Travel Looking Forward

Over the next few weeks we will focus on inspiring escapes, four weeks of enticing travel encouragement. One of my most favorite Journeys was to the Maldives and despite the long trek, you will want to stay longer than planned! An overnight or two in Dubai to break up the travel, and off you go to the most gorgeous water in the world!

Four Seasons Kudaa Huraa, Maldives

If 2021 offers anticipation of escape, this is a time to dream, to explore and to savor the richness of international culture. Many of my most beloved Journeys over the last few years beckon me back for more. Life as we know it, slammed shut like an empty suitcase and the world is still far from normal. With the roll out of the Covid19 vaccine and super sanitizing procedures practiced by hotels and planes, it feels travel to distant lands will take off again. Travelers armed with Purell, wipes, masks, passports and packed bags will be ready to explore and create memories. The common cry: I can’t wait to escape, to return to favored hotels, yachts, islands and places I’ve always wanted to visit. Ostensibly, we will lose at least a year of tantalizing travel.

Are you ready to design inspiring Journeys? A few locations come to mind. We have adventure experts on hand as well if you need adrenaline based escapes! Private options may be the answer when you choose to fly, stay or sail next.

Maldives. It may sound exaggerated, but it is true: 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 is breathtaking! The wonder of the Maldives is awe inspiring; nothing prepares you for the beauty.

The Maldives

Underwater experiences in warm gin clear sapphire waters – dive or snorkel, float with manta rays and swim with curious turtles! The Four Seasons Maldives properties offer the highest level of luxury, it’s time to begin plotting your 2021 summer and fall escapes!  Consisting of two hotel properties, Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraaavru, I love both for various reasons, and if you need an exclusive Private Island amid the indigo seas, the Four Seasons also has a scrumptious private island home, Voavah. Oh and to top it off, a private yacht to follow the surf and the manta rays! The utmost pinnacle of experiences.

Stand alone bungalows and over water bungalows – mere feet from the sea, I loved both. Bike along palm lined baths to the spa or to your sunrise yoga. I filled my dance card with two weeks of activities and could have stayed longer! SUP, extraordinary surfing, fishing, SUP Yoga, yes I managed to do downward dog on a board and lived to share my experience! The overwater spa experience is lovely at sunset and at Landaa, the focus is on spa healing with the four pillars of Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Wellness and Planetary Wellbeing – it includes a multi award-winning team of Ayurvedic Doctors, Naturopaths and Yoga Therapists – discover individual and shared experiences designed to cultivate care for ourselves, others, the oceans and the entire planet. We could all use a week of healing after this dreadful year!

The Four Seasons Maldives

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! The private island is a welcome addition to the two luxurious Four Seasons Resorts in the Maldives. Idyllic Island experience, the days fly by and I would encourage you to add more time rather than less…paradise is far flung, but worth the Journey! Four Seasons Maldives one of many reports! Our Preferred Partner status benefits our clients.

The Four Seasons Maldives Suite Views

Bhutan. Bhutan has been ranked number one in the world for Gross National Happiness, we could all use a massive dose of Bhutanese infectious energy!  My visit with Aman Resorts to the Kingdom of Happiness was nothing short of extraordinary. Brilliant blue skies at dizzying altitudes in the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan, we explored the Amankora Resorts village by village with the most extraordinary guides. Renew your spirits and cast good wishes across the Himalayan mountain peaks via vibrant fluttering prayer flags. Amankora has five lodges spread through the Kingdom and each lodge is a subtle suggestion of the white walled Dzongs.

The Bhutanese architecture is very colorful and replicated in farmhouses, temples and local shops. Amankora has kept it clean and simple, why try to compete with the majesty of the Himalayas, the bedecked local homes and the elaborately painted Temples? Make a pilgrimage between Bhutan’s Amankora Lodges —it’s not only their unique locations, their distinct architecture and amazing guides, it’s a combination of the authentic inspired lodges, the genuine cultural offerings at each location and the warm Bhutanese people that make a trip to Bhutan so memorable. The Bhutanese people are particularly quick to laugh, share their culture and welcome visitors. Bhutan has been ranked number one in the world for Gross National Happiness. Hiking, cultural and religious ceremonies, ancient paper crafts, my two weeks could have been extended – every day we encountered indigenous dances, performances and traditional ceremonies.  See my exuberant posts on Bhutan. We would make certain our brilliant favorite guide would accompany you everywhere.

Bhutan Buddha Dordenma Statue

Blessings in the New Year!

 

 

Four Seasons Maldives Hotels & Private Island

The Four Seasons Maldives properties offer the highest level of Luxury, it’s time to begin plotting your winter and spring escapes!  Consisting of two hotel properties, which I love and if you need an exclusive Private Island amid the indigo seas, the Four Seasons also has a scrumptious private island home. 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!