ssibilities B Y
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THE NEXT WAVE OF LUXURY THE MAYAN RIVIERA: MEXICO’S MAGNIFICENT MILES INTIMATE LUXURY: THE VILLA EXPERIENCE
FLORENCE, LIVING MASTERPIECE
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ISSUE 1
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SUMMER
2016
Welcome to Possibilities
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hank you for joining us for our very first issue. We’ve launched this magazine for one simple reason – travel is in our DNA. It’s our business and our passion and it has been for over 140 years. In 1872 we invented the sleeping car, and in 1888, we opened one of the first travel agencies in the United States. Drawing on a storied history, our Travel Advisors have a wealth of expertise and knowledge that leads to superior service. No one works harder to get you the most value for your travel dollar. Best of all, our advisors will handle every detail of your trip; from the day that planning begins, until the day you’re home. We’ll do anything to give you peace of mind and make your time away a true escape. Because when travel is in your DNA, you want everyone to travel more, and travel better.
Contents
Ready to travel? R
The Next Wave of Luxury The Mayan Riviera: Mexico's Magnificent Miles Florence, A Living Masterpiece Intimate Luxury: The Villa Experience
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eady to travel? Get in touch by phone, online, or at one of our locations throughout the U.S. You’ll benefit from Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s specials, savings and perks with cruise lines, tour suppliers, resorts and premier destinations worldwide.
——•• the ••—— NEXT WAVE ——•• of ••—— LUXURY ••
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gorgeous new ships will arrive on the scene, such as the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, coming this July, 2016. It has been selfdescribed as the “most luxurious ship in the world”, and will provide her 750 guests with a host of delightful amenities including all suites and verandahs, five dining choices, and a wide range of world-class musical and theatrical productions. The luxury liner will spend her inaugural season in Europe before heading to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages.
legant and beautiful, our recommended cruise lines take you on marvelous voyages to the world’s most loved destinations, hidden harbors and exotic shores, all the while pampering you in the lap of luxury. Ranging from upscale cruise lines to expedition ships, and luxuriously appointed vessels carrying up to 750 guests, each is an award-winning company with excellent cuisine and service. The bar is continually being raised in the luxury segment of cruising. In the next two years, an unprecedented array of 2
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ost luxury vessels offer single open-seating dining and various alternative restaurants. In the case of the highly anticipated 600-guest Seabourn Encore, setting sail in December 2016, the line has partnered with renowned chef and restaurateur of French Laundry and Per Se fame, Thomas Keller. Design is also important in this segment of cruising, and in Seabourn’s case, the new Encore is being entirely designed by the acclaimed and much lauded, Adam D. Tihany – and it’s going to be beyond gorgeous! Guests will revel in superb amenities, especially the private glassed-in Solarium with a soaking tub and lounging bed. This ultra-luxury ship will feature two Grand Wintergarden Suites, designed like spacious vacation homes. Many sophisticated cruise lines offer the all-inclusive experience, which include premium wines, spirits, champagne and other beverages, a stocked bar cabinet in your suite, and gratuities included in the price. With Silversea, most suites have verandahs and each comes with the services of a butler.
Savor
T H E W O R L D W I T H T H E F I N E S T C U I S I N E AT S E A™
Reser ve select Riviera or Marina voyages and indulge your pallet at either La Reser ve by Wine Spectator or Privée, compliments of your Travel Advisor. Contact your preferred Carlson Wagonlit or CW T Vacations location for additional information.
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ome lines also focus on lectures and enrichment programs, as well as authentic destination offerings that truly bring each port to life. This is never more evident than on Silversea’s expedition ships - the Silver Galapagos, Silver Discoverer and Silver Explorer - which cruise to distant lands such as Antarctica, Australia’s renowned Kimberly, and to the Galapagos Islands to see the blue-footed booby. Each carries around 100 guests and assures life-changing sights and experiences aboard. The new six-star, 596-guest Silver Muse will join the fleet in 2017, and promises to raise the proverbial bar yet again. A world cruise not only takes one to far off exotic ports not visited on a typical cruise itinerary, but has many more days at sea, so you can truly immerse yourself and enjoy all the onboard amenities and facilities. Imagine an extended stay on a cruise around the globe on one of these ships. Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas all offer world cruises, with options such as a 180-day Grand Voyage, a three month World Cruise, or a segment of just a few weeks. If you seek an upscale or luxurious experience with pampering of the highest degree, look no further than a cruise of this caliber.•
THE BEST PREMIUM CRUISE LINE IN EUROPE 6 YEARS RUNNING. Suite Class: personal butlers, private dining, and an exclusive lounge ( just for starters ). 12 distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by our Michelin-starred chef. An award-winning wine selection as diverse as the places you’ll visit. Experience the destination on board before you even arrive. There’s no better way to explore Europe.
Contact your preferred Carlson Wagonlit or CWT Vacations location.
©2016 Celebrity Cruises. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 16050358 • 3/2016
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The
Mayan Riviera Mexico's Magnificent Miles
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all it the Mayan Riviera or the Mexican Caribbean – either way; this sun-kissed coastline is home to some of Mexico’s finest resorts and most popular destinations. With a climate that invites year-round beach basking, a trip to the Riviera Maya offers a host of varied experiences, including spectacular scenery and fascinating attractions.
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This stretch
of coastline in the north-eastern Yucatan Peninsula is host to some of the world’s hottest vacation destinations. In just a few decades, Cancun has exploded into the Caribbean’s premier tourist choice. Once a rustic diver’s retreat, Cozumel still lures SCUBA lovers, but has blossomed in recent years, adding upscale hotels and fine restaurants. From the ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum, to world-class dive sites off Cozumel, to the bio-diversity of the World UNESCO site at Sian Ka'an, and the hot nightlife of Cancun – this is Mexico at its best.
The Magnificent Mayans Hire a guide to show you the sites and explain the significance of El Castillo at Chichen Itza, built to honor the snake god and believed to be the scene of his twice-yearly return. Or visit Tulum, among the most fascinating Mayan sites, where you can dive into history first, and then into the ocean nearby.
A Natural Approach Cozumel welcomes SCUBA pilgrims who flock to the island’s coral reefs to view some of the world’s best underwater scenery. You can also explore Isla Mujeres’ MUSA, an underwater museum where divers glide amongst hundreds of submerged statues that create an artificial coral reef.
CHAMPAGNE WISHES AND WHATEVER YOU CAN DREAM. Get pampered with Delta Vacations Luxury. Fly First Class to popular destinations. Stay at the finest hotels. Receive exclusive amenities. When you book a flight and hotel vacation through us with Delta Vacations Luxury, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and impeccable service. Delta Vacations Luxury getaways include: • Round-trip First Class or Delta OneTM cabin seating aboard Delta Air Lines® • Private VIP transfers or premium car rental • Accommodations at a luxurious hotel • Up to 7,500 bonus miles, in addition to credited flight miles, through the SkyMiles® program and more
Contact your preferred Carlson Wagonlit Travel of CWT Vacations location for additional information.
Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. All SkyMiles program rules apply. Products and amenities in the business cabin on partner airlines may vary. Connecting segments may be in Main Cabin or First Class instead of Delta One™. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Delta Vacations airfares will earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs – U.S.-based members only) based on fare class and distance flown. Bonus miles do not count towards Medallion® status or Million Miler™ status. Please allow 6-8 weeks after qualification for miles to be posted to your account. Offers void where prohibited by law. ©2016 MLT Vacations, LLC DVDV20263
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The Mayan Riviera is also home to the nature lover’s paradise of Sian Ka'an, a massive World Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the mangrove-lined canals by boat to see 103 species of mammals and plant life. Spot resident birds from your kayak and search for loggerhead or hawksbill turtles.
Dining and Dancing
In just a few decades, Cancun has exploded into the Caribbean’s premier tourist choice.
Because the Mayan Riviera is such a favorite with travelers, dining choices are many. You’ll find everything from palapa-shaded beachside bistros, to sophisticated restaurants serving international cuisine. Choose local fresh fish—grouper, dorado, red snapper and sea bass. One great seaside choice is La Choza in Cozumel, and if you’re longing for luxury, try Casa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres.
There are countless spectacular activities along the Riviera
Maya ideally suited for a range of shore excursions. Perhaps charter a luxury yacht for the day, replete with a personal chef who will cook a tasty lunch as you loll on a gorgeous beach and snorkel in crystalline water. A catamaran half-day sail may be more your style, or take a tour to El Cielo Beach, which is one of the finest in the area. Play a round of golf, try your hand at deep sea fishing, or relax and rejuvenate at one of the many fabulous spas. There is such a wide range of choice activities, and the locals are known for being authentic, paying homage to nature, and providing a true sense of place along this beautiful coast.
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We take upscale up a notch. INDULGE IN THE BLISSFUL COMFORT OF A LUXURY G E TAW AY W I T H F U N J E T VA C AT I O N S . Funjet has spent the last 40 years building relationships with the top hotels and resorts around the world. While we don’t like to brag, we have something for everyone. From family resorts to superior adults-only properties, our destinations include: • Luxurious hotels and all-inclusive resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, and Hawaii • Upscale and modern hotel properties in Costa Rica, Panama and popular U.S. vacation destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando Wherever your wanderlust may take you, Funjet will be there with the perfect place to call your home-away-from-home. Start planning your vacation to one of our unforgettable destinations with us today. Contact your preferred Carlson Wagonlit or CWT Vacations location.
CST 2009218-20
•FLORENCE•
A LIVING MASTERPIEC E
city built for strolling, Florence’s captivating and narrow, winding streets open up into beautiful squares, punctuated by stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Gelato shops and pizzerias beckon, and stores filled with elegant leather handbags and jackets abound. Glittering gold shops overlooking the River Arno on the Ponte Vecchio leave you dazzled. An art aficionado’s dream, Florence is home to many beautiful paintings and sculptures, many of which were produced under the sponsorship of the powerful Medici family. Highly educated lovers of art and culture, the Medici offered patronage to Florence, making
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it the most culturally important city of the Italian Renaissance. The family’s splendid art collection was later bequeathed to the city and much of it remains today. We wanted to be fully present and enjoy every moment of our trip, free of worries and hassles, so booking a guided tour was essential. We enjoyed a five-day art-focused itinerary in Firenze, under the tutelage of outstanding guides - a local art historian, and art history lecturers from local campuses of prestigious U.S. universities. From them, we received invaluable keys to the religious and artistic significance of many works we might never otherwise have seen. We visited the major sites, including the massive Florence
Cathedral, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, but the two most captivating were Michelangelo’s breathtaking David (perfection, in almost seventeen feet of marble), in the Gallerie dell'Accademia, and the Baptistery of St. John, named for St. John the Baptist. In the Baptistery, our guide gave us a fascinating overview of the religious significance of the ceiling – a masterpiece of Renaissance skill. Without a guide to explain it, however, its beauty could simply wash over you in a wave of golden paint. A drive through the lush Tuscan landscape took us to Vinci where we found several museums dedicated to the work of famous son Leonardo. Again, our guide expertly explained the genius of Da Vinci’s stunning inventions and artwork, including the Mona Lisa, arguably the most famous portrait of all time. We then enjoyed a rare treat available only to our tour group – a visit to the studio of renowned Italian leather designer Jennifer Tattanelli – receiving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at her exquisite collection. Our minds and souls feasted on the culture of Florence, but our stomachs weren’t neglected! We often walked with tour leader Birgit through narrow streets to dine in fine, but well-hidden restaurants. On our last evening, we enjoyed a hilltop restaurant outside the city where the food and views were fabulous. Our journey had taken us through centuries of beautiful art and architecture, and the works of geniuses like Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci. Before heading home, we watched the twinkling lights of the city around us, pausing for a final embrace of this fabulous experience.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DESTINATION... On a Tauck European river cruise, you’ll travel aboard some of the most innovative and spacious riverboats afloat. But once you’re on our all-included private shore excursions, filled with exclusive experiences, it’s all about the destination... and the folks who live it day-to-day. So when you watch gardians (cowboys) in action on a Camargue ranch... dine at a 15th-century palace on the Rhine... or listen to Celia Sandys’ heartwarming stories of her “grandpapa,” Sir Winston Churchill, in London... you’ll be sure to enjoy an experience you can’t get on your own. Because how you see the world matters. Contact your preferred Carlson Wagonlit or CWT Vacations location.
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Intimate Luxury
The Villa Experience
If
a getaway that will take you away from a busy world is what you’re longing for, consider a villa vacation. Offering all the comforts of a luxe private home combined with the amenities of a fine hotel, villas are available around the world – from Europe to the Caribbean, and beyond. Villas combine top quality service, indisputable elegance and luxury, and complete privacy. Shop in local markets and plan dinners to cook on your own, or take advantage of in-house chefs. Housekeeping handles everything from linen changes, to stocking the bars and larders, so all that remains is deciding how to spend your relaxing days and nights. Take for example, the Villa Acqua, an ultra-luxurious cliff-side property in stunning Terres Basses, St. Maarten. A walled and gated compound, its spectacular views of the sea and the lagoon are all the more stunning by night
when the lights glitter on a triple infinityedge heated pool that carries your eyes straight into the sea. By day, the poolside vibe is ultra-relaxed with a double bar, a romantic private cabana, and a sound system that really rocks! Though the Caribbean is a popular choice, many villa companies offer properties around the world – in some of the most desirable European hotspots. You can easily imagine yourself living royally at Villa Dorata, a luxurious, Baroque-style palazzo that sits mere steps above the dazzling blue Mediterranean. Welcome the warm sun of Positano from your room or wander through the villa’s world class art collection. Spend languid afternoons in the gardens breathing the fragrance of the citrus groves, or watch the waves crashing against the shore from your private terrace. Savor the indulgence of having a full staff on hand, ready to cater to your every need. Let staff delight you with deliveries 12 1
of freshly squeezed juice from the oranges growing just outside your windows, and sumptuous pastries baked just for you. They will expertly help you select a fine vintage from the well-stocked wine cellar, or teach you how to make a hand-tossed pizza from scratch. The warm welcome of a villa creates an immediate sense of belonging in an exotic culture – as you will no doubt find if you choose to stay at the Dolce Vita in the exclusive French Riviera. An exquisite, five-bedroom luxury villa a few hundred steps from the shimmering beaches of Saint Tropez, the Dolce Vita offers every pampering element imaginable. This is what sets a villa holiday apart from any other – a true sense of privilege, opulence and charming cultural immersion that you can’t get anywhere else. For a few magical days, you will live the life of a luxury property owner and enjoy every extravagance your villa has to offer.
START YOUR TRIP WITH A CWT TRAVEL ADVISOR.
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All editorial content supplied by Cruise Strategies Ltd/Cruise and Travel Lifestyles, Ontario, Canada. Reproduction in whole or part by any means without express written permission from the publisher is prohibited. © 2016 CWT