Category: Fusion

As they say in New Orleans “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”

Several cities around the world host fabulously colorful Mardi Gras parades; parties, food, dancing and general raucousness appear to be the order of the day for millions of revelers. Not everyone celebrates for the same reason, or even in the same way, but traditionally Fat Tuesday is the last opportunity to indulge in rich, fatty foods before Ash Wednesday – the start of the Lent fasting period leading up to Easter.

As often happens when a Christian celebration is attached to a traditional Pagan festival, Mardi Gras is known for strange costumes, food and alcohol in vast amounts, and indulgent behavior of every imaginable kind. Nevermind, though – there’s 40 days of fasting and abstinence coming up, more than enough time to think and repent!

While this is indeed how the world thinks of Carnival time, the organizers of Mardi Gras New Orleans have a slightly different vision; a family-oriented celebration involving an extravagance of music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement, with an emphasis on generosity, creativity and culture.

Mobile, Alabama – the original home of Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile first celebrated Fat Tuesday in 1703. After a 150-year gap, Mardi Gras returned to Mobile, and it’s now the second largest Fat Tuesday carnival in the country.

Venice, Italy – Mardi Gras marks the culmination of the two-week long Venice Carnival. Venice is alive with activities, but the highlight of the festival is the Maschera Piu Bella contest in Saint Mark’s Square. A panel of judges announces the winner on Fat Tuesday.

Nice, France – Nice Carnival is the leading event on the French Riviera’s winter calendar. Traditional flower parades and petal-covered floats transform the city into a floral fantasy. Carnival lasts for fifteen days leading up to Fat Tuesday and features a variety of floats, musicians and dancers from around the world.

Binche, Belgium – The carnival officially starts on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and concludes on Mardi Gras when masked men known as Gilles come bounding through the streets with brooms, throwing oranges into the crowds.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – probably the largest and most famous carnival in the world, Rio’s week-long street party is an explosion of sounds, colours, food and samba. Fueled by Brazil’s steamy climate, the carnival is a riot of mythical characters and bright colours as top samba schools compete for the championship title each year.

Sydney, Australia – Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, an annual LGBT pride parade draws crowds from around the world for a rainbowed Mardi Gras that spans three weekends and features drag shows, comedy, dance, live music, markets and food.

All dressed up and nowhere to go? Invite your friends or even the whole street of neighbours for an at-home Mardi Gras. Dress up in costumes or outfits in the traditional colours – green (symbolising faith), gold (power) and purple (justice). Add a little pizzazz with an ornately decorated mask. Bake a King Cake for your guests. Don’t forget to hide a tiny plastic baby inside – the person who finds it gets to bake the King Cake next year. And of course – throw those strings of purple green and gold beads … It is Mardi Gras, after all!

Celebrating Carnevale di Venezia 2019

“a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale”* and if you misbehave more than usual this year, you can just “Blame The Moon” – this year’s theme for the Venetian Carnival. From 16 February till 5 March, Venice will be the most intoxicating place to be, as Carnival is celebrated all over the city. Carnival begins with a two-day Water Festival on the Canal Grande – colourfully decorated floating vessels filled with people dressed in costumes and masks take part in a captivating “parade” on the water, energized by rhythm, music and thrilling performances.

(* anything goes at Carnevale).

The Venetians have celebrated Carnavale for as long as anyone can remember. Napoleon shut things down in 1797 when he captured The Republic of Venice, but in 1979 Carnival returned with many of its decadent traditions – and perhaps a little less debauchery – to encourage tourism in the region. From its roots in escapism and sensual pleasure, Carnival has become a family festival with amusements for party lovers of all ages.

In a flamboyant interaction of parades, music, art, performance, food and music, Carnival brings more than three million visitors to Venice every year. Events and entertainment are held nightly throughout Venice with the most crowd-drawing activities scheduled for the weekends. Professional performers, local residents and visitors escape their everyday identities in traditional masks (many made of leather, glass or porcelain) and extravagant costumes. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Carnival as you wander around the city and join in the revealing. Voting for the best masked-costume takes place over several days with the final winners declared at a prize giving ceremony. There’s still time to enter – if you haven’t created your own eye-catching costume, there are rentals available – the best ones from the historic studio of Pietro Longhi.

A highlight of Carnival is the Flight of the angel – a traditional event that has seen many changes over the years. These days the “Angel” is played by the young lady chosen as “Maria of the year” at the previous Carnival. Secured to a cable, the Angel is gracefully lowered in a dramatical flight from the San Marco bell tower to a stage in the main event area in Piazza San Marco. A number of other “flights” take place during the Carnival, some rather more frivolous than others …

The Venice Carnival brings together art, music, food and fun in a programme of sensational events, with the most anticipated being the official Lunatic Dinner Ball presented every night from February 23. In keeping with the Lunar theme, expect to meet mysterious characters from other worlds, while sounds sights and flavours converge in unusual and surprisingly delightful experiences.

At last, the final twelve contenders for the title of Maria 2019 will arrive by boat to Piazza San Marco where the winner will be crowned in an emotional award ceremony before the Flight of the Lion (a flag bearing the image of Venice’s Golden Lion) marks the symbolic closing of the Carnival.

The most beautiful stage in the world is yours – come and enjoy being part of the show!

In a country known for idyllic beaches, gentle water, friendly people and full moon parties, Phuket has something for everyone.  The island of Phuket was once a prominent trading port for the Portuguese and later the Dutch, English and eventually French.  Old Phuket Town still has a beautiful combination of Chinese and Colonial architecture. 

Their trade is tourism now with low prices and favorable exchange rates inviting many Europeans, and even Americans despite the long journey, looking to backpack around the country and southeast Asia.  There is also a large expat community of retirees or foreigners working in tourism at one of the many hotels or bars.  Patong is the place to party and the music comes more from Europe than the US.

Many stunning islands rest nearby to explore by boat or spend a night.  Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are famous for their full moon parties and surprisingly also for yoga retreats and yoga teacher trainings. 

For those looking for more pampering and relaxation Rosewood Phuket opened last year to the delight of many.  Bringing the high standards the brand is known for, this hotel sets itself above the competition in Phuket for ultra luxury and stunning location with 600 meters of beachfront at Emerald Bay.

Like many tourist destinations, it is easy to travel and even live there without immersing in the culture but this would be a grand shame.  Thai people are traditionally very warm and welcoming, smile a lot and love to greet each other or anyone who says hi to them.  The language barrier can be tough but a little effort to say some basic words and phrases and the people will truly appreciate it.  Then you can find the real Thai restaurants.  Thai cuisine has some of the richest and most complex blending of flavors. From the delicious coconut green curry, to a nutty Massaman curry, or acidic green papaya salad, the best of Phuket’s food scene requires a local guide.

The capital of Austria is a historic and cultural gem. Museums, palaces, legendary hotels, coffee houses, fine restaurants and cultural events exemplify the Viennese lifestyle.

Vienna’s history dates back to around the first century A.D. Today’s cityscape is characterized by an abundance of Baroque buildings created mostly under the rule of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. For art lovers, Vienna’s Museum of Fine Arts

showcases the world’s largest collection of Bruegel paintings. The splendid Belvedere Palace houses the Austrian Gallery, displaying the works by Klimt and Kokoschka, as well as paintings by Schiele.

The city owes much of its international fame to the many celebrated composers who lived and worked there, including Strauß, Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the State Opera and the famous Vienna Boys’ Choir, are the worldwide elite standard.

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, Vienna’s old Kaffeehaus culture intermingles with legendary hotels, top restaurants, elegant shops, and time-honored events. Internationally-acclaimed extravaganzas such as the Life Ball amidst plenty of green space create a unique ambiance.

Recreational areas make Vienna a special place to visit all year round yet many travelers believe the city is at its most magical in winter where Christmas celebrations are earnestly undertaken. There is no better place to get into the seasonal spirit than Vienna and its charming age-old traditional Christmas markets.

Visitors step into the joy of the holiday season with the city’s picture-perfect snow-topped roofs as a backdrop. The markets are held in the shadow of the dramatic Baroque architecture. Sprinkle in the finest classical concerts in some of the most magnificent venues in the world, art installations and outdoor ice rinks, and discover a truly enchanted winter wonderland.

“With its stunning baroque architecture, legendary café culture, historic museums it should come as no surprise that Vienna was named the most liveable city in 2018, in a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit. It also happens to be the first time a European city has topped the list.” – Departures

New Zealand | Fusion

Few places on earth exist where sublime national parks, towering mountain peaks, sparkling blue alpine lakes, boundless pasture land and steep fjords are all revealed in one location.

New Zealand is known to those who have experienced it as Aotearoa, meaning ¨The Land of the Long White Cloud¨ in the indigenous M?ori language. It is a treasured land that is geologically new, encompassing a relatively low population density divided into the North and South Island, along with a number of smaller private islands.

 

Hosting the most remarkable natural landscapes, distinctive animals such as the native kiwi, plant species including the silver fern, a dynamic M?ori culture, and reigning rugby World Cup champions, the All Blacks, the ¨100% Pure New Zealand¨ experience is unique to the Kiwiana culture. Tranquil or action packed, the spirit of adventure is positively set for a legendary trip of a lifetime.

For the adventurer at heart, Queenstown offers the ultimate in thrill-seeking jet boat rides and bungy jumping throughout spectacular canyons and raging rivers. Moments away, take a breathtaking guided hike onto the world-famous Franz Josef Glacier stepping through ice tunnels delicately lit by the sun. Complete the day with an afternoon cruise around the deep fjords, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks of pristine Milford Sound.

 

On the North Island, Auckland, the major hub of economic activity and sailing home to the undefeated Emirates Team New Zealand, provides stand-out cuisine favorites such as lamb, crayfish, and pavlova. Savor a h?ngi in Rotorua, the traditional M?ori method of cooking food in a pit oven, amidst traditional songs, dancing and the spine-tingling haka (war dance).  An hour away, visit the Hobbiton movie set used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

A developed country with high international performance rankings currently led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand is one of the most desirable destinations in the world presenting the finest in unique and extraordinary experiences that can only and quite simply be described as ¨100% Pure New Zealand¨.

Buenos Aires

Elegant tree-lined avenues, a thriving nightlife, excellent food and wine and, of course, polo, make the Argentinean capital one of the most exciting cities in South America.

First-time visitors associate Buenos Aires with tango, steak, and wine—the trifecta of local passions—but the Argentine capital’s French buildings, Italian food, and Spanish nightlife tell the story of a city with European flair and an edgy Latin American twist. It’s much more than “The Paris of South America” although it was rebuilt in the early 20th century and modeled after Paris and Madrid, Buenos Aires is a city that hums with a passion entirely its own. Culture, cuisine, polo and shopping are just a few of the highlights.

Tango is Argentina’s famous dance and one of the country’s greatest contributions to the world. It is described as “making love in the vertical position” and is part of the national mythology reaffirming the Latin self-image wherein display, style, and sensuality are indispensible ingredients of life.

Polo is the second national obsession. Utterly dissimilar though they may appear, tango and polo express the national psyche in surprisingly similar ways. Both are highly charged and physically demanding while celebrating Argentinean grace, style, and panache.

The Argentine Open gets under way in November and culminates in early December. It will undoubtedly be the high point of the social year when Buenos Aires becomes one of the most fashionable places on the planet. The entire movable feast of cosmopolitan high society jets in, while the city seems to relax, breathe freely, and revel in its intercontinental charm.

“The city has a buzz all of its own, derived from its heady juxtaposition of faded, dusty elegance and edgy, flash modernity. The city and its people keep on dressing up, staying out late and looking good.” – Condé Nast Traveller

 

WHISTLER

EXTRAORDINARY TERRAIN | SPECTACULAR SNOW

Whistler is not only a place of scenic wonder, but also a region that is rich with a fascinating history and cultural background. Even before becoming a ski area and Host Mountain resort for the 2010 Winter Olympics, it drew visitors from far and wide.

Only 75 miles from Vancouver, British Columbia, and located at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Whistler Village’s charm has been described by Lonely Planet as having, “a frosted Christmas-card look.”

Divided into several areas connected by the paved, pedestrian-only Village Stroll, Whistler Village is where locals and visitors mingle throughout the year, coming and going from outdoor adventures. There are people shopping, carrying skis, snowboards and plenty of people-watching from the fashionable terraces of five-star hotels, fine dining restaurants and the sophisticated après-ski scene slope side.

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are a snow-lover’s dream destination with extraordinary terrain and spectacular snow. They offer the definitive big mountain experience, seemingly limitless in the 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, world-class terrain parks and more than 200 trails. For the intrepid, heli-skiing and backcountry snowboarding abound in this spectacular natural playground.

The new six-passenger speed lift on Whistler Mountain, plus the new 10-seat gondola and four passenger, high-speed lift on Blackcomb Mountain, has created the first three-gondola connection in the world. These connections allow guests to connect between the mountains for a sophisticated, weather-protected experience.

Photo credit: Whistler Blackcomb

Where Chinese traditions and colonial charms live among soaring glass and steel.

Steep, historic stone staircases run alongside the world’s longest outdoor escalator system. Incense-filled shrines and family-owned spice shops are nestled among chic boutiques and cafés. Old men play mahjong on square tables in lush rest areas that dot the city. Red-sailed teak boats tour the colorfully lit harbor.
In this modern old city, there is something for everyone. For the gourmands, award-winning chefs hail from all over the world making Hong Kong one of the cities most decorated with culinary awards. Palatial banquet halls specialize in tender, steamed dim sum or rich roast goose in its crackling skin. In the outdoor markets locals prize fishballs in curry and warm pineapple buns. For a culinary experience unique to the city, order a beef brisket noodle at a dai pai dong.
Those looking for cultural immersion can roam a Song-dynasty village, catch a Chinese opera, or ride a bike around the quaint fishing village Tai O. Take the Peak Tram for both a glimpse into the city’s colonial past and an iconic view of Victoria Harbor. A ferry ride across the harbor will take you to Hong Kong’s oldest hotel with its famous afternoon tea, while a glass-floored cable car ride will take you to the Tian Tan or Big Buddha. Have your wishes come true at the famous Wong Tai Sin temple or admire the Tang dynasty architecture of the Chi Lin nunnery.

For nature enthusiasts, the majority of Hong Kong’s lands are protected parks offering scenic, lush hikes that often end on pristine beaches. These beaches are also reachable by car or boat for non-active company to join the barbecue or seafood feasts that ensue. Spend a day kayaking among volcanic arches, rock climbing, or hiring a junk and dropping anchor to swim ashore onto isolated islands.
Night owls can wager bets and sip Pimm’s at the popular horse races on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Karaoke bars are plentiful as are evening venues from sleek hotel lounges to bass-filled clubs that feature world-touring DJs. The neon-lit streets of Mongkok where the night market stalls stretch for blocks offer visitors late night snacks and affordable mementos to take home.

 

Historical – Colorful – Enriching: San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende, for me, has gone from being a most enjoyable weekend destination to becoming my home. With its colorful colonial houses, traditions, friendly people and intercultural offerings, it has captured my heart.
San Miguel de Allende is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its state of preservation, authenticity and integrity enticing national and international tourists. Enfolded in its Baroque Spanish architecture is a thriving arts scene and with distinguished arts festivals. It has long been an artist’s retreat, full or part-time home to many established authors, musicians and artists. The best way to discover the 469-year-old colonial city is to wander its cobblestone streets and discover its hidden treasures. 

Interior decorating shops abound with Mexican pottery, glassware and artisanal work from throughout Mexico. Among these narrow streets are gardens, Spanish-Moorish courtyards of private homes with vivid colors painted on high walls in terra-cotta, maroon, ocher, chocolate brown, dark green, and the intense blue known as azul añil. They are adorned with plants and fountains, bordered by vaulted arcades and columned galleries, and often serve as open-air living rooms; the private version of the public plaza. Attached to these gardens are homes and high-ceiled boutique hotels delightful with their corbelled beams, carved-stone fireplaces and balustrades, colorful tile work, sculpted plaster, and other distinct notes of the past. 

Tucked in among them are fantastic restaurants, steeped with elegant culinary perfection. In San Miguel de Allende, along with traditional Queretaro regional food, you can enjoy gastronomic delights from some of the most talked-about emerging and established chefs in Mexico and from around the world.
In summary, from the landmark Benito Juárez Park, its inviting town square and impressive churches like the Church of San Francisco and La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel – potent history and vital cultural activity – alongside intriguing old world meets new world architecture, you are beckoned into hidden and unique worlds and enriched through discovering, savoring, and enjoying all San Miguel de Allende has to offer.

The weather is so preternaturally good in Provence where the hills bind the sea to the Alps that locals and visitors alike conspire to live outdoors. There are kayaks in the rivers, hot-air balloons in the heavens, and bon vivants in the vineyards, strolling with wine glasses in hand. But the most rewarding hours in the open air will be spent at the dining table, spearing rabbit and prunes with the countryside’s sweeping vista set out before you.
Provence is a vibrant mix of romantic tradition and surprising, fast-changing modernity including hilltop villages and colorful cities, châteaux, lavender fields and spectacular rocky calanques, rosé wine and bouillabaisse, Cézanne and van Gogh, pétanque and elegant summer festivals of theatre and classical music.

Like a portrait of laid-back leisure, museum-goers and market- shoppers amble through lanes where venerable fountains cast their lazy spray. Locals in soft white robes relax in the town’s celebrated spas, and come dusk everyone fills the cafe terraces to sip pastis or a local rosé before heading off to enjoy three-hour dinners of slow-cooked Daube de Boeuf A La Provençale.

Provence’s lyrical landscapes are made for explorers. One of the joys of touring the back roads is the stunning variety of landscapes: fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, cliff-top roads, maquis-cloaked hills and even snow-tipped mountains. The area is home to Europe’s deepest canyon, oldest road and highest pass and then there is the Mediterranean Sea itself, a bright mirror of blue reflecting back craggy cliffs, white beaches and endless skies.

The scenery and the light drew artists like Rénoir, Chagall, Cézanne and Picasso here. The light was described by Matisse as “soft and tender, despite its brilliance.” Glittering seascapes and fiery sunsets make a trip around Provence feel like stepping into an impressionist painting. And with its rich artistic legacy, it is not surprising that the region is home to a wealth of iconic art collections, as well as the former studios of van Gogh, Cézanne and Rénoir.

The Romans left behind a magnificent legacy of monuments, structures and buildings as well as France’s first vineyards. The destination is filled with Roman remains, including amphitheatres in Nîmes, Arles and Orange, the magnificent Pont du Gard aqueduct and even entire towns near St-Rémy-de-Provence and Vaison-la-Romaine.

 

By: Luis Vaquero

Enchanting Barcelona is ranked as the second top world destination of luxury tourism. The northeast Spanish city boasts a dizzying array of extraordinary architecture, gastronomic delights, exquisite fashion districts, sun-drenched beaches and a buzzing nightlife.

Offering an endless artistic and cultural heritage, the magnificent city of Barcelona marvels even the most well-traveled visitors. Exploring the dramatic facades of Gaudi architecture via a private limousine including Park Güell, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and the acclaimed Sagrada Familia will allow for an in-depth and spectacular historical experience. The tour would not be complete without a stop at the iconic boulevard of Las Ramblas to savor the smell of fresh flowers and incite the imagination with colorful local paintings.

Renowned chef Albert Adriá from Bodega 1900 and Tickets seeks to create authentic Spanish dishes that epitomize the culture such as the signature Spherical Olives or the Crusty Octopus. Discover the soul of haute Mediterranean cuisine at Lasarte by Martin Berasategui, the only restaurant in Barcelona with 3 Michelin stars, or Dos Cielos with astonishing 360-degree views at the Meliá Sky Hotel, pairing any fine dining experience with a good glass of Catalan Cava.

La Roca Village, half an hour away from Barcelona downtown provides the perfect place for the serious deluxe shopper who shares a love affair with luxury designer brands.

This cosmopolitan capital is a thriving destination that will leave every visitor wanting to be back for more. With so many secrets to be discovered, Barcelona is a legacy city that stretches back for generations, yet its seductive charm and intriguing lifestyle spiraled in its own unique flair makes for a lifetime of delighting in an authentic Mediterranean luxury experience.

Main Photo credit: VIP Barcelona Services