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A spacious villa at Miraval Tucson.

BALANCE IT! Miraval is a launchpad for syncing mind, body, and spirit.

BY ERIN LENTZ

AS I BUMPED ALONG THE DIRT ROAD TOWARD MIRAVAL TUCSON, MY ANTICIPATION TO MEET THE FAMOUS WYATT WEBB WAS PALPABLE. Nicknamed the “horse whisperer,” I’d read Webb’s book and researched the resort’s world-class equine therapy program. My mission was to immerse myself in Miraval’s overarching wellness philosophy: living life in balance, which places purpose and people firmly at its core. What I discovered was not only a serene sanctuary, but a philosophy. As Miraval Director of Spa and Wellbeing Simon Marxer says: “We talk about the ‘day-two shoulder drop.’ People show up for all different reasons, but by day two we see their shoulders drop as they relax.” And on my day two, when I finally met Webb, I was captivated. The biggest takeaway? Intention is everything.

So if you intend to unwind at Miraval, expect your experience to be as unique as each of its properties. Every incarnation of Miraval is unified by a common thread: intention, discovery, mindfulness, and authenticity. Here’s what not to miss at Miraval Tucson and Miraval Austin.

Miraval Tucson

> Noel Patterson’s

“All the Buzz.” After getting outfitted in a head-to-toe beekeeper suit, Miraval’s resident beekeeper leads you to the site of his colony to learn about connection and community. > After a tough Pilates Fusion workout, indulge in the Abundance Body Ritual, staged in the outdoor New Life Treatment rooms at the

Life in Balance Spa.

Wellness

GPS. Enter OFFER M21713 on the website found on the back cover, and get reservation ready. > Sink into the rhythm of the resort during Cardio Drumming—a high-energy workout that fuses traditional aerobics with the rhythm of drums. > Walk the Sacred Labyrinth for a sunset meditation. As the sun delivers a brilliant curtsy over the Catalina Mountains, the maze casts a spell on both physical and emotional landscapes.

Miraval Austin > Held in a gorgeous yoga barn, Miraval Austin’s Floating Mediation is a resort favorite.

> Try the Petal Pecan Facial, exclusively designed for Miraval Austin and based on ingredients produced by Laurel Skin and grown on the nearby farm. > Kickstart the day with a dawn nature walk or paddle boarding session on Lake Travis.

> Get your adrenaline pumping and stretch your comfort zone with hatchet throwing or the Hill Country Challenge Course.

ELEVATED ESCAPES

St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Dive into the cultural and natural splendors of three of the world’s most spectacular destinations

WITH AN AVERAGE OF JUST 28 GUESTS PER TRIP, LUXURY GOLD’S SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS PROVIDE PEACEOF-MIND AND UNPARALLELED ACCESS TO LOCAL EXPERTS, PRIVATE MUSEUM COLLECTIONS, AND EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS. These 2021 itineraries deliver a perfect mix of urban pleasures and outdoor adventure.

SWITZERLAND

While visiting the majestic Swiss Alps is undoubtedly a highlight, it’s far from the only awe-inspiring experience on this unique journey. History lovers will join a military expert at the Vitznau Artillery Fortress, carved into the side of a mountain, to discover the munitions halls, galleries, and armaments. After visiting Vaduz (capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein) and exploring the ritzy town of St. Moritz, step aboard the famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. From there, it’s off to Zermatt and the shores of Lake Geneva, where the group is treated to a special dinner at La Ferme de l’Hospital—a former farmhouse turned Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Jean Jacques Noguier. Taste buds will be further tantalized in Broc, where chocolate is considered an art form, while a visit to the town of Gruyères reveals Switzerland’s cheese manufacturing.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Uncover the romance of Spain and Portugal via flamenco performances, dreamy architecture, and the region’s most iconic dishes. Local historians, chefs, and musicians reveal the area’s storied past and unique flavors and culture.

In Spain, visit the Palau de la Música Catalana, the only concert hall declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During a stay in Valencia, a local chef introduces traditional paella, while the flavors of Andalusia are found during a market tour and Spanish cooking class. Once in Portugal, your experience kickstarts with a traditional Portuguese dinner at the local Fado house followed by a private tour of Lisbon and the historic Belém Quarter. Theater and boutique hopping are up next, as is a visit to Prado Museum, where an art historian provides an in-depth look at the world’s finest collection of Spanish paintings.

Go for Gold. Curious about Luxury Gold’s unique perspectives? Enter OFFER M21912 on the website found on the back cover for more info on small private group journeys.

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Escapism

Abercrombie & Kent celebrates safe sanctuaries.

BY JEN MURPHY

IT’S EASY TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS WHEN YOU BOOK A LUXURY SMALL GROUP JOURNEY WITH ABERCROMBIE & KENT. Intimate group sizes of no more than 18 guests make it possible to deliver unmatched insider access to some of the world’s bucket-list sites and experiences. With fewer people, A&K can reserve the best rooms in luxurious hotels that meet the company’s rigorous standards of luxury, cleanliness, and service. An A&K Resident Tour Director is at your side the entire time, putting a local touch on every itinerary and making on-the-fly adjustments. Design Your Day, an offering on all Luxury Small Group Journeys, personalizes your experience even more by one of three offered activities on one day of the itinerary. The following five itineraries highlight why A&K delivers an unrivaled experience in the world’s most iconic destinations.

Opposite: The Taj Mahal wakes up to a brilliant morning.

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PERU: MACHU PICCHU & THE SACRED VALLEY

When you visit the famous Inca citadel with A&K, you’ll feel as if you have the colossal Lost City all to yourself. Travel in the elegant 1920s-era-style Hiram Bingham train and overnight at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the sole hotel at the gateway to Machu Picchu. While in the Sacred Valley, take in a private lecture on the citadel, and once at the iconic site, a renowned scholar of Incan history will lead a private tour. Machu Picchu may be the most anticipated experience of the trip, but others certainly hold their own. In the Sacred Valley, a local shaman will share secrets surrounding the traditional Pachamama ceremony, while in the gastronomy hub of Lima, guests will experience a food tour in Barranco.

THE GREAT MIGRATION: SAFARI IN STYLE

A&K’s flagship safari takes guests to the heart of Great Migration country. Spend three nights each in the Serengeti and Masai Mara visiting the region’s most wildlife-rich parks and private reserves. Custom-made vehicles feature just six seats, each with an unobstructed view. A&K handpicks safari guides whose in-depth tracking expertise promises extraordinary wildlife encounters on every game drive. A trip to Africa isn’t just about the wildlife. A&K weaves impactful cultural experiences into each journey. In the Mara, you’ll have a chance to visit a Maasai village and meet with an elder to learn about local culture and traditions. And at a primary school supported by A&K Philanthropy, you’ll learn firsthand how its LifeStraw partnership is changing lives by providing locals access to safe, clean drinking water.

SPLENDORS OF MOROCCO

Discover the secrets of Morocco’s vibrant cities and the beauty of its natural landscapes. A guided walk of Fez el-Bali, the country’s cultural heart, will reveal secrets only a local could share. With its 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys, and souks, the old quarter is a labyrinth of stunning architecture and talented artisans. In Marrakech, you’ll receive an intimate tour of Jardin Majorelle (restored by design legend Yves Saint Laurent) and have the choice of partaking in a cooking class or a shopping tour of the souks. Enjoy a dose of history in Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa, and then learn about modern-day issues over dinner with a female professor who excels in the discussion of women in Moroccan society. Along the way, stay in style at top hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech and Palais Faraj in Fez, but no hotel compares to sleeping under the stars in the Sahara at A&K’s Exclusive Desert Tented Camp.

From left: The majestic Machu Picchu; on safari with “eles”; the Church of St. Catherine in Bethlehem.

TAJ MAHAL & THE TREASURES OF INDIA

Journey through India like a maharaja, staying in former palaces and iconic royal residences including the lavish Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and the grand Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. This itinerary hits every must-see stop: the Taj Mahal, where you’ll witness sunrise and sunset; the massive, gem-like marble City Palace complex in Udaipur; and the banks of the Holy Ganges in Varanasi, where you’ll have the opportunity to watch priests perform an aarti ceremony. Get a taste of urban life in Old Delhi, where you’ll ride by rickshaw through the narrow alleys and stalls of Chandni Chowk bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city. Then witness India’s wild side on a private safari in Panna National Park, home to the elusive Bengal tiger. A member of the local Pardhi community will join the group and share how a successful conservation program has grown the park’s tiger population.

JORDAN & ISRAEL: ANCIENT WONDERS

Get beneath the surface of two ancient lands through a local lens on this culturally-rich itinerary. Guests will have the unique opportunity to lunch in the home of a Christian family in Bethlehem, located on the West Bank, and enjoy a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars at a tented camp in Wadi Rum. Throughout the trip, a knowledgeable guide provides context at famous religious sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Jerusalem’s Old City, St. Peter’s house, and the synagogue where Jesus taught in Capernaum. Channel Indiana Jones as you explore Petra, the ancient desert city in Jordan carved into solid rock. Your guide knows exactly when to visit its famed Treasury.

Call of the Wild. Traveling with

a small group of family and friends? Learn about A&K’s trips by entering OFFER M21715 on the website on the back cover.

GPS>North American Escapes

What’s new at Abercrombie & Kent? These three dreamy American excursions, for starters. Travel with your private party on these Luxury Tailor Made Journeys, which depart when you choose and feature expert local guides.

TAILOR-MADE WYOMING: GRAND TETON & YELLOWSTONE

• A full day-exploration of

Yellowstone, site of Old

Faithful and home to freeroaming bison and bears, with privately guided hikes tailored to your interests. • Grand Teton National Park on a wildlife-spotting excursion led by a private naturalist. • Floating down the scenic

Snake River in a traditional river dory.

TAILOR MADE UTAH: THE MIGHTY FIVE

• Explore the canyons, mesas, and nature-made stone sculptures of Zion National

Park. • Discover the trails of

Bryce Canyon on horseback, accompanied by bona fide cowboys. • An adventure-packed day with guided visits to Arches and Canyonland, exploring via foot and by four-wheel-drive.

TAILOR MADE: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Discover Yosemite National

Park on a privately guided excursion and witness El

Capitan, Half Dome, and

Yosemite Falls. • Ride the Buena Vista Pass on a private horseback trail and experience Yosemite. • Kayak in the Elkhorn Slough off the Monterey coast, a sheltered inlet abundant with seals, otters and birdlife.

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Uniquely UAE

Uncover the sights and sounds of Dubai. .

SUNSET BEACH When you think of Dubai, beautiful beaches spring to mind. One of its most popular is Sunset Beach. Also known as Umm Suqeim, this beach is one of the most superb stretches of sand in the UAE. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard and hang ten with top wave riders. BLUEWATERS ISLAND Located off the waters of Dubai Marina, this luxurious island is Dubai’s newest attraction. Home to the world’s largest observation wheel, along with 200 retail and dining venues, this modern locale features views of Dubai and the gulf. BURJ KHALIFA Soaring over 2,700 feet high and surrounded by a 27-acre park, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and one of Dubai’s most iconic destinations. Opened in 2010 as part of the Downtown Dubai development, visitors can step onto sky-high observation decks and enjoy 360-degree views of the city. THE GREEN PLANET With more than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds, this green oasis is Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest. A sanctuary of flora and fauna, The Green Planet aims to educate guests about how tropical forests play to the future of the planet. Perfect for family outings, this biodome is an experience for the senses with roaming creatures and running waterfalls. POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE Dubai’s world-class safety and hygiene measures have reached every aspect of the city. As such, top resorts and restaurants are poised to offer peace-of-mind experiences.

Global Sojourns.

Enter OFFER M21742 on the website found on the back cover and further explore the UAE.

POLAR PARADISE

Ponant’s Antarctic expeditions bring next-level luxury to the ends of the earth. BY CLARA WOODBRIDGE

THERE ARE COUNTLESS REASONS TO GO TO ANTARCTICA, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU SAIL TO THE CONTINENT WITH PONANT. The French cruise operator helms seven polar-class ships, including Le Commandant-Charcot, the first-ever hybridelectric polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas for the most environmentally friendly expedition available. Here, the top five reasons you won’t want to miss it. 1. THE SCENERY. There’s a reason every photograph you’ve seen of Antarctica looks otherworldly: Those pure waters, sparkling glaciers, and clearest-of-blue skies really look like that. No matter what time of day—even at 2 a.m., thanks to the near-24/7 sunlight of summertime cruises—you’ll be glued to the views, watching larger-than-life ice sheets float by and gawking at pods of orcas. 2. THE WILDLIFE. Antarctica is thriving with wildlife—so much so that a cruise can sometimes feel like a waterborne ice safari. Giant humpback whales practically perform for passengers, while penguins are so plentiful, visitors struggle to stay out of their way as the little waddlers venture through “penguin highways.” The circle of life can be seen everywhere, whether it’s clever orcas group-hunting for sea lions or mischievous skuas snatching eggs from unsuspecting penguin parents. 3. THE ZODIAC EXCURSIONS. Some of the best sailing you’ll do in Antarctica will take place on a Zodiac, zipping down glacier alleys and gliding to islands where famous research stations and other landmarks await. Captaining the Zodiacs are Ponant’s naturalists and expedition leaders, who share their expertise, from facts about the black-browed albatross (known as the “prince of clouds”) to research on receding glaciers and global warming. 4. THE CUISINE. All that exploring creates an appetite and Ponant’s French-focused menus ensure nobody will ever go hungry—or bored. Ducasse Conseil, the catering arm of Alain Ducasse Enterprise, delivers exquisite dining at every meal, especially multi-course dinners where lobster, truffles, and Ponant’s signature voiles chocolat-praliné dessert wow the palate. 5. THE PRE/POST–ADVENTURE. The excitement doesn’t end when you leave the ship. A trip to the Southern Hemisphere opens up other incredible experiences as well, such as a pre- or post-cruise stop in Santiago. Stay at the Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, in the historic, cobblestone-lined Lastarria barrio, which combines the best of Santiago’s artistic flair with charming coffeehouses and bohemian boutiques. Enjoy easy access to the Parque Forestal, one of South America’s most beautiful urban parks and home to two art museums.

Ice Safari. Venture in style. Enter OFFER M21718 on the website found on the back cover.

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Say Safari!

Micato Safaris has re-imagined its Classic Southern Africa Safari Collection, with three new scheduled departures also available as private journeys.

BY JEN MURPHY

VOTED THE #1 WORLD’S BEST SAFARI OUTFITTER BY

TRAVEL + LEISURE NINE TIMES, MICATO SAFARIS HAS

BEEN SETTING THE STANDARD FOR LUXURY AND

SERVICE FOR MORE THAN FIVE DECADES. Not one to

rest on its laurels, the company is constantly updating its

itineraries to stay ahead of the trends. Noting that Namibia

and Zimbabwe are emerging destinations, here are the

highlights of Micato’s new Classic Southern Africa Safari

Collection.

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Clockwise from top left: An elegant tented suite at Somalisa Camp; a curious leopard in Ulusaba, Sabi Sand Game Reserve; exploring the Okavango Delta’s waterways by mokoro. Opposite: Relaxing at day’s end on the banks of the Zambezi River.

JEWELS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

In just under two weeks, you’ll discover the show-stoppers of Southern Africa. Experience the famed Pinotage of the Cape Winelands and the resident penguins of the Cape of Good Hope. Journey to Sabi Sand Game Reserve and adjacent Kruger National Park to snap photos of the Big Five, and then sip sundowners from your luxurious suite at Tengile River Lodge. A visit to the greatest curtain of water on earth, gargantuan Victoria Falls, is the perfect finale for this epic journey.

PASSAGE THROUGH BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE

Spend two weeks exploring Southern Africa’s hidden treasures and not-to-miss landscapes. Start with a visit to the miraculous Okavango Delta, an oasis of meandering waterways, then continue on to one of Botswana’s best kept secrets, the wildlife-rich Khwai Private Reserve, known for its hippo-filled lagoons. Hop over to Zambia to behold Victoria Falls, the planet’s grandest waterfall, then venture over the border to new safari darling, Zimbabwe. Hwange National Park boasts some of the finest game viewing on the continent, including big tuskers, so have your cameras ready.

THE GREAT NAMIBIA AND SOUTH AFRICA ADVENTURE

This journey of contrasts begins in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, a vast and gorgeous wilderness home to the rare black rhino, as well as elephants, lions and tiny, antelope-like dik dik. Visit the spectacular Cape Winelands, where you’ll be treated to exclusive tastings at renowned vineyards including Waterford and Delaire Graff Estates. Your trip concludes in true style with a visit to Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve, Ulusaba, tucked within South Africa’s legendary Sabi Sand Game Reserve. These and other Micato scheduled departures may also be experienced as Private Classic Safaris, where travelers will have a vehicle, driver, and Micato Safari Director all to themselves.

Digital Download. Africa obsessed?

Visit the website found on the back cover and enter OFFERR EW24337 to learn more.

Creating Community

MicatoAmericaShare’s educational outreach in East Africa inspired the company to find a community in South Africa where they could create lasting impact. When they visited Red Hill—a community of 1,500 makeshift households south of Cape Town with no schools nearby—they knew they had found their place. Micato-

AmericaShare

established the Red

Hill Library and

Community Centre, which has quickly become a popular spot for Red Hill’s 2,000-plus schoolaged children. Staffed with trained librarians and equipped with a computer lab, the center has ambitious plans to acquire a collection of

5,000 books and a

dozen computers, and double their resources by expanding to a second floor. Most of Micato’s safari goers who visit

Cape Peninsula

experience Red Hill. What’s more, their donations can help enrich the community.