Category: Luxury Travel

On Heritage Day in South Africa, the residents of Bo-Kaap entertained a pair of extraordinary guests. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped in for tea and sweet pastries. On their recent tour to the region, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explored the Bo-Kaap’s uniquely diverse history. Walking hand in hand, the couple chatted with locals and listened to stories of the Bo-Kaap’s decades-long fight for preservation.

The Bo-Kaap is hidden in central Cape Town, tucked between the buzz and bustle of the city center and towering Signal Hill, you will find this little treasure – an attraction for tourists and holidaymakers. Bo-Kaap is one of the most brilliantly-colored and historically-unique neighborhoods in all of South Africa.

Under the 1950 apartheid law, descendants of mostly Muslim slaves were segregated into this “Cape Muslims only” neighborhood. Originally as part of the celebrations of Eid, these Muslim communities painted their homes and shops in the district with a cheerful rainbow of highly contrasting colors. Also known as the Malay Quarter, the community has a deep-rooted culture built on Malaysian, African, Indian, and Sri Lankan influences. Vibrant one-story and two-story homes, built tightly next to each other with only slivers of open space between them, are interwoven with ancient one-way cobbled streets. The colors overlap and intersect in bright blocks of solid hues – acidic lime green against sky blue; shades of pink amid purples; sunshine yellow interspersed with turquoise.

In the years since apartheid ended, Bo-Kaap’s neighborhood of exiles has become home to a cross-cultural population and now features some of Cape Town’s hottest real estate as properties have been upgraded and revamped. Activists living in Bo-Kaap have emphasized cultural preservation to counter this gentrification and the subsequent loss of Bo-Kaap’s unique heritage.

In March 2019, the City of Cape Town’s council approved of the inclusion of the Bo-Kaap area in a Heritage Protection Overlay Zone, which will incorporate around 600 privately-owned homes. In May 2019, the South African Minister of Arts and Culture declared 19 sites in the Bo-Kaap area as National Heritage Sites. While high-value renovations and new developments continue, these protections ensure that Bo-Kaap will retain its unique multihued architecture and Muslim-inspired culture.

Things to do in Bo-Kaap:

Join a tour for the most authentic Bo-Kaap experience. Immerse yourself in local history with a visit the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum or stop in at the Auwal Mosque; the oldest mosque in South Africa.

Stroll the streets and pose for Instagram-worthy selfies in front of the brightly painted houses. Sample traditional Bo-Kaap food from street vendors or tiny shops. Bo-Kaap Kombuis is renowned as one of the best Malay restaurants in the Bo-Kaap district, serving flavorful and occasionally spicy classic Cape Malay cuisine. The restaurant’s owners, Yusuf and Nazli Larney, pride themselves on preserving the food traditions and customs of Bo-Kaap’s original citizens.

Celebrated annually on October 5, National Rhode Island Day marks the last colony to join the Union. If you’re visiting, or even just dreaming about Rhode Island, tag #NationalRhodeIslandDay to share on social media.

At a glance, Rhode Island seems to comprise entirely of museums and historic sites. Admiring day-dreamers wander along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk to view ornate mansions, former summer-cottages to the Old Money. Many have been lovingly restored to their former glory and offer a glimpse of life in the Gilded Age. A jewel in Newport’s crown, Belcourt Mansion is one of these magnificent buildings that celebrate Rhode Island history and culture. Rhode Island-born Carolyn Rafaelian, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of worldwide lifestyle brand ALEX AND ANI, is working to return Belcourt to its original splendor. Inspired by the first lady of the house, Alva Vanderbilt, Carolyn is in the process of reviving the mansion’s faded grandeur with a breath of fresh air.

The Preservation Society of Newport County showcases a quiver of magnificent properties, all worth a visit. The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff, Chateau sur Mer, and Hunter House feature among the list of breath-taking historic residences. Also on the Society’s list, the Green Animals Topiary Garden is a wonderland of vegetative fantasy. Superintendent Gardeners Joseph Carreiro and George Mendonca were responsible for creating the topiaries. The gardens contain more than eighty pieces of topiary sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood, including ornamental designs, geometric figures, animals and birds.

Another Rafaelian project, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, is proudly recognized as New England’s oldest vineyard. Founded in 1975, Sakonnet has produced award-winning wines for over four decades. The grapes are all grown locally, picked by hand, and barrel-aged in oak from France, Hungary, Russia, and America. Salty sea breezes, occasional rains, and rolling fog all lend unmistakable, prominent flavors to the grapes, resulting in unique wines sought-after by connoisseurs from around the world.

For a luxury getaway, head out to Ocean House in the historic town of Westerly. A dramatically beautiful historical retreat and unforgettable seaside refuge, Ocean House is dedicated to rest and relaxation. Guests enjoy gourmet meals, spectacular views, and traditional activities like lobster boil. One of the only Forbes Five-Star-rated spas in the country, OH! Spa at the Ocean House pays tribute to the local abundance of the gardens and ocean to provide everything from sea salt scrubs, lavender-infused body treatments, and marine mud wraps. Ocean House Rhode Island maintains a partnership with Wings Air for those wishing to drop in by helicopter from New York or Boston.

Known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island boasts over 650km of coastline with numerous public and private beaches along its tiny 3140 square kilometer area. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island has an abundance of enviable ocean views and the promise of adventure.

The Baja Way

Things come together naturally in Los Cabos, Mexico. Nestled at the end of the thousand-mile-long Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos feels like it’s the edge of the known world. In fact, it feels worlds away from the everyday, even though it’s quite easy to reach for modern explorers. It’s where the Pacific Ocean mingles with the Sea of Cortez. Where the golden desert stretches to meet sparkling turquoise waters. And where adventure easily combines with laid-back luxury.

Here, we live by a simple idea: Good things are not rushed. We take our time to make sure every experience is memorable. This elevated approach to service is how we ensure every person who finds their way here is getting the most out of their vacation. It’s what we like to call The Baja Way.

When you arrive, choose from a luxurious range of accommodations, from elegant boutique hotels to expansive all-inclusive resorts. Properties feature classic, traditional or more modern décor, but all offer a higher level of service. Staying in Los Cabos, you can rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of.

Relax by the pool or snorkel beneath the iconic El Arco? Deep-sea fishing or dancing into the wee hours? In Los Cabos, you can do it all – and then some. Ride a camel on the beach, learn how to cook traditional Mexican dishes using the freshest local ingredients, shop for one-of-a-kind artworks and take a sunset cruise on a chartered yacht. Or simply relax poolside, with attentive yet unobtrusive service.

No matter how you decide to spend your Los Cabos vacation, it’s bound to be unforgettable. That’s The Baja Way.

Luxury Travel Destination: Morocco

Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech … the names dance on your tongue as you speak them. Exotic scents and flavorous aromas fill the air wherever you go. It seems so cliched, but Morocco really is everything you’ve heard. Fascinating, mysterious, radiant, colorful. A culture that is both modern and steeped in history, encompassing influences as diverse as Arabian, Berber, and European. Air-conditioned luxury surrounded by dusty poverty. Vast shifting desert dunes, peaceful oases guarded by gently swaying palm trees. Sights and smells that will evoke every emotion from joy to displeasure. It’s all there on Africa’s northern coastline.

There are many ways to experience Morocco, from live-like-a-local backpacker adventures to luxurious bespoke private tours. One of the most comfortable ways to explore Morocco is in a luxury vehicle with a private driver and guide to see to your every need.

Accommodation fit for royalty awaits you in formerly private homes which have been re-imagined as exquisite luxury riads and world-class boutique hotels. The most authentic establishments are located in historic medinas within strolling distance of traditional souks and hammams. In a previous article, we explored Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Instagram-famous Blue Pearl nestled against the slopes of the Rif Mountains. Like most Moroccan towns, Chefchaouen abounds with noisy, colorful souks, majestic mosques, and tranquil riads. On market days the blue walkways are packed with sellers and their wares. Browse leather goods, wool garments, crafts, baskets, and jewelry to take home as gifts and souvenirs. For an authentic Moroccan spa experience, treat yourself to a good scrubbing at a hammam.

There’s something otherworldly about vast expanses of sand and dunes, covered by an immense blue sky. If glamping is your thing, get in touch with Top Desert, a Moroccan family-owned and operated company offering a range of private tours which include glamping in the desert. Experience a sunset camel ride in the Sahara, and then relax in your private tent until the enchanting call of Berber music draws you outside under the dark, star-lit sky.

Inspired by photographs of a turquoise blue pool surrounded by water-eroded rocky ledges, we searched for Morocco’s well-known Paradise Valley oasis in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Suffice to say it is no longer the idyllic hippy hangout of the 1960s. Unless there has been good rain to refill the pools, don’t expect the deep sparkling water featured in travel brochures.

With its long, sandy coastline reaching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco has a multitude of beach and golf resorts. From quaint fishing villages to sophisticated hotels, you’ll get to see a different face of this fascinating country.

From the air, Morocco is truly breath-taking. Towns laid out in a repeated pattern of little squares with tree-lined courtyards – an architectural technique that ensures coolness and a touch of humidity in this mostly arid environment. Book a private hot air balloon flight with Ciel d’Afrique for an unforgettable sunrise as the prevailing winds carry you quietly over the parched landscape. If you’d prefer to put your trust in a more modern form of flight, take a helicopter tour. Unlike balloon flights, helicopter flips can be arranged at any time of the day. If you want to visit some of the more exclusive and inaccessible spots, a helicopter is a perfect way to arrive in style.

For a honeymoon with a difference, Morocco is the fantasy destination you’ve been dreaming of. Spend your days at a lavish beach retreat or discover one of Morocco’s many hidden jewels. Contact the team at Morocco Luxury Journeys to begin your life together with an unforgettable adventure.

Escape to the private island resort of Kudadoo in the Maldives and enjoy exquisite luxury in an unparalleled setting. There are 13 one bedroom and 2 two bedroom residences to choose from. The whole island can even be reserved for an exclusive vacation. With stunning views all around, romantic beach walks that are short and sweet, incredible wellness experiences and more, this resort embraces the AAA of “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere.” Residences come with a private butler for personalized service to help make the best of all that the island has to offer.

Chefs cater to your every need and preference and while all the options are wonderful, dining on the beach by candlelight is a must. For a truly extraordinary dining experience 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is the world’s largest all glass undersea restaurant sitting 5.8 meters below sea level. Kudadoo’s wine cellar features a global collection with all labels scoring 88 or above on the Wine Spectator rating. The owner’s wine cellar collection boasts an additional 70 of the world’s most exclusive labels.

As an eco-friendly resort, Kudadoo leads the luxury industry in sustainability. The island is 100% solar powered, the residences were sustainably designed using restored wood and amenities and adventures are environmentally conscious.

As if the island were not relaxing enough, there is a meditation guru, yoga, a Himalayan salt chamber, which is the first in the Maldives and infinity pools. Meditation and yoga can take place in the stunning underwater glass restaurant where you can see fish and observe pure silence for a surreal experience.

For the adventurous there are numerous watersport activities such as stand up paddling, Jet-skis, kitesurfing, dolphin tours, fishing, diving and shark diving with underwater scooters so you can go explore Atoll’s famous shark and ray hotspots.

With attention to detail, in every detail, and lavish luxury everywhere, it is easy to see why Kudadoo was just named Robb Report’s 2019 The Best of the Best Island Resort!

Incredible Horseback Riding Experiences in Los Cabos

From white sandy beaches and sapphire blue ocean to the rugged desert terrain, there’s no better way to enjoy the natural beauty of Los Cabos than on horseback this summer. Several equestrian centers offer horseback tours along the coastline, from Migriño on the Pacific side, to San José del Cabo on the Sea of Cortez. It’s undoubtedly an excellent way to cover more ground and get a close-up view of the incredibly varied landscapes of this region.

With the heat of summer to consider, an early morning ride is a perfect way to start the day. Alternatively, a picture-perfect sunset ride promises a dreamily romantic end to the day, as you watch the molten sun fade from view into the ocean horizon. The vast beaches seem to be made for horseback riding, allowing more experienced riders to enjoy a gallop along the water’s edge. For an authentic Baja Cowboy experience, head towards the gentle desert hills. Ride through ancient riverbeds across rock-strewn slopes where you will find 100-year-old cactus, desert flowers, indigenous birds and wildlife. Countless photographic opportunities await – make sure your phone is charged so that you can capture those Instagram moments.

Baja California boasts a stunning natural environment across breathtaking mountains, desert plains and azure ocean views. This summer, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort presents the unique opportunity to discover the hidden splendor of Los Cabos on a guided horseback tour. Adventure-seekers will traverse the beautiful terrains and experience Los Cabos like never before, topping the night off with a Champagne toast in the glimmering sunset. Pricing available upon request.

A quick search on TripAdvisor and Viator found a list of tour companies, hotels, and equestrian centers offering horseback riding. Beach rides, desert rides, or mixed trail rides will have you in the saddle for anything from one to 3 hours. There are horses suited to everyone’s experience level, from first-time riders to expert horsemen. English speaking guides will ensure that you have a safe and unforgettable experience. The more well-known and reputable equestrian centers love their horses and take great care of them. Cuadra San Francisco, for example, is a family owned and operated business established over twenty years ago and is the only Professional Equestrian Center in Baja California Sur.

Happy horses mean happy guests and enjoyable rides. Read online reviews and comments before booking. Horseback riding in Los Cabos is an excellent way for couples, groups, and families to create memories to last a lifetime.

The Los Cabos region’s subtropical desert promises a warm, dry, and sunny climate with over 320 days of sunshine each year. Beach horse rides between December and March will almost certainly include opportunities for whale watching as these magnificent creatures come quite close to the shore during their migration.

Things to remember for your horseback ride: Wear long pants – denim jeans are traditional cowboy attire for a good reason, as they protect your legs from chafing on the saddle, especially for inexperienced riders. Closed shoes such as tennis shoes or canvas sneakers or essential. It’s hot out there – make sure you have biodegradable sunscreen to protect your beautiful face and the environment. Wear a hat and sunglasses, make sure it fits snugly and doesn’t blow off. Most tours will provide bottled water to keep you hydrated.

The Ultimate Luxury Hawaii Travel Guide

With almost year-round fantastic weather, Hawaii calls to travelers in search of romance, adventure or relaxation. With over 1200 kilometers of shoreline and over 400 named public beaches, you’re sure to find a sandy spot that’s perfect for you. Choose from white, yellow, black, red, or even a green sand beach or a surreal beach covered entirely in sea glass.

There’s more to Hawaii than just coastline, however. Majestic volcanic peaks tower above deep green forests, shimmering cities, and secluded resorts. In case you need inspiration for a Hawaiian escape, we’ve checked out some luxurious experiences for you.

Swim with Dolphins

And You Creations offers private charters and a day full of activities to bring you a memorable experience of a lifetime, swimming alongside dolphins and other friendly sea-creatures in pristine Hawaiian waters.

Four Seasons Resorts

Exotic couples destinations await you in Maui and Hualalai. Reserve a romantic dinner under the stars for an ultimate private dining experience in a garden or beach setting. Spend a day relaxing in the adults-only Serenity pool. Marvel at panoramic views and lush tropical gardens, and enjoy the sweet sounds of an underwater music system. Come up for cocktails and poolside spa treatments at this hidden sanctuary on Wailea Beach.

Maui Chef’s Table

Enjoy a unique interactive dining experience from a chef’s perspective. The Maui Chef’s Table presents an exclusive tasting dinner series in Wailuku. The seven-course meal is conjured up before your eyes by a team of guest chefs in award-winning chef Jeff Scheer’s kitchen at The Mill House. Menus are not published ahead of time. The Chefs use Maui’s finest ingredients and collaborate to craft a thoughtful menu representing Maui’s most interesting seasonal flavors.

Underground Society

Vintage Cave Club is an exclusive five-star restaurant hidden in the basement of the country’s largest outdoor shopping center. On the menu is Japanese A5 Wagyu and an authentic Sushi Kaiseki 20-25 Course Menu. The grand dining area is fitted out with antique-style bricks, granite floors, priceless works of art and jewels. Members have priority reservations, the use of private rooms, as well as access to an elite wine cellar featuring old world and new world wines, cognacs, whiskey plus much more.

Endless Island Experiences

If that’s still not enough, Cheehoo Tours have a range of luxury experiences to keep you busy. From private island tours to escorted shopping trips and sunset yoga, you’re sure to find your ideal Hawaiian adventure.

National Hawaii Day recognizes the 50th US state to be granted statehood and is celebrated on July 5^th every year. Start planning your island getaway!

Surf’s Up at these Top Surfing Beaches

Summer is here and the warmer weather brings water temperatures that are ideal for surfing. Not all surfing spots are year round though and knowing where to go can make or break your experience.

California is quintessential to surfing historically and culturally thanks in no small part to The Beach Boys, great weather and accessibility for most of the US. Trestles, Orange County is one of the most respected surfing destinations in California. With five spots providing a variety of right and left breaking waves, easy paddle-outs and opportunities for beginners as well as fun high quality breaks for experts, this is a must visit for surfers.

For the traveler looking for surf, or the surfer looking to travel, Tropic Surf is the way to go. An Australian based company with over 25 years experience in the surfing industry, they have expert guides in exotic locations around the world with the mission to have you “ride the best waves of your life in safety, comfort, skill and style.” Take a short flight across the border to Los Cabos, Mexico and there are many different points and breaks to be explored but the best thing to do is “avoid surfing in town and head out to the East Cape. Nine Palms is a magic wave in a beautiful setting. Great through the summer months with the south swells” – Martin Reynolds, Senior Surf Guide, Tropic Surf.

Those seeking a more adventurous wave in Mexico should check out Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. With a great surf season from March to December and strong barrels it is the main attraction but the summer brings big waves, not for the faint of heart.

Another amazing option is Costa Rica where Tropic Surf runs the program at the Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo. While the hotel is in a stunning location, Martin’s tip is to “head down to the south and surf the beautiful waves at Pavones and Matapalo, incredibly long waves breaking right off the jungle.”

Summer is upon us and the warming temperatures bring out the need to wander. Here are a few bright spots that give you ample opportunity to soak up the sunshine, see more of nature and pack for a little adventure.

Charleston

This charming city is a mix of rich history, colourful architecture, fine restaurants and friendly folks. Awash in old-world charm, Charleston reveals a beautiful new discovery around every corner. Take a horse-drawn carriage past palatial homes—the unhurried pace is contagious here. Stroll along historic buildings and stop to have a superb meal on a veranda. The chefs in Charleston are repeated James Beard award winners. With culinary roots coming from the Caribbean, Europe and West Africa, there’s everything from proper fish and chips to chorizo and pumpkin pizza to be found among Charleston’s impressive dining scene.

Napa Wine Tour

While there are many sun-drenched spots to sip a chardonnay or peruse a pinot, Tamber Bey Winery, at Sundance Ranch equestrian facility in Calistoga, California is unlike all of them. The tasting room is the original barn clubhouse and you get to roam with the estate’s horses in the central courtyard. Your ticket also includes a tour of the ranch and the custom crush facility, barrel rooms and resident horses. The taster’s choice is a 2012 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon awarded 90 points by Wine Advocate.

Sayulita, Mexico

Not far from Puerto Vallarta as the parrot flies is this hipster surf town, which was formerly a sleepy fishing village in the late 1990s. Peak season, November through May, finds the tiny streets crowded with throngs of tourists drawn to the beautiful beaches, restaurants with fresh and surprisingly affordable seafood and one-of-a-kind boutiques. The main beach is a magnet for surfers of all levels and you can rent a char and umbrella for the day and watch from the sandy sidelines.

Glacier National Park

Where Canada and the United States meet is this favorite park to hikers and explorers alike. The park is packed with 700 lakes, a myriad of waterfalls and two mountain ranges spread across one million acres filled with wildlife. The area is also richly steeped in history. The Going-To-The-Sun-Road is a historic landmark and scenic 52-mile-drive through the park, offering stunning views and access to numerous hiking trails. There’s a reason Glacier National Park is called the Crown of the Continent.

Now that summer is here get out there and check a must-visit destination off your bucket list. Pro tip: keep a travel diary of the trip’s highlights and revisit it often to relive those magical memories.