The Insider's Club: March

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The Insider’s Club

Hot Spot of the Month

March 2017

Iceland

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Choose Your News Explore: Iceland 4-5 What To Do While You Are There 6-11 Where To Stay 12-15 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 16-27 Tech News: Travel Technology 28-29

Explore: Iceland

Explore: Iceland Written by Damien Martin

It wasn’t long ago that Iceland was best known among travelers for ruining their plans. The 2010 volcanic eruption at Eyjafjallajökull wreaked havoc on air travel in Europe for weeks. These days, however, it’s Iceland’s popularity that’s exploding.

Serving a filming location for HBO’s blockbuster TV series “Game of Thrones” has helped showcase the island’s beauty, and the national soccer team’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2016 European championship – cheered on in France by about 10 percent of the nation’s population of 330,000 – demonstrated its spirit.

Combine that with better affordability after the 2008 financial crisis and a relative proximity to the U.S. East Coast, and Iceland is expected to welcome more than 2 million visitors in 2017. With its unique position just below the Arctic Circle and straddling the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, this land of ice and fire offers those visitors an endless array of activities.

While it is a year-round destination, Iceland really sparkles in the winter. Since it gets dark early, there’s more opportunity to see the Northern Lights, which are visible from just about anywhere in the country on a clear night. Plus, in Iceland, fun in the snow beats fun in the sun any day.

Iceland What to do along the way

Take a snowmobile ride up Mýrdalsjökull glacier

Nothing illustrates enjoying Iceland in the winter better than a snowmobile ride to the top of Mýrdalsjökull glacier on the South Coast. The summit of the glacier is almost 5,000 feet above sea level and covers a volcano, making for an entrancing contrast of landscapes. Not far to the south is the stunning black sand beach of Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. You can see it all in just one day, though it might feel like you’ve been to a couple of different planets.

Embrace the ice

Continue getting up close and personal with glaciers with a hike to an ice cave at Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, then enjoy a boat ride across Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Appearing in two James Bond movies and “Batman Begins,” Jökulsárlón provides otherworldly images of icebergs calving and making their way out to sea. Before you’ve had time to wrap your mind around the beauty of Jökulsárlón, you can be at Svartifoss, a 40-foot waterfall ringer by columns of black basalt that appear as though they must’ve been carved by hand.

Take a dive As you head west toward the capital, Reykjavik, dive deep into Iceland’s and the world’s history in Thingvellir National Park. The park is home to Lögberg, “law rock,” where Iceland’s parliament first convened in A.D. 930. It’s also home to the Silfra fissure, a crack between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and the only spot in the world where you can dive between two continents. The glacial water is cold, but visibility of more than 300 feet makes the experience a unique one sure to thrill even seasoned divers.

Visit the Blue Lagoon

After that, there’s no better place to warm up than the Blue Lagoon. The world famous geothermal waters and silica-rich mud work wonders on sore muscles and skin. Soak under a man-made waterfall, hit the steam room or enjoy a massage right there in the 100-degree water. It’s the perfect stop as a day trip from Reykjavik or on your way to the airport for a flight home that will be much more relaxing after a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Stop in Reykjavik

Of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a stop in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and home to about 40 percent of the population. Ringed by mountains and a bay, Reykjavik is a picturesque city, a mix of quaint, colorful houses, design hotels and trendy bars. By day, you can take a stroll through the streets – be careful not to get lost, as they aren’t exactly on a grid – or cruise Faxaflói bay in a replica Viking ship.

Check out the nightlife Nighttime is when the city really gets going, though. Grab a table at Kopar, Fish Company or Dill followed by a Northern Lights cruise. You’ll still have plenty of time for nightlife, as most bars don’t start to get crowded until midnight. By the time the party’s over, you’ll know exactly why Iceland is so hot.

Iceland

Where you should stay

ION Luxury Adventure Hotel Less than an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík and set against a backdrop of majestic mountainous lava fields, ION Adventure Hotel is an unforgettable experience.

Whether you are seeking a quiet, soulful soak beneath the Northern Lights, a challenging trek across an ancient glacier or a day of fly-fishing in plentiful icy rivers – at ION Adventure Hotel, these are only a wish away. ION’s location by the “Golden Circle” route makes it the perfect base from which to explore Iceland’s rich heritage, hardy flora and fauna, and myriad opportunities for extreme adventure. Close to Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), ION provides easy access to all the essential attractions of “the land of fire and ice”.

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Buubble

Some childhood dreams stay with us for our whole lives. Sleeping under the stars or watching the aurora borealis dance is one of those lifelong dreams. To fulfil these dreams the Bubble concept was born.

Forget the city, forget work and enjoy watching the aurora borealis dance for you. There is, of course, no guarantee you will see the lights, but if they show up you will have a magical night.

The bubble structure is kept inflated by a slight over-pressure from a noiseless ventilation system. It permanently renews the air inside 2-7 times the volume per hour, and this way it prevents humidity. The system has heating elements with thermostat so the bubble stays warm all winter.

Experience includes: One day in a bubble; double bed; shared service house with two water toilets and showers, and a self-service kitchen. This is not like a normal hotel. No food included. The bubble is located in a forest and kept warm with air blowers. You need to bring your own basic amenities such as towels, tissue, shower soap, etc.

Canopy by Hilton, Reykjavik City Centre Set across six connected houses, the hotel joins a neighborhood rich with history, color and life. Staff will introduce you to the area with a local treat at check-in and provide bikes. Make restaurant, bar and retail discoveries on Laugavegur Street, or visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and snap a perfect pic of the city from 73 meters up.

Rooms and suites are styled in shades of ocean and volcanic rock and have all the comforts you crave. Just-Right Rooms have a 48-inch TV, mini-refrigerator, bedding designed exclusively for Canopy for comfier, better sleep and free WiFi. Suites offer even more space to stretch out in a living room. Local art fills the walls in the boutique rooms and suites.

Greet the day with a complimentary local artisanal breakfast and caffeine, served in the in house Geiri Smart Restaurant. Happily relaxing? Have a Canopy Break Fast Bag delivered to your room featuring fresh fruit, yogurt and juice. There’s plenty to discover at this Reykjavik hotel such as local art, a lush courtyard and evening tastings of local beverages and spirits. The in house Geiri Smart Restaurant is where award-winning chefs come together to create original culinary adventures. Pick up a gift for a foodie in our café, or work off some steam in the fitness room.

Silica Hotel

Set in the heart of a stunning lava landscape, Silica Hotel is a just 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. The hotel offers its own private bathing lagoon, which is available for hotel guests every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The hotel has won several design awards. Built in harmony with the surrounding landscape, it offers an oasis of calm, relaxation, and healing. The hotel has 35 bright and spacious double/twin rooms. All rooms offer private facilities and a veranda, with breathtaking views of the surrounding lava fields.

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World Travel Experiences

Stay 3, Pay 2

Ritz- Carlton Vienna Valid for travel now through April 30th, 2017

Experience Includes: • • • •

Upgrade on arrival, if available Full breakfast daily, for up to two in-room guests in Melounge $100 hotel credit 10% discount on all The Ritz-Carlton Spa retail products One 30 minute “Jet lag - massage“ per room - subject to availability, advanced appointment (only valid for Executive Suite, Club Suite and Presidential Suite) • Early check-in/late checkout, if available • Free WiFi

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World Travel Experiences

A Wild Romance: Just the Two of Us

Ulusaba Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa Valid for travel now through December 21st, 2017

Experience Includes: • • • • • • • • • •

3 nights’ accommodation for two with extra nights available All food and beverages All game viewing A fruit basket and champagne in the room on arrival The Aroma Boma Devotional Journey spa treatment for two (60 minutes) Lovers’ Picnic private lunch on a day of your choosing Romantic bath time experience on an evening of your choosing Private dinner on the last evening complete with own personal butler Complimentary space-available upgrade Gift on departure

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World Travel Experiences

Spring Offer

Six Senses Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand Valid for travel now through April 21st, 2017

Experience Includes: • • • •

15-20% off Best Available Rate Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Breakfast for two at main restaurant Dining on the Hill 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 WiFi

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World Travel Experiences

Every 4th Night Free

Nizuc Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico Valid for travel from April 30th, 2017

Experience Includes: • • • • • • •

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two served at Cafe de la Playa Restaurant One-way airport transfer (valid on arrivals only) Hydrotherapy session for two, once during stay Welcome Amenity in suite: a bottle of tequila and dried fruit Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary WiFi

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World Travel Experiences

Pay 3 Get 4th Night Free

Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona Valid for travel now through March 31st, 2017

Experience Includes:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability • Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests (also available with Room Service) • $100 Credit Towards Spa Services, Once During Stay -OR- Seven Canyons Golf, once during stay • Early check-in/late check-out, based upon availability • Complimentary WiFi

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World Travel Experiences

View & Verandah Upgrade Event Holland America Line

Valid for Travel March 30th, 2017 - March 30th, 2018

Experience Includes:

Book select 2017-2018 Holland America Line cruises and Land+Sea Journeys and receive these offers: • Stateroom Upgrades • Up to $500 Onboard Spending Money • Up to 10% off select Journeys Ashore when booked by March 15, 2017 • Book a suite and receive prepaid gratuities (hotel service charges)

Tech News:

Travel Tech

Maps.Me Navigate your travels offline, from the biggest city to the smallest island with the maps.me app. Maps are highly detailed and easy to rotate with your finger.

Explore on your own and bookmark your favorites spots, or follow tried and true preplanned routes to the hotspots.

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Grab Only have a few minutes to get a quick bite before your flight takes off?

Don’t see anything you like in your immediate vicinity? Use the Grab app to see menus and locations of restaurants. Then pick your eatery and order your food in the app. All you have to do is go pick it up. The app works in 17 airports throughout the U.S. and is on its way to 22 more.

AMPware Crank Case Create your own charge for your phone in situations where you can’t plug in.

Slide the case over your phone and connect the built-in plug. Then turn the crank on the back of the case to give your phone enough charge to make an emergency call if you find yourself out in nature with a dead phone battery.