Leisure Lifestyle Edition 2017

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LEISURE LIFESTYLE GLOBAL TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO THE LUXURIOUS WORLD OF LEISURE TRAVEL

LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS p. 8 CRUISE SHIP UPDATE p. 22 PILGRIMAGE TOURISM p. 30 TOP HONEYMOON SPOTS p. 36 CARIBBEAN ISLAND OVERVIEW p. 44

May 2017

explore. restore. repeat.

The deepest blue seas. The brightest stars. Breathtaking landscapes. After sailing with Princess Cruises®, you’ll return home rejuvenated and rich with new memories.

Explore our exclusive Discovery at Sea™ experiences, indulge in made from scratch cuisine crafted by awardwinning Chef Curtis Stone, or get your most restful sleep at sea in our Princess Luxury Bed. Travel the world with Princess and come back new™.

Contact your travel consultant or call 855.288.8083 | princess.com

©2017 Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry. *Princess Luxury Bed on select ships. See website for more details.

letter from the editor ®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL

A WORLD OF LEISURE

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

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR! We’re excited to release the annual Leisure Lifestyle Edition, now in its fifth year. This issue celebrates the world’s best in leisure travel, from island destinations and luxury hotels to cruises, airlines and travel goods and services. Our Leisure Lifestyle Award winners set the bar high for luxury leisure experiences and offerings, from top-notch spas and amenities to wellness activities and world-class dining.

As a newer member of the Global Traveler team, I’ve had the opportunity to combine my love of writing with my passion for travel.

From hiking the cliffs of Sheep’s Head in Ireland and climbing waterfalls in Jamaica COFFEE BREAK: Nicole at a café in Prague’s Hradčany to museum visits in France and architecture neighborhood, the Castle District sightseeing in Prague, the adventures I’ve had PHOTO: © NICOLE QUASTÉ are only the beginning, and I’m always looking forward to the next destination and the next experience.

As the warmer weather moves in, I’m finding my mind consumed by white-sand beaches, relaxing spas and days by the pool. As I write this, I’m planning a trip to Mexico to stay at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, looking forward to beach yoga, relaxing afternoons at the spa, an eco-cruise and unforgettable dining experiences at the hotel’s restaurants. I’m also anticipating a trip to sunny Los Angeles, and in August I’m off to Bermuda.

Hans Christian Andersen wrote, “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” I couldn’t agree more.

The award-winning companies we celebrate in this issue offer travelers the opportunity not only to travel but also to truly immerse themselves in their destinations.

Where have your travels taken you lately? Share your favorite leisure travel memories and experiences with us; and if you’re looking for inspiration for future travels, this issue is the perfect place to start. Congratulations to all of our 2017 Leisure Lifestyle Award winners. Thank you for the experiences and adventures you provide.

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

WRITERS DEBRA BOKUR KARIN LEPERI LOIS FRIEDLAND CARLEY D. THORNELL

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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 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 GENERAL COUNSEL THOMAS F. GOLDMAN CONTACT US

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letter from the publisher

® ®

LUXURY TRAVEL IN STYLE AS SPRINGTIME COMES to a close, we embark on our summer season — and here at Global Traveler that means our Leisure Lifestyle Edition is hot off the press. We are proud to announce the winners of our fifth annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards with categories ranging from Best Caribbean Island to Best Cruise Line Dining. We also include insightful features covering top honeymoon destinations, an overview of CaribROYAL VISIT: Steven on the grounds of Stirling Castle, Scotland bean islands and an update on PHOTO: © STEVEN BRIGHT various cruise lines.

Speaking of cruises, travelers are taking advantage of the wonderful experiences cruises offer, and the industry is enjoying a healthy uptick in bookings this year. My family’s recent adventure took us on a 14-day cruise through the Baltics on the Norwegian Star. We departed from Copenhagen and visited various ports of call including Bergen and Ålesund in Norway; Lerwick in the Shetland Islands; Reykjavík; Greenock, Scotland; and Dublin. There were too many highlights to mention, but one in particular was seeing Reykjavík’s Golden Circle, which included a tour of the world-famous Gullfoss Waterfall. As Europe’s leading cruise line, Norwegian offers freestyle cruising, which means you can dress up — or dress down — and have the flexibility to dine when you want. We took advantage of the specialty restaurants, where we enjoyed 5-star meals as delicious as any Michelin-rated restaurant.

In addition to great cuisine and local fare at ports of call, our cruise offered a variety of onboard entertainment, including a movie theater, cooking and other instructional classes, and daily shopping specials when at sea. Evenings were filled with countless entertainment choices ranging from live shows and jazz bands to late-night dancing in the nightclub.

While the dining and entertainment are first-class, my favorite reason for cruising is the ability to move seamlessly from country to country, partaking in daily shore excursions and enjoying the local culture and scenery. If you are looking for a worry-free way to experience luxury leisure travel, taking a cruise is your best bet.

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contents

Leisure Lifestyle 2017 22

30

36

8 Leaders in Leisure Global Traveler congratulates the winners of the 2017 Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

30 Zest for the Quest Modern-day pilgrims seek personal connection through journeys.

22 Bon Voyage!

Growing numbers of travelers sail over the bounding main in grand style.

36 Head Over Heels Explore the hot new trends in honeymoons.

44 Island Indulgence Luxury adventure hits its stride in the Caribbean.

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ON THE COVER globaltravelerusa.com

May 2017

LEISURE LIFESTYLE GLOBAL TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO THE LUXURIOUS WORLD OF LEISURE TRAVEL

LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARDS p. 8 CRUISE SHIP UPDATE p. 22 PILGRIMAGE TOURISM p. 30 TOP HONEYMOON SPOTS p. 36 CARIBBEAN ISLAND OVERVIEW p. 44

COVER PHOTO: FIND OUT WHO WON THE LEISURE LIFESTYLE AWARD FOR BEST BEACHES ON PAGE 8.

PHOTO © JEDYNAKANNA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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.

PHOTOS: © LAWRENCE WESLOWSKI JR | DREAMSTIME.COM, © HAPAG LLOYD, © RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX HOME RANCH, © DMITRY PICHUGIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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BEST HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS: Spain

PHOTO: © SEAN PAVONE | DREAMSTIME.COM

© MALDIVES001 | DREAMSTIME.COM BILL HEDGES

Leaders in Leisure Global Traveler congratulates the winners of the 2017 Leisure Lifestyle Awards. BY NICOLE QUASTÉ NOW IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards celebrates the best in the world of leisure travel, from goods, services and breathtaking destinations to luxurious hotels, airlines and cruises. We’re thrilled to announce our 2017 winners, several celebrating consecutive wins.

Global Traveler’s elite Globility Board and magazine staff select the nominations in each Leisure Lifestyle category. From these nominations, the esteemed Advisory Board selects the final winners.

Since 2012 Global Traveler’s Globility Board, a group of well-traveled subscribers, has acted as a direct link between the magazine, our clients and our readers. The Board provides the magazine with a look into the

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unique interests and insights of leisure travelers. Global Traveler’s Advisory Board consists of executives from a variety of industries who are no strangers to frequent global travel.

What does leisure travel mean to you? Does it mean delving into the history of a region on a private tour or tasting wines in a beautiful vineyard? Perhaps it means lounging on a white-sand beach or enjoying a world-class meal aboard a luxury cruise ship. Whatever your fancy, we’re highlighting those companies that provide the ultimate leisure experiences for the most discerning travelers.

It is our pleasure to announce the 2017 winners.

Congratulations to those deemed the best for their achievements in leisure travel.

From architectural masterpieces like the Aqueduct of Segovia and the Royal Palace of Madrid to the beautiful Sagrada Família in Barcelona and the Seville Cathedral, Spain boasts some of the world’s most impressive historic landmarks. For this reason, Spain was awarded Best Historic Attractions for the second consecutive year.

BEST ISLAND IN THE PACIFIC RIM: Cook Islands

PHOTO: © BLAGOV58 | DREAMSTIME.COM

BEST CARIBBEAN ISLAND: U.S. Virgin Islands

PHOTO: © LAWRENCE WESLOWSKI JR | DREAMSTIME.COM

WINNERS’ CIRCLE BEST HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS 1. Spain 2. Greece 3. India 4. Jordan 5. Turkey 6. Peru 7. Egypt 8. Israel 9. Italy 10. United Kingdom

BEST BEACHES: Cayman Islands

PHOTO: © SORIN COLAC | DREAMSTIME.COM

BEST BEACHES

If your ideal leisure vacation includes beautiful beaches, head to Cayman Islands, our winner for Best Beaches, home to the clear waters and coral sands of Seven Mile Beach. For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Virgin Islands takes home the award for Best Caribbean Island; Cook Islands tops the list for Best Island in the Pacific Rim, also for the second consecutive year; and Santoríni takes home the award for Best Island in Europe for the fourth consecutive year.

If adventure calls to you, Thailand is brimming with opportunities for exploration, from forest ziplining to sea kayaking and snorkeling, making it the clear winner for Best Adventure Destination.

If the sea beckons, bask in the opulence of Silversea Cruises, our winner for Best Luxury Cruise Line for the second year in a row, or experience ultimate relaxation in a Crystal Penthouse, winner of Best Cruise Line Suites. Indulge in the world’s best cruise line dining on Azamara Club Cruises, for the second consecutive

1. Cayman Islands 2. Turks and Caicos 3. Krabi, Thailand 4. The Big Island, Hawai’i 5. Phuket, Thailand 6. Lopes Mendes, Brazil 7. Mykonos, Greece 8. Seychelles 9. Fiji 10. Roatán, Honduras

BEST ADVENTURE DESTINATION 1. Thailand 2. New Zealand 3. India 4. Chile 5. South Africa 6. Alaska 7. Argentina 8. California 9. Colombia 10. Israel

BEST ADVENTURE DESTINATION: Thailand

PHOTO: © SOMYOT SUTPRATTANATAWIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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BEST ISLAND IN EUROPE: Santoríni

PHOTO: © HARIS VYTHOULKAS | DREAMSTIME.COM

WINNERS’ CIRCLE BEST CARIBBEAN ISLAND 1. U.S. Virgin Islands 2. British Virgin Islands 3. Grand Cayman 4. St. Vincent and the Grenadines 5. St. Lucia 6. Curaçao 7. Nevis 8. St. Barth’s 9. Jamaica 10. Puerto Rico

BEST ISLAND IN EUROPE 1. Santoríni 2. Mykonos 3. Ireland 4. Sicily 5. England 6. Capri 7. Elba 8. Crete 9. Mallorca 10. Sardinia

BEST FAMILY CRUISE LINE AND BEST CRUISE LINE ENTERTAINMENT: Royal Caribbean International

PHOTO: © SIMON BROOKE-WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST ISLAND PACIFIC RIM 1. Cook Islands 2. Bora Bora 3. Bali 4. Tahiti 5. Hong Kong 6. Okinawa 7. Phuket, Thailand 8. The Big Island, Hawai’i 9. Maui, Hawai’i 10. Japan

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Royal Caribbean International Celebrity Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Holland America Line Disney Cruise Line

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BEST ADVENTURE CRUISE LINE: UN-Cruises

PHOTO: © UN-CRUISES

WINNERS’ CIRCLE BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE

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Silversea Cruises Cunard Line Crystal Cruises Regent Seven Seas Paul Gauguin Cruises Celebrity Cruises SeaDream Yacht Club Seabourn Cruise Line

BEST CRUISE LINE SUITES

year, and immerse yourself in unique destinations with another two-time winner, Princess Cruises, topping the list for Best Cruise Ship Excursions.

Royal Caribbean experienced a big year in 2016.

While a cruise itself is rewarding enough, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society takes the top spot for Best Cruise Line Rewards Program, and the cruise line also took top honors for the first time for Best Family Cruise Line and for the second time for Best Cruise Line Entertainment.

FAVORITE CRUISE SHIP:

Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam PHOTO: © HOLLAND AMERICA

Known for its exciting excursions focused on wildlife and culture, UN-Cruises is our winner for Best Adventure Cruise Line, and AmaWaterways earns Best River Cruise Line for its unforgettable cruises in Europe, Asia and Africa. Best Large-Ship Cruise Line goes to Cunard Line for the second consecutive year; and Paul Gauguin proves small ships can mean big luxury with its award for Best Small-Ship Cruise Line, also for the second consecutive year. Favorite Cruise Ship goes to Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam, the first of the cruise line’s new

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Crystal Cruises Penthouse Queens Grill Suites, Cunard Line Haven Suites, Norwegian Cruise Line Royal Loft, Royal Caribbean International Celebrity Cruises Penthouse Suites Owner’s Suite, Silversea Cruises Regent Suite, Regent Seven Seas Owner’s Suite, Oceania Cruises Princess Grill Suites, Cunard Line

BEST ADVENTURE CRUISE LINE 1. UN-Cruises 2. Lindblad Expeditions 3. American Safari 4. Quark Expeditions 5. Azamara Club Cruises 6. Windstar Cruises

BEST SMALL-SHIP CRUISE LINE

1. Paul Gauguin Cruises 2. Azamara Club Cruises 3. Seabourn Cruise Line 4. Viking River Cruises 5. Oceania Cruises 6. SeaDream Yacht Club 7. Windstar Cruises 8. Crystal Cruises 9. Regent Seven Seas 10. Hurtigruten Cruises

LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Celebrate Paradise Welcome to the natural beauty and traditional culture of the Cook Islands.

KIA ORANA FROM THE COOK ISLANDS, our South Pacific paradise, where the sun shines all year long and the natural beauty takes your breath away. We think it’s a profoundly special place — we’re biased, of course, but you aren’t, and you know what we’re talking about!

Thank you, readers of Global Traveler, for voting us Best Island Nation in the Pacific Rim for the second year running.

We’re a small country, and it’s a big honor. Here’s Hon. Prime Minister Henry Puna on why he thinks we deserved it.

You’ve traveled widely throughout the Pacific and the world. What sets the Cook Islands apart from the other beautiful places you’ve been?

Our size, our culture and especially our people. Our islands may be small, but that also means nothing is inconvenient. But we’re not so small that our tourists lack options. Whether they want to relax on a beach or be active, there’s plenty to do. People are still discovering us, so our beaches remain crowd-free and our culture robust. Our people embody also the spirit of aro’a — our word for “aloha” — and we are natural hosts, proud to share our paradise with others.

You mentioned a robust culture. Could you elaborate?

Our people are some of the best drummers and dancers in the world! Tourists can see it for themselves any day of the week, but the best time for it is in August, when we celebrate self-governance with a national competition called Te Maeva Nui. Our performing and musical arts are mesmerizing, as is our material culture — our tattoos, carving, weaving and black pearls. We retain great reverence and respect for the things of our past — ocean voyaging, traditional healing, storytelling and music. They are still very much a part of our present.

How can visitors optimize their experience? Any insider tips you’d like to share?

Discover our hidden waterfalls, or drive a motorbike on the back roads past orchards and lines of plantations. Attend a church service and feel the spirit when you hear our mamas and papas sing, or if you’re up for it, climb Te Rua Manga for a 360-degree view of Rarotonga.

Talk to our traditional ocean navigators about finding an island in the dark, when the clouds are covering the stars, or scuba dive with one of our qualified instructors into our ocean we fondly call Moana Nui O Kiva. Learn how to sew an ei katu, or a flower crown, and wear it out to dinner, or sample local foods at the Punanga Nui market on each Saturday morning. Or best of all, befriend one of our locals and let the Cook Islands and its people change forever the way you see the world.

Thank You for Voting

THE COOK ISLANDS THE BEST ISLAND PACIFIC RIM TWO YEARS IN A ROW

Second Consecutive Year

www.cookislands.travel

BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE: AmaWaterways

PHOTO: © AMAWATERWAYS

BEST LARGE-SHIP CRUISE LINE

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Cunard Line Regent Seven Seas Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises Viking Cruises Royal Caribbean International Holland America Line Princess Cruises Crystal Cruises

BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE 1. AmaWaterways 2. Viking River Cruises 3. Tauck 4. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection 5. Avalon Waterways

BEST CRUISE LINE ENTERTAINMENT

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Royal Caribbean International Norwegian Cruise Line Cunard Line Celebrity Cruises Princess Cruises Holland America Line Disney Cruise Line

BEST CRUISE DINING: Azamara Club Cruises

BEST CRUISE LINE DINING

Pinnacle Class and the largest ever constructed by Holland America.

Where you stay is often as important as what you do when you travel for leisure. Our hotel category winners excel in offering premium amenities and services in addition to beautiful properties and guestrooms.

Taking home a win for Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World for the third consecutive year is Meliá Hotels International, a leader in holiday resorts and urban

1. Azamara Club Cruises 2. Regent Seven Seas 3. Cunard Line 4. Royal Caribbean International 5. Celebrity Cruises 6. SeaDream Yacht Club 7. Norwegian Cruise Line 8. Seabourn Cruise Line 9. Viking River Cruises 10. Oceania Cruises

PHOTO: © AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES

BEST CRUISE SHIP EXCURSIONS

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Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean International Silversea Cruises Cunard Line Celebrity Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Holland America Line

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hotels. The hotel group operates more than 374 hotels in 40 countries under eight unique brands, each offering something distinctive and memorable for guests.

Also for the third consecutive year, we recognize Westin Hotels & Resorts for Best Hotel Chain Resorts, with more than 192 upscale hotels around the world, each offering notable luxuries such as the Heavenly Bed. Westin Hotels & Resorts also wins Best Family Resort Chain in the World, an impressive accomplishment. If the perfect leisure travel

BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL : Kimpton Hotels & Resorts

PHOTO: © KIMPTON HOTELS & RESORTS

WINNERS’ CIRCLE BEST CRUISE LINE REWARDS PROGRAM

experience involves the whole family, including pets, join us in congratulating Kimpton Hotels & Resorts for winning Best Pet-Friendly Hotel.

A great vacation begins with a great flight, and the award-winning airlines listed here raise the bar for in-flight service, comfort and convenience. Hawaiian Airlines soars to the top for Best Leisure Airline for the third year running, Lufthansa lands a win for Best Premium-Economy Class, and United Airlines wins Best Pet-Friendly Airline for its convenient PetSafe program for the second consecutive year.

If the perfect leisure trip involves treating yourself to

BEST LUXURY LEISURE HOTEL GROUP IN THE WORLD : Meliá Hotels International

PHOTO: © MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL

something special, join us in congratulating our winners in luxury goods. Ride in style in a Mercedes-Benz, our Best Luxury Vehicle winner, and adorn yourself in Ralph Lauren, voted Favorite Luxury Fashion Brand.

TAG Heuer wrapped up a win for the second consecutive year for Favorite Luxury Watch Brand, and David Yurman claimed Favorite Luxury Jewelry Brand. Fitness apparel lovers have spoken and voted Fabletics Favorite Athleisure Brand.

Each year, Global Traveler celebrates those companies that stand out among the rest for achievements above and beyond expectations. Our special achievement

1. Crown & Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean International 2. Club World, Cunard Line 3. Mariner Society, Holland America Line 4. Latitudes, Norwegian Cruise Line 5. Captain’s Club, Celebrity Cruises 6. Captain’s Circle, Princess Cruises 7. Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Line 8. Oceania Club, Oceania Cruises 9. Crystal Society, Crystal Cruises 10. Seven Seas Society, Regent Seven Seas

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ms Koningsdam, Holland America Line Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Cruises Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Cruises Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Cruise Line mv Viking Sea, Viking Ocean Cruises

BEST LUXURY LEISURE HOTEL GROUP IN THE WORLD 1. Meliá Hotels International 2. Westin Hotels & Resorts 3. The Peninsula Hotels 4. The Ritz-Carlton 5. Conrad Hotels & Resorts 6. The Waldorf Astoria 7. Belmond 8. Four Seasons 9. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 10. Hyatt Hotels

LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

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WINNERS’ CIRCLE BEST HOTEL CHAIN RESORTS

1. Westin Hotels & Resorts 2. The Ritz-Carlton 3. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts 4. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 5. Four Seasons 6. Hyatt Hotels 7. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 9. Meliá Hotels & Resorts 10. Montage Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts

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Kimpton Hotels & Resorts Loews Hotels & Resorts Westin Hotels & Resorts Sheraton Hotels & Resorts The Peninsula Hotels W Hotels The Ritz-Carlton Mandarin Oriental Marriott Hotels & Resorts

BEST FAMILY RESORT CHAIN IN THE WORLD

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BEST HOTEL CHAIN RESORTS AND BEST FAMILY RESORT CHAIN IN THE WORLD:

Westin Hotels & Resorts Loews Hotels & Resorts Disney Resorts Kimpton Hotels & Resorts Omni Hotels & Resorts Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Hyatt Hotels Sheraton Hotels & Resorts JW Marriott

PHOTO: © WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS

award winners boldly change the travel industry with specialized services, innovative technologies and socially responsible accomplishments.

Separating an average trip from a truly memorable experience are those unexpected and special personalized touches. The Special Achievement Award for Best Customized Service goes to The Peninsula Beverly Hills for its flexible check-in and check-out times, personalized pillowcases and unique in-room amenities.

United Airlines takes international travel to new heights with its unprecedented Polaris business class, earning Best Innovations for its spacious relaxation

BEST LEISURE AIRLINE: Hawaiian Airlines

PHOTO: © HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

BEST LEISURE AIRLINE

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Hawaiian Airlines Fiji Airways Air Tahiti Nui United Airlines Virgin America Alaska Airlines Delta Air Lines

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areas, rest pods and personalized onboard dining options.

In an increasingly globalized world, it is more important than ever for companies to put sustainable travel practices in place, and two of our special achievement winners are making strides in their community efforts.

In November Alaska Airlines completed a historic cross-country flight with a sustainable biofuel blend.

The fuel, made from recycled forest materials, is indistinguishable from regular jet fuel but can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. For this industry-first

BEST LUXURY VEHICLE: Mercedes-Benz

PHOTO: © MERCEDES-BENZ

WINNERS’ CIRCLE BEST PREMIUM-ECONOMY CLASS 1. Lufthansa 2. United Airlines 3. China Airlines 4. EVA Air 5. American Airlines 6. Delta Air Lines 7. Virgin Atlantic 8. British Airways 9. All Nippon Airways

BEST PET-FRIENDLY AIRLINE 1. United Airlines 2. American Airlines 3. Delta Air Lines

BEST LUXURY VEHICLE 1. Mercedes-Benz 2. Cadillac 3. Tesla 4. Porsche 5. Maserati 6. BMW 7. Land Rover 8. Lexus 9. Acura 10. Audi

innovation, Alaska Airlines was a shoe-in for Best Environmental Achievements.

National Geographic Expeditions, a series of guided wildlife safaris, expedition cruises and adventures, takes home the award for Best Social Responsibility. With money from tours going directly into nature research and programs, National Geographic Expeditions encourages travelers to support conservation and sustainability in the

BEST PREMIUM-ECONOMY CLASS: Lufthansa

PHOTO: © LUFTHANSA

FAVORITE LUXURY FASHION BRAND 1. Ralph Lauren 2. Chanel 3. Dior 4. Armani 5. Cartier 6. Prada 7. Burberry 8. Louis Vuitton 9. Dior 10. Gucci

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destinations they visit.

For many, travel isn’t the occasional trip but a lifestyle.

The quest for new adventures, new experiences, new cultures and new people takes us around the world, and the winners of our annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards help us get there and make the most of our experiences. We applaud our 2017 winners and thank them for everything they do to help us see the world.

LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

BEST CUSTOMIZED SERVICE: The Peninsula Beverly Hills

PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS

WINNERS’ CIRCLE FAVORITE LUXURY WATCH BRAND 1. TAG Heuer 2. Omega 3. Patek Philippe 4. Movado 5. Louis Vuitton 6. Tiffany 7. Panerai 8. Ulysse Nardin 9. A. Lange & Söhne 10. Cartier

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

BEST CUSTOMIZED SERVICE

PHOTO: © ALASKA AIRLINES

FAVORITE LUXURY JEWELRY BRAND 1. David Yurman 2. Van Cleef & Arpels 3. Cartier 4. Chopard 5. Tiffany & Co. 6. Harry Winston 7. Chanel 8. Roberto Coin 9. Bvlgari 10. Dior

Alaska Airlines

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS Alaska Airlines

BEST INNOVATIONS United Airlines

BEST SOCIAL RESPONSBILITY

FAVORITE ATHLEISURE BRAND

National Geographic Expeditions

BEST PET-FRIENDLY AIRLINE AND BEST INNOVATIONS:

1. Fabletics 2. Lululemon 3. Sweaty Betty 4. Tory Sport 5. Outdoor Voices 6. Steeplechase 7. Vimmia 8. Live the Process 9. Under Armour 10. Yogasmoga

BEST SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: National Geographic Expeditions

United Airlines

PHOTO: © THREE CAMEL LODGE/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC UNIQUE LODGE OF

PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

THE WORLD

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Luxurious, Small-Ship Cruising with Paul Gauguin Cruises THE EXPERIENCE ABOARD Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly unique. The company offers luxurious, small-ship cruising in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific.

Designed specifically to sail French Polynesia’s lagoons, the award-winning, renowned m/s Paul Gauguin is the highest-rated, longest continually sailing cruise ship in the destination. The Gauguin is the flagship of the company, as it delivers travelers to intimate ports while providing an onboard experience nothing short of luxurious.

On each sailing, guests are welcomed by the hospitable spirit of French Polynesia. Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, local Tahitians, serve as cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers, and are the highlight for many. Guests enjoy a number of South Sea exclusives along with local musicians and dancers who perform on board. Life onboard reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands visited.

The ship features spacious oceanview suites and staterooms, with more than 70 percent that include private balconies; gourmet dining in all three venues and menu specialties designed by celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato; complimentary beverages; an in-cabin refrigerator replenished daily; onboard entertainment; an extensive spa; and gratuties for room stewards, dining and bar staff. The watersports marina is available in select ports and offers kayaks, windsurf or paddle boards

and a PADI certification scuba diving program.

The Gauguin offers seven–17-night voyages year-round. Itineraries include seven-night Tahiti and Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands and Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands and Society Islands; 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands; 12- and 13-night Fiji, Tonga, and Cook and Society Islands; and 16–17-night Bali and Fiji sailings.

On all sailings, guests receive complimentary and exclusive access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats: Motu Mahana and Bora Bora. Off the coast of Taha’a in French Polynesia is Motu Mahana, a private islet retreat.

Guests enjoy the carpet of greenery and cerulean sea amongst a variety of activities like sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, Polynesian activities, a full-service bar, a floating lagoon bar and a barbecue feast.

With a lagoon resembling a palette of blues and greens, guests find themselves lost in Bora Bora. The lush tropical slopes and valleys blossoming with hibiscus delight the traveler, allowing them to submerge in ultimate relaxation. The private beach the cruise line offers features picturesque views of Mount Otemanu towering over the main island. Specialists from the watersports marina help with paddle boarding, kayaking or exceptional snorkeling.

In 2018, the line partners with the Wildlife Conservation Society to offer two interactive, educational programs enriching guests’ experience.

Trade in bumper-to-bumper traffic for beachfront bliss, and the day's biggest decision becomes whether to soak up the sun or lounge under the shade of a palm tree.

For more information on our all-inclusive luxury voyages, contact your Travel Professional, call 877-440-6114, or visit pgcruises.com/Lifestyle

TA H I T I | F R E N C H P O LY N E S I A | F I J I | S O U T H PAC I F I C

Bon Voyage!

Growing numbers of travelers sail over the bounding main in grand style. BY DEBRA BOKUR

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WHEN FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER Rogers pirouetted and tap-danced their way around an ocean liner in the 1937 RKO Radio Pictures film Shall We Dance?, audiences were charmed not only with the romance and comedy provided by the actors but also with the concept of embarking upon a luxurious (and entertaining) voyage across the sea.

According to the 2017 Cruise Industry Outlook report issued by Cruise Lines International Association, Inc., more travelers than ever are waving bon voyage. In fact, passenger numbers continue to rise steadily, with growth from 17.8 million ocean cruise passengers in 2009 to a projected 25.3 million in 2017. By the end of December 2016, cruise lines ordered a total of 26 new ocean, river and specialty ships to fulfill rising demands, reflecting an investment of $6.8 billion in the cruise industry and a significant global economic impact worldwide.

Passenger lists are growing, and so are the types of cruises and vessels they can choose from. At the same time, cruise lines are amplifying the perception of cruising as a luxurious escape with the addition of celebrity chefs, more space, expert-led lectures, Broadway-level entertainment and dĂŠcors

OUT TO SEA:

Lanai on a Viking Ocean Cruises ship PHOTO: Š VIKING CRUISES

05 en 20 Betwe he 015 t and 2 d for deman ased g incre cruisin g hoppin by a w rcent.

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dreamt up by famous designers that include opulent bathrooms with freestanding soaking tubs and marble accents.

“On the luxury end of cruising, cabins are getting ever more spacious and swanky,” says Gene Sloan, cruise editor, USA TODAY. “The biggest suite on Regent’s new Seven Seas Explorer is 4,443 square feet, which is bigger than the average home in the United States. It features a master bed that costs over $100,000 and a $250,000, Dakota Jackson-designed piano.”

But it’s not just the big stuff, elaborates Sloan. “It’s the little things, too, that are getting ever better, like you’ll now find a couple electrical outlets right next to the bed so you can charge your phone and computer and have them both right next to you while you sleep, and there’s an illy espresso machine with pods at the ready just in case you can’t wait the 20 minutes for room service to arrive. Cruise ship suites at the high end really are becoming every bit as wonderful as the top suites at hotels on land.”

While the vast expanses and activity choices of mega ships continue to lure loyal passengers, the more intimate, upscale atmosphere of today’s small ships attracts dedicated luxury travelers.

A magnificent example is the elegant, balconied, all-suite Europa 2, part of Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet. It’s the perfect size: large enough to sail the high seas and provide a spa, entertainment venues and multiple restaurants but petite enough to access minor ports and narrow fjords, allowing for an expanded range of destinations and experiences. One of the many notable facets of Europa 2 is the impeccable service provided to guests, an aspect that often becomes

SWANKY:

Regent Suite on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Explorer with Dakota Jacksondesigned piano (top) and bed that costs more than $100,000 (bottom) PHOTOS: © REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

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the defining factor of a luxury sailing.

“With a staff ratio of 370 crewmembers to 516 guests on the Europa 2, the ship [offers] personalized service, the most important element of the luxury experience,” emphasizes Karl J. Pojer, CEO, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Pojer adds that along with the most space per passenger in the industry setting its fleet apart in the luxury market, Hapag-Lloyd’s definition of luxury includes its individual routing concept that allows guests to discover new worlds more exclusively and intensively.

Like the number of decks and the square footage of cabins, the cruise demographic itself is expanding. The most recent CLIA report reveals a growing interest from millennials and Gen Xers. These passengers may be more attracted by the adventure component of an itinerary than the promise of luxury, while older cruisers have other expectations. An estimated half of all cruise passengers fall between the ages of 50 and 74. According to Kitty Bean Yancey, who writes for AARP The Magazine and its website and for CruiseCritic.com, older cruisers like the ease of traveling by ship, including the simplicity of unpacking once and not having to worry about the details of planning meals or activities.

Yancey adds that travelers in the 50-to-74 age group tend to have more money and place higher value on things like food quality, attentive service, fine wines and cabin space. High-end cruise lines such as Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas recognize these priorities and cater directly to this ‘Enrichment, such as age group. lectures about places “Enrichment, such as lectures about places visited and cultural land tours, visited and cultural is important to older cruisers,” Yancey land tours, is imporsays. “[These travelers] are instrumental tant to older cruisers.’ in the growth of European river cruises on lines such as Viking and AmaWater— Kitty Bean Yancey ways, which typically offer a wealth of cultural activities. Princess Cruise Line launched a ScholarShip@Sea program with classes from wine tasting to scrapbooking.”

Enrichment programs run the gamut from lectures and seminars with world-renowned authors, statesmen, explorers and artists to cooking classes with star chefs and immersive experiences like the acting workshops conducted by London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on board Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2. The trend for themed cruises (also known as affinity cruises) increased as well: Among Cunard’s upcoming themed voyages are Transatlantic Fashion Week; World Space Week; and A Photographic Journey to the Land of the Midnight Sun, which includes the opportunity to learn from leading wildlife and landscape photographer Ross Hoddinott.

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SEAWORTHY:

Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2 (top), London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s acting workshop on Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 (middle), and wine tasting (bottom) PHOTOS: © HAPAG LLOYD, © CUNARD LINE

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 choose to stay at the contemporary adult oriented ME by Meliá, the lush tropical world of Paradisus Resorts, the timeless splendor of Gran Meliá Hotels & Resor ts, or Melia Hotels & Resor ts with destinations worldwide – the unexpected is what we do best.

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

Fashionable trends include making port on private islands, digital concierge services via interactive displays in guestrooms and public areas, adventure expedition cruises and onboard apps like the wearable device available to guests in Medallion Class accommodations on four of Princess Cruise Lines’ ships. Called the OCEAN (One Cruise Experience Access Network) Medallion, the app delivers personalized customer service in the form of a wearable wristband, pendant or clip.

Royal Caribbean’s new tiered Royal Suite Class, offered on select ships, provides guests with a range of upgraded amenities, personalized experiences, priority access to dining and destination-specific perks such as private beach cabanas. The line’s top-tiered Star Class includes the new, complimentary Royal Genie service. These personal steward-genies make day-to-day arrangements for dining, shows and activities while staying in touch with passengers via email and a messaging app.

According to USA TODAY’s Sloan, the big development at the luxury end of cruising is the infusion of more adventurous options into voyages. The demand for adventure-themed cruises and itineraries on expedition ships incorporates facets such as plying remote, ice-flecked waters during excursions offered by Arctic experts AdventureSmith Explorations.

And both experienced and new cruise travelers are being drawn to unique experiences such as the exhilaration of sailing beneath actual sails aboard Star Clippers’ fleet of tall ships. With three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels, these specialty ships present all of the comforts of a private yacht, with access to ports that aren’t always accessible to other types of vessels. The lure of this unique kind of adventure led Star Clippers to recently enhance its destinations with a new expedition to Bali.

“You’re seeing almost all of the major players in luxury cruising jump into this in some way,” Sloan elaborates.

“Some, like Silversea and (soon) Crystal, are adding small (but still upscale) expedition ships to their fleets that carry motorized Zodiac rafts for landings and offer a more active and adventurous type of trip. This is a very different kind of cruise experience than what is offered on a traditional ship. The innovation that I’m seeing in luxury isn’t so much in the amenities in cabins or public areas of ships but in the programming and style of travel.”

Longer voyages, too — such as Viking Cruises’ world cruise on the sparkling new ocean-going Viking Sun — continue to draw dedicated travelers. A first for Viking, the Epic Viking Journey will sail this year from Miami, making port in

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LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

SET SAIL FOR ADVENTURE: Royal Clipper tall ship (top), Princess Cruises’ OCEAN Medallion (middle), and Silversea’s Silver Discoverer with Zodiac PHOTOS: © STAR CLIPPER, © PRINCESS CRUISES, © SILVERSEA

ON THE RIVER: Artist’s renderings of Crystal Cruises’ river cruise (top left), Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler penthouse (right), and Palm Court (bottom left) PHOTOS: © CRYSTAL CRUISES

London 141 days later. En route, passengers will enjoy king-sized beds, heated bathroom floors and two pools, plus the chance to explore 66 ports in 35 countries on five continents.

As the lines that once separated mainstream ocean and river cruises from upscale versions continue to blur, details become key.

“Our ocean ships, luxury expedition yachts and river yachts feature innovative itineraries that range from seven days to 102 days, with onboard and ashore activities that meet the needs of today’s world traveler,” says Edie Rodriguez, chairman, president and CEO, Crystal Cruises. “For example, we recognized the market was in search of a true luxury river experience on the European rivers. [In response,] we are delivering Crystal River Cruises, featuring 6-star guest service; farm-to-table, Michelin-

inspired cuisine; all-suite accommodations; the latest in-room technology; and a variety of shore excursions, including private Champagne tours on our special wider tender, thus separating us from anything offered today.”

Once a largely overlooked group, solo passengers are also reaping the benefits of a robust cruise industry. Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, explains Uniworld provides solo travelers with a variety of all-inclusive itineraries that venture everywhere from Europe’s major cities to smaller, less-traveled villages. Voyages include open seating at every meal, small group excursions and the ability to connect with like-minded travelers who share the same passion for adventure.

As cruise lines sail into the future, passengers will continue to seek vessels that fulfill their expectations of luxury and exploration while providing them with memorable, life-enhancing experiences.

Enormous cabins and big names in the kitchen may deliver the initial draw, but the special touches like the big band orchestra on Cunard’s fleet of ocean liners — where guests can dance the night away à la those old Astaire and Rogers films — may just keep cruise ships happily afloat.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Classic Veranda Suite

A NEW CHAPTER AT SILVERSEA Today, travellers are as varied as our world. But the enlightened traveller enjoys being inspired by an unsurpassed number of destinations and adventures, being escorted to all seven continents in unsurpassed style, and sailing aboard the most exclusive all-inclusive boutique size ships, complete with butlers in every suite, free internet, and an unrivalled gourmet experience.

In other words, they love sailing with Silversea.

These travellers and explorers live life at the pinnacle; they command the absolute best in their vacations, their adventures, their experiences, their cuisine, their entertainment, their accommodations, and of course, their memories. When it comes to meeting and exceeding these travellers’ exacting standards, no cruise line is better equipped than Silversea.

Only Silversea goes to all seven continents, visiting over 800 captivating destinations. Silversea is also the only cruise line to offer both classic voyages and expedition itineraries. Travellers choosing Silversea’s classic voyages will see the world from one of nine vessels, ranging from only 296 guests to 596 guests on our new flagship Silver Muse. Expedition voyagers explore the far reaches of the planet from the comfort and luxury from one of four specially equipped vessels. These smaller 100- to 260-guest ships are specially designed so they can get closer to Earth’s rarely seen treasures, and they are staffed with expert marine biologists, ornithologists, anthropologists, botanists, and the like – turning excursions into involving, not-to-be-missed experiences.

Making the experience carefree, Silversea voyages are all-inclusive Gratuities, room service, select wines, premium spirits, and many other beverages are always included.

Adding to the pampering experience, Silversea boasts a staff-toguest ratio of nearly one-to-one, meaning your clients’ whims and wishes will not only be met in grand style, they’re often anticipated.

Additionally, regardless of category, every suite has its own butler, catering to your clients’ every need – from arranging dinner reservations and excursions, even packing their luggage.

Ensuring spectacular views, every Silversea suite is ocean-view, most have private verandas, and regardless of category, each suite has among the most generous space-per-guest in both luxury and river cruising.

This generous space makes in-suite dining a pleasant proposition, especially considering room service is complimentary. Of course, should your clients wish to dine in the onboard restaurants, there are numerous exquisite options. Anchored by Silversea’s Italian heritage, food is of the utmost importance. Add our partnership with Grands Chef Relais & Châteaux® and it’s easy to see why Silversea is renowned for culinary excellence.

For more information visit Silversea.com

THE SOUL of

INSPIRATION ARRIVING APRIL 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL, CALL SILVERSEA AT 800.722.9955, OR VISIT SILVERMUSE.INFO.

9 INTIMATE SHIPS • 7 CONTINENTS • OVER 800 PORTS • INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

Zest for the Quest Modern-day pilgrims seek personal connection through journeys.

BY KARIN LEPERI

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LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

I TRAVELED TO NORMANDY, France, last year to pay tribute to the thousands of heroic American soldiers and sailors who gave their lives during World War II. As a retired military officer, my intent was to connect with a generation of fallen brethren to honor their sacrifices. I laid to rest a yellow rose on the grave of a soldier unknown to me — one who symbolized all those buried here in Normandy.

Essentially, I became a pilgrim seeking connection with what I perceived as a greater hallowed purpose, one loftier than my normal exploratory excursions. In seeking travel personally sacred and significant to me, I became a pilgrim with a mission, on a path searching for travel on a deeper level. And while my secular journey was based on remembrance rather than religion, it still was one of traveling with the heart and connecting with the soul.

Many travelers are propelled by remembrances — it is their root motivator. This can translate into pilgrimages based on military moments; spiritual travel; ancestry and genealogy research; out-of-thisworld encounters; and special interests including music legends, literary greats and aviation. Whatever the focus, all share the features of a

HALLOWED GROUND: White crosses of the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial PHOTO: © ASTORMFR | DREAMSTIME.COM

r on ou d t o n e rl ‘We’r ve the wo o sa es. ney t r u o rselv j u o e you o sav that g but t n i o in d he But rld. T o w the vital save of a e c n e influ s.’ talize ll i v n pbe perso Cam h p e s Jo

quest common to pilgrims — a search for personal connection through journey and destination travel. And, perhaps, spiritual bliss.

Nowadays, there has been a marked increase in spiritual travel, also known as secular pilgrimage. This is the direct result of a decline in allegiance to religious doctrine, according to Catherine Jane Rogers, a Ph.D. candidate at Australia’s Central Queensland University. It manifests in “movement toward development of the self and interconnectedness with the Earth.” Secular tourists essentially travel to areas and sites they deem sacred or meaningful to their lives and which generally reflect their belief system. They expect the journey and destination to be spiritual, sacred, meaningful or experiential in nature. The intent is to elevate the self to a state of awe and enhanced appreciation of contemporary life.

Faith-based tourism does not have a monopoly on pilgrimage, as secular pilgrims can experience an inner and outer journey that both inspires and leaves the self in awe.

“No matter why you do it, if you claim to take a journey to a place that’s important to you, you are still a pilgrim. You

get out of [it] what you put in. Sometimes putting forth the effort is legitimacy enough,” says author Justine Digance.

TRAVELING TO MILITARY monuments and memorials is, for many, a way to make peace with the past while honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. From Normandy, France, to Pearl Harbor, these places offer monuments, statues and memorials to reflect on those dark days.

Of all the wars in recent history, it was World War II that threatened the foundations of democracy worldwide. The war also chalked up the greatest carnage the world has ever known in terms of total casualties. About 3 percent of the 1940 population — more than 60 million people — were killed during the war.

LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

REMEMBRANCE: USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor (top), monument (bottom left), and shrine room, where the names of those killed on the Arizona are engraved on the marble wall (bottom right) PHOTOS: © LIDIAN NEELEMAN | DREAMSTIME.COM, © LOUIS HORCH | DREAMSTIME.COM, © JOEL FERRER | DREAMSTIME.COM

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to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and their friends.” Because time is running out for many, top priority is given to senior veterans such as World War II survivors.

Those who are terminally ill are also given priority.

SPIRITUAL TRAVEL HAS come to embrace any meaningful activity, including the search for sacred connection and space. It may also refer to personal growth, blissful experience or an encounter with one’s own “inner dimension.”

This can involve natural landmarks and places, cultural tourism, environmental tourism, sacred art and even the development of self and interconnectedness with the Earth through symbolic ritual. “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again,” according to American mythologist Joseph Campbell.

Natural places that evoke a sense of peace and power include sacred sites such as Uluru in Australia’s Northern Territory, Shiprock in New Mexico and even Ireland’s Blarney Stone. Manmade sacred sites might include the Nazca Lines and Machu Picchu in Peru, or the giant moai heads of Easter Island. Often described as Earth’s chakras, energy vortices might include Sedona, Stonehenge, Mount Shasta and Uluru.

ROCK SOLID: Ancient moai on Easter Island (top), and Shiprock, the great volcanic rock mountain in the desert plain of New Mexico (bottom) PHOTOS: © PAUL BENEFIELD | DREAMSTIME.COM, © DMITRY PICHUGIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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More than 1 million visitors come annually to pay respect to those Americans who gave their lives during World War II’s Normandy invasion and European operations. Located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial was dedicated in 1956, with 9,387 burials honored on the manicured grounds. White marble crosses line up perfectly, punctuated with 149 star of David headstones marking Jewish graves. In the center of the memorial stands a prominent, 22-foot bronze statue titled Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.

In a similar vein, the Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization, was created with the single purpose of honoring America’s veterans for their sacrifices in defense of our nation. Its mission is simple: “To transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit those memorials dedicated

LEISURE LIFESTYLE 2017

ON A MISSION to discover your ancestral roots? It has never been easier. Today, a DNA test can help you discover your past by identifying your ancestral homelands.

As a result, many travelers are going back in time to seek connection with their family roots. According to the market research firm Global Industry Analysts, genealogical enthusiasts are spending $1,000–18,000 a year to discover where their ancestors came from, with the global market for products and services rising to $4.3 billion by 2018.

In particular, Skift sees DNA testing as a heritage tourism hook for black travelers. While Alex Haley’s best seller and television series Roots inspired many connections initially, it is DNA testing that makes it possible to more precisely trace black American lineage to specific African countries. The result? Many are traveling to Africa to walk in the footsteps of their forefathers.

Outfits such as 23andMe.com, Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com offer affordable DNA testing from as little as $99. It should come as no surprise that genealogy tourism is largely centered in developed countries that experienced a mass exodus of their population.

Such emigrations include the African trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Irish potato famine of 1845–1852 and the 1870 surge of Italian emigrants to America. The largest ancestry group as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau is not the English but rather German-Americans. About 46 million were reported in 2014, accounting for almost one-third of the ethnic German population worldwide.

SOME PILGRIMS SEEK THE TRUTH by connecting to a larger universe through travel to UFO hot spots.

We have heard and seen references to these places with movies like Independence Day and television shows like The X-Files.

UFO sightings in the United States date back to as early as 1897 and continue through the present.

(The U.S. Air Force came up with the term back in 1953 to label any unknown object flying in the sky.) Many believers make annual pilgrimages to UFO sites such as Roswell, ET Highway, Area 51, Devil’s Tower and the Marfa Lights, hoping for a close encounter of the third kind.

WITHOUT PASSION, life ceases to have zest, and we lose our vitality. For we are most alive and connected with a true purpose when we pursue something that spells the essence of who we are. As Nelson Mandela said, “There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Pilgrims seek passion in the same way teachers seek students. The quest is designed to align energy with the heart so that all who hear the music may inspirationally transform the ordinary. Music can provide that connection. Perhaps that is why upwards of 75,000 people attend the annual candlelight vigil at Graceland every August to honor rock ’nʻ roll’s great legend, Elvis Presley.

Others seek a literary connection by traversing the Mis-

FLYING OBJECTS: Area 51 Alien Center near Las Vegas, Nev. (top), and the aviation bone yard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz. (bottom) PHOTOS: © RICHARDT777 | DREAMSTIME.COM, © CRACKERCLIPS | DREAMSTIME .COM

sissippi Delta for literary greats from Faulkner and Welty to Grisham and Wright. Hemingway’s home in Key West offers an inspiration for writers seeking to find their muse.

For those who cherish the freedom of flight, there is no greater path than the one that leads to aviation. Many a retired airman vigilantly treks to the Pima Air & Space Museum and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for the aircraft bone yard. Its mission is to reconnect with the glory days of flight, when flying was associated with adrenalin and adventure. While admittedly motivated more by memories than enlightenment, nevertheless the connection is akin to a pilgrim seeking to reconnect with the heart.

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Wander the alleyways of Taipei and you could come across a hand puppet performance. Authentic, elaborately attired characters make charming keepsakes or gifts.

Photo by Liu Chen-hsiang

Taiwan’s fascinating culture is everywhere, from back alley public art projects to street puppet shows, grand downtown performance halls, and up through the jewel that is the National Palace Museum. No visit to Taiwan would be complete without a tour of the National Palace Museum. Nestled against a mountain at the top of the Taipei basin, it’s literally a mountain of cultural and artistic treasures as the vast collection of over 700,000 items of historical and artistic significance is largely kept in vaults under the hills behind the museum.

Performing arts is another bright spot on the local cultural landscape, led by the modern dance of the internationally celebrated Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. The colorful fusion of traditional cultural themes with modern elements gives Taiwan’s performing arts inspiring color and freshness.

Don’t underestimate the power and influence of these two crescent moon blocks, a ubiquitous sight at Taiwan’s temples used in divination to answer a “yes” or “no” question.

PARTNER TOUR OPERATORS AAvan Vacation www.aavanvacation.com Affordable Asia www.affordableasia.com Majestic Vacations www.majestic-vacations.com RITZ Tours www.ritztours.com

Taiwan celebrates many traditional religious and cultural festivals, like Dragon Boat Day, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the goddess Mazu’s birthday, so be sure to check a calendar of local events for a truly authentic local experience.

SITA World Tours www.sitatours.com STA Travel US www.statravel.com Super Value Tours www.supervaluetours.com

Photos courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, Li Tien-lu Hand Puppet Historical Museum, and Taiwan Tourism Bureau

taiwan.net.tw

No matter what your taste or appetite, on the ground with aboriginal elders or in the rarefied museum air, whether brilliant Hakka handicrafts or intricate temple architecture, culture lives and thrives here with vigor and variety.

T R AV E L D I A RY

CULTURE

From the grittiest streets to the loftiest institutions, culture is something lived, revered, and celebrated in Taiwan.

A visit to the National Palace Museum is not complete without viewing its most popular and celebrated item, the Jadeite Cabbage. The lifelike vegetable is merely one piece in the museum’s vast banquet for the eyes and soul.

Head Over Heels

Explore the hot new trends in honeymoons.

BY LOIS FRIEDLAND

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IS THERE A SEISMIC SHIFT in honeymoon travel trends? Are honeymooners seeking trips promising more than hiding away in a romantic beachside spot? Are a growing number of couples choosing to incorporate adventure and new experiences into their honeymoons?

Yes, according to a new study by Westin Hotels & Resorts titled “Couples Seek Action Beyond the Bedroom When Booking Honeymoons.” The study, conducted in North America in partnership with StudyLogic, revealed couples are packing more into their honeymoon travels, seeking more active experiences and visiting more destinations in less time. The couples are staying closer to home to lessen travel times, and three out of four couples stay in the United States and Canada, a sharp increase from more than five years ago.

Nancy Barkley, founder of the luxury-oriented Honeymoons and Getaways, notes locales for honeymoons can depend upon

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ROMANTIC GETAWAY:

Whether you chose a beach destination, cruise or a winter wonderland, the honeymoon options are endless.

PHOTO: © SANTORINES | DREAMSTIME.COM

he want t u o y r e oon Wheth honeym t s e l o co a nge on world’s u o l o t want two or just ain the t r e c e ge mak ame pa beach, s e h t are on p. of you the tri g n i n n a l when p

how long a couple is willing to travel. She says, “St. Martin is making a comeback because people who are only going for a week can take daytrips to Anguilla and St. Barts. In that one week you can get four tastes of different cultures.”

Couples who have the time and money often choose to visit other countries, even though the travel time is longer. According to the 2017 Virtuoso Luxe Report, the top honeymoon destination is Italy, followed by Maui in Hawai’i, French Polynesia, the Maldives and Mexico.

Destinations such as the Maldives are popular because many honeymooners want to stay in romantic overwater villas. It’s a long plane ride to this part of the globe, however, so most couples need to add a day of travel at the beginning and end of the trip and factor in jet lag. Heeding the call for these romantic hideaways, Sandals Resorts recently opened Sandals Royal SECLUDED RENDEZVOUS:

Sandals Resorts recently opened Sandals Royal Caribbean’s overwater bungalows at Montego Bay, Jamaica PHOTOS: © SANDALS RESORTS

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OCEAN’S EDGE:

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa on St. Lucia exterior (top) and swim-up junior suite (bottom) PHOTOS: ©CALABASH COVE RESORT & SPA

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Caribbean’s overwater bungalows at Montego Bay, Jamaica. The five villas perch on stilts and feature see-through glass floors, private pools and overwater hammocks for two. The demand for these villas is so strong Sandals is designing smaller versions without the pools, expected to open this spring. The overwater villas are expensive: Depending upon the time of year — and even with promotions — they often cost more than $2,000 a day.

Couples like all-inclusive destinations because they needn’t worry about carrying money, and the rate includes a choice of restaurants and experiences.

Couples will want to select carefully: Confirm exactly what’s included and note if it’s an adults-only resort or features a private section just for adults. The Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, offers private pool villas, while the Calabash Cove Resort & Spa on St. Lucia has oceanfront cottages. Some resort companies or properties, such as Sandals, may offer discounts or even a free wedding if a couple plans to book both the ceremony and the honeymoon there.

Cruises are another choice for couples who want an all-inclusive experience. Carnival Cruises and

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Royal Caribbean even have honeymoon registries couples can refer friends to when they ask about wedding gifts. For honeymooners who prefer small ships, consider a Windstar yacht-style cruise among Caribbean islands or in the Mediterranean with stops in European cities.

NATURAL WONDERS:

Explora Rapa Nui on Easter Island (top); and couples skiing (bottom left) and horseback riding (bottom right) PHOTOS: © EXPLORA © JULIA BURLACHENKO | DREAMSTIME.COM, © MIRAMISSKA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Special experiences — from a romantic oceanside dinner to a couple’s massage, a horseback ride for two or a day of heliskiing — rank high on honeymooners’ lists. Surprises are a really big thing, especially for millennials, according to Barkley.

She recalls one case when a husband and wife each contacted her to set up a romantic dinner on the beach as a surprise for the other. It’s best to book these experiences in advance to make certain oceanside tables or spaces on the helicopter are available. Travel agents and travel consultants can help arrange surprises.

An increasing number of couples with active lifestyles are choosing locales high in adventures, attracting honeymooners to places where one can go skiing, hiking, horseback riding and learn about foreign cultures.

On Easter Island, for instance, couples can combine adventure and culture as they walk along cliffs that plummet into the Pacific Ocean, shimmy into caves and photograph

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the moai monolithic statues. Choose a hotel designed to blend into the island’s environment. Upscale travelers can book an oceanfront room with an oversized handmade clay tub at the eco-sensitive Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa. The 30-room, LEED-certified Explora Rapa Nui, located in an isolated area of the island’s national park, takes advantage of the seclusion and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape.

Here in North America, the Westin study reports resorts such as The Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler, Canada, enjoyed a significant increase in honeymoon travelers in the last couple of years. In the winter, activities range from skiing on the slopes and via helicopter to spa treatments and fine dining. In the summer, cycling excursions and golf are popular.

Marissa Wiethe Hyun and her husband, Thomas, wanted a winter destination in the United States, so they checked out several ski resorts and fell in love with Telluride, Colo. Wiethe Hyun explains they chose to have both their wedding and their

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

honeymoon in Telluride because the resort offered “adventure” and a “magical setting.” An on-site wedding planner at the Madeline Hotel helped these Manhattan residents set up both. During their honeymoon, they loved the many romantic settings including lounging in the hot tub on the hotel’s Sky Terrace and sipping cocktails at Allred’s mountainside restaurant while watching the sun sink behind snow-clad peaks.

Guest ranches make wonderful places for active honeymooners. Couples can hide away in private cabins, like Sundown or Compromise at the Relais & Châteaux Home Ranch in Clark, Colo. After a day of riding horses or hiking in Mount Zirkel Wilderness in the fall, the honeymooners can soothe sore muscles in their private hot tub with a mountain view before heading for a gourmet dinner. Wintertime, enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Couples seeking novel lodging might choose a glamping tent at The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Mont. The resort’s honeymoon packages include a private horseback ride for two and Fire and Fondue for two.

SNOWBOUND:

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler (above), and a winter honeymoon at the Relais & Châteaux Home Ranch in Clark, Colo. (right)

PLANNING A HONEYMOON can be stressful, so Barkley interviews couples when they come to her. “I ask each of them separately what they are looking for,” she says. The questions range from the type of hotel to what experiences they consider romantic. “Right from the start it’s all about a give and take because sometimes they have totally opposite ideas,” she added.

One factor to take into consideration is whether or not to take a delayed honeymoon either because the couple is exhausted or they can’t get away from jobs long enough after the wedding. The cost of plane tickets, especially to far-away places such as Bora-Bora or Hawai’i from the East Coast, is another consideration.

One of the biggest surprises to Barkley was a theme she’s seen with many millennials. “It’s all about bragging rights. I was here before you.”

Whether couples want bragging rights for a novel honeymoon or simply a wonderful memory to recall on a 50th wedding anniversary, choosing the location and activities should be a fun experience of working together.

PHOTOS: © THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA, © RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX HOME RANCH

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be rewarded. be one.

Earn and redeem miles and points across all member airlines. As a oneworld traveler, wherever you go, your rewards follow.

Learn more at oneworld.com

an alliance of the world's leading airlines working as one. airberlin American Airlines British Airways Cathay Pacific Finnair Iberia Japan Airlines LATAM Malaysia Airlines Qantas Qatar Airways Royal Jordanian S7 Airlines SriLankan Airlines

oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airline’s flight number on your ticket). For information on oneworld, visit www.oneworld.com. airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companies. LATAM Airlines (Paraguay) is currently not a part of oneworld.

Island Indulgence

Luxury adventure hits its stride in the Caribbean. BY CARLEY D. THORNELL e s to th r acces i a l a n tio ow in Interna d to gr e u n i t n d ean co s adde Caribb carrier s a 6 1 ited and 20 the Un d n a 2015 e p uro e h delux from E lue wit service B t e J , ing aarten , includ a, St. M States b u r A to ervice ucia.

Mint s d St. L n a s o d Barba

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SWIMMING WITH PIGS? Check. Hiking on top of volcanoes? Got it. Health and wellness classes with a Super Bowl winner and former New England Patriot? Touchdown.

The Caribbean of 2017 involves much more than just lying on the beach and staring at the sea — it’s about what you can see, do, taste and feel when choosing immersive experiences on one island. Just take Christine Easton’s word for it.

The autumn bride wanted to celebrate her new last name with a sunny honeymoon to chase off the chill of Massachusetts, and The Bahamas called. “The Caribbean appealed to us because there are so many posh resorts that are romantic and relaxing, but there’s also adventure activities like horseback riding that a lot of people don’t think about,” she says of her trip with husband Harley Easton. “And swimming with pigs is unlike anything else we’ve ever done before!”

This porcine pleasure is just one unforgettable activity on the Atlantic archipelago that, as with the Eastons, captivated fans of the reality show The Bachelor and helped The Bahamas bring home extra bacon after a wildly popular broadcast last February.

The U.S. Virgin Islands piggybacks on the interest in adventuring with a special 2017 promotion offering the ultimate dream — getting “paid” to travel. In

honor of the centennial anniversary of the islands’ transfer from Denmark to the United States, the Department of Tourism extends $300 in travel credits per person for historical or cultural tours and activities during stays of three nights or longer. Those wanting to wind their way around an underwater snorkeling trail can hit St. John’s Trunk Bay. Vacationers dreaming of swimming at one of only two underwater monuments in the United States can float over to St. Croix’s Buck Island Reef.

Whether it’s exploring the vestiges of Danish culture or Dutch, longer stays versus layovers make a great way to experience more, says Aruba travel lover Gregg Wasiak. “The island is only six miles wide and 19 miles long, so you can go to the beach and still be doing two other amazing things in one day; you can go to Oranjestad to see the Dutch architecture, or you can visit an ostrich farm with your kids and go to a kitesurfing or film festival.”

In recent years, Aruba has been a top performer among Caribbean destinations that so-called stayover travelers choose to immerse themselves in rather than cruise through. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s September 2016 Quarterly Statistical Review, 22.4 million visitors were estimated to choose the Caribbean for a land-based vacation, a 5 percent increase from 2015 and the fifth year of solid year-overyear growth. That’s compared to more modest growth in the cruise industry of a 2 percent rise in passengers over 2015.

What’s driving the change? “Spend a few days here, and you’re going to see two distinct Arubas,” says Wasiak, whose New York-based firm Concept Farm uses digital initiatives to tell the “One Happy Island” story. “The north side of the island, the one few know about, has this amazing rugged terrain with cliffs, ancient caves and wild cactus formations that make it look like Mars. Then

LAND AND SEA:

Guests of Exuma Water Sports swimming with pigs in The Bahamas (left); Buck Island, St. Croix (middle); divi divi trees on Eagle Beach in Aruba (top right); and Aruba’s rocky, uninhabited north coast (bottom right) PHOTOS: © RAY LIGHTBOURN (EXUMA WATER SPORTS), © U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, © DAVID SMITH | DREAMSTIME.COM, © ANNA KRASNOPEEVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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TRANSFORMATION:

The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan oceanfront dining (top) and remodeled lobby (bottom) PHOTOS: © THE RITZ-CARLTON, SAN JUAN

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you’ve got the mild side, with iconic Eagle and Palm beaches and beautiful hotels and resorts.”

Those accommodations — including the opening of higher-end brands like the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba in 2013 and the Four Seasons Anguilla in October 2016 — are just part of what’s contributing to increased interest in land stays. There’s also an increased focus on property enhancement and renovation over the past few years says David Jessop, a consultant and former director, the Caribbean Council, who cites “a dramatic growth in chain hotels and boutique hotels aimed at upscale visitors over the past five to 10 years.” It’s a gold mine of opportunities for lovers of golden sands.

That includes the 20-year-old Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, where recent renovations transformed the property from traditional hues to contemporary colors. “The lobby lounge used to have more of a tropical vibe, but now the color palette is much more soft, with taupe and neutrals as opposed to vibrant greens,” explains Melissa D. Peña Pérez, communications director, The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. “The cream marble floor is the color of sand, the bright gold rug in the center is the sun and the focal point is the floor-to-ceiling windows with the tropical palm trees, the pool and the garden. Everything comes together.”

She adds that taking away more vibrant patterns by sprucing up an outdated aesthetic represents just one of the ways brands like RitzCarlton try to appeal to younger travelers, but “green” is the one color

O ce a n B e a c h na t i v e a n d l o c a l s u r f l e g e n d S t e v e B e t t i s w a s d ia g n o s e d w i t h M S i n 2 0 0 6 . A l t h o u g h s u r f i n g i s s t ill ce n t r a l to h i s l i f e , h e h a s n’ t b e e n a b l e t o g e t o u t o n t h e w a t e r i n 10 y e a r s . F o r a ma n w h o s e da il y r o u t i n e a l w ay s i n c l u d e d a f e w w av e s , m o r e t h a n a d e c a d e o u t o f t h e s u r f i s j u s t t o o l o n g . T h i s i s w hy t h e N a t i o na l M S S o c i e t y t e a m e d u p w i t h h i s b u d d y Ro b e r t “ W i n g n u t ” We av e r a n d u s e d v i r t ua l r e a l i t y t o g e t S te ve b a c k o n h i s w av e . S e e t h e i r e x p e r i e n ce a n d f i n d o u t h o w y o u c a n s h a r e y o u r s a t W e A r e S t r o n g e rT h a n M S . o r g .

Together We Are Stronger

that continues to generate a lot of buzz. The hotel is not only certified environmentally friendly but also incorporates the story of how local food products are made and sourced. The spa provides a “sensory journey” with island-grown coffee body scrubs and warm seashell massages.

Combined with Vieques’ bioluminescent bay, ziplining, mountain climbing, scuba diving and a special Ritz-led nature class about Puerto Rico’s indigenous singing frog, the property offers more than gorgeous beaches to draw guests from the millennial generation, says Peña Pérez.

Others, like The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, take adventuring to a whole new level with all-inclusive packages running the gamut of health and wellness activities: water sports, spoga (spinning and yoga), golf, tennis, spinning in a glass tree house, tai chi and more, plus special themed retreats featuring former Olympians or former NFL players like Randy Moss. But those who worry about getting burned out versus just burned on the beach need not fret. A little R&R is in order, too, with daily included spa treatments and what may be the most relaxing feature of all: an adults-only policy most weeks out of the year.

The opposite tack — multigenerational travel — is trending among her high-end clients, says Christina McGoldrick of Victoria King Public Relations, an agency that “specializes in over-the-top travel.” She says, “We all know Americans don’t take enough vacation time — so people really do try to kill two birds with one stone and bring the whole family.”

Most popular is Valley Trunk resort on Virgin Gorda, a private residence

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EXERCISE YOUR OPTIONS: The BodyHoliday glass tree house for spinning classes (above), and tai chi (left).

PHOTOS: © BODYHOLIDAY

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ISLAND DELIGHTS: David Copperfield at Musha Cay (top left), and underwater mermaid (top right); Four Seasons Resort Nevis’ Kastawey Smash (bottom left), and Kastawey Beach Bar (bottom right) PHOTOS: © MUSHA CAY, © THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS

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for up to 16 people complete with a private yacht, 19 acres of secluded gardens and private chef. If it all sounds magical, that’s because it is — especially the case at David Copperfield’s Musha Cay, a $57,000-a-night private island in The Bahamas. “It’s really popular for celebrities who want to escape the paparazzi. But not only is it all-inclusive, you can also arrange treasure hunts with speakers hidden in the ‘jungle’ and pirates and a treasure chest that levitates,” says McGoldrick.

Although the island of Nevis may be where Princess Diana took her sons in the 1980s to escape the paparazzi, by and large it’s still essentially an adults-only private island at the Four Seasons, where 12,000 monkeys outnumber the people in just 196 resort rooms and 150 private villas. The

team recently started promoting more than just the luxury lifestyle and branched out to such once-in-a-lifetime experiences as Peaks of Perfection; the day filled with adventure includes a helicopter ride to Montserrat island’s Exclusion Zone, where only a few people a day are allowed to enter after the 1995 Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption. The experience includes a tour of the home of the late Beatles producer George Martin, capped off by spa treatments. Another hit is Dive & Dine, where chefs help guests catch lobsters and create a customized seafood menu cooked up in a beachside cabana. For more laid-back luxury, the new Kastawey Beach Bar offers up fish caught daily made with vegetables grown in the on-site culinary garden and a signature drink, the Kastawey Smash, made with Nevis rum.

Lie back and dream of Hawai‘i all the way there.

We’ve taken authentic Hawaiian hospitality to a new level. Select A330 aircraft now feature lie-flat seats that transform into true beds, the centerpiece of a new Premium Cabin design inspired by the colors, shapes and textures of our home. Learn more at HawaiianAirlines.com.

P R O U D T O B E N A M E D G L O B A L T R AV E L E R ’ S “ B E S T L E I S U R E A I R L I N E ”

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