January 2024 Hideaway Report

S P E C I A L I S S U E TO P 1 0 P I C K S F R O M O U R A N N UA L M E M B E R S U R V E Y + P H OTO C O N T E S T W I N N E R S

A N D R E W H A R PER ’ S

JA N UA RY 2 024

S I N C E 1 97 9

MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

JEFF JONE S

s t l u s e r e th are in!

T

Winner of our member photo contest (see page 14)

he Andrew Harper awards season, which started

following lists also contain plenty of surprises! And we were

in December with our Editors’ Choice lists, now

pleased to see the impressive geographical spread of the

concludes with our Members’ Choice issue. For

top selections, evidence of your curiosity and worldliness.

these awards, we sent surveys to you, our members, to vote

These awards make two things quite clear: Andrew

for your all-time favorites in a variety of categories. Certain

Harper members are traveling extensively and traveling

winners have ranked as top properties for years, but the

exceedingly well.

MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

TOP 10 HOTELS IN THE WORLD

T

he Hideaway Report is best known for its reviews of small, distinctive

properties, and the following list includes some very distinctive

KODIAK GREENWOOD

(UNDER 50 ROOMS)

selections indeed. Post Ranch Inn again takes the top spot in the list of hotels under 50 rooms — it is quite understandably a perennial Members’ Choice Awards favorite.

The small-hotels list contains selections in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean, but fully half of them are in the United States. It’s clear that one need not travel far to find a top luxury hideaway.

1

POST R ANCH INN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

Set along a bluff directly above the Pacific in Big Sur, this unique coastal resort offers 40 contemporary guest lodgings suspended over the cliffs with views of the ocean. Spacious interiors feature natural wood and stone trims, woodburning fireplaces and spa tubs. The "tranquil and inspiring" location draws particular praise from members, and the word "perfect" came up more than once.

2

T WIN FARMS

B A R N A R D, V E R M O N T

This magical retreat, with 28 distinctive lodgings, is set on 300 acres of wildflower meadows and rolling hills in central Vermont.

It can feel like a bucolic second home, albeit one with a private art collection and a huge variety of outdoor activities.

2

Post Ranch Inn, California

“Post Ranch Inn’s beauty is unmatched:

stunning setting, fabulous cuisine and plenty of opportunities for relaxing or being active.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

SAUNDR A THOMP SON

“If you ever imagined

yourself as a character in an opulent period piece, the gorgeous Ballyfin Demesne is perfection.

Beautiful spaces, indoors and out, excellent service, food and elegant appointments.

It is a glorious and unforgettable step back in time.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

Ballyfin Demesne, County Laois, Ireland

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6

8

L A K E G A R DA , I TA LY

WA L L A N D, T E N N E S S E E

S T. V I N C E N T & T H E G R E N A D I N E S

GR AND HOTEL A VILL A FELTRINELLI Tucked between a towering cliff and the water, this spectacularly restored neo-Gothic hotel has 20 extravagant accommodations. With ceiling frescoes, woodburning fireplaces and fine paintings, it fronts the picturesque western shore of Lake Garda.

4

AMANGIRI

C A N YO N P O I N T, U TA H

Close to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam, this exceptional resort stands amid 900 acres of stupendous desert landscape. Two austere yet striking concrete wings contain 34 rooms, some with plunge pools.

More than one member also cited the "extraordinary" service here.

5

BALLYFIN DEMESNE C O U N T Y L AO I S , I R E L A N D

Regarded as one of the architectural gems of Ireland, this restored 20-room 1826 Regency mansion amid 614 acres of parkland is the embodiment of sumptuous comfort. This is "high-style country living," as a longtime member aptly put it.

BL ACKBERRY MOUNTAIN

Overlooking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this superlative property includes 23 stylish stone cottages, 14 treehouse accommodations and six cabins and multibedroom homes. The emphasis here is on exercise, wellness and health-conscious cuisine.

7

AMANDARI BALI, INDONESIA

Beautifully integrated into the village of Kedewatan, this exquisite sanctuary overlooks the Ayung River Gorge. High, moss-covered walls conceal 30 freestanding pavilion suites with gardens accessed through temple-like gateways.

PETIT ST. VINCENT PRIVATE ISL AND

This privately owned 115-acre islet is rimmed by coral reefs and white-sand beaches. The 22 individual oceanview one- and two-bedroom villas offer louvered windows, spacious showeronly baths, living rooms and lanais.

9

THE R ANCH AT ROCK CREEK P H I L I P S B U R G , M O N TA N A

This lavish family-friendly guest ranch is set on 6,600 acres in southwest Montana. The 29 Western-themed accommodations include nine in a timber-and-stone main lodge; three rooms in a restored 19th-century barn; and 10 creekside wood-and-canvas luxury tents.

10 Amandari, Bali, Indonesia

AMAN VENICE V E N I C E , I TA LY

This sumptuous 24-room hotel is housed in a spectacular 16th-​century palazzo in San Polo on the Grand Canal. Magnificent public areas include a lobby lined with marble busts and a dining room with gilded mirrors, lavish moldings, chandeliers and a balcony overlooking the water.

3

MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

TOP 10 HOTELS IN THE WORLD (OVER 50 ROOMS)

W

hile intimate hideaways are a delight, members also love

staying in grand palace-style hotels and sprawling resorts rich with amenities. But tellingly, almost all the winners in the 50-and-over category have fewer than 100 rooms. The two exceptions are the classic Claridge’s and the brilliant Le Bristol Paris. They demonstrate that it’s possible to offer superlative service in a larger hotel, but not too many properties manage that trick.

As the second list below indicates, there’s something of a sweet spot in the size range of 50 to 100 rooms.

1

BL ACKBERRY FARM WA L L A N D, T E N N E S S E E

Set amid a 4,200-acre estate bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this distinguished country house hotel of 68 rooms has been owned by the Beall family since 1976. Members almost universally lauded the Barn restaurant's “Foothills Cuisine.”

2

IL SAN PIETRO DI POSITANO P O S I TA N O, I TA LY

This dramatic resort hotel is carved into a cliff on the outskirts of Positano. Situated in tiers of gardens, most of the 56 lodgings feature hand-painted doors, decorative tile floors and scenic verandas. A rooftop terrace affords vistas of Positano and the spectacular coastline.

4

Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy

“ The food is always exceptional at Il San Pietro di

Positano, and it is possible to stay for days without ever having the same taste at a meal. We have also attended several cooking classes — also wonderful.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

“Amazing riads

and staff at Royal Mansour. Rooms are serviced via tunnels. I haven’t seen anything like that outside of Disney World.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

9

GR AND HOTEL TIMEO, A BELMOND HOTEL

Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco

CARUSO, A BELMOND HOTEL A M A L F I C OA S T, I TA LY

This enchanting property in Ravello is an amalgam of buildings (including an 11th-century palazzo) overlooking the Gulf of Salerno 1,000 feet below.

Terraced gardens offer panoramic views. Vaulted frescoed ceilings and hand-painted tiles distinguish the 50 lodgings. The pool here is an understandable hit with members.

4

ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

This opulent palace was made possible by the king of Morocco’s unlimited budget and more than 1,000 artisans specializing in geometric zellij tile work, plaster carving, woodwork, stone inlay and painting. Accessible to staff by tunnels, the 53 guest rooms start at 1,500 square feet.

5

ASHFORD CASTLE C O U N T Y M AYO, I R E L A N D

This imposing castle hotel is located in a 350-acre woodland park on the shores of Lough Corrib. Crenelated battlements incorporate the remnants of a 13th-century castle. Its 83 lodgings offer antique furnishings, rich fabrics and original artwork.

Set in terraced gardens, this spectacular 1863 resort hotel features unforgettable vistas of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna.

The 70-room property retains the alluringly genteel atmosphere of a stop on the Victorian Grand Tour.

6

CL ARIDGE’S

LO N D O N , E N G L A N D

This distinguished 266-room art deco landmark hotel is located in fashionable Mayfair. Historically, the hotel has served as an unofficial state guesthouse for visiting dignitaries. The lodgings combine Old World elegance with modern conveniences.

10

LE BRISTOL PARIS PA R I S , F R A N C E

Set in a mid-18th-century building near the shops of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this impeccably serviced hotel dates from 1925. All 190 rooms are individually decorated in a traditional style and suites on the upper two floors offer views of the Eiffel Tower.

7

AMANPURI

P H U K E T, T H A I L A N D

This visually striking spa resort on a private peninsula occupies a palm-shaded hillside above an exquisite white-sand cove. A maze of walkways and stairs provides access to 40 luxurious lodgings with sundecks, while 40 villas come with butler service, pools, kitchens and indoor-outdoor dining salas.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

8

CIPRIANI, A BELMOND HOTEL V E N I C E , I TA LY

This grand resort hotel, a five-minute ride by private launch from St. Mark’s Square, is set amid gardens at the tip of Giudecca Island. The 96 lodgings, housed within the main building or in the adjacent 15thcentury Palazzo Vendramin, offer garden, pool or lagoon views.

RICHARD MOR AN

3

TAO R M I N A , I TA LY

5

MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

BEACH HOTELS

“ The beach may just

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Hawaii

H

awaii made a fine showing here, with three of its islands represented: Oahu, Lanai and Hawaii itself. Only the Caribbean — specifically Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands

and St. Barths — gave it serious competition. Members also found more far-flung beaches appealing, handing awards to scenic stretches of sand

be the best in Hawaii or anywhere. I love Hau Tree on the beach for cocktails and food. I’ve been going for nearly 50 years.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

in Tanzania and French Polynesia. Considering that the Andrew Harper offices are in currently chilly Chicago and New York, this list in particular has all of us dreaming of a warm week by the sea.

1

MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL , AUTOGR APH COLLECTION B I G I S L A N D, H AWA I I

2

HALEKUL ANI OA H U , H AWA I I

3

CAP JULUCA , A BELMOND HOTEL M AU N DAYS B AY, A N G U I L L A

6

4

MAROMA , A BELMOND HOTEL R I V I E R A M AYA , M E X I C O

5

FOUR SEASONS RESORT L ANAI L A N A I , H AWA I I

6

ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY V I R G I N G O R DA ,

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

7

FOUR SEASONS RESORT BOR A BOR A B O R A B O R A , F R E N C H P O LY N E S I A

8

PETIT ST. VINCENT PRIVATE ISL AND

S T. V I N C E N T & T H E G R E N A D I N E S

9

&BEYOND MNEMBA ISL AND M N E M B A I S L A N D, TA N Z A N I A

10

CHEVAL BL ANC ST- BARTH

B A I E D E S F L A M A N D S , S T. B A R T H S

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

“Everything about

Singita Boulders Lodge, South Africa

SAFARI LODGES

S

4

ROYAL MALEWANE

Singita Boulders Lodge is a feast for the eyes. From the pretty individual cottages (with plunge pools) to the handsome public spaces. ... The animals are glorious, the guides skillful and charming.

It all provides a transformative experience.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

SOUTH AFRICA

5

&BEYOND NGORONGORO CR ATER LODGE

outhern Africa was the big winner, with Botswana and

TA N Z A N I A

South Africa racking up

6

the majority of the awards in this

Z AR AFA CAMP

category. We’re hard-pressed to

B OT S WA N A

argue with the choices! It’s certainly

7

no shock to see a Singita property

WILDERNESS MOMBO CAMP AND LITTLE MOMBO CAMP

snag the top spot. We were, however, rather surprised to see a write-in candidate appear on the list. We

B OT S WA N A

haven’t yet had the chance to review

8

XIGER A SAFARI LODGE B OT S WA N A

9

ANGAMA MAR A K E N YA

10

SINGITA SABOR A TENTED CAMP TA N Z A N I A

Xigera in Botswana, but now that it’s won eighth place, we’ve moved it to

Zarafa Camp, Botswana

the top of our list to inspect when we’re next in the region.

1

SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE SOUTH AFRICA

2

LONDOLOZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

3

JACK’S CAMP B OT S WA N A

ANDRE W HOWARD

SOUTH AFRICA

7

MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

“Aman Venice is a

stunning palazzo on the Grand Canal where the staff greets you like family and the beautiful vintage water taxi takes you where you want to go! The food is also wonderful.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

7

THE PENINSUL A CHICAGO C H I C AG O, I L L I N O I S

CITY HOTELS CITY HOTELS

8

Aman Venice, Italy

N E W YO R K , N E W YO R K

V

ALVEAR PAL ACE HOTEL

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

9

THE LOWELL

10 enice remains dear to our hearts and, it seems, to those of our members. First and 10th place went to Venetian properties, and they’re two of our highest-rated city hotels as well. Perhaps more

CIPRIANI, A BELMOND HOTEL V E N I C E , I TA LY

predictably, Paris dominated overall, nabbing no fewer than three top spots. We also noticed that all the hotels here have a

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France

distinctive character. We’re not interested in staying in a boring box, however wonderful the service, and it’s clear that Andrew Harper members aren’t either.

1

4

V E N I C E , I TA LY

TO K YO, JA PA N

AMAN VENICE

2

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V PA R I S , F R A N C E

3

LE BRISTOL PARIS

AMAN TOK YO

5

THE GORING LO N D O N , E N G L A N D

6

RITZ PARIS PA R I S , F R A N C E

PA R I S , F R A N C E

8

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

“At Four Seasons

Resort Hualalai, the kid experience is amazing, and the adult experience is like being at a nice country club.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

5

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

FAMILYFRIENDLY HOTELS

H

awaii made another strong showing here, nabbing the two top spots. Only two

international destinations made it on the list — Costa Rica and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico — and almost all the other winners were clustered in the western United States. The Eastern Seaboard has some catching up to do!

It makes sense that member favorites included mostly coastal resorts and ranches. Beaches and horses are

THE RESORT AT PAWS UP

G R E E N O U G H , M O N TA N A

1

MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL , AUTOGR APH COLLECTION

6

THE R ANCH AT ROCK CREEK P H I L I P S B U R G , M O N TA N A

B I G I S L A N D, H AWA I I

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2

S O LVA N G , C A L I F O R N I A

FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUAL AL AI B I G I S L A N D, H AWA I I

3

FOUR SEASONS RESORT PENINSUL A PAPAGAYO G UA N AC A S T E , C O S TA R I C A

4

BL ACKBERRY FARM WA L L A N D, T E N N E S S E E

ALISAL R ANCH

8

AMANGIRI

C A N YO N P O I N T, U TA H

9

ONE&ONLY PALMILL A LO S C A B O S , M E X I C O

10

MONTAGE L AGUNA BEACH L AG U N A B E AC H , C A L I F O R N I A

always popular with the little ones.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

“ The activities

offered at The Ranch at Rock Creek are mind-blowing. There is also fabulous food for all ages.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

9

MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

“Cal-a-Vie Health

Spa: great location, great food, lots of spa and fitness options.

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

5

CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, California

V I S TA , C A L I F O R N I A

WELLNESS RESORTS

T

ruth be told, the winner in this category has a relatively low rating compared to

many of the others on the list. A rereview of Miraval Arizona would seem to be in order! We were quite surprised to see that just a single hotel on this list is outside the United States. Members in search of relaxation and rejuvenation apparently seek them nearby. And we certainly empathize — it can be easier to unwind if getting home requires a short drive or flight. On the other hand, a spell at a wellness retreat can be just what the doctor

1

MIR AVAL ARIZONA TUCSON, ARIZONA

2

AUBERGE DU SOLEIL , AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

6

BL ACKBERRY MOUNTAIN

WA L L A N D, T E N N E S S E E

7

BL ACKBERRY FARM

WA L L A N D, T E N N E S S E E

8

COMO SHAMBHAL A ESTATE

R U T H E R F O R D, C A L I F O R N I A

BALI, INDONESIA

3

9

AMANGIRI

C A N YO N P O I N T, U TA H

4

CANYON R ANCH TUCSON TUCSON, ARIZONA

L AKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT AU S T I N , T E X A S

10

POST R ANCH INN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

ordered after a long journey.

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia

“COMO Shambhala Estate: exquisite spa services, romantic setting, glorious service.

10

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

MARTIN MORELL

—ANDRE W HARPER MEMBER

HOTEL POOLS Amankila’s three-tier pool, Bali, Indonesia

1

AMANGIRI

C A N YO N P O I N T, U TA H

2 AMANGANI

JAC K S O N H O L E , W YO M I N G

3 CARUSO,

A BELMOND HOTEL

A M A L F I C OA S T, I TA LY

4 AMANKIL A

BALI, INDONESIA

5 CIPRIANI, A

BELMOND HOTEL

V E N I C E , I TA LY

6 AMANDARI BALI, INDONESIA

CRUISE COMPANIES

S

mall ships won the day, sweeping the entire list of winners in this category. Not

a single cruise line in the top 10 has vessels that carry more than 750 passengers. It’s clear that Andrew Harper members prefer (as we do) the personalized service, convenience and exclusivity that small luxury cruise ships provide.

Seabourn Venture

7 ONE&ONLY PALMILL A

LO S C A B O S , M E X I C O

8 AMANPURI

P H U K E T, T H A I L A N D

9 HOTEL DU CAPEDEN - ROC

ANTIBES, FRANCE

10 POST R ANCH INN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

1

SEABOURN

2 SILVERSEA 3 REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

6 AQUA

EXPEDITIONS

7 PONANT 8 AMAWATERWAYS

4 LINDBL AD

9 UNCRUISE

5 CRYSTAL

10 VIKING

EXPEDITIONS

ADVENTURES

11

YOUR TOP EXPERIENCES

P

erusing the travel stories you submitted felt so heartening. We asked you to “Please describe your most memorable Andrew Harper travel experience,” and it was a joy to read about hundreds of unforgettable moments that

you’ve had all around the world. Your stories, especially when taken in sum, serve as a rousing reminder that travel has the power to connect us and transform us.

We share some of our favorites below, including the contest winner. The writer will receive a three-night stay at Meadowood in Napa Valley, California.

SOUL-SATISF YING COLOMBIA

“

Andrew Harper proposed noteworthy accommodations in Bogotá, Medellín (where AH thoughtfully arranged for Tom Cruise to stay down the hall) and Cartagena, where I fell in love with the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. Welcomed by a gracious butler, I discovered I’d been upgraded to a gorgeous Colonial Duplex Suite (i.e., in the original convent). From the upstairs balcony, I could look over the wall at the charming home and garden of Gabriel García Márquez, one of my favorite authors. The butler arranged for me to have a guided tour of all the Cartagena sites — including the crypt in the hotel’s bar — featured in the author’s books. All in all, very soul satisfying.

– A . D., CALIFORNIA

WORTH THE JOURNEY

“

We had a remarkable time at Nihi Sumba, Andrew Harper’s 2019 Hideaway of the Year award winner. While the hotel had received a lot of positive press, nearly all of it was through channels that could be earned through free stays. It wasn’t until Andrew Harper reviewed it and it received the best score of any hotel to date (99 points), and it won Hideaway of the Year, that we decided to go. It ended up being, far and away, the best stay of our lives — we loved the raw connection with nature, the accommodations, the best service we have ever received and the consistently great food. We released baby turtles every evening, visited enormous deserted waterfalls, took a boat trip to view the remarkably rugged coastline and loved the now-famous spa safari. In this day and age, it’s hard to know if a hotel is actually great, and we wouldn’t have traveled for 36 hours (each way!) for this stay if it wasn’t for its superb review in the Hideaway Report.

MULTIGENER ATIONAL MEXICAN BIRTHDAY

“

My mother’s 80th birthday saw two folks in their 80s, two in their 50s and two in their late teens enjoying a week in Mexico on the Punta de Mita at Casita Mia de Mita. We had a truly lovely time, and we never would have thought about that spot without the talented advisors of Andrew Harper Travel.

– KELLY COLE, CALIFORNIA

MALDIVES MOMENTS

“

We spent a family vacation in the Maldives, and during our stay at COMO Cocoa Island, we went snorkeling along their reefs. We had two sharks swim by us only feet away. The sea life was amazing, with eels and large turtles. A wonderful experience for our family.

– ASH SARNA , OHIO

– IAN WEBER, NE W YORK

Note: See a photo from his trip in our member photo contest on page 15!

12

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

C ARTAGENA , B E ACH, VERMONT & TORRE S DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK: GE T T Y IMAGE S MIYA JIMA ISL AND, NORWAY FJORD & TRUFFLE HUNTING: ADOB E S TOCK

CONTEST WINNER

Clockwise from top left: Cartagena, Colombia; baby sea turtle, Punta de Mita, Mexico; COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives; safari at Londolozi, Sabi Sands, South Africa; Torii gate submerged in the sea at Miyajima island, Japan; Geirangerfjord and the Seven Sisters waterfall, Norway; truffle hunting, Piedmont, Italy; Torres del Paine National Park, Chile; autumn in Vermont

CULTUR AL IMMERSION IN JAPAN

“ COMO COCOA ISL AND: MARTIN MORELL LONDOLOZI: ROB B IE BALL

VERMONT TR ADITION

“

Andrew Harper inspired me and my sister to stay at The Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vermont. Vermont has become a very special place for me ever since, and I’ve returned every autumn for over a decade.

– C . CASE Y, CALIFORNIA

CONNECTING WITH WILDLIFE

“

Our favorite experience was going to Londolozi Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sands, South Africa. Andrew Harper described the resort as having a special connection with leopards, and there were so many we got to see during our stay.

– ALI MOINZ ADEH, CALIFORNIA

EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS

“

Japan for three weeks. Andrew Harper organized the whole trip the way we wanted it. Tailor-made for us. We went to Miyajima, Kurashiki, Takayama, Kyoto, Wakayama and Hakone. AH allowed us to immerse ourselves in the Japanese culture, and it was one of the richest experiences in travel we have ever had.

My wife and I hadn’t given much thought to Scandinavia until your wonderful issue on Norway several years back. Norway was such a hit (we basically followed your itinerary), we went to Denmark after that. We had been fixated on Spain, Italy and France, but this opened our eyes to the charms of the Northern European countries.

– BORIS SCHWARTZMAN, PERU

– JAMES G ILFOIL , PENNSYLVANIA

OTHERWORLDLY OPPOSITES IN CHILE

UNEXPECTED MEMORIES IN ITALY

“

The diametrically opposite Awasi hotels in Chile: one in the Atacama Desert, the other in Patagonia.

The guides and staff combined for exhilarating, customized daily itineraries that at times felt truly otherworldly.

– JEFF JONES, PENNSYLVANIA

“

Truffle hunting with my wife in Piedmont, Italy. Exploring the woods with Luna guiding our way was truly a once-ina-lifetime experience. Never did I expect our most memorable Andrew Harper experience to be us digging through the dirt in Italy with a doggo.

– MARK AND MOLLY POT TER, PENNSYLVANIA

13

YOUR BEST PHOTOGRAPHS

W

hat a pleasure it was to go through your photo submissions! Andrew Harper members sent us a huge array of diverse pictures, depicting scenic beaches, striking wildlife, remarkable architecture and (most delightfully) images of themselves out exploring.

We dedicated an hourlong meeting to choosing the winners, but we had such fun discussing the appealing entries, it ended up taking more than twice that time. Congratulations to the winning photographer, who captured an image that is at once cheerful, eye-catching and unique. He’ll receive a two-night stay at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. And additional congratulations to our runners-up, who also greatly impressed us with their pictures.

FIRST-PLACE WINNER BURST OF BOUGAINVILLEA BY J E F F J O N E S The brilliant colors and dramatic lines in this photo taken on the Greek island of Paros are beautiful, but we particularly loved the feeling of exuberance it captured. “This truly was a serendipitous moment,” according to photographer Jeff Jones, and the joyous spontaneity depicted here exemplifies what we love about travel.

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We couldn’t fit all the runners-up — find more impressive members’ photos at AndrewHarper.com.

H I D E AWAY R E P O R T January 2024

RUNNERS-UP A WHALE OF A CLOSE- UP

BY W E I D E N G Andrew Harper member Lisa Reath is actually in this photo, taken by her friend Wei Deng during an epic Grand Pole to Pole Expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud from Antarctica to the Arctic. We know how tricky it is to get a photo of a humpback whale, let alone a strikingly colorful shot that illustrates the animal’s scale.

LEOPARD HUG

BY J . M . M .

Photographer J.M.M. “followed this mother and child for two days in Botswana.” We love looking at photos of wildlife, but we were especially impressed to see a picture of animals that is so suffused with affection and charm.

SUMBA SUNSET

BY I A N W E B E R Nihi Sumba in Indonesia is one of our top-rated resorts anywhere, and this photo by Ian Weber helps show why. It looks like a vision of paradise, with the saturated sky reflecting on a broad sweep of beach. A lone figure stands between the natural curves of the bay and the contrasting angularity of the resort’s infinity pool, providing a focal point.

SNACK TIME AT VUMBUR A PL AINS

BY A N N E E DWA R D S Botswana inspires more than its fair share of fine photography. Here, Anne Edwards displays a keen sense of timing with this snap of a lilac-breasted roller about to nab a bug near Wilderness Vumbura Plains. We love the sense of drama and the contrast of the brightly colorful bird with the neutral palette of the background.

15

WHERE TO GO IN 2024

KEREN SU / GE T T Y IMAGE S

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Monks praying toward mountains shrouded in mist, Thimphu, Bhutan

A

ndrew Harper Members started planning 2024 trips months ago, and those of us on the Harper staff have likewise been plotting our next forays. Somehow, the more we travel, the more our wish list seems to grow! It’s a paradox that we suspect many members have also experienced.

SINGAPORE

This city-state’s renowned Jewel Changi Airport recently completed a renovation of its Terminal 2. In addition to revisiting the futuristic skyscrapers, ancient temples and vibrant food markets (some with Michelin-starred stalls), we look forward to reviewing new hotels like the COMO Metropolitan Singapore and the soonto-open Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore, along with the original Raffles Singapore, overhauled in 2019.

THE BALTICS

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania combine the best of eastern and northern Europe, but few Americans visit. It’s a shame, because these scenic, historic countries welcome Americans with open arms. An itinerary connecting their capitals — with a diversion to Pädaste Manor on Estonia’s unspoiled Muhu Island — would be a remarkable trip.

We love exploring cities and hiking up mountains, but sometimes, we just need a spell of utter relaxation amid scenery of extraordinary beauty. Few places fit the bill better than French Polynesia. Resorts scattered around the atolls — Bora Bora foremost among them — provide vistas that look like the definition of paradise, and the m/s Paul Gauguin offers romantic cruises in the archipelago. We can’t think of where we’d rather be during an election year.

MOROCCO

Morocco’s hospitality sector took a hit following the September earthquake, which struck a region in the High Atlas Mountains quite hard. But most places of interest to visitors are open for business and eager to welcome back travelers.

Tourism is vital to the Moroccan economy, and selfishly, we can expect major sites to be less crowded than usual.

HUDSON VALLEY

The quaint towns along the Hudson River are surrounded by centuries-old family farms and forests that blaze with color in autumn. Since the pandemic, the region’s popularity has surged. Recent wellness-focused openings from Habitas, Auberge, Six Senses and Chatwal offer sophisticated respites perfect to add to any New York City itinerary — and they have solidified the area’s reputation as a destination on its own. Now the Hudson Valley is chicer than ever.

BHUTAN

In the past decade, the unspoiled, hardto-reach country has seen a handful of luxury hotel openings from brands including COMO, Six Senses and, last year, &Beyond, supplementing our long-standing Aman recommendations.

Bhutan will also become more affordable in 2024, as the government plans to reduce its sustainable development fee down to $100 per night.

Is there a place you’d like to see us review? Email us at AskAndrew @AndrewHarper.com.

ME MBE RSHIP UPDATES T R AV E L O F F I C E E X PA N S I O N We’ve been delighted to see member requests for travel planning assistance on the rise.

Knowing that many of you plan to travel even more this year than you did last year, we’ll be adding more travel advisors and extending our operating hours in 2024. In the meantime, we are also available through online chat from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weeknights and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT. ONLINE BOOKING Sometimes you just want to make a quick hotel booking and be done with it. For those moments, we’ve added a hotel booking tool to our website, AndrewHarper.com, under the “Plan Travel” tab on the homepage menu. Our hotel description pages also have links to the tool. Feel free to use this option when it’s convenient, but of course you can always contact our Travel Office for expert advice and personalized planning assistance. Either way, you’ll receive any member amenities and benefits.

COLLECTION REDESIGN Every year we produce 12 installments of the Andrew Harper Collection, our annually updated guidebooks to the world, which have been mailed to print members two volumes at a time over the course of a year.

In February, we will debut a fresh new design of a complete boxed set of 12 guidebooks. With its updated look and beautiful linen keepsake box, the entire 2024 Collection can be displayed and referenced throughout the year ahead. Online, you can now peruse the 2023 Collection (and Hideaway Report) in e-book format in addition to downloading the PDF.

U N LI M I T E D T R AV E L P L A N N I N G W H E N YO U B O O K W I T H U S AT 1 - 800-375- 4685 or Reservations@AndrewHarper.com The Hideaway Report is published monthly exclusively for Andrew Harper members by Andrew Harper, 209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606.

Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Quotation, reproduction or transmission by any means is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.