EXPECT THE WORLD

JUNE | JULY 2015

TOPTRAVEL

CRUISINGHOW TO PACKWHERE TO GO TIPPING FAVORITE APPS RESTAURANTS

The world’s finest travel agencies and advisors are Virtuoso®.

Ever considered using a travel advisor?If you’ve been planning vacations on your own, there’s another option.

Virtuoso travel advisors combine knowledge, personal experience, and

industry connections to design highly customized trips, handling all the

details to save you time.

Virtuoso travel advisors provide their clients with more value — VIP

perks, upgrades, and amenities, often at the same cost or even less than

doing it on your own. Whether you already know where you want to go,

or are looking for inspiration, they’d be delighted to work with you.

Rely on Virtuoso travel advisors for everything from simple weekend

getaways to the most complex itineraries.

Check out the Virtuoso advisor catalog on virtuoso.com to find the one who’s right for you.

VIRTUOSO TRAVELER brought to you by

The Virtuoso Network of 300+ Worldwide Travel Agencies

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Senior Vice President/Publisher Terrie L. HansenEditorial Director Elaine Srnka

EDITORIAL/DESIGNEditor Joel Centano

Designer Veronica RosalezDigital Content Manager Ted Bauer

Contributors Viia Beaumanis, Anita Carmin, Susan Hanson, Malene Zenaida

Copy Editors Becky Alderson, Diane Sepanski Researchers Stephanie Ball, Mary Risher

Coordinators Denise Rodriguez, Natalie Sherman

MARKETING/ADVERTISINGManaging Director, Marketing and Communications Sharon McGrath

Managing Director, Marketing Products Laura SportDirector, Global Public Relations Misty Ewing BellesSenior Manager, Marketing Services Kim Bradshaw

Global Marketing Manager Gena Wooten Marketing Services Specialist Molly Mayfield

PRODUCTIONDirector Kathy Terrell

Senior Production Managers Becky Alderson, Jona Cherry

Photo Production Walter Kelly, John LuntLayout Production Marcia Friedman

CIRCULATION/DATABASE MANAGEMENTLanecha White, Amy Hyde,

Gaylynn Magers

ACCOUNT SALESKevin Abell, Beth Butzlaff, Annabel De Wulf,

Cece Drummond, Cricket Ducat, Xabier Eguren, Arllys Filmer-Bennett, Trisha Foresman, Audra Fuest, Christine Gilbert, Karen Goldberg, Tony

Logan, Karyn McCarthy, Jocelyn Rodriguez, Wendy Romanow, Daniela Trotta, Mary Kaye Zanatta

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Virtuoso® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 350 travel agencies with nearly 9,000 advisors in 25 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as 1,700

of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. All pricing and travel described herein are subject to change and availability, and restrictions may apply. Prices are per person, double occupancy, in U.S. dollars, and do not include taxes or other fees unless

stated otherwise. Publisher assumes no liability for the representations contained herein. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited art, photography, or manuscripts. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher. CST#

2069091; TA# 808 - Registered Iowa Travel Agency; Washington UBI # 601 554 183. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Copyright © 2015 by Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved. Within the United States, Virtuoso, the

Globe Swirl Logo, Specialists in the Art of Travel, Voyager Club, Virtuoso Traveler, Orchestrate Dreams, and Return on Life are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Best of the Best, Expect the World, Virtuoso, Travel Differently, The Traveler’s Guide to Inspired Pursuits,

and Journey to Global Citizenship are trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, © 2000. Outside of the U.S., these marks are the property of Virtuoso, Ltd., and are registered with the United States Patent and

Trademark Office, as well as numerous national trademark registries around the world. All rights reserved.

ContentsJ U N E | J U L Y 2 0 1 5

ABOUT VIRTUOSO TRAVELER

Published six times per year, this magazine

introduces you to the benefits of working

with a Virtuoso travel advisor: custom travel

experiences with exclusive perks and VIP

access – created just for you.

VIP

TRAVEL TWO WAYS

French Riviera or Mexican Riviera?

Two sun-soaked cruises for two budgets.

JOURNEY TO GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Philanthropic travel has the

power to keep on giving.

TRAVELER’S TALE

Taking on the Queen Mary 2

with a toddler.

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Virtuoso advisors share their top 59

travel tips, from planning to packing to

pointing you to that perfect picnic spot.

ONLY IN ...

Ecuador: Sky biking along the canopy

of the Andean cloud forest.

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Check-In

Bon Voyage

On Tour

Calendar

Goods & Gadgets

On the Fly

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10

14

16

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Highly intoxicating:

The Siam’s Opium

Spa in Bangkok.

Heed the call of the wild in style

at Kenya’s Bateleur Camp.

Made in the shades: The classic Raconteur

from Revo. 18

NEW YORK HAS A NEW ANTHEM

BEST CRUISE LINE IN THE CARIBBEAN

Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards

2003 – 2014YEARSRUNNING

12 BEST CRUISE LINE OVERALL

Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards

2003 – 2014YEARSRUNNING

12

Anthem of the SeasDEPARTING FROM CAPE LIBERTY, NEW JERSEY

Caribbean sailings from 7 to 12 nights

November 2015 — April 2016

Plan a winter escape to the Caribbean now on

the newest and most revolutionary ship from

Royal Caribbean®. Anthem of the Seas℠ ofers an

array of stylish accommodations, including luxurious

two-story suites for the ultimate getaway. The dining

choices are as diverse as they are delicious, from the

rustic fare of Jamie’s Italian — the exclusive concept

from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver — to the timeless cuisine

of the elegant Grande. There are signature innovations

onboard, like North Star℠ views from 300 feet. Shopping

at elegant boutiques such as Bvlgari and Hublot. Dazzling

complimentary entertainment, including the hit musical,

“We Will Rock You,” on the main stage. Plus so much

more. Only on Royal Caribbean.

Anthem of the Seas℠

12-NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Labadee®, Haiti (a Royal Caribbean private resort) • San Juan,

Puerto Rico • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • Fort de France, Martinique •

Bridgetown, Barbados • Basseterre, St. Kitts

Departs January 3, February 21 and March 27, 2016

Dinner (SRK3) ofer is valid on Balcony category staterooms. Dinner and Spa (SRK7) ofer is valid on Junior Suite and above staterooms booked between January 1 – December 31, 2015 on any 7-night or longer sailing open for sale. Not all ships feature specialty dining and restaurants vary by ship. Guests sailing on ships with no specialty dining will receive a bottle of wine in the room on embarkation as a substitution. Coupon is valid for dinner only for Chops Grille, Portofno, Giovanni’s Table, Samba Grill or Solarium Bistro. On Oasis-class ships, 150 Central Park and Johnny Rockets Special dining events that take place in Specialty restaurants are excluded from the dining ofer. Izumi, Chef’s Table, Mystery Dinner Theater, Vini d’Italia and Portofno Wine Series on all ships are also excluded. Voucher cannot be used toward the purchase of specialty dining packages. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are not included, and are available at an additional cost. Specialty dining gratuities are included. Coupon has no monetary value and it is the guest’s responsibility to present this coupon to the restaurant when making their reservation should they wish to utilize this coupon. Reservations must be made onboard, and cannot be made in advance online in order to redeem this ofer. Dinner ofer is valid for one dining experience for up to two guests in one stateroom. Dinner ofer may not be broken up into multiple single dining experiences. This ofer does not give guest(s) any priority for reservations, or if there is a wait to be seated in the restaurant. May be used with any promotional programs, sale items, Crown & Anchor Society discounts or any other discount programs. Spa ofer is limited to one per stateroom. It will be at the guest’s discretion as to which guest on the booking redeems the spa ofer. The guest redeeming the treatment will choose one of three treatments: La Thérapie Hydrolift Facial; Swedish Massage; Refexology including Massage. Dinner and Spa ofers are not redeemable for cash. These ofers are valid for new individual and group bookings only. Booking eligibility is based on when the booking is created not deposited or date of fnal payment. Itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees are additional. Ofer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions may apply. ©2015 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 15043834 • 04/17/2015

Contact your Virtuoso Advisor to learn about

more itineraries, plus Virtuoso exclusive

amenities including a complimentary spa

treatment and specialty dining experience.

Beyond the expected

follow us

IPVThe perks and privileges of using a Virtuoso travel advisor + Our picks for where to go and what to pack

EXCLUSIVE HOTEL STAYS 6 |PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS 10 |TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS 14 |CALENDAR 16

J U N E | J U L Y 2 0 1 5 5

VIP IS REPORTED BY SUSAN HANSON,

VIIA BEAUMANIS, AND ANITA CARMIN

A visit to Charleston’s historic Heyward-

Washington House highlights Crystal

Cruises’ upcoming call in one of America’s

best-preserved colonial cities. Virtuoso

guests are invited on a private tour of the

mansion – built in 1772 for one of the

signers of the Declaration of Indepen-

dence and once inhabited by George

Washington – led by a curator with special

knowledge of its impressive collection of

colonial-era furniture. Afterward, sample

local specialties such as fried catfish

and rabbit leg confit at the Circa 1886

restaurant before the 1,070-passenger

Crystal Symphony continues on its 15-day

exploration of the eastern seaboard.

Departure: October 31, 2015; from $5,005.

Southern Charms

From left: A lofty view

of Charleston, Heyward-

Washington’s American

rococo chimneypiece, and

Crystal Symphony at sea.

Heyward-Washington

House

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V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M6

VIP Check-In

Step into the ring in Thailand, spice things up in Venice, and hit Arizona’s open road.

EXCLUSIVE HOTEL STAYS

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OUT OF THE BOXThailand’s national pastime, muay thai, takes boxing to a whole other realm. Known as the “art of eight limbs,” the sport uses eight points of contact – basically, the entire body – requiring great physical and mental discipline. Guests of The

Siam, a boutique hotel with 39 suites and villas set on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s historic district, can partake in private lessons with a pro fi ghter and muay thai cham-pion while going a few rounds in the hotel’s on-site ring. The master class is followed by an herbal steam and 90-minute signature muay thai mas-sage in the Opium Spa. Doubles from $535; Virtuoso guests receive a room upgrade, if available; breakfast daily; and a one-hour sunset river cruise for two. Muay thai experience (3.5 hours) from $415 per couple.

BEST LOCAL THAI FOOD

Krua Apsorn, hands down.

Order the green curry with fish

balls, the crabmeat omelet, gi-

ant river prawns with garlic (be

sure to eat the head oil!), and

stir-fried Thai flower with pork.

For dessert, the fresh coconut

water sorbet is brilliant.

For street food, Jae Fai is legend-

ary. A bowl of noodles there costs

ten times as much as at every

other place – but is worth every

penny. Have your butler at The

Siam arrange for a cold bottle of

white wine to be waiting for you.

WHERE TO SEE MUAY THAI

Just a short tuk-tuk ride from

the hotel lies Ratchadamnoen,

an art deco stadium that

stages bouts with traditional

live music. Ringside seats are

best, surrounded by stands

full of animated betting.

MUST-SEE TEMPLE

Wat Benchamabophit is one of

Thailand’s most important and

beautiful. It’s made of white

Carrara marble imported from

Italy, and the gardens house 53

Buddha images.

BEATING BANGKOK’S TRAFFIC

Once you arrive at The Siam, never

get in a car again. The rarely seen

historic district has the greatest

concentration of temples, palaces,

and traditional markets in the

entire kingdom – and you can get

everywhere by tuk-tuk, on foot, or

via the hotel’s boat.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Bangkok’s Chinatown. It’s the big-

gest in the world, home to more

than a million ethnic Chinese. Take

a morning walk along Sampeng

Lane, where the shops sell every-

thing imaginable – cheap! At night,

the area is transformed into a

street-food heaven.

Jason Friedman, general manager of The Siam, shares his best bets for experiencing the city’s historic district.

BANGKOK BEHIND THE SCENES

Striking a pose at The Siam’s on-site

muay thai ring and (inset) Opium Spa.

Experiencing everything that Europe has to offer is made even

more memorable by staying in one of our luxurious suites,

where no detail is too small. You’ll dine on cuisine inspired by

the four corners of the world in our suites-only restaurant, enjoy

the exclusivity of a private lounge, and be treated to a level of

service that has helped make Celebrity Cruises the

world’s leading premium cruise line.

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor.

©2015 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 15043861 • 4/2015

Blu

2014 Best Cruise Line in Europe5

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M8

VIP Check-In

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* Head to South Mountain

Park in Phoenix and drive

the winding road to the

top of South Mountain.

Stop at any of the over-

looks along the way for a

picnic, or, on your return,

dine at The Farm at South

Mountain. About 50 miles.

* Drive along the Apache

Trail to Tortilla Flat or

venture just beyond to

Fish Creek Hill. Have

lunch in Tortilla Flat or

picnic at Lost Dutchman

State Park on the way

out or on your way back.

About 100 miles.

* Take the scenic route

to Sedona through

Wickenburg, Prescott,

and Jerome. Enjoy

lunch in any of the

towns along the way

or picnic at Red Rock

Crossing near Sedona.

About 310 miles.

Fast times and (below)

fine dining fill days at

Arizona’s Sanctuary on

Camelback Mountain.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain’s concierge, Carol Mathews, maps out three of her favorite drives.

ON THE ROAD

JOY RIDEThose staying at Scottsdale’s

98-casita Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain can get their kicks driving

Route 66 in a cherry-red Ferrari California. Remove the retractable

hardtop for, say, a full-day trip to

Flagstaff. Doubles from $259; Virtuoso amenities include a room upgrade, if available, and a 30-minute massage. Half-day Ferrari rentals from $650; full-day from $1,000. Special two-

night packages include a half-day

car rental and a gourmet picnic

lunch from elements restaurant,

headed by Food Network star Beau

MacMillan. From $1,384 per couple.

HAIL MARY Located on a private island near

Piazza San Marco, the 191-room

St. Regis Venice San Clemente

Palace recently opened to wide ac-

claim. Bloody Mary fans will love its

Lagoon Mary – a twist on the origi-

nal, born at the St. Regis New York

in 1934 – which features gin infused

with spices inspired by Marco Polo’s

travels. Doubles from $470; Virtuoso

amenities include a room upgrade, if

available, and a $100 dining credit.

INGREDIENTS

10 ou nces Hendrick’s gin

1 ounce/2 tablespoons white peppercorns

1 ounce/2 tablespoons cardamom seeds

0.5 ounce/1-inch piece fresh gingerroot

0.35 ounce/three 5-inch cinnamon sticks

13.5 ounces tomato juice

A few drops basil syrup (such as Monin)

A few drops Tabasco

Fresh basil leaves

Lime slices

Celery salt

DIRECTIONS

Pour the gin over the peppercorns,

cardamom, gingerroot, and cinnamon

in a large glass jar. Let the gin sit for

24 hours to infuse, then pour it into a

pitcher through a fine-mesh strainer.

Stir in the tomato juice, basil syrup, and

Tabasco. Garnish with the basil, lime, and

a sprinkle of celery salt. Makes 2 to 3

cocktails.

DO TRY THIS AT HOMEAndrea Coppi,

St. Regis Venice’s

head barman, shares

his recipe for the

soon-to-be-legendary

Lagoon Mary.

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M1 0

VIP Bon Voyage

The Isle de Bacchus winery and (inset) Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent restaurant.

Made for walking: A pedestrian-friendly path winds through the white-walled town of Óbidos.

PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS + CRUISE NEWS Tasteful travels: Voyager Club events in Québec City and Óbidos, “suite class” dining, and new cooking classes at sea. Plus, an insider’s look at AmaWaterways’ AmaPrima.

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GARDEN VARIETYKnown as the “Garden of Québec,” Île

d’Orléans is dotted with family farms, boutique wineries, and historic homes.

A short drive from the port of Qué-bec City takes Voyager Club guests traveling with Silversea Cruisesthrough this region, the birthplace

of New France, to sample homemade cheese and spruce beer. Visits to the

authentic Maison Drouin, built in 1730, as well as the meticulously restored Manoir Mauvide-Genest, lead to a lunch of locally produced fare at Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent, housed in an eighteenth-century fl our mill overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. A tasting and cellar tour at the family-owned Isle de Bacchus winery make the ideal departure gift before the 382-pas-senger Silver Whisper continues its ten-day voyage between Montréal and New York. Departure: September 25, 2015; from $6,650.

A PERFECT DAY IN PORT(UGAL) The scent of ginjinha – a sour cherry liqueur, served in tiny chocolate cups – wafts through the

narrow streets of Óbidos, a medieval

town just outside Lisbon. Voyager Club guests can sample the spirit

while exploring independently with a

private car and English-speaking driver when Regent Seven Seas Cruises overnights in the Portuguese capital this fall. Sail 11 days from Rome (Civitavecchia). Departure: October 21, 2015; from $7,599.

»

»

»

It’s Virtuoso’s free cruise-enhancement program, with

benefits that include:

WHAT IS VOYAGER CLUB?

The company of a

dedicated onboard host

A welcome-aboard

cocktail reception

Your choice of an exclusive

cultural shore excursion,

a private car and driver

on select sailings, or a

shipboard credit

CELEBRATING

YEARS

25

Have your travel advisor preregister for this excursion at least 46

days before the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner sets sail.

REMEMBER

SuezCanal

RedSea

Strait ofHormuz Gulf of

Oman

ArabianSea

Gulf of Aden

ÁgiosGulf of Oman

Strait ofMalaccaIndian

Ocean

ArabianSea

All fares are in US dollars, cruise only, for new bookings only, per guest, double occupancy, subject to availability. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of $350.57 to $907.45 per person are additional. Information herein is accurate at time of printing and is subject to change without prior notice. Seabourn reserves the right to correct errors. Ships’ registry: Bahamas. ©2015 Seabourn.

Delight is the worldat extraordinary savings.

JEWELS OF AR ABIA & INDIA from $4,999

Dubai to Singapore • 18 days • Nov 18, 2015

HOLY LAND & AR ABIAN GEMS from $3,999

Piraeus (Athens) to Dubai • 18 days • Oct 31, 2015

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Professional to begin your journey on the World’s Finest Small-Ship Cruise Line. Enjoy exclusive Voyager Club amenities including an onboard cocktail reception, shore event or shipboard credit on select sailings.

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M1 2

VIP Bon Voyage

SHIP SHAPE

We asked a Virtuoso advisor to dish on AmaWaterways’ AmaPrima.

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Bothell, Washington-

based travel advisor Ian

Johnson reflects on his

recent voyage.

FOOD & WINE

In addition to its main

dining room, AmaPrima

offers the intimate Chef’s

Table specialty restaurant

with its own private chef.

Another standout: the

excellent regional wines

served with lunch and

dinner. The U.S. market

knows about Hungarian

reds and Slovenian whites,

but the best wines being

made in Eastern Europe

don’t leave the continent.

I appreciated the chance

to sample vintages not

available at home.

TOP CABINS

Be sure to book one of the

twin balcony staterooms,

which feature both a

French balcony and sepa-

rate outside veranda.

FUN & GAMES

AmaPrima has two things

you won’t find on most

river vessels: a giant

chess board and a heated

pool with a swim-up bar

on the sundeck.

IN PORT

The ship carries a fleet of

complimentary bicycles

CLASS ACTGuests of Oceania Cruises can now select

from a fresh curriculum of cooking courses

offered by the line’s Culinary Centers aboard

Riviera and Marina. Focusing on regional spe-

cialties, 20 new hands-on classes include

Rock Your Wok and Viva Tapas, as well as a

two-day immersive homage to master chef

Jacques Pépin.

IN THE KNOW “We develop our curriculum to

provide an enriching experience for chefs of all

levels, from the novice to those more advanced

in the kitchen. Our instructors create an

environment to make all students comfortable

– it’s fun and lighthearted, but everyone

walks away with new culinary skills.”

– Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises’ director of

culinary enrichment

SEEING THE LIGHTContinuing its enhancement

of the Suite Class experience,

Celebrity Cruises recently

unveiled its exclusive restaurant,

Luminae. Airy and bright, the

open-seating venue (available

fleetwide with the exception

of Celebrity Xpedition) features

locally sourced ingredients, a

specially curated wine list, and

sophisticated dishes such as

caviar and crème fraîche and côte

de boeuf with béarnaise sauce.

Suite guests enjoy complimentary

breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

“Luminae’s array of options

allows our Suite Class guests

to try a new dish every night

for two weeks, if they desire. A

favorite of mine is the roasted

lamb loin and spicy merguez

sausage with marinated

cucumbers and herb yogurt,

perfectly paired with a Crozes-

Hermitage red from Cave de Tain

called Les Hauts du Fief.”

– Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO,

Celebrity Cruises

IN THE KNOW

LAUNCHED

2013

PASSENGERS

164

CLAIM TO FAME

Most staterooms

feature twin

balconies.

WATERS CRUISED

The Danube, Main,

and Rhine Rivers;

the Black Sea.

for independent or

guided excursions.

It’s a real plus for

those who love to stay

active on vacation.

DREAM CRUISE

The eight-day Black

Sea voyage between

Budapest and Ruse.

It’s the perfect way to

experience Hungary,

Croatia, Serbia, Ro-

mania, and Bulgaria

in just over a week.

In the flow: Biking in Dürnstein, Austria;

and (inset) toasting the AmaPrima.

It’s how you get there.

On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you don’t just pass through a destination - you experience it. Our ships feature

plush balcony staterooms, a fl eet of free-use bicycles and a sundeck with a pool so our guests can see Europe’s most

captivating sights from a unique perspective. Because it’s not just about where you go. It’s how you get there that matters.

LEADING THE WAY IN RIVER CRUISING

For reservations, please call your Virtuoso travel advisor

Voted Best River Cruise Line by Virtuoso Three Years in a Row

2012 | 2013 | 2014

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M1 4

VIP On Tour

Fly a kite in China, share fish tales in Newfoundland, and visit Mexico with the kids.TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS

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FINE CHINAEven as China forges into the future at supersonic speed, its past is ever present

in an array of ancient monuments, natural attractions, and cultural traditions.

National Geographic Expeditions reveals the country’s bounty on a ten-day private

exploration created in exclusive partnership with your Virtuoso travel advisor.

Journeys are specifi cally tailored to individual interests and include the chance to fl y

kites over a less-visited section of the Great Wall, move alongside a tai chi master

at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, cook Chinese dumplings in Xi’an, and observe giant

pandas in the bamboo forests of Chengdu. Departures: Any day through December 31,

2015; from $4,745 (including internal airfare, based on group of six).

GOOD READS

National Geographic magazine writer

Peter Hessler has authored several

insightful and entertaining books that

delve into China’s complex and rapid

modernization. Pick up Country Driving:

A Chinese Road Trip or Oracle Bones: A

Journey through Time in China.

NEWFOUND(LAND) FRIENDSNewfoundlanders are known

for their friendly demeanor,

and visitors can expect an

especially warm welcome

when exploring this rugged

island with Butterfield &

Robinson. Guided trips on a

weeklong bespoke adventure

might include, say, meeting

with local artists, fishing trips

to the Bonavista Peninsula,

and, on mid-July visits, row-

ing in The Great Fogo Island

Punt Race. Departures: Any

day July 1 through August 31,

2015; from $6,000.

IN THE KNOW “While in the capital of Saint John’s,

be sure to dine at Raymonds. Chef Jeremy Charles’

terroir-driven wild food – think Acadian caviar

and diver scallops in sea urchin beurre blanc – is

extraordinary. Remember to book months in advance,

as tables are increasingly hard to come by.”

– Norman Howe, Butterfi eld & Robinson’s president and CEO

IN THE KNOWKeith Butler, senior program director for

National Geographic Expeditions, offers

his wisdom on how to make the most of

this private tour – and what sets it apart.

INSIDER ACCESS

In Xi’an, our guests view

the Terracotta Warriors

from the lower-level

platform, which offers

fewer obstructions and

better photographic

opportunities. On a

walking tour of Beijing’s

hutongs, they visit the

home of a local family

to experience daily

life in these historic

neighborhoods.

EXPERT GUIDES

In Beijing, master kite-maker Liu Bin

or one of his associates demonstrates

traditional techniques passed down

through the generations.

LOCAL FLAVOR

If you can handle a bit of spice, a

Sichuan hot-pot in Chengdu is a must.

SOUVENIR

From jade sculptures to silk embroidery

to Mao propaganda dolls, the Old

Bazaar in Shanghai is an excellent

place to find beautiful handicrafts or

interesting keepsakes – and try your

hand at bargaining.

Having a high time along

the Great Wall.

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Tickled pink in the Celestun Biosphere

Reserve and (above) cenote swimming.

MÉXICO CON LA FAMILIAFamily – central to Mexican life and culture – is the focus of this fully customizable

tour from Artisans of Leisure that travels between Mexico City and the Riviera

Maya. Visiting Mayan villages, swimming in cenotes (natural wells), and other

fun, educational activities are included throughout ten days of private sightseeing.

Departures: Any day through December 31, 2015; from $8,370.

“Families enjoy watching

famingos and other

colorful birds on a private

boat ride through the

Celestun Biosphere

Reserve. And since kids

love traditional Mexican

snacks, we take them to

our favorite churros shop

in Mexico City.”

– Ashley Ganz, founder and

CEO of Artisans of Leisure

IN THE KNOW

4 nights at the 5-star

Landmark Mandarin

Oriental, Hong Kong

including airfare &

private hotel transfers

from

$2839*

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor today for more information!*Conditions Apply: Additional fees for baggage may apply. The prices do not include baggage fees or other ancillary fees charged directly by the

airlines. Please refer to http://worldwidetraveler.com/baggage-fees.jsp or contact your airline for detailed information regarding their checked baggage

policies. The above destinations are served by a variety of carriers. Special promotions valid on new bookings only and prices are valid at time of

publication and may change prior to booking. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Tour and land packages only

include round-trip midweek airfare from Los Angeles and do not include meals unless otherwise indicated. Savings refect land prices only and vary by

resort and travel dates. Resort credits are not redeemable for cash. Availability is limited. Seats may not be available on all fights or tours. Rates and/or

package prices on airfares, cruises and tours are subject to holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges, and cancellation charges may be applicable

of up to the full price paid depending on the fare and/or package and when it is cancelled. U.S. or international government imposed taxes and

fees of up to $60 may apply on arrivals and departures depending on the itinerary chosen, and are payable to the appropriate airport authority.

Some fares may be non-refundable, but may be exchanged for a fee of up to $200, plus any additional airfare costs due to difference in new airfares.

Other restrictions may apply and vary by resort, cruise and airline carrier. Contact Worldwide Traveler for further details. Worldwide Traveler does

not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. Valid for travel thru 3/31/16. CST#2088177 WT#0048 SM 4/15

Hong KongSupported by

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M1 6

VIP Calendar

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Hands in the air at the 2014 Wight Festival.

Where and when to eat well, have a (costumed) ball, get artsy, and rock on.

WIGHT ONRocking since 1968 on an island just off the coast of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight Festival is widely regarded as Europe’s Woodstock. Look for everyone from Pharrell Williams to Fleetwood Mac to hit the stage at this year’s event. WHEN: June 11 to 14; isleofwightfestival.com.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

CARIB CARNIVALPlan on having a blast this

Independence Day while reveling

in the vibrant costume parades,

performances, pageants, and

freworks of the annual St. John

Festival – a monthlong fete that

coincides with carnival season

and culminates with a July Fourth

jamboree. WHEN: June 1 to July 4;

vicarnivalschedule.com.

CANADA

GOOD TASTEKnown for its postcard

charm and “conscious

cuisine” scene, British

Columbia’s capital, Victoria,

on Vancouver Island draws

the region’s best chefs,

winemakers, and cheese

producers for Taste, a

four-day gourmet fest that

celebrates sustainable, local,

and seasonal fare. WHEN: July

16 to 19; victoriataste.com.

INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITS

Les Caran d’Ache

de Picasso displays

etchings, drawings,

lithographs, and cutouts,

each produced with the

Cubist master’s favored,

Swiss-made Caran

d’Ache crayons.

WHERE: Kunsthaus

Interlaken, Interlaken,

Switzerland

WHEN: Through August

30; interlaken.ch

Yoko Ono: One

Woman Show,

1960-1971 collects the

conceptual artist’s

signifcant artworks,

performances, and

flms for a retrospective

addendum to her ’71

MoMA debut.

WHERE: Museum of

Modern Art, New York

WHEN: Through

September 7; moma.org

Venice Biennale, now in

its 56th year, promotes

new artistic trends and

features exhibits and

performances across

a spectrum of genres,

including architecture,

music, flm, and dance.

WHERE: Venues across

Venice, Italy

WHEN: Through

November 22;

labiennale.org

Local flavor: Regional chefs, food, and wines highlight

Victoria’s annual Taste fest.

To reserve your silver GalapaGos expediTion, conTacT your virTuoso Travel advisor.

of the GalápaGos experience

Every voyage. Every suite. Every detail.Ever refning luxury exploration, Silversea has made it easier than

ever to discover the wonders of the Galápagos. Introducing the

Evolution of the Galápagos Experience. All-inclusive fares now

include fights between Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands,

transfers, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, and even immigration

processing and park entrance fees. Plus, we’ll get you there, too

— enjoy Roundtrip Economy Air from select US/Canada gateways to Ecuador for as low as $199*.

Experience paradise as old as time itself and immerse yourself in

exhilarating explorations from the moment you step aboard, from

complimentary Zodiac tours, snorkelling and kayaking to nature hikes

led by our naturalist experts and certifed guides. Even in these exotic

isles, the hallmarks of Silversea remain, from the pampering attentions

of your butler to gourmet cuisine and complimentary wines and

spirits throughout the ship. The Evolution of the Galápagos

Experience — follow your instincts and leave the details to us.

2015 Year-round voyages aboard Silver Galapagos

plus roundtrip economy air to ecuador from $199*

now including fights between ecuador and the Galápagos, hotels and more on all voyages aboard Silver Galapagos.

2015

Silver Galapagos (Small Ship Category): Best Shore Excursions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All Package Fares shown are in US dollars, per guest, based on double-occupancy in an Explorer Suite. Fares are capacity controlled and subject to change at any time without notice. Availability of all suite categories cannot be guaranteed. Fares for single guests are available upon request. Additional restrictions may apply. All fares, savings, offers, itineraries and programmes are subject to change without notice. Voyage highlights, excursions and Enrichment Programmes shown are subject to change and/or cancellation without prior notice. *$199 Roundtrip Economy Air from the United States/Canada to Ecuador (Zones 1 and 2, select Eastern/Central gateways) and $299 Roundtrip Economy Air from the United States/Canada to Ecuador (Zone 3, select West Coast gateways) applies to new Silver Galapagos bookings made on or after March 31, 2015, and sailing after July 1, 2015. Offer valid for bookings made at least 60 days prior to departure. Offer for bookings made within 60 days of departure will be on request and pricing may vary. Airfares are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be modifed or discontinued at any time without notice. Roundtrip Economy Air offer available from select U.S./Canada air gateways only and pricing may vary depending on departure city. Offer applies to the frst two full-fare guests per booking. Air deviation fees apply at a rate of $100 per request plus additional air costs. Airline and routing are at the sole discretion of Silversea. Full passport information is required at time of booking and name changes are not permitted. Silversea reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions. Not combinable with any other promotional offer. Contact your travel professional for complete Terms and Conditions. Ships’ registry: Ecuador. SA15274

7-Day NORTH CENTRaL ITINERaRy

bAltRA › Bahia Darwin › El Barranco › Seymour Norte › Bahia Sullivan › Rábida › El Eden › Galapaguero Cerro Colorado › Punta Pitt › Gardner Bay › Punta Suarez › Estacion Charles Darwin › Puerto Ayora › Plaza Sur › bAltRA

7-Day wEsTERN ITINERaRy

bAltRA › Bartolomé › Playa Espumilla, Santiago › Punta Vicente Roca › Punta Espinoza › Caleta Tagus › Bahia Elizabeth › Post Offce Bay › Punta Cormorant › Galapaguera Cerro Colorado › Wizard Hill › Los Gemelos › Estacion Charles Darwin › Puerto Ayora › bAltRA

Fares FroM $6,750

evolutionthe

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M1 8

VIP Goods & Gadgets

TOTE NOTE Casually chic jute bags from fashion wholesaler 2 Chic are perfect for summer jaunts to the shops or the beach and come in a trio of seascape motifs. From $26, amazon.com.

GAME FRAMEThe classic Raconteur highlights why Revo’s high-tech polarized lenses

and sleek range of customizable styles have positioned it as a go-to line for

great-looking, UVA-shielded, performance shades. From $229, revo.com.PURE BEAUTY California’s Lather supplies all-natural,

private-label bath and beauty prod-

ucts to haute hotels from The Modern

Honolulu to the Four Seasons in Jackson

Hole. Never tested on animals and free

of parabens and sulfates, this eco-

friendly brand is ideal for sensitive skin

and includes items for men and women.

A travel-friendly Fly Away Kit comes

filled with its most popular products.

$22, lather.com.

MORE POWER TO YOUThe five-ounce Zipstick

portable power bank swiftly

charges Apple and Android

mobile devices and includes

an LED flashlight and piercing

panic alarm for personal

security. $30, arforher.com.

The Royal Palace at dusk

It’s happeningNOW

IN MADRID

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M2 0

VIP On the Fly

LUXE LAYOVERConnecting through Hong Kong International Airport? Book first class on Cathay Pacific and spend your layover in the airline’s marble-lined flagship lounge, redesigned with 12 shower suites; five private caban-as – each outfitted with a soaker tub, shower, and daybed; and The Champagne Bar, stocked with a gratis selection of fine bubbly.

HIGHER PLANE Privé Jets adds to its on-demand charter

services and access to a feet of more

than 6,000 private planes worldwide with

its Jet Setter program, featuring 24/7

concierges, fexible operational zones,

discounted hourly rates, and (unlike

most fractional programs) access to

all aircraft types. Your Virtuoso travel

advisor will work with Privé Jets to book

the craft best suited to your needs.

SWEET SEAT The trend for a more comfortable seat category, fitted between economy

and business, keeps expanding. Singapore Airlines is the latest in a slew of

carriers to launch a new premium economy class, with highlights that include

an eight-inch reclining seat, calf rests, and foot bars, along with active noise-

cancelling headphones, a full HD monitor, and expanded dining options.

Cathay Pacific’s first-class lounge in

Hong Kong features private cabanas

and (above) the sleek Champagne Bar.

Boeing Business Jet

Hawker 750

Challenger 605

GALERIES LAFAYETTE PARIS HAUSSMANN40, BD HAUSSMANN 75009 PARISMETRO: CHAUSSÉE D’ANTIN - LA FAYETTEOpen Monday through Saturday from 9.30 AM to 8 PM - Late opening every Thursday until 9 PMTel: +33 (0)1 42 82 36 40 - haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/

Find your location and save time with Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Application.

Located in the heart of Paris just steps from the Opera, the 70,000 square-meter fl agship store, a symbol of Parisian elegance, offers more than 3,500 brands, from affordable to the most prestigious designers.

A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE!Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann provides fashion

for all with a wide selection of French and international

brands.

Graced by a 100-year-old neo-byzantine dome built in

1912, the fl agship store on Boulevard Haussmann is home

not only to the largest fashion collections in the world for

women, men and children, but is also home to interior

design collections and a gourmet food hall.

FASHION, LUXURY & CREATION ON THE 1ST FLOORAn entertainer of light, the Architect Bruno

Moinard has imagined the space of the 1st

fl oor at Galeries Lafayette’s main store.

In a space designed to discovery trails, more than 300

brands cover the 4 600 square meters, including

17 new signature fashion brands and more than

170 new brands of accessories, most of which

are exclusive.

YOUR EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES• A complimentary glass of Champagne in our new Virtuoso

Premium Lounge (located on the second fl oor of the main store)*

• An access to our VIP services (personal shopper, private

lounges...)**

• A dedicated express tax refund desk

• A -10% discount card** with a Welcome Kit and a Paris Guide

Please contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor for details. * Galeries Lafayette Contact, 2nd fl oor of the main store from 9:30 AM to 8 PM.** Booking required.*** Not available on all items marked with a red dot, ask for complete conditions in store.

© T

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aut Voisin

THE DEPARTMENT STORE CAPITAL OF FASHION

GALERIES LAFAYETTE PARIS HAUSSMANN

PUBLI-REPORTAGE

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M2 2

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Travel Two Ways

FRENCH RIVIERA or MEXICAN RIVIERA? Glitz and glamour go up against sizzling adventure. By Susan Hanson

Two sun-soaked cruises for two budgets.

SOUVENIR Since 1926,

Parfumerie

Fragonard has

concocted rare

perfumes in

the medieval

town of Grasse,

about 12 miles

from Cannes.

Pick up a bottle

while touring the

aromatic factory

(20 Boulevard Fragonard).

SOUVENIR Family-run

Nidart Gallery in

Mazatlán’s Old

Town showcases

leather masks,

silver jewelry,

and other fine

handicrafts from

local artisans

(Libertad #45 esq. Carnaval).

7-day, $22,000 splurge 7-day, $3,000 steal

FLY: Land in Nice for Monte Carlo after flying

Lufthansa’s business class from Chicago via

Frankfurt. (Return flight is through Munich.)

From $7,968 (including taxes) per couple.

CRUISE: Sailing round-trip from Monte

Carlo, Seabourn’s 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn feels right at home in yacht-lined

ports such as Le Lavandou and Antibes.

Toast your voyage with a Champagne

cocktail on your penthouse suite’s spacious

veranda. Departure: October 10, 2015; from $13,998 per couple.

PLUS: From Sète, Virtuoso Voyager Club takes

you to Montpellier to tour one of Europe’s

oldest medical schools, visit with a master

craftsman of stringed instruments, and taste

local specialties. (For more on Voyager Club,

see page 10.) Free for Virtuoso guests.

TOTAL: From $21,966 per couple

FLY: Travel round-trip from Chicago to San

Diego (via San Francisco) in economy class

with Virgin America. From $798 (including taxes) per couple.

CRUISE: Holland America Line hits all

the Mexican Riviera hot spots while sailing

round-trip from San Diego. Spend sea days

creating travel videos in digital workshops

and browsing extensive art collections

aboard the 1,350-passenger Veendam. Departure: November 5, 2015; ocean-view fares from $1,798 per couple.

PLUS: Gyrating chefs in Cabo San Lucas

teach guests the secrets of salsa making

along with salsa dance moves during a

hands-on culinary experience. All-you-can-

drink margaritas relieve any inhibitions.

From $210 per couple.

TOTAL: From $2,806 per couple

Fishing for prize marlin off Cabo San Lucas, exploring the cobbled streets of Mazatlán’s

Old Town, and riding horseback along Puerto Vallarta’s hidden beaches highlight calls

along Mexico’s western coast.

France’s Côte d’Azur lures sun worshippers and the super-famous to mega-yacht magnet

Saint-Tropez, celluloid-loving Cannes, and foodie-favorite Menton. Just beyond the coast

lie quiet mountain towns such as Èze.

the most inclusive luxury experience™

THE WONDERS OF ASIA AWAIT

WITH FREE UNlImITED SHORE ExcURSIONS

plus2-FOR-1 ALL-INCLUSIVE FARES

FREE ROUNDTRIP AIR*

FREE EXTRAORDINARY LAND PROGRAMS

AND SO MUCH MORE

Additional Virtuoso Voyager Club Amenities on select voyages: VOYAGER CLUB HOST, PRIVATE COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND AN EXCLUSIVE SHORE EVENT

FOR VOYAGES AND RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR

* contact your virtuoso travel Advisor for terms & conditions.

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M2 4

Journey To Global Citizenship

Philanthropic travel has the power to keep on giving. By Joel Centano

I n 2009, following tours in Kenya with

Micato Safaris that included visits to

Nairobi’s Micato-AmericaShare Haram-

bee Community Centre, U.S. middle-

schoolers donated their bar mitzvah money

toward building a basketball court for local

children. (Donations from travelers originally

funded the center itself, which provides a

library, learning resource center, nursery

school meals, and one of the Mukuru slum’s

only sources of clean drinking water.) Five

years later, a similarly inspired Florida high-

school student raised funds for lacrosse

lessons, uniforms, and equipment while

teaming up with Micato-AmericaShare and

the Federation of International Lacrosse to

introduce Mukuru teenagers to the sport.

Travelers of all ages can leave lasting im-

pressions on the communities they visit, but

the impact works both ways. According to

Bayonne, New Jersey-based travel advisor

and voluntourism expert Sybil Ford, adding

a philanthropic component to vacations,

whether it’s for two weeks or two hours,

“can be life changing on both ends of the

exchange.” Ultimately, she says, “lifelong

relationships can be forged, cultural bridges

built, and worldviews broadened.”

Not sure which experience is right for your

family? “One of the benefts of working with

a travel advisor is being able to tailor your trip

based on individual interests and preferences,”

Ford adds, “and ways to give back can include

everything from rebuilding homes to donating

schoolbooks and medical supplies.” Here are

three experiences worth considering.

LASTING

CHANGE

All smiles at the

Harambee Community

Centre and (inset) en

route to Antarctica.

Opposite: A picture-

perfect moment in the

Peruvian Amazon.

1. DIG IN | KenyaAfter tracking the “big five” in the Serengeti and

Masai Mara, guests traveling with Micato Safaris

can give back, say, by planting trees and delivering

much-needed supplies to women and children at the

Harambee Centre. Additional kid-friendly activities on

this 16-day family-centric safari include bush trea-

sure hunts and traditional Swahili mask making. For

every safari it sells, Micato also sponsors a Kenyan

child’s education through primary school. Depar-

tures: Any Monday through December 28, 2015; from

$15,965 per adult and $11,975 per child under 15.

2. KEEP IT COOL | Antarctica“The human, environmental, and financial cost of

climate change is fast becoming unbearable,” UN

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared at the 2014

Climate Summit. “To ride this storm, we need all hands

on deck.” Enter Abercrombie & Kent’s small-group voy-

age to the White Continent. Traveling for 12 days aboard

Le Boréal – certified a “Cleanship” by Bureau Veritas for

its minimal ecological footprint – a maximum of 199

passengers and budding scientists can learn about the

impact of rising temperatures and visit Palmer Research

Station to deliver equipment used for climate-change

research. Departure: December 9, 2015; from $12,995.

3. SET GOALS | PeruSpotting pink dolphins, stargazing on deck, and playing soccer with children

living in remote villages highlight ten-day family cruises on the Amazon River

with International Expeditions. You can also tour water-treatment plants and

schools (donating supplies is welcomed) built or supported by the company,

which matches guests’ gifts of up to $50,000 per year to selected local orga-

nizations. Departures: Numerous dates June 5 through December 25, 2015; from

$4,498 per adult and $4,348 per child.

La Pedrera - Barcelona

Come for a walkin my garden!

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M2 6

Traveler’s Tale

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SAILING

If you’re toting a toddler on a cruise, the y 2 probably isn’t the

fi rst ship you’d think about sailing. Many parents recoil at the idea of a

seven-hour fl ight, much less a seven-day voyage, one that promises luxury

and pageantry rather than breakfast with live cartoon characters. But

intrigued by the fantasy and legacy of Cunard Line – which celebrates

its 175th anniversary this year – I turned to my advisor, Ellen LoVerde in

Denver, Colorado, for advice, assistance, and reassurance that a transatlantic

crossing would create the kind of memorable experience my daughter and

I would be telling stories about for years.

“A Cunard cruise is an enrichment

experience in meeting children from around

the world,” she says. “With several formal

evenings, it’s also a great way for children

to learn proper manners. Plus, there are

children’s activities (for ages 2 to 17) and

babysitting services in the evening.”

Even though the weather would be cool

during our cruise from Southampton, En-

gland, to New York, I chose a balcony room on

Deck 12 because of the generous views. “The

lower 5 and 6 decks are called ‘in-hall balcony

cabins’ because they protect clients from the

weather,” Ellen says, “but Deck 12’s balcony

is all glass, so you have an unobstructed view

without leaving your cabin.”

Outside our window, the horizon served as a

constant reminder that our lavish room wasn’t

hemmed in by city gray, but surrounded by

a cool, lapis-blue sea. It was the only way to

know we weren’t in a fi ve-star property on

land – just close the curtains and it’s a European

hotel room fi lled with traditional furnishings

and a bed with a welcoming nest of fl uffy

white pillows and cozy duvets. A bottle of

wine sat in a silver bucket on the table, and

indulgent toiletries from Penhaligon’s sparkled

on the bathroom shelf. The cabin was spacious

enough that I wasn’t tripping over toys.

Ellen predicted that my daughter would be

spoiled by all of the homesick grandparents

on board. It’s true that Cunard tends to

appeal to a more “traditional” age group,

as evidenced by the on-board Doris Day

lectures in the theater and the ballroom’s

Big Band entertainment instead of rock-

climbing walls and outdoor waterslides. As

From left: The Queen Mary 2 at sea,

a mother-daughter moment, and a

play haven.

Taking on the Queen Mary 2 with a toddl er.BY MALENE ZENAIDA

Magic Kingdom®Park, Walt Disney World®Resort

So, just how big can you dream?

Surely it will come as no surprise that Orlando is home to seven of the top ten theme parks. What you might not know is that Orlando offers a wealth of

VIP adventures and exclusive tours that take you behind the scenes where only a select few ever set foot. These magical experiences are the perfect

complements to our premier luxury properties, destination spas and world-class restaurants. Don’t put off your dreams. Contact a Virtuoso® travel advisor today.

Discovery Cove®Universal Orlando® Resort

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M2 8

we entered the elevators that frst night,

we were met with a few scoffs as my stroller

forced polished shoes to edge to the side. And

when the maître d’ escorted us to our table,

a few couples glanced our way in terror

that they had been seated in the Chuck E.

Cheese’s section. Intimidated, we retreated to

our room in a hurry, lamenting our unused

evening dresses, not yet sure how to acclimate

to an atmosphere that was a bit more “Queen

Motherly” than “grandmotherly.”

But the ship’s staff was helpful and

accommodating, and the hotel manager

offered suggestions on how to make the

most of the ship with a toddler in tow. The

next morning, we checked out The Play

Zone, a three-room, kid-focused facility

complete with a flm-screening area with

beanbag chairs, a book corner, and crafts that

relate to daily themes and port cities. There’s

an impressive ratio of children to caregivers,

but with only a handful of children on board

during our cruise, we often had the entire

facility to ourselves. At no extra charge, the

Zone opens from breakfast until lunch,

and then reopens from dinner until 11 pm,

allowing parents to enjoy the ship’s more

formal areas on their own.

The manager also arranged to seat us in

the dining room closer to other families

with small children. Waitstaff greeted us with

smiles, a high chair, and a kids’ menu featuring

typical favorites such as margherita pizza and

chicken tenders, while children in playful

fnery wandered over to the harpist plucking

her strings, though still under their parents’

watch. After the cheese course, we returned

to The Play Zone to watch a movie from its

well-stocked selection.

Over the next few days, with a better

knowledge of the ship, we knew exactly

when to pop over to the coffee shop for

an iced latte for me and a milkshake for

her, or head to the outdoor playground

Traveler’s Tale

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on the sixth deck for some climbing and

sliding in the fresh air. My daughter got to

know the Play Zone staff so well that she

asked for it frst thing in the morning, and

I could leave her to work on craft projects

while I got a massage or took a yoga class

at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. When the

Zone was closed, we napped or perused

shops flled with perfumes and teddy bears

(instead of the ones flled with diamonds

and Champagne). We were getting the hang

of life at sea.

As our trip progressed, we struck a balance

of mommy and child time, with hours spent

together as well as apart, when we could both

let loose on our own. On the penultimate

night of our trip, our worlds came together

at the masquerade ball. Underneath the

twinkling ballroom ceiling, my daughter

whirled around with me, mask in hand,

giggling wildly. Between each song, she

clapped for more. Staff we had befriended

stopped to chat, while other couples smiled

as my daughter attempted to waltz. She was a

true Cinderella, and we didn’t leave until the

lights turned on at midnight. We collapsed

on our bed, a pile of sequins and glitter,

dreaming about the perfect fnale to a fairy

tale at sea.

Sev

c , $599 as the third

or fourth a fare waived for

c d or four .

Multiple departures through December 15, 2015.

ADVISOR TIP

“Before sailing, request a

video of the ship so your

family can preview what to

expect on the floating hotel.”

– Ellen LoVerde, Denver, Colorado

Tips for sailing on the Queen Mary 2 with small children.

* Attend the Play Zone orientation after muster on the first

night. Even if you think you won’t use the day-care services,

it gives you a chance to tour the facilities and fill out all the

necessary paperwork if you do decide to drop off your child.

* The Zone is for parents too. If you didn’t pack a boatload of

toys, you can stay and play with your child.

* Order room-service breakfast. There’s no significant difference

between what’s available on the room-service breakfast menu

and what’s served in the dining rooms.

* Ask the maître d’ in advance for seating near other families. Tables are assigned for the entirety of the cruise, so

find one you’re comfortable with. Families tend to be seated

near the exit doors, which works well if you need to give a

crying child a break or take her to the restroom.

VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

The Queen Mary 2 provides

plenty of space to kid around.

The Haven by Norwegian®

• Suites and Villas among the largest at sea

d with pool and sundeck

• Exclusive dining options

• Pre-cruise concierge service

• Reserved seating for shows and more

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

7 Days ¥ Norwegian EscapeDeparts 11/14/15, 11/28/15, 12/12/15, 1/9/16

Miami ¥ St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands ¥ Tortola, British Virgin Islands ¥ Nassau, Bahamas ¥ Miami

Balcony fares from $1,099

Haven Suite fares from $3,499

BAHAMAS AND FLORIDA

7 Days ¥ Norwegian BreakawayDeparts 11/22/15, 12/13/15

New York ¥ Port Canaveral, Florida ¥ Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas ¥ Nassau, Bahamas ¥ New York

Balcony fares from $899

Haven Suite fares from $2,999

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

7 Days ¥ Norwegian GetawayDeparts 11/22/15, 12/6/15, 12/20/15

Miami ¥ Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas ¥ Ocho Rios, Jamaica ¥ George Town, Cayman Islands ¥ Cozumel, Mexico ¥ Miami

Balcony fares from $799

Haven Suite fares from $2,189

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED

THE HAVEN BY NORWEGIAN?

W e looking forwar

The Haven provides an unparalleled cruising experience. This secluded area offers 24-hour pampering and

exclusive amenities, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate between adventures onboard and ashore.

Book with your Virtuoso travel advisor to receive up to $50 per stateroom onboard credit!

M I A M I G R E AT S T I R R U P CAY O C H O R I O S G E O R G E TOW N C OZ U M E L S T. T H O M A S TO RTO L A NA S SAU

Of s discretion. Fares are olled and current at time of printing. Onboard Credit is in U.S. Dollars, per stateroom, applies to the 1st and 2nd guest on the reservation and

ds service charges. Offer is available for all categories, including Suites and Villas. Onboard Credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and has no cash value. Government taxes and fees, and onboard service charges are additional. Other r . Norwegian and Virtuoso are not r ors or omissions. Ships’ rand UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2015 NCL Corporation Ltd.

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M3 0

VIRTUOSO ADVISORS SHARE THEIR

Top 59 Travel Tips, FROM PLANNING TO PACKING TO POINTING

YOU TO THAT PERFECT PICNIC SPOT.

The benefi ts of working with a travel advisor are legion: peace of mind, global connections, customized vacations, value,

and VIP treatment – plus peerless knowledge gleaned from traveling the world.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly airports, hoping to stave off seasickness,

searching for a suite in Capri with stellar views, or wondering where to watch an

opera in Santa Fe, chances are your Virtuoso advisor knows the score.

Wisdomofearls

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Working with an Advisor

1“A travel advisor needs to know

their clients just as a fi nancial

advisor does. Travel is a fi nancial

investment, and we make sure

it’s right. What is your travel

objective? What destinations

are on your ten-year plan? What

types of travel have you done be-

fore – what did you like and what

didn’t you like? Share celebratory

dates: anniversaries, birthdays,

milestones. Anything you can

share helps us create that perfect

trip and ‘wow’ factor.”

– Alfred Volden,

Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Ask everyone in your travel

party for the one activity or at-

traction that is a must for them,

and have your advisor include

those in your itinerary. This

makes everyone feel invested

in and excited about the trip.”

– Mary Misinco, Macon, Georgia

3“Clients who are up front and hon-

est about what they want to spend

help us understand how to tailor

travel to them and create the trip

they really want. If we can’t reach

your every travel aspiration be-

cause the budget doesn’t match

the request, we can use amenities

we have to help us make your

budget work, such as food-and-

beverage credits, complimentary

transfers, and upgrades.”

– Shelby Donley,

Phoenix, Arizona

Expertise & Value

4“Virtuoso travel advisors have

relationships at luxury hotels

around the world that offer our

clients tremendous value.”*– Damian McCabe,

McLean, Virginia

plan on it

ON THE WEB

Visit Virtuoso.com to

research more than

1,000 hotels around

the world (all four-

and fi ve-star), as well

as 20,000 cruises,

13,000 tours, and

400-plus destinations.

On destination pages

(for example, Paris

or London), you can

glean information

about a location and

its Virtuoso-preferred

properties, review

cruises and tours

that visit there, and

read articles on that

destination. It’s one-

stop shopping as you

work with your advisor

to plan your next

dream trip.

5“Advisors have connections all

over the world, and we’ve often

worked on complex itineraries

with a variety of different proper-

ties, resorts, villas, and the like. If

you want a certain kind of vacation

experience, we can design it for

you, and we also know exactly

whom to call at the places you’ll

be staying and visiting to make

sure everyone’s on the same page.

Ultimately the goal for everyone

– advisor, hotelier, tour operator,

cruise director, etc. – is your hap-

piness. Isn’t that a great thing?”

– Stacy Hart, Jupiter, Florida

Don’t Forget

6“The days of having to choose

between authentic and luxuri-

ous are gone. Consider Aman

Resorts, where you’ll have a

local, authentic experience

in the lap of luxury, or Micato

Safaris, who will take you to

remote parts of Africa yet still

serve you a four-course meal

on fi ne china.”

– Jay Johnson,

Garden Grove, California

7 “Don’t plan every minute of every

day. Travel is about experiencing

the unexpected. Can you really

be certain you’ll want to eat a

12-course gourmet French meal

six months from this Thursday?”

– Linda Munson,

Beverly Hills, Michigan

“One of my favorite things to

do before a trip is to get on

Instagram. You can search dif-

ferent hashtags to see current

postings from resort guests.

For example, the hashtag

#FourSeasonsBoraBora pulls

up all of the posts pertaining

to the resort. It’s a great way

to get ideas about what to see,

do, and eat while there.”

– Laura Crafton,

Atlanta, Georgia

FourSeasonsBoraBora

Luxe touches like personal butlers

and gourmet dining complement

classic views of the Masai Mara at

Kenya’s Bateleur Camp.

Virtuoso travelers receive preferred rates and availability; breakfast daily; upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout (when available); and VIP amenities.*

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M3 2

Making the Case

9“I use packing cubes; they

keep articles of clothing

together and stack nicely in

luggage. Most cubes have two

compartments, so you can put

dirty clothes on one side. Also,

putting plastic cleaner bags or

tissue paper between clothing

items minimizes wrinkles.”

– Amy McMurrey,

Dallas, Texas

get packing

There’s an App for That

14“TripLingo provides

phrase guides,

translations, and

audio pronunciations for more

than 20 countries, customized

to your interests, such as shop-

ping, dining, nightlife, sports, or

meeting people.”

– Haisley Smith,

Birmingham, Alabama

15“I love TripAdvisor’s

city guides. They

cover 80 major cities

around the globe and provide

offl ine maps that work in

conjunction with your phone’s

GPS, so you never get charged

for roaming abroad and never

get lost. Self-guided tours

and points of interest come

preloaded with each map.”

– Justin Harrison,

New York City

16“GateGuru gives real-

time fl ight updates

based on your itiner-

ary and keeps airport amenities

at your fi ngertips by showing

restaurants, coffee shops, and

the like located nearby. The app

works for both domestic and

international airports, and even

tracks your travels through

‘Your Travel Stats.’ ”

– Judy Perl, New York City

10“Check out PackingLight.com,

which offers a video on how to

pack a carry-on – including

suffi cient clothing, toiletries,

and other various sundries – so

that everything completely fi ts,

in about four to fi ve minutes.”

– Sheila Gallant-Halloran,

Toronto, Canada

icture erfect

11“I always take extra memory

cards for my camera and a stor-

age unit to download photos;

otherwise you may be forced

to edit your pictures before you

get home, and memory cards

can be hard to fi nd in certain

locations. Also, be sure to bring

extra batteries.”

– Michael King,

Leawood, Kansas

Today’s cases have benefi tted from a revolutionary rethink. Here are new pieces worth picking up.

For the Galápagos: “Pack a

polarizing fi lter to prevent

washed-out photos, which are

often produced in the harsh,

equatorial sun. Also consider

bringing a waterproof case or

camera for underwater shots.”

– Lisa Allan, Sydney, Australia

13For an African safari: “Pack

two camera bodies, three

lenses (from 24 to 500mm

zoom), a 1.4 teleconverter,

two batteries per camera

body with battery chargers

and an adapter, 64GB memory

cards, a hand pump and soft

brush to clean the lenses,

a microfi ber cloth, and a lap-

top (to download and review

images daily).”

– Ryan Hilton,

Sarasota, Florida

Three-piece packing cube set from eBags. $35, ebags.com.

» The weatherproofed Kozmos

range from Lojel is made from a

magnesium alloy that’s 30 percent

lighter than standard aluminum

frames. From $269, amazon.com.

* Built to order, convertible cases

from LeTrav transform from sporty

nylon backpacks to city-chic leather

briefcases. From $459, letrav.com.

CUTTING-EDGE LUGGAGE

» Bluesmart bags connect with your

smartphone to provide a digital lock,

location tracking, proximity alerts,

and a built-in weight scale, along with

a battery charger and laptop pocket.

$319, bluesmart.com.

* Lighter still? The World’s Lightest

line from It Luggage offers 22-inch

four-wheel spinners that weigh just

over fi ve pounds, thanks to a metal-

free, fi berglass frame. From $110,

amazon.com.

J U N E | J U L Y 2 0 1 5 3 3

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good to know

Money

17 “When traveling as a couple,

each of you should carry a dif-

ferent credit card. If one is lost

or stolen and needs to be can-

celed during the trip, you’ll still

have the other person’s card.”

– Brenda Staben,

Naperville, Illinois

“ATM withdrawals give you the

best exchange rate.”

– Eric Dahlstrand,

Erie, Pennsylvania

Tipping

19“Carry at least $100 in small

bills for tipping; having only

$20 bills from ATMs can get

awkward and expensive.”

– Anne Scully, McLean, Virginia

Staying Healthy

“Investigate the area you plan

to visit and check for any 5K or

10K runs. Organized runs are

a super way to have fun and

connect with locals. Walking

is exercise too; try to walk

as much as possible during

your travels – even take laps

through the airport.”

– Jeri Donovan,

Lincoln, California

“If you’re prone to seasickness or

motion sickness, instead of tak-

ing prescription pills or wearing

patches, which may make you

groggy, take gingerroot tablets.”

– Laura Baker,

Nashville, Tennessee

“Before fl ying, give your im-

mune system an extra boost.

Drinking fresh, healthy juices

the day before and day of your

fl ight is key, and the more ginger

and turmeric, the better! (If you

dislike their taste, buy these

spices in pill form.)”

– Laura Ball, New York City

Hotels

“Don’t assume a villa will be

more expensive; in fact, it is

often a better value, especially

if you’re planning to book two

or more rooms. Not only do

you avoid the stress of having

to fi nd connecting rooms (es-

pecially during peak season),

but you can also save money by

preparing meals and snacks.”

– Suzette Mack,

San Jose, California

“Certain hotels, such as Four

Seasons Hotel London at Park

Lane, have dedicated lounges

specifi cally created to make

travelers comfortable before

they check in. In addition, if

you’re full of energy and ready

to explore your destination

when you arrive, some hotels

have an on-site car you can use,

or even be driven around town

in. Your travel advisor can help

you fi nd these special hotels

and, in many cases, even secure

earlier-than-normal check-in.”

– Sean McClinton,

Kirkland, Washington

HOTEL DRIVER: $5 for a quick

trip; $10-$20 for longer-distance

airport transfers

DOORMAN: $1-$2 for hailing cabs

or helping with bags ($5 if it’s raining)

BELLMAN: $1-$2 per bag upon

delivery to room

FRONT DESK ATTENDANT WHO

SHOWS YOU TO YOUR ROOM:

No tip expected

CONCIERGE: No tip needed for

simple reservations or directions;

$20 and up for securing seats at a

sold-out event or other exceptional

services

HOUSEKEEPING: $2-$5 each

day (leave it daily, as different

housekeepers may tend to your room

throughout your stay)

BUTLER: $5-$10 per day at the end

of your stay; more for special services

(you haven’t lived until someone else

has packed your bags)

POOL AND BEACH ATTENDANT:

$3-$ 5 for setting up chairs and

umbrellas

CHILDRENÕS CENTER:

$20 at the end of your stay (a peaceful

drink by the pool is priceless, after all)

SKI CONCIERGE: $5 per day for

handling equipment; $3 for helping

your kids (or you) put on boots and

other gear

SPA ATTENDANT: No tip expected

SPA THERAPIST:

15-20 percent of treatment price

(make sure gratuity isn’t already

included)

HOW TO TIP

HOTEL STAFF

Villa bliss at BahamasÕ

One&Only Ocean

Club and (inset)

AntiguaÕs Jumby Bay,

A Rosewood Resort.

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good to know

Passports

25“Make a copy of the fi rst two

pages of your passport before

leaving on your trip. Travel with

your passport on your person,

then put the two pages in your

checked bag to avoid losing both

at the same time. When at your

destination, keep the physi-

cal copy and the photocopies

separate as well. If you lose the

physical copy, this can make it

much easier to get home in a

timely fashion.”

Ð Maggie Condon Campos,

Spokane, Washington

Cruises

26“If there are specifi c ports you

don’t want to miss, look to start

or end your cruise in the place

you want to see the most. Plan

to arrive a day or two early (or

stay a day or two longer) to make

sure you see it all, and so you can

adjust to jet lag and account for

possible fl ight delays. Also: Work

with your travel advisor to select

a cruise line that remains in port

for the longest period – Celeb-

rity, Azamara, and Oceania, for

example, often stay late or even

overnight in very popular ports.”

Ð Alex Yates, Victoria, Canada

27For shore excursions: “Figure out

your top two or three must-see

sites and then determine if you’d

rather visit them on a group ex-

cursion provided by the cruise

line, or if you’d prefer to splurge

on a private shore event with one

of Virtuoso’s on-site connections.

And remember: Sometimes the

best shore excursion is staying

on board and enjoying the ship,

basically to yourself, while

everyone else is visiting the sites!”

Ð Kimberly Wilson Wetty,

New York City

28For solo river cruising: “Several

of the major river-cruise lines

provide single cabins – Viking, for

example, offers single state-

rooms aboard Viking Legend

and Viking Prestige, while all of

the newer AmaWaterways ships

feature them – but there are only

one or two such cabins available.

For this reason, I recommend

solo travelers book their river

cruises at least a year in advance.”

Ð Ruth Turpin, Fort Worth, Texas

From top: Strolling in Venice

and a single stateroom from

Viking River Cruises.

l e a v e i t a l lb e h i n d

Rate quoted is per person, land only, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Rate valid for departure 9/24/15. Rates for other travel dates may vary. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Rate shown includes government-imposed fees and taxes. Rate is current as of 4/10/15; at the time you purchase your package, rates may be higher. For current prices, please see http://www.pleasantholidays.com. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel operator at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Virtuoso Amenities: Room upgrade based on availability. Breakfast available at Cane & Canoe or via in-residence dining and is limited to $50 per bedroom per day. Not responsible for errors or omissions. [Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for the various travel providers shown above.] CST# 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR# 5308. Copyright © 2015 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

MAUI • Montage Kapalua Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $2059

Vacation includes: 5 nights’ accommodation in a One-BedroomGarden View room, taxes and more PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE.

Virtuoso Amenities: Complimentary room upgrade, daily breakfast, $150 spa creditand a welcome amenity.

For reservations please call your Virtuoso Travel Advisor

Living in the Moment on the Island of Maui

Luxury resorts, sparkling boutiques, and fve-star dining share the landscape with

charming small towns, neighboring Islands, and pristine beaches. Be spontaneous:

you’re on Maui!

J U N E | J U L Y 2 0 1 5 3 5

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Ditch th ines

“Be sure to apply for Global

Entry. This will not only allow

you to sail through customs

lines, but it also includes ad-

mission into the TSA Precheck

program, so you can cut to the

front of airport security lines

with your shoes on and laptops

kept in your carry-on! Thanks

to this program, I have made

almost impossible connections

while traveling, allowing me to

get home to my family earlier

and proving the $100 applica-

tion fee for the program is

absolutely worth it.”

– Louisa Gehring,

Cincinnati, Ohio

All Airports Are Not Crea ted Equal30For shopping: “Relax at Korean

Air’s lounge in Seoul, but save

time for shopping – Incheon

has the best duty-free stores

on the planet.”

– Michael Holtz, New York City

31For food: “You’ll get a proper

taste of the South at Nashville

International Airport. Indulge

in some pork barbecue from

Whitt’s, a beer from a lo-

cal microbrewery, and a big

slice of pecan pie. The food

tastes even better when local

musicians take the stage

throughout the week; you can

check out the schedule on the

airport’s website.”

– Rachel Morrell,

Carmel, Indiana

For families: “Singapore’s

Changi Airport could be a des-

tination in and of itself. It has a

movie theater, a kids’ play area,

an arcade, a 40-foot slide, and

more.”

– Katie Schmit, Kuna, Idaho

en route

go like a pro

2 Skyview’s hands-free device

mount fastens over tray-table

latches and holds most smart-

phones, compact e-readers, and

tablets. $20, griffi ntechnology.com.

3 Designed with a gel interior that

shapes to the body, distributes

pressure evenly, and regulates

temperature, Technogel’s travel

collar helps reduce pressure and

improve blood circulation. $100,

pillows.com.

4 The Go Travel infl atable footrest

helps reduce the discomfort of

long-haul economy fl ights and

infl ates in seconds, no pump

required. Your knees will thank you.

$13, bedbathandbeyond.com.

In the Air

33“Always try to book a win-

dow seat; you get marginally

more space at the side where

you can stash a small tote

or magazines. I keep a fabric

tote packed with a neck pillow,

shawl, toiletries, mints, ear

buds, and other essentials;

it goes in my larger carry-on

until I board, and then I store it

under the seat in front of me.

That way, you keep everything

together. I have seen so many

things left on planes.”

– Pallavi Shah, New York City

Don’t ag Behind

34“To fi ght jet lag, set your

watch to your destination

time when you board the plane

and act as if you’re already

in that time zone. If it’s night

there, try to sleep. If it’s day, do

your best to stay awake.”

– John Oberacker,

Long Beach, California

Adventure

35“Don’t be afraid to ask ques-

tions before signing up for

a biking trip. You’ll want to

know what the group makeup

is, how many miles you’ll log

each day, what the altitude

gain will be, if there are op-

tions for shorter or longer

routes, and whether you can

upgrade to a different bike

model. Look for a trip that

dovetails with your interests

– be it food and wine in Napa,

off-the-beaten-path travel in

Bhutan, or challenging biking

in the Dolomites.”

– David M. Rubin,

Corona del Mar, California

36“To truly experience Alaska’s

grandeur, you must feel the spray

of ice from a calving glacier while

gliding past on a kayak or small

boat, hear the cries of hundreds

of seabirds overhead, or have an

unexpected wildlife encounter

while hiking in the woods. Small-

ship adventure voyages such as

those offered by Un-Cruise Ad-

ventures or Lindblad Expeditions

provide all of that in an intimate

setting for those seeking an off-

the-beaten-path experience.”

– Russ DiTusa,

Wheaton, Illinois

1 Customizable in a host of colors and compatible with Apple and Android devices,

Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones are designed for power sound – and stellar noise

canceling – and sport a folding design for effi cient packing. $300, bose.com.

1

3

4

IN-FLIGHT DELIGHTS Four picks for making your next fl ight more enjoyable.

A whale of a time with Lindblad Expeditions.

1

2

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M3 6

Traveling with Kids

37 “Once you’ve got the destina-

tion and agenda determined,

make sure that your child is the

centerpiece of the vacation.

This includes the itinerary, travel

times, tours, transportation, and

so on. With two kids of my own,

and having planned countless

family and multigenerational

trips, I’ve learned that this focus

defi nitely has a strong effect on

the end results.”

– Jesse Taylor,

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

“Norwegian Cruise Line offers

Cirque du Jour, where kids

can take part in circus activities

such as juggling and tumbling,

then perform in a ‘big top at

sea.’ Teens can join a theater or

fashion workshop, and it’s hard to

beat the Aqua Park – complete

with multistory waterslides and

Nickelodeon characters – aboard

the Norwegian Getaway.”

– Patty Perry, Rockville, Maryland

39“One of my favorite programs is

Kids for All Seasons from Four

Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

go like a pro

Must-have gear for traveling

with young children.

Activities vary based on the local

environment, history, and culture.

So children might, say, learn about

sea turtles on Nevis, build sand

sculptures along Hawaii’s Kona

Kohala Coast, or plant herbs in the

garden in Santa Barbara. Many

programs are complimentary; the

maximum age is usually 12, but

most locations offer activities for

teens, as well. Before arrival, have

your travel advisor forward your

children’s ages – the staff will be

ready with a VIP welcome and

child-size bathrobes.”

– Monika Dysart,

Ballwin, Missouri

All in the Family

40For multigenerational travel:

“Some smaller ships such as

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ex-

plorer or SeaDream Yacht Club’s

SeaDream I and II allow guests

to book an entire deck, offering

a greater sense of togetherness

and privacy. The itineraries

are varied, with a mix of soft

adventure and sophisticated

tours. Begin or end in a port like

Rome (Civitavecchia), so the

grandchildren can experience

the history they study in school.”

– Mary Ann Ramsey,

Naples, Florida

Voluntourism

41“Voluntourism blends traditional

touring and sightseeing with com-

munity service. Virtuoso advisors

can often customize vacations

to include, say, visits to a local

community, school, or orphan-

age. In China, for instance, we

can connect travelers with one of

our on-site tour operators that’s

working to enrich the lives of or-

phaned children. And for anyone

who might call a day’s visit simply

a ‘token’ of good will: Having seen

the smiles of children that my

colleagues and I have visited in Af-

rica, I know that any time a person

gives these kids is time well spent

and well received.”

– Barbara King,

Leawood, Kansas

“Crystal Cruises’ voluntourism

shore excursions are a great

way to give back without having

to overcommit for an extended

period of time. They’re also a

nice alternative for travelers who

have visited a port of call before

and want to make good use of

their return visit.”

– Leah Bergner,

Garden Grove, California

Crystal Cruises’ volunteer

program teaches guests how

to rescue stranded dolphins.

Likely to make a splash: Norwegian Getaway’s Aqua Park and

(inset) making leis at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay.

KIDDINGaround

* Travel-Tot’s childproofi ng

kit includes an assortment

of handy hotel safety items,

including electrical outlet

covers, sliding door and cabinet

locks, and even a “Shhh, Travel-

Tot sleeping” door hanger. $35,

travel-tot.com.

* The new Wikki Stix

Traveler keeps kids busy

for hours with 144 no-mess,

self-stick Wikki Stix and a 12-

page activity book stored in

a colorful carrying case. $20,

wikkistix.com.

* An FAA-approved

hammock that attaches

to the seat in front of you,

the FlyeBaby provides a

comfortable place for babies

to rest while allowing for

reassuring face time during

the cruise portion of fl ights.

$50, fl yebaby.com.

MEXICO

P A R T I C I P A T I N G P R O P E R T I E S

CANCÚN - RIVIERA MAYA

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

• All-Inclusive

• Zen Grand Suite

4 nights from $1576

Book now through 09/15/15 for travel through 12/15/15

Call your virtuoso travel advisor

Grand Velas Riviera Maya redefnes the Luxury All-Inclusive concept. It features 539 suites, a Signature Spa named “Best of the Best” by Virtuoso in 2010, and a culinary tour through fve gourmet restaurants, including Cocina de Autor, the frst All-Inclusive resort restaurant in the world to obtain the AAA Five Diamond Award.

Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare

Offer is valid on new bookings only and is not combinable with other offers. Sample price is land only, per person, based on double occupancy. Actual prices may vary based on travel dates and availability. * Private one-way transfer is from the airport to the hotel and must be arranged through pre-arrival Virtuoso Specialist, virtuosospecialistrm@grandvelas.com and is not applicable to groups. ** Spa credit is per adult per day; it is not cumulative, is non transferable and is non refundable. For those properties where Classic Vacations has access to dynamic pricing rates, those rates will likely fuctuate from time to time based on market conditions and other factors beyond Classic Vacations control. Offer is subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued without notice. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, seasonal surcharges, taxes, resort fees and other restrictions may apply. Classic Vacations CST: 2079429-20. 249-0415

®

2014 VIRTUOSO®

Best FIT/CustomTour Operator

WINNER

Virtuoso Exclusive:

• Private one-way transfer *

• Welcome bottle of Tequila.

• $50 daily spa credit **

• Early check in & late check out

• Personalized welcome note from travel agent

• Upgrade upon availability at check-in to Zen Grand

Pool Suite

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M3 8

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43Rome: “Italian-gelato-ordering

protocol: Pay frst, get your

receipt, then go to the counter

and order. And practice your best

Italian accent – it helps.”

– Josh Friedman,

San Francisco, California

44Santa Fe: “I highly suggest seeing

a performance at The Santa Fe

Opera House and staying at The

Inn and Spa at Loretto. During

the summer months, ask the

inn to prepare one of its great

picnic lunches to take on a visit

to the nearby Estrella Del Norte

Vineyard.”

– Trish Mercer,

Columbus, Georgia

45New Zealand: “I always recom-

mend visiting North Island’s

Coromandel Peninsula. Less

touristy and off the beaten path,

it’s where the locals holiday. Don’t

miss Hot Water Beach, named for

location, location, location

the underwater spring that flters

through the sand at low tide,

where you can dig your own hot

tub. Feeling adventurous? Head

out after dark with a fashlight on

one of its well-marked trails. You’ll

have the beach all to yourself,

along with some incredible

stargazing.”

– Natasha Rhodes,

Calgary, Canada

46Chile: “Often overlooked, Chiloé

Island is a must-see – and easily

accessible on itineraries featur-

ing Chile’s Lake District and the

southern city of Puerto Montt. The

locals are known for their hospital-

ity, and the island’s rich culture

includes a mix of indigenous

mythology and Catholicism. The

Jesuits and, later, Franciscans left

their mark here, building elegant

wooden churches; many still

stand from the eighteenth and

nineteenth centuries and are

UNESCO World Heritage sites.”

– Jamo Ladd,

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Wine & Dine

47“You can’t go to Peru and miss

out on its fusion cuisine, Nikkei,

a mash-up of Japanese (or Chi-

nese) and Peruvian. For some of

the best, head to Maido in the Mi-

rafores district. Have one person

order the Nikkei tasting menu

and another the Japanese tast-

ing menu. Both are 15 courses

(dishes are on the smaller side,

but you can share), authentic to

Peru, and superb.”

– Ben Price, Jacksonville, Florida

“South Africa is known for

safaris and wine, so why

not combine the two? Stel-

lenbosch’s Waterford Estate

takes visitors into the hills in

its Land Rover to taste wines

right in the vineyard. Stop for

a boerebraai (barbecue) lunch

at the Middelvlei Wine Estate,

also in Stellenbosch. They still

use traditional wine-making

methods and let you stomp

the grapes yourself! For dinner,

I recommend The Tasting

Room at Le Quartier Français in

Franschhoek, ranked among the

world’s top restaurants.”

– Dean Horvath,

Vancouver, Canada

When in Rome (or Santa Fe or …)

49“A short walk from Athens’ iconic

Hotel Grande Bretagne, you’ll

fnd a wonderful little restaurant

named Tzitzikas kai Mermigas,

which translates to the ‘Cricket

and the Ant’ (fear not, the restau-

rant serves neither). Frequented

mostly by locals, the unassuming

venue offers wonderful, simple

Greek food with a twist.”

– Kelly Shea, Carmel, Indiana

At Sea

50“The best cabins to book are

midship balcony cabins. The

more amidships you are, the less

motion you will feel, and getting

fresh air on your private balcony

can help ease any sense of claus-

trophobia.”

– Krista Wissinger, Dayton, Ohio

51“Book a Horizon Suite on Re-

gent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven

Seas Mariner and you’ll feel like

you’re on your own private yacht.

I also love the Penthouse Suite

with its expansive living room –

perfect for entertaining guests

before dinner. Both suites have

very large private balconies.”

– Kelli Surdell, Novato, California

Welcome to Santa

Fe’s Inn and Spa at

Loretto and (inset)

la dolce vita.

Creative cuisine from The Tasting Room in Franschhoek and

(inset) a Horizon Suite aboard Seven Seas Mariner.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

meet T IMELESS

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor

Terms & Conditions *Fares are based on this sailing date Promo RH. Featured fares are per person, may vary by sailing date, based on double occupancy, are capacity controlled and are subject to change without prior notice, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Fares are in U.S. dollars. All savings amounts are included in the fares shown. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional and range from $182.90 to $401.43. Subject to availability. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans and for full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to hollandamerica.com or the appropriate Holland America brochure. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modifi ed or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

11-Day Greek Enchantment Venice to Istanbul

ms Zuiderdam Oceanview from

9/26/15 $2,299Amenities– up to US$50 Onboard Credit (per stateroom) &

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

21-Day South Pacif c Crossing(also for 35-day option)

San Diego to Sydney

ms Noordam Oceanview from

10/3/15 $2,649Amenity– up to US$100 Onboard Credit (per stateroom)

14-Day South America Passage Valparaiso (Santiago) to Buenos Aires

ms Zaandam Oceanview from

10/25/15 $2,799Amenity– up to US$75 Onboard Credit (per stateroom)

17-Day Great Barrier Reef (also for 31-day option)

Sydney to Singapore

ms Volendam Oceanview from

11/21/15 $2,599Amenities– up to US$50 Onboard Credit (per stateroom)

Explore a world that’s uniquely Holland America Line

We take you to extraordinary places

in incomparable comfort

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M4 0

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Making Memories

57“Why wait until you return to

upload your pictures on Insta-

gram? Instant sharing is the new

black. Just as long as you know

when to put the phone down!”

– Kristen Twitty,

Birmingham, Alabama

Where Next

“I always try to reconnect with

my clients immediately after they

return from a trip, not only to

share in all of the wonderful expe-

riences they just had, but also to

start them thinking about their

next dream destination. When

my clients are traveling, I often

fnd that they have an experience,

such as drinking an exceptional

Spa Retreats

“Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach,

a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto

Rico is a tropical sanctuary. Be

pampered with a Citrus Souffé

exfoliation, wrap, and hydration,

then meander to the Tree House

for a hammock massage in the

jungle canopy.”

– Valerie Wilson, New York City

53“Canyon Ranch in Lenox,

Massachusetts, features a

full men’s spa menu, making

it a great choice for couples.

Activities include everything

from mountain biking and canoe

trips to a zip-lining course.”

– Kay Merrill,

Larkspur, California

54“The 30,000-square-foot spa

at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

exudes luxury with a choice

of music, faux-fur-covered

massage tables, and a variety

of vegan aromatherapy oils. I

succumbed to a sublime facial;

it was the best I’ve ever had.”

– Phoebe Weinberg, Grosse

Pointe Farms, Michigan

Suite Spots

55“The two-bedroom (and two-

pool) Gwyneth Paltrow Suite

at the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa

features a ceiling window that

opens above the bed so you can

admire the night skies.”

– Jack Ezon, New York City

56 “The rooms at Québec City’s

Auberge Saint-Antoine are to die

for. My favorite: the 750-square-

foot Panorama Suite, which

offers spectacular views of the

Saint Lawrence River.”

– Arlene Feen, Miami, Florida

location, location, location

back homebottle of Tuscan wine or sharing a

conversation with someone they

met over dinner who mentioned

the best trip of their life was to

Peru, which makes them want to

explore the region where the wine

came from or visit Machu Pic-

chu. It’s important to start talking

about these ideas while they’re

fresh in my clients’ minds, espe-

cially trips that take advanced

planning in order to get permits,

like hiking to Machu Picchu.”

– Sarah Halpern, New York City

Mapping Out Your Future Travels59 “My longtime clients and I

have a continual conversation

about their future travel aspi-

rations. One of the benefts of

knowing a client’s wish list is

that I can be on the lookout for

good fares and specials to that

destination or on a particular

ship. It continues to build that

relationship of trust with

my clients, knowing that I’m

thinking of them and their

family experiences, even when

they aren’t.”

– Lynda Turley Garrett,

Saratoga, California

VIRTUOSO COMMUNITYFive days after returning

from your vacation, look

for an email from reviews@

virtuoso.com that allows

you to offer feedback on

your advisor and your travel

provider. To submit photos

for possible inclusion in

Virtuoso publications and

on Virtuoso.com, send your

high-resolution pics to

editors@virtuoso.com. VT

A Tree House treatment pavilion

at Dorado Beach’s Spa Botánico.

GRAND PRIZE $1,500 ....... 1ST PRIZE $1,000 ....... 2ND PRIZE $500 ....... 3RD PRIZE $250

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. THIS IS A SKILL-BASED CONTEST AND CHANCE PLAYS NO PART IN THE SELECTION OF WINNERS. Open to all individuals age 21 or older at time of entry (excluding residents of Quebec, individuals on any blocked persons list maintained by the U.S., residents of any embargoed/sanctioned country — including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria, and residents of any country where this Contest is prohibited or otherwise restricted by law). Persons associated with Sponsor and its afliated entities are also excluded. Entry limit one per person, each entry may include an unlimited number of photos/videos, subject to the competition site’s overall size/storage limitations. Prize limit one per person, family, and household. Contest begins May 1, 2015 at 12:00am U.S. CT and ends June 14, 2015 11:59pm U.S. CT. Winners will be announced on or around August 31, 2015. ARV of all prizes: $3,250 USD. Sponsor and Administrator: Virtuoso, Ltd. 505 Main St., Suite 500, Ft. Worth, TX 76102. To enter, visit virtuoso.com/travelercontest and follow the instructions. Ofcial Rules available at virtuoso.com/travelercontest. Conditions and restrictions apply. Void where prohibited.

Sponsored by Virtuoso, Ltd. © 2015 Virtuoso, Ltd. The trademarks VIRTUOSO and the Globe Swirl Logo are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. © 2000. All rights reserved.

Send in your best photos + short videos that show you and/or your family and friends

soaking in your favorite travel moments.

virtuoso.com/travelercontest

SHARE YOUR TRAVEL MEMORIES with us by uploading your entries

May 1 - June 14, 2015 at virtuoso.com/travelercontest.

FOUR LUCKY VIRTUOSO TRAVELERS WILL WIN CASH PRIZES, and, win or not

your photo and/or short video may appear in Virtuoso Life or on virtuoso.com.

WHAT

HOW

WIN

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS: 1. Original; 2. Color or black & white;

3. Digital format; 4. High resolution (300 DPI+); 5. Max size of 4MB

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS: 1. Original; 2. 60 seconds or less; 3. Max size 50MB.

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE IN XIAN

If the lavishly landscaped gardens, personal concierge service in the Horizon Club, and incredible

Shangri-La Chi Spa aren’t charms enough to woo you to Shangri-La Hotel, Xian, consider this

generous—and guaranteed!—room upgrade offer when you stay three or more nights. That’s

more time to tour Xian’s famed sites, including the city walls, ancient Buddhist Wild Goose Pago-

das, the Great Mosque, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Back at the stylish hotel, consider a Horizon Club Room for its prestigious, and private, check-in/

checkout service; assistance of a personal concierge; and special perks, like evening cocktails,

well-timed for toasting another day in paradise. Move on to one of the four trendsetting bars and

restaurants to partake of the region’s most celebrated chefs’ culinary masterpieces. Don’t miss the

Chi spa treatments in one of the spa’s six private suites, personal spaces where you can indulge

your senses and give yourself over to the expertise of the skilled masseurs.

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Available through August 31, 2015. Virtuoso amenities

include a room upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout, if available; daily buffet breakfast for two; and a

$100 equivalent spa services credit.

GET SET FOR SPRING BREAK

Those in the know are already planning their 2016 spring break, whether it‘s a romantic interlude

or a family getaway. Join Royal Caribbean International® for a quintessential Bahamas voyage

and receive dinner for two and a complimentary spa treatment when reserving a Junior Suite or

above. You’ll love your day at CocoCay®, RCI’s own secluded Bahamian island!

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Anthem of the SeasSM departs Cape Liberty, New Jersey,

February 6, 2016; book by December 31, 2015.

D.C. LIKE A VIP

Explore the U.S. capital from your exquisite home base at the St. Regis Washington D.C., just

two blocks from the White House and the Corcoran Gallery. With its signature St. Regis Butler

service and guest rooms bedecked with original Palladian windows, flawless furnishings, state-of-

the-art technology, and gracious residential touches, you’ll feel pretty important yourself !

Virtuoso rates from $485 per room, per night. Available through December 31, 2015. Virtuoso amenities include

a room upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout, if available; breakfast daily; and a $100 dining credit.

ADVENTURES WITH POLAR BEARS

You read that right … Natural Habitat Adventures invites you for the experience of a lifetime: a

Churchill Polar Bear Adventure. You’ll see the King of the Arctic in its wild home, venturing up

close to more polar bears—and in more comfort and safety—than with any other tundra explorer

team. View the mighty beasts for six to eight days from custom-built Polar Rovers and/or stay at

our private Tundra Lodge. Plus, receive a free and exhilarating dog-sledding excursion!

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Available October and November 2015.

MARVELOUS MED ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION®

When you sail with Celebrity Cruises through the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean aboard

the Celebrity Reflection®, you’ll receive an exclusive $150 shipboard credit when reserving an Aqua-

Class or Suite. Now the big choice: Where to use that generous bonus? You’ll love the highly rated

Qsine restaurant. Maybe you’d rather explore Istanbul or Mykonos while on a shore excursion. Or

indulge in Canyon Ranch’s exclusive SpaClub facial and body treatments or yoga classes.

Virtuoso fares from $2,999 per person for 11 nights. Celebrity Reflection® departs Rome on September 21, 2015.

VIRTUOSO TRAVELER EXCLUSIVE OFFERSPROMOTION

MORE MIAMI, 4TH NIGHT FREEJust steps away from the Atlantic, W South Beach hotel offers a cutting-edge oasis in the cosmo-

politan heart of this exciting Miami neighborhood. Swing open your door to discover the largest

Guest Rooms and Suites in South Beach, each with their own private balcony and striking ocean

views. Kick back in style and enjoy organic architecture and edgy design, paired with luxe comforts

like the famous W Hotels bed, Cippolino marble showers complete with bliss® spa products, and a

stocked kitchen or kitchenette. Missing something? Our signature Whatever/Whenever team is at

your service to provide whatever you want, whenever you want it. 24/7. Anything. Just ask.

Amplify your senses. Our oceanfront property is your playground. Dine in style at The Dutch, a

concept by Andrew Carmellini, or the famed Mr. Chow. Mix and mingle at Living Room Bar, where

you can listen to live music and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail (or two). Take a dip at our WET pool,

or soak up the sun on our private beach. Find pure bliss® in our signature spa, get FIT, or play a game

on our rooftop HOOPS and SWING courts. Whatever your getaway desire, W South Beach is the

ultimate escape.

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Available until October 31, 2015. Virtuoso amenities

include a room upgrade based on availability; early check-in/late checkout, if available; breakfast daily; and a

$100 resort credit (not valid at Mr. Chow).

SUNSHINE ON SALEYour fifth night is on the house at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino, spanning 12 acres

of beachside heaven with just about every watersport under the sun available for excitement-

seeking guests. Hoping to bliss out? Hit the ZoiA Spa for a red mud wrap or dine in a private tent on

the beach, complete with tiki torches and your own butler.

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Available until December 23, 2015. Virtuoso amenities

include room upgrade at the time of booking upon availability; early check-in, and late checkout, if available;

breakfast daily; and a daily day pass to ZoiA Spa for two.

STAY 3, PAY 2 IN SIEM REAPDiscover the beauty and culture of Cambodia with a breathtaking stay at Belmond La Résidence

d’Angkor, where royal Khmer cuisine, the mindful Kong Kea Spa, and guided tours of the vibrant

Psa Leu market and Roluos village bring to life this mystical region. Chanting monks and stunning

temples make for a soothing ambience.

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Available until October 31, 2015; book by September 30, 2015.

Virtuoso exclusive amenities include a room upgrade, if available; breakfast daily; massages for two; and more.

BEST OF TURKEYIstanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Bodrum—the names are enough to conjure up mystical images of

rich cultures and incredible history. Join Turkey At Its Best for a private tour of Turkey, ten days

of customized sightseeing, meals, hotel accommodations and much more with the experts who

know this region, where Asia and Europe meet. Guests are welcomed into a 150-year-old village

house for homemade food and wine, and you may attend a Janissary Band performing music that

inspired Mozart and Beethoven to compose their Turkish Marches.

Please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for rates. Available through December 20, 2016.

RAJASTHANI CULINARY REVELATIONBring a hefty appetite along to The Leela Palace Udaipur for a gastronomic immersion in the

region’s culinary specialties. Learn healthy Indian recipes, watch the sun set over Lake Pichola

from the guava orchard, attend a grand tea ceremony at the Royal Heritage Haveli Spa, and take in

local music and folk dances in the evening—all surrounded by the rugged Aravalli Mountains and

the enchanting city of Udaipur.

Virtuoso rates from INR 60,000 (approx. $941) per person for three days. Available until September 30, 2015.

VIRTUOSO TRAVELER EXCLUSIVE OFFERSPROMOTION

V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R | V I R T U O S O . C O M4 4

ECUADOR

Only In

Nowhere other than Mashpi Lodge can you bike along the canopy of the Andean cloud forest.

No one could blame you for

having your head in the

clouds while staying at

Mashpi Lodge, especially

when riding its recumbent sky bike.

The self-propelled tandem glides

along a 656-foot cable past the tips of

towering balsam and cecropia trees

while providing bird’s-eye views

of Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity

Reserve, home to some 400 avian

species, including elusive moss-backed

tanagers and indigo fl owerpiercers.

Terra fi rma at the 22-room eco-retreat

is equally ethereal: Guests take part

in indigenous-chocolate tastings, tour

hummingbird and butterfl y gardens,

and trek orchid-lined trails to lofty

waterfalls. Three-day stays from $1,296

per person, including all meals, guided

explorations, round-trip transfers

from nearby Quito, and more. Virtuoso

amenities include a room upgrade, if

available, and a $100 spa credit.

– Joel Centano

(SK

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Creature comforts:Yaku suites let guests spy

wildlife from king-size beds and Philippe Starck-

designed bathtubs.

Singapore

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor.

Your Virtuoso travel advisor provides the value, expertise and connections you expect from all of your trusted professionals. Put them to the test.

They’ll make your next travel experience a welcome indulgence.

We make a world of difference in the way you experience travel.

Virtuoso

If you do not currently work with a travel advisor, it’s easy to find the one who’s right for you by using the Virtuoso advisor catalog on virtuoso.com.

virtuoso.com The world’s finest travel agencies and advisors are Virtuoso®.

If luxury travelwere the ultimate latte,

we’d be your barista.