Stories Magazine Issue #PB004

STORIES

by P O W D E R B Y R N E

ISSUE FOUR

#PB004

FEAT U RE

F E AT UR E

F E AT UR E

Easter Skiing Highlights

Get ready for Summer ‘21

Discover our Japan Programme

Discover your options for an Easter on the slopes to satisfy your ski cravings.

Find us at the exclusive new IKOS Andalusia, or our return to beautiful Penha Longa.

Allow us to introduce a host of new and exciting properties to be discovered in Japan.

POWDER BYRNE

Plan your freedom.

Unlock your passion.

FEST I VE S K I I NG | HA L F T E RM S KIING | EA STER S KIING | WEEKEND S KIIN G We’re ready to welcome you for an Easter skiing treat this season.

Trust us with your precious time on the slopes.

Booking now.

2

3

POWDER BYRNE

The Jungfrau, view from First, 1998

STORIES

Powder Byrne STORIES

Welcome to the fourth issue of our Stories Magazine, which we hope provides you with ideas and inspiration for new adventures in 2021.

I’m particularly delighted to highlight the new experiences we’re showcasing in Japan, which build on the variety of destinations, exclusive properties and new activities we can combine into your personalised itinerary. The team and I are ready to help design your perfect escape using our first-hand experience of the country we love.

My career at Powder Byrne has been a tremendous adventure, beginning over 25 years ago, I’ve worked in our offices in Tokyo, Switzerland and head office in London whilst directing our Japanese operations, introducing many clients to the Powder Byrne way. Like so many families, I have fond memories of introducing our daughter to skiing in the Yeti programme and we can’t wait to get back on the slopes again soon.

I’m confident that we’ll continue to overcome the challenges that we’ve all faced over the past months and can look forward to exciting travels again in 2021.

WAK AKO FUNAKI, EXECUTIVE MANAGER P OWDER BYRNE JAPAN

4

5

POWDER BYRNE

STORIES

CONTENTS PAGE 6 0 - 63

Families Reunited for a Big Festive Treat Our private Swiss chalets and apartments offer generous space for extended families to gather together and enjoy a seamless holiday in your very own luxurious home-from-home.

PAGE 6 4 - 67

Discover Andermatt for February Half Term 2022 Let us introduce you to the enchanting Swiss resort of Andermatt this coming season, with a huge investment in new ski lifts and slope facilities.

PAGE 5 0 - 5 1

PAG E 8-9

PA G E 18- 2 1

PA GE 3 2 - 3 4

Our Philosophy

Skiing with Children

Penha Longa

What started in Switzerland as a passion for powder skiing has developed into a global business focused on providing the highestquality, flexibility and service.

Our expertly designed and run children’s programmes mean you can trust us with your precious ones on and off the slopes - so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1995, Sintra is a fairytale landscape of mistsoaked forests, turreted palaces and beautiful golden beaches.

Grown up Journeys & Adventures Embracing Slow Travel

PAGE 7 0 - 71

Swiss Summer Holidays with Altitude We can create a bespoke summer holiday adventure taking in the very best of the Swiss mountains, you’ll be amazed at the range of activities on offer.

Discover the Cruise Train Seven Stars of Kyushu and the Guntu, a rather unique little floating hotel on the Seto Inland Sea.

PAGE 5 2 - 5 3

PAGE 7 4 - 75

Summer Festival Highlights in the Tohoku Region

Our Private Andalusian Finca

PAGE 10-11

PA G E 24- 2 7

PA GE 3 8 - 4 1

Skiing for Skiers

Plan Your Freedom with a Dream Summer Holiday for 2021

Welcome to IKOS Andalusia: Opening April 2021

Everyone’s plans have been affected this year, plan your freedom for Summer 2021.

We’re excited to present the exceptional Deluxe Collection Suites with space for all the family.

PAG E 14-17

PA G E 28- 3 1

PA GE 4 2 - 4 7

PAGE 5 4 - 5 5

PAGE 5 6 - 5 7

PAGE 7 6 -77

Easter Skiing Highlights

Happy Kids Have Happy Parents

The Renaissance of Cortina

Hidden Treasures and Authentic Experiences

Zenagi ‘Expedition Hotel’

Eco Adventures in Costa Rica

We’ve rounded up a selection of our best options for Easter 2021, from private apartments to 5-star hotels, there’s something for everyone.

When everyone is relaxed, enjoying their own experiences, the time you then spend together is naturally enhanced.

A town undergoing nothing short of a revolution, as investment pours in, hotels enjoy face-lifts and new lift systems are finalised.

Discover Amanemu Resort and Hoshino Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi in Japan for an original, authentic experience

An exciting new hotel that combines a stunning natural location with adventurous sports and the highest quality experience.

Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in our Air & Space adventure travel programme and growing in popularity every year.

As skiers ourselves, our emphasis is on serious skiing, and our clients know you don’t have to be an advanced skier to be a serious skier. Our aim is to help ensure you make the most of the mountains.

6

Countryside hacks and river rides combine with lazy beach days and day trips to captivating Spanish cities to create the perfect Andalusian adventure.

We’ve rounded up a few highlights which can be incorporated into summer itineraries exploring this fascinating and enchanting region.

7

POWDER BYRNE

O U R P H I LO S O P H Y

Our Philosophy R

ory Byrne founded Powder Byrne in 1985 because he wanted to provide something better for clients looking for dedicated personal service. What started in Switzerland as a passion for powder skiing has developed into a global business focused on providing the highestquality, flexibility and service for a wide range of clients: from individuals and families to groups and corporates.

We’ve come a long way but we’ve never lost sight of our founding ethos, which you’ll find underpins everything we do, whether skiing in the Alps, relaxing in one of our summer resorts or exploring a new adventure destination.

Everything we do is focused on the experience we create for our clients. As our client, we’ll treat you the way we would expect to be treated, always putting your needs at the centre of our operations. As we’ve developed holiday solutions and services, we’ve focused on identifying and solving the real challenges you face, and the bespoke approach we take allows us to make sure everything is tailored to your needs.

Many companies promise exceptional service, but few are prepared or capable of delivering what it takes to live up to the promise. Our service relies on building rapport and trust, investing time to really understand your objectives and the needs of each individual travelling. It is as much about how we respond to those needs and support you before you travel as it is about the services we deliver while you are travelling as our guests, because every holiday is different and nothing we do is off the shelf. Our aim is to deliver and exceed your expectations, and we’re only satisfied when we know we made all the difference.

8

9

POWDER BYRNE

Skiing for Skiers

As skiers ourselves, our emphasis is on serious skiing, and our clients know you don’t have to be an advanced skier to be a serious skier. No matter what your standard or ability, our aim is to help ensure you make the most of the mountains.

10

SKIING FOR SKIERS

Travelling with us introduces you to a unique environment of like-minded skiers: in our hotels, on the slopes with our guides, over a delicious mountain-side lunch. Skiing is at its best when you share the experience. There is a magic created through the connection with the mountain, with nature and your fellow skiers as you carve your line down the slope that is life-enhancing, and we can’t wait to share this experience with you.

Our capabilities to support novice skiers of all ages continue to develop, and we’re delighted to be introducing more and more first-time adult skiers to our Learn in Style programme. At the same time, we’re always learning and improving the environment for all our young skiers wherever they are on their ski journey. Our PB Ski Academies and new destinations for our PB Martin Bell Academy provide an ever-expanding opportunity for older siblings to tap into carefully tailored instruction.

11

POWDER BYRNE

We need our first snow taxi

We need Switzerland.

Discover winter now: MySwitzerland.com/winter Tell us about your favourite experiences using #IneedSwitzerland

POWDER BYRNE

EASTER SKIING HIGHLIGHTS

With so many skiers missing out on their end of season tracks last year we’re predicting Easter 2021 will be a very popular time to travel thanks to a combination of clients rolling their arrangements forward a year alongside new bookings. We’re ready to help recommend the best options for your family, whether it be a private apartment or the luxury of a hotel stay. Here are just some of our favourites...

their own log burner, balconies and some even boasting a private sauna.

With our pb crèche operating from Priva’s fabulous kid’s club and the meet and greet point for our children’s ski programmes and ski guiding all taking place in the village square, Priva really is the perfect apartment option for Easter.

CHESA FORMA , AROSA Chesa Forma is Powder Byrne’s latest development of luxury chalet-style apartments situated in picturesque Arosa with easy access to the 225km of linked skiing across the Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area. There are 7 individually styled apartments that each sleep up to 8 people in luxurious and comfortable accommodation. Each apartment includes a cleverly designed bunk-room that can sleep up to four people in full-size beds, making them the perfect choice for families with older children. Clients staying at Chesa Forma will also enjoy the private spa & wellness area with sauna and steam room and a fantastic boot room complete with its own bar for a quick post-ski tipple.

PRIVATE APARTMENTS OFFERING SPACE AND PRIVACY

Easter Skiing Highlights Don’t Miss Out This Season Easter 2021 falls over the first weekend of April, with Easter Sunday on the 4th April which gives you a choice of two excellent holiday weeks commencing Saturday 27th March or the 3rd April, or why not come for a long weekend over the Easter break to really maximise the bank holidays?

14

PRIVA ALPINE LODGE, LENZERHEIDE With everything from 2 bedroom apartments to 4 bedroom chalets and penthouse apartments, ski-in/skiout Priva Alpine Lodge is a fantastic solution for families and groups both large and small. 10 traditional alpine style buildings are centred around an atmospheric village square, complete with an authentic Swiss dining hut, Berghüttli, serving Swiss cheese classics and Grisons specialities. Clients staying at Priva enjoy full hotel-style services with the option to stay on a bed & breakfast or room only basis, two restaurants which also allow you to order take-away meals, on-site mini-market and a lovely swimming pool and gym.

Chesa Forma apartments are available on a self-catering basis with the option to utilise our Swiss Cook meal-delivery service which provides total convenience for an evening in with a good bottle of wine when you don’t feel like lifting a finger. Our kid’s menu is particularly popular to order in to satisfy hungry skiers before your Powder Byrne babysitter arrives. You’ll also receive a welcome hamper chock-full of holiday essentials and goodies and daily delivery of fresh bread and croissants from our in-resort team.

The apartments themselves are extremely well equipped, spacious and luxurious, with modern kitchens, beautiful big en-suite bedrooms with alpine-chic decor, family bathroom and plenty of communal space for relaxing and enjoying the apartment. The open-plan living spaces are well designed and cosy with larger apartments including

15

POWDER BYRNE

CASA FLUMINA & CASA FORTUNA , FLIMS Casa Flumina and Casa Fortuna are Powder Byrne’s 2 exclusive luxury chalets in the Swiss ski resort of Flims.

Each chalet is home to 5 luxury apartments with 3 bedroom apartments sleeping up to 8 people and 4 bedroom apartments sleeping up to 10 people in a range of double rooms, twin rooms and full-size bunk rooms.

Both chalets include luxurious private boot rooms and spa & wellness areas.

compliments the Valsana’s contemporary charm. The elegant apartments come complete with rainforest showers, striking fireplaces and south-facing balconies, providing unique views of Arosa’s snow-covered landscape.

THE HIDE APARTMENTS, FLIMS Brand new for the 2020 ski season, The Hide Apartments are the perfect solution for families seeking space, comfort and convenience and immediate access to the ski area of Flims-Laax-Falera. Adjacent to STENNA Flims and The Hide Hotel, The Hide Apartments benefit from access to the bars, restaurants and SPA of The Hide and shopping at STENNA Flims.

Flumina and Fortuna occupy a peaceful position in the old part of the village known as Flims Waldhaus, affording stunning forest and mountain views. Our in-resort team and driver service ensure easy access to the slopes during the day and village restaurants during the evening, with the option to enjoy our meal-delivery service, Swiss Cook, providing home-cooked food prepared locally in Flims.

These contemporary apartments range in size from 1 bedroom studios to 4 bedroom apartments, boasting light-filled rooms, elegant oak floors and fully-equipped kitchens, enjoying access to our Swiss Cook meal-delivery service providing delicious home-cooked food right to your door.

VALSANA APARTMENTS, AROSA The Valsana is one of the most in-demand properties in the Swiss Alps, recently winning the accolade of the World’s Best Green Ski Hotel. Combined with its fresh design concept, excellent gym facilities and a celebrated restaurant with a focus on healthy menus, the lakeside location and proximity to the slopes make the Valsana an all-round winner. The Valsana features 40 luxurious hotel rooms and nine guest apartments, featuring warm wooden decor with individually picked furniture that

If you do feel like venturing out, there are five restaurants and bars in close proximity, including The Hide Hotel’s two restaurants and gin bar. Our in-resort team and driver service ensure access to neighbouring restaurants could not be easier.

EASTER SKIING HIGHLIGHTS

OUR MOST POPULAR 4-STAR HOTELS FOR EASTER: ZURS Arlberghaus, Albona Nova and Ulli, Zurs are three of our most popular and best loved hotels with so much of their business coming from clients who come back year after year. Each hotel offers ski-in/ski-out convenience straight into the formidable Arlberg ski circuit.

LENZERHEIDE The Schweizerhof and Valbella Inn, Lenzerheide both offer refined and beautifully appointed bedrooms. The Valbella lies in a peaceful hamlet just a short drive from the lifts and offers excellent facilities for children thanks to it’s amazing Kids Inn Lego space. The Schweizerhof by contrast is in the main village and walking distance to shops and restaurants and offers you the largest hammam spa in the Alps - perfect for relaxing those tired muscles.

AROSA The Waldhotel and Cristallo, Arosa have their fair share of charms. The Waldhotel is located above the village in the tree-line and offers slopes from the door for morning convenience. It also has a beautiful spa and the friendly bar is always a great place to enjoy a drink and share stories.

The Cristallo enjoys a popular following thanks to large family apartment rooms and an excellent restaurant ‘Le Bistro’ with stunning views out over the valley from every floor.

5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS FOR AN EASTER TREAT: If you prefer the full services of a luxury hotel then these four options will not disappoint: THE TSCHUGGEN GRAND HOTEL, AROSA with its own private ‘roller-coaster’ ride from the boot room to the slopes and one of Switzerland’s greatest spas.

THE KULM HOTEL, AROSA offering ski-in/ski-out convenience at the foot of the nursery slopes of Inner Arosa is a firm favourite with many returning clients.

ZURSERHOF, ZURS is a grand and luxurious Austrian classic right on the slopes with a spectacular spa, sumptuously decorated rooms and suites and even offers indoor tennis facilities.

From top: The Tschuggen private lift up to the slopes

Contact us today to start to finalise your Easter plans for 2021 and learn where our children’s programmes and ski guiding services will be running so every member of your family has a holiday to remember.

Zurserhof bedroom Casa Flumina lounge

16

17

POWDER BYRNE

Skiing with Children Our expertly designed and run children’s programmes mean you can trust us with your precious ones on and off the slopes - so you can relax and get on with enjoying your holiday.

18

POWDER BYRNE

SKIING WITH CHILDREN

We believe that the first experiences on the slopes should always be fun, and we try to remove any worries or pressures that might distract children.

Clockwise from top: smiles for the camera; Yetis tackling the assault course; SnoZoners taking a breather

C

it is this attention to detail and support for every aspect throughout the holiday that sets us apart and allows everything to run so smoothly.

hoosing a holiday with your family can often seem like a daunting process, especially if you have very young children. As parents ourselves, we know what needs to be considered before entrusting someone to look after your brood, so we are here to help provide you with all the information you need and to reassure you that your holiday will be the fabulous experience you are all looking forward to. With over 35 years’ experience, our childcare programme will reassure you from the outset that we’ll deliver the best possible experience.

We’re often asked to advise on the right age to start children on the slopes. In truth, parents know their children best and there is no perfect age in our view, it is what is right for your child. Children develop at different speeds, develop natural coordination at different times so we’ll be led by their physical capabilities as well as their appetite to learn and take on new skills. We believe that the first experiences on the slopes should always be fun, and we try to remove any worries or pressures that might distract them. The first experiences are crucial of course, and for those who are ready at age 3 to take their first tentative steps on skis, our carefully designed Yeti Primer programme gives them the perfect start. Over three decades it has been tried, tested and developed with the input of our most demanding clients (the toddlers, of course).

We continue to respond to the challenge of keeping everyone safe and happy in our programme so you as parents can relax knowing your children are in the safest possible hands. Of course, we’re adapting our already very thorough policies and procedures in light of the challenges Covid-19 presents and taking all the necessary steps to follow best-practice advice as well as all local requirements.

This includes a full audit of all working practices with a leading international childcare consultancy, and measures will be reflected in the size of our ski groups, which have historically always been small, and rarely above 7 children skiing with one instructor and one Powder Byrne assistant.

This small group dynamic will not only ensure safe ‘bubbles’ on the slopes, but is essential to ensure the children receive the right support on the mountain, allowing the instructor to teach, whilst our assistant provides pastoral support, encouragement, deals with the inevitable loo stops and always has water and a biscuit to hand when energy levels need a boost.

Our primary objective in our Yeti programme, for young skiers aged 4 - 9 years, is to build a friendly group environment with new friends, so children feel safe and supported and can learn at their own pace. Whilst we always deliver serious instruction and our objective is to teach the building blocks for a lifetime of enjoyable skiing, we do so in a way that doesn’t feel like ‘ski school’... after all, this is their holiday too. We find many children pick up the essential skills of balance and spatial awareness on the slopes through play and discovery, rather than repeating drill after drill after drill… and this theme runs through our approach before novices are ready to be pushed a little further.

Because we employ all the Powder Byrne staff who are involved in delivering our programmes directly, it gives us control to ensure they are trained and prepared, and the flexibility to adjust our procedures as necessary in the future as local regulations evolve. The role our staff play in liaising and managing our local suppliers, ensuring they deliver services to the quality we expect, will continue to provide great reassurance in our approach.

As they progress with their skiing, we ramp it up with more technical sessions and stronger skiers will be pushed to discover new skills and disciplines as we seek to make them rounded skiers in all conditions and terrain.

Mountain awareness and safe skiing is the foundation of our SnoZone (10 - 14 years) and PB Ski Academy (14 years +) programmes which offer structured group instruction through to their teenage years.

For new clients, part of our process is to talk through your specific needs and advise and explain how the Powder Byrne experience works, as it is likely to be quite different from anything else you have experienced. Clients regularly tell us that they couldn’t have anticipated just how much additional help and support our local teams provide, and

Contact us to find out further details about our unique approach to kids’ skiing and how we can help you pass on your passion to your children.

20

21

POWDER BYRNE

NEW: MAY HALF TERM SUN Powder Byrne’s full programme of resort services and exclusive children’s programmes are now available for May half term 2021. Treat your family to an early sunshine escape at the beautiful Porto Elounda, the place to stay in Crete.

Call us today for full details.

22

FAMILIES

|

COUPLES

|

G R O U P S 23 |

CELEBRATIONS

|

CORP ORATES

POWDER BYRNE

P L A N Y O U R F R E E D O M W I T H A D R E A M S U M M E R H O L I D AY F O R 2 0 2 1

Plan Your Freedom with a Dream Summer Holiday for 2021

E

of privacy offered? Resorts with high concentrations of guests in close proximity will have to adapt, so it is certainly a time for smaller private properties to showcase what they can offer you.

veryone’s plans have been affected this year and many people are craving some sunshine and an escape to a beautiful beach where children’s activities are ready to engage them and parents can have a well deserved change of scene. This is what Power Byrne does best, creating quality time for every member of the family, so that the holiday time you all share together is enhanced and even more special. Our programme for spring and summer 2021 is booking now, so if you want to get ahead and put something in the diary that everyone can look forward to then let us share some inspiration.

With an intimate knowledge of all or properties, some of which have featured in our summer resorts portfolio for over two decades, we can recommend the most suitable properties and accommodation options from first-hand experience. Secluded accommodation including family apartments and suites with multiple bedrooms enjoying their own private pool are proving particularly popular.

Where clients had to re-arrange their previous bookings from summer 2020, demand is increasing rapidly and we are anticipating a busy July and August in 2021.

What makes the perfect beach get-away now our priorities have shifted thanks to Covid? Perhaps you are considering the size of the property, the layout and scale of the outdoor amenities, the al fresco dining options or the overall sense

24

25

POWDER BYRNE

P L A N Y O U R F R E E D O M W I T H A D R E A M S U M M E R H O L I D AY F O R 2 0 2 1

massage area, comfortable loungers in the shallows, native trees and a separate children’s pool, this exciting new development is not to be missed. A significant renovation of the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel was completed in 2020 and upgraded suites await you.

THE HOTEL HERMITAGE, ISOLA D’ELBA A SECLUDED AND LUXURIOUS TUSCAN BEACHSIDE RETREAT Proven to be a huge success for lucky clients who did manage to escape for a stay over summer 2020 and enjoy our programme, we have seen how professional the hotel were at applying the new rules and adapting their services and dining arrangements accordingly so clients felt safe and confident. The feedback we received from our clients was exceptional and the alterations we made to our children’s programmes allowed us to continue to offer kids an awesome time.

Stay with Powder Byrne at Porto Elounda this summer and you’ll enjoy unfettered access to all of the resorts wonderful facilities: private sandy beaches, sensational six senses spa, stunning new seafront pools and eight fabulous restaurants. Our Powder Byrne team will be in Elounda for May half term and throughout the summer holidays to help you unlock the best local experiences and ensure the kids are having a ball in our exclusive programmes: pb crèche, Scallywags, The Zone and Adventure Academy, plus our ‘Learn Together’ family programmes including scuba diving, cycling, surfing and sailing.

Our resort team will give you a very warm welcome at the Hermitage, a luxuriously relaxed 5-star hideaway on a beautiful and secluded bay on the island of Elba where the sun slips into the sea in front of you every evening. Flights to Pisa, a short private transfer down the cost for an hour followed by a scenic ferry crossing to the island and you will feel a million miles away from everything. The Hermitage is an understated family run hotel situated right on the beach in the secluded Biodola bay, this exclusive retreat boasts warm hospitality, first-class service, and exceptional cuisine.

The recently refurbished rooms and suites are simple yet elegantly decorated and finished with wooden or marble floors and bathrooms. Each room or suite has a private balcony or terrace, many with shared or private pools and views of the Mediterranean. They are all designed to capitalise on the stunning views with lots of natural light from wall to wall windows. All modern conveniences mean you will feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

Relaxed accommodation is scattered around the manicured gardens and throughout the wooded hillside that overlooks the hotel’s private beach. You’ll enjoy delicious Tuscan treats at a choice of restaurants, including a fabulous beachside restaurant that specialises in fresh fish and seafood from the islands waters.

Porto Elounda’s gastronomic offering is truly outstanding with several of their restaurants winning numerous awards and the hotel’s extensive dine-around programme means you can experience them all. Our in-resort team will be delighted to tell you more about all of the restaurants and bars included in the dine-around service as well as make all of your reservations for you.

Stay with Powder Byrne at the Hotel Hermitage and enjoy seamless service from our dedicated in-resort team and access to our exclusive children’s programmes: pb crèche, Scallywags, TheZone, PB Adventure Academy, PB Tennis Academy and our ‘Learn Together’ family sailing programme.

The incredible Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort features 21 treatment areas including an authentic Turkish hammam, the Temidarium – a bravura space that excites all the senses, plus private Thalassotherapy Suites complete with state-of-the-art facilities to balance the senses. We’d be happy to book you in for your favourite massage, which you’re welcome to have in the spa itself or in a secluded area on the hotel’s private beach.

For those who like to enjoy a massage or a treatment, the Beauty Centre offers a good range as well as other facilities.

We recommend a drink at the swim-up bar followed by a soak in the huge hot tub that looks down over the beach and the glittering bay. When you are ready to explore more of the treasures of the island, our team are on hand to drive you around, recommend the best places to visit and make all the arrangements so you needn’t lift a finger.

THE PENINSULA ALL-SUITE HOTEL, CRETE The Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel is one of the most exclusive hotels in Greece. Built on a peninsula stretching out into Mirabello Bay and comprised of entirely luxurious suites and villas with private pools, Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel enjoys stunning views of the bay. You will experience unparalleled service and hospitality with the combination of our dedicated in-resort team, childcare staff and your attentive hosts at the hotel.

THE PORTO ELOUNDA RESORT, CRETE The exclusive enclave of Elounda, Crete is extremely popular with our client’s thanks to its warm and exceptionally dry climate; a warmth matched in the friendly welcome of the local people. With a tradition that embraces the simple pleasures in life, you’ll be delighted by the delicious food, friendly hospitality that is built around family, and a peace and calm that can be felt throughout your stay. The facilities at Porto Elounda and Elounda Peninsula were transformed in summer 2019 with the opening of the largest seafront pool on the island of Crete, including an indulgent hydro-

To discover the best options for your family at one of these hand-picked resorts please get in touch and we’ll be delighted to share our detailed knowledge of both destinations.

26

27

POWDER BYRNE

H A P P Y K I D S H AV E H A P P Y PA R E N T S

Happy Kids Have Happy Parents

I

skiing, making sure the environment around them is just right so they can progress at their own pace.

If you are anything like us, we’re constantly searching for the perfect balance, avoiding the difficult compromises that too often have to be made. After all, what you are craving from your holiday is likely to look a little different from the ideas and needs of your children.

Our children’s programmes are flexible so they can spend as little or as much time with new friends as they choose, but in our experience they quickly feel that they are having a lot more fun than Mum and Dad, leaving you with time on your hands. So our attention turns to crafting the holiday around you, making the most of time together on the slopes or on the beach, for long lunches or time out in the spa. Our Client Concierge team will recommend all the options that match your interests and seamlessly hand over your arrangements to our in-resort team who will have everything prepared before you arrive.

magine an environment where you can escape to focus all your attention on your family, free from the worries of planning and logistics, where you have complete trust that all the little details have been taken care of, and you are all in the safest of hands.

We start with a focus on your children. Good old-fashioned inclusive fun, less time on gadgets and more time exploring, playing, making new friends and trying new things. So our Scallywags programme includes cooking sessions that explore local tastes, incorporates excursions in the local area, introduces new sports and encourages everyone to get involved and take part. In winter, we introduce them to the mountains in a way that fosters a lifetime of enjoyable

28

When everyone is relaxed, enjoying their own experiences, the time you then spend together is naturally enhanced.

This is the alchemy of a Powder Byrne family holiday, and we’d love to tell you more about how we can make all the difference to your next family trip.

29

POWDER BYRNE

H A P P Y K I D S H AV E H A P P Y PA R E N T S

We start with a focus on your children.

Good old-fashioned inclusive fun, less time on gadgets and more time exploring, playing, making new friends and trying new things.

for evening adventures too. Night markets come to life and pizzas on the beach are devoured to stories of fears conquered and anticipation of tomorrow’s adventures. All the time supervised by our PB team, who are more like cool (and responsible) older siblings than strict instructors; they know how to get the balance right between organised fun and freedom to create the perfect atmosphere.

Crouching behind a log, heart pounding, avoiding the thump and splatter of paintballs. Careering down singlelane cycle tracks, racing new friends. Exploring hidden coves by kayak or stand-up paddle board. Investigating the world beneath the water with snorkels or trying diving for the first time. The delightful vertigo of learning the high ropes. Conquering the waves on a surfboard and feeling the rush. This is a true holiday for them. This is our PB Adventure Academy.

For more details of where and when, visit powderbyrne. com and find the PB Adventure Academy in the summer kids’ programmes roundup.

Dip in and out of an energetic programme to get the best out of your holiday. Make new friends and meet up

30

31

POWDER BYRNE

P E N H A LO N G A , S I N T R A

Penha Longa, Sintra Take a drive north west from central Lisbon and in less than half an hour you’ll be climbing towards the rolling hills of Sintra. For five centuries this was the playground of royalty and well-heeled Portuguese families who had their summer houses and palaces in the cool shaded hills in what is today a protected national park. The historic and beautiful town of Sintra is a must visit. Recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1995, Sintra is a fairytale landscape of mist-soaked forests, turreted palaces in the European Romantic style and Moorish castle ruins that roll down to the beautiful golden beaches of Cascais and the Estoril coast.

Situated within the national park in a secluded and private 300 acre estate lies the Penha Longa Resort. Originally a monastery with ancient royal connections, the modern hotel has been sympathetically integrated amongst historical buildings. Lush gardens and a picturesque golf course surround the hotel, as do miles of forested walks and trails for jogging and biking. The Resort is uniquely positioned to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the Sintra hills, yet in under 15 minutes drive you also have access to some of the most dramatic and beautiful beaches and Atlantic coastline of Estoril and Cascais. Further afield you’ll find exceptional vineyards for tours and tastings - if you are seeking local adventures we can help.

32

33

POWDER BYRNE

P E N H A LO N G A , S I N T R A

A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION Penha Longa Resort offers a fantastic selection of rooms and suites with beautiful balcony views that are suitable for families and couples alike. Deluxe natural park view rooms are available on an interconnecting basis and with the option for an extra bed or cot, while junior and executive suites provide added space and luxury. The style is contemporary classic, with a muted colour palette and enormously comfortable beds will ensure you enjoy a true escape to recharge your batteries.

MICHELIN STARRED DINING You are welcome to enjoy signature culinary experiences at one of eight resort restaurants: LAB by Sergi Arola with a Michelin Star, transports diners on a highly innovative and emotional gastronomic journey. Midori, awarded with its first Michelin Star offers a Japanese gourmet cuisine.

Spices, a Pan Asian restaurant is inspired by four different cuisines: Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Thai. Arola, also with the signature of Chef Sergi Arola, is where tapas is served in a modern and relaxed atmosphere. Penha Longa Mercatto delivers Italian flare and tastes for the whole family. AQUA, a seasonal poolside restaurant showcases fresh fish and light meals. As you might have guessed Penha Longa takes it’s food seriously and gourmets are in for a treat!

LEADING SPORTS FACILITIES The vast sporting estate of Penha Longa Resort provides the perfect backdrop for activities, sports and adventures suitable for everyone. There are incredible opportunities for golfers with their main golf course ranked in the top 30 courses in Continental Europe. The country club plays host to fantastic facilities for tennis, padel and squash, while their location at the heart of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers endless opportunities for walking, hiking, jogging, trail-running and cycling. An excellent equestrian centre and county club adjacent to the hotel offers hacks and riding lessons for all ages and abilities.

SPA & WELLNESS TREATS The indulgent Thai inspired Penha Longa Resort Spa features nine treatment rooms as well as a private Japanese water garden with space to relax and rejuvenate.

There you will find a Jacuzzi, a contrast pool and a threemetre waterfall, a platform over the pool for the practice of Yoga and Qi Gong, and two gazebos for meditation and treatments such as Shiatsu. Therapies and treatments at the Penha Longa Resort spa are provided by the prestigious luxury brand Natura Bissé.

34

KEEPING THE KIDS ENTERTAINED surf school is one of the finest and most trusted in SintraCascais. The programme has been designed so that all the family can learn how to ride the waves together if you are looking for a new family adventure, or the kids can join up with other Powder Byrne kids to bring a totally new focus and enjoyment to their holiday if they prefer to have some time to themselves away from Mum and Dad. They’ll have a private instructor each morning for 2 hour long morning sessions at surfers paradise Guincho Beach, all overseen by our dedicated staff, exclusively for our clients. Known for its beautiful scenery and amazing waves, Guincho beach is the perfect location for a memorable family surfing experience.

Sintra is a natural playground for kids and the facilities and activities at Penha Longa take their inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape. From swimming lessons and scavenger hunts to painting, golf clinics and the culinary arts, there is a whole host of exciting activities to keep even the most active children engaged, all overseen by our experienced team. Our Client Concierge team will be happy to provide recommendations to help you plan a programme of activities that appeals to your kids and fits in with your wider holiday plans. We’ll book everything for you in advance and your full holiday itinerary will be available in your MyPB app.

Energetic kids will just love our PB Surf Academy available throughout the summer holidays, its a great way to meet new friends and hangout on the beach each morning learning a new sport. With over 20 years experience, our

To find out more about our programme at Penha Longa for Summer 2021 don’t hesitate to contact us.

35

POWDER BYRNE

NEW: JOIN US AT IKOS ANDALUSIA THIS SUMMER

Your southern Spanish adventure awaits as the latest all-inclusive offering from this award-winning hotel family opens it’s doors.

Call us today for full details.

FAMILIES

|

COUPLES

|

G R O U P S 36 |

CELEBRATIONS

|

CORP ORATES

37

POWDER BYRNE

W E LC O M E TO I KO S A N D A LU S I A

Welcome to IKOS Andalusia: Opening April 2021 Clockwise: The perfect spot to dine al fresco Stunning Deluxe Collection Suite Enjoy a sun-downer at the bar

W

wines, also International brands spirits, beers and soft drinks, beach and pool-side cocktail service. You’ll find it hard to find an excuse to leave the resort! And that’s not all, as the resort perfectly caters for active families with a huge range of facilities, including tennis courts, basketball and beach volleyball, Gym-fitness studios and the beautiful IKOS Spa. Programmes include Yoga and Pilates and TRX to energise your morning, then pampering at the hands of the spa therapists or time-out in the saunas and steam rooms and hot beds. After action packed days, slope off for beach-side cocktails and enjoy live music performances by night. A host of personalised experiences await including dinner under the stars on your own stretch of beach.

e are delighted to have partnered with the new IKOS Andalusia on the sun drenched shores of the Cost del Sol and we expect there to be a huge amount of interest in this award-winning hotel group’s first launch outside of Greece. Not least thanks to the amazing location of the beach-side resort, surrounded by over 20 acres of gardens and facilities on the Playa de Guadalmansa, under an hours drive from Malaga airport.

We’re excited to present the exceptional Deluxe Collection Suites which offer private pools, private gardens and plenty of space for all the family. 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms suites enjoy upgraded services and menus as well as access to a private beach and pool area for Deluxe Collection clients.

Luxuriously appointed, these large suites are flooded with light opening straight out onto gardens or your own pool to while away your day in paradise.

Discover Polo Valley For selected weeks during the summer holidays, we’ll be offering exclusive access to our Polo Valley ranch (just a 40 minute drive from the hotel) for older kids, or the whole family to enjoy rides and hacks into the Andalusian backcountry, or why not try a polo taster session with our experienced coaches? We can arrange every element for a unique day out of the resort and deliver you back beach-side for a sundowner to toast your achievements.

The hotel’s own childcare programme consists of expertly designed and supervised clubs for all ages with a focus on sports, creativity and fun, all delivered by the awardwinning UK childcare provider Worldwide Kids. With programmes for May half term as well as the summer holidays and some very attractive early booking incentives this is certainly a resort to put on your hot-list.

IKOS have gained a well deserved reputation for their all-inclusive resort concept ‘Infinite Lifestyle’, which not only allows you to enjoy delicious cuisine throughout the resort’s 7 restaurants, over 300 international and local

38

39

POWDER BYRNE

W E LC O M E TO I KO S A N D A LU S I A

Discover local restaurants on the Dine Out programme If exploring different tastes and delicacies in authentic local restaurants is an important feature of your holiday experience then you’ll be spoilt by the IKOS Dine Out programme. As part of the Infinite Lifestyle offering, you can enjoy dining in selected local restaurants that have been chosen to showcase the areas unique culinary traditions. Head to the glamorous Porto Banus to browse the boutiques and take in the exclusive yachts before a delicious meal overlooking the harbour. Or for traditional Andalusian ambience, head to Estapona’s winding whitewashed streets and discover something amazing.

By day - you are just a stone’s throw of Malaga, a celebrated city of museums and culture, offering more than 30 attractions from the Pablo Picasso Museum, Pablo Picasso Foundation as well as the wonderful Museum of Russian Art. Golfers will be in their element with complimentary green fees at the most celebrated courses in the area, particularly the Los Naranjas Course in Nueva Andalusia. If you are still itching to explore the local hills and coastline, thanks to a special partnership offered through the resort you can have your own MINI Drive Adventure at no extra cost and head up to MIjas, considered one of the most beautiful hill-towns in Andalusia, or the famous historical city of Ronda. New discoveries await you in this enchanting region and all within easy access of the resort.

ON THE EDGE Head up to the hill-town of Mijas, one of the most beautiful towns in the area.

40

41

POWDER BYRNE

THE RENAISSANCE OF CORTINA

The Renaissance of Cortina Cortina d’Ampezzo was introduced to the world as the host of the 1956 Winter Olympics as these were the first games ever to be televised. The stunning backdrop to the competition caught the imagination of a global audience including filmmakers and stars who, over the ensuing decades, came to regard the town as their playground.

wasting the lives of a generation on a frozen front-line in the mountains high above the town. The Ampezzo valley was eventually ceded to Italy in 1920, but it remains today a fascinating melting pot; rooted in the Ladino culture of the early-middle ages, combined with the noble heritage of Habsburgs and Emperor Maximillian, mixed with the Mediterranean warmth of the Italians.

The scene was set for the golden era of Cortina, with visitors reading like a Who’s Who of stage and screen, from Prima Donnas including Ingrid Bergman, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardo and Liz Taylor to David Niven, Clark Gable, Henry Fonda and Frank Sinatra. Blockbusters including The Pink Panther with Peter Sellers and For your Eyes Only with Roger Moore, only added to Cortina’s irresistible allure.

Such silver-screen heritage continues into the modern era with Stallone’s Cliffhanger (1993) and Ron Howard’s Star Wars spin-off: Solo (2018), celebrating the other-worldly peaks of the Dolomite mountains.

Fast forward to today and Cortina is preparing to host the 2021 Alpine World Championships, and, with Milan, jointly host the 2026 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics.

It’s a town undergoing nothing short of a revolution, as investment pours in, hotels enjoy face-lifts, new lift systems are finalised and the doors are swung open again to the world to showcase the extraordinary beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Cortina is again the place to be and be seen.

The ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, as Cortina is affectionately known, has many secrets. Romans and Barbarians battled through her strategically important valleys, the Venetian Republic claimed ownership, before 400 years of AustroHungarian rule, coming to an end only after 3 years of bitter and ultimately futile battles in the Great War

42

43

POWDER BYRNE

THE RENAISSANCE OF CORTINA

The doors are swung open again to the world to showcase the extraordinary beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Cortina is again the place to be and be seen.

Via Ferrata - An Unexpected Family Adventure

We believe the most unexpected adventure awaits for families who join us for a via ferrata tour during their stay.

The slopes around the area are criss-crossed by dozens of iron cable ways which, accompanied by a local guide, can be navigated to give you a totally different connection and perspective of these stunning mountains. Each via ferrata route is different, some quite short and others much longer, some more of a gentle walk, others requiring skill and nerves of steel! We’ll design your experience to incorporate lunch at a beautiful mountain hut along the way, or even an overnight in a summer farm or Refugio if you want something truly memorable.

The surrounding trails, lakes and peaks of the Ampezzo valley offer anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a seemingly never-ending choice. Take any path from the centre of the town and within a couple of minutes you’ll be winding through meadows, taking in beautiful mountain scenery from every angle. There’s amazing hiking, biking, horse riding, bouldering and climbing all on the doorstep and the infrastructure is in place to access all these pursuits with guides and equipment all coordinated by Powder Byrne locally. And because the town and surrounding villages are all linked by cycling paths, it is incredibly easy to get around without the intrusion of cars, allowing you to really slow down. For families looking for a healthy and active escape we don’t think it can be beaten!

44

Anyone who is reasonably fit and active can enjoy via ferrata, even people who are scared of heights. It’s great for active children and we’d recommend 8 years upwards as they do need to be able to take responsibility for their own safety as they move along the route, which are all graded by difficulty so we can design your experience accordingly.

You will always be accompanied by an experienced local mountain guide who will help you and share all their local knowledge and stories. The equipment is very simple and easy to use for adults and children and we work with a great rental partner who will provide you with everything you need: helmet, gloves and harness and can advise on the best clothing and footwear. You are connected to the cable-way the entire time and it is amazing how safe and secure you feel on terrain that you might otherwise never have dreamed of attempting!

eventually arriving at the waterfalls. On your return there are various options for lunch at one of the local mountain huts, or you can return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxing in the spa.

Once you have gained your confidence, you can embark on a full day programme. We recommend our local team drive you 20 minutes up the pass to Pass Val Parola, location of the largest open air museum from the First World War. The route starts with a walk up through a tunnel blown out of the mountain during the war, with the via ferrata taking you up through the Austrian army trenches, which brings the challenges of mountain warfare to stark reality. The ascent takes 2 hours and you are rewarded with sensational views across Cortina and the surrounding peaks. After a one hour walk back down your guide can arrange lunch in a local Refugio, access to the museum, or you can head back to Cortina to celebrate your achievements. If the kids still have energy to burn and want to brush up on their climbing skills, we can arrange a session at the enormous indoor climbing centre.

We recommend building your confidence on one of the more gentle routes, for example a half day’s adventure to the Fanes waterfalls. You can approach the waterfalls by e-bike (more on these later) with a gentle 1 hour ride from your hotel with your guide. You’ll then get into your harness and clip onto the via ferrata cable and follow the path for around an hour through beautiful scenery,

Give our adventure experts a call on 02082465300 or enquire online to hear more about our new destination, Cortina.

45

POWDER BYRNE

46

47

POWDER BYRNE

THE CRUISE TRAIN

‘SEVEN STARS OF KYUSHU’ The most exclusive and authentic rail journey in Japan Combine a ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience with a bespoke itinerary designed by our Japanese specialists.

Discover more at www.powderbyrne.com

FAMILIES

|

COUPLES

|

G R O U P S 48 |

CELEBRATIONS

|

CORP ORATES

49

POWDER BYRNE

J A PA N : G R O W N U P J O U R N E Y S & A D V E N T U R E S E M B R A C I N G S L O W T R AV E L

Grown up Journeys & Adventures Embracing Slow Travel

JA PA N Guntu A RATHER UNIQUE LIT TLE FLOATING HOTEL ON THE SETO INLAND SEA

Cruise Train Seven Stars of Kyushu Powder Byrne invites you to experience the Cruise Train Seven Stars of Kyushu, the most exclusive and breathtaking rail journey in Japan. The 7 prefectures of Kyushu are connected by 3,000 km of tracks and a journey on the Cruise Train introduces you to this spectacular landscape in true style. This is an unique locomotive, launched in 2013 at a cost of over £20 million, no expense has been spared in creating the most luxurious environment, with a total capacity of only 30 passengers. Accompanied by your own English speaking local guide, you can sit back and relax as Kyushu’s alluring landscape slides past through panoramic windows. The route includes regular stops at places of interest, renowned restaurants and beauty spots as well as overnight stays in hand-picked properties, all expertly crafted to ensue you are fully immersed in this unique island landscape.

THE CRUISE TRAIN SEVEN STARS TREATS YOU TO: • The most authentic cuisine from celebrated chefs in the Jupiter dining car, showcasing fresh seasonal produce of the region.

• The sumptuous Lounge Car ‘Blue Moon’ for winding down by day or night with live piano music and a sophisticated buzz.

• Unique artisanal experiences and visits including the kilns of Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain manufacturing and Kumiko woodworking with a master craftsman.

• Overnight in an authentic Onsen spa town at a traditional ‘Ryokan’ Inn, carefully selected for Seven Star guests.

• Kyushu’s alluring landscapes - spectacular volcanic uplands, lush forests, gorges and rivers, historic ports and tropical deserted beaches - allow yourself to be transported to another place on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Journeys depart in spring and summer 2021 for a 4 day or 2 day schedule, but demand is such that access is virtually impossible for non-Japanese. Thanks to our long-standing partnerships, we can access this exclusive experience as well as coordinating all pre and post journey travel, and we are adept at incorporating the rail journey into a wider itinerary to explore other destinations to complete your adventures.

Brainchild of award-winning Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe, the Guntu is a luxury cruise ship offering all the facilities of a boutique hotel, with 19 wood-panelled cabins, with terraces close the water level and panoramic windows looking out onto the ever-changing seascape offering total privacy. This is an experience for those looking for escape and indulgence. As your floating hotel blends into the Setouchi landscape the relaxed experience on board is like staying at a friend’s elegant guesthouse.

Guntu is filled with special pleasures ranging from a dining experience “what you want, as much as you want”, a cosy and intimate 6 seat sushi bar with a view straight out over the water. Some suites offer bathtubs on private terraces, but there’s also the communal baths with hinoki cypress bathtubs and saunas.

Flop on the Engawa day beds and enjoy a handmade matcha tea or sweets and Sake. Relax on the open deck offering 360 degree views of the inland sea. Submit to a massage or original treatment in the spa, energise in the gymnasium.

Sip sundowners in the bar before a choice of sumptuous dining options across three separate restaurants overseen

by Guntu’s acclaimed chefs.

Guntu is a floating paradise to share together, where you will reset, indulge your senses, relieve your stresses and return recharged and energised.

50

51

POWDER BYRNE

Summer Festival Highlights in the Tohoku Region

J A PA N : S U M M E R F E S T I VA L H I G H L I G H T S I N T H E T O H O K U R E G I O N

JA PA N

The float’s design and construction can take an entire year to complete, consisting of died washi paper meticulously draped over bamboo frames. Reaching up to 5m tall and 9m wide, they depict dynamic scenes of Japanese deities and famous mythological figures, along with some more contemporary characters. Hundreds of light bulbs are strung beneath the dyed paper, bringing them dramatically to life in vivid technicolour. The accompanying Haneto dancers follow behind the floats throwing bells at the expectant crowds whilst performing their backwards skipping dance. The spectacle is the most infectiously energetic festival atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression.

Japan enjoys very distinct seasons and each one has a particular beauty and charm. From the romantic Sakura cherry blossoms in the spring, the vibrant momiji maple leaves with their iridescent colours in autumn, to the abundant light powdery snow of winter, the extremes offer the allure of an ever-changing landscape. But too often overlooked is the summer season - perhaps because the climate is considered to be too hot and humid, but with a little local knowledge there are wonders to be discovered which can form the basis of an unforgettable adventure.

The beautiful region of Tohoku (see previous issues which introduced the unique skiing in Zao Onsen and Alts Bandai) lies in the north-eastern section of the main island of Honshu, is considered to be remote and scenic thanks to its mountainous interior, thick forests and dramatic coastline.

It is also considered a harsh climate, but whilst it can be exceptionally cold and snowy during winter, the summer heat is often less intense, making a more attractive climate than southern regions.

AKITA K ANTO FESTIVAL OF LIGHT An inspiring festival of light to ward off evil spirits and give thanks for the harvest One of the three main festivals in the region, the Akita Kanto Matsuri is held in early August each year. This summer festival is held to pray for a good harvest of the five grains grown in the region: wheat, rice, beans, foxtail millet and Chinese millet and is believed to date back to the 17th century. Using only their hips, shoulders or foreheads, young people wearing traditional festival garb take turns hoisting up eight-meter-high bamboo poles decorated with 46 paper lanterns and shreds of paper, all secured in intricate bamboo structure. The lantern pole design resembles an ear of wheat and when over 200 similar lantern poles are hoisted and simultaneously paraded through the town to the sound of flutes and drums, there are over 10,000 individual candle lanterns lighting up the night sky - truly a sight to behold.

However, what really draws the crowds to Tohoku are the many traditional festivals and celebrations that run seemingly consecutively throughout August and September from one prefecture to the next. The Matsuri have their roots in traditional harvest festivities, but many have since evolved into extravagant carnivals drawing huge crowds eager for a spectacle and unique atmosphere. We’ve rounded up a few highlights which can be incorporated into summer itineraries exploring this fascinating and enchanting region.

NEBUTA MATSURI, AOMORI PREFECTURE

OMAGARI HANBI FIREWORKS FESTIVAL The spectacular National fireworks competition held on the 4th Saturday in August is a spectacle not to be missed.

The Omagari Hanabi fireworks festival showcases the latest advanced techniques and new pyrotechnics to wow expectant audiences year after year. It is one of Japan’s top three fireworks festivals, and is a competition in which leading fireworks makers selected from around the country vie for the position of best in Japan. The judging places importance on design, colours, and creativity, and it is an influential competition with prizes awarded by the Prime Minister of Japan. The famous displays are choreographed to music and light up the entire sky in a dramatic setting on the banks of the Omono River.

Cool off in Aomori, the northernmost tip of Tohoku, and dance among spectacular giant floats at Japan’s most iconic festival.

Tohoku offers a rich and diverse range of attractions for a summer adventure and our specialist team can coordinate entry to festivals, English speaking guides, handpicked accommodation and personalised experiences to make your trip as memorable as possible. Once you have had your thrills at these big events you are never far away from the peace and tranquility of ancient forests, the spectacular coastline, unique hotel properties and the warm hospitality of your hosts. So why not take a Japanese adventure next summer and find out for yourself?

The streets of Aomori City come alive in summer with gigantic, vibrantly-coloured floats depicting mythical legends and Gods during the Nebuka Festival. Held annually between 2nd and 7th August, it is one of the most recognisable festivals in Japan.

The elaborate lantern floats, vividly illuminated from inside, are paraded around each day accompanied by dancers and taiko drums bellowing out thunderous tunes.

They leer and sweep over the cheering crowds as teams of volunteers push floats through the 3km circuit.

Opposite page: Akita Kanto Festival of Light This page from top: Nebuta Matsuri, Aomori prefecture; Omagari Hanbi Fireworks Festival

52

53

POWDER BYRNE

J A PA N : H I D D E N T R E A S U R E S A N D A U T H E N T I C E X P E R I E N C E S

Hidden Treasures and Authentic Experiences JA PA N

Hoshino Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi

Amanemu Resort

Unique adventures and experiences await: • Join the Aman female free divers as they demonstrate how they harvest shellfish, seaweed and sea urchins by hand, before enjoying a spectacular seafood barbecue in their traditional amagoya beach hut.

Serenity, privacy and authenticity at one of Japan’s most sought after luxury resorts.

Set in a spectacular national park on the shore of Ago Bay (Bay of Pearls) this bare-foot luxury resort embraces the ancient traditions of Onsen mineral hot springs. The experience also draws on the treasures from the rich and abundant waters that produce spectacular seafood as well as cultivated pearls which grow on rafts gently drifting around the bay.

• Head out with a veteran pearl farmer to cultivate your own Akoya pearl. Months later you’ll receive your treasure back home - a truly personal memento of this enchanting land.

• Follow footsteps of history on the UNESCO heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route - these mountain and coastal trails link sacred sites which have been visited and revered for over a millennium.

Amanemu’s 24 suites and villas are spread in secluded positions on the hillside offering spectacular views. Each suite has its own mineral rich private Onsen, and guests will enjoy an array of spa and fitness facilities which compliment Aman’s holistic approach to wellness. Personalised Wellness Immersion programmes are extremely popular and can be paired with detoxifying menus. Cuisine is at the heart of the Amanemu, drawing on rich local produce from the region that was once renowned as the bread basket of the Imperial Court.

• Discover the most holy Ise Grande Shinto shrine for morning chanted prayers followed by ritual dances.

• Explore the Ise Shima National Park with a mountain bike or hiking guide A stay at Amanemu, situated in Mie prefecture, 3.5 hours drive from Kyoto is an extra special treat in summer

54

Hoshinoya Fuji is a design focused glamping resort located on a slope of red pines overlooking beautiful Lake Kawaguchi, with spectacular uninterrupted views of Mt. Fuji. The creators of the resort describe it as a sophisticated playground for inquisitive souls designed to awaken senses and instincts that have been numbed by contemporary life.

of adventure and all the equipment you could need is provided by the resort - including knowledgeable local guides. More leisurely pursuits are on offer in and around the resort. Under the watchful eye of the glamping masters you can tick off a wish list of outdoor activities you have always wanted to try; smoking wild meat from local hunters, preparing a meal in a Dutch Oven and making pizza in wood burning oven.

“Glamping is a stylish form of play, designed to stimulate the dormant senses - without the toil and labour associated with camping”

Resort guests naturally congregate at the fire pit which is perpetually burning at the very highest point of the resort know as the ‘Cloud Forest’. You can choose either to dine up on this platform and get involved with grilling your local game with the chefs, or there are a number of alternatives including private grills on your balcony, or the Dining Room restaurant offering a large grill station where the chef will prepare your chosen meal just how you like it.

Menus consist of multiple courses of French-inspired fare prepared with local ingredients found in the scrounging landscape.

Minimalist concrete cabins appear scattered about the pine forest with their angular permanence in contrast to the softer surrounding landscape. The cabins have been carefully positioned and designed to make the most of the extraordinary views, with one third of each cabin occupied by a living room style balcony, blurring the lines between indoors and out. Inside they are thoughtfully furnished with an emphasis on creating a space which encourages you to relax and switch off and embrace the views of the surrounding nature.

Hoshinoya Fuji is a unique concept and a destination not to be missed if you want to connect with the beautiful Japanese countryside which comes to life in different ways depending on the season.

The resort offers many activities and adventures for guests from early morning lake canoeing to guided e-bike tours around the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Hiking and mountain trekking routes are available for those in search

55

POWDER BYRNE

JA PA N

J A PA N : Z E N A G I E X P E D I T I O N H O T E L

Located in Nagano prefecture in the historically important and naturally beautiful Kiso Valley, this boutique hotel is the brainchild of celebrated TV documentary maker Muneyuki Okabe who has brought an original concept to life. Zenagi is a project with a difference, located in a quiet off-shoot valley, it sits with it’s back against the mountains with glorious views out over the farmland below. A sensitive renovation of a 300 year old timber framed farmhouse includes the opening up the huge vaulted timer roof with large glass windows and open mezzanine levels in each of the three bedroom suites. Here in the pristine countryside you’ll find a unique and private retreat that creates a feeling of immersion in nature.

former world champions in sports including paragliding, snowboarding and mountain biking. Well respected in the region for supporting the regeneration of local culture and local crafts (tours include visits to artisans and producers on the nearby Nakasndo Way post towns), Zenagi clients are treated to unique access to a protected private forest in the adjoining valley of Kakizore where you can enjoy canyoning down stunning waterfalls, and SUP along the pristine river.

A year round programme allows you to experience this unique location in all four seasons, which will also allow you to appreciate the local seasonal produce from the kitchen, including such delicacies as wild plants and vegetables from surrounding farms, wild boar, snow trout, venison and occasionally wild bear, a by-product of local population control measures in the surrounding mountains. High quality menus are not unusual in Japan, but to find such quality in deepest Nagano prefecture after a thrilling day of adventuring is why this place is so special.

But what really sets Zenagi apart is its self-styled status as an ‘Expedition Hotel’. Guests book the property on an exclusive, all-inclusive basis (the cuisine is to die for with menus developed by Michelin star rated collaborators) and have access to a broad programme of guided adventures which are each delivered by their team of experienced adventure sports professionals and exclusive to hotel guests. Activity programmes are tailored to your interests and ability levels, in Japanese and English, and are equally suited to active family groups as well as thrillseeking adult parties.

A stay at the all-inclusive Zenagi Expedition Hotel includes your meals, activities, guides and all equipment you will need. In winter the nearest slopes are a short drive away, with your guide taking care of all the details. Your stay can be seamlessly incorporated into an exciting itinerary showcasing highlights from both city and countryside.

Your guides include past Olympic athlete Taro Ando, now coach of the Japanese canoeing team, as well as

Zenagi ‘Expedition Hotel’ An exciting new hotel that combines a stunning natural location with adventurous sports and the highest quality experience.

56

57

POWDER BYRNE

Booking Now

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022 Our award-winning children’s ski programmes and ski hosting for parents await you in a hand-picked selection of beautiful resorts.

Secure your holiday now for your peace of mind.

FAMILIES

|

COUPLES

|

|

GROUPS 58

CELEBRATIONS

|

CORP ORATES 59

POWDER BYRNE

B I G FA M I LY C H R I S T M A S

Families Reunited for a Big Festive Treat

We’ve adapted our services to offer families a Covid-safe ‘family bubble’ environment, where we’ll ensure that we deliver our services, cleaning and our Swiss Cook meal delivery service whilst you are all out on the slopes

Christmas 2021 with Powder Byrne

O

areas in the resorts but enjoy swift access to the slopes in no more than a couple of minutes thanks to our resort driver service.

ur private Swiss chalets and apartments offer generous space for extended families to gather together and enjoy a seamless holiday in your very own luxurious home-from-home. With total flexibility to design our service around your needs and a pic ’n’ mix approach to in-house catering thanks to our Swiss Cook service, you are in complete control of how much interaction you have with our team during your stay.

A new and exciting innovation using the latest 3D video imaging technology has allowed us to produce walkthrough floor plans to ensure you select the right property The ‘dolls-house’ view of each property showcases the individual style and decor, including original artworks, sumptuous furnishings and cosy living spaces filled with alpine charm. The technology is great for visualising the layout and space and gives you added peace of mind before you confirm your booking.

Space and privacy are key elements of a holiday for many of our clients. Our luxury chalet apartments in Flims and Arosa have been designed, finished and furnished to the highest standards by their owners and each one has it’s own style. The apartments are situated in quiet residential

60

delivery service whilst you are all out on the slopes, so you can come back to the smell of freshly baked cakes and brownies and relax in your own private space without worrying about intrusions. We’ll ensure you have everything you need to tuck yourselves away for a cosy family time together, with your log fire roaring, large entertaining space for big family meals, all modern conveniences and technology to flop in front of your favourite film.

Guests of our private properties are looked after by our House Managers who take great care to welcome you, introduce you to every aspect of your property, and generally oversee all the little details. Our resort driver service is on hand throughout your stay to provide shuttles to and from the ski lifts, as well as evening driving to and from restaurants. On the slopes the whole family are invited to join in the fun, with adult ski guiding to show you around the best runs the resort has to offer at your own pace, whist the children will be in their element in our exclusive children’s programmes. For infants, there is our pb crèche (from 6 months)or we can arrange a private nanny who will come to your apartment each day and look after your little ones whilst you enjoy some time away on the slopes.

Because some of our properties offer additional bedrooms and bunk rooms, why not plan ahead to get the extended family together or share a holiday away with your closest friends? By using all the accommodation in our private properties (some sleeping 10+ in full beds) you’ll enjoy the very best value for money and are guaranteed to have a wonderful relaxing time away from it all.

We’ve adapted our services to offer families a Covid-safe ‘family bubble’ environment, where we’ll ensure that we deliver our services, cleaning and our Swiss Cook meal

Contact us today to discuss your options and take a 3D tour with our new walk-through technology.

61

POWDER BYRNE

TA K E A G O O D L O O K Explore each of our properties in detail with our brand new ‘walk-through’ views

62

63

POWDER BYRNE

N E W : D I S C O V E R A N D E R M AT T F O R F E B R U A R Y H A L F T E R M 2 0 2 2

With the opening of the world-class Radisson Blu and The Chedi hotels we’ve created a programme for half term that will appeal to skiers of all levels; from the gentle nursery slopes to the off-piste paradise of the iconic Gemstock... Andermatt is one to watch

New: Discover Andermatt for February Half Term 2022 Let us introduce you to the enchanting Swiss resort of Andermatt this coming season, featuring two stunning hotels and a huge investment in new ski lifts and slope facilities, it is time to visit before the secret is out. high altitude passes which climb off in different directions: the Furka Pass, the Oberalp Pass and the St-Gotthard Pass.

Thanks to these passes travellers have been journeying through these valleys since medieval times, enjoying a warm welcome and hospitality from the friendly locals in all weathers. With close associations to the Swiss military since the late 19th century the village was all but cut off as a garrison town until the end of the Cold War and it was generally overlooked by tourism. However, since the departure of the Swiss army and a significant investment and re-generation programme over the last decade thanks to the charismatic Egyptian-born billionaire Samih Sawiris, everything has changed. What awaits you now as you climb up the steep approach from Gotshenen past the historic ‘Devil’s Bridge’ is nothing short of a revelation.

We’ve had our eye on Andermatt for a few years, knowing that the exciting investments in hotel facilities, private accommodation and ski infrastructure would create an exciting new opportunity for skiers. With the opening of the world-class Radisson Blu and The Chedi hotels we’ve created a programme for half term that will appeal to skiers of all levels; from the gentle nursery slopes of Natschen, newly linked by new ski lifts and served by new slope facilities, to the off-piste paradise of the iconic Gemstock, one of the most celebrated mountains for serious skiers in Switzerland. Andermatt is one to watch...

Andermatt sits at a dramatic crossroads between 4 valleys in the centre of the St-Gotthard Massif, at an altitude of 1437m, within convenient reach of Zurich by road and rail.

It is surrounded on all sides by spectacular views of the

64

the option to break right and off towards the Bernhard Russi run (named after the famous ski-racing hero) and the famous off-piste routes such as Giraffe and Geisberg. Turn left from the cable-car and enjoy the beautiful St Anna Gletscher red run which drops 3.5km down to the base.

Andermatt is part of Central Switzerland’s largest ski domain with a linked ski area of 180km between the areas of Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis. Over the past couple of years the Scandinavian resort operator SkiStar has been involved in re-modelling the ski area and creating new lifts to connect the zones of Natschen and Sedrun and Disentis. The ski area has been rejuvenated to a level that can now rival other Swiss mega-resorts, and the sleepy, poorly-connected resort that time forgot for over 30 years is a distant memory.

While you pick your line, younger skiers will be in their element on the Natschen nursery slopes, accessed by quaint mountain train up from the village, whilst improvers will make their way across the new ski terrain linked with Sedrun made possible by two large chair lifts which open up some great cruising terrain. For a full day adventure you can ski all the way to Disentis before taking the train back to Andermatt, enjoying a little après-ski on the way back home to complete a memorable day.

The iconic Gemstock mountain that dominates the eastern skyline at 2963m offers steep descents for confident skiers and is home to some of the worlds best off-piste. The top station is one of the great Alpine viewpoints and gives you

65

POWDER BYRNE

N E W : D I S C O V E R A N D E R M AT T F O R F E B R U A R Y H A L F T E R M 2 0 2 2

The Chedi, Andermatt

Clockwise from top: Restaurant Spun; comfy and cosy bedroom; standing proud in Andermatt

This 5-star deluxe hotel perfectly combines authentic Alpine chic with Asian design elements thanks to the stunning design of Jean-Michel Gathy. The Chedi plays host to a number of exquisite restaurants, luxurious bedrooms and suites, and a 2,400m2 spa, pool & health club that will blow your mind. This is a super-hotel, a bold and brave vision from another world, created in stark contrast to the sleepy village surrounding it, and so unusual it has to be experienced to be believed.

123 spacious rooms and suites in which traditional materials, such as warm wood, dark leather and natural stone create a stylish and intimate atmosphere. Large picture windows provide breathtaking views over the village of Andermatt to bring the magic of the mountain landscape into your room. Each set of rooms has its own fireplace and balcony, as well as a large bathtub and separate rain shower - everything about the Chedi experience is about your enjoyment and comfort.

With four restaurants and bars to choose from, you are spoilt for choice at the gastronomic Chedi. The exquisite ‘Japanese Restaurant’ is the only Michelin starred restaurant in Andermatt and offers up a six-course culinary delight. In ‘The Restaurant’ four show kitchens serving Asian and European fare tempt you with dishes prepared with theatre and passion. Executive Chef Dietmar Sawyere and Chef de Cuisine Armin Egli expertly oversee the whole gastronomic concept.

As you wander down to prepare for skiing on your first morning, the ski butler service takes care of your every need in the ski lounge - it’s the perfect start to your skiing and no surprise from a hotel that has quite literally thought of everything.

The Radisson Blu, Andermatt

We’re very excited about the launch of our programme at the Radisson Blu Hotel as it has all the ingredients we feel are essential for families travelling at half term. The hotel describes itself as being based on the concept of a modern Swiss chalet combined with Scandinavian design influences. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere with a large open plan reception, lobby bar and lounge area leading through to a fantastic restaurant. You’ll love the huge indoor pool, gym and spa and all the modern conveniences you’d expect from an international hotel of this standing, it even has its own concert hall which plays host to international concerts and performances throughout the year.

Clockwise from top: The impressive wine library; a plush and elegant suite; luxurious semi-private dining room

But where the Radisson Blue really delivers is its choice of family accommodation. As well as traditional hotel rooms, they offer a vast selection of 1,2 and 3 bedroom suites and in the connected Residence wing, fully integrated with all the hotel facilities, you’ll have the choice of 1,2 or 3 bedroom Residence Apartments all with full fitted kitchens and stocked with everything from fluffy sofa throws to snuggle under as you relax, to your own fondue

66

67

POWDER BYRNE

Festive Skiing 2021

FAMILIES REUNITED Celebrate with a big family Christmas you’ll never forget Our private Swiss chalets and apartments offer generous space for extended families to gather together and enjoy a seamless holiday.

Total flexibility to design our service around your needs and a pic ‘n’ mix approach to in-home catering thanks to our Swiss Cook service.

Call to discuss your plans today.

FAMILIES

|

COUPLES

|

G R O U P S 68 |

CELEBRATIONS

|

CORP ORATES

69

POWDER BYRNE

D I S C O V E R G S TA A D W I T H P O W D E R B Y R N E

POWDER BYRNE PRIVATE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER Our portfolio of private chalet apartments in Flims and Arosa offer the perfect escape if you are looking to get away from the hassle and bustle of the city, or you need a change of scene this year from the traditional beach holiday. Firstly, heading to the Swiss mountains offers an opportunity for a fun road trip - taking in sights along the way - and when you arrive, private underground parking awaits you. You’ll then have your car available to had out and explore, and we can provide all the necessary maps and information you’ll need to access all the highlights of your chosen region.

Each apartment comes with a full fitted kitchen so you can self-cater as well as enjoying all the local restaurants on offer. Large balconies and open plan spaces allow you to fling the doors open and enjoy the nature around you - our properties are all in quiet residential areas with spectacular views and just a short walk from the amenities of the village.

SWISS PROPERT Y OWNERSHIP - TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

Swiss Summer Holidays with Altitude We can create a bespoke summer holiday adventure taking in the very best of the Swiss mountains, you’ll be amazed at the range of activities on offer.

Clients have regularly told us that the summer adventures we have put together for them exceed their expectations on so many levels and we are keen to introduce more families to the resorts and slopes we love during the spring and summer months. Looking ahead to options available for summer 2021, many families are rightly assessing the pros and cons of their usual summer escapes and perhaps considering if this is the year to try something different which offers more flexibility and space, fresh air and independence.

interests and abilities. Resorts including Lenzerheide, Arosa and Flims each offer large lakes for swimming, sailing and SUP and organised courses are available throughout the summer for kids or for the whole family to try.

All our Swiss mountain resorts are open for the summer season and offer exceptional hiking, mountain biking and road biking. The amazing new e-bike technology is widely available for rentals, and they will propel even the most reluctant cyclist around the beautiful trails without breaking a sweat. With kids e-bikes available too, it transforms cycling into a sport that everyone in the family can access together and increases the distances you can accomplish without too much resistance. Opening up the network of amazing mountain restaurants, or accessing high altitude summer lakes, you’re spoilt for choice.

For active families, you’ll be spoilt for choice as the activities and adventures are endless. For those looking for new experiences or to try a new sport for the first time, the infrastructure of quality Swiss guides and instructors is excellent and we can tailor the suggestions around your

70

If you’ve ever considered a Swiss property investment, now you can try before you buy this summer. Rent one of our complete apartments to experience it first hand, and if you were to proceed and buy our final apartment available in Arosa, we’ll refund your holiday cost back to you. Normally we have relied on a truly customised approach when buying a Powder Byrne property which allows you to customise every little detail, but things in 2020 have naturally been a little bit different so we decided to fit out the remaining apartment we have for sale in Arosa ourselves. Picking and choosing our favourite design details across all the other apartments we have created a truly stylish design.

The joinery is still to be customised, so it still provides the perfect opportunity to put your stamp on things. The uplift in having the main design detail taken away is the property is almost ready for occupation, whereas traditionally the build takes around 8 months.

Switzerland has, and likely will always, provide very competitive mortgage options which are easily accessible for foreign buyers. Interest rates generally fluctuate around the 2% mark for fixed mortgages up to ten years and around 1% for variable (LIBOR) rates. There is also the opportunity to mix and match the debt, weighing it across both fixed and LIBOR rates, to provide semi- flexible rates. Over the years we have built a relationship with the cantonal (regional) bank Graubundner Kantonalbank who are always available to advise and assist on the rates and mortgage products available, should you want further information.

Please contact us if you would like to find out more about our summer programme or the remaining property for sale in Arosa and we will be delighted to provide you with full details.

71

POWDER BYRNE

THE POLO CHALLENGE 2022 Are you ready for the challenge of your life?

A unique experience for highly driven and motivated individuals - the 2021 programme is now fully booked.

2 weeks in Sotogrande at our Polo Valley Ranch, where you’ll be taken on an intense programme from novice to a Pro-Am tournament polo player.

Professional tuition, personal training and support programme designed for you.

Find out more at polovalley.com

FAMILIES

|

COUPLES

|

G R O U P S 72 |

CELEBRATIONS

|

CORP ORATES

73

POWDER BYRNE

Our Private Andalusian Finca Family holidays at our Private Family Finca are all about enjoying the unique laid-back lifestyle and beautiful setting. Countryside hacks and river rides combine with lazy beach days and day trips to captivating Spanish cities to create the perfect Andalusian adventure.

P

olo Valley opened the gates to their purpose built ranch in Sotogrande, Spain in the summer of 2015 with the dream of introducing new players and families to the thrilling, fast paced sport of polo. Born out of Rory Byrne’s own experience of learning to ride and play polo and his son Christian’s desire to share the sport he loves and make it more accessible, Polo Valley has quickly established itself as a one of a kind polo facility and a unique holiday destination for families to saddle up and experience ranchlife in authentic Andalusia.

With first-class stabling, livery and training facilities, home to over 50 expertly trained ponies, a team of grooms and polo professionals, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Polo Valley is a no-go-zone for anyone other than polo aficionados. This however could not be further from the truth. Family holidays at the Polo Valley Finca are all about enjoying the unique laid-back lifestyle and beautiful setting, rather than exclusively playing polo.

Occupying a secluded location in the hills above Sotogrande, a gleaming white Guesthouse occupies a prime position at the entrance to the Finca. The private Guesthouse plays host to families throughout the spring and summer months (with special stays available at Christmas and New Year), serving as their base from which to enjoy all of the activities on offer at the Finca, around Sotogrande and across the region of Andalusia.

New Glamping in style New for Summer ’21, you can incorporate a magical glamping adventure as part of your stay as our team prepare comfortable safari-style tents within the secure grounds of the ranch. As evening starts to draw in, enjoy sundowners served by your hosts as they prepare an authentic Asado BBQ before a night under the starry Andalusian sky you’ll never forget.

The Guesthouse boasts comfortable en-suite bedrooms, a private swimming pool and fabulous dining terrace elegantly set within relaxing gardens. Best of all, the Guesthouse is expertly run by two local cooks ‘el cocinero’ who serve up delicious Spanish cuisine such as gazpacho, tortilla, paella, colourful fresh salads and special Argentinian-style Asado BBQ. Together with the on-site concierge team, they take care of all your requirements throughout your stay at the Finca.

74

75

POWDER BYRNE

E C O A D V E N T U R E S I N C O S TA R I C A

Tortuguero, which is located in the Caribbean region, and the town of Ostional in the Pacific region, very close to Nosara, organize vigils to protect these precious creatures and the importance of this nesting ground, with the support of biologists.

Every year the beaches of Costa Rica the gathering point for thousands of sea turtles who travel thousands of miles in order to lay their eggs here. It is an incredible spectacle to behold.

Eco Adventures in Costa Rica W

ell-known for its abundant wildlife, volcanic landscapes and tropical climate, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in our Air & Space adventure travel programme and growing in popularity every year. With both Pacific and Atlantic coasts to explore and an untamed interior, visitors to Costa Rica experience everything from beautiful beaches and soaring volcanoes, to primordial cloud forests and dense rainforests. It’s not hard to see why this Central American treasure is such a favourite with our clients.

Less well-known, but gaining more prominence, Costa Rica is also considered a global leader in the fight against climate change and is celebrated for its leadership in environmental policy. Their ambitious National Decarbonisation Plan has seen the launch of multiple initiatives that include a carbon neutral certification scheme for businesses and municipalities, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions in the agricultural sector, and a National Energy Plan.

76

Costa Rica is very privileged to have a variety of turtles nest on its coast, with different species favouring each of its coasts. Species include Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green and Olive Ridley turtles, but the number of the Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles are the greatest.

Due mostly to the great density of nests on this beach during arribadas, the percentage of eggs that produce hatchling turtles is only around 10% and this percentage is close to zero for the first nests of the arribada. Because of this, and backed by decades of intense ongoing biological research, the community is allowed to collect some of the first eggs laid during the arribada, which would not produce hatchlings anyway, for consumption in the community and selling throughout Costa Rica. It is a local delicacy. This is the only legal trade of sea turtle eggs in Costa Rica and it provides prosperity to the community of Ostional, which is then invested back into protecting the turtles by and constantly patrolling the beach and keeping it in pristine condition. It’s part of an initiative that aims to educate the community on the value of these precious creatures and encourage a community-wide conservation project.

When visiting, you can witness the females arriving at the beach two to three weeks after mating, when eggs are formed. The female crawls out of the water and through the sand before choosing a place to dig a hole and lay her eggs. She’s careful to choose a place with no vegetation and far enough from the sea to avoid being washed away at high tide. In most species, females only come to lay their eggs at night and it is believed that some always return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs.

One of the most impressive biological phenomena is the formation of massive nesting aggregations or ‘arribadas’ of Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. Thousands of females congregate offshore during the nesting season and then come ashore to nest on the short 1,3 km Ostional Beach on a single night during the July to December breeding season. As many as 1 million individuals will nest during a four to eight-day period and this usually happens every two to four weeks. Smaller arribadas occur from April to June and even smaller mass nestings from January to March.

There are also strict laws to prevent the abuse of both flora and fauna in Costa Rica, including a specific law related to the protection, conservation, and recovery of sea turtles’ numbers.

Perfectly located for you to experience this phenomenon for yourself is the spectacular Lagarta Lodge and, aside from the turtles, you’ll enjoy the tropical jungle surrounding the hotel, which is rich in wildlife, the beautiful facilities, plush rooms, the friendliest staff and spectacular sunsets from the hotel’s panorama deck or infinity pool.

Costa Rican coastal communities expect this event every year and the turtles are fiercely guarded and protected from anyone who might want to hunt them, steal their eggs or harm them in any way. The people in the town of

To find out more about experiencing this unique Costa Rican phenomenon, call 020 8246 5300 or enquire online.

77

POWDER BYRNE

Powder Byrne - Piste to Profession

THE ULTIMATE GAP YEAR SEASON 18 weeks of intensive, multi-discipline, all-round snow sports tuition resulting in accredited instructor qualifications and unique experiences for your CV. APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON. Spread the word. Find out more at www.powderbyrne.com/p2p

78

79

POWDER BYRNE

DISCOVER MORE

Discover More Stories

We love to hear our clients’ stories and see their snaps; check out more at stories.powderbyrne.com

Get in touch +44 (0)20 8246 5300 enquiries@powderbyrne.com powderbyrne.com

Follow us @powderbyrne

80

81

Powder Skiing back in 1994

250 Upper Richmond Road London, SW15 6TG +44(0)20 8246 5300 enquiries@powderbyrne.com powderbyrne.com