lisbon

BY CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL

10

DREAM TRIPS

THIS IS YOUR P E R F E C T D AY

SM

O asis Lagoon SM

M AY 2 0 1 9 Enjoy a Complimentary Specialty Dining for Two* When you book a Balcony stateroom on any 7-night or longer sailing.

Enjoy a Complimentary Specialty Dining for Two* Plus One Complimentary Spa Treatment* When you book a Junior Suite or above on any 7-night or longer sailing.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details

P erfec t D a y a t CocoCay ®

All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Images and messaging for Perfect Day at CocoCay reflect current design concepts and may include artistic renderings. All destination features and experiences, and related delivery timing for these features, are currently in development and are subject to change without notice. Coco Beach Club and overwater cabanas are scheduled to open December 2019. Perfect Day and CocoCay are registered trademarks of Royal Caribbean.Dinner Off er is valid on Balcony category staterooms. Dinner and Spa Off er is valid on Junior Suite and above staterooms booked through December 31, 2018 on any 7-night or longer sailing open for sale. The amenities will be added 4 weeks after creation for those bookings that qualify. Option code SRK3 will appear on agent and guest invoice once the specialty dinner for two is applied. Option code SRK7 will appear on agent and guest invoice once the specialty dinner for two plus spa treatment is applied. Not all ships feature specialty dining and restaurants vary by ship. Guests sailing on ships with no specialty dining will receive a bottle of wine in the room on embarkation as a substitution. Off er is valid for dinner only, one per sailing, at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Samba Grill, Jamie’s Italian, 150 Central Park or Wonderland; or lunch for two, one per sailing, at Giovanni’s Table or Sabor Modern Mexican. Special dining events that take place in Specialty restaurants are also excluded from the dining off er. Voucher provided by Virtuoso Advisor to present onboard cannot be used toward the purchase of specialty dining packages. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are not included, and are available at an additional cost. Specialty dining gratuities are included. Voucher provided to present onboard has no monetary value. Reservations must be made onboard, and cannot be made in advance online in order to redeem this off er. Dinner off er is valid for one dining experience for up to two guests in one stateroom. Dinner off er may not be broken up into multiple single dining experiences. This off er does not give guest(s) any priority for reservations, or if there is a wait to be seated in the restaurant. Off er is combinable with all brand off ers, sale items, Crown & Anchor Society discounts or any other discount programs. Spa off er is limited to one spa treatment for one guest per stateroom. It will be at the guest’s discretion as to which guest on the booking redeems the spa off er.

The guest redeeming the treatment will choose one of three treatments: Elemis Super Food Facial; Swedish Massage; Refl exology including Massage.

Dinner and Spa off ers are not redeemable for cash. These off ers are valid for new individual and group bookings only. Booking eligibility is based on when the booking is created not deposited or date of fi nal payment. Itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees are additional. Off er is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions may apply. ©2018 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 18062790 • 6/7/2018

GO GLOBETROTTING WITH GOWAY

With 48 years of experience crafting long-haul trips to the world’s best travel destinations, Goway has the expertise to turn travel dreams into reality.

Our Travel Experts channel their first-hand knowledge and immense passion into creating vacations that showcase the best our planet has to offer.

ADVENTURE Feel a rush of adrenaline as you come face to face with lions, giraffes, and rhinos on safari in South Africa.

CULINARY Ignite your senses and indulge your taste buds as you learn to make pizza in Florence, Italy.

HISTORY & CULTURE Explore one of the grand achievements of human history in Machu Picchu, Peru.

NATURE Marvel at the majesty of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the rugged power of the Outback in Australia.

WELLNESS ROMANCE Fall in love in a paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and verdant rainforests in Bora Bora.

Relax your mind, body, and spirit as you meditate and enjoy pampering massages in Hua Hin, Thailand.

PLEASE CONTACT A CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL OR CWT VACATIONS TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR DETAILS.

CONTENTS

Fall 2018 / Winter 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

44 BARBADOS’S BEST Ready for a delicious taste of island cuisine? Try this Bajan buffet!

BY SARAH TRELEAVEN

48 SAVORING VENETO A self-appointed princess of pasta and Prosecco dons her apron for a cooking holiday in Northern Italy.

BY ANITA DRAYCOTT

54 BEGUILED BY BAJA

6

Image courtesey of the Barbados Tourism Board

Los Cabos, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, is living it up with new luxury properties and delectable dining experiences

BY PAUL GALLANT

PUT LUXURY

ON THE MAP.

Uncover the beauty of Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico.

From the sparkling coast of Riviera Nayarit to the pristine beaches of Riviera Maya, Grand Velas Resorts will immerse you in a prestigious world of luxurious accommodations, exceptional spas, gourmet restaurants and exclusive hotel amenities.

Book a Delta Vacations Luxury Package to one of these fantastic properties to enjoy First Class flights, VIP transfers and up to 7,500 bonus miles.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

All SkyMiles® Program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Bonus miles do not count toward Medallion® Status or Million Miler™ status. Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. Offers void where prohibited by law. ©2018 Delta Vacations DV31706 Location: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

CONTENTS

Fall 2018 / Winter 2019

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

14 A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

16

21

EDITOR’S ITINERARY

FROM OUR CWT ADVISORS

PLAN NOW

FROM OUR CWT ADVISORS

Three fabulous cities for a long weekend escape: Amsterdam, Lisbon and New Orleans

An escape for every mood: Jamaica, British Columbia and Texas

10 destinations you simply must see in your lifetime: from ancient sites to natural wonders. Ready, set, pack!

8

Experience Riviera Nayarit through the eyes of our editors

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IMAGINE A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD

Discover our exclusive collection of unique tours offering incredible encounters, hands-on exploration, and the freedom to roam – all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

come back new with Princess Cruises ®

®

Receive up to $75 onboard spending money* on select voyages

new ship

western caribbean 7 days | Sky Princess® | Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale | 12/7/19

panama canal

inside passage with glacier bay

15 days | Caribbean Princess® | Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale | 9/22/19

7 days | Ruby Princess® | Roundtrip Seatle | 5/18/19

Special offer for veterans, retired and active military^ Up to $250 in free onboard spending money!

ireland, scotland and wales with optional military tattoo

mexican riveria

8 nights | Pacific Princess® | Roundtrip London (Dover) | 8/17/19

7 days | Royal Princess® | Roundtrip Los Angeles | 10/26/19

antarctica & cape horn

australia & new zealand

16 days | Coral Princess® | 12/20/19

11 days | Majestic Princess® | 2/2/19

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details. ^Applications to receive this benefit must be made no later than 14 days prior to the cruise departure date. Offer is valid for eligible military personnel in the U.S. and Canada only. Free onboard spending money is in the form of onboard credit and is provided in the operational currency of the vessel. Maximum of two military personnel per booking. This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges. Offer excludes Travel Agent and Interline fares. Offer is combinable with other onboard credit offers. Other restrictions may apply. Eligibility includes active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper verification. *Up to $75 Onboard Spending Money per stateroom. Offer is applicable to first/second-berth guests only. Third/fourth-berth guests are not eligible. Onboard spending money may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used in the casino and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Onboard spending money is quoted in U.S. dollars and is based on the ship’s onboard currency. Void where prohibited by law. ©2018, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

CONTRIBUTORS

Fall 2018 / Winter 2019

SARAH TRELEAVEN Writer

BARBADOS’S BEST

44 Sarah Treleaven is a Canadian journalist who divides her time between Toronto and Jerusalem. She started out her career at O, the Oprah magazine, in New York City. She has since written for a wide range of publications, including National Post, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and ELLE magazine, just to name a few.

BY CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL

Edited and produced by Moreno & Company Inc 77 Bloor St. West, Suite 1200 Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada 416.323.7828 X 25 Chief Executive Officer Marlon Moreno Executive Editor Elizabeth Anderson

ANITA DRAYCOTT Writer

Brand Manager & Marketing Luis Chavez Martinez

SAVOURING VENETO

48 Anita Draycott has been a Toronto-based journalist, editor and photographer for more than 25 years. A self-confessed golf addict, she has chased dimpled white balls over six continents. For Anita, the most underrated Italian destination is Puglia and the experience she would fly back for are the amazing Bellinis at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice.

Art Director Laura Garcia Public Relations Agency Jesson & Company www.jessonco.com

Creative Content Direction Vivian Vassos

CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL

PAUL GALLANT Writer

BEGUILED BY BAJA

54 Originally from Prince Edward Island, Paul has worked as an editor for outlets ranging from Xtra! to Yonge Street Media, and has written about travel, culture, business and social issues for many other publications. He has a penchant for Latin America.

Sherry Saunders Country Director, Canada & U.S. West Senior Vice President, CWT North American Leisure Úna O’Leary Senior Director, Marketing & Supplier Management, North American Leisure Christine Ufniak Director, Marketing, North American Leisure Lynne Cunningham Marketing & Communications Consultant, LC Communications 2425 Matheson Blvd. East, Suite 600 Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K4, Canada +1905 694 2659 | fax +1905 740 3703

12

What are the best ways to survive the holiday season?

Turn to page 61 for our CWT advisors’ best ways to navigate the world.

Punta Cana Stellar shorelines meet a modern-urban mix.

The Dominican Republic is known for its picture-perfect shorelines and vivacious mix of modern and urban aesthetics. It’s the kind of place that’s best enjoyed in abundance – which is exactly what you’ll find at the allinclusive resorts of Punta Cana. It’s one of the most popular vacation spots in the Dominican, and for good reason. Punta Cana vacations are what dreams are made of.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

THE TIME TO TRAVEL IS NOW

EDITORIAL NOTE ÚNA O’LEARY

Senior Director, Marketing & Supplier Management, North American Leisure

When the world is your subject matter, there is always a sense of awe and excitement in discovering something new – even about a destination you believed you knew well.

I am here in Las Vegas as I write this editorial note for this issue – attending the annual Virtuoso luxury travel show, learning about top travel trends for next year.

There is something always fresh and exciting in Las Vegas at every twist and turn – enjoying fantastic dining experiences, or perhaps sipping a $2,000 Forbidden Love cocktail, topped with gold leaf and served with a side of caviar. New luxury and boutique hotels and show-stopping spectacles, for high rollers and first timers to the City of Lights, a Vegas trip is one of those quintessential experiences!

In this issue, we’re highlighting 10 places you must have on your bucket list – 10 places that offer outstanding cultural, wildlife, culinary and entertainment experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Our hope is that the stories you read here will inspire you.

We hope that something you find in our pages will be just the enticement you’ll need to hop on that flight to Bhutan, lose yourself on a scenic forest trail in India, ride the rails through the Rocky Mountains or escape for a very special weekend getaway... Maybe to Los Cabos?

Because I’m adventurous by nature, a polar expedition in the Canadian arctic is on my bucket list. It’s the sound of a bowhead whale blowing that brings the Canadian arctic alive in my imagination and suddenly I can feel the cool wind sweeping across the arctic ice…ice that glistens as the sun turns white to grey and even ultramarine blue… icebergs that call me to climb, to photograph and to take the north into my heart. And to experience the Canadian arctic and to make it happen, I will rely on my talented Carlson Wagonlit Travel Advisor colleagues – people who understand what it takes to create the kind of carefully curated trips that fulfill lifetime dreams.

As you spend time with this issue of POSSIBILITIES, we hope you’ll take time to connect more deeply with your travel dreams and start formulating your plans to explore the wonderful world we share.

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Safe travels!

For some, it’s sitting down to the first five-star dinner of the trip, and being transported by the rich, unexpected flavors awaiting you. For others, it’s sailing into an exotic, remote port without another ship in sight. And for you, it’s the little things.

Discover your moment.

ENJOY THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA™ ABOARD OUR INTIMATE AND LUXURIOUS SHIPS.

Ask about our agency’s exclusive offer of FREE pre-paid gratuities or FREE shore events on select voyages.

Please contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations Travel Advisor for details.

OCT183998

Sayulita courtesy of RN Tourism Office

EDITOR’S ITINERARY

RIVIERA NAYARIT MEXICO

While travel planning can be the most exciting part of your trip, it can also be the most daunting. Consider this your personal vacation hotline, with advice from our editors and your CWT Travel Advisors WHY GO: Riviera Nayarit is a destination like no other. Its versatility and distinct appeal have translated into global recognition as México’s Pacific Coast treasure. It exudes eclectic charm—from the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta to the historic village of San Blas, the celebrity haven of Punta de Mita, the surfing mecca of Sayulita, and everything in between. There’s truly something for every type of traveler.

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MUST DO: The tiny man-made island of Mexicaltitán located northwest of Santiago Ixcuintla is a magical place where time has truly stopped. Designated a Historic Monument Zone in 1986, Isla de Mexicaltitán Nayarit is known for its picturesque tile-roofed homes and small, tranquil streets.

Getting to Mexcaltitán Island is a special adventure on its own, beginning with a 15-minute boat ride to the island. Come in shrimping season, and you’ll see local fishermen on the water, hauling in their delicious catch for the local Mexcaltitán restaurants.

CWT TRAVEL ADVISOR HIGHLIGHT

A GROOVY LITTLE BEACH TOWN If you’re looking for a groovy little beach town, head for Sayulita on the Pacific coastline, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta.

A mix of local Mexican families, expats and eclectic gringos, this town offers a great alternative to a resort-style vacation. Sayulita is a safe, friendly surf town and, if you’re a foodie, count your blessings. The abundant eateries in Sayulita will not disappoint! Hungry?

Try Sayulita’s famous fish tacos and to-die-for coconut shrimp!

DIANE MANSON Travel, Cruise & Adventure Advisor CWT / Mountain City Travel Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada

Revel in your perfect all-inclusive Mexico Grand Velas promises the perfect vacation, with world-class accommodations, exemplary hospitality, outstanding dining, and more. Come find your bliss!

PACIFIC COAST | PUERTO VALLARTA

SEA OF CORTÉS | LOS CABOS

• Casa Velas Hotel Boutique

• Grand Velas Los Cabos YUCATAN PENINSULA | RIVIERA MAYA

• Velas Vallarta

• Grand Velas Riviera Maya

PACIFIC COAST | RIVIERA NAYARIT • Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

FEEL FREE TO STIR THE SOUL. When you cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line®, you’re free. Free to vacation on your own terms, enjoying more time to spend on shore. That’s time to discover Hong Kong’s gleaming skyscrapers and ancient temples. To explore New Zealand’s rugged peaks and lush valleys. Or catch monster waves and hike live volcanoes in Hawai‘i. Take to the sea and find out what it means to Feel Free.

©2018 Norwegian Cruise Line LTD. Ships' Registry: Bahamas and USA. 36164 9/18

ASIA

Depart from one of four fascinating ports: Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Cruise Norwegian Jewel as you experience the wonders of the world’s seventh continent.

HAWAI‘I

Only Norwegian offers year-round cruises from Honolulu, visiting 4 islands in 7 days.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

Voted Best Cruise Line Overall by Virtuoso, 2017 Voted Best River Cruise Line by Virtuoso Five Years in a Row 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016

AMAMAGNA RENDERING

A New Dimension in River Cruising

MORE LEISURE ACTIVITIES

MORE PERSONAL SPACE

MORE UNIQUE DINING

The new AmaMagna, debuting in May 2019 on the Danube, provides a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take to river cruising. Nearly twice the width of traditional European river ships, AmaMagna is a distinctive evolution of AmaWaterways’ European river fleet, with a daring design that transcends her grand dimensions. With MORE unique dining venues, MORE health and wellness amenities, and MORE leisure activities, like water sports and golf, you’ll have MORE ways to indulge.

And since the majority of AmaMagna’s accommodations are suites, measuring 355 sq. ft., and include full balconies, guests will be treated to MORE personal space. The AmaMagna represents a new chapter in river cruising. Join her story in 2019.

Experience AmaMagna on a 2019 Danube River Cruise Melodies on the Danube

Romantic Danube

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Budapest to Vilshofen 7-night cruise | May – November

Vilshofen to Budapest 7-night cruise | May – December

Vilshofen to Budapest or reverse 7-night cruise | November – December

Guests receive $300 onboard credit on select sailings Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details

THE HIGHEST RATED RIVER CRUISE SHIPS

YOUR WORLD LONG WEEKEND ESCAPES

Amsterdam,

Here we come

With world-class museums, quirky festivals, theater, live music, laid-back bars and delightful restaurants, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Amsterdam!

Here, our guide on how to enjoy this Dutch city on a long weekend.

YOUR WORLD

Friday HOMEBASE: HOTEL TWENTYSEVEN Perfectly situated at the city center, with a glimpse of the lively square and up close to some of the Dutch capital’s most glorious architecture, including the 17th century neo-classic Royal Palace, this hotel’s interior is just as striking, with lush, international finishings: Nepalese carpets, handmade Italian curtains and velvet wallpaper by Pierre Frey France, with artwork from Amsterdam’s own Cobra Art. hoteltwentyseven.com LET’S GET LUNCH Start at De Kas Restaurant – located inside a former greenhouse and nursery. De Kas opts for a daily menu based on the harvest from their gardens and greenhouses, with an accent leaning heavily on Mediterranean delights. Three course prix-fixe start at $49.50 USD and includes roasted celeriac, guinea fowl and local fish. restaurantdekas.nl BURN OFF ENERGY Spend an hour or three along the canals and take in the breath-taking architecture. Built during the Golden Age, the canals of Amsterdam form one of the most unique urban landscapes in the world. It’s so special, it’s even listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

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EAT WELL Snag a table at Hotel de Goudfazant – The true godfather of haute cuisine within an abandoned setting, this French-focused dining room opened in 2006 in what was then the industrial wasteland of Amsterdam Noord, north of the city’s core. What you do experience in this former garage space, runs the gamut from North Sea fish bisque to delicate poussin, along with an incredible chocolate mousse to finish things off. Worth the short ferry and bike ride! hoteldegoudfazant.nl

Saturday GET MOVING Walk around the negen straatjes (nine little streets) in the Jordaan neighborhood – nine picturesque little streets in Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, full of quirky shops and wonderful eateries.

TAKE A BREATHER Stop by Wynand Fockink Distillery – the authentic ‘Proeflokaal’ (Dutch for tasting tavern/bar) that has retained its 17th century character, and try an authentic Dutch gin. wynand-fockink.nl

Sunday Start your morning right with a globally inspired brunch at Restaurant Bazar – housed inside an old church serving North African and Middle Eastern dishes. hotelbazar.nl DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Book an exquisite VIP Tour at The Gassan Diamonds Factory – with champagne on hand, you’ll learn the craft of diamond polishing and view the extensive Rolex collection. gassan.com BOAT AROUND See and experience Amsterdam like the locals. Hire your own sloop – with or without skipper – and have a picnic or drinks on board. mokumbootverhuur.nl LAST MEAL Plan on a dining experience you will remember forever and reserve a table at De Zilveren Spiegel (the Silver Mirror) renowned for its delicate approach to traditional Dutch cuisine. The restaurant dates from the Dutch Golden Age, the 17 th century, and all of the buildings have been kept in their original state so you can experience the ambiance of this time period.

A unique evening out in breath-taking surroundings befitting the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer. desilverenspiegel.com ESSENTIAL Buy an I amsterdam City Card (online or at the I amsterdam Visitor Center at Schiphol Airport (Arrivals 2), valid for 72 hours which includes free transportation by public transport in Amsterdam and free entrance to more than 55 museums in Amsterdam. iamsterdam.com/en/i-am/i-amsterdam-city-card

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SOAK UP SOME CULTURE Step into Van Gogh’s world. Explore the world’s largest collection of works by the Dutch master Vincent van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum. This collection includes such world famous paintings as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters. Highly recommended – book ahead. vangoghmuseum.nl/

MINI GUIDE

Fall for

Lisbon

Forget Paris, London and Rome! Europe’s sexiest, trendiest and most vibrant destination is Lisbon, the ocean capital of the Western world. It’s a city where the skyline undulates like the ocean and you can eat a street-grilled sardine with the locals. Here to help you plan your Lisbon getaway is, our mini guide on how to explore this historic city.

We’ve Spent 145 Years Crafting Your Next Journey Holland America Line cruises are born of 145 years of seagoing experience. One example is our Far East Discovery cruise that takes you to five countries, allowing you to experience Asia’s rich history and vibrant modern cities.

Holland America Line also enjoys a long history in Alaska, which has earned us special access to the stunning sights and experiences of the Great Land. These carefully crafted itineraries will open your eyes to new people, places and cultures—for a greater appreciation of the planet we share. All while enjoying Holland America Line’s legendary onboard service and style.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL OR CWT VACATIONS TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR DETAILS

Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

MINI GUIDE

SLEEP ALTIS BELÉM HOTEL & SPA The Altis Belém Hotel & Spa—a 5-star design hotel—offers an exquisite, modern experience.

Located in Belém and overlooking the Tagus River, the hotel is minimalist yet chic. There are just 50 rooms but the hotel has a world of features, including a spa, suites decorated with illustrated wall panels, the 38°41’ cocktail lounge, and the Michelin-starred Feitoria restaurant; where Chef João Rodrigues blends traditional Portuguese gastronomy with the more exotic cuisines of the world, preserving the genuine essence of local, traditional flavors. altishotels.com PALÁCIO BELMONTE The former residence of a noble family that dates back to 1449—the Palácio Belmonte was restored as a boutique hotel by French architect and ecologist Frederic Coustols. The feel is that of a private home, with a choice of 10 beautifully decorated suites.

A pool, an organic garden and a blissfully serene atmosphere make the Palácio Belmonte a very difficult place to leave. palaciobelmonte.com

EAT BELCANTO With two Michelin stars, Belcanto is, without a doubt, the finest restaurant in Lisbon, serving elaborate contemporary Portuguese cuisine. You may want to save it for your last night in town because if there is one lasting impression of Lisbon you’ll want to treasure, this is it. Dishes like pork from the Alentejo region with red paprika and bread mash or the suckling pig revisited are examples of the culinary genius of Chef José Avillez, a star on the Portuguese food scene. belcanto.pt/en/

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TIME OUT MERCADO DA RIBEIRA A fixture in Lisbon’s pop culture, and one of the capital’s largest open food markets, this iconic market hosts 30 Portuguese quick ‘petiscos’ – or food stands. Traditional Portuguese dishes such as seafood rice, steak on a bun, salt cod with chickpeas and piri piri prawns are served in bite-or-hand-sized portions, so finger licking is totally acceptable. Best time to go? Weekend evenings so you can eat and feel just like a local.

EXPLORE Forget your map and navigate the back streets of old town Lisbon on foot, walking its cobblestone streets. Pack some comfortable shoes instead of your Louboutin’s or, if you prefer, take the TRAM 28, which goes right through the city. Hop on and hop off whenever something fabulous catches your eye!

ALFAMA Alfama means springs or baths – a reference to the hot springs found in the area. Without a doubt, Alfama is Lisbon’s most emblematic quarter and one of the most rewarding for walkers and photographers, thanks to its medieval alleys and outstanding views. Very few sunrises can match the one over Alfama, as seen from the top terrace of Suite Bartolomeu de Gusmão at Palácio Belmonte.

LX FACTORY Located in the Alcantara district, the LX Factory is a refurbished factory plant featuring an atelier, book shops, restaurants, bars, design, concept and furniture stores. It’s a prime location for getting your hands on hip, contemporary products. The inspirational graffiti sets the tone for one of Lisbon’s most progressive locations. –Nelson Carvalheiro

OUR CWT TRAVEL ADVISOR’S TIPS

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The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) is not only Europe’s largest indoor aquarium, it was also named the World’s Best Aquarium by Trip Advisor.

Featuring 8,000 fascinating sea creatures, the aquarium is designed to look like one giant tank, but it was also a cleverly disguised transitioning sequence of multiple water habitats. Be sure to visit the penguin exhibit for adorable selfie shots!

MINI GUIDE

Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a romantic evening or the night of your life, the Big Easy never lets you down.

FAMILY FUN Kids will love hopping aboard the St. Charles streetcar line for a ride to the Audubon Zoological Gardens, one of the best ranked and most loved zoos in the United States.

With over 1,300 animals living in more than 58 acres, the monkeys, snakes and elk have plenty of room to spread out. Head north of Magazine Street for a picnic in the sprawling Audubon Park, which was once a sugarcane plantation. In need of even more green space? At 1,300 acres, City Park is huge and contains the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, whose famous carousel has been in operation for more than 100 years. audubonnatureinstitute. org; neworleanscitypark.com

ARTISTIC INTENTIONS NOLA’s Warehouse District, more recently dubbed the Arts District, has been an essential cultural destination since Louisiana hosted the 1984 World’s Fair. Independent galleries and trendy bistros are scattered among larger institutions like the National WWII Museum, the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the multidisciplinary Contemporary Arts Centre. On the first Saturday of each month, galleries along and around Julia Street stay open late. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art stands out as a must-see, with its well-curated and well-rounded collection of more traditional paintings and edgier contemporary installations. artsdistrictneworleans.com; ogdenmuseum.org

New Orleans Five Ways

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For much of its 300-year history, New Orleans has held a special position as a destination that’s both fascinating and fun. Southern manners, a rich history, a relaxed and sociable pace of life, and perhaps most importantly music to enliven every occasion and adventure. Though the city’s French Quarter has a well-earned reputation as America’s favorite place to party, NOLA has far more to offer than delightfully kitschy drink glasses on Bourbon Street! —PAUL GALLANT

HERITAGE AND HISTORY

MUSICAL MAGIC

No, the French Quarter does not have a lock on impressive architecture. The “American” section of town, known as the Garden District, is known for its Greek revival and Italianate homes, situated on lush lots that give visitors room to breathe. Actress Sandra Bullock and vampire-loving author Anne Rice have homes here, while many illustrious New Orleans residents have their final resting place in Lafayette Cemetery. After a walking tour, take a lunch break at Commander’s Palace, famous for its creative menu and 25-cent martinis, long before the 2016 documentary, Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table, told the world about the matriarch behind the foodiest family in Louisiana. tourneworleans.com; commanderspalace.com

Although you can hear jazz in many bars along Bourbon Street, Preservation Hall, just off the main drag, offers the most authentic and heartfelt jazz experience.

Established in 1961 to celebrate the quintessential American art form, the venue is a magnet for the best performers in the country. The experience is intimate and intense: patrons sit shoulder-to-shoulder on narrow benches in a modest room for concerts that last about an hour. Shows start on time, so get in line early. For a party-like atmosphere, and a more freewheeling selection of musical styles, check out the House of Blues where they also serve a mean Voodoo Shrimp. preservationhall.com; houseofblues.com

REFINED ROMANCE

JOHANNE ROBINSON’S TIPS Branch Manager Carlson Wagonlit Travel Montréal, Québec, Canada

Don’t miss brunch at Commander’s Palace and a relaxed visit to Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait. Have a little time on your hands? Why not take a cooking lesson at the New Orleans School of Cooking?

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The French Quarter is full of great dining places and spots where you get some gumbo, jambalaya or a po’ boy or two between cocktails. Founded in 1918 by French-born Leon Bertrand Arnaud Cazenav, Arnaud’s is a slice of European gentility in the New World. The menu overflows with seafood choices from Oysters Rockefeller to Crab Claws Provençale. You’d think the Café Brûlot, where the server ladles flaming brandy-spiked coffee down a spiral of orange zest, would be the show stopper but the Mardi Gras Museum upstairs, featuring costumes worn at Mardi Gras balls from the 1930s to the ’60s, is equally delightful. arnaudsrestaurant.com

AN ESCAPE FOR EVERY MOOD Whether you need a digital detox, want to reconnect with your inner warrior or just need a little self-indulgence, give us three days: Your travel Rx is right here.

WHEN YOU NEED TO RECHARGE THE SPOT: PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA

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Nestled on Jamaica’s northeast coast, Port Antonio is a pristine slice of paradise. Popularly known as the “Jamaican Riviera” this port town offers a welcome refuge to visitors who want to relax and recharge.

Along with its natural beauty, Port Antonio is famous for luxurious and rustic villas, which can be spotted along its turquoise waters and tucked into lush countryside, dotted with orchids, bananas, bamboo plants and palm trees. A favorite getaway among celebrities, the private rental villas are quiet and peaceful, and cater to your personal preferences. Many have housekeepers, and some even offer the services of a first-class private chef who can concoct delicious Jamaican cuisine, as well as international specialties.

Bedrooms are spacious and you can often find accommodations with both indoor and outdoor living areas, floor to ceiling windows, and panoramic views.

If pampering is on your agenda, you don’t need to look far. You can enjoy a full spa experience from the privacy of your villa. From facials to full body scrubs and massages, many villas that offer outdoor and open concept spa rooms that provide a spectacular view of the region as you indulge. Plus, yoga retreats are also offered in the area – another great opportunity for rest and relaxation.

Enjoy snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving in the Blue Lagoon, which is open to the sea and fed by freshwater springs said to reach a depth of 200 feet or 60 meters. Take a boat trip to Somerset Falls on the Daniels River, another peaceful way to spend the day. The scenery will leave you awe-stuck as you sail along the calm waters through a gorge of natural rock.

With its calm pace and gorgeous setting, Port Antonio lulls travelers into unwinding and re-energizing in a way that few places can.

Photo courtesy of the Jamaican Tourism Board

ESCAPE FOR EVERY MOOD

Photo courtesy of Wick Inn.

WHEN YOU NEED TO INDULGE WHEN YOU NEED TO FIND YOUR INNER STRENGTH THE SPOT: TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA Tofino might well be the only vacation spot in the world where bad weather is what you hope for. There, when the wind blows and the rain pelts, you’ll gather in the Wickaninnish Inn, an elegant lodge facing the ocean, to become part of a west coast tradition known as the storm party. Sip something warming as you feel the storm build, watch the waves crash into the shoreline and hear the howling of the wild all around you. Next day, when the clouds break and the sun shines again, you’ll find a new balance as you grab a surfboard and become one with the waves yourself. (wickinn.com)

THE SPOT: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk winds through the city like a sexy, sinuous, sensuous ribbon of warmth and welcome. As water-taxis and tour boats glide up and down the river, you’ll stroll the tree-lined banks as all your work-world worries evaporate. Soon, your only concern will be the choice of restaurant for the evening – Tex-Mex? Seafood? Italian? Or should you skip dinner altogether and go straight for a creamy mango gelato? Maybe it’s time to get the party started at Howling at the Moon, San Antonio’s most popular dueling piano bar.

Move over Las Vegas…it’s all about pleasure when you’re indulging yourself in San Antonio.

OUR CWT TRAVEL ADVISOR RECOMMENDS MUST DO: The three hour drive to Tofino from Nanaimo is on a spectacular winding road. Be sure to stop at the Cathedral Grove where you’ll see some of the oldest and tallest trees in British Columbia – many as ancient as 800 years-old.

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MARY PATERSON Branch Manager / Carlson Wagonlit Travel Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

reasons to go

Foodie Heaven: Joël Robuchon Restaurant Worth Traveling For

BY MARLON MORENO

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It may sound extravagant to plan a trip around a single restaurant, especially in a city like Las Vegas, one of the most important food capitals of the world. After all, almost every celebrity chef has at least one shop in Vegas, including Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, Nobu Matsuhisa and Giada De Laurentiis, to name just a few.

But what if the restaurant was the creation of the highly regarded Joël Robuchon, whose Michelin stars light up a constellation of restaurants from New York to Bangkok?

Nestled within the famous MGM Mansion, and masterfully decorated by the French luxury interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, Joël Robuchon Restaurant features traditional French cuisine in a setting reminiscent of Paris of the 1930s. A luxurious Art Deco welcomes you with an entrance of checkered blackand-white marble, a dining room in beige, purple and black with several gorgeous Lalique vases, abstract paintings and a beautiful Swarovski chandelier. Add in the lush garden terrace, with its green

wall, and you have an extraordinary place, even by Las Vegas standards.

The kitchen, designed by Robuchon himself, is led by the executive chef Christophe De Lellis and his exceptional team. You will come across worldwide stars taking refuge in this quiet cocoon to enjoy “la cuisine de Joël Robuchon.”

The menu reads like a canon of Robuchon’s greatest hits, including L’oeuf de poule, a crispy soft boiled egg in light Comte cheese sauce, with Iberico de Bellota ham; La Langoustine, truffled langoustine ravioli with chopped cabbage; and Le Poulet Fermier, farm chicken and foie gras, made with Château Chalon, chestnuts and black truffle gently simmered in a cocotte.

The three-hour, 18-course meal that’s made the place beloved promises to be one of the finest of your life. If you decide to do a wine pairing for an additional US$495, you’ll be served the superlative grand crus from Burgundy and first vintages from Bordeaux. This visit is money well spent. joel-robuchon.com

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©2018 Celebrity Cruises. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 6/2018

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s p i r T m a e r D

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The world has no shortage of wonders to explore, but sometimes it’s hard to choose. The experts at Carlson Wagonlit Travel offer their picks for 10 destinations you simply must see in your lifetime: from ancient sites to natural wonders. Ready, set, pack!

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AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF

JOCELYN PERRON Senior Travel Advisor CWT/Voyages Inter Pays Québec, Québec, Canada WHY GO: Cairns and the Great Barrier

Reef offer a tropical climate, curious creatures and pleasant walks with knowledgeable indigenous guides. Along the way, you can learn how to throw a boomerang and meet the unique local wildlife—kangaroos, koala bears and birds, each more colorful than the last!

But that’s nothing compared to what lies beneath the water’s surface.

JOCELYN RECOMMENDS: Sure, it’s far away, but what a beautiful place to discover! A short cruise on the blue waters took us to a lovely pontoon in the heart of the reef where we admired the colors of the greatest coral reef in the world and had an unforgettable encounter with a giant grouper!

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GREECE’S ACROPOLIS

ELENI DIAMONTOPOULOS Travel Advisor CWT/Omega Travel & Tours Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada WHY GO: Perhaps the most culturally

significant site in the world, the Acropolis of Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy and modern civilization.

It is an ancient settlement and home to a number of monuments including the famous Parthenon, a temple to the goddess Athena.

ELENI RECOMMENDS: Because it’s one of the most visited places in Athens (and rightly so), arrive early or plan to visit after 5:00 p.m. This temple was built on the sacred spot where the goddess Athena is said to have planted the olive tree, the symbol of Athens, which brings peace and prosperity. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and military victory, is also the patron of the city of Athens.

For a better understanding of what you’re seeing and what it all means, visit the museum first or take a guided tour.

Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and views!

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ANTARCTIC’S PENGUIN EXPERIENCE

DIANE MANSON Travel Cruise & Adventure Advisor CWT/Mountain City Travel Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada WHY GO: The bottom of the world is a land

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INDIA’S TAJ MAHAL

BONNIE HINSCHBERGER Group Planner CWT / Ellison Travel & Tours London, Ontario, Canada WHY GO: Set amid manicured, symmetrical

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gardens and fountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural marvel.

Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it took 20,000 architects and craftsmen 22 years to complete, using translucent marble transported by more than 1,000 elephants—a lasting monument to the power of love!

BONNIE RECOMMENDS: One of my most vivid memories is of the beautiful photo of Diana, Princess of Wales, sitting on a marble bench in front of the Taj Majal. But nothing matches the surreal spectacle of seeing it for myself for the first time!

of epic grandeur—massive, magnificent and unforgiving. The coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of the planet’s major landmasses, Antarctica will bring you closer than you ever imagined to wildlife. You’ll encounter pods of killer whales (technically dolphins), and mammoth blue, sperm and humpback whales. Your front-row Zodiac seat will take you past leopard and fur seals lazing on ice floes and, of course, the star of the show – penguins!

DIANE RECOMMENDS: Trek among the immense rookeries of these black and white flightless birds for a larger than life, epic adventure. No tuxedo required.

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SWITZERLAND’S ALPS

CAROL MACALEESE Travel Advisor CWT/Jolly Tours Cornwall, Ontario, Canada WHY GO: Whether you’re looking

to twirl in the tall grass or ski down the steep slopes, any time of year is perfect to visit the Swiss Alps. In spring and summer, it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts. In November, the ski resorts begin opening, drawing ski aficionados from around the globe!

CAROL RECOMMENDS:

Switzerland’s ski runs offer fantastic snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

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JORDAN’S PETRA

ANDRÉE PAQUIN Travel Advisor CWT/Contact Amérique Voyage St-Sauveur, Québec, Canada WHY GO: Eighth-century Petra is an archaeological site, spectacular

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royal tombs, including the elaborate “Treasury” (Al Khazneh). As you walk through the narrow pathways, sunshine brings out the colors in the rocky cliffs and sand: pink, red, grey, green and black.

ANDRÉE RECOMMENDS: What a magical moment when we suddenly saw the Treasury gleaming by candlelight. Several straw mats lay around to offer a place to pray and listen to traditional music. It was just an unforgettable moment!

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ICELAND’S GOLDEN CIRCLE

BRENDA SILLS & LORI BARRETT Travel Advisors CWT/Bolton, Ontario, Canada WHY GO: Iceland is known as the land

of fire and ice for its volcanoes and lava fields contrasting with waterfalls, snowcapped mountains and glaciers. Most of the country’s most popular features are in the south, near Reykjavik, and can be explored on the much-celebrated Golden Circle route, a 187 mile loop that includes: the Gullfoss Waterfall, the geysers of Strokkur and Geysir, and the beautiful landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, home to the world’s first parliament.

BRENDA & LORI RECOMMEND: The summer weather enables all sorts of outdoor fun in the gloriously unique landscapes, but the icy winter months bring with them the spectacle of the Northern Lights, truly one of the most magical experiences the world has to offer.

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CHINA’S GREAT WALL

CHARLES PARADIS Owner CWT/Voyages Paradis Charlesbourg & Ste-foy Québec, Québec, Canada WHY GO: At over 13,000 miles long, they

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don’t call it “great” for nothing! The Great Wall of China stretches across 15 regions in northern China, with some components constructed as early as 220 BC. Beijing makes a great launching point to see the wall. Its sections date back to the Ming Dynasty, the last period in which the wall was constructed, from the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries.

CHARLES RECOMMENDS: The fall is one of the best times to visit. Since the leaves are turning color, it makes for some incredible photo opportunities. The temperature is also great for for hiking and walking.

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Azamara Club Cruises® is a proud member of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. family of cruise lines. ©2018 Azamara Club Cruises. Ships registered in Malta

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TASMANIA

COLETTE TRABUCCO Owner CWT/Creative Travel and Tours Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada WHY GO: There’s more to Tasmania than

its famous “devil.” Australia’s island state offers a unique landscape and cultural experience unlike anywhere else on the continent. Its two main cities, Hobart and Launceston, each offer sites not to be missed. In Hobart, walk through the trees above the Tahune Forest on its steel canopy walkway. At Cradle Mountain, see the ethereal, sweeping rows of lavender ready for harvest and in Launceston, a Victorian-architectural town, visit the Cataract Gorge for its chairlift across the river to see peacocks and wallabies at dusk.

COLETTE RECOMMENDS: Tasmania is a wildlife-filled gem that you must consider when traveling to Australia.

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BHUTAN’S TIGER’S NEST

NIMET JESSA Travel Advisor CWT/Kerrisdale Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada WHY GO: The remote, landlocked Asian

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country of Bhutan is one of the world’s most untouched areas. In fact, its borders weren’t open to outsiders until the 1960s! Its iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a small collection of buildings precariously perched on a cliff 2,950 feet above the ground, was built in 1692. It has to be seen to be believed!

NIMET RECOMMENDS: Even if your fitness level is just average, you can still manage the easy, two-hour hike up the wide dirt path. Take your time, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Don’t forget your camera!

BARBADOSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST

Ready for a delicious taste of island cuisine?

Try this Bajan buffet!

BY SARAH TRELEAVEN

O

showcasing Barbados’ rich culinary heritage— and without a doubt, the highlight of the annual culinary calendar is generally agreed to be the Food and Rum Festival that runs every fall.

From the comfort of the air-conditioned minibuses that ferry visitors from place to place, it’s impossible to not stare out the window hungrily at the locals lining up for fresh jam puffs at the island’s many traditional bakeries, or for fish cutters (grilled fish sandwiches made with fluffy white buns) at beachside trucks, and for pudding and souse (a traditional Saturday dish comprised of pickled pork and steamed cassava) at roadside stands.

The Food & Rum Festival really reflects Barbados’ remarkable variety. It draws both locals and international visitors to indulge in activities that range from a midday polo match with glasses of chilled bubbly and waiters carrying canapés to a seaside fish fry where patrons dine on grilled Caribbean lobster served with local mac and cheese when they’re not dancing to a very energetic live band. There are celebrity chef appearances, too, with big names like Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Todd English hosting multi-course tasting menus at some of the island’s top five-star resorts.

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ne day last November, I stood under the hot Bajan sun and watched Chef Craig Greenidge whip up coconut-milk dumplings topped with salt fish and paired with fresh slaw at an outdoor cooking station in the shade of a pretty gazebo overlooking the sea. We were at Bougainvillea, a beautifully landscaped resort with a gorgeous strip of white sand, on the comparatively quiet southern shore.

It was a peak vacation food experience: A local chef in a beautiful place cooking with traditional ingredients and taking the time, all the while, to explain how his food is rooted in the culture. And these are exactly the kinds of experiences that Barbados’ increasingly popular Food & Rum Festival—a multi-day event that takes place every autumn—offers in abundance.

Barbados has branded 2018 the “Year of Culinary Experiences.” As the Caribbean continues to diversify its brand beyond simple sun and sand, food is becoming a clear selling feature and point of difference. And Barbados – which self-identifies as the “culinary capital of the Caribbean” – has a uniquely varied spectrum of excellent options that tourists are newly encouraged to discover.

The island’s top chefs are increasingly moving towards both food localism and

L

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ast year, Canadian-Trinidadian caterer and cookbook author Chris de la Rosa—a frequent presence at the Food & Rum Festival—took over the kitchen of the famous Crane Resort, offering a full night of cocktails and fine dining that was dubbed a “Gourmet Safari.” We mingled poolside with glasses of rum punch while looking out over the Crane’s famous cliff to the pristine beach and white-capped waves below.

When we moved inside to take our places at white-linen topped tables, the food that arrived was an homage to the island’s culinary culture—from curried lobster bisque with chickpea dumplings and rum-infused fried seacat salad to Creole red snapper with coconut milk rice and steamed callaloo. And for dessert, more island treasures: cassava and coconut cheesecake and hot conkies (coconut, sweet potato and pumpkin steamed in banana leaves) with bay leaf and nutmeg ice creams.

Even with the Food & Rum Festival’s full roster of activities, there is still plenty of time (between eating events) to explore other elements of the island. I liked waking up early at my hotel, the picturesque Colony Club, and taking some fresh papaya slices and a cappuccino down to the pristine, quiet beach. Even simply walking the grounds in the afternoon, checking out the hotel’s organic garden or the small waterfall that feeds the pool that winds through the beautifully landscaped property was wonderful. For a change of pace, the hotel was just a short walk from Holetown, a quaint commercial area offering international luxury brands, small local restaurants and other businesses.

Beyond the resort, I explored Animal Flower Cave—an oddly named but entirely worthwhile destination on the dramatic northeast coast, where I explored seaside caves full of “animal flowers” (sea anemones), marveled at the rocky shoreline and

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enjoyed a meal at the newly renovated cliffside restaurant— possibly the most dramatically beautiful place to dine on the island. I also strolled the spectacular grounds of St. Nicholas Abbey, the historic sugar plantation house and birthplace of Bajan rum, where I saw the distillery and sampled a variety of rums, and then stopped to take in the spectacular view of the verdant coastline from the top of Cherry Hill.

One night, I joined in the touristy fun at the Harbour Lights Dinner Show in downtown Bridgetown, right at the water’s edge. There was live entertainment, including a band, costumed dancers, many glasses of rum punch and a fairly decent meal of blackened fish, fried fish cakes and wilted greens.

On my last night in Barbados, I saw Chef Craig again—this time at the Festival’s Taste the Exotic event at the Concorde Museum, where I mingled and sampled under the shadow of an actual retired Concorde airplane. To a chorus of live music, I snacked on tender conch ceviche and braised local black belly lamb while sipping on infused rum cocktails.

I stopped in between savory items to sample a spread of desserts that represented a range of tropical flavors.

Chef Craig stepped out from behind his station, where he was plating a dish of tender pig’s tail, to pose for selfies with fans. Taste of the Exotic was a huge party, completely different in character from the cooking demo I’d enjoyed with Chef Craig the afternoon before. But much like every other event I attended during the Food & Rum Festival, it still retained an intimate and friendly vibe. Chef Craig saw me and immediately came over to put the hat he was wearing on my head, wishing me a safe trip home. I left Barbados full of terrific food, awash in many happy new memories and carrying the perfect beach hat for the next time I return.

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NE

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A self-appointed princess of pasta and Prosecco dons her apron for a cooking holiday in Northern Italy.

BY ANITA DRAYCOTT

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ho has not been seduced by Italy’s la dolce vita? Haven’t we all harbored an escape fantasy about living in an Italian villa? My fantasy has come true.

I’m at the Susegana villa on the Borgoluce estate in the Veneto region about 30 miles from Venice, where I’ve signed up for a stint with Flavours Holidays. A driver picked me up at the Marco Polo airport and I’m now sitting on the terrace with my hostess for the week, Livia di Giovani, who pours me the first of many flutes of Prosecco to come.

By early afternoon the rest of our small group arrives. We have David, Vanessa and Gloria from different parts of England, Corné who has flown from South Africa, and Rob and Mary who live in France.

Borgoluce is an agro-tourism estate consisting of 3,000 acres of woodlands, pastures, vineyards and grain fields in the province of Treviso. For a few weeks in spring and autumn, Flavours rents its Susegana villa for cooking holidays. Borgoluce creates its own buffalo, cattle and pigs and the property produces buffalo milk products and charcuterie, plus wine, grains, olive oil and honey— all sold at the estate’s store. This truly is the “land of milk and honey.”

Having attended some of Flavours Holidays in other parts of Italy, I can vouch that this is no sterile cooking school experience; it’s more like being part of an intimate Italian house party where you’re welcome to raid the fridge for leftovers or brew a pot of tea.

Now that everyone has arrived, Livia invites us into the dining room where we have more bubbles and a light lunch of Buffalo mozzarella, cold meats and salads. Livia explains how our week will unfold and distributes recipes and Flavours aprons.

“A Flavours holiday is not about teaching you knife skills,” she says. “We want to give you a taste of the authentic flavors of the region.” And who better to do that than our chef for the week, Gabriella Salvador, who lives on the estate?

Land of Milk and Honey

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abriella doesn’t speak English so Livia, also a chef, does the translating. This afternoon we are welcome to take a stroll, go for a dip in the natural bioorganic pool, or perhaps have a nap. I opt for the latter, opening the windows in my large bedroom with its beamed ceiling to doze off to birdsong and the fresh country breeze.

Later, the popping of corks and tempting aromas wafting from the kitchen draw us down to dinner where Gabriella has prepared some of her family favorites: potato and pea soup, roast veal, braised onions, fried eggplant and a platter of just-picked cucumbers and tomatoes. Dessert is a quince tart followed by a tad too much Grappa. If our small convivial group has one thing in common, it’s a passion for food.

Next morning we enjoy a breakfast of homemade preserves, estate yogurt, fruit and warm bread. Gabriella arrives with all the ingredients for today’s cooking lesson. Time to roll up the sleeves and make pasta from scratch for the vegetable pasticcio, a sort of lasagna made with zucchini and béchamel sauce. If you have never tried to knead and roll pasta, trust me, it’s hard work. My square of dough is uneven and keeps shrinking, but Gabriella’s deft rolling skills save the day.

Our main course is a savory stew made with estate buffalo meat, root vegetables and a hefty splash of wine. We learn that that classic northern Italian dessert, tiramisu, means “pick me up.” It was created by a madam in a house of Venetian prostitutes to give her girls extra energy!

Due to its proximity to both the sea and lagoons, fish is prevalent in the cuisine of the Veneto region. On the menu this week will be a dish made with salt cod and another of sardines that are salted and soured and left to marinate a few days in the refrigerator. Risotto is another popular dish, one that Gabriella likes with fresh sweet peas.

Venice Here We Come

While there’s no lack of hands-on cooking experiences on a Flavours holiday, there’s ample opportunity to relax and explore. On Monday, our merry group is driven to Venice. We take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal to the famous Rialto Market where we sample spritzes at Al Merca, a cupboard-sized wine bar. The spritz cocktail that originated in Venice is made of Aperol bitters, Prosecco, a dash of mineral water and garnished with a slice of orange or an olive. After a bit of shopping, Livia introduces us to cicchetti. These are basically Italian tapas on toothpicks, a cheap and cheerful way to mingle and munch with locals.

We stroll through the maze of narrow streets, up and over countless bridges until we arrive at the grand Piazza San Marco that Napoleon described as the drawing room of Europe. Livia suggests we go for posh cocktails at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island so we hop aboard the hotel’s private launch for the five-minute cruise. Opened in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice and inventor of the Bellini cocktail (Prosecco with peach purée), the Cipriani is where George and Amal Clooney celebrated their wedding reception. Livia likes to take her guests to the Cipriani because the gardens and swimming pool provide such an oasis in bustling Venice. Besides, maybe there will be a Clooney sighting.

Prosecco 101

On Tuesday we shop at the fish market in Treviso before heading to the Malibran winery. The Veneto region is the birthplace of the glera grape used to make Prosecco. It’s a huge wine-making region, but the finest Prosecco is grown in the 20-mile stretch between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Only these wines carry the DOCG appellation.

Prosecco from the rest of the Veneto has the DOC appellation.

Another excursion takes us to Conegliano, where the remains of a tenthcentury castle dominate over the pretty town where the Prosecco wine trail starts. It’s Gabriella’s night off so we enjoy a steak dinner at Osteria Borgoluce on the estate.

On the morning of our last day, we go on a foraging expedition.

On June 24, the feast day of San Giovanni (St. John the Baptist), it’s a tradition in Italy to collect green walnuts, halve them and let them soak in pure alcohol to make a liquor called Nocino.

Back in the kitchen, we labor over bigoli (thick noodles) and a sauce of salted sardines and onions. The main course is a local dogfish flavored with little prickly cucumbers, capers and parsley. For dessert we make a sublime strawberry mousse and Livia produces some already-aged Nocino. We learn a new Italian toast: “A tavola, non si invecchia mai… se si mangia tanto”—“At the table you never grow old… if you eat a lot.”

I swear I have not aged a day.

ASK OUR CWT TRAVEL ADVISOR For first time visitors to Venice, I recommend a walking tour as the perfect way to get to know this beautiful city and get a taste of its most famous landmarks—from the Rialto Bridge to the Bridge of Sighs.

Piazza San Marco is a must. Be sure to sit at a café for some great people watching. A self-guided tour of Venice’s Teatro la Fenice is also worthwhile…a grand old Opera House with a very interesting history that has risen from the ashes three times.

Of course, you have to take a gondola ride through the famous Grand Canal—35 minutes is plenty of time to enjoy the experience!

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CLAUDIA VIANI Director, Concierge Leisure and Local Business Operations Carlson Wagonlit Travel London, Ontario, Canada

In Los Cabos these days, there are as many adventures on the plate as there are on the water and in the desert.

BY PAUL GALLANT

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Images courtesy of Los Cabos Tourism Board

Baja

BEGUILED BY

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he vegetation in and around Acre is so lush and green, visitors can easily forget for a moment the surrounding desert climate that makes Baja California Sur so famous. At this “treehouse resort,” in a fertile valley on the edge of San José del Cabo, palm trees form the borders of outdoor rooms, punctuated by 12 luxe treehouses built of sustainable materials. On a recent night, the well-dressed crowd at Acre’s farm-to-table restaurant seems giddy about the food—or perhaps it’s just the mezcal. Chef Kevin Luzande’s cuisine blends Mexican and European influences (cashews, say, in a black-bean tamal) while never straying too far from locally available ingredients.

Though the resorts of Los Cabos have never been posher or more comprehensive in their strategies to please and pamper guests, the range of options to lure visitors off-property has also never been more tempting. The chic new Acre, along with Flora Farms, the more established agri-resto-complex right next door, make getting up close and personal with the food production process an integral part of the pleasure of eating. They also provide an excuse to explore the southern end of Mexico’s 745-mile-long Baja California peninsula. Passing through the gorgeous yellows and browns of the hilly desert landscape, punctuated by cacti nourished by 350 days of sunshine each year, can feel like a dream.

While Californians have long headed to Los Cabos for party weekends, the destination has more recently attracted global attention for the increasing number of high-end resorts dedicated to design, pampering and pleasing. The building boom that followed the 2014 hurricane has brought a wider variety of accommodation and dining options.

Certainly, the 18-mile coastal corridor between the region’s two anchor towns – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo –has become a showcase for some of the most stylish resorts on the planet.

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Montage Los Cabos, which opened on Santa Maria Bay this spring, is part of the 1,400-acre master-planned Twin Dolphin community on the corridor. The luxury resort has 122 guest rooms and suites, three private casas and 52 private residences on a beautiful, sheltered beach property known for its snorkeling. The architecture and interiors, created by Robert Glazier and design studio Bernardi + Peschard, use bold shapes and colors to create an homage to modern Mexican design.

Also newly opened, and extremely design-focused, is the eye-catching Viceroy Los Cabos. A reimagining of Mexico-based architect Miguel Angel Aragonés’s design for Mar Adentro, in San José del Cabo’s Zona Hotelera, the 194-room resort uses super-modern white structures and white, minimal interiors to showcase the natural beauty of its surroundings. The allure of Los Cabos is so great these days that even Caesars Palace is claiming a spot, announcing this spring that Dallas-based Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects (NMDA) will design its new US$200-million beachfront resort, with 500 guest rooms, scheduled to start in the first half of 2019. Meanwhile, Paradisus by Meliá, which opened in December 2016 following a multi-million-dollar renovation, has just been welcomed into The Leading Hotels of the World, a curated collection of independent and distinctive luxury hotels.

But the impressive architecture and design in this latest wave of Los Cabos resorts and hotels is not the sole reason for the destination’s renaissance. There’s romance, yes, with some of the best wedding planning services in the world, but there are other adventures lurking everywhere.

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t starts with culinary adventures. On the more traditional side of things, is Cabo San Lucas’ Edith’s, where, for two decades, cuisine from Baja California and from the state of Guerrero has been served with a stellar view of Medano Beach and Cabo San Lucas’ famed arch rock formation. At Cocina de Autor in the Grand Velas resort, Dutch chef Sidney Schutte experiments with Mexican and European ingredients. While Los Tamarindos, whose owner and executive chef Enrique Silva has been a local food pioneer for two decades, has been cooking up many of the products produced on Silva’s large property. For a more casual experience, visitors can enjoy cocktails and fish tacos shoulder-to-shoulder with locals at the funky El Marinero Borracho (The Drunken Sailor), near the artsy Hotel El Gonzo in La Playita outside San José del Cabo. Needless to say, seafood is the star attraction coming out of all these kitchens.

Exploring the many local beaches can be a full-time job itself.

Los Zacatitos, on the east cape of Baja California Sur, is far enough under-the-radar that you may find you have it all to yourself. Solmar Beach, next to the aptly named Divorce Beach and Lover’s Beach, is easy to get to and provides a sense of calm just steps beyond the busy Cabo San Lucas beach scene. For those with solid sea legs, there are an extraordinary number of boating excursions available, many of them originating from the large marina in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

Road trips also abound. In La Paz, a small quirky city about a twohour drive north, visitors can hire a boat to Espíritu Santo Island in the Gulf of California/Sea of Cortez. This UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve has some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches where visitors can kayak, run with wild goats and swim with sea lions. About a onehour drive from Cabo San Lucas, the town of Todos Santos has an artsy and hippy vibe, where surfers hang out and hang ten. Art lovers needn’t venture far either as San José hosts a weekly evening arts walk every Thursday, from November to June, with local shops staying open late for a refined street-party atmosphere.

ESSENTIAL LOS CABOS EXPERIENCES Established in 1996, Flora Farms is an organic farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains outside San José del Cabo. In addition to the famous farm tours, cooking classes and locally sourced shopping, last year Flora Farms added spa offerings, with a wide range of services offered amongst the papaya trees and the herbs and flowers of the intimate spa garden. flora-farms.com

During the Thursday evening Walk in San José del Cabo’s Art District, hipsters and jetsetters drop by the minimalist boutique hotel Drift San José for a maximalist taste of mezcal, carefully selected from some of the country’s best producers.

driftsanjose.com

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The desert landscape of Baja California Sur is so starkly beautiful, why not take a camel ride through it? Of the many adventures offered at the Wild Canyon adventure park— boating, zip-lining, ATV off-roading—this might be the most unusual experience. wildcanyon.com.mx

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SITTING POOLSIDE & TURNING ON YOUR SIDE ON A WATERSLIDE & A MOVIE THEATER

BY THE SEASIDE & TOO MANY DESSERT OPTIONS TO DECIDE & FITNESS CLASSES FOR YOUR BACKSIDE & MEXICO APPROACHING ON THE LEFT SIDE & DISCOVERING A SIDE OF YOURSELF YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details

© 2018 Carnival Corporation. Carnival® and the Carnival logos are trademarks of Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved. Used under license. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Panama and Malta.

CONNECTIONS TIPS, TRICKS, AND MISCELLANY

FALL ISSUE HOLIDAY SPECIAL

ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA GARCÍA

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It’s all about planning and in this issue, our CWT Travel Advisors share their best tricks for navigating the busy holiday season ahead, offering tips for booking a dream safari as well as the three top destinations for solo travel.

PLANNING

HOLIDAY TRAVEL SPECIAL REPORT

We’ve had loads of questions about how to navigate busy, crowded, delay-prone airports during the holiday season, keeping your sanity and schedule intact.

From LORI ANN MOHR

Branch Manager / Carlson Wagonlit Travel Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Plan ahead

1. Book with a CWT Travel Advisor and all aspects of your holiday travel will be scheduled before you leave – flights, accommodations, tours, concert tickets/ plays, excursions, restaurant reservations, spa appointments.

2. Arrive early – Because it’s a busy time of year, we suggest arriving earlier than usual to avoid the stress of busy airports.

3. Give yourself lots of time to check bags and get through security. The best idea?

Fly direct and avoid hassles.

Should I buy travel insurance?

Check with your CWT Travel Advisor regarding any penalties involved in canceling your trip. In many cases, you could lose the full amount so don’t assume that you’ll be ‘covered’ by a personal policy or your credit card coverage. Your CWT Travel Advisor will recommend proper insurance coverage for your trip and you’ll learn about the advantages of purchasing additional coverage.

Get a better seat

Unless you are a preferred member of an airline program or are purchasing a full-price ticket, the best time to confirm your seating is when you purchase it. If it’s not included with the ticket price, most airlines will offer paid seating and the sooner you confirm the more choice you have. Seats with extra leg room and/ or upgraded services will often cost extra. Your CWT Travel Advisor will review the fare options as sometimes it may be better to upgrade your fare than pay for seat selection. Beware of the lowest priced fares as often this will not preclude any pre-assigned seating until flight boarding.

Be happy Want to feel special without breaking your bank account?

Time at the airport can be enjoyed rather than simply endured. Airports are becoming food meccas so use GateGuru to locate stores, restaurants and spas around you.

Dying to feel like a worldly, elite traveler? For $30 dollars you can usually buy a day pass for an airline lounge to enjoy the free Wi-Fi, warm food and drinks.

Agents there may also be able to help untangle any travel snarls you’ve experienced. Use the LoungeBuddy app to locate nearby lounges and prices.

How much should I plan to spend on an African Safari?

Luxury safaris are gaining popularity and can easily cost more than $2000 per person per night; however, it’s still possible to enjoy a great wildlife adventure for less than half that price – provided that you take the right approach. Let our CWT Travel Advisors look after every detail for you – and remember, the price they quote will include meals, adult drinks, guided game drives and a conservancy fee.

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n African Safari is truly a trip of a lifetime. As travel advisors, we brief all potential clients on their upcoming experience and explain what to expect including departure, the safari itself, finding the ‘big five’ and all options available at the end of the safari. Safety is always a priority, as is budget, and all arrangements are made through a reputable tour operator who uses a safe and experienced local ground handler dedicated to the well-being of our clients.

FIND THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations at the lodges must be 4-star or better, with our top picks in Kenya and Tanzania being the Sopa Lodges which are well-located in the parks and offer great value. If you would like to go a notch higher, then the Serena Hotels and Lodges brand is worth considering as is a stay at one of the Singita Game Reserves. Each lodge is well-managed with the involvement of the local community, offering sublime cuisine, award-winning wine cellars and exceptional game viewing opportunities.

DESTINATIONS Three wonderful destinations worth considering for that ultimate Safari experience: Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Each has its own appeal and the three are host to the world’s most popular game parks – Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya along the Tanzanian border), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Kruger National Park (South Africa). In fact, a Kenya/Tanzania combination is an extremely popular choice for witnessing the specular game migration within these two countries. Also worth considering – the upand-coming country of Botswana.

TRAVEL IN THE OFF-SEASON Low season varies from country to country but generally, the best times to go are from June to October and during the months of January and February. The months to avoid are April and May since heavy rains could make game viewing in some areas quite treacherous with vehicles getting bogged in thick mud for long periods of time.

In September and October, the airfares are much cheaper, the weather is pleasant, game is in abundance and the migration is still on.

IDEAS Heading off on a journey on your own? No worries! We’ve got a lineup of the top three safe and friendly countries for solo adventurers.

From JOHANNE ROBINSON

Branch Manager Carlson Wagonlit Travel Montréal, Québec, Canada

SPAIN The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes with travelers having made their way across northern Spain to Santiago on ‘The Way of St. James’ for more than 1,000 years.

DENMARK Copenhagen is a great safe solo travel option, with fantastic food, great shopping and beautiful architecture as well as a warm, friendly culture. It’s an easy city to navigate and you’ll find that the best way to explore it is by bike.

CROATIA Sailing is hot right now, and with its old-world charm, amazing beaches and stunning coastline, Croatia is a great place to explore. If you’d like to join a group trip, you’ll discover that both Contiki and Just You have wonderful options for solo travelers.

CRUISE Always a great option for solo travelers, cruising is now offering fabulous new possibilities with lines such as Norwegian Cruise Lines creating special, more affordable single accommodations.

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From ZEN DE SOUZA

Manager / Carlson Wagonlit Travel Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Trafalgar Presents

THE REAL

AFRICA 72 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Our story began in Africa. Our desire to explore and share this passion of Africa with the world is here. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming home again, bringing you Africa in a way only locals can. Our trips are handcrafted through generations of knowledge and love of the land we know best.

6 TRIPS | 5 COUNTRIES LET US BRING YOU OUR STORIES OF AFRICA Please contact Carlson Wagonlit Travel or a CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

CST#2077132-20

Directory MICHIGAN

CWT Vacations Little Rock 1701 Centerview Drive, Suite 101 Little Rock, AR 72211 snauschultz@cwtvacations.com 800-643-3788

CWT Vacations Grand Rapids 32 Market Ave., S.W. Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI - 49503 moreinfo@cwtvacations.com 800-783-9200

COLORADO CWT Vacations Denver DHammond@CWTVacations.com 720-568-4663

Carlson Wagonlit Travel - Southland 23000 Eureka Rd Taylor, MI - 48180 AskCWT@carlsonwagonlit.com 855-591-9855

GEORGIA

MINNESOTA

CWT Vacations Atlanta cconover@cwtvacations.com 888-207-3386 LOUISIANA

CWT Vacations Wayzata 445 Lake Street #255 Wayzata, MN - 55391 phumble@cwtvacations.com 800-875-4706

CWT Vacations Hammond 902 W. Thomas St. Hammond, LA - 70401 Hammond@cwtvacations.com 800-999-6392

Carlson Wagonlit Travel - Burnsville 14251 Burnhaven Rd Burnsville, MN - 55306 burnsville@carlsonwagonlit.com 800-426-7349

Carlson Wagonlit Travel U.S. Groups Department 1250 Northland Dr Mendota Heights, MN - 55120 CWTGroupsUS@carlsonwagonlit.com 800-533-0324 Carlson Wagonlit Travel - Maplewood 3001 White Bear Ave N Maplewood, MN - 55109 maplewood@carlsonwagonlit.com 855-591-9853 Carlson Wagonlit Travel - Rosedale 1815 Hwy 36 W Roseville, MN - 55113 rosedale@carlsonwagonlit.com 855-591-9852

SOUTH CAROLINA CWT Vacations Greenville 135 Edinburgh Court, Suite 100A Greenville, SC - 29607 Greenville@cwtvacations.com 800-547-6877 TEXAS CWT Vacations Deer Park 4108 Center Street Deer Park, TX - 77536 DeerParkLeisure@cwtvacations.com 800-624-3318

Carlson Wagonlit Travel - Southdale 100 Southdale Center Edina, MN - 55435 minneapolis@carlsonwagonlit.com 800-669-2884

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ARKANSAS

NEXT STOP

INTIMATE IBIZA The tiny island of Ibiza, off the southern coast of Spain offers an incredible vacation cocktail of a hot urban club scene and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Here are three reasons why it’s time to put the White Isle on your next must-visit list.

FABULOUS FARM STAYS You can find all kinds of luxury beach resorts in Ibiza, but instead, try something different and check into the ultra-glam Cas Gasi, one of several agro-tourism boutique properties on the island. There, in a restored turn-of-the-century farmhouse lodge, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in farm-to-table cuisine—you can practically hear the strawberries and carrots growing outside your luxurious suite—while you unwind in the private yoga studio or loll by the azure horizon pool.

BEACHY BLISS Bathing suits are optional on the beaches of Ibiza, but sun and fun are not. No matter which beach you choose, you’ll find perfect white sand, brilliant sunshine and a whole lineup of watery entertainment, from kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding, sailing and more. Why would you ever leave?

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You might not want to party all night and sleep all day for your whole vacation, but we guarantee you’ll love it for a couple of nights in the world’s clubbing capital, Ibiza! Don’t bother showing up early—nothing gets rolling in the bars of the old city until midnight or later when headlining DJs from across the globe turn up the heat and keep the crowd pulsating until long after the sun comes up. After a wild night, plan to retreat to the über-chic OD Talamanca where all the beautiful people sleep off the effects of the night before, rising at mid-afternoon for a pick-me-up cocktail, poolside.

Photo by Spain Tourism

ALL ABOUT THE CLUBBING

AN ELEVATED WAY TO FLY

INTRODUCING AIR CANADA SIGNATURE SERVICE Formerly International Business Class, Air Canada Signature Class is our new end-to-end premium travel experience that ensures a seamless and sophisticated flight from departure to destination. Air Canada Signature Class passengers are treated to exclusive service and amenities on board, including superior dining and beverage service, lie-flat seats with quilted mattress pads, plush duvets and pillows, an amenity kit and more.

Please contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations Travel Advisor for details.

START YOUR TRIP WITH A CWT TRAVEL ADVISOR

Toll Free: 800-441-4790 www.travelservices.officedepot.com

I TRAVEL BECAUSE... our best stories come from the road less traveled.

Allianz Travel Insurance can protect you and your travel investment. Our new smart benefits can proactively put money back in your pocket with less paperwork and simplify the claims process with no receipts required. Added protection and convenience—that’s the Allianz Advantage.

Please contact a Carlson Wagonlit Travel or CWT Vacations travel advisor for details.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Plan(s) underwritten by BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company depending on insured’s state of residence. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan.

1 When you opt in and provide flight information, we’ll monitor flights and send flight status and benefit alerts, including alerts about flight delays that qualify for automated travel delay payment. Standard message/data rates apply to SMS alerts. Automated claims and payment system availability is not guaranteed and is subject to our sole discretion. All claims subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

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