Travel-sized beauty essentials

GLOBE TROT

From island hopping to nature loving to history buffing, we tap local experts for the best reasons to travel this summer.

BY THE EDITORS

GUTTER CREDIT Your Maltese itinerary should include visits to UNESCO sites, delicious dining options by the sea, and cultural adventures that celebrate 7,000 years of rich history.

MALTESE ISLANDS

For seekers of history, megalithic temples, and culinary wizardry of Afro-Euro-Arab influences.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY M I C HELLE BUTTI G I E G

Prior to accepting her mission as a representative for Malta Tourism Authority, Michelle Buttigieg has enjoyed a career in hospitality that placed her at such distinguished properties as UK’s Savoy and the US’ Lowell and Regent Hotels.

Favorite thing about Malta Malta has been trending for 7,000 years! Its history has left an imprint on the culture, people, and architecture, so travelers feel like they are still

living in that time. What makes the Maltese Islands unlike any other? Malta is the only archipelago that strikes a balance between Europe and North Africa, adding a little spice to this Mediterranean gem. What does a typical day here look like? Start with a visit to some of the oldest monuments such as the various UNESCO sites and megalithic temples all over the archipelago. Head for lunch at Mdina, named one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler. Take a siesta then rejuvenate with a swim in the Blue Lagoon in Comino. Finally get dressed up for a spectacular dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants. Local experiences worthy of note Exploring the Maltese islands by yacht is like sailing through 7,000 years of history. With approximately 122 miles of coastline, Malta’s clear-blue sea allows guests to enjoy beautiful, secluded beaches, an abundance of reefs, and stunning caverns and caves. Malta is also known as one of the world’s top diving destinations, with historic sunken treasures to explore. Not to miss landmark The fortified city of Valletta that is a UNESCO site, Triton Fountain, Silent City of Mdina, Hypogeum, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. What to pack The Maltese are known for their casual chic style, so bring swimsuits, light clothes, layers, sandals, sunglasses, and a hat. We get 300 days of sunshine. Favorite place to dine Sitting near the water in Marsaxlokk, a fishing village with colorful fishing boats known as “luzzu,” and savoring freshly caught seafood and

local cuisine. Hotel that really embraces local flare There are many historic boutique hotels, palazzos, private villas, and historic farmhouses to choose from. Some of the luxury accommodations include The Phoenicia and Corinthia Palace hotels. Favorite local shop Charles & Ron is a contemporary lifestyle brand with a unique Mediterranean flair and a dedication to superior quality evident in their high-end clothing and bags. The brand’s vision is to inspire the customer to be a part of the “love affair” and the instantly recognizable Mediterranean style.

Best souvenirs to bring back A nice candle made by Stephen Cordina or Maltese-inspired art by Stephanie Borg. Another great gift idea is the filigree jewelry that is synonymous with our island style.

A local Bahamian, PF is an international financial services consultant who loves to travel. He is also a stern food, wine, and services critic.

A trip to The Bahamas is the thing to do if you are seeking life’s simple pleasures and some really good rum, too!

THE BAHAMAS

For explorers of heart-pounding adventures across 100,000 square miles of the world’s clearest ocean.

TH E C OVE AT ATL A N T I S

Atlantis Paradise Island is going bigger and bolder with an array of massive upgrades and striking enhancements that include the redevelopment of The Beach Tower and all Royal Tower guestrooms and suites, a reimagined Atlantis Casino, and the addition of another Michelinstarred chef to its already impressive dining roster.

What makes The Bahamas unlike any other islands? There are few other places in the world with waters as welcoming as ours. Simply head to the Exuma Cays, around Norman’s Cay, and see for yourself. There is no other place where you can experience the simple pleasures in life.

What does a typical day here look like For quite a few Bahamians, it may begin quite early with morning exercises. Then it’s back home to prepare for the rest of our day, which may include getting children to school on time and ourselves to work. As of Thursday, you may find us unwinding at our favorite watering spots in the evenings

before heading home. Local experiences/adventures worthy of note You can’t come to The Bahamas and not have some rum. For that I recommend local rum producer John Watling’s Distillery. It offers complimentary tours of their estate, which has been in operation since 1789. Not to miss landmark The salt plant, caves, flamingos, burrowing owls, and donkeys on Inagua.The pink-sand beaches of Cat Island.And the pineapples of Eleuthera. Best places for drink The Martini Bar, the lobby bar at Ocean Club, offers amazing drinks with a side order of breathtaking views. Sample the Sky Juice, Ocean Club Special, or (since this is the spot where one of the James Bond film Casino Royale was filmed) have a Vesper Martini. Favorite place to dine The restaurants on many of the hotel properties offer food from all over the world and are excellent. For some local flavor, the Poop Deck East is one of my favorites, where you can select your fresh fish from the daily catch. Hotel

that really embraces local flare The first time I stayed at The Landing on Harbour Island, I saw a guy who worked there trimming the trees while dancing and singing. The lady at the reception desk was doing the same, which got me thinking, “I want some of what they are having.” Best souvenirs to bring back Whatever you take back, make sure it is locally made. We have sea salt and scented candles all made by Bahamians. I highly recommend the gift shop at the National Art Gallery for the amazing selection of Bahamian art, books, fine jewelry, and so much more.

GRAND DAME If you want to extend your Bahamian visit, consider this spectacular, two-story home in Lyford Cay with swimming pool and 175 feet of canal frontage. Poinciana, as it is charmingly called, exudes classic sophistication across its 8,791 sq. ft. It perfectly blends interior elegance with outdoor Bahamas living, with every room opening onto either the pool patio or the wrap-around veranda. For more details visit www.bhhsb.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK-9COMEBACK, SZEWO.COM, GAGLIARDIPHOTOGRAPHY, LICHTWOLKE, SVEN HANSCHE PHOTO COURTESY OF PENISULA PAPAGAYO; SARAH ELIZABETH IPPEL, STEFAN WEITZ Costa Rica is the destination of choice for nature lovers, conservationists, and coffee afficionados. Peninsula Papagayo offers great experiences in all three categories.

S A RAH & STEF A N

The architect of a next generation “school of the future” in Chicago and an angel investor and a best-selling author, Sarah Elizabeth Ippel and Stefan Weitz retreat to Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo not only to recharge, but also to be part of the country’s commitment to conservation.

COSTA RICA

For the nature lovers with an appreciation for sustainable sophistication.

Favorite thing about Peninsula Papagayo As we entered the peninsula for the first time, we werestruck by its ecological expanse, inescapable views, and vast array of wildlife.But candidly, what sold it for us was the rigorous commitment to sustainability and conservation. What

makes this area unlike any other? We’ve always had a fascination with Blue Zones and were intrigued by Papagayo’s proximity to Nicoya that is amongfive regions in the world where people live the longest and are the healthiest. We enjoy exploring the country’s ecological and cultural beauty, and within a couple of hours you can hike a volcano, visit the cloud forest, rescue baby turtles on the beach, or trek through the rainforest.

Local adventures worthy of note Rio Perdido is a magical place, nestled deeply within a remote and verdant dwarf forest,and bisected by a thermal river that grows increasingly warm as you trek toward the origin point. Not to miss landmark Definitely Prieta Bay beach when the babyturtles are hatching! The peninsula’s mangrove forest is also not to be missed — grab a kayak and meander through the waterways to witness unbelievable biodiversity. Under a new moon, head out to the Golfo de Papagayo at night for a bioluminescent tour and literally watch the water come alive with light as you water-bike across the bay. What to pack Peninsula Papagayo is relatively relaxed – you’ll never need anything more than a collared shirt and a pair of linen trousers or a casual summer dress. Best places for coffee The whole country is awash in exceptional coffee! On property, the Andaz has nearly a dozen different local coffees you can try with four different brewing methods, so that’s a must do if you’re into intriguing flavors. Favorite place to dine On the peninsula, we love the steakhouse at Four Seasons, Nemare, thanks to their diverse array of plantbaseddishes sourced from freshly harvested herbs and greens from theadjacentorganic garden. In town, we just discovered Atizo, owned by an inventive local chef. The vegan rosemary chocolate ganache with confit orange is to die for! Favorite local shop We love heading into Playas Del Coco to find interesting and fresh local fruits

and vegetables. Best souvenirs to bring back One of our favorite souvenirs is locally crafted, small batch, beanto-bar chocolate from Cata Chocolate in Playas del Coco, where you can also find organic coffee.