Upload
luxury-link-travel-group
View
215
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Winter 2014 - In this issue we uncover destinations that dedicate themselves to helping their visitors unplug.
Citation preview
1LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
W I N T E R 2 0 1 4
DISCOVER YOUR DIGITAL DETOX
O Islands w
2LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Letter from the PresidentWhen I agreed to show my support for the theme of this issue and
“unplug,” I had the best of intentions, I really did. And it was only for
one day, who couldn’t manage that?
Perhaps I should have done a bit more due diligence. Here’s how it
went:
Didn’thavetodependonmyiPhonetowakemeup,offto
a good start! Reach for iPad to check the overnight news. Whoops.
Put down iPad. Now what? Remember Luddite
husband still subscribes to actual newspaper. Add Band-aids
(papercut)and“moisttowelettes”(blackfingertips)toshoppinglist.
But at least I’m up to date. Wait. What’s the weather going to be
today? Reach for iPhone. Shoot. Fish newspaper out of trash.
Sunny!
Sunday morning
3LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
It is now... 8:00 AM.
It wasn’t long before I cracked. And I realized that for me at least, “unplugging” is not literal as
much as it’s a state of mind. And it’s a lot easier to achieve that mindset when you’re on a gor-
geous beach, where the only distraction is the sound of lapping waves. So this issue is all about
guidingyou“offthegrid,”fromunder-the-radarresortstobest-keptislandsecrets.(Didyouknow
one of the world’s largest wine cellars belongs to a hotel in the middle of the Indian Ocean? I
didn’t either.)
So go on – unplug. We’ll keep your Twitter feed safe until you get back.
DIANE MCDAVITT
President, Luxury Link Travel Group
Follow Diane on Twitter @luxurylinkpres
Only 23 more hours to go!
4LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
In this issue Le
tter fro
m th
e P
resid
en
t
Wh
at’s Ne
w
Lu
xury Jo
urn
eys
Eco
Tou
rism in
Co
sta Rica
Un
plu
g –
Th
e D
igital D
eto
x Tre
nd
At a G
lance
– S
aint V
ince
nt an
d th
e G
ren
adin
es
Trave
lHacks–
Whatto
packfo
rIn-flig
htComfort
De
stinatio
n D
ispatch
– T
he
Do
min
ican R
ep
ub
lic: Ou
r Carib
be
an H
on
eym
oo
n
Sp
otlig
ht O
n: C
on
cierg
e
In M
y Carry O
n –
Wh
at to P
ack for a B
arefo
ot L
uxe
Bre
ak in th
e M
aldive
s
Win
e fo
r the
Island
s
Island
Fashio
n
Inte
rview
with
Ste
ve H
eyd
t, Elite
Island
Re
sorts P
resid
en
t
Te
n U
nd
er-th
e-R
adar B
each
es &
Island
s
5LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
2
31
Soon to make its debut on Luxury Link: Anantara
Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Spanning throughout
Southeast Asia, from the Maldives to Indonesia
and from Vietnam to Thailand, each resort unique-
ly draws upon indigenous design traditions and
includes heritage immersions like fruit carving
demonstrations and Muay Thai instruction. Perform
religious ceremonies with your Balinese guide at
Anantara Seminyak. Stimulate therapeutic pressure
points as taught by your traditional Thai massage
therapist at Anantara Chiang Mai. Taking its name
from the Sanskrit word for “without end”, Anantara’s
resorts harmonize boundlessly with each local
culture and environment.
Live a little! We challenge you to disconnect from
virtuality and connect to your reality. Stop to smell
the roses, look into your friend’s eyes, listen to your
breathing and take it all in. Unplug for at least 24
hours, then come back to share your experience
with us and you could win a $500 Luxury Link gift
certificateforarealchancetounplug!
Go to www.facebook.com/LuxuryLink
for rules and regulations.
# ChallengeTo UnplugIf yo
u’ve
be
en
tem
pte
d b
y som
e o
f the
insid
er d
eals o
n L
uxu
ry Lin
k‘s sister site
, Vacatio
nist, b
ut
we
ren
’t read
y to co
mm
it, we
have
go
od
ne
ws fo
r you
! Vacatio
nist in
trod
uce
s the
“7-Day C
ance
llation
Po
licy.” Bo
ok an
arrival that is at le
ast 14 days aw
ay, and
if you
chan
ge
you
r min
d, ju
st cance
l with
in
seve
n d
ays for a fu
ll refu
nd
, no
qu
estio
ns aske
d!
6LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Here are the winners from our October contest in partnership with TheSkimm, InStyle and Club Monaco!
The grand prize winner, Mark Welch from Newington, Connecticut, is going to stay at Castille Paris, and
receive $2,000 in gift cards, plus other goodies. He and his wife will travel to the city of light to celebrate the
46th anniversary of the day they met. Au revoir et bon voyage!
The runner-up winner, Jana Danhauer from Denver, Colorado, has already been spending her $300 gift
certificatetoClubMonaco.EnjoyyourshoppingspreeJana!
*No purchase necessary to win. A purchase or payment of any kind will not increase your chances of winning.
(which is why we have monthy giveaways*)
Enter for a chance to win a trip for two to
The Landings St. Lucia!
We are partnering with Snooth and NY Magazine for
a complete vacation for two to the romantic
Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa!
Congratulations to the WINNERS!
We want you to get away...
v
NL
November
October
December
7LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
2-for-1 Fares plus Bonus Savings up to $1,200 pp
For reservations, call Windstar Vacation Planner at 800-258-7245 or your travel professional.
Hidden harbors. Tiny ports. All about you.Yachting the Caribbean
WindstarCruises.com
8LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
LU X U R Y J O U R N E Y S
Through our partnership with AdventureLink, Luxury Link nowofferstravelersluxuryadventuretoursatinsiderprices.
Luxury Link has partnered with fellow Los Angeles-based travel company,
AdventureLink, to provide its travelers with unique, authentic travel experiences
fromaround theworld.More than justvacations, travelerscanexplorehard-to-
reachcornersof theworldwhilestayingat fourandfive-staraccommodations.
Travelerscancustomizeanyjourneywithwhatevertheirimaginationsdreamup.
Walk the shores of the Galapagos with 100-year-old giant tortoises.
Trek a glacier in Patagonia.
Hike the Himalayas in Bhutan.
Experience the perfect adventure.
9LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Mysteries of Myanmar: By Land and By Cruise
Explore Yangon from your late-Victorian colonial hotel,
restored to its 1920s-30s glory. Soak in the twilight and
the reverence at the golden Shwedagon Pagoda as
worshippersmaketheirofferings.FloattheAyeyarwady
Riverpastmonasteries,throughthejunglesofthenorth
to the Indian border. Meditate in the morning, watch the
sun set over rice pagodas from temple heights in the
evening, or sail over the pagodas in a balloon at dawn.
Shop for lacquered treasures and fresh produce grown
onfloatinggardensatlocalvillagemarkets.Tourancient
temple ruins submerged in Inle Lake, nestled in the blue
mountains of the Shan Plateau.
Rickshaw through Chandni Chowk on your way to architectural sites from the Mughal Dynasty.
CheckintothesumptuousOberoiAmarvilasinAgrabeforevisitingtheTajMahalatsunset
and sunrise. En-route to Jaipur, the pink city, explore Fatehpur, the deserted red sandstone
city of Emperor Akbar. Meet Bishnoi families who have been protecting India’s ecology since
1484 and tour markets of Jodhpur, the blue city. Lodge in the principal residence of the local
Maharaja.TracktigersfromelephantbackonsafariinKanhaNationalPark.Jointhepilgrimsto
Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges River.
LuxuryTourofMajesticIndia
10LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
11LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
to Tortuguero. From La Pavo-
na, a docking depot on the
outskirts of a dense banana plantation, the River Suerte cuts
through blankets of swampy undergrowth clinging to the
banks of the rainforest. If the river is low, it may take a shal-
low-bottom boat two hours to navigate these canals, part of
the national park that links Tortuguero to the mainland. It is
here, in one of the most remote and most biodiverse parts
of Costa Rica, that many of the
world’s sea turtles come ashore to
make their nests.
Tortuguero’s narrow strip of Carib-
bean beach, rough with volcanic
sand, is no new destination for
the turtles. Every two or three years they return to the same
beach from ocean currents that have led them as far away
as Spain or Brazil. They’ve been making this pilgrimage for
millennia.
What’s new is the wave of tourists who have made a pilgrim-
age of their own to watch them, and in doing so, lend a hand
to their survival.
Oftheworld’ssevenspeciesofsea turtles,fiveareendan-
gered. Some are on the brink of extinction. Habitat destruc-
tionandbadfishingpracticesaccountformanyofthecasual-
ties, but the most vulnerable part of a sea turtle’s life is when
it has yet to hatch. On land, turtles are exposed to predators
– most notably, the human kind – who poach the eggs and
sell the meat.
Farawayfromflashing iPhonescreens,anancient
ritual is happening in Costa Rica. Melissa Wozniak
journeysoffthegridinanecotourismeffortthatmay
eventually save the sea turtles.
To donate, adopt a turtle or learn how
to visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy,
visit www.conserveturtles.org.
Tortuguero is approximately four hours by car and
boat from Limón.
There are no roads
Of the world’s seven species of sea turtles,
five are endangered.
Some are on the brink of extinction.
12LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Sixty years ago, Tortuguero was a village that made its living
on turtle eggs. They were sucked down raw for breakfast
orcookedasameal,justliketheywereinmanyCaribbean
cultures. When ecologist Archie Carr opened the Sea Turtle
Conservancy in this coastal town in the 1950s, he had to learn
how to not only protect the animals, but how to change the
village mindset as well.
To help the turtles,
scientists at the
Conservancy bring
media attention to
the animals’ plight
and bring eco-tour-
ists from all over the
world to become first-hand participants in the sea turtle
tagging program. On night patrols, in total darkness – turtles
only come ashore at night and are distracted by any light
sourceother thanthemoonlight reflectingofftheocean–
small groups walk the beach on lookout. If a turtle emerges
from the waves, the groups assist scientists as they measure
and tag the animal for tracking and note the location of the
nest to monitor it in the days ahead.
June through November, hundreds of greens turtles dot the
beach. In other months, hawksbills and leatherbacks turn
up onshore. It was a
chilly night in March
when I sat guard with
a rare 850-pound
leatherback turtle
as she dropped her
eggsinapitjustinch-
es away, one of the
most incredible experiences of my life.
Since the Sea Turtle Conservancy began its work in Tortu-
guero, the green turtle population has increased by 500
percent. As for the village mindset, that’s shifting, too. These
days, Tortuguero’s economy depends on conservation, not
consumption. Former poachers guide the tours, and the
Conservancy leads education programs in the local school.
“If the turtles go away,” one little girl astutely told me, “where
will we be?”
Since the Conservancy began its
work, the green turtle population
has increased by 500 percent.
13LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Melissa is a freelance writer based in New York whose travels have taken her from
the mountains of Cape Town to the heart of Nairobi. Connect with her at www.worldwidewoz.com or on Instagram @melwozniak.
14LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Get eco-friendly Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
GolfitoPuntarenas,CostaRica
Hotelito DesconocidoLa Cruz de Loreto, Mexico
Jicaro Island EcolodgeGanada Isletas, Nicaragua
Casa BonitaBarahona, Dominican Republic
The Lodge At Pico BonitoLa Ceiba, Honduras
Xandari Resort & SpaAlajuela,CostaRica
15LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
2-for-1 Fares plus Bonus Savings up to $1,200 pp
For reservations, call Windstar Vacation Planner at 800-258-7245 or your travel professional.
Hidden harbors. Tiny ports. All about you.Yachting the Caribbean
WindstarCruises.com
16LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
U N
P L
U G
17LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
“Unplugging” is an idea that is appearing in the
lexicon with increasing frequency. Case in point:
The phrase “digital detox” was indoctrinated
into the Oxford English Dictionary in August
of 2013. We’re focused on both here at Luxury
Link because wellness travel is trending in the
industry.
In my research on what unplugging might mean
to different people, I Googled “How to Unplug”
and read several articles suggesting that one
black out time in one’s calendar to shut off all
devices, and, while in this digitally dark period,
one might consider going outside.
I have to admit, I had a hard time finding a way
into this topic without sounding overly judg-
mental. I scoffed at the idea of places like Camp
Grounded in Anderson Valley, CA, where those
in need of a forced digital detox must check
their devices at the camp lodge door. Don’t get
me wrong, one of the worst days of my life was
the day I got too old for summer camp. I’m all
for the idea as an adult, but I find the unironic
loss of perspective that paying someone else
to take your phone away exhibits consternating
and baffling.
This doesn’t mean that I am opposed to the idea
of unplugging. I have been known to exuberant-
ly announce to clients that I am taking a two-
week vacation to Northern Maine and I won’t
even have internet. When I lived in Colorado, I
took weekly hikes along the continental divide –
hours with no signal at all.
Although I am more social on my personal ac-
counts on vacation, I’m that person who won’t
bother to get a local SIM card and data plan
when I’m in Europe. I may connect to WiFi in Pla-
ya del Carmen, but chances are I left my phone
in the room when I left to spend the morning
underwater with moray eels and manta rays.
But if you can’t flip the switch as easily as I can,
here’s some extra encouragement. According to
the Harvard Health Letter and the NIH, light, in-
cluding that emitted by all your digital devices,
influences your circadian rhythm – what deter-
mines your natural cycle of waking and sleep-
ing. Different wavelengths have different ef-
fects. For example, blue light boosts your focus,
your reaction time and your mood. However,
after sundown, it is the most disruptive to your
18LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
. . .ONE MIGHT CONSIDER GOING OUTSIDE.
Holly Wilde, Brand, Content & Social Media Manager for Luxury Link & Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Link LIFESTYLE, wrote this article
on her Macbook while flying from LAX to JFK and mostly forgot to look out the window at the clouds. She missed the Grand Canyon entirely.
19LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
circadian rhythm because it suppresses mela-
tonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy and
facilitates your trip to dreamland.
Guess which wavelength of light your smart-
phone display emits?
Of course, the obvious answer here is to down-
load an app that skews your display more to-
ward the red-light end of the spectrum.
If you blithely agreed with the above line and
didn’t register the sarcasm, consider this: The
internal desynchronization caused by even a
nightlight’s worth of blue light after dark is a
causal factor in breast and prostate cancer, dia-
betes, heart problems and obesity.
But where to go once you’ve actually made the
decision to pull the plug?
There’s a whole country that has dedicated it-
self to helping you unplug – St. Vincent and the
Grenadines. (Phew!)
At Petit St. Vincent, a private island with no TV,
WiFi or phone, you have to communicate with
the staff via a flag system if you want room ser-
vice or housekeeping. But not to worry, with a
two-to-one ratio of staff to guests, they’ll see
your flag in a timely manner. You probably won’t
be too fussed about it anyway, since you’ll have
moved on to step two of your digital detox and
have already left the sustainable resort to visit
sea turtles at uninhabited Tobago Cays, picnic
on nearby Mopion Island, or earn a new PADI
certification at Yves Cousteau’s dive center.
Also: It’s lobster season. That’s what you’re hav-
ing for dinner. You earned it.
And we won’t tell if the way you earned it was
taking a nap in the gazebo.
Luxury Link’s other destinations in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines include
Buccament Bay Resort on Layou
Young Island Resort on Young Island
Palm Island Resort on Palm Island
O
20LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
St. Vincent & the Grenadines J AT A GLANCE
Location: ThesouthernendoftheLesserAntillesislandchainintheCaribbeanSea,justsouthofSt.Luciaanddue east of Barbados.
Time zone: Eastern Caribbean Time UTC -04:00 (same as New York)
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar ($), approx 0.37 USD
Getting there: Connect to the islands via Barbados and other Caribbean locations. St. Vincent’s primary
gateway is E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD), serviced by regional airlines such as LIAT Airlines and SVG Air. The under-con-
structionArgyleInternationalAirportwilloffernearlyfourtimesthepassengercapacityuponopeningin2015.
Getting around: Ferry services connect the islands, and private air and boat charters are also commonly
available. Many resorts coordinate their own ferry service. On the larger islands, taxis are the most common and
efficientmodeoftransportationandratesarepre-negotiated.
Best time to visit: The Caribbean waters hold the islands in the 80s year-round. Travel in May and June for a
shoulder-season value before hurricane season begins in July. Have the islands to yourself once again in Novem-
ber before the peak begins in December.
Luxury Link in St. Vincent and the Grenadines:Atpresstime,LuxuryLinkoffersvacationexperiencesatfiveboutiqueandfive-starpropertiesacrosstheislands.
Dominican Republic
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
21LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
IT ’S TIME TO
TO YOUR HAPPY PLACE
22LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
STEVE HEYDTCEO, ELITE ISLAND RESORTS
Elite Island Resorts has some of the
most unique properties in the Caribbean.
What makes them stand out from other re-
sorts in the region?
Our resorts tend to be far more authentic in nature and
eachoneisuniquelydifferentfromthenext,comparedto
big box resorts that replicate their story from one destina-
tion to another.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa is a perfect example. With its pic-
ture-perfect three-quarter-mile long white sand beach,
its romantic, Tahitian-inspired Gauguin Cottages, and its
beachfront dining options, Galley Bay embodies the es-
sence of Antigua. A real highlight of this property is the au-
thentic West Indian cuisine. In May of this year, Caribbean
Journal named Galley Bay one of the 10 Best Caribbean
All-Inclusive Resorts for Food.
You recently expanded the portfo-
lio to include St. James’s Club Morgan Bay
and The Club Barbados last year, and both
won prestigious awards after renovation and
rebranding by Elite Island Resorts. Congratu-
lations! Are there any other new openings or
initiatives we should know about?
We are always keeping our eyes open for the right op-
portunity while continuing to improve our other beachfront
locales in Antigua, The Grenadines, and Tortola in the Brit-
ish Virgin Islands. We recently rebranded Long Bay Beach
ClubonTortola,whichnowoffers40all-beachfrontrooms,
suites and cabanas on the best beach in the BVI. The views
are incredible.
What are the most interesting islands
people aren’t going to in the Caribbean and
why should they go now?
Most Caribbean countries have large marketing and adver-
tising budgets so they are highly recognized. Our locations
are less well-known, thus they become more desirable for
those seeking an uncommon and authentic vacation ex-
perience. Antigua-Barbuda is perfectly positioned for in-
creased tourism to the region with its 365 beaches and
Steve Heydt is the president of Elite island Resorts, representing a collection of
all-inclusive beachfront properties in the Caribbean. Each Elite Island Resorts proper-
ty provides something unique to fulfill travelers’ desires, with offerings ranging from
destination weddings or romantic escapes to family retreats or eco vacations. Resorts
include: St. James’s Club Resort & Villas and The Verandah Resort & Spa, in Antigua;
St. James’s Club Morgan Bay in Saint Lucia; Long Bay Beach Club in Tortola, BVI; Palm
Island Resort in the Grenadines; and The Club Barbados Resort & Spa.
Luxury Link Connection
23LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
laidback Caribbean charm. It is easy to get to from most
majorgatewaysintheUSA,UKandCanada.
The theme of this issue of Luxury Link
Lifestyle is “unplugging” – from work, from
stress, from technology. As the President of
a major hotel company, can you ever actually
unplug?
Inthis24/7wiredworld,notreally.ButIdomakeaneffort,
when traveling for leisure with family in particular, to turn
it OFF!
How do you unplug?
Family is very important to me, so when on vacation with
my wife or visiting with my many grandchildren, I make
sure to only check my devices a few times a day, rather
than having them on 24/7 per usual.
What is your favorite hotel/island for
unplugging and why?
To truly unplug and unwind, I love to visit Palm Island, our
private island resort in the Grenadines. Last year we part-
nered with the SVG Tourism Board to promote the concept
of a “Digital Detox” at the resort. In line with this philosophy,
all of our accommodations are TV, telephone, and WiFi
free. The resort also recently began hosting weekly silent
cinemas right on the beach, where guests can listen in via
wireless headphones.
Whenyoufinallyplugbackin,whatis
thedeviceyoureachforfirst?
My iPhone 6 Plus,which I just got recently. I love that it
serves as a mini tablet as well.
If you had to give up one of your de-
vices for a year, which one would it be?
Anything but my phone.
Your schedule demands a high de-
gree of travel. When you travel for business,
what is important to you in a hotel? How
about when you travel for pleasure?
When traveling for business, WiFi, location, and security
are important to me. When I travel for pleasure, comfort,
amenities, and proximity to a city center are important.
What is do you think is The Next Big
Thing in Travel? How will it impact the Carib-
bean and Elite Island Resorts?
I believe that Experiential Travel is the next big trend.
Guests are seeking out travel experiences that resonate on
a deeper emotional level. Elite Island Resorts is respond-
ingtothisdemandbyofferinggueststheoptionto“Design
Their Own” vacation. Whether you desire a spa getaway,
a romantic escape, or an eco-adventure, we can help you
to plan it all.
And now for a bit of fun. What’s your
best “travel nightmare” story?
In my 45+ years of traveling, I’ve had my share of delays,
cancellations and interruptions. However, I take all that in
stride. Travel is still the best experience that anyone can
have next to family, friends and associates.
24LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Relaxation Begins at TakeoffWhattoPackforIn-flightComfort
Airplane Travel Cup Holder
Ever tried using your airplane tray table for a laptop and a drink holder?
Almost impossible, and you are in constant fear of spilling your drink! Well,
aneasysolutionisatravelcupholder,whichallowsyoutoenjoyyournice
cocktail while emailing furiously. There are two options: one that clips to the
seat-back pocket and one that easily clips to the tray table. I love the Vector
created by VectorWerks.
Cord Organizer
To keep all your cords together, I recommend a simple cord organizer. I’ve seen
roll-ups and compartments. Personally, I like the grid option because it doubles as
holder for your iPad. When packing, items with more than one function are key!
Blanket & Pillow
LastyearwhenIwenttoIndiawasthefirsttimeIeverpackedmyownpillow,
and I’m very glad I did. It came in handy as we bumped around the country,
especiallyonthelongbusridefromDelhitoAgratoseetheTajMahal.Introduc-
ing the Lug Nap Sac, a machine washable travel blanket and pillow set. You’ll be
warm and well rested on any form of transportation you might take. Better still –
it is Oprah approved! If you don’t need the blanket, The Travel Halo is a compact
travel pillow and mask.
Sometimes you have to travel far to really get away. Unfortunately, as airlines have economized, plane travel has become less comfortable.
Director of Marketing Zoe Bo-Linn curates a few items that will help you start relaxing as soon as the plane takes off.
25LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Sleep Mask
If a pillow and a blanket are too much to pack, a simple sleep mask will do.
The Daydream sleep mask not only blocks light, but has microcapsules
that release Aloe Vera and Vitamin E while you sleep. Add a spray of Sensai
Hydrachange Mist, and you are set for a peaceful “night.”
Ostrich Pillow
No seriously. Yes, we are fully aware of how ridiculous this looks, but after
testing it, we noticed it has something that no other product achieves:
360˚Pillow.Nomatterhowfantasticyourtravelpillowis,thereisalwaysthe
inevitablefightforcomfortasyoubunchitunderyourneckoragainsttheseat
wall. But with the Ostrich Pillow, you can move your head and neck around and
always be comfortable. It blocks out the world in a cocoon of comfort and even
acts as a mask and sound barrier all in one. (There is also a mini version if you
can’t bring yourself to look like a squeezable stress doll.)
Lastly, don’t forget to move and stretch! Most international in-flight
entertainment provides stretching exercises. Happy Flying!
Compression Socks
Compression socks are doctor recommended if you are at risk of deep vein
thrombosis. I am not personally at risk, but a friend raves about them. “Gone
are the days of orthopedic socks,” she says, “now compression socks come in
lightweight materials.” She recommends the Celeste Stein brand easily found
on Amazon, “because they are lightweight, colorful and efficient. I can rinse
them out when I get to my destination and since they dry quickly, I can wear
them again for my trip home.” Her enthusiasm made me curious, so on my
recent trip to Thailand, I borrowed a pair. The socks improved circulation – no
more swollen ankles!
Each year, Zoe travels to a new country; this year it was Northern Thailand. If she could go anywhere again, it would be Myanmar. South America is next on her bucket list.
26LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Photo by Elizabeth Balch | www.elizabethbalch.com
27LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
HoneymoonOUR CARIBBEAN
After ten months of wedding planning, two address
changes, a last minute international trip, the death
of my father and a drastic career change, my (now)
husband and I were ready to unplug. Even though
we had a magical wedding filled with love and
sweet promises, we needed to turn the outside
world off and connect to each other. We decided
we would take the first three days of our honey-
moon to completely unplug, which meant turning
off all digital devices and leaving all work problems
in the iCloud. What I thought was going to be difficult
turned out to be an experience worth sharing.
28LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
We wanted a worry-free all-inclusive vacation. In our
search, we found Ocean Blue & Sand, an exquisite retreat
located twenty minutes from Punta Cana in the Domini-
can Republic. Combining meticulous service and an array
of activities, and seasoning themwith Caribbean flavors,
Ocean Blue & Sand was a great pick for us because it gave
us all that we were looking for at a great value! We got the
Privilege (VIP) treatment for an entire week through Luxury
Link’s Signature Escape. Privilege gave us access to the
best, including a romantic lobster dinner under the stars,
premium drinks, bali beds on the beach, and the gift of a
couple’s massage. (Such a treat! Thank you Ocean Blue.)
Withalltheresorthadtooffer,Ihavetosayitwaseasyto
leave the iPhones and watches behind. It’s amazing what
unplugging from technology can do to a person: We be-
came normal again!
When I say “normal” I really mean normal. You know? The
way we’re supposed to be… No more looking down to the
iPad to check who commented on your latest post or liked
your Instagramphoto.Nomore blockingyour significant
other’s face with your phone while you type a text mes-
sage to your friend, when you should be listening to what
the person in front of you is saying (even if you think you
can multitask). No more missing out on the sounds of the
waves crashing because you are listening to a song on
your iPod. When you unplug, you get hooked-up on the
present. You pay attention to what’s going on around you
and savor the moment. It’s like tasting wine – you engage
all your senses and think about what you are seeing, smell-
ing, tasting and how all that makes you feel. I think that’s
what normal should be like.
We had agreed to leave our electronics behind for at least
three days. However, after our digital fast was over, we en-
joyeditsomuch,thatwenevertookourphonesanywhere.
We only took our camera, but that we also used in moder-
ation. Every morning, we read the resort’s activity list and
meal times. There were no clocks around the resort, so we
got a sense of the time by watching the sun and observing
the activities that were going on around us. Our only inter-
ests were relaxing by the pool or the beach, drinking what-
ever we desired, eating whenever we were hungry and
enjoyingeveryminute together. It’s interestinghow living
each moment like it was our last, actually made time go by
slower.So,turnoffyourdevice,andturnonyoursenses!
Unplugged & Hooked-u p
29LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Another part of our trip that’s worth mentioning was the
Outback Safari. Before we left for the Dominican, my savvy
husband did a little research online and found this highly
rated tour. They picked us up at nine in the morning at our
resortanddroppedusoffrightaftersunset.Rudy,ourtour
guide, was very informative and genuine, always explain-
ing theDominican culture and the significanceof every-
thingtheydo.Ourfirststopwasattheschooltheysupport.
You may think that visiting a school will not do anybody any
good, but as Rudy said, “Everybody should leave the hotel
for at least one day and see how others live.” If anything, it
will make you appreciate what you have at home. And the
prints you will leave on the tourist destination will be small-
er,whilethemultipliereffectwillbe larger.Themultiplier
effectmeans thatwhateveryou leave in thecommunity,
whether it is donations or money from purchases, will help
the locals.Whereas ifyou juststay in the resort,mostof
that money will go back to the owners, who are usually
from a developed country.
After the school, we proceeded to a ranch where Rudy
explained to us how cigars are made – the Dominican
Republic is the world’s top tobacco hand-rolling country.
We also got the chance to learn about local products and
support the community by purchasing those directly from
the source.
For lunch we stopped at a remote restaurant and ate the
best food we had on the island. The main dish? Simply
fried chicken with rice and beans. What was the secret?
The 18-year-old girl who was in the kitchen learned how to
cook with her grandmother.
Because I’ve seen the positive impacts of this tour, I highly
recommend anyone traveling to a third world country to
either get involved with “Pack for a Purpose” or to take a
tour that supports sustainable tourism.
Green Prints
30LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
On our last day, we walked by the gift shops outside the resort and bargained on a few more souvenirs to bring
home. I fell in lovewiththenativerock, larimar, thatoncepolishedcanbeusedtomakebeautiful jewelry in
a light turquoise blue. I bought myself a pair of earrings I can wear daily, in order to feel that the piece of me
thatIleftbehindintheDominicanRepubliccanbelightlyreplacedbythememoryofthecountryanditsjoyful
people.
Saying good-bye is always bittersweet to me. On one hand, I leave behind a place I grew fond of, but on the
other I get to come home to the people I love. On one hand, I realize how privileged I am, and on the other I
wonder what else I can do to have a positive impact in the world.
At the end of this trip, I have to say that my conclusion to the latter question is this:
Disconnect from the digital world, and connect to the people you encounter. Whether it is on vacation or in your
daily life, make sure to unplug from electricity and hook-up to the moment. Because really, at the end of the
day, the people we meet and the experiences we have with them are our biggest treasures. And how we con-
nectwiththosepeopleandmakethemfeelareultimatelywhatmakesallthedifferenceintheworld.
KarinaNascimentoistheMarketingCoordinatorforLuxuryLink.ShereceivedherM.S.inInternationalTourismfromSanJoseStateUniversity,where
she also co-authored a research article published by the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. Her passion for travel has led her to cruise the roads of
places like Mozambique, Costa Rica, Mexico, and her native country of Brazil. She hopes the train will never stop.
Saying Goodbye
31LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Spotlight on:
Jim Sanchez
CONCIERGEGot a question about a Luxury Link hotel? Not sure which destination is right for you? The Luxury Link Concierge
Team is standing by to assist. Give us a call at 877-372-5877, Monday through Saturday, for personalized guidance,
including custom-built vacations and help with new or existing reservations.
Jim Sanchez is a Senior Travel expert, with thousands of bookings at luxury hotels all over the world under his belt.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT LUXURY LINK?
Nine years.
WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL CREDENTIALS?
As a child, I had the great good fortune of living in
Thailand for seven years. I had the opportunity to visit
countries such as China, Laos, Japan, Vietnam,
Cambodia and Myanmar, amongst others.
By high school, I had decided that my career would
be in travel, and I’ve worked for a number of cor-
porate travel companies such as American Express
and US Travel, booking travel for executives from
companies like Boeing, Raytheon, Direct TV, Saatchi
& Saatchi and Lexus.
Later, I traveled all over the world and in total I have
visited 4 of the 7 continents.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
Do I have to pick just one destination? I’d like to take a
Uniworld Cruise in Europe, visit Ca’Sagredo in Venice,
Belmond Napasai in Koh Samui and Banyan Tree
Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen.
THE IDEA OF A “DIGITAL DETOX” VACATION IS A
HOT TOPIC THESE DAYS. IS THERE A BEACHFRONT
PROPERTY THAT YOU FEEL REALLY NAILS THIS
CONCEPT FOR GUESTS?
Hotelito Desconocido, in La Cruz de Loreto, Mexico,
really exemplifies this concept. Everything runs on
solar power, which means no WiFi or televisions in the
rooms. Candles light the walkways and restaurants
at night – it’s very romantic and appropriate for its
location in an eco-preserve.
In the Caribbean, Secret Bay Dominica does offer WiFi
and TV in the rooms, but the accommodations are
designed to lure you outside with expansive decks,
soaking tubs and hammocks. The scenery is so beau-
tiful, and there are so many outdoor activities, you
won’t miss your electronic diversions at all.
WHAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING?
Helping each of my customers plan their dream
vacation. I personally book over 300 vacations each
month, and about 100 of them are custom trips. How
lucky am I?
32LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
The
“Slow-paced mornings
were followed by afternoon stupors...”
33LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
epitomizes romance. Scattered across the Indian Ocean,
every island in each of the Maldivian atolls boasts powder-white
sand, vibrant coral reefs and clear azure water.
These tranquil isles are the ultimate “fly and flop” destinations – a
place to unplug, unwind and enjoy each other’s company without
the distractions of city life. No deadlines, early meetings, phone
calls or social media. Just the two of you, the ocean and a romantic
overwater villa.
When I visited over New Year’s with my boyfriend, we spent the
week swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Slow-paced mornings
were followed by afternoon stupors, dozing in the hammock. The
island was so blissful, so impossibly romantic, and by the time we
departed, he was my fiancé.
A good bikini, a book to lose myself in, and a camera to capture the
memories are all I need for the ultimate barefoot luxe break in the
Maldives. This is what I pack in my carry-on…
What’s in my carry on:What to pack for a barefoot luxe break in the MaldivesAustralian travel blogger Andrea Magrath gives Luxury Link a peek into her suitcase.
34LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Bikini
Onaromanticsojourn,you
want swimwear that both you
and your significant other can
appreciate. This Mara Hoffan
number ticks all the boxes –
sexy, stylish and supportive.
Diptyque Travel Candle
A hotel room always feels a l ittle more
l ike home with a candle l it . I love to bring
a travel candle with me wherever I go,
and Diptyque Baies is both summery and
romantic to set the mood.
GoPro
Most of the action happens under-
water – you don’t want to miss the
beautiful coral and fish. I recently
discoveredthejoysofaGoProand
haven’t looked back.
35LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Beach Cover-up
This sunny crochet cover-up is
beach chic exemplified, and all
you need to go from the sand
to dinner.
Nuxe Body Oil
A romantic beach holiday requires a sexy sleeveless dress to
show off sun-kissed shoulders. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse body
oil is luxurious, smells divine and gives golden skin an extra
glimmer. He won’t be able to resist.
Portable Speakers
What could be better than chill ing on
the sand with a cool soundtrack in the
background? I never travel anywhere
without Bose mobile speakers.
36LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Moroccan Oil
Maldivian sun is harsh on the hair. After shampooing, I slather my
locks with Moroccan Oil to rehydrate – and the scent is heavenly.
Camera
Even if you’re on a self-imposed social
media ban, you can stil l capture memories
to cherish forever. My camera of choice is
the Panasonic Lumix GF6 – a whole host of
built-in fi lters and modes make every photo
look professional. And there’s NFC and WiFi
features so you can send snaps straight to
your phone – to share when you get home,
of course!.
37LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
A Good Book
Turn off Twitter and appreciate l iterature that
is more than 140 characters. I devour books
during hours on the beach, and recently
finished “The Goldfinch,” the book of the year
and one that I found intensely gripping.
Andrea is a London-based freelance travel writer and blogger. You can find her in an airport, waiting in line at the latest pop-up restaurant, or
glued to her laptop. Follow her travels on somekindofwonderlust.com. Instagram: @somekindofwanderlust Twitter: @andreamagrath
38LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
One & Only Reethi Rah, North Malé AtollAn image of paradise, the silken sands and cerulean waters of the Maldives
islands offer an experience of exceptional beauty and perfect peacefulness.
39LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Baros Maldives, Malé In the endless expanse of azure Indian Ocean,
Baros Maldives is a paradisiacal retreat set on a
small coral island, ready to make your dreams
come true.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, South Malé AtollVerdant tropical rainforests and the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean are the
tableauforsecludedluxuryresortTajExoticaResort&Spa.
40LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
An Expert from Each Hemisphere CuratesWinefor theIslandss
41LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
An Expert from Each Hemisphere Curates
Islandss
42LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Close your eyes and imagine you are on an island
getaway. Wide sandy beaches. Crashing waves.
Warm air caressing your skin. Are you there yet?
Now, what are you drinking?
Many people wouldn’t immediately think of wine –
it’s too warm to grow wine grapes in the Caribbean
or the Maldives, so they have to be imported. Then
too, the flavors of the cuisine (spicy and warm
in the Caribbean, full of lime and nutmeg or rich
coconut-curry in the Maldives) can be tough to
pair and will often “fight” wines without sufficient
character.
Today, some of the finest chefs in the world are
opening restaurants in the Caribbean and the Mal-
dives, and their sommeliers are carefully building
cellars to match. We spoke to one of each: Victor
Garrido, Interim Executive Chef at the Gansevoort
Turks and Caicos and Jean-Sebastian Azais, Chief
Sommelier for The One&Only Reethi Rah Resort,
Maldives, to get insider tips on which wines to sip.
Both Azais and Garrido like rosés from
Provence and Spain, especially for daytime.
Lighter, crisper and less tannic than a full-bodied
red, a chilled rosé refreshes the palate after a
bite ofspicy cuisine.
Once the temperature cools at night and the
cuisine gets serious, Garrido loves the big reds.
Hot and aromatic West Indian spices – such as the
scotchbonnetandcinnamoninajerkseasoning–
can make some wines taste “off,” but Garrido finds
a Chianti Classico or an Italian Barbera more than
stands up. Azais agrees. He finds that the wines he
sources from Bordeaux actually open up and de-
43LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
velop a better aroma in the Maldives than in their
native France – perhaps due to the humidity.
Whatever your preferences, don’t worry about
finding an extensive selection. Azais has built one
of the largest cellars in the world (30,000 bottles)
for One&Only Reethi Rah, as well as impressive
cellars for properties in Mauritius and Dubai. He
acts as his own importer, traveling the world to es-
tablish connections with suppliers. In Mauritius and
Dubai, where alcohol importing is restricted, having
the right political connections can help. “There is a
lot of money to be made,” Azais says, “so whoever
is in charge can, and does, decide who is allowed
to import.”
Azais left us with a story illustrating that your
wine experience in a tropical destination can be
anything you like, from fun and flirty rosés and
champagne to some truly great wines that rival the
world’s best offerings. “I had one guest who stayed
in the Maldives for two weeks and drank very good
wines over that time. On his last day, he called me
over and said, ‘Sebastian, I’ve been eyeing that
bottle of 1945 Chateau Margaux and I can’t leave
theislandwithoutdrinkingit.Willyoujoinmefor
lunch and share it with me?’ So there I am, sitting
with this guest at lunch and drinking a $15,000
bottle of French red wine.“
Cheers!
Sara Chapman, Manager of Vacationist, loves islands, beaches and wine,
not necessarily in that order. While she loves sampling a variety of vin-
tages, she considers the practice of spitting mouthfuls into a little bucket
to be a dreadful waste.
44LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
IslandFashionPractical is the New Chica
While everything about trip planning is exciting, so much energy goes into logistics. What
about the really fun stuff? Let's face it, looking refreshed and fabulous while cruising the is-
landsisjustasimportantasgettingthere.
When packing for a beachy getaway, articles need to be functional and versatile. Gone are
the days of hauling half your closet across continents. Practical is the new chic. Replacing your
enormous suitcase by transitioning to the right carry on bag is half the struggle. If you've held
out on a trolley suitcase, it's time to swallow your pride and get on board with the trend. Tumi’s
Tegra-Lite® suitcase is at the top of its class when it comes to cabin luggage. Light, durable
and easy to maneuver, it’s changed the way travelers pack for the better.
Traveling light does have its own challenges so thinking multi-functional is key.
45LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
a
46LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
47LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
For ladies looking to keep baggage light but stay
chic, there are a few solutions. Before heading to
the sand, read up on the numerous ways to tie a
beach wrap. Sarongs are an easy way to transition
beachwear into appropriate dinner attire. Dress
down a flowy maxi dress with bare feet and a flop-
py hat during the day and class it up with some
heels and sexy curls at night. This navy peek-a-
boomaxi dress by LOFT is just the right amount
of mod meets casual. Also, stressing about hair
fixes by the beach can be too much. Drybar re-
cently launched a new travel must-have, the Up
and Away travel kit, and no-hassle beach curls are
no longer a thing of your dreams. If you really want
to save room for souvenirs, opt for bikini tops and
bottoms that can be worn separately. J Crew’s mix
& match bathing suit tops and bottoms can turn
two suits into four.
Men’s outfitters Trunk Club has island vacation es-
48LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
sentials down. Voilà gents, with their California Casual trunk, your packing is com-
plete. A pair of swim trunks that can actually double as great looking shorts? Yes
they exist! With a memory foam sole, Hari Mari’s leather flip-flops are the Tem-
pur-Pedic of footwear. Tie any outfit together with a pair of Persol sunglasses and
your islandfashion iscomplete.Not justyourordinaryRay-Bans,Persolglasses
were originally designed for pilots and extreme sports drivers, making them ideal
for today’s island hoppers.
Last but not least, remember that packing for a trip should build buzz for the
adventure - and your best beach accessory will always be a dazzling island glow.
Andrea Bildman is a stylist for the men’s shopping service Trunk Club. Looking for more island styles? Get
in touch at [email protected].
49LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
50LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
BeACHES & ISLANDS
1 Secret BayPortsmouth, Dominica
Selected by Travel + Leisure as one of the
bestnewhotelsintheworld,andbyTheKnot
as one of the best honeymoon destinations in
the world, this boutique eco-luxury resort sits
atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean.
Ten Under-the-Radar
51LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
BeACHES & ISLANDS Banyan Tree BintanLagoi, Indonesia
Just 55 minutes via high-speen catamaran from
Singapore, the villas at this adventurer’s retreat
are raised on traditional wooden stilts and over-
lookTanjungSaidBayandthesurroundingfirst-
growth rain forest.
2
Kurumba MaldivesKaafu Atoll, Maldives
Named for the Dhivehi word for coconut, this
all-inclusive resort is a 2014 contender for the
World Luxury Spa Awards.
3
52LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
5
Verdura Golf & Spa ResortSciacca, Sicily, Italy
ThreeKylePhillips-designedgolfcourseshugtwo
kilometers of Mediterranean coastline.
4
Turtle IslandTurtle Island, Fij
Eachofthetwentyeightguestsenjoypersonal
Bure Mama service on this private island that was
the setting for The Blue Lagoon and Sports Illus-
trated’s 2011 swimsuit issue.
53LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
7
TiamoSouth Andros Island, Bahamas
Reachable via direct flight from Fort Lauderdale, this boutique
getawayonthebonefishingcapitaloftheworldhasjustten
cottages and one villa.
6Travaasa HanaHana, Maui, Hawaii
Set in a secluded location on the eastern tip of Maui,
Travaasa Hana encourages guests to unplug by removing
TVs and alarm clocks and offering classes on how to make
a flowered lei or throw a handmade fishing net in the bay.
Hotelito DesconocidoLa Cruz de Loreto, Mexico
Situated on a UNESCO nature preserve, where crystal clear
lagoon waterways and swaying palms are home to more
than 150 species of birds, turtles and other wildlife, Hotel
Desconocido designs each individual palafito after a card
from the Mexican lottery.
8
54LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Indura Beach & Golf ResortTela Bay, Honduras
NestledbetweentheCaribbeanandJeannetteKawasNational
Park, 18 holes designed by internationally renowned golf-pro
Gary Player across 1,800 pristine acres await.
9
Casa OceanoTango Mar Beach, Costa Rica
This exquisite home, located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast features an oceanfront infinity pool, a full gourmet
kitchen, six beautiful bedrooms and a staff who will expertly arrange any tours that pique your interest.
10
55LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
2-for-1 Fares plus Bonus Savings up to $1,200 pp
For reservations, call Windstar Vacation Planner at 800-258-7245 or your travel professional.
Hidden harbors. Tiny ports. All about you.Yachting the Caribbean
WindstarCruises.com
56LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE
Publisher: Luxury Link Travel Group
Editor-in-Chief: Holly Wilde
Creative Director: Matt Cogswell
Managing Editor: Zoe Bo-Linn
Copy Editors: Sara Chapman, Josh Sciortino
Designers: Matthew Cogswell, Anthony Brown
Contributors:DianeMcDavitt,KarinaNascimento,
Melissa Wozniak, Andrea Magrath, Andrea Bildman, Oliver Deubel