The Insider's Club: May 2019 Edition

MARCH 2019 ISSUE

INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6

DISCOVER: ABERCROMBIE & KENT / AUSTRALIA

p 7-10

STAY: HOTELS 7. EMIRATES ONE&ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY 8. SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE 9. LIZARD ISLAND 10. LONGITUDE 131°

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 11. MALLIOUHANA, AN AUBERGE RESORT BRITISH WEST INDIES, ANGUILLA 13. FAIRMONT WATERFRONT VANCOUVER, CANADA 15. AZURA BENGUERRA ISLAND BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

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HELLO TRAVELERS Do yourself a favor and get to Australia at least once in your life. Yes, it’s a long way to go, but you will be rewarded with a land like no other on Earth, with unique wildlife and endless beauty in a place that’s as large as the continental U.S. with less than a tenth of the population. The people who are there are quick to welcome visitors with a friendly “G’day,” and there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy, from the wines of the Barossa Valley and Margaret River to the Great Ocean Road to outdoor adventures in Tasmania.

We guarantee you won’t be disappointed you spent so much time on the plane to get there.

DISCOVER ABERCROMBIE & KENT/AUSTRALIA

INSIDERS CLUB

It takes 15 hours to get there from the West Coast, and when you land it will be two days later than when you left. So what is it that makes Australia worth the trip? Ask Kathie Sikkes, general manager of Abercrombie & Kent Australia & New Zealand, and she’ll tell you it’s the people, first and foremost.

“We are friendly people,” she said.

“You can be lost in Sydney or Melbourne, you can be looking at your map … but guess what? An Aussie’s going to come to you and say, ‘How can I help you? Where would you like to go?’” You’ll know right away the long flight was worth it.

“You arrive in the morning, and you get off that plane in Sydney,” Sikkes said, “the first site you are going to see is that Sydney Opera House, that beautiful, picturesque harbor.”

Though far less densely populated than the U.S. - Australia has about 25 million inhabitants compared to around 325 - the country is roughly the same size as the continental U.S. For that reason, plus the distance, Sikkes says two weeks is the ideal amount of time for a visit. While Australia is a year-round destination, September and October - spring in the Southern Hemisphere - are the best months to visit, as the northern part of the country lies in the tropics, while the 3

south is in cooler climes.

While the locals are as friendly as they come, you go to Australia to see wildlife. The best to see animals in theirnatural habitat is the aptly named Kangaroo Island, where Sikkes recommends spending two or three nights.

“There are no predators on this island,” she said, “and because of that, there is a prolific amount of kangaroos and koala bears. You will see kangaroos bopping along the road. You’ll see koala bears in the tree.”

To get to the island, off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia, you’ll want to cross through the Barossa Valley wine region. Just 25 minutes outside Adelaide, it’s home to numerous wineries, including the legendary Penfolds.

Western Australia very much resembles the American Wild West, and is known to Australians as the Last Frontier. The capital, Perth, is one of the most isolated cities in the world. The Kimberley region is the only place outside Africa -- which it was joined to about 180 million years ago as part of the Gondwana supercontinent -- where you’ll find pink diamonds and baobab trees. At Ningaloo Reef you can swim with whale sharks and explore a reef system that is

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actually rated better than the Great Barrier Reef, Sikkes said.

On the east coast of Australia, you’ll find such marvels as the Wolgan Valley - sort of an Aussie answer to the Grand Canyon - the Great Barrier Reef and Lizard Island. Though climate change has depleted the northern part of the reef, it is still a wonder. Lizard Island is home to a research center where reef restoration efforts are based, and to a Virtuosopreferred resort.

For those who have been to Australia before and want to uncover the hidden gems, Sikkes recommends Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.

“You will see Aboriginal rock art that dates back over 50,000 years,” she said.

“Because it is so remote, there are no barriers there, so you will actually get right up close” to elements from the world’s oldest living culture.

Sikkes guarantees your trip to Australia will transform you.

“Every person who has returned from Australia has said, ‘I want to live in Australia,’” she said. “Because it is just such an amazing country.”

If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, we don’t know what is.

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STAY

INSIDERS CLUB Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is nestled within the Greater Blue Mountains Area, a World Heritagelisted, a short drive from Sydney, and is set on 7,000 acres of carbon-neutral conservation and wildlife reserve. This resort is committed to conserving its natural setting and heritage. Experience nature in an array of outdoor pursuits led by the resort’s team of dedicated Field Guides and return to your villa to relax in a private pool, the perfect combination of luxury and a quintessential bush experience.

Your rate includes three meals daily, including select local beers and wines, plus two on-site nature-based activities per day.

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Southern Ocean Lodge Exclusive and award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge is one of Australia’s finest luxury lodge experiences.

The expansive Great Room offers soulstirring ocean views. Guests enjoy exceptional island-inspired dining in the restaurant, or a relaxed drink at the convivial open bar with a South Australian wine menu. Twenty-one contemporary suites, each with breathtaking ocean vistas, invite relaxation, while expertly guided adventures offer an experience of the island’s abundant wildlife firsthand.

Southern Ocean Lodge offers the ultimate Kangaroo Island experience with all-inclusive rates, seamless service and personalized itineraries.

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Lizard Island Secluded within a national park, enriched with beautiful and diverse Australian wildlife and bounded by private beaches, Lizard Island offers 40 private rooms and suites packaged with cuisine created from local produce accompanied by Australian and international wines. Complimentary activities include access to your own motorized dinghy and clear-view sea kayaks, gourmet picnics and a minibar that is restocked daily. Located on the Great Barrier Reef, you will be able to experience the world’s best diving and snorkeling. Rejuvenate with a customized spa treatment or meditation and yoga classes surrounded by tranquillity.

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Longitude 131° Longitude 131° offers an essential experience of Australia’s spiritual heartland. Lounge in the cool sanctuary of the Dune House, relax with an icy drink from the convivial open bar and savour refined dining with ever-changing views of the monolith. Relax after a day’s exploring in a luxury tent and enjoy unparalleled views of Uluru from the end of the bed. Retreat to Spa Kinara for an indigenous-inspired treatment or drink in the sunset on the glamorous Dune Top. Venture beyond the lodge to discover the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and connect with the ancient stories of the land’s traditional owners.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

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30% Off Reopening Promotions Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort British West Indies, Anguilla Valid for Travel Now Through 15 Dec 2019 Enjoy 30% off the best available rate for stays now until December 15, 2019 including Virtuoso amenities. Not combinable with any other promotions.

Must book before May 1, 2019.

-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -Complimentary Continental Breakfast for two daily for duration of stay $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) -Welcome amenity upon arrival -Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability -Complimentary Wi-FI

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

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Book 3 Nights and Receive the 4th Night Free!

Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver, Canada Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Aug 2019 -Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -Buffet breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests -$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Credit may be used in ARC Restaurant, ARC Lounge or In-Room Dining) -Complimentary Wi-Fi access for duration of stay -Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB Honeymoon Heaven

Azura Benguerra Island Benguerra Island, Mozambique Valid for Travel Now Through 16 Dec 2019 Bride receives 40% discount off stays of 5 nights or more.

All newlyweds staying at Azura Benguerra Island will receive the following: -Bottle of chilled sparkling wine in villa on arrival -Private dinner on the last night of their stay -Sunset Dhow cruise -Land Rover Island drive -Special honeymoon turndown on one evening -Room upgrade on arrival if available (one room level upwards only) -Accommodation in sea facing villas -All meals including main beach dinners -Local beers & spirits, cocktails, selection of house wines -Soft drinks, tea & coffee, water -Sunset cocktail of the day -Mozambican Host Service -Use of snorkeling equipment, paddle boards and kayaks -EVAC Medical Insurance

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INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE