The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE
The Insider’s Club April 2018
Hot Spot of the Month
Greenland
Don’t forget to check out this month’s Virtuoso Life by clicking here ->
Choose Your News Explore: Greenland 4-7 Where To Stay 8-11 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 12-23 Tech News: Travel Technology 24-25
Explore: Greenland Written by Damien Martin As the world gets smaller, it gets harder to find places that are truly off the beaten path. Greenland’s east is one of those places. “The Arctic Riviera,” the area bursts to life as the snow melts and tiny wildflowers become ubiquitous. Near summer’s end, berries ripen, and dwarf birches change color. Natural Habitat Adventures’ Discover Greenland nine-day itinerary makes this remote corner of the world accessible with departures (of up to 12 guests) from late July to early September.
Beginning and ending in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, the journey takes visitors deep into a world of crashing ice and Northern Lights. Referred to as “Inuit artillery” for their booming entries into the water of Sermilik Fjord, giant chunks off fall off glaciers all around. “You’re literally in a test tube of climate change,” Don Martinson, director of travel industry relations with Natural Habitat, said. “There’s a massive amount of melt. East Greenland is isolated even from its more populous west, where locals often refer to the east as “the backside.” East Greenland’s people had no contact with the outside world until the turn of the 20th century, and there is still just a handful of subsistence hunting communities. Along the way, guests will learn
about Inuit culture in Tasiilaq and visit with people from the village of Tinit who make a living hunting and fishing in extreme weather conditions with ever-shifting ice. At Natural Habitat’s Base Camp Greenland, where the expedition spends most nights, you’ll find a deluxe safari-style camp with eight tented cabins - each designed for two people. The interior of the heavy-duty vinyl cabin is equipped with a heater for chilly nights and en-suite odorless dry toilet. On the outside, each raised cabin has a veranda overlooking the bay and long summer days are typically mild and dry. Hot showers are available in the gender-segregated bathhouse. Every effort is taken to minimize the environmental impact of the camp on such a pristine landscape yet make for comfortable guest accommodations.
Days are spent taking part in some of the best hiking and sea kayaking in the Arctic, while whales frequent Sermilik Fjord. Motorized rafts weave among icebergs, seals, and whales in search of closer views of the icecap. Upon return to camp, guests sit down in the common area to dinner, which the chef prepares fresh daily with a varying menu. The world’s first carbon-neutral travel company, Natural Habitat remains on the cutting edge of adventure travel with its private base camp in the spectacular Sermilik Fjord complex. Surrounded by towering mountains, walls of ice and crystal-clear streams, you’ll immerse yourself in a place that is one of the last unexplored wildernesses on Earth and yet one whose sustainability is so vital to the overall state of the planet.
Greenland:
Where you should stay
Hotel Reykjavik Marina Set in the vibrant art district of the world’s northernmost capital, the Icelandair Reykjavik Marina Hotel enjoys an expansive ocean view from a newly renovated building on Reykjavik’s lively harbor. Watch the boat traffic go by just outside, or make an easy walk into the heart of town. Merging contemporary Icelandic design with references to the country’s strong maritime tradition, this character-rich four-story hotel houses 108 spacious rooms decorated with local art, nautical decor and whimsical colorful touches. Chic rooms overlooking the city or marina have comfortable plush furnishings, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with shower, and Internet access. The lobby’s cozy seating area and fireplace create a welcoming atmosphere ideal for relaxing over a drink or mingling with guests from around the world. Other amenities include a gift shop and a gym with a climbing wall.
ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES
Hotel Kusuluk Hotel Kulusuk enjoys a scenic perch on the rocky east coast of Greenland, with heart-stopping views of Apusiaajik Glacier and Isikajia Mountain. Guests here have a special opportunity to interact with locals and glimpse Greenland’s traditional culture. As the only lodging in this small Inuit hunter settlement, it provides simple but modern, comfortable accommodations with a warm and homey atmosphere. The 34 guest rooms have private bathrooms with hot showers, telephone, television and Wi-Fi, and each offers a mountain or sea view. Public spaces include a small gift shop, bar and dining room lined with windows looking out onto the icy fjord and snowy mountains beyond. Wholesome, varied meals, including fresh fruits and vegetables and local fare, are served buffet-style.
Hotel Angmagssalik Perched high on a steep hillside above the picturesque village of Tasiilaq in remote East Greenland, Hotel Angmagssalik enjoys sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and King Oscar’s Bay. With the ambience of a guesthouse plus a surprising array of amenities for such a remote location, the hotel’s 30 simple but comfortable rooms offer the best accommodations in town. Rooms have individual heating, private bathroom with shower, a small work desk and satellite TV. Wi-Fi is available for an extra charge. Public spaces include a spacious contemporary lounge for relaxing plus a smaller reading lounge, a large dining room with a full wall of picture windows, and outdoor terraces from which to enjoy the panoramic views. A restaurant and bar on site serve three buffet meals a day, often featuring fresh local fish, with a wide selection of drinks. The center of the village is located within walking distance, but down a very steep hill.
Base Camp Greenland Natural Habitat’s Base Camp Greenland offers an exclusive refuge of comfort in the Arctic, where guests enjoy rustic luxury surrounded by raw wilderness. Though it’s located in one of the most remote places on the planet, the camp provides a host of amenities usually reserved for far more civilized locales. Guest accommodations are in eight individual safari-style tent cabins that house two persons each. Built of heavy-duty vinyl on raised platforms, each cabin has a private veranda with a view of the bay and Greenland ice sheet in the distance, offering a chance to enjoy a panorama of the wilderness in sublime solitude. Spacious cabin interiors are warmed by an individual heater—welcome on chilly nights—though long summer days here are often quite mild and dry. Cozy tent cabins have twin beds outfitted with warm comforters and comfortable pillows, a sitting bench, carpet runner, hanging clothing storage, and an en suite odorless dry toilet and washbasin. Hot showers are available in a separate bathhouse segregated by gender. Guests enjoy social time in the common room, which houses the kitchen and dining area and serves as a lecture space for presentations. Excellent meals are prepared by our creative camp chef, with fresh and varied ingredients arriving regularly.
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Explora’s 25-year anniversary Explora hotels South America Valid for Travel now Through 30 Sep 2018 The desire to open unexplored South American territories to the rest of the world encouraged us to create explora 25 years ago. It’s our anniversary and we want to celebrate in grand style! We have 4 hotels, 3 Travesías and more than 100 exploration routes, offering an experience where every detail has been carefully designed so that travelers can explore and enjoy our destinations to the fullest. This experience has been recognized and rewarded throughout our history by major tourism referents, but most importantly, by our travelers. This year, we are celebrating our 25th birthday and we want to invite you to live the explora experience with discounts of up to 50%, depending on the destination and season.
Experience Includes: • • • • • • • • •
Benefit valid for stays between April 1st and September 30, 2018. Only 200 reservations per destination. Minimum stay of three nights. Maximum of five rooms per reservation. Cannot be combined with other promotions or benefits, except from the “Explorer´s Benefit (5% applies). No change of dates for stays outside the benefit’s effective dates. Cancellation costs: USD 200 per person at any time; from 29 days before the date of use regular cancellation policies apply. Not valid for special programs. Discount does not apply to the Machu Picchu exploration.
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Save up to $350 per person Trails of Indochina - Vietnam CULTURAL VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & CRUISE 11 nights from $3,902 per person Combine Vietnam and Cambodia for a journey to explore the highlights. Discover Hanoi, the charming capital city of Vietnam, and cruise on the magnificent Halong Bay. Head to the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Complex to gain an understanding of the diverse culture that goes beyond the tourist facade. Embark on a luxury voyage along the Tonle Sap River, the flowing heart of Cambodia, to get a glimpse of the rustic and peaceful life along the riverbanks. Cruise across the country ending your excursion in Phnom Penh, once the “Pearl of the East,” to experience a rich blend of Khmer and French colonial architecture.
Highlights: • 2 day/1 night cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay aboard Heritage Line’s Jasmine Cruise • Home hosted lunch at the Duong Lam Ancient Village • Catch the magnificent sunrise and sunset over the Angkor temples • Explore Angkor Wat with a Khmer scholar and meet with a Pol Pot survivor • Engage in a philanthropic and culinary experience in a rural village • 4 day/3 night Phnom Penh Serenity Cruise from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh aboard Heritage Line’s The Jahan • Heritage Line The Jahan, Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Kivotos summer breeze promotions “Sweet Suites” Kivotos Mykonos, Greece Valid for Travel 11 Jun 2018 - 23 Sep 2018 In every Suite Sea View reservation or higher category, for 5 nights or more, a complimentary lunch for two including wine and fruits is offered on the hotel’s private beach.
Experience Includes: • • • • • • • • •
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Mediterranean Buffet breakfast for up to two in-room guests $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) excludes NERO NERO private beach restaurant Roundtrip Airport Transfers Welcome amenity of bottle of wine, fruit and chocolates 10% discount on our Private Yacht cruises Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability For stays of 5 nights or more in Villas, guests will receive one special SPA treatment experience of 1hr, once during stay (Value $150 USD) Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Stay Longer- 4th Night Free Four Seasons Resort Nevis Valid for Travel now Through 18 Dec 2018 Experience the serenity of Nevis, sister island to St. Kitts in the trade-wind-kissed Leeward Islands. Play golf on one of the world’s most scenic courses, enjoy the tranquillity of our spa, or spend the day basking in near-perfect weather. Book this offer to extend your enchanting stay with a complimentary fourth night.
Experience Includes: • • •
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas) Daily full American breakfast for two in-room guests, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets) $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Dhahab - The Golden Dhow Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Valid for Travel now through 15 Apr 2019 Experience Includes: • • • • •
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Breakfast A complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Minaret Station Virtuoso Guest Offer Minaret Station Alpine Lodge Wanaka, New Zealand Valid for Travel now Through 30 Jun 2018 Experience Includes: A three-night stay at Minaret Station Lodge for one couple in an Alpine Chalet including private scenic helicopter transfers from Queenstown or Wanaka. Also included in this offer is a private full day helicopter excursion to the spectacular Mt Aspiring, West Coast & Fiordland National Parks with multiple landings in secluded locations. Guests have their own private guide and would experience high alpine lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, walking amongst fur seal colonies and a gourmet lunch of freshly caught seafood expertly prepared and enjoyed in a spectacular remote native forest setting. This private helicopter experience has a focus on our own conservation initiatives where during one of the landings guests would get to assist the guide in monitoring our predator traps which are protecting a remote and endangered Fiordland Crested Penguin colony we have adopted. This offer can be amended to include more guests in additional Alpine Chalets if required to suite differing travelling party make ups. **Prices start from NZ$23,900 total package per couple.
Tech News:
Travel Tech
Dodow Dodow can not prevent you from waking up during the night, but it can help you fall asleep quickly! By breathing long enough at the Dodow rhythm (6 respirations per minute), you stimulate the baroreflex, a small physiological mechanism that restores the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Thus, you will quickly pass from the alert state (activation of the sympathetic nervous system) to the resting state (activation of the parasympathetic nervous system), the same condition which you are in during digestion: slightly drowsy. Synchronizing your breathing to a light pulse at a slow and steady rhythm has a hypnotic effect (the phenomenon is similar to watching a pendulum). Thus, after a few minutes you are able to let go and sleep.
Skyroam hotspot
Travel smart with unlimited global WiFi at your fingertips. Share among five devices and pay for only what you use with unlimited 4G data.
MiFlight How long is the security line? Every flier wants to know. Maximize your time in just a few clicks with the MiFlight app. Select your airport to find the wait time. Later, record your own time in line and submit it to the app to pay it forward.