The Insider's Club: December

The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE

The Insider’s Club

December 2015

Hot Spot of the Month

Indonesia

+ Things to Know About Where to Go + Suggested Itinerary Featured Experience

Silversea

+ Featured Expeditions + Exclusive World Travel Experiences

Tech News

Travel Toys Shared Discoveries Every edition of The Insiders Club comes with the latest Virtuoso Life!

Choose Your News

Explore: Indonesia 4-5

What To Do While You Are There 6-9

Where To Stay 10-11

Featured Experience: Silversea 12-13 Exclusive World Travel Experiences 14-23

Tech News: Travel Toys 24-25 Shared Discoveries 26-32

A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers,

In this month’s newsletter our featured destination is Indonesia, as well as our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our Hot Spot, and exclusive travel deals around the world. As always we welcome any suggestions you may have for this newsletter.

Please let us know if there is a specific location, hotel, restaurant, excursion, etc. you would like us to feature.

Thank you for your business and the opportunity to collaborate on your travel dreams.

I look forward to arranging your next great adventure.

-Amy

Backpacking Magazine - page 3

Explore

Indonesia

Explore

Indonesia

+ Things to know about where to go

If you are an island hopping type of traveler than Indonesia is the place for you. An archipelago comprised of 13,000-plus islands, Indonesia is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots and finest beaches in the world. Of course, there’s more to Indonesia than scuba diving and sunbathing.

You can hit the nightspots in Jakarta, explore the art scene in Bali, visit the world’s largest Buddhist temple in Magelang, meet a new friend at the Orangutan feeding center and much, much more.

Indonesia

What to do while your there Borobudur Temple The Borobudur Temple allows you to travel back in time to enjoy an unrivaled combination of history, culture, spiritually and natural beauty.

The Boronudur Temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument which survived 1,200 years of natural and man-made disasters.

Set in an unspoil green valley surrounded by mountains, a visit to Borobudur is an unforgettable experience.

Pura Taman Ayun

Taman Ayun literally translates to ‘beautiful garden’ and is generally regarded as one of the most attractive temples of Bali.

Taman Ayun is a compound of Balinese temples and gardens with water features located in Mengwi district in Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia.

Don’t forget to check out the latest Virtuoso Life!

Orangutan Feeding Centre Bukit Lawang’s famous orangutan centre was set up in 1973 to help primates readjust to the wild after captivity or displacement through land clearing. There are twice a day feedings that provide a wonderful close-up view of these magnificent creatures.

Jakarta City Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java. Full of unique architecture, authentic restaurants and indeginious art and culture this is a must visit when planning a trip to Indonesia. Some of Jakarta’s main attractions are China Town, the National Museum and Fatahillah Square and it’s world famous nightlife scene.

Candi Sukuh Sukuh is a 15th-century Javanese-Hindu temple that is located on the western slope of Mount Lawu on the border between Central and East Java provinces. Candi Sukuh’s stunning location, overlooking the Solo river valley with its lake and terraces, provides for an excellent walking trip with amazing views.

Indonesia

What to do while your there Prambanan Temple The astonishing temples of Prambanan are the best remaining examples of Java’s extended period of Hindu culture and considered as one of the Indonesia’s most phenomenal examples of Hindu art. Legend says that there were once a thousand temples but due to a great earthquake in the 16th century, only a few remain.

Komodo Dragon Tour A must see while visiting Indonesia is the world’s largest lizards, the Komodo dragons.

Take a tour where you can see them under protection in their natural habitat at Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Rinca Island

Don’t forget to check out the latest Virtuoso Life!

Mount Rinjani At 3,726 m, Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, second only to Mount Kerinci on Sumatra, and it dominates the landscape of the relatively small island of Lombok. Rinjani is a popular destination for the active hiker and is best climbed during the April-November dry season. The trekking trails are generally closed during the rainy season.

Lembongan Island

Take a day trip out of Bali and spend it on the turquoise waters of Nusa Lembongan, a small, low, protected island about 7 miles southeast of Bali. After arriving by catamaran, you’ll anchor at a private pontoon where you can enjoy a variety of water activities, including a waterslide, banana boat rides and snorkeling or scuba diving along the Bali reef.

Gili Islands The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

The islands are a popular destination for tourists looking for a remote island experience.

Indonesia

Where you should stay

Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta Find refuge in Indonesia’s always-buzzing capital at the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta. Boldly chic accommodations feature Javanese artworks and advanced technology such as surround sound, mood lighting, 42 inch LCD televisions and the city’s fastest Wi-Fi access. The hotel houses two of Jakarta’s most popular restaurants — the celebrated Lyon, serving classic French cuisine, and the ever-popular Xin Hwa, which dishes up authentic Cantonese, including dim sum.

ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Located on the southern tip of Nusa Dua, Bali – a tropical paradise where the sea is calm, the sand is pristine white and the luxury of serenity prevails – The Ritz-Carlton, Bali blends into the lush landscape, gently enlivening the senses. The Nusa Dua hotel’s cliff top perch reveals a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean below. A refreshing breeze drifts through the open lobby, where a magnificent display of local Balinese flowers perfumes the air. And that sound you hear? It is the sigh that escapes as you begin to take in the beauty that surrounds you.

Amanjiwo

Amanjiwo is right at home in Central Java, rich in culture, spirit and beauty. At the center of the resort is a soaring, bell-shaped rotunda, welcoming guests to its stately Dining Room and Terrace, lively bar and Romanesque swimming pool. After settling into your lavish suite, with its volcanic ash–tinted roof, handcarved furniture and exotic Javanese fabrics, take time to explore the myriad cultural and archaeological opportunities that abound in this region.

Featured Experience Silversea

If you plan on visiting Indonesia one of the best ways to experience it is with Silversea. Silversea offers a unique and valuable option for travelers to see more of Indonesia on a budget than a land based experience as well as a chance to see Thailand.

Featured Experience: Phuket, Thailand to Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SILVERSEA

DAY BY BAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Phuket, Thailand Day 2 Ko Rawi, Thailand (morning) Day 2 Ko Adang, Thailand (evening) Day 3 Belawan, Sumatra, Indonesia Day 4 Day at Sea Day 5 Pulau Weh,Sumatra, Indonesia (morning) Day 5 Banda Aceh, Indonesia (evening) Day 6 Suimeuliu Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia Day 7 Bawemataluwo, Indonesia Day 8 Padang,Sumatra for Cupek, Indonesia Day 9 Day at Sea Day 10 Ujung Kulon National Park, Java, Indonesia (morning) Day 10 Anak Krakatoa, Indonesia (evening) Day 11 Day at Sea Day 12 Sumenep, Indonesia Day 13 Probolinggo, Indonesia Day 14 Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

Exclusive

World Travel Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage Rancho Mirage, CA

Valid until March 3rd, 2016

Experience Includes: Receive a complimentary 4th night in addition to our Virtuoso amenities when staying in a terrace firepit room or any suite Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit Early check-in/late check-out

Exclusive

World Travel Experiences

W New York - Union Square New York, NY

Valid for Travel 17 Dec 2015 - 31 Mar 2016 Book by February 29th, 2016

Experience Includes:

Buy 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit Early check-in/late check-out

Exclusive

World Travel Experiences

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Wailea, HI

Valid for Travel 01 Jan 2016 - 20 Dec 2016

Experience Includes:

Book 4 nights in a one-bedroom suite or villa and get the 5th night free Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit Early check-in/ late checkout, if available

Exclusive

World Travel Experiences

NIZUC Resort & Spa Cancun, Mexico

Travel between January 3rd , 2016 to April 30th , 2016

Experience Includes: Buy 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests One-way airport transfer Hydrotherapy session for two, once during stay Early check-in/late check-out

Exclusive

World Travel Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Cayman Islands

Book until March 13, 2016 Travel Window: January 18, 2016 through February 2, 2016 February 20, 2016 through March 4, 2016 March 9, 2016 through March 18, 2016

Experience Includes: Book 4 Nights, Get the 5th Night Free Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit Early check-in/late check-out

Tech News: Travel Toys

Mobi EyeFi SD card

This is a must have for travelers who enjoy taking photos and videos of their experience while on vacation. The Mobi EyeFi SD Card allows you to enjoy the convenience of instant photo transfer. Eyefi Mobi works like a regular SDHC but unlike ordinary SDHC cards, Eyefi Mobi includes built-in WiFi that connects your camera to your smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac wirelessly. Just click the shutter and watch your photos appear on your favorite device.

TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE

O i t a m s

SlotFlop Sandals One of the hardest things to do when traveling to a tropical beach destination is knowing what to do with all your valubles when you want to take a dip in the pool or ocean. Well SlotFlop Sandals are your answer. The Stash sandals are comfortable enough to wear on the beach, but their real utility is as a mobile safe. The secret tray in the sole slides out to hold personal items and slides back in to make sure no one knows they’re there.

Tile Tile is a tiny Bluetooth tracker that helps find your lost stuff in seconds.

Attach, stick, or place Tiles inside everyday items and keep track of them with Tile’s free mobil app. You can also press your tile to make your phone ring even when it is in silent mode the next time you misplace it.

Shared Discoveries

Paris and Normandy wine cruise: as enjoyed by Trisha Iannazzi

Our Paris and Normandy Wine Cruise ( aboard the AMA-Legro) started VERY well for our group of (42) flying from various parts of the US to Charles de Gaulle. A group of (10) of us enjoyed the wonderful service on board the All Business Class La Compagnie Boutique Airline (only 74 passengers on a 757). Check it out !

Many of us enjoyed a couple of pre-cruise nights in Paris and a visit to La Champagne region before joining the AMA-Legro docked close to the Eiffel Tower. As we set sail on the 1st evening , we sailed past the iconic Eiffel Tower to see the wonderful Laser Light display‌Breathtaking to say the least..!

We enjoyed a lovely day in Vernon and a fun visit to Chateau de Bizy, where we were introduced to cider, cheeses and other Normandy specialties, along with a surprise visit from Louis XIV. The grand finale for the day came courtesy of hosted & shared group dinner at the Chef’s Table for a divine dinner..

Our days on board the AMA-Legro were splendid and complete with several wine tastings and lectures from our wine host, Holly Howell.

I was not only very impressed with the staff and on board experience while we sailed aboard the Legro, but also the INCREDIBLE professionalism, compassion, and handling of a tragic and unnerving event that too place in Paris during our time away. In this unsettled world we live in, if you are caught in a crisis somewhere, you can do nothing better than be in the hands of a competent and caring company such as AMAWaterways.

Shared Discoveries

British Virgin Islands as seen by Marianne Kochanek For the 1st time in my career I recently traveled to the British Virgin Islands. I had previously traveled to St Thomas and St John (US Virgin Islands) so, I was most interested to see the difference between the two.

My findings, ‘it’s definitely a world of its own.’

How many islands are there in the BVI? .. over 50, but only about 15 are inhabited.

The best way to arrive in the BVI is to fly direct into Beef Island (Tortola) from San Juan. You may also fly into St. Thomas and take a ferry or water taxi to the island you are staying on.

The profile of someone who would love to spend their vacation in the BVI’s is someone who enjoys being on the water or being in it - water sports of every imaginable kind are available as well as opportunities to learn to dive or sail..

Anyone looking for privacy, a place of relaxation, & intimacy can find it just sitting looking at the gorgeous blue hued water and nearby islands.

There is a tremendous variety of styles of accommodations to choose from - Bitter End Yacht Club is all-inclusive beach intensive facility.

Guana Island is private Island where only guests are allowed on the island - once there you can rent a cottage, or maybe your own private villa.

Peter Island another private Island option has Beach Front Junior Suites just feet from the ocean.

Perhaps the ultimate private island is Richard Branson’s Necker Island. If a traveler is looking for the over the top experience for themselves and a few friends - You can rent the entire island and be treated like royalty.

These are just a few of resorts you can experience in the BVI’S!

Shared Discoveries Rine River cruise aboard AMA .. ROCKS! as experienced by Jeannine Bottorff I loved this river boat ( AMA) & trip because we were able to see so many different things over a large area in short timeframe (7 days) without EVER feeling rushed!

We visited small French villages, college towns like Heidelberg, and big cities like Cologne and Amsterdam. We also were able to sample regional wines, see monuments, and float by picturesque castles. We had great food on (and off) the ship and experienced amazing service too.

Our cruise left out of Basel, Switzerland and other stops were in Germany, France and in the Netherlands.

At the end of the cruise, I asked my husband which he preferred Ocean Cruising or River Cruising. He thought a few minutes and said definitely‌ RIVER!

I would have to agree..If you haven’t experienced a river boat cruise yet, what are you waiting for..

China as experienced by Marisa Cole I was fortunate to spend (10) days touring the Southern Provinces of this vast country that will tempt & deliver to all your senses and interests.The country of China offers travelers so much to see & to do. With it’s River deltas, jungles, deserts, old and new cities with sky-scrapers to history filled with palaces & temples..Everyone should put this on their bucket lists of ..’ must visit’ destinations!

For foodies.. Food can be an ‘adventure sport’..And for shoppers, there is nothing like silks, cashmeres and pearls to shop for along with beautiful hand-held fans.

A fully escorted tour, or a hosted city stay is recommended to most traveler since English is not widely spoken. U.S.Dollars are not accepted anywhere.. and the Visa Card is almost exclusively the ‘accepted card’ at hotels & stores.

Weekapaug Inn ..A chance for a magical ‘ Stay-cation!’ as enjoyed by Silvanna Frappier Recently, I was looking to discover a property close to home, but still wanted to feel like I’d been on an escape, combing a mix of luxury with a cozy feeling.

I immediately thought of the beautiful Weekapaug Inn located in Rhode Island..A hidden gem, just two-and-half hours from New York, and an hour and a half from Boston. A convenient coastal getaway for a celebration and a place to unwind from the chaotic everyday life.

Originally built in 1899, this iconic New England, Relais & Chateaux property has an intimate (27) rooms. The Inn offers free bikes, the guidance a resident naturalist, and boats and crabbing gear to explore large salt ponds.

The Inn comes to life in the summer, but winter is also a magical time to visit.It sits on the West side of Quonochontaug Pond by the quiet charming beach town of Weekapaug. It’s within walking distance from a long stretch of unspoiled beach overlooking the Atlantic.

The menu at the restaurant offers traditional New England favorites as well as a number of creative, innovative chef creations.

largaytravel.com