Travel Notebook

Thrill the Senses in Tanzania & The Seychelles

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Many of us travel not only for the discovery of new places, but for how changing zip codes for a spell can recalibrate how we feel, think, and move through the world. When thoughtfully designed, a journey becomes an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and restore balance. That philosophy is at the heart of Exeter Safari Company’s approach, where immersive landscapes and mindful experiences nourish both body and spirit.

As a stellar example of what Exeter can provide your clients, we’re highlighting their itinerary, “An Adventure Through Tanzania & Seychelles.” This journey is designed to offer a deeply restorative path for anyone seeking a calmer mind, revived spirit, and renewed sense of self. In Tanzania, the Exeter team unveils the vast plains, ancient landscapes, and quiet rhythm of the wilderness, which immediately slows the mind. Game drives become moving meditations, and even meals turn into grounding rituals of open-fire cooking, fresh, local ingredients, and an unhurried pace.

Serengeti Bushtops: Where the infinity edge meets the endless plains.
Photo credit – Serengeti Bushtops

As the itinerary moves to the Seychelles, restoration continues through tranquil beaches, warm ocean air, and the island’s gentle rhythm. Creole cooking emphasizes simple preparations and vibrant ingredients drawn from sea and soil, encouraging your clients to savor textures, aromas, and color. Long meals by the water become moments of clarity and calm, turning nourishment into wellness.

Crystal clear intentions. Floating through the turquoise dreams of
the Seychelles with Exeter Safari Company.

Guiding travelers through a journey this balanced, thoughtful, and immersive is where Exeter Safari Company excels. With teams both in the United States and across Africa, Exeter combines deep local expertise with high-touch service, ensuring every transfer, lodge selection, and experience aligns with their travelers’ goals for restoration. Their longstanding relationships with lodges, guides, chefs, and island partners create access, ease, and authenticity that elevate the entire experience. They understand how certain landscapes, people, and culinary traditions can renew the mind and spirit, and they craft itineraries that bring those elements together with intention.

The result is a journey that feels almost spiritual, a rare chance to restore balance, cultivate gratitude, and reconnect deeply with oneself through land, sea, and the simple act of savoring the moment.

Spotlight Trip: An Adventure Through Tanzania & the Seychelles

Days 1 – 2: Arrival in Tanzania | Arusha

Your clients’ journey begins in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s legendary northern safari circuit. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha offers cooler temperatures, lush scenery, and a gentle introduction to East Africa.

Generational grace. Watching the matriarchs lead the way in the heart of Tanzania.

Guests settle into the lush surroundings of Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, set on a working coffee plantation. The scent of roasted beans, birdsong in the mornings, and leisurely breakfasts create a grounding sense of place. They’ll enjoy a coffee tour, play golf at Kiligolf, indulge in treatments at Peaberries Spa, swim, go quad biking, and visit Maasai markets nearby. Exeter can also arrange day trips into nearby Arusha National Park or to Mount Meru with a picnic lunch.

Standing tall and enjoying the endless views of the African plains.

The lodge is set along the road leading to Tanzania’s most famous national parks, making it the best place to begin and end a safari.

Days 2 – 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

A light aircraft flight carries travelers from Arusha into the Ngorongoro Highlands, where ancient volcanic landscapes unfold beneath them. Perched on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lemala Osonjoi Lodge offers both seclusion and extraordinary access to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions, where your clients will see elephants, lions, rhinos, flamingos, and hippos around Lake Magadi, and if they’re fortunate, the elusive leopard.

A game drive amidst the wildebeest migration.

While the Ngorongoro Conservation Area extends from the crater highlands past Olduvai Gorge and into the grasslands of the southern Serengeti and Lake Ndutu, the wildlife does not end there. The best viewing is during peak calving season, when the plains play host to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest in a short span of time. During this time, your clients can also expect to see predator action, especially with large hyena clans, cheetah, and the return of African hunting dogs.

At the lodge, daily life follows the natural rhythm of the land. Early-morning and late-afternoon game drives take guests quietly through misty forests and open grasslands. A highlight is the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater itself for a picnic lunch like no other.

Watching the sky turn to gold over the open grasslands.
Humility, connection and gratitude for front row seats to nature’s daily masterpiece.

Between safaris, guests return to the lodge for open-fire meals, relaxing in their spacious suite (one of just 20, and complete with a signature “secret nook” daybed), conversations around the firepit, or a session at the secluded forest spa.

Insider Tip: With quick access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor via the exclusive Lemala road, your clients are among the first to arrive and last to leave this mesmerizing place, maximizing their encounters with its abundant wildlife.

Days 5 – 8: Northern Serengeti | Serengeti Bushtops

Next, the journey continues by light aircraft to the legendary Serengeti. The northern Serengeti is a photographer’s paradise, with its classic, big open plains of the African savannah, kopje-strewn hills, and some of the best big-cat viewing in Africa.

Dusty boots, golden hours, and the magic of the Mara.
Photo credit – Serengeti Bushtops Luxury Camp

Guests stay at Serengeti Bushtops, where luxurious tented suites feature expansive decks, private hot tubs, and sweeping views of the plains. Game drives here are immersive and exhilarating, guided by Exeter Safaris Company’s expert rangers and local spotters who bring the ecosystem vividly to life.

Depending on the season, travelers may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Even when the migration is absent, the Serengeti hums with life, offering exceptional encounters with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and vast herds of plains game.

Later, your adventurers return to the lodge for sunset viewing from the comfort of their private hot tub, before a candlelit dinner. Long conversations under starlit skies transform each evening into an experience of connection and wonder.

Day 8: On to the Seychelles via Nairobi, Kenya

After leaving the Serengeti, overnight in Nairobi, a brief stop that provides comfort and convenience before the next phase of the journey.

Paradise found at Mango House, Seychelles. Photo credit LXR Hotels Resorts

Days 9 – 12: Island Restoration | Seychelles

From the plains of Africa, the journey transitions to the tranquil beauty of the Seychelles, a postcard come to life, with picture-perfect cerulean waters and soft, sandy shores framed by palm trees and giant boulders. It’s no surprise that an early British explorer, upon his arrival here, was certain he had found the Garden of Eden.

Waking up to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Photo credit LXR Hotels Resorts

Your clients will stay at Mango House, an intimate oceanfront retreat overlooking Anse Aux Poules Bleues. Days are unstructured by design, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, spa treatments, or simply listening to the waves.

Golden hour, sea breeze, and a side of mango. Photo credit LXR Hotels Resorts

Cuisine plays a central role in this island experience. Creole cooking at Mango House’s Moutya emphasizes vibrant, fresh ingredients, while Japanese and Italian dining rooms tempt the palate with global flavors. Your guests may also partake in cooking demonstrations, cultural workshops, or private dining experiences to round out their stay.

The Exeter Safaris Company Difference

What sets this journey apart is Exeter Safari Company’s ability to weave intention into every detail. They weave landscapes, people, and culinary traditions to craft experiences that feel deeply personal and profoundly restorative. Their goal is that your clients may fully surrender to the journey, free from logistics or rush.

With teams in both the US and Africa, Exeter Safari Company partners closely with you to design highly customized African journeys tailored to your client’s interests, timeline, and budget. From ultra-luxury lodges with private butler service to intimate, well-located tented camps in the heart of the wilderness, they craft safaris across a wide range of price points and styles. The result is an experience that feels personal, intentional, and connected to Africa’s landscapes, people, and traditions.

For you, it means you can confidently present Africa as both accessible and doable. With more than 30 years of on-the-ground experience, Exeter’s team leverages deep local knowledge and trusted relationships to simplify logistics, maximize value, and curate itineraries that feel effortless, whether your clients seek once-in-a-lifetime indulgence or a thoughtfully designed, mid-range safari adventure.

Connect with us to learn more about Exeter Safaris and this exceptional itinerary.

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Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands with Curated Greece

Read Your Way Around The World

Come Sail Away: Yachts and Private Sailing Experiences

Travel Notebook

Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands with Curated Greece

Welcome to Greece beyond Instagram. With over 200 inhabited islands rising from Greece’s deep blue, there is one for every rhythm and taste. Beyond the highly discussed icons, names you may not have heard of can tick every box of the quintessential Greek dream. Expect turquoise waters, whitewashed alleys, and rich culture, all without the crowds and tourist traps.

For travel advisors designing journeys beyond Greece’s headline destinations, Curated Greece provides essential on-the-ground insight to four islands that truly reward expertise. These destinations hold surprises and delights for your clients seeking something extraordinary.

Across Tinos, Syros, Sifnos, and Kefalonia, Curated Greece can help you design an intentional visit with the right pacing and the best access for your clients. From correctly sequencing Cycladic islands and arranging private yacht transfers, to unlocking artisan communities, expert-led museum visits, standout dining, and well-matched accommodations, Curated Greece helps you translate these islands into ready-to-go itineraries. Their deep local relationships allow each island to shine for what it does best, whether that’s culture and craftsmanship in Tinos, elegance and urban heritage in Syros, gastronomy and design in Sifnos, or expansive nature in Kefalonia.

Let’s take a look at what makes these islands so distinctive and what’s in store for your Greece clients, whether they’re new to the islands or repeat travelers seeking something new.

Bougainvillea in bloom: A vibrant greeting in the heart of the Cyclades.

Tinos: The “Handmade” Island

Quietly rising as one of the Cyclades’ most compelling alternatives, Tinos is best positioned for your clients who value authenticity over getting the best photo for their social media. Known as the “handmade island,” Tinos celebrates a heritage of marble artistry and is home to understated (and uncrowded) beaches and mountain villages where traditional life remains intact. This is the island for your architecture lovers, art and design aficionados, gastronomy-focused travelers, and repeat visitors to Greece seeking something genuinely different.

Signature Experiences to Highlight

Museum of Marble Crafts (Pyrgos): A cornerstone experience on Tinos, the Museum of Marble Crafts brings the island’s defining material to life. Curated Greece can arrange guided visits that reveal how marble, from quarry to workshop, has shaped Greek art and architecture for centuries and connect the museum experience directly to the villages and workshops still active today.

Beaches Without the Buzz: Tinos offers a diverse coastline suited to relaxed, uncrowded beach time. Recommend Pachia Ammos for soft sand and calm waters, Panormos Bay for a picturesque harbor setting, or Ormos Yannaki beneath Kardiani for views and tranquility. Northern beaches like Koumelas and Mali remain protected even on windy days.

Villages as Living Museums: From the marble-lined streets of Kardiani and Isternia to artistic Pyrgos and the surreal boulder-strewn village of Volax, Tinos’ villages are a major draw. For clients who love to walk, there are footpaths linking villages. Curated Greece can help you pinpoint cultural festivals, food traditions, and religious celebrations that will add seasonal depth for repeat or longer-stay clients.

Capturing the grand architecture and vibrant yellow hues of Greece’s hidden gem.

Syros: The Elegant, Culture Capital of the Cyclades

Just a short distance from Mykonos and Tinos, Syros is defined by grand neoclassical architecture, a cosmopolitan cultural scene, and a layered history. A blend of Venetian Catholic heritage and Eastern Greek traditions, Syros is for those who appreciate music, architecture, and gastronomy. From the graceful sea captains’ mansions in aristocratic Vaporia, where the International Festival of the Aegean is held each summer, to the boutique hotels with rooftop plunge pools and contemporary design, the understated sophistication of Syros is intoxicating,

Signature Experiences to Highlight

Ermoupoli & Ano Syros: The island’s capital, Ermoupoli, is an open-air architectural museum not to be missed. Once Greece’s most important commercial and industrial center, today it features landmark buildings such as the neoclassical Town Hall, Customs House, and the Apollon Theatre. Orthodox churches, including Agios Nikolaos Plousios and the Church of the Dormition, dot the hillside above the harbor. Rising above the city, Ano Syros, a 13th-century Venetian settlement, offers winding alleys, whitewashed houses, and sweeping views from the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George.

A front-row seat to serenity. The timeless beauty of Syros from above.

Beaches, Villages & Gastronomy: For those clients who seek relaxed swimming and easy seaside dining, there are easily accessible beaches such as Azolimnos, Galissas, Kini, Megas Gialos, and Vari. For those seeking seclusion, there’s Grammata and Delphini. Foodies won’t want to miss local specialties, such as loukoumia, halvadopita, louza, maratholoukanika, and the San Michali hard cheese produced exclusively on Syros.

Hermoupolis Textile Museum: In the capital of Ermoupoli, the Hermoupolis Textile Museum offers one of the most immersive cultural experiences in the Cyclades. Housed in the preserved Zisimatos Brothers textile factory, the museum reveals the island’s 140-year industrial legacy through a lantern-lit, guided journey. Visitors gain rare insight into factory life, labor history, and the rise of Ermoupoli as Greece’s economic powerhouse.

From the peaks to the port, Sifnos is a masterpiece of nature and tradition.

Sifnos: Cuisine & Crafts

If you know foodies, this island is for them. Renowned also for its pottery and ceramic traditions, Sifnos is a praised gastronomy destination with a restaurant scene balancing heritage and modern flair. (Curated Greece loves sharing its carefully vetted list of dining spots for a truly sophisticated taste.) This is an island perfectly poised between tradition and contemporary appeal, with classic whitewashed architecture, historic chapels, and walkable villages. As a standalone or an add-on to an island-hopping itinerary, Syros resonates with food-forward, design-aware, repeat Greece travelers.

Signature Experiences to Highlight

Villages with Character: Sifnos’ villages are among the Cyclades’ most atmospheric. Apollonia, the capital, delivers a lively dining and nightlife scene after dark, while nearby Artemonas offers neoclassical mansions, pastry shops, and cooler temperatures, all ideal for clients seeking a slower pace. Curated Greece can arrange tours of Kastro, the island’s medieval former capital, which functions as an open-air museum, with fortified lanes and historic churches. Add on the coastal villages, like Kamares, Faros, Vathy, and Cherronisos, which combine beach access with a strong local identity.

Island Cuisine: Sifnos is widely regarded as one of Greece’s top gastronomic islands, rooted in local produce and slow-cooking methods heavily influenced by traditional pottery and wood-fired ovens. Home to Nikolaos Tselementes, the father of modern Greek cuisine, the island offers everything from refined dining to excellent tavernas serving overnight chickpea stew (revithada), lamb with wine and dill, and local cheeses like manoura, served with local thyme honey and sweet treats.

Pottery & Chapels: Also renowned for its ceramic and pottery traditions, Sifnos’ workshops, particularly those around Platys Gialos and Vathy, offer clients a peek into the island’s craftsmanship. Historic monasteries and small museums, including the Archaeological Museum at Kastro and the Ecclesiastical Art Museum at Panagia Vrysiani, add cultural depth without overwhelming the itinerary. More than 300 chapels scattered across the island underscore Sifnos’ spiritual and architectural continuity.

The perfect Greek palette: Terracotta roofs, lush green pines, and the
most vibrant turquoise waters you’ve ever seen.

Kefalonia: The Nature Island

On the other side of the map, the Ionian Sea is famous for its striking neon-blue waters, where snorkelers and divers can encounter Caretta-caretta sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals. Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, has incredible geomorphological diversity, from dramatic mountains to colorful fishing villages. To help your clients, particularly those who have visited Greece before, directly grasp the island’s contrasts, Curated Greece can arrange nature-led exploration, such as the underground Melissani cave lake and hiking in Mount Ainos National Park (the only national park located on a Greek island).

Signature Experiences to Highlight

Mount Ainos National Park& Beyond: Towering Mount Ainos, covered by endemic Kefalonian fir, forms the heart of the island’s biodiversity. Hiking routes range from gentle scenic loops to more immersive trails leading to the summit, with sweeping views over the Ionian Sea and, on clear days, the Peloponnese. Semi-wild horses roam the slopes, adding to the sense of untouched nature. For an after-hike treat, Curated Greece can recommend one of the vineyards at the foot of the mountain for the island’s celebrated dry white wine, robola.

Finding the ultimate escape where the cypress trees meet the crystalline shore.

Melissani Cave: The Cave Lake of Melissani, near Sami, is one of Kefalonia’s most iconic sights. It was once a sacred site dedicated to Pan and the nymph Melissani. Curated Greece can arrange access by underground passage and exploration by boat, during which the cave reveals luminous blue-green waters beneath a partially collapsed roof that allows sunlight to flood in at midday.

Towns, Villages & Seaside Life: The capital, Argostoli, offers a lively, city-like atmosphere with shops, cafés, nightlife, and cultural stops such as the Korgialeneios Library and remnants of Venetian-era heritage. Lixouri, on the Paliki peninsula, is known for its relaxed port life, providing a quieter counterpoint. In the north, Fiscardo stands apart. It’s one of the few villages to survive the 1953 earthquake and is celebrated for its preserved architecture, colorful harbor, and great dining scene (ask Curated Greece to recommend spots where your clients can try signature meat pie, cod pie, and local honey and cheeses). Go deeper in picturesque Assos, nestled beneath its Venetian fortress, or architecturally striking Kourkoumelata.

Connect with Curated Greece

When most travelers dream of Greece, they picture whitewashed villages in Santorini or glamorous beach clubs in Mykonos. But beyond these icons lie untamed landscapes, deeply rooted traditions, and islands where life moves at a gentler pace. This is where the Curated Greece team shines in its ability to match your travelers with a sense of discovery that’s increasingly rare.

For your discerning clients seeking something more meaningful than the familiar highlights, connect with Curated Greece to create an itinerary that includes these distinctive islands. Use their on-the-ground knowledge, connections, and expertise to deliver a new kind of luxury in Greece on islands with ancient stories, soulful villages, idyllic landscapes, and personal experiences.

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Thrill the Senses in Tanzania & The Seychelles

Read Your Way Around The World

Come Sail Away: Yachts and Private Sailing Experiences

Travel Notebook

Read Your Way Around The World

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
—St. Augustine

Today’s bibliophiles can mix great reads, a sense of place, and community as they travel to storybook settings … sometimes, quite literally. Literature and travel have long complemented each other, deepening connections to the tales we love and illuminating the places we visit. Today’s bookish travelers are seeking out literary destinations, book festivals, famous bookstores and libraries, and more, in search of the perfect plot line for their next journey.

We’ve asked our hotels and DMCs to share their must-read titles for those headed their direction, and to suggest the can’t-miss sites when in town, from Zurich’s Storchen Hotel, where literary giants sat and conversed on the banks of the Limmat, to the London neighborhood that inspired Mary Poppins, and from a muse-worthy farm estate in South Africa to Eloise’s famous hotel address in New York City.

These travel experiences are designed especially for passionate readers and the advisors who guide them. Elena Ferrante’s beloved characters come to life in Naples, and libraries become havens of discovery (and keepers of gorgeous sea views in the case of Athens’ National Library of Greece). In East Africa, a read of Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist turns a safari into a pilgrimage. If your clients find solace, joy, and imagination between the pages of a book, these experiences open doors to deeper, more resonant travel.

And everywhere, there is opportunity to seek out quiet literary corners, whether it’s selecting a book from the shelves lining the Hari Bar in London, or sipping Ceylon tea in a plantation bungalow in Sri Lanka while paging through The Tea Planter’s Wife. It’s a chance to turn away from the gravitational pull of technology and turn inward to tales that transport in much the same way as travel.

Get comfortable and come with us as literature comes to life. We hope you’re inspired to create a new storyline for your reading travelers or immerse them in the narratives that moved them long before their bags were packed.


For book-loving travelers, The Hari is the perfect London literary escape. Explore the city’s hidden gems inspired by famous authors, then unwind with a new read from the Hari Bar.

The Hari, London, England – A Novel Way to Explore London

With a rich literary history, London is the perfect destination for book-loving travelers. What is less known is how The Hari offers the ideal base to explore the hidden and quieter aspects of London’s literary spots. In the heart of Belgravia, the hotel is surrounded by streets and settings that inspired some of England’s most celebrated authors.

Mary Shelley, who wrote the Gothic classic Frankenstein, lived on the same street where The Hari now sits. Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, the classic spy tale, lived around the corner on Ebury Street.

P.L. Travers, the mind behind Mary Poppins, was also a neighbor, only a 15-minute walk away, at 50 Smith Street. It’s rumored that her real-life address inspired the Banks family home on fictional Cherry Tree Lane. Just as the book’s protagonists, guests of The Hari can let themselves be carried by the east wind to explore the literary quirks the city offers.

For travelers looking for a quieter, but no less exciting trip, The Hari invites one to step into these stories and into the minds of these celebrated authors. At the same time, guests are encouraged to travel beyond the hotel’s physical walls by immersing themselves in a good book, available in the Hari Bar.

Love, Life, and Elephants: Daphne Sheldrick and fellow conservationists walk with baby elephants, embodying a lifetime dedication to these gentle giants.

Exeter Safaris Company, East Africa – Turn the Page, Step into Africa: A Literary Safari Adventure

At Exeter Safari Company, a safari goes beyond the sights and becomes a memorable story in which wildlife and landscapes come alive. For travelers seeking a deeper connection, few books capture the spirit of Africa like Daphne Sheldrick’s Love, Life, and Elephants. Her moving autobiography recounts her journey founding the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, rescuing orphaned elephants, and dedicating her life to conservation, offering readers an intimate perspective on these gentle giants.

Gorillas in the Mist: Dian Fossey’s pioneering work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, a testament to her dedication, courage, and passion for these magnificent creatures.

Equally unforgettable is Dian Fossey’s Gorilla in the Mist, a timeless account of her pioneering work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Fossey’s dedication, courage, and passion immerse readers in the misty forests and the intimate world of gorillas, making each encounter more meaningful when visiting their habitats.

Pairing a safari with these stories transforms every sighting into a narrative, deepening one’s appreciation of Africa’s extraordinary wildlife. Exeter Safari Company can craft itineraries that bring these books to life, from visiting elephant sanctuaries inspired by Sheldrick’s work to exploring gorilla trails echoing Fossey’s conservation legacy. With the right story in hand, your clients’ journeys become an unforgettable exploration of wild hearts.

Photo credit – Pexels/Banana Nardini

American Stories Travel, East Coast, United States – New York City: A Storybook Destination for Readers of All Ages

If your client loves getting lost in a good book, New York City might be their next favorite chapter. Stories come alive on every block, inside every bookstore, and through the writers who found inspiration here. For generations, readers have followed in their footsteps.

Why not begin the adventure before they even leave home with a book that brings New York to life? Recommend that families share Eloise at the Plaza with little ones and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler with older kids, and (re) read The Great Gatsby themselves. Once they’ve read these tales, they’ll step into the stories, exploring the Plaza Hotel, wandering the halls of the Met, or taking a day trip to Gatsby’s Gold Coast. Suddenly, the city feels less like a backdrop and more like a living storybook.

When in town, arrange for visits where stories live and breathe. Send them to take a photo with the marble lions at the New York Public Library, to browse The Strand, or to settle into McNally Jackson or Books Are Magic for a cozy recommendation.

Time your readers’ visit with a festival, and the magic multiplies. The Brooklyn Book Festival in September fills the city with panels and signings, while the Harlem Book Fair in July celebrates African American voices. In the city that has inspired generations of writers, your clients’ visit is a part of the story.

The perfect chapter: Unwind by the water at Castlereagh Bungalow, a haven of tranquility amidst the stunning landscapes of Ceylon Tea Trails.

Resplendent Ceylon, Sri Lanka – Become a Part of the Sri Lanka Storyline

Before your travelers set foot in Sri Lanka, consider offering these books as an evocative gateway into the island’s history, tensions, traditions, and irresistible warmth. From the misty highlands of old Ceylon tea country to the war-shadowed jungles of Wilpattu, from lively coastal towns to fragrant home kitchens, each title reveals a different facet of the country’s cultural and emotional landscape.

The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies

This historical fiction novel set in 1920s Ceylon (Sri Lanka) introduces us to 19-year-old Gwendolyn Hooper. She has married Laurence, a wealthy tea plantation owner, and moved to his estate in colonial Ceylon. Initially enchanted by her new life, Gwen soon uncovers unsettling secrets about Laurence’s past, including the mysterious death of his first wife. As she navigates the complexities of colonial society, Gwen faces a heart-wrenching dilemma that tests her love and loyalty.

Journey to the heart of the narrative. This view of Sigiriya, framed by the quiet lake and lush forest, is a captivating chapter that proves the world’s greatest stories are found in its most magnificent places.

The Road from Elephant Pass by Nihal de Silva
For fans of war fiction and romance, The Road from Elephant Pass, set during Sri Lanka’s Civil War in 2000, centers on Captain Wasantha Ratnayake of the Sri Lankan Army and Kamala Velaithan, a Tamil Tiger cadre, who are forced to cooperate during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Their journey through the dense jungles of Wilpattu National Park leads them to unexpected revelations about each other’s backgrounds, challenging their perceptions and prejudices.

Upon a Sleepless Isle by Andrew Fidel Fernando

Inspire your clients’ own travelogue with this nonfiction account of cricket writer Andrew Fidel Fernando’s journey across Sri Lanka. He reflects on the island’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories through his witty and insightful prose, delving into the complexities of post-war Sri Lanka and offering a nuanced perspective on its people, politics, and natural beauty.

This artful fish creation at Cape Weligama is the essential “Coastal Sri Lanka” recipe you need to add to your collection of unforgettable travel memories.

Weligama: Recipes from Sri Lanka by Emily Dobbs

This irresistible cookbook by Chef Emily Dobbs shares her favorite Sri Lankan-inspired recipes, including traditional dishes like hoppers, curries, and tropical desserts. The book offers insights into the flavors and techniques of Sri Lankan cooking, making it accessible for home cooks looking to explore the island’s culinary heritage.

A Farm Full of Pages: Unfold the story of Babylonstoren with this beautiful keepsake book, a visual journey into the workings of an active fruit and wine farm, its gardens, people, and heritage.

Babylonstoren, Franschhoek Wine Valley, South Africa – A Farm Full of Pages

Stories are woven into the fabric of Babylonstoren, from its historical garden, winery, and farm to the farm-to-fork restaurants, luxury hotel, spa, and workshops.

The magnificent, eponymous coffee table book captures the essence of Babylonstoren in a collection of stories about the farm and its people, presented in the format of a beautiful keepsake book. Babylonstoren gives readers a glimpse into the workings of an active fruit and wine farm, delving into the delightful details and the stories of the masters and artisans working behind the scenes.

Unwind with a good book at Babylonstoren, where every corner, from the suites’ bookshelves to the quiet Butterfly Room library, invites you to lose yourself in a story.

Books Abound at Babylonstoren

Each of Babylonstoren’s suites includes a bookshelf filled with a wonderful selection of books, which include both local and international favorites. The Butterfly Room is a lounge and library for the use of Farmhouse guests. It offers a good selection of books and board games, as well as a choice of drinks. A rare collection of birdwing butterflies, collected over many years by entomologist Henk Geertsema, is exhibited here.

The Franschhoek Literary Festival

If you are planning a client visit to Babylonstoren during May, be sure to add the Franschhoek Literary Festival to the itinerary. Usually scheduled around the third weekend in May, the festival brings together a cross-section of renowned South African and international authors and thought leaders to inspire, delight, inform, and challenge audiences.

The terrace of the Storchen Hotel, immortalized in Paul Celan’s poem “Zürich, Zum Storchen.”

The Living Circle Hotel Group – A Literary Encounter on Zurich’s Limmatquai

Sometimes a book shapes the way we see the world, and sometimes a place becomes unforgettable because it has itself become part of literary history. In Zurich, one such place is the Storchen, a landmark that has welcomed guests on the banks of the Limmat for more than 650 years.

It was here, in May 1960, that a remarkable encounter took place: Paul Celan, one of the most influential poets of the 20^th century, met for the first time with Nelly Sachs, who would later be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Both were of Jewish heritage, both marked by the Holocaust, both exiled from Germany. On the Storchen terrace, they engaged in an intense dialogue on faith, memory, and language, a moment Celan later immortalized in his poem “Zürich, Zum Storchen.”

Today, guests can still sit in that very place, on the terrace where Sachs and Celan once spoke, overlooking the river that has shaped the city for centuries. With a book in hand or a glass of wine, visitors experience not only a sense of history but also the present: a luxurious five-star hotel in the heart of Zurich, where heritage, timeless elegance, and warm hospitality come together in perfect harmony.

The classic Italian story: part myth, part magic, and all adventure.

Vakay in Tuscany, Italy – An Italian Tale, Unfolding in Real Time

Venice reveals its most whimsical secret in the Libreria Acqua Alta, where books spill from gondolas and staircases made of novels rise toward hidden balconies. This surreal shop has become a refuge for dreamers, and your bookophile clients won’t be able to resist climbing the book staircase to glimpse the canal view.

Meanwhile, in Naples, fans of Elena Ferrante can walk the streets described in her beloved novels. A Vakay guide can show them through the Quartieri Spagnoli, where laundry flutters overhead, and walls bloom with bold street art. Each mural tells a story as visceral as Ferrante’s words in a city where literature is alive on every corner.

Walking the Pages: Follow in the footsteps of Elena Ferrante’s beloved characters. Laundry flutters overhead as bold street art turns the city into an unfolding Italian tale.

This is the Vakay difference: Whether curating a festive Milanese adventure, a Renaissance art journey in Florence, a private wine escape through Chianti, or a moonlit gondola ride in Venice, the expert team crafts Italian experiences that linger vividly long after the trip is over.

A Delicious Spot in the Global Narrative: With views over the grounds, The Library at Hartwell House is a delicious spot to immerse yourself in a favorite novel or discover new works.

Historic House Hotels, Hartwell House & Spa, Buckinghamshire, England – Where Stories Live

Read your way around the world at Hartwell House, where history and literature intertwine in every cozy corner. Once the refuge of an exiled king, Hartwell is today a haven of tranquility where your clients are invited to reflect, read, and imagine within its storied walls. The Library, with its timeless atmosphere and views over the grounds, is a delicious spot in which to immerse oneself in a favorite novel or to discover new works inspired by country house life and royal history.

Beyond Hartwell, literary exploration continues for your bibliophiles. Oxford, with its Bodleian Library and Tolkien trails, offers a world of inspiration, while the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden provides a more playful perspective on storytelling. The Oxford Literary Festival and Henley Literary Festival, both close at hand, offer opportunities to engage with leading writers and ideas. With its heritage, its Library, and its proximity to such celebrated literary centers, Hartwell House is a must for passionate readers.

The Acropolis of Books: Relocated and magnificent, this modern, multi-story library near the sea is a must-see for book lovers, combining ancient Greek knowledge with a spectacular contemporary view.

Curated Greece – From Page to Place: Exploring Greece Through Books

Written words on a page have a unique power, igniting our imagination and painting vivid images of people, places, and moments before we ever set foot there. Traveling then turns these imagined scenes into real colors and sounds we experience in an entirely personal way.

To bridge imagination with place before your clients set off for Greece, recommend they read Victoria Hislop’s The Thread. This moving novel set in Thessaloniki follows lives shaped by the turbulence of the 20^th century, showing how bonds of love, friendship, and family endure through hardship. The city itself becomes part of the story, its streets and traditions revealing a spirit of resilience.

For a lighter, playful dive into Greek culture, Stephen Fry’s Mythos offers modern retellings of Greek mythology. Through short, humorous stories, gods and heroes are brought to life in an engaging and accessible way. Exploring temples and archaeological sites with Mythos in mind helps the myths behind these places feel memorable.

A must-see for book lovers, the National Library of Greece now sits near the sea at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center. Relocated in 2017 to give its vast collections the space and technology they need, it features a panoramic reading room and programs for all ages, making it welcoming to families. As part of a Curated Greece journey, travelers can stop here en route to scenic Cape Sounio.

Surrounded by 4,000 carefully curated books, the library at Nolinski Venezia is
a sanctuary of art, literature, and music, designed to create emotions and wonderful memories. Photo credit – Mickael Cornelus

Nolinski Venezia, Venice, Italy – A Story in Every Room

In designing Nolinski Venezia, cofounder of EVOK Emmanuel Sauvage said, “Our job is to give pleasure, create emotions, and have a part in making wonderful memories. Venice couldn’t be more in tune with our values.” The same can be said of a truly great book. Each story is an opportunity to find joy in connection with characters, time, and place, to step outside ourselves and welcome new outlooks and feelings.

Evok collaborated with independent bookseller Anatole Desachy, who carefully placed limited-edition books in each of the collection’s hotels and suites, including 4,000 books in Nolinski Venezia’s bar-library. This remarkable library spans six meters of shelving, with an eclectic mix of art histories, photography, design, fashion, and rare antiquarian volumes alongside literature in Italian, English, and French. The extraordinary collection includes everything from Peggy Guggenheim and Murano glass monographs to decades of Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction catalogs and treasures such as a 1963 Berggruen Gallery catalog featuring an original Picasso woodcut.

Each of the hotel’s 11 suites and additional rooms extends the library with carefully chosen art and photography titles, ensuring guests experience an immersive journey through five centuries of Italian culture and Venice’s artistic legacy. Complementing the plethora of pages is art chosen by Evok Collection’s curator, Amélie du Chalard, from works on paper to Renaissance oil paintings, all working in dialogue with one another. Du Chalard has also placed more than 100 pieces in the 12-bedroom Cour des Vosges in Paris.

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Thrill the Senses in Tanzania & The Seychelles

Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands with Curated Greece

Come Sail Away: Yachts and Private Sailing Experiences

Travel Notebook

Come Sail Away: Yachts and Private Sailing Experiences

From the sun-kissed beaches of the Turkish Turquoise Coast to the breathtaking fjords of New Zealand, luxury cruising offers an unparalleled way to explore the world’s most stunning destinations. Your clients may step aboard a meticulously crafted gulet in Türkiye, where exquisite local cuisine, vibrant historic sites, and serene private coves await their discovery, or, they’ll play a part of yachting history aboard the iconic CHRISTINA O as they sail the Mediterranean in unmatched elegance.

For the adventurous spirits, Australia’s Kimberley Coast and Fiji’s azure waters beckon with options for intimate eco-sailing charters, superyacht escapades complete with floating jacuzzis and thrilling water sports. Meanwhile, Greece and Croatia invite travelers to connect deeply with their coastal wonders, indulging in secluded beaches, historic charm, and the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether gently drifting along the timeless Nile or savoring the dramatic cliffs and waterways of Portugal, these tailor-made journeys ensure that every adventure is as luxurious as it is unforgettable.

We hope this Travel Notebook edition inspires once-in-a-lifetime experiences for your clients, for whom water is more than a lifeblood and truly a part of their soul.

Exploring hidden coves and ancient ruins with a private gulet cruise by Sea Song.

Sea Song, Türkiye – Uncovering Hidden Treasures on the Turkish Turquoise Coast

Imagine your discerning clients embarking on a gulet for a wonderful adventure along the Turkish turquoise coast. The captain is at the helm, the chef is preparing delicious Turkish cuisine, deck hands are setting up sunbeds, and the host is waiting for them with a glass of champagne. This is life on a gulet.

The journey along the coast begins, stopping at ancient ruins, small villages like Datca, known for its honey and almonds, wine tasting, and village life. Continue to an amazing private cove for a day of water sports of all types: swimming and snorkeling, perhaps even over Byzantine ruins. The next day, the boat stops at a cool beach club for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation, enjoying local restaurants along the way and taking in the amazing, authentic atmosphere. Guests can opt for an excursion down the Dalyan River on a private riverboat and view the Lycian Rock Tombs and Ancient Caunos, accompanied by a visit to a local seafood restaurant. As this gulet experience continues along the Turkish Turquoise Coast, there is always something to do and plenty of time to relax.

Stepping into yachting history on the magnificent CHRISTINA O.

Découvertes, France – Sail like a Legend on a CHRISTINA O Charter

This summer, invite your most exclusive clients to charter not just a yacht, but a story—a floating legend that once hosted presidents, movie stars, and moguls. They’ll sail in style aboard the CHRISTINA O, the most iconic vessel in yachting history, now fully refitted for the modern luxury traveler—and available for unforgettable charters across the West Mediterranean.

From the sun-drenched Riviera to the hidden coves of Croatia, the Cyclades’ whitewashed charm to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, CHRISTINA O delivers an experience like no other. With space for up to 157 guests at anchor and 17 elegant staterooms, this is the ultimate venue for weddings, milestone celebrations, or ultra-luxe family escapes. Your clients can enjoy spa treatments with two full-time therapists, a deck jacuzzi, gourmet cuisine, and non-stop thrills with everything from flyboards and hoverboards to a brand-new swim platform.

Sail through the Med in true Onassis style—onboard classic varnished launches, soaking in the legacy of Hollywood glamour and old-world charm. CHRISTINA O makes the voyage as unforgettable as the destination. Luxury this grand shouldn’t be missed.

Sail through the Med in true Onassis style aboard the magnificent CHRISTINA O.
Découvertes invites you to soak in the legacy of Hollywood glamour and old-world charm.

Southern Crossings, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji – Private Cruising on the Kimberley Coast, Spectacular Diving in Fiji, Kayaking in New Zealand, and More

Island nations Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji offer some of the most spectacular coastlines, harbors, archipelagos, rivers, and lakes that invite exploration on water.

Sunset sailing in Sydney Harbour, champagne in hand. Unforgettable.

AUSTRALIA

No visit to Sydney would be complete without cruising the Harbour City’s magnificent waterways; the challenge is simply deciding which option to choose: a progressive lunch cruise between some of Sydney’s best waterfront tables or a leisurely long lunch in one of the harbor’s beautiful tranquil bays on the back of a superyacht; sunset sailing with the opportunity to help crew the yacht or simply relaxing, champagne in hand; cruising Vivid’s stunning light displays (May/June annually) or between the New Year’s spectacular fireworks.

Exploring Tasmania’s stunning coastline in style aboard Odalisque III.

Elsewhere around the continent, small-group luxury expedition cruises provide access to some of Australia’s most spectacularly remote landscapes and experiences from Tasmania’s South West Wilderness to Western Australia’s dramatic Kimberley Coast, with luxury vessels providing privileged and personalized touring experiences, comfortable ensuite accommodations, and gourmet Australian dining. Favorites include Odalisque III: a new purpose-built expedition vessel accommodating just 12 guests, that cruises Tasmania’s East Coast (June to November) and the island-state’s stunning South West (December-May) and True North, which cruises the Kimberley between March and October, with exciting itineraries in Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and Kangaroo Island, too. From July this year, the Kimberley will welcome a new luxury small-group cruising option with the launch of Pearl Expeditions’ Paspaley Pearl, which will accommodate a maximum of just 30 guests, indulged by a crew of 21.

Those who prefer even more intimacy and adventure will truly enjoy the privilege of bespoke eco-sailing charters along Western Australia’s coast aboard a luxury sailing catamaran accommodating up to 8 guests, or the freedom of a bareboat charter sailing between Queensland’s idyllic Whitsunday Islands.

Those looking to dial up the luxe will be well looked after with a range of fully catered and crewed luxury superyachts available for charter in Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Kimberley, including the new MY Northern Escape, with comfortable, contemporary accommodation for up to 8 guests, a deck-top jacuzzi, an infinity pool, a wellness center, and a flotilla of floating toys.

Those looking to add a conservation element are sure to delight in the privileged opportunity to have one of the world’s most successful environmental movement founders (creator of Earth Hour and Citizens of the Reef), Andy Ridley, join them for a citizen scientist experience in some of the most pristine corners of the Great Barrier Reef.

From half-day dolphin and whale-watching cruises to week-long private charters, the Southern Crossings Travel Design team can curate luxury boating experiences to suit every type of traveler.

Swimming, fishing, and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Rua Moana.

NEW ZEALAND

Visitors to New Zealand are equally well catered for with cruising options to explore the length and breadth of the country:

Private superyacht charter cruising aboard Rua Moana–anything from a half day on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to multi-day adventures in the beautiful Bay of Islands with opportunities to swim, fish, and snorkel.
A leisurely long lunch cruise from Auckland to Waiheke Island aboard a sleek and stylish new private charter vessel with Italian Riviera design vibes.
An overnight cruise in fabulous Fiordland’s most remote reaches–beginning with a scenic helicopter flight over the Southern Alps to land on a floating helipad where a private charter cruise awaits. As the boat navigates the fjords, guests enjoy paddleboarding in quiet coves, marveling at cascading waterfalls, foraging for fresh crayfish, and hot-tub stargazing.

Discovering the hidden wonders and rich history of Dusky Sound, a place of profound tranquility.

The inviting combination of a hike, cruise, and leisurely lunch aboard a private charter cruise on Lake Taupo, with opportunities for keen anglers to also throw a line in the glassy waters.
The magnificent mix of a whale-watching scenic flight with a cruise on the Marlborough Sounds to visit a paua pearl farm.
A bushwalking, kayaking, and cruising private charter experience in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.

Floating pools, jet skis, and an award-winning chef – Mischief has it all!

FIJI

A private charter superyacht cruise is one of the most magnificent ways to explore the idyllic islands of Fiji, enjoying access to otherwise inaccessible islands and hidden anchorages, authentic local interactions, and some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites.

Southern Crossings’ Travel Design team has several fabulous options to choose from, but it’s hard to look past Mischief, following its recent $15-million refit. Sleeping 12 guests in comfort, with an experienced and attentive crew of 14 (including an award-winning chef and on-board massage therapist), the 54-meter (177-foot) superyacht comes complete with floating pool, eFoils, Flite Boards, Sea Bobs, jet skis, dive tanks, infrared sauna, deck-top jacuzzi, and so much more. Mischief is available for private charters in Fiji between June and October (and at other times of the year, subject to relocation fees).

Remote coves, hidden bays, and sunset views: private yachting in Greece.

Curated Greece – Exploring Greece by Sea

Seeing Greece from the water offers your clients the chance to directly connect with one of the country’s most defining natural elements: the sea. The sea invites them to borrow her eyes and access parts that remain invisible from the land–remote coves, hidden bays, secluded beaches, sea caves, and striking rock formations. Even the sunset takes on a new dimension, uninterrupted and reflected across the open blue.

Curated Greece prioritizes comfort, safety, and expert navigation, with seamless, stress-free, fully crewed sailing trips. Based on guests’ needs, they partner with trusted local providers and feature a diverse fleet, from sleek motor yachts to spacious catamarans and speedboats. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged to ensure guests feel truly cared for throughout their journey.

Skip the ferries, sail in luxury. Your private Greek island transfer awaits.

A standout offering is their private yacht transfers between the Cycladic islands, such as Mykonos, Paros, Sifnos, and Santorini. This makes island hopping a flexible, exclusive, and more peaceful alternative to crowded ferries. Guests can also choose from day or half-day cruises or enjoy golden hour sunset cruises around the ever-popular Mykonos and Santorini, as well as Paros, Naxos, and Corfu. Along the way, they’ll unwind with a glass of wine or linger over a relaxed BBQ or a thoughtfully homemade meal. For an adventurous twist, sea gear such as Sea Bobs lets sailors explore the water’s hidden corners. For longer escapes, weekly charters typically run Saturday to Saturday, while shorter 1- to 2-night trips are possible to suit different paces and schedules. To elevate the journey, a private chef can create a personalized culinary experience. Routes cover the Saronic Gulf, the Ionian Islands, and the Cyclades and are always weather-dependent to ensure safety and the best possible conditions.

Drift through Egypt’s timeless beauty on the Arax or Berge by Kazazian Cruises,
where understated luxury meets ancient grandeur on the Nile.

Exeter Safari Company, Africa – Sailing Egypt’s Timeless Beauty

Egypt’s beauty lies in its timeless contrast, where golden desert meets lush riverbanks, and ancient temples rise from the landscape like mirages from history. For those seeking a refined and immersive way to experience this setting, Kazazian Cruises offers two exceptional vessels: Arax and Berge. These private yachts are masterclasses in understated luxury–intimate in scale, yet expansive in experience. The Arax, a 60-meter floating sanctuary, accommodates just 18 guests across nine suites, while Berge offers a similarly exclusive setting, both boasting panoramic windows, marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, and serene onboard spaces. These spaces include plunge pools, open-air lounges, and spa facilities. With a crew-to-guest ratio that ensures intuitive service from private chefs to dedicated spa therapists, each journey feels deeply personal. As guests drift past palm-fringed riverbanks, ancient temples, and golden-hued deserts, Egypt unfolds in quiet grandeur–best appreciated at the unhurried pace of the Nile.

Drift through Egypt’s timeless beauty, where understated luxury meets ancient grandeur on the Nile.

Exeter Safari Company specializes in crafting seamless, fully customized journeys that integrate exceptional experiences like Kazazian’s Arax and Berge Nile cruises. They work closely with trusted partners to secure preferred sailings, handle all logistics, and thoughtfully weave these cruises into broader itineraries that reflect your clients’ interests and preferred pace. From the moment they arrive in Egypt to their final farewell, they can expect a journey that feels personal, effortless, and truly unforgettable.

Experience the epitome of luxury on the stunning Portuguese coast.
Patamar Select invites your clients to set sail and discover hidden grottoes and picturesque villages.

Patamar Select, Portugal – Getting Personal in Portugal with Custom-Designed Water Journeys

Patamar Select enables you to offer your clients exclusive, tailor-made sailing experiences along Portugal’s remarkable coastline and rivers. From the dramatic cliffs and golden beaches of the Algarve to the lush, terraced vineyards lining the Douro River, each journey is designed to showcase the country’s most stunning natural settings.

Cheers to an unforgettable journey down the Douro Valley! The Rebecca Recommends team
returned to shore, inspired by Portugal’s stunning landscapes and exquisite flavors.

Clients can board elegant, fully crewed yachts or classic wooden riverboats, each equipped with spacious sun decks, refined lounges, and luxurious cabins. Modern amenities such as onboard jacuzzis, gourmet kitchens, and water sports equipment ensure comfort and entertainment throughout the voyage. The vessels glide past secluded coves, hidden grottoes, and picturesque fishing villages, offering ever-changing views of Portugal’s diverse landscapes.

A taste of luxury and endless possibilities! The Rebecca Recommends team hones
their skills with a master chef.

Patamar Select’s local partnerships open doors to extraordinary experiences: guests might anchor off a private island in the Douro for a picnic prepared by a Michelin-starred chef or enjoy a sunset dinner on deck as the cliffs of the Algarve glow in the evening light. Onboard, clients can savor curated wine tastings, fresh seafood, and personalized service, while ashore, they can explore charming coastal towns or untouched nature reserves.

With every detail thoughtfully arranged, Patamar provides travel advisors with a product that combines the best of Portugal’s scenery, culture, and luxury hospitality, ensuring each client’s journey is both unique and unforgettable.

Salty air, clear waters, and good company! Making unforgettable memories with
friends and family on the stunning Croatian sea.

Dinaric Adventures, Croatia and Beyond – Salt, Wine & Seafood Specialties on Islands Best Explored by Boat

Perhaps the best thing one can do in Croatia is to set sail on a boat. The Croatian islands, the crystal-clear sea … to feel that salt and those aromas in one’s nose, on the skin, and the waves in one’s hair–that is true relaxation and fun. To feast one’s eyes on every shade of the blue expanse, to dive and jump from the boat–it’s priceless.

Island hopping and pure bliss in Croatia! There’s no better way to experience the Adriatic.

Your clients will wake up to the silence of the sea, witnessing the dawn and the stillness before anyone else, or watching bioluminescent plankton before falling asleep. In the morning, they’ll sip coffee on the bow, watching as the islands, beaches, coves, wild nature, birds, and tiny fish awaken. And then the crickets wake up and start singing the melody of the Mediterranean.

There are many beautiful beaches in quiet, peaceful coves where there’s often only one small house and enough silence for everyone. Seeing the steep fields, all that greenery and stone from the sea, leaves an unforgettable impression, a tattooed souvenir in the soul of anyone who has experienced it.

From L to R: Buzara-style Mussels. Photo credit – Slovenian Kitchen, Brudet –
Croatian Seafood Stew. Photo credit – The Domestic Man, Hvarska Gregada –
Croatian Fish and Potato Stew. Photo credit – Croatia Honestly

On the islands, it’s essential to eat fish specialties and local vegetables. The queens of tradition are buzara, brudet, and gregada–made from white wine, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and a bit of tomato sauce. This forms the base for shrimp, shellfish, and more. The wines of the islands simply must be unique—so many hours of sunshine and such soil cannot produce anything ordinary or something never tasted before.

Dalmatia is indescribable with its thousand islands, from Dubovica on Hvar to Stiniva on Vis, to Bol on Brač, to Vrnik near Korčula. How better to truly experience the Mediterranean than by boat?

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Thrill the Senses in Tanzania & The Seychelles

Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands with Curated Greece

Read Your Way Around The World

Travel Notebook

Catching the Perfect Wave

For those who seek the perfect surf, there’s always the draw of the next wave. Whether your clients are seasoned surfers, casual beachgoers, or planning their first surf lesson during their beach holiday, the joyful exuberance that comes from gliding on the water is universal.

We’ve checked in with our Rebecca Recommends partners for help uncovering some of the best surf spots around the globe. From the swells in India, with its fast-growing surf scene, to the iconic waves of Australia’s Bondi Beach, these are the spots that draw connoisseurs of the perfect wave, and those checking out the sport for the first time (or even just watching from a lounge chair on a golden-sand beach).

If your clients are thinking about their next surf trip, start with this guide and see where the tide takes you.

Southern Crossings, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji – Explore Beach Bliss and Surf Culture Like a Local

Enjoying a surf retreat in beautiful Byron Bay. Thanks to Southern Crossings for
the experience! Photo credit – Tourism Australia

AUSTRALIA

With almost 12,000 beaches (including Whitehaven, Lonely Planet’s “Best Beach in the World 2025”), from family-friendly to wild and wonderful, Australia has the perfect beach for all occasions. From an early morning swim and a game of beach cricket (an Australian family tradition!) to sunset strolls on golden sands, beach culture is a local way of life.

Bondi, Byron, or Bells Beach, Sunshine Coast, or Surfers Paradise, Manly, or Margaret River — from gentle breaks to giant barrels — there’s a perfect surf spot for novices through to seasoned surfers, too.

The Southern Crossings Travel Design team can connect visitors with local surfing legends and passionate, patient tutors to enjoy.

A private sunrise surf lesson in Bondi (and an introduction to the famous local surf lifesavers)
A custom surfboard-making workshop with a former world champion and Olympic surf coach (before sampling one of his locally brewed craft beers over a gourmet beach BBQ), south of Brisbane
A fully inclusive, multi-day women’s surf retreat in Byron Bay

For something different, keen surfers don’t even need to be at the beach to enjoy a sneaky surf — and can put their surfing skills to the test at one of Australia’s URBN Surf centers in Sydney and in Melbourne; or give sandsurfing a go in the giant sand dunes from Port Lincoln to Port Stephens, Moreton Island, or Fraser Island.

Australia offers year-round surfing — and for those who prefer to spectate rather than participate, there is an almost year-round calendar of events, including world-class surfing competitions and classic Australian Surf Life Saving Carnivals (October–April). While in Torquay on the Great Ocean Road, visitors should not miss the opportunity to learn how Australia has shaped surf culture and how surfing has shaped Australian culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum.

Kaikoura dolphins cavorting in the beautiful blue waters. Photo credit – William Patino

NEW ZEALAND

Across the Tasman in New Zealand, visitors can enjoy more beach breaks, from the North Island’s Te Arai and Mt. Maunganui through to the South Island’s Kaikoura Coast (where surfers can share the waves with resident dolphins). The New Zealand summer months offer the best surfing conditions and warmer water temperatures.

New Zealand’s fabulous new Te Arai Links coastal golf resort invites surfers to ride the local waves, too!

Six Senses Fiji: Where surf adventures meet luxury. Enjoying private-guided tours
and learning about local surfing legends.

FIJI

Cloudbreak, Swimming Pools, Wilkes and Restaurants, Namotu, Tavarua and Desperations; left-handers, right-handers, beginner-friendly, or challenging, Fiji’s famous breaks draw visitors from around the globe.

Fiji’s warm waters and gentle breaks offer the perfect conditions for children and beginners, while world-class reef breaks can challenge even the most seasoned experts (Cloudbreak will host the 2025 WSL Finals — August 27 to September 4, 2025).

Guests of COMO Laucala can enjoy expert private surf instruction and unlimited waves (with jet ski tows) just 20 minutes from the resort by boat.

Kokomo Private Island guests have access to three fabulous reef breaks (between 45 and 90 minutes from the resort by boat) and the resort’s quiver of surfboards.

Experienced surfers staying at Royal Davui will revel in the opportunity to ride Frigate Passage (approximately 30 minutes by boat), where the waves rarely drop below head height and the rides can continue for 100 meters or more.

Six Senses Fiji provides a comprehensive surfing program that includes lessons and coaching for beginners through to experienced surfers, private-guided surfing adventures to some of Fiji’s best breaks (Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Namoto, and Wilkes), and surf-spectating speedboat touring to see the surfers in action while also learning about Fiji’s famous breaks and local surfing legends (while keeping an eye out to spot turtles and dolphins, too).

While Fiji offers year-round surfing, the peak swells produce the best conditions between May and October.

Resplendent Ceylon, Sri Lanka – Surfing in Weligama – The Perfect Blend of Waves, Culture, and Coastal Luxury

Experience Sri Lanka’s surfing center at Weligama, famous for its
long sandy beach and welcoming waves.

Located on Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coast, Weligama Bay is a renowned year-round surf destination offering ideal conditions for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. Its expansive sandy beach, gentle rolling waves, and warm waters make it a global favorite for learning to surf, while nearby reef breaks challenge experienced riders.

Cape Weligama, a luxury resort perched above the bay, partners with the acclaimed Ceylon Sliders Surf School to curate personalized surf experiences just five minutes away. All lessons are led by ISA-certified instructors and tailored to individual ability, whether your clients are catching their first wave or refining advanced maneuvers. Programs range from beginner fundamentals to guided reef explorations, with lessons lasting two hours and available in private, duo, or group formats. Sessions include surfboard and rash guard rental, use of Ceylon Sliders’ facilities, and start at 8 AM or 3 PM.

Click on the image above to watch a story of the surf at Cape Weligama.

The best surf season runs from November to April, with clean two- to eight-foot waves and minimal wind, though summer offers consistent breaks great for longboarding. Advanced surfers can opt for surf guiding — a three-hour trip to explore uncrowded reef and beach breaks along the coast.

Surrounded by a vibrant local surf culture, traditional stilt fishermen, and coastal charm, Weligama is a complete beach lover’s paradise.

Ventours International, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Cape Weligama – Catch the Perfect Wave: Surfing in India

Did you know the word ‘surf’ has Indian roots? Discovering India’s
surf culture on its beautiful coastlines.

India might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but perhaps it should be. With over 7,000 kilometers of coastline hugging the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, India offers a vibrant and steadily growing surf scene that both surprises and delights. From tranquil tropical beaches to adrenaline-pumping swells, this subcontinental gem has waves to suit every style and skill level.

But – before we dive deeper, here’s a fun fact that might just blow your mind: the word surf itself has Indian roots!! According to etymologists, surf was first recorded back in 1685, and it allegedly comes from the Indian word suffe, meaning “coastline.” Portuguese sailors picked up the term in the 1600s, and suffe eventually became surf.

So, in a way, India gave surfing its name long before the boards arrived on its shores …

Bohemian vibes and surf-friendly waves in Varkala, Kerala.

TOP BEACHES:

Kovalam, Kerala – Once a sleepy fishing village, Kovalam has become a hotspot for beach lovers seeking laid-back charm. Its gently curving coastline, palm-lined shores, and mellow waves make it ideal for beginner surfers and sunseekers alike.

Varkala, Kerala – Just a few hours north of Kovalam, Varkala stuns with dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. This beach offers a more bohemian energy, with surf-friendly waves and a tight-knit community of instructors and travelers.

Gokarna, Karnataka – Gokarna is where spirituality meets surf. The uncrowded beaches—especially Om Beach and Kudle Beach—offer a peaceful surf experience framed by golden sands and sacred temples.

Auroville & Serenity Beach, Tamil Nadu – Near Pondicherry, Serenity Beach delivers consistent waves and a chill atmosphere. Auroville’s inclusive, international community has played a big role in nurturing India’s early surf scene.

WHERE TO STAY:

Here are some standout accommodations near India’s top surfing beaches:

Catching waves near the cliffside views of The Leela Kovalam.

Kovalam – The Leela Kovalam: A clifftop luxury resort with panoramic sea views, private beach access, and an indulgent spa—perfect for post-surf relaxation.

Varkala – Gateway Varkala: Nestled on a cliff with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea, this elegant retreat offers peaceful rooms and easy beach access.

Gokarna – SwaSwara: A wellness-focused eco-resort located near Om Beach, ideal for combining surfing with yoga, meditation, and holistic healing.

Auroville / Pondicherry – Palais de Mahe: A stunning French colonial-style boutique hotel near Serenity Beach, blending coastal charm with timeless elegance.

Surf’s up at Varkala, with Gateway Varkala as the backdrop.

Best Surfing Spots: India’s surf season runs best between May and September on the west coast, while the east coast sees cleaner swells between October and February. Pros can challenge themselves with reef breaks and point breaks in places like Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), while beginners will love the gentle rollers at beaches in Kerala and Karnataka.

Local surf culture is grounded in warmth, hospitality, and a deep respect for nature, often blending yoga, meditation, and environmental stewardship into the surfer lifestyle.

LESSONS: India’s growing surf infrastructure means you’ll find excellent surf schools in many coastal hotspots, for example:

Soul & Surf (Varkala, Kerala)
Kallialay Surf School (Auroville)

From weeklong retreats with yoga to beginner crash courses, these schools offer certified instructors, equipment rentals, and surf tours. Bonus: many are run by passionate locals who’ve helped shape India’s unique surf identity.

Patamar Select, Portugal – Harmony of Sustainability and Luxury

Enjoying Portugal’s stunning coastal views from a unique perspective.

Portugal’s coastline, with its dramatic landscapes and pristine waters, presents an unparalleled destination where sustainability and luxury coexist harmoniously. From the rugged beauty of the western shores to the sunlit coves of the Algarve, Portugal offers an exquisite blend of natural wonder and refined experiences for the discerning traveler.

Enjoying the crystal-clear waters and eco-conscious design of a Blue Flag beach
in Portugal’s Southwest Alentejo Natural Park.

Sustainability is intrinsic to many of Portugal’s coastal destinations. Beaches such as Odeceixe, Zambujeira do Mar, and Amado — nestled within the protected Southwest Alentejo Natural Park — exemplify Portugal’s commitment to responsible tourism. These Blue Flag beaches offer crystal-clear waters, minimal environmental impact, and accommodations that prioritize eco-conscious design. Comporta, one of the most coveted luxury destinations along the Alentejo coast, stands as a prime example. Here, guests can indulge in exclusive beachside experiences, farm-to-table cuisine, and curated wellness retreats, all underpinned by a deep respect for the environment and local culture.

Witnessing the colossal waves of Nazaré, a thrill for surfers and enthusiasts alike.

For those seeking a combination of adventure and luxury, Portugal’s surf culture is world-renowned. Nazaré, famed for its colossal waves, offers a thrilling spectacle that attracts surfers and enthusiasts alike. While the area is best suited for advanced surfers, Nazaré’s dramatic beauty, coupled with exclusive guided tours, provides a unique opportunity to witness the power of the ocean firsthand. Along the Costa Vicentina, beaches such as Arrifana offer a more serene surfing experience, where bespoke lessons and private retreats allow for an intimate connection to the sea.

Viana do Castelo, located in the north of Portugal, offers a refined and authentic alternative. With its sweeping coastal vistas and rich artisan heritage, the region invites guests to explore exclusive cultural experiences, including private workshops with local craftsmen and stays in beautifully restored manor houses.

Patamar Select specializes in creating bespoke itineraries that seamlessly combine sustainability and luxury. Whether arranging intimate beach dinners in Comporta, guided surf retreats in Ericeira, or exclusive cultural experiences in Viana do Castelo, they offer meticulously crafted journeys that cater to the most discerning clients, ensuring each experience is as meaningful as it is luxurious.

Découvertes, France – Biarritz: The French Riviera’s Surfing Jewel

Biarritz: Where laid-back surf culture meets refined French elegance.

Biarritz is nestled along France’s glamorous Basque coastline, where laid-back surf culture meets refined French elegance. Once a favorite seaside escape for European royalty, this chic town has transformed into an iconic surf destination, attracting everyone from first-time riders to seasoned wave chasers.

Its postcard-perfect beaches offer something for all levels: La Côte des Basques is ideal for beginners with gentle reef breaks and a welcoming vibe, while the Grande Plage delivers punchier waves right in front of the town’s luxurious Belle Époque hotels.

What is the best time to ride the waves? Summer to early autumn, when the Atlantic swells roll in under golden sun and the town buzzes with stylish energy. After a day on the water, guests may treat themselves to fine dining with ocean views, boutique shopping, or a thalassotherapy spa session, because in Biarritz, surf life comes with a splash of luxury.

Enjoying the iconic surf destination of Biarritz on France’s Basque coastline.

Whether waxing a board or sipping champagne at sunset, Biarritz offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, beauty, and elegance on the southwestern coast of France.

Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers chasing waves and charm, Biarritz is the beach escape that does it all, with style

Découvertes DMC France can craft tailor-made escapes to Biarritz — a destination where surfboards and champagne flutes coexist beautifully.

Dream Escape, United Kingdom and Ireland – Ride the Wild Atlantic Waves

Catching uncrowded waves at Fanore Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way. Photo credit – Bryan Tracey

Whether your clients are experienced surfers or complete newbies, Ireland is blessed with some of the most unspoiled surf spots in Europe. The Wild Atlantic Way, stretching along the country’s ruggedly beautiful west coast, is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world (and a hiking, biking, surfing, and natural paradise). With the Atlantic Ocean licking the shore, this coast has a wealth of awesome surfing beaches.

A few to include in a wave-tastic itinerary:

The flaxen sands of Fanore Beach, a stunning stop on a tour of the spectacular Burren National Park, with uncrowded surf and spectacular views
Donegal’s resplendent Bundoran coastline, with great areas for beginners and advanced wave riders alike
Tullan Beach or Dunfanaghy
Rossnowlagh’s 3-kilometer stretch of marigold sand, perfect for surfers, kitesurfers, and families
The charming town of Ballybunion on the picturesque coast of north County Kerry
Inchydoney in County Cork, a popular seaside destination with families and well-suited to beginners

You can also recommend one of the numerous surf schools and camps along the west coast, where families of all levels can grab a board and hit the waves.

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa – Surf and Serenity

Enjoying “front-row access” to Cape Town’s spectacular surf spots near
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. Photo credit – Stephen Coetsee

Set between the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers front-row access to some of South Africa’s most spectacular surf spots. From the golden sands of Camps Bay to the locals-only breaks at Llandudno, and the beginner-friendly shores of Muizenberg, the Cape’s coastline is a paradise for wave-chasers of all levels.

Guests can enjoy bespoke surf lessons and guided coastal surf safaris arranged through the hotel’s trusted partners — perfect for first-timers or seasoned surfers looking to explore hidden gems. After a day on the waves, travelers can return to the hotel to unwind in the award-winning spa, take in the ocean views from their luxurious sea-facing room, or indulge in fine dining at Azure Restaurant, where menus celebrate the Cape’s rich culinary heritage.

Fine dining and incredible views at Azure Restaurant.

Sunset dinner and drinks on the Azure deck – the perfect way to end the day

For a more relaxed evening, the Leopard Bar offers the perfect setting to sip craft cocktails or local wines while enjoying live music and unforgettable sunsets. With a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and five-star hospitality, The Twelve Apostles Hotel is the ultimate base for a surf-inspired escape.

Curated Greece – Beach Lovers & Greece: A Match Made in Heaven?

Where lagoon meets sea: The breathtaking Voidokilia.

If you identify as a beach person, chances are Greece might just be your perfect match. With the Aegean and Ionian Seas embracing much of the mainland and island coastlines, an abundance of beaches has formed for both relaxation and adventure seekers.

For peaceful swimming and family-friendly days, Simos Beach in Elafonissos delivers soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for all ages. In the Peloponnese, Kalogria combines calm waters with surroundings of lush greenery and rocky cliffs. Beachside cafés, restaurants, and water sports like paddleboarding and hydrobikes are available.

To admire one-of-a-kind scenery, Voidokilia in Messinia is hard to forget – shaped like the Greek letter Omega (Ω) and located next to a lagoon filled with flamingos. Or walk along Kolona, a narrow, double-sided sand strip connecting Kythnos island to a small islet.

Want to mix swimming, history, and a stunning sunset? Just outside Athens, a relaxing day at Sounio’s fully organized beach with crystal-clear waters can only end with watching the sun dip behind the Temple of Poseidon.

And yes, Greek waves are a thing too. Prasonisi, on the southernmost tip of Rhodes, is renowned for where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet and a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. In Chania, Crete, Chania Surf Club offers lessons and equipment rentals for all levels.

In the end, whether you’re looking to let the sea slow you down or lift your adrenaline levels, it’s all up to you.

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Noctourism – Night-Seeing Experiences That Are Lighting Up Travel

Dark Sky Alqueva. Photo credit – BreakingTravelNews.com

There’s a new trend in travel: the search for darkness. The world as we know it by day looks, sounds, and feels different under the cover of night. From inviting us to tune in to the call of animals that come out in the dark, to inspiring us to look up at the dancing aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere, nocturism is having a moment.

Stargazing has a unique way of connecting us to the cosmos, grounding us in wonder while heightening our sense of adventure. Across the globe, dark sky reserves provide exceptional places to experience celestial beauty, away from the distractions of artificial light.

Recent developments have spotlighted the importance of conserving night skies in preserving natural ecosystems and offering a serene retreat for travelers seeking to reconnect with nature. Taking these preservation efforts to heart, travelers are now treated to exceptional night-sky views in parks like Landes de Gascogne, the sixth International Dark Sky Reserve in France, Kwessi Dunes in Namibia, and Ramon Crater in Israel’s Negev Desert. Visits here not only promise unobstructed views of thousands of stars but also open doors to a deeper understanding of the vital role darkness plays in the environment.

Beyond merely looking up, learn about the special tours, events, and activities designed to make your clients’ nocturnal experiences truly unforgettable. Whether exploring solo, with family, or as part of a group, they’ll uncover opportunities to connect with the natural world and the stories it tells through the stars.

Come with us on a tour of the heavens with Rebecca Recommends partners who are illuminating the darkness. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where the night sky takes center stage, and the stars write their own story across the heavens.

Découvertes – Discover the Stars: Stargazing in Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park

Recently named the sixth International Dark Sky Reserve in France, this stunning lowland park in Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers some of the clearest night skies in the country. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your clients’ starry adventure in Landes de Gascogne.

Top Stargazing Spots and Best Viewing Times

The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park spans over 1,158 square miles across the Gironde, Landes, and Lot-et-Garonne departments, making it a vast playground for stargazers. The park’s core area, covering 365 square miles at the heart of the Landes de Gascogne pine forest, is where visitors find the darkest skies, perfect for spotting up to 4,000 stars with the naked eye.

This area, at 475 feet above sea level, sits at the head of three watersheds—the Leyre, the Midouze, and the Ciron—offering unobstructed views of the night sky.

For the best experience, point your clients to spots like the Arcachon Basin or the southern Grande Lande, where light pollution is minimal. The park’s night sky quality averages between 21.2 and 21.9 magnitudes per square arcsecond—a scientific measure that, more simply, means the stars here are incredibly bright and clear.

The best time to stargaze is during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring (November to March), when the air is crisp, humidity is low, and nights are longer. Summer months (June to August) are also great, especially for events, though your travelers might encounter more visitors. Aim for nights with a new moon for the darkest skies and check local weather forecasts to ensure clear conditions.

Special Tours, Events, and Experiences

Landes de Gascogne isn’t just a place to look up, it’s a place to immerse oneself in the wonder of the night sky. The park partners with local astronomy clubs to host a variety of events that bring the stars to life.

One highlight is the Night of the Stars, an annual event where guests can join amateur astronomers for telescope viewing, constellation tours, and talks about the cosmos. Another favorite is the Day of the Night, which focuses on raising awareness about light pollution through guided night walks and stargazing sessions.

For a more immersive experience, the park organizes Forest Nights, where one can explore the nocturnal biodiversity of the Landes de Gascogne pine forest while stargazing. These guided hikes allow one to hear the sounds of the forest at night—think owls and rustling wildlife—while gazing at the Milky Way above.

The park also supports educational initiatives for schools, so if your clients are traveling with kids, they can join in on fun astronomy activities tailored just for them.

While there aren’t permanent observatories within the park itself, the nearby Arcachon Basin and Val de l’Eyre communities often host pop-up telescope events. Découvertes DMC France can arrange private stargazing experiences for groups, complete with a local expert to guide visitors through the constellations and share stories of the night sky. They can also connect your clients with photographers who specialize in astrophotography to help them snap stunning shots of the stars.

Plan Your Clients’ Stargazing Journey – Découvertes DMC France can make a stargazing trip to Landes de Gascogne effortless and magical. They can arrange everything—from private transfers to the park’s darkest spots to guided night hikes and astronomy events. Pair a stargazing adventure with a stay in a cozy, eco-friendly lodge in the pine forest, where guests can fall asleep under a blanket of stars.

Make your clients’ journey to the stars one they’ll never forget!

Exeter Safaris Company – Stellar Stargazing Featuring Kwessi Dunes

NamibRand Nature Reserve guest bedroom. Photo credit – Kwessi Dunes

Kwessi Dunes is nestled within the vast NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, home to Africa’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve at the Gold Tier level. This esteemed certification recognizes areas that maintain exceptional night sky quality through effective light pollution reduction and efforts to preserve natural nocturnal environments.

Each chalet at Kwessi Dunes boasts a private “stargazer” room, offering an unobstructed view of the stunning night sky, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the reserve’s remarkable dark sky status. Panoramic desert vistas extend from the rooms, the main area, and the swimming pool. When they’re ready to shift their gaze, guests can enjoy thrilling activities such as quad biking, scenic drives, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, horse riding, and day trips to Sossusvlei.

In the evenings, guests indulge in personalized, private stargazing tours led by expert astronomers. With one of the world’s clearest skies as their backdrop, they can explore the celestial wonders above from the comfort of their “star gazer” room or outdoor viewing areas. The vast desert landscape offers the perfect setting to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the stars, planets, and constellations. Namibia truly offers the ultimate vantage point for experiencing the night sky’s mesmerizing celestial performance.

Dream Escape – A Star-Studded Scotland Stay

Combining world-class luxury, a plethora of exhilarating activities, and one of the most spectacular settings in Scotland, The Torridon is the UK’s most northerly five-star hotel.

The resort also provides the most spectacular setting for a range of thrilling outdoor pursuits. Thanks to the onsite outdoors center, Dream Escape guests can embark on guided walks and hikes, e-biking, mountain biking, gorge scrambling, and more. Archery and clay pigeon shooting sessions take place at the end of the lawn, with stunning views of the loch and mountains beyond.

As night falls, enchanting stargazing experiences can be organized on the terrace. Guided by an astronomer, Dream Escape guests can learn all about the night sky and stars, and how to stargaze. Thanks to its remote location, The Torridon is amongst the darkest locations on Earth, making awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and thousands of stars possible. The wilderness surrounding The Torridon is a Class 1 or 2 location on the Bortle Scale, the official dark-sky classification.

Dinaric Adventures – Mediterranean Nights: Croatia’s Stunning Celestial Landscapes

Lastovo, known as the “Island of Stars,” boasts an exceptionally clear night sky,
offering stunning views of the Milky Way and vivid constellations.

Known for its craggy coastline with around 1,000 islands, Croatia attracts locals and tourists seeking dark, starry night skies. But Lastovo, one of the country’s island gems, is different—remote, a five-hour ferry ride from Split, and near the Montenegrin border. With few inhabitants, it feels like its own little world, floating in time. Locals say, “You need a special kind of mind for Lastovo.”

A nature park covered mainly in forest, Lastovo is famous for its pristine night skies and for inspiring Croatian acapella songs, now protected as cultural heritage. Many marriage proposals happen under its dazzling stars, accompanied only by the sound of waves and the whisper of the wind.

Every August, Trogir—a picturesque town with Romanesque and Renaissance streets—celebrates the “Tears of St. Lawrence.” According to legend, the falling stars visible in early August represent the saint’s tears, symbolizing good triumphing over evil. Trogir’s St. Lawrence Cathedral is one of Croatia’s finest, its bell tower reaching toward infinity.

Other great stargazing spots include Plitvice Lakes, Kornati National Park, and Petrova Gora, but nothing beats Croatia’s islands and coastlines—the salty air, the scents of native plants, the hum of cicadas, and the sound of the sea create an unforgettable Mediterranean dream.

TRAVEX – Israel’s Top Stargazing Spots and Best Viewing Times

Israel’s Negev and Arava deserts offer some of the best stargazing in the Middle East, with minimal light pollution, dramatic landscapes, and dry, clear skies. The best time for stargazing in Israel is from October to May, when the skies are clearest, and temperatures are comfortable for night outings.

Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) – Located in the heart of the Negev Desert, this UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve is Israel’s official Dark Sky Park. The crater’s unique geological setting offers panoramic views and exceptional night clarity. Nearby Mitzpe Ramon has guided astronomy tours with high-powered telescopes, often paired with local wine and desert hospitality.
Timna Park – Just north of Eilat, Timna’s surreal rock formations and expansive valley offer a stunning setting for night sky photography and quiet celestial contemplation. Winter months (December–February) provide crisp skies and cool evenings.
Mount Bental and the Golan Heights – For travelers exploring northern Israel, the Golan offers elevated, remote vantage points far from city lights. Summer months (June–August) are ideal, especially for viewing meteor showers like the Perseids.
Arava Valley and Kibbutz Lotan – Known for its eco-tourism, this remote region near the Jordanian border combines stargazing with sustainable hospitality. Clear desert nights and a serene atmosphere make this a favorite among astronomy enthusiasts.

Insider Tip – For an unforgettable experience, book a private stargazing session for your clients with an expert astronomer in Mitzpe Ramon. Local guides like Ishay Shavit or AstroDesert offer personalized tours complete with telescopes, mythological storytelling, and Bedouin-style tea under the stars. Time the visit around a new moon for the darkest skies—and if they’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Perseid meteor shower, when shooting stars streak across the Negev sky.

Special Tours, Events, or Experiences

Israel’s stargazing experiences go far beyond the telescope. The country’s desert terrain has inspired a range of immersive night adventures, combining science, history, and spiritual awe.

AstroDesert Stargazing Tours (Mitzpe Ramon) – A favorite among travelers and locals alike, these expert-led sessions take place just outside the town of Mitzpe Ramon. Using powerful telescopes and green laser pointers, guides offer engaging explanations of constellations, deep-sky objects, and even celestial mythology. Tours are available in English and are perfect for couples, families, or small groups.

Night Hikes in the Ramon Crater – Guided by moonlight and starlight, these hikes offer a rare chance to walk through one of the world’s most striking erosion craters in complete silence. Naturalist guides point out nocturnal wildlife and share Bedouin legends about the stars.

Timna by Night – Full Moon Desert Tours – Timna Park hosts occasional guided moonlight walks and stargazing events amid its surreal sandstone formations. During these evenings, the ancient copper mines and giant natural arches are illuminated only by moonlight—an unforgettable experience.

Golan Heights Astronomy Camps – During the summer months, astronomy clubs and eco-lodges in the Golan host overnight stargazing retreats, often timed with celestial events like meteor showers or lunar eclipses. These retreats offer telescope access, astrophotography workshops, and a cozy, communal vibe.

Solar and Astronomical Center (Givatayim Observatory) – While not in a remote area, this urban observatory near Tel Aviv offers a different kind of experience, ideal for travelers passing through the center of the country. Check their calendar for public telescope nights and planetarium shows.

Dark Sky Certifications and Initiatives

In 2017, Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) was designated the first International Dark Sky Park in the Middle East by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). This certification recognizes the region’s exceptionally dark skies and the local commitment to reducing light pollution. The Israeli Nature and Parks Authority has implemented specific lighting guidelines in and around Mitzpe Ramon to protect the night environment, and ongoing initiatives aim to expand dark-sky-friendly practices throughout the Negev Desert. Visitors benefit from pristine stargazing conditions while supporting a growing movement for celestial conservation in the region.

Dark-Sky Friendly Lodging and Eco-Tourism Experiences

Six Senses Shaharut – Nestled in the Arava Valley, Six Senses Shaharut is a luxury resort emphasizing sustainability and wellness. Designed to blend seamlessly with the desert landscape, the resort utilizes energy-efficient systems and minimizes light pollution, providing guests with unparalleled night sky views.
Isrotel Beresheet – Perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater in Mitzpe Ramon, Isrotel Beresheet combines luxury with nature in a truly iconic setting. The hotel’s low-profile architecture and warm, ambient lighting are designed to complement the surrounding desert landscape without disrupting its natural darkness. Guests can enjoy stargazing right from their private balcony or poolside, with the vast, unpolluted Negev skies stretching overhead—ideal for a tranquil, upscale celestial experience.

These establishments not only provide comfortable lodging but also contribute to preserving Israel’s dark skies, allowing guests to fully appreciate the desert’s celestial displays.

Southern Crossings – Enjoy Amazing Stargazing in Australia and New Zealand

Sal Salis stargazing, Australia

Australia and New Zealand’s wide-open spaces and countless opportunities to get away from bright city lights give rise to some spectacular Southern skies stargazing. See constellations and celestial wonders not visible from the Northern Hemisphere and learn the local legends woven around them.

Longitude 131 Uluru balcony view. Photo credit – Longitude 131

AUSTRALIA

Whether cruising Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast, snuggling up under a swag in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, or gazing up at the Southern skies from a luxury lodge on the edge of Tasmania, Australia offers a collection of spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Western Australia’s northwest coast is almost as far from any city lights as one can get—send your clients on a small-group luxury expedition-style cruise of the Kimberley or set them up for hammock naps on the balcony of their Sal Salis eco-wilderness safari “tent” on the Ningaloo Coast to discover the most spectacular natural wonders under the sea and in the skies.

In Australia’s spiritual heart, Longitude 131 is the perfect base to enjoy a rolling display of spectacular color; from a champagne sunset over Uluru and a dune-top dinner under the stars, to uninterrupted views of the star-filled outback skies (where the Milky Way’s dusty band stretches across each horizon) enjoyed from the deluxe swag on the balcony of one’s private pavilion — all the way through to the captivating change of colors over Australia’s famous monolith as the night stars slowly give way to sunrise.

Southern Crossings’ Travel Designers can introduce your clients to the engaging locals who can share the captivating Aboriginal creation tales written in the night skies with private stargazing experiences across the country.

NEW ZEALAND

Lindis Pods on a starlit night. Photo credit – Lindis Pods

New Zealand’s darkest skies shine the brightest, leaving keen stargazers spoiled for choice from Great Barrier Island to Stewart Island.

In the Ahuriri Valley, bordering one of the largest International Dark Sky Reserves on the planet (Aoraki Mackenzie), New Zealand’s Lindis luxury lodge and pods offer some of the best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere. Your travelers can slip into a hot tub under the stars to simply marvel at the twinkling night sky, glass of sparkling in hand—or join one of their private guides who can point out Southern skies’ star clusters and constellations, including those visible to the naked eye – and with the use of the lodge’s telescope.

Alternatively, your clients can cruise to the most remote reaches of New Zealand’s fabulous Fiordland or heli to the secluded mountain-top Minaret Station to enjoy star-studded nights and the opportunity to see the spectacular dancing Southern Lights (aurora australis), best viewed during the cool, clear Southern Hemisphere winter nights.

Stargazers in New Zealand at this time of year can also join in the Maori New Year celebrations (June 20, 2025). The rising of the bright Matariki star cluster, which takes place in the mid-winter months, and is best viewed in the early morning just before dawn, heralds the Maori new year – a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, plan for the year ahead – and marvel at the twinkling night skies.

Also – as a side note …

Those who are captivated by the skies will also be keen to note that Australia and New Zealand are in the path of totality for the solar eclipse—July 22, 2028—that passes directly over Western Australia’s Kimberley region and across New South Wales (from Mudgee to the Blue Mountains), over Sydney and across the Tasman over Queenstown and Dunedin—some of the best destinations for spectacular stargazing, too.

Patamar Select – A Deeper Connection to Alentejo, Both Earthly and Cosmic

The Alqueva Dark Sky Route. Photo credit – VisitPortugal

Explore Alentejo’s natural beauty and night skies through a sustainable lens with an exclusive stargazing experience led by Miguel Claro, a NASA-affiliated astrophotographer. Set in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, one of the world’s first starlight tourism destinations, this adventure highlights the importance of preserving natural darkness while offering an unparalleled view of the cosmos.

Set your clients up with a stay at Convento do Espinheiro, a 15th-century convent-turned-eco-luxury hotel near Évora. Committed to sustainability, the hotel runs on renewable energy, minimizes waste, and sources ingredients for its restaurant from local organic farms. The on-site spa embraces nature-based wellness, using olive oil, regional herbs, and wine extracts in its treatments. Surrounded by ancient cork oak forests and rolling vineyards, the property showcases Alentejo’s unspoiled landscapes.

Your clients’ stay will include a visit to Esporão, a leader in sustainable winemaking in Portugal. The winery prioritizes biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, and minimal intervention production, crafting organic wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. They’ll enjoy a Michelin-starred meal, where every ingredient is sourced from local farms or Esporão’s own organic gardens. Expect fire-roasted vegetables, pasture-raised meats, and artisanal cheeses, paired with expressive, low-impact wines.

At night, they’ll venture into the protected skies of Alqueva for a guided stargazing session with Miguel. They’ll learn about the science of light pollution and its effects on ecosystems, then observe distant galaxies and constellations through high-powered telescopes. With Miguel’s expertise, they’ll capture breathtaking astrophotography while appreciating the importance of preserving our night sky for future generations.

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Find a Unique Sense of Refuge in Switzerland

Today we introduce you to one of Switzerland’s hidden luxury gems: Castello del Sole, a Rebecca Recommends exclusive property and a new member of Leading Hotels of the World. This seasonal, five-star resort set on the Lake Maggiore waterfront embraces a bird sanctuary, a botanical garden, and an orchard to create a magical retreat for special moments. With boutique-style hospitality and understated luxury, this is a truly special place where space and time are redefined, and where one is invited to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing.

Just 90 minutes from Milan, the expansive, lakefront farming estate offers your discerning clients an experience that rivals the finest properties in Lake Como or Portofino, while providing a refreshing alternative to more frequented destinations. Nestled within a 345-acre park featuring one of Europe’s largest hotel gardens, Castello del Sole provides a distinctive sense of place. With luxurious accommodations, culinary prowess, and exquisite equestrian facilities where one may even holiday with their own horse, your most astute clients will find all manner of indulgence. From the Michelin-starred restaurant, Locanda Barbarossa, which sources its ingredients from its working farm, to Tre Stagioni offering seasonal cuisine, and Al Parco Restaurant for al fresco luncheons, to a veritable wellness world within the spa, Castello del Sole is an unprecedented blend of riches.

For those visiting in the summer months, there’s a special opportunity to attend the renowned JazzAscona festival, held annually at the end of June into the first week of July. The festival is dedicated to New Orleans, with whom Ascona is a sister city. As the only large European festival offering full immersion into New Orleans’ music, culture, and cuisine, the popular event draws a large audience each year, thanks to its holiday ambiance and rich programming. Some 200 free concerts take place over 10 days, within a backdrop of spectacular mountain and lake scenery. From midday to late into the evening, your music-loving travelers can enjoy New Orleans jazz, swing, blues, R&B, gospel, and soul on several stages along the lakefront, as well as in bars, restaurants, and piazzas throughout the picturesque town of Ascona and along the captivating Via Borgo. Ascona is an easy walk or bike ride from Castello del Sole and with its candy-colored facades and swaying palm trees, has an unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.

Ultimate Relaxation at Ticino’s Most Spacious Spa

The generously sized Castello SPA & Beauty Center (Ticino’s most spacious spa) features an indoor/outdoor pool complex, private spa suites, and innovative treatments incorporating ingredients from the estate’s herb garden. Guests unwind in full view of the park and the rolling hills, transported into a reverie.

To achieve a whole-body experience, the spa also includes a bio sauna, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, Kneipp path, hydro-pool with more than 750 massage jets, gym and fitness room, beauty treatment and hairdresser services, massages, whirlpool, and exercise pool. The spa gift shop is stocked with the exclusive Valmont line of products that are used for treatments, as well as Kinetics products.

The expansive Spa Suite Onsernone is for those who take their spa experiences seriously, with a tranquil park view and the opportunity for a private wellness oasis. The suite includes a sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool, ice fountain, rain shower, ergonomic heated stone loungers, sunbathing terrace, fresh fruit and seasonal smoothies, couples massage, champagne upon request, and more.

For those seeking more active pursuits, a variety of options are available at an additional cost, including tennis, cliff diving, wakeboarding, hydrofoil, archery, and pony-riding lessons.

Expansive Suites for the Utmost Privacy

Designed to feel like home in Ascona, Castello del Sole’s 78 rooms and suites are located in three distinct buildings. Each is appointed with elegant furnishings and modern amenities and offers the intimate atmosphere your clients expect, coupled with the space they crave. Many suites feature private terraces overlooking Lake Maggiore or the estate’s vineyards, welcoming the outdoors in. This is the chance to feel like you’re living on a private country estate in the heart of Ticino – with all the little niceties that pamper you, from a minibar stocked with specialties from the property’s Cantina alla Maggia winery to cozy bathrobes and slippers.

The private Retreat Pavilion is an architectural jewel in the Lombardy country house style. Suites are set around an inner courtyard with a gorgeous rose garden, and accommodations offer views of the surrounding rice fields. Each oasis of peace and beauty offers Mediterranean furnishings, terracotta floors, expansive windows, and a spacious terrace.

For those who can never be too close to a spa, request a suite in the Wellness Pavilion, which also houses the property’s soothing Castello SPA & Beauty facilities. These accommodations are particularly spacious, with cool terracotta floors and windows overlooking the estate’s greenery, enhancing one’s ability to take a deep breath and let go.

The main building has a variety of room types from which to choose, all just steps from the well-tended park that leads to a private beach on Lake Maggiore. Several of the timelessly elegant accommodations offer a balcony, and all are awash with Mediterranean colors and lightness.

Indulgent Dining

Dining is a true highlight of the Castello del Sole experience, starting with the Locanda Barbarossa, a gourmet restaurant with 18 Gault & Millau points and one Michelin star. Chef Mattias Roock, together with Leopold Ott and the maître de salle Sergio Bassi, draws from the estate garden and the Cantina alla Maggia to present a wealth of products and flavors. The menu – “Sapori del Nostro Orto” – entices diners with an unforgettable taste journey through the fields and gardens of Ticino.

Set within arched stone walls, Tre Stagioni offers three seasons of changing culinary delights under the direction of Daniele Sardella and Mattias Roock. Start the day with a rich and varied breakfast buffet inside the elegant dining room or on the sunny terrace, or at night, enjoy an exquisite a la carte menu.

During the summer months, the Al Parco Restaurant opens its doors for sophisticated al fresco luncheons of antipasti and salads, grilled meats and fish, pizzas and pasta, and tempting desserts. The pizza dough is particularly special, made with wheat flour from Terreni all Maggia, grown in the fields around the resort.

Guests may raise a glass to life and holidays with a cocktail or an after-dinner drink at the atmospheric bar or in the courtyard of the Cortile Barbarossa. Alternatively, they can slip away to the artfully designed Bassa Selim Bar, immersing themselves in the setting of Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio.

Castello del Sole is surrounded by the vineyards of Cantina alla Maggia, part of the same estate. Oenophiles must take the opportunity to explore or to pop into Enoteca Alimentare, located right in front of the vineyards – the ideal place to taste the vinery’s own products and carefully chosen Ticino specialties alongside cheese, cold cuts, and locally sourced snacks.

Signature Experiences

Guests of Castello del Sole can participate in exclusive activities such as private wine tastings from the estate’s vineyards, cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs, or helicopter tours of the Alps. The property’s own rice fields – the northernmost in Europe – have a fascinating agricultural story to share. Learn about the amazing whisky aged for over 10 years from the estate’s own barley and a gin refined with the yuzu fruit, which the team was the first to grow successfully in Ticino.

Riding enthusiasts are welcome with their four-legged friends to Phili la Scuderia, just two minutes from the hotel. It’s the ideal equine setting with airy stables, an outdoor and indoor training area, and a wide choice of rides along the banks of the Maggia River. Guests are invited to bask in the amenities of the hotel while their horse receives five-star care. Horse enthusiasts who do not have their own horse are welcome to visit the beautiful horse stables and partake in pony-riding lessons or Shetland pony walking.

Other exquisite moments …

- A private aperitif on the water in the estate’s elegant Frauscher 1017 Lido boat, immersing one in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Maggiore as the sun paints the lake in warm colors. Choose a favorite spot on the lake, be it Minusio, Gambarogno, or the Brissago Islands.
- Spectacular birdwatching in the nature and bird reserve adjacent to Castello del Sole’s parkland, observing local and migratory birds in a unique alluvial landscape with passionate ornithologist Pietro Teichert.
- A romantic gourmet picnic in the garden, complete with a basket brimming with local delicacies such as Valle Maggia cheese, Ticino salami, freshly baked bread, Cantina alla Maggia wine, and fruits and vegetables from the garden.
- A VIP arrival on Lake Maggiore, where Castello del Sole’s skipper will pick up guests at the port of Locarno (conveniently located across from the train station) and whisk them across the lake to the resort in their Frauscher 1017 Lido boat, complete with a glass of chilled sparkling wine from their own vineyards.

A Special Welcome to Families

Little kids in fluffy robes, tiny hands digging in the garden … Castello del Sole not only welcomes families with children but makes sure young ones feel as pampered as their parents. The expansive parkland lends itself to hand-in-hand strolls, impromptu games of tag, and hide-and-seek. More structured, professionally supervised activities are available at Club Ragazzi, which welcomes children from the age of 3 each day at no charge, with hours varying with the seasons. From coloring and drawing in the park to the Kids SPA to guided Shetland pony rides around the property, they experience new adventures every day.

Families may wish to reserve a connected Loggia Master Suite and Loggia Suite in the Retreat Pavilion, the Wellbeing Luxury Two-Bedroom Master Suite (with occupancy for six guests) in the Wellbeing Pavilion, or two suites in the Main Building, just steps from the private beach on Lake Maggiore.

A Magical Retreat for Special Moments

Castello del Sole shines as either a destination unto itself or as part of a broader Italian itinerary. The resort is easily accessible from Milan’s Malpensa Airport (90 minutes) or Lugano Airport (45 minutes), making it an ideal complement to Lake Como, Milan, or other northern Italian destinations.

The estate is particularly ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape with Michelin-starred dining, families desiring space and privacy alongside engaging activities, wellness enthusiasts looking for an immersive health retreat, and food and wine connoisseurs interested in learning the agricultural origins of their sustenance.

Castello del Sole is a seasonal resort, typically open from April through October. Springtime brings the blooming of 150,000 irises in the garden, summer promises private beach access and water sports on sparkling Lake Maggiore, and fall means rice and grape harvests, always immersing guests in the ebb and flow of the seasons in southern Switzerland.

Expand the Swiss Experience with Alex Lake Zürich

For your client seeking a broader Swiss getaway, consider combining a stay at Alex Lake Zürich with a countryside escape at Castello del Sole. This two-destination itinerary is incredibly easy for the enriching experience it provides. From Zürich, guests may take the two-hour train to Locarno, enjoying magnificent views en route. They’re met by the Castello del Sole team at the platform to assist with luggage and transportation, then if they wish, be whisked across the lake via Frausher 1017 Lido boat, with a glass of champagne in hand.

While staying at the Alex Lake Zürich city and waterside resort, guests may take advantage of private boat rides into the heart of the city for date nights of Michelin-starred cuisine at La Rôtisserie in sister hotel Storchen Zürich and The Widder Restaurant in sister hotel Widder Zürich or across the lake for a very special private dining experience at The Buech.

Special Advisor Benefits

Allow Rebecca Recommends to put you in touch with the team at Castello del Sole to take advantage of a dedicated luxury travel advisor liaison, priority upgrade consideration for your clients, an exclusive commission structure, and FAM trip opportunities.

For your most discerning clients who seek extraordinary experiences beyond the expected luxury destinations, Castello del Sole offers an unparalleled blend of Swiss sophistication and Mediterranean dolce vita.

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Sip & Stay in the Sussex Winelands of the United Kingdom

For those looking for the perfect countryside escape, combining a stay at the luxurious Gravetye Manor with a visit to Sussex’s renowned vineyards offers an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of Sussex, Gravetye Manor is a historic country house hotel known for its stunning gardens, exquisite dining, and warm hospitality. Pairing this with the region’s exceptional wineries makes for an ideal getaway for wine and nature lovers alike.

Gravetye Manor: A Haven of Luxury and Elegance

Gravetye Manor exudes timelessness and tranquility, offering a stress-free retreat from the cares of everyday life and embracing a quiet luxury in the setting’s history and natural beauty. Originally built in 1598, this charming manor house is set within more than 1,000 acres of English countryside just 30 miles from central London. Whether you’re wandering through beautifully maintained gardens designed by famed horticulturist William Robinson, enjoying a drink on the terrace, or unwinding in the cozy yet refined interiors, Gravetye Manor offers a truly enchanting experience.

Wining & Dining in Sussex

Particularly suited for connoisseurs of fine food and wine, Gravetye Manor welcomes guests to its Michelin-starred restaurant, where the menu is crafted using fresh ingredients from the estate’s kitchen gardens. The chef embraces the farm-to-table philosophy, letting the region’s finest produce sing, while the sommelier pairs each meal with a Sussex wine pulled from the manor’s extensive selection.

Dorset crab or Trenchmore Farm beef tartare serves as a delightful precursor to local Fallow venison or Sladesdown Farm duck, with a finishing cheese course, Earl Grey ice cream, or forced rhubarb tart. Each season is splendidly and proudly represented on the plate. Vegetarian and vegan diners are presented with their own carefully considered menus. Glasses are filled and refilled with Sussex wines, from an Ashdown Bacchus or Rosé from Bluebell Vineyard Estate to a Pinot Gris from Stopham Estate. The curated wine list goes beyond Sussex, as one might expect, to include vintages from France, Italy, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and beyond.

Exploring Sussex’s Award-Winning Vineyards

Set against the picturesque English countryside, Sussex has become one of the UK’s premier wine regions. Its rolling hills, mild climate, and chalky soil—akin to France’s famed Champagne region—provide the perfect conditions for crafting exceptional wines, particularly sparkling varieties. Guests at Gravetye Manor can make a day, or several days, of enjoying wine tours and tastings, wandering amidst the vines, and sampling the inspired cuisine found at wine country restaurants.

Many Sussex wines have won international accolades, from top-quality sparkling to still wines. Oenophiles have the chance to taste and buy world-class wines directly from the source, from crisp Chardonnays to elegant Pinot Noirs. Sustainability is at the heart of many Sussex vineyards, with many of the wineries focusing on organic and biodynamic farming practices and minimizing their environmental footprint while maximizing the quality of their wines. And for those interested in viticulture, many vineyards offer guided tours to show off their winemaking process, from grape cultivation to fermentation and bottling. Learn about Sussex’s unique climate and soil and how these factors contribute to the wines’ distinctive flavors.

Can’t-Miss Sussex Wineries

While the lovely staff at Gravetye Manor can regale guests with a long list of winery options in the “neighborhood,” here are a few favorites to start.

Ridgeview Wine Estate

A trailblazer in English sparkling wine, Ridgeview Wine Estate has been at the forefront of Sussex’s winemaking renaissance. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour to discover the art of crafting world-class sparkling wines, followed by a tasting of their award-winning selections. Enjoy a glass while soaking in the panoramic views of the stunning South Downs.

Bolney Wine Estate

As one of Sussex’s most historic vineyards, Bolney Wine Estate is celebrated for its rich reds and elegant sparkling wines. Their immersive guided tours offer a deep dive into the winemaking process, culminating in a curated tasting experience that pairs their finest wines with locally sourced artisan cheeses—an absolute treat for the senses.

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Nestled in the rolling South Downs hills of Sussex, Rathfinny Wine Estate is renowned for its refined, sustainably produced sparkling wines. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque vineyards on guided tours, sample the estate’s exceptional vintages, and indulge in seasonal dishes at the on-site restaurant, all while enjoying breathtaking countryside views.

A Perfect Countryside Escape

After a day of vineyard visits, returning to the serene surroundings of Gravetye Manor is the ultimate way to unwind. As one sips a glass of one’s favorite vintage by the fireplace or takes in the beauty of the gardens, it’s easy to dream up what tomorrow’s wine adventure may be. Perhaps it will mean glasses of Ortega or Pinot Meunier or diving deep into new styles of winemaking and terroir secrets at a family-owned winery. With countless tastings, tours, and cellar doors available to the most avid wine enthusiasts—coupled with sweeping landscapes, castles, farmlands, and ancient forests—the Sussex winelands are a must.

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Sitting Down to Chat with Vicki and Toni Tollman
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

Rebecca recently spoke with Vicki and Toni Tollman of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection about what the family considers its ode to the African bush: Xigera Safari Lodge. Get an inside peek at the magic of Xigera, a place where guests not only have incredible access to untouched wilderness and unfettered wildlife but also African artistry and exquisite dining. We hope you enjoy.

I’ve read that Xigera is the Tollman family’s love letter to the magic of the African bush. Can you tell me about that?

Our family has a deep, long-standing passion for the African bush. As a child, our parents built, literally themselves, a safari camp in Timbavati called Sohebele. We have always been passionate about the wildlife, the rugged landscapes, and the people. Going on safari with our late father was an unforgettable experience. He desired to unite this love of the bush with his vision for what a safari could be within the architecture, the food, the furniture, the art – a living gallery representing a truly pan-African community, the captivating experiences, and state-of-the-art conservation efforts. It has been a privilege to work on this vision. Our father sadly only saw the property once, but it is a moment we will never forget when he turned to us and said, “It’s perfect.”

Xigera is located in the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta (Botswana). What makes that location so special to a safari experience?

Our family left South Africa in the 1970s. Our first trip back was in 1995, and on that trip, we went to the Okavango Delta. It was a life-changing experience. Almost everyone who goes says the same thing when they visit Xigera. If you have ever read the Bridget Dore poem, “’Africa Smiled,” you will begin to understand the depth of feeling you experience when you visit such an incredible place.

The concession is a haven for wildlife, boasting an impressive array of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and now, uniquely, cheetahs. The diversity doesn’t end there – we’re also home to a myriad of bird species. What truly sets us apart is the ever-changing landscape. As the seasons shift and water levels fluctuate, new and unique opportunities for wildlife viewing emerge, both on land and water. Our camp is strategically designed to ensure our guests can fully immerse themselves in these thrilling encounters.

One of the most exciting aspects of our stay at the Okavango Delta was the close encounters with wildlife. During the camp’s construction, a leopard gave birth to her cubs, halting the construction for a month. Just a month ago, a lioness gave birth to her cubs within the camp, adding to the excitement. One of my most cherished memories was when I walked into my room and found my husband in the bath, reading. Less than 5 meters away, an elephant was peacefully munching on foliage. The strategic location of the lodge and its seamless integration into nature have made these close encounters a regular part of our guests experiences.

In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Xigera is perfectly positioned as a combination camp, offering two year-round activities and three seasonal ones. Xigera benefits from abundant wildlife and is often called “paradise” by the locals as it is renowned for its surrounding beauty and, in particular, the fan palm trees.

Can you tell me more about your commitment to the cultural heritage? For example, tell me about the art you’ve commissioned, purchased, and displayed throughout the lodge and the artists.

The lodge has been designed to showcase and celebrate African art, craftsmanship, and design. From arrival to the walkways, the bar, and the rooms, every part of the camp incorporates works from local artists and artisans. We are so proud that Xigera not only has highlighted the cultural richness of Botswana but also supports its local talent, as our guests are able to buy their works.

Is someone available on site to discuss the art and artists with the guests?

Yes, all of our front-of-house team members have been empowered and trained on the artists and can conduct the art tour, which has been created so our guests can do this in their own time via a recorded video or an audio headset.

Describe for me the culinary talents at Xigera and the commitment to developing the team’s education.

The food at Xigera Safari Lodge is integral to the lodge’s safari and sustainability experience. Ziyaad, our chef, and the kitchen team are committed to upskilling local staff members within the team, and we have developed a program to facilitate this. We work with culinary schools, such as BOSWA, mentioned here, to assist in training young chefs and facilitating internships.

Moreover, we are committed to using locally sourced ingredients. A tangible example of this is the tunnel we’ve created in Maun. This tunnel is a direct contribution to our sustainability efforts, as it supports the locals and significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food into the bush.

The menu at Xigera features traditional African dishes and flavors, providing our guests with an authentic taste of Botswana’s culinary heritage and allowing our team to showcase some of their favorite “home” traditions.

We have also ensured that the team is aware of and focused on sustainable cooking practices, such as minimizing food waste, composting organic matter, and utilizing energy-efficient kitchen equipment.

Are there opportunities for guests to learn cooking skills/tips from the chef?

Yes, we can facilitate various master classes for adults and children. These classes are bespoke and can cover everything from traditional Botswana foods to some of the dishes synonymous with the Xigera food experience today.

Of course, we know the reason people go on safaris is to see the wildlife! Tell me about the guides and their background and training. I understand guests at the lodge can request a game drive whenever they choose?

Xigera was designed with an “anything at any time” ethos. Early morning and later afternoon hours provide amicable weather temperatures and allow you to see predators such as lions and leopards at their most active. However, there is a diverse wildlife profile to explore so that you can go on game drives at various times. The guides were hand-selected, and many come from local areas, bringing a wealth of knowledge of the Okavango Delta. We have further developed our guides by taking external courses such as photography. All our guides undergo refresher courses in walking safaris, tracking, and specialized knowledge of animals. We have partnered up with the Africa Guide Academy to facilitate this.

Do you support any local non-profits and/or projects? Are guests able to contribute to or participate in them?

We support several local organizations, charities, and projects. Through our Make Travel Matter experiences, guests can travel to some of these organizations’ projects and contribute directly in whichever way they see best.

Click on the Habu Elephant Development Trust image above to watch a short video about Xigera Safari Lodge’s partnership with Wild Entrust Africa. Photo credit – Dan Myburg

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences at Xigera Safari Lodge

For our latest experience, we have partnered with Ecoexist to help communities farm and manage wildlife conflict. See Ecoexist | Fostering coexistence between elephants and people. It is a phenomenal organization that is doing great work.

We support the Polokong Centre for the Elderly, which cares for 300 elders who either can’t or don’t have a family to do so. Our team volunteers every second week and helps with cleaning, cooking, and social activities.

In three words, describe the vibe at Xigera.

Serene, sophisticated, and bewitching.

What time of year is best to visit?

There are two seasons and both offer unique and different experiences. The best time to visit would depend on personal preferences for wildlife viewing, weather, and specific activities.

The dry season, spanning from May to October, is the prime time to visit Xigera Safari Lodge. This period is characterized by cooler weather, clear skies, and a peak in wildlife activity, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife tends to congregate around water sources. Game drives and bush walks are over, for the most part.

November to April is the wet season. The days are warmer, there are dramatic African afternoon thunderstorms, and the landscape is lush and green. This is the time of year I love to go out on a mokoro.

All year round, there is something for everyone. I suggest visiting the Delta at least twice, once during the rainy season and once during dry season to really appreciate it.

Please tell me about your commitment to sustainability.

Xigera was designed and built with sustainability in mind. We wanted to ensure that it operates in harmony with its natural surroundings, preserving the pristine environment of the Okavango Delta for future generations.

The lodge was constructed using natural and sustainable materials and methods that minimize environmental impact.

At Xigera, we’ve harnessed the power of the sun and other renewable energy sources to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable resources. This is a key part of our commitment to sustainable operations. Its state-of-the-art solar plant generates 90% of the power. In comparison to most lodges, Xigera, with this design, saves 175,000 liters of diesel a year, equaling nearly 500 metric tons of carbon.

Xigera has developed comprehensive waste management practices, including recycling, composting, and responsible waste disposal. For example, food waste is turned into compost and given to Habu Village, where they grow vegetables for the community. Xigera buys back the excess at a fair trade price.

At Xigera, we have implemented water conservation measures that directly minimize our impact on the delta’s water resources. These measures include efficient water-use systems and wastewater treatment processes. Our water plant purifies the water through reverse osmosis. The water that is used is funneled back through the wastewater system, which treats it and makes it environmentally friendly. It is then used to irrigate the surrounding areas, further reducing our water footprint.

Any chemicals used are specifically procured to be environmentally friendly. Even the suite amenities are all organic products. Aligned to The Red Carnation Hotels goal, the lodge does not use single-use plastics.

What’s on your travel bucket list for the next five years?

My travel bucket list is an extension of my passion for Xigera. It is deeply driven by a desire to connect with nature and experience its most awe-inspiring wonders.

At the top of my list is witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle in Norway. I hope to do this in November of this year. The thought of being in the wild and seeing the sky illuminated by such natural beauty fills me with awe.

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Cré, The Kitchen Garden Experience Brings Guests Back to Nature at Ashford Castle

An immersive plant-to-plate experience nurtured by Ashford Estate’s team

For the true gourmand, the most fulfilling vacations include time spent learning new culinary techniques, strolling through the garden or farmers’ market beside a chef as they pick out ingredients for the night’s menu, and, of course, indulging in the delicious fruits of one’s labor at the table. At Ashford Castle on the shores of Ireland’s Lough Corrib, the culinary team has put together an immersive food experience that takes one on a sensory exploration through the historic kitchen garden to gain a sense of place – and taste.

Cré, The Kitchen Garden Experience

In the heart of Ashford Estate lies a philosophy rooted in nature – “Cré.” In the Irish language, Cré has two meanings. In its first iteration, it means “soil” or “earth,” representing the rich foundation upon which life flourishes. Yet it also means “creed” – the guiding principles and values that shape our actions and define our identity.

At Ashford Estate, Cré echoes the deep-rooted commitment of the Estate gardeners, who cultivate and care for the estate’s many vegetable plots and gardens holistically, as well as the talented team of chefs who are dedicated to infusing every dish with a profound sense of place and purpose, drawing inspiration from the estate’s seasonal harvests and Ashford’s storied history.

During the Cré experience, culinary-minded guests will don wellies, grab a handmade wicker basket, and enjoy a private, guided kitchen garden tour where they will touch, taste, see, smell, and forage the bountiful produce being grown in the estate’s two-acre historic kitchen garden, once tended by the Guinness family and now restored to its former glory. The garden brims with homegrown produce, from rhubarb, garlic, and peas, to pumpkins, carrots, herbs, and edible flowers.

Afterward, guests will visit Squire Danager’s cottage on the estate grounds, where they will be joined by Ashford Castle’s executive head chef who will help guests prepare all the vegetables, fruit, herbs, and edible flowers they harvested on the garden tour, and teach them about food pickling and preservation, flavor balancing, and preparing homemade salad dressings. Chef Finnegan will then take over to cook a special three-course meal full of flavor and seasonal homegrown ingredients.

For those who travel to feed their passion for food, this is a unique chance to enjoy the best seasonal, sustainable produce sourced just yards from their rooms in the company of some of the finest gardeners and chefs in Ireland. Rooted in nature, the tour fosters a profound appreciation for food provenance. Guests will learn about seasonality, the estate’s commitment to organic cultivation through its “no dig, no chemical” philosophy, and its promise to do its part to enhance and protect biodiversity in the local area.

Cré, meaning soil or earth, represents the rich foundation on which the estate’s kitchen gardens are built. Guests are led by estate gardeners, Alex Lavarde or Niamh Flannelly, executive head chef, Liam Finnegan, and senior sous chef, Hilary Casey, who are committed to evolving the estate’s food chain and imbuing a sense of place and purpose.

At the end of the tour, it’s time to eat – guests will enjoy a delicious fresh salad, followed by a seasonal risotto, and to finish, a selection of locally sourced cheeses and homemade crackers, served with preserves made from produce grown on the estate grounds.

Send your clients on a journey of culinary discovery, during which they will delight and learn through a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the vital role of food in a memorable holiday. This experience showcases the symbiotic relationship between gardener and chef as they work together to create next year’s menus from the seeds of this year’s harvest.

Availability and Booking

Available from June to October, the “Cré: The Kitchen Garden Experience” lasts approximately 3.5 hours for groups of up to six people. Priced from €2500.00 for 2 people and €250.00 per person thereafter to a maximum of 6 people; advance booking is required and is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. In the event of inclement weather, jackets, wellingtons, and umbrellas will be provided.

Reservations: ashfordcastle.com or contact Rebecca Recommends for an introduction to Ashford Castle.

Email – [email protected] or call 094 954 6003.

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India, Bhutan, Tibet, Sri Lanka and The Maldives with Ventours International

From the serene white of the Taj Mahal to the spice of a Sri Lankan curry … from the sound of temple bells in the middle of the countryside to the meditative silence of Buddhist dzongs, India, Bhutan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, are a sensorial departure from the everyday. Here, where marigolds bloom, gentle rivers flow and warrior mountains stand sentinel, Ventours International shines as a consummate guide to it all.

Imagine hearing the stories from your ecstatic clients after they experience a grand village welcome near Jaipur, India, with elephants, horses, and camels leading them and local dancers and musicians celebrating them. Perhaps they’ll bring home photos of the camel polo match they attended, during which they had the chance to sit astride the animals for a few chukkers. From days exploring the colorful freneticism of Delhi’s Meena Bazaar, to getting an inside look into the daily life of a craftsperson, Ventours International expertly reveals the mysticism and cultures of these distant lands.

In the luxury travel space in India since 1987, Ventours is one of the largest suppliers of leisure business to leading Indian hotel groups and the market leader in private jet travel in the region. Their experience designing and handling Around the World Private Jet trips by TCS World Travel and Nat Geo have placed them at the forefront of this exceptional mode of travel. They are one of the only DMCs in India to have its own offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Varanasi, Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Colombo, ensuring that your clients will have immediate and thorough service wherever and whenever needed.

Ventours Aviation is a company within Ventours providing ground handling for non-scheduled charter flights, obtaining requisite governmental approvals to allow for flights in and out of the region, as well as flight catering, customs and immigration clearances, and more.

The experts at Ventours International like to say, “The more of it you see, the less you know.” For those travelers seeking to expand their horizons by delving into destinations new to them, Ventours offers the insider connections that make a journey far from home fruitful and inspiring.

Beyond what you’ll read about below, Ventours can:

Arrange for art museum trustee trips focusing on private art collections, art collectors’ homes, and the studios of famed artists and sculptors
Plan multigenerational celebrations for landmark birthdays and anniversaries
Craft bespoke wildlife safaris in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka with a dedicated ranger/guide, and adventure expeditions, including hiking in the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp and whitewater rafting in India, Nepal, and Bhutan
Coordinate private home dinners during which guests may meet notable members of the local community
Provide access to governmental authorities (from Ministers to members of Parliament to ambassadors and royalty in India and Bhutan)
Reserve tee times on India’s premier golf courses
Set up cooking lessons and demonstrations, as well as private shopping excursions

Rebecca Recommends is proud to partner with Ventours International. Below they’ve provided us with insightful information about the countries in which they work, as well as tips for booking and arranging excursions. We hope you find this helpful and inspiring for your clients.

Bhutan

Quickly rising to the top spot on the luxury travelers’ wish list, Bhutan is seeing more development. Known as the last “Shangri-la,” this is a place to visit now before the secret is too widely spread. Most of the resorts and lodges with whom Ventours works have small room inventories, so booking well ahead of time is a must. Ventours can assist, connecting you with their preferred properties. They’ve also curated immersive experiences within Bhutan that offer discerning travelers the essence and ethos of this unspoiled paradise.

Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and receive blessings during a Thimphu festival, a time when Bhutan comes into its own. These religious events are held on the tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar that corresponds to Guru Rimpoche’s birthday (the sage who brought Vajyarana Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan).

Take a walk through the beautiful Paro Valley to the 15th-century Paro Dzong, “The Fortress on the Heap of Jewels.” The Central Tower and the Galleries are some of the prettiest in the country, showcasing intricate woodwork and classical Buddhist cosmology paintings. Later, listen to the evening prayer chant of the monks in Paro’s ancient Choeding Temple. Finally, travelers can visit Bhutan’s Punakha dzong, surrounded by jacaranda trees and adorned in golds, reds, and blacks on carved wood.

Tibet

Having recently opened its doors to the world, Tibet is also finding itself on many travelers’ bucket lists. All visits to Tibet must be arranged through a licensed operator and Ventours are on hand to manage the process for your clients.

The most efficient way to enter Tibet right now is through Beijing or any other major city in China with a direct flight to Lhasa. Three weekdays are required to process each traveler’s Tibetan Visa whilst in China before their onward travel. Ventours recommendation for Tibet is the city of Lhasa’s only upscale property, the St. Regis Hotel – this is the perfect base to explore the magical and unforgettable destination of Tibet.

On their return, clients can travel through Kathmandu in Nepal where Ventours recommends a stay at our favorite living museum, the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu. Alternatively, they can take a 1.5-hour transfer to the Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel – their ayurvedic-inspired wellness resort in the mountains that has incredible views of the Himalayas and is the perfect place to end an epic journey.

One of the most impressive sites in Tibet, the Potala Palace atop Marpo Hill presides above the Lhasa Valley. The invigorating climb is worth it for the incredible views and the opportunity to explore the Red Palace and White Palace that make up the complex. The White Palace is home to the current and successive Dalai Lamas – from the balcony of the palace, you can see Lhasa. The Red Palace, to the west, houses the stupas that hold the remains of past Dalai Lamas. Explore the private quarters of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas, visit the reception hall with its hidden balcony used by the Dalai Lamas to privately watch festival dances in the courtyard below, and visit the bedroom of the Dalai Lama, with its Tsongkhapa mural above the bed.

Sri Lanka

The Resplendent Ceylon properties are already a Rebecca Recommends favorite and Ventours International has insider access to one of their newest properties along the golden sands and in the tea country of Sri Lanka. Reverie is a sister brand to Resplendent Ceylon and embraces a collection of intimate resorts that integrate slow life by way of restful and soulful stays, holistic spa therapies, and nourishing cuisine. Their Kayaam House and Ahu Bay properties are all managed by Resplendent Ceylon, featuring their high standards of service.

Kayaam House sits along Tangalle Bay on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, overlooking the vast Indian Ocean. Tranquil spaces include six Ocean Rooms, two Palm Suites, and a two-bedroom Palm Residence. Ahu Bay offers laid-back barefoot luxury during customized stays in an intimate beach house. Ask, too, about the soon-to-open new Kelbourne property, just two hours from Kayaam and Ahu Bay, making for a wonderful hotel-to-hotel trip.

One mustn’t leave Sri Lanka without a traditional tea garden experience, sipping a local brew in a manicured garden amidst exotic flowers and abundant plant life. Ventours can also add on a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle, where travelers will feel they’ve stepped into the 17th century. From the Singhalese for “cliff, mountain and also a place to rest,” Galle is said to be Tarsis from the Bible, from which King Solomon got his gems and spices. In Colombo, don’t miss the Gallery Cafe, the former office of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. For those called to nature, Minneriya National Park is divine, with its lush jungles and grasslands that harbor wild elephants, diverse bird life, leopards, and more.

India

In India, Six Senses Fort Barwara recently opened its doors to adventurous travelers. Located about a 50-minute drive from Ranthambore and three hours from Jaipur, this yet unknown, 14th-century fort has been restored to its past glory, nestled amid the villages around the Aravalli range. Accommodations are spread over a vast area offering sunrise or sunset views over this sparse land.

Six Senses sensibilities bring this unique fort to life, reviving traditions amid the grandeur and complemented by holistic healing treatments, the hallmark of Six Senses. Originally owned by a Rajasthani Royal family, the fort faces the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple. The thoughtful reimagining of the fort into a Six Senses sanctuary incorporated two palaces and two temples within the walled fort.

Within a royal retreat of well-being, the Six Senses Spa and fitness center offer an extensive Ayurvedic whole-body healing system, meditation, and personalized wellness programs. When not indulging at the spa, guests may embark on numerous excursions organized by the resort staff, from tiger safaris to sunset drives to Aravali.

In Rajasthan’s Blue City of Jodhpur, Ventours can arrange a once-in-a-lifetime stay in one of the most gorgeous private residences in the world – Umaid Bhavan. This 365-room palace was designed by Henry Lancaster and is a vision of Buddhist, Art Deco, and Rajputana influences. In Varanasi – at times called the “City of Lights,” the “City of Learning” and the “Holiest City in India” – take a boat ride on the Ganges, the “River of Heaven.”

Discover Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Palace in Delhi, with special permission from the Presidential Secretariat, and tour the inner hallways and VIP reception rooms of this grand residence.

Embark on a tour of the backwaters of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, glimpsing migratory birds from the Himalayas, organic spice plantations, Syrian Christian churches, houseboats, Fort Cochin, and more. In Ranthambore, explore the tiger reserves from Vanyavilas, with its jungle camp ambiance, and hope for a glimpse of a Royal Bengal Tiger in between sightings of colorful birds, leopards, and sloth bears.

Nepal

Nepal is the Himalayan Kingdom that for decades has attracted bold and daring summiteers who had a penchant to climb up to the top of Everest. More tamely minded travelers have also visited Nepal to explore this ancient Kingdom and its history, temples, and monuments.

Ventours can arrange for a robust seven-day itinerary for the intrepid traveler, closing the trip at one of our favorite spots for indulging the body and mind: Dwarika’s Resort. Imagine … breakfast on top of the world, with champagne, and spa treatments to follow back at the resort. The resort offers yoga, meditation, nourishing cuisine straight from the property’s own farms, pottery and painting classes, cooking instruction, visits with local monks, hiking in the Himalayan foothills, and more.

The uber-luxurious Shinta Mani in Jomsom opens its doors this summer, offering stunning views of the high peaks. This oasis in the remote, magical Kingdom of Mustang blends perfectly with the landscape, welcoming those who crave serenity as well as the chance for a cultural and spiritual adventure. All-inclusive stays offer one of the most remarkable ways to experience the Himalayas and this near-mythical region, hidden in the Kali Gandaki valley between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Each of the 29 exquisite suites is designed in the style of a traditional Tibetan home, with open-plan bedrooms, a living area, and a separate bathroom. The views of Nilgiri Mountain, out the floor-to-ceiling windows, are divine.

If you’re not already familiar with Ventours International, allow us to introduce you. This is the very best way to plan unbelievable adventures throughout India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and the Maldives, unlocking the sounds and colors, chaos and peace, hidden wonders, and legendary cultures of this ancient world. Their staff is on hand every step of the way; for large and important groups, advance staff will be at the destination a few days early to tie up any loose ends. You can also expect preferred rates with many of the hotels and suppliers Ventours works closely with. Ask, too, about Ventours Aviation, which all but eliminates the red tape that can be associated with international charters of this kind.

Questions? Please ask. We’d love to hear from you.

Thrill the Senses in Tanzania & The Seychelles

Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands with Curated Greece

Read Your Way Around The World

Travel Notebook

Spotlight: Switzerland

Summer in Switzerland is a glorious time of sunny days, glistening lakes, and wildflower-strewn meadows. In the country’s most captivating cities, locals and visitors linger at outdoor cafes, sipping refreshing cocktails and soaking up the convivial atmosphere as winter is shed and everyone welcomes back in the warmer weather.

Rebecca Recommends is proud to represent several well-heeled properties in Zürich and Geneva, each with their own personality and appeal, and all with insider connections to the community that benefit guests. These are special places where one feels a true sense of place, whether it’s in the thoughtful design of a guest room, the local delicacies on the restaurant menu, or the activities and excursions the staff can recommend and arrange.

Read on to learn more about our favorite Swiss cities and countryside locations, The Living Circle group of hotels, and Red Carnation’s Hotel d’Angleterre. As always, please reach out for an introduction or with any questions.

Zürich with
The Living Circle

Legendary institutions, an inspiring vibe, and international influences – it is no coincidence that Zürich is regarded as a European center of excellence in the matter of taste and design. We hardly need convincing to make our way to this enticing summer destination yet knowing that Rebecca Recommends partners with The Living Circle’s nature-focused, experience-forward Zürich properties, makes it all the sweeter.

This hand-selected group of first-class hotels and restaurants is the crown jewel of their chosen, enviable locations. These are places that stir the soul and inspire decadent dining and indulgent living. From the boutique-style Widder Hotel in the heart of Zürich’s historic Old Town to the intimate Castello del Sole, a farming estate on the shores of Lake Maggiore, every detail has been carefully considered. Farm-to-table dining, cooking classes with local chefs, a masterclass with a sommelier – these are the exquisite moments The Living Circle can provide.

A peek at what’s in store for guests from The Living Circle in Zürich:

Widder Hotel

Ideally situated for both city and lake activities, the Widder Hotel welcomes guests as family. Whether they’re zipping across the lake on the hotel’s own watercraft, dining on French-inspired, Asian-tinged haute cuisine at the two-Michelin-star restaurant or relaxing beneath venerable oak beams in an individually decorated guest room, Widder guests are ensconced in approachable luxury.

Limmat view from Lindenhof hill, Zürich. Image credit – Wikimedia Commons

Insider Tip

Close to the Widder, you’ll find a one-stop-shop of backdrops to fill your Instagram feed. Lindenhof Square is conveniently located in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views back at Zürich’s Old Town, Grossmünster Cathedral, Zürich City Hall, and the Limmat River.

Storchen Zürich

Perched on the banks of the Limmat, Storchen Zürich is the epitome of savoir-vivre, exuding an air of undefinable elegance, while at the same time surrounding guests in warm hospitality. The hotel occupies a spot where a guest house has stood for as long as 661 years. A warm, attentive staff, including a 24-hour concierge, oversees 64 newly designed rooms and suites, all with a modern ambiance and thoughtful stylish details.

Insider Tip

The Nest at Storchen Zürich. Image credit – Storchen Zürich

THE NEST Rooftop is perched atop the hotel and is a sought-after spot for both guests and savvy locals. Gather to enjoy the sunset from this setting amongst the city’s church towers, enjoying excellent cocktails, a refreshing glass of Swiss wine, and bar snacks prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Stefan Jäckel. From up here, you can view both the Frauenbad Zürich and the Pavillon le Corbusier. Visit the latter, a vision of steel and glass that is open as a public museum and was the last building designed by the architectural icon Le Corbusier.


Pavillon le Corbusier. Image credit – Zürich Tourism	Frauenbad at Stadthausquai. Image credit: Zürich Tourism

Not far away, the Frauenbad at Stadthausquai is a female-only bathing facility, set against a spectacular backdrop. Two large pools (for swimmers and non-swimmers) allow for a refreshing dip and a relaxed day by the water. (Three evenings a week, men may join in as the facility is transformed into the Barfussbar, or “Barefoot Bar.”)

Alex Lake Zürich

Guests are inspired to slow down and enjoy the simple moments at the stylish Alex Lake Zürich on the water’s edge. From each studio’s private balcony or terrace, guests feel connected to the unspoiled scenery, clean air, and sparkling lake. Downstairs, decadent yet uncomplicated dining awaits at Restaurant Alex, the heart of the hotel and a new hotspot in Thalwil. Reserve one of the intimate AQUA restaurant’s 14 seats and enjoy the Michelin-starred cuisine of acclaimed chef Michael Schuler.

Insider Tip

Alex Lake Zürich’s speed boat. Image credit – Alex Lake Zürich

The Living Circle provides a unique opportunity for guests to dine around at their three Zürich properties which boast a total of 4 Michelin stars. Enjoy a scenic jaunt across the lake in the hotel’s own speed boat. This 20-minute cruise from the jetty at the Alex Lake Zürich to the Old Town, connects guests to a culinary journey across these award-winning restaurants.

Castello del Sole

The seasonal, five-star Castello del Sole is a sybarite’s dream, luring discerning guests with 260 acres of lush farmland, fragrant vineyards, and an exquisite spa, all on the banks of Lake Maggiore. Visit the Eden-like Brissage Islands, hike in the Locarnese Valley, visit World Heritage castles, and return in time for a dinner of farm-fresh fare and special wines grown on the estate.

Insider Tip


Locarno Film Festival at the Piazza Grande. Image credit – Locarno Film Festival, Massimo Pedrazzini	JazzAscona. Image credit – JazzAscona

From Castello del Sole, it’s easy to attend the Ticino area’s cultural experiences, including the Locarno Festival and JazzAscona. Arrange your clients’ stay around the 75-year-old film festival, taking place August 2 – 12, 2023, and turning the entire Swiss-Italian city into the capital of international cinema. JazzAscona is dedicated to jazz and New Orleans Beat, offering open-air concerts fronting Lake Maggiore from June 22 – July 1, 2023.

Geneva with
Hotel d’Angleterre

Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre

With its cosmopolitan, multicultural appeal, Geneva is so much more than chocolate and the United Nations. It’s an enticing city of enthralling museums, colorful public art displays, haute cuisine, lake cruises, and vibrant festivals.


Enjoy a view of Jet d’Eau from Hotel d’Angleterre Belleview Suite. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre	The famous Jet d’Eau which Hotel d’Angleterre overlooks. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre

We’re smitten with Hotel d’Angleterre, our home of choice when visiting beguiling Geneva. Sitting pretty overlooking the city’s namesake lake and its famous Jet d’Eau, the hotel is ideal for those who love to explore on foot or bicycle. Guests may hop aboard a complimentary boat shuttle for service into the city for sightseeing and shopping, then return to one of the lakeside retreat’s 39 guest rooms or six posh suites for a dreamy night’s sleep. From champagne welcomes to evening turndowns with floating votive candles, the hotel rises above and beyond to provide amenities that make every stay sublime.

As much as Hotel d’Angleterre adores its guests, it also adores its Swiss surroundings. To this end, the hotel can recommend and arrange for excursions, activities, and reservations at the area’s most coveted museums, historic sights, restaurants, and more.

Read on for a few of their favorites:

Forays for Foodies

Enjoy Swiss fondue at the medieval village of Gruyères. Image credit – Flickr

Take a drive in a Bentley Arnage 2011 to the medieval village of Gruyères for a cheese fondue tasting. Visit the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards and taste the fruit of the vines. Visit the hotel this summer, between July 17th and August 27th, for the Indian Food Festival. During this time, Hotel d’Angleterre will host London Indian chef Alfred Prasa, who will craft an Indian menu to be served at Windows Restaurant. A package including dinner for two, with wine, an overnight stay, and breakfast will be available.

Family Fun

Cobblestoned Old Town in Geneva. Image credit – Flickr

Families love the Natural History Museum, the immersive AI adventures at Dreamscape, the Air-Loop trampoline park, and outdoor escape games. It’s also quite fun to hop on the ferry for a ride to the medieval French village of Yvoire, with its ancient castle and botanic garden. Back in town, walk or rent bicycles and ride along wide pathways that encircle the lake and lead over the water to the famous flower clock and enchanting, cobblestoned Old Town.

Lake Life (and more)

With the arrival of summer, Lake Léman – and other nearby waterways – offers a plethora of activities, from chugging along on a classic Swiss steamboat to kayaking on the calm waters of the Rhone River to rafting on the Arve River, which gets its refreshingly cool water from the Mont-Blanc Glacier. Hotel d’Angleterre can arrange for wakeboarding, motorboat rentals, or pedal boats, or point guests toward swimming at Les Bains des Paquis or the Plage de Eaux, just steps from the hotel. Care to go fishing? They can make that happen, and even prepare one’s catch for lunch or dinner.

Holiday Happenings


Halloween afternoon Tea at Hotel d’Angleterre. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre	A gorgeous view for afternoon tea. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre

For those visiting in the fall, there are festive Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations (including those held at Windows Restaurant and the Observatoire at Hotel d’Angleterre). In November, the Jardin Noel Christmas Market starts up, running through Christmas Eve.


The Jardin Noel Christmas Market. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre	Mulled wine at Jardin Noel. Image credit – Hotel d’Angleterre

Please reach out with any questions or for more information about The Living Circle collection and Hotel d’Angleterre. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thrill the Senses in Tanzania & The Seychelles

Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands with Curated Greece

Read Your Way Around The World

Travel Notebook

Interesting International Museums and Exhibitions

Indigenous cultures, contemporary art, high fashion, wartime history, and ancient artifacts line the halls of the world’s most intriguing museums. It is through these cultural institutions, and their captivating collections and exhibitions, that the world’s curious travelers find deeper insight in a new destination.

We are delighted to bring you an array of museums and exhibitions chosen by Rebecca Recommends partners as some of the can’t-miss options in their respective locales. Dream Escape, in particular, can arrange for exclusive opportunities at some of London’s finest cultural centers, including:

The Somerset House’s Photo London exhibition, coming up May 10th – 14th, with an inspirational mix of vintage and modern photography from Master of Photography Martin Parr and a number of galleries from around the globe.

Located in the center of London, Somerset House Studios connects artists, makers,
and thinkers with audiences. Photo credit Flickr

A pre-opening tour inside the British Museum with a specialist guide, followed by a privately guided backstage tour of the Royal Opera House.
Privately guided tours of both the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum with specialist guides.
A private viewing of the “Sistine Chapel of the UK,” a masterpiece of English baroque art with an in-house guide.

The Painted Hall in Greenwich is one of Europe’s most beautiful Baroque interiors. Photo credit Flickr

We’re happy to make the introduction so that you may offer your art- and history-loving clients Dream Escape’s unassuming, yet ultra-luxe experiences with their touch-down to take-off itineraries incorporating these fine museums.

Now, read on for more of the world’s top museums and exhibits of the moment, which Rebecca Recommends partners can help provide access, either by proximity or private visits.

Visit Istanbul’s New Art Museum with Sea Song

Istanbul Modern showcases works of modern and contemporary art, photography,
design, architecture, and new media. Photo credit Renzo Piano

Museum lovers – and those with an eye for architecture – won’t want to miss the re-opening of the Istanbul Modern in Turkey. This beautiful building was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and is an elegant addition to the seaside and Galataport area. Time magazine has called the city itself “a classic reborn,” particularly calling out this new addition in Karaköy. The front of the museum will be adorned with a sculpture by Tony Craig, while inside, museum-goers will find an array of art by Turkish and other contemporary artists, further securing Istanbul as the Contemporary Art Capital of the Middle East. Stay tuned for the opening date.

Focus on Parisian Art Exhibits with Découvertes

Découvertes has an eye for the best Paris art exhibitions – use this as a starting point to arrange your clients’ artistically inclined visits to the City of Light. The esteemed DMC has curated a series of exceptional exhibitions that showcase a diverse range of artistic styles, from classic to contemporary.

Start with the “Matisse and the 1930s” exhibit at the Centre Pompidou, open until June 18th. The exhibition will showcase some of the finest artworks of Henri Matisse from this time period, during which he experimented with new techniques and styles. The collection features more than 200 art pieces, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and more.

If the Matisse exhibit does not line up with your clients’ travel dates, they can perhaps visit for the Germaine Richier exhibition, on display until July 31st. Richier was a French sculptor known for her unique style that combined abstract and figurative elements. Visitors may view some of her best works, including sculptures, drawings, and photographs.

From May 3rd to August 13th, the Musée Jacquemart-André will host “The Work of Giovanni Bellini” exhibition. Giovanni Bellini was an Italian Renaissance painter known for his religious artworks, some of which can be seen here, including altarpieces, Madonnas, and portraits.

Découvertes also recommends the “Neo-Romantics” exhibition at the Musée Marmottan-Monet, showcasing the works of some of the most important Neo-Romantic artists from Britain. Over at the Musée d’Orsay, they suggest the “A Meeting with Léon Monet” exhibition, which explores the remarkable friendship between Claude Monet’s brother, Léon Monet, and renowned Impressionist artists such as Renoir and Pissarro. This exhibition features paintings, sketches, and letters that provide an intimate look at the lives and artistic practices of these influential figures. Also at the Musée d’Orsay, don’t miss “Between Manet and Degas,” which examines the artistic relationship between these two masters of the Impressionist movement, highlighting their differences and similarities in technique, subject matter, and style.

For lovers of modern art, the “Basquiat and Warhol” exhibition is a must-see. Located at the Centre Pompidou, this exhibition explores the relationship between two of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, who were instrumental in shaping the contemporary art scene in America and beyond.

We encourage you to visit us at [email protected] to learn more about these remarkable exhibitions, which provide an opportunity to gain insight into the lives and works of some of history’s most celebrated artists.

Explore New York City’s World-Class Museums with Beyond Times Square

One of the world’s largest and finest art museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has more
than two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture.

People travel to New York City for myriad reasons, not least of which is the city’s seemingly endless selection of museums. From art to aviation, from history to the Holocaust, from ice cream to the Intrepid, from books to Broadway, from science to space, from wax to war, there truly is a museum for everyone.

To make it easier for your clients to decide which ones to check out when they’re visiting the Big Apple, Beyond Times Square has come up with a list of the top four not-to-be-missed museums. Read on for inspiration, then get in touch so we may connect you with the museum connoisseurs of BTSQ.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka The Met)

The Met famously houses more than 5,000 years and more than 2 million works of art from around the globe, making it one of the world’s largest and most extensive art collections. Sound like a lot to take in? No worries – with Beyond Times Square’s Treasures of the Met Guided Tour, guests are introduced to The Met’s most important works in its permanent collection, with a BTSQ-savvy art specialist serving as a licensed tour guide. Plus, this private tour can be customized based on your client’s interests.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

This is a must-see for many reasons, but one of the coolest is the fact that this museum is actually an aircraft carrier – the USS Intrepid – that served in World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. Within this unique venue, visitors will also find the infamous supersonic British Airways Concord and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Be sure to walk through the Growler, the United States’ only nuclear submarine open for the public to tour.

Museum of Broadway

This new experience (opened in November 2022) immerses you into the world of Broadway through artifacts, props, costumes, and much more. What can visitors expect? A totally Instagrammable journey that takes one from the birth of Broadway in the 1700s to the present via three sections: the Map Room, The Timeline, and The Making of a Broadway Show. Learn about the history of the theaters, find out which shows became known as “groundbreakers” back in the day, and see why it takes a village to bring shows from conception to opening night.

The Museum of Modern Art (aka The MoMA)

The MoMA plays a major role in developing and collecting modern art.

Thanks to its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including pieces from famed 20th– and 21st-century artists van Gogh, Picasso, Kahlo, Warhol, and more, it’s little wonder this is one of the most visited museums of its type in the world. Looking to take it all in without the crowds? Check out Beyond Times Squares’ Private Pre-Opening or After-Hours VIP Tour at The MoMA with an art historian who’ll provide a guided museum tour of the masterworks of MoMA’s collection, the museum’s architecture, and current exhibitions. Tours can be customized to focus on specific galleries, mediums, or collection areas.

Explore a Lesser-Known India Museum with Ventours International

For travelers who have “been there, done that,” Ventours International suggests the insightful Sanskriti Museums. Start with the Museum of Everyday Art, established in 1984 to create an environment for the preservation of India’s heritage and to showcase objects that demonstrate excellence in craftsmanship and conceptual innovation, be it in design or functionality. Objects of everyday life connected with the manners and customs, beliefs, and practices of the urban and rural populations of India are on display, exemplifying the exuberant imagination and aesthetic creativity of craftspeople from all over India.

The Sanskriti Foundation cultivates an environment for the preservation and promotion
of India’s artistic and cultural resources.

Move on to the Sanskriti Museum of Indian Terracotta, a celebration of the functional art of terracotta, the first creative expression of civilization. From the common earthen pot that stores drinking water to the giant-sized cultic equestrian figures of the rural Tamil deities of the Aiyyanar cult, terracotta art occupies a central position in Indian life and culture. Terracotta art bears testimony to the varied and ancient traditions of its practice in India over five millennia and has been free from the rigid rules of the constituted Hindu canons governing artistic expression.

The genesis of the Sanskriti Museum of Indian Textiles is rooted in what started as a small private collection built over the last three decades by Shri O.P. Jain, the founder/president of Sanskriti Pratishthan. Professor Jyotindra Jain then joined him in conceptualizing and curating the exhibits in the museum galleries. The unique feature of this collection is that it stems from one individual’s aesthetic and cultural vision, which makes it a harmonious, unified whole.

Resemble Reassemble at the Devi Art Foundation explores artworks that, when taken apart
and then reassembled, produce meanings that are universally true in ‘visual thinking’.

Ventours also suggests visiting the The Devi Art Foundation, the first contemporary art museum in India. Born out of a desire to increase viewership of creative expression and artistic practice, the museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions of Indian art from the collections of its founders, Anupam Poddar and his mother, Lekha Poddar. The museum is described by Art Asia Pacific as “one of India’s most important private collections,” containing “more than 7,000 contemporary, modern and tribal artworks from across the Subcontinent.”

Centered around the collection of the naturalist, collector, and gemologist Late Gyan Chand
Ji Dhaddha, the museum showcases an eclectic collection not to be missed.

In Jaipur, consider visiting the Gyan Museum & Gem Factory, which employs 250 specialized craftsmen involved with the intricate process of designing, stone cutting, and setting bespoke jewelry for boutiques across the US, UK, and Europe.

This private museum is designed by the renowned French architect Paul Mathieu and displays more than a thousand treasured artifacts, amassed during the lifetime of collector and gemologist Mr. Gyan Chand Dhaddha. Textiles, paintings, rare inscriptions, antique jewelry, and more, some of which date back 3,000 years, are all available to view in a minimalistic, tasteful display.

Check Out Notable Australia and New Zealand Museums & Exhibitions with Southern Crossings

From New Zealand’s North Island to the nation’s southernmost reaches, there are museums and exhibitions right across the country that cover almost every interest. While it’s certainly hard to choose where to begin, Southern Crossings considers the following among those not to miss.

Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, Wellington

Te Papa Tongarewa translates to ‘container of treasures’, and explores the national identity of
New Zealand. Photo credit Camilla Rutherford

New Zealand’s preeminent museum is without a doubt Te Papa, located on the waterfront in the nation’s capital. Learn about New Zealand’s past, present, and future through one of the most important collections of Māori artifacts, including a specially commissioned marae (traditional meeting house) featuring intricate Māori carvings, woven panels, and stained glass. With interactive permanent exhibits and a colorful calendar of touring exhibitions, Southern Crossings can arrange behind-the-scenes tours of the museum tailored to suit guests’ individual interests.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the signing location of New Zealand’s founding document,
the Treaty of Waitangi. Photo credit Tourism New Zealand

On a beautiful waterfront site in the Bay of Islands sits what is perhaps New Zealand’s most sacred site: the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It was here on February 6, 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the British Crown and Māori chiefs, effectively becoming the founding document of New Zealand. Today the grounds are home to various historic buildings, two museums, a beautifully carved marae and Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial waka (war canoe). On a Southern Crossings private guided tour, visitors can learn about the Māori history of the region, as well as local legends, and hear how dramatically the Treaty of Waitangi has shaped New Zealand right through to today.

International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch

How many museums have penguins and huskies, or rooms in which you can experience a polar blizzard? The International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch has them all. This southern city has been a staging post for explorations of the polar continent for more than a century, and visitors can now relive these brave and perilous journeys through the many exhibits at this interesting museum. Bringing together history, science, and spectacular nature, museum highlights include the Storm Dome in which visitors can shelter from an Antarctic storm in an ice-cave buffeted by -18℃ winds; the Hagglund Field Trip, where visitors ride aboard the all-terrain vehicles used to traverse Antarctica’s icy landscapes; and come face to face with flipper-flapping penguins.

Christchurch Street Art

A decade on from the devastating earthquakes that tore through downtown Christchurch, the rebuilding of the city has really taken shape – also as a canvas for creative street art that delivers new vibrance and joy to the Christchurch cityscape. As the city rebuilds, colorful works by inspiring artists have created an ever-evolving exhibition. Together these works have earned Christchurch a place on Lonely Planet’s list of street art capitals of the world and Southern Crossings Travel Designers can arrange interpretive walking tours that provide context to the city’s most colorful works.

Australia’s capitals and regional towns present a collection of intriguing museums covering everything from the history of Qantas to the “Shearers Hall of Fame,” the National Museum of Surfing or Cricket, and maritime history and space discovery. The Southern Crossings team can suggest museums that cater to almost any interest and in every corner of the continent, often with privileged access or private guided tours.

MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), Sydney

Containing over 4,000 works by Australian artists in addition to other artists around the world,
the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is located on the beautiful waterfront
of Syndney’s The Rocks neighbourhood. Photo credit Tourism Australia

Exhibiting the works of acclaimed Australian and international artists across all artforms – painting, photography, sculpture, moving image, and more – the MCA’s constantly evolving collection of contemporary works also includes significant representation of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Located on the water’s edge between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the MCA café and rooftop sculpture terrace offer sweeping Sydney Harbour views.

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart, Tasmania

Located within the Moorilla winery, the museum exhibits ancient, modern, and contemporary art
from the David Walsh collection. Photo credit MONA

The largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere, David Walshe’s MONA presents a showcase of striking architecture and a thought-provoking (often controversial!) collection of art, sculptures, sensory challenges, and exhibitions. The museum, the brainchild of passionate art collector and proud Tasmanian Walshe, is co-located with Moorilla winery, Source Restaurant, Faro Bar and Restaurant (bringing together food, wine, in-situ art, music, performance, and experimentation), and a collection of other eateries. Southern Crossings can arrange tailored experiences, lasting from sunrise to sunset.

Engaging Exhibitions

Featuring more than 150 prints, photographs, sculptures, and murals that celebrate renowned street artist Banksy’s works, “Without Limits” opens in Brisbane’s Queen’s Plaza in May before traveling to Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne in the coming months (dates and venues yet to be announced). The touring exhibition includes recently recreated works that have not been readily accessible, including seven murals that originally popped up in war-torn Ukraine.

During Vivid (held annually in May and June), Sydney comes alive with outdoor and immersive light and music installations dotted around the harbor foreshore and popular city precincts. Each year, boundary-pushing artists shine new light on the city of Sydney cleverly fusing art and technology. Annual highlights include the kaleidoscopic transformation of the Sydney Opera House’s white sails and the Harbour Bridge pylons as canvases for art. Southern Crossings can arrange luxury cruising experiences to cruise amongst the floating light installations or guided walking tours to introduce visitors to interactive installations.

Finally, Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney (annually in October and November), is one of the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibitions in the world, presenting a collection of outdoor sculptures that line the breathtaking coastal landscapes along the perennially popular Bronte to Bondi walk. Each year, the 2-km walk presents more than 100 works by local and international artists. Pro tip: Arrive early to see the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean and beat the crowds.

As always, if you need assistance with trip planning or execution with any of our Rebecca Recommends partners, or more information on any of the above, please be in touch. We love to hear from you.

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Rebecca Recommends’ Sustainability Page

Rebecca Recommends is proud to announce a new Sustainability page on its website. Recognizing the importance of eco-conscious choices to today’s discerning travelers, this section will highlight our hotel portfolio members’ important sustainability efforts.

The Rebecca Recommends team is privileged to travel extensively and experience first-hand the positive impact of sustainable travel on countries where tourism is a key driver for economic growth. In turn, this means we are fortunate to work with several hotel clients who endeavor to improve the tourism experience while benefiting local communities on the economic, social, and environmental level.

It is our hope that by providing you with insight into our hotel portfolio members’ sustainability-centric projects you are better able to work with hotels that share your own responsible tourism values.

Each hotel spotlight will share the property’s sustainability initiatives and long-term goals through easy-to-decipher icons, as well as provide a quick explanation of one particular project of which the hotel is most proud, or that encapsulates the story of the place. We hope this makes it simple to quickly see where a hotel is focusing, whether it’s diversity and inclusion, responsible sourcing, carbon reduction, community involvement, water conservation, plastic reduction, or one of several other important areas.

Read on for a few of our hotels’ recent sustainabilty initiatives that represent the three pillars of sustainable tourism: cultural heritage, the environment and the local economy. For a more in-depth look at the Rebecca Recommends hotel clients’ sustainability efforts please visit this LINK. The aim of this document is to share our clients’ endeavors with you and in turn, these initiatives can be integrated into your future client conversations.

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Curtain Bluff maintains the Old Road Fund, named for the town from which more than 80% of the resort’s staff are from. The fund has been invested in education for 200+ students, healthcare, providing school and sports supplies, supplying seniors with food and more than 100 toys annually to a Christmas gift drive.

The Hari

The Hari is dedicated to the youngest humans through The Children’s Trust (the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries). They regularly support the Trust’s projects, including visiting children in the hospital, reading stories, donating clothes, donating books and toys, and making financial contributions.

Bushmans Kloof

This South African lodge Bushmans Kloof hosts MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that immerse and educate guests in local culture and preserve native craft and tradition. By taking guests to ancient rock art sites with knowledgeable field guides, the Lodge is helping acknowledge and preserve a South African National Heritage Site.

The Torridon

Here, the Head Chef at The Torridon prioritizes sustainability by focusing on reducing supplier emissions through partnerships with local food suppliers. Berries, vegetables, and herbs come from the hotel’s 2.5-acre Victorian Kitchen Garden, while Highland cattle and pigs are reared for their meat, which is then served on property. Further efforts include composting, reduction of single-use plastics, and a biomass boiler system that creates an ash by-product that can then be used to fertilize the garden.

Blanket Bay

Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay contributes to the local community through long-standing relationships with Glenorchy School, local community organizations, and the regional polytechnic. From hiring locally, supplying locally, and spearheading educational improvements, Blanket Bay is a vital contributor to the growth of the town.

Ashford Castle

Cultural preservation is top of mind at Ashford Castle, where guests can “Meet the Makers” in the area, including an immersion into the ancient art of blacksmithing and furniture making, a full-day experience with a local beekeeper, seashore forager, and distiller, an afternoon with a cheesemaker, a lesson on making traditional soda bread, and more.

The Milestone Hotel & Residences

Guests at The Milestone Hotel have the chance to learn about the local environment while on a foraging adventure, during which they’ll reconnect with their surroundings and appreciate seasonal food, all while having a minimal impact on the land. The hotel chef will use the foraged ingredients to create a personalized dinner menu and cocktails.

The Egerton House Hotel

Your clients who stay at The Egerton House Hotel can explore an underground hydroponic farm below the bustling streets of Clapham. They’ll be immersed and educated in local culture and native craft as they learn about this pesticide-free farm that grows microgreens and salad leaves year-round in a unique setting that is run on 100% renewable energy. Best part? They’ll collect greens that the hotel chef will whip up into a delicious salad later.

Xigera Safari Lodge

Xigera’s Design Collection celebrates the people of Africa and the local host communities. Guests may join the general manager for a lodge tour to see the impressive art collection, while learning the background stories behind the living art gallery. Highlighting African creativity and craftsmanship, many of the bespoke works were commissioned exclusively for the lodge from some of Africa’s most exciting artistic talents.

Dwarika’s Hotel

The Dwarika's Hotel

Dwarika’s Hotel, itself, is a living museum built as an ode to traditional Newari craftsmanship. Guests can learn the hotel’s unique origin story, based largely on Mr. Dwarika Das Shrestha’s commitment to preserving the flourishing cultures of the past. The hotel has won awards for its pioneering work in saving Kathmandu’s traditional wood carving heritage. The architectural grandeur of the hotel has become a remarkable example and trendsetter in the hotel industry for sustainable heritage conservation, preservation, and revival.

We hope this new Sustainability page that introduces a number of our clients who are investing in their sustainability initiatives will provide the valuable insight you crave so that you can make your own responsible decisions about crafting eco-conscious, sustainability-focused experiences for your savvy clients.

Together, we can all affect dramatic, positive change by influencing business supply and traveler demand.

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Eye-Popping Window Displays at The Hari

Perfectly toeing the line between fashionable and family-friendly, the always stylish Hari in London’s Belgravia neighborhood always catches the eye. Throughout the years, the hotel has displayed innovative art and photo installations in its windows and public areas. Variations on a theme, these past displays have included rare photos of the Beatles, walls of kaleidoscopically hued fresh flowers, and even a classic Christmas tableau that somehow manages to be epically cool.

Currently, the hotel is partnering with Art Vinyl to display its incredible collection of record cover artwork in the street-facing window. While the staff always has a new window display project in the works, we wanted to highlight a few of the past installations that definitely caught our own eye.

Santa’s Toy Shop with God’s Own Junkyard

For a recent holiday celebration, The Hari’s public areas harkened back to yesteryear with a dazzling display by the famed artist Chris Bracey (AKA the Neon Man) in collaboration with a Space For Art. Bracey and his team are known for the God’s Own Junk Yard gallery, a brilliant space of salvaged and reclaimed neon signs, old movie props, and retro displays.

Inspired by Santa’s Toy Shop for this holiday window installation at The Hari, the collaborators used 90% recycled items, in keeping with the hotel’s environmental and sustainable policies. Guests were enchanted by neon designs, festive garlands, North Pole snow, and a collection of classic toys purchased from local charity shops interspersed with a remote-controlled train and a few mischievous elves.

Linda Bracey, founder of God’s Own Junkyard states: “It is wonderful that the whole window design at The Hari is 90% recycled. We even managed to make the little helper elves from recycled material and stuffing. It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this window theme and show just what can be done from cast-offs and the magical medium of neon and to support The Hari Hotel’s environmental and sustainable endeavors and celebrate the Christmas period.”

The Hari, partnered with luxury fashion brand, DAKS and internationally recognized flower designer, Amie Bone, to create a scent-sational floral installation for Grosvenor’s annual floral festival, Belgravia in Bloom. In keeping with the 2019 theme of “The Language of Flowers”, Amie Bone and her talented team used bright summer flowers, rich textured foliage, and an immersive photographic display to adorn the front of The Hari. Depicting two mannequins wearing DAKS’ new season attire, a male stands within a heart of red roses, offering a female mannequin a bouquet of white flowers; symbolizing love and innocence.

The Hari Dressed in DAKS for Belgravia in Bloom

The installation stood for several days during the annual Belgravia in Bloom floral festival, featuring two mannequins wearing DAKS new season attire. A male mannequin was staged standing within a heart of red roses while offering a female mannequin a bouquet of white flowers to symbolize love and innocence. A seat for passersby to sit and enjoy the floral wall was incorporated into the installation.

To top off the week, an artist painted a floral scene live on a white DAKS blazer, inspired by the brightly colored flowers. To celebrate DAKS’ 125th anniversary, the limited-edition jacket was placed within the luxury clothing brand’s hall of fame.

The Hari was delighted to once again, have Art Vinyl display an incredible collection of record cover artwork in their window, ahead of the Best Art Vinyl Award for 2022. The finalists were announced at a VIP awards event, selected amongst a diverse and striking shortlist of 50 nominations, including winner Simon Monk for Black Country, New Road’s album ‘Ants From Up There’.

A Limited Edition Beatles Exhibition

The Hari had the distinct pleasure of hosting a one-off exhibition featuring never-before-seen images of The Beatles. Fortunate guests and passersby were treated to 48 candid photos by renowned pop culture photographer, the late Tommy Hanley.

A prelude to his memoir, “With a Little Help from My Lens,” the display was curated by Art Vinyl, known for celebrating record cover art and design. Yoko Ono Lennon kindly granted permission to include a number of Tommy’s iconic images of John Lennon from her private collection.

Andrew Coney, General Manager at The Hari, said, “We were thrilled to exhibit such a fantastic collection of historical images at The Hari. I have long been a fan of The Beatles and I was so excited to be able to showcase Tommy’s work in our hotel.”

Tommy Hanley was one of the few to spend time with the Fab Four over a span of 30 years and his remarkable collection showcases his close relationship with the band from their humble beginnings to intimate images shot in the Apple Offices at the end of their career together. The archive reflects his close relationship with the band, as he was very much a part of their inner circle.

Founder of Art Vinyl Andrew Heeps says, “This is an amazing opportunity for us, diversifying from our usual record cover art exhibitions, to deliver our first ever photography installation – and what a talent we’ve had the chance to work with. Now looking at the multiple photographic artworks on each side of our giant installation, you can almost hear the soundtrack in one’s head, the immediate connection these familiar faces have made on our collective music history.”

Artwork has long been at the center of The Hari, and as such, we partner with A Space For Art, which has curated the hotel’s public spaces since its opening in 2016. This window display features Benjamin Thomas Taylor, renowned for his bright, pop art-inspired pieces, fueled by a sense of joy. His detailed paintings and prints cross from reality into a parallel world of unlimited possibilities, full of color and creation.

Connect with The Hari

The Hari is a stylish retreat in the heart of Belgravia, and the perfect home-away-from-home in London. For those seeking an upscale, unpretentious sanctuary in one of the most classic London neighborhoods, this family-owned hotel checks all the boxes.

Eighty-five designed bedrooms and suites include interconnecting rooms, a sought-after option in the city and ideal for families (dogs welcome!). Known for its exceptional value, The Hari is close to London’s leading attractions, from Hyde Park to The Royal Albert Hall, and is convenient to Chelsea, Kensington, and Knightsbridge.

What we love best about The Hari, an homage to Hari Harilela – and with personal touches throughout – is that feeling that when you’re here, you’re family.

We’d love to connect you with the team at The Hari. Please reach out.

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Traveling Through Turkey by Car: Curated Road Trips by Sea Song

No other type of travel allows for the flexibility and freedom that a road trip does. Yet, as enticing as it can be to simply hit the open road in search of authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, the very best road trips do require some advance planning. As we move into a post-pandemic world, the road trip will likely remain popular for quite some time – and with that, the expansion of road trip offerings from upscale destination specialists. Enter Sea Song, our partner and experts for travel to Turkey.

*Bicycle Experience in Alacati – Turkey*

Sea Song has crafted a collection of full-service road trips for well-heeled travelers seeking to once again explore Europe in an original and immersive manner. These carefully curated trips, with driver and guide service, take you to the “real” Turkey, the countryside you may not see on a cruise shore excursion or a packaged tour. You’ll stop and explore small towns, enjoy wine tastings with local vineyard owners and access sites throughout the country that aren’t typically available to the mainstream tourist. Full days of private sightseeing are included, the dining options are chosen with care and the accommodations are the best available, intended to make you feel like you’re relaxing at the home of a dear friend after a day on the road.

We asked Karen Fedorko Sefer, Founder and CEO of Sea Song Tour, what inspired the road trip collection:

What inspired you to create and launch the road trip itineraries?

Our clients are asking for Turkey itineraries with fewer flights, but that still offer authentic countryside experiences. Hence, the road trip collection was born.

What makes traveling through Turkey on a road trip different from anything clients will have experienced before?

Our clients on road trips will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and understand how they live and enjoy their life. They will taste the local cuisine, wines, olive oils and other regional specialties. They will visit important sites that are not visited often as they are difficult to get to, like Ancient Troy. The areas we have chosen for our road trips are uncrowded and the boutique hotels we have selected feel like home. Instead of offering a standard bucket list item, the road trip offers the chance for an unforgettable and immersive adventure through the countryside with carefully selected, full-day private sightseeing itineraries.

What will clients encounter if they book a road trip?

Road-tripping clients can spend a day with local vineyard owners, touring the facilities and tasting some unique wines. They may meet farmers who have been producing olive oil since the 1800s and will learn about the different tastes and how they are produced. They can take a cooking class at a local farm, where an excellent chef from Istanbul has made a new home in nature within the olive trees and next to the seaside. And, they can meet the hospitable people that run the boutique hotels and enjoy the special surprises they have in store for the guests. During the entire road-trip experience, guests are accompanied by our carefully selected guides. These individuals come to feel like friends during the course of the trip, sharing their knowledge of local wine, cuisine, history and tradition. They truly bring the adventure to life.

Should a road trip be combined with other experiences in Turkey?

Absolutely. Generally we start with 3 to 4 nights in Istanbul prior to the 4- to 5- night road trip. We can also add days after the road trip, such as stays at our seaside resorts – Bodrum, in particular – or visits to other Turkey locations.

We’ve pulled a few highlights from Sea Song’s Istanbul to Cappadocia and Istanbul to Izmir road trips. Use these to entice your clients who are ready and willing to get back out into the world – these safe, carefully planned, fully supported road trips are just the ticket to getting the most out of a vacation in Turkey.

Exploring Eskisehir, including a boat trip on the Porsuk River and a private sightseeing day, with a stop at the Odunpazari Modern Museum
Wading in Salt Lake, which is barely a foot deep, but leaves behind a thick crust of salt during the dry summer months
Visiting the Agzıkarahan Caravanserai, one of the greatest achievements of the Anatolian Seljuks
Marveling at the Kaymakli Underground City, carved by early Christians and reaching eight levels below ground
Driving through the Zelve Valley, where you’ll stop at the Zelve Open Air Museum to see its impressive fairy chimneys and cave town
Wandering through the pretty town of Avanos, a center for pottery artisans on the banks of the Red River
Visiting the picturesque village of Mustafapasa, a perfectly preserved Greek village in the heart of Anatolia
Hot-air balloon rides and ATV adventures in Cappadocia
Exploring Ancient Troy
Dining on fresh seafood in the island town of Cunda
Touring Pergamum, the Acropolis and The Library of Pergamum
Shopping with the locals at the Alacati Bazaar and Farmers Market and meeting the villagers who bring their produce, textiles and accessories to sell

Go beyond typical Turkey with a Sea Song curated, full-service road trip. For current Turkey entry requirement information and safe travel protocols with Sea Song please send an email to [email protected]. Should you have any questions or would like to learn more, please be in touch and we can connect you with the experts at Sea Song.

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A Restful and Restorative Retreat Nestled in the Himalayas

As we start venturing out into the world again, your clients deserve restful, restorative retreats that will wash away the woes of 2020. Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal is a special sort of place that can do just that. Designed and dedicated to the wellbeing of body and mind, the resort embraces the holistic lifestyle of the Himalayas and makes the perfect post-COVID escape.

Informed by Mother Nature, Buddhist culture, Vedic scriptures and other ancient healing philosophies, Dwarika’s Resort offers guests mental peace and physical relaxation in spaces that are designed to be close to nature, bringing the outdoors in. While preventative health measures are always in place, Dwarika’s inherent features enhance one’s natural immunity. Here are some of the ways your clients will benefit:

Relaxing peacefully in the seclusion of the hills of Dhulikhel.

Set on its own in 25 expansive and beautiful acres, Dwarika’s offers guests a safe feeling of seclusion, while not being cut off from the resort. Guests may safely explore the vast grounds, which have been planted with special flora with vedic properties to cleanse the air of toxins and build natural immunity. All resort staff now reside at the resort, minimizing outdoor exposure. In addition, the all-suite resort allows only its paying guests on the property.

Practicing yoga and meditation.

Dwarika’s staff recognizes the limitless benefits of yoga and meditation, shown to increase mind-body awareness, promote physical movement and cultivate acceptance of one’s thoughts, emotions and sensations. This focus on one’s inner self is of particular importance in a post-COVID world. Yoga and its conscious pranayama breathing practices, as well as non-medical mudra therapy, can offer relief from long months of heightened stress and increase mental clarity. Guests are encouraged to participate in the resort’s complimentary yoga and meditation sessions on the peaceful resort grounds.

Healing and meditating in the Himalayan Rock Salt House and Rock Crystal House.

Dwarika’s is proud of its Himalayan Rock Salt House, made up on 20 tons of Himalayan rock salt crystals. Guests may take advantage of Earth’s purest form of salt, containing more than 80 important minerals known for their nutritional and healing properties, from curing skin allergies to releasing negative energies. Guests suffering from asthma or hay fever will especially benefit from the air within the salt room. Similarly, guests can spend time in the Himalayan Rock Crystal House, good for aura cleansing and releasing negative energies.

Cleansing of the five elements with an Ayurveda doctor.

Dwarika’s in-house Ayurveda doctor can guide guests through simple daily activities to cleanse the body’s five elements: water, earth, fire, air and space. They will suggest practices such as storing and drinking water using the copper glass provide in the suite, trying out earthen activities like pottery and farming, joining a pranayama breathing class and visiting the zero-zone terrace and swing area.

Dining on organic, farm-to-table fare.

Guests dine decadently and healthfully on fresh, wholesome food harvested from the resort’s own Eco-Organic Farm. The chef creates culinary delights using these local, organic ingredients, adding to the body’s natural immunity. Guests are welcome to visit the farm and get involved in some of the farming activities.

Consulting with an Ayurveda doctor.

Dwarika’s Resort guests each receive a complimentary half-hour consultation with the in-house Ayurveda doctor. This comprehensive wellness consultation evaluates the doshas (flaws) within the body, determining one’s constitution and allowing for a more personalized wellness and diet program.

Relaxing throughout the resort.

Throughout Dwarika’s Resort, there are several areas to relax, read a book or meditate – perfect spaces to zone out of the chaos of today’s world and go within to rebalance one’s energy. Guests are free to enjoy:

- Nava Graha, Nine Planets Garden: The Nine Planets Garden captures the vibrant cosmic energies of the celestial bodies through the combination of trees, bushes and varieties of grass, which are specific to each force. This garden helps to counteract the difficulties that come from the dominant influence of these bodies and gives protection from such forces.
- Barefoot Meadow: Carpeted by thatch grass, the meadow is a wonderful place to sit and take in the beautiful outdoors. Earth exudes potent energy and when one connects with it when barefoot, free electrons from the Earth can be absorbed by our body. This energy can nourish your body, mind, and soul, a concept called Earthing.
- Meditation Maze: Surrounded by 84 Shiva Lingas, the cosmic pillar that represents the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, the meditation maze is a synergy of spiritual power and nature. It is best experienced early morning, right after sunrise. It’s recommended that guests go barefoot to feel the fresh grass floor within the maze.
- Chakra Sound Therapy Chambers: The chakras refer to the seven points within our bodies where our energy flows. The resort features seven chakra sound chambers, dedicated to each of the chakra. Each guest’s Ayurveda consultation will give a clear picture of which chakra is overactive and start the process of balancing through meditation in each of the chakra chambers.

Exploring by private helicopter.

For guests wanting a little something extra, The Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel can arrange for a private helicopter excursion, including the immensely popular breakfast on Everest tour. There is no need to battle the chaos of the airport, thanks to the resort’s own helipad.

Hiking in the nearby hillside in view of the Himalayas.

The area within and beyond the resort presents various opportunities for gentle hiking and exploring the beauty and splendor of rural life in the Himalayan foothills. Guests may choose to discover numerous trails and forest glades, along with a community forest that is home to a rich diversity of plants, including rhododendrons, chrysanthemums, orchids and medicinal herbs. Bird and butterfly watching is popular here, as well.

Learning a new skill.

The resort offers several in-house activities to keep guests active and occupied during their visit. Some of the most popular activities are pottery, painting and cooking. Guests may visit the pottery center and try their hand at this healing and traditional craft, under the guidance of the in-house pottery master. A resident art master is available to guide painting and drawing sessions. For those interested in cooking, Chef Pramod will offer a class in the kitchen, where guests can learn useful tips for use in their daily life. Class participants are encouraged to walk in the garden beforehand to select fresh vegetables and herbs for their cooking experience.

For healing, health, peace and mindfulness, Dwarika’s Resort is a true gem. Especially attuned to the needs of today’s guests, who need seclusion and the room to re-enter the world in a fresh headspace. The resort offers the rare opportunity to get away from it all, while delving deep inside oneself. We’d be happy to introduce you to the Dwarika’s Resort team – connect with us today.

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Fun Facts from the Rebecca Recommends DMCs

We so enjoyed putting together the Fun Facts Travel Notebook for our incredible hotel partners, particularly with the wonderful feedback we received from you, that it seemed an opportune moment to introduce a similar series from our Destination Management Specialists, highlighting a selection of lesser-known facts about the remarkable counties they live, breathe and work in every day.

If you’re anything like me – researching and writing down fun facts before you travel allows you to learn a little about where you’re going, increasing the anticipation of new discoveries. It certainly gives me a sense of familiarity that is intensified when my exploration becomes a reality, conveying a sense of place and breathing life into a destination.

So, onwards we go, imagining incredible destinations while the world remains in our hearts and minds and future travel adventures are a little closer to becoming a reality.

Southern Crossings, New Zealand

Did you know: New Zealanders are more commonly known as ‘Kiwis’. This affectionate nickname was given to New Zealand soldiers during World War I when their soldiers wore a uniform with an outline of the New Zealand national bird depicted on their upper sleeve, the same location as where US soldiers display the US flag today.

Something fun: The national bird of New Zealand, the kiwi, is a rather strange creature that is completely flightless, only comes out at night, and has nostrils at the tip of its very long beak. Although smaller than a chicken, they are relatives of the emu!

Must do: Although extremely rare, it is possible to track down a kiwi in the wild with a Department of Conservation ranger at the bird sanctuary on The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge in the Hawke’s Bay wine region.

Southern Crossings, Australia

Did you know: The lush green rainforests of the World Heritage Daintree National Park in Tropical Far North Queensland is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest – at approximately 180 million years old it is tens of thousands of years older than the Amazon.

Something Fun: Riverdrift snorkeling! Floating down the tranquil Mosman River on an inflatable raft – looking out for tropical fish and turtles below, or gazing up at the spectacular rainforest canopy above. A fabulous way to immerse yourself in the rainforest and great day out for all ages.

Must do: The Rainforest has enormous cultural and historical significance for its traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people. Learn about the Daintree Dreamtime legends from a local indigenous guide or walk through the rainforest and its coastal fringes in the company of a local Aboriginal elder, learning their traditional hunting techniques, foraging for bush medicines and sampling some fabulous bush tucker.

*Rebecca enjoying her Kettuvellom experience in Kerala*

Ventours, India

Did you know: A houseboat is called a ‘Kettuvellom’ in the local language. The crafting of a Kettuvellom is an interesting process – the boat is constructed from a range of materials, which include jack wood, bamboo poles, beaten coconut fiber and coir rope, and then smearing the surface with a resinous black substance made by boiling cashew nuts.

Something fun: Take a day trip on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, a southwestern coastal state of India. Board your exclusive Kettuvellom and sail along palm-fringed canals and lakes, passing little creeks where tiny settlements of thatched houses nestle below palm trees on diminutive patches of land. The waterways are seething with dragon-shaped dugouts with graceful sails and covered boats transporting copra (dried coconut) and cashew nuts from local villages to the ports before returning to Fort Cochin.

Must do: Witness coir making, toddy tapping, fishing and rice growing along the palm fringe banks. You will also see papaya, jackfruit and cassava (tapioca) growing. Local temples and churches are encompassed on this interesting cruise.

Ventours, India

Did you know: Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest in India, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. History suggests that the fort was built around 1459 by Rao Jodha. This incredible fort is situated 125 meters above the city – inside there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.

Something fun: Ventours will privately transfer guests from the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace to the regal Mehrangarh Fort for a thrilling zipline experience. This enthralling Mehrangarh zipline ride lets you glide serenely over the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. You can behold stunning vistas of the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur along with an aerial experience of two desert lakes and the Rao Jodha Eco Park.

Must do: Take a trek through the Rao Jodha Eco Park and enjoy the best view of this astonishing fort from the ground.

Adams Peak, Sri Lanka — *Adam’s Peak, in southern Sri Lanka, emerges from the morning mists*

Ventours, Sri Lanka

Did you know: Adam’s Peak is considered to be the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka standing at 2,243 meters. The peak is a country landmark holding great meaning within several religions thanks to an intriguing depression at its summit known as Sri Pada or the Sacred Footprint. Buddhists are convinced the impression belongs to Lord Buddha whilst the Muslims claim it is the footprint of Adam, and the Hindus believe it belongs to Lord Shiva.

Something fun: Sri Lanka is considered to be one of the best safari destinations outside of Africa with a profusion of wildlife that can be seen throughout almost 60 National Parks and Reserves located across the country. Sri Lanka claims to have the largest leopard population in the world and is also home to the Sri Lankan Elephant that can be appreciated in their natural habitat. Not forgetting the Sloth Bear and the awe-inspiring Blue Whale, the largest in the world that can be observed during an ocean excursion.

Must do: Visitors can fly over the heritage city of Kandy, with a fly-by past the famous Adam’s Peak and World’s End at Horton Plains National Park on a helicopter adventure of a lifetime taking in this incredible sacred mountain.

Mt Everest, Nepal — *Breakfast on top of the world – Nepal*

Ventours, Nepal

Did you know: The Himalayas can actually be seen and are shared by five different countries – Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and Pakistan. The North of Nepal is home to eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world, the most famous and the world’s tallest mountain is, of course, Mount Everest.

Something fun: Nepal is home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna and is also the setting for some of the rarest genera of wildlife, including the one-horned Rhino, the Bengal Tiger, the Red Panda and not forgetting their national flower, the Rhododendron.

Must do: No journey to Nepal is complete without an Everest flight. The Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel offers a one-hour morning helicopter flight to showcase an awe-inspiring panorama of some of the world’s highest peaks. Ventours can even arrange an extraordinary breakfast on top of the world taking in the astonishing vistas from this incredible vantage point.

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey — *The Grand Bazaar – Istanbul, Turkey*

Sea Song, Turkey

Did you know: Turkey gifted tulips to the world. It is uncertain where the first tulips were grown, but what is known is that the Ottomans popularized the flower and facilitated their introduction to Europe. An export of Tulipmania, the seeds of the world’s first speculative bubble were sown when a Flemish Ambassador to the 16th-century court of Suleyman the Magnificent brought back bulbous flowers to Holland. Turkey also introduced coffee and cherries to Europe.

Something fun: Visit the Pera Palace hotel in Istanbul and enter the 2nd elevator built in the world after the elevator in the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is in perfect condition and still in working order.

Something fun: Istanbul has the second oldest subway in the world called Tunel Funicular. It can transport people from Karakoy to the famous Istiklal Street. Built in 1867 by a French engineer, Eugene-Henri Gavand – this 90-second ride is still in use today and fun to explore and enjoy for a little bit of nostalgia! Can you guess the oldest?

Must do: The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and biggest shopping malls dating back to 1455. The Grand Bazaar was established shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople with 61 streets lined by more than 3,000 shops occupying nearly 333,000 square feet. You can never explore it all, but you can try. The Grand Bazaar draws millions of people per year to experience this maze of purveyors.

St. Michael's Mount - Cornwall, England — *St. Michael’s Mount – Cornwall, England*

Original Travel UK – Cornwall, England

Did you know: Cornwall is the most South West county in England and boasts the longest coastline in the country, extending 433 miles.

Something fun: With more than 75,000 cows in Cornwall, the county makes the most delicious ice cream for which Cornwall is renowned together with their delectable clotted cream for the best afternoon tea!

Must do: Explore the amazing island world of St. Michael’s Mount and discover legends, myths, and over a thousand years of incredible history. Take a stroll across the granite causeway to an island where modern life meets layers of history, discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical paradise, and a close-knit island community. Delve into the history of a fortress, a Priory, a harbour, and a home.

*Fossil on the beach near Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK*

Original Travel UK – Dorset & Devon, England

Did you know: From Dorset to East Devon, the Jurassic Coastline is a stretching landscape of golden beaches, jagged cliffs and quiet coves. Not only famous for its outstanding beauty but with over 180 million years of history, this World Heritage Site is of great geological importance. It’s also a wonderful stop en route to Cornwall.

Something fun: Dinosaur remains, along with sea creatures such as Ichthyosaurs, known as a ‘Sea Dragon,’ have been found in this area of the country by people of all ages. The Natural History Museum in London is full of fossils discovered at Lyme Regis in Dorset.

Must do: Everyone is welcome, from geologists to fossil-enthusiasts and in just half a day’s journey from London, Original Travel UK recommend staying a couple of nights in one of their favourite hotels in Dorset. With a private expert by your side, head to the beach to scavenge and unearth a piece of prehistory – which is yours for the keeping. You’ll most probably find Fool’s Gold Ammonites and Belemnites – either way, you’ll learn skills to help you do this again in the future.

Découvertes, France

Did You Know: Marseille is the second-largest city in France and the capital of Provence on the French Riviera. This is the oldest city in France, originally founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. A captivating city with a vibrant cultural scene surrounded by incredible countryside and dramatic landscapes.

Something Fun: One of Marseille’s most iconic sites is Notre-Dame de la Garde or “La Bonne Mère” – this Catholic basilica is positioned high above Marseille and is said to watch over sailors, fishermen and the entire city. Visit Notre-Dame de la Garde and enjoy the incredible port views from the top of the La Garde during a visit to Marseille.

Must do: Provence is highly regarded for its abundance of intensely fragrant and colourful lavender fields – the wondrous sight of the fields in bloom is extraordinary. A visit to the Lavender farms, distilleries and the Lavender Museum in Coustellet is a must-do for any lavender lover with the opportunity to explore the history, cultivation and impact of this fabulous crop on the area.

Beyond Times Square – New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Niagara Falls

Destination Focus: New York City

Did You Know: With its history and cultural diversity, New York City is a cosmopolitan city like no other. The oldest building in the city, the Wyckoff Farm in Brooklyn, dates back to around 1642. In the Big Apple, as many as 800 languages are spoken by its culturally and ethnically diverse population.

Something Fun: Broadway, the bright beating heart of the city’s performing arts scene, offers more than long-running hits, bold musicals, and fascinating dramas. You can tour historical theatres, the backstage of a popular show, and do a meet and greet with cast members. The pre-theatre dining choices are as limitless as your cravings.

Must do: You cannot miss New York City’s most famous landmarks and museums. New York’s Big Three Sightseeing Program will take you on an excursion exploring the most popular triangle in the world: Central Park, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. An after-hours tour of the MoMA and The Met will complete your visit.

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Travel Notebook

Fun Facts from the Rebecca Recommends Hotels

Firstly, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and to express how grateful I am to be part of this wonderful travel community. There is no doubt that we are in uncharted territory and as we continue to navigate the ‘new normal’, I wanted to take this opportunity to say that my thoughts are with you and those closest to you.

The Rebecca Recommends team takes pride in being there for you, with your clients’ future travel in mind, we are finding new ways to connect during this period of change. We are unified by this collective happening and I am sure we will come out the other side stronger, more educated and better equipped to move forward.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be taking this enforced moment of respite to dream about journeys around the world and when you will next have the opportunity to discover or re-discover a spectacular travel destination.

With the world continuing to work from their home office and my gorgeous kitty cat Falcon loving all the extra attention, I thought we could offer a lighthearted piece on the lesser-known facts about our clients and their destinations. We are optimistic that this post will while away some home office time and encourage future travel inspiration.

The Goring, London – England

Did you know: The Goring has the only indoor/outdoor dining location in a London hotel away from the hustle, bustle and noise of a major road.

Something fun: The Goring really looks after their V.I. (little) P’s, providing a magical Dressing Up Box. And just what does one find in the Dressing Up Box? All things English, of course. There are Harry Potter robes and wands, fairy tale princess dresses and all sorts of colorful garments for Beefeaters, royalty, British Bobbies and Guardsmen!

Must do: During any visit to London you should aim to wander through a new neighborhood and come away with a fresh point of view – one of my favourites is London’s South Bank. Stroll from Westminster to London Bridge so you can take in some of the city’s major landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, The Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Great Fosters, Egham LHR – England

Great Fosters

Did you know: Great Fosters is purported to have been built as a Royal Hunting lodge used by Henry VIII – its 50 acre grounds are situated in what was once the heart of the Royal Windsor Forest in Surrey.

Something fun: Located just 71 miles to Stonehenge and 22 miles to central London making this an ideal stopover for those wishing to visit both the capital and explore the English countryside.

Must do: Visit Windsor Castle, previously known as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha by virtue of descent from Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. Windsor is the largest inhabited castle in the world.

Hartwell House & Spa, Buckinghamshire – England

Hartwell House and Spa

Did you know: The history of Hartwell House actually dates back almost a thousand years to Edward the Confessor – and the house was once lived in by the exiled King of France, Louis XVIII and his court for five years from 1809.

Something fun: If you’re a wildlife lover, Tiggywinkles – The Wildlife Hospital Trust, is a specialist hospital just 10 minutes from Hartwell House. Using every available veterinary welfare skill, they are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating all species of British wildlife – I tempt you not to smile at their name….

Must do: Visit Waddesdon Manor, a miniature Château de Chambord in the Aylesbury Vale and just 7 miles from Hartwell House. Waddesdon Manor is a neo-Renaissance mansion built for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1889. Baron Ferdinand used the house to show off his invaluable collections of 18th-century French furniture, Beauvais and Gobelins tapestries, Sèvres ceramics, Savonnerie carpets and paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough and the 17th-century Dutch masters.

The Nare Hotel, Cornwall – South West England

The Nare's Alice Rose boat

Did you know: You can enjoy a little outing on ‘Alice Rose’ – the hotel’s elegant 38ft gentleman’s motor launch – perfect for exploring the Fal and Helford Rivers, both stunning areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Something fun: Don your favorite headscarf and take the hotel’s convertible Morgan 4/4 sports car for a spin, and experience the excitement of zipping through the Cornish countryside in a classic car.

Must do: Create your very own Cornish landscape painting with The Nare’s Artist-in-Residence.

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, York – England

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

Did you know: Middlethorpe Hall is a William III country house straight from the pages of a turn of the century romance novel.

Something fun: Don’t miss the little rascal buns at Bettys tea room – Bettys celebrated their centenary in 2019 – this world famous tea shop is a perfect refreshment stop after exploring the wonders of York and York Minster.

Must do: There is so much history and heritage in York and the Yorkshire Region. The remarkable walled city of York was founded by the ancient Romans and has a huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, with medieval stained glass and 2 functioning bell towers. Take a stroll around the City Walls and marvel at river life along the River Ouse.

Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness – Scotland

Aldourie Castle on the shores of Lochness

Did you know: What can I say – this is your opportunity to live like a royal on the shores of Loch Ness in your very own Castle!

Something fun: Take Lizzie (the Castle’s resident doggie) for a walk in the 500 acres of grounds that form the Aldourie Estate.

Must do: With over 31,000 lochs dotted throughout Scotland, there’s no shortage of beauty spots for nature lovers – Aldourie is situated on the shores of Loch Ness so make sure you spend time on the lookout for the infamous ‘Nessie’.

The Torridon, Wester Ross – Scotland

Did you know: The area surrounding The Torridon is amongst the clearest locations on earth so you can experience rich views of the Milky Way and thousands of naked eye stars. Experience the night sky in all its glory with a little stargazing excursion in the surrounding highlands.

Something fun: Take advantage of The Torridon’s very own activities team – Torridon Outdoors. You can choose from activities such as sea kayaking, open canoeing, gorge scrambling, mountain biking, coasteering or guided walks. My favorite is an early morning kayaking adventure on Lake Torridon before the world wakes up.

Must do: Take a scenic drive along Scotland’s very own Route 66 – the North Coast 500, which has gained global recognition. The most famous pass along the route is the Beallach Na Ba (pass of the Cattle) to Applecross. The views are incredible, including the whole of Skye, much of Wester Ross, the Islands of Rum and the Outer Hebrides.

Adare Manor, County Limerick – Ireland

Did you know: One of the most renowned parts of the manor is the Minstrel’s Gallery, inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles – the gallery is the second longest room in Ireland.

Something fun: Make sure you enjoy the Gun Dog experience at Adare Manor – you will get the opportunity to see Labradors at all the varied levels of training, incorporating obedience, agility and ability to work as part of a team of trained dogs. You will also learn how to handle these wonderful dogs yourself.

Must do: You could fill your entire stay just with the activities available at Adare Manor, from the excitement of clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry, the total relaxation of the spa or a more energetic round of golf. Thanks to their location in the heart of the Southwest, Adare Manor makes a wonderful base for exploring this part of Ireland.

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Llandudno – North Wales

Did you know: Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world with a total of 641! You can visit an excellent selection on day trips from Bodysgallen Hall.

Something fun: Welsh cheeses are so good they were once used as part of a divorce settlement – you have to try some.

Must do: Swallow Falls at Betws-y-Coed is the most visited waterfall in Britain situated just 16 miles from Bodysgallen Hall – a perfect day out to experience life in a quaint Welsh village surrounded by rolling hills.

Giardino Ascona, Ascona – Switzerland

Did you know: The Giardino Ascona offers casual luxury paired with outstanding hospitality, where lavender, mimosa, lemon and olive trees thrive in the garden which is the green heart of this well-established retreat. Pools, bars, lounges, daybeds and sun loungers blend in with the scenery, inviting guests to contemplate and unwind.

Something fun: Ascona is famous for its mild climate. Take a stroll through the old town and a lake promenade that is dotted with street cafés boasting a magical ambience with Latin influences.

Must do: From Ascona, you can take a lake boat to Stresa and the Borromean islands. Make sure to visit the gardens of Isola Madre – they are very special indeed.

Giardino Mountain, Champfèr, St Moritz – Switzerland

Giardino Mountain Switzerland

Did you know: St. Moritz can trace its winter sports history back to the late 1800’s – it is one of the first and one of the highest resorts in Switzerland. The mountain landscapes are breathtaking whatever the season.

Something fun: Giardino Mountain offers an array of culinary experiences, from the two Michelin-starred Ecco St. Moritz restaurant to the Ayurveda-inspired cuisine at Hide & Seek. Guests of the hotel can take an exclusive snow break in Giardino’s lounge at the famous El Paradiso mountain lounge which hosts a line up of well known DJs and entertainers on the mountainside.

Must do: Switzerland’s most iconic and world-famous railway journey takes you from St. Moritz to Zermatt. A visit to the Swiss mountains would not be complete without a day trip on the Glacier Express with windows designed so you can enjoy the surroundings with spectacular photo opportunities. It must be time to add this to your list!

Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton – Sri Lanka

Did you know: To truly appreciate Tea Trails you can follow the Tea Trail from one bungalow to the next, staying a night or two at each with your luggage packed up and moved for you whilst you take a meandering path through the plantations on foot or by bicycle. You can of course stay in just one; why wouldn’t you when you have your very own butler on hand to cater to your every whimsical request.

Something fun: Guests are invited to a hands-on experience with one of the property’s amazing chefs. Learn the basics of Sri Lankan cooking, from the range of spices and ingredients, techniques and recipes behind the magic of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Must do: Make time for an exclusive tea tour with a resident planter, and an afternoon cream tea. Learn how to taste and appreciate the unique flavor profiles that differentiate tea varieties. Resplendent Ceylon has curated an exclusive tea connoisseur’s getaway, wherein guests will follow the entire process from leaf to cup.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala – Sri Lanka

Did you know: Wild Coast is adjacent to the Yala National Park which is renowned for its leopard population – make time for a little bit of leopard spotting.

Something fun: This luxury tented camp is situated where the jungle meets a pristine beach, overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Wild Coast Lodge’s design uses arched fabric structures that allows the tents to take on the shape and colour of the rocks and boulders that lay scattered nearby, whilst a clever layout, in the shape of a leopard’s paw print, alludes to the area’s most famous resident.

Must do: Take a sunset trip to Block Five on the rockier side of Yala and watch the animals come out to eat and drink before dark. Don’t forget – be patient, this is the only way to truly appreciate the wildlife around you.

Cape Weligama, Weligama – Sri Lanka

Did you know: Weligama waves are world-famous, and the property offers customised programs for any keen surfer – from total beginners who want a taste of surfing to advanced surfers looking to improve their style.

Something fun: Sip a cocktail while experiencing one of Cape Weligama’s iconic sunsets, with your feet dipped into their 60-meter crescent-shaped infinity pool that appears to flow seamlessly into the shimmering sea.

Must do: Something for the little ones – with a selection of yummy, interactive and immersive culinary experiences for children with a local twist, tailored for various age levels. Children can enjoy making the local favorite “coconut and treacle pancakes”, or coconut and cinnamon cookies.

Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu – Nepal

Did you know: It was in the late 1950s that Dwarika Das Shrestha bought the land upon which the hotel now sits and first incorporated ancient 15th – 17th century woodwork from his collection, including a window that is today on display in the hotel’s Fusion Bar. Together with a local potter, Dwarika and his wife revived traditional terracotta designs that stem from the 15th century.

Something fun: Krishnarpan, the signature restaurant offers an authentic Nepali dining experience taking you on a culinary journey through the different terrains and ethnic groups of Nepal.

Must do: Take a ten minute walk from the hotel to the UNESCO World Heritage Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temple precincts along the banks of the Bagmati river.

Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel – Nepal

Did you know: The resort was inspired by the ancient Vedic and Buddhist philosophies inherent to Nepali culture and focuses on the complete wellbeing of a person.

Something fun: Dhulikhel is famous for its sunrise and sunset views overlooking the majestic Himalayas… you don’t have to go very far to experience spectacular vistas at Dwarika’s Resort.

Must do: Take advantage of a private consultation with the ayurvedic doctor and naturopathy expert alongside the meditation, yoga and astrology masters to help restore personal harmony, renewal and growth.

Blanket Bay, Glenorchy – New Zealand

Did you know: The name, Blanket Bay, recalls the events over 150 years ago when pioneer farmers from Europe sheared their sheep on the shore of a bay under rough shelters stitched together from blankets. In 1861, a mob of sheep owned by Mr William Gilbert Rees were sheared on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. This bay was to be named Blanket Bay after blankets used to create the shed and shelters to protect Maori shearers and the wool from the elements.

Something fun: Nothing comes close to riding horseback through Lord of the Rings country in the vast landscapes of South Island – Blanket Bay can arrange rides of any length and for any level of rider with local stables.

Must do: A visit to New Zealand isn’t complete until you experience the thrill of a flight-seeing tour over the World Heritage Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound by helicopter. It’s a real treat to take off from the lawns of Blanket Bay.

Curtain Bluff, Old Road – Antigua

Did you know: You can book a stay in a ground floor Junior Suite on the Surf Beach – these suites are all beach walkouts directly into the Caribbean Sea. Every single room and suite has a sea view – be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves hitting the shoreline.

Something fun: Look out for the veteran celebrity tennis players from Wimbledon and the US Open during tennis week.

Must do: Visit Stingray City and get up close and personal with a ‘fever’ of Stingrays – this is a spectacular experience with these magnificent creatures.

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Travel Notebook

Rebecca’s Packing Essentials … Plus, What to Bring Across the Pond

Whether I’m helicoptering to snowy peaks in New Zealand, searching for Big Five in East Africa or lounging with family on the beaches of Antigua, I’m the most comfortable during my travels when I’ve packed properly.

For me, that includes a few essential items and tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make my worldwide travels easier and more relaxed. In no particular order, my favorite items to take when I leave home include:

A Design for Life scarf, made exclusively for Rebecca Recommends, with proceeds going to Nepalese charities supporting tourism recovery. These beautiful pashminas and scarves accent any outfit, serve as a head wrap and keep me cozy wherever I am.
Sisley masks and oils to combat the dry air of airplanes and high altitudes
An eye mask and earplugs for uninterrupted sleep
A Swell water bottle – it’s so important to reduce our plastic use wherever we are in the world and I find these bottles to be a perfect companion.

Design For Life scarves, with its range of different weights, materials and colours, make a cozy accessory for every weather

And my favorite packing tip:

Hang your clothing on thin hangers in dry cleaner plastic, then simply lift out of your suitcase at your hotel, hang up and, presto, you’re done unpacking and wrinkling is minimal. Plus, by reusing the dry cleaner hangers and plastic, you’re taking yet another step toward combating climate change.

Now that you’ve heard from me, we wanted to bring in a Rebecca Recommends client to share her own packing tips and tricks …

Rebecca Recommends client Original Travel UK is the consummate expert on all things United Kingdom, including what to pack for the unpredictable weather in this region of the world. Letitia Dunlop of OTUK offered us her packing tips for both summer and winter, keeping in mind that lightweight layers are the key to staying comfortable no matter the weather. Scroll down to read the lists and pass them along to your clients headed over the pond in 2020!

But first, we asked Letitia – as a travel executive and avid globetrotter, about her own packing essentials. Here’s what she doesn’t leave home without:

Phone – all the travel apps possible and an audio app
Battery pack – you never know when an impromptu cocktail eve might arise without the chance to recharge
Notebook and pen – constantly dreaming/journaling!
Reusable water bottle
Shawl/scarf – to double as a comfort and an outfit brightener
Lip balm and face mist
Hair tie
Snacks

OTUK’s Summer Packing Suggestions

T-shirts
Jumpers
Lightweight raincoat (preferably with a hood)
Lightweight scarf or wrap
Pants/Jeans/Shorts
Comfortable pair of shoes (for walking)
Evening pair of shoes
Evening jacket (some hotels require it)
Sunglasses
Bathing suit
Backpack
Umbrella
Reusable water bottle
Charger for the phone, camera, etc. (portable phone charger, if possible)
Plug G or an international adapter
Documents: passport & insurance documentation
Medication: any medication for the duration of the trip
Currency:
– in the UK and Northern Ireland is Pounds (£),
– in the Republic of Ireland is Euros (€)

No matter where you go, don’t forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes

OTUK’s Winter Packing Suggestions

T-shirts
Jumpers
Warm coat (raincoat), preferably with a hood
Warm scarf or wrap
Pants/jeans
Comfortable pair of shoes (for walking)
Evening pair of shoes
Walking boots or wellies for countryside tours
Evening jacket (some hotels require it)
Pair of gloves
A hat
Bathing suit
Backpack
Umbrella
Reusable water bottle
Charger for the phone, camera, etc. (portable phone charger, if possible)
Plug G or an international adapter
Documents: passport & insurance documentation
Medication: any medication for the duration of the trip
Currency:
– in the UK and Northern Ireland is Pounds (£),
– in the Republic of Ireland is Euros (€)

Have your own favorite travel essentials or tips and tricks to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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