To say that Uber is no stranger to innovation would perhaps be the understatement of a lifetime.

In recent years, the company that revolutionized ground transportation has also launched UberCHOPPER, UberBOAT, UberYACHT and, even UberBALLOON, bringing with every variation on its wildly successful platform, new levels of convenience and luxury to its global multitude of users. Now, in a bid to assist travelers in celebrating the winter holidays with the greatest of ease, Uber is debuting UberMOUNTAIN.

Just in time for one of the best ski seasons the region has seen in years, the introduction of UberMOUNTAIN will allow lucky snowbunnies to enjoy the French Alps via helicopter and snowmobile rides at the push of a button.

In order to take advantage of this over-the-moon fabulous feature, users will simply need to open the app, tap on the icon for UberMOUNTAIN and select the options they most desire. How easy is that?

Suddenly the trek to the Alps doesn’t seem so formidable at all now does it?

Here’s what you need to know.

When?

The special in-app UberMOUNTAIN experience will be available for ten days (Feb 23 – Mar 4).

What?

There will be three options:

• Helicopter connection between Lyon, Nice or Cannes to Val d’Isère and
• Panoramic flights from both ski stations above the Alps, ‘3 Valleys’ and Mont Blanc
• Snowmobile activity (free)

Cost?

• Helicopter connection (500€ per person)
• Panoramic flights (138€ per person)
• Snowmobile activity (Free)

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I only recently learned to ski and confess that, in comparison to sporting a beach towel and sunglasses, the prospect of lugging heavy skis, boots, jackets, and bags of other equipment up a mountain in freezing temperatures never really appealed to me. Nevertheless, when living in Switzerland surrounded by world class ski resorts and luxury accommodations, hitting the slopes is what one does in order to maintain any semblance of a social life between January and April.

Since early December the snow has been falling hard and fast in the Alps and cold temperatures above 3600 feet have kept it light and airy – just what true ski connoisseurs seek, or so I am told. So, as ski season reaches its apex and an assortment of new luxury properties open their doors, there has never been a better time for powder-junkies to consider a visit to the region.

On a recent weekend, I experienced the season’s picture-perfect conditions first hand. Along with friends, I was staying in the Portes du Soleil, a wide reserve of 12 ski resorts spanning two countries between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc and, immediately, I was impressed by both the quality and quantity of snow as I hit the slopes with relish.

En route to the first run of the day, my fingers tingled from the cold as I sat in contemplative silence on the lift worrying if I my choice of layers would prove sufficient. “Should have worn thicker gloves,” I anxiously whispered under my breadth. My attire anxiety was, however, quelled by listening to the sounds around me: the tension in the thick cable squeaking above my head, the contrail of ice crystals as metal skis cut into frozen snow below. Then, as I gained altitude, the mountains opened around me – white peaks, evergreen trees and granite colored rock appeared. Finally pushing off my lift chair and letting gravity take control, I snapped out of my torpor. I became oblivious to anyone around me, completely intoxicated by the freshness of the snow, the crisp air rushing through my nose and the feeling of total freedom at a brisk 25 miles per hour.

For your own ski season getaway this season, Geneva is a perfect gateway to both the Swiss and French sides of the Alps. With direct flights from Newark Liberty and Washington Dulles on United and from JFK on Swiss, it is also surprisingly easy to reach. While those mountain-bound can reserve shuttle transfers direct from the airport to a variety of ski stations, savvy travelers take a moment to catch their breath and enjoy this often underrated city.

The newly opened Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix is an ideal spot for international travelers to recover from jet lag before hitting the slopes. After a multi-million-dollar renovation and the addition of some signature Ritz-Carlton touches, the 152-year old property has quickly asserted itself as one of the hottest additions to the lakefront hotel scene. It’s also within easy walking distance of premier shopping along the Rue du Marché and smart cafés in the medieval Old Town.

From Geneva, stylish skiers can opt for a short 2-hour train ride to the glamourous ski retreat of Gstaad. Relive the glory days of Swiss luxury rail travel along the way by picking up the GoldenPass train in Montreux and ride in a fully recreated classic car from the Belle Époque to the brand new, 5-star Huus Hotel. Putting a modern touch on classically alpine interiors, the hotel reinvents chalet-style decor. And with nearly 22,000 square feet of spa, indoor pool and fitness facilities, is there any better way to recover from a long day on the pistes?

Though not accessible by train, a short drive of just over an hour from Geneva opens a wonder of other skiing possibilities on the French side of the Alps. One of the most widely anticipated new properties in this region is the 55-room (including 14 sumptuous suites) Four Seasons Megève. As the only hotel located directly on the slopes of Mont d’Arbois the Four Seasons particularly spoils jetset skiers and snowboarders by offering ski-in, ski-out opportunities.

And for those who may be more into the après-ski than the ski itself, the Four Seasons is also the new home of one of the finest 2-star Michelin restaurants in the region, Le 1920. On my most recent visit to the restaurant, succulent Brittany lobster cooked in lightly salted butter and slow-cooked pork with black truffle were some of the standout dishes that would send me down a double-black diamond in a heartbeat.

For those looking for some heart-thumbing club beats and choreographed dance routines, the epic après-ski parties of La Folie Douce on the top of Mont Joux in Megève will make you lightheaded in the thin mountain air. Just don’t forget after your fourth or fifth cognac-spiked apple cider that you still have to actually descend the mountain.

Back in the Portes du Soleil, as the last rays of February sun pierced through the chilly sky at the end of a successful ski weekend (any weekend with no broken limbs is a successful weekend on the slopes in my book), I no longer felt neither a chill in my body nor trepidation in my mind. To my surprise, I was actually keen for more. “Where to next weekend?” I asked my travel companions. Gstaad? Megève? Verbier? Zermatt? The Alps are calling and we are all spoiled for choice this season.

The post Ski Season 2018: New Luxury Properties and Picture-Perfect Conditions in the Alps appeared first on .

With a British royal wedding on the horizon, there seemed to be no better time than the present to go wheels up again on my self-proclaimed “royal tour” of Scandinavia. This time I stop over in Oslo, perhaps the most personally intriguing of all the destinations on my itinerary if only because it was the city about which I knew the least in addition to being home to the royal family with whom I was least familiar. That said, tag along as I spend a whirlwind 48 hours in Oslo. But first, a little royal backstory (and again, if royal intrigue is of no interest to you, skip ahead to the “48 Hours in” section for a look at the highly recommended highlights of my visit).

The Royal Story

Just as in Denmark, the Norwegian monarchy dates back for more than a thousand years. However, for purposes of this particular narrative, the House of Glücksburg, which acceded to throne in 1905 after the dissolution of Sweden and Norway, will once again take center stage. That said, it is interesting to note that for the better part of the previous five or so centuries, Norway was essentially forced into alliances and ruled under the monarchs of its Scandinavian neighbors. From 1818 – 1905, the originally French House of Bernadotte, from which the Swedish royal family is descended, ruled both Sweden and Norway. And prior to that, from 1380, a single monarch ruled both Denmark and Norway.

Against this backdrop, it is of particular note that Norway’s current reigning monarch is descended from a line of monarchs that began with a king (Prince Carl of Denmark) who was actually elected by the people of Norway in a landslide popular referendum. In a rare turn of events, as the world around them roundly began to reject monarchies, Norway embraced the idea and after more than 600 years without a monarch of its own, Norway once again reclaimed one by popular demand.

Providing yet another example of the far-reaching import of the marriages of Queen Victoria’s offspring, the people’s choice was not only a member of the well-established House of Glücksburg but also married to his cousin Princess Maud, granddaughter of Queen Victoria and daughter of the then Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales (born Princess Alexandra of Denmark), later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom.

More than a century later, the House of Glücksburg continues to reign in Norway with great popularity. In fact, one recent report found that eight out of ten Norwegians favor the monarchy. All of which is very good news to the current members of the Norwegian Royal House which is made up of Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja and Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Ingrid Alexandra.

The Next Generation

Before we get to the next generation, a few words must be said about the current generation inasmuch as the choices of King Harald V may very well have influenced those of his son and heir Crown Prince Haakon. Predating the marriage of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge to the future Duchess of Cambridge, by more than four decades, then Crown Prince Harald nearly triggered a constitutional crisis when he chose commoner, Sonja Haraldsen, to be his intended. However, after enduring a nine-year courtship, the couple were finally granted permission to marry in 1968 and the former Sonja Haraldsen became Norway’s first (and enormously popular, I might add) queen in more than 53 years.

Now how’s that for a Cinderella story?

Like his father before him, in 2000 HRH Crown Prince Haakon also made a marital alliance that shook the royal rafters when he married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby who was not only a commoner but a single mother of one. The picture of a modern royal, HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit has juggled her official role, her professional ambitions and motherhood with an agility common to most contemporary parents (albeit with all the trappings of royalty).

After her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the newly anointed Crown Princess continued to study ethics at the Faculty of Social Science and the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Oslo before continuing on to follow courses at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London where she took examinations in HIV/AIDS and Development and The Global Refugee Crisis, among other topics. In 2012, the Crown Princess even completed her Master of Management at BI Norwegian School of Management in Oslo.

Along the way, the Crown Prince Couple welcomed two children of their own –Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra and His Highness Prince Sverre Magnus. According to Norwegian constitution the order of succession is lineal, irrespective of gender, so Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra is next in line to throne after her father Crown Prince Haakon. In an interesting aside, the eldest son of the Crown Princess, Marius Borg Høiby, who never held an official title, nonetheless announced last year that he was leaving public life and planning to attend a university in California. Proclamations aside, taking into account Mr. Høiby’s status as something of an international heartthrob, anonymity may not come quite so easily to this member of the Norwegian Royal brood, particularly given his proclivity for social media.

Modern Connections

Where to begin?

First of all, His Majesty King Harald V is, as mentioned above, a direct descendant of King Edward VII and thereby of Queen Victoria, which makes him a second cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and the first foreign monarch in the line of succession to the British throne. It then follows that HRH Crown Prince Haakon is third cousin to HRH Charles, Prince of Wales and by consequence of his place as a descendant of King Edward VII, eligible to succeed to the thrones of the sixteen Commonwealth realms which include Canada, New Zealand, Australia and The Bahamas.

But here’s the more interesting connection. If you’ll recall from above, at the time of her marriage to Prince Carl of Denmark who would later become King Haakon of Norway, the future Queen Maud was the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales who would later become King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom.

Now it is established fact that King Edward VII was quite the playboy and well known for his romantic dalliances before and after succeeding to the British throne. Of all those dalliances, there was none more famously significant to the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII than the one he enjoyed with Alice Keppel, his long-term mistress with whom he remained intimate until his death. In fact, so intimate with the monarch was Keppel that her role was acknowledged by the long-suffering Queen Alexandra who even allowed Keppel to attend King Edward’s deathbed.

In a case of history repeating, Keppel’s great granddaughter is none other than Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cambridge, whose mésalliance with the current Prince of Wales only came about after a very public scandal that brought down one of the most talked about royal marriages of the modern era. Interestingly, Keppel is known to have thought discretion to be the key to managing royal affairs. Which is why, in the wake of Edward VII’s grandson, Edward VIII, abdicating the throne to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson, Keppel is attributed with having said, “Things were done much better in my day.”

One wonders if she would say the same about her great granddaughter if she were alive to see her in Clarence House today.

 The Royal Palace

Almost as if surveying its surroundings, the Royal Palace sits regally on a rise at the end of Oslo’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans gate. It is the primary home of Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja and also the site where the royal couple receives and hosts foreign heads of state. Surrounding the palace, is the Palace Park, one of the Norwegian capital’s first and largest parks, filled with gardens created around the ideal model of nature that prevailed in European horticulture in the mid-1800s.

The Royal Palace is but one of several royal residences in Norway. Other royal residences open to the public include, the summer palace of Oscarshall, Stiftsgården, Gamlehaugen and Ledaal.

48 Hours in Oslo

Following a short flight on Norwegian from Copenhagen I touched down at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo, picked up my luggage and hopped on the conveniently located Flytoget express train – feeling quite happy with myself, I might add, for having purchased my ticket in advance via the app for the train service. Obviously, there are other options for getting into the city, included among which are bus and taxi service, but I had been advised that the quickest, easiest and most efficient way of getting into the city was this particular express train and I couldn’t imagine that any other mode of transport could have been simpler.

Flytoget deposited me at Nationaltheatret Station right in the very heart of Oslo, which is where I would proverbially plant my flag for the next 48 hours. Upon arrival, I traversed the swarming platform at the busy station, which is a major hub in Oslo, then made my way outside to discover a fine and sunny afternoon (contrary to popular conception such do exist in Oslo).

Within a minute or two, I stood in the lobby of the historic Hotel Continental, just steps away from the station. Distinctively grand and imbued with the sweep of history even then, the lobby and reception areas of the more than century old hotel are currently undergoing a major renovation which is certain to ensure that arrivals are welcomed in as dazzling a fashion as they have been since the property first opened its doors in 1900.

Once settled into one of the hotel’s handsomely renovated corner junior suites, I stepped onto the balcony which overlooked the square surrounding the Nationaltheatret Station. From here I could glimpse the tiniest sliver of a view of the Royal Palace and I was fascinated to see how all activity in the city still flows from the Royal Palace which peers out over Oslo from a promontory into which the city’s main drag Karl Johan’s Gate directly leads. Standing at such an ideal vantage point, I could almost imagine what court life must have been like in Norway an age ago.

Armed with nothing more than Google Maps, I decided to take the first of many quick strolls through the city. Fittingly, as this was my royal tour, my first stop was the Royal Palace and the surrounding Palace Park, which is open to the public year-round. Immediately I was struck by how accessible the Palace was and how liberally tourists, and locals alike, enjoyed access to the surrounding Park grounds. The very epitome of a people’s palace, all around me crowds of tourists took photos in front of the Royal Palace, while others just milled about taking afternoon strolls or plopping down here or there for a quick rest.  For my part, I chose to take a lap around the Palace.

On the whole, I found the royal residence imposing in size, if not particularly ornate. However, of all the stops on the pleasant trek, my favorite was the Queen’s Park, formerly a private Rococo garden that is now part of the Palace Park open from May to October. Twas truly a tranquil delight.

My Palace tour complete, I strolled back down Karl Johan’s Gate into town stopping off at Egertorget Square to visit Eger Karl Johan, Norway’s largest purveyor of luxury goods, and continuing on to Nedre Slottsgate and Promenaden, the nucleus of a paradise of cafés and boutique emporiums included among which are iconic international luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Bottega Veneta as well as local high-end outlets like Kamikaze, Vincci and the Steen & Strøm department store.

Because, as the old adage goes, time flies when you’re having fun, it wasn’t long before I found that my reservation for cocktails and dinner at the Hotel Continental’s famed Theatercaféen would soon be upon me. So, I put my shopping exploration on hold and headed back to hotel to change for dinner.

Also opened in 1900, just one year after Oslo’s neighboring National Theater, Theatercaféen is an Art Nouveau gem. Once inside, one feels transported back to the grandeur of dining out in the early 20^th century. Walls are lined with an array of portraits immortalizing Norwegian personalities, authors, writers, actors, painters, musicians and composers who have been (or still remain) regulars at the restaurant. Meanwhile dark wood and leather banquettes pair, to dramatic effect, with intimate tables draped in white cloth under a canopy of ornate moldings, arches and vintage lighting fixtures, all of which add a uniquely romantic quality to the space. As for the menu, imagine a seasonal French brasserie with Nordic flair. As all things old are new again, the menu, like the restaurant, is at once retro and decidedly modern. Think eyepopping presentations of Beef Tartare served with Danish Rye bread, Moules Frites, Oysters and Caviar, Duck Confit and Truffle Risotto.

After a relatively early first night, I awoke early the next morning to continue my exploits and my first stop wasn’t far beyond the door of my suite. En route to breakfast at Caroline, I took a look around the property in search of the artwork for which the hotel is famous. In the Dagligstuen lobby bar, I found the hotel’s collection of works by Edward Munch, one of the largest private collections of its kind in Norway, while elsewhere I found works by the likes of abstract artist Jakob Weidemann and visual artist Ulf Nilsen. It is rare that a hotel is a mini-gallery unto itself, but the Hotel Continental is such a place, in large part thanks to its long association with the artistic community.

Following breakfast, I walked to the bustling Harbour Promenade, a seaside mecca of restaurants and shops, which was bursting at the seams with activity on this particularly pleasant fall morning. When I arrived patrons had already begun to fill the outdoor patios of the endless assortment of eateries of every conceivable variety that line the revitalized harbour. However, before I could get to far I looked into the Nobel Peace Center if only because I could. After all, when in Oslo.

I continued my walk along the Aker Brygge restaurant and business district of Promenade enjoying the breeze and the range of modern architecture that dotted it before arriving at the Thief, one of Oslo’s newest and hippest hotels. Formerly a haven for smugglers, thieves and scoundrels known as Tjuvholmen (Thief Islet), the ultramodern Thief hotel is today a favorite of the likes of Rihanna and superstar DJ David Guetta. A richly decorated selection of rooms and suites, state-of-the art gym and spa facilities, ultraluxe amenities and a credo of treating “rock stars like guests and guests like rock stars” are all part of the hotel’s allure as is its reputation for epitomizing cool and serving as a premier destination for nightlife in downtown Oslo.

In addition to an art space presenting the work of emerging contemporary artists, the Thief also boasts a Thief Music Unplugged series showcasing current stars and bubbling under artists in an intimate setting. Moreover, of particular note for travelers like me with a fondness for mingling, there are the hotel’s restaurants and bars. While the dark, sexy, art-laden Thief Bar, along with its signature cocktail menu and seductive mix of patrons, is always a happening spot, The Roof Bar is also an undeniably attractive spot on which to enjoy cocktails. Weather permitting of course.

In terms of restaurants, Food Bar, the Thief’s signature eatery, offers an excellent opportunity to experience global cuisine prepared with local ingredients and updated with modern Nordic panache. All of which explains why I suggest that whether you simply visit or actually book into the Thief, sampling its pleasures are a must.

Post-lunch, on my walk back from the Thief, I took advantage of the hotel’s proximity to attractions including The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and the Tjuvholmen City Beach to while away the rest of the afternoon.

The final stop on my itinerary was the Grand Hotel Oslo, arguably Oslo’s grandest and most well-known hotel, but, without question, the oldest luxury hotel in the city at more than 140 plus years old. That said, like at the Hotel Intercontinental’s Theatercaféen, all things old are new again at the Grand Hotel.

Having undergone a more than $250 million major renovation, the Grand Oslo continues to live up to its name and reputation as the foremost destination for Norway’s elite as well as guests ranging from world leaders and Nobel Peace Prize laureates to His Majesty King Harald V.

Only stopping briefly to savor the sumptuousness of the marble sheathed lobby, I headed first to Eight, the Grand Hotel’s new rooftop bar. More eccentric and relaxed in design than the other boites in the hotel, Eight represents the best of the rooftop bar trend currently sweeping the globe. Signature cocktails from the bar’s mixologists are not only stellar but especially unique for blending flavors and ingredients unique to Norway. Add to that the impressive views of downtown, the Royal Palace and many of Oslo’s most famous landmarks and you have the recipe behing one of Oslos’s chicest watering holes.

Next it was off to a light dinner in the Othilia Lobby Bar at the Grand, which is, aside from Eight, another of the hotel’s most luxuriously relaxed spaces. What I particularly enjoyed about Othilia is that it is the sort of establishment that invites the feeling of a private club. Joined by a guest, I ordered a cocktail, a club sandwich, and a caesar salad while my friend ordered a burger and while we noshed and chatted well into evening, luxuriating in the comforts of the excellent service and the splendor of the grandiosely proportioned room. We also did a good bit of people watching which is precisely the sort of thing for which the expansive “see and be seen” room seemed meant.

It was both the perfect place and the perfect way to wind down my 48 hours in Oslo – right in the iconic hub of the city in one of its most iconic destinations.

Next stop Stockholm.

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Counted among the most cosmopolitan destinations in South America, Buenos Aires is a city that blends the vibrancy of modernity with timeless sophistication, art, history and old-world glamour. Walk down many of the city’s streets and you’ll find that the eateries and boutiques that line them are alive with these qualities. But stay in one of the city’s leading hotels and you will find these qualities not only alive but personified.

The following are five hotels that embody the breadth and diversity of options for accommodations in contemporary Buenos Aires. Each has a unique personality of its own and each is, perhaps, in its own way, suited to a particular type of luxury travel. However, they all share in common a five-star appeal certain to leave no guest wanting.

The Leading Lady
Palacia Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Hyatt has worked hard over the years to ensure that its Park Hyatt brand is synonymous with the height of elegance and luxury. However, at the Palacio Duhau, in particular, their efforts reach an apotheosis. In this one exceptional property, the old and the new blend with staggering symmetry resulting in that rare instance where a hotel becomes a world, or rather a destination, unto itself.

On the one hand, there is the property’s grand original palace. Built in 1934 as the private residence of the Duhau family, the neoclassical building recalls the splendor of another era. Dramatic chandeliers and lighting fixtures along with scores of marble welcome guests in regal fashion to the heart and soul of the property. In this noble, more social wing of the hotel, you’ll find the stunning Los Salones del Piano Nobile, a series of soigné salons where the walls are lined with restored original boiserie and the tables are filled throughout the day with a smart set of well-heeled locals and guests, many of whom are drawn to the very popular five o’clock afternoon tea service.

Also located in the Palacio building is the clubby Oak Bar, so named for its walls which are lined with specially carved 17^th century oak paneling taken from a castle in Normandy. Richly furnished and blessed with an inviting 28-seat bar, the Oak Bar provides the perfect meeting place for an intimate cocktail – be it for business or pleasure. And, like the Salones del Piano Nobile, the Oak Bar also features a terrace overlooking the exquisitely landscaped Palace gardens which are akin to a private oasis in the middle of the city.

Across the gardens, on the opposite side of the Palace, is the property’s more contemporary addition which was completed in 2006. While the Palace houses some of the hotel’s most prized suites, the bulk of the accommodations are located in the more contemporary adjunct which is connected to the Palace via an underground art gallery known as the Paseo de las Artes Duhau. In addition to being a novel way to solve the problem of shuttling guests from one building to the other, there is also something intoxicatingly enchanting in the way the passage seamlessly transports guests from the best of one era to the best of another.

Sleek and modern, the contemporary building is equally an oasis but with a more minimalist charm. Rooms are spacious, tastefully decorated and perfectly appointed with an array of amenities that are especially ideally suited for the business traveler. Combined with butler service, state-of-the-art technology and views of both the Palace and garden, even the standard rooms are a cut above.

Finally, with the attractions, restaurants and shops of the Recoleta just steps away from this jewel of a hotel, you will find in it a perfect jumping off spot from which to explore the city or do business or whatever your visit may occasion.

Palacia Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Avenida Alvear 1661
Buenos Aires, Argentina
C1014AAD
Tel: +54 11 5171 1234

The Ingenue
Faena

Breathtaking is the first word that comes to mind upon stepping inside the main entrance of the Faena Buenos Aires located in trendy Puerto Madera neighborhood. Clearly the sort of space that was designed to beguile, it miraculously still manages to exceed its remit. Towering swaths of red velvet paired with theatrical proportions and whimsical interiors designed by Phillipe Starck, welcome guests to the jaw-dropping Buenos Aires outpost of Faena Hotels.

In a city largely defined by history, modernity is the tune to which the Faena plays. Sure, it may be built in what was once a grain warehouse but that is right about where the history lesson ends. In fact, it might even be said the Faena represents a new breed of elegance in a rapidly evolving Buenos Aires.

From its award-winning restaurants like Bistro Sur to its hipster lined “see and be seen” pool to its sumptuous rooms kitted out with custom-designed white leather furnishings, lapacho-wood floors and clawfoot bathtubs in majestic marble bathrooms, the Faena is like something out of a Baz Lurhmann-inspired dream.

As an added bonus, the hotel also offers its own in-house entertainment in the form of its Library Bar and 1920’s inspired tango club El Cabaret. Rojo Tango, as the nightly dinner and show at El Cabaret is known, is a particularly a nice treat especially given that, for all its novelty, the Puerto Madero neighborhood feels a touch sterile in addition to being a bit far away from the livelier Recoleta and Hollywood Palermo neighborhoods. Thankfully taxis are cheap and plentiful and Uber is also an easily accessible option.

Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
Martha Salotti 445
Buenos Aires, Argentina
C1107CMB
Tel: +54 11 4010 9000

The Glamour Girl
Algodon Mansion

A number of swank boutique hotels have sprung up around Buenos Aires in recent years, but the all-suite Algodon Mansion has earned a spotlight all its own. Located in a restored building of French Classical design in the Recoleta, the Algodon is a real gem of a property that will hold particular appeal for luxury lovers taking an extended stay in Buenos Aires as well as those who, like myself, enjoy living like a local.

Of particular appeal is the Algodon’s discreet location on a quiet, upscale residential street.  Just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of busy nearby thoroughfares to allow one to experience a different side of the city, it remains proximate to many popular hotspots and off the beaten path boutiques, cafés, and art galleries that might otherwise go undiscovered. In truth, hours of charm and amusement await in simply roaming the streets surrounding the Algodon Mansion. But, location aside, I would be remiss if I were not to acknowledged that it is in the interior of the hotel – in the accommodations –  where the mansion truly shines.

Beyond the subtly elegant lobby and wine bar on the main floor, each of the hotel’s individually designed suites is impressively turned out with sleek contemporary furnishings, hardwood floors, massive French limestone or Italian marble bathrooms, and an array of technological amenities guaranteed to make guests feel right at home. Moreover, every suite, boasts a separate living area, with some featuring working fireplaces and original artwork while others offers expansive terraces as well.

In terms of entertainment, the Algodon packs a lot of punch for a boutique hotel. In addition to the aforementioned lobby bar where guests can mingle with locals and sample local entertainment as well as wines and fare produced from the product of the Algodon’s estates in Mendoza, there is a rooftop pool adjoined by a popular open-air bar and tented cigar lounge showcasing a menu of drinks from around the world. Finally, for the ultimate in relaxation, the rooftop also houses a full-service spa offering steam, sauna, and massage rooms along with a range of treatment options.

Bottom line: If Algodon Mansion proves one maxim, it is that big, wonderful things can indeed come in boutique sized packages.

Algodon Mansion
Montevideo 1647
Buenos Aires, Argentina
C1021AAA
Tel: +54 11 3530 7777

The Heroine
Hotel Club Frances

Step into the lobby of the Hotel Club Frances and you will feel the tug of history. Famously known as the original meeting space of the eminent members and guests of the former Club Francés (French Club), a community of prominent French-born residents of Buenos Aires, the refined space now known as Hotel Club Francés has, over the course of the last 150 years, notably hosted everyone from French Prime Ministers M. Georges Clemenceau and Dominique de Villepin to Nobel Prize Laureate Anatole France and HRH the Duke of Windsor.

Today, as a private hotel, the original property combined with its newly constructed tower, maintains the standards and attention to detail that have made it a favorite among visiting VIPs for the last century and a half – albeit in buffed up environs that have returned a good deal of the original luster to Neoclassical structure. The grand lobby opens into a beautifully restored, yet still quite clubbish Mahogany paneled bar of the variety in which one might imagine the great minds of yesteryear plotting the future of modern society. Meanwhile a marble staircase leads to the hotel’s historic salons and meeting spaces, many of which are decorated with glittering chandeliers and restored works of art.

As for the hotel’s 28 rooms, they are spacious and comfortably furnished in a manner that shows deference to the history of the property (think antique headboards and Belle Epoque-inspired furniture) but also nods and winks to the contemporary with mod cons including flat screen televisions and rainfall showers. Two Executive Deluxe Suites even offer a private sauna and jacuzzi while one of the Luxury Suites boasts a more than 1,000 square foot terrace in addition to a private sauna and jacuzzi.

That this marvelous combo of luxe and history is located dab smack in the midst of the Recoleta is only an added bonus.

Hotel Club Frances
Rodriguez Peña 1832.
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tel: +54 11 4812 5235

The Grande Dame
Alvear Palace

Every major city has a Grande Dame hotel and in Buenos Aires it is very clear that title squarely belongs to the Alvear Palace. Majestically (and appropriately) perched alongside some of the city’s most exclusive shops on Avenida Alvear, one of the most sought-after locations in the Recoleta, the Alvear Palace represents the penultimate in luxury in Buenos Aires.

An abundance of gold leaf, sparkling crystal chandeliers, Louis XV and Louis XVI style furniture and meticulously uniformed staff welcome the arrival of guests which on any given day might include a president (France’s Jacques Chirac or South Africa’s Nelson Mandela) or a movie star (Tom Cruise or Al Pacino). But such arrivals are de rigueur for a grande dame hotels like the Alvear which is despite its grandiosity welcoming without pretense. Tis interesting to note that it is usually the yet to be proven pretender class of hotels that are the snootiest, while the true grandees are nothing but gracious to all. I’m sure there is some metaphor for life there but, as usual, I digress.

In terms of accommodations, every room at the Alvear offers shades of something special but the Lounge Suites and better are the real sweet spot. Clocking in at no less than approximately 500 square feet, Lounge Suites are strikingly appointed with contemporary furnishings that blend rather than detract from the architecture of the hotel. Meanwhile these especially exceptional accommodations also count among their prime amenities, butler service, complimentary ironing and bathrooms that are like sanctuaries in Carrara and Marquina black marble accessorized with separate tubs and showers and Hermés toiletries. Perhaps best of all, the Lounge Suites also offer access to the exclusive 1930’s inspired Alvear Lounge, an exquisitely outfitted corner of the hotel where guests can enjoy a complimentary petit buffet breakfast, a light buffet lunch, a glass of wine or a coffee, in a space more intimate than the hotel’s generally busier public spaces.

Speaking of public spaces, there are a few at the Alvear that are not to be missed. Chief among these is L’Orangerie, a staple among the Recoleta’s chic set, notable for its afternoon tea service, and La Bourgogne, the hotel’s haute French restaurant lorded over by Chef Jean Paul Bondoux. C’est magnifique.

Alvear Palace
Avda. Alvear 1891
Buenos Aires, Argentina
C1129AAA
Tel: + 54 11 4808 2100

To read this post on HuffPo, click here.

The post A Luxury Stay in Buenos Aires | Five Hotels, Five Personalities appeared first on .

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, tis the season for making merry, spreading cheer and, of course, giving gifts. With the latter in mind, what follows is my annual list of gift ideas for the luxury travelers in your life.

From the most practical of items to the most extravagant, there’s a little something to choose from for every budget in this guide. And, because true luxury is never about price but always about indulgence, every option is sure to bring joy and comfort in equal measure to the friends and family on your holiday gift list who just happen to spend as much time on the road as they do at home.

Now, without further ado, the list:

Mark and Graham Charger Roll Up

Traveling in modern times often means packing a lot of technology. Unfortunately, all that technology requires cables, chargers, adapters and lengths of unsightly cords. Keeping track of it all can be both cumbersome and tiresome. Enter the Mark and Graham Charger Roll Up which provides an elegant solution to the problem.

Cleverly designed and made from supple leather, this chic case features three pockets in which to store all your tech needs. Best of all, once packed, the case can simply be rolled up, secured with a leather tie and tossed into your carry on.

For an extra special touch, it can even be monogrammed. How fab is that?

$49
Mark and Graham

Ted Baker Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($42)

Hydrate…hydrate…hydrate! It is the ultimate travel mantra. Always have fresh, cool water on hand with this stylish, TSA-friendly, stainless steel water bottle featuring double-wall insulation.

$42
Ted Baker

Randolph Aviator II Sunglasses ($280)

Every seasoned traveler will tell you that a great pair of sunglasses is de rigueur. That is, at least in part, why I have a particular affinity for Randolph’s Aviator II sunglasses which are just as ideal for the fashionable road warrior as they are for America’s real-life warriors.

Originally created for the U.S. military in 1982, you might say that these sunglasses are truly battle-tested. To guarantee their durability, 50 different people cut, mold, stamp, twist, solder, plate, and polish each pair of the sunglasses by hand in a six-week process that includes more than 200 steps. Meanwhile the classic styling of the 23K gold frame delivers a look that is both polished and timeless. Better still, did I mention that each frame comes with a lifetime guarantee? Hooah!

$280
Randolph

Czech and Speake Magnetic Wash Bag

A smart toiletry bag is always a welcome addition to any luxe traveler’s collection of accessories. This 4L leather wash bag by Czech and Speake is a particular standout because of its mobile magnetic flaps and general pliability. Moreover, it is just a really great looking piece.

$420 
Czech and Speake, London

Czech and Speake Leatherbound Manicure Kit

Proper grooming makes no exception for connecting flights, time zone changes, late-night meetings or changing hotel rooms. When in the midst of a hectic travel schedule, it’s not always easy to find time for a proper manicure or pedicure. Still, there’s no reason for a man to let his hands (or feet) give the wrong first impression. The Czech and Speake Manicure Kit guarantees that such will never be an issue.

An 8-piece gentleman’s manicure set, the Czech and Speake kit features a tasteful stone and cream colored soft leather case containing: Teflon-coated slanted tweezers, safety scissors, classic nail scissors, nail clippers, toe nail clippers, a nail file, a cuticle nipper and a double-ended cuticle instrument.

$500
Czech and Speake, London

An Uber Gift Card

An Uber gift card is perhaps the most practical gift on this list, but it is also one of my personal favorites because who doesn’t love to have a black car waiting at one’s fingertips? Now, in over 630 cities worldwide, Uber has become indispensable to travelers.

Not only can this gift be conveniently delivered to multiple recipients on your holiday list via Uber’s new in-app gifting feature, it’s the perfect last-minute present for those awkward moments when you realize you’ve forgotten a favorite friend or a family member or when someone unexpectedly gives you a gift and you find yourself empty handed. Trust me, it’s more useful than a candle and classier than regifting.

Uber

Wilde Passport Cover

Smythson of Bond Street is undoubtedly one of the world’s finest purveyors of luxury leather goods and this stunning passport cover from their ultra-luxurious Wilde Collection is proof positive of the fact. Crafted from the finest alligator skin, this passport cover also features five card pockets and lambskin lining in one refined, statement-making package that recalls the glamour days of travel.

This holiday, for a showstopper of a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime, throw in a matching Wilde Large Pouch along with a pair of Mara Luggage Tags, as well. That is, if you’re feeling especially generous, of course.

$1,995 – Passport Cover; $8,495 – Large Pouch; $125 – Mara Luggage Tags
Smythson of Bond Street

Marc Marmel Midi Benny Bag

When a friend first introduced me to Marc Marmel’s bags, I was immediately smitten. All these years later and I still feel the same level of awe with the debut of each and every new piece in the collection.

The Midi Benny Bag is among Marmel’s latest creations and it is yet another must-have. Featuring the line’s signature crackled leather finish, silk brocade lining and hardware finished in antique nickel, the Midi Benny is also deceptively practical. A combination mini-suitcase/carry-all, it boasts a spacious main compartment and four interior zipper pockets, two of which are detachable for jewelry and valuables. For a bag that means business and says it with uncommon panache, look no further.

$2,009
Marc Marmel

Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Travel Set

Whether you’re flying private or in First Class, travel accessories matter. This travel set in baby cashmere is not only among the most luxurious options available, it is guaranteed to make any flight seem a class apart.

Included in the set is: A sleeping mask in double baby cashmere lined in linen and edged in suede; a travel pillow in baby cashmere jersey with an inflatable lining; a suede-edged travel blanket also in baby cashmere; and travel moccasins crafted from butter soft deerskin and lined in baby cashmere. For a little extra indulgence a Plane Flat Pouch in baby cashmere is also available as an add on to the set.

$400 – Eyeshade; $1,025 – Pillow; $2,045 – Blanket; $625 – Pouch; $490 – Moccasins
Loro Piana

Tom Ford Buckley Alligator Duffel

I was first shown this bag in Las Vegas and I was so taken, that I asked to be left alone with it for a minute so that I might fully appreciate its majesty. Simple, yet exquisitely crafted, like all things Tom Ford, this capacious alligator duffle is the ideal gift for the man (or woman) who truly has everything.

$41,310
Tom Ford

A Private Cruise on the Solandge

This award-winning superyacht features more amenities than I have space to mention. That said, a few of its more notable attributes include: Seven individually designed state rooms; a full-service spa complete with massage room, hydrotherapy tub, sauna, Hammam and beauty salon; a high-tech gym with jet flow lap pool; a state of the art movie theater; a 30-person crew; and a beach club style bar with a floating Perspex dance floor that converts into a jacuzzi perfect for soaking up those legendary Mediterranean or Caribbean rays on gloriously sunny days. Enough said.

Approx. $1,187,500 per week + expenses
Solandge

A Private Island Vacation

For the ultimate escape, give the gift of a private island vacation. Private island rentals are on the rise and with them a number of resources like Private Islands Inc. whose sole aim is to help their clientele find the perfect isles for their dream getaways.

From Isla de sa Ferradura, a 14-acre resort island just off the north coast of Ibiza which boasts a six-bedroom hacienda, a 22-person staff and a massive rooftop terrace equipped with 2 bars, shady pergolas, a DJ mixing deck and a stage for private concerts to Sunset Key, a 27-acre island located 10 minutes and 500 yards by launch from Key West featuring 40 two, three and four-bedroom cottages perfect for entertaining 150 of your nearest and dearest, there is no shortage of options. Whatever your choice, have no doubt that this is a gift that won’t just make this holiday merry and bright, it will make lasting memories as well.

Isla de sa Ferradura – Approx. $300,000 – $350,000 per week
Sunset Key – Approx. $187,500 – $612,500 per night
Private Islands Inc.

Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!

The post 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Luxury Traveler appeared first on .

Truth? Adventure is not my gig.

I’m the luxury guy. On a perfectly fabulous day, I’d rather spend hours poolside in a cabana sipping frosty cold cocktails, with intermittent visits to a spa, than hike to a waterfall. True story.

For me, the up close and personal beauty of nature is most often best viewed through the lens of National Geographic or Bear Grylls. And yet, I am commonly called upon to detour from those activities to which I am naturally inclined in order to truly experience the heart and soul of a destination. It’s part of the job (and for the record, I’m not complaining because I am well aware that exploring the world and sharing my insights about it isn’t exactly the most taxing of professions).

Lately, my more exotic excursions have taken place at the side of YouTuber Davey Wavey, my great friend and travel compatriot, who unfortunately, not only fails to share my affection for the luxe life, but insists on drawing me out of it. Here again, I would complain but the reality is that, difficult as it is to admit, I always walk away from my adventures with Davey having done some memorable, perspective-shifting thing that I would otherwise never have done left to my own devices. And that can’t be a bad thing, right?

Take for example our most recent visit to Curaçao, the splendidly sunny and diverse Eden that along with Aruba and Bonnaire comprise the Dutch Caribbean trifecta known as the ABC Islands. Now, in the past, I have visited many Caribbean hotspots from Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas to St. John and St. Bart, always with an eye toward escape and doing as little as possible.

However, such was not to be the case on this trip. Quelle surprise!

Rather than kicking back for a few days, Davey had, in tandem with the Curaçao Tourism Board, arranged for us to partake in an Amazing Race-like escapade that would carry us to just about every corner of the island’s 171 square miles.

Did I mention that I have issues with adventure?

The escapade began sedately enough with check-in at the Floris Suite Hotel, a tropical adults-only, all-suite resort of the billowing white curtains and plush white sofa variety that would be just as at home on South Beach or in the Florida Keys. With beyond spacious accommodations, a private beach club called Moomba, a spa and ample poolside cabanas, I began to get a very good feeling about this trip.

However, when I was later introduced to the Floris Hotel’s Ocean Front Spazio Suite (in which I was not accommodated for the record) my spirits soared even higher. The 650-sq. ft. modular, luxury designer suite with its own private beach looking out over the Caribbean Sea and high-end amenities including butler service and upscale Italian designed furniture spoke fervently to me.

I wanted to stay. But, alas there was no time for dithering. There was a race to be run.

The first leg of our journey into the unknown kicked off approximately 10 minutes away from the hotel in Willemstad, the island’s capital city and thriving heartbeat. As we descended into the epicenter of activity on the colorful and vibrant island, the uniqueness of Curaçao relative to its neighbors immediately struck me – as did the famous breezes for which the isle is known.

Kome, a popular restaurant packed with a mix of locals and tourists in the trendy Pietermaai district, was where we would get our first challenge but not before sampling the eatery’s largely locally sourced, island-inspired menu and getting an introduction to the island from a few well-informed locals. Again, this didn’t seem like such a bad start to things. That is, of course, until our hosts turned the conversation to the next day’s challenges.

Why oh why couldn’t I just sleep in? There was a perfectly lovely suite with a terrace and all the fruity cocktails I could consume awaiting me but here I was being forced to do things.

Our first challenge called upon us to locate Willemstad’s famous Floating Market, track down a Venezuelan banana and sample it, while our second required us to partake in a local delicacy — a whole fish fried from gills to tail.

Okay, it’s just food. I can probably do this, I thought to myself.

Skipping a nightcap at Luke’s, another trendy Pietermaai favorite, we turned in early to prep for the day that lay ahead. The next morning, I was up bright and early ready to take on the first challenge.

I mean…that is to say…I would be ready after tucking into a spot of breakfast, of course. After all, one needs nutritional fortification for adventure and ours came via a sampling of arepas stuffed with chicken and crab salad, omelets and smoothies at the friendly and inviting Willemstad-based Chilean bistro with the French name known as La Boheme.

Hunger sated and armed with the help of a guide (nothing about the rules precluded us from obtaining assistance), we wandered around the colorful buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage site that is Willemstad taking in the town for the first time in daylight. Along the way, we explored the brightly hued Governor’s Mansion as well as the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge designed to swing its entire length parallel to the shore (a feat that makes it more than merely functional in terms of the fact that it connects the Punda and Otrobanda sides of Willemstad, but also a must-see attraction for tourists).

With little actual assistance we finally stumbled upon the Floating Market, which would be pretty difficult to miss given its location in the heart of the city. That said, the name of this popular destination is a bit of a misnomer because the market itself does not float. Instead colorful boats filled with fruits, vegetables and seafood dock in the center of town, set up stalls and offer the bounty of Venezuela, Columbia and other nearby locales to residents of Curaçao and tourists alike. Among this panoply of vendors, it didn’t take long for us to find and sample a “Venezuelan banana” which is essentially what we know as a plantain and a proper staple consumed with nearly every meal served on the island. Who knew?

Challenge 1 of 5 complete.

A bit more meandering around town and then it was off to our next stop, Saltwater Rif Terrace, for the whole fried fish challenge. Essentially, Salt Water is an open-air, waterside shack serving freshly caught seafood alongside regional favorites. I was immediately so taken by the clearly local and totally unpretentious vibe of this off the beaten path spot, that my initial anxiety about the challenge faded.

Then out came the fish and it wasn’t nearly as imposing as expected. It was a completely manageable size. I’d dare say it was almost cute until I recalled we were expected to eat the whole thing, including the tongue, which is apparently quite revered for its flavor by Curaçaoans.

I took the lead here and ate the tongue, attacking the head with fervor, while Davey tucked into the body. We finished the fish and with it the second challenge. And you know what? I loved it.

Not only did I enjoy the crispy, salty fried fish and Salt Water’s freshly made hot sauce (a revelation in and of itself), but I loved the place and the experience. But for the race, I might have missed this hidden gem. Thankfully I didn’t as it was one of the highlights of our visit.

After lunch, and to my surprise, there was another surprise. Yet another challenge.

I suspected the challenges would escalate and it was at this moment they did.  Our next trial would involve an underwater excursion called Aquafari and, judging from the name alone, I was pretty sure this might be the challenge that would break me.

But, surprisingly, it didn’t.

Despite my apprehension, a few shaky moments and a general lack of understanding about the technology behind the adventure, I found Aquafari to be quite fun. It’s basically like scuba diving or snorkeling on an underwater motor scooter. Best of all, from my perspective, aside from swimming out to the scooter, there wasn’t really much physical exertion involved making it my favorite kind of adventure.

With the Aquafari teammates as guides, all we had to do was rev our engines, steer through the cool depths of the Caribbean Sea, marvel at the schools of crayon-colored tropical fish, the colorful coral reef, and other residents of the crystal clear deep-sea underworld and basically enjoy the ride. Easy.

As the journey came to an end, I reflected that the experience was one for the bucket list. I had always wanted to go scuba diving, but had no desire to go through the training. This was probably as close as I would ever get and I was good with that.

I was also happy that Challenge 3 was completed.

Unsurprisingly, our next challenge involved yet another beach. It’s interesting to note here that Curaçao is not blessed with long stretches of white sandy beaches like some of the other ABC islands. It is however blessed with these extraordinary coves and smaller beaches with the clearest waters lapping their shores. They feel like a well-kept secret and that is their charm. One such beach is Playa Knip on the west side of the island, which was where our next challenge was to take place.

Somewhere on the beach, there was a bracelet that we were charged with finding. Sounds simple enough but though Playa Knip isn’t exactly expansive, it isn’t exactly small either. As we searched the beach, taking breathers to enjoy the environs, I just couldn’t stop looking out at the sea.

No matter how many times I see the turquoise-colored waters of the Caribbean, I can’t help but be a little in awe and those surrounding Curaçao are among the most spectacular I have seen. Thankfully, my daydreaming and distraction proved useful because as I stared out at the waves, I spotted what looked to be a bracelet in a cove just off the beach.  As Davey is the better swimmer among us, he swam out to the rocks in the cove and to both our great delight, my eyesight hadn’t failed me – there was indeed a bracelet in that cove.

Crushed it! Another challenge done and dusted.

While visiting that side of the island, we stopped in for lunch at the Cactus Café in Christoffel National Park, where another quirky aspect of Curaçao’s topography was revealed – cacti. On the west side of the island, cacti is ubiquitous and the dry, dusty landscape is more reminiscent of the desert than a tropical island. It was very similar to the kind of dichotomy in terms of geography that you might see in the Canary Islands. But, I digress. There was still another beach to explore and a final challenge to be completed.

Our final stop was Playa Piskado, where we were to engage in a SeaBob Excursion. Now the SeaBob is billed as a jet powered personal submarine. No disrespect, but when I think of submarines, I think of an enclosed underwater vehicle and this was anything but.

Despite a concerted effort – that included promises of mind-blowing sightings of sea turtles and more of those awesome colorful schools of fish – I could not be convinced to change my mind about engaging in this particular activity. Davey was on his own for this one.

So, while he explored the depths of the sea in his personal submarine, I enjoyed the views of Playa Piskado…from the air-conditioned confines of our transport. In the final analysis, however, my resistance to the submarine outing didn’t matter much because Davey loved it, we still got our bracelet for the challenge and I got a nap. Everyone was happy. I call that winning.

To celebrate completing the race and all five of its associated challenges, we booked in for dinner at Oporto, a swank steak and seafood house located in one of the trendiest venues in Curaçao. At this point, by my estimation, we certainly deserved a little pampering after all that activity and that is precisely what we got at this upscale boite. Perched at the apex of fine-dining on the island, Oporto specializes in a continental menu that includes oodles of tantalizing options ranging from Red Snapper Fillet a la Meuniere and Seafood Stew to Queen Rack of Lamb and Fillet Mignon Tournedos. It was the perfect place to wind down with a glass of wine or three after a few very busy (and very fun) days.

At this point, the only thing missing was our prize. What exactly had our mad dash exploits across Curaçao earned us?

The next morning, we awoke to just that. We both received massages in the spa at the Floris Hotel, and they were heaven.

All’s well that ends well, as they say.

Listen, I’m still not the adventure guy and I probably never will be. But getting in touch with my inner Bear Grylls in Curaçao helped me to discover a side of the island that I wouldn’t normally see while holed up inside a resort and it gave me a whole different perspective to share. And I still managed to squeeze in a fair amount of pampering. How fab is that?

So if you, like me, find yourself wary of adventure on holiday, I say don’t be scared, be inspired my journey.

And for inspiring this new inflection point in my travels, I say ‘Hoorah for Curaçao’.

To watch Davey’s take on our exploits in Curaçao watch below:

The LivingWells List Curaçao:

Stay

Floris Suite Hotel – Spa & Beach Club
Piscadera Bay
Willemstad, Curaçao
Phone: +599 9462 6111

Play

Aquafari
Piscaderaweg
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9513 2625

Seabob
Tugboat Beach (at Caracas Bay)
Curaçao, Curaçao
+599 9510 8800

Eat

La Bohème Curaçao
Columbusstraat 4
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9465 1966

Kome
6 Johan van Walbeeckplein
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9465 0413

Oporto
C.C. Renasseince shopping mall, unit 213
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9465 6605

Saltwater Rif Terrace
John f kennedy blv z/n (Koredor)
Willemstad, Curaçao
+599 9462 6660

For more information about Curaçao, click here.

To read this article on the Huffington Post, click here.

The post Curaçao: Color and Character in the Caribbean appeared first on .

From a swaying hammock strapped to wooden posts I closed my eyes and listened. Dried palm leaves above my head rustled in the wind while providing refuge from the midday sun. The burst of fresh cut limes being squeezed at a rickety mojito bar nearby permeated the air. There were no speedboats with parasails in tow, no vendors hawking cheap sunglasses and more than a handful of people walked along the beach. In the midst of it all, I wondered how much longer this place, so quickly cemented in my memory, might remain exactly as it was on that afternoon.

Isla Holbox, a 26-mile long, and less than a mile wide, island off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, holds almost mythical status among intrepid travelers and early adopters in the travel industry. Its claim to fame is that, from mid-May to late September, it boasts one of the premier locations in the Western Hemisphere to swim with the massive and graceful whale shark, the largest fish in the sea. It’s also one of the few places to witness the so-called bioluminescence effect: micro-plankton containing an enzyme that renders it aglow, similar to the effect noted among lighting bugs in summer. Adding to the little-known island’s growing prominence was its inclusion on the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2016” list on which it was designated an “emerging eco-tourism gem.” Hence, when I had the opportunity to visit Holbox during a recent trip to Mexico, I couldn’t miss seeing the place that had left other travelers gob smacked.

Certainly, one aspect that contributes to the mystique of Isla Holbox is the fact it’s not terribly easy to reach. Getting to this unspoiled paradise not only required a flight to Cancun, but a nearly 2-hour drive to the dusty town of Chiquila, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride. Once finally arrived on the dock at Holbox, a retrofitted golf cart conveyed my travel companion and I the short distance to our lodgings. Along the way, the young cart driver explained that cars were not allowed on Holbox as the streets are, after all, made of sand. When rain soaks the streets, lack of drainage makes them impassable leaving tourists to lug their own baggage through the deluge. A metaphor for life perhaps. Thankfully, however, we were fortunate enough to arrive on a bright and sunny day.

On our first full day we ventured out to the aptly named Mosquito Point, which offers one of the most stunning vistas over an unspoiled stretch of silky-smooth white sand. Here, I waded out to a sandbar in only knee-high water where different shades of turquoise came together creating a landscape that felt like a Corona ad or a Kenny Chesney music video. A flamingo flew overhead and, although none were spotted on this day, I was told that sea turtles and manta rays often grace the area. With hardly another person in my line of view I took a moment to give thanks and let my spirit receive this gift of nature.

Gifts aside, it must be noted, however, that if the gentle whale shark is the first mascot of Holbox, the voracious mosquito must be the second. Feeding hour for the local mosquitos was a round the clock affair and venturing out at dusk was an assault akin to walking through a wasp’s nest. No type of repellent seemed fit for purpose. Sharing in my agony, I witnessed more than one pair of German tourists in the local sundry shop examining the potency of different brands with despondent looks on their faces and bulbous red marks covering their arms and legs.

As night fell, couples in pareos and tank tops braved the mosquitos to sip margaritas while being serenaded by a guitar player. Across the central square, while taco vendors and carts selling freshly roasted corn with chili or cream were setting up for a long night of nourishing revelers, colder than ice beers and creatively concocted mojitos were served up on the rooftop bar of the Arena Hotel. Meanwhile, Basico, one of the island’s more popular destinations for “beach cuisine”, was churning out popcorn shrimp in a tangy tamarind sauce, grilled octopus on pumpkin puree, citrusy ceviches and impossibly fresh fish alongside a daily cocktail for men and another for the ladies that served as a gateway to their sumptuous offerings.

That said, the most famous dish on Holbox is undoubtedly the lobster pizza. Many establishments turn it out but I was instructed to only partake in the original, first created at the popular Edelyn pizzeria in 1985. Chunks of fresh lobster meat heaped upon gooey mozzarella cheese provided a soul-satisfying conclusion to a day at the beach.

Come 10PM Holbox is a place where one could just as easily fall asleep in preparation for sunrise yoga as drink Dos Equis till dawn. The rhythm to the island is one of no rhythm at all. Sleep when you like. Eat when you like. Piña colada at 11am? Sin problema! Lunch at 4pm? Spicy guacamole on the way.

But in comparison to some of the more frenetic beachside boites where the younger set dance the night away, mornings on Holbox are decidedly tranquil. Latin vibes give way to beach blues and hypnotic strains reminiscent of a Hotel Costes soundtrack at many of the street-side cafes which offer Mexican specialties such as chilaquiles with fried tortilla, green tomatillo sauce and crumbled Oaxaca cheese. Simultaneously, organic juice bars on the main drag offer smoothies of pineapple, honey and chaya, a local herb considered a Mayan cure-all.

For luxury travelers accustomed to the highest levels of pampering, Holbox may not be quite the right fit. The pace of activity on the island is slow – real slow. Continental plate shifting slow. Moreover, the shores of this burgeoning Shangri-la can currently claim no five-star accommodations or large-scale resort properties (though a number of development projects are in the works). Credit cards are not widely accepted and it’s rare to find more than one ATM of reliable operability.

In the meantime, and in the place of all-out luxe, visitors to Holbox are limited to accommodations ranging from chic beachside bungalows to quaint guest rooms that combine elements of incense, reclaimed wood, and natural light. In addition to blending into the natural surroundings, a stay at most of these properties is often accompanied by yoga classes, massage therapies and other wellness activities which, at minimum, approach traditional five-star amenities.

Beyond its minimal luxuries, however, the fact that the island is not quite ready for prime time is exactly why it is adored by so many. Indeed, it is an incredibly liberating feeling to move seamlessly from beach to bar to restaurant in nothing but one’s Vilebrequins and Havaianas. With nearby areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in a state of continuous expansion it’s unclear how long this version of Holbox will remain. But, one thing is certain―the time to visit one of the last undiscovered Mexican hideaways is fleeting.

Explorer of gastronomic and luxury hideaways, Marc Destito is an essayist, travel consultant and communications guru. He has represented leading global wine regions including the region of Champagne, France and has traveled extensively to premier destinations throughout Europe, Asia and North America.  Having previously lived in Washington, D.C. he is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. Follow Marc on Instagram @marcinmotion.

The post Isla Holbox: Undiscovered Escape on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast appeared first on .

Like so many of my fellow road warriors, I must admit to having something of a soft spot for France if only because my heart always seems to beat differently the moment I touch down at Charles De Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France. Perhaps the feeling can be attributed to my recollection of the grand romances that have awaited me in the City of Lights; memorable tours of the Loire Valley, Champagne and the villages of Provence that have unfailingly left me in awe; the parties in St. Tropez at which I have twirled away the night; or those quiet sunny afternoons spent simply walking among the vines in picturesque spots like Reims during harvest.

Whatever the reason, ever since I first arrived in Nice by train as an unsophisticated, wide-eyed 18-year-old college student with outsized delusions of grandeur that were not at all belied by the massive backpack that hovered high above my head, I have felt an enduring connection to France that has been defined by culture, new adventures and monumental good times. Needless to say, when I arrived in Paris to begin my latest escapade – a seven-day road trip that would take me to Provence and Cannes and back – that gloriously familiar feeling of anticipation was immediately renewed.

Joining me on this trip was my friend and partner in crime, YouTuber Davey Wavey, who was, at least in part, the inspiration for this particular trip. Those who have followed our other excursions around Spain, across Texas and throughout the great American Southwest, will already know that Davey is the yen to my yang. If he’s Sunday morning, I’m Saturday night.

That said, we both take great joy in gently torturing each other on these outings and this time it was my turn to have a go at Davey (inasmuch as anyone could call a splashy weeklong visit to some of the most beloved destinations in France ‘having a go’). My goal for this adventure was simple and sweet – to show Davey the good life and how it could provide the perfect backdrop to romance.

Arriving in Paris on a Sunday morning, we picked up our rental car and began an 8-hour trek to Eygalières in Provence that would give new meaning to the notion of a Sunday afternoon drive. Though it was a somewhat grueling way to spend our first 8 hours in France, it was also a wonderful opportunity to ground the journey ahead. After all, in my experience, nothing forces local life into clearer focus than a road trip.

Late on that first evening, road weary and a bit bleary-eyed we arrived at the rustic farmhouse where we would spend the next couple of nights. Whenever I’m in Provence, I always find renting a villa or farmhouse preferable to staying at a hotel because I want everything around me to be as French as possible and this farmhouse abutted by an organic farm near Saint-Remy was exactly that – perhaps too much so. But when in France…

As far as the itinerary for our stay in Provence, we kept it light and flexible. However, I would be remiss were I not to acknowledge that part of the magic of Provence is the sheer exploration of the region and the little hidden treasures that you uncover along the way. In our case that meant stopping by a goat farm, milking a few goats and sampling a variety of the farm’s cheeses; meandering through the streets of Saint-Remy – popping into local shops sampling everything from olive oil to meringues and buying everything from perfume to swimwear; and settling down to meals on the outdoor patios of charming local boites likes Chez Fanny where the always reliable Steak-Frites was the star.

Bidding adieu to pastural charms of Provence, we continued on to the livelier Cannes where we checked into Le Grand Hotel Cannes, a part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection (SLH). Set apart from La Croisette, the main drag in Cannes, by a striking garden and terrace, Le Grand Hotel is a titan of luxe even among the giants that border it.

With retro-glamour to spare, the Prestige rooms we checked into boasted stunning sea views, sweeping terraces and elegant touches including fresh orchids from the hotel’s very own greenhouse. It was 5-star luxury in the most boutique of settings and without a doubt the sweet spot of our trip, from my point of view. It was also the elegant home base from which we would dive into the glitz and glamour of one of France’s most notoriously enchanting destinations.

So, what does one do in Cannes when it’s not festival season? Why what one would do in any luxurious seaside locale of course. One dines, drinks, shops, hits the beach, explores and generally laps up the oodles of luxury that await at every turn. One might even do a bit of a gambling, if one is the betting sort. With no time to waste, we ticked off every box during our short stay with the exception of the gambling bit because, if there is one thing that I know to be true, it is that it is next to impossible to get Davey to go out after 11 PM for either love or money. What can I say? One has to pick and choose one’s battles n’est ce pas?

After an early solo breakfast at the Armani /Caffè on La Croisette, it was off to lunch at the clubby BFire on the private beach of Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes. Private beaches are de rigueur amenities for all the fashionable hotels in Cannes so it will come as no surprise that the one belonging to Le Majestic is among the most stunning (and most exclusive) in town. Over a lunch of fresh fish, steak tartare and salads, enjoyed a la plage on a perfectly sun-dappled and temperate fall afternoon, we relaxed into the laidback sway of life in Cannes surrounded by well-heeled families and patrons dining, frolicking on the beach and basically doing much the same as us.

From there it was off Le Vieux Port de Cannes, the marina that most notably plays hosts to the world’s super yachts and their billionaire owners during the glittering annual Cannes Film Festival. Surrounded by rare sports cars on the shore and a parade of resident yachts in the marina, we boarded a tender for an intimate private boat tour that would take us to Esterel and the Île Sainte-Marguerite.

For a brilliant few hours we sped out to sea, weaving our way around the aforementioned mega yachts, winding along the coast where some of France’s wealthiest and noteworthy citizens including the La Coste family and Pierre Cardin have built magnificent homes (homes that would in fact be impossible to see from any other vantage point), and discovering the many craggy, coves that are a hallmark of the region. It was an up close and personal view of a side of the Cote d’Azur that I had not hitherto experienced in addition to being a fabulous way to while away an afternoon on the French Riviera for those of us mere mortals not fortunate enough to own seagoing vessels of our own.

Following an afternoon stroll, we wound down the evening quietly with an elegant meal at the Michelin-starred Le Park 45 at Le Grand Hotel. Amid the splendor of the restaurant’s intimate and refined dining room, with the hum of La Croisette and sea as a backdrop, Chef Sebastian Broda’s kitchen plied us with a parade of the culinary wonders that have earned the restaurant high marks with foodies and critics alike. Never able to quite get enough of the town, after dinner I took another long turn along La Croisette, looking at store windows, peeking into casinos and generally inhaling the intoxicating life of the Cote d’Azur and its denizens. Before leaving the next morning, I would do more of the same because…um…why not?

For the final leg of our trip, having had our fill of the proverbial romance of the road trip, we ditched the rental car and took the TGV from Cannes to Paris. At this point, feeling that I had doled out lessons sufficient enough for my travel companion to take matters into his own hands, we took off in different directions upon checking into our rented apartment in the City of Lights. My first stop was Neuilly-sur-Seine, the posh Paris suburb about which I had recently read much and was curious to explore, if only because I never had. Actually, much closer to the many of Paris’ notable monuments than I had previously thought, the shops and sights of Neuilly-sur-Seine provided an amusing distraction on my first afternoon in Paris. But then again, we are talking about Paris, which for me is, in and of itself and as a whole, the most amusing of distractions.

Confirming my long-held fondness for mixing high and low, later that evening I decided to check out the American southern comfort food rage currently sweeping across Paris. I, like so many other people associate France with outstanding cuisine, but as a natural born Southerner, I wondered how authentic these new Parisien hotspots touting fried chicken and waffles and Texas-style barbecue would be.

Though I had heard great things about the fried chicken at Ellsworth in the 2^nd Arrondissement, my decision to chart the comfort food course was a bit last minute and I couldn’t get a reservation. So, as I was staying in the 11^th Arrondissement, I opted instead to try the chicken and waffles at Gumbo Yaya, a well-regarded ‘soul kitchen’ not far from the Place de la République.

Packed into a tiny space, with a line out the door, I immediately came to the conclusion that Gumbo Yaya was indeed as popular as had been reported. Once I was finally squeezed into a corner near the kitchen, I ordered a bit of everything – fried chicken, greens, cornbread, mac n’ cheese and, of course, a waffle. My conclusion?  Not bad.  I don’t think my favorite comfort food restaurants across the South have anything to worry about in terms of competition or being outdone by the French, but if you happen to be in Paris and also happen to be in need of a comfort food fix, Gumbo Yaya will more than adequately meet the challenge.

My final day in Paris was one of those dreamily ideal, gray rainy days that demand to be explored rather than avoided. I walked from the Place de la République to the Louvre, turning off into various shopping arcades, before stopping for a hearty, soul-warming lunch of poulet and potatoes at a café. Later that evening, I met up with a friend from Switzerland who happened to be visiting Paris. After dinner, finally aligned with something more of a night owl as a side kick, it was off to mini-bar crawl around Le Marais during which we stumbled upon a new favorite cocktail and whiskey bar.

The whimsically named Sherry Butt turned out to be a laidback, off the beaten path gem, with a menu of handcrafted cocktails that have already earned it a place in the annals of the “World’s Best Bars”.  Hip, mixology-forward, yet unpretentious, Sherry Butt served up a mean Old Fashioned that would rival the best I have ever enjoyed, delivering in the process a flawless nightcap for a flawless evening.

The final morning of my Paris itinerary was reserved for a visit to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs which is currently hosting the epic Christian Dior, Couturier du Rêve exhibition through January, 2018. An extraordinarily comprehensive retrospective of the House of Dior, it’s legendary founder and the illustrious couturiers who succeeded him: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and, most recently, Maria Grazia Chiuri, the exhibition is as much a celebration of France and what makes it so singular as much as it is a look back at the dazzling creations the haute couture giant has produced over the last seven decades. It’s also a great reason to check out the Musée des Arts Décoratifs if you’ve never done so before.

I could have spent the entire day at the exhibition, but alas there was a reservation and a flight waiting at Charles de Gaulle to wing me back home. As my Uber approached the airport and I began to mentally prepare for my flight, my formerly giddy heartbeat began to slow back to its natural rhythm. The bad news, as per the usual, is that I would once again leave a piece of my heart in Paris. The good news however is that I also knew full well that it would be waiting for me upon my return.

The LivingWells List

Provence

Chez Fanny

Place Mireille Moatti
Saint-Rémy
13210 Provence-Alpes-Cote D’Azur
France
+33 4 90 92 90 89

Cannes

Armani /Caffè
42/43 Boulevard de la Croisette
06400 Cannes
France
+33 4 93 99 44 05

BFire
La Plage Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
06400 Cannes
France
+33 4 92 98 77 32

Black Tenders
Port Du Beal
110 Boulevard du midi louise Moreau
06150 Cannes la Bocca
France
+33 6 30 83 88 72

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
10, La Croisette
06407 Cannes
France
+33 4 92 98 77 00

Le Grand Hotel Cannes
45 Boulevard de la Croisette
06400 Cannes
France
+33 4 93 38 15 45

Le Park 45
Le Grand Hotel Cannes
45 Boulevard de la Croisette
06400 Cannes
France
+33 4 93 38 15 45

Paris

Ellsworth
34 Rue de Richelieu
75001 Paris
France
+33 1 42 60 59 66

Gumbo Yaya Chicken and Waffles
3 rue Charles Robin
75010 Paris
France
+33 9 84 15 40 88

Musée des Arts décoratifs
107, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
France
+33 1 44 55 57 50

Sherry Butt
20 Rue Beautreillis
75004 Paris
France
+33 9 83 38 47 80

Watch Davey’s take on our adventure below:

To read this article along with more of my posts at the Huffington Post, click here.

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“Someone should do a study of the human brain and how quickly it can adjust to luxury.”

― Tina Fey, Bossypants

The stock market continues to soar to new heights. Silicon Valley continues to mint shiny new titans whose net worth is nothing short of staggering. And, according to recent studies, the number of millionaires in America continues to climb, reaching a record 10.8 million nationwide as of the end of 2016.

These trends, have not gone unnoticed by many brands, least of all those whose business intersects with the world of travel. Not only are these brands ramping up their services and offerings to accommodate this burgeoning class of travelers who are looking for and, indeed, expect the height of luxury when they travel, they are taking luxe, access and comfort to new levels.

So which brands are the ones to watch? Here are just a few.

Among the brands taking the lead in the luxury travel arena is American Express. Currently, the global services company’s American Express Global Lounge Collection provides Platinum Card and Centurion Members with access to more than 1,100 lounges around the world, in 500 plus cities, across 120 countries. To that already extensive network, the company has added its Centurion Lounge product, an upscale signature lounge program, with locations at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Miami International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Houston’s George Bush International Airport.

And that’s just for starters.

This month American Express turned up the luxe as it celebrated the opening of its sleek and modern new 8,000-square foot Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong. The first of its kind in Asia, the latest Centurion Lounge is a spare but elegant space, offering an array of top drawer benefits and amenities including a premium buffet and complimentary full bar created by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan complete with wine selections handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio, meeting rooms, private phone areas and a spacious, private shower suite outfitted with L’Occitane products.

Meanwhile ultra-exclusive Centurion members, who receive their status by invitation only, are invited to bypass the buffet and enjoy a private room in the new Honk Kong lounge which boasts an a la carte menu of delights designed by Michelin star chef, Lau Yiu Fai of Yan Toh Heen at the InterContinental Hong Kong. Just for good measure, a dedicated Member Services Professional is also on hand in the lounge to assist Centurion members with any specific travel, reservation or card services requests while they relax in its environs.

It’s all a part of the special and exclusive world that American Express’ glamorous and forward-thinking executive vice president and general manager of Global Charge Products, Benefits & Services, Janey Whiteside, has envisioned for Platinum and Centurion card members. Taking a personal approach to the design and layout of these signature lounges, Whiteside has been involved in every detail of their design right down to the most minute. Her pride in the finished product and the new level of comfort it will offer card members was evident as she introduced the product for the first time during a preview last week. Describing Hong Kong as “a top destination for our Card Members and an epicenter for contemporary culture” Whiteside expressed unqualified excitement about the first Centurion Lounge in Asia.

Later this month, American Express continues to expand its offering with the opening of its 9^th Centurion Lounge in Terminal A West of Philadelphia International Airport. A 6,300-square foot space this new lounge promises an Israeli-inspired food menu designed by four-time James Beard Award winning Israeli Cuisine Pioneer, Chef Michael Solomonov, as well as a complimentary full bar with those same distinctive cocktails created by mixologist Jim Meehan, wine selections handpicked by Anthony Giglio, floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive internal and external views and other essentials for upscale travelers.

If you’ve ever wondered if it was time to upgrade your AMEX, then now would be the time give it serious consideration.

sWanna drive from the North to South Pole in style? Quintessentially is at the ready to make it happen.Another brand that is upping the proverbial ante on luxury is Quintessentially, which began as a 24-hour concierge service and has now evolved into a global lifestyle management service with “fixers” on hand in over 60 cities around the world to service their ever-expanding roster of high-end members and their ever more whimsical needs.

It’s not enough that Quintessentially is already known for making the seemingly impossible happen – they have, after all, closed the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a private climb and unique marriage proposal, arranged a party for 300 at the Pyramids in Egypt, created a romantic meal for two on an iceberg, and even built a replica ‘bat cave’ in a member’s home – they too are finding new ways to upscale their offerings for members with liquidity and a dream.

“Innovation for Quintessentially means truly expanding our member programming and thinking out of the box for travel,” says Quintessentially CEO, Annastasia Seebohm. “That means bespoke and curated experiences in members’ homes, bringing the brands and thought leaders to them and their circles – a great example of this being our exclusive partnership with Hennessy Ultra Prestige where we’ve organized traveling gastronomic tastings and dinners around the country, some of which have featured appearances by brand ambassador Maurice Hennessy.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Quintessentially also continues to press boundaries to turn their members’ fantasies into realities.

“We had one client whose dream it was to visit real James Bond locations and destinations by private charter and sports car on holiday and we’ve had others who have requested to motorcycle from the North to South Pole,” Seebohm continues in explanation of the extent of Quintessentially’s capacities. “We have more than 60 global officers [along] with travel experts and industry insiders that collaborate together to offer both remote and on-location support in planning and execution for even the most lavish vacations and far-flung adventures.”

Bottom line: If you can afford it, Quintessentially can probably make it happen.

Meanwhile, for luxury villa companies like industry leader, Beautiful Places – which boasts a staggering collection of jaw dropping properties ranging from sprawling mountaintop vineyard retreats, restored farmhouses, stately contemporary homes and even large chateaux and villas throughout Northern California wine country, France, Italy, Mexico and the Caribbean, among other destinations – innovation is in the personalization of their services.

“In addition to living among the vines in one of our villas, we create personalized local itineraries and hands on experiences for our guests,” says Beautiful Places President, Liza Graves of some of the ways her company augments its services for premium guests.

“One of the popular premier guest activities is a Day with Our Chef,” Graves continues. “[Guests] explore local artisan food outlets and farms, go on market tours, create a dinner menu and select ingredients to make it; meet the winemakers who pair the perfect wines for their feast, and then work side by side with the chef to prepare the perfect wine country feast.”

Finally, even unexpected venues like PagnatoKarp, an independent wealth specialist firm based in Reston, VA with $3 billion in assets under advisement, are raising the stakes in the luxury travel game with innovations of their own. For its Fiduciary Family Office clients, PagnatoKarp offers personalized in–house concierge services for customized travel planning, lifestyle management and luxury procurement.

So, basically, in addition to managing your wealth, PagnatoKarp will help you spend it.

From customized trip itineraries and exclusive access to VIP amenities & benefits (think Super Bowl tickets or impossible to get Adele tickets), to accessing an exclusive network of international properties and arranging private aviation membership, charters and purchases and so much more, PagnatoKarp’s concierge team of premium specialists is at the ready.

derstanding our Family Office clients’ unique and individual needs, our in-house concierges can build a luxury travel experience of their dreams,” explains Lorrie Zimecki, Director of Concierge Services at PagnatoKarp. “Currently, we are focusing on the trend of luxury destination clubs, those that not only manage properties but offer the same level of service as we do once clients are on site. Additionally, we’ve integrated the use of a travel app for our clients with interactive, content-rich itineraries provided in mobile form.”

All of the above suggests one trend very clearly – though travel has become a more arduous experience than ever before, there are more than a few brands aiming to take luxury travel to the next level by bring more than a little glam back to the experience. And that is nothing if not good news for luxury travelers.

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Picture floating peacefully above the city of Albuquerque during the calm wee hours of the morning with the Sandia Mountains and one of those famous New Mexico sunrises as a backdrop and you can begin to imagine why droves of visitors annually descend upon sleepy Albuquerque to attend the city’s annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Begun over three decades ago with 13 balloons and 10,000 guests, this week-long festival has grown into a Disney-esque spectacle featuring some 600 Balloons and attracting more than 750,000 guests, nearly doubling the size of the city over the course of the event. This week, I was invited to check out what has become not only the world’s largest ballooning festival but also one of the most photographed (aka most Instagrammable) events in the world and it didn’t take long for me to clue in on the fact that this annual fiesta of fun is at once a part of the fabric of the city of Albuquerque and also a point of pride for residents.

In fact, when I arrived at the airport to take my turn on one of the hot air balloons, my Uber driver, abuzz with excitement about all the international teams she had picked up and the week’s festivities, proudly became my de facto tour guide – recommending restaurants, giving me the low-down on the Breaking Bad tour of the city (the show was filmed in Albuquerque for those unfamiliar with that fact), and giving my choice of hotel (Hotel Chaco) the thumbs up. She also gave me important advice about how to dress for my first hot air balloon experience for which I would become eternally grateful.

The next day I was up at 4 AM, enrobed in six layers of clothing (basically everything I had packed along with a newly acquired Breaking Bad baseball cap) and en route to the Fiesta unsure of what to expect. What I arrived to was what I can only describe as the equivalent of a Southwestern county fair bordered by an Alice in Wonderland-like collection of hot air balloons being prepared for takeoff. The morning was chilly, but the mood was light as I milled about the stalls of local purveyors hawking everything from clothing and coffee to arepas, green chile burritos and other local favorites. It was “International Day” and, along with my fellow amateur balloonists, I was filled with childlike exhilaration about the new experience that lay ahead.

Things kicked off with the Dawn Patrol, a sort of hot air balloon light show, choreographed and set to music, that occurs as the first balloons inflate and take off in the dark, offering other pilots an early idea of wind speeds and directions at different altitudes. Then, just after sunrise, it was time to join the team, inflate our balloon and hop into the basket for takeoff.

I had expected to feel some anxiety or, at the very least a jolt, as we took to the friendly skies, but, in fact, I had none. The launch was remarkably smooth and within minutes we were airborne, joined by an explosively colorful array of hundreds of other balloons drifting across the Albuquerque horizon. It was, in a word, spectacular. The sky was crystal clear as we sailed across a downtown that had yet come to life, glided over the hustle and bustle of neighborhoods waking up to the dawn of a new day, and even hovered above the famed Rio Grande River, before landing in a school yard, where we were welcomed by waving junior high school students whose giddiness at the sight of our balloon descending onto their school’s grounds reflected the infectious quality this annual festival brings to the entire city.

Talk about one for the bucket list.

The flight was a truly magical and utterly tranquil experience and it is also one that you too can still experience if you happen to be in Albuquerque this week. Over the years, many companies have supported the festival including everyone from Hendricks Gin, which registered its own balloon this year, to Canon, which has a tent where visitors can get a complimentary photo taken and borrow a camera to test out in flight.

Not to be outdone, rideshare giant Uber is also getting into the hot air balloon game this year. On the heels of UberBOAT in Croatia, UberCOPTER in Cannes, and UberVALLE in Guadeloupe, Uber is launching Uber Hot Air Balloon this Saturday, October 14^th, the most popular day of the fiesta.

For this one day only, Uber users in the Albuquerque area can request a free hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders in the Uber app just as simply as ordering a normal ride with no advance notice or reservation required. A special “Hot Air Balloon” option will appear in the app beginning at 4 AM on Saturday which users are invited to tap. If successfully connected, an Uber representative will call to confirm the request and a complimentary UberX will be sent to pick users up for their free hot air balloon ride.

How cool is that?

So all that magic that I just referenced above will available to visitors and residents of Albuquerque come Saturday morning via Uber Hot Air Balloon. In fact, Uber may be the only way to book a ride at this point as most of the spaces on the various balloons have all been reserved well in advance.

Of course, you can always just buy a ticket to the festival and watch the lovely balloons from the ground, which is pretty extraordinary in and of itself. But why watch when you can fly?

For more information about the 2017 International Hot Air Balloon Festival and all the attendant activities, click here.

To read this story on the Huffington Post, click here.

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