The Insider's Club: October 2019 Issue

INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE

OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6

DISCOVER: PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES / SOCIETY ISLANDS

p 7-10

STAY: HOTELS 7. THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA RESORT 8. LE TAHA‘A ISLAND RESORT AND SPA 10. THE BRANDO 11. INTERCONTINENTAL MOOREA RESORT & SPA

p 11-16

EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 12. THE RITZ-CARLTON, BERLIN 14. MALIBU BEACH INN MALIBU, CA UNITED STATES 16. AVALON WATERWAYS

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HELLO TRAVELERS A Paul Gauguin cruise is the best way to experience the many islands and flavors of French Polynesia.

For Largay clients, Paul Gauguin is offering exclusive rates for clients of Largay Travel on select sailings.

The rates apply to bookings made and deposited between Oct. 1-31 and include free round trip economy airfare between Los Angeles or San Francisco and Papeete. Contact your Largay Travel advisor for fares and details.

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DISCOVER PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES SOCIETY ISLANDS

INSIDERS CLUB

Paul Gauguin produced some of his best work in French Polynesia, capturing the essence of the people and the islands. His namesake cruise line does much the same, with itineraries unveiling the charms of these remote archipelagos, with the beautifully appointed m/s Paul Gauguin serving as a home base. Its seven-night itineraries around the Society Islands serve as the perfect introduction, or reintroduction, to the South Pacific.

Both journeys sail round trip Papeete and feature an overnight there and on Bora Bora. Tahiti & the Society Islands also includes an overnight on Moorea, while the new Society Islands & Tahiti Iti swaps that out for a day on Tahiti Iti, the oft-overlooked other side of Tahiti, separated by an isthmus from the livelier Tahiti Nui. What Tahiti Iti lacks in activity compared to the relative hustle and bustle of Papeete, it makes up for in dramatic cliffs, hidden waterfalls and remnants of an older civilization. Petroglyphs and marae (temples) give a peek into what life on the island was like prior to European contact.

There’s more history to explore on Huahine, which sports more than 200 stone structures including 40 marae on the shores of Lake Fauna Nui and the slopes of Matairea Hill. This was the major political 3

and religious center of the island. Toward the center of Huahine, you can feed sacred blue-eyed eels in Faie and scan the horizon from Belvedere Lookout on Mt. Turi.

When the ship heads to Tahaa, guests have the option of staying on the main island for water activities or cultural tours.

Most, however, head to the cruise line’s private islet, Motu Mohana. There, you’ll encounter a wonderland of floating bars and overwater massages (weather permitting), plus watersports and beach volleyball. Feel like doing absolutely nothing? That’s an option, too, with beach chairs and umbrellas galore. Either way, the day caps off with a beach barbecue.

Whether your cruise spends one day on Moorea or two, there’s no shortage of things to do, from dolphin watching to an off-road safari. If you’re feeling even more adventurous than that, you can take control of a Cessna 172, under professional supervision, of course, as you fly over Moorea and Tetiaroa. Between July and October, humpback whales frequent the waters off Moorea, and if you’re lucky, you might get to snorkel next to them.

Perhaps the most sought-after stop on the seven-night itineraries, and one where both spend an overnight, is the picturesque island of Bora Bora. There,

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towering mountains rise out of the sea, overlooking a lagoon of indescribable blues.

Most activities center around the lagoon, including an aquabike adventure and the naturally formed Lagoonarium, full of turtles, sharks, rays and colorful fish.

Life onboard is a lot like life in French Polynesia, a melange of laid-back island vibes and French cuisine and service. Every cabin on the 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin has an ocean view, and nearly 70 percent have balconies. The Verandah staterooms include butler service and

there are two crew members for every three guests. The ship was designed for the shallow waters of the South Pacific, and the onboard marina offers PADI certification as well as paddleboards and kayaks. Al fresco dining is available at La Veranda, and Le Grill has casual fare, while L’Etoile features fine dining worthy of Paris’ best, with fabulous wines from France and elsewhere to accompany your meal. Bon appetit.

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STAY

INSIDERS CLUB The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort The St. Regis Bora Bora features Overwater Villas starting at 1,550 square feet, entirely air-conditioned, with large glass floor panels to reveal the translucent lagoon beneath, as well as spacious outdoor living. Suspended overwater is the Lagoon Restaurant, with views of Mount Otemanu, while Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s menu offers the finest dining experience.

The St. Regis Butler service offers packing and unpacking, coffee and tea delivery with wake-up calls, champagne sabering and more. The Miri Miri Spa by Clarins, on its own private island and offering Tahitian and Pacific Rim-inspired treatments, is a defining feature.

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Le Taha‘a Island Resort and Spa Blessed by the trademark vanilla scents of the Island of Taha’a, Relais & Châteaux’s Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa is sublime. Offshore from the island, on Motu Tautau, the resort maintains an exclusive ambience with just 45 overwater suites, 10 one-bedroom Beach Villas and 2 two-bedroom Royal Beach Villas. It’s a place where you may be as lazy or as active as you wish. Spend every day at TAVAI Spa or go Jet Skiing, paddling, snorkeling or diving. Choose from three dining options, including a gourmet restaurant built seamlessly into the trees.

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The Brando Here’s an offer you can’t refuse: An exotic stay at The Brando, the former Polynesian home of Marlon Brando.

The only true all-inclusive luxury resort found within the islands of Tahiti, the eco-friendly Brando fuses carefree luxury with cutting-edge technology in 36 welcoming villas on private beaches with plunge pools. Set within a biodiverse natural sanctuary, the resort offers naturalist-led tours and a professional-led photo safari. You can learn Polynesian dance or how to play the ukulele, or you can take part in plentiful watersports. Holistic spa treatments are inspired by ancient traditions.

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InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa Dive into a divine stay at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa. Set upon a lovely beach and surrounded by luxuriant gardens, the resort boasts the most activities on the island - from Jet Skiing and canoeing to jeep tours and dolphin encounters. Spacious Lanai Rooms in the main building exude a subdued island elegance; charming junior suite bungalows, either overwater, on the white sand or with a private plunge pool, are scattered about for utmost seclusion. Soak in a soothing flower bath at the wellness spa, or swim up to the bar in the infinity pool. Enjoy Tahitian music and dance shows throughout the week.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

Guaranteed Complimentary Upgrade The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin Valid for Travel 01 Dec 2019 - 19 Apr 2020 Book a Deluxe Room for travels between 1st December 2019 and 19th April 2020 and receive complimentary guaranteed upgrade to a Corner Deluxe Room at time of booking.

Black out dates: 20th-29th February 2020 -Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two guests per bedroom -$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

-When reserving a Deluxe Suite, Carlton Club Suite, The Ritz-Carlton Suite or The Ritz-Carlton Penthouse in lieu of the 85 Euro F&B guests will instead receive

100 Euro Food and Beverage Credit per guest and stay -Complimentary Wi-Fi -Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

The Secret of Someliers Malibu Beach Inn Malibu, CA United States Valid for Travel Now Through 01 Jan 2020 Gourmet dinner for two in CBC restaurant featuring a three (3) course menu designed by our Executive Chef. Your meal will be curated by our wine director as he pairs wines with each course to both compliment the meal as well as educate the palate.

Rates start from $1,500 includes room, taxes and aforementioned package. **Not available on holidays or any time where a pre-fix menu is being offered (e.g.; Valentines Day).

-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -$80 breakfast credit per day, per bedroom to be used in dining room, room service or beach -$100 USD Resort/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

Single supplement waived Avalon Waterways Valid for Travel 07 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2020 *Book a select 2020 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise in order to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. There is a limited number staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Applies to E, D, B, A & P cabin categories. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between February 6 and December 15, 2020, for travel in 2020.

Applies to new 2020 bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with other offers except the Welcome Back Credit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only.

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INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE