The best hotels in Malta

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 22, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Malta:

Malta enjoys the warmest weather on average in the whole of Europe, making it the perfect place for a last-minute getaway this summer.

Its dramatic history includes being ruled by Romans, Moors, the French and the British, meaning that English is widely spoken and its cities are full of amazing cultural treasures – from ancient temples to the stunning Renaissance buildings in the capital, Valletta.

Not to mention its beautiful beaches, like the stunning Blue Lagoon, which is home to dolphins and sea lions. A trip to Malta combines the best of ancient Europe with the kind of paradise island scenery that you’d normally have to take a long-haul flight to experience. To get you in the mood for a Maltese holiday, we’ve picked out some of the best hotels, from luxurious five-star resorts to atmospheric boutique B&Bs

Ursulino Valletta, Valletta

This modern boutique B&B is right by some of Valletta’s most popular attractions, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Manoel Theatre, and features a beautiful roof terrace where you can eat breakfast while gazing out across the dreamy blue sea.

Original artworks from Ursulino Valletta’s private collection hang on the walls, and the gorgeous contemporary suites come with a plush living area and mezzanine sleeping quarters.

Casa Rocca Piccola B&B, Valletta

Fancy staying in a real Renaissance palazzo in the historic centre of Valletta? Then look no further than this romantic B&B inside the ancestral home of the 9th Marquis de Piro and his family.

The five bedrooms at Casa Rocca Piccola B&B are packed with period features, antique curios and beautiful ornate furnishings, plus there’s a gorgeous terraced garden for enjoying breakfast in the fresh air.

Part of the building is also a popular museum, where you can learn about Malta’s history through the lives of the palace’s aristocratic owners.

AX The Palace, Sliema

Located in stylish Sliema, a buzzing, affluent town on Malta’s north-east coast, AX The Palace is kitted out with contemporary rooms, a rooftop spa and infinity pool, as well as a choice of five places to eat and drink.

Dine on east Asian-inspired dishes with views out across Sliema’s harbour in the ninth-floor TemptAsian, or head up to the roof for cocktails and pizza at one of Malta’s coolest night-time venues. Rooms here range from light and modern Comfort Rooms overlooking the hotel atrium, through to Designer Suites, each themed around one of the five senses.

The Phoenicia Malta, Valletta

One of Malta’s grandest and most famous hotels, The Phoenicia was a favourite of the Queen when the British ruled over Malta in the early 20th Century, and has kept plenty of its effortless Art-Deco style.

Set just outside Valletta’s city walls, the luxury Malta hotel boasts an infinity pool overlooking the harbour, a lovely sun terrace and an indoor pool and spa. Elegant marble interiors and wooden ceiling fans keep the hotel cool during the summer months, and the main restaurant serves inventive seasonal dishes, with much of the produce grown on-site in the kitchen garden.

My Travel House, Rabat

Perfectly situated for soaking up the rhythms of village life in sleepy Rabat, now a suburb of Mdina, this beautiful stone townhouse is a great place for exploring Malta’s historic north. Discover Roman villas and ancient catacombs nearby, or head to a nearby café to enjoy the buzz of local life.

My Travel House has simple, comfortable rooms – one with a balcony overlooking Rabat’s ancient pedestrianised streets – as well as a roof terrace where guests can relax over breakfast in the sun.

Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour Hotel, Senglea

Perched opposite Valletta the Cugó Gran Macina is one of Malta’s most prestigious hotels.

Its exterior fortress walls give way to an ultra-modern look inside, and the facilities are second to none, with a stylish pool and deck overlooking Valletta’s iconic harbour, and an elegant bar and restaurant where the award-winning kitchen team conjure up sophisticated takes on traditional Maltese cuisine.

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The best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, including beach butlers and sigh-worthy infinity pools

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Brazil:

Where once the Copacabana Palace was the first and last word in luxury accommodation in Rio, the arrival of Rogerio Fasano’s first foray in the city right on the Ipanema beachfront (where else?) emphatically raised the bar. The famous Palace still delivers bygone glamour and facilities galore including a spectacular pool, but the Fasano and, more recently, the Emiliano both arrived from São Paulo with added contemporary cool to go with the undeniable luxury. These are the places to see and be seen, with exclusive rooftop pools, famous guests and sumptuous spas, all delivered with discreet but welcoming warmth. Here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in Rio.

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Fasano has single-handedly revolutionised the city’s hotel scene with its superior service and understated cool, making it the place to see and be seen. Elegant to the hilt, the signature dark-wood panelling makes the building as attractive from outside as in. Entry to the guest-only rooftop infinity pool is so sought-after that São Paulo’s high-flyers book rooms on weekends just to facilitate a Saturday afternoon’s lounging across the state border. The impressive suites have drawn the likes of many a celebrity, from Beckham to Beyoncé. Watching the sun set (or indeed rise) over Ipanema beach from your balcony is something magical.

Belmond Copacabana Palace

The dozens of black-and-white photos of Hollywood, rock ‘n’ roll and, indeed, genuine royalty that line the corridors of this gorgeous, neo-classical wedding cake of a hotel hint at the opulence that has been ingrained in it over the years. It very much maintains a classic rather than contemporary style, with vast chandeliers, copious amounts of marble and forests-worth of polished Brazilian wood. Service to the sunloungers on Copacabana Beach includes fresh fruits and coconut water, and the spa is a first-class retreat. Michelin-starred Mee, directed by Ken Hom, completes the picture, as do the stunning black pool and rooftop tennis court.

Hotel Emiliano

If you’re staying at Hotel Emiliano, opt for the sea view and be seduced by the views and sound of crashing of waves. Anyone looking to hit all the classic Rio high notes will find plenty to fawn over here at the southern tip of Copacabana beach. Pop on personalised flip-flops and head to the magnificent rooftop pool that L-shapes in front of the sun-loungers to deliver a stunning tropical refuge. You don’t even have to lift a finger here; friendly and informed staff are eager to please, and the on-call butler, room turn-downs and beach service add to the sense of luxury.

Santa Teresa Hotel RJ MGallery

This converted mansion, once part of a former coffee plantation, is deceptively large, its rustic features preserved and shot through with a dash of contemporary Brazilian style. Palm trees pepper the lush, green gardens and arc over the pool to conjure up a genuine tropical paradise. In keeping with the overall feel of the hotel, all rooms are casually elegant, the muted tones and reclaimed wooden furniture, including rustic four-poster beds in some rooms, creating a cosy feel. The hotel’s Térèze restaurant has collected a raft of awards for its Franco-Brazilian fusions, drawing customers from all over the city.

LSH Hotel
A grown-up hotel in Barra with enough pulling power to tempt visitors away from Ipanema. All rooms have ample balconies, with the lateral as well as front-facing options all getting a fine view of the rolling Atlantic. The glass-bottomed pool a playful reminder that the hotel has been conceived with Miami’s Delano in spirit – complete with Saturday night DJ sets – and exudes the showy Barra lifestyle. Beach service means complimentary towels, parasols, deckchairs and water await whenever you want to venture onto the sand.

Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
From the strikingly minimal, contemporary lobby to the sandy tones and palm-lined pool, the designers have done their level best to reflect the city’s emblems and distinguish it from cookie-cutter chain hotels. Fantastically high ceilings, open spaces with ‘living’ walls of plants and homages to the great local landscaper Roberto Burle Marx show a genuine effort to interact with the region’s topography and bring the outdoors indoors. The basement spa is pure escapism, mercifully insulated from the joyous weekly samba classes held in the adjacent studio and the pumping limbs of the next-door, high-tech fitness suite.

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Miss Universe competition to take place in Israel in December

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events.

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Israel:

The Miss Universe competition is heading to Israel this year.

Organizers announced Tuesday that the 70th annual competition will be held in Eilat, Israel, in December 2021.

Steve Harvey will return to host the event, which will air live on Fox and Telemundo.

Miss Universe Organization president Paula M. Shugart issued a statement in a press release.

“Israel has been on our shortlist of host countries for a number of years due its rich history, beautiful landscapes, myriad of cultures and appeal as a global tourist destination,” Shugart said.

“We look forward to deepening our commitment and creating meaningful cultural conversation, connection and understanding through this partnership,” she added.

The three-hour event will see contestants compete in multiple categories, including personal statement, swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The competition will culminate with Mexico’s Andrea Meza, who won the 2020 competition, crowning her successor.

“Being the only Miss Universe crowned during the COVID-19 pandemic has made my reign unforgettable,” Meza said. “I hope that the world takes the vaccine as soon as it is available so that, come December, as many people as possible can join the 70th anniversary celebration in Israel.”

Ahead of the competition, contestants will explore “the rich history and culture” of Israel with visits to notable locations. In addition, Meza will visit Israel later this summer.

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Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel Opens in Ireland

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Ireland:

For more than 250 years, Carton House has been the finest Georgian estate in Ireland. Now, after a two-year, multimillion-euro total renovation of the original house, surrounding hotel and stunning grounds and parkland, it has reopened as part of the Fairmont Hotels portfolio.

Situated in Maynooth, County Kildare, Carton House was once the ancestral home of the Earls of Kildare and the Dukes of Leinster. This walled garden Fairmont estate is surrounded by 1,100 acres of sweeping parkland, ancient woodlands, lakes, and the River Rye and stands as one of Ireland’s most historic country houses.

Martin Mangan, General Manager of Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, is looking forward to welcoming international guests to the hotel for the estate’s first summer after such a magnificent refurbishment. “Following our domestic re-opening last month, the entire estate could not look more wonderful, and it’s a credit to the owners and to the teams of craftspeople and specialists who have been working to such a high standard for almost two years to bring this important country house back to its original glory. Myself and all the team at Carton House are thrilled to be opening the doors to our international guests, inviting travellers to experience this historic property as it was meant to be experienced. It truly is an extraordinary house to call home this year.”

This is your opportunity to be quite the lord or lady of the manor and experience this spectacular renovation at first-hand and the many new experiences offered within the ancient walls. Whether that’s a tutored wine tasting; a dinner in the cosy and atmospheric setting of Kathleen’s Kitchen, set in the old servants’ kitchens of Carton House; or a delicious picnic basket to enjoy in the resort’s idyllic gardens, parklands and grounds, there are countless treats and treasures to choose from when you stay at Carton House.

You might select a guided whiskey tasting in the cosy book-lined Whiskey Library with its encyclopaedic selection of the world’s finest uisce beatha. Or indulge in Afternoon Tea, seated in one of the beautifully restored grand and imposing rooms in The House with their fascinating history — the stunning Gold Salon, the Drawing Room, the serene Rose Room, the Bell Room — rooms that originally would have entertained aristocratic visitors to Carton House, and take in the same views that have captivated visitors for over 250 years. Have a long-overdue catch-up over light bites and cocktails with family and friends this summer on the outdoor terrace of The Courtyard Bar or have dinner in the impressive surrounds of The Morrison Room — a breath-taking space, The Morrison Room opens today as one of this country’s grandest dining rooms. Luxurious and rejuvenating treatments can be booked in the Carton House Spa & Wellness, a sensory indulgence like no other.

Carton House is home to two championship eighteen-hole golf courses, the challenging links-like course designed by Colin Montgomerie, host to the Irish Open three times, and the classic parkland course designed by Mark O’Meara.

The House is the breath-taking focal feature of a spectacular 1,100-acre estate, the epitome of grandeur and history. Explore the grounds on foot or by bike, following the cycle and walking trails, or enjoy the outdoors by choosing from a wealth of resort activities, from tennis and fishing to horse riding, archery and clay pigeon shooting.

One of Ireland’s most historic country houses, built originally as the home of the influential and aristocratic FitzGerald family, and now in the proud ownership of the American-Irish Mullen family, Carton House is now A Fairmont Managed Hotel. This impressive next chapter as a Fairmont property sees Carton House join the more than 80 Fairmont hotels around the globe as the oldest property in a collection famed for its grande dame hotels, including the iconic Savoy in London and Plaza in New York City.

Sensitively blending past and present, this renovation of Carton House has renewed the beauty of the estate for generations to come. The spectacular 18th century Palladian-style mansion, The House, is at the heart of the estate and will now be the centre of every guest experience today. The remarkably handsome series of grand and imposing rooms in The House with their fascinating history are now beautifully restored and part of the daily rituals of Carton House life and at the heart of each guest’s experience.

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Northern Lights in Finland

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

Northern Lights in Finland

The Northern lights are simply amazing. You can go on a husky safari, enjoy a reindeer sleigh rade and try snowmobiling.

In Finland, nature’s most spectacular light show, the Aurora Borealis, can be viewed in a range of purpose-built spaces from glass igloos to luxury suites.

The Northern Lights are visible on roughly 200 nights a year – or every other clear night – in Finnish Lapland. The more traditional ways to go Aurora spotting are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobile and sled dog touring. If gazing at the dark sky in crispy winter air is not your thing, you can simply add comfort.

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Could Estonia be the most underrated country in Europe?

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Estonia:

Quietly situated between Latvia and Finland, Estonia may well be the enigma of Northern Europe.

Although Estonia may seem like any northern European nation, with its lush green rolling hills and ties to Viking crusades, there are some facts that may take you by surprise when learning about this intriguing country.

For example, why does Estonia have a fifth season, and what does a fifth season even look like?

More importantly, how has Estonia come to have one of the most tilted cities in the world – rivalling even Pisa?

To find out more about why Estonia should be on your list of future trips abroad, here are some of the most weird and wonderful facts about this beloved European enigma.

Estonia has one of the most digitally advanced societies in the world
Home to more start-ups per person than America’s Silicon Valley, it’s no wonder Wired named Estonia as the most advanced digital society in the world.

With internet mega-companies such as Skype being created in Estonia, it’s no surprise that it’s garnered a reputation for mastery of digital media.

In fact, Estonia has also been praised for one of the world’s best internet connections, making it a prime spot for remote workers. With the country’s E-residency programme, digital nomads can gain a government-issued digital identity, gaining access to Estonia’s services and business environment.

So, if you’re looking to leave grounded life behind, but still want to stay connected, Estonia is the place for you.

There are over 2,000 islands to visit
With access to the Baltic sea, Estonia is home to a myriad of islands, all with their own charm and characteristics.

One of the most intriguing island communities is that of Kihnu, just a short ferry trip from Pärnu. Home to seafarers and fishermen, residents devote their lives to the ocean, with men spending much of their time at sea, whilst the women tend to the island, akin to a matriarchy.

You can go bear watching
For most of us, the thought of being anywhere near wild bears is a frightening (albeit rather thrilling) thought.

For Estonians, who experience the highest population of the species in all of Europe, bears are built into their seasons, with mother bears and their new cubs commonly being seen throughout the spring and summer months.

Foraging is a big part of Estonian’s incredible food scene
With rich wilderness at their door, foraging is commonplace in Estonian’s culture, with the practice appearing in high-end restaurants, as well as in the average home kitchen.

For any keen foodies, there are many hiking tours run by experienced foragers handing down advice on where to find the best delicacies, while imparting their wisdom over what to pick and how to store the produce through the winter.

Estonia’s mysterious fifth month
Between winter and spring, Estonia experiences a wet season like no other.

With a significant rise in water levels as the winter snow thaws, the season is characterised by mass flooding, with residents taking boats and canoes as transport.

Residents near the Soomaa National Park have developed small ways to enjoy this strange time, as seen in the Tuhala Witch’s Well.

Each year, the well overflows, creating an enormous flow of 100 litres per season, leaving residents mesmerized.

Tartu, the most tilted city in Europe
Much like the leaning tower of Pisa, Tartu’s Art Museum, located in the aptly named Leaning House, suffered as a result of its poor foundations.

Built in 1793, and originally belonging to a noble family, the building slowly began to sink. Luckily, after a major restoration project, the building ceased to fall, and became home to Tartu’s impressive art collection.

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The new luxury hotels openings in France for 2021

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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France:

Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle – Versailles

Incredible new offering from Airelles that includes exclusive private access of the Louis XIV’s palace and surrounding gardens. Located on the grounds of Château de Versailles and featuring a signature Alain Ducasse restaurant, along with unmatched views of the parterre of the Orangerie, Le Grand Contrôle will be one of the wolrd’s most incredible new hotels.

Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is expected to open beginning 2021.

Cheval Blanc – Paris

In the heart of the city of light, Cheval Blanc unveils a contemporary haven designed by Edouard Francois Peter Marino. Enlivened by an audacious and epicurean spirit, Cheval Blanc Paris writes an art of emotion as a new page in the history of the city.

Cheval Blanc Paris is expected to open at the end 2021.

Mondrian – Cannes
The former Grand Hotel Cannes on the Promenade de la Croisette, will become a new Mondrian hotel. The hotel will feature 75 rooms, a restaurant and bar overlooking an expansive private garden, as well as a private beach. Mondrian Cannes features custom interiors designed by Monaco-based Christophe Poyet and Emil Humnert and world-class dining options; Argentinian concept-driven Leynia restaurant, EllaMia coffee shop, and Hyde Kitchen + Cocktails.
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Mondrian Cannes is expected to open in 2021.

Mondrian – Bordeaux
The Bordeaux property will be housed within a 19th century building, and will offer 97 rooms, as well as a lounge bar, spa, meeting space and a 2,500 sf open air terrace.

Mondrian Bordeaux is expected to open in 2021.

Hôtel Victoria par Maison Albar Hotels – Nice

Maison Albar Hotel boutique-hotel brand has announced the takeover of the 4-star Boscolo Park hotel in Nice, as part of a 5-star hotel development project in collaboration with City Mall Group.
Located on Avenue de Verdun in Nice, the Boscolo Park hotel offers breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges and the Nice hinterland. As part of the large-scale project carried out jointly by City Mall Group and Maison Albar, a Paris Inn group brand, the establishment will be the subject of a vast program of renovation works, led by the Nice archetecture cabinet of Jean-Paul Gomis, and which will give birth to a 5-star hotel complex.

Hôtel Victoria par Maison Albar Hotels, Nice is expected to open in 2021.

Soho House – Paris

In the former red-light district of Pigalle, Soho House Paris will open with 35 bedrooms, a gym, and a courtyard garden overlooked by a pool terrace.
“We decided to follow the story of Jean Cocteau and draw our inspiration from the beginning of the 20th century, a bohemian, eclectic and artistic era for Paris,” explains Soho House design director Linda Boronkay about the future address .

Soho House Paris is expected to open for summer 2021.

Bvlgari Hotel Paris – Paris

Located in the famous Triangle D’Or, where some of the city’s best luxury shopping, dining and attractions lie, Bvlgari’s latest hospitality venture is sure to be the area’s crown jewel. This historic property has been designed with its 19th-century roots and contemporary luxury in mind and features 76 accommodations—most of them suites. Notable offerings include a Bvlgari restaurant and bar that opens to a charming courtyard garden, an 82-foot pool, and a spectacular location for experiencing the best of the City of Lights.

Bvlgari Hotel Paris is expected to open in 2021

The Grand Mazarin – Paris

A gem of a hotel, quite literally. It’s named after the 19-carat pink diamond which once was a centerpiece of the French crown jewels; this 63-room property sits two blocks from the Seine on the Rue des Archives in the heart of the Marais. It’s the first city center property from the French luxury hotel chainlet, Maisons Pariente, run by real estate mogul Patrick and his daughters Leslie and Kimberly and known for hotels like Crillon Le Brave in Provence.

The Grand Mazarin is expected to open late 2021

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Extraordinary Experiences at Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Botswana:

In the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Xigera (“Kee-jera”) is a safari lodge which reinvents what it means to experience the African bush through inspired hospitality and design.

Having opened in January 2021, the Tollman family have handcrafted every aspect to beguile guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. Alongside some of the most spectacular game viewing in Botswana, Xigera elevates the guest experience by offering a range of extraordinary wildlife, cultural, culinary and wellness experiences.

From exploring the Delta on a glass-bottomed canoe to overnighting in a luxurious off-grid treehouse, these experiences have been designed to immerse guests into the wilderness and to forge a close connection with the surrounding landscape.

THE BAOBAB TREEHOUSE
An under the stars sleepout experience like no other

A breakaway from traditional safari sleepouts, this unique sleepout is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Its design has been inspired by the ancient baobab tree, a symbol of Africa, and the iconic artwork of South African artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef. Rising 10 meters above the floodplain, this three-story baobab offers thrilling 360-degree views, with wildlife calls drifting in through steel branches, which will slowly rust over time, becoming one with the bush. The top-level deck offers a hidden, safe perch from which to witness the magic of the bush at dusk, or sleep under the stars in an open-air bed covered by a mosquito net. Sleeping two adults, this remote off-grid escape, with no electricity, is designed to appeal to the daring, nature-loving spirit and immerse guests into the wilderness. The sleepout can be a completely personalized experience. When water-levels are high, guests can be taken via glass-bottom mokoro, gliding along the Okavango Delta’s waterways to arrive at the baobab for sundowners and supper. The baobab offers the same sumptuous comforts of the main lodge. The bedroom and bathroom spaces have canvas walls that can open up entirely to the outside environment or be zipped up for privacy. On the open-air upper deck, guests can be treated to a picnic-style supper delivered by a butler at dusk. A breakfast basket is delivered the next morning.

DISCOVER TRAILS LESS TRAVELED ON A GLASS-BOTTOM MOKORO
A unique boat experience for the Okavango – view the vibrant wildlife above and under the water

An experience unique to the Delta is a morning spent gliding along flooded channels by mokoro, the dugout canoe used by generations for transport in a region where there are many more rivers than roads. Though traditionally carved from a single tree trunk, at Xigera, the innovative glass-bottom mokoro is constructed from sturdy fiberglass, allowing for incredible views of the Delta both above and below. Pushed along silently by experienced polers, the mokoro provide the opportunity to discover the wilderness from an entirely new perspective. They are perfect for discovering the filigree of smaller channels in this vast aquatic ecosystem and catching fleeting glimpses of African pike or bright green nembwe fish. Xigera also offer motorboat excursions that allow for deeper exploration of deeper rivers and lagoons, which are home to crocodile and large pods of hippo. For keen anglers, catch-and-release fishing is also available (seasonally) just outside the Moremi Game Reserve.

THE ART & DESIGN TOUR
A living art gallery showcasing the best of African talent

Guests are able to take an immersive and insightful tour of the incredible Xigera Design Collection, conceptualized by Toni Tollman, Philip Fourie and Anton de Kock, in collaboration with award-winning South African gallery Southern Guild. It is a collection that is bold in vision and ground-breaking in its scope, the first of its kind on the continent. From the bar to the boma, the public spaces of Xigera are a living art gallery, showcasing some of Africa’s most exciting artists and artisans. Many of the pieces have been commissioned exclusively for the lodge by some of the most recognizable names in African art from Andile Dyalvane, Madoda Fani, Cecil Skotnes, Porky Hefer, Otto du Plessis and Stanislaw Trzebinski among many others. On this tour, the Xigera team will share the background and interesting stories behind some of the 76 eminent artists and craftspeople whose work is on display. Each collectible piece in this unique collection that celebrates the best in African art, culture and creativity.

STARGAZING
Enjoy storytelling and stargazing around a totemic fire-pit sculpture
by artist-blacksmith Conrad Hicks

The deep cushions in front of the roaring campfire on Xigera’s lookout deck is the place to relax after dark to indulge in some incredible stargazing. With little or no light pollution, the clear skies above Xigera make for sensational viewing of the stars, Milky Way and planets in the expansive sky high above. Xigera’s guides are equipped with laser pointers to help point out interesting features as they share their in-depth knowledge with guests of Botswana’s stars and skies.

HELICOPTER GAME SAFARIS
Take to the skies for a birds-eye view and incredible aerial photographic opportunities

Take off directly outside the lodge on a helicopter safari to have a unique birds-eye view over the Okavango and the extraordinary flora, fauna, and wildlife that surrounds Xigera. Guests are given a headset connecting directly with the pilot, giving the unique opportunity to ask questions as guests soar over the bush or request to fly over places of interest to guarantee incredible wildlife and landscape photography shots taken from above.

BUSH DINING
Embark on a culinary adventure of different outdoor dining experiences

At Xigera, the chefs adopt an ‘anything, anytime approach’, allowing guests the flexibility to create and curate their own memorable dining experiences. Whether it’s a bush breakfast, wild picnic or ‘feet in the water’ sundowners, guests can choose what they would like to eat and when they would like to enjoy it. At the very heart of Xigera is The Boma – Blacksmith Conrad Hicks’ totemic sculpture Structure of Self. This al-fresco centerpiece is the focus point of the lodge where guests can soak up unforgettable Okavango views from the terrace. Executive Chef, Ziyaad Brown, oversees a talented team of chefs from an interactive open kitchen-dining room, creating daily menus, which take inspiration from authentic African ingredients, local traditions and signature dishes from across The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. There is a focus on balancing indulgence with lighter health-focused plates, including flavor packed vegetarian and vegan dishes. From the well-stocked wine cellar, an impressive selection of award-winning wines from across the globe are served alongside these dishes. Xigera’s extensive wine list even includes a range of vintages from Bouchard Finlayson, The Red Carnation’s own wine label from Cape Town in South Africa.

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3 Remote Must-Visit Destinations In Latin America

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Latin America:

Latin America is by far the most amazing place someone can visit today. Popularly known for its rich history in sporting activities, Latin America is such a wonder. The majority of countries are good at sporting activities like soccer and beach volleyball.

You probably think of the romance language when someone speaks of Latin America. Besides the language and culture, Latin American countries have amazing destinations to explore. Additionally, Latin America is also home to some of the most beautiful casinos in the world, with amazing games and variations just like platincasino. If you want to visit Latin America, you should look out for the following destinations. Unfortunately, these countries are only partially open for tourism. However, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, these should definitely be the top 3 on your to-visit list!

Patagonia – Argentina
Patagonia is definitely a contender for the most beautiful place in the world. Governed by both Argentina and Chile, one of the things that make it beautiful is the mountain peaks that are good for hiking. Not forgetting the penguins. Visiting Patagonia provides you with an opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride across the rugged landscape. Enjoying thermal baths and visiting the quaint village of Caleta Tortel is a must-do. You can as well spot wildlife when you visit Patagonia. You will definitely have a good time should you decide to visit Patagonia in Argentina. It is however important to know that you will need to do a PCR test before you visit Argentina. This is because of the travel restrictions due to COVID-19.

Torres del Paine National Park – Chile
When an individual mentions Chile, you will definitely think of Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine National Park is located in Magallanes Region and boasts of mountains, glaciers and lakes. It has amazing features that might interest you. You should know that Chile has put in place a 10-day mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19. You will therefore need to do the PCR test before you make travel plans. Some of the activities you will enjoy is spotting puma and guanaco. You will also trek to the Mirador in the valley of Frances just to hear the Avalanche’s sound. You can try kayaking as well and try to go for ice hike.

SALAR DE UYUNI – BOLIVIA
Another Latin American country to visit is Bolivia. Bolivia has always been known as a very beautiful country and many tourists visit it annually. If you want somewhere truly picturesque to visit, then checkout Salar De Uyuni. Statistics state that it is the largest salt flat in the world. It has a reflective surface when filled with water. This is why many people refer to it as the world’s largest mirror. Should you be planning to visit Bolivia, you should try to have a PCR test done. Bolivia has put in place a 10-day quarantine when you visit which is mandatory due to COVID-19.

You can be sure that you will have an amazing time in Latin America. Besides enjoying Patagonian life in Argentina, visiting Chile and Bolivia will present you with an amazing holiday experience. Please ensure to check the regulations of the country you are visiting before travelling as COVID-19 protocols may change.

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Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company launches Tourism 365

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events.

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Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has launched Tourism 365, a new company designed to create experiential travel opportunities for tourists coming to the emirate.

It will seek to enhance the regional and global positioning of Abu Dhabi in the wider tourism sector.

The launch of the company is in line with a broader role for ADNEC to support the growth of Abu Dhabi as a tourism destination, increasing leisure visitors, enhancing guest experiences, and extending their stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Tourism 365 will work in concert with key stakeholders across the tourism sector in the emirate and the UAE.

The new organisation will include Capital Experience, a high-quality destination management company, and Capital Travel, a premium travel operator.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and group chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, commented: “In launching Tourism 365, ADNEC continues to fulfil its strategy in developing Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.

“Through strengthening and enhancing our business portfolio in tourism, and expanding to include leisure tourism, we actively amplify the economic impact of ADNEC Group.

“Tourism 365 will play a critical role in growing the emirate of Abu Dhabi as one of the Middle East’s leading tourism destinations.

“It will do so through close collaboration with partners across the government and private sectors, most notably the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, alongside local and global companies specialised in this critical sector.”

He added: “Tourism 365 will contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s vibrant tourism ecosystem, bringing significant returns on investment to the emirate.

“It will do so by launching a range of companies that will promote the tourism industry and other supporting sectors, securing major partnerships with dominant international and travel companies.

“Finally, Tourism 365 will enable innovation across the tourism sector, increasing the emirate’s attractiveness to international visitors, and showcasing all that Abu Dhabi has to offer across the Middle East.”

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Panama Named “Blue Leader” For Its Conservation Efforts

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Panama:

Panama has further strengthened its commitment to ocean conservation by signing into effect an executive order expanding the borders of the protected marine territory of the Cordillera de Coiba Area of Managed Resources by 30 percent. This initiative is part of the 30×30 Global Ocean Alliance, which seeks to expand protected marine territories by 30 percent by 2030. The expansion of this protected territory positions Panama as a global “Blue Leader” in conservation.

A protected area since 2015, Panama’s Coiba Ridge is a chain of submarine mountains near Coiba National Park (located on an island on the Pacific side of the country) and is considered to be exceptional geological formations with high biodiversity. Travelers can experience the area’s marine and natural wonders at Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the many ocean wonders within Panama’s “Blue Heritage.” Once a penal colony, access to Coiba Island was historically limited, allowing 80 percent of the archipelago’s natural resources and wildlife to survive untouched and flourish over the years. Sharing the marine corridor with the Galapagos Islands, the marine park is now a world-class diving and whale watching destination offering access to Bahia Damas Reef, the largest reef on the Pacific coastline of the American continent.

Said Ivan Eskildsen, Panama’s minister of tourism, in a press statement: “Expanding the protection of its marine ecosystem demonstrates our country’s collaborative effort in making a positive global impact as a leader in environmental conservation and ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy it.”

Diving at Coiba Marine Park gives visitors a chance to see an incredible array of species, from manta rays to hammerhead sharks, and even whale sharks, during some parts of the year. Off the northeastern coast of Coiba Island, visitors will find Granito de Oro, a small island popular among casual snorkelers hoping to experience the marine magic of Coiba. The structure of the tiny island preserves a pristine white sand beach, creating a reef that is home to a myriad of species including eels, sea turtles and many schools of colorful fish.

Coiba Island’s tropical rainforest is also one of Panama’s top destinations for birdwatching. The island is home to approximately 147 species, including endemic subspecies such as the Coiba spinetail and brown-backed dove. It is the only place in the country with a thriving population of the scarlet macaw.

Panama’s participation in the 30×30 Global Ocean Alliance and being ahead of the 2030 objective, supports the country’s Tourism, Conservation and Research strategy. In addition, it will further contribute to the development of the destination’s heritage routes, which were launched as part of Panama’s Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism. A network of circuits that highlight the unique richness and diversity of Panama’s natural and cultural heritage, the routes focus on three core areas: Cultural Heritage (multifaceted culture), Green Heritage (extraordinary biodiversity), and Blue Heritage (ocean wonders).

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United Airlines expanding routes to Costa Rica as travel rebounds

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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Costa Rica:

United Airlines is preparing a significant expansion into Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean during the upcoming U.S. winter.

The Chicago-based airline is “planning ahead by increasing service to cities in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America,” it announced. This includes 30% more flights to “Latin beach and leisure markets” compared to 2019.

Per The Points Guy, United is adding or increasing flights on the following routes to Costa Rica, with options to both Liberia, Guanacaste (LIR) and the San José area (SJO):

Denver to SJO.
Los Angeles to SJO.
San Francisco to LIR (begins December 5).
Los Angeles to LIR.

“We know our customers are already eager to plan winter vacations and gatherings in person this year to make up for time that they lost,” said Ankit Gupta, vice president of network planning at United.

“As pandemic restrictions ease, people are becoming more confident in planning travel further in advance, so we want to make sure to offer our customers as much choice as possible.”

Costa Rica fully reopened its air borders to tourists last November. It currently requires that visitors purchase travel health insurance, but that requirement will be dropped for minors and vaccinated travellers as of August 1, 2021.

Tourists do not need to quarantine on arrival or bring proof of a negative coronavirus test.

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Travel Experiences: Guitar Makers of Ecuador

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Ecuador:

Have you ever heard of the guitar makers of Ecuador?

While were hibernating the remainder of 2020 out with few opportunities to travel internationally, there’s always the plotting and scheming for adventures next year. And if we’re to travel slower and more sustainably, and experiences matter more than destinations, then here’s another handful of ideas if you plan to ride South America generally and Ecuador in particular. Instead of just traveling along the Pan American highway, consider:

The Guitar Route
Ecuador is famous for its biodiversity, the Galapagos Islands, and the Andean routes, but it is diverse culturally as it is rich in natural wonders. Aside from its indigenous communities, places like Otavalo and Cotacachi famous for local leather artisans, and its world-famous chocolatiers, Ecuador is also home to some of the most masterful guitar makers of South America.

Guitars made in Ecuador end up in the hands of famous classical guitars players from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, and you can find a wide variety of local artists making exquisite musical instruments in the most unlikely places. To connect with local guitar makers of Ecuador and see their work up close, start in Cuenca and visit the small towns of Bartolome and Sigsig. Often, you’ll spot the guitar makers’ homes and workshops right from the road, and you can simply pull up to any one of them and say hi – the locals love showcasing their work to travellers. Added bonus: there’s no shortage of scenic rides and dirt trails in the area.

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Moravia: Colombia’s unexpected green oasis

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Colombia:

For years, the Moravia neighbourhood of Medellín was the city’s rubbish dump. But in recent years, this former landfill has blossomed into a thriving arts and cultural centre.

Stroll through Medellín’s working-class Moravia neighbourhood on any given morning and you’ll see a hawker belting out “aguacates!” through a small loudspeaker while dragging a wooden wagon of gigantic avocados behind him. Scents of deep-fried cheese-and-dough fritters swirl from heated buñuelo displays. Glancing up amid the winding sea of humble brick-and-cement abodes, a grandma hangs her clothes out to dry on a thin wire on her balcony. Amid it all, motorcycles, delivery trucks and stray dogs do a delicate dance while navigating the narrow roads.

This multisensory experience may not seem entirely out of place elsewhere in Colombia, but it was unfathomable here just years ago. That’s because, not only was Medellín dogged by its reputation as the world’s unofficial “murder capital” for years, but Moravia once had a particularly undesirable reputation within the city: it was its rubbish dump.

Medellín is just three decades removed from its designation as “The Most Dangerous City” in the world by Timemagazine. In 1991, the homicide rate peaked at a world-high of 380 per 100,000 people as the country’s drug war oozed into the streets and facets of everyday life. Today, those years appear to be long gone. The homicide rate is roughly one-fifteenth of what it once was, there’s a genuine sense of revitalisation in the air and public projects are breathing new life into the city.

A squeaky-clean Metro system now whizzes above ground, cable cars string into hillside barrios, and public escalators wind through the once-unnavigable Comuna 13 neighbourhood. Each of these is not only a picturesque way for visitors to take in the city’s skyline and sky-high Andes Mountains vistas, but they also connect those in some of Medellín’s poorest and hardest-to-navigate neighbourhoods with the centre city and job opportunities.

When viewed from above, beige-and-brick structures dot Medellín’s landscape. The northern half of the city is enclosed by mountains, but there is one noticeable green heap in the centre of town just north of the Parque Norte amusement park: the Morro de Moravia (Moravia Hill), which is blanketed in grass, walking paths and gardens and is punctuated with a large greenhouse on top. Yet, walking up the mountain, you’re greeted with large signs and historical photos showing what life was once like on this now-serene hill: black-and-white images reveal a vast landscape of dirt, hand-made shanties built from rubbish and locals picking through the city’s dumped debris.

When the Ferrocarril de Antioquia regional railroad connected Moravia with the surrounding countryside in the 1960s, it brought displaced families forced to relocate to the safer confines of the city. Their once-quiet lives outside Medellín had been made dangerous by right- and left-wing militarists engaging in a partisan war over land and goods. Settling in Moravia – which formed in the early 1900s as a linear settlement bordering the railroad and slowly expanded out from it – was a safer bet.

In the 1970s, the city authorised the area to be used as a municipal landfill, which led this slowly new barrio to explode into a mountain of garbage. As a result, a number of the previously displaced families were relocated to the western hills of Medellín. Other families resisted further relocation as the trash began piling up all around them. Of the families that resisted and remained, many operated recycling operations out of their homes to make a living.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Moravia – like so much of the broader “City of the Eternal Spring”, as Medellín is known – was marred by violence and drug trafficking. In the 2000s with the peak of its conflict behind, hope began to emerge. The Integral Improvement Plan of Moravia was implemented in Moravia and, among other things, it allowed those still residing adjacent to the trash pile to pay for and legally acquire their land and homes.

The landfill was transformed into a garden for the city. In 2004, approximately 15,000 people lived among the rubbish at the Morro de Moravia. In 2006, the area was declared a public disaster, and a mix of Moravia’s residents, local government, universities and international agencies planned and implemented a way forward, leading the landfill-dominated landscape to not only evolve but blossom.

Today, Ramírez proudly walks locals from elsewhere in Medellín and tourists alike through Moravia. Along the journey, she stops at the Centro de Desarrollo Cultural (Cultural Development Centre), Moravia’s central gathering and communal space that opened in 2008, which is typically bustling with creatives, artists and cultural programming. In addition to the must-see 30,000sq m park that was once a trash pile and looms over the neighbourhood’s western edge, Ramírez pauses at colourful murals depicting community heroes as well as some of her favourite local restaurants. Among these is El Mezzón De La 55 – where locals bring their own soup bowls and load up on sancocho (a brothy Colombian soup with chicken, a small piece of corn on the cob and vegetables) – and an unbranded almojabanas (Colombian cheese bread) bakery operating out of a small residence.

“Moravia has a deep-rooted history and identity,” Ramírez said. “[Residents] have closely seen and participated in the transformation processes through struggles in defence of the territory.”

What’s next for Moravia?

Moravia continues to evolve while paying homage to its unique past.

Ana Cristina Vélez Bunzl is a Medellín-based tour guide who regularly takes guests to Moravia, the Comuna 13 barrio and the Museo Casa de La Memoria (The House of Memory Museum) – a solemn and powerful museum focusing on those displaced by Colombia’s conflicts through the years, including so many within Moravia.

“These places are important because we get to understand the real issues that a city like Medellín has had,” said Bunzl. “We can leave the myth of ‘drugs are the only problem in Colombia’ behind and deeply understand the internal conflict of the country and how it affects this unique city. Neighbourhoods like Moravia have gone through a lot dealing with that conflict and have found in music, art and culture a way of telling their stories and resisting.”

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Chile Tourism Board Prepares For Travel Rebound

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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Chile:

With its sights set on revival of tourism to the country, the Chile Tourism Board, with help from other national entities, has put in place a number of projects and initiatives that will strengthen the country’s tourism offerings once the borders open for foreign travelers. Following the most recent border closure in April 2021, the Chile Tourism Board turned its focus on infrastructural updates and trainings and also began a campaign highlighting tour guides to better prepare for a travel rebound.

The country, which received over 220,000 tourists from the U.S. in 2019, prior to the pandemic, is giving its largest airport, Santiago de Chile’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, a $900 million facelift that will allow the airport to receive 30 million travelers, up from the 16 million visitors it can currently receive. The official re-inauguration of a new international terminal is slated for the end of 2021 and will include over 2 million square feet of facilities. Pretty cool: One of the levels of the airport’s new parking buildings will operate as an open-air amphitheater for free cultural events and other activities.

The Chile Tourism Board has also made use of the downtime by training hundreds of local tourism companies, helping them upgrade their digital skills. SERNATUR, a government entity representing the Chile Tourism Board, used SIGO Technology to provide the interactive digitalization training. As the pandemic sped up the use of digital platforms, these businesses were able to gain a competitive edge by acquiring new digital skills and tools that allowed them to strengthen their positioning online.

Another notable SERNATUR campaign is “Relatos de Guías,” or “Tales by Guides” in English. It invites tour guides to submit a video where they give a virtual tour of their Chilean destination of choice. Launched in June, nearly 2,000 guides have participated and will be compensated financially for sharing their video. Then, SERNATUR’s production team will work alongside the participating guides to produce a five-minute video, which will be published online.

Prior to COVID-19, American travelers were one of the country’s top feeder and priority markets. The average length of stay for U.S. tourists to the country was approximately 15 days while the average daily spend was nearly $100. Chile has become increasingly attractive to North American travelers, especially due to its location on the west coast of South America, which allows for a variety of climates and ecosystems making it well-suited for adventure experiences. Due to this favorable climate, the country also enjoys some of the world’s clearest skies for stargazing, as well as vineyards that produce top-quality wine.

While borders remain closed to foreign tourists, Chile has seen an increase in national and international air routes, which will continue as new mobility passes start being granted to locals. Per Chile’s Civil Aeronautics Board, there was a 237.7 percent increase in international air traffic in May 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020. Furthermore, Chile’s National Statistics Institute indicates that occupancy rates for hotel rooms registered an increase of over 200 percentage points in April 2021, compared to the same month in 2020. Chile’s mobility pass, issued by the national government, came into effect on May 26 and will allow domestic travel, among other activities, for people who have their two vaccine doses.

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Peru’s Inca Trail permits go on sale for the first time since March 2020, with limited capacity

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Peru:

After nearly 16 months, Inca Trail permits go on sale for the first time today through licensed operators at 50 percent reduced capacity for the remainder of the year starting July 15 2021, according to Intrepid Travel.

Today marks the first opportunity for hikers to resume booking guided tours to explore the infamous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu since the Peruvian government closed its borders last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers can only reserve a permit through authorized travel companies and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The number of hikers allowed on the trail has been cut in half from 500 to 250 until at least the end of 2021 and includes tourists, porters and guides, which means travellers will be limited to 100-120 per day.

In addition to the reduced capacity to accommodate for social distancing, other pandemic-related modifications include smaller walking groups, temperature screenings, enhanced cleaning protocols for tents and equipment, social distancing between tents and trekkers and mask-wearing policies.

Rules for the 2022 season for the trail have not yet been released.

Although Peru is a year-round destination, April to October is considered to be the best time to visit given that it’s the country’s dry season, with June and July being the most popular among hikers. The trail is closed yearly in February for maintenance.

While there is no minimum age for hiking Inca, most travel companies recommend children be at least 10-years-old and able to handle a “moderate trek” surpassing 10,000 feet. Highlights include WinayhuaynaInti Punku, also known as Sun Gate, Llactapata Dead Woman’s Pass and of course Machu Picchu, one of the world’s top tourist destinations. For those looking to skip straight to Machu Picchu, you can book directly through the Peruvian government, with the similar caveat of booking ahead and being flexible due to capacity limitations and social distancing measures.

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The Best Boutique Hotels in Bariloche, Argentina

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

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Argentina:

From art hotels with original Argentinian pieces to chalet-style ski resorts, these are the best boutique hotels in Bariloche – all bookable on Culture Trip.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into Central Europe upon arrival in Bariloche, Argentina. With a thriving chocolate industry, ski resorts and chalet-like boutique hotels, there is a distinctly Alpine feel to this Patagonian outpost. Yet, on further inspection, it becomes clear that Bariloche has a distinct character. From pine-fringed Nahuel Huapi lake to the hotel restaurants specializing in sizzling steaks and Malbec wine, this Argentinian city is a delightful blend of cultures. These are the best boutique hotels in town.

El Casco Art Hotel
While the original Argentinian art is certainly worth a look, it’s the views over Nahuel Huapi lake that are the real draw. Ingenious design frames those views from every angle: through the glass wall bordering the indoor pool, over steak and scallops at the Patagonia-inspired restaurant and from the bubbling outdoor hot tub at the spa. Art-filled rooms sport dark-wood furnishings and, in some cases, balconies overlooking the lake.

Aldebaran Hotel & Spa
Aldebaran, with an intimate, cabin-like atmosphere, looks back at Bariloche over an inlet of Nahuel Huapi lake. A fire roars in the stone-walled lobby, wicker abounds in the dimly lit rooms and a sauna and pool invite you to unwind. Book your spot at Sirius restaurant, which has just 20 seats, serving smoked meats and asado, as well as a selection of more than 150 wines. Heading out to explore the area? The staff here specialize in organizing ski trips to nearby Cerro Cathedral.

Galileo Boutique Hotel
From the outside, this boutique hotel, located at the base of Patagonia’s premier ski destination (with 53 slopes), resembles a clapboard chalet resort. Inside, however, rooms have a modern feel and range from king-size studios with a jacuzzi to a four-bedroom villa that sleeps up to 10. Unusually, there’s an astronomical observatory on site, with a Celestron telescope and weekly visits from an amateur guide during the winter season. During the summer, staff can organize biking and paddle boarding trips.

Monasterio
On the pine-forested slopes of Cerro Otto, in suburban Bariloche, accommodation at Monasterio is on the larger side – from the junior suite with hydromassage tub to the wood-panelled two-bed cabin, with fireplace and kitchen-dining room. Tired after skiing? A Scandinavian-style spa offers hot-stone massages and facial treatments along with the use of a sauna and pool. There’s also an on-site gym, if you have the energy.

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India Travel Update

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news.

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India:

Indian aviation industry will bounce back to 80% of pre-Covid capacity during October-December 2021 period as about 9.2 crore domestic passengers are expected to take to the skies during financial year (FY22) and 14.4 crore during FY23. This was revealed by Morgan Stanley Research in its recent report on the aviation sector. “Overall, we estimate 9.2 crore domestic passengers in India in FY22 against 14.1 crore in FY20,” the report said, assuming that there is no further impact from the pandemic.

Air traffic picked after lockdown was lifted in May 2020 and rose every month till March 2021 before the second wave of Covid-19 hit the country. During May, the government set a cap stating that India will be able to sell seats up to 50% of their total capacity on domestic flights citing high number of Covid-19 infections and as travel demand fell during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Air passenger traffic in India rose for the sixth straight week during the week ending on July 10 as a fall in Covid-19 cases and easing of curbs by most states led more people to take to the skies.

“As vaccination rollouts continue across the world, key markets are seeing a sharp rebound in domestic air travel,” Morgan Stanley said. “With the second wave appearing to ebb, airline passenger traffic is again seeing a modest recovery.”

Over the past week, daily airline passenger traffic reached an average of about 140,000, implying about 36% of pre-Covid traffic (about 175,000 passengers on July 4, 2021, implying about 44% of pre-Covid levels),” the report said. “We believe that there is a significant pent-up leisure travel demand in the system and swift vaccination drive can aid the return of such demand,” it added.

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Airlines in India will bounce back to 80% pre-Covid capacity this year

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

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India:

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Cyprus showcases ancient undersea harbor to draw tourists

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Activity.

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Cyprus:

It’s said that Demetrius the Besieger, a mighty warrior king and one of Alexander the Great’s successors, built this harbor on Cyprus’ southern coast 2,400 years ago to thwart a potential naval invasion from the ruler of Egypt, Ptolemy I, another of Alexander’s heirs.

French archaeologists who initially studied the ancient harbor of Amathus believe it to be an incomplete military fortification work, the three piers of which would have accommodated the best of the ancient world’s naval ships, ready to repel an attacking force.

Lying just a few feet underwater a mere 200 feet off the coastline near the resort town of Limassol, the harbor will soon be Cyprus’ newest tourist attraction where adventurous holidaymakers can snorkel over its submerged stone remains.

It’s a novel direction for Cyprus’ tourism authorities, who are looking beyond the east Mediterranean island nation’s long-held “sun and surf” product to reach out to specialized tourism markets.

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