The Insider's Club: October

The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE

The Insider’s Club Hot Spot of the Month

Indonesia

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Choose Your News Explore: Indonesia 4-7 Where To Stay 8-11 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 12-23 Tech News: Travel Technology 24-25

Explore: Indonesia

Explore: Turks & Caicos Written by Damien Martin

There is great diversity across the nearly 14,000 islands that comprise Indonesia, but there is a unifying factor: It is a land forged by fire. The country where more than 700 languages are spoken and there is a variety of religions and ethnic groups contains about 400 volcanoes, 150 of which are active. All those factors combine to make for a land rich in the beauty of its flora and fauna, and its people.

With the archipelago spread across more than 700,000 square miles, Indonesia is best explored by water. This makes the Virtuoso-preferred Star Clippers line an ideal choice. One of its fleet of three tall ships, the Star Clipper, sails in the area yearround. With the islands straddling the equator, weather is consistently warm throughout the year, so there is no bad time to go,

though the period between November and March is the rainy season.

With a capacity for 170 passengers, the four-masted Star Clipper combines the romance of days gone by with the modern luxury of a private yacht. Most of its time is spent sailing with the breeze, using the aid of a motor only to get in and out of port. With its small size, it’s able to get into areas large cruise ships cannot.

Given that more than half of the islands are uninhabited and most of the country’s population is concentrated on the island of Java, this makes Indonesia and the Star Clipper a great pairing.

One such highlight is a wet landing on the uninhabited island of Gili Kondo, where snorkeling can be done is the calm waters right off the long, white beach. With no man-made facilities, it’s like stepping back in time.

Another relic from another epoch is the majestic but fearsome Komodo dragon, which you can catch a glimpse of on a

visit to Komodo National Park, a habitat preserved to protect the monitor lizards, which can grow up to 10 feet long and top 300 pounds. Don’t worry, you’ll be accompanied at all times by park rangers with forked sticks who are adept at warding off the dragons.

Still, after a vigorous hike through the park, you’ll have earned a break at Pantai Merah, one of seven pink-sand beaches in the world. The color comes from microscopic animals called Foraminifera that leave a red pigment on the coral reef, which over time gets pounded by the surf and mixed with white sand to leave a pink hue on the beach.

It’s tough to pick a winner for the most visually stunning award in a land full of secluded coves, soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls, but you’d be hard-pressed to outdo the drive, ride and hike from Probolinggo in East Java. First you see the lushed terraced farmland made productive by its volcanic soil.

Then you ascend via Jeep to a vast plain called the “Sea of Sand” and up to 9,000-foot Mount Penanjakan with panoramic views of

three other volcanoes. Exchanging Jeeps for ponies, you come to the foot of Mount Bromo, from which you climb to the inner caldera more than 7,500 feet above sea level as smoke billows all around.

The gem of Indonesia is undoubtedly Bali, the “island of the gods,” a predominantly Hindu isle featuring more than 20,000 temples. None is more spectacular than the Ulun Danu temple, which seemingly springs forth from the waters of Lake Bratan.

Nearby you’ll see the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, which occupy the crater of an extinct volcano and were cut from each other by a landslide in 1800. On all sides, Bali’s iconic terraced farmland colors the landscape. The island’s highest peak, Mount Agung, has rumbled throughout the last few months, resulting in the evacuation of more than 100,000 people living near the volcano as it threatens to blow its nearly 10,000-foot top. Though Bali’s popular tourist areas are not in danger, the imminent eruption shows that in Indonesia, you can never forget the destructive and creative power of the Ring of Fire.

Indonesia:

Where you should stay

The Oberoi, Bali

Located on fashionable Seminyak beach, The Oberoi, Bali is spread across 15 acres of landscaped tropical gardens that are dotted with ancient Balinese temples. The resort also features a natural stone amphitheater that serves as a dining space and the only local venue for regular Balinese dance performances. Thatched rooms and villas are decorated with natural stone and ornate wood carvings, and are equipped with all modern conveniences. The open-air, fine-dining restaurants serve local and international cuisine complimented by ocean views. The resort has alfresco spa therapy suites and offers morning yoga on the lawns.

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COMO Shambhala Estate

The world-renowned Grace Bay Club, the first luxury all-suite resort in Turks and Caicos, offers a haven for uninterrupted relaxation. The resort has extensive beachfront access at 1,100 feet and features all oceanfront suites divided into three separate sections. It includes the adults-only Hotel area with adults-only pool; the family-friendly Villas suites with a pool; and the uber-luxe Estate, with exclusive pool and area reserved for Estate guests only. Those who prefer a private home can experience The Private Villa Collection, five of the premier freestanding private beachfront villas in Providenciales featuring luxury resort amenities.

Amanjiwo

COMO Parrot Cay is the northern Caribbean’s preeminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas in the Turks and Caicos. It combines a thousand unspoiled acres and a mile-long powdered beach with relaxed luxury. The region’s best spa, the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, provides holistic Asian-inspired therapies. Choose from 75 unique guestrooms, suites, villas and beachside houses, all decorated in understated elegance. For absolute privacy, reserve a residence tucked away from the main resort. The island’s two restaurants serve gourmet dishes, including organic, healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine.

Nihi Sumba Awarded the #1 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine, Nihi Sumba is for travelers who seek a new type of luxury: activity-driven experiences, cultural immersion, freedom and unlimited fun. Private access to one of the world’s best left-hand breaks, for surfers amateur to extreme, is offered. The 28 villas, crafted by local artisans using native teak and rattan, feature expansive outdoor rooms and private plunge pools.

Excursions take you to villages and ancient sites; head out on a spa safari, go horseback riding and swim beneath a waterfall. Dining experiences include beach picnics, dinner under the stars and weekly themed events.

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Six Nights, Two Islands: The Best Of New Zealand Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch, New Zealand Valid for Travel now Through 31 Mar 2018 Experience Includes: • 3 NIGHTS AT OTAHUNA LODGE • Daily tariffs include continental and/or full cooked breakfast, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, a five-course degustation dinner with wine pairings to accompany each course, laundry services, wireless internet, full use of Lodge facilities, and a guided tour of Otahuna’s Historic Gardens.

• 3 NIGHTS AT WHAREKAUHAU COUNTRY ESTATE • Daily tariffs include continental and/or full cooked breakfast, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, four-course dinner, complete laundry services, wireless internet, full use of Lodge facilities, and a Wharekauhau Farm Tour.

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Virtuoso One Free Night Baglioni Hotel Regina, Rome Valid for Travel now Through 31 Dec 2017 Experience Includes: • • • • • •

Stay four nights and the fourth one is on us!

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

The Complete Suite Experience Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Valid for Travel now Through 16 Dec 2017 Experience Includes: • • • • • •

Book one of our residential or ocean-front suites and you’ll experience an array of intriguing extras such as: round-trip airport transfers dedicated personal assistant private in-suite dinner daily breakfasts unlimited laundry and more

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Luxury Breaks - Additional Daily Credit Mandarin Oriental, New York Valid for Travel now Through 31 Dec 2017 Experience Includes: •

• • •

Enjoy a daily dining or spa service credit of $75 per day for a room, or USD $150 if you reserve minimum two-nights’ stay in Hudson River View Suite, Central Park View Suite, Premier Central Park View Suite or Two-Bedroom Central Park View Suite. daily continental breakfast for 2 $100 food and beverage credit complimentary high speed internet access

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Sneak Peek - Virtuoso 3rd Night Free Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix Valid for Travel now Through 02 Jan 2018 Experience Includes: • • • •

one complimentary night for every two paid nights breakfast for two daily $50 T. Cook’s dinner credit $50 Alvadora Spa credit

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

5th Night Free The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia Valid for Travel now Through 21 Dec 2017 Experience Includes: • • • • • • •

Stay 4 nights and receive your 5th night free Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests Welcome amenity Souvenir martini shaker set (value $75) plus voucher for two signature martinis during their stay (value $30) Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi

Tech News: Travel Tech

Blue Ribbon Bags

Blue Ribbon Bags will track and expedite the return of your delayed baggage for 96 hours from the time your flight lands.

You will receive automatic email updates every time there is any change to the status of your mishandled bag. One Service Agreement includes all bags checked at airport, including last minute gate check-ins.

Blue Ribbon Bags service covers every flight, on every airline, everywhere in the world. Each purchase is per person, per airline confirmation number, regardless of the number of connections. You can purchase our service right up until the moment prior to your flight’s departure. Our service must be purchased prior to all flights within an inbound or outbound itinerary.

A claim must be filed with your airline prior to reporting your mishandled bag to us. Mishandled bags must be reported to us within 24 hours of your flight arrival. No proof of baggage contents is required to receive our Satisfaction Guarantee Payment. Payment is issued if your bag is not found within 96 hours of your flight arrival. Payments are guaranteed even if your bags are returned after the 96-hour service period.

TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE

FlightAware

FlightAware is the world’s largest flight tracking data company and provides over 10,000 aircraft operators and service companies as well as over 12,000,000 passengers with global flight tracking solutions.

FlightAware’s seamless integration of thousands of real-time, worldwide data sources combined with FlightAware’s powerful, intuitive, responsive, and reliable web-based interfaces and data feeds yield the most capable and useful flight tracking application and service.

DxO one miniature camera

The DxO ONE adapts to your needs and offers a wide range of creative tools, such as artistic blur (bokeh) and timelapse. Whether you want to do underwater photography or broadcast your videos live, don’t limit yourself!