Tag Archives: Four Seaons Maldives

Travel Tribe Up Next!

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On my horizon and should be on yours for next year! As I prepare to depart to bustling Bangkok, sightseeing and staying in several five-star hotels, and then onward to an amazing 12-day Aman Resort jaunt in Bhutan, I want to remind you to begin planning for next year!

New Zealand

New Zealand – a few new lodges, exclusive activities always exceptional golf, yachting, chills and thrills with a plethora of activities for couples or families. The perfect itinerary begins with three nights at the fabulous villa ‘The Boathouse’ at The Landing Residences, located in a beautiful private property in the northern Bay of Islands region. The Landing collection of residences are exquisitely built and The Boathouse sits in a prime waterfront position in the bay. It has two bedrooms but one bathroom so it is perfect for a couple. The following day we have included a private cruise on The Landing’s own boat Iti Rangi to explore the region from the water. A day at leisure allows guests to explore the property with its numerous hiking trails, mountain bikes, tennis court, water sports and kiwi on property to spot in the evenings.

Japan

Japan oh, so very popular …plan now for spring, early summer or fall.
Obscure island locations include amazing art, biking and hiking. Add vibrant cities for cultural experiences, fine dining, museums…the list is long and wildly interesting.

Four Seasons Maldives

Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa

Maldives – There aren’t enough superlatives to fully and accurately describe the staggering natural beauty of the Maldives. From the air, nothing prepared me for the extraordinary glimpse of the turquoise seas, the oval halo of atolls and islands, in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean, crystal clear seas in a thousand shades of indigo, accented by white sugar sandy beaches…it was breathtaking!  Two stunning Four Seasons two resorts on different islands, adore both – must stay! OR Four Seasons Private Island for extended family or a gathering of friends.

Amanzoe, Greece

Athens Greece

Greece – Tourists are flocking to Athens and the sunny beaches, a major uptick in streams of travelers. The Four Seasons promises spring opening so there are several must stay options in Athens and outside the city on the beach. My recent visit to Greece was overwhelmingly positive, so much so, that I hope to return in spring for a second visit. Aman junkies will be deliriously happy in the land of myths and legends, at Amanzoe, amid the rocky rolling Argolid hillsides of the Peloponnese. According to ancient Greek mythology the Peloponnese is where the gods walked the earth. The elegant breathtaking resort, like the Acropolis, is situated on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves, underplanted rows of fragrant lavender, and spectacular views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Oh, did I mention the soundtrack of the cicada summer symphony?

Chable Resort Merida Mexico

Chable Resort Merida Mexico

Mexico – we love the Spanish Colonial City of Merida, stay at the newish Chablé Resort, which is situated amid sleepy authentic villages and the bustling historic colonial city of Mérida. One of my favorite GM’s, Rocco Bova, has taken the helm at Chablé, if anyone inspires magic, it is Rocco! Each white limestone Casita is privately situated off a short path, with a slightly deep plunge pool, comfy dining terrace, outdoor rain shower and acres of glass to view the untamed jungle. I never closed my massive shutters or drapes, preferring to peer out of my glass box to the swaying green trees filled with jabbering jungle birds! Woodpeckers, Chic Bul, Northern Cardinals, cooing Doves, and of course, the social fly catcher chatter all day while hummingbirds dart and dance. Chablé is located in a cultural area brimming with Mayan Ruins. We have access to sophisticated knowledgeable local guides for day trips to Uxmal, Chichen Itza, The Puuc Route Ruins, among other important sites; additionally, visits to private cenotes and biosphere reserves, as well as some of the region’s best museums, art galleries and thriving colorful markets. Just 25 minutes from the Merida International Airport.

Mongolia

Mongolia on your Travel List? We can offer cultural experiences ranging from 3-4 or 7 days traversing some of Mongolia’s most remote and beautiful terrain. From the capital of Ulaanbaatar to the arid Gobi Desert to the fertile fields of Khan Khentii, you’ll not only be immersed in nature, but in Mongolian culture. Much of rural Mongolia is undeveloped and the people here lead nomadic lifestyles, raising horses and other livestock, and living in ger camps. On this journey, you’ll have the chance to stay in a selection of different ger camps for a truly authentic Mongolian experience.

Mongolia

Camelback, your style? Imagine traditional camel passage through Zorgol Hairhan Mountains.  Trace the 12-mile-long sand dune that makes up the North Gobi today, on the back of a camel. If camelback is not your preferred mode of transportation, you may also choose to trek or drive the same route. Here, you may spot wolves, who have made a home in the area. Get up close and personal with Mongolian culture on our tour of the Gobi Steppe, a treeless grassland inhabited by Mongolian nomads. Here, you’ll experience their traditional lifestyle, from the equestrian nature of their transportation, to their nomadic ger tents. Plod across a 12-mile-long sand dune on the back of a majestic camel. Make friends with local families, who will help you out along the way and allow you a window into their incredible culture.

Travel Tribe – Where is your Next Journey?
There are numerous posts on these locations at gwenbooks.com, just search!

 

 

 

Voavah Four Seasons Private Island

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Highest level of Luxury, its time to begin plotting your spring, summer and fall escape!  A heavenly hideaway, a sublime sanctuary offering the utmost in privacy and iconic Four Seasons pampering at the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway, Voavah. A seven-bedroom private island Maldives home, the sojourn includes a 62-foot luxury yacht: Voavah Summer and a marine territory that’s utterly your own! Voavah, private island is a welcome addition to the two luxurious Four Seasons Resorts in the Maldives.

Our mantra on the art of the opening act, your arrival sets the stage: with a personal VIP Seaplane, alighting on the pristine pure white sand, your private beach! Tip toe over the scuttling white shelled hermit crabs and the delicious dilemma develops, what shall you do first: laps in the pool, a discovery afternoon of diving or casting, or snooze until sunset? Decisions, decisions!

Sneak peek: accommodating up to 22 guests in seven bedrooms, with its own chefs, staff, private spa, and a 65-foot-long PADIequipped motor yacht with a dedicated dive master. This extraordinary five-acre, island paradise is your private playground – retreat or indulge in the total privacy as a castaway!

Explore the outstanding wonders of the sea with incomparable diving – an overflowing menu of possibilities including snorkeling with manta rays, scuba diving, fishing, paddle boarding, hunting for brilliant turtles and afternoon dolphin safaris on your private motor yacht. As the day ebbs, prepare for a shimmering canvas of five-star sunsets or stargazing under a midnight blue sky illuminated with a necklace of sparkling stars. Nighttime skyglow is magical in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives hover just above the equator.

Privacy is everything at Voavah. Let us whisk you away on arrival in Malé with CIP services for immigration clearing and access to a VIP seaplane for the 40-minute onward flight to Voavah.  Privacy and protection certain due to Voavah’s 24-hour on-site security, night-vision cameras, CCTV and regular patrols, guests can indulge and begin checking off the long list of pleasurable activities from the moment they arrive. Voavah’s single entry point means no one arrives without staff knowledge. Medical Services – All of the guests have access to a 24-hour doctor on call, as well as access to Landaa Clinic (20 minutes away).

This incredible location in the remote Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Voavah offers the freedom of a castaway in a luxurious setting, a private paradise. A blissful over-water spa, the yacht Summer, a staff of more than 20, including a team or personal butlers and an epicurean chef. Three stunning villas accommodate the guests. Cleverly configured to host extended family and friends or your fashionable entourage in a three-bedroom beach front villa, a two-bedroom over-water bungalow and a crucial beach house containing a suite and a bunk room for up to four children, perfect for the nanny.

Just steps from the powder sands, the Three-Bedroom Beach Villa at Voavah is a sight to behold. With a massive sunbathing pool, al fresco living room and master bedroom with ocean views on three sides, the vast beach-chic interiors ooze effortless style and an undeniable at-home vibe. The master bedroom has an attached study/children’s room, while the two additional bedrooms are each housed in their own separate pavilion.

Divide your time around the two-story Beach House and the broad expanse of sugar white sand, gin clear seas and the rich reef teeming with marine life, the ultimate castaway lifestyle! The Beach House living room merges outside with inside, a library and loft lounge, a dining room, gourmet kitchen, an expansive pool deck, and a rock star gym. The  seven bedrooms span three separate venues over the lagoon, on the beach, or in the Mezzanine Suites. The most elevated position on the island, the two Mezzanine Suites at Voavah overlook the vast beach, turquoise lagoon and Biosphere Reserve beyond. Located at either end of the Beach House upper floor, each suite’s ocean-view outdoor sea-view shower and panoramic balcony deliver the height of residential chic. The Mezzanine Suites flank the Loft Lounge, a lovely in-the-eaves chill zone complete with comfy seating, pool table and views that stretch forever. Just off the Lounge, the Bunk Room has beds for up to four children, creating a great kids’ floor for larger groups.

The Voavah Vibe is all about satisfying and spoiling the guests, providing the ultimate in bespoke experiences. Last minute plea for sundowners as an exceptional sunset signals the closure of another perfect day, the chef will oblige! Kiddos dying for a pizza class, yes, of course! Sunrise on the sandbar, consider it done! Heard your friends are dining at Blu at Landaa Giraavaru, it’s a 25-minute cruise to the Four Seasons resort under a black sky twinkling with diamonds.

Expanding horizons, The Oceans of Consciousness Spa offers bespoke over-water spa therapies and rituals; yoga, meditation and pranayama classes; high-end beauty treatments; and Rossano Ferretti hair consultant on call. Private and perched over the glistening lagoon, the Spa offers bespoke treatments by ila inspired by the five pathways to consciousness: Truth, Wise Choices, Love, Peace and Compassion. Sink into your inner bliss with tailored treatments attributed to a specific pathway.

Devote delightful days discovering the undisturbed UNESCO paradise, Voavah Summer will introduce you to snorkeling or diving with whale sharks, year around manta rays; surfing on unknown breaks, casting for a sea banquet, exploring local islands, basking in sensational sunsets on the Baa Atoll, pleasurable moments are never-ending.

Gather your entourage and we will help plan your Exclusive Escape!