INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE MAY 2019 ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6
DISCOVER: CELEBRITY CRUISES /GALAPAGOS
p 7-10
STAY: HOTELS 7. PIKAIA LODGE 8. IGUANA CROSSING HOTEL 9. CASA GANGOTENA 10. MASHPI LODGE
p 11-16
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 11. HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA, AN AUBERGE RESORT PEREZ ZELEDON, COSTA RICA 13. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE FLORENCE, ITALY 15. JOIN US IN ICELAND & FLY FOR FREE, HURTIGRUTEN
1
HELLO TRAVELERS Enjoy extraordinary creature comforts while discovering extraordinary creatures. That’s the promise of cruising the Galapagos Islands on board the brand-new Celebrity Flora. The allsuite, 100-passenger ship includes everything, including amazing excursions that bring you up close and personal with the unique fauna of the Galapagos. Charles Darwin conceived his Theory of Evolution thanks to a trip to the Galapagos, and the islands still showcase some of the most fascinating biodiversity on Earth. With a ship built expressly for the destination, there’s no better way to see the Galapagos in style.
DISCOVER CELEBRITY CRUISES /GALAPAGOS
INSIDERS CLUB
The Galapagos Islands have so much to teach us about life on Earth. The biodiversity from island to island has astonished visitors from Charles Darwin to today. Instead of voyaging to the Galapagos in the HMS Beagle as Darwin did, you can travel in an all-suite ship specifically designed for the destination. The Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, hits the seas June 30. With features such as infinite verandas that turn your entire suite into an open-air viewing platform and the observatory filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, the focus is on all the activity going on outside. Sustainably sourced natural materials went into the construction of each suite, and Flora’s dynamic positioning system keeps it in place without the need for an anchor puncturing the seafloor. Specially designed diesel engines, an advanced propulsion system and solar panels reduce Flora’s emissions, while en suite water filtration systems reduce the need for plastics. The ship also converts sea water and air conditioning condensation into pure, fresh water. It’s not just the ship’s design that caters to the destination. Unlike with most ocean cruises, all shore excursions are included. Guests have the choice of 3
one excursion in the morning and one in the afternoon each day. There’s time and opportunity for every passenger to do every excursion, Rick Woods, Celebrity district sales manager for Connecticut and Rhode Island, said. There’s no need to worry about booking excursions well in advance. “Everyone meets with the onboard naturalists in the discovery lounge at the end of each day to talk about what the plan is for the next day,” Woods said. You can hike in the morning or snorkel in the afternoon, or you can do both. At the end of an exciting day of marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, you can relax in a cabana under the stars. You can even make arrangements to go glamping on deck. In such a remote location far from the nearest city, and positioned right on the equator, the view of the night sky is unparalleled. The beauty and fragility of the Galapagos are like nowhere else on Earth, and thanks to Flora’s unique design and Celebrity’s Galapagos Fund, travelers can have an immersive experience in the islands while supporting sustainable environmental practices. With capacity for 100 guests and the largest suites available sailing the Galapagos,
5
the Flora offers an expedition-type experience with all the comforts of home. For bookings made by June 5, Celebrity is offering half off cruise fare for the second guest on 2019 sailing. For 10- or 11-day itineraries including pre- and post-cruise extensions in Quito, airfare is also included for two guests per suite. There are also 15-day itineraries including
Peru’s Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. There’s nothing quite like the Galapagos, and there’s nothing like experiencing them in a ship purpose-built for them.
6
STAY
INSIDERS CLUB Pikaia Lodge Eco-adventure experiences its own evolution at the visionary Pikaia Lodge. From its perch atop an extinct volcanic crater in the center of Galápagos National Park, Pikaia operates in a totally sustainable way, utilizing alternative energy sources. Admire the commanding views from one of 14 glass-walled rooms or the infinity-edge pool, and take part in guided tours both on land and at sea aboard the lodge’s own 105-foot exploration yacht. Trek more than two miles of endemic forests, where you just may cross paths with giant tortoises in the lodge’s own reserve.
7
Iguana Crossing Hotel Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is a beach front hotel in Galápagos Islands surrounded by endemic vegetation giving to guests a privileged accommodation for a memorable and relaxed stay. Decorated with genuine and exclusive materials of the Island, it approaches a harmonic atmosphere between nature and modernity. Named after the “iguana crossing” path, is the best place for the Galapagos tour and travel experience. After an active day on Isabela Island guests can relax on the poolside terrace, enjoying a book or just laying upon a sunny sky and surrounded by spectacular Galapagos wildlife. We invite you to taste the best culinary of the Island and settle down at the ocean view bar.Our friendly staff, almost all from the island, will make your stay as carefree as possible so you can just relax and enjoy.
8
Casa Gangotena A certain quixotic spell is cast upon you when you step into Casa Gangotena. Situated in Quito’s famed Plaza San Francisco, this exquisitely transformed 1920s mansion serves as the perfect base for exploring the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in all of Latin America. Its 31 light-filled rooms exude a refined elegance with towering ceilings, handpainted murals, art deco armoires and rich fabrics. Every evening, enjoy free activities, such as chocolate tasting and viewing historic sites from the rooftop terrace. Acclaimed Chef AndrÊs Davila exercises his chops with regionally influenced cuisine.
9
Mashpi Lodge The strikingly contemporary Mashpi Lodge was designed as the ideal springboard for exploring the mega-biodiverse world of its 1,300-hectare cloud forest reserve, which lies within the Metropolitan District of Quito. Explore the wonders of the forest aboard the mile-long Dragonfly cable system, astride a “sky bike,� from the observation tower, at rivers and waterfalls, or along nature paths, all in the company of expert guides. The lodge, home to just 48 guests, is the perfect cocoon to return to after your explorations, thanks to its high standards of comfort, service, spa treatments and gourmet cuisine.
10
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
INSIDERS CLUB
Complimentary Scenic Hoi An River Cruise Anantara Hoi An Resort Hoi An, Vietnam Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Aug 2020 Book a minimum 3 night stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort and get a complimentary scenic river cruise with Anantara’s cruise boat - a fantastic way to see the Ancient Town from another perspective. Anantara Hoi An Resort boasts an enviable setting, less than a kilometre from the historic quarter of Hoi An, in lush gardens fronting the Thu Bon River. Boutique luxury at our Hoi An hotel offers riverfront dining, blissful spa journeys, and sunset river cruises. Stroll along the promenade past small cafes, and into the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its alleyways, discovering shrines, modern art galleries and teahouses. Take a day to visit the My Son ruins, local artisan villages and nearby An Bang Beach. -Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay -$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) -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
11
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
INSIDERS CLUB Table to Farm
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Florence, Italy Valid for Travel Now Through 28 Dec 2019 Visit a farm in the Tuscan countryside to discover what makes every Tuscan meal so “magnifico”. -Five-hour farm initiation experience, including farmer’s breakfast, lunch and wine tasting -Round-trip car transfers from the Hotel to the farm Terms and conditions: -Minimum stay: 3 nights / maximum stay: 20 nights -Reservation must be made at least 4 days in advance
13
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
INSIDERS CLUB
Join Us in Iceland & Fly for Free Hurtigruten Valid for Travel 18 May 2019 - 20 Jun 2020 Our 12-day expedition begins and ends in Reykjavík, and circumnavigates the entire country of Iceland in between. During May and June of 2019, you’ll have four opportunities to join us as we spend 12 full days exploring this island nation, home to fascinating and dramatic geological features, as well as a tremendous amount of wildlife. You’ll explore some truly astonishing landscapes—spectacular waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, and even active volcanoes. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest in Europe.
15
INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE