Category: Luxury Travel

Incredible Landscapes for Amazing Nature Photography

It’s time to grab your camera and head off to an exotic location! The North America Nature Photography Association (NANPA) started Nature Photography Day to encourage nature photography and use images to advance the cause of conservation. Submit your favorite photo to the Nature Photography Day Photo Contest to celebrate 14 Years of Nature Discovery.

To get you started, we’ve found some totally amazing landscapes to explore. It won’t take long to fill your memory cards with stunningly memorable images.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Ancient earth forms and fascinating history make this magnificent landscape all the more alluring. It is at once rugged and beautiful, mysterious and welcoming. And of course, there’s whisky to keep you warm while you hike the cliffs and valleys in search of photo opportunities.

Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach: Australia

The reef is under severe threat, and what better way to draw attention to it than through photography … With over 2000km of the Reef to explore, you can still find colourful fish and coral in spite of two severe coral bleaching events. Join a professional diving or snorkelling excursion to help you make the most of your visit and avoid causing unintended damage. Afterwards, catch your breath at Whitehaven Beach.

Skellig Michael: Ireland

You don’t need to be Luke Skywalker to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s forbidding cliffs and breathtaking views. May the Force be with you as you climb the 618 stone steps to the ancient monastery hidden within the towering rocky heights.

Kirkjufell: Iceland

Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize this steep peak surrounded by ancient glaciers. Kirkjufell’s unmistakable cone, formed by layers of sedimentary rock, is best viewed from the encircling walking path or black stone beach below. Don’t go without a guide.

Cenotes, Mexico

Like a journey to the center of the earth, a visit to this vast subterranean world of seemingly infinite sinkholes, caverns and karst tunnels is an otherworldly experience. Just south of Cancun, the Yucatan Peninsula was once an underwater reef before the ocean receded, leaving sea creatures fossilized in the rocky walls.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

The ghostly sounds of rustling leaves and creaking wood are an integral element of Japan’s mysterious bamboo forest. If you’re quick with your camera, you may catch a glimpse of the wood spirits flitting between the sky-reaching green stalks.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Separated from the eastern coastline of Africa by many miles of ocean, Madagascar is a land of surreal lifeforms. The ancient baobab trees – reaching 30 meters or more towards the sky – have dominated the landscape for centuries with their strange upside-down appearance.

Sossusvlei Red Dunes, Namibia

There’s something so amazing about a desert – even in the driest dunes, life persists. Animals, reptiles and insects of all kinds have adapted to the harsh landscapes and unforgiving climate.  Among the shifting red dunes in one of the world’s oldest deserts, search for the prints and tracks of elusive creatures to capture on film. It’s worth the journey.

 

Around the World with Silversea

With over twenty five years in operation, Silversea has honed their impeccable service and defined luxury in the expedition cruise experience.  All accommodations come with a butler to take care of your every need on deck as well as arrange car rentals or dinner reservations in port cities.  There is a nine option pillow menu and your room will be adorned by a scent you have chosen from an aromatherapy fragrance menu designed by Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto.  

Now Silversea is embarking on a new kind of expedition for the adventurous and intrepid who enjoy their comfort.  The 167 day uncharted world tour will visit 107 ports over 10 routes while exploring 30 countries.  It is designed to “host pioneers of beauty, guests who want to see the world raw and unfiltered, unafraid of its purest form.”  The Silver Cloud is 514 feet long and has a guest capacity of 254 which is big enough to comfortably socialize or not, and small enough to be truly taken care of. 

The adventure starts in Ushuaia to head down to Antarctica for three stops and then up the coast of Chile.  Then from Valparaiso to a series of Islands heading west to Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, Australia and then across to Singapore, India, through the Suez Canal to get to the Mediterranean before heading out to Lisbon.  From there, the ship heads north again going through the United Kingdom all the way up to Iceland and finishing in Tromso, Norway. What a journey! 

Although there is plenty of time on board in between some ports there is more than enough to entertain.  Guest lectures from pertinent experts in the area provide insight and enrich the trip.  So do the language classes and wine tastings.  There is a fitness center and spa, four exquisite restaurants and the Connoisseurs’ Corner where a fan of cognac or cigars can enjoy the ship’s exceptional selection.  The pool deck offers a place to relax in the sun or shade, bubbling whirlpools and some of the most revitalizing fresh air one can find.  

Luxurious Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences

Summer 2019 Collection

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, is continuing its tradition of offering guests luxurious, seasonal programming with the launch of its Summer 2019 Collection of Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences. This year’s collection will feature five experiences that celebrate the splendor of the Baja region with excursions across land and sea. From exclusive seats at the Los Cabos Tennis Open to a behind-the-scenes look at the resort’s culinary wonders, the collection will amaze guests with unforgettable experiences perfectly suited to the summer season.

Horseback Baja Exploration

Baja California boasts a stunning natural environment across breathtaking mountains, desert plains and azure ocean views. This summer, Las Ventanas al Paraíso 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.

Luxury Sea Voyage

Guests will marvel at the rugged beauty of Cabo’s coastline as they embark on an unparalleled nautical experience across gorgeous open waters, taking in the sights of pristine beaches and uncharted islands aboard a one-of-a-kind luxury yacht. Whether guests opt to indulge in a delectable picnic on the Sea of Cortez, enjoy the thrill of catching their own lunch in world-class fishing waters or simply savor the sea breeze with a glass of Champagne, Las Ventanas al Paraíso will cater to every whim for an unforgettable day at sea. Pricing available upon request.

Tennis Masters

This summer, guests are invited to experience the Los Cabos Open in VIP style while basking in a luxurious stay at Las Ventanas al Paraíso. After enjoying a relaxing day at the resort, guests will be transported to the stadium, where they will enjoy riveting matches between the world’s top players from the exclusivity of their premium seats. True enthusiasts are invited to take to the court themselves: private lessons on our scenic outdoor courts can be added to this experience, where Jonathan Stein, a former tennis professional with over 15 years in the sport, will help guests maximize their tennis potential. Available from July 29, 2019 to August 3, 2019

Discover the Art of Asian Cuisine at Arbol

For the first time, guests will be able to recreate the magical Asian flavors of Arbol in one-of-a-kind cooking classes this summer. Under the masterful guidance of Arbol’s Executive Chef Anand Singh, guests will discover the secrets behind the exquisite and subtle flavors of Arbol’s signature dishes, such as green papaya & prawn salad and North Indian style chicken Makhani. Available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. $125 USD per person, includes all the recipes & a Signature Chef´s apron.

Casa Dragones Tequila Pop-Up Bar

Las Ventanas al Paraíso will partner with exclusive tequila brand Casa Dragones to welcome guests to an all-new luxurious pop-up bar from May to August. Located by Oasis pool, this one-of-a-kind pop-up concept will offer expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate Casa Dragones’ signature tequila. Once a month, Arbol will welcome a mixologist and calligraphy expert to customize Casa Dragones’ trademark bottles, perfect for those seeking uniquely personalized mementos of their visit to the resort. Available from May to August 2019.

To learn more, visit Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort.

Luxe Camping Trips in Celebration of Earth Day

The Great Outdoors – we all feel the urge to get out there and breathe the fresh air. Many of us have tried camping at some time or the other. School camps, family trips or backpacking with your crew as young adults. If truth be told, it wasn’t always fun. Having grown accustomed to life’s little luxuries, “anticipointment” quickly sets in when you realize that you’ll be sleeping in a scratchy sleeping bag, and you will need to air-dry your hair after a cold shower in the morning. Not cool!

But the rules have changed … and “Glamping” (a portmanteau of Glamorous and Camping) is now a thing. Exactly how much glamour – and luxury – you can expect when glamping depends on where you go, but at the very least you will sleep in a real bed, have a hot shower or bath, and be able to charge your electronics. Some glamping-providers promise a hotel-like experience with special touches you won’t find even at your favorite 5-star establishment.

We’ve rounded up our favorite glamping spots for when you really need to escape from the crowds without sacrificing any home comforts.

Dramatic Desert

There’s something otherworldly about vast expanses of sand and dunes, covered by an immense blue sky. Top Desert, a Moroccan family-owned and operated company, offers a range of private tours which include glamping in the Sahara desert. They operate two Luxury Desert Camps; Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi, both offering comfort levels that will tempt you to stay forever. Relax in your private tent – so well-appointed you may forget that you’re in the middle of nowhere until the enchanting call of Berber music draws you outside under the dark, star-lit sky. Traditional Moroccan lights lead your footsteps down a path of handwoven carpet to the communal dining tent where your feast awaits. Transfers to and from the camps are generally in a 4×4 Toyota Prado, but helicopter and private jet options are available.

African Safari

Voted ‘Best Tented Camp in the World’, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has its own 7608-acre private conservancy and is just a short drive from the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Rekindle your romance under old-style cream canvas tents with luxurious colonial furnishings while staff discretely take care of all your comfort needs. Africa’s oldest established safari family, the Cottars, offer you everything you would expect in an authentic safari experience. Enjoy a balloon flight over the Masai Mara, guided bush walks and game drives. End your day with sundowners at the pool, followed by a unique safari bath or shower.

Shipwrecked in Style

The Great Barrier Reef should be on your to-do list anyway. Take the next step and get splendidly lost on Wilson Island with its luxurious safari-style tent accommodation. Re-opening in mid-2019 with space for just 18 guests, Wilson Island offers truly exclusive glamping in a real island setting. Your own chef and bartender will keep you fed and watered with extravagant local flavors. Appreciate the sparkle of sand on your painted toenails as you explore the pristine white beach, or grab your snorkel to meet some of the world’s most elusive undersea creatures.

This coming summer, your compass points to the park. And with these three ultra-luxe suggestions, you’ll be packing your bags and planning three trips that are full of excitement and all things thrilling. From The Great Escape & Splash Water Kingdom to Disneyland Paris and Universal Studios Florida, we have your schedule jam packed and penciled in for June, July, and August. Here’s the scoop:

The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom

Nothing goes better with summer than ice-cold lemonade, a warm but slightly cool mountain breeze, and an annual trip to an amusement park. The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, an ultra – luxe theme park nestled off the shores of Lake George, is a must go to destination that grows bigger and better every year. And although ticket sales begin at nearly 52 dollars, this old to the block over the top outpost is worth the splurge. This coming summer, they’re even renovating their outdoor waterpark with a newly transformed tropical paradise coined Hurricane Harbor that will feature two new rides and attractions. Between Bucket Blasters, shipwreck cove, and a gastronomic eatery serving up island themed treats, The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom is the perfect excuse to jet set to upstate New York and righteously flee from the stifling city heat.

Disneyland Paris

The only spot in the world where dreams come true. Disneyland Paris, an amped up version of the wildly successful, playful, and imaginative theme park in Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California, is a posh amusement park that turns blockbuster fairytales into magical realities. Recently celebrating their 25th anniversary, Disneyland Paris or better known as EuroDisney, is home to two parks including Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, six stunning hotels, and colorful restaurants. But what makes this “Magic Kingdom” so different from its sister parks is its rides. All of our childhood favorites – such as Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups – are elevated beyond imagination with new scenes and weatherproof structures. We suggest, if money is no object and your looking to embark on an extra-opulent vacation, to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, a five star luxury Parisian retreat. o

Universal Studios Florida

The ultimate fan club for Harry Potter and Spider Man. Universal Studios Florida, located in Orlando, is three times the fun than your average local amusement park. On the pulse of every child’s beloved adventure film, Universal Studios Florida brings the thrill and excitement of box office hits to life with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – both stopping grounds at Islands of Adventure. But it doesn’t stop there. If you’re looking for upmost exhilaration, than we suggest hopping on the Revenge of the Mummy, a “psychological thrill ride” which is a synthesis of special effects and animatronics all launched upon a roller coaster experience in the dark.

The scent of incense, spices, flowers, and fresh oranges blend in exotic fusion, moving on the breeze through the narrow alleyways. The towering blue walls appear to be alive, glowing from within with ripples of blue light. This must be what it feels like to walk underwater. A trio of ginger cats gazes languidly at me from a doorway. I wonder if they can show me the way out of this cerulean maze?

Chefchaouen, nestled against the slopes of the Rif Mountains in Morocco, was founded in 1471 as a fortress city. The city has grown beyond its original stony boundaries, but the Medina – or old town – within the walls of Chaouen is where you will find the Instagram-famous sapphire-hued steps and walkways. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Spanish Mosque – also a great place to watch the sunset – or the rooftop of the shop L’art Maroc. The buildings with their terracotta roofs and blue walls seem to be haphazardly clustered close together, shading the passageways between them.

Located about three hours from Tangier, this is not the most easily accessible place in Morocco. There are buses aplenty and an overnight train, but the most comfortable journey is in a private vehicle, preferably with your personal driver. Once you reach the outer city, there’s still the transit into the Medina to consider, so taking a tour is also a fuss-free option. Morocco’s “Blue Pearl” is at its best during springtime (March to May) and autumn (September to November). No matter when you visit, bear in mind that it can be rather chilly, particularly at night.

Chefchaouen’s touristy parts offer enough activities for a long weekend, but you can cover all the essentials in a day-trip. Overnight in a traditional Moroccan Riad with bed and breakfast to make the most of the city sights. Search “Luxury Riad” on Airbnb or Bookings.com to find the best places. Dar Elrio, Riad Gharnata, or Lina Ryad & Spa are all recommended if you’d like a bit of pampering.

If you’re pressed for time, a meander through the blue streets with your camera in hand is all you need. Look out for ancient intricately carved doorways, and Moroccan tiles. Colorful pots and flowers line many of the narrow alleys. On market days the steps are packed with sellers and their wares: leather goods, wool garments and woven blankets; crafts; woven baskets and jewelry. Chatting with the locals, you will hear Spanish in addition to French and Arabic spoken.

For the more energetic, take a hike in the mountains rising above or walk to the small waterfall at the edge of town where residents have traditionally done their laundry.

A good scrubbing at a hammam is always a treat. For an authentic Moroccan experience, there are two hammams in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. The public hammam is open to men and women on different days. Bring a towel, slippers, and soap. For something more luxurious, although without much of the traditional appeal as the public bath, try Art du bien-être, a more fully equipped spa situated behind the Mosque.

Moroccan food is known for its unique flavours, and dining in Chefchaouen is no different. Highly recommended restaurant Bab Ssour serves traditional Moroccan cuisine created with fresh local ingredients. Café Restaurant Sofia is known for Moroccan specialities such as tajine, harira, kofte, and tagras at reasonable prices. While market traders and shop owners expect you to barter with them when purchasing goods, food in Chaouen is cheap, and you should expect to pay the advertised prices. Finish off your meal with a cup of freshly made mint tea.

While travelling in Morocco, be sure to respect Islam’s emphasis on modesty. Clothes and accessories should not attract attention or reveal the body unnecessarily. Keep it low-key with your jewellery, handbags, and electronics to blend in and stay safe. For ladies, a loose maxi dress with a light sweater or scarf over the shoulders is ideal for daytime explorations. Men should wear long pants with a collared shirt and closed shoes.

Whichever way you spend your time in Chefchaouen, feeling blue is a good thing – take in the hidden details, search out the historical treasures, and immerse yourself in the culture of this unique Blue City.

Anyone looking for a tropical paradise vacation will thoroughly enjoy the many idyllic islands Fiji has to offer.  With 332 islands (and only a third of them inhabited), 1000 miles of white sand beaches, beautiful lagoons, numerous coral reefs and gardens, the options are nearly endless.  

For scuba divers it is a bucket list expedition as the water is warm, visibility is exceptional (120 feet is not uncommon) and the variety of dive sites available within a day trip is unmatched.  Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world providing astonishing colors when the currents flow. Somosomo Strait has a wide spectrum of colors highlighted be Rainbow Reef in Taveuni.  Dives are reliant on the right conditions of currents, tides and nutrient levels in the water which affect the soft coral activity, recommended for experienced divers.  Many dives are drift dives allowing you to see large lengths of coral walls and cover a lot of ground. 

The Shark Reef Marine Reserve at Beqa Lagoon allows for numerous shark sightings both in quantity and type of sharks.  Present are bull sharks, whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, tawny nurse sharks and maybe even tiger sharks.  With a dive depth of 98 feet it is accessible for most levels of experience, Beqa Dive Adventures has a special dispensation from PADI to take all levels due to their strict safety protocols and diver supervision. 

The best time to go to Fiji is from April to October.  While diving is possible all year long, the weather, visibility and lower risk of rain or storms make April to October ideal.  The water temperature is often no lower than 70 F (21 C) so while a wetsuit is recommended, the thickness of 3 to 7 mm is a personal preference.

Whether visiting for a relaxing getaway, staying at the award winning luxurious Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort or on a liveaboard excursion to maximize your diving opportunities, scuba will be a highlight of the vacation, enjoy it!

The three words that every fairytale is coined to begin with, once upon a time. And just because we read Cinderella and Snow White from cover to cover in our childhoods, doesn’t mean that these precious love stories can’t come to fruition in our adulthood. We can’t forget that a dream is a wish your heart makes?

So why not dream of a luxury vacation in Ireland, where you can retreat to the place where many of our cherished characters spent their happily ever after endings, a castle.

Yes, we said it. Castle. They exist.

We suggest embarking on your storybook journey at Ashford, a 13^th century legendary estate, once owned by the Guinness brewing family. Today, a five star hotel since opening its doors to vacation goers in 1915, this opulent stay is fit for royal guests with grand stone gates, hideaway cottages, innovative Irish gastronomic plates presented by Chef Philippe Farineau, and Afternoon High Tea in The Connaught Room, a Ashford Castle tradition dating back to 1868. And with homemade pastries, cupcakes decorated with hand-picked flowers from the garden, warm scones made with cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, teas from around the world, and champagne, you’ll understand why this outing with a view has firmly stood strong for over 100 years.

And if you’re looking for adventure, then this medieval playground brings the ultimate quest for old country classic pastimes. An expansive 250-acre estate, the grounds have Ashford Castle have been known to provide the finest of sporting activities for successive generations of the de Burgo, Bingham, Browne and Guinness families. And proudly continuing this ritual for guests to experience today, Ashford Castle allows for horseback riding, fishing, falconry and shooting, golf, cycling and kayaking.

If you cant seem to get enough of this Victorian style picturesque vacation, we recommend venturing over to Crom Castle in County Fermanagh, Ballynahinch Castle in County Galway, Clomantagh Castle in Country Kilkenny, or Lough Eske Castle in County Donegal for a fairytale fantasy that’s a treasure chest filled with magic.

If Italy is on your travel list this year, a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture for 2019, Matera – an ancient city carved into a rocky ravine – is a “must do” for your itinerary.

Like a stone giant waking up after a long sleep, Matera is slowly coming back to life. Our fascination with history, with wanting to experience how our early ancestors lived, has resulted in a the once-deserted sassi (meaning “stones” in Italian) again breathing with human activity. Restored homes, B&B’s, small hotels and restaurants welcome visitors to stop and stay, to catch a glimpse of life as it was in years past. Wander along the pale stone streets and explore the caves – some still as they were left years ago.

Locals had mixed feelings about Matera: after the forced evacuations some wanted the place completely destroyed. Government subsidised renovations in the mid-80’s brought many residents back to the old town, but most prefer to live in the new section with easier access to food markets and employment. While life returns to Matera, it is mostly visitors who are breathing in the cool cave air, but it has not become over-crowded and touristy like other popular destinations in Italy. As expected, most places close between 1-4pm, with eateries offering dinner from around 7pm. Traditional fare is presented with a contemporary twist. Enjoy a glass of local wine as the sunset bathes the stone terraces in liquid gold.

Situated in the remote southern region of Basilicata, Matera is a little off the beaten track. In the ancient sassi, homes are crowded together and piled atop one another along the sides of the ravine above the Torrente Gravina. In some places, rooftops of one row form the street of the row above. This strangely quiet chaos of grey stone structures contrasts dramatically with the graceful new town on the plateau above.

Take a train or bus from Bari (about 64km to the north) and then hire a vehicle if you intend to stay longer than a day or two. While you can cover a fair amount of ground and get a general feel for Matera’s history in just a day trip, a longer visit will give you a more immersive experience. Spend a night or two in a cave-home. Airbnb has a long, scrolling list of 5-star establishments. There are guides aplenty to show you around, but most locals will be more than happy to answer questions and reminisce – many of the older folks will remember life in the sassi before modern conveniences.

Matera has been home to mankind for a very long time. History buffs will reference “Paleolithic times” – when we first began to make and use chipped stone tools. As the population grew over time, with people and animals living together in these ravine-hugging cave dwellings, conditions in old Matera became desperate. In the 1950’s, poverty-stricken residents were forcibly removed from the malaria-ridden squalor and relocated to the “new” town on the plateau above. Not too long after, in the 1980’s fascination replaced disgust, and people who could afford to do so began to move back – renovating old cave houses and bringing civilization in the form of electricity and running water. Today’s visitors are even assured really good Wi-Fi.

Long, slow meandering walks are the best way to explore Matera. From the mostly restored Sasso Barisano to the ghostly Sasso Caveoso where little has changed, you can momentarily lose your sense of direction in the narrow alleys, dead ends and winding pathways. Matera feels surreal – something between a film-set and an ancient monument, it will stir your emotions and whisper to you to stay.

Feeling a bit jaded about Valentine’s Day? This year, switch the usual chocolates and roses for something a little more interesting – whisk your special someone away for an experience to remember.

A romantic dinner is still a winner. You’re going for great food, of course, but attention to detail and delightful atmosphere are important too.

Celebrity chef James Martin’s stunning restaurant, conveniently located at the Manchester235 Casino, has a superb five course Valentine’s Dinner planned, with a complimentary glass of Prosecco, entertainment, and (well, why not?) a box of chocolates. The restaurant was named in the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants in Britain for 2015-16. Ladies, try to keep your attention on your date, rather than trying to catch a glimpse of James himself! After dinner, enjoy a few games at the casino and a drink at one of the all-night bars. Manchester235 is set in the historic Great Northern Warehouse on Watson Street, Manchester.

Winner of the “Best Romantic Restaurant of LA”, The Little Door is a hidden paradise. A favourite hangout of celebs such as Laurence Fishburne and Jim Carrey, The Little Door’s rustic Mediterranean cuisine served in a romantic courtyard draws a discerning crowd. Join them on the 14th to celebrate love with three delectable courses and charming live music. Keep smiling, you may even feature in the background of a famous selfie!

No one celebrates romance quite like The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, South Africa. With a full February calendar including a Valentine’s Dinner Dance, wine tasting and couple’s massage, this is a great opportunity to book a room and enjoy a week or more in the East Coast sunshine. On the 14^th, enjoy a delicious six-course plated dinner and dancing in the Grill Room. The Rosés and Reds Wine Tasting evening on the 15^th promises a fun-filled late Valentine’s four-course meal paired with a selection of Reds and Rosés. The Dinner and Movie combo is great for “unvalentine” date nights; or nourish body, heart and soul with a couple’s Celebrate Togetherness spa package daily until the 28^th.

A Private Champagne Tour is another certain way to impress your date. Start your day on the scenic Route du Champagne, meandering among vineyards and charmingly picturesque villages. Visiting the famous house of Veuve Clicquot for a bubble-filled tasting experience, followed by lunch and more bubbles at a private Family Champagne estate. Wind down the day with a little French romance at five-star Relais & Château Les Crayères in Rheims. Sweet dreams!

If all that is not enough you could sweep your lover off their feet in a more literal sense with a hot air balloon ride. Most balloon operators around the world offer flights at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast. Staying in France, the Loire Valley landscapes are among the most breath-taking – follow the sunrise over vineyards, meandering rivers, and ancient stone villages interspersed with over 800 manors and castles.

For the opportunity to see wildlife such as polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes and even whales, take a flight over the starkly beautiful polar landscapes of Arctic Canada.

If white is not your colour, the famous red rocks of Sedona, Arizona may offer a more Valentine-themed experience. There may be mule deer, mountain lions and coyotes on the ground, but don’t be surprised if a falcon joins your love celebration in the early morning sky.

Cappadocia (Turkey) is one of the world’s most iconic ballooning destinations. The amazing rock formations, caves and “fairy chimneys” are a truly magical sight in the soft glow of sunrise. You won’t be alone, though – the morning skies in this popular region are filled with hot-air balloons almost every day.

If you’ve left it too late: plan now for next year!
Turtle Island, Fiji, is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Accommodating only 14 couples at a time, this exclusive private island has everything you will need for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape. Dine on true local cuisine – everything is caught or grown on the island. The scent of tropical flowers is carried on the gentle breeze all through the resort. Relax totally undisturbed on your private beach. You know how quickly time flies, so start planning now.

Ireland is a small island full of life, big personalities, fun people, natural splendor and more.  

Galway has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when it was a fishing village. There is traditional music being played by buskers on the street and bands in pubs such as the King’s Head Pub which has live music every night and has been a part of Galway for over 800 years.

The city comes alive in the summer with festivals and day trips to nearby wonders. The Cliffs of Moher are spectacular and make one feel a sense of awe as panoramic views are taken in.  The fresh ocean breeze will energize and peering over the edge will mesmerize, so do so with caution.  Standing on the big cliffs make one feel small yet also expands the mind’s eye and imagination.

Connemara is another one of the legendary beauties of Ireland conjuring images from a Lord of the Rings type of world, fantastical and almost hard to believe it exists in reality.  From the rugged landscape to the curated gardens, any direction provides captivation and inspiration.

There are many festivals to take part in, perhaps the most famous is the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, which has taken place for over 64 years making it the world’s longest running Oyster Festival.  There are competitions, tastings, a gala, cooking classes and of course oysters everywhere.

Galway is becoming known for it’s gastronomy scene, staying true to the local flavors at Michelin starred restaurants Loam and Aniar.  Both use nearby foraged ingredients and traditional cooking and preservation methods for a truly authentic and delicious Irish experience.  Anyone looking for a catalyst for their own cooking can take a walking tour to see some of the producers, brewers, entrepreneurs and chocolatiers that make Galway the culinary scene it is.

Enjoy any of these experiences which will provide a lasting memory and great stories to tell friends and family.