ALTOUR-SELECT-MAGAZINE-SUMMER-ISSUE-2021

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SELECT · 2021

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

We all know that spark — the one that comes when we travel somewhere new; when we expose our senses to the unfamiliar and are rewarded with a feeling of awe. Most of us travel not only to feel restored, but because we want to re-introduce our souls to this tiny electric charge.

Over the past year, that spark has felt more and more elusive, replaced instead by feelings of uncertainty. There are, however, plenty of things we can be certain about: travel will soon return in full force, it will be safer than ever and the thrill of taking that first big trip will be sweeter than we could have even imagined.

In this issue, we’ve provided you with plenty of inspiration as you once again start to plan. We have suggestions for the ultimate girls trip to LA; water-bound adventures at home and in the Caribbean; romantic city escapes to New York, Chicago, Dallas and Charleston; unique wellness experiences to re-center and rejuvenate; exploring the wilds of Montana from a luxury rural retreat; fun (and educational!) ideas for the whole family in Puerto Rico; and Michelin-starred restaurants for those who dream of a return to Europe. Also in this edition is a feature on Sharecare VERIFIED™ health security with Forbes Travel Guide, an innovative and

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comprehensive new program that’s shaping the future of safe travel.

To bring your travel visions more clearly into focus, we’ve also included three “Perfect Day” itineraries for Los Angeles, Sedona and Dallas; based on advice from in-theknow locals and our trusted travel advisors, the guides will help you engage with these destinations on a deeper level. We also highlight our ALTOUR SELECT luxury hotels and resorts in each of these locations, including the special amenities and VIPworthy privileges you’ll be treated to while there. It pays to be connected, and thanks to our long-standing relationships with industry partners, you will be when you book with us.

We look forward to helping you every step of the way as you transform your current travel dreams into future realities. Here’s to once again finding that spark.

Happy Travels!

ALTOUR International

SELECT Magazine is produced four times a year by Internova Travel Group. The magazine’s contents are protected by copyright 2021 and all rights reserved. Reproduction without prior permission is forbidden.

Every care is taken in compiling the contents in this magazine, but the publishers assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rates, offers and information are valid at the time of printing and are subject to change and availability. © 2021, Internova Travel Group. All rights reserved.

Printed in USA. SELECT Magazine is published by Internova Travel Group.

Please address all advertising and subscription inquiries to: SELECT, 1925 Ballenger Avenue, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA, 22314.

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CONTENTS HEALTH AND SAFETY

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Introducing Sharecare VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide

FAMILY

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Remote Learning and Family Fun in Puerto Rico

WELLNESS

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Unique Offerings In The World of Wellness

CULINARY

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Europe’s Michelin-Starred Meccas

ROMANCE

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Refined City Escapes

UP & COMING

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Luxury in the Wild at the green o

CULTURE

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The Ultimate Glam Girls Trip to LA

ADVENTURE The (Travel) Life Aquatic

ON THE COVER: Paris, France

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Half Moon, Jamaica, Montego Bay CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

H E A LT H & SAFETY

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

INTRODUCING SHARECARE VERIFIED™ W I T H F O R B E S T R AV E L G U I D E The prospect of traveling in this new world can feel overwhelming at times. How can we be sure the hotels we’re staying in are safe? What kind of health and cleaning standards have been implemented? How do we know which hotels we can trust? While most of us are eager for a chance to unwind, it can be hard to believe travel will ever be relaxing again.

We hear you, which is why we’ve partnered with Sharecare and Forbes Travel Guide to drive the adoption of a revolutionary new platform that’s shaping the future of safe travel.

Through a rigorous and expert-validated system, the comprehensive Sharecare health security VERIFIED™ program with Forbes Travel Guide allows hotels to earn the VERIFIED™ badge – an easily identifiable “seal of approval” – by implementing expert-validated protocols and standards across their properties; these include health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, and measures to support ventilation system, physical distancing and health safety communication. And for you? The Sharecare VERIFIED™ program helps you rest assured that your health and safety will remain top-of-mind throughout your stay, and you can get back to dedicating your pre-travel energy to other important matters, like choosing what books to read on the beach.

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Indoor/outdoor dining

But that’s not all — in addition to hotels earning the badge, your entire destination just may be Sharecare VERIFIED™! In March 2021, Los Cabos became the first Sharecare VERIFIED™ destination thanks to an effort led by Visit Los Cabos with Sharecare and Forbes Travel Guide. As a VERIFIED™ destination, the Los Cabos Tourism Board committed to the adoption of the healthy security verification as a universal standard across the hotels and resorts within its coverage area. So, here’s where to stay and how to live it up in this chic Mexican paradise.

Resting on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is known for its luxurious resorts, sparkling nightlife and the luminous Sea of Cortez. It’s in this magical place that Nobu opened its first Mexican location, with 200 guest rooms and suites built in the brand’s stunning modernist architectural style. Of course, having been co-founded by culinary genius Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the hotel has also invested heavily in ensuring its dining experiences are nothing short of extraordinary. Their signature restaurant sits right on the beach, with its Japanese-fusion dishes served in the salty Pacific air. Other onsite choices include the organic and sustainably-sourced Malibu Farm, Mexican a-la-carte at Pacific Restaurant or the refined Ardea Steakhouse.

Unique relaxation zones

Private beachside villa at Nobu Los Cabos CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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During the day, Los Cabos is an adventurer’s playground, and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos can set you up for everything. Spend time on a private catamaran or luxury yacht, jumping off to snorkel throughout the day; rip through the desert on a Polaris UTV; experience the once-in-a-lifetime journey to see migrating humpbacks off the coast; or visit the startling diverse Espiritu Island.

Another legendary Los Cabos hideaway is One&Only Palmilla. Nestled into the rocks of the Baja’s dramatic coast, this boutique hotel features designer rooms, casita suites and luxury villas, including the exclusive Villa One perched at the resort’s highest point. Not only are the views iconic, but One&Only’s property also allows access to one of the region’s best beaches for swimming.

Overlooking One&Only Palmilla

Agua Bar at One&Only Palmilla

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To satisfy your appetite for fine food, the hotel’s culinary collection includes Seared by One&Only™ steakhouse; an open-air brasserie with live music daily called Breeze; and Suviche by internationally renowned chef Jean-Georges.

If your getaway is a romantic one, One&Only Palmilla can curate bespoke experiences for you and your love.

Imagine yourselves escaping to a private beach cove and admiring the view from a suspended bed, glasses of Champagne in hand. Or, perhaps you’d like to center yourselves with an authentic Mexican wellness ritual, explore the sea by private yacht or let loose with a premium tequila masterclass led by an expert mixologist.

Whatever your plans, Los Cabos promises to be a destination that’s not only relaxing, romantic and stunningly beautiful, but also a destination whose hotels

Premium tequila tasting

are Sharecare VERIFIED™.

SELECT The following Sharecare VERIFIED™ hotels will make your stay in Los Cabos the ultimate luxury experience. Plus, enjoy bonus amenities and perks available through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Nobu Hotel Los Cabos Los Cabos, Mexico One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos, Mexico Ask about other experiences we can provide at this destination.

CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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Family time poolside at Fairmont El San Juan

FA M I LY

SELECT · 2021 Entryway at12 The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

REMOTE LEARNING AND FAMILY FUN IN PUERTO RICO In this new era of remote learning, it’s more important than ever for parents to be able to keep their kids engaged. Family trips are no exception, so let us plan a getaway for you that’s filled with fun learning opportunities for parents and kids alike.

So where to? With relatively quick flights, no passports required for US citizens and a landscape steeped in both beauty and history, Puerto Rico is an ideal choice for North American families. Here are just some of the many ways to bring fun and education together while exploring this friendly Caribbean destination.

EMBRACE LOCAL CULTURE An island of roughly 3,500 square miles, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States in 1898 after centuries of control by Spain. For history buffs of any age, tours of the Spanish-built forts that surround Old San Juan are an absolute must. San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal are about a mile apart, connected by a large area that’s easy to push a stroller across. When not exploring the forts, kids will love to run around here on the grass, and there’s usually at least a few kites flying high. Just south of the forts is Old San Juan, Puerto Rico’s storied capital that was first settled in the early 1500s; it’s fun to wander the streets of this historic town and photograph its colorful colonial houses.

Classic Puerto Rico architecture

The Museo del Niño is another fantastic place to spark kids’ imaginations. Their exhibits cover everything from “Art and Music” to “Physics and Energy,” and there’s even a small zoo. Perhaps your kiddos have always wanted to explore a real plane, cockpit included? If so, there’s a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 (donated by American Airlines) ready and waiting for them.

Another way to get to know Puerto Rican culture is through its excellent, kid-friendly food. Drop into the Miramar Food Truck Park for a casual lunch, with plenty of local food options to choose from and space to play in between bites of empanada.

Puerto Rican history CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS For children and adults alike, there are few experiences more magical than paddling through bioluminescent waters at night. Puerto Rico is the world’s best place to witness this surreal glow-in-the-dark phenomenon, caused when masses of microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates are disturbed (by a boat’s paddle, for example). Our agency can ensure you’ve got a reservation well in advance, since these tours often sell out.

Another place ripe for exploration is the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. The park is home to hundreds of unique plant and animal species, making it a fitting place to learn about diverse ecosystems. Start at the “El Portal” Visitors Center for its educational park info, then head out for a day of hiking, visiting waterfalls and cooling off in jungle lagoons. Wear comfortable footwear for walking and be sure to pack snacks, plenty of water, bug repellent and light rain jackets if possible.

Family walk at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

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Forest adventures await

Fairmont El San Juan

STAY AT A FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORT Puerto Rico has many great resorts that cater to both parents and their kids, and three of the best are the Fairmont El San Juan, the Caribe Hilton and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. Each offers the space to relax, have fun as a family and — if need be — get set up for remote learning!

FAIRMONT EL SAN JUAN Offering easy access to both turquoise waters and the lively nearby town, the Fairmont El San Juan is a stylish choice for families with older kids. On the hotel’s two miles of beachfront property, some may opt to lounge in a private cabana, while others take off with a snorkel or kayak in hand.

CARIBE HILTON Being the brand’s first international hotel and the birthplace of the Piña Colada, the Caribe Hilton is a piece of living history. The resort’s 17 acres are filled with an endless array of daily activities, including splashing in the Kids’ Fountain Pool, playing in the games room and feeding koi fish in the Tropical Gardens. Parents can also take advantage of the hotel’s outstanding babysitting services to enjoy a romantic night out.

Evening relaxation at Caribe Hilton CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT Stretching over 483 acres between the El Yunque rainforest and the Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort holds a coveted location. Your kids will live it up at the Tortuga Kids Club, an “educationally-based space” that’s impressively outfitted for kids between four and 12 years of age.

SELECT Have us book your holiday at one of these outstanding family-friendly resorts. Then we’ll make life even easier with special perks and amenities provided through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Caribe Hilton Puerto Rico Fairmont El San Juan Puerto Rico The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Puerto Rico Ask about other experiences we can provide at this destination.

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CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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Feeding the ducks at L’Auberge de Sedona

WELLNESS

UNIQUE OFFERINGS IN THE WORLD OF WELLNESS Yoga on a mountaintop. Floating in a hot air balloon over a canyon at sunrise. Nourishing food served fireside at a historic cabin.

Sound appealing? In today’s world, it’s important to step out of the churning business of life and into quieter spaces for a while, spaces that allow us to experiment a little. Luckily, with their increasingly diverse experiences, hotels and resorts are making it easier than ever to both find some quiet, and to learn and grow within it. Here are three extraordinary destinations to consider for your next wellness getaway.

Outdoor massage

THE LODGE AT BLUE SKY Close to Park City, Utah, The Lodge at Blue Sky sits on 3,500 acres of wild, uncultivated land and is a popular destination year-round. Its three types of accommodation include features like locallysourced limestone and living grass roofs, and the hotel’s wellness programming also reflects the landscape. Custom-tailored to a guest’s unique desires, the resort’s “Wellness Warrior” itineraries include things like aerial yoga, during which you’ll be suspended from trees by generous swaths of silk; forest bathing; relaxing CBD massages; and an “Alternative Energy Journey” that you’ll be guided through by a personal therapist.

Dining at Blue Sky is led by James Beard awardwinning chef Galen Zamarra, whose refined cuisine is both influenced by the mountains and served in various places amongst them. You can dine on the terrace with views of Alexander Canyon, or opt for a mountaintop picnic. Perhaps you’re also up for a trek to The Tavern, a secret 19th century cabin where

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gourmet food is cooked over a campfire.

L’Auberge de Sedona

L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA L’Auberge de Sedona can be found in one of Sedona’s striking red rock canyons, quietly nestled along the banks of Oak Creek and granted shade from towering Sycamores. With a focus on sustainability in all aspects of their business, everything at L’Auberge de Sedona — including their wellness activities — is designed to honor and interact with the natural setting.

Start out slow with daily yoga, feeding the ducks (a

Hiking in Sedona

resort tradition) and in the forest spa; there, you can create a uniquely personalized blend of herbs, oils, botanicals and essential oils to be used during your treatments. Once you’re ready to pick up the pace, hike through geological wonders like Antelope Canyon, or explore by horseback or hot air balloon. Finally, as anyone familiar with Red Rock Country knows, this area is home to a number of “sacred vortexes,” with L’Auberge de Sedona being a central access point to many of them. If these more mystic elements intrigue you, “The Intuitive Vortex” is an experience that can be custom-tailored for guests, including a choice of which specific vortex you’d like to visit.

Creekside breakfast CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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Salamander Resort & Spa

SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA It may only be an hour outside of Washington DC, but the Salamander Resort & Spa couldn’t feel further from the city’s hectic urban energy. In historic Middleburg, Virginia with the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop, this is a place to find calm.

On an impressive 340 rural acres, the resort features a 23,000-square-foot spa with 14 treatment rooms, an outdoor courtyard and a heated pool. Those visiting in the name of wellness should start there, then partake in some hiking, a relaxing float down the Shenandoah or Potomac Rivers and — most unique of all — spend some time in Salamander’s renowned equestrian center. There, the resort offers a unique program called “Equine Communication,” during which you’ll get to experience the fascinating world of “horse whispering.” Much of your time will be spent focusing on body language, the energy one brings to their interactions with a horse, communication and the importance of authenticity. The benefits of equine therapy are well documented, and you’ll likely understand why after this course.

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SELECT The following hotels provide unique wellness experiences in beautiful natural surroundings.

And when you book with us, you’ll also enjoy luxe bonus amenities available through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS L’Auberge de Sedona Sedona, AZ Salamander Resort & Spa Middleburg, VA The Lodge at Blue Sky Park City, UT Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.

Sunset at Salamander23 Resort & Spa

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PERFECT DAY ITINERARY: Sedona

Warm red quinoa bowl

Fay Canyon

6:30 AM to be the early bird in

7:03 AM

these parts, so you make

Savor a calm, creekside

sure you’re packed and

breakfast at your hotel,

ready before breakfast.

L’Auberge de Sedona.

Essentials for the day

With vegetables, avocado,

include sun protection,

poached egg and chorizo,

good shoes, snacks, about

the Warm Red Quinoa

50% more water than you

Bowl will set you up right

think you’ll need, your

for the day. Linger with

swimsuit and towels.

your coffee for a few extra

Rise and shine! It pays

minutes to enjoy the birds’ morning chorus.

Red Rock State Park

8:07 AM After a fairly short drive in your rental car, you arrive at beautiful Fay Canyon for a morning hike. In these cooler hours you make your way through a striking red rock ravine with waterfalls, seasonal wildflowers and an impressive natural stone arch. Those after a longer and more challenging hike can drive slightly further north to explore stunning Boynton Canyon.

10:22 AM You’ve worked up a sweat and want to cool off, so you head south to Red Rock State Park.

Just twenty minutes from Fay Canyon and with jaw dropping views of Cathedral Rock, this is easily one of Arizona’s most beautiful swimming holes. Spread out your towel and relax in the sun, then dip into the refreshing waters of gorgeous Oak Creek.

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Arizona’s Red Rock Country is well-known as an outdoor mecca, so a trip there is more about finding the beaten path than it is wandering off it! It’s also a place to find calm, so we’ve created an itinerary that lets you both explore and relax all in one day. Don’t forget your hiking boots, because here’s how you’ll be spending one perfect day in Sedona.

Masa tamale

Flower Essence Massage

1:41 PM

Blood orange margarita

12:37 PM

Next, you drop by the acclaimed Sedona Arts

3:00 PM

With a growling stomach, you

Center to browse its

After an early start to

make your way to Tamaliza

galleries and snag some

the day and an active

for lunch. Claudia Gonzalez

local art from the finely

morning, you unwind with

— who grew up southwest

curated shop. Having

a late afternoon Flower

of Mexico City — handmakes

now spent time exploring

Essence Massage back

her organic masa tamales

the landscape, you can

at L’Auberge de Sedona.

daily, which have quickly

appreciate where many

Their spa sits in a tranquil

gained a loyal following with

of these artists draw their

forest near the creek, so

locals. There’s no need to

inspiration from.

the sound of rushing water

spend long perusing the

provides a backdrop to

menu — the Tamale Supreme

your restorative treatment.

is the way to go!

6:00 PM It’s time for dinner at the renowned Cafe Elote, owned by James Beard Award-winning chef James Smedstad. From your patio seat overlooking the red rocks at sunset, you enjoy blood orange margaritas alongside dishes like smoked brisket enchiladas, elote (Mexican street corn with spicy mayo, lime and cotija) and agave ice cream topped with crunchy pepitas. There could be no better ending to a day spent exploring the mystic grandeur that is Sedona.

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Culinary art at Santa Elisabetta in Hotel Brunelleschi

C U L I N A RY

EUROPE’S MICHELINSTARRED MECCAS Without question, one of the greatest pleasures of traveling is food. In a new place we want to try new things, so we seek dishes unfamiliar to us in their history, ingredients and even the techniques used to cook them.

After all, we don’t just eat on holiday to satisfy plain hunger; we eat to better understand the place we are in, and to treat ourselves to its very best.

When planning a trip, the question of where to eat is usually one of the first to arise, and foodies ‘round the world are fortunate enough to have the Michelin Guide’s help. This culinary treasure map highlights the world’s best and most groundbreaking restaurants, many of which reside in Europe. And so, for anyone dreaming of future meals across the Atlantic, here are four European hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants worthy of a trip.

Breakfast with a view

Dinner served in the tower suite at Santa Elisabetta, Hotel Brunelleschi

SANTA ELISABETTA IN HOTEL BRUNELLESCHI, FLORENCE Unfolding on either side of the River Arno, Florence is an effortlessly romantic place. Masterpieces of art and architecture connect by cobblestone lanes, and the surrounding hills offer both spectacular views and plenty of wine to be paired with the region’s famous cuisine.

The two Michelin-starred restaurant Santa Elisabetta pays homage to Tuscan culinary tradition in a modern way. It’s located in Hotel Brunelleschi, a Florentine institution that occupies a former sixth century Byzantine tower near the city’s famed Duomo.

Santa Elisabetta occupies the tower’s first floor, its circular shape allowing for just seven tables to be arranged in an intimate setting; there, acclaimed chef Rocco de Santis creates his minimalist cuisine. He was raised in Campania and brings a wealth of experience to the ingredients of Tuscany, transforming them and storytelling through each of his dishes. At Santa Elisabetta you’ll experience true innovation within ancient walls.

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Seaside dining

VISTAMAR IN HÔTEL HERMITAGE MONTE-CARLO, MONACO A glittering destination on the French Riviera, the

Living up to this refined history is Vistamar, the

tiny city-state of Monaco has, for decades, been

hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. From its perch

synonymous with luxury and glamour. Sitting in the

overlooking the port, Vistamar offers a friendly and

heart of it all is the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo,

relaxed dining experience with a focus on healthy

which was built in the early 1900s and invites its

Monégasque cuisine. Diners relax on the sun-

guests to travel back to the gilded era of La Belle

soaked terrace while chefs prepare a bounty of

Époque.

Rivieran ingredients from trusted local producers.

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monaco CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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LE LOUIS XV - ALAIN DUCASSE À L’HÔTEL DE PARIS IN L’HÔTEL DE PARIS, MONACO Just across from the Hôtel Hermitage is the grand l’Hôtel de Paris, another historic jewel of Monaco. The building’s palatial 19th century design makes it clear — this is a place to indulge in the good life.

Of course, that good life includes exceptional cuisine, which is easily found at the three Michelin-starred Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris.

Mediterranean food with international influences is created there by chefs Dominique Lory and Alain Ducasse, and like the hotel it sits in, Le Louis XV is legendary. The establishment had been open less than three years when it became the first hotel restaurant ever to earn three Michelin stars; Ducasse was just thirty-

Beef filet

three years old at the time.

l’Hôtel de Paris, Monte-Carlo, Monaco 30

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L’Oiseau Blanc, The Peninsula Paris

SELECT L’OISEAU BLANC IN THE PENINSULA PARIS, PARIS From an avenue stemming grandly from the Arc de Triomphe, The Peninsula Paris reigns as one of the city’s most fashionable hotels. Its Haute Couture inspiration speaks to the best of French art and culture, both of which are showcased at Chef David Bizet’s L’Oiseau Blanc.

Named for the plane carrying Nungesser and Coli on their 1927 attempt to cross the Atlantic, this rooftop restaurant gives its diners a unique panoramic view that includes the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the aircraft suspended off the terrace. Awarded a Michelin star in 2020, L’Oiseau Blanc takes diners on adventurous journeys of their own, which are playfully served in six “stops.”

If it’s excellent food you’re after, the following hotels are for you. In addition to dining well, you’ll also enjoy VIP perks when you book SELECT with us.

SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Hotel Brunelleschi Florence, Italy Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo Monte-Carlo, Monaco l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco The Peninsula Paris Paris, France Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.

CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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Moments of romance at the Thompson Dallas

RO M A N C E

REFINED CITY ESCAPES At this point, it’s probably been a while since you and your partner have been able to get away. Away to a truly different place, where your only priorities are to relax and do what sounds fun — nothing more. And sure, while this concept may seem straightforward, we all know that making it a reality is a different story altogether.

The good news? With American cities being as diverse as they are, you don’t need an entire week to find romance in a place that feels new. Here are four such destinations, each singular in character and home to some of the finest (and most swoon-worthy) hotels in

Dallas cityscape at night

the country. Let us plan the romantic escape you not only desire, but greatly deserve.

THOMPSON DALLAS Texas is a place to live big, and a stay at the Thompson Dallas is to experience one of the most luxurious and designfocused hotels in the city. Located in the heart of downtown, its rooms and suites offer sweeping views and bespoke mid-century modern furnishings, and three of the city’s hottest culinary destinations — Catbird, Monark and Kensaku — also reside here. Out in the city, stroll hand-in-hand through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, or see what’s happening in lively Klyde Warren Park. And if the tie that binds is a mutual love of Texas-style BBQ, Pecan Lodge or Lockhart Smokehouse are where sparks can fly over exceptionally good smoked brisket.

Exceptional décor at Thompson Dallas 34

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Private picnic romance

THE PENINSULA CHICAGO For a week, weekend or even just a day, Chicago is always a dream to visit. It’s lakeside setting, outrageously good food and diverse neighborhoods make for a friendly and dynamic destination, one that’s ideal (especially in the spring or fall) for a romantic getaway.

When visiting the Windy City, there are few better places to call home than The Peninsula Chicago. From its enviable location on the Magnificent Mile, this Far-Eastmeets-Midwest luxury hotel is perfectly situated amongst Chicago’s most desirable sights and restaurants.

Take in the city’s unparalleled architectural landscape with a boat tour, or spend your afternoon cheering on the Cubs at Wrigley Field. If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, settle in at The Peninsula’s twentieth story spa, then enjoy a classic Chicago dinner for two at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse.

Take a boat tour or a stroll along the water CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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SELECT · 2021 36 Central Rowing through Park

THE PENINSULA NEW YORK You only have to see When Harry Met Sally once to know that New York is a place to be in love. Start all your Big Apple adventures at The Peninsula New York, situated in a 1905 Beaux-Arts building that’s ideally located in Midtown. Begin with gorgeous breakfasts at Clement in the hotel, then take your pick of activities like Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the MoMa and endless others right at your doorstep. One ideal morning could be spent walking The Highline and visiting The Whitney, then stopping in at Buvette; this date-worthy French brasserie serves the city’s best Croque Monsieur.

Champagne awaits

Grand entrance at The Peninsula New York CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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Hotel Bennett Charleston

HOTEL BENNETT CHARLESTON

Take it slow while in Charleston, starting with a refined

With its flower-adorned classical architecture,

America. Shop boutiques on King Street for local treasures

gracious southern hospitality and sweeping natural

and stroll past Waterfront Park’s iconic pineapple fountain,

canopies of oak and willow, Charleston is a city that’s

then dig into the unique pleasures of Lowcountry cuisine;

romantic to its core. A sunny afternoon spent walking

renowned restaurants such as Husk are known for their

its cobblestone streets is a pleasure all its own, and an

strict allegiance to southern ingredients.

southern breakfast at Gabrielle, then check out the nearby Charleston Museum, said to be the oldest of its kind in

ever-growing number of cultural and culinary delights are there for you to explore.

While in Charleston, rest your heads at the impressively luxurious Hotel Bennett. Although only a recent addition to downtown’s Marion Square, its elegantly appointed suites, restaurant and pale pink-clad Champagne bar — Camellias — exude an established old-world style.

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Luxurious rooms

SELECT The following hotels set the mood perfectly for a romantic getaway. Plus, you’ll enjoy all the bonus amenities available through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Hotel Bennett Charleston, SC The Peninsula Chicago Chicago, IL The Peninsula New York New York, NY Thompson Dallas Dallas, TX Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.

Enroute for a night in Charleston

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PERFECT DAY ITINERARY: Dallas

Turkish skillet

Green city experiences

8:42 AM Nine at the National in

10:03 AM

the Thompson Dallas.

Stroll over to The Taschen

The Elvis Toast (topped

Library inside the nearby

with honey sesame

Joule Hotel. This small,

spread and banana brûlée)

gallery-like shop brilliantly

might speak to you, or

displays books from

perhaps you’d rather try

the renowned German

the Turkish Skillet with

publishing house, and has

tomato, poached eggs and

something to satisfy every

feta. Either way, you’re in

curiosity. Don’t forget to

the mood for flavors bold

look up and admire the

enough to match the city

border of mid-century

you’ll soon be exploring.

modern mosaics, all

Start with breakfast at

rescued from old elevators in Dallas’ Mercantile Tower.

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El pastor at lunch

10:39 AM Grab a drink from Weekend Coffee and wander just a few blocks over to Main Street Garden Park, an oasis of green in the heart of downtown. After enjoying your caffeine in the shade, you’re off to peruse the flagship location of an American shopping mecca: Neiman Marcus. Originally opened in 1907, this is both a place to shop and a legendary piece of Dallas history to admire.

12:16 PM You’ve built up an appetite by now, so you venture north to La Ventana for some of the city’s best tacos. Their menu is concise but covers all the favorites, and you wash down your barbacoa and el pastor with a frozen margarita (which, like Neiman Marcus, was invented here).

As one of the country’s hottest up-and-coming destinations, Dallas is a place where authentic Texan culture meets urban chic. We’ve built an itinerary for you that’s both fun and refined, and begins at one of SELECT’s most luxurious new hotels. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Dallas.

Art & design in Dallas

1:10 PM

Poolside at the Thompson

3:06 PM It’s back to the Thompson Dallas to rest and

Dallas dining

5:53 PM

7:30 PM After cocktail hour, you’re off to dinner at a beloved

All dressed up for an

Dallas institution: Nick &

evening out, you start with

Sam’s Steakhouse. In this

drinks on Catbird’s swanky

dark, candlelit space you’re

patio, one of the city’s

likely to spot a celebrity

newest and most popular

or two, and since this is

cocktail destinations. A

an old-school restaurant,

District. Opened in 2003, the

classic Negroni is followed

you order accordingly.

Nasher features hundreds of

by Catbird’s version, and

Soon you’re dining on

sculptural masterpieces by

since you’re starting to get

shrimp cocktail, wedge

Calder, de Kooning, Matisse,

a little peckish, you order

salad and filet mignon with

Moore, Picasso, Rodin and

the miso salmon from their

a blue cheese crust, all

others. Some of the galleries

menu of small plates.

paired with an Argentinian

Passing through Klyde Warren — another beloved city park — you make your way to the Nasher Sculpture Center in the internationally renowned Dallas Arts

recharge. You cool off with a sky high swim in the rooftop pool, then lounge with a book in the late afternoon sun.

are displayed in lovely

Malbec from their

outdoor gardens, so you can

remarkably long wine list.

admire this exquisite art in

And even though there’s

the fresh air.

little chance you still have room for it, you order a slice of Nick & Sam’s famously tall cake. You’re in Texas, after all.

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REDISCOVER THE WORLD Now more than ever, we are passionate about the world around us, in awe of its wonders and inspired by its power to connect us to one another. Whether you’re thinking about your bucket list destination or your first local escape, we invite you to start dreaming about rediscovering the world with Four Seasons.

Contact our agency for more information on the benefits available when booking Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Incredible experiences and unique accomodations at the green o

UP & COMING

SELECT · 2021 Comfort in46 the wild

Wildlife at the green o

LUXURY IN THE WILD AT THE GREEN O Imagine yourself in Montana’s Big Sky Country, in the untamed place where the Rockies meet the plains. It’s twilight, and you’re cozied up in front of the fireplace after a day spent practicing yoga, exploring by horseback and getting a deep tissue massage. From inside your secluded tree house you notice a deer wander past, unrushed in her search for a snack of wildflowers. Soon you’ll be enjoying your own dinner sourced from the landscape, beginning with freshlycaught roasted rainbow trout and ending with ice cream that’s infused with minty spruce tips. And tomorrow? Who knows. Maybe you’ll rappel down the face of a mountain.

These experiences, and so many more, await you at the green o resort, in rural Montana. Sitting at the southern edge of the renowned Paws Up Ranch, and within some 37,000 acres of wilderness, the green o is a serene, adults-only addition to this spectacular place. The resort itself isn’t particularly easy to spot; its twelve nordic-inspired Haus accommodations are tucked away in the woods, each offering the ultimate in comfort, privacy and sustainability. All were built to integrate with their natural surroundings as seamlessly as possible, and not a single tree was cut down during construction. Floor-to-ceiling windows are featured in each of the four Haus designs, as are fireplaces and private outdoor hot

Modern design merged with nature

tubs.

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Delectable dishes at Pomp

Some guests will arrive in search of a slower pace, spending their days focused on wellness programming that includes guided meditation, Hatha or Vinyasa yoga and a hot stone treatment with stones pulled from the Blackfoot River. Others will look to increase their heart rate a little, in which case many of The Resort at Paws Up ranch activities (all of which are available to guests at the green o) will suit perfectly. Try mountain biking, canoeing, fly fishing, climbing and plenty more in the summer, while winter adventures include dog sledding, skiing and snowshoeing.

Adventure at the green o 48

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Regardless of how you’ve spent your day, it will always include mountain-inspired meals at the Social Haus restaurant, exclusive to green o guests. Sip craft cocktails while chefs prepare your meal with locally raised and farmed ingredients, as well as foraged treats like wild chamomile and chokecherries. Because of the restaurant’s open kitchen design, you can watch (not to mention, smell) the many beautiful cuts of meat and fish as they’re cooked expertly over a live fire.

In addition to Social Haus, you’re invited to explore the culinary offerings at nearby Resort at Paws Up, including fine dining at Pomp, the more casual Trough restaurant, and drinks at Tank. The resort also hosts a number of culinary events throughout the year, featuring an impressive array of both national and international chefs, vintners and spirit experts.

SELECT Plan your adventures through the Montana wilderness around the following hotel. While there, enjoy special bonus amenities made available to you through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS the green o Greenough, MT Ask about other experiences we can provide at this destination.

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Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

C U LT U R E

Afternoon refreshments by the water

THE ULTIMATE GLAM GIRLS TRIP TO LA Are you ready to make some decisions that are actually fun? Like which poolside cocktail to order next, or what shade of lipstick looks better with your best friend’s dress? Do you want your day’s biggest struggle to be “too many choices” when it comes to picking a treatment at the spa? If your inner (or outer) dialogue is currently shouting “YES,” it’s time to start planning a girls’ trip to Los Angeles. Here’s how to make the most of an escape to this trendy beachside city.

Rooftop pool at Viceroy L’Ermitage 52

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Impactful design of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

GO GLAM AND STAY IN BEVERLY HILLS Not only is Beverly Hills utterly iconic, it’s also an ideal home base for your time in LA. You’ll be near all the best shopping, have your choice of incredible places to dine and be surrounded by fabulous neighborhoods. Not to mention the accommodations in this area are second to none.

Just five minutes from Rodeo, the Viceroy L’Ermitage

Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a favorite with nominees during Oscar season, and it’s no wonder. Its spacious suites feature dressing rooms, marble bathrooms and Italian furniture; there’s a rooftop pool with private cabanas; and the zen-like spa makes it a true oasis for guests.

Dine in the hotel’s French-inspired restaurant Avec Nous, or order in room service if you’d rather eat truffle fries while lounging in your robes.

Just further south is the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, a relatively new addition to the neighborhood.

Ten years of planning went into the hotel’s Art Decoinspired rooms and suites, each designed by PierreYves Rochon and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

Private concierges are available to guests 24/7 by text, and when it comes to dining, you’re in the famously good hands of Jean-Georges.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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DO (ALMOST) NOTHING Sure, a girl’s getaway is about having uproarious fun, but it’s also a prime opportunity for some muchneeded R&R. Book mani/pedis as a group, or take solo time for a massage, facial or body wrap. The spa at the Waldorf Astoria is 5,000 square feet of serene luxury, while the Viceroy’s facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool and private poolside cabanas.

SHOP. EXPLORE. THEN SHOP SOME MORE. If “shop til you drop” is a personal mantra, there’s no better place than Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive hardly needs an introduction, though take note: the better known clothing stores are found between the 200 and 500 blocks of North Rodeo. For a more eclectic mix of fashion, boutiques and design, head to Melrose Ave, where West Hollywood’s palatial Restoration Hardware awaits you. And if after a breezy bike ride you find yourselves in Venice Beach, a stroll along uber-trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a must.

R&R in Los Angeles

The famous Rodeo Drive 54

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DINE IN AND AMONGST THE BEST For those who enjoy great food in swoon-worthy spaces, LA’s dining scene will not disappoint. No girls’ weekend is complete without at least one mimosa-fuelled brunch, so be sure to hit up AOC for refined French/Italian/ Californian fare (think Comté meets the avocado). For something more casual and quick, Croft Alley is your spot.

Lunch is an excellent excuse to spend time on the lush patio at Chateau Marmont, and for Mexican food in

Afternoon brunch

colorful surroundings, try the acclaimed vegan offerings at Gracias Madre.

For dinner, your options are nearly endless. One great choice is the lovely Olivetta, where coastal Mediterannean cuisine is served beneath a pastel, carnival-tented ceiling. And for foodie friends who love a good secret, our agency can secure you a reservation at Nozawa Bar; this exclusive (and tiny) Japanese omakase joint by Chef Osamu Fujita is mischievously set within another restaurant, so it’s only for those in the know.

SELECT

A toast with friends

Plan your LA getaway around these two luxurious Beverly Hills hotels, and receive special amenities and VIP perks through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Los Angeles, CA Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Los Angeles, CA Ask about other experiences we can provide at this destination.

Avec Nous at Viceroy L’Ermitage CONTACT US TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE VIP AMENITIES

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PERFECT DAY ITINERARY: LA

Breakfast fare

Spa treatment

8:06 AM Riviera style at the Viceroy

9:00 AM

L`Ermitage Beverly Hills.

There’s no need to rush out

Although their Avec

just yet. After breakfast, you

Nous restaurant draws

head to the hotel spa for one

inspiration from the blue

of their Signature Epicuren

Mediterrean, you opt for a

Facials, which leaves you

quintessential west coast

feeling relaxed and with a

breakfast: avocado toast

fresh new glow. You leisurely

(topped with a sprinkle of

prepare for a day spent

espelette and a sous vide

exploring the city.

Your day begins in chic

egg) and a glass of freshly pressed green juice.

56

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Citrus salad

11:13 AM First stop is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest of its kind in the western United States. Stroll through its iconic “Urban Light” outdoor installation by Chris Burden, then move inside to admire art in every form from around the world; you linger for an especially long time in the museum’s dazzling collection of historic fashions.

12:54 PM Enjoy a casual lunch at LACMA’s Ray’s + Stark Bar, or head slightly further east to indulge in French-Californian fare at Republique. Share some midday steak frites, a citrus salad and grab an iced Hikari Matcha green tea to go.

In a place as sprawling and dynamic as the City of Angels, it pays to have insider knowledge.

That’s why we’ve consulted with some of our favorite locals and travel advisors to show you how to best live it up in LA (and receive SELECT perks while you’re at it). Here’s a perfect day in this iconic Californian destination.

Boutique shopping

2:36 PM Now full with both culture and food, it’s time to shop along one of LA’s trendiest streets: Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Peruse eclectic local boutiques and stores by international brands, with everything on offer from Scandinavian home goods to vintage-inspired bikes, designer fashion and jewelry. If the day’s

Patio cocktails

Delicious dining

4:11 PM

8:30 PM

After a sunny beachside

Some chill time is in

stroll from Venice Beach to Santa Monica, you head to The Bungalow, a Baja-inspired patio at the Fairmont Miramar.

Managing to combine cottage coziness with contemporary cool, this is the perfect spot to enjoy an unrivaled view of the Pacific with cocktails in hand.

order back at the Viceroy L`Ermitage Beverly Hills, then you’ve got a reservation for dinner at Olivetta. This luxe West Hollywood restaurant, with food by former Love & Salt chef Michael Fiorelli, features four intimate and dramatically appointed dining rooms. Feast on modern Mediterranean

a scorcher, a few scoops from

cuisine like grilled Spanish

Salt & Straw (a hip ice cream

octopus with preserved

joint from Portland) are most

lemon, lobster spaghetti

certainly in order.

and wood oven roasted chicken — all, of course, paired with exemplary wines from an extensive Italian/Californian wine list.

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SELECT · 2021 58 Paddleboard adventures

A DV E N T U R E

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SELECT · 2021 Feeling the60warm breeze at Half Moon Jamaica

THE (TRAVEL) LIFE AQUATIC By our very nature we are drawn to water, and this is no less true when it comes to holidays. There’s a reason people flock to the seaside, want that cabin by the lake or open their windows to hear the babbling brook. Water gives us life, after all, as well as endless opportunities for adventure! Here are four exciting ways to experience life on (or under) the great blue sea.

SWIM WITH HORSES Did you know that many horses are actually proficient

You’ll start with a warmup in Half Moon’s equestrian

swimmers who adore being in the water? Those at Half

arena, then head out for a ride on the sand along

Moon Jamaica certainly are, and love taking guests

Sunrise Beach. Next, it’s time to remove the saddle

for rides across this 400 acre Salamander resort near

and swim bareback with your horse!

Montego Bay. With two miles of white sandy beaches

With their massive lungs serving as flotation devices,

to play on, Half Moon has one of the Caribbean’s most

the horses will love cooling off after a ride

comprehensive water sport programs, as well as a fully-

in the sun, making for a truly magical experience in

equipped equestrian center. Combine the two, and you’re

these azure Caribbean waters.

ready for the riding tour of a lifetime: the Turf & Surf.

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GET OUT ON THE WAVES Have a need for speed? Or perhaps you enjoy a more leisurely pace? The Isla Bella Beach Resort — located near the iconic Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys — has water sports for every style. Take a guided jet ski tour around Marathon, a city spread out over 13 small islands, or explore the Keys’ vibrant ecosystems by kayak. If sitting back with a cold beer or glass of rosé is more your thing, then how about hopping onboard a floating tiki bar? Rentals are available for up to six people, and diving off the boat for a swim isn’t just possible — it’s encouraged.

Incredible poolside at The Isla Bella Beach Resort Inviting beach at The Hilton Aruba

UNDER THE SEA While your perch from a tiki boat will offer great views of the surrounding landscape, there’s a whole other world waiting for you below the waves. Learn to dive at the Hilton Aruba, a beachfront resort that conveniently offers onsite courses for beginners. Teeming with aquatic life and more than one historic shipwreck to explore, Aruba’s surrounding waters are a great destination for divers (and keen snorkelers) of all experience levels to try. Once back on dry land, unwind with daiquiris at Castaways Bar and compare notes on what was spotted below that day.

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Pedaling through The Hilton Aruba

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Rejuvenating paddleboard yoga at The Henderson

SELECT The following hotels provide luxurious

HOOK THE BIG ONE Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” the town of Destin, Florida is a prime destination for those wishing to explore with a rod in hand. Start by booking a suite at The Henderson, a luxurious coastal hotel; its location on the rich waters of the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast and proximity to the town of Destin make it the perfect base for local fishing adventures. As with any season, fall fishing offers huge variety in your potential catch including Grouper, Vermillion Snapper, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Marlin.

home bases for all your water-bound adventures. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy special perks and amenities through SELECT. SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS Half Moon Jamaica, Montego Bay Jamaica Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino Aruba Isla Bella Beach Resort Marathon, FL The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa Destin, FL Ask about other experiences we can provide at these destinations.

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