Skyline Editorial: Where travel is headed
Travel trends are changing rapidly, and 2018 looks to be a compelling time. Millenials are setting the trends now, everyone will have their own personal paparazzo, hotels and home-rentals will do battle, iceberg watching becomes a thing, Nordic cuisine goes global, booze and breakfast hotels, and vacation planning gets outsourced, yes but vacation planning is changing and travel advisors are once again in high demand.
Hotels chains are going after home-sharing in 2018, with new concepts and partnerships they hope to lure the AirBnB crowd. Hilton Worldwide is launching a new urban micro-brand or a “hostel on steroids”. rooms are expected to be small, inexpensive and interconnected. Hyatt has also invested in Airbnb rival Oasis, while One Fine Stay has been acquired by French hotel chain AccorHotels, both offer high-end services and amenities. Airbnb has countered wit ha new range of curated travel experiences such as sunset kayaking, sushi making, and is set to launch Airbnb Lux with amenities and concierge service to go with their 4,000 fancy properties.
Iceberg watching is in, with a record 46,000 travelers expected to visit Antarctica in 2018, and not just to check out those adorable penguins. A block of ice the size of Delaware broke away from the Larsen C ice shelf and is now floating the Weddell Sea. overtime, this massive iceberg will break into smaller ones, further enhancing a spectacle that is already sparking a surge in iceberg-watching cruises, like those of French line Ponant, which uses advanced sonar for tracking t keep the ship in perfect position without dropping anchor, so as not to disturb the ocean floor.
Scandinavian cuisine is among the most innovative and delicious, getting some respect finally. Last year, the Great Northern Food Hall opened in New York, serving regional foods. Nordic-inspired Joro opened in Sheffield, England and was awarded Bib Gourmand designation. In Sydney, the new Sven-Sun serves Sandi-Asian fusion delights such as lobster Skagen toast. New York’s Aquavit has now opened outposts in Tokyo, London where is won its first Michelin star for a menu that includes venison tartare with wild berries and the classic Swedish meatballs.
Booze and breakfast hotels are here, the world’s first craft beer hotel, the DogHouse in Columbus, Ohio. The Tarnished Truth Distilling company is making bourbon and rye at the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach. In London, the Distillery hotel lives up to its name with house-made gins, vodkas.
The personal paparazzi is here. Following a recent Instagram obsession with “plandids” (a photo planned to appear candid), travelers are elevating their filtered, not-so-random shots by hiring personal photographers. At the forefront of this trend Miami-based Shoot My Travel, which connects travelers with photographers in 230 destinations.
Trends come and go, and the travel experience is what matters. In the ’90s, it seemed like a fair prediction that the future of travel planning would be self-service through the internet, enabling travelers to research and book their own vacations, but today vacation planning is changing and travel advisors are once again in high demand. Tired of planning their own trips and searching for memorable, unexpected and out-of-the-ordinary experiences, travelers want trusting and reliable resources to curate extraordinary vacations. The reality is the travel adviser is not a thing of the past, but rather the gateway to unique and rewarding future travel experiences.
Allston hotel features local artists’ work throughout 117-rooms
The 117-room boutique hotel Studio Allston has opened at 1234 Soldiers Field Road in Allston, right along the Charles River.
The inn features an unusual and colorful concept: A thematic use of art from local creators that runs through its lobby, bar, meeting rooms, suites, and rooms.
The forces behind the concept—including developers the Davis Cos., Highgate, and Spot On Ventures as well as creative advisory firm Isenberg Projects—selected 12 contemporary artists to create murals in each guest room. Five of the hotel’s 10 guest suites were designed as “unique, immersive works of art,” according to a release.
Studio Allston is the product of a conversion of a building dating from the 1960s and reflects ongoing changes in the area, not least those that Harvard is driving on its Boston land.
“We view the Studio Allston project as an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful, positive contribution to the continued evolution of Allston’s Western Avenue corridor, one of the most dynamic development markets in greater Boston,” Stephen Davis, an executive at the Davis Cos., said in the release.
The hotel plans to announce the addition of a restaurant this summer. Rooms at Studio Allston start at just under $200 a night.
What to Do in Tampa with the Kids
When visiting destinations along the Gulf Coast of Florida, you expect laid-back beach towns that offer their gorgeous white sand beaches as the main attraction and not much else. After spending a few days in Tampa Bay with my family, however, I realized that this is no sleepy coastal town. Tampa is one of those rare cities that strikes the balance of family-friendly and cosmopolitan. It values art and culture as much as recreation and relaxation.
What makes Tampa such a great destination for families is that there is something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll find theme parks, zoos, aquariums, scenic waterways, splash pads, parks, vibrant nightlife, professional sports, museums, theater and water activities. No matter what interests you or your kids, Tampa’s got it!
Here are some of the top things to do and see when you’re visiting Tampa with your kids. You won’t be disappointed!
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
When you have kids, you end up going to a lot of zoos. Usually, it’s not the most exciting experience. You walk in, you see some animals and you leave. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, however, really stood out to me as an experience that goes above and beyond the average.
As a parent of 3 kids 5 and under, I was delighted to find that there were so many rides available for toddlers and preschoolers at no extra cost. An entire section of the zoo called the Wallaroo Station is dedicated to family fun. There are rides, a petting zoo, a splash pad, dining and a wallaby walkabout.
Throughout the rest of the zoo, you’ll discover a carousel, up-close animal encounters, wildlife habitats and even a safari.
The Florida Aquarium
This top-rated aquarium allows kids to really get involved as they learn about marine life. Kids ages 6 and up have the opportunity to snorkel with the fishes in a shallow water coral reef, while kids ages 9 and up can snorkel with sharks, stingrays and more. The aquarium records the experience on video as a keepsake for guests.
Even if your family isn’t daring enough to hop in the water, you can still marvel at the octopus, sharks, jellyfish and more. My kids loved watching people scuba dive and were entranced by the sharks. There are lots of other opportunities for interaction, including touch tanks, behind-the-scenes tours, a dolphin cruise and a splash pad.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, animal attractions, a safari and exciting shows. If you’re going with young children head directly to the Sesame Street Safari of Fun section of the park. Our 5-year-old was so excited about the live show with Elmo, while our 2-year-old was thrilled to be able to go on kid-friendly rides. Both of them loved exploring the canopy walk and climbing nets on the Treetop Trails.
For families with older kids, there are plenty of rides that offer a bit more excitement. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park from the Skyride cable car, cool off on the Congo River Rapids or put your bravery to the test on the Sheikra 200-foot-tall roller coaster. Adults can even stop at the Garden Gate Cafe for free beer samples this summer.
Tampa RiverWalk
One of my absolute favorite spots in Tampa Bay was the Tampa Riverwalk. The 2.4-mile promenade borders the Hillsborough River and is brimming with museums, parks, restaurants and more. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a few hours strolling with your family while admiring the scenic waterway.
Armature Works
Have you ever tried to eat at a fancy restaurant with little kids? It’s stressful, to say the least. That’s why Armature Works is the perfect spot to eat for families. Heights Public Market within the Armature Works building offers multiple eateries so that even the pickiest eater in your brood will find something to their liking.
Kids with lots of energy will blend right in thanks to the communal seating and lively atmosphere. There’s even outdoor seating with loads of yard games and a life-size chess set for entertainment. Don’t worry, Mom and Dad: there’s ice cream for the little ones and a cocktail emporium for you. What better way to spend an evening than enjoying good food, a beautiful breeze coming off the river and an unimpeded view of the city skyline.
Water Works Park
Grab a to-go cup from Armature Works or Ulele, the restaurant right next door, and walk over to Water Works Park so the kids can splash and play while you relax. This waterfront park has both a splash pad and a playground and is located on the banks of the Hillsborough River. Kids will love the giant bucket that dumps water intermittently onto the splash pad from above. There are plenty of shaded picnic tables for adults, and restrooms with showers for afterward.
Pirate Water Taxi
Yo ho ho! The Pirate Water Taxi is an entertaining way to get around the city. The crew is friendly and shares tidbits of Tampa Bay’s history while you float along the Hillsborough River. It’s a hop-on-hop-off taxi, so you can pick which destinations you want to see and plan your trip accordingly. Stops include parks, Glazer’s Children’s Museum, splash pads, a pirate ship and even an escape room!
Where to Stay
While there are many wonderful hotels in Tampa Bay, our family found the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park to be a peaceful haven after an action-packed day of exploring. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Tampa, this hotel offered the most heavenly heated outdoor pool where we relaxed and played each evening. The spacious rooms and comfortable beds made the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park the perfect home base during our trip.
The St. Petersburg location is great because it’s central to downtown Tampa, the beaches and more destinations in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, but if you’re looking to stay closer to the action, the Hilton Tampa Downtown offers many of the same amenities plus a rooftop pool and proximity to the Riverwalk.
The benefit of staying at a Hilton this July through September is their Best of Tampa Bay program. They have partnered with many of the destinations in Tampa to offer discounts on outings like ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Pirate Water Taxi, several boat tours and cruises, the Tampa Bay Food Tour, William Dean Chocolates and so much more.
Florida residents looking for a getaway close to home will even receive discounts up to 12% on their stay at Hilton by booking directly on their website. All of these discounts combined make Tampa Bay the perfect summer destination to explore more of your own state.
Fantastic gadgets to keep the kids entertained on long trips
Road trips are exciting adventures that can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, when it comes to travelling with kids, there’s little we can do about those inevitable ‘are we there yet’ moments.
As you embark on your next road trip, take a look at these fantastic gadgets guaranteed to keep boredom at bay, even on the longest of road trips.
John Lewis Children’s Electronic Keyboard, £18.
This colourful keyboard is perfect for long journeys, thanks to its two carry handles and compact size.
With 37 keys and a large selection of built-in rhythms and demo songs, it’s ideal for musically-minded road-trippers.
The best bit for parents? It can be used with headphones, which will come as a relief when your little one treats you to their tenth rendition of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.’
Lexibook Minions 7 Inch Portable DVD Player, £69.99.
In the digital age, look no further than this Despicable Me themed DVD player to keep the children entertained over long distances.
It’s sturdy and splash-proof, and the rotating screen means your passengers can watch their favourite shows with friends. Another bonus is the headphone jack which allows you to carry on your conversation in the front without being overwhelmed by Peppa Pig!
Batman Junior Headphones, £15.
The wrong headphones can often ruin a journey of any distance and will quickly be ditched.
It’s worth investing in a decent pair of children’s headphones as they embark on what may well be their first road trip. These Batman-themed ones have soft cups and a flexible headband, and can also be used as ear protectors.
The only downside? They don’t come in adult sizes!
Anker PowerCore portable charger, £12.99.
Running out of petrol is often considered the worst case scenario on a road trip or long distance car journey.
Some, however, would argue that it’s actually running out of battery life for your passengers’ app-enabled iPhones or tablets. The Anker PowerCore is a lipstick-sized charger that will quickly bring smartphones and tablets back to life, keeping them going until you reach your next destination.
RSPB Children’s Binoculars, £27.99.
Keep your kids entertained as they stare out of the car windows in search of new sights and fascination with the perfect pair of binoculars.
This child-friendly set will transform outdoor scenery into exciting landscapes full of hidden treasures. At the same time, binoculars will encourage passengers to connect with the wonderful settings you pass through on your road trip, that otherwise may be missed.
Tetris Dual, £15.00.
A modern, travel-friendly update on a much loved classic, Tetris Dual is perfect for long journeys.
As with the original, an electronic display selects the next piece to play and keeps score as the time ticks down. Players can choose to go it alone and beat the clock or take on opponents.
Colourful, large blocks make it great for smaller fingers, minimising the risk of losing pieces down the side of the car seat!
VTech KidiZoom Duo Camera, £44.40.
The VTech KidiZoom Duo Camera is destined to capture children’s imaginations.
It has front and rear lenses and allows budding snappers to add various effects – including a wide range of stamps and frames. Other features include built-in games, a voice recorder, an auto-portrait feature, and even a Silly Face Detector!
LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate, £129.99.
Packed with 1,000 games focusing on core skills, this robust tablet can be used both on and offline.
Skills can be developed in mathematics, reading, science, music, and creativity as your road trip progresses – MENSA won’t be far away!
As well as having built-in parental controls, it tracks curricular progress and automatically adjusts learning levels to keep up with your child’s development.
Pod+ Water Filter Bottle, £19.99.
Keeping kids hydrated can be tricky. If you’re in a location where water quality isn’t guaranteed, the situation can become even more stressful for parents.
Luckily, the Pod+ is here to help. Available in a wide range of child-friendly colours and designed with an ultra-comfortable mouthpiece, this bottle filters both tap and river water.
It’s also leak-proof! Music to the ears of parents who have experienced backseat spills on a long, hot car journey.
These gadgets should help you plan for any upcoming road trip, especially if that trip is a long journey across countries or up and down the UK. If you’re having trouble tracking down any of these items, consider using our brand new Avis concierge service for an extra layer of support.
By Tamara Hinson www.avis.co.uk/inspires
Yoga Retreats
WHY IT RATES: Already one of the most relaxing places in the world, Soneva Kiri is getting two new immersive yoga retreats to bring the relaxation and self-betterment to the next level.—Michael Schottey, TravelPulse Director of Digital Content
Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has announced that it will bring two immersive Yoga Retreats to its remote jungle resort, Soneva Kiri, on the unspoiled Thai island of Koh Kood, in November 2018. These exclusive Hatha yoga experiences at the resort’s Six Senses Spa will be available as both a seven-night retreat (for yoga enthusiasts and practitioners) and a 28-night intensive yoga teacher training.
The seven-night retreat at Soneva Kiri includes two hours of yoga and 40 minutes of meditation per day, two hours of spa treatments and pre and post wellness screenings. The 28-night package is comprised of 200 hours of certified yoga teacher training, including practice (asanas, pranayama, meditation and cleanses), 50 hours of theory, 25 hours of assignments, and 25 hours of self-study. A Yoga Alliance Certification can be earned with an extra charge of $100. Meditation will include a mix of yoga nidra, trataka, and a chakra meditation.
Both the retreat and the yoga teacher training will be led by Dorelal, a yoga expert with a Master in Applied Yoga Science from the Bihar School of Yoga, the first yoga university in the world. Dorelal has spent many years working at Ananda in the Himalayas, a luxury ayurvedic retreat in India that integrates traditional Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta with international wellness. He has also traveled to Russia, Korea and other parts of Asia teaching yoga.
Both packages include shared return flight transfers between Bangkok and Soneva Kiri on a fixed schedule on Soneva’s private Cessna aircraft. Guests will be sharing accommodation in the resort’s larger villas, with each guest getting a private room with an en-suite bathroom. Daily half board (breakfast and dinner), comprised of health-conscious and nutritious cuisine and non-alcoholic beverages at the resort restaurants, is also included. All guests will have a Mr./Ms. Friday butler to see to their needs during their stay, full access to the resort’s gym and tennis court, as well as complimentary use of WiFi.
The seven-night retreat is valid from November 15-22, 2018 and is priced at $5,670 per person for single occupancy and $8,670 per person for double occupancy. The 28-night yoga teacher training package is valid for stays in November 2018 and is priced at $15,100 per person for single occupancy and $21,520 per person for double occupancy.
How to Explore California’s Pacific Coast Highway
After massive landslides destroyed parts of the well-traveled roadway, the last section of the highway reopened on July 18, just in time to catch the peak summer travel season.
There are so many options when it comes to traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s hard to cram everything into one itinerary, but many have tried.
Travelers with plenty of time can easily spend weeks exploring everything there is to see along the way but those working with one week to 10 days, the average amount of vacation time in the U.S., should check out some of the highlights.
Santa Barbara
Traveling north up the coast, visitors will want to make the coastal city of Santa Barbara a priority. Explore the zoo, stroll State Street or plan to stay the night and enjoy the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail.
Paso Robles
Wine enthusiasts can create a coastal journey that revolves around wine tasting. From Avila, rather than taking the coast road from San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, follow U.S. Route 101 up to Paso Robles for a short detour to another of California’s popular wine regions.
Paso Robles offers a number of world-class vineyards as well as many boutique wineries that offer unique options for accommodation in a true California style.
Hearst Castle, San Simeon and Cambria
Head back to the coast from Paso Robles and into Cambria. This charming village has a number of vintage stores, coffee shops and cute eateries, but what’s really worth stopping for is a stroll along its famed Moonstone Beach.
Stay in Cambria or nearby San Simeon just up the coast and take some time to explore the area, its rugged coastline, Hearst Castle and Elephant Seal rookery at Piedras Blancas, one of the few places people can see these majestic creatures on land.
Ragged Point
Leaving San Simeon is where the coastline truly becomes a craggy coastal wonderland. The road winds along cliff faces and around just about every corner is stunning vista after stunning vista. Be prepared to stop and go here for photographs.
Take a break from the drive at Ragged Point. It’s the perfect spot for a snack or a picnic. There is a hotel here as well as an ice cream stand, a restaurant and burger stand. There’s also a small general store.
Visitors can take a short hike around the point or wander all the way down to the beach to walk along the desolate shoreline.
Big Sur
The area of Big Sur encompasses the coastline between San Simeon and Carmel, but the town is tucked away in the forest just a few minutes drive from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If not stopping overnight here, plan to spend some time poking around its eclectic shops or enjoying a locally sourced organic meal.
As you leave, you will head out over one of the area’s most iconic sights, the Bixby Bridge. Plan your drive accordingly so you don’t miss it in the dark.
Point Lobos State Reserve
When leaving Big Sur, make sure you have water and snacks, or maybe even a picnic lunch. Point Lobos will be your next big stop and its worth planning for a few hours here. There is so much to see and do, including kayaking in China Cove, visiting the Whaler’s Cabin Museum, a short hike to see sea lions and more.
Eurostar Launches Exclusive Experiences
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking the UK and mainland Europe, is offering meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) customers a selection of new ways to make their journey even more memorable.
Customers booking exclusive coaches can now treat their guests to a dedicated onboard experience, hosted by an expert speaker and tailored to enlighten and entertain delegates as they travel across the Channel.
Available for bookings from September, Eurostar’s new exclusive experiences are the ideal way to leave a lasting impression with travelers from the moment they arrive on board. Taking their trip to the next level, organizers can choose from themes in-keeping with Eurostar destinations, ranging from food and drink to arts and culture.
The onboard experiences are available to groups that have booked an entire coach, on all Eurostar routes. Costs are available on request.
Spirits
Celebrating the enduring popularity of gin, guests will be invited to taste rare and exclusive blends as well as to understand how gin is made and which tonics work with them to create perfect combinations. A version of this experience can also be focused on whiskey.
Host: Helen Chesshire (founder of Brighton Gin), Dawn Davies (The Spirits and Whisky Exchange) or Jane Parkinson (BBC Saturday Kitchen).
The whiskey experience is hosted by world-renowned spirits expert Dave Broom or Dawn Davies (The Spirits and Whisky Exchange).
Cheese
With cheese festivals and artisan products appearing across the food scene, this experience is combined with craft beers, and artisan foods, to demonstrate why beer is a better match than wine, alongside tastings of five cheeses from the destination of travel and tips and recommendations on where to buy and taste cheeses on arrival.
Host: Patrick McGuigan, Britain’s leading cheese writer and World Cheese Awards judge.
Fashion and Beauty
Advice and insights on staying ahead of each seasons trends in clothing and cosmetics, either as a single group or in small group consultations along with products to try out. The session can include advice to both men and women through a talk, Q&A and tips and recommendations on stores to visit on arrival at the destination.
Host: Sali Hughes, one of the UK’s s leading beauty columnists.
Wine
Featuring tastings from unexpected countries, the experience aims to take travelers out of their comfort zone, showing them how to pick the gems on a restaurant wine list, and introducing them to the top restaurants in their destination.
Host: Tom Surgey (Ridgeview Wine), Henry Butler (wine merchant) or IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) Wine Communicator of the year, Jane Parkinson.
Art
Reminding delegates how to have fun putting pen to paper, and also incorporating some of the artistic highlights in the destination with talks and stories behind a selection of famous works.
Host: Euan MacDonald, who combines art history with an entertaining look at the destination city.
Sports
For Rugby International games, fans can be joined on board by rugby stars who can be interviewed or simply chat to travelers to make predictions on the tournament. A quiz can also bring in a competitive element.
Host: Nigel Barden, BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4
Great Taste
With hampers provided by The Guild of Fine Food, guests will hear the provenance of products competing to win prestigious ‘Great Taste’ stars. Including meats, cheeses, ciders, and chocolates, delegates can test their tasting palates by awarding tasting notes and star ratings to be compared to those awarded by the judges.
Hosts: Nigel Barden, Patrick McGuigan and Martha Collison (Great British Bake Off)
“We wanted to offer those traveling in a group a new way to make the most out of their time on board,” Inge Bauwens, Eurostar Business Development Manager, MICE, said. “Taking advantage of the space available on board and freedom to move around, our new range of exclusive experiences allow MICE travelers to provide a unique journey for their guests and a Eurostar trip to remember.”
With quick and convenient check-in, a seamless city-center to city-center journey, and a generous baggage allowance, Eurostar is the ideal way to travel between London and mainland Europe.
For more information or to book email MICE@eurostar.com, visit eurostar4agents.com/mice or call the Eurostar contact center on 0344 8224 800.
Estonia, the first digital country in the world
After having visited almost every European country, the Baltics were not at the top of my list for my next trip.
But as soon as I got out of the plane in Tallin’s airport, I felt I had made the right decision. I felt a warmth that was totally unexpected.
As an entrepreneur and digital nomad, I knew a few things about Estonia. I had heard many good stories about the country’s initiatives to digitalize every aspect of daily life. I also heard Estonia planned to be a pioneering country that would set the example for the whole world, so I needed to check it out. However, I didn’t know much about its history and even less about its tourist attractions.
I took the tram to the city center and even just this short trip was booming with contrasts. The landscape went from old grey soviet buildings to very modern and fully glass constructions. Our last stop was finally in the beautiful medieval historic center. That’s when I remembered Estonia has a rich history, but as a country, it’s only turning 100 in 2018. Don’t forget that not a long time ago, it was part of the USSR. The country was poor and debilitated after getting their independence back, and that’s when the government made the strategic decision of betting on technology.
I stayed downtown, so I explored every inch of the cobblestone streets. I fell in love with the colorful buildings, the palaces, the churches (orthodox, catholic and lutheran, one next to one other), the towers, the little passages, the squares, the green areas, and so on. After one day, my intuition was telling me: “you could live here!” But I still needed to know more about the whole digital and innovative scene. The Estonian government has declared the Internet as a basic human service, so I didn’t have any problem finding information while I was there. I even had 4G in the middle of Lahemma National Park, the one day I decided to explore a tiny part of the 2 million hectares of forest the country boasts – it covers more than 50% its territory!
As I dug into the e-Estonia initiative, I fell more in love with it. The goal of the Estonian government is not technology by itself. Technology is being used to make the governing process more transparent, more citizen-centered, and less corrupt. More effective and more efficient, and they’ve come a long way.
In Estonia, 99% of the relationship between citizens and the government happens online. Only marriages, divorces, and some real state transactions need people to actually move from their houses and laptops. Without long line and bureaucracy, just logging on the State platform with your e-ID can get access to all the e-services. Citizens can even i-vote from anywhere in the world since 2005.
There’s an e-health initiative as well. People own their own medical history which is all in the system, so doctors can access their patients’ electronic records and make better decisions. Imagine how good this is for emergencies. The patient is arriving in an ambulance, and the doctor already knows all the patient’s information before even seeing him or her.
The good news is, you can be part of this innovative process. Since 2014, anyone can become an e-resident. You can get your e-ID and access all the e-services as any Estonian would; create a company in Estonia, open a bank account, pay your taxes. Everything is for very little cost and without even visiting Estonia. Estonia is the first country in the world wanting to become a borderless society.
Sounds like the future? There are many ambitious initiatives on the country’s roadmap. But not everything is perfect. Like in every country that develops this fast, a big social gap can be found. At the same time, the birth rate is declining at an alarming rate, and Estonia is already one of the least populated countries in the EU. Just to give you an example, it’s the same size as The Netherlands but it has less than 10 times its population.
Cybersecurity is another big challenge. When all your information is online, theoretically, it’s all in danger of being hacked – and it has happened already. Russia cyber attacked Estonia in 2007 and communication collapsed. Luckily, Estonians learn fast and know that it is key for their project to work.
Nowadays, Estonians are world renowned for their cybersecurity systems and are opening data embassies in different parts of the world where they’re storing a digital copy of all the State information. They’ve been using blockchain technology to decentralize information for more than 10 years, so the risk is currently very low.
Estonia is a beautiful country. I’m never going to forget the amazing sunset I enjoyed at 11 pm, with the sun disappearing behind the Baltic Sea, getting lost on the cobblestone streets while listening to traditional music and enjoying a hot sweet wine to combat spring’s cold. But behind the beauty, what surprised me the most is how such a small country is leading the way towards a more transparent, open, and connected world. And I wonder, could this be scaled or adapted to bigger nations like the U.S, Canada, Germany or the U.K.? Would they want to be more transparent, open and connected? We shall see.
One thing is for sure: we know where to look if we make the decision to go that path.
A Royal Tour
By Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas
Nothing kick starts Anglomania quite like a royal wedding. The union of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, had the commoners transfixed while viewing the fancy goings-on in Windsor. Millions watched while the couple exchanged vows. The romance and sumptuous setting reminded us all why we all secretly want to be royal.
You may not be in line to marry a royal—but the next best option is to travel in England like one. Grab friends, family or your entourage and hop the pond. Let the regal fortnight begin!
Days One to Three – Ascot & Windsor
Upon touchdown at Heathrow check into the five star Coworth Park in Ascot—part of the exclusive Dorchester Collection. Guests will find themselves in good company, Princes Harry and William spent the night here before the wedding, as did Meghan’s friends Serena Williams and Priyanka Chopra.
Fend off jet lag by staying active after landing. Enjoy the spa, go for a swim in the naturally lit indoor pool, take a riding lesson, or borrow a bike from the fleet to explore the 240-acre estate.
Depending on the time of day, take afternoon tea accompanied by a live harpist in the Drawing Room, or dine on Michelin-starred cuisine at Restaurant Coworth Park. Then tuck in for a well-deserved good night’s sleep.
Before leaving Ascot it’s worth checking what’s on at the legendary local race track. Duchess Meghan re-emerged from the secret honeymoon at Royal Ascot to delight the railbirds in stunning white Givenchy, reminiscent of her wonderful wedding gown. Be sure to do your homework before attending—Royal Ascot has a “style guide” which is 36 pages long.
Take a full day to visit Windsor, site of the royal wedding. The splendid St. George’s Chapel is known as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, and most beautiful churches in England. Everyone is free to attend services there, or use the visit included with a ticket to Windsor Castle. The castle itself is one of the iconic must-sees on any trip to England, home to the royal family for an astonishing 1,000 years.
Spend the afternoon like a local with a Windsor pub crawl before the train to London. Two Brewers is well-regarded for outstanding fare. Post up and while away the afternoon over a pint or three, badgering the locals who may have experienced the wedding first hand. Their stories are sure to regale you.
Days Four to Six — London
Stay at the fabulous Chiltern Firehouse, in Marylebone, where Kate Moss, David Beckham, and Bill Clinton have all been spotted. The hotel is also famous as the place where Duchess Meghan has indulged in her favorite nightcap, the Negroni. The Queen herself would approve of the hotel bar’s boozy take on the classic cocktail, with thrice the normal dosage of Plymouth Gin. After all, Queen Elizabeth II enjoys a Gin & Dubonnet before lunch every day.
The famous blind date took place at London’s Soho House. The private club is notoriously exclusive, although every member can bring three guests so ask around. Even better, go high/low and visit Soho House-owned Dirty Burgers, the tasty treat that was served at the second or “casual” royal reception. Prince Harry is a well-known fan of burgers and beer, at least until Meghan urged him to lose “half a stone” for those royal wedding photos. Head for the hip neighborhood of Shoreditch to wallow like a Windsor at 13 Bethnal Green Road. To work off those extra calories, hit up Nobu Hotel Shoreditch for a very Meghan workout at Studio Lagree.
When it comes to shopping, Meghan’s fascination with all things Givenchy has been well-documented. Take a closer look at the boutiques inside Harrod’s and Selfridge’s, where are there are oodles of other things to ogle for everyone in the group. Pro tip for non-royals: there’s a Givenchy outlet store in Bicester Village, just north of Oxford.
Channel your inner Sloane Ranger by indulging in Meghan’s favorite scent from Jo Malone London, Wild Bluebell, at the boutique in Sloane Square. Then while away the afternoon antiquing on Portobello Road; Meghan’s Instagram account was filled with fantastic finds from the famous market.
Days Seven to Fourteen – UK Countryside
City tastes sated, it’s time to head for the countryside with UK Countryside Tours. The bespoke operator offers exclusive themed tours that “tell the stories of England” while giving visitors access to places normally reserved for the elite. Each tour allows guests to sit with experts, curators, scholars and even royalty, depending on the subject. Choose the RHS Royal Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Tour. Learn about the horticultural heritage of London districts Chelsea and Hampton, starting with Henry VIII to the present. Or create a custom tour through the “Study at Chatsworth” option where “intrigue, power, tragedy and passion” fill the grounds. The Chatsworth house is an excellent base for discovering iconic English country houses. The estate, collection and gardens seem to whisper tales to visitors. UK Countryside Tours base many of their excursions there, and if you’re lucky, you just might meet the Duke of Devonshire.
It’s time to give the royal wave good-bye to England, but don’t forget to grab a piece of souvenir wedding china on your last day. It might make sipping tea back home a bit fancier.
Seattle’s Finest
By Jennifer Morilla
Once upon a time, it was one of America’s major port cities. Back in the day, it was America’s gold rush that kept Seattle alive. Today – things are different and Seattle is known for doing things its own way. With property prices rising, and the food scene becoming one of the country’s most inviting food destinations in America, it’s no wonder Seattle is one of today’s most popular destinations. There is plenty to experience, but here are a few of the finest things I found the city has to offer.
Culture
Taking underground tours like, Beneath The Streets to check out Seattle’s old history and traditions during the Gold Rush years is a must do. Visiting Seattle’s famous tourist attraction, the Space Needle is also something worth checking out but only on a sunny day. Checking out Museums like Klondike Gold Rush Museum and the Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery Center (it’s free) was an inspirational and informative tour that stayed true to its advertising: “Arrive Curious, Leave Inspired”. Check out the top secret life of the Boeing Factory along with one of the coolest museums in Seattle, the Mohai Museum of History and Industry. You’ll be surprised to learn about the history of Seattle along with what the future of America could look like from Seattle’s perspective.
Boutique Luxury Hotel
Doors opened in 1909 and its’ first guests consisted of anxious prospectors, entrepreneurs, and curious tourists who attended the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific-Exposition, which was pretty much the first time anyone outside the Northwest had ever heard of Seattle. Hotel Sorrento became Seattle’s original hub of hospitality, creativity, and urban life. Over the years Hotel Sorrento has been remodeled and grown to adjust to the new city of Seattle. Less than ten mins from downtown its surrounded by world-class art, museums, and concert halls, a dozen restaurants, cafes, boutique, cocktail bars and nightclubs.
Hotel Sorrento has truly honored its landmark legacy while aligning with the fast-growing city of Seattle. It’s beautiful newly renovated Dunbar Room is a great place for a nice cocktail and delicious food with a cozy, relaxed, yet refined environment that makes you feel like you’re in an old Grand Central Station cafe. The menu is Italian-inspired with the freshest Northwest seafood pulled from the Pacific, local beef and sustainably raised pork and poultry. (Recommended favorite drinks: Sorrento 408 or Gatsby).
Need to unwind? One of the best parts of Hotel Sorrento isn’t just their amazing hospitality, great service, delicious foods, or amazing guest room beds, but their 5 o’clock free wine hour. Join everyone in the Fire Room at 5 o’clock every day for a free wine tasting.
The Garden is open during Seattle’s summer months. Surrounded by trees for some privacy and live music (Thursday- Saturday), it’s a place to gather for business, with friends or its all-night happy hour. Morning brunch makes you feel like you’re sitting at a cafe near a park in Paris in the middle of spring. While visiting make sure to ask the front desk of any events happening as they usually have activities like Yoga, Painting or even Pinot!
Dining
If you like Latin flavor, don’t miss the tapas bar, Tango Restaurant. The menu is inspired by countries like Spain, Latin America, and Cuba. End your meal with the El Diablo Dessert, as featured on the Food Network. Their happy hour is also known to be one of the best in the city.
Oysters are on most menus in Seattle as Seattle is one best places to eat fresh oysters! Elliot’s Oyster House has stunning waterfront views and oysters of any kind picked daily and paired with only the best wines. Show up with a big group but expect a wait, so make sure to call ahead for reservations.
Dessert – Ice Cream with a twist
Don’t forget about the best the part of eating- Dessert! Salt & Straw, an ice cream shop that has taken ice cream to a whole new level! A Portland, Oregon founded company that now resides its franchise only on the West Coast. By only doing business with local products and businesses it helps support local communities. You’ll only find Salt & Straw in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. With flavors like Crackling Duck with Cherry Preserves, Toyko PB & J, and Roasted Beets & Humboldt Fog, you’ll be inspired to live on the edge and try them all.
Music now and then: Cincinnati
By Andrew Chrisanthus
At the heart of Cincinnati’s music culture, and it’s historic Over the Rhine Neighborhood, is Cincinnati Music Hall. Sitting just over a mile from the Ohio River, Music Hall is the jewel of Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine, and its blocks of intact 19th-century architecture. Constructed in 1878, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1975, Cincinnati’s Music Hall and its Victorian-gothic architecture, has been and will continue to be a part of Cincinnatians’ and the cities visitors’ DNA for generations.
Home to the Cincinnati Opera (the nation’s second-oldest opera company), Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (the nation’s sixth-oldest symphony orchestra), May Festival (the longest-running choral festival in the Western hemisphere), and Cincinnati Ballet; Music Hall has a global reputation for being a premier venue for classical music, but is so much more. This famed hall served as the city’s first convention center helping to establish it as more than just a home for classics. Industrial exhibits, political conventions & presidential visits, sporting events, trade shows, and everything in between, even the circus, has been held in the three buildings which make up the hall’s recognizable façade, but it’s called Music Hall for a reason. Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, The White Stripes, Phish, and Cincinnati’s own The National, have performed on the Hall’s stage; making it a premier venue for all music, new and old.
Cincinnati’s Washington Park sits footsteps from Music Hall’s grand entryway, providing a beautiful green space to accompany the hall. The park received a $48 million renovation and expansion in 2012, which was followed by a $143 million renovation to Music Hall proper in 2016. After all the renovations to it and the surrounding area were complete the glorious hall reopened in the fall of 2017 and is now primed to continue to provide a world-class musical and community space for Cincinnati and all its visitors for years to come. Continuing in its legacy as being a venue for classics and cutting-edge material Cincinnati Music Hall will present the U.S. debut of Another Brick in the Wall, Roger Water’s opera based on Pink Floyd’s iconic The Wall album, this July 20 – 31, 2018.
After 140 years this hall and what it still provides helps show us how a facility built for music can be so much more to a city, now and then.
How to pool party in Vegas
Over the last 5 years, summer in Las Vegas has been defined by poolside dance parties. The weekend in the past was defined by the splashy madness of Fridays at the Palms and Sundays at the Hard Rock. As time moved on, the parties got more stylish as Tao Beach and WET Republic brought celeb hosts, VIP cabanas and bottle service to the mix. The day party craze truly exploded with the advent of Encore Beach Club that married international DJs like Steve Angello, Afrojack and Avicii with champagne showers, Arab princes and cabanas even more expensive than the Wynn’s high-roller suites on a summer weekend.
To pool party in Vegas as a high roller, it’s best to narrow down your choices to a few venues. NightSwim is back in session Thursday through Sunday for late-night pool action with DJs from Dillon Francis to David Guetta.. While we cringe at the idea of actually touching the water of a 3,000-person pool that’s used both day and night, the array of cabanas on hand include the Lower Level bungalows large enough for 25 with a mere $25,000 food and beverage minimum. WET Republic still manages to pull off events with DJs like Kaskade and Martin Garrix.
Newcomers like Foxtail and Liquid are mostly a bust, with the exception of specially promoted events. Daylight at Mandalay Bay goes into its third season with a more hip-hop line-up of Rick Ross, Ludacris and a burgeoning Thursday party that hopes to take on the competition. Look for Palms to debut an all-new pool club in 2019 that will compliment the $400-million refurbishment of the hotel and rebranding of many of its in-house brands. Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan always impresses with its perch above the Las Vegas Strip with EDC line-up that includes Lost Frequencies and Oliver Heldens as well as summertime VIP packages that includes bottle service by drone.
Orlando airport embraces ‘farm to terminal’ restaurant trend
The Cask & Larder restaurant was a revelation to Orlando International Airport when it opened in October 2016.
The restaurant offers dishes such as shrimp and grits, Nashville fried chicken and other Southern classics. It helped show airport officials that people don’t just want food when they travel — they want good food and are willing to pay for it.
The airport showed a 24 percent increase in food sales after Cask & Larder opened, also attributable to new food options such as Chipotle, far outpacing the 7 percent increase in passenger traffic.
The Orlando airport is the latest flying hub to discover the local and fresh trend that has swept the restaurant industry. Some in the travel industry are calling it “farm to terminal” — a reference to the popular farm-to-table trend in American restaurants — to describe more cuisine options inside the nation’s airports.
OIA is ready to offer more restaurant options. A Bahama Breeze restaurant is under construction in the B Terminal, a boutique brand from Orlando-based Darden Restaurants known for its Caribbean-style food and happy hour drink offerings.
“It generally works out well because the travelers are getting something that is more authentic to the location,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst with San Francisco-based Atmosphere Research Group. “Maybe it’s a restaurant you couldn’t visit while you were in town or couldn’t get a reservation. Maybe it was something you loved and want one more taste.”
Since 2001 and the addition of TSA security checks, airports have been evolving to take advantage of the time passengers spend at the airport. The average passenger now spends 75 minutes at large airports such as OIA once they check in and pass security, according to a 2016 study from the Airports Council International-North America.
Airports in Atlanta, Newark and Dallas have pushed to bring in more local restaurant names, hoping departing passengers will be drawn to local favorites and incoming and connecting flyers will spend more on popular regional dishes as opposed to fast food or ubiquitous chain restaurants.
Some airport restaurants are flying in fish fresh from Japan daily for sushi.
Bonnie Smetzer, of Sebastian, said she is a more frequent OIA diner since Cask & Larder opened. Smetzer, who was eating grilled chicken with coleslaw while waiting for her flight to an apartment managers’ conference in Washington, D.C., wants better eating options at the airport.
“I wish there were more high-end restaurants here,” she said. “It’s nice to have better food so you aren’t just eating just to eat.”
The new Bahama Breeze at OIA will join a Taco Loco, a new brand from airport restaurant operator HMS Host, as well as a new deli and pizza restaurant called MCO Market and a redesigned Burger King.
“We will always have the fast food options because we have so many families coming in and out of Orlando,” said Tracy Conner Harris, the manager of concessions for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “But we’ve found a lot of people want something better and if we can get them to eat here instead of stopping on the way, that’s great for everyone.”
OIA made a $24.2 million profit from food and beverage sales in the 2016 fiscal year that ended in June — 44 percent more than in 2011. It’s a growing fraction of the airport’s $286 million in non-airline revenue, which also includes retail, parking and car rental fees. Every dollar of additional revenue can help lower costs for flyers by lowering fees charged to airlines, Harris said.
The airport gets a cut, depending on the type of product sold, ranging from 8 percent to 22 percent on each purchase.
Opening a restaurant at the airport does have some obstacles. Restaurants usually need to partner with a concessions company, such as HMS Host at Orlando International, and follow safety rules such as tethering knives to work stations for eateries behind security lines.
The success of Cask & Larder could be a big influence as the airport prepares to open its new south terminal in 2021, a blank slate to experiment with new food and retail concepts, Harris said.
Even with the new options, Orlando is still trying to keep up with airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, which has brought in local favorites The Varsity (a famous burger spot), Versano’s pizzeria and One Flew South, an original restaurant that partners with local farmers for produce and meat.
“We always want people to know they are in Atlanta, Georgia,” said Chilly Ewing, director of Concessions for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “Sometimes when you travel, it’s hard to determine where you are at. Everything just blends together.”
By karnold@orlandosentinel.com, @kylelarnoldor facebook.com/bykylearnold
British Airways opens Rome Fiumicino lounge
British Airways has opened a new lounge at Rome Fiumicino airport, following a new design concept which the carrier says features “the very best of British and European design and delivering a luxurious and contemporary look and feel”.
The 460sqm lounge can accommodate up to around 140 guests and features a center-piece granite-topped bar, which is hosted by a mixologist during peak times and allows for self-service use during quieter periods.
Other facilities include wireless printing, power and USB charging points, marble tables, and artwork from the carrier’s collection including pieces from Patrick Caulfield’s 1973 series “Some Poems of Jules Laforgue”.
The lounge’s windows also have smart electronic blinds, which “are programmed with sensors to react to light and heat throughout the day, ensuring that the lounge is always a comfortable environment for customers to relax in”.
The new Rome lounge is located within Terminal 3 at Rome Fiumicino, and according to the Oneworld website is open daily from 0515 to 2030.
The new facility is part of an investment in BA’s lounges, with a new look space at New York’s JFK Terminal 7 the next to be unveiled, followed by a new lounge at Aberdeen later this year, and further planned investment at Geneva, San Francisco, Johannesburg, and Chicago airports.
All things Mumbai
Mumbai offers a dazzling range of experiences, from exploring the city’s fantastical architecture to escaping into a tangle of jungle or going birdwatching. You can, in the space of a few days, take a boat trip to Elephanta island, with its ancient cave temples, explore the sets of Bollywood, try historic Iranian recipes in a historic Parsi café, or cycle through the city in the early morning as it slowly wakes up from a heavy sleep.
Scope out the spectacular architecture
Founded by two city architects, Bombay Heritage Walks have been uncovering Mumbai’s different architectural layers for 20 years. You’ll feel dwarfed by the imperial bravado of the sea-facing Gateway of India and enlightened by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a feverish Victorian Gothic symphony of design. Learn about the buildings’ colorful histories, and discover surprising corners, such as the station’s cathedral-like vaulted ceiling.
Insider’s tip: As well as choosing between two different routes that take two hours each, participants can opt for a combination of the two, taking three-and-a-half hours.
Contact: 00 91 22 23690992; bombayheritagewalks.com
Opening times: 24 hrs
Price: free
Hang out at a Parsi café
With soaring ceilings, droopy chandeliers, whirring fans that stir up the muggy city day, and tall stained-glass arched doors opening onto the street, Britannia & Co is one of Mumbai’s few remaining grand old Parsi cafes. It’s still run by the 95-year-old Boman Kohinoor, who routinely regales foreign visitors with affectionate musings on the colonial era.
Insider’s Tip: Do try Britania’s most famous dishes — Iranian chicken, which resembles a rice-based biryani, served with cashews, tangibly sour barberries, and caramelized onion, and a sinfully decadently creamy and subtly fragrant crème caramel.
Opening times : Mon-Fri, 12pm-4pm; Sat, 11.30am-10pm; closed Sundays
Take a tour through Indian history
The fabulous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum in South Mumbai would be worth visiting for the building alone, a colonial-era fantasy of eastern promise, topped by a white dome and set in balmy palm-fringed gardens. However, do spend time exploring the 50,000-strong collection of artifacts within, which include hand-painted snuff bottles and the personal suit of armor of Mughal emperor Akbar.
Insider’s tip: While away contented hours in the cool museum galleries to escape the heat and don’t forget to pop to the museum cafeteria which is set in lush green gardens. There’s a particularly good museum shop too.
Opening times: Daily, 10.15am-6pm
Get your Bollywood on
The escapism dreamed up by Bollywood studios is part of the lifeblood of India, and although there are major film studios elsewhere in the country, no others have quite the hold on the national imagination as those in Mumbai. Through Bollywood Tours, glimpse some behind-the-scenes action at a shooting studio and experience the fascination yourself.
Insider’s tip: Fully research the tour companies as some are alternative outfits under similar names who charge for an overpriced, underwhelming tour.
bollywoodtours.in
Opening times : various
Byculla East
Explore the riches of Mumbai’s oldest museum
Amid the pastel-coloured colonnades of the beautifully restored Dr. Bau Daji Lad Museum, discover some of Mumbai’s most remarkable treasures, including the elephant that gave Elephanta island its name. The museum is a survey of the soul, culture and history of the city: you can’t fail to be beguiled by its collection of early maps of the nascent city or displays of traditional headwear on an array of busts from the 1930s.
Insider’s Tip: The museum has a busy program of workshops and talks for both adults and children, from creative writing to guided walks – check the website before you go.
bdlmuseum.org
Opening times : 10am-6pm; closed Wednesdays
Elephant Island
Get lost in ancient temples
An hour-long boat trip from the Gateway of India and you’re out on a thickly-wooded island, a Unesco World Heritage site, and seemingly a world away from the mainland. Its rock-cut temples date back to the 5th century, their columns are carved out of the hillside and renowed for their mythological engravings. The largest cave, full of courtyards, shrines and halls, is fronted by a seven-metre-high sculpture of Shiva, the destroyer.
Insider’s tip: There are plenty of guides offering their services but you can wander around at your leisure, assisted by guidebook pamphlets or an app.
Opening times : 9am-5pm; closed Mondays
Northern Mumbai
Catch your breath in the city’s ‘green lung’
The extraordinary thing about Mumbai is that it contains an immense green lung, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Found north of the city, a lushly green landscape rippling into the distance, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Splendidly diverse and sliced through with streams and rivers, it hosts thousands of plant species, scuttling reptiles, birds, deer, monkeys and some shy leopards.
Insiders tip: Book a tour with the Bombay Natural History Society, which has access to all the park’s sights, most notably the Kanheri Caves which consist of 100 Buddhist dwellings dating back to the 1st century BC.
sgnp.maharashtra.gov.in
Opening times : 7.30am-6pm; closed Mondays
Brussels Airlines reveals plans to enhance The Loft lounge
Brussels Airlines is increasing the capacity of its Brussels Airport lounge, The Loft, and is taking steps to further improve comfort for its highest tier passengers.
Since its inauguration in October 2014, The Loft has hosted more than 1.5 million travellers departing from Pier A at Brussels Airport. The airline is now increasing the size of The Loft, creating capacity for a total of 500 guests at a time. Brussels Airlines has also teamed up with a number of brands – including Lexus, Miele, Grohe, Corian and Dyson – to introduce new experiences in the lounge.
Christina Foerster, CEO of Brussels Airlines, said: “Customer centricity is at the heart of everything we do. We are known for our welcoming service and our “Belgitude”, which is reflected throughout The Loft. Business travellers remain an important part of our customer base; therefore we continue to invest in their comfort, working together with partners like Lexus who are driven by the highest quality service. With The Loft, we offer our customers an ideal environment, designed to meet their individual needs to relax, be productive or to be entertained.”
The additional 800sqm will include an open space designed by Lexus, showcasing objects from the Lexus design awards, allowing guests to discover the brand’s luxury lifestyle. The space is being been created following the traditions of “omotenashi”, the Japanese concept of hospitality and one of the core values of Lexus.
The new-look Loft will also offer an enclosed VIP area for HON Circle members (the highest tier in the Miles & More loyalty programme) with a living room showcasing a changing art collection of foreign and Belgian art. Next to that, an array of the finest gastronomy in a state of the art Miele kitchen is offered to make guests feel at home.
Furthermore, The Loft offers private nap rooms, inspired by the new long-haul Business Class cabin that the airline will launch at the end of this year. They showcase fine art images produced by cultural engineering agency Meta-Morphosis and each artwork has a link to Belgium. A massage area completes the experience, complete with Panasonic relaxing chairs, simulating the Shiatsu treatment available in the seating of the new Lexus LS sedan.
Another new experience includes the Grohe Spa, consisting of 11 bathrooms, each with their own settings according to personal preference, steam bath, music and light therapy, creating 11 unique moods and spa experiences. A game room featuring a pool table concludes The Loft’s new experiences. The new-look, expanded Loft will open in June.
JFK Airport gets new Alaska Airlines lounge
Alaska Airlines announced Monday it has opened its first Alaska Lounge on the East Coast.
Debuting at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, the new Alaska lounge can be found on the mezzanine level of Terminal 7 and will be accessible to Alaska passengers traveling through or out of Terminal 7 who have purchased a day pass, a lounge membership or are flying First Class.
All First-Class passengers will receive complimentary access to the lounge, making Alaska the only domestic airline to offer the benefit. Inside the lounge, the carrier has brought its West Coast flare to New York.
The Alaska lounge features a living room-style design with multiple seating areas crafted with business and leisure travelers in mind. The facility includes a fireplace, fun lighting fixtures, Starbucks-trained baristas, complimentary fresh foods and an expansive bar.
“We’re always looking to create warm, welcoming experiences for our guests,” Alaska Airlines managing director Brett Catlin said in a statement. “Our newest Alaska Lounge at JFK reflects the future of our lounge offering – a signature West Coast vibe, unique beverage selections and a focus on fresh, healthy food options. We’re also thrilled to be the first domestic lounge to introduce a full menu of barista-pulled handcrafted espresso beverages.”
Alaska has already opened several lounges in other airports, including facilities in Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland and three in Seattle. To become an Alaska Lounge member, visit the airline’s official website to apply or purchase a one-day pass for only $45.
Membership also allows travelers access to more than 90 airport lounges worldwide in cities like Chicago, London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Paris. In total, Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 44 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica.
The weirdest things that TSA will allow
Every once in a while, questions about what items are cleared to travel with at airports pop-up and leave us scratching our heads. Some recent examples include: slime, citric acid, an accordion, pepper spray, black petrol, a coyote skull, weed, hair wax, and cornbread. We don’t know why some people would need to fly with some of these items, but we’re not here to judge.
Violating TSA rules on prohibited items can result in a fine of up to $13,066 per violation, so it’s well worth checking ahead to avoid trouble.
The TSA has a helpful “What can I bring?” search tool on their website to search before you pack, though the final decision is always made by the TSA official on site. We’ve put together a brief Weird Stuff to Carry-On guide by class.
Animal
We couldn’t find coyote skulls listed but antlers are good to go, even in your carry on luggage. Artificial skeleton bones are OK too, which may come in handy for anatomy students.
Bear spray and bear bangers (flares) are out. You can’t check them and you can’t bring them on board. Teddy bears and other stuffed animals are cleared to fly, but be reasonable about it. Size matters, especially in the overhead bin. Really large stuffed animals should be checked with the airline as irregularly sized luggage if they don’t fit in a suitcase.
Fishing lures are cleared for take-off, whether you check them or carry them onboard. However, you should large fish hooks must be sheathed, wrapped securely and packed into checked luggage. Flies can fly in the cabin with you, as can expensive reels or fragile tackle packed in your carry on bag. If you’re diving for your catch, spear guns are OK in checked luggage but a no-go in the cabin.
Live lobster? Your airline will decide whether they will allow fresh lobster to travel in the cabin with you, but you can check lobster as baggage. In fact, restaurant suppliers check lobsters and crabs for shipping to restaurants around the world all the time. There are special packing requirements, so call your airline. And, no, lobsters do not qualify as Emotional Support Animals. Seriously.
Vegetable
Cornbread—Good news! Bread is cleared to carry onboard, as are most solid food items. You can bring these on the plane or check them in your luggage. But wedding cakes that take up a whole overhead bin will cause trouble.
Moonshine is a no. Alcoholic beverages that are over 140 proof, including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum, cannot be carried on planes either in your hand luggage or in checked baggage.
Slime might be considered a gel and citric acid is a liquid, so these may give you some trouble, depending on how much you need to carry. The rule on liquids, gels, creams, and pastes limits you to 3.4 ounces or 100ml.
Fertilizer is out, by the way. It’s not allowed in carry-on bags or in checked luggage.
Mineral
Black petrol is a liquid but the big rule of thumb is that flammable or explosive items are generally banned on planes — you can’t fly with most of this stuff. There are very few exceptions (the odd disposable lighter and spare batteries). The TSA has a whole list dedicated to individual flammable and explosive items that you can check out.
Hair wax qualifies as a paste, so rules on liquids, gels, and pastes apply. Most cosmetics and beauty items fall into this category.
Accordions are musical instruments require special screening — even in checked bags. Some instruments can be carried onboard, but brass instruments must be packed in checked luggage.
Weapons are a real problem on planes, though there are specific rules for permitted carriage, and the TSA has a dedicated list. Lightsabers are fine, though. The TSA finds that we lack the technology to make real lightsabers, and they allow the plastic toy versions in carry-on and checked luggage, so there’s that.
Hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants
21212: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Carlton Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
The Hassler, Rome, Italy
The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia, United States
The Langham, Shanghai, China
Despite its location on The Bund in Old Shanghai, this hotel lies inside an ultra-modern glass building, and the guest-room decor leans towards the contemporary with a sprinkling of traditional Chinese elements. All of them, however, feature floor-to-ceiling windows that show off breathtaking views of the city.
SingleThread, Sonoma County, California
The Yeatman, Porto, Portugal
United Airlines opens 3rd Polaris lounge
Yesterday, United Airlines unveiled the airline’s third Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. In May, United opened a Polaris lounge at San Francisco International Airport, and the Chicago O’Hare Polaris lounge opened in 2016.
Summer ski destinations
Seasoned travellers seeking a new Summer escape may find luxurious adventures in an unlikely place – on the ski slopes. From the Alps to Argentina, these mountain destinations offer consistent snow conditions, lively culture and upscale accommodations. Here are my top 5 luxurious Summer ski destinations by blogger Tracie Heffernan:
Portillo, Chile
Almost unearthly in its beauty, Ski Portillo Resort is nestled amongst the towering peaks of the Andes and the shimmering Laguna del Inca. Portillo’s remote location and limited lodging options make for an exclusive atmosphere, with crowd-free slopes and empty lift lines. The resort enjoys fierce loyalty among repeat guests, many of whom return year after year for the familial atmosphere and all-inclusive reservation structure. Guests of Ski Portillo book week-long packages, which include accommodations, four communal meals a day, lift tickets and access to resort facilities, including the fitness center and spa facilities. The expansive Portillo Hotel features a slope-side swimming pool, theater, climbing wall and game room.
Las Lenas, Argentina
Like many of the best South American ski destinations, Las Lenas is remote, but the terrain quality, five-star lodging and stunning views make this popular Argentine resort worth the effort to get here. Inconsistent service may grate travellers accustomed to instant gratification at first, but the relaxed atmosphere will delight those who embrace the leisurely pace of Las Lenas. Luxury accommodations are available at the ski-in/ski-out Virgo Hotel & Spa, where staff will take your boots off for you and you’ll find a plasma screen TV in your room. For a gastronomic treat, try Malbec, an upscale restaurant in the Aries Hotel.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Lying just beyond The Remarkables, an aptly named mountain range rising dramatically behind Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an ideal retreat for all types of skiers. Groomer enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of mellow terrain at all four area resorts, while devoted powder hounds can find plenty of steep slopes and excellent snow conditions. Popular resorts include The Remarkables Ski Area and Coronet Peak. Non-skiers will appreciate Queenstown’s upscale restaurants and thriving nightlife scene. Luxury accommodations range from the internationally reputable Sofitel Queenstown to the charming Dairy Private Luxury Hotel, a boutique bed and breakfast that began in the 1920s as a corner store.
Cerro Bayo, Argentina
This boutique family-owned resort likely isn’t the first destination to come to mind for a luxury ski vacation, but with a growing reputation earned by perfecting its small-mountain, familial niche and a multi-million pound lodging project currently in development, Cerro Bayo may soon earn greater international recognition. The awe-inspiring views of Lake Nahuel Huapi from the slopes are known to make skiers feel as if they might ski right into the water.
Zermatt, Switzerland
For the sheer novelty of skiing, hiking and golfing all in the same vacation, this world-renowned resort is worth exploring in the traditionally off-peak months of summer. Guests can ski or snowboard the Theodul Glacier (the only slopes in the world to remain open 365 days a year) in the morning, with afternoons free for adventures in fly fishing, paragliding and mountaineering. Summer travellers will find the same sumptuous accommodations and service they have come to expect at the upscale Zermatt, including five-star hotels and luxurious on-mountain chalets.
Social Media Frenzy
Air New Zealand launches emoji travel tips Air New Zealand has developed an interactive online experience allowing people to explore the best New Zealand has to offer using emojis.
Users will be asked to comment on Air New Zealand #EmojiJourney Facebook or Twitter posts with a combination of emojis which would best describe their perfect New Zealand getaway. This will then automatically generate a link to a personalized map of New Zealand for them, with emojis highlighting points likely to be of interest.
Clicking on each of the emojis on the personalized map will provide more information about destinations and activities on offer – such as food and beverage hot spots, shopping, art and culture, adventure pursuits and things to do in the outdoors.
Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams Williams says people, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, love to use emojis in their day to day life and the #EmojiJourney is designed to inspire travel to and within New Zealand using social media.
“This is a fun and unique way to showcase New Zealand and our regions, from skiing at Ruapehu, rafting in Rotorua, or whale watching in Kaikoura, to the iconic Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth, or some of the country’s foodie hotspots. For example, if I wanted to head to one of New Zealand’s renowned wine regions I would enter the wine emoji.
“Our airline is committed to enhancing the customer experience and leading the way when it comes to innovation. #EmojiJourney will be progressively launched in our global markets in English, Japanese, German and Chinese and we hope this new experience will not only inspire visitors to travel to New Zealand but will also get Kiwis out exploring their own backyard,” says Ms. Williams.
Twitter’s Managing Director for ANZ Suzy Nicoletti says, “Emojis have become almost ubiquitous on Twitter as everyone from politicians, to sports stars, to brands are using these expressive images to communicate. When you can convey emotion faster and in less characters than words, it’s no wonder they are so popular.
“With an average of 3.5 billion emojis used on Twitter every month, Air New Zealand’s #EmojiJourney campaign is a fun and easy way for Twitter users to discover the best of what New Zealand has to offer, with all the creativity we’ve come to expect from @FlyAirNZ.”
Mindfulness
By Johnny Jet
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to slow down and be more calm. It seems the Calm app (iOS and Android)—one of Apple’s apps of the year for 2017—is the perfect starting point. Its premium version is not cheap at $59 for a year’s subscription, but there’s a free version and a seven-day free trial of the paid, upgraded version. From the App Store description: Calm brings “more clarity, joy and peace to your daily life.” If true—and judging by all of the positive comments and press—I’m guessing it is. After all, one doctor’s appointment will cost you much more than $59.
If you’re having trouble sleeping or with anxiety, give Calm a whirl. It’s rated as Apple’s number-one app for mindfulness and meditation. Calm offers guided meditations, Sleep Stories, breathing programs, and relaxing music and it’s been recommended by top psychologists and mental health experts to help you de-stress. Guided meditation sessions are available in lengths of three, five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes so you can choose the perfect length to fit your schedule. Topics include, via the App Store:
Calming Anxiety, Managing Stress, Deep Sleep, Focus and Concentration, Relationships, Breaking Habits, Happiness, Gratitude, Self-Esteem, Body Scan, Loving-Kindness, Forgiveness, Non-judgement, Commuting to work or school, Mindfulness at College, Walking meditation, Calm Kids And so much more…
Also featuring:
- Daily Calm: a new 10-minute program added daily to help ease you into the day or unwind with before bed
- 60+ Sleep Stories: adult bedtime stories guaranteed to lull you to sleep
- 7 day and 21 programs for both beginner and advanced users
- Breathing exercises to relax
- Exclusive music engineered to help you focus, relax or sleep
- Unguided timed meditation Open-ended meditation
- 30+ soothing nature sounds and scenes to use during meditation, yoga or to help you sleep
Even The New York Times loves this app. Its reviewer was quoted as saying, “I’m generally wary of meditation apps because they sometimes weave in too much mystic talk for my taste. But Calm instead contains guidance like ‘Concentrate on your body.’”
Rejuvenate
By Jeanette Ceja
There’s an emerging beach town on the horizon in Mexico. And this time the spotlight is not on Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. Situated on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. If you have not heard of Tulum yet get ready to hear more in the future. As this beach town continues to grow as a popular getaway for those who are seeking more than a “traditional beach vacation.”
And the hotel industry has taken notice. Take the recent announcement from the Dream Hotel Group with news that the company wants to add a hotel in Tulum. Additionally, the town continues to expand with an increase of eco-friendly boutique hotels that offer experiences like yoga, meditation and sweat lodges. Hotels on the beach worth a visit include Azulik Hotel Tulum & Maya Spa, Ahau Tulum and Hotel Calaluna Tulum.
Travelers can fly into Cancun International Airport and choose from a range of transportation options to Tulum. Just a 90-minute drive from the airport, visitors can travel either by shuttle, bus, taxi, or rent a car. Once you arrive, a unique way to explore the beaches is with a bike.
Apart from the picturesque crystal clear beaches, ancient ruins from the Mayan civilization surround Tulum. In this area, tourists can explore the Mayan Ruins for a small entrance fee. Arrive early and be prepared to wait in a long line, as this is one of the most popular attractions for tourists. Bring comfortable walking shoes and your swimwear, as you will have access to a cliffside beach just below the ruins. If you are feeling up to exploring more of the Mayans, plan a short trip to the pyramids at Cobá (a 45-minute drive) or to Chichen Itza (2 hour- drive) away from Tulum.
Tulum is central to breathtaking cenotes. Whether it’s the fact that you find yourself swimming under a cave or surrounded by the jungle. Around the world, visitor’s flock to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in these natural wonders. And what exactly is a cenote? A “sinkhole or natural well” as defined by the digital dictionary Dictionary.com. Discover the Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) and the lesser-known cenote Cape-Ha. Surrounded by the jungle, a hidden gem like Cape-Ha is a must visit.
So, naturally, after a swim if you find yourself with an appetite. You can walk from cenote Cape-Ha next to an outdoor fire pit restaurant called Safari. Try the Yucca Truffle Fries, Esquites, Tacos and a wash it all down with a refreshing signature cocktail. Trust me on this one. Besides the delicious food, the restaurant creates the perfect ambiance with a sexy playlist of worldly music- just another prime example of what makes Tulum so special.
It’s worth mentioning, as well, that Tulum hosts a vibrant nightlife of bars, music and dancing. Famous DJ’s, like Matthew Dekay and Yokoo, travel to Tulum to perform at events like the Full Moon Party. While you are there, don’t miss an evening at Gitano, a very popular out door restaurant and bar that has a weekly line-up of exceptional international DJ’s and musicians perform for you.
For those wanting to truly have a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations at the restaurant Kin Toh located inside the Azulik Hotel Tulum & Maya Spa. Where else can you grab a drink and lay on a net nestled inside a tree house overlooking the ocean? Furthermore, you can enjoy a dinner in a “private wooden nest.” Whether a solo traveler, family trip or a romantic getaway- there’s something everyone can enjoy in Tulum.