The Insider's Club: September 2019 Issue

INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE

AUGUST 2019 ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6

DISCOVER: AFRICAN TRAVEL/ SOUTH AFRICA

p 7-10

STAY: HOTELS 7. CAPE GRACE HOTEL 8. GROOTBOS FOREST LODGE 9. EAGLES CRAG LODGE 10. MONT ROCHELLE

p 11-16

EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 11. HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA, AN AUBERGE RESORT, PEREZ ZELEDON, COSTA RICA 13. ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS TEHRI-GARHWAL, INDIA 15. VICEROY SNOWMASS, SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO UNITED STATES

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HELLO TRAVELERS South Africa is full of natural wonders, from plant life to marine life to wildlife. African Travel’s appropriately named South Africa’s Natural wonders itinerary takes you to all of them without leaving you feeling like you missed out on the traditional safari experience. Instead, you get that plus a stay in beautiful Cape Town and some incredible food and drink experiences. You’ll learn about the country’s unique flora and see how it’s working to bring sustainability to local communities and a safe, peaceful home to animals mistreated in captivity. You’ll be full of wonder the entire time.

DISCOVER AFRICAN TRAVEL / SOUTH AFRICA

INSIDERS CLUB

As a rule for traveler satisfaction, a safari is tough to beat. If it’s a traditional big five bush safari combined with an ocean safari and a flower safari, you have our attention. Add the world class city of Cape Town and the fabulous Cape Winelands, and we’re packing our bags. That’s precisely what the South Africa’s Natural Wonders tour

by African Travel promises.

Boy, does the 12-day itinerary deliver.

The journey begins in Cape Town, where a number of gin distilleries offer their creations in the form of unique tastings, and guests can explore The Watershed, which is located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and houses 150 stalls of ceramics, furniture, art, fashion and jewelry.

“You can just take a day to wander around, get lost,” African Travel Northeast regional sales manager Kelly Berry said of the best way to get acclimated to Cape Town. If you want to go a bit further afield, the Cape Winelands are about an hour away and are a magnificent culinary destination. “They don’t just grow grapes,” Berry said. “They grow produce, there are dairy farms and real farm-to-table dining.

It’s very family friendly.” Of course, the wines aren’t bad, either, and the exchange rate of nearly 15 rand to the dollar doesn’t hurt.

Table Mountain, Stellenbosch and the penguins at Boulders Beach are all great 3

options in South Africa’s “ Mother City.” Cape Town has rebounded beautifully from a drought last year that had city officials preparing for the day when it might run out of water. Fortunately, people bought into rationing, the rains came and Day Zero never dawned. Citizens have been more water conscious since, Berry said.

From the city, the itinerary heads to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. There you’re surrounded by ancient forests and 800 plant species, with what Berry called “perfect sunsets” over Walker Bay. “This place is pure magic,” she said. It’s something very different, not just focusing on wildlife, but on the magnificent fynbos (shrubland or heathland) unique to the area. It’s here where you can go on a 4x4 flower safari --“You realize pretty quickly how alive it is,” Berry said -- in addition to bird watching, horseback riding or a host of other activities.

It’s also the launching point for an ocean safari in search of South Africa’s marine big five: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins.

The owners of Grootbos are passionate about nature, community and preservation, Berry said. Guests can take part in the Growing the Future tour, seeing how horticulture allows members of the community to create small businesses and sustainable livelihoods.

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Berry said a stay at Grootbos is a great segue to a safari, and by now it’s time for the main event: seeing the big five in their natural habitat. After a short flight to the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, you’re there, and game drives get you up close and personal with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo, plus all kinds of other wildlife.

Not only do you get to see these majestic creatures in their natural settings, you can visit the Ian Player Rhino Awareness

Centre, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries. Born Free houses several big cats who have been rescued from inhumane captivity, including King, a lion who was found abandoned in an apartment in Paris and whose relocation African Travel sponsored.

As you head to Port Elizabeth for a short flight to Johannesburg before connecting on to home, you’ll find yourself agreeing with Berry: This place is pure magic.

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STAY

INSIDERS CLUB Cape Grace Hotel Situated on its own quay in Cape Town’s sought after Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain and the city center just moments away the location is both magnificent and remarkably convenient. Being surrounded by water on three sides, with just one vehicle access promotes a secure, private environment. Our hospitality communicates our genuine warmth. Our staff are encouraged to embrace their cultural values, further adding to our sense of authenticity.

Personalised service is provided by our Guest Liaison team, who make it their business to ensure that every last detail of our guests’ experiences are seamlessly taken care of.

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Grootbos Forest Lodge Grootbos Forest Lodge is a masterpiece of sophisticated contemporary design reflecting the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The individual luxury air conditioned suites, beneath the overhang of Milkwood trees provide the ideal blend of privacy and supreme comfort. Each suite offers a private wooden deck with outside shower, lounge with fireplace, en-suite bathroom with double hand basins, double showers and/or baths, heated towel rails & hair dryers, tea & coffee making facilities, in room safe, a well-stocked mini-bar, under floor heating, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and DVD player. The contemporary main lodge with its expansive windows features the restaurant, bar, lounge, and curio shop.

Spacious wooden decks and an infinity pool beckon you to relax, unwind and enjoy the soothing tranquility. In the evenings cozy fireplaces and subtle lighting enhance the warm, romantic ambience for the finest culinary delight.

Savor delectable dishes prepared with organic ingredients produced by their “Growing the Future� project, a Food Production and Life Skills College established by the Grootbos Foundation.

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Eagles Crag Lodge Eagles Crag Lodge is located in the Shamwari Game Reserve. Tucked away and surrounded by imposing mountain cliffs, the lodge offers ultimate luxury, privacy and breathtaking scenery.

Exclusive well-secluded suites fashioned in African thatch, glass and stone boast expansive views of the surrounding rock faces, where eagles soar. Each suite features air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, in and outdoor shower facilities, hairdryer, electronic safe, private minibar, ceiling fan, tea and coffee making facilities and a private deck with plunge pool. The lodge has a library, a bar/cigar lounge complete with fireplace and big screen TV. There is also a business center with Wi-Fi access, a gift boutique, an upstairs lounge with a fireplace that opens onto a terrace, and a Relaxation Retreat with two therapy rooms, hydro bath, steam room and sauna.

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Mont Rochelle Sir Richard Branson’s love for the African continent and finer things in life lured him to the Western Cape Province and Mont Rochelle. There, in the food and wine capital of South Africa, guests can unwind and make themselves at home while dining on healthy and locally sourced cuisine, tasting superb shiraz and chardonnay in the 150-yearold cellar, and exploring the rolling vineyards and well-tended grounds in one of the world’s most bucolic settings. The 26 bedrooms are bright and airy and many have private terraces or balconies. An intimate spa offers a hammam and healing treatments using grapes, herbs and spices.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

3rd Night Complimentary Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica Valid for Travel Now Through 15 Dec 2019 Receive the 3rd night complimentary and Virtuoso amenities. Book now until December 12, 2019. Blackout dates may apply. Not combinable with other promotions, offers, etc. Applicable to new bookings only. Subject to availability.

Largay travel advisor for reservations.

Offer Includes: -Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -Complimentary Full Breakfast for two daily served on Ambar Terrace -$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) -Early check-in/Late check-out, subject to availability -Complimentary Wi-Fi

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

Ananda Panchakarma Programme Ananda in the Himalayas Tehri-Garhwal, India Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Sep 2019 Cleanse your mind, body and spirit with the Ananda Panchakarma programme.

This immersive intensive programme aims to eliminate all the accumulated toxins & free radicals, thereby balancing cholesterol and triglycerides, regulating blood pressure, and introducing antioxidant enzymes into the body using authentic ayurvedic techniques and treatments. This also improves metabolism and aids in weight loss.

Done amidst the beautiful Sal forests and the majestic Himalayan valley with the help of our Ayurvedic experts, the Ananda Panchakarma programme will make you regain vitality and strength from within.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival Viceroy Snowmass Snowmass Village, CO United States Valid for Travel 30 Aug 2019 - 02 Sep 2019 Stay in style at Viceroy Snowmass while attending the 29th Annual Jazz Aspen Snowmass music festival August 30th through September 1st, 2019. Spend the days enjoying performances by Weezer, John Mayer, Portugal The Man, Luke Combs, ZZ Ward and Sting, then retreat to your luxurious room at night.

Offer Includes: -3-night accommodations in a Studio King or One Bedroom Residence -Two adult passes (valid all three days of the event) provide at check-in -Daily breakfast for two at the hotel Rate is per room/per night, based on single or double occupancy, and exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges. Rate does not apply to groups and cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer is only valid for a 3 night stay minimum. Offer is subject to availability and to change. 30-day advance booking is required. Full non-refundable deposit is due 30-days prior to arrival.

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INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE