Happy 2023, fellow travelers! It’s hard to believe the new year is already well underway and we’re wrapping up our first issue of the year. This year marks the beginning of Global Traveler’s countdown to 20. That’s right, this December will mark the 20th GT Tested Reader Survey awards, and next February 2024 is our 20th birthday — an exciting time for sure! When I interviewed with the magazine fresh from graduation from Syracuse University, I could not have imagined how quickly time would fly before we were counting down to this milestone anniversary. We hope you join us on this year-long celebration to the big 2-0.
As always with the first issue of the year, we have some changes to look out for in this issue, most notably, the debut of a brand-new column, “Must Haves.” Turn to page 26 for Brandon Schultz’s first round-up, this month focused on some of the best, most innovative luggage currently on the market.
Speaking of Brandon Schultz, he recently wrote his sixth book, 111 Places in Philadelphia That You Must Not Miss. The world has a beautiful way of bringing people together, especially the world of travel, and when I had the chance to meet Schultz in person, we discovered we grew up near each other in Bucks
County, Pennsylvania, in the suburbs of Philadelphia. As a native Philadelphian, I’m excited to check out his new book, dubbed a guidebook for locals and frequent visitors. 111 Places in Philadelphia That You Must Not Miss includes the quirky, mysterious and untold stories of the city and its immediate surroundings. You won’t find listings of hotels, restaurants and famous attractions within, but rather hidden stories of the people and places that defined Philly’s true character from past to present. It’s available in bookstores, gift shops and on Amazon.
We take to the 2023 skies this month with a look at airline startups (page 38) and the world’s happiest countries (page 42) before journeying to Manila, Philippines; Chicago, Illinois; İstanbul, Türkiye; London, England; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Seattle, Washington; Dublin, Ireland; Osaka, Japan; Australia’s Whitsunday Islands; and on some of the world’s top luxury train routes. Phew, there’s a lot to look forward to in this issue and this year. Join us next month for a look at some of the travel industry’s most influential female leaders.
EDITORIAL
Editor In Chief Kimberly Inlander kim.inlander@globaltravelerusa.com
Vice President/Digital Director Katie Skrzek katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com
Senior Editor Janice Hecht jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com
Associate Editor/Copy Editor Patricia Vanikiotis patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com
Social Media and Editorial Coordinator Mary Melnick mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com
Associate Editor Aoife O’Riordan aoife.oriordan@globaltravelerusa.com
ART Art Director Tracey Cullen tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com
Staff Photographer Christopher P. Ottaunick christopher@globaltravelerusa.com
Special Events Video Editor Vance Piccin
COLUMNISTS
Jack Guy Kelly Magyarics
Brandon Schultz
WRITERS
Kristy Alpert
Jarone Ashkenazi
Susan B. Barnes
Teresa Bitler
Debra Bokur
Jillian Dara
Elyse Glickman
Marlene Goldman
Jack Guy
Becca Hensley
Eugenia Lazaris
Richard Newton
Irene Rawlings
Holly Riddle
Terry Ward
For complete bios visit globaltravelerusa.com
®
Editor in Chief
CIRCULATION
Special Projects Manager John Wroblewski
Specialist Louie Atsaves
Managers Jayhawk Evans, Mark P. Ford, Teresa Jackson, Anthony “Scraps” Dimera
Circulation Director Michele Shannon
Circulation Manager Anna Pudzianowski Research Consultant Sharon Sterne
ADVISORY BOARD
Chairman Michael Donahue
COO Michael Kiely
President Carlos Cappuccio
Deputy Vice President Aviation Edward Jefferson
Deputy Vice President Accommodations Stephen Doherty
Deputy Director Destinations Wayne Tallman
Vice President Special Events/Photography Christopher Ottaunick
Secretary Mark Lane
Research Director Frank LoVerme
Director of Technology Bob Hancock
Director of Digital Advancement Jared Torgan
Vice President of Corporate Giving Jim Bolger
Director of Emerging Markets & New Business Frank Wood
GENERAL COUNSEL Thomas F. Goldman
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Iknow you’ve been traveling, as you frequently reach out with pictures and tales from your journeys. A recent study indicated business travel is back to 52 percent of 2019 levels. However, that number includes all businesses, and we know smaller businesses travel at a more robust level. Industry trackers tend to focus on large companies, as they can easily gain statistics from their movements. But, in fact, small- to medium-sized businesses, which comprise the majority of Global Traveler’s readership, represent the largest-growing segment of business travel.
I am pleased to announce Global Traveler will host a river cruise this fall on AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna, departing Oct. 8, 2023, from Vilshofen, Germany. The itinerary includes Passau, Germany; Linz, Grein, Melk and Vienna, Austria; and Budapest, Hungary. Travelers can visit Salzburg, ancient villages, fortresses and abbeys. The eight-day cruise includes evening events and dinners with your fellow subscribers and the Global Traveler team. Learn more at amawater ways.com/globaltraveler.
As you know from my previous letter, I sailed on AmaPrima last fall through Bavaria and had a wonderful time. AmaMagna is a much larger ship and offers comfort and style. Yours truly will host the trip, and I look forward to spending time with you.
As we present the first issue of 2023, we look forward to a robust year filled with travel and events. On April 13 we return to Kimpton Monaco Washington DC to host the Wherever Awards as voted by the readers of WhereverFamily. Now in its fifth year, our sister publication, whereverfamily.com, focuses on all aspects of family travel. Alongside the reader-voted awards, we’ll award innovators in family travel by category: airline, hotel, resort, rental car, travel provider and destination.
Lastly, we’ve added the FXExpress Traveler of the Year award to the honors to be celebrated April 13. The contest is open to all subscribers. Please reach out to any member of our team for submission requirements; winners will be entered to win two business-class tickets.
The categories are
Airlines: Most trips in the last year or most interesting airline flights
Hotels: Most stays or most interesting stays
Destination – Leisure: Most interesting vacation trip
Destination – Business: Most interesting business trip
Airline Mileage: Best use of mileage on a trip
Hotel Points: Best use of points on a trip
Affinity Credit Card Usage: How a card program helped you plan the trip of a lifetime
Looking forward to a great year of travel and to reading your FXExpress Traveler of the Year submissions!
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48
Destination One: Manila Explore
Manila.
54 Stateside: Chicago Discover
56
MICE: İstanbul
Layers of history make modern İstanbul a fascinating event destination.
58
9–5: London
Dazzle your colleagues in luminous London.
60
After 5: Buenos Aires
The party starts late and lasts past dawn in Buenos Aires.
In our December 2022 issue we announced the 2022 GT Tested Reader Survey awards. We asked: Did your favorite brands make the winners’ list? One reader wrote in:
As someone who has flown United Airlines for years, there was no doubt it would receive my vote for the upcoming GT Tested Reader Survey awards. When I read the airline made the winners’ list, I was thrilled, as this airline has truly done a lot in the last few years across different sectors, from its frequent-flyer program to its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Welcome to 2023! With a new year comes new adventures, and we all look for travel inspiration to create new memories. As someone who loves unique tours and experiences not typically found in the average travel guide, I’m asking what unusual and interesting places and experiences you recommend from your past travels? For context, I loved venturing on a Jack the Ripper tour through East London at night, led by a yeoman of the Tower of London, and always fondly remember visiting a small town called Augusta in Montana and getting to know the people and establishments there.
Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com
I will continue to support United Airlines moving forward and am so glad it is being recognized.
In the Nov. 16 issue of eFlyer, we told readers the Department of Transportation recently ordered several airlines to issue refunds to passengers for delays and cancellations. We asked: Have you experienced a cancellation or delay in the last two years? Did you request a refund? One reader wrote in:
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? THOUGHTS ON A RECENT GT ARTICLE?
Email: letters@globaltravelerusa.com
Write: Letters to the Editor 309 Floral Vale Blvd. Yardley, PA 19067
Letters must be written exclusively to Global Traveler and must include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number. Letters become the property of Global Traveler. We cannot respond to every letter. Global Traveler reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in Mail Call are not necessarily those of Global Traveler, and Global Traveler cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
\glo ‘bility\ n:
1. The quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences
We were denied a refund for December 2021 from Tucson International Airport to LAX. We had to fly to LAX and stay overnight in Los Angeles each way to travel on Alaska Airlines between LAX and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. That trip canceled because of COVID-19, and Alaska had no problem with the refund.
In the Dec. 7 issue of eFlyer, we told readers about President Joe Biden and the Federal Trade Commission’s plan to crack down on resorts charging resort fees. We asked: Have you stayed at a hotel where the property charged you a resort fee? How much was your resort fee? One reader shared feedback:
Yes, it is ridiculous I have to pay resort fees
when I am a Lifetime Titanium and should get everything free with the exception of my hotel rate. I am staying at Orlando World Center Marriott in March for 13 days, and they are telling me I have to pay an additional $586 in resort fees. I am paying $300 per night, too. I hope something can be done, along with baggage fees when flying.
STEVEIn the Dec. 14 issue of eFlyer, we told readers about recent airport strikes across the United States and the world and their effects on travelers and airlines. We asked: Have any airport strikes affected your own travels in the past? One reader shared:
In November I was flying back to the United States from London and went through
London’s Heathrow Airport. I flew with American Airlines, and my entire journey at Heathrow was relatively smooth … that is until I landed back in the United States and realized my bags had not made it on the plane.
Turns out there was a massive strike at Heathrow terminals 2, 3 and 4 while I was there, and I didn’t know about it. Apparently, hundreds of ground handlers went on strike, resulting in a massive backup of luggage. I eventually received my luggage two days later. Luckily, I had nothing urgent I needed from these checked bags, but I’m sure other passengers did and found it difficult with this strike affecting the arrival of their luggage.
TILLIE HUGHES, VIA EMAILUpdated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives, travels and interests of the GT staff. Last month we featured blogs about our GT Tested Reader Survey awards in Los Angeles; a visit to Wilmington, North Carolina; an exciting, football-filled trip to Dallas; and fun cocktails in festive mugs and cups. One of our staff even biked from Chicago to Michigan, while another embarked on a ski adventure in Vermont with friends and family.
globaltravelerusa.com/blog
Turkish Airlines invites passengers to discover unique wonders of Istanbul with stopover accommodation service.
As the airline that connects more countries than any other, Turkish Airlines offers the opportunity of discovering world’s connection center Istanbul and its unique wonders with stopover service for the passengers with lengthy transfer times.
For passengers with long stopover time in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines provides 1-night stay in a 4-star hotel for Economy Class and 2 nights stay in a 5-star hotel for Business Class. Passengers will also have the option of staying at contracted hotels with special prices starting from 49 USD.
Transfer passengers from 42 countries* experienced the privilege of discovering Istanbul with stopover service so far. The scope of the service will be expanded with 15 new departure countries** in 2022.
Terms and conditions apply, visit turkishairlines.com
*42 countries (departure point): Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, India, Iran, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
**Planned 15 countries (departure point): Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
This year marks a new chapter in luxury travel for Belmond, with extensive renovations of grand hotels and boats across the world. The new year sees Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya in Mexico, reopening following renovations and a redesign by Tara Bernerd and her team. Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, also begins its multiphase renovation overseen by interior designer Martin Brudnizki.
Belmond’s property rejuvenations also extend to its cruises. The newly renovated Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne, launches May 2023, providing guests with a highly personalized journey through the Champagne region of France. Coquelicot also partners with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house, to treat guests to a private tasting lunch.
This year Belmond also welcomes a new suite category on board Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, A Belmond Train, Europe. Eight new suites join the collection, each honoring the dramatic landscapes through which the cabins pass. Suites retain the craftsmanship of the 1920s and ’30s, complete with private, marble, en suite bathrooms. Additionally, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express expands its routes across Europe. In winter 2023 guests can travel the new route from Paris to the French Alps.
belmond.com
The Catskills welcomes Eastwind Oliverea Valley to the region this year. Joining Eastwind Hotels group, the new hotel is the brand’s first ground-up build, complete with Scandinavian influences and curated, interior vintage décor. Eastwind Oliverea Valley features 30 unique accommodation options, including the brand’s signature all-weather, wood-framed, freestanding cabins.
Guests can choose from four varieties of cabins: Lushna Cabins, Lushna Cabins with decks, Lushna suites and, for the first time ever, Double Lushna. Guests of the new property enjoy amenities like the wood-framed sauna, pool and complimentary access to bikes to enjoy the region’s many nature paths. Guests can also partake in a sunrise yoga session, creative seasonal workshop or foraging walk.
Eastwind Oliverea Valley will soon feature Dandelion, the first full-service restaurant outside of the five boroughs from Eastwind Hotels’ cofounder Daniel Cipriani. Chef Daniel will bring forage-to-table, plant-forward dishes to Dandelion, along with international comfort food. The new hotel also boasts breakfast baskets for in-room delivery, s’mores kits, cocktails at the bar and private dining with fixed-price menus under a canopy of trees.
eastwindhotels.com
Passengers can now enjoy another option when traveling to the Los Angeles metropolitan market with the launch of a new non-stop service between Pittsburgh International Airport and Santa Ana John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, via Breeze Airways.
Set to begin March 31, flights will operate year-round, Mondays and Fridays, on the airline’s new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The launch of this new route follows Breeze Airways’ decision to resume service between Pittsburgh International Airport and Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia, (ORF), suspended September 2022. These flights resume May 18 and operate on Thursdays and Sundays. By summer 2023 Breeze Airways will fly to six cities non-stop from Pittsburgh International Airport.
flybreeze.com
Leading Hotels of the World recently welcomed six new hotels into its collection of more than 400 independent and luxury hotels. The Winter Collection includes four new openings and two existing hotels joining the collection. The new properties include Portrait Milano, a 73-room hotel situated in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. The hotel dates back to the 16th century and opens to the public for the first time in history.
Samarkand Regency Amir Temur also joins the collection, a 233-room property in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan. Designed and created by Uzbek artist Bobur Ismoilov to honor the history and culture of Uzbekistan, the hotel lies steps from a first-of-its-kind Eternal City. Another hotel now part of Leading Hotels of the World, Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon is a sustainable and family-centered hotel in Montafon Valley, Austria.
Montevideo, Uruguay, also welcomes a new LHW hotel with Hotel Montevideo, an 80-room hotel buzzing with energy. Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne in Switzerland joins the collection, featuring 196 rooms of blended Art Nouveau and modern design. The sixth hotel joining LHW is Hotel Splendide Royal Roma, located in Rome, Italy, with each of its 69 rooms balancing old-world elegance with modern luxury.
Time + Tide, a leading Africa-based travel brand, introduces a new property to its portfolio, further heightening the brand’s presence in the travel world. Future Found Sanctuary lies on the slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain in South Africa, offering travelers a secluded sanctuary while honoring local art, design and craftsmanship.
The new property borders Table Mountain National Park, a space teeming with ferns, pines, peach trees and fynbos, and sits minutes from South Africa’s oldest wine farms. Each detail of Future Found Sanctuary is rooted in nature, from the property’s private chefs harvesting seasonal bounty from the on-site organic gardens to a tea sommelier crafting bespoke blends from on-site plants.
Future Found Sanctuary includes two private villas, available to book on an exclusive basis or by the room. The villas feature five and four suites, respectively, each filled with elemental design, a collection of local art, panoramic views and curated furniture. Guests of the property enjoy access to a sensorium spa, steam room, Technogym fitness center, yoga studio, sound healing studio, natural cold immersion pool, heated swimming pools, private cinema and more. Off-site adventures include hikes to waterfalls in Table Mountain National Park, foraging for seaweed at Cape Point and a private tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
timeandtideafrica.com
SIXT offers two new travel deals for those planning an upcoming trip. The rental company offers a regional special of up to 25 percent off, if booked through March 31, for rentals through March 31.
SIXT also offers a luxury special with up to 25 percent off. To receive these savings, book by March 31 for rentals through March 31.
sixt.com
Indulge in an epic adventure at evo Hotel, a new lodging experience in Campus Salt Lake, Utah. Book the property’s Epic Adventures offer through March 30 and receive 25 percent off the best available rate, a complimentary amenity fee and 10 percent off retail purchases at evo Retail Store.
Guests of the offer also enjoy $25 in food and beverage credit at Curator’s Café and Crown Bar, 30 percent off ski and snowboard rental in evo Salt Lake, complimentary access for two people to climb at The Bouldering Project, and complimentary access for two people at the on-site skate park. Visit evo Hotel’s website to book the offer.
evohotel.com
Unique and familiar flavors move across your palate in a perfectly tuned epicurean dance. The music moving them is orchestrated through your chef’s creativity, the direction of the maître d’, your sommelier’s guidance and the attentiveness of the waitstaff. Experience a symphonic exploration of culinary pleasures and unmatched, personalized service with the all-inclusive luxury enjoyed only aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
UPGRADE YOUR HORIZON with a Free 2-Category Suite Upgrade* & Reduced Deposits plus 20% OFF on select Sailings to Europe. Promotional voyages are subject to change. Reserve your suite before it’s gone!
START YOUR JOURNEY AT RSSC.COM CALL 1.855.924.0920 OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: In town for an event, my overnight stay at Hard Rock Hotel New York came on the heels of the hotel’s spring 2022 opening. You can sense the buzz of excitement at the hotel, which could be attributed to its newness; to its Times Square location; to its musical roots; and to its abundance of memorabilia at every turn, always offering visitors something new and unique to stop and take in. Unfortunately, my visit in the Big Apple was busy, so I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to pause and ogle all that was on display — a great excuse to plan a return visit — but I was pleased to see New York City seemed to once again be humming post-pandemic.
Upon my late-afternoon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to learn I’d been upgraded to a suite. After a quick check-in, it was into the elevator and up to my suite. I had to quickly get ready for that evening’s reception, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to first explore my generously sized guestroom. Music greeted me, playing from the TV, as soon as I entered the room.
GUEST QUARTERS: Hotel room space is usually at a premium, especially in New York City, but my suite at Hard Rock Hotel New York defied the norm. Upon entry I found myself in a small foyer with a half bathroom to the right. A short hallway, with a minibar area to the right, led into the dining/living area. A large dining table with a wraparound, attached bench and several chairs could seat eight comfortably. This room led into the living area, with a sleeper sofa across from a mounted flat-screen TV and a corner of floor-to-ceiling windows boasting views of the lights and bustle of Times Square.
The bedroom felt huge, with a king-sized bed flanked by two nightstands, another large flat-screen TV, a closet and another wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The full bathroom, off the bedroom, was stunning with white marble and gold accents. The newness of the hotel really shone through here, and I yearned for more time at the hotel to soak in the gorgeous stand-alone tub. A separate water closet, an ample shower with rainfall showerhead, two sinks and a spacious vanity completed the space.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: My colleagues and I enjoyed breakfast at on-site Sessions Restaurant, just off the lobby. We opted to eat outside on the terrace, but, inside, diners enjoy meals surrounded by art and music memorabilia. Sessions also serves lunch and light bites. Unfortunately, RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge was closed for a private event the night of my stay, so I did not have the chance to check it out. It offers two outdoor terraces with city views alongside a menu of cocktails and appetizers. NYY Steak, with a signature wall boasting autographs from 86 iconic Yankees players, screams New York, serving lunch and dinner daily. Constant Grind, open daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m., and in-room dining round out the property’s culinary offerings.
At a Hard Rock hotel, music is, of course, a way of life, and the amenities match. Guests can listen to tunes on a Crosley record player with Wax, listen to music with Tracks’ playlists, request a Fender guitar in their room and more. In-room Rock Om sessions combine yoga and music, with Manduka yoga mats offered. Body Rock features Technogym equipment. Various meeting and event spaces await to host any type of function.
REVIEWED BY Kimberly InlanderHard Rock Hotel New York is dogfriendly, and the hotel offers pet amenities like sWAG bags and velvet memory foam beds.
At the on-site Rock Shop, travelers can peruse clothing, accessories and musicinspired items.
Thanks to my suite upgrade, a colleague was able to also stay overnight rather than head back to Pennsylvania after the late-night event. She slept on the sleeper sofa in the living room and used the half bathroom, and it was basically like we had our own guestrooms.
HARD ROCK HOTEL NEW YORK
159 W. 48th St.
New York, NY 10036
tel 212 970 1200
hardrockhotels.com
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: This newly renovated adults-only Miami oceanfront hotel dates back to the 1930s and is located right off Collins Avenue, a roaring place to be in South Beach. As you pull up to the hotel, hand over your keys to the trustworthy and kind valet service, step inside this tower and gaze in awe at an elegant Art Deco interior. It mixes history and contemporary décor rimmed with chocolate and ebony wood and complemented with modern art and a stunning grand piano. That is just the beginning of the enchantment. After checking in, head down the hall to find the Mareva 1939 bar and restaurant, and step through double doors to the sight of the spectacular infinity pool that outlines the entire hotel.
GUEST QUARTERS: The National Hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms with individual balconies offering a pool view. Rooms include all the essentials needed for an extended stay such as a walk-in closet, in-room safe, free WiFi and a minibar. Decorations combine dark wood with white linen and vintage Bohemian animal prints. The bathroom offers an array of toiletries custom to the hotel in a closed glass shower. The room is clean and classy and sports just the right décor to make you feel at home while on a luxurious getaway.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Stretching more than 205 feet in length, the infinity pool remains a famous landmark. Along its edges guests can relax at a series of comfy black-and-white-striped cabanas and tables. Two tiki bars make it easy to sit back and enjoy a beverage.
The hotel offers multiple dining options for any meal of the day and features traditional Spanish dishes. My favorite was breakfast at Mareva, where I enjoyed avocado toast with unique garnishes such as tomato, radishes, herbs and chili pepper.
Unfortunately, the gym was under renovation during my stay, but I heard it offers a variety of equipment both for cardio and strength, allowing guests to stay on track with their fitness goals. But don’t be upset if you can’t get in, as the hotel also offers free yoga classes for guests.
I had the pleasure of meeting the new general manager, Stephane Mercier, who shared a few words about the legendary property: “I believe that our positioning ‘adult only’ enhances the opportunity for us to deliver to our guests a timeless experience through an ideal location, a distinctive Art Deco environment, a predominant art collection, a unique infinity [pool] while the property is directly connected to the beach. The National Hotel opens its doors to the most glamorous era in history, which is probably a clear differentiator with many other properties.”
REVIEWED BY Christyn Pek
I had a great time during my stay at the National Hotel. The staff was vigilant and ready to provide excellent customer service.
The oceanfront resort provides access to the sandy shores of Miami and the beach boardwalk that stretches to the southwest point of South Beach and extends miles to the north. The path offers a great scenic route.
NATIONAL HOTEL
1677 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139 tel 305 532 2311
nationalhotel.com
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My husband and I arrived at check-in time for our two-night stay. We drove to the hotel, and valet service was fast and seamless. Our room featured VIP access, so we were able to take advantage of expedited check-in, a perk we greatly appreciated, as the line at the front desk was long. We were in our room in no time.
GUEST QUARTERS: Our king room faced The Wheel, a 227-foot Ferris wheel on the boardwalk, and featured floor-to-ceiling windows, making the view even better. It boasted all the standard guestroom amenities including a walk-in shower, complimentary WiFi, large desk, numerous outlets and flat-screen television. We appreciated the inroom refrigerator to keep our bottled water cold. While we spent much of our time exploring the property, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in our room the first morning of our stay. Service was speedy, and the meal was delicious.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Ocean Casino Resort offers guests numerous restaurants and activities … so many, we barely scratched the surface during our visit.
Our first night we indulged in dinner at Dolce Mare, the property’s fine-dining Italian restaurant. We also enjoyed a tapas-inspired lunch at Amada by Chef Jose Garces, whom we met after the meal. For dinner our final night we enjoyed a classic steakhouse experience at American Cut. Casual dining options include Mexican fare from Distrito, award-winning brunch at Harper’s, Hawai‘ian cuisine at Makai, pub grub at Villain & Saint, noodles at Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi and burgers at Wahlburgers.
The property features several on-site pools including private cabanas, HQ2 Beachclub and Eclipse indoor/outdoor pool. We visited during the summer and took advantage of Eclipse’s pool. It was a nice day and all of the lounge chairs were occupied, so we didn’t stay too long. Instead, we grabbed cocktails from the lobby-level bar and made our way to The Park, a beautiful threeacre open green space with Adirondack chairs and views of the ocean. It proved a perfectly relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Ocean Casino Resort is home to the largest TopGolf Swing Suite in the country. We didn’t have reservations, but luckily there was a space open, so we were able to practice our golf swings and play some other virtual games. We also tried our luck at the casino, which offers a variety of table games and slots. We didn’t have a chance to check out any live performances, but the resort hosts musical and comedy acts across its event venues nightly. Before checking out, we squeezed in a quick workout at the fitness center. Open daily, the fitness center offers cardio machines, weight machines and free weights.
With so many dining and entertainment options on site, we didn’t step foot off the property once during our stay. Ocean
Casino Resort makes a great option for a luxurious stay in Atlantic City.
REVIEWED BY Katie Skrzek
Grab a drink at the lobby-level bar to enjoy outside at The Park, an open-air green space.
You can’t go wrong at any of the on-site restaurants. Amada and Dolce Mare are great options if you want a view with your meal.
Visit Shops at the Row for retail therapy during your visit.
500 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 tel 609 783 8000
theoceanac.com
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Arriving at Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún truly feels as though the staff and attendants have been eagerly awaiting your arrival all day. After a bit of frustration struck us at the airport, being unable to locate our scheduled transportation to the resort, we quickly put that behind us when we were instantly greeted with the fresh peppermint scent of the lobby. Check-in took place in Aqua Club, a private lounge not accessible to all guests, only Aqua Club members and special suite guests. Fernando, the sales director, and Carlos, our butler for our stay, greeted us at the club. Attendants immediately offered us drinks and refreshments and, after confirming all reservation details and dietary restrictions, gave us our bracelets, which would act as our key cards at the resort.
GUEST QUARTERS: Our Premium Aqua Club Oceanfront room came complete with a kingsized bed, couch, balcony and bathroom with a waterfall shower. Our view boasted multiple shades of blue, merging together with the ocean ahead, and a glimpse of the many pools and restaurants below. The room had been graciously decorated for my birthday, celebrated during my time in Cancún. (After talking to some new friends later around the pool, I found out each guest experiences a level of personalization in their room on every floor of the hotel.) Next to the bed, on each side, a set of buttons controlled the room’s lighting, automatic window shades and ambience. We could also choose from a menu of signature, aromatherapy scents to fill the room. We chose a mixture of vanilla and sandalwood called Romance.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: I cannot say enough about the staff at this property. From the pool attendants who set up a private pool-side day bed, decorated with the Global Traveler logo, to the staff and servers at each restaurant, we always felt tended to and welcomed. The Aqua Club amenity ended up occupying a huge part of our stay; we spent time unwinding there for small snacks and coffee
or cocktails. A full gym offers guests workout classes, and we enjoyed a 60-minute couple’s massage at the spa. Each day guests receive a full activity schedule including aqua sports, volleyball, games and other pursuits.
REVIEWED BY Haley FogartyA Live Aqua Fan Page Facebook group includes more than 17,000 loyal guests, some who return multiple times a year!
Each pool has a different temperature to meet guest preferences.
With a choice of 10 on-property restaurants, our favorite was Hidden Garden.
CANCÚN
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 12.5
Zona Hotelera 77500 Cancún, Q.R. Mexico tel 52 443 310 81 37 liveaqua.com
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN:
Upon my arrival at The RitzCarlton New York, NoMad, two doormen greeted me and opened the tall front doors to reveal an entryway filled with flowers. This is a nod to the nearby flower district, a theme repeated throughout the property. Although I arrived at 9 a.m., well before normal check-in time, the courteous staff took my info, stored my luggage and allowed me to freshen up in a restroom. As I left for the day, I was gifted a cold bottle of water for my walk to the Javits Center.
GUEST QUARTERS:
Entering my Manhattan Room on the 32nd floor, I was immediately struck by the fantastic view of New York’s skyline, including the Statue of Liberty. I later learned all rooms have a southern view. A large, wraparound sofa and dining area took up the nearest corner, with a king-sized feather bed with down pillows sitting opposite the large windows. On the far wall, a 65-inch LCD flat-screen HDTV was conveniently viewable from the bed or sofa. A floating chandelier again drew inspiration from the flower district. Large and providing great light throughout the room, it appeared beautifully delicate and subtle. The full terrazzo marble bathroom featured a standup shower and a soaking tub, which came in handy after I walked several miles a day. The spacious shower included a soothing overhead flow as well as a wand for excellent, more direct massaging pressure. The double vanity would be convenient for couples.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: On one side of the lobby, Chef José Andrés’s Zaytinya Eastern Mediterranean serves small plates and regional wines. Bantijian bil laban (crispy eggplant, garlic yogurt, turmeric apricots, roasted almonds and mint) provided a light accompaniment to my main
course of octopus Santoríni. On the other side, The Lobby Lounge and Bar offers a large, casual area which comes alive at night but still offers quieter space along the outer perimeter. An outside area adjacent to the hotel offers another option for relaxation or people-watching.
REVIEWED BY John Wroblewski
I made full use of the 6,800-square-foot spa steam rooms and saunas. The 24-hour fitness center proved a major plus considering my sporadic sleep patterns.
The duality of The Lobby Lounge gave the option of relaxation or a livelier time.
Along with the recurring floral themes, the soft aroma wafting through the hotel smelled incredibly fresh.
THE RITZ-CARLTON
NEW YORK, NOMAD
25 W. 28th St. New York, NY 10001 tel 212 404 8400 ritzcarlton.com
ON THE GROUND: After an uneventful ride from our home in Pennsylvania to New York JFK (always a happy occurrence), my husband and I quickly checked in for our overnight flight to Paris. The excitement level was high, as this was our first time returning to Europe postpandemic.
At the Air France lounge, we made our way to the second floor and enjoyed some light snacks and drinks. While we didn’t have time, a Clarins Spa recently opened in the lounge, and businessand first-class passengers can enjoy a pre-flight treatment. We should have waited for the boarding announcement but instead made our way to the gate on our own time and ended up waiting in a long line, as boarding was slightly delayed.
In Paris we boarded a Viking longship for an eight-day cruise of the River Seine, Paris to Normandy. Viking arranged our transportation to and from the airport, and we had quite a bit of time at the airport before our flight home. Again, checkin and security were a breeze with our priority access. At the CDG lounge, we found a high-top table and settled in. The food here was delicious, with a much more abundant — and tastier — selection than in New York. We both went back for seconds.
PRE-FLIGHT: Days before our flight, we were able to select our meals. My husband opted for the beef dish on the way to Paris, and I chose the shrimp option. I did still peruse the menu that waited for us at the seat, alongside the amenity kit and a blanket and pillow, in case I changed my mind; flight attendants did come around to confirm our selections. Ample overhead space ensured we securely stowed our luggage; flight attendants hung our jackets and noise-cancelling headphones awaited us in a little cubby at our seat, which also included storage space and a mirror. We were greeted with a drink and hot towel before take-off. The experience was much the same as we settled in for our return flight to New York a week later.
IN-FLIGHT: Our flight to Paris took off around 6 p.m. I always forget how it can be a challenge to get a good night of sleep on overnight flights from the U.S. East Coast to Europe simply because of timing. Once in the air at a safe cruising altitude, dinner service began and took about an hour. At
about six hours for the flight, that only leaves about three hours to sleep, so my husband, hoping to sleep for the bulk of the trip, opted to skip breakfast service. I settled in and watched Elvis, dozing on and off throughout. My husband put his seat in the lie-flat position, popped on his eyeshade and slept. We were in the middle of the 1-2-1 configuration, and a privacy screen can go up between the two middle seats in case passengers aren’t traveling together. We kept ours down, but the placement of the button that moves the screen was in a spot where we both kept hitting it inadvertently with our elbows, sending it up accidentally more than a few times. The service was efficient and welcoming, but I wouldn’t call it overly effusive.
We returned to New York on a day flight, so neither of us was keen to sleep. The Boeing 777 featured an older business class but still offered lie-flat seats, ample amenities and abundant storage space. And this time, the divider was removable. The flight attendant stored it for us, and we didn’t have to worry about hitting anything by accident. An unattended minor was in the aisle seat of the row in front of me, and I watched as the staff went out of their way to accommodate him and make sure he was well cared for. The service on this flight was friendlier and just as efficient. We both enjoyed lunch and a snack of an egg salad sandwich shortly before landing, while I watched Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in Marry Me and old episodes of Cold Case; my husband chose a Nicolas Cage flick. Before we knew it, we were landing and already missing our time in France and on board Air France.
REVIEWED BY Kimberly InlanderWe flew to Paris from New York on an Airbus A350 with a newer businessclass design. On the return flight, we were on a Boeing 777 with an older business-class layout. A newer business-class layout on the 777 went into service on the New York route after our flight. This review touches on aspects of both flights, as the A350 cabin was superior, but the service on the 777 flight stood out more. I can’t wait to try the new 777 business-class cabin someday soon.
Upon arrival in France, long Customs lines made us nervous, and we were thankful for our premium access, which had a much shorter line. However, a CDG employee alerted us the fastest line for us would actually be the one for U.S. passengers — only four people stood in line before us.
With free in-flight messaging available, my husband was able to get text message updates about an Eagles football game from his cousin during our return flight. He was a happy traveler when he discovered this service!
AIR FRANCE airfrance.us
What is your favorite aspect of the job? I have an incredibly diverse team. Some started careers on the tarmac, in medical software, in international research. Some have been at United for 10 years, some just starting. We include individuals from different countries, first-generation Americans and people with family in Chicago for generations. We have globetrotters and homebodies. Introverts and extroverts. I most enjoy coming together with our different perspectives to develop new concepts and ideas.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? The biggest risk was adjusting how members qualify for Premier status in 2019, moving toward a revenue-based program, away from distance-based. I was hesitant at first, as no other major U.S. carrier made this big shift; however, it made sense because some members spent high amounts at United but didn’t fly far enough to earn status.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry? I leave out United employees because I admire so many, especially those who shattered glass ceilings. I’ll keep this to a group: I really admire all the individuals working to make travel more sustainable.
Name: Michael Covey
Title: Managing director, MileagePlus Company, city: United Airlines; Chicago, Illinois
First job: Re-shelving library books at age 13 for $4.15 an hour
Where to next: Singapore! I have never been there and I’m grateful Crazy Rich Asians is playing on our planes so I can know the top sites.
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life? Adam Scott. He seems down-to-earth with incredibly versatile acting skills. I have a connection to Parks and Recreation, and his acting in Severance was second to none.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I would be teaching French. In college I spent many hours studying 19th-century French literature, my major. I still read in French to keep up the skills, and now my daughter takes French in middle school,
so I get to live that dream at home. What is your favorite book, movie or television show? I just reread Of Mice and Men, one of my favorites; a few of us in MileagePlus had a small book club to dig into the book’s themes. But my favorite book is The Power of One, historical fiction weaving the upbringing of a South African boy with the history of the nation. Reading it inspired an incredible trip to Africa. What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with? I would have dinner with Darwin and discuss what it was like when he traveled the world and landed in the Galápagos.
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it? We recently launched and continue to expand Money+Miles, a new form of payment allowing MileagePlus members to combine a custom amount of miles with cash to pay for flights. The team created this to increase flexibility for redeeming miles and make booking with miles more accessible.
Tell us about a travel nightmare: My first trip as a parent, I was unprepared to travel with a 2-month-old. I now pack an emergency outfit for every member of the family. I will let your imagination fill in the gaps.
Share a comical travel experience: As an airline employee, almost all travel is a bit comical, as you show up to the airport, bags in hand, ready for an adventure with no idea if you’ll make it onto a plane. My family of four was attempting to travel to Europe. After the first three flights didn’t work out, we crossed our fingers for the last flight to London. We were the last four to get seats, and the gate agents joked to “run and find any open seat.” It was my son’s first trip with a portable DVD player, and he watched it for all eight hours. When we approached London, he said it was the best plane ride ever. This was before screen time was a thing!
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? Planes, especially on award flights: a confirmed seat, cruising in the safest mode of travel at 550 mph to visit another country. Nothing beats saying, “Have a good weekend” on Friday afternoon and then Monday morning comes with a new stamp.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? When I took my family to South America, a teddy bear was waiting for my son on the bed in our room. I’m impressed when companies take information they have about customers and use it to put a smile on a traveler’s face. Recognition goes a long way for me in terms of customer service.
Consistently cited among the best audio companies in the world, U.S. company Bose packs these wireless sport earbuds with its high-end technology in a sweat- and weather-resistant package designed to perform even during adverse conditions. The five hours of battery life means you can take your favorite music and podcasts with you, whatever you’re doing. Plus, the StayHear Max tips make a tight seal in your ear to maximize sound quality. Available in three colors. $129.
bose.com
Kansas-based brand Garmin is known for its high-end smartwatches and fitness trackers used by serious athletes, but the Vívomore Sport proves a more accessible model for casual users. For starters, it looks like an analogue watch but packs a hidden touchscreen display and Garmin’s renowned safety and tracking features. Sync with the Garmin Connect app to keep track of your workouts, all while enjoying a stylish timepiece. $149.99. garmin.com
Keep your air clean even when the windows are closed in the colder months with this air purifier from Coway. Three-stage filtration means it can pull particles smaller than most bacteria and viruses from the air, refreshing the air twice per hour in a 975-square-foot room. The small, well-designed unit is unobtrusive and available in two subtle colors to suit your home, bringing myriad benefits at a bargain price. $299. cowaymega.com
Keeping your tech gadgets to a minimum provides an easy way to reduce stress on the road, and this three-in-one cable offers a great way to do so. With micro-USB, Lightning and USB-C connectors, you might be able to charge all of your devices with just one cable. At 6.5 feet in length, it’s also highly functional, and reinforced nylon braiding assures builtto-last quality. $39.99.
nativeunion.com
A leader in the aviation industry seeking to continue its growth and development to further transform the way people see travel and provide global travelers with memories that will last a lifetime, Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) maintains its status of operational excellence and world-class customer service, proudly serving as the gateway to the State of Qatar to millions of passengers.
At the start of its operations in 2014, the airport had the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers per year and, with increased growth and persistent enhancements of its architectural and operational aspects, announced a two-phase expansion project plan to further enhance its capacity capabilities.
Prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in November 2022, Hamad International Airport officially unveiled phase A of its impressive airport expansion project to the world, enriching passengers’ experiences and transforming it into an extraordinary destination. The expansion increased the capacity of the airport to more than 58 million passengers per year and offered visitors an abundance of world-class services; a second airport hotel; multiple lounges; and a futuristic, modern indoor tropical garden — the ORCHARD.
Consisting of one expansive terminal, the twotime world’s best airport enables travelers to
seamlessly transfer from one area to another, exploring the wonders the premises has to offer with instilled relaxation and hospitality. Previously located at an area of more than 6 million square feet, the expansion increased the facility to almost 8 million square feet — an increase of 1.3 million square feet of ultimate tranquillity and profound culture.
The airport has also worked on greatly reducing wait time, thanks to the new transfer hall on concourse C (Transfer Hall C), where the level of security, customer service and efficiency allows passengers to smoothly arrive and depart the airport, regardless of peak hours.
As part of the overall expansion, the airport launched multiple world-class lounges as well as a second airport hotel within its transfer area, Oryx Garden Hotel. Located in the north plaza, the 100-room hotel focuses on sustainability, with rooms ranging from king to twin, as well as suites strategically located moments away from the boarding gates. To enhance the overall experience at Oryx Garden Hotel, guests can use the passenger train to visit nearby Oryx Airport Hotel in the south plaza for its Vitality Wellbeing Spa and Fitness Centre.
The vision and futuristic approach of the world’s best airport can be witnessed within the ORCHARD, a tropical indoor garden located at the center of the terminal expansion. Set to truly elevate passenger’s experiences and redefine airport travel, this tropical garden with a beautiful water feature that will be the focal point for visitors. With a host of different flora,
the ORCHARD includes more than 300 trees and more than 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests around the world.
The unique design of the area allows trees and plants to easily adapt to the internal conditions and grow throughout the life of the airport — with natural light to create calming ambiance and promote a sense of wellbeing to all who venture inside.
A true masterpiece at a truly world-class facility, the ORCHARD is an excellent destination for passengers seeking relaxation and serenity as part of their journey.
Hamad International Airport’s new expansion offers 172,000 square feet of more than 65 multi-imensional retail and F&B offerings to global travelers, including 40 world-class retail stores. Retail options and concept stores include a flagship Louis Vuitton shop, an exclusive Fendi Boutique and Café, in addition to a Dior Spa. Other global “firsts” include Thom Browne’s only store in an airport; the largest Ray Ban store in an airport; and a line-up of other prestigious brands, such as flagship boutiques of Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany and Bvlgari, among others.
In December 2022, Hamad International Airport officially launched the first-ever FIFA store at its premises, offering visitors a collection of FIFA merchandise, including football jerseys, sports attires, accessories, souvenirs and collectibles.
For the best F&B options on offer, the airport hosts more than 20 cafés and restaurants offering delicious local and global cuisines for an ultimate dining experience — immersing passengers in an adventure of unmatched luxury and wellbeing.
Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of its visitors, the airport continues to grow and connect global travelers, offering exquisite options and a tranquil escape before any journey. In 2023, Hamad International Airport’s phase B is set to begin, increasing capacity to more than 70 million passengers and constructing two new concourses within the existing terminal.
BY BRANDON SCHULTZ
With an intelligent redesign of the classic Baseline luggage, Briggs & Riley’s Expandable Spinner collection reinvents an American favorite. Push-button expansion adds increased packing capacity that easily compresses after zippering, great for checked bags and invaluable for carry-ons. Baseline complements the soft interior with a built-in garment folder and foam roll bar for wrinkle reduction in business and formal wear, and an exterior leather detail can be monogrammed for instant identification in busy airports. From $799. briggs-riley.com
Hotel rooms without enough drawers are no longer a concern with The Castle Classic from Royce & Rocket, which comes with its own flat-fold shelving system that easily snaps open into a self-contained wardrobe wherever you are. Turning the thorns of living out of a suitcase into an elegant art, the generously sized Castle is as sleek as it is innovative, returning some of the lost romance of travel to your trips. Opt for The Full Set for matching packing cubes to maximize space and organization behind a privacy screen that doubles as a dust guard. The Full Set, $700. royceandrocket.com
You may actually seek out layovers once you’ve tried the PROPS carry-on, offering a patent-pending leg prop system that converts your hard-surface bag into a personal workstation wherever you find a seat. The clever design takes away none of your interior capacity and adds little weight to this impressive 9-pound bag. Transforming layovers from deal breakers to deal makers, this workhorse ensures productivity on the go, but it’s no gimmick: It’s equally useful as a suitcase, offering easy access to contents with a top-open lid, interior compression and expansion zipper. $399. propsluggage.com
The new Turenne suitcase from Delsey Paris is the lightest hardside bag in the brand’s entire collection, weighing in at less than 8.5 pounds for the largest suitcase in the line and a mere 5 pounds for the carryon. An antimicrobial interior lining helps prevent luggage odors, and the included shoe bag keeps clothes clean and further protected. Multiple mesh pockets offer increased organization, allowing you to maximize the superior packing potential of this lightweight luxury suitcase. From $299.99. us.delsey.com
Limavady Distillery crafts a modern Irish whiskey with a centuries-old heritage. BY
KELLY MAGYARICSNorthern Ireland is bestowed with otherworldly geological formations; ancient castles perched on verdant, craggy cliffs; and beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea whose bracing waters never deter hearty locals from a restorative dip. It’s no wonder various scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed in 25 locations in this spectacular part of the United Kingdom; now it boasts yet another claim to fame.
Limavady Single Malt Whiskey, made in Northern Ireland, is the only constantly available single barrel, single malt Irish whiskey. While other distillers there might do a limited edition or special bottling, only Limavady offers one in its permanent portfolio. Made from 100 percent Irish barley in small batches and triple-distilled in copper pot stills, the whiskey ages in former bourbon barrels and finishes in PX sherry casks. The end result, smooth on the palate, features warm tones of dried fruit over a sweet vanilla base and a lingering, satisfying finish. Each barrel produces only 846 bottles, lending an exciting level of variation for the dram fan.
The spirit is the brainchild of Darryl McNally, whose decades of experience include 17 years as distilling operations manager of Old Bushmills Distillery. He also happens to be a descendent of the original Limavady distillers in County Derry, one of Ireland’s first licensed distilleries in 1608.
On the horizon for Limavady are experimental bottlings aged in various wine casks (McNally is tight-lipped about the exact details, but expect a few surprising finishes). “Limavady” derives from the Gaelic léim an mhadaidh, translating to “leap of the dog” — chosen by the team as a symbol of bravery
and goodwill as much as a leap of faith in bringing their vision to market. A current fun nod to the name (available on the distillery website) is a bottle of its flagship whiskey with a limited-edition dog collar boasting a mini cask adorned with the logo; proceeds support Best Friends Animal Society.
Though a distillery and tasting room are at least five years away from becoming reality, you can still immerse yourself in the region — and the whiskey — with a spirited sojourn. Get that requisite Instagram photo at The Dark Hedges, a long row of ominous beech trees whose intertwining branches bow to the ground and feature prominently in a Season 2 Game of Thrones episode. Even more epic is Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption are so perfectly interlocked and stacked they appear to be the workings of man (or giant), not nature.
Tour the ruins of Dunluce Castle, built in the 13th century on a basalt outcropping and protected by steep drops. Lunch on Asian small plates (and a Limavady sour) at Urban in the charming seaside resort town of Portrush in County Antrim. A stroll in Roe Valley Country Park gives you a glimpse of Roe River, a water source for Limavady whiskey dating back to the seventh century. Finally, grab happy hour Limavady highballs (with a Guinness chaser) at Blazing Saddle, the McNally family-run pub. On first glance, the Wild West-themed bar seems decidedly out of place. But step inside and you might be welcomed by any one of the McNally brood (including Darryl’s son, whose band plays traditional tunes) or a sprightly clan of pint-sized Irish step dancers. Sláinte!
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Put your skills to the test at Kiawah Island’s renovated Cougar Point Golf Course.
BY FRANCIS X. GALLAGHERCougar Point is one of five courses making up Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Famed South African golf professional Gary Player — many others have tried to emulate his signature walk-through swing — originally designed the course in 1976, opening as Marsh Point. In 1996 Player returned to Kiawah to redesign the course, keeping the same footprint and renaming it Cougar Point. Oak trees line the course, and the Kiawah River runs through several scenic holes. The back nine features a great deal of water protecting the greens for added difficulty.
Many in our group liked the fairness of Cougar Point, made a little more player-friendly in the redesign. I teed up with Jimmy Spratt from New York; John Ecklund from Philadelphia; and my brother, Gerry Gallagher, from Dallas.
351 yards, par 4
Gary Player’s opening hole is thought to be an easy introduction to the 17 holes to come. We took to the tee box looking to direct our
drives toward the center of the fairway, which both Jimmy and I did successfully. There are two fairway bunkers, and the left bunker is reachable; it caught Gerry off guard. John equally started with a little trouble left but was able to come back, dropping a stroke. After landing on the green in regulation, Jimmy and I carded par while Gerry and John took bogeys.
175 yards, par 3
Cougar Point was one of the filming locations for The Legend of Bagger Vance, and with beautiful holes like this one, you can see why. Water runs completely along the right side of the hole, and often the greenskeeper makes the hole even more challenging by placing the pin on the right side, making the water more probable. I poked my ball left, pin high but off the green; perhaps fear of the water came into play. Jimmy went for the pin but hit the green, rolling back and nearly over the bulkhead and off into the water. Gerry and John caught the large sand trap in the front of the hole, carding a double bogey, and Jimmy and I secured bogey.
550 yards, par 5
Hole 9 became a nemesis for me, Gerry and John, but Jimmy kept his composure and secured a closing par.
Water runs all along the right side, closer in the first 300 or so yards, and pulls away from the hole at the green. The smart play is to land right-center of the fairway, leaving a good angle to the green. Playing from the left leaves you dangerously close to trees lining the entire left side of the fairway — trees that might block out your next shot. Jimmy played a textbook approach, landing in regulation on the green in three strokes for par and leaving the rest of us looking to the back nine for recuperation.
489 yards, par 5
After making a bogey on the previous hole, I was pleased I was coming back into the swing of things and not in a rut. Do your best to avoid the huge fairway bunker on the left and another on the right. Trying to “go for it” in two might put you in one of the five bunkers surrounding the green. This is a frequently photographed hole, featured in the opening of The Legend of Bagger Vance as Jack Lemmon hits his tee shot and walks off along the left side of the fairway toward the green.
Deciding to turn lemons into lemonade, I took to this hole like Bagger and played smart, landing on the green in regulation. Avoiding all the traps was my main goal, but I was not the only one to play like a star — both John and Jimmy joined me in carding a par for Bagger.
366 yards, par 4
This is considered one of the most beautiful holes on the course. If you like water, be prepared, as a large swath runs all along the right side and stops abruptly at the green. Another pond sits about 100 yards to the left of the green but stops short of it. Also beware the long fairway bunker on the right where the dogleg turns toward the green, exactly where a drive, like mine, would land if you tried to hit over the water. This cost me some shots.
It is recommended to play it safe, some
even suggesting to do what Jimmy did and hit an iron and then another mid-iron to the green. He parred the hole, so maybe that is the best strategy. On the other hand, John and Gerry played it cute with a 3-wood over the trees. That worked out a little better than my strategy. In the end, however, Gerry found that little pond by hitting through the fairway and dribbling into it.
400 yards, par 4
The finishing hole on Cougar is a lengthy par 4 with lots of water. You can easily drive over the pond, but a more difficult stretch of water runs about 100 yards from the kidney-shaped
green along the entire left side. To add insult to injury, a bunker on the right side of the green further exacerbates a bail-out opportunity away from the water. Even a safely hit shot to the right leaves a difficult pitch which could roll off to the water. The green has a bowl in the center which can play with your putts.
Gerry did not follow the course advice — a ball too far right or left will put one into “tree trouble.” He went left and then went right. This is often referred to as military golf (left, right, left, right). The boys and I remained more focused and, although we had a variety of minor bunker issues and missed hits, secured bogey on the final hole at Cougar Point. I am not sure what Jack Lemmon would have said.
Ever wonder what could be more relaxing than a cruise at sea? I found the answer when I embarked on the inaugural sailing of Princess Cruises’ brand-new Medallion Class Discovery Princess. An indulgent massage and hours spent in the Enclave, the onboard spa’s thermal suite, brought both my mind and body to a state of blissful contentment, the ideal complement to active days in port.
To counteract the stresses and strains of travel, I booked a massage at Lotus Spa on the first full day of our seven-day Mexico cruise from Los Angeles. After I checked in at the front desk, just off the three-story Piazza on Deck 5, I was escorted to the women’s changing room, where I was given a wristband device to access my locker. There I found a thick, plush robe and plastic sandals. After changing, I spent a few minutes in the relaxation lounge, mesmerized by the blue waters of the Pacific rolling by just a deck below where I sat.
My massage therapist, Then, greeted me, and we began our journey to the treatment room … one of 21 in this expansive complex. Slate, tile and marble floors; soft, indirect lighting; and soothing, muted tones of brown, gray and cream dominate the modern, elegant décor. The lotus flower motif appears in mosaic tile floor medallions where
corridors intersect, on etched glass panels and in monochromatic watercolor paintings. Legend has it the lotus has magical healing powers, and it symbolizes strength and rebirth — a perfect motif for the cruise line whose motto is “Come back new.”
Once I’d gotten settled on the massage table, my therapist began my 75-minute aroma stone therapy treatment with a cactus bristle dry rub to exfoliate the skin. She proceeded to use lots of warm oils to massage my stiff shoulders and muscles and moisturize my winter-dry skin. She also worked pressure points on my feet and hands, releasing unconscious points of tension to leave me extraordinarily relaxed. I found it just a bit jarring, then, when the conclusion of my treatment was announced with a not-too-subtle gong, as opposed to the customary gently spoken word of farewell. Then she escorted me back to the relaxation room (which I doubt I could have found, left to my own devices!) to enjoy some light snacks and beverages. I certainly felt revitalized and ready to tackle new adventures ashore.
Later in the week I returned to Lotus Spa with my husband, this time to spend unstructured time in the Enclave, Princess’ thermal suite. Guests may purchase full-week or day passes to enjoy the large hydrotherapy pool and heated rooms and showers of varying tempera-
tures. We received a special key card from the spa’s front desk to access the suite and changed into bathing suits and robes in our respective locker rooms before meeting at the entrance to the Enclave. Passing down a quiet corridor again adorned with lotus flowers, we found shelves of thick towels; glassfronted coolers holding small, chilled towels; and stations offering citrus- and cucumber-infused waters.
The pool itself, boasting underwater benches and numerous jets, fountains and showers set on timers, was surrounded by several seating options. There were alcoves where couples could recline as well as numerous heated ceramic-tiled loungers. After staking our spot on a couple of these body-melting couches, we spent the next few hours ranging between them, the pool and the different hot and cold features.
The hammam offered a Turkish-style steam bath with infused aromas to enhance well-being. The Roman-inspired Laconium (a heated dry chamber with infused aromas) is intended to help with detoxification and purification of the body and is set at a toasty 122 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A warm, light-steam chamber, the Caldarium also features infused aromas and, like the hammam, hovers between 104 and 122 degrees. Relief from the heat came in the form of four different shower options, from the Siberian, an invigorating 68-degree mist with a refreshing aroma, to the 100-degree Tropical. Our pass permitted us to come and go from the Enclave throughout the entire day, but we found just one session left us as relaxed and soothed as we could wish.
We certainly only scratched the surface of Lotus Spa’s offerings. A full-time practitioner with a doctorate in Chinese medicine provides
acupuncture treatments, cupping, herbal consultations and Eastern nutritional counseling. The salon offers a full menu of nail-, hair- and skin-care services and even teeth-whitening, while gentlemen can enjoy a classic shave; facial; and a face, scalp, arm and hand massage. In addition to massages, the spa treatments include wraps, scrubs and Elemis facials. There’s even a unique range of skin and body treatments just for kids and teens.
I was delighted to find this cruise, bookended as it was by two restorative experiences in Lotus Spa, provided the perfect recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Chef Jack Strong cultivates garden-to-table cuisine at The Allison Inn & Spa. BY KIMBERLY INLANDER
In late 2022, Oregon-born Chef Jack Strong returned to his roots, becoming executive chef at The Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In this role, Strong leads all culinary at the 85-room boutique resort, including on-site JORY restaurant.
Strong’s previous experience includes stints at JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel and Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, spanning more than 30 years and including many accolades and acknowledgements.
At JORY, Oregon wine country cuisine meets a 500-label wine list, paying tribute to the resort’s garden-to-table philosophy, the native flavors of the region and local agriculture.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE?
A guilty pleasure would be beef or pork, as I primarily eat leaner meats like chicken and turkey (also, I am a big fan of lavender). A food I don’t like to use would be mahi mahi — I feel like I have only had it once where I liked the preparation.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY? I usually like to do tasting menu formats for home dinner parties — a fun salad maybe topped with a poached egg, a seafood course like scallops with shaved fennel and ruby grapefruit, a beef course of a
sous vide ribeye with purple potatoes or grits, and I like making crostata with seasonal fruit for dessert.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN? My grandmother taught me to make homemade egg noodle soup; first it was helping her, then making it on my own.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I like to tell stories through food. I recently made a dish of seared salmon, edible vegetable garden, puffed amaranth soil and pumpkin seed chimichurri. Here at The Allison we have a 1.5-acre working garden, and all
the veggies came from there. It looked like a garden, and I could highlight what a special property we have with our own master gardener. This dish shows I like to have fun with food, be interactive with the guests and speak to them.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR?
I don’t really have a particular trend dislike, but maybe full year-round products on a lot of menus versus more seasonal and local ingredients.
THE ALLISON INN & SPA
2525 Allison Lane
Newberg, OR 97132
tel 503 554 2524
theallison.com
PORTUGAL’S MYRIAD RICHES AWAIT, from surfing and wine to golf and mouthwatering cuisine. And the country’s flag carrier makes it easier than ever to discover all the delights with its stopover program. TAP Air Portugal allows travelers to add a free stopover in Lisbon or Porto from one to 10 days.
Eager to catch waves in Portugal? With TAP’s stopover offer, not only can travelers visit an additional destination, but they can also access exclusive offers and specials, like the current Surf in Portugal one. Surfing is a year-round option in Portugal and the country’s coastline boasts ample spots to surf, bodysurf, windsurf, kite surf and paddle surf in areas like Norte da Nazaré Beach, Carcavelos, Ericeira, Peniche and many more. With the Portugal Stopover surfing offer, take in two destinations and enjoy a 20 percent discount on surf lessons and special hotel prices. Partner surf schools honoring the discount include Fish Surf School, Lisbon Surf
Tours and Onda Pura.
TAP operates over 60 weekly, non-stop flight from North America to Lisbon (LIS), from nine gateway cities — Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington, D.C. (IAD), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Toronto (YYZ) and Montréal (YUL) — and two weekly (daily in Summer 23) flights from Newark to Porto (OPO). TAP flies to more than 65 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including seven destinations in Portugal, 44 in Europe and the Middle East, and 15 in Africa.
The stopover is valid on outbound or returning trips. To book a stopover, first check if a selected route is eligible on the booking menu by inputting the cities of origin and destination, then clicking on “Add a Stopover.” Next, travelers can choose either Lisbon or Porto and complete the booking. When traveling on to another country, travelers pay no additional airfare with the Portugal
Stopover program. An additional offered benefit lets travelers visit a second destination in Portugal at a 25 percent discount, allowing visitors to dig even deeper into the country’s culture with visits to regions like the Azores and Madeira.
Other current offers available with the Stopover program are sure to please any type of traveler, merging the incredible charms of Portugal with a variety of traveler interests. Oenophiles will enjoy a discount of 20 percent on a wine cellar tour in Lisbon or 15 percent off at Venâncio da Costa Lima Winery. Destinations like the Algarve entice golfers with limitless opportunities and fanatics of the sport can enjoy exclusive offers to play some of the country’s best courses. With a varied cuisine and an abundance of seafood, several gastronomy offers also give travelers something to look forward to. From electric tours and museum visits to sightseeing cruises and beyond, TAP’s Stopover program truly offers something for everyone.
Why wait? Stop over in Portugal now for an experience one won’t soon forget.
If you enjoy cruising, you’re not alone. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, in 2019 the global cruise industry welcomed nearly 30 million passengers. During that time the industry created jobs for 1.8 million people worldwide and contributed more than $154 billion to the global economy. Now that cruising is back to pre-pandemic operations, the seafaring future looks bright for cruise lines: CLIA is expecting a full recovery by the end of 2023 … and even an increase of 12 percent over 2019 numbers in 2024.
To meet that demand, more than a dozen new ships will set sail on the high seas in the coming months. Cruise lines making a splash with their latest and greatest are Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Explora Journeys, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Viking and Virgin Voyages.
In addition to different-sized ships that appeal to all types of
cruisers, ports of call range in size, too. From those that host some of the world’s biggest cruise ships to small towns and even villages that welcome smaller ships, the variety of port sizes is nearly as diverse as ship sizes and itineraries.
Here we take a look at five of the world’s largest cruise ports according to Marine Insight, one of the largest online maritime training and educational platforms in the world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the top three are in Florida.
The title of “Cruise Capital of the World” goes to PortMiami, and for good reason. The port surpassed its previous world record by 22 percent with a total of more than 6.8 million passengers for the 12-month period ending September 2019; it’s considered a preferred departure destination for those sailing to the Caribbean, Mexico and destinations beyond. PortMiami is the home port for 12 cruise lines and a port of call for 11 more. The port is easy to get to, too, situated just 10 minutes from Miami International Airport.
The second-largest cruise port in the world sits about 45 minutes east of Orlando International Airport. Thirteen cruise lines make Port Canaveral their home port — MSC Cruises joined the mix for its 2023 sailings — and sail two- to 14-day itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Nearly 4 million passengers pass through Port Everglades and its eight cruise terminals annually. Nine cruise lines and their 33 ships sail from the port, which lies just 10 minutes from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. In addition to a $100 million-plus investment to renovate Cruise Terminal 25 from which Celebrity Cruises’ Edge and Apex sail, Cruise Terminal 4 is undergoing renovations and will reopen this year as the Disney Cruise Line terminal.
According to Marine Insight, more than 2 million cruise passengers pass through the Port of Cozumel, or San Miguel de Cozumel, annually. That number far exceeds the number of people who live on the Mexican island, totaling 100,000. In actuality, three terminals welcome ships large and small, and size determines which terminal the ships visit. Cozumel International Airport lies about 15 minutes from the port.
Considered one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Nassau Cruise Port in The Bahamas welcomes 3.7 million passengers annually. Eight cruise lines sail from the port, which is undergoing a $300 million redevelopment project. When completed, the port will have a sixth berth to accommodate large cruise ships, a new terminal building, a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, local shops and more.
The world’s largest cruise ship now makes Port Canaveral its home. Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Wonder of the Seas, which accommodates nearly 7,000 passengers, will sail from Florida’s east coast for at least two years. The cruise line also made waves in Texas last fall when it opened the world’s first zero-energy cruise terminal in Galveston. The innovative facility generates 100 percent of its needed energy through on-site solar panels. This innovation led the terminal to be named the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world. In addition to the terminal, Royal Caribbean also introduced the largest ship sailing from the Longhorn State: Allure of the Seas
Popular Port: Nassau, The BahamasAirline startups take to the skies, offering affordability and accessibility.
New Launch: Canada Jetlines aircraft
PHOTO: © CANADA JETLINES
The world of startup airlines is charting a prolific path. A spring 2021 report from England’s IBA, a leading aviation data and advisory consultancy, stated that more than 130 startup airlines planned to launch by the end of 2022, many located in the Americas and Europe. That was on top of a spate of 2021 successful launches such as U.S.-based Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways and Norway’s Flyr, among others. IBA attributed some of the boom to the global grounding of aircraft during the pandemic, resulting in the availability of aircraft and crew.
“Flyr started up during the pandemic, when aircraft were available at an affordable price and at a time when it was easy to recruit the most competent people within the industry,” said Anita Svanes, vice president of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainability, Flyr.
Fast-forward to a spring 2022 report from IBA showing the location of startup airlines shifting to the Asia Pacific region, where 63 percent of startups planned to commence operations in 2022 and 2023, up a strong 34.7 percent compared to the previous year. The airlines range in locations, from Greater Bay Airlines in Hong Kong to Akasa Air in India.
BY MARLENE GOLDMANGBA launched in July 2022 and currently operates flights to Bangkok (BKK) and Taipei (TPE), with an expansion of its network to Tokyo (NRT) slated to start in January 2023. Akasa Air, backed by a billionaire investor and former Jet Airways executives, features a fleet of more than 70 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
According to IBA, startup airlines in the Americas dropped from 23.4 percent of global startups in 2021’s report to 7 percent in the 2022 analysis. Europe fell even more, dropping nearly 60 percent in its global share of startups. But indicators in the United States show a market for startup airlines, which often offer lower-cost fares than the main carriers.
A December 2022 report from A4A (Airlines for America), representing the country’s commercial airline brands and advocating on behalf of its members, noted lower-cost U.S. carriers are serving more and more domestic markets as the competitive presence of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers continues to expand.
“Robust competition in the U.S. airline industry has generated unprecedented levels of affordability and accessibility, benefitting the customer at
every level,” said Marli Collier, manager, communications, A4A. There have been many success stories, such as Breeze. Breeze Airways, scheduled to debut in 2020 but delayed a year due to the pandemic, was created by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, now Breeze’s CEO.
“I think for us, we were just excited about launching a brand from scratch that people really loved,” said Lukas Johnson, chief commercial officer, Breeze Airways, dubbed the Seriously Nice airline. “One of the key things we focused in on was the flexibility that people want when they travel. That’s why you can change or cancel your flights within 15 minutes of departure for no charge, which is wildly popular.”
Breeze also proclaims itself the first airline in the country to offer free family assigned seating. The airline services 35 cities with more than 100 routes, including non-stop flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Charleston (CHS); John Wayne Airport in California’s Orange County to Cincinnati (CVG); and an upcoming service between Jacksonville, Florida (JAX), and Raleigh -Durham, North Carolina (RDU), among other proposed routes.
Houston-based Avelo provides another startup success story. According to Travis Christ, head of marketing, Avelo Airlines, founder Andrew Levy, one of the cofounders of low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, came up with the concept pre-COVID, creating an airline that could serve smaller, underserved airports with low fares and full-sized jets.
“Creating a long-lived airline from scratch is extremely difficult,” Christ said. “You’ve really got to have almost a magical business plan. And there are some examples of that — ValueJet which became AirTran, which was acquired by Southwest. They had the magic beans. JetBlue had the magic.
Allegiant has the magic beans. But there are so many that barely make it out of the hangar.”
He posited Virgin America didn’t survive because of its business model. “One of the kisses of death is low fares and having the best service and the best planes and luxury. You can’t have it both ways,” Christ said.
Recent startup Aha! Airlines was powered by ExpressJet, both of which filed for bankruptcy in August 2022. Aha! flew to about a dozen cities on the West Coast from its base in Reno, Nevada, while ExpressJet blamed a weakened demand for travel due to new COVID-19 variants and high costs, particularly for jet fuel. Christ said their model, flying smaller planes, was also faulty. “You just can’t have low fares and only 50 seats. People are not paying enough to cover all your costs between pilots and planes and fuel and the whole thing.”
Avelo launched at Burbank, California (BUR), a smaller and more convenient airport than Los Angeles International Airport. The airline services destinations that previously had high fares — places like Eureka, Santa Rosa, Sonoma and Redding — and now runs routes on the East Coast at airports such as New Haven, Connecticut (HVN), and West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI). Its market targets primarily friends and relatives.
“We were able to serve the small, convenient airports low fares they’ve never had before,” Christ said. “Big jets, high quality, reliable service, we have our own maintenance. We contract with Delta tech ops for places where we don’t have our own needs. And that formula is working really well across the country.”
From Norway to Australia, the overseas startup airlines also meet a
demand for local travel. Low-cost carrier Canada Jetlines launched in September 2022 with its inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport. The new leisure-focused carrier utilizes a growing fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, with a goal of 15 aircraft by 2025, and provides passengers with another choice to travel to destinations within the United States, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Bonza, founded by former Virgin Blue administrator Tim Jordan, is set to join the market as the latest addition to Australia’s low-cost carriers. “Of our initial 17 destinations, all are in regional Australia with the exception of Melbourne, which will connect the city to new regions with very low fares for the first time.”
Bonza focuses on stimulating new domestic tourism markets, with 93 percent of routes not currently served by any airline and 96 percent not currently served by a low-cost carrier, according to Jordan. “Our commitment to low-cost flights will allow more Aussies to travel domestically, making us an airline for the many, not the few.”
Jordan said, “Recent research and industry data shows the demand is high for domestic tourism, with more Aussies wanting to explore their own backyard than pre-pandemic. In addition, regional centers across Australia have seen a significant growth in population, which speaks to Bonza’s model of connecting communities and stimulating new tourism markets.”
The airline, at press time, was still working with regulators to determine a starting date.
Norway’s Flyr also targets the leisure market along with some corporate business, focusing on affordable tickets between Norwegian cities and popular European cities such as Paris, Rome, Brussels, Berlin and Barcelona, according to Svanes. “We are primarily targeting Norwegian cities and European destinations. As we get more into the business segments, we will target higher frequencies on the domestic market.”
On the horizon is Northern Ireland’s Fly Atlantic, which will launch a new low-cost trans-Atlantic airline based at Belfast International Airport, providing affordable direct flights to the United States and Canada as well as a range of new British and continental European destinations.
“We’re launching in 2024, and circumstances may have changed a little by then, but at a time when recession is looming in a number of major economies, I think air travel will be dominated by a drive to find value for money, with many passengers looking to ‘trade down’ from full-service airlines to low-cost carriers. This will be particularly true of the North Atlantic,” said Andrew Pyne, CEO, Fly Atlantic.
Fly Atlantic will promote tourism into Northern Ireland from North America and will redirect existing traffic between Europe and North America by offering a better value-for-money proposition, according to Pyne. The plan is to grow to 18 aircraft and 35 destinations by 2028 and carry about 4.5 million passengers a year. Those destinations will be split roughly 50/50 between Europe and North America.
As with many of the low-cost startup airlines, Pyne said Fly Atlantic is “targeting a segment of the market which is fed up with paying relatively high fares for often mediocre service in the post-pandemic air travel market.”
Join Global Traveler’s CEO and Publisher Francis X. Gallagher on board the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna and enjoy exclusive savings on this special AmaWaterways river cruise on the Danube River. With the ship’s spacious staterooms, multiple dining venues, expansive Zen Wellness Studio and more, your floating home-away-from-home is a destination in and of itself.
During your Magna on the Danube itinerary, explore destinations in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, while enjoying a variety of included excursions; indulging in exquisite, locally sourced cuisine; and immersing yourself in exclusive experiences just for AmaWaterways guests.
Toast with Francis during an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, follow the footsteps of royalty during a walking tour of Bratislava, and taste the famous apricots in the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. Plus, reserve your place on board before March 31, and receive a complimentary land package, extending your time in Budapest post-cruise or adding the Czech Republic to your journey with a stay in the capital city of Prague before you embark.
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Each year the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative for the United Nations, releases its World Happiness Report. Leveraging a range of data from more than 150 countries, the report ranks destinations by residents’ self-reported happiness.
In 2022 the World Happiness Report celebrated its 10th anniversary, and its expert editors and contributors paid special attention to the evolving study of well-being and happiness, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing use of social media. Possibly unsurprisingly, though, the study found what most could assume: “Feeling at peace with life, having a balanced life and focusing on others
BY HOLLY RIDDLErather than oneself were found to support higher life evaluations in all parts of the world, while being more prevalent in the happier countries and highest in the Nordic countries,” explained the publication’s founding editor, John Helliwell.
From a travel perspective, is it possible to tap into that peace and balance when merely visiting one of the world’s happiest countries?
FOR YEARS THE NORDIC COUNTRIES have taken top spots in the World Happiness Report, and the most recent rankings are no different. The top happiest countries for 2022 were Finland, Denmark and Iceland, followed by Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Johanna Maasola is the tourism coordinator for Visit Jyväskylä Region in Finland’s Lakeland region, where travelers flock to the four national parks, scenic views and saunas. While Maasola credits Finland’s happiness to factors such as public benefits and equality, she said travelers, too, can tap into this life satisfaction, even if just for a short time, if they’re willing “to live like a Finn.”
“Our happiness is built of simple things,” she said. “Sitting in a sauna doing nothing, just sweating. Walking in a forest without a purpose or maybe picking up berries and mushrooms and knowing they are pure. Dipping into a hole in the ice in winter on a lake and feeling the tickling on your skin. Talking with a friend or not talking, but yet still understanding the magical importance of silence. Finding beauty in coldness and darkness but also going wild in summer when the sun doesn’t set at all.”
This focus on finding happiness in simplicity and nature is not unusual among the top-ranking happiest countries. According to Adam Roy, CEO, The Volla, an accommodations provider in Saas-Fee, a resort destination in the Swiss Alps, despite Switzerland’s sometimesfrigid weather and relatively high costs, the country’s happiness ranking is not surprising.
He said, “Switzerland was praised for how its residents and citizens achieve ‘balance in life,’ which isn’t completely surprising, given what the country has to offer. Nature is everywhere, so it’s easy to shut your laptop at 4 or 5 p.m. to go and do something active — walking, cycling or even wild swimming.”
Saas-Fee has paid particular attention to blending the worlds of tourism and nature by achieving status as the world’s first CO2-neutral municipality and one of the top eco-friendly ski resorts in the world.
“The village uses 100 percent clean and natural energy, obtaining all of its electricity from local hydroelectric power, and has been completely car-free since 1951. When it comes to transport, the village offers an e-car sharing service and emission-free ski buses. The absence of cars contributes to the village’s good air quality and offers freedom of movement in the streets,” said Roy. “I think that this relates considerably to the relaxed atmosphere and character of Switzerland, which is something that draws tourists back year after year.”
In Iceland nature meets a unique social structure that results in a high happiness ranking, as Ingibjörg Friðriksdóttir, from luxury resort Hotel Rangá, explained.
“In our hearts, we are a family-oriented nation,” she said. “Family means we take care of each other, and there is a strong sense of com-
munity. A part of this might be the historical hardship and extreme climate. We had to rely on each other to survive, so this ingrained concern for each other became a part of our DNA.”
She added, “When you are feeling down, having the possibility to go out and explore Iceland’s magical landscape is energizing and truly makes you feel lucky. Then, when the freezing wind and horizontal rain hit your face, you have no time to dwell on bad thoughts ... .”
The extreme weather makes for a one-of-a-kind experience for Hotel Rangá’s guests, but Friðriksdóttir said with a few well-chosen layers, travelers can embrace the conditions and see how it adds to the Icelandic way of life, noting there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
In second-ranked Denmark, however, travelers will find an attraction fully and thoroughly dedicated to happiness: The Happiness
Museum in Copenhagen, created by The Happiness Research Institute.
“Our aim with The Happiness Museum is to reveal the number of angles we can approach happiness research from. The journey guests are taken on in the museum demonstrates [that] happiness is a component in so many areas of our lives: from politics and city design to happy memories and relationships,” said Onor Hanreck Wilkinson, analyst at the institute. “If hygge can be understood as the pursuit of everyday happiness, people visiting Denmark can certainly tap into that. Ultimately, hygge is about giving yourself and others a treat and savoring simple moments that can be described by feelings of a warm atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness and shelter.”
DREAMING OF GETTING AWAY somewhere warm soon, but still want to visit one of the world’s happiest countries? While the top five happiest countries are limited to Europe, other regions of the world proudly boast their own rankings.
Israel, for example, found its way to No. 9 in the rankings, making it the highest-ranked, non-European destination. Accord ing to Eyal Goldberger, the newly appointed manager of the David Citadel in Jerusalem, this ranking can be attributed to a few things.
“There is a strong sense of belonging and family,” he said. “Everyone knows and relies on their neighbors, and everyone’s door is always open. People spend the majority of their free time outside, going on short trips with friends and family … . You rely on friends and neighbors and share some of the stress of balancing life and responsibilities with ‘semi-strangers’ at times.”
New Zealand followed directly behind Israel in the 2022 rank ings, falling in the report’s 10th spot. Dunedin is quite possibly one of the happiest cities in the entire country. Situated about an hour’s ride south of Christchurch, the city of just more than 133,000 people reports 85 percent of its residents think of Dunedin as “a great place to live,” and nearly 90 percent rate their quality of life positively.
“It is a special place blessed with natural wonders, rare wild life and well-preserved heritage attractions. Dunedin is where architecture meets sweeping coastal landscapes, a wonderful mix of quirky urban charm and dramatic surrounds,” described Enterprise Dunedin manager John Christie.
Farther down the list but still top in its region, Costa Rica achieved the highest happiness ranking out of all Latin American destinations. In discussing the country’s status, Mario Mikowski, a member of the board of directors at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa and owner at Hotel Nantipa, a Tico Beach Experience, made special note of what he calls the “pura vida” mindset, a common Costa Rican greeting that literally translates to “pure life.”
“Our pura vida mindset is instilled in us as Costa Ricans, but it’s not something that’s exclusive to us,” he said. “We like to think that visitors to our hotels and our country enjoy experiences that have a legacy, that they take home learnings they continue at home, whether that’s being inspired by our surroundings to get outside and live a more sustainable lifestyle; energized by our cuisine to incorporate it into their diet; relaxed by the spa and thermal river at Tabacon to remember the importance of taking time for yourself; or moved by our community to connect with people, pay forward a pura vida mindset or simply drink better coffee.”
WHEN LOOKING AT THESE countries as well as all the data for the 2022 World Happiness Report, Helliwell noted a few surprises for the year, including the rise in the frequency of benevolent acts across all global regions, especially when it came to helping strangers.
Overall, though, when asked to give a lesson that can benefit both the population and the destinations hoping to improve their happiness rankings, Helliwell noted the “striking importance of positive social connections and of the value of living in a society where people look out for each other.” And what better way to establish new and positive social connections in the new year than with travel?
Right now, most clinical information is not regularly shared with the researchers who are trying to uncover new information about cancer every day, but you can help change that. Patients can help accelerate research by sharing their data and unique experiences.
When patients stand together with researchers, they can unlock new discoveries and treatments. People with all types of cancer may be eligible to join Stand Up To Cancer, Count Me In and more than 7,500 patients who have already participated in this mission to accelerate the pace of cancer research.
Find out more and sign up to join the movement at StandUpToCancer.org/CountMeIn
Uzo Aduba Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador
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As you fly in to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can see a corner of Manila that is forever America. There, on the right-hand side, amid densely packed rusty rooftops, busy highways and a backdrop of gleaming skyscrapers, lies a 152-acre patch of immaculate lawn interspersed with concentric paths and row upon row of white crosses. It is Manila American Cemetery, the largest American overseas military cemetery.
Here the histories of the United States and the Philippines entwine. During the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), this was where the U.S. military established Fort William McKinley, a huge base that would prove crucial in two world wars. After the Philippines gained independence in 1949, the base became Fort Bonifacio, headquarters of the Philippine Army, and in 1993 it was sold to developers. In its place rose a new commercial center,
Bonifacio Global City. But the cemetery, with nearly 17,000 graves, remains a haven of tranquility.
Metro Manila — the common name for the capital region as a whole — comprises a conglomeration of 16 cities on the west coast of the island of Luzon, the largest of the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines. While each of the component cities embodies distinct identities, they all belong to the same urban sprawl, covering an area of 239 square miles between Manila Bay on one side and mountains and a vast lake on the other. One of the first tasks for any visitor is to come to grips with this urban patchwork.
BGC is, in fact, part of the city of Taguig. At its heart you’ll find Bonifacio High Street, an outdoor mall shaded by trees and home to international shops and restaurants. The area around it boasts all the hallmarks of a new-build district: everything neatly planned and spotlessly clean. In some respects, it resembles Singapore.
The adjacent city of Makati, similarly high-rise and upscale, has been Manila’s financial center since the 1970s. Uneven sidewalks and weathered concrete frontages make it feel a lot more lived-in and, perhaps, more authentically Filipino. Most business travelers choose either BGC or Makati as their base.
The largest of the 16 cities (and also the largest city in the Philippines) is Quezon City (or QC), planned as a new capital but absorbed into Metro Manila. As the center of the Filipino movie and television industry, QC bears the nickname “City of the Stars.” The planners envisaged an ordered layout akin to Washington, D.C., though over the decades the original vision has been frayed by the expansion of dense residential areas. QC appears as frenetic and chaotic as the tangled power lines that overhang many of its streets.
The City of Manila, at the mouth of the Pasig River, marks where it all began, with the first human settlers 60,000 years ago, and more formally as a fortified Spanish outpost in the 16th century. It remains the administrative, economic and judicial center of the Philippines (though there are plans to move the Supreme Court permanently to its traditional summer location, the mountain city of Baguio, 162 miles north of Metro Manila).
From this sketched portrait of the various Metro Manila cities, it becomes readily apparent the current urban sprawl resulted from the utopian dreams of planners and politicians hitting the buffers of reality. So many fresh starts have been made, but ultimately Manila itself determines the outcome. Even now, planners are at work. New Clark City, located 68 miles north of Manila and a development for 1.2 million inhabitants, is being
I’M Hotel
Located in the influential Makati district, the property features a glass-bottomed swimming pool eye-catchingly suspended immediately above the hotel entrance.
7862 Makati Ave., Makati $$$
Okada Manila Resort & Casino
Vegas comes to Manila. Facing Manila Bay, close to the airport, this 993-room resort and entertainment complex offers over-the-top luxury.
New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Parañaque $$$$
Shangri-La
The premier address in the BGC district. Occupying a mixeduse skyscraper, this 576-room hotel offers all the comforts and facilities you’d expect of the high-end Shangri-La brand. 30th Street, corner 5th Avenue, BGC $$$$
At this modern restaurant celebrating Manila’s “neighborhood eateries and diners of yesteryear,” dishes come in two portion sizes: “friends” and “family.”
Bonifacio High Street, BGC $$
L’Opera Ristorante
This Italian restaurant, a Manila favorite since opening in 1994, offers an ideal venue for business entertaining amid unpretentious sophistication.
26th Street, corner 7th Avenue, BGC
$$$$
Purple Yam Malate
The homey interior belies this restaurant’s ambitions: to elevate simple Filipino dishes to gourmet heights.
603 Nakpil, corner Bocobo Street, Malate
$$$$
Time zone: GMT +8
Phone code: Country code: 63 City code: 2
Currency: Philippine peso
Key industries: Manufacturing, shipbuilding, tourism, retail
All U.S. citizens require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date, plus an onward air ticket. All arriving passengers must register individually at the Philippines Government eTravel webpage. Proof of registration is required at check-in for your flight. COVID-19 requirements continue to evolve; check before traveling.
Filipino and English
built to relieve some of the population pressure on the capital.
Meanwhile, two megaprojects are currently underway in Metro Manila to improve the groaning transport infrastructure. The Metro Manila Subway, the “Project of the Century,” will finally provide a mass transit link to unify the main population areas. The first phase, costing at least $7 billion overall, is scheduled for completion in 2025, with full operation by 2028. Upgrades to the bus and Jeepney infrastructure will help provide an integrated public transport system.
On the shore of Manila Bay, New Manila International Airport broke ground in 2020. Designed to handle a capacity of 200 million passengers per year (six times greater than the current airport), the new airport promises to be the centerpiece of a new industrial and residential zone.
When the new airport opens in 2026, arriving travelers will no longer catch a glimpse of Manila American Cemetery as they come in to land, but it will still be there … one of the few constants in a metropolitan area that is forever changing.
Tourism Attaché and Director, U.S. Southwestern States and Latin America, Philippine Department of Tourism
tourism, culinary/food, real estate, technology, health and wellness in Manila and across the country. The current business environment in the Philippines is truly ripe and ready for foreign investors. Investing in the Philippines and working with Filipinos forms a perfect match for a wise investment. As former tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez once said, “Solid investment is not about where you invest your money but whom you will work with.”
flights
arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 4 miles from downtown. Visitors can transfer to the city by bus, rail, Jeepney and taxi. Metro Manila Subway, currently under construction, will include a station at the airport’s Terminal 3.
The Philippines recognizes the United States as one of its major investment partners, ranking as the fifth-largest contributor of Foreign Direct Investment into the Philippines after the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.
As the Philippines shows continued recovery from the pandemic, it reveals an improved overall investment climate which attracts more interest in investing in the country. For instance, the signing of the Public Service Act, formerly exclusive to Filipino industries, now allows 100 percent foreign ownership of public services like airports, expressways, railways, telecommunications and shipping.
Big and small investors alike can find opportunities in many industries; it’s worth venturing into areas such as
The Philippines is truly a place where the East meets West. Our culture is a unique blend of diverse influences in its history, namely Malay, Chinese, Spanish and American. Thus, the Filipinos have developed the sense of being global citizens that are respectful and highly adaptable to different cultures, earning a reputation of being genuinely hospitable people.
We enjoy entertaining our guests and go out of our way to ensure our visitors are comfortable and feel at home. The population speaks 175 languages and dialects, but the English language has always been one of the
official languages. It is the principal medium of instruction in education, law and trade.
What are key developments in and around the city to look for in the future?
You will notice the development of new airports, lifestyle destinations like malls and public parks, and upgrading of infrastructure like tollways, bridges and bypass roads in and around Manila.
Which local attractions in Manila do you recommend?
Manila is the premier city and capital of the Philippines. It has been the seat of government since the Spanish colonized the islands in the 16th century. A tour of the walled city of Intramuros allows a glimpse of Manila’s historic past. Manila’s dining options are a treat for people who live for good food and innovative cuisine. Visit the world’s oldest Chinatown, found in Manila; the National Museum, Makati; and Bonifacio Global City for limitless dining, music and social entertainment options. A business visitor to Manila finds a wide list of experiences from a daytrip to a weekend getaway.
If visitors have time, where else should they visit in the Philippines?
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands which offers endless destinations to choose from that can be taken via land or affordable domestic air transportation. The country serves
a cocktail of activities whether you are a solo leisure traveler, family, group or business travelers. You can enjoy the Philippines in more ways than one: adventure, cruise, farm and culinary, culture, dive, education, health and wellness, leisure, MICE, and sun and beach.
Days
of
A cultural and historic immersion in Great Britain
This is the perfect tour to immerse yourself into quintessential British culture, as we base ourselves in the world famous university city of Oxford. Once we familiarise ourselves with the dreaming spires and incredible history, we then visit the surrounding areas, such as Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswold region, as well as the west country where we explore Bath and Bristol.
Getting around Metro Manila can prove an adventure in itself. The most famous mode of local transport is the Jeepney, traditionally a brightly decorated minibus converted from a U.S. Army Jeep. Controversially, they are being phased out, replaced with modern minibuses. Jeepneys drive fixed routes and only depart the terminus when they’re full. More flexible are the motorized tricycles, which can also dodge the notorious traffic jams. Passengers sit in a sidecar (be on guard for thieves on foot attempting to snatch any valuables you have with you).
The logical starting point for sightseeing is Old Manila, the original walled Spanish city (officially known as Intramuros — “inside the walls”). Though almost entirely destroyed in World War II, many of the district’s old buildings have been rebuilt, including Manila Cathedral, the Governor’s Palace and parts of Fort Santiago.
Bambike Ecotours runs guided group tours of Intramuros on bamboo bicycles. The Manila America Cemetery, open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., doesn’t charge admission, but you will need to provide a valid photo ID. The cemetery’s beautifully designed visitor center houses an informative museum.
PHOTOS:
Without visiting, it’d be easy to throw Chicago into any number of categories. Everyone thinks they know Chicago; after all, it’s the third-largest city in America, the most prestigious foodie city in the country, the city of jazz, a comedian’s playground, an architect’s dream, a writer’s paradise. The list goes on. Only when walking the streets themselves do you realize there’s nothing categorical about the Windy City, especially as it continues to evolve.
Chicago is home to 77 neighborhoods, each carrying its own distinct flavor and vibe that melds into
the overall cultural melting pot that makes Chicago such a diverse destination. “Chicago is much more than its exciting downtown area,” said Lynn Osmond, president and CEO, Choose Chicago, and a resident of more than 25 years. “One of my priorities at Choose Chicago is investing in neighborhood tourism to drive visitors to these neighborhoods. Travelers today are seeking authentic experiences, and Chicago is full of genuine attractions that keep people coming back for more. We are not a one-trick pony, and that bodes well for our global perception now and into the future.”
During the pandemic, the city expanded its outdoor dining program in an effort to help the hard-hit restaurant communities throughout its neighborhoods. The program was so successful that, in 2021, the city launched the Chicago Alfresco Program to award grants to help expand outdoor enjoyment across the city. Neighborhoods like Chatham, Humboldt Park and Rogers Park used given funds to activate vibrant outdoor spaces with community-centric attractions like craft markets, public art installations and plywood parklets that drew visitors while bolstering a strong sense of community pride in each respective neighborhood.
Another neighborhood undergoing major revitalization efforts is Bronzeville, always a cultural powerhouse and historically known as the city’s “Black Metropolis,” which influential Black figures like Richard Wright, Louis Armstrong and Ida B. Wells once called home. Bronzeville was the birthplace of gospel music, and both the city’s management and its residents rally around the neighbor-
hood’s growing art scene and historic landmarks to promote and preserve what has become one of the most authentic — and essential — Chicago experiences.
“The Bronzeville Lakefront project is revitalizing the site of the former Michael Reese Hospital,” said Larita Clark, chief executive officer, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, and lifelong Chicago resident. “This incredible mega-redevelopment will lift up surrounding communities and bring new life to Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community. It is a perfect example of how Chicago can honor its rich cultural history while continuing to innovate and make progress.”
Voted the most anticipated megaproject of 2022 by Urbanize Chicago, the project will span more than 48 acres along the shore of Lake Michigan, transforming the former site of Michael Reese Hospital into a campus of health and wellness. A web of parks and open spaces will weave in and out of the new retail, commercial and residential buildings with the intention of fostering community and engaging in the city’s thriving cultural scene.
Bronzeville lies just down the road from McCormick Place Convention Center, the largest convention center in North America. “We have seen an impressive return of conventions and trade shows to Chicago this year,” Osmond noted, “in fact, the summer months were the busiest ever in terms of total events at McCormick Place.” The overarching mission of McCormick Place is to bring people together for the betterment of the Chicago area and Illinois as a whole, and despite having succeeded in that mission for the last 60 years, the center has a few exciting projects on its horizon.
“One particular infrastructure project that I am excited about is Amtrak’s proposed Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP),” said Clark, who oversees the entire McCormick Square campus as part of her role at MPEA. “This revolutionary project would add direct access to McCormick Place for Amtrak travelers, making it even more convenient to attend events on our campus.”
Clark encourages anyone attending an event at McCormick Place to take a trip up the Lakefront Trail to visit the rest of Museum Campus, including Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium. “I genuinely believe the communities near the McCormick Place campus offer some of the best and most diverse experiences in Chicago,” she added. “Our campus is fortunate to be close to historic and vibrant neighborhoods such as Bronzeville, Motor Row, Chinatown and the Prairie District. Chicago is a special city, and I wake up every day feeling fortunate to lead an organization whose mission centers on bringing people together.”
Sure, multiple large cities may lie within a three-hour drive of Chicago — Milwaukee, Madison, Grand Rapids and Indianapolis, among others — but some of the country’s best-kept gems all reside within the state’s borders. Lake Forest, Illinois, sits less than 45 minutes from Chicago and offers a refined approach to a traditional small-town ambiance. Quaint shops line historic Market Square, and during the warmer months locals and visitors alike flock to the sunny shores of Lake Michigan to lounge in the sand on Lake Forest Beach. Afternoon Tea at The Deer Path Inn rivals the finest tea services in London, and reservations are strongly encouraged for dining in. Carry-out Afternoon Tea is available Wednesday through Saturday through pre-order.
Baseball fans may already be familiar with the lore of Rockford, Illinois — or movie fans, who know the town from A League of Their Own — but the rest of the world is quickly catching on to this small town’s charm. Travelers can tour Beyer Stadium, where the Rockford Peaches played, before satisfying their sweet tooth with goodies from the town’s other female-led winning team at CacaoCuvée Chocolate (one of Oprah’s “favorite things”). It’s not a trip to Rockford without stopping by Laurent House, which Frank Lloyd Wright himself called his “little gem.”
People have been meeting in İstanbul for at least 8,500 years. We know because they left tracks. In 2004, while excavating the city’s metro, archaeologists found tombs, artifacts, 37 shipwrecks and also hundreds of preserved footprints apparently made during a large gathering. MICE is nothing new here.
Few cities are layered with history in quite the same way as İstanbul. Visitors will most dramatically encounter these layers in the neighborhood of Fatih, on the European side of the city. This is where those ancient footprints were discovered and where the domes and minarets of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapı Palace stand in lasting tribute to Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet lies in the heart of the old city, offering 65 guestrooms in a Neoclassical villa. Despite its modest size, the hotel boasts a range of event facilities, including a boardroom for business meetings and the refined Sedef Room, which can be configured as a theater, classroom, conference room or banquet venue. Most spectacular of all is Süreyya Teras Lounge, a rooftop venue with breathtaking views of the adjacent Hagia Sophia. This terrace proves ideal for small events or dedicated group activities such as a cocktail-making class. The hotel can also arrange after-hours VIP visits to Hagia Sofia.
The chain’s other hotel in the city, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, occupies a prime location on the shore of the Bosporus Strait, the busy waterway that links the Mediterranean to the Black Sea and separates
BY RICHARD NEWTONEurope from Asia. Occupying a 19th-century palace, the hotel features 170 rooms and an abundance of MICE options. Besides the indoor function rooms, the outdoor Atik Pasha Terrace can host up to 700 guests and provides panoramic views of the Bosporus. Special activities include group bookings for the traditional hammam spa and private yacht trips departing from the hotel’s wharf.
İstanbul, of course, boasts a number of purpose-built venues. The largest is CNR Expo, a vast exhibition space located beside Ataturk International Airport, İstanbul’s main passenger gateway until 2019, when all commercial and cargo traffic transferred to the new Istanbul Airport, 22 miles away on the shore of the Black Sea. The old airport (now coded ISL) remains open to private jets and general aviation. CNR Expo has eight exhibition halls, which can be hired separately or as one, with a total area of about 1.7 million square feet, making it the largest venue in Türkiye.
The Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center is a flexible venue located within walking distance of central Taksim Square. Besides a main auditorium with capacity for up to 1,900 people, the venue also offers smaller meeting rooms and boardrooms. The celebrated Borsa Restaurant, located in the building, provides great views of the city and Bosporus.
The Haliç Congress Center was formerly a slaughterhouse, but don’t let that put you off. It’s scenically positioned beside the Golden Horn, the storied waterway that splits European İstanbul in two. Although not centrally located, the venue is easily accessible by ferry or taxi (seven minutes from downtown). This versatile cluster of buildings, some built in the Neoclassical style in the 1920s, includes auditoriums, banquet halls and smaller meeting rooms.
İstanbul has always moved with the times. As a modern MICE destination, it can compete with any city in the world, but nowhere else can match it for heritage. Today’s MICE visitors follow a tradition that stretches back thousands of years.
Although İstanbul famously straddles two continents, most visitors only ever experience the European side, where the headline attractions are located. Though the Asian side may be observed across the Bosporus, it tends to be overlooked as a destination in its own right. That’s a pity, because this part of İstanbul has much to offer.
You can cross to Asia by ferry, by bridge or by tunnel (the least satisfying mode, offering no view). The most interesting Asian district is Kadıköy, directly opposite Fatih with its exotic skyline. The tightly packed neighborhood includes street art, buskers, a bustling market and eateries.
To the north of Kadıköy, on a hillside above the Bosporus, stands Adile Sultan Palace, named after the most famous female poet of the Ottoman era. For many decades it was a girls’ school, but after a fire in 1986 it was restored to its former glory and became a prestigious venue. Primarily popular for weddings, the palace also offers an ideal location for meetings, conferences and seminars. adilesultan.com
FEW CITIES ARE LAYERED WITH HISTORY IN QUITE THE SAME WAY AS İSTANBUL.
VISITORS WILL MOST DRAMATICALLY ENCOUNTER THESE LAYERS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF FATIH, ON THE EUROPEAN SIDE OF THE CITY.
An enigma of a city that manages to effortlessly combine refinement and a sense of exhilaration, London boasts plenty of corners made to order for meet-ups with colleagues or for hosting a private business confab.
For a space to impress, book a private room at 3 Henrietta Street in Covent Garden. While the streets may be bustling, the interior of this beautifully restored 1780 townhouse offers a calm sanctuary. More importantly, it’s home to a trio of marvelous restaurants by three renowned chefs: Pivot British Bar & Bistro by Chef Mark Greenaway; Hawai‘ian street food at El Ta’Koy by Chef Luis Pous; and Lilly’s Café by pastry chef Kimberly Lin, the former head pastry chef at Claridge’s.
While you can book private meeting spaces, a power breakfast in the ground-floor glass conservatory at Lilly’s may leave your clients and colleagues smiling. The décor was inspired by the zodiac and magical ele-
ments including gemstones, reflected in the blue velvet chairs and walls colored a deep shade of carnelian orange. In addition to a creative all-day menu that includes banoffee toast with date caramel, granola and sliced banana, or rice pudding prepared with seasonal fruit compote and Lilly’s granola, there are also large-plate choices. Afternoon tea service comes with sweet tooth-satisfying bottomless cakes, served, if you like, with Champagne. During colder months, discuss contract negotiations while sipping mulled wine or cocktails on Lilly’s Winter Terrace, where heated seats, plush blankets and melty fondue keep the atmosphere warm. Show off your London insider knowledge by planning your meeting over lunch and tapas at CAVO, one of the most anticipated new restaurant openings in the city. It’s on the fourth floor of the Now Building in the Outernet, adjacent to Tottenham Court Road underground station in the city’s West End entertainment district. In addition to service in
the main restaurant, you can book tables in the Roof Top Gardens. Need to keep your discussions on the QT? Enjoy the menu of rustic Mediterranean dishes in a light-drenched private dining space.
Japan House, located within a historic Art Deco structure in the Kensington district, was created as part of a global enterprise under the guidance of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The venue showcases Japanese culture, design, art, technology and innovation offered via events, workshops and rotating exhibitions. This striking space features exhibits and artist demonstrations on the main level and multiple additional event options elsewhere able to accommodate small private meetings or gatherings of up to 140 people.
The private Tatami Room, located within Japan House’s AKIRA restaurant, or the Gallery, Hall and Library on the lower ground floor can be configured for small cocktail receptions, product launches, meetings or conferences. A dedicated Venue Hire Team helps organize the details.
Just down the street from Japan House in Kensington, the elegant Milestone Hotel & Residences offers meeting spaces of various sizes and configurations. Score some points with your London-based colleagues by dropping a few tidbits about the hotel’s storied past. It was, for instance, named for the historic cast iron milestone which still stands next to the building and, in the mid-19th century, served as the private residence of Russian Ambassador to London Count Peter Grigoryevich Chernyshev, whose daughter was immortalized in a short story by
If your creative juices are at their best in the morning, awe prospective business partners with a pitch delivered over a motivational breakfast at Hide, located at 85 Piccadilly. A curving wooden stairway straight out of a fantasy film leads down to the dining room, where wide-plank wood floors and a rustically serene ambience belie the sheer magic of the menu. The Broken Room, The Shadow Room and the Reading Room private meeting spaces occupy subterranean vaults in The Bar Below. You can nibble a slice of banana bread glazed with smoked maple butter or sip a blueberry and rose petal smoothie while your colleagues press you for details on how you knew the restaurant even existed. Everything from bread to jams is made on site, and the kitchen team works closely with the U.K.’s small farmers and local food purveyors. Along with birch sap croissants and morning ricotta with blackberries, crystallized hazelnuts and lemon verbena, the breakfast menu includes caviar and oysters. Service? Impeccable.
For more formal meetings requiring accoutrements such as flip charts, plasma screens or video chat capabilities that still need to be high on style, contact the ohso-elegant St. James’s Hotel & Club in Mayfair. Meeting spaces with a traditional British ambience include The Library, Granville and Wellington Boardroom. Located just off Green Park in a peaceful cul-de-sac, it’s also a wonderful option for a meeting over afternoon tea served in Executive Chef William Drabble’s Michelin-starred Seven Park Place dining room.
Buenos Aires, Argentina, comes to life at night. Translating to “good airs” or “fair winds,” Buenos Aires is an autonomous district filled to the brim with eclectic European architecture and a rich cultural life. The multicultural city, a melting pot of language, history, incredible food and music, comes to life at night. When you travel to Buenos Aires, be prepared to eat late, choose from hundreds of restaurants and thousands of bars and clubs, and dance beyond dawn. The city’s nightlife, as varied as it is intense, allows you to dance to whatever rhythm takes your fancy. A city that oozes sex appeal, it proves dynamic and passionate, and the beauty and rhythm will get under your skin for an amazing trip.
Bars come alive starting at 10 p.m. while nightclubs (which locals call boliches) get going around 2 a.m. You will find a multitude of selections from underground theater, live music, craft beer and cocktail bars, nightclubs and milongas (tango social clubs). If you prefer to be more of a spectator than a participant, head to La Ventana for the
BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
spectacular tango show, where a live band and professional dancers wow the crowd. Grab a bite at Teatro Astor Piazzolla and enjoy scintillating live music and a live tango show on stage in the theater. Explore the melting pot of cuisine with a cooking class where you will learn how to make your own maté drink.
Head to Trade Skybar for craft cocktails and an incredible panoramic view of Rio de la Plata River, or Nicky Harrison, a speakeasy where you enter through sushi restaurant Nicky and need a password to get into the bar. The top nightclubs in the city include Jet Lounge, Terrazas del Este, INK Buenos Aires and Rosebar, each providing a robust and noteworthy club experience. And as Argentina was the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage, LGBTQIA+friendly spots include Glam, Amerika Disco, Plop, Club 69 and Human Club.
If you are ready to dance until the sun comes up, make sure to check out Buenos Aires after 5 … but really, after 10.
Don’t you love how navigating in and out of Ontario International Airport is a breeze with quick access and easy parking? Isn’t it refreshing how great it is once you’re in the airport – shorter lines, room to spread out, happy people to help you? At ONT, we’re working hard to be the very best airport we can be. And that’s why we’re proud to have been voted the #1 Fastest Growing Airport in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row! It just goes to show, faster really is better when it comes to your airport.
Like most big cities, Seattle’s distinct personality is made up of the sum of its many parts. Each of The Emerald City’s unique neighborhoods offers something distinct, and exploring them provides as much of an adventure as visiting the Space Needle or wandering stalls at Pike Place Market.
Pioneer Square, just south of downtown, offers a window into the city’s storied past and lets visitors discover how history shaped its modern personality. The area, first established in 1852 and Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, is built on the ancestral land of the indigenous Coast Salish people. As it evolved, various cultures, ethnicities and industries comingled to create a modern art, food and wine hub that honors the city’s cultural roots.
The 1-square-mile Pioneer Square neighborhood is best explored on foot. Walking along its cobblestoned streets, you can take time to enjoy the beautiful architecture of historic buildings and relax in the peaceful parks and public spaces that feature installations from local artists. Find the heart of the neighborhood in Occidental Square, a beautiful tree-lined plaza that provides play spaces for kids (along with plenty of activities like bocce ball courts and ping pong tables for adults),
totem poles and woodcarvings depicting images from indigenous lore, trendy cafés and wine bars, and quaint shops and boutiques that include independent bookstores and art galleries.
These streets not only let you explore modern Seattle but also historic treasures like Smith Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. Dating back to 1914, Smith Tower gives a glimpse into history with a Prohibition-era bar that sits atop the tower in the observatory. Complete with an openair observation deck displaying a 360-degree view of the city with the beautiful Puget Sound nearby, this observatory is accessible via the build ing’s original gilded elevator, still powered by its original DC motor.
To dig even deeper into the history of the area, head below the streets of Pioneer Square for a guided experience with a Beneath the Streets tour. This excursion takes you deep underground to see what is left of the original city of Seattle that burned down in 1889 by exploring longabandoned tunnels and passageways from the 1890s.
Whether looking to explore Seattle’s past or spend a day meeting deadlines in one of the neighborhood’s convenient coworking spaces, Pioneer Square provides the perfect introduction to a melting-pot city ripe with history, culture and personality.
Steeped in history, Dublin dates back to its origins as a Viking settlement in the ninth century. It boasts a spirited pub scene, a rich literary tradition and a current population of just more than 1.2 million. In the past few decades it became the European headquarters for multinationals like Meta, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Airbnb, Twitter and LinkedIn. As one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brexit, which caused more than 130 financial firms to relocate from London, Dublin has more than 50 new hotels in the pipeline and dozens of new world-class restaurants redefining Irish cuisine.
From the stately Georgian architecture and quiet, manicured parks around Merrion Square to the party-allnight atmosphere of Temple Bar and the excellent eateries of Ranelagh and Rathmine and the charming seaside villages of Howth and Dalkey, each of Dublin’s 10 unique
BY IRENE RAWLINGSneighborhoods is worth exploring. The city center is compact (most of the main attractions lie within walking distance of each other), but you can see more and more quickly on two wheels. Dublin offers more than 100 miles of paths for cycling. Rent from Dublin Bikes, a self-service bike rental system with stations located throughout the city. Dubliners also get around town and out to the coast via an excellent and reliable tram/light rail system called Luas (Irish for “speed”).
For the best time to visit Ireland, think spring (March–May) or autumn (September–October). Summer, also a lovely time, is more crowded and more expensive. An umbrella always proves a good idea but especially in winter when there is more rain (making Ireland so lush and green). However, you’ll find much lower prices for lodging and attractions at that time of year.
Fly into Dublin Airport (served by all major airlines), located approximately 6 miles north of downtown. A taxi to city center costs about $35, depending on traffic, number of passengers and time and day. Dublin Airport is accessible by more than 1,000 buses and coaches daily, reaching areas in and around Dublin and towns and cities across Ireland. Seven car rental companies are located on site or in close proximity to the airport.
Nearly every visitor to Dublin stops at Guinness Storehouse, and you should, too, especially if you’re interested in how the brewery makes its famously dark stout. The tour offers a seven-story immersive experience topped off with a complimentary tasting at the 360-degree Gravity Bar with panoramic Dublin and River Liffey views. To avoid the crowds, buy a timed ticket close to the end of the day when all the tourist buses have gone. In addition, several smaller, independent breweries are worth a visit, including Diageo’s St. James’s Gate Brewery, Five Lamps Brewery and The Porterhouse Brew Co. For sipping spirits, don’t miss the Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience, where you can sign up for a tour and tasting, cocktail-making classes and even an opportunity to bottle your own whiskey — straight from the barrel. Explore other possibilities for innovative tastings at Teeling Whiskey, Pearse Lyons Distillery (in a converted church on James Street) and Roe & Co Distillery (in the former Guinness power station).
Another must-see is Trinity College (established in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I) with its cobblestone courtyards; ancient libraries (kids will love the Harry Potter-esque Long Room in the Old Library); and the stunningly beautiful Book of Kells, widely considered the oldest book in the world.
No trip to Dublin is complete without stopping into a local pub for a pint and a bit of traditional Irish music. O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen, just around the corner from Trinity College, features live music and dancers in an oh-so-Irish setting: cut-glass snug screens, ornate wooden carving, comfortably worn leather chairs and dozens of Irish craft beers on tap. O’Donoghues has been around since 1789 and is as traditional as it gets. The Dubliners, a beloved Irish folk band, got its start here. Enjoy live music seven nights a week with bands from across Ireland. The Cobblestone (in Smithfield, one of Dublin’s oldest neighborhoods) is not fancy but authentic; locals come here for good beer and traditional music. Most
The Dean Dublin
Hip and stylish with an unstuffy vibe, The Dean offers in-room Smeg mini fridges and record players with classic vinyl like John Coltrane, Billie Holiday and the Beatles. Enjoy nightly revelries at Sophie’s rooftop bar with watercolor views of Dublin.
33 Harcourt St., Saint Kevin’s, Dublin $$$$
The Merrion Doormen in top hats welcome guests to the stately and serene hotel spread across a row of converted 18th-century Georgian townhouses. Guestrooms feature antiques and enormous marble bathrooms. Indulge in high tea and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Upper Merrion Street, Dublin $$$$$
The Shelbourne
From the opulent entrance to grand, high-ceilinged guestrooms, The Shelbourne exudes 5-star elegance and old-world charm paired with exceptional, family-friendly service. A full-time Genealogy Butler helps you trace your Irish roots. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge serves a famous afternoon tea.
27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin $$$$$
Delahunt
Enjoy cozy, contemporary dining and attentive service amid vintage accents in a historic building. The sitting room-style cocktail bar features sink-into chairs, crystal chandeliers and a fireplace.
39 Camden St. Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin $$$$
L. Mulligan Grocer
Dublin’s first true gastropub, housed in a beautifully preserved grocer’s shop, purveys simple, fresh, creative food. The menus nestle inside vintage books, and the bill arrives in a classic candy tin. Large list of craft beers and ciders.
18 Stoneybatter, Dublin $$$
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
White-gloved waiters at the 2-Michelin-starred restaurant serve Irish cuisine with a French twist. Dinner menus change seasonally; lunch menus change daily. Eight-course tasting menu includes wine pairing.
The Merrion, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin $$$$$
sessions start at around 9:30 p.m. — or whenever a few musicians gather — and last until 12:30 a.m. During the day, especially on Sundays, many pubs start sessions at 2 p.m. Kids are welcome in most Irish pubs until 8 p.m. Dublin proves the ultimate kid-friendly city. At the museum attached to Christ Church Cathedral (founded in 1030), costumed performers bring the city’s Viking and medieval history to life — including a full chest of period clothes for children and adults to try on. Older kids will enjoy a spine-chilling descent into the crypt at Saint Michan’s Church to see the nearly 1,000-year-old mummies. The National Leprechaun Museum is not just about little men in green outfits; it spotlights the magic of Irish folklore and storytelling. A big plus: a quirky room with a mythical and spooky forest and another with oversized furniture designed to make you feel, well, as small as a leprechaun. In 1,700-acre Phoenix Park (twice the size of New York’s Central Park) kids will enjoy exploring the medieval tower house of Ashton Castle, visiting Dublin Zoo and catching sight of the resident fallow deer. According to Irish lore, fairies meet among the bush-like hawthorn trees lining the park’s walled perimeter.
A designated UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin was home to Nobel laureates W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney and, of course, James Joyce, whose novels Dubliners and Ulysses immortalized the city. Independent bookshops abound. Ulysses Rare Books features a remarkable selection of first editions by Joyce, Yeats and Oscar Wilde (he also lived here). Sweny’s Pharmacy, mentioned in Ulysses, also
proves an excellent source for second-hand books. The Winding Stair is a treasure trove of new and used books and, even better, you can order a friedcod platter at its restaurant overlooking the River Liffey’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge.
Dublin boasts more than 700 pubs, forming the cornerstone of the city’s social life. As well as appearing in famous literary works, such as Joyce’s Ulysses, Dublin’s pubs served as homes-away-from-home for some of the world’s most celebrated writers. Joyce liked to hang out in Davy Byrne’s, Brendan Behan frequented Neary’s, and W.B. Yeats favored Toners. Sign up for a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, guided by actors who offer literary history sprinkled with famous quotes and punctuated by a pint or two along the way.
According to the National Museum of Ireland, more than 6 million Irish emigrated to America since 1820, and more than 25 percent of the current U.S. population claims Irish ancestry. You can trace your roots at the brilliantly interactive EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. As you enter the exhibition, you receive a stamped passport then follow a path through 20 themed galleries to discover why people left Ireland and how they influenced the world. Alongside the museum in Dublin’s Docklands, board the tall ship Jeanie Johnston, an exact replica of the original three-masted famine ship that, between 1848 and 1855, successfully transported more than 2,500 passengers from Ireland to North America. Journey back in time to learn the real-life stories of the passengers who embarked on this grueling journey.
Best Beaches
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Japan’s third-largest city is known for its distinctive food and drink culture as well as a rich sense of history and plenty of shopping opportunities. The city may lie only 250 miles west of the Japanese capital, Tokyo — just three hours by Shinkansen bullet train — but Osaka exudes a completely different feel. As a large port and commercial center, it has long served as a gateway to southern Japan and is known as the “nation’s kitchen” thanks to its historic importance in the rice trade. It’s also the culinary capital of Japan, with a massive tradition of eating out. Make sure you try the famous takoyaki, a kind of octopus dumpling topped with tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. You can see the best the city has to offer on a foodie tour, where a local guide will take you around Osaka’s hidden spots. No matter how strong your Google skills, you just wouldn’t find some of these back-alley establishments yourself, so it’s well worth the price. Check out tour operators Backstreet Osaka Tours, City Unscripted Osaka and Taste Osaka.
Osaka is also known for shopping, particularly American vintage fashion, so much so an entire neighborhood takes its name from the plethora of stores found there. Amerika Mura, or Amemura, proves a great place to spend time wandering around. You won’t need a guide here as there is more than enough to keep you busy for an afternoon by yourself. It’s central, too, so you may consider staying in one of the many hotels in the area. If you’d rather enjoy some Japanese retail therapy, check out stores from local brands such as United Arrows, Beams and Edwin.
Another option: Take a trip to the 16th-century Osaka Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. If you want to take a quick spin, opt for a self-guided tour, but those with an interest in history will benefit from a private guided tour. Sports fans visiting during the baseball season can take in a Hanshin Tigers game at Hanshin Koshien Stadium. Just don’t get overexcited and jump off Ebisu Bridge into the Dotonbori Canal, as some fans have been known to do after their team wins.
BY JACK GUYWorld Class Design. Local Inspiration. The Peninsula Chicago offers a wide range of sophisticated suite accommodations to meet the needs of any traveler. From the expansive, three-bedroom Peninsula Suite featuring a private terrace overlooking Lake Michigan, to the intimate one-bedroom Executive Suite with just the right amount of personal space, travelers will always find themselves in a warm, welcoming space that perfectly blends Eastern graciousness with Midwestern hospitality.
Ah, the romance of train travel … even commuters feel it. There’s something oh so Alfred Hitchcock, Agatha Christie and Harry Potter about chugging down a track on the way to some wonderful — perhaps even mysterious — destination, your bag neatly tucked above you, a book in your lap, your journey ahead. The scenery outside passes by like a film in fast motion. The seats (comfortable on most global trains, even in second class) feel like super-plush movie theater lounge chairs. Each train car, like a narrow living room, boasts its own mood depending on fellow travelers and the ministrations of attentive staff.
On overnight locomotive trips, you have your own compartment: cozy, tidy and posh. You take your meals in the dining car — rather decent, even exquisite, food, perhaps — while sipping luscious libations. Sometimes the staff even wear tails. Time seems both to stand still sublimely and pass surreally fast, as it might at a party you truly enjoy.
On a lavish train leading to iconic destinations, the primary purpose is sightseeing (and pampering) rather than simply traveling from one place to another. These jaunts also immerse travelers in a dimension of fantasy, the sensation of taking flight (or, rather, to the rails) in a moving luxury hotel. Whether the mahogany-clad Belmond Royal Scotsman which rolls through the Scottish Highlands, Switzerland’s storied Glacier Express service with its possibility of fondue, or India’s regal Maharajas’ Express, these trains offer reverie, pampering, unparalleled service and a total break from routine and real life. Here are a few we love.
Nearly a century old, the world’s “Slowest Fast Train” rolls from Switzerland’s swanky St. Moritz to legendary Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn. The historic, bright-red steam train traverses a mountainous path across Switzerland on a 7.5hour trek, passing through 91 tunnels and crossing 291 eye-popping bridges along the way. Board it, as I have, with children, bags packed for skiing and palates ready for hot chocolate.
Highlight: The panoramic windows in the train cars provide 180-degree views.
New in 2023, the storied Orient Express — the renowned and more-than-a-centuryold, divinely glamorous train service — launches six new locomotive itineraries,
each inspired by Italy’s elegantly hedonistic 1960s era dubbed La Dolce Vita. A tribute to that good life, the new trains, elegantly designed by Dimorestudio, will feature 11 cars each, providing space for 63 passengers within 18 suites and 12 top-notch cabins. Choose from 15 itineraries across Italy and beyond, including stops in Paris, İstanbul and Split, most lasting one to three days.
Highlight: Focusing on Italy, the reimagined Orient Express experience will showcase 14 Italian regions, many of them lesser-known.
Castles, gardens, whisky distilleries, golfing on Scottish links courses and clay pigeon shooting constitute only a parcel of the diversions you’ll experience from the dignified, Edwardian-intoned Belmond Royal Scotsman. Like a classic Scottish country house, the baronial-style décor cossets sumptuously: woodpaneled rooms, green tufted leather, tartan blankets and such. Formal dinners require tuxedos … or kilts for those who dare. Meals are multicourse gourmet affairs. Choose from two- to four-day itineraries running April through October.
Highlight: The onboard Whisky Advisor
The most princely way to be whisked through India’s Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur — and to safari with tigers at Ranthambore, this much-awarded train reflects the opulence of bygone times. Incorporate it with a boat trip on Uniworld’s Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas’ Express, a bountiful 16-day excursion blending seven nights cruising in comfort on the Ganges with a luxury train journey to see Rajasthan’s most fabled sights, including the Taj Mahal.
Highlight: The amazing Indian food and the festive welcomes with rose petals, dancing and music galore
Ascend to the great abandoned city of Machu Picchu by train, passing by quinoa and potato fields, terraced mountain farmland and valleys hewed by a rushing river. Inca Rail, a first-class railway option in Peru, offers train trips
to the great UNESCO-listed site from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley. Summoning halcyon days with shades of the Jazz Age, Inca Rail’s service includes a scope of travel levels, including the over-thetop, grandly splendid Private Car, taking first class to a whole new standard. Available for one-party bookings, the exclusive car, with its leather stools, local textiles, polished wood, bar and kitchen, serves arrival Champagne; Pisco sours; and a delectable, locally inspired, three-course meal as you ride the rails. Please note: Travelers are currently advised to check government warnings before planning travel to Peru.
Highlight: Peruvian entertainment sets a mood.
Slip into blissful island time in Australia’s Whitsundays. BY
JILLIAN DARA
Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are an unimaginable destination. As many screensavers or wanderlust-worthy documentaries as you may come across of the 74 continental islands off the central coast of Queensland, located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, none of them quite do this site justice. That may seem unlikely given the location’s perfectly azure waters punctuated by 1,430 miles of reefs, but as someone who’s visited firsthand, I can vouch none of my carefully snapped photos of Heart Reef from a helicopter tour above the chain of coral systems can compare to the image imprinted in my mind when I put down the camera and simply absorbed the panorama through my own eyes.
Perhaps this is the reason for the Great Barrier Reef’s listing as one of the seven natural wonders of the world; the destination cannot be oversold, and it’s
one of my few trips that exceeded expectations.
The ocean inarguably boosts the beauty of this region — after all, 2,900 coral systems surround it — but it’s not simply a beach destination. The Whitsundays showcase the locale with a plethora of ocean activities, discoverable both above and below the surface, including not only the obvious beach lounging or afternoon yacht excursion but also floating dive centers and tours way above the surface in helicopters and seaplanes. Of course, you can scuba dive and snorkel to experience the vast marine life here — UNESCO records 400 types of coral; 1,500 species of fish; and 4,000 types of mollusks — and hike on the individual islands to witness soaring views in case flying high above the reefs seems unnerving. (I promise, it’s worth it, though.)
Due to a unique topography, there are no bad views, even at sea level. In fact, you can view the swirls of powdery sand stirred up in the aqua waters like a detailed watercolor from the snow-colored beaches. This is why picnics and day excursions to Whitehaven Island, consistently
Elysian Retreat
Expect to be spoiled at this all-inclusive, adultsonly, nine-room resort with included activities like daily yoga, use of nonmotorized watercraft and a three-course chef’s choice menu nightly. The eco-retreat operates on 100 percent solar power.
Long Island, Whitsundays, Queensland
$$$$$
The House at Lizard Island
Larger groups seeking privacy will want to settle into this secluded threebedroom, three-story residence that debuted in June 2022. Tucked between the inner and outer reefs, The House offers an ideal jumpingoff point for scuba excursions to the GBR or snorkeling off its private beach.
PMB 40, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
$$$$$
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
This private-island resort’s newest offering caters to couples with its 12 freestanding beachfront pavilions reserved for adults only. Families are welcome at the main resort, and all guests have access to its five restaurants, white-sand beach and one of Australia’s largest swimming pools.
Hayman Island, Queensland
$$$$$
Bommie Restaurant
This waterfront venue serves a modern Australian tasting menu yet pays homage to the country’s Aboriginal roots, shortening the word bombora, referring to the colorful reef patches found in the surrounding waters, for its name. Dishes rely on seasonal ingredients and locally caught seafood.
Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Front Street, Hamilton Island, Queensland $$$$
Elysian Retreat Dining
The all-inclusive Elysian treats guests to a rotating menu decided by its on-site private chef. Dishes are seafoodcentric but tailored to guests’ preferences and dietary needs, personally discussed with the culinary team upon arrival.
Elysian Retreat, Long Island, Whitsundays, Queensland
Pebble Beach
Located at Qualia resort, this restaurant has become renowned for its six-course degustation menu paired with wines. Though reserved for guests, it’s the spot on the main island and worthy of the splurge.
Qualia, 20 Whitsunday Blvd., Hamilton Island, Queensland
$$$$$
recognized as Australia’s most beautiful beach year after year, remain so popular, with the possibility to make the day leisurely or adventurous.
As revered as the destination is, during my time in the Whitsundays it never felt overcrowded, perhaps because most resorts inhabit their own island, which adds an extra step to an already lengthy travel day (if you’re coming from the United States) but also adds to the luxury castaway feel: your own secluded slice of heaven. When I wasn’t out adventuring, I tucked into a beachfront suite at Hayman Island, toying between a dip in the plunge pool and a long soak in the salty ocean. Luckily, being on island time, I had hours for both.
The Whitsundays’ isolation means you’ll likely eat on property most of the time, but with the marine bounty in its backyard, ingredients are fresh, innovative and representative of the regions’ flavors (think wild-caught fish like coral trout or snapper and Moreton Bay bugs, a species of slipper lobsters commonly found in northern Australian waters).
All this is to say if you’re planning a trip to Australia, the Whitsunday Islands undoubtedly merit a necessary extension. However, as someone who traveled exclusively there from the U.S. East Coast, I can certainly say it’s a destination worthy of its own trip.
Hamilton Island Airport is the destination’s most convenient airport, primarily serviced by Virgin Australia and private aircraft via one-hour direct flights from Cairns (CNS) or Brisbane (BNE). Though a number of resorts and restaurants call Hamilton Island home, many travelers hop on additional transport, either private yacht or helicopter, to check in at their private island resort.
Water Mission builds best-inclass safe water solutions that aim to transform as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible. With accessible safe water, children can be healthy enough to attend school. Parents can provide for their families instead of spending hours collecting water. Communities experience economic opportunities that help break the cycle of poverty.
BY ELYSE GLICKMAN
Museums dedicated to human rights painstakingly develop themed exhibits to encourage critical thinking through depictions of how deeply injustice, corruption and cruelty impacted a society. At the most effective museums, visitors are participants rather than passive viewers, and the exhibits and interactive activities prompt them to consider how to make the world a better place with what they learn from the past.
Internationally prominent museums such as Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Los Angeles’ Museum of Tolerance, Yad Vashem in Israel and National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta evoke emotions that linger long after a visit and adapt to new generations of visitors with regular additions and renovations. Museo Internacional para la Democracia in Rosario, Argentina, and Museum of New Zealand | Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, New Zealand, partner with various academic and human rights groups to develop social initiatives.
Here are a few more museums sure to bring greater depth of understanding of a destination’s people and history, warts and all. For additional suggestions, check out the enhanced version of this article at globaltravelerusa.com.
Upon entering the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the former Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, one can see the balcony
where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated April 4, 1968. The museum takes visitors through the U.S. civil rights movement from the 17th century forward with multimedia and interactive exhibits, short movies, archival photos and the personal effects of those who dared to take on a system of inequality. Two nearby buildings connected to King’s death carry the story into the present day.
Japan’s Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum remains one of the most powerful anti-war museums in the world, with honest and graphic displays documenting the effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. While the personal effects of victims and articles of war are heart-wrenching, accompanying texts provide the most effective visuals. The Museum of Peace and Human Rights, 200 miles northeast in Osaka, educates visitors about the horrors of war and human rights issues involving Japan’s ethnic minority and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Cape Town’s Robben Island Museum transcends its fame as the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of a life sentence for his work to stop South Africa’s apartheid government. Visitors see the inside of his cell and hear about the anti-apartheid fight as told by guides — some former prisoners who interacted with Mandela. The Kwa Muhle Museum in Durban also provides fascinating perspectives to apartheid with artifacts depicting struggles of the minority communities in eastern South Africa.
As one of two airports in New York City, LaGuardia is working to set itself apart from John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Early in 2022 New York governor Kathy Hochul; Rick Cotton, executive director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Kevin O’Toole, chairman, Board of Commissioners, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and Frank Scremin, CEO, LaGuardia Gateway Partners, celebrated the completion of LaGuardia’s Terminal B — a major milestone in the terminal’s $4 billion transformation. With the new terminal and opening of LaGuardia’s Terminal B western skybridge, every arriving and departing passenger at Terminal B will experience newly built, 21st-century architecture and facilities from gate to curb.
“The transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a world-class destination that is internationally recognized for its beauty is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York,” Gov. Hochul said. “The completion of this $4 billion project will help provide a brand-new passenger experience for everyone traveling through Terminal B, easing connections and creating lasting impressions. Congratulations to all who made today’s milestone possible as we continue creating a whole new LaGuardia Airport worthy of New York.”
Terminal B won UNESCO’s 2021 Prix Versailles award for Best New Airport in the World, as determined by a blue-ribbon panel of international architects assembled by the United Nations agency. The terminal includes 35 gates; a 3,000-car parking garage; and convenient pickup facilities for both taxis and rideshares. While waiting for your plane to take off, check out the new retail options, dining concepts, stunning art and amenities that provide a world-class, 21st-century travel experience.
Recently, LaGuardia Airport underwent another $4 billion transformation with the opening of Delta Air Lines’ brand-new Terminal C in June 2022. The new terminal replaced two existing terminals and consolidated 37 gates into one spacious facility with a single arrival and departure hall, providing passengers with a new and efficient experience from the moment they arrive. The terminal features a centralized check-in lobby, security checkpoint and baggage claim area that
BY MARY MELNICKproves easy to navigate.
Terminal C was designed for efficiency and speed, allowing travelers to navigate to and from their gates quickly with the help of the latest technology. This includes hands-free bag drops, self-serve check-in and digital ID screening capabilities.
The new concourses in Terminal C offer larger gate areas and more seating options, so guests can relax in comfort before boarding. Travelers can expect 30 percent more concession and dining options than the previous two terminals offered. Additionally, Delta opened a new Delta Sky Club, its largest, featuring a Sky Deck with views of the airfield, locally inspired dining and artwork from New York artists.
WHILE WAITING FOR YOUR PLANE TO TAKE OFF, CHECK OUT THE NEW RETAIL OPTIONS, DINING CONCEPTS, STUNNING ART AND AMENITIES THAT PROVIDE A WORLD-CLASS, 21ST-CENTURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.
The intersection of ecotourism and community-based tourism proves the ideal union for the rewards it reaps for the people and animals who call a place home.
A landmark rhino conservation project launched in 2022 at the edge of Zimbabwe’s largest national park is paving the way for protecting a species poached from here in the early 2000s. At the same time, it puts tourism dollars directly into the pockets of those living alongside wild animals.
Late last June two white rhinos named Thuza and Kusasa wandered cautiously from the interior holding boma (enclosure) where they’d spent five weeks acclimating to explore the plains surrounding southeastern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It was a momentous occasion.
“For 20 years we haven’t had white rhino in this location,” said Mark Butcher, managing director, Imvelo Safari Lodges, a key partner in the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, tasked with bringing rhinos back to the Hwange region. “They’re such an important part of the plains of southeast Hwange; it’s just fantastic to see.”
The CCRI represents the first instance in Zimbabwe of rhinos being translocated to community land, where they are cared for and protected by a community protection unit called COBRAS, composed of villagers from surrounding communities.
Guests staying at Imvelo’s Camelthorn Lodge, also located on community land belonging to the local village, Ngamo, can walk within yards of the majestic animals alongside the COBRAS. They will know funds raised by their visit benefit not only rhino conservation but improvements to the surrounding communities — from building boreholes for fresh water and providing lunches for local school children to improving village healthcare facilities.
“Community-based tourism is incredibly important, as local people not only benefit economically but also gain intangible benefits such as pride in their home and the power to make decisions that reflect their culture and their community,” said Casey Hanisko, president, Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Plans to expand the sanctuary and introduce more rhinos onto neighboring community land in 2023 will employ more men and women from the surrounding region. Locals in Ngamo village and its surrounds already feel the benefits of communitybased tourism and the return of rhinos to the region. “I see a lot of development coming into my village,” said Vusa Ncube, 33, an Imvelo
BY TERRY WARDguide who never saw a rhino before becoming involved in the CCRI. “It’s a very, very big thing for us, a very special thing for me. Not only to see these animals back here but because my kids have better social services than what I had growing up.”
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On game day, Super Bowl host cities stand to gain almost as much as the teams competing on the field, if not more. The game can mean hundreds of millions of dollars in the days leading up to, during and immediately after the game, but it can also have an economic impact that lasts for years.
Eric Kerr, vice president of insights and development, Visit Phoenix, explains one can easily count the number of hotel rooms filled in a Super Bowl year or how many people fly into the city for the game. In 2015, the last time Phoenix hosted the game, more than 120,000 visitors came to the city for the big day, injecting more than $719 million into the local economy.
Harder to determine is the long-term tourism impact, however. Kerr said the greater metropolitan area received “incredible interest from Seattle” following the 2015 game, but no one can know how many people vacationed in Arizona after seeing images and videos during the Super Bowl.
Phoenix estimates 6,000 members of the media will cover the game and tell stories about the city, its people and its attractions. Major NFL events such as the Super Bowl Experience and celebrities attending events in the Valley will get coverage, too. If that weren’t enough, roughly 200 million people from around the world will then watch the game, and every commercial break will feature scenes from Phoenix and around the state.
“You can’t put a price on that,” said Santiago Corrada, president and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay, which hosted the Super Bowl five times, most recently in 2021.
Corrada points out the game impacts more than tourism. It shows the city does a good job hosting large events, such as conventions, and has the infrastructure for companies looking to relocate to the area. A Super Bowl can also convince a new airline to offer service to a city or inspire talented workers to move there.
“There’s a reason big cities compete for a Super Bowl,” he said. “It’s a great marketing tool.”
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