SUMMER 2014
The Ultimate
Win-Win Vacation
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Dear Fr iends My teenagers recently taught me a new acronym: FOMO.
For the uninitiated – and apparently I was
Trendy “closed door” restaurants that combine
among the last of them – this stands for Fear Of
gourmet dining with a unique social event.
Missing Out. In their always-connected, social
Avant-garde theater (let’s just say don’t worry if
media-driven world, it’s easy to develop a case of FOMO when friends are constantly Tweeting and Instagramming photos of all the fun they’re having in real-time.
However, even at my age I’ll cop to some FOMO, but
“Over the last few years, the buzz I hear at industry events always seems to focus on South America.”
it always relates to travel destinations. Over
the last few years, the buzz I hear at industry events always seems to focus on South America. And even with a decades-long career in travel
you’re having a bad hair day). The quest for the perfect pisco sour. We’ve also included write-ups on terrific hotel options, from urban chic to adventure lodges.
So whether it is your first trip or
your twenty-first, we hope this edition of Luxury Link Lifestyle inspires you to seek new South American experiences of your own.
(you’ll never get me to tell you exactly how many decades), I still have not visited all the places on my “must see” South America list.
Diane McDavitt President, Luxury Link Travel Group Follow Diane on Twitter @luxurylinkpres
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Letter from the President What’s New at Luxury Link Machu Picchu - City of the Sun Luxury Link Connection: Lisa Ueberroth Ten Extraordinary Pools Argentina - The Ultimate Win-Win Vacation Beef Breakdown - A Guide to Argentinian Steak Buenos Aires with Carnet de Mode
in t his issue
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LOCATION: Covering most of the Southern Cone of South America, Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world
y ou s e e l i f e ot o ften that “It is n e eac h other by the hand ak and fiction t and dance.”
T h o r nt on , - Law rence ginin g Arg entina” a “Im
and second largest in Latin America. TIME ZONE: GMT -03:00 (One hour ahead of New York) CURRENCY: Argentine Peso ($)
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Buenos Aires is the most popular arrival location with two airports, Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) for international routes and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for domestic and regional flights. Cataratas International Airport (IGR) serves Iguazu, with other destinations served by a dozen other international airports.
ON THE GROUND: Both bus and train lines run between Buenos Aires and surrounding provinces, but bus lines tend to be faster and offer more departure times and destinations, and are generally more comfortable. Hundreds of bus companies serve various regions: Andesmar (andesmar.com) serves the entire country, while El Rápido International (elrapidonint.com. ar) offers service in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba and Rosario, with international service to Santiago and Viña del Mar, Chile, and Lima, Peru. Tren Patagonico offers luxury service and connects the Lake District hub of Bariloche to Viedma along the coast of Patagonia.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere, with seasons opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Ideal times to visit Buenos Aires are spring (September–November) and fall (March-May). Summer (December–March) is the best time to explore Patagonia and the southern Andes, while winter (June-August) is a perfect time to visit Iguazu to beat the rains and heat.
LUXURY LINK IN ARGENTINA: At press time, Luxury Link offers vacation experiences at 21 five-star and boutique properties across the country.
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Iguazú falls
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k n i L y r u x u L t a w e n s ’ t a Wh
Luxury Link is proud to introduce a whole
new way to purchase: “Room + Perks.” Room + Perks offers the same great values and packages you’ve come to expect from Luxury Link, but now you can check
availability and pricing in real time, and
Room + Perks
the moment you complete your purchase, the reservation is confirmed with the hotel. To view all our amazing Room + Perks
offers, visit: www.luxurylink.com/instant
and make sure to check back often, as we
are adding new destinations and packages every day.
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USA Mexico
Top Destinations
Italy Dominican Republic Antigua and Barbuda
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Martin St-Amant - Wikipedia - CC-BY-SA-3.0
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M Machu Q Picchuo
CITY OF THE SUN
M ac h u P ic c h u is le g en d a ry , br eathtak in g , eth er ea l. ..
By Kristen Paige Gathany
The most famous remnant of the once-great Inca Empire reigns supreme as the
largest tourism draw in the Peruvian Andes. Until recently, a visit to the region conjured up visions of backpacking for days along the Inca Trail and very basic accommodations, but a new generation of hoteliers and restaurateurs is setting out to strike the ideal balance between luxury and history; the sacred and the sublime. Not sure where to start? We sought out the best insider tips to help you fully experience all this magical region has to offer.
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A Royal RetreaT
Touring the ancient ruins is obviously a popular activity, so rise early and catch the first bus to the gates. While you can experience Machu Picchu from any starting point, the renowned Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond property, offers superior access with its location immediately adjacent to the park. Whether you opt for a
While you c an experienc e Machu P f rom any sta icchu rting point, th e re n ow Sanctuary L ned odge, a Belm on d p roperty, offers superio r access with its locati imm ediately adjacent to on the park.
guided tour or decide to explore on your own, give yourself plenty of time here.
Sun Gate requires a decent hike from the park’s entrance but is well worth it for the incredible views along the way, while Temple of the Sun (near the main city) is a fantastic study in stonework.
Climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu makes for a challenging trek, but one that offers some of the most impressive views of the entire citadel. Prep yourself by bringing snacks and water, as there are no concessions within the park itself, and the single stand at the front gates is predictably overpriced.
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Skipping
The
Hike...
Hiking the Inca Trail certainly can be a memorable and inspirational trip, but there is a distinct advantage to taking the train: time. Those who have explored the area say the 2-4 days the hike occupies, n ot accounting for requisite altitude acclimation time beforehand, might be better spent exploring other areas within the Sacred Valley or nearby Cusco. Experienced Luxury Link traveler Fred Harris, a marketing entrepreneur residing in south Florida, has journeyed to Peru four times in the last five years. He believes the appeal of Cusco and the surrounding region is arguably equal to the draw of Machu Picchu. “The Urubamba Valley has so many interesting things to do: both hard and soft adventure, great restaurants and hotels.” The Temple of Ollantaytambo, for example, LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
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rivals Machu Picchu with its dramatic stone staircases leading to jaw-dropping views, but you’ll want to get there early to beat the post-noon crowds. Once home to Incan nobility, the town of Ollantaytambo is a marvel of Incan planning, featuring gridded cobblestoned streets and an impressive system of waterways that still feed the irrigation system from nearby rivers. Many contemporary buildings are built directly on top of Incan ruins, providing an excellent opportunity to see modern Peruvian life in an ancient setting.
The taxi ride from Cusco to Ollytatambo in the Sacred Valley costs about $20 and takes an hour and a half, as opposed to the 2-3 hours required if taking Peru Rail or Inca Rail from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
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Fiv e - S t ar , Cusco T h e history of t his myst ica l metropolis
dates back to the 10th century, and today it stands not only as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also as the designated Historical Capital of Peru. Cusco is unique in that its ancient Incan structures were already remarkably well-preserved when the Spanish colonized the city in the 16th century. Because of this, Cusco today is a place where you can quite literally see the layers of history; baroque churches built adjacent to ancient Inca structures, and contemporary city life in the midst of it all.
Forget any ideas of Cusco as a backpack destination. Here you will find “luxury and local flavors combined in a surprising, delightful lifetime experience,� says Ruby Ochoa, Director at JW Marriott Hotel Cusco. The award-winning property is one of a number of modern hotels in the city that provide not only stellar accommodations but offerings that are truly world class. Its spa features a serene indoor pool lounge, and treatments that utilize ancient Inca techniques. Rooms are equally splendid, featuring modern furnishings juxtaposed with historic architectural elements. Each space is equipped with wireless internet access, LCD televisions, and available oxygen systems.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio is another fine example of the artful blend of history and luxury that typifies Cusco. Housed in a former monastery, this unique 14
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Esquina de la Ruinas 432 y Calle San Agustin, Cusco, Peru
destination has since been transformed into an artistic retreat for guests seeking authenticity without giving up comfort. Or consider another Belmond property, Palacio Nazarenas. Here, seven cloistered terraces are lushly landscaped
136, P s o i c a l a Calle P Cusco, Peru as, Nazeren
lazoleta
with indigenous flowers and flowing fountains, inspired by the irrigation channels of agricultural terraces in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
For a truly intimate experience, Aranwa Cusco Boutique boasts a storied former life. Once a 16th century colonial mansion, this intimate hotel now proudly displays several original pieces of art and sculptures. Its location, just two blocks from the town’s main square, also puts you within easy walking distance of the best Peruvian historical and archaeological sites.
Ready to give your legs a break from exploring?
enjoying the pleasant weather, and dining on the local cuisine. Try the highly acclaimed Le Soleil for a dose of traditional French gourmet with superb and personal service, or Cafe Morena, located right off Plaza de Armas, for local Peruvian fare. For a pre- or post-meal tipple, Museo del Pisco is a favorite with locals and visitors alike for refreshing cocktails
Avenida San Juan de Dios 25 5, Cusco, Peru
Cusco is a great place for people watching,
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based on pisco, the delicious grapebased brandy claimed with pride by both Peru and Chile. Time your visit right, and you can also take part in Pisco tasting flights, or a lesson in preparing the perfect Pisco Sour. (Santa Catalina
Ancha 398, Esquina con calle San Agustin Centro Historico)
It would be easy to miss unassuming El Huacatay Restaurant in nearby Urubamba, but Harris makes a point to dine there at least once on every visit to the re gi on. Peruvean Chef Pio Vasquez de Velasco and his German wife serve up innovative Peruvean fusion cooking in a colorful garden setting. Try the breaded prawns in tangy orange and Andean mint sauce, or a tender Huacataystyle alpaca carpaccio prepared with sacha tomato, coriander and sesame. (Jr.
Arica 620, Urubamba.)
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close to eru s r e iv r d n a s Mountain achu Picchu, Cusco, P M
When it comes to managing
sorocheas , or altitude sickness, there are a few helpful hints worth considering. Even those who are fit and well-conditioned will likely find themselves huffing and puffing while walking or hiking.
Once in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, you will undoubtedly
be offered coca leaf, either to chew directly or steep into a tea, but more reliable medication may be prescribed by your doctor at home prior to your trip. The most effective way to acclimate to the altitude, however, is simply to go gradually. Drink lots of water, get rest upon arrival, and maintain good iron consumption, which helps your body with oxygen delivery. Since Cusco’s elevation is 11,500 feet above sea level, consider spending time there following your trek to Machu Picchu, which sits closer to 8,000 feet, as you’ll be more adjusted to the atmosphere. Between the site of Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, and the Urubamba Valley region itself, there is certainly no shortage of opportunity for inspiring awe. Peru is a gem with its landscape and rich cultural experiences, promising a uniquely memorable trip like no other.
Acing the
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h O t o r ber t & CE e U ide n y e ds Pres n i L
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incentive companies so my change management background was very helpful in facilitating those transitions. It was during my time at Ambassadors that I realized travel was in my blood and that I wanted to work in the travel industry, so I took the opportunity to experience several positions in Ambassadors’ inside sales, development, incentive sales, and golf divisions.
I loved every second. In 2004, my family acquired
Preferred Hotel Group. My first position with Preferred Hotel Group was as a regional director and, over the past 10 years, I have worked in or headed up almost every department in the company from meetings and events to IT to Global Sales. It has been an incredible journey and a few very fast-paced years. I am looking forward to the next decade.
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
The people I get to work with internally and externally. The hotel sector of
the hospitality industry is known for having passionate, global, and service-oriented people, and it’s the people that make every day fun and interesting.
What keeps you up at night?
Retaining my best people. I want to keep them challenged and motivated and
give them opportunities that allow them to stay at Preferred Hotel Group for a very long time.
Why should a luxury traveler choose a Preferred Hotel Group property over another brand?
I think this Maya Angelou quote sums it up well: “People will forget what you
said, people will forget what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel.” Preferred Hotel Group is a world-class global collection of one-of-a-kind 22
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L O N D O N , E N G L AN D
The company was in the process of acquiring and merging several small
The Royal Horseguards
independent hotels and resorts. Each property is truly a destination in itself and is focused on creating memorable experiences for travelers.
Any new openings/brands/initiatives we should know about?
In the past six months, Preferred Hotel Group re-launched the iPrefer guest
loyalty program as the new points-based rewards program iPrefer. Now, our loyal guests can earn points, VIP status, and other special on-property benefits such as free Internet at more than 500 of our member hotels around the globe. Points can be redeemed for Reward Certificates, which are available in $50 increments, and can be used like cash at any participating property, which makes it easier for the guest to utilize their rewards with very little restrictions.
Our guests have always expressed flexibility in the redemption
process as a top priority, so we designed the program to meet their needs and allow them to dictate how they would be rewarded, whether they want to use their Reward Certificate towards their room rate, a treatment at the hotel spa, or cocktails at the hotel restaurant.
I am also excited about our recent development efforts and the
new hotels we’ve welcomed to our portfolio, specifically our success in establishing first-time presence in new destinations such as Myanmar, Vietnam, South Korea, St. Petersburg (Russia), and Colombia.
What is the best destination that people aren’t going to, and why should they go right now?
D usit Thani Maldives
M U D H D H O O I S L AN D , M A L D I V E S
My favorite new destination is Colombia. It is a beautiful country that suffers
from the stigma of past issues. Colombia offers warm and genuine people, incredible food, and stunning settings from city to beach, all of which are safe and easy to get around. I recommend you go now before the secret gets out!
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What do you think is The Next Big Thing in Travel?
I think the next big thing will be technology and tools that can identify
what you want before you know what you want, so we’ll see a big wave towards companies tailoring their programming towards personal preferences and individualization. Examples are technology and apps like Amazon and iTunes that recommend and educate you on what “you might also like” because they are able to track user preferences and spending patterns.
Is there anything that will absolutely ensure you return to a hotel time and time again?
It is all about the experience that the hotel staff creates – doing something
that leaves an impression on my heart and my mind – that makes me want to return. One of my favorite examples is when I stayed at The Jefferson Hotel in Washington D.C., a member of our Preferred Boutique brand. I had been there for almost a week and, upon returning to my room on the last night, I found a framed photo of my dog, homemade dog biscuits, and a note from her saying,
El Mang roove
M AN
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Z AN
I
B E AC H , F L ORIDA
Golf s a d a Ha Las & Marin O IC rt Reso LLO, MEX
S L S H o te l S o u th B e a c h M I AM I
P E N I N S U L A PA PAG AYO , G UAN AC A S T E , C O S TA R I C A
“I miss you, mom, can you please come home.” It was a nice personal touch that left a great impression.
Your schedule must demand a high degree of travel. When you travel for business, what is important to you in a hotel? What about when traveling for pleasure?
On business, must-haves are strong, reliable Wi-Fi, electrical outlets that
are easy to access, and a bathroom with good lighting and a good hair dryer. When I travel for pleasure, I appreciate a great spa, a unique, memorable culinary experience, and a knowledgeable, helpful concierge who can arrange unique activities and reservations.
What’s the one “must have” item in your suitcase when you’re traveling for pleasure?
A real hardcover book. Despite the popularity and emergence of e-readers, I find
it a luxury to actually have the time and space to travel with and read a great book.
Do you have a favorite hotel or a favorite destination you like to visit? Any tips for our readers if they happen to stay there?
This is always the most difficult question to answer since I have so many
favorite places. My top three favorite destinations are India, South Africa, and New Zealand, all of which have left lasting impressions on my heart and soul. If you are going to India (Delhi), I highly recommend taking one of the bicycle rickshaws through Chandi Chowk (Old Delhi) to experience the chaos and excitement of the local shopping stalls. For dinner, I recommend The Spice Route at The Imperial Hotel and, while at the hotel, try to meet General Manager Vijay Wanchoo and ask him about his acting career.
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What’s your best “travel nightmare” story?
I have way too many travel nightmare stories, but one of my most embarrassing
was when I planned a trip to Southern Africa with a good friend. Our first stop was Tanzania where we were being picked up to do a four-day mobile tented safari. We patiently waited in baggage claim for our guide to meet us and, after 30 minutes, I called to see where he was. The guide’s company politely let us know that they were in baggage claim with a sign with our name. I let them know that wasn’t possible because we were there and it would be hard to miss two blondes with a lot of luggage.
After a lot of back and forth, I realized that I had booked our flights into the
wrong airport! Our options were a six-hour car ride on bad roads or to hope that one of the remaing chartered flights could get us to Arusha. We had a growing crowd watching us try to negotiate our way onto a flight. Luckily, a local took pity on us and helped negotiate our way onto a flight four hours later. My takeaway lesson from this experience is to always use a travel agent when booking complicated travel arrangments because this situation would never have happened if I had used one!
That can happen even if you’re Lindsey Ueberroth?
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Yes, even to Lindsey Ueberroth.
The mercury’s soaring as we head into the heat of summer, and nine out of ten vacationers agree that the best remedy is a plunge in the nearest hotel pool!
If you’re a dedicated dipper who’s serious about swimming, then this list of the world’s finest hotel water features is for you…
s l o o p l e t o 10 coo l h
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Ubud Hanging Gardens might as well be called Ubud Hanging Pools, thanks to two undulating water features stacked one above the other and supported by wooden pillars over the dense jungle below.
Ubud has long been the spiritual heart of Bali, and there’s no more zen experience than floating in utter serenity with nothing but the
Ubud Hanging G ardens -
Bali, Indonesia
sounds of gently-lapping pool waves and tropical birds overhead.
If you’ve caught World Cup fever, bring down your temperature in Rio’s most dramatically situated hotel pool. Along famed Copacabana Beach, this spectacular rooftop infinity pool and expansive sun deck with glass walls rewards guests with panoramic ocean views from every angle.
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Miramar Hotel by Windsor - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Hotel El
exis o Cabo, M el D e os San J Ganzo -
How about a music and arts festival accompanying the incredible views of Baja California from a 2,000-square-foot infinity pool? That’s the aesthetic awaiting you at Hotel El Ganzo, which is drawing the hippest of sun-seekers with its near-daily “El Ganzo Sessions” poolside live music series featuring a diverse range of artists. Add to that an artist-in-residence program, screenings from the hotel’s film club and weekly dance classes, and you’ve got
The Raleigh
- Miami Beach Florida
sensory overload along with your Mexican beach vacation.
The Raleigh boasts a pool with some serious history. Serving as the backdrop for numerous Esther Williams films and named “the most beautiful pool in America” by Life magazine in 1947, its graceful curves, lush palm fronds and cozy cabanas continue to draw sun-seekers to the heart of South Beach nearly 70 years later.
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Laqua
- Sorrento, Italy
As the name implies, water is a central feature at this artfully designed boutique hotel along the Bay of Naples. Each of the six deluxe rooms funnels onto a wooden terrace and communal infinity pool encased in floor-to-ceiling glass, giving guests the sensation of floating high above the Amalfi Coast.
At this newly opened alpine escape – which has received rave
Chedi
Andermatt
- Andermatt Switzerland
reviews and a wealth of travel industry awards – you’ll find a real recreational transformer: Winter’s ice skating rink becomes a 12-meter lap swimming pool in the summer, surrounded by daybeds from which to breathe in the fresh mountain air. For the après-ski swimmers, Chedi Andermatt has you covered with an indoor pool open year-round.
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Pares
a
- P huk e t, T haila nd
Complementing one of the largest guest rooms available on Luxury Link (a 1,720square-foot villa) is an expansive private infinity pool, located cliffside along with a pair of daybeds and outdoor rainwater shower. While the stunning island of Phuket is at your fingertips, it might be too easy to while away entire days with a steady routine of sunbathing, pool dips, massages, and refreshments from your villa’s well-stocked wine fridge.
“I have found a dream of beauty at which one might look all one’s life and sigh.” -Isabel la L. Bird,
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Peruvian holidays are typically active affairs, exploring Machu Picchu or cruising through the Amazonian jungle. That’s why you deserve a few days of the good life as you acclimate to the altitude at Lima’s Miraflores Park Hotel, where sunset views over the Pacific from the rooftop infinity pool are not to be missed.
Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel - Lima Peru
A cool pool allows you to be a kid at heart, but what if you’re traveling with actual kids? El Conquistador Resort’s Coqui Water Park – among the most expansive of its kind in the Caribbean – boasts waterslides, a lazy river and a rope bridge that will keep the young ones entertained (and soaked) for hours. When mom and dad need a break, the enormous infinity-edge main pool and sundeck makes
ador, o t s i u q n o C El Ric ardo, Puerto - Faj
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for the perfect respite.
k Hotel ar P s re lo af ir M d on Belm Lima Per u There are pools with a view, and then there are (a select few) pools with a view of the Empire State Building! A mosaic tile pin-up temptress beckons guests to take a dip in this Midtown Manhattan rooftop pool, with America’s most iconic skyscraper towering overhead.
Gansevoort Park Avenue
- New York City
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LIVE A LIFE
R E M OTA
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| PATAG O N I A C H I L E
O F LU X U RY
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Imagi 36
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gine South America...
What do you think of? First time visitors may immediately imagine a trifecta of steak, red wine and the tango, with perhaps a gaucho (Argentinean Cowboy) and whole lot of jungle thrown in for good measure. You’ll find all this, for sure, but there is also much more to discover in a region that often has one foot in colonial traditions and the other firmly planted in Europe. Buenos Aires is an ideal spot for urbanites looking for a metropolitan destination with a historic twist, while Patagonia and Iguazu will enthrall outdoor enthusiasts and offer easy access to other South American destinations. LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
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by Emily Stewart
Bueno s A Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a vibrant city that walks the line between modern allure and traditional charm. Visitors can spend hours browsing through museums,
shopping at high-end boutiques, or simply people watching and enjoying a coffee, pastry or glass of fine Argentine wine.
A visit to historic Buenos Aires opera house Teatro Colón is a must while visiting the city. Just a stone’s throw away from Avenida 9 de Julio (an avenue locals claim is the widest in the world), the theater reopened its doors in 2010 after three years of renovations. Operas rotate in and out of the venue, with works like Madame Butterfly, Falstaff and Tristan and Isolde on the 2014 calendar. Romeo and Juliet will arrive at the theater in October, and The Nutcracker in mid-December. If your schedule doesn’t allow time to catch a performance, guided tours of the 1908 building are offered daily.
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Aires:
Buenos Aires is also home to avant-garde theater at its finest. The blind theater, Teatro Ciego, is a unique event that forces the audience to use all of their senses but one – sight. Audience members are plunged into pitch darkness, which allows for heightened sensory experiences and new understanding of life without sight. You may also want to try the postmodern spectacle Fuerza Bruta in its home city. A motion-filled, full-360º experience, the show is exhilarating and electrifying and definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach!).
Traditional Charm meets Contemporary Edge Many cities are best explored on foot, and Buenos Aires is no exception. The neighborhoods of San Telmo and La Boca are particularly suited for a midday stroll: On Sundays, both host artisanal fairs, where you can buy gifts and souvenirs. In San Telmo, stop for coffee at a café in Plaza Dorrego, and in La Boca, enjoy the brightly-colored houses along the Caminito (Spanish for “little walkway”) and perhaps pick up a tango step or two: You’ll often find dancers practicing their abrazo (“embrace”) right on the street.
At dinner time, you’ll find a variety of options beyond the traditional steak house. “Closed door” restaurants – puertas cerradas – are a growing trend in the city, combining a gourmet menu with a unique social experience you won’t find in a typical restaurant. Dining in one is like being a guest at an intimate dinner party; you will likely find yourself chatting with other travelers, local food lovers and even the chef.
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“There definitely are more projects popping up over the last few years than before. The philosophies behind the closed door scene are changing just as the overall gastronomic scene is changing,” says Kevin Vaughn, head chef at MASA and writer at MyBeautifulAir. “The scene is extremely active, and there is an enormous amount of diversity in terms of food and style. There are a lot of great up-and-coming restaurants and some staples that everyone should try, but the closed door scene really typifies the porteño experience, which embraces underground emerging culture. Where else in the world could you sit in a stranger’s living room and [be served] delicious homemade food direct from the kitchen he uses every day?” Finding a puerta cerrada is largely through word of mouth, but local blog Pick Up the Fork (www.pickupthefork.com) is a good place to start.
Built in 1932 and located on the chic Avenida Alvear, the Alvear Palace Hotel boasts an elegant, European-inspired design and is the epitome of classic porteño allure, drawing in travelers from all over the world. Service is the calling card here – a cup of coffee, for example, is delivered to your room by a white-gloved butler. Nearby, its sister establishment, the Alvear Art Hotel, is designed to appeal to business travelers, with a more modern, tech-heavy design. Coffee there is self-catered with in-room Nespresso machines, but no less exquisite.
l e t o H e c a l a P r AlveEalegance like I’ve never seen before LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
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atagonia
Inspired Adventure in
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Patagonia could be considered the definitive “natural wonder.� Stretching across Argentina and Chile, its gorgeous landscapes are unrivaled anywhere else in the world. The region is vast, meaning travelers will have to prioritize with respect to time. Paula Yrigoyen, Events, Sales and Marketing Manager at Algodon Mansion in Buenos Aires, usually directs travelers to the glaciers, especially the Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park about 50 miles away from El Calafate.
Local travel agencies offer two types of trekking excursions to Perito Moreno – Mini-trekking and Big Ice. While the former is appropriate for most travelers (it entails about two hours of hiking), the second option requires a bit more dedication, involving a seven-hour excursion and five hours of intense trekking to the very center of Perito Moreno, one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing, rather than retreating. Torres de Paine is the Chilean counterpart of Perito Moreno in Patagonia. Encompassing picturesque mountains, lakes, glaciers and rivers, the
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national park is visited by upwards of 100,000 travelers each year. Feeling adventurous? Take on the Torres de Paine W, a winding hike through volcanic peaks that can take up to five days to complete. You can also enjoy horseback riding, climbing, kayaking and fishing, before retreating to the nearby Remota hotel, where the heated infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi at on-site SPOT spa will soothe tired muscles.
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Gateway to Argentina,
Paraguay and Brazil
Iguazu:
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Butterfly at Iguazu Falls Iguazu’s landscape tells such a different story that it’s hard to believe it’s in the same country as Patagonia and Buenos Aires. Its tropical climate invites travelers to take in its exotic wildlife, unique fauna and, of course, the falls, where the Iguazu River tumbles over the edge of the Paraná Plateau and into the river below, year-round. Eighty percent of the Iguazu Falls are considered Argentine territory, including the Garganta del Diablo, the highest and deepest part of the falls.
Visit the Iguazu Falls National Park to get up close to the falls as you walk along the winding pathways and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of jungle wildlife. Don’t miss the boat ride under the falls themselves (make sure to bring a rain poncho!), followed by a short hike and truck excursion through the jungle. Afterwards, spend the remainder of the afternoon by the pool, and the evening courting Lady Luck in the casino at the Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino.
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Some choose the Brazilian side of Iguazu, or, as it is written in Portuguese,
Iguaçu, for the panoramic views of the 275 different waterfalls that make up the region. Park your belongings at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (the only resort located within the park), then head out on a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the falls and the 450,000 acres of rainforest surrounding them.
Not far from Iguazu Falls, the Triple Frontier is a tri-border area between Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil where the Iguazu and Paraná Rivers converge. In Argentina, you’ll find the Hito Tres Fronteras, where you can snap a photo, enjoy an artisanal fair, and pick up local delicacies like yerba mate. Dine at any of a number of riverside restaurants, and you’ll be gazing at three countries at once.
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d e t r a t S t e G
America in only th ou S of all to e ic st ju do It would be impossible to t, from bustling, en in nt co e th of y it rs ve di he a few hundred words. T lakes defies ue bl eic d an le ng ju k ic th hes, vibrant cities to golden beac hat awaits in a w of te tas a st ju be d, ea st easy synopsis. Let this, in e to adventurer. it ban ur om fr e on y er ev for land primed
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Argentina’s steak by Emily Stewart
is world-renowned for a reason, and it’s nearly impossible to visit the country without enjoying at least one (or several) delicious beef-centered meals.
Steak houses in Argentina are called parrillas. While price ranges and meat qualities may vary, their menus are generally quite
B F E BE
similar. Waitstaff are usually happy to provide guidance, and to get the full experience out of your trip to the parrilla, asking your server for a few tips is highly recommended. If you want to eat in true local fashion, you’ll start your meal with grilled
Chorizo – Sausage
provolone cheese (provoleta)
Morcilla – Blood sausage
and something from the list of
Mollejas – Gizzard
offal (achuras). Here are some of the most common options:
Chinchulin – Small intestine Riñón – Kidney
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Next, you’ll move onto the main course – steak. There are numerous cuts available, each more delectable than the next:
Vacío – Flank steak Bife de chorizo – Sirloin Asado de tira – Short ribs Entraña – Skirt steak Bife de lomo – Tenderloin
N W O D K A E BR Ojo de bife – Ribeye
Cuadril – Rump steak
Bife de Costilla – Porterhouse
Many Argentine steak houses grill their beef a bit more than what those from abroad are
accustomed to, so it’s important to clarify with waitstaff how you’d like your steak cooked (punto de cocción). If you prefer your beef cooked medium, you’ll need to ask for it a
punto, and if you prefer well-done, it’s bien cocido. If you prefer it rare, ask for your steak jugoso (the literal translation is juicy).
To get the full parrilla dining experience, accompany your steak with a salad (the most common is a mixta, meaning lettuce, tomato and onion) or potatoes (fried or mashed, as it’s rare to find baked), as well as typical sauces like chimichurri, salsa provenzal and salsa criolla. And, of course, a glass of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon with your meal is highly recommended.
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From the cafes and museums of the great metropolises to stunning natural vistas
V r a i D e l S Uy
to the cultural landmarks of past civilizations, no visit to South America
feels co mpl ete without joining in with the colorful, exuberant fashion trends of the continent
it g n i p e e k dbook for gentina an H r A n i e l b fashiona
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M
TRAVEL TIP: If you’re coming from the Northern Hemisphere, don’t forget that seasons switch when you cross the equator. Argentina’s winter spans from June through August.
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Q
e t i n a b r U e Th A TRENCH COAT
A CROSSBODY BAG TO CARRY ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS
FINISHING TOUCHES
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The Adv enturist PACK LAYERS TO COMBAT WINDS
TRAVEL BAG, FOR ALL YOUR HIKING ESSENTIALS
DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES!
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A SCARF TO KEEP YOU WARM
THE RIGHT ACCESSORY
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Publisher: Luxury Link Travel Group Executive Editor: Benjamin Cariou Editor-in-Chief: Sara Chapman Managing Editor: Zoe Bo-Linn Copy Editor: Sara Chapman Creative Director: Matthew Cogswell Designers: Matthew Cogswell & Anthony Brown Contributors: Diane McDavitt, Emily Stewart, Kristen Paige Gathany
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