20 OMR (about $52), U.S. citizens can obtain single-entry visas online ahead of time or on arrival at the airport. Good for 30 days, visas can be extended for a fee.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Arabic, with Hindi and Urdu common among the sizeable Indian population.

Almost everyone speaks at least a touch of English.

ON THE WATERFRONT: The Muttrah Souk Al Dhalam (top), and Port of Muscat (bottom) PHOTOS: © ALEXEY BAGMANYAN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © WAUPEE | DREAMSTIME.COM

LODGING

AL BUSTAN PALACE HOTEL A favorite project of Sultan Qaboos, this marble wonder has been voted one of the world’s finest hotels.

Al Bustan Street, Quron Beach $$$$

Muscat remains the official residence of the leader responsible for the country’s transformation, Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Under his father’s rule, Oman deteriorated to a political and social backwater with a subsistence economy. Returning after his education in England and India, Qaboos was kept under virtual house arrest until covert British interests aided a bloodless coup July 23, 1970, celebrated annually as Renaissance Day. Young Qaboos took over and immediately set about transforming the country into a modern nation.

Muscat and outlying regions were consolidated into the Sultanate of Oman and the country embarked on Vision

2020, a series of five-year plans intended to modernize the economy, improve the standard of living and establish the country as a global player. Strategies rolled out since 1970 focused on building confidence, enhancing academic and technical skills, increasing productivity and improving the standard of living. Public, private and technical schools train an almost equal number of girls and boys. New clinics and hospitals elevated the population’s health level, and the skills of the health care workforce have been enhanced.

Since 1988 key development focused on “Omanization,” recruitment and training programs to integrate the local population into the workforce. In order to replace expats with Omani personnel, companies are rewarded for increasing their quota levels toward the target goal of 72 percent local personnel.

The country’s mainstay oil and gas revenues supported progress, although reserves are modest compared to those of neighboring states. In the 2016 budget of 8.6 billion Omani rials (about $22 billion), oil and natural gas accounted for more than 6 billion OMR, leaving 2.5 billion from other aggregated sources. Focused on reducing dependence on oil, the current Ninth Five-Year Development Plan specifies five areas for diversification: manufacturing, transport and logistics, tourism, fisheries and mining.

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INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT Indulge in the deluxe amenities at this 5-star beachside hotel, popular with expats and near the expansive Opera House, just 15 minutes from the airport.

Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, Muttrah $$$ MARINA HOTEL Enjoy the local atmosphere in this modern, seaside, 3-star hotel a short walk from the fish market and souk, with terrace views essential for sunset cocktails.

Jibroo, Muttrah $$

JUST THE FACTS Time zone: GMT +4 Phone code: Country/city code: 968 Currency: Omani rial Key industries: Oil, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and mining

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VANTAGE POINTS: Tower of an old Portuguese fort (above), and local people in traditional dress along the Muttrah Corniche (right) PHOTOS: © SA83LIM | DREAMSTIME .COM, © LUCA ROGGERO | DREAMSTIME.COM

wing ’s flo n ha e M hdas s i d e whit e s ar d robe close y l l a typic r colla e h t at el tass a h wit ith ed w s u f n i e. ranc g a r f

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Technological advances are expected to improve production in agriculture and fishing, which currently account for less than 1 percent of the country’s exports. Marble, limestone and gypsum deposits may be viable for mining, and increased production of cement and oil refining equipment is projected to add to exports.

Experts estimate the economy will expand by an average 1 to 2 percent in 2016–2017. Achieving diversification will require heavy investment and private funding, and the country encourages foreign investment by liberalizing business opportunities and amending commercial and financial practices to conform to international standards.

Muscat spruced up its historic Portuguese forts to promote tourism, the fastest-growing industry, and diverted commercial shipping from the historic port at Muttrah in order to transform the harbor into an integrated waterfront gateway to Muscat. Urban resort hotels showcase the beaches north and south of the city center. Training courses for tourism guides teach history, geography and foreign languages to encourage professionalism.

All this activity has taken place in the realm of an absolute monarchy. While the 1996 Basic Law established a government structure and the bicameral legislative bodies may offer advice, political parties are not allowed, and all legislation is enacted through royal decrees of “Father of the Renaissance” Sultan Qaboos, who appoints judges and serves as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces; Chairman of the Central Bank; and Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs and Finance. All power is concentrated in his inviolable authority, and all Omanis are subject to his will.

During the Arab Spring, demonstrators held rallies calling for higher minimum wages and political reform, but the protestors were disciplined and some carried signs supporting the Sultan. A degree of unrest remains, and there is an expectation that dissent may increase.

Also troubling is the question of succession. As he nears age 80 in declining health, with no heir or designated successor, who will succeed Sultan Qaboos remains unknown. The risk of a contested succession is destabilizing to an economy which, although subdued, is stable and steady. The key challenges of managing volatile oil prices, accelerating diversification and job creation, and balancing geopolitical tensions in the region could saddle the successor with a tough task to ensure future prosperity.

OPULENT OASIS: Aerial views of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa PHOTOS: © SHANGRI-LA BARR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA

DINING

CARAMEL MUSCAT The two-course business lunch at this Dubai-based restaurant and lounge provides the opportunity to visit the Opera House complex.

Opera Galleria, The Royal Opera House $$$ TOKYO TARO Overlooking city views from the eighth floor of the Al Falaj Hotel, Muscat’s leading Japanese restaurant serves authentic cuisine at both a tepanyaki counter and in a private traditional dining room.

CHECKING IN WITH JUREGEN DOERR

General Manager, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissaha Resort and Spa How does Muscat compare to other overseas locations?

Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong are like any international cities. There’s no sense of belonging; you could be anywhere.

Muscat is still traditional and keeps the strict local culture.

Omanis are friendly people, open to Westerners. They are formal at first, but they really embrace you.

What is the business climate?

It is developing, but not as fast as Abu Dhabi or Dubai, so you don’t have to rely on a foreign workforce. Here businesses develop slower so they can iron out the social issues, and there are fewer problems. The pace is slightly different. Things are not decided on the spot the way we are used to. You have to be patient and try to understand the Omanis’ way of thinking and be mindful of showing respect.

How do you handle the government quota of Omanization of the local workers?

We recruit from all over Oman, from the small cities, to get more people into the organization. Recruitment is easy; retaining is more difficult. If you come from the country, discipline is a bit lacking, the understanding of timeliness and consistency. This is a learning process in which we struggle a bit. We hire for attitude and train the skills. Our directors of engineering, human resources and front office are Omani.

Al Falaj Hotel, 1692 Al Hamriya, Ruwi $$$

Statistics show almost an equal number of men and women students and workers. What is the attitude toward women?

Women are respected among the local population. We have women working in the recreation area, staffing the health and kids’ clubs and working in guest relations.

TUSCANY Amazing wood-fired pizzas are served for quiet one on-one-meetings.

A private room can be booked for larger groups.

Grand Hyatt Muscat, Shatti Al Qurum $$$

How would you characterize day-to-day life, and is it safe?

The city is developed but isn’t overwhelming. Zoning keeps the high-rises modest, and the quality of the infrastructure is good. It’s a safe place without issues. There is hardly any traffic; my wife drives all around in the car.

Why do you find it such a pleasant place to live?

The people make it really pleasant, and the landscape is amazing. They say it’s the “Switzerland of the Middle East.” It has everything to offer — mountains, ocean, beaches, outdoor activities. My sons and I do a lot of sports: cycling, swimming, hiking and horseback riding. For the outdoors, it’s fantastic.

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LOCAL COLOR: Woman choosing fabrics in Muttrah Souk (top left), The Royal Opera House Muscat (top right), and traditional Omani kuma hats for sale at the souk in Muscat (bottom)

INFO TO GO

Oman’s main airport, Muscat International Airport, formerly called Seeb, completes the early stages of a threephase enlargement which will ultimately increase airport capacity to 48 million annual passengers. Located within the metropolitan area, 20 miles south of the old city, it serves as the hub for the country’s flagship Oman Air. Public buses into town stop just outside the airport entrance. A better choice is hotel shuttles or the blue and white metered airport taxis which charge around 20 OMR (about $52) into the business district.

The airport website provides detailed schedules.

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PHOTOS: © IMRANDR | DREAMSTIME.COM, © TYPHOONSKI | DREAMSTIME.COM

DIVERSIONS

Muscat’s waterfront location offers urban resorts with swimming, scuba, fishing and other water activities in luxurious surroundings. The historic harbor has been converted into a portside park for private yachts, cruise ships, fishing expeditions and tours. A good time to visit is early morning as fishermen arrive to count and sell their catches of yellowfin tuna, grouper and kingfish. Nearby, Muttrah Souk, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, remains the place to bargain for garments, clothes, jewels, dates, antique daggers, hookahs and frankincense.

From the harbor, the paved Corniche follows the grassy shore for three miles past statues and monuments, a Portuguese watchtower and leafy Al-Riyam and Kalbuh Bay parks. After passing through ancient city gates, the road arrives at the enclave of Old Muscat, location of the royal palace enclosure and several museums.

Three modern must-see sites are pet projects of Sultan Qaboos. Dedicated in 2001 and open during morning hours, the sandstone Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers. A classical music fan, the sultan sponsored the ultra-elaborate Royal Opera House complex, a cultural center including landscaped gardens, galleries, retail shops and restaurants.

South along the coast, the magnificent Al Bustan Palace is said to be one of the world’s finest hotels.

DESTINATION NEXT IS

ACCESS TO THE WORLD. Delta’s global network is #1 for business travel, chosen by the most corporate travel professionals year after year.* We are shaping tomorrow’s business travel today with our expanding global network of partner airlines. Serving more of the world’s key business centers, more often, we are able to deliver a highly coordinated network ensuring the best experience for your travelers. Welcome to Destination Next.

To learn more, talk to your Delta Sales Account Executive or visit DELTA.COM/EDGE.

*According to the Networks, Partnerships and Frequencies category of the 2016 Business Travel News Airline Survey, published on November 21, 2016. Delta Air Lines earned the top overall score for the 6th consecutive year (2011-16) on the Business Travel News (BTN) Airline survey.

stateside | BOSTON

Entrepreneurial Spirit Boston’s new neighborhoods accelerate a booming economy. BY REGINA BARABAN WATER VIEWS:

Fan Pier in the booming Seaport District (left), and Back Bay and the Charles River (right)

PHOTOS: © KYLE KLEIN, © DAVID FOX

hefs tive c a e top r C ton a s o B make for ation n i t s de ies. food

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LONG KNOWN FOR ITS educational institutions and storied history, the once-staid city of Boston morphed into a high-tech, intergenerational innovation hub. It’s a magnet for international business, a mecca for futuristic startups and a hot spot for millennials to work and play.

Last year, General Electric Co. named Boston as its new headquarters city and is building a $100 million complex for 800 employees in the burgeoning Seaport District.

This fall, Reebok will relocate its headquarters and 700 employees to the Seaport District’s Innovation and Design Building, with amenities that range from a 30,000-squarefoot gym to a farm-to-table café. Add to the narrative that the former warehouse building also houses the offices of MassChallenge, a global nonprofit startup accelerator that helped launch more than 1,200 early-stage entrepreneurial initiatives, and you begin to understand Boston’s new DNA. The Seaport District, located on the waterfront in South Boston, is the city’s fastest-growing neighborhood. It’s a mixed-use area with a cross-pollination of

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industries, new restaurants and retail space, historic warehouses converted to both residences and offices, and from-the-ground-up new construction. The 516,000-square-foot Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is located here, and three new design-forward hotels — the 330-room Aloft, 180-room Element and 136-room Envoy — offer stylish digs for executive business travelers. However, in such a popular meetings and convention destination, hotel inventory often falls short of demand. A $550 million Omni hotel complex that gained final approval in April will help the situation.

Located across the street from the convention center, the hotel will be one of the city’s largest, with 1,050 guestrooms; 110,000 square feet of meeting space; a spa; indoor and outdoor pools; and possibly even a skating rink. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with an expected 2021 opening. More new hotel announcements in the area are imminent, says Patrick Moscaritolo, president and CEO, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “I see the hotel supply in the Seaport District growing by close to 2,000 rooms,” he says.

Another dynamic new neighborhood is Kendall Square in Cambridge. Home to Harvard and MIT — and some of the brightest

MEET AND GREET:

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center PHOTO: © SIGNATURE BOSTON

SCENIC DRIVES

minds on the planet — Cambridge is considered part of the Boston metropolitan area although it’s technically a separate city. Projects such as The Engine, an MIT initiative that recently raised $150 million to finance “tough tech” startups in the fields of biotechnology, robotics, manufacturing, medical devices and energy, brought a remarkable cluster of visionary companies to Kendall Square. Now the streetscape is about to be transformed with a major mixed-use project. Six commercial and residential buildings, combined with open spaces and retail venues, are being designed to give a distinctly Boston sense of place to this expanding innovation hub. “Our knowledge-based ecosystem ties together research, innovation, emerging technologies and entrepreneurs across the Boston and Cambridge region,” notes Moscaritolo. “This is what defines the new economy of our city.”

Tourism is booming throughout greater Boston. Total visitor spend in 2015 was a whopping $12.7 billion, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Airport statistics show significant increases in both the number of flights and the number of passengers at Logan International Airport in 2016. Over the past five years, 17 new non-stop international routes were added at Logan, most recently Avianca’s inaugural airlift between Boston and Bogotá, Colombia (BOG), in June. “We’ve become a global destination,” says Moscaritolo. “This is also reflected in Boston’s population of international students, which has seen a 54 percent increase over the past six years to more than 59,000 — only

New York City has more.”

Founded in 1630, Boston is known for some of the most beautiful historic buildings in the country. It’s a great walking city, and tourists often stroll the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail of colonial sites that tell the story of the American Revolution. These days, a layered vibe of history and hip animates the streetscapes, where modern amenities like food trucks juxtapose with centuries-old architecture. Residents and in-the-know visitors often walk or cycle along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a 1.5-mile string of downtown parks atop a highway tunnel. The Greenway passes along many city neighborhoods including Boston’s evolving waterfront, and in the summer it buzzes with festivals and food trucks.

Above all, Boston is a city of neighborhoods. From Beacon Hill to Back Bay, from the North End to Fenway, from the Seaport to Kendall Square, each has a distinct personality. Iconic city hot spots are popular choices for business events, with projects like an $80 million renovation to the spectacular Boston Public Library adding new options.

New construction going up all over town is transforming the skyline and gentrifying once-downtrodden areas.

“Our extraordinary array of educational institutions drives the entrepreneurial initiatives, innovation hubs, housing developments and cultural activities that are the underpinning of our booming economy,” says Moscaritolo.

“There’s so much new development that I often say the crane has become Boston’s official bird that you see across the sky.”

There’s usually heavy traffic in and out of Boston, but the rocky coastline views and quintessentially New England towns within an hour’s drive from the city are worth waiting for. Head north on Route 1A along the shoreline for spectacular coastal vistas, stopping along the way to stroll historic Massachusetts seaports like Gloucester and Rockport.

Gloucester is defined by the ocean and its roots as a whaling and fishing port, with a working waterfront more than 400 years old. Rockport is a historic seaside village known for its art galleries, shops and restaurants.

A bit farther up the coast, about 40 miles from Boston, lies the trending town of Portsmouth, N.H. Best explored by foot, this small seacoast city resonates with charming brick sidewalks, boutique shops, a thriving arts scene and a wide array of chef-driven restaurants.

It’s also home to some of the earliest colonial architecture in New England. Don’t miss the outdoor history museum Strawbery Banke, the 1878 Music Hall theater and the African Burying Ground memorial park honoring long-forgotten slaves found buried under the pavement.

Stop by the information-filled welcome center at Discover Portsmouth to pick up a map and learn about happenings around town.

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9–5 | MIAMI

Beyond the Beach Miami’s eclectic culture caters to business travelers.

BY ALLISON VOIGTS

CITYSCAPE:

Downtown Miami, including the Freedom Tower and the American Airlines Arena PHOTO: © KMIRAGAYA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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MIAMI IS NOT ONLY ABOUT BEACHES — though you’d be forgiven for thinking so after one look down its endless shoreline. It’s also an incredible spot for doing business. With a booming economy and miles of options for dining and entertaining, make your trip to the fourth-largest urban area in the United States both fun and productive.

Behind only New York City, the volume of tourism here makes Miami International Airport the second-largest international port of entry for foreign air passengers. Four interstate highways and two Amtrak rail lines funnel into Downtown Miami, while the Miami-Dade Transit and SFRTA provide ample services including Metromover, Tri-Rail, Metrorail and buses. Since Miami is the eighth-most walkable city among the 50 largest in the nation, you can also hoof it between locales.

Start Downtown, where you can easily get from the historic Central Business Dis-

trict to the standout neighborhood of Brickell, often called “the Manhattan of the South,” on foot. Miami’s other three quadrants — North, South and West — are each studded with their own iconic and multicultural enclaves like Coconut Grove with its many parks, Midtown and Little Havana.

Of course, the prime spot, Miami Beach, also houses the prime hotels, the best being COMO Metropolitan, which perfectly blends modern chic and Old World charm.

Farther along Ocean Drive’s long row of Art Deco buildings, you can choose from trendy Soho Beach House or hipster-friendly W South Beach.

Once you’re settled in, get right to business during an early morning tee time at any one of a plethora of worldclass golf courses in and just outside the city. Trump made a name for himself long before last year on Miami’s golf scene, revitalizing a series of sites in the National Doral, but consensus says the Melreese Country Club golf course is the top destination. If you want a more traditional experience, head to the Biltmore’s championship course, around since 1925.

After you’ve broken the ice over 18 holes, head to

brunch in a quieter setting as you talk business. Locals swear by GreenStreet Cafe in Coconut Grove, a Miami institution for nearly 25 years. Or impress your clients with a reservation at the Design District’s Crumb on Parchment, a cozy restaurant started by one of the city’s top chefs, Michelle Bernstein.

But maybe the most popular locale for power breakfasts is EDGE at the Four Seasons, with its marble bar and outdoor terrace and, even more importantly, a distinctive emphasis on farm-to-table freshness.

You can also book a private dining room for eight to 20 guests … or the whole place for up to 150.

Here’s where your day diverges. You could stick close to the city, especially if you’re staying at the Four Seasons, which caters to business travelers with amenities like presentation supplies on hand.

However, your options for entertaining clients stretch all the way to the ocean and beyond.

You could conduct a meeting while taking in the skyline from a yacht. Miami Yacht Charters & Rentals offers half-day, full-day and even multiday charters on anything from a 35- to a 150-footer.

You can also charter fishing trips from numerous outlets including Sea Cross Miami Deep Sea Fishing Charters and Blue Infinity Charters.

But if you’ve stuck around and are ready for a midday power lunch, you’ll find any number of trendy spots to choose from, no matter what neighborhood you’re based in.

Everyone agrees Bulla Gastrobar, with its Latin American variety of dishes, is the spot to beat. Brickell offers another top-notch lunch spot in db Bistro Moderne, or the classic Rusty Pelican provides incredible ocean views.

After lunch, impress your clients with a visit to one of the city’s cultural treasures. The Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens sprawls across 28 acres of natural and architectural beauty. Built in 1916 by a team of artists, engineers and designers brought from Europe specifically to add an air of authenticity to its Renaissance style, the mansion features 34 rooms, a gorgeous courtyard and numerous sculptures and other works of art. A stroll through coastal Bayfront Park takes you past the Pepper Fountain and numerous monuments including The Torch of Friendship, commemorating this gateway to Latin America.

Less conventional choices for entertaining include the Bay of Pigs Museum and the Burger Museum. Miami is bursting with off-the-wall art, even when not hosting Art Basel, which takes place every year. The Pérez Art Museum Miami and Bass Museum of Art also house world-class galleries. Whether inside or out, Miami’s vibrant culture provides a world-class backdrop for business.

ARTFUL ARRANGEMENTS: Dessert buffet at EDGE at the Four Seasons Hotel, Miami (top); and the Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (bottom) PHOTOS: © FOUR HOTEL SEASONS, MIAMI, © RYAN JONES | DREAMSTIME .COM

y er eas Consid ps daytri y b r a e es n erglad v E e h like t st, ey We K d n a h you f whic both o less ach in can re urs. our ho than f

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after 5 | BEIRUT

Into the Night Beirut lights up with life after dark. BY ILONA KAUREMSZKY

HOT SPOT:

Bar ThreeSixty (left) at Le Gray (right)

PHOTOS: © LE GRAY

, the Beirut of the Paris , e East Middl s ly flirt e v i t c sedu ty oderni m h t i w iquity t n a d an t-work s o p a in p. wrap-u

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LEBANON IS A MELTING POT of Arab, European, Mediterranean, Eastern and Western cultures, with Beirut at its epicenter. Welcome to the city that never sleeps.

As the traditional workday ends, the capital morphs into a vibrant international city fueled by excitement and chi-chi spots. It’s most notable as you walk along the fabled seaside corniche of this cosmopolitan playground all aglow in light and life. Still, it’s hard to believe more than a decade ago former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri was assassinated on this sundrenched strip in a horrific car bombing.

Since then, the Mediterranean country has undergone a revival and renaissance, and, yes, Beirut is back, bolder than ever. For the LGBTQ community, for the most part Beirut is a gay-friendly destination, but don’t dismiss rumblings as laws are being challenged. Lebanon is in the midst of repealing homophobic laws, with the life-loving Lebanese rattling the chains of change.

If it’s kicking up the heels that appeals, head to gay-friendly Saint-George Yacht Club in Zaitunay

Bay, where members of the incorrigible young and eligible crowd mix and mingle. The Mediterranean seaside location is now decked out with ultra-luxe mega-yachts.

Along bustling Hamra Street, one of the main thoroughfares where intellectuals in the 1960s used to gather, find a ribbon of ultra-cool shisha bars, restaurants, sidewalk cafés and pubs like Bodø, known for 6 a.m. late closing times and ladies’ nights on Tuesdays.

But if happy hour is more the thing, call Uber for a quick jaunt east of Zaitunay Bay to fashionable Mar Mikhael for more restaurants and bars like Locale and Lock Stock, both of which offer happy hour retreats.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Beirut’s famed Martyrs’ Square, the bold and the beautiful and those who never scrimp on luxury gather for some joie de vivre at the posh boutique hotel Le Gray.

At this multistory of nightlife, also gay-friendly, decide where to hunker down. Perhaps it’s the Sky Bar, the place to be seen in Beirut, or maybe it’s Bar ThreeSixty, the Cigar Lounge, Indigo on the Roof or Cherry on the Rooftop.

Whatever the locale in dynamic Beirut — neighborhood pub, swanky yacht club or boutique hotel — there seems to be no end to the nightlife. The other sure thing is, Beiruters love life.

Air India’s non-stops are the fastest flights from Washington, D.C. to India. Period!

OUR EXCLUSIVE CAPITAL-TO-CAPITAL SERVICE STARTS JULY 7 TH With the launch of our non-stop service from Washington Dulles, Air India will get you from the nation’s capital to India’s capital faster than any other airline. Over two hours faster than our closest competitor! The flights will operate three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), and feature a choice of First, Business, and Economy Class services.

From Delhi, Air India has convenient connecting service to all of India’s major tourist destinations and its commercial and technology centers, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

For more details and reservations, contact your travel agent or call 1-800-223-7776.

www.airindia.in

Proud to be Indian. Proud to be Global.

neighborhoods | DUBLIN

Idyllic Dublin Stroll through Irish history in the city’s Temple Bar District. BY ANGELIQUE PLATAS IRELAND’S TOURISM INDUSTRY has grown steadily for years, reaching record numbers in 2016 with 9.5 million trips to the Emerald Isle. Dublin exudes an independence and quaint allure, from its ancient bridges over the River Liffey to winding cobblestone streets.

Temple Bar Square offers a unique blend of upscale dining, shopping, history and urban flair. The neighborhood, revived in the 1980s as a cultural hub, expands from the south bank of the River Liffey to Dame Street, Trinity College and Fishamble Street.

Residing on more than 40 acres of sprawling green, Trinity College boasts incredible architecture and history. The impressive buildings, dating back to the 1500s, retain one of the finest historic landmarks in the Temple Bar District: Trinity College Library.

Steps from the Trinity College lawn, The Bank on the Green bar and restaurant occupies a beautiful stone building once an Irish bank, maintaining an

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incredibly ornate décor and serving libations and farm-to-table cuisine. Chefs and servers make use of the bank vault for food service, as a blinking light on the vault door alerts servers when food is ready.

Dame Street runs parallel to the River Liffey through the Temple Bar District, offering sophisticated dining at The Ivy and historic sights such as Dublin Castle and City Hall. A five-minute walk away, Grafton Street, famous for high-end shopping, boasts a picturesque pedestrian walkway.

Encounter Ireland’s rich and rugged history, proudly displayed throughout the city with memorials to countless revolutions, uprising and unifications.

Landmarks of Ireland’s revolutionary and literary history make up the bulk of Dublin, melding into the city’s culture and allure.

The Northside and Southside economic/cultural divide is still evident in Dublin, with the River Liffey acting as a border. The recent roadwork in Dublin’s city center ultimately will inch toward closing that divide by offering more accessible and affordable public transportation between the two sides.

To say Dublin is a city bursting at the seams with activity and charm is an understatement. Luckily, this city is easily walkable and brims with idyllic accommodations for visitors.

OLD DUBLIN: The Long Room

in Trinity College Library (left), and Dublin Castle (right)

PHOTOS: © TRONDUR | DREAMSTIME.COM, © CHON KIT LEONG | DREAMSTIME.COM

NORTHERN IRELAND

Dublin IRELAND

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friends & family | CAYMAN ISLANDS

Island Time Combine pleasure with business in the Cayman Islands.

BY VICTORIA ABBOTT RICCARDI

GETAWAY:

International destinations signpost at Rum Point Club Beach, Grand Cayman PHOTO: © YSANDRA FOYT DREAMSTIME.COM

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OVER THE YEARS, the Cayman Islands made headlines for being tax havens for celebrities, politicians and business magnates. However, these coral outcrops, consisting of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, have other valuable assets, including superb snorkeling, average year-round temperatures of 75–80 degrees and miles of sugar-white beaches spilling into aquamarine waters.

Most visitors fly to Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands and where most of the Caymans’100,000-plus companies are registered.

For nearly four decades, the islands have enjoyed unprecedented economic prosperity due to their strong financial services and banking industries. Much of the islands’ wealth comes from offshore

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services and a neutral tax status; the most popular offshore banks include the First Caribbean International Bank, Fidelity and RBC Wealth Management.

Since it’s likely you’ll be doing business on Grand Cayman, make it your base for business and pleasure. Many of the island’s top properties sit along Seven Mile Beach, considered one of the world’s prettiest stretches of white coral sand. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, for one, delivers luxury and elegance at every turn. It offers gorgeously appointed rooms and suites overlooking the water, tented beachside cabanas, two outdoor pools and La Prairie Spa. It also offers the nine-hole Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand Cayman, and its multiple bars and restaurants include Blue by famed Manhattan chef Eric Ripert, where you can savor spicy conch with cucumber and quinoa and butter-poached trout in tomato broth.

Also set along Seven Mile Beach, consider the newly opened Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, a cool, designforward hotel with funky furniture and bright pops of color.

Think hot pink pillows in the rooms and suites; splashy blue,

gray and white fabrics in common areas; and poppy-red lounge chairs by the pool. For the ultimate in privacy, reserve one of the hotel’s beachfront bungalows, steps from the sand and nestled among tropical swimming pools.

In terms of dining, the hotel offers multiple venues both indoors and out with options ranging from avocado-melon gazpacho and seafood curry at Ave to the Spanish- and island-inspired Chef ’s Counter menu at Avecita. The 8,500-square-foot aquaticthemed spa features a generous selection of treatments for men and women.

For your home away from home, Caribbean Club offers 37 grand suites and villas with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, living room areas and an on-site pool and fitness center. The resort’s restaurant, Luca, specializes in island-inspired Italian fare featuring such dishes as homemade spaghetti with white veal Bolognese and grilled mahi mahi with yellow pepper coulis.

The Cayman Islands comprise part of an underground mountain chain between Cuba and Belize, and their robust coral reefs teem with colorful marine life.

When business ends, consider exploring the reefs with your partner.

Most hotels offer a bounty of daytrips and tours, including snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time diver, you can book an outing with the island’s popular dive companies such as Divetech, Off the Wall Divers and Red Sail Sports.

At popular Stingray City you can swim with gentle stingrays in the area’s shallow, warm waters; and at Cayman Turtle Centre in the West Bay, see 11,000 green sea turtles ranging in size from 6 ounces to 100 pounds. The farm also has a massive saltwater lagoon for snorkeling, along with an aviary and predator tank full of toothy sharks and eels.

See native plants and flowers at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. The Caymans are a British Oversees Territory, and this

UNDERWATER WORLD: Stingray

City (top), mermaid statue and diver (middle), and green sea turtle (bottom)

PHOTOS: © DURDENIMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM, © DEBORAH COLES | DREAMSTIME.COM, © DFIKAR | DREAMSTIME.COM

LODGING

CARIBBEAN CLUB The resort’s 37 suites and villas include fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, showers and Jacuzzis, and lounge areas overlooking Seven Mile Beach.

Enjoy the stunning pool, fitness center and Italian restaurant.

871 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman $$$$ KIMPTON SEAFIRE RESORT + SPA Find all the privileges and services you’d expect at this stylish new resort, including artfully appointed rooms and suites, six restaurants and lounges, a gym, spa and a menu of activities for kids.

60 Tanager Way, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman $$$$ THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN Perched on stunning Seven Mile Beach, this property boasts 5-star rooms and suites in two towers, a spa (try the signature caviar massage), multiple bars and restaurants, and beachside cabanas.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman $$$$$

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FLORA AND FAUNA:

Palm trees (top) and endangered male blue iguana (bottom) at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park PHOTOS: © COLIN YOUNG | DREAMSTIME.COM

INFO TO GO

The Cayman Islands are serviced by major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines. Direct flights from New York’s JFK take approximately four hours. Non-stop flights from Miami International Airport generally run 90 minutes. From Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman, it’s about a fourmile trip to the Seven Mile Beach area.

DINING beautiful sanctuary was built in the Queen’s honor in 1994. You also can spy various birds drawn to the park’s two-acre lake, as well as the famed blue iguana, an endangered species protected by law and only found on Grand Cayman.

With such a large business population, Grand Cayman boasts a lively restaurant scene, ranging from casual fish shacks to white-cloth wonders. The Brasserie has its own fishing boat and kitchen garden and earned a reputation for its luscious, hyper-local dishes such as Cayman crab-mango salad with crispy local plantain and chicken confit with a soft egg, native greens and pumpkin. Instead of choosing from the menu, you can put yourself in the kitchen’s hands and go for the Random Acts of Cooking Chef ’s Tasting Menu — five courses (with or without a wine pairing) of whatever the island’s gardens and waters released that day.

You’ll find standout seafood at Catch, filled with blond-wood tables overlooking the water. Begin with local crudo; spicy, crispy octopus; or Asian-style tuna and wahoo tartars before diving into local snapper with Cajun shrimp or coconut-pumpkin mahi mahi with sautéed callaloo, a spinach-like local green.

Another island favorite, Deckers, is known for putting a Mediterranean spin on local ingredient-driven dishes like jerk calamari, mango-glazed barbecue ribs and blackened mahi mahi with boniato purée. The restaurant serves all-you-can-eat lobster Tuesday and Saturday nights. Live music plays Thursday through Saturday nights.

If time permits, consider hopping a flight to Cayman

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THE BRASSERIE Creatively cooked seasonal ingredients appear on the dinner menu at this lofty, laid-back eatery that also offers a five-course chef’s whim menu (available with wine pairing).

171 Elgin Ave., George Town, Grand Cayman $$$

Brac or Little Cayman. Cayman Airways serves both islands from Grand Cayman and tends to be the airline of choice for most visitors. Cayman Brac, 89 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, sports a dramatic limestone bluff running the length of the 12-mile-long island.

In addition to quiet beaches, it has great hiking, hidden caves to explore and restaurants for lunch including Coral Island Restaurant serving simple, well-prepared Caribbean food.

Little Cayman, five miles west of Cayman Brac, measures only 10 miles long. Most visitors come to the island to dive at Bloody Bay Marine Park, although Little Cayman’s pristine beaches, privacy and serene atmosphere appeal to those eager to unplug and get away from it all.

Indeed, just going to the Cayman Islands will put you in an island frame of mind. Add in some leisure time, and it might be hard to pack up and go home.

CATCH It’s all about seafood at this comfy yet sophisticated waterfront restaurant where crudo and ceviche cozy up to bouillabaisse and grilled catch of the day. It serves meat and poultry, too.

Morgan’s Lane West Bay, West Bay, Grand Cayman $$$$ DECKERS Jerked, grilled, blackened and crusted are the culinary buzzwords at this hopping spot, where a real English double-decker bus sits near the bar, the cocktails are strong and seafood is plucked from the waters.

West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman $$$$

Sophisticated design, magnificent architecture, highly personalized service, paired with exceptional dining and amenities – and everything else you would expect from a luxury hotel experience.

Whether you’re planning a leisure getaway or a business trip Melia Hotels International offers the right choice for your trip. Offering a wide selection of hotels from lifestyle, luxury resorts to amazing hotels in urban destinations worldwide – the unexpected is what we do best.

For more information, please contact 1.800.33.MELIA or visit melia.com

bucket list | JAPAN

Tea Time Savor the peaceful hospitality of a Japanese tea ceremony. BY BETH REIBER

WAY OF TEA: Tea ceremony masters; and matcha tea used for the tea ceremony (far right) .

PHOTOS: © BETH REIBER, © GRAFVISION | DREAMSTIME.COM

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TAKING PART IN A JAPANESE TEA ceremony might seem like a charming but archaic experience, with little relevance to our busy lives. But like meditation or a walk in the woods, the tea ceremony can clear the mind of the banalities of everyday life and serve as a pathway to spiritual peace. In fact, the Japanese word for the tea ceremony is chado (also cha-no-yu), the Way of Tea, which only hints at the protocols this highly choreographed ritual demands.

I learned this years ago when a fellow guest staying at the same Japanese inn asked whether she could practice her art by serving me tea. The Japanese woman apologized for her ineptitude, explaining she was only an apprentice and had much to learn. When I asked how long she’d been studying, her answer of “only seven years” stunned me. But then I watched how much attention she paid to every minute detail, from how she prepared the matcha green tea to how she served it. I realized that comparing the Japanese tea ceremony to a tea bag in hot water was like equating my haphazard bouquets to, well, ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.

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Tea found its way to Japan via China around the ninth century, when it was used mostly for medicinal and religious purposes, including as a stimulant for Buddhist monks during long sessions of meditation. It spread to the upper class, including feudal lords who embraced the ceremony’s rituals and constructed rustic huts just for the occasion, usually in the midst of a tranquil, landscaped garden. The tea ceremony, therefore, developed utilizing the principles of Zen and the spiritual discipline of the samurai, with an emphasis on simplicity, harmony, hospitality and decorum.

Today, chado follows a strictly prescribed procedure, with every step carrying a profound meaning and following principles laid out mostly by Japan’s most famous tea master, Sen no Rikyū, in the 16th century. Rules dictate the exact positioning of tea utensils; the lighting of the charcoal to warm the water; and each and every movement during the preparation, serving and drinking of tea. Similar to many other disciplines in Japan, the specifics of the ceremony change with the seasons, including the choice of tea bowl, the sweets served to counteract

INFO TO GO

Narita International Airport outside Tokyo and Kansai International Airport serving Osaka and Kyoto are both readily served by limousine bus traveling directly to major hotels and by train. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, closer and more convenient than Narita, is increasingly serving international flights, including those from the United States.

the bitterness of matcha and the simple flower arrangement that decorates the tearoom’s alcove. The tea ceremony even has its own vocabulary, and guests are assigned rankings, sitting order and duties. Because the rules are so intricate, tea schools are popular, not only for their disciplinary training in mental composure but also for their emphasis on etiquette and manners.

Traditionally, a teahouse is modestly small, big enough only for up to five guests. After removing shoes, guests gain access through a door that is so low, they must bow or crawl to enter, considered an expression of humility, with seating on the tatami floor. The host begins the ceremony by cleaning the tea utensils and then combines powdered green tea and hot water in a tea bowl, whisking them into a frothy blend. When the first guest receives tea, he or she says, “Osakini shitsureishimasu” to the next guest waiting in line to receive tea, essentially apologizing for drinking first. The second guest then repeats the phrase to the third guest, and so on down the line. It’s appropriate to admire the tea bowl and compliment the host on the excellent flavor of the tea.

In reality, however, the tea ceremony varies greatly depending on where it’s performed and how much time you can devote.

In Tokyo, the easiest way to experience a curtailed version is in a hotel, with the Imperial, Keio Plaza and New Otani hotels

offering ceremonies lasting 20 to 30 minutes in traditionally decorated tearooms to hotel guests and non-guests alike.

Nothing, however, beats a tea ceremony with a view of a gorgeous, landscaped garden.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo takes advantage of its beautiful garden with ceremonies available to hotel guests in one of its traditional teahouses. Japan’s famous landscaped gardens often have teahouses, set mostly overlooking ponds, where you can sit on tatami, drink the frothy matcha, nibble on a sweet and contemplate the view. There are also organizations around the country offering tea ceremonies and other traditional experiences, such as Tea Ceremony Waraku in Osaka and Joukeian in Kyoto.

Regardless of where you experience the tea ceremony, it’s easy to see why it has long enjoyed cult status as a way to cleanse the mind. Even samurai in the midst of war campaigns used the tea ceremony as spiritual therapy. My most memorable tea ceremony experience came in Kanazawa’s small Gyokusen-en garden, when my hostess, Ms. Nishida-san, an elderly woman dressed elegantly in kimono, said, “The tea ceremony is not a show but rather the chance to share our one moment together.”

I knew I would probably never see her again, and for that instant, the peaceful garden and her poignant message made life stand still.

JULY 2017

es it tak d i a rs It’s s 0 yea 1 t s at lea d dy an of stu beice to t c a r p a tea come ony cerem ough er, th mast m s clai other a take it can me. lifeti

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kicking back | BASQUE

COUNTRY

Local Essence Explore the strong cultural identity and celebrated cuisine of Basque Country. BY FELICITY LONG DISTINCTIVE DESIGN: Basque countryside (left), and Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (right) PHOTOS: © FELICITY LONG

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THERE WAS A TIME NOT SO LONG AGO when the Basque region, which straddles the border between northern Spain and France, was better known as a hotbed of separatist activities than as an inviting tourism destination. Fast forward to today, when a vibrant culinary scene, charming villages and cities and an authentic local culture have made the area a magnet for international visitors looking to go beyond the more traditional destinations like Barcelona and Paris.

Be aware that locals, while welcoming, are fiercely proud of being Basque, and the language reflects that independence of spirit. First-time visitors might at first be bewildered by the names of streets and buildings, often written in

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two languages — Spanish or French and Basque Euskara, which bears no obvious relation to other Romance languages.

Many Basques are bilingual, however, and some speak English in the more touristed areas, especially those working in the hospitality industry.

The first thing to consider when planning an itinerary is that Basque country is extensive — about 8,000 square miles, mostly in Spain — so for the best experience, it’s a good idea to focus on a few highlights.

A jewel in the crown is Bilbao, Spain, a formerly gritty industrial city that leapt into prominence in the late 1990s with the much-ballyhooed grand opening of the Guggenheim Museum, created by famed architect Frank Gehry. Those unfamiliar with Gerhy’s work are likely to be dumbfounded by the arresting architecture, which has since become an icon

untry Basque co st have doesn’t ju nguage; its own la asts its it also bo raphy. own topog ryside is The count eather can hilly, the w nd the be rainy, a f network o extensive some 70 beaches typically in all is e crowds free of th esort that clog r he rest of areas in t France.

Spain and

FEAST FOR THE SENSES:

View of La Concha Bay from La Mota Castle (top), and pintxos from San Sebastián PHOTOS: © JUAN IGNACIO POLO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © HANMON | DREAMSTIME.COM

of bold, contemporary design. The structure, which comprises an edgy mix of titanium and glass, is best viewed from the Zubizuri or white footbridge that spans the Nervion River. It’s hard to overstate the importance of the museum, whose debut sparked a renaissance throughout the city and whose fame is so widespread it attracted some 4 million tourists in its first three years. Exhibitions change often and have included such big-name artists as David Hockney and Richard Serra.

From here, you can explore Casco Viejo, or Bilbao’s Old Town, and stop for pintxos, a Basque take on tapas, at one of the many bars that line Plaza Nueva. Other highlights include St. James Cathedral, known for its beautiful windows, and the Arenal gardens near the river.

The next must-see in Spain’s Basque region is the resort town of San Sebastián along the beautiful beaches on the Bay of Biscay. More pintxos bars and gourmet restaurants await, and oenophiles can enjoy wine pairings with some of the celebrated varietals of the region.

Visitors typically take in Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, and those with a little more time can get the best views of the Bay of Biscay from the top of Mount Urgull, which also boasts the 12th-century La Mota Castle with its fortifications, cannons and massive Sacred Heart statue.

Perhaps no Spanish Basque city has quite the notoriety of Pamplona, thanks to its headlinemaking annual running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival in July. Forever immortalized

by Hemingway’s description of the event, the city nonetheless has other attractions, including a 14th-century Gothic cathedral and many beautiful parks.

The Spanish Basque region is also known for its celebrated Rioja wines, and visitors can sample the local vintages on their own or embark on wine tours from a number of locations, including Bilbao and San Sebastián. A real highlight is the medieval

LODGING

HOTEL CARLTON The 141-room, 5-star property recently underwent a complete renovation and is known for Basque cuisine and tapas.

Plaza Federico Moyúa 2, Bilbao, Spain $$ HÔTEL DU PALAIS IMPERIAL RESORT & SPA The grande dame hotel with 154 rooms dates from the Napoleonic era and offers proximity to the beach, gourmet dining, two swimming pools and even a playground.

Ave. de l’Impératrice 1, Biarritz, France $$$$ HOTEL MARQUÉS DE RISCAL Frank Gehry designed this 43-room Luxury Collection Hotel, an over-the-top masterpiece whose pink and mauve exterior is said to have been inspired by the surrounding vineyards.

walled village of Laguardia, which boasts more wine bars than you can probably hit in one visit as well as recently unearthed ancient ruins under the city.

Calle Torrea, Elciego, Spain $$$$

JULY 2017

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BASQUE SPIRIT:

Wine barrels (above), and the statue of the Virgin Mary atop the Rock of the Virgin Mary, Biarrtiz (right) PHOTOS: © FELICITY LONG, © ALAN GARDINER | DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING

AÑOTA CIDER HOUSE Sample local culinary specialties served alongside delicious varieties of hard cider, brewed on site in massive barrels.

Barrio Elosiaga 434, Azpeitia, Spain $$$ HOSPEDERIA LOS PARAJES CALADO WINE CELLAR This 18-room boutique hotel offers three eateries, but the 16th-century wine cellar is the place to enjoy an atmospheric pairing of Rioja wines and tapas.

Calle Mayor 46-48, Laguardia, Spain $$$$ LE KAIKU A historic location and a Michelin star distinguish this Saint-Jean-de-Luz restaurant in French Basque country.

Rue de la République 17, Saint-Jeande-Luz, France $$$$$

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Travelers looking for a little spiritual refreshment — or just a great walking tour — can explore parts of El Camino Ignacio, running some 430 miles from the medieval town of Loyola in Basque country to Manresa in Catalonia. The pilgrimage trail, an alternative to the massively popular (some say too popular) Camino de Santiago, can be tackled in bite-sized pieces — the entire trail takes about a month to hike — and offers a glimpse of some of the area’s prettiest, if challengingly hilly, countryside.

One of the joys of exploring the greater Basque region is it also includes a particularly picturesque part of France, called Iparralde in the Basque language.

Bayonne, the capital of French Basque country, is a medieval city at the junction of the Nive and Adour rivers whose roots probably go back as far as the first century. Nowadays the city’s claims to fame include gastronomy, such as first-rate chocolate and just-caught oysters; architecture that spans the centuries; and historic museum collections. The Basque and History of Bayonne Museum, for example, whose exhibitions include weapons, art and ship artifacts, is especially interesting for visitors trying to grasp the complicated history of the French Basque people and their culture.

Biarritz, another star of French Basque country, is a posh oceanfront resort where you are as likely to see surfers carrying their boards as shoppers carrying Chanel bags.

Take in the dramatic Rock of the Virgin Mary, which dominates the skyline, and slip on your walking shoes for the uphill trek — nearly 250 steps in all — to the Phare de Biarritz lighthouse for some of the best views in town. Architecture buffs can take in the Art Nouveau Gare du Midi train station, now a concert venue, and the Eglise St. Martin, which hosts an annual festival of gastronomy and dance every fall.

INFO TO GO

The logical place to start in the Spanish Basque region is Bilbao Airport, less than six miles from the city. Boasting a new terminal by favorite son Santiago Calatrava, the airport is served by most major international airlines, although expect to connect through a European hub. A bus leaves the airport for several stops in the city every half hour for about $2. Most car rental companies have branches at the airport, or hop in a cab for about $20.

In France, more than a dozen European carriers serve Biarritz Pays Basque Airport. Buses are available from the airport to the Biarritz main train station about five miles away for about $1, or take a taxi for about $13 to central Biarritz, $16 to central Bayonne.

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La Dolce Vita

Tuscany lies at the center of Italy, with Pisa, Florence and Siena — a trio of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations — forming a triangle at its heart. Wine routes wind among its vineyards and between its hill towns where you can savor the region’s most famous products: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Medieval towers of hilltop towns dot rolling landscapes of vineyards and poppy-splashed meadows. You can imagine yourself in the 13th century as you enter San Gimignano, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving 13 of its original 70 tall towers.

Each hill town has its own character and story: Volterra preserves a rich Etruscan and Roman history, Montepulciano’s wealthy noble families attracted top Renaissance artists and architects, and little Montalcino sits inside well-preserved 12th-century walls. In Arezzo you can see the works of several of the greatest Renaissance masters without the crowds of Florence or Siena.

But for all its iconic sights, Tuscany is a supremely satisfying place to just kick back and relax with friends or

he new GT app is Town to town, discover the art of living well in Tuscany.

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

IN THE HILLS:

San Gimignano on the hill (left), and view from the tower (right)

PHOTOS: © YVON52 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © DRNOAH | DREAMSTIME.COM

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WHEN TUSCANS LIFT A GLASS OF their beloved Brunello di Montalcino and say, “Salute” — “To your health” — they mean it.

And they offer a lifestyle to make it possible. For amid those postcardperfect Tuscan hill towns flow thermal springs where Etruscans and Romans soaked, and where medieval pilgrims rested their weary legs en route to Rome.

Today these hot springs are fitted with luxurious trappings the sybaritic Romans would have envied. Spa resorts serve as perfect bases for Tuscan holidays that can include walking, cycling and other active ways of seeing the region’s many attractions. Full-scale health and wellness centers cater to those in need of a longer retreat.

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lgbtq

Australian Allure Sydney beckons with nightlife, natural beauty and a big celebration. BY MARK CHESNUT GOOD TIMES:

Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade (left), and North Bondi Beach (right) PHOTOS: © AIYOSHI | DREAMSTIME.COM, © KHELLON | DREAMSTIME .COM

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where the locals go to swim. Lady Jane Beach and Little Congwong Beach WITH ITS SUN-SOAKED coastal beaches, sophisticated vibe are gay-popular, clothing-optional beaches. and lively celebrations, Australia’s largest city enjoys an espePaez recommends several hotels to his friends and clients. “The new cially high profile with LGBTQ travelers. “It’s a city that has it Primus Hotel is simply gorgeous, with a beautiful Art Deco feel in an upall; [it’s] lush and green, very walkable, with easy-to-use public and-coming area of the city,” he says, and he also recommends the Sheraton transport and friendly locals with a positive vibe,” says Mario on the Park, where “an executive Hyde Park-view room is a real treat, with Paez, managing director and co-founder, Planetdwellers, a views across Hyde Park; and, of course, travel company that offers the stunning Park Hyatt, located across the LGBTQ Sydney tours. “The It’s easy to enjoy the sun in Sydney harbor from the Opera House and almost best thing, though, is that no without traveling far. Legendary Bondi underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is matter where, how or when a Sydney institution.” you choose to party, the Beach is a must-see, and North Bondi Every year Sydney plays host to one of [LGBTQ-popular] Village is where the locals go to swim. the most legendary LGBTQ celebrations is centered around Oxford in the world: the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Street, which makes it easy Gras, taking place in February and early March. “Sydney is a city which to have a big night out with little or no Ubering required.” celebrates diversity, and there’s no better event that demonstrates this than Indeed, nightlife is a popular diversion for LGBTQ the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which attracts over 42,000 visitors to Sydney. Top choices include ARQ Sydney, a largeinternational and domestic visitors each year,” says Sandra Chipchase, CEO, scale dance club that hosts lots of lively theme parties. On Destination NSW, the New South Wales tourism organization. “In 2017 Sundays, Paez recommends drinks at The Beresford Hotel, more than 100,000 spectators joined the parade celebrations to view over “with all its wall-to-wall sexy locals and mates.”

190 floats and cheer on 12,000 members of the LGBTQI community who It’s easy to enjoy the sun in Sydney without traveling far. marched in the parade.”

Legendary Bondi Beach is a must-see, and North Bondi is

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M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

CAVIAR COLLE C TIONS R I T T E N H O U S E S Q U A R E | 2 1 5 . 5 6 7. 0 7 7 0 | L A G O S . C O M

airport update

Soaring Success Munich Airport celebrates 25 years as it commits to continued growth. BY NICOLE QUASTÉ YEAR AFTER YEAR, GERMANY’S Munich Airport takes the lead among Europe’s top airports, not only for its efficiency, shopping, dining and convenient location but also for its unique experiences and services.

Those traveling through Munich Airport can enjoy the privacy of Napcabs or a meal in an actual ski gondola at the alpine-themed Sportalm restaurant. They can grab a beer at the airport’s own brewery and beer garden or take on the world’s largest manmade surf wave. The Observation Deck allows guests to observe as planes take off and land, and the Visitors Park offers airport tours and interactive exhibits.

The major international airport is the second-busiest in Germany. It has seen steady growth since 2010, with significant growth reported within the past couple of years. The airport served 42 million passengers last year and is on track this year to see a record-breaking 44 million passengers.

In November the airport announced a major extension and refurbishment for Terminal 1, due to open by 2022, which will provide capacity for 6 million additional passengers. Last year also saw the opening of a satellite terminal in Terminal 2, allowing for an additional 11 million passengers, 52 gates and 27 parking positions, 11 of which can accommodate wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A380. The satellite terminal is also home to new restaurants, shops and five new Lufthansa lounges.

As the airport celebrates its 25-year anniversary in 2017 and its many successes, it also looks ahead to big changes and improvements.

The airport aims to further simplify and enhance the customer experience with a new plan dubbed Strategy 2020, which will include new products, services and processes. For example, travelers arriving in Munich who are not familiar with the airport will soon be able to use an online service to compare transportation options between the airport and hotel and vice versa. Real-time wait times at airport checkpoints will also be integrated with the new service.

In terms of air traffic, the airport currently has two parallel runways, and while a third runway would increase the number

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of aircraft movements per hour from 90 to 120, the airport is receiving pushback and awaits approval from its three shareholders, Bavaria, Federal Republic of Germany and the City of Munich, to move forward.

In addition to serving 248 destinations around the world, Munich Airport serves as a major hub for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners as well as a long-haul base for Frankfurt-based Condor Airlines, the third-largest airline in Germany. Condor recently announced the largest U.S. expansion in the airline’s 60-year history, expanding its route network this summer with new, non-stop service to Munich from existing gateways in Seattle (SEA) and Las Vegas (LAS).

In March Skytrax renewed the airport’s 5-Star Quality Rating, making it the only airport in Europe to hold this top-tier status. The rating is based on the ease of travel for customers including clear signage, plentiful seating and comfort, food and beverage options and seamless security and immigration processing.

Munich Airport has seen unparalleled growth since its opening 25 years ago, and with visions for continued success, the airport lays the groundwork for a successful future.

UP, UP AND AWAY: Munich Airport

PHOTO: © MSALENA | DREAMSTIME.COM

MUNICHAIRPORT munich-airport.com

health

Travel Well Mobile apps help keep you healthy and safe on the road. BY MARY B. GALLAGHER, RN, MSN, CCRN AS YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP, consider using mobile apps to navigate safe passage. You can find plenty of travel health apps on the App Store for iOS devices and on Google Play for Android devices. All apps mentioned here are free unless a cost is noted.

The Centers for Disease Control offer the TravWell app to help plan for safe and healthy international travel. Build your trip to get destination-specific vaccination recommendations, a checklist of what you need to prepare for travel and a customizable healthy travel packing list. This easy-to-use app also lets you store travel documents, keeps a record of your medications and immunizations and sets reminders to get vaccine booster doses or take medications while traveling. The app also includes CDC recommendations, emergency services phone numbers for every destination and a customizable to-do list.

Can I Eat This? is another travel app from the CDC. Within the app, simply select the country you are traveling in, answer a few easy questions about what you are thinking about eating or drinking, and Can I Eat This? tells you if it is safe. Using this app can make you more confident your food and drink choices won’t make you spend your trip in the bathroom; travelers’ diarrhea can ruin international travel.

The app is easy and fun to use, and you can also access recommendations offline (no data connection needed).

The CDC publishes its Health Information for International Travel — commonly called the Yellow Book — every two years. The “app book” provides a good reference for health risks for international travelers. Primarily health professionals access the information in this app,

but travelers will find it helpful as well. The 2016 edition costs about $10; the 2018 version is available for about $37.

Smart Traveler is the official U.S. Department of State’s app for U.S. travelers, providing easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, health alerts, maps, U.S. embassy locations and more.

My Travel Health app by Travel Health and Wellness LLC is based on technologies licensed from the Mayo Clinic and designed to help travelers safeguard their health before, during and after travel. Developed by travel medicine consultants from the Mayo Clinic, the app focuses on tips for preventing and handling illnesses while traveling. This app costs $2.99 and is available only for iOS. Health care providers often recommend this app for their patients who are traveling.

GeoSure by GeoSure Global LLC proclaims it is the only trusted, customized security app and is dedicated to making travel safer for everyone.

The app’s analytical search engine combines information from hundreds of trusted resources like the CDC, World Health Organization, United Nations, U.S. State Department, Interpol and local authorities. It covers everything from political threats and cyber concerns to health risks and environmental hazards. The GeoSure global community encourages self-reporting by its users to communicate threats where they are traveling. These crowd-sourced insights make GeoSure a powerful tool.

Travel Health Guide by Dr. Deb The Travel Doctor is an app written by an experienced travel physician. Dr. Deb cared for travelers for more than 25 years — name the place, she has been there. Her Traveling Well book is in its 20th

edition. The app provides up-to-date information to keep you healthy on your travels; the cost is $2.99.

Several travel apps specifically address medical emergencies. TravelSmart uses GPS capabilities to provide you with the numbers for emergency services by destination, plus a list of hospitals in 129 countries, all vetted by Allianz Global Assistance, a reputable travel insurance company. Find-ER was created by Air Ambulance Card, a service which flies sick or injured travelers home to hospitals in the United States and Canada. The app can map you to the nearest hospital and store information such as your medication list, emergency contacts, doctors, pharmacy names and phone numbers.

The iTriage app, engineered by Healthagen, a medical technology company, helps travelers find the nearest hospital and lets them know how long they will wait to be seen in the emergency room or urgent care center. It even allows users to check in remotely or make appointments with select physicians if an emergency visit is not needed. ICE–In Case of Emergency allows you to store all your medical information, including emergency contacts, in one app and helps you find emergency services in more than 200 countries.

A few tips to consider: When walking about using your handheld device, pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t focus so much on the apps on your phone that you become a target for criminal threats. Also keep in mind these apps are not a replacement for a consultation with a travel doctor or your own primary health care provider. Pay a visit to your doctor before you travel, as your medical condition may warrant precautions.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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DIAPHANOUS, THE MIST RISES from the Amstel River like smoke conjured from a magic wand. Cold, we huddle on the leather seats of our snug, centuries-old saloon boat.

It’s outfitted with the aplomb of a proud sailor, with shiny bits of brass and dark wood.

Our bearded captain, stereotypically nautical, seems an extension of his craft. As the motor purrs and we pull away from the dock for an evening meander through Amsterdam’s canals, I sip Champagne and take a last look, for now, at our hotel, the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, one of the most storied and luxurious lodges in the “tulip city.” As glittery at night as the cut diamonds that hail from this Dutch capital, the hotel seems to wish us well on our journey, to invite us back to warm beds. But first, an old-fashioned jaunt on one of the hotel’s three historic

saloon boats. We cruise beneath brightly lit bridges and beside riverside pathways filled with couples holding hands, and bikers navigating around them. Lining each side, narrow canal houses rise toward the moon.

The glow inside illuminates the people within, and we watch, all the while nibbling canapés served by the captain himself, as life in Amsterdam unfolds.

This mood of utter romance is what the Dutch call gezellig, a word that means convivial coziness, intimacy — all things quixotic and chimerical. And we don’t just experience gezellig on our boat. Back at the Amstel, we seem enveloped in it. With its French Renaissance façade, gilded interior ceilings and original ornamental plasterwork, the hotel radiates the elegance of Cary Grant in a tuxedo. Chandeliers drip throughout, and the elevators are paneled with mahogany. Our room, the Royal Suite, once housed the Dutch king and queen for a night. It’s a regal symphony of river views, Delftware and mahogany-inlaid tables; there’s a canopied, silk damask-covered bed,

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past & present

For almost 30 years, The Peninsula New York has been a landmark on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

The 23-story, 1905 landmark building, originally the Gotham Hotel, retains many of the Beaux-Arts architectural features designed by Hiss and Weekes (top photos), and the result is one of modern accents on Old World elegance for this luxury property. With 235 guestrooms, among them 54 suites, The Peninsula New York is located in the heart of the city’s most prestigious shopping, entertainment and cultural districts, and within walking distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, excellent restaurants, historic museums and exciting Broadway theaters.

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PHOTOS: © THE PENINSULA NEW YORK

The Peninsula New York

Non-Stop Delight @My Transit in Taiwan Beef Noodles 8:30PM

Tea Culture

Bubble Tea

2:20PM

10:20AM

3C Market 5:38PM

Mango Ice 4:46PM

Night Market 9:50PM

Dumplings 11:30AM

Hakka Fabrics 6:05PM

Temple 5:52PM

National Palace Museum 3:43PM

Peking Opera 7:00PM

Taipei 101

Jiufen Old Town 7:50PM

10:53PM

I never thought my transit in Taiwan would be so utterly amazing and unforgettable.

Delicate dumplings, beef noodles and bubble tea restored my appetite after a long flight.

The National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple and Peking opera opened my eyes.

Stunning views from Taipei 101, bustling night markets and chic bars thrilled me.

My transit in Taiwan: A brief yet incredible whirlwind of non-stop delight!

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