American World Traveler Summer 2018 Issue

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A M E R I C A N
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W O R L D
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Summer 2018
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C o m e W i t h U s & S e e T h e W o r l d !

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In this issue we start our world tour in
Colombia and find ‘Love at First Sight’
in the beautiful seaside city of
Cartagena. While in the Caribbean we go
island hopping, first to beautiful Dominica ‘The
Little Island that could’, then to find some
pleasant surprises on the island of Saba. Close
by, we indulge in the color and culture of the
Dominican Republic and then off to Cuba for
some ‘Serendipity in Villa Clara’. Lastly, we
board the newly launched magnificent ‘MSC
Seaside’ ship for more tropical island discoveries.
While still in the Americas, we head on up to
California to drive the wonderful coastal highways
and immerse ourselves in the famous
beaches and warm waves of the Pacific. Still on
the theme of the sea, this time in colder climes,
we embark on another fabulous cruise for an
adventure on the Poseidon Expedition ship that
takes us up to Greenland and beyond.
Next, we jet-off to our European leg. Our first
stop is Spain where we discover the beautiful
and historic town of Granada. In the ancient
lands of Greece we step onto the deck of
another cruise, Celestyal Crystal, who will carry
us to the many beautiful Greek islands to
savour the wonderful foods and indulge in
Mediterranean culture.
Onwards to Africa, where we explore the four
corners of Egypt and the region’s incredible
history, worldly culture and wonderfully diverse
landscape. Heading south, we visit Malawi, the
‘Warm Heart of Africa’, and lastly we enjoy
South Africa and its fabulous Eastern Cape
region.
Heading way east, we find the old quarters of
the ultra-modern Chinese capitol of Beijing. To
cap off our whirl-wind tour we fly down under
to experience the awesome glaciers of New
Zealand.
Happy travels!
Senior Travel Writers:
Susan Campbell
Steve Gillick
Regular Contributors:
Habeeb Salloum
Jennifer Merrick
Natalie Ayotte
Johanna Read
Jasmine Morcos
Olivia Balsinger
Ilona Kauremszky
Mike Cohen
Mathieu Morcos
Gregory Caltabanis
Anne-Marie Macloughlin
Contributors This Issue:
Dwain Richardson
Lisa Sonne
Elisabeth Easther
Disclaimer: World Traveler has made every effort to
verify that the information provided in this publication
is as accurate as possible. However, we accept
no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience
sustained by anyone resulting from the information
contained herein nor for any information
provided by our advertisers.
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China
Crusing section
37
Destination Features
Cartagena - Love at First Sight 8
Old Beijing Still Throbs With Life 10
Out of South Africa, Exploring the Eastern Cape 12
The Beaches of the Pacific Coast Highway 14
Surprising Saba 32
Life’s a Beach in Zakynthos 34
Destination Egypt 48
The DR - A Colorful, Cultural Caribbean Destination 66
Malawi - “Warm Heart of Africa” 68
Serendipity in Villa Clara, Cuba 70
Dominica - The Little Island that Could 72
Cruise News
MSC Seaside Cruise
Celestyal Cruise
Poseidon Expedition Cruise
Stay & Play - 56
Hollywood
Florida
Granada
Around the World 16

Love at First Sight
Cartagena
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
It is easy to love this beautiful city by the
sea. Sunny hot days, wonderful cuisine,
Caribbean beaches, an exceptional colonial
walled city, welcoming people and the list
goes on. It was love at first sight and the
romance with Cartagena kept on going.
The city was a major port founded in 1533,
located on the northern coast of Colombia in
the Caribbean Coast Region and became the
main hub for trade between Spain and its overseas
empire. Named after Cartagena, Spain,
its history can be traced by various indigenous
people back to 4000 BC. In 1984, Cartagena's
colonial walled city and fortress were designated
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carriage ride and Flamenco Show
On our first night, we would take horse carriage
ride throughout the Historic City, which
was a great way to see the old town with a
cooling breeze and wonderfully kept streets,
followed by dinner at El Burlados de Sevilla –
Flamenco Show.
Here you will find a menu inspired by Spanish
cuisine and the only flamenco show in the city
that evokes the traditions and magic of the
Iberian country every night.
We took advantage of the variety of fresh local
seafood, which were combined with the seasonings,
condiments, cheeses and sausages
brought directly from Spain.
Rosario Islands
A one hour boat ride brought us to the Rosario
Islands which was a great change of pace from
the city. The Islands are ideally close to the city
and are a scuba and snorkeling diver’s heaven
with many well-preserved coral reefs and
some wreck-dives to enjoy, scuba divers will
find endless adventures.
There is natural aquarium on one of the
islands, also known as the Oceanarium and is
a great place to visit if you’re not into diving.
With dolphins, sharks, and many more amazing
species, it’s a fun and educational way to
spend some time.
We snorkeled for almost one hour and then
had an amazing lunch. The seafood available
on the islands is fresh and delicious. Our snapper
come directly from a local fisherman and is
sold on the beach.
Speaking of which, the island’s beaches had
crystal clear and refreshing water. The rest of
the day we would lazy around beach chairs in
the shade. But the star feature is definitely the
phosphorescent plankton at the ‘Enchanted
Lagoon’ which, on a dark, star-free night,
glows and shimmers. Swimming with these
creatures is alone worth the trip to the Rosario
Islands.
Old City Tour
We would start our city tour at Castillo de San
Felipe de Barajas that dominants the skyline
and overlooks the harbour. Views and tours
were plentiful and gives many photo ops.
Another interesting stop was the Palace of
Inquisition, an eighteenth-century building that
was the seat of the Holy Office of the
Inquisition in Cartagena which now serves as a
museum showcasing historical artifacts.
The beautiful Customs square and clock tower
is the largest square in Cartagena. It was orig-

inally a parade ground and the mansion where
Pedro de Heredia, the founder of Cartagena,
lived. This is a history buffs dream.
Café Havana
To enjoy the nightlife of the city, there is a no
better place then Café Havana as it has dancing
to salsa music with a ten person band belting
out the rhythms of Latin America. The wonderful
Mojitos were perfect for the moment and
served around a gorgeous horseshoe bar surrounded
by wood-paneled walls and a ceiling
full of whirring fans. It was like a movie set.
Restaurants
Anyone who visits this corner of heaven will be
confronted by a vast array of gastronomical
greatness, and houses some of the best restaurants
in Colombia.
We enjoyed a dinner at Club Pesca which lies
over the San Sebastian Fort, a great outdoor
setting by the waterfront that specializes in
Cartagenian dishes. It serves a fantastic
Colombian grown beef with native ingredients
and has a modern, fresh kitchen.
Our lunch at El Santisimo was sensational. For
more than 18 years this restaurant has offered
little tastes of Caribbean flavor through
provocative recipes influenced by the French
techniques.
In a city perceived for its color, aroma, land
and its people, Candé restaurant typifies the
experience by flooding guests with innumerable
sensations. With live dances every night
and a menu filled with aboriginal influence
and colonial architecture, Candé offers you the
opportunity to enjoy Cartagena with all your
senses.
Colombian Paradise
Destinations just cannot get better than a visit
to Cartagena. This city is filled with fabulous
gastronomy, accommodations for every taste
and budget, wonderful year-long sunshine and
endless miles of sandy beaches. But hurry the
word is out, this little Colombian paradise will
soon be favorite of the masses.
www.colombia.travel
InterContinental Cartagena de Indias
The InterContinental Cartagena de Indias
has an ideal location in the waterfront`s
Bocagrande district, one of the most fashionable
neighborhoods in the city. It is also
located near the Ciudad Amurallada, a
very popular tourist attraction in the city,
with an old town, numerous cafes, museums
and theaters to visit.
It is also just a few blocks from the beautiful
bay of Castillogrande. This area was a
retreat for foreign oil barons in the 1950s,
and is now a meticulously planned district
lined with private clubs and resorts.
A short distance from here is the old town
and its unmatched colonial charm and rich
history. One of the best features is that the
hotel is just a short trip from Rafael Núñez
International Airport making it a great location
to jump right into your vacation.
We were blown away by the great breakfast
buffet filled with colorful exotic fruits and
juices with a wonderful setting overlooking
the pool and beach from the sixth floor of
the hotel. Lunches and dinners are delicious,
filling and well presented. Happy
Hour in the Oceanika Lounge Bar was an
experience itself.
Our well-appointed room had all the creature
comforts one would expect including
satellite TV, Wi-Fi services and wonderful all
marble washrooms with luxurious rainforest
shower. The sunsets were extremely beautiful
from the 21st floor, as were the views of
the ocean and beach, both night and day.
Their spa treatments were also second to
none, and I enjoyed a massage that was
perfect after a day of tourist-ing. We could
also relax in one of the most beautiful
swimming pools in Cartagena. An infinity
design, it offers a perfect way to enjoy a
spectacular sunset on the Sunset Pool
Terrace.
The InterContinental Cartagena de Indias
had all the amenities to make this a comfortable,
convenient and magnificent stay
and in the heart of it all.
www.intercontinental.com
9
Photo: IHG
American World Traveler Summer 2018

10
Old Beijing Still Throbs With Life
by Habeeb Salloum
“Does Old Beijing still exist?” I thought
to myself as our taxi sped between towering
skyscrapers on the way to our
hotel. The efficient and modern spic and
span Beijing Airport through which we had
just passed, the wide impressive roadways
and the modern skyscrapers all around us
indicated a 21st century city with no signs of
the past. “Has history disappeared in this
city?”, I asked my Chinese acquaintance as
the taxi stopped to let us off at the door of
an ultra-modern five-star hotel. “It’s still
here - just hidden away by this mass of
newly-erected structures. You cannot erase
history! Just visit our Hutongs!” He assured
me.
In the days to come, I found that, as my
acquaintance had indicated, Old Beijing
was still thriving and well. The historic
pagodas, palaces and old courtyard-style
homes are still there, but tightly encircled by
the cement and steel world of our modern
age.
A great deal of the country’s history is also
preserved in the 200 museums that dot this
huge metropolis. City officials are making
sure that the rich heritage of China will not
be demolished and forgotten. The government,
in its renovation of historic landmarks
and development of the museums, is ensuring
that the past will be kept alive as the city
expands.
Beijing is fast galloping into the 21st century
and its days of bicycle traffic have been
replaced by streams of all types of autos;
old pavilions and pagoda spires are
dwarfed by sky-reaching edifices; the ageold
imperial cuisine of the city is being
offered along side the MacDonald’s and
Kentucy Fried Chicken assembly line foods;
old people swap tales over tea while their
children spend their time on the internet;
traditional Chinese music competes with
funk and techno-pop.

Yet, amid this unstoppable transformation,
there still remain many remnants from the
past. Besides the royal monuments, religious
structures and mausoleums, old
Beijing’s history continues in the Hutongs (a
Mongolian name meaning narrow alleyways)
with their 1 million inhabitants - a
reminder of Old Beijing when it was ruled
by Mongolian emperors (1280 to 1368
A.D.).
To explore this part of the city, I joined with
a group of eight travellers, accompanied by
a guide, for a tour by foot and rickshaw of
a part of the Xuanw District of the Hutong
area - once a part of the Outer City of Old
Beijing.
Riding two to a bicycle-powered rickshaw,
we were soon being peddled through the
WT Library Image
narrow streets of the Hutongs. Some of the
pleasure of the tour was taken away every
time that I looked at the young man peddling
our rickshaw. I would think of the men
who, in the past, would pull these rickshaws
and trot like beasts of burden through the
streets. I felt sorry for our bicycle man who,
for a few dollars a day peddled, mostly foreigners,
through the Hutongs.
I turned to my fellow rickshaw passenger,
“Don’t you think that we are no better than
the affluent Chinese or the colonial officials
who rode like this and thought of the rickshaw
men as no better than horses?” He
grinned, “It beats walking!”
Our rickshaws made their way to the home
of Mr. Wong, one of the Hutong’s residents.
The tour officials had arranged for our
group to dine on a traditional home cooked
meal at his home. Now, as we sat around a
table relishing a fine lunch that was prepared
by Mr. Wong’s mother, Madam
Zhang, I felt happy and content - we were
dining on authentic Chinese food.
Every one of the dozen dishes that Madam
Zhang served, ending with a divine dish of
dumplings, were, as the saying goes, ‘finger-licking
good’. For me, her home cooking
easily put restaurant food to shame.
Gracious and generous, always filling the
dishes after they emptied, our hosts truly
made us feel that we were their guests.
Back in the rickshaws and well sated, we
were again on our way. Every few minutes,
the rickshaw would stop and our guide
would explain something about the lives of
those who lived in the Hutongs. He
explained that about 10% of the homes in
the district were privately owned and the
remainder rented from the government at
very reasonable rates.
Our first stroll was to see a home some two
to three hundred years old. The portal of
the house, according to our guide, when first
built would have been at least a foot above
street level. Now, after the street had been
paved over and over again through the centuries,
it was at least two feet below street
level and, hence, is usually flooded during
any heavy rain. “Imagine the housewife’s
agony of cleaning up after every rain storm.
I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes!” One of
the ladies in our group remarked as we continued
our rickshaw journey.
The next stop was a treat. Before entering
the home of Mr. Ien and his wife Madam
Zung, a retired school teacher, our guide
described the old Hutongs’ homes, like the
one that we were entering.
The living quarters of the courtyard-houses
in the Hutongs, like the traditional homes in
Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and
Spain, are built around a courtyard and
could usually house two to three families.
There were no toilets inside the houses, but
there was a communal outhouse for all the
families outside the home. It was a way of
life from the past with some modern modifications.
He emphasized that in the bygone ages the
families living in a home were often relatives,
but today, the rooms were usually
rented to strangers. “Would that not make
easy to have affairs?” A young man in our
group smilingly asked. The guide grinned,
“Perhaps!”
Inside their home, we discussed with our
gracious hosts the advantages and drawbacks
of living in the Hutongs. They both
stated that they loved to live in their home
that the family had owned for many generations.
To them, family ties and friendships
were important - not the material wealth of
the modern city. In the words of Madam
Zung, “We love our home and we also love
to have guests from other countries. This is
why we invite tourists like yourselves to our
home.”
After leaving the pleasant abode of our
wonderful hosts, the rickshaws took us back
to our waiting bus. As I sat back, I reminisced
about the many families still living in
these ancient homes without many of the
modern amenities. The modern world had
encircled them, yet they seemed content.
Old Beijing still was a living city.
www.tourismchina.org
11
American World Traveler Summer 2018

12
Out of South Africa
Exploring the Eastern Cape
WT Library Image
Article & Photography by Jennifer Merrick
Long before I heard the catchphrase
bucket list, I dreamt of going on safari.
I’d imagine myself driving through the
African plains in an open-air jeep, photographing
lions, outfitted like Meryl Streep in
the movie Out of Africa. Later Robert Redford
would shampoo my hair while quoting poetry…
(Okay, I digress.)
But now, decades later, I finally had the
chance to visit this great continent with a
dream trip to South Africa’s Eastern Cape,
located on the southeastern coast of the country.
Our safari at Amakhala Game Reserve
was magical with sights of graceful giraffes
rambling through the vegetation, so-uglythey’re-cute
warthogs darting about with their
tails up as straight as antennas and even lions
lounging at the edge of the cliff looking into
the sunrise --not to mention monkeys, zebras,
water buffalos, wildebeest and the rhinos.
These animals roamed through some of the
most picturesque landscape I’d ever encountered
with emerald green rolling plains that
dipped into a large basin lined with red sand
cliffs. At the bottom, was the Bushmans River
that wound through even more pristine velds.
(See the Stay and Play section for more information
on the reserve and our accommodation
at Safari Lodge).
Interestingly, as much as the safari experience
lived up to my expectations (with the exception
of the missing Robert Redford head massage),
there was so much more that I didn’t anticipate
on this trip to South Africa. Witnessing
rural village life, discovering a wild coastline
teeming with marine life and hearing so many
different accents spoken in urban centers with
diverse multi-cultural legacies were just as
much bucket list adventures as photographing
the big five.
Touring Mandela’s Childhood Playground
“Some of the happiest years of my boyhood
were spent in Qunu,” wrote Nelson Mandela
in his memoir Long Walk to Freedom. So it
was a thrill to see firsthand where his remarkable
life began on a Nelson Mandela early
childhood excursion with Imonti Tours.
Mandela would have been 100 this year, but
his heroic legacy lives on in South Africa and
throughout the world. In his compelling autobiography,
Mandela nostalgically described
the veldts and valleys of the village, located in
the former homeland of Transkei on South
Africa’s Eastern Cape.

“Nature was our playground,” Mandela
wrote, and what a scenic playground it is.
Greener than I expected, the rural countryside
stretched out hill after rolling hill. Some valleys
were shallow, while others fell deep into
the earth, and I found myself catching my
breath, looking down at the pastoral landscape
dotted with colourful, traditional round
homes, and a river wrapping around it all.
Animals were everywhere, and Velile needed
to be vigilant to avoid hitting the countless
sheep, as well as donkeys, pigs, chickens,
dogs and cattle.
“Cows are the Eastern Cape traffic lights,” our
good-natured guide joked as we came to a
stop yet again to wait for the animals to
saunter oh-so-slowly to the shoulder. Not that
we minded though, since it gave us a chance
to snap pics of the Watusi cattle, which looked
quite dignified with their distinctive long
horns.
As we drove down the bumpy roads, Velile
pointed out significant places of Mandela’s
childhood, like the railway (now in disuse),
where he fled to Johannesburg with his cousin
to escape an arranged marriage.
“I was a romantic,” Mandela wrote in his
memoir. “And I was not prepared to have anyone
select a bride for me.”
Other notable sites included the school he
attended, and of course, his village homes,
both the modern house Mandela had built
when he was released from prison and the
site of his childhood home. They’re not tourist
attractions in anyway –not even a commemorative
plaque, indicating that one of the greatest
heroes of our time once resided at these
very spots.
But Velile brought us as close as possible and
pointed them out. The village of Qunu is in
many ways the same as it was in the 1920s
when Mandela was a child, stick fighting with
his peers and sliding down rocks. An elderly
villager invited us into a Shebeen, a shanty
building, where homemade beer is served,
but we needed to move on and so we continued
down the bumpy, maze-like dirt roads.
“Even Google maps wouldn’t find it,” said
Velile. The picturesque rural landscape captivated
us, and it was hard to resist not getting
out for photo opps at every turn, but it’s time
for our next stop.
ICAMAGU Institute
Dr. Nokuzola Mndende, theologian, founded
the ICAMAGU Institute to educate people
about the Xhosa culture. Many of the approximately
8 million Xhosa people live in this
area, and it’s Mandela’s ethnicity as well. It’s
a fascinating culture, as we found out in the
next couple of hours, starting with a typical
lunch, consisting of samp (maize) and beans,
chicken stew and squash.
Next, we toured the traditional homes, the
same type of round, thatched huts that
Mandela lived in, and Dr. Nokuhzola’s son,
Andile, explained some of the Xhosa’s beliefs,
the core of which embodies a deep respect for
the environment. Andile showed us medicinal
plants, including a ‘dream plant’, and he
demonstrated how the remedy is used.
Kneeling on the floor, he placed the plant in a
wooden bowl full of water and rubbed a stick
between his palms until a frothy broth
appeared.
“You don’t drink the water itself, just the
foam,” explained Andile. “If you’re having
trouble with a dream, it will make it clear.”
His mother, a healer, passed down this knowledge
to him, which is an important responsibility
since, as Andile commented:
“Most youth today aren’t interested in preserving
the culture.”
Nelson Mandela Museum
In Umtata, the largest city in the area, is the
Nelson Mandela Museum, another interesting
stop on our tour. Divided into stages of
Mandela’s life: character, comrade, leader,
prisoner, negotiator and statesman, the exhibitions
encompass photographs and artifacts
from his childhood until his presidency.
Mandela himself opened the museum in
2000, and it’s a fitting tribute to the modernday
hero who dedicated his life to garnering
peace for this beautiful country. Quotes line
the museum’s walls, including one in which
Mandela defines his purpose:
“I will pass through this world but once,
and I do not want to divert from my task,
which is to unite the nation.”
Cultural Kicks on Port Elizabeth’s Route 67
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape’s capital, is a
laid-back town with a layered history, a thriving
culinary scene and a remarkable coastline.
In town, we found out about Route 67,
an initiative to honour Mandela through
attractions of gardens, murals, sculptures and
other art-based projects, representing the 67
years Mandela spent in politics.
“It’s a journey that celebrates people, heritage
and culture,” said Ntina Khozi our guide from
Lungston Tours.
One compelling installation was a sculpture
showing people lining up to vote on the first
all-race election in 1994.
“Everybody remembers where they were on
that date,” said Khozi.
Raggy Charters Marine Safari
When I imagined my African safari, I certainly
never pictured myself bouncing around in a
boat with waves hitting the bow, splashing us
with the cold Indian Ocean waters. However,
this was not your average African Safari! We
embarked on a marine safari with Raggy
Charters in the coastal waters off Port
Elizabeth in the Algoa Bay, an area that
afforded outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities.
The big five we hunted on this excursion
were whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and
penguins. No sharks or whales made an
appearance, but it didn’t matter a bit because
the penguins stole the show, waddling in a
line going out to the water from their rocky
home on St. Croix Island out to the water.
Located four kilometres offshore, the island
has 22,000 breeding pairs of African penguins,
the largest colony in Africa. Who knew?
It was my first time, seeing a penguin in the
wild, a bucket list experience I never imagined
when I first dreamed of Africa many moons
ago.
www.southafrica.net/gl/en
13
American World Traveler Summer 2018

14
La Jolla Cove Beach - Kanonsky
You’ll find the most colorful swath of
open road in America along its western
coast. The Pacific Coast Highway is
1,700 miles framed by golden sands and
turquoise waters, bordered by emeralds rainforests
and basalt rock formations, and
capped off with kaleidoscopic sunsets and
indigo night skies. Get ready for the wide variety
of West Coast beaches on an unforgettable
road trip.
Washington
At the most northern edge of the journey is
Washington state, a scenic wonderland composed
of some of the least-touched natural
areas in America.
Lake Crescent offers easy swimming and
access to boats and paddle boards. A sparking
sapphire set amid high-forested mountains
that seem to touch the sky, Lake Crescent
is named for its sickle shape. It is also famous
for its Beardslee trout, a 14-pound fish found
only at Lake Crescent.
Cannon Beach-Irina Silvestrova
Rialto Beach offers sea stacks, tidepools, and
best of all, solitude. Driving nine miles from
WA-110 as it splits west off US-101, you turn
right onto Mora Road to head to Rialto Beach,
which sits, desolate, across the Quillayute
River mouth from La Push. You can walk along
the beach for miles without anyone around.
Oregon
Dramatic and diverse scenery dominates the
shores of Oregon, making it one of America’s
most photographed coastlines.
Cannon Beach is one of the most picturesque
destinations on the coast and it’s home to
ever-popular, photogenic Haystack Rock. Walk
along the long, sandy beach or just enjoy the
view from the door of your beachfront suite;
there are plenty of lodging choices. But no
matter where you stay, Cannon Beach offers
more awe-inspiring views than imaginable,
making National Geographic’s list of “one of
the world’s 100 most beautiful places.”
Oswald West State Park is home to driftwoodladen
and surfer-friendly Short Sands Beach.
The park is south of Cannon Beach where the
scenic coastline rises high above the ocean
below, cutting into the mountains.
Northern California
California’s remote northern coastline showcases
charming coastal towns, breathtaking
seascapes, and strings of towering redwoods,
all leading up to the main attraction-the city of
San Francisco.
The ominous Black Sands Beach is one of the
most amazing and unusual–and
accessible–sights on the Lost Coast. It is composed
of crumbly volcanic rock and runs
along 20 miles south of Ferndale among
Mattole Road. The dark sands of this wide
beach also serve as the south end of the Lost
Coast Trail.
Stinson Beach is a broad 3.5-mile-long
sandy stretch of coastline that’s unusually (for
Northern California) congenial to visitors.
Although it’s as plagued by fog as anywhere
else in the San Francisco Bay Area, on rare
clear days Stinson Beach is the favorite destination
for San Franciscans seeking some surf
and sunshine.
Central California
The scenic coastline between San Francisco
and Los Angeles marries the sparkle of
Southern California beaches with the rolling
green hills and towering forests of the north.
Friendly pets can run free along the 1.5 miles
of soft sand and blue water at Carmel Beach.
Above the beach, the Scenic Bluff Path meanders
through rare Monterey cypress and landscaped
gardens to Carmel Point, offering
spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
Pfeiffer Beach is the best place to watch the
sun set along the Big Sur coastline. In fact,
some of the most dramatic views in Big Sur are
seen at Pfeiffer Beach (accessed via Sycamore
Canyon Rd., about 0.25 mile south of Big Sur)
which is one of the most photographed spots,
especially at sunset.

Hidden on an isolated stretch of CA-1 in Big
Sur, and down an unmarked one-lane road
(Sycamore Canyon Rd.), Pfeiffer Beach is not
the easiest to find, but you’ll kick yourself later
if you miss out on its impressive rock formations,
sea caverns, and unusual purple sands,
and most assuredly if you pass on the opportune
moment to witness the natural phenomenon
at Keyhole Arch.
For breathtaking views of seascapes, wildlife,
and tidepools, stroll the Moonstone Beach
Boardwalk. There are stairs to take you down
to the beach. Although you won’t find moonstone
here, you’ll find plenty of agates, and
possibly jasper and California jade as surfsmoothed
stones.
Southern California
If you’ve ever seen the cult classic film Earth
Girls are Easy, you’ll recognize legendary
Zuma Beach. Malibu’s classic beach party
site, offers surfing, boogie boarding, and volleyball
that fills up fast on summer weekends.
Crystal-clear water (unusual for the L.A. area)
makes it good for swimming. Grab a spot on
the west side of CA-1 for free parking, or pay
a little for one of the more than 2,000 spots in
the beach parking lot. Amenities include a
snack bar, boardwalk, and volleyball courts,
as well as restrooms and showers.
Huntington City Beach, a.k.a. Surf City,
USA, delivers waves, bikinis, volleyball nets,
and a long bike path. It constitutes 3.5 miles
of good surf and a pier in the center of the
beach leads into Main Street, where you’ll find
the Visitor Information Center and Kiosk, as
well as surf shops and rentals, restaurants and
bars. Huntington Beach is home to the
International Surfing Museum and hosts late
July’s U.S. Open of Pro Surfing.
La Jolla’s best beach may be found a couple
north of La Jolla village. La Jolla Shores is a
beautiful stretch of sparkling sand great for
families and beginning surfers. There’s a playground
for small children as well as swimming
and bodyboarding areas designated by
checkered flags. On the other side of those
flags, beginner surfers may find open space to
practice catching rides. More advanced riders
tend to head for the north end of the beach.
On the other side of the cliffs framing the
north end of La Jolla Shores, San Diego’s best
waves curl at Black’s Beach. Unless you want
to paddle the long way around from La Jolla
Shores, you’ll have to carry your board on a
hike down the cliffside trail originating at the
Torrey Pines Gliderport. Though gorgeous, the
cliff-backed beach remains less populated but
the reward is a secluded Southern California
beach backed by sandstone cliffs. You’re likely
to get an eyeful-its seclusion makes Black’s
a popular sunbathing spot for nudists.
Coronado Beach is a gorgeous 1.5 mile
stretch of sand set against the background of
the famous Hotel del Coronado, where lounge
chairs and cocktails are available. The familyfriendly
beach considered among the world’s
best.
When to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
If you’re ready to hit the road (or some waves),
the best time for this road trip is late spring to
early fall, when the weather is best. If you drive
the PCH at the height of the summer season,
expect heavier traffic and crowds.
The Pacific Coast Highway invites many travelers
to the natural beauty of its shores. Pick up
a copy of Moon Pacific Coast Highway from
your favorite bookseller, pack up the car, and
come find out why for yourself.
LakeCrescent - Galyna Andrushko
15
Adapted from Moon Pacific Coast Highway
by Ian Anderson. Copyright © 2018.
Available from Avalon Travel, an imprint of
Perseus Books, a Hachette Book Group
company.
American World Traveler Summer 2018

16
Around The World
(in 16 pages)
Granada’s Alhambra
The Magic of the Thousand and One Nights in Andalusia
Inca Rail Inaugurates
Peru’s Most Scenic Train to Machu Picchu
Inca Rail launched a new Machu Picchu train this March, the
360° Machu Picchu Train. The train offers some of the most
scenic views en route to Machu Picchu, with dome-like high
visibility panoramic windows with built-in UV protection.
The train carriages will be fully interconnecting, freeing passengers
to move between the carriages to an open-air observation
area at the centre of the train. By summer, passengers
will also able to download a GPS-activated app at the start of
their journey, which will provide information on local culture,
history and the passing countryside. An onboard trolley service
will feature local offerings of a light snack or lunch reflecting
the seasons and local regions. The train will carry up to 248
passengers each day on two routes between Poroy and Machu
Picchu, and between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.
www.incarail.com
China Tourism Introduces
New Brand Logo
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) has made
“Beautiful China” the tag line of its tourism and introduced a
new global brand logo. With an overall look as a stamp, the
new logo integrates modern messaging with the ancient
Chinese art form of calligraphy. The hieroglyph in the background
means “travel” in ancient Chinese language, which shows a flag guiding a couple around.
The blue color represents the sky, delivering China tourism’s concepts - vitality, harmony and
green travel. The red color gives tribute to the Chinese civilization that has been going on for
thousands of years. Illustrating an international vision, the “Beautiful China” logo represents
China’s promising and welcoming tourism industry.
Discover the splendour of the Sultans of ancient Al-Andalus and
experience the magical world of the Thousand and one Nights in the
gardens and patios of the Alhambra. It is one of the most beautiful
monumental sites ever built by man, and Spain’s most visited.
The Alhambra and Generalife together form an impressive monumental
site, built atop a red-coloured hill that dominates the city and
plain of Granada. The Alhambra was once home to the Al-Andalus
Sultans and today it is Spain’s most visited monument. Every year,
millions of visitors come to admire the exquisite beauty of its many
rooms, patios and gardens.
Everything in the Alhambra was designed to reach perfection: from
the ancient “Alcázar”, or military fortress, to the Royal Nasrid Palaces,
decorated in plaster and tile work, with inscriptions from the Koran
that evoke the notion of Heaven on Earth. The famous Patio de los
Leones (Lions’ Patio) or the Cámara de la Sultana (Sultana’s
Chamber) are examples of this poetic architecture that feeds the
imagination.
Besides its intricate decoration, water is a fundamental element, everpresent
and used throughout the site as if it were another architectural
tool. The whisper of fresh water from the Alhambra’s numerous
fountains and ponds create a cool interior microclimate: you will
notice the difference in temperature between this magical site and the
rest of Granada.
Next to the Palaces, on the slopes of the “Cerro del Sol” (Hill of the
Sun) you will find the Generalife. The site is surrounded by intimate
gardens that provide a sense of peace and calm, with an abundance
of different flowers whose scent will overwhelm you. Here it is well
worth taking a moment to sit, rest and enjoy the shimmering tones of
light reflected in a host of water features.
Granada’s Andalusí heritage can also be experienced at the mirador
(viewpoint) de San Nicolás located in the old Moorish Albaicín neighbourhood.
This is the local people’s favourite spot to look out over
the Alhambra, jewel of the Nasrid kingdom. As the sun sets, the palatial
citadel is at its very best, seeming to emerge from the mountainside
– an imposing image, difficult to forget.
www.spain.info
American World Traveler Summer 2018

18
Good to Go!
Great Travel Gear and Gadgets
Our travel specialists review the best travel gear and gadgets to get you on the go better
American World Traveler Summer 2018

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C o m e W i t h U s & S e e T h e W o r l d!

20
Intrepid Travel Launches Vegan Food Tours
Creating a More Inclusive Travel Option as Vegan Lifestyle Grows
Three New Tours Will
Spotlight Vegan
Culture in the Most
Celebrated Food
Destinations in the
World
In response to veganism growing at substantial
rates around the world, Intrepid
Travel, the world’s largest adventure
travel company, has just unveiled three new
tours specifically highlighting vegan food
culture in some of the world’s most popular
culinary destinations: India, Italy and
Thailand.
The new tours, departing in 2019, were
developed by Intrepid Travel’s experienced
destination and food product teams, with
insight from a team of vegan influencers
from around the world. Each trip will offer
delicious plant-based food experiences in
their respective locales and include insider
tips on where to find the best vegan eats.
Vegan culture in North America has been
rapidly growing over the past few years.
According to new research by Dr. Sylvain
Charlebois at Dalhousie University, 7.1 percent
of Canadians now consider themselves
vegetarian, and 2.3 percent consider themselves
vegan. British Columbians are at the
forefront of the movement, with the 2018
research showing that nearly 40 percent of
British Columbians 35 and under say they
follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

According to TripAdvisor, food tours are one
of the fastest-growing experience categories
on the travel booking site, with Canada
boasting a 594 percent increase in 2017.
Similarly, Intrepid Travel noted a record 28
percent growth in North American bookings
on its food-themed trips in 2017.
“Whether you eat a vegan diet, or just want
to test the waters, this new line of vegan
adventures will offer authentic culinary
adventures and experiences you’ll only discover
with an Intrepid local leader. Food
travel is here to stay, and it’s our responsibility
as a leading travel company to provide
a range of offerings that can suit all tastes
and lifestyles,” said Neil Coletta, Brand &
Product Manager, Food Tours, Intrepid
Travel.
To cater to this growing market and offer
more variety in its culinary tours, Intrepid
Travel has designed its new line of vegan
food tours in destinations that are already
known for their culinary scenes. The three
new tours include:
India Vegan Food Adventure
This culinary adventure to Dehli, Jaipur and
Agra showcases why this corner of the subcontinent
is one of the greatest places in the
world for vegan travelers. The itinerary ventures
far beyond the masala dosas and veggie
samosas of the high street cafes and
includes vegan cooking classes and visits to
iconic sites like the Taj Mahal.
Italy Vegan Food Adventure
In a country known for its cheese, meats and
pizza, Italy is also where some of the world’s
most progressive and innovative vegan food
experiences can be had. Venturing from
Venice to Rome, highlights of the trip include
a dinner in Venice’s first vegan restaurant, a
farm-to-table vegan feast and two nights in
an all-vegan villa in Tuscany.
Thailand Vegan Food Adventure
Home to some of the world’s most flavorful
cuisine, this tour will highlight the legendary
and vegan-friendly cuisine of South East
Asia, with activities such as a palm sugar
demonstration at Tha Kha floating market
and preparing a vegan meal under the
guidance of a local during an authentic
homestay in Chiang Mai.
“While we recognize that it’s not realistic for
everyone around the world to adopt a
vegan lifestyle, as a responsible travel company
that values purpose initiatives and sustainability
in all aspects, we feel it’s important
to encourage and celebrate vegan cultures
and practices around the world as one
way responsible travelers can help save our
planet,” said Leigh Barnes, Chief Purpose
Officer, Intrepid Travel.
www.intrepidtravel.com/vegan-foodadventures
About Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel
company that has been taking travellers off the
beaten track to discover the world's most
amazing places for 29 years. The company
offers more than 1,500 trips in more than 120
countries and on every continent. Every trip is
designed to truly experience local culture - to
meet local people, try local food, take local
transport and stay in local accommodation. A
world leader in responsible travel, Intrepid’s
award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes
and included activities mean they offer travellers
great value for money.
www.intrepidtravel.com
21
American World Traveler Summer 2018

New Zealand’s Gorgeous Glaciers
Cool Since the Beginning of Time
by Elisabeth Easther
Franz Josef Glacier, Photo: Fraser Clements
Some of the world's most accessible
and majestic ice formations are in
New Zealand, home to more than
3,000 glaciers.
There’s something undeniably impressive
about glaciers, bodies of ice so dense that
they’re constantly shifting under their own
enormous weight. Understandably, adventurers
are drawn to their beauty, travelling on
foot, by ski, or buzzing above them in helicopters
to steal a glimpse of nature’s majesty.
South Westland’s World Heritage Jewel
The bulk of New Zealand’s glaciers can be
found inside the 2.6 million-hectare World
Heritage Area known as Te Wahipounamu.
Comprised of four national parks –
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini,
Mount Aspiring and Fiordland – this picturesque
wonderland is home to outstanding
glaciers, snow-fed rivers and air so pure you
wish you could bottle some to take home.
Admire Tasman Glacier by Boat
Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s largest, and
one of the few accessible glacial lakes on
earth where you can watch icebergs float
around you. Rugged up warmly, visitors set off
from Mount Cook Village before zipping
across the surface of the lake in custom-made
boats. Keep your eyes peeled for giant bodies
of frozen water as they fall from the glacial
face in a process know as “calving” while your
guides explain how these extraordinary formations
came to be.
Tasman Glacier, Photo: Glacier Explorers
Plane Sailing on Ice
Mount Cook Ski Planes’ founder Harry Wigley
started flying tourists around Aoraki/Mount
Cook and over the glaciers in the 1950s.
Necessity led him to invent a special
retractable ski that allowed planes to take off
from the airfield and land on the snow. The
company still takes tourists to the pristine
Southern Alps, Tasman Glacier and
Hochstetter Icefall. Choose to land on snow or
glaciers, or pick the more affordable but
shorter scenic flight option. If you’re fit and
feeling adventurous, the possibilities include
skiing, ice climbing and snowshoe adventures.
High Hopes with Fox Guides
Heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier is an experience
to treasure forever – an outing that
includes a helicopter ride and a three-hour
guided hike through this land of towering
peaks and ice of alpine blue. If you’re on a
budget, the Fox Trail Terminal Face Walk is an
easy two hours (complete with a chance to
check out the glacier’s “snout”) accompanied
by a guide who’ll share Maori legends and
scientific facts.
Sky’s the Limit
For pure perspective and eye-popping
scenery, little beats seeing glaciers from
above. Not only does a flight across Tasman,
Franz Josef or Fox glaciers give unparalleled
views of these natural wonders, you’ll also
understand how these masses of ice have
carved out spectacular glacial valleys. An Air
Safaris Grand Traverse scenic flight takes in
all three glaciers, as well as Aoraki Mount
Cook National Park, brilliant azure lakes, and
the spring and autumn colours of the vast
alpine sheep stations. Operating from Tekapo
or Franz Josef, the wings of the aircraft are
fixed above the windows to allow for maximum
viewing.
www.newzealand.com

24
Copious Commendations for Copa Airlines!
by Steve Gillick
The measure of any airline hinges on
three key factors:
Convenience refers to the network of destinations
that the airline services.
Customer Service relates to the ease of working
with the airline to book the flight, reserve
the seat, facilitate any necessary changes,
and even extends to how clients are greeted
at the airport check-in and then on the flight
itself.
Reliability is the factor that often determines
whether a client will return to the airline. Did
the flight take off and land on time? Was the
flight comfortable with satisfactory in-flight
service, entertainment and with pleasant
flight attendants looking after both comfort
and safety?
Happily, I can report that my first flights on
Copa passed the ‘three factors’ test and even
exceeded expectations. On two successive
business trips to Panama I learned that I
could fly direct from Toronto Pearson
International Airport to Tocumen
American World Traveler Summer 2018
International Airport in Panama. Tocumen is
Copa Airline’s “Hub of the Americas” as it
connects passengers with ongoing flights to
31 countries in North, Central and South
America, as well as the Caribbean.
My flights left exactly on time, and I later
learned that Copa has won the FlightStats
Award as “Latin America’s Most On-Time
Airline”, five years in a row. It was also
named in 2018 as “the world’s fourth most
on-time airline” by OAG (Official Aviation
Guide of the Airways). In fact, Copa Airline’s
91.69% on-time reputation has also garnered
a few other awards including “Best
Airline in Central America and the
Caribbean” (Skytrax), “Leading Airline in
Mexico and Central America” (2014 World
Travel Awards), and “Best Airline in South
America” (2018 On-Time Performance
Service Awards).
As far as the ‘Reliability’ factor, Copa Airlines
exceeded my expectations with courteous and
prompt responses during the booking
process and then ultra-friendly greetings by
the staff at the airport check-in at both
Pearson and Tocumen Airports. On the flight
itself, the service was commendable: comfortable
seats (in economy!), an offering of
the latest current movies (some still playing in
movie theatres) and the food and beverage
service that began shortly after the plane
reached flying altitude.
Copa Airlines uses the Boeing 737-800 for
the 5 hour and 42 minute flight from
Toronto’s Pearson Airport (and only 16 minutes
longer from Montreal’s Trudeau Airport).
The Airline joined the Star Alliance in 2012
and partnered with United Airlines to offer
the Mileage Plus Frequent Flyer Program. In
2015, Copa Airlines launched its own
“Connect Miles” program. Two years later,
the airline celebrated its 70th year of operation.
The other side of flying with an airline is to
learn a bit about how they treat their staff. In
the airline’s Corporate Social Responsibility
statement, Copa acknowledges their 9500
employees and the fact that 72% of management
openings have been filled internally.
The airline boasts benefits such as corporate
wellness programs, scholarship programs for
the children of employees, free health and
immunization services, while the “You Make a
Difference” program acknowledges outstanding
employee contributions where those
recognized get to visit the Boeing Factory in
the U.S. and welcome one of Copa’s new airplanes!
Flying Copa was a new experience for me but
one that will be repeated in the future with
return trips to Panama as well as connections
to other fascinating destinations in Central
and South America.
www.copaair.com

26
Going Further With
Turkish Airlines
Glowing reviews and exceptional
food are the order of the day for
this up-and-coming airline!
Part of the Star Alliance network, Turkish
airlines (THY) offers service to Canadians
from Toronto and Montreal, and connections
to destinations all over the world
from their hub in Istanbul.
Building on their international reputation,
THY has been climbing the ranks as a top
provider and doing very well in Canada.
American World Traveler Summer 2018
With 200 destinations, and adding new
ones at a rapid pace, THY welcome travellers
with smiles and a friendly hello,
though often with a charming accent!
To help them usher in this growth, THY
has a massive, world-class training center
in Istanbul with numerous simulators.
Pilots, flight attends and support staff are
all trained well and are ready to go after
their courses are done.
Their aircraft include A330s, A340s,
B777s, B737-800s and B727-800s, all
well maintained and laid-out with the customer
in mind. Each section is designed
with creature comforts taking front and
centre. The seats throughout the plane are
comfortable and the facilities are kept
impeccably clean and organized. Most
Business Class passengers can expect
either fully lie-flat seats or angled lie-flat
seats that brings relaxation to a higher
level.
Comfort Class is Turkish Airlines' premium
economy section is highlighted by slightly
larger seats configured in two-by-three-bytwo
rows, a large video screen and entertainment
system with an iPod outlet and a
laptop power outlet for each seat.
Even passengers traveling in Economy
Class can enjoy an above average trip, as
all passengers enjoy the famed THY complimentary
meal. Though multi-course
meals are provided in Business Class on
extended range flights, all passengers are
treated to the award winning food served
on board. Considering that THY deals
with one of the world’s biggest (maybe the
biggest) catering service and are partners
with Do & Co., there is no surprise in the
quality THY can offer!
www.turkishairlines.com

28
The Top 7 Luxury Gold Experiences in India
As preparations are already
underway for next year’s Holi
Festival celebrations, Luxury
Gold wants travellers to get the most out of
the vibrant people, spirituality and cultural
kaleidoscope of India. With that in mind,
here are the Top 7 Luxury Gold experiences
that take place in the inimitable India with
an emphasis on local cuisine and wellness.
Leela Palace Udaipur
Called Udaipur’s only modern palace hotel,
Leela Palace is an exquisite stop on this journey.
Rated the #1 hotel on TripAdvisor in
2017, the 5-star accommodation offers
guests sumptuous suites with stunning views
of Lake Pichola, an artificial fresh water lake
created in 1392 AD. For weary travellers,
the hotel’s award-winning spa offers a
unique fusion of Ayurvedic and European
therapies to relax and restore the entire
body. From high quality skin care products
and oils to revitalizing seaweeds and
cleansing muds, every desire will be well
taken care of. Imperial Rajasthan Tour
Nahargarh Ranthambore Hotel
Nestled in the foothills of the spectacular
Aravalli Range, the 5-star Nahargarh
Ranthambore Hotel is a deliberately magnificent
place to spend a night or two (if you
can manage to make yourself leave, that is).
Built like a traditional Rajput hunting retreat,
the Ranthambore more so resembles an
extravagant 16th-century palace from a
fairy tale. Complete with three outdoor
swimming pools, sprawling Mughal-style
gardens, and rooms with individual court-
yards and private terraces with stunning
views of the National Park, this hotel is luxury
personified.
Essence of India with Ranthambore Tour
Baradari Restaurant – Jaipur
Designed by Delhi-based architect Ambrish
Arora and his team at Studio Lotus, Bardari
Restaurant has only been open for two
years, but has still amassed a reputation for
traditional and authentic cuisine that
delights the palate. Alongside delectable
dishes like Laal Maas with baati and pan
seared kasundi fish are choices for international
travellers like pesto pasta and pearl
barley risotto. Located at the City Place, a
museum housing an amazing collection of
works, the sights, sounds and smells of
Baradari Restaurant will never disappoint.
Essence of India with Ranthambore Tour

of the Taj Mahal sit majestically, the ultimate
backdrop for an unforgettable moment on
an unbelievable journey.
Imperial Rajasthan Tour
29
High Tea at Sukh Niwas – Jaipur
This VIP experience, available only to Luxury
Gold guests, sees guests enjoying a High
Tea in the private elegance of Sukh Niwas,
Jaipur’s City Palace. This grand tea time
transpires in a space of pure opulence, with
artwork and fantastical architecture everywhere
you glance. Most illustrious is the
renowned Lalique Peacock table made to
order for the Royal Family of Jaipur by the
world-famous artist Marc Lalique. Found in
a gilded room decorated with walls
adorned with gold work from over 200
years ago, the Lalique table is surrounded
by other stunning pieces of royal memorabilia
making this High Tea a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. Imperial Rajasthan Tour
Fairmont Jaipur – Jaipur
The 5-star luxury Fairmont Jaipur has an
entire vacation’s worth of experiences all
located on its own glorious site. From hot air
balloon rides to hiking through the famous
Aravalli hills, any incredible experience
guests can hope to have while in India is
attainable once they check in to this opulent
hotel. The jewel of the Fairmont might well
be the spa, a sanctuary offering a range of
therapeutic and rejuvenating massages
including traditional Indian massage. A host
of delectable restaurants can be found serving
authentic cuisine that will delight even
the pickiest eaters. ZARIN, the hotel's signature
restaurant, serves amazing Indo Persian
dishes, while ZOYA prides in offering a dedicated
menu featuring authentic Rajasthani
cuisine. Everything at the Fairmont Jaipur
from the rooms and food to the excursions
and wellness offerings will truly amaze
guests. Classical India with Nepal Tour
Rooftop Tea & Pakoras with Views of the
Taj Mahal – Agra
A breathtaking view has the ability to elevate
any dining experience, but something
about enjoying a refreshing cup of tea with
the dazzling Taj Mahal resting in the horizon.
Sitting on a rooftop in Agra, guests will
have the chance to taste an authentic India
favourite, pakoras, vegetables dipped in a
spicy batter and deep fried to make fabulous
fritters. In the distance, the iconic dome
Mughal Chamber Hotel – Agra
Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens,
and near the Taj Mahal, the Mughal
Chamber, a luxury hotel in Agra, is a fitting
tribute to the great Mughal builders of the
past. Comprised of 233 luxurious suites,
guests can enjoy Indian hospitality while
enjoying the opulence of an expansive room
whose doors open into a private wading
pool. The wellness and health spa is almost
10,000 square feet, surrounded by fountains
and courts full of greenery, with two
swimming pools and 43 spa treatments. A
popular treatment is the Himalayan Clay
Body Envelopment, a 90-minute escape that
detoxifies, purifies, heals and tones.
Classical India with Nepal Tour
www.luxurygoldvacations.com
American World Traveler Summer 2018

30
Tropical Tidbits
by Sue C Travel
Bopping Around Isla Bonita
Belize has been on my bucket list for a long
time, so I jumped at the chance to visit a
brand new resort hotel development there
recently called Mahogany Bay Village- a
Curio Collection by Hilton- it’s the newest
destination within a destination complex to
be built on Ambergris Cay- Belize’s most
touristic island. (See feature in next Stay and
Play fall edition on Mahogany Bay Village.)
The best way to get to Ambergris Cay and its
capital of San Pedro aka “Isla Bonita” is via
Tropic Air from Belize City. It’s a fabulous little
airline, the flight takes around 20 minutes
and the views are spectacular. San Pedro
streets are a crazy colorful mélange of golf
carts - the preferred mode of transportationscooters,
bikes, a few taxis and trucks… and
the main roads have a gazillion hidden
speed bumps, so bouncing around facing
backwards in the golf cart was more like a
carnival ride than a town tour. Aromas
ranged from funky to fragrant depending on
what you’re passing, and the whiffs of fried
fish and seafood also assault your senses as
you drive by the multiple food stands and
restaurants. We didn’t spend a lot of time in
town but we did dine one night at landmark
Elvi’s Kitchen famous for its seafood and
Mayan feasts, it’s a must try when there.
Visit: www.elviskitchen.com
Did I swim with sharks on purpose?
You better Belize it!
Sadly, I did not have a chance to fly over the
big blue hole that Belize is famous for, but I
did get to try the second most famous pastime-
snorkeling in Shark and Ray Alley. I
thank the folks at Mahogany Bay for arrang-

ing our tour with Felicity Sailing; we adored
our little luxury catamaran with its great crew.
This vessel is ideal for small groups. Now
about those sharks.
A portion of Hol Chan Marine Reserve set
upon the second largest coral reef in the
world- was once an area where local fishermen
would clean their catch. The marine life
soon figured out that boats mean free lunch,
so nurse sharks and stingrays began frequenting
this area en masse. After fishing
was banned and the marine park established,
snorkel tours began to go there. Some
of the tour operators throw in a bit of chum
to attract the sharks (our boat did not,) but
they don’t need much encouragement. They
make a beeline for every newly arrived boat.
I wasn’t really afraid of swimming with this
type of shark, I’ve encountered them before,
and as our captain said, the worst you can
get is a big hickey as they suck in their food
like high-powered vacuum cleaners- they
don’t bite it outright. But with a frenzy of them
circling right beneath my feet I must admit I
was a tad intimidated. But then I saw three
magnificent rays waiting below and I decided
it was worth it. It was. And once we swam on
to the reef I actually forgot about them as we
explored the gorgeous healthy coral awash in
colorful tropical fish. On the way back however
I suddenly found myself smack dab in
the middle of over a dozen sharks!
Thankfully, they simply parted like the Red
Sea so I could pass through them without
incident. That was pretty cool. Later, we
stopped at Caulker Key for lunch and we
were joined by a pod of dolphins on our
return sail! It was an absolutely perfect day at
sea. If you go to Belize, this it is a must do
experience. It’s really not scary at all.
Visit: www.felicitysailingbelize.com
Puerto Rico Is Rising Like a Phoenix
Contrary to what some might think, the
tourism infrastructure of Puerto Rico has
bounced back big time. My insider sources
have confirmed that the port, downtown San
Juan and the Condando areas are more than
ready to receive visitors. The beaches are in
great shape and the majority of the major
hotels have reopened, and a brand new
resort Serafina Beach Hotel just opened in
March! The downtown core is abuzz with
music and nightlife, and the historic attractions
are welcoming all. The only major natural
attraction still not open to the public yet
is the El Yunque National Forest.
Miami public relations executive Maite Velez-
Coutu visited her family there recently, and
she says, “Actually I was very pleasantly surprised
at what good shape things were in.
Nature has done its job, and all the green
beauty is back. It’s still a bit ragged around
the edges in some parts- but the island is
absolutely ready for visitors. I was also VERY
excited to see a younger generation of entrepreneurs
popping up and pushing forward
in places like Calle Loíza and
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Santurce. They’ve been busy opening
cool new restaurants, trendy bar and shop
concepts and areas that were not a ‘must
visit’ destination now have new life. That
bodes very well for the island’s future!”
So plan your visit to beautiful Puerto Rico
now, they are eagerly waiting for you.
Visit: www.seepuertorico.com
Amstar DMC –Terrific Tours & Transfers
As a frequent female solo traveller I’m often
asked about my concerns for safety, especially
in foreign countries where I don’t speak the
language. It’s a fair question, but one thing
I’ve learned is to find a reputable tour and
transfer outfit that you trust, and use them
whenever you can. I found such a company
in AmstarDMC. I always check to see if they
are operating where I am going, and I have
used them all over Mexico, in Jamaica, Costa
Rica and in the Dominican Republic. They
also operate in Hawaii. I find it worth paying
a little more than grabbing a local cabbie to
be assured of safe, professional reliable
transfers from the airport to the hotel or from
region to region. I also use them to book my
excursions, because they vet their sub-operators
well and use only the most reliable and
safety conscious outfits. I have booked amazing
experiences with them like whale shark
snorkeling in Cancun, rainforest tours in
Costa Rica and ruins tours in Tulum. My most
recent excursion with them was a cool swim
in a bioluminescent bay at night in Falmouth
Jamaica. It’s called luminous lagoon and the
water was warm as bath water and the effects
of the glow in the dark waves surreal. I highly
recommend them.
Visit: amstardmc.com
Award-winning travel journalist
Sue Campbell is based in Montreal but makes it
her business to be on top of everything cool, hot,
and new under the sun throughout the
Caribbean and Latin America.
World Traveler welcomes her as a
regular columnist.
Follow her on
Instagram and Twitter @suectravel
American World Traveler Summer 2018

32
Surprising Saba
by Susan Campbell
Photo by Saba Tourism
An abrupt arrival
I am a tad white-knuckled as our tiny
Winair prop plane readies for landing after
its ten- minute flight from St. Maarten. The
apprehension comes from the knowledge
that at a mere 1,300 feet, the runway at
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is one of the
shortest on the planet, and it abruptly ends
on a cliff perched over the sea! We hit the
ground with a small thud, fishtailed a bit,
and then stopped cold, much to our collective
relief. This is one of the only ways to get
to Saba. The other is a ferry from St.
Maarten, but it can be a rough passage at
times, so if you are prone to seasicknesstake
the plane.
Saba (pronounced say-beh) rises out of the
Caribbean Sea like a giant Jurassic turtle,
ascending from the ocean’s depths with
jagged volcanic cliffs crawling up into
emerald slopes and culminating in an ethereal
white halo of cloud forest at its highest
peak. It’s a Dutch Caribbean island- once
part of the now dissolved Netherlands
Antilles- and now a special municipality of
the Dutch kingdom. But unless you’re an
avid diver or hiker, you’ve probably never
heard of it. And that’s a shame, because
it’s full of surprises. And it’s one quirky little
rock.
Photo by Saba Tourism
Photo by Sea Saba

Surprising first impressions
The first surprise is the road. And that’s
what they call it “The Road”, though it’s
officially named after Josephus "Lambee"
Hassell the Dutch engineer who built it
despite great odds. In fact, it was called
“the road that couldn’t be built.” And it’s
easy to see why.
Tightly coiled like an asphalt snake, the
road winds around to the top with an
impossibly vertical tilt. Visitors are best to
take a local cab because this road is no
easy drive. Along the way you can look
down on ”The Bottom” – a checkerboard
tablecloth of uniform white houses with red
roofs nestled in one of the rare valleys. But
this is not really “the bottom” of the island;
the port area is the lowest part of the
island. Some say the name came from the
Dutch word for bowl, which makes more
sense given that this settlement is actually
halfway up the mountain! Then you continue
the climb to reach the “top” settlement
which is called Windwardside, and that’s
where the majority of commerce, dining,
culture, and accommodations are located.
At every turn you can see how hard it must
have been to eke out an existence on this
rocky vertical outpost. Though the volcanic
soil is lush and fertile, which makes for
growing sustenance fairly easy, getting
things from the sea to the hillside communities
was very hard. Though you can take
a hike down to see it, the view of “The
Ladder” from the sea gives you the best
perspective on the sheer magnitude of difficulty
that they were up against. The ladder
is a steep set of 800 steps carved right into
the rock from the sea cliff where the ships
would unload cargo. “Butlers” would handcart
the goods straight up to a small customs
house which is actually still standing
there. Think pianos, mahogany furniture,
and the materials needed to build the huge
stone church at one of the island highest
peaks called “Zion”. The goods then had to
be transported by man and mule through
difficult winding trails up to their destination.
So one can understand why Zion was
renamed “Hell’s Gate”. But Sabans are
known for their grit and determination, and
they found all kinds of ways to create a selfsupporting
little nation out of this unforgiving
tropical outpost.
Pastimes and pleasures
Hiking is one of the main draws here, there
are many trails, but the most famous is the
1,000 plus steps up to the 2,877 ft. summit
of Mt. Pleasant. A guide is highly recommended
for all hikes and you can get all
the information at The Trail Shop in
Windwardside. Diving is also a very popular
pastime; the waters surrounding the
entire island are a protected marine park
and full of resplendent marine life and
underwater mountains. I am not certified
yet, so I opted for the snorkel trip with Sea
Saba. I especially enjoyed swimming with
the sea turtles. I saw over a dozen juveniles
that come to the shallow area they call “the
nursery”. It was an enchanting trip.
Dining on this island is also delightful. The
specialty being the Saban spiny lobster,
and their locally made Saba Spice Rum is
out of this world. (The recipe is a secret
handed down through the generations.)
Saba is also a very arty island, with the
most famous artist being Heleen Cornet
who has shown internationally. You can see
a lot of her work in the Five Square Gallery
in Windwardside. You’ll also find a few
museums in Windwardside, and the archeological
foundation SABARC at the
Heritage Centre gives guided history walks.
Visitors can also learn how to make glass
bead art with workshops at Jobean Glass
Cottage, and you can also watch the Saba
lace ladies at work at Kakona arts shop
Thursday afternoons. This unique lacework
was once one of the island’s most important
exports, and you can purchase lace
souvenirs at the island’s little gift shops.
And the Jewel Cottage has a seriously
impressive collection of fine handmade
pieces using gems from around the world.
More surprises
Another surprise you might note is that
almost every house has a graveyard in the
garden! The island has been populated
with many Irish and Scottish
33
settlers, and the tradition of keeping their
dearly departed close to home seems to
have stuck there. Also surprising is that this
tiny island boasts an extremely highly
regarded academic institution that attracts
international students. The Saba University
School of Medicine has garnered numerous
accolades for its very high standards.
But for me the biggest surprise of all was
the karaoke!
Every Friday night, Scout’s Place is the
place to be for state-of-the-art equipment,
a library of thousands of songs in multiple
languages, and special effects like smoke
machines- it’s a karaoke lover’s heaven.
And it’s very competitive! Each fall they
crown the annual “Sabaoke Idol” winner
with pomp and circumstance, so better
bring your A game because these singers
are in it to win it!
Where to stay
Most of the hotels are cozy cottage style
affairs, except the more upscale Queens
Gardens and some very unique boutique
properties like Spyglass Villa on a cliff, and
Villa Orchid, which is awash in over 200
species of those fragrant flowers. The
Pyramid House is also a boutique villa
rental, ideal for yoga retreats with a meditation
circle ensconced in nature. Then
there is Convent Cottage with its amazing
interior décor. Once a small home for
Dominican nuns- it’s a two-bedroom rental
house chock full of incredible antiques and
special finds personally curated from
owner Mark Johnson’s world travels.
I stayed at Julianna’s Hotel; I loved the view
from my charming little cottage overlooking
the lush cliffs to the sea, and their
“Tipsy Goat” pool bar there is also popular
spot for local happy hours. I was not there
long, but I found a stay on Saba to be
indeed like a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to
see why the island is dubbed “The
Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean. It
truly is.
www.sabatourism.com
Photo by Saba Tourism
American World Traveler Summer 2018

34
Life’s a Beach in Zakynthos
Article and photography by Gregory Caltabanis
Zakynthos has gained notoriety in
recent years and is beginning to top
travellers’ wish lists across the globe
- and for good reason. Off the eastern part
of the Ionian sea, Zakynthos finds itself well
positioned to accommodate all globetrotters
wishing to take in Greece’s beauty and
many wonders.
Famous for its white sand beaches and
deep blue waters, Zakynthos - also known
as Zante - is an ideal hotspot for tourists
looking to relax with their significant others.
Despite the island’s many attractions and
sightseeing opportunities, its most famous
landmark is undisputedly the Navagio
beach. Only accessible by boat, the
Navagio is a cove located on the northwest
shore and is surrounded by high cliffs,
offering tourists some much needed exclusivity.
The Navagio is also known as the
Shipwreck beach after a freightliner in
1980 - the MV Panagiotis - was abandoned
there. To this day, the ship remains buried
in the beach for all its visitors to see, highlighting
its illustrious past. Over the years,
it’s also been rumoured that the MV
Panagiotis was smuggling contraband such
as cigarettes and wine before crashing into
the cove. As a result, the locals gave the
Navagio one of its most famous yet more
unknown nicknames: Smugglers Cove.
As the Navagio is secluded by nature due
to its cliffs, tourists are unable to go on their
own and an excursion is required. The tour
itself costs 30 euros a ticket, which is a
decent fee considering that it gets you there
and back. After a thirty minute bus ride,
you will then be escorted onto a speedboat
that will bring you directly on the Shipwreck
beach. Friendly tip: Be sure to go on the
second floor of the boat as it is far more
comfortable and spacious compared to the
main floor. To make matters better, you’ll

35
from Zakynthos town, it is more central
compared to the previous hotspots and is
much easier to get to. Host to a plethora of
water sports among other things, there is
no shortage of activities. Kalamaki beach -
which is essentially a continuation of
Laganas - is dominated by rock formations
and clear blue water. Note: bring your own
towel to take in the sun as chairs are largely
occupied by the early hours of the morning.
also be able to take in the sun on your way
to the beach.
Xigia Beach is another one of Greece’s
wonderful spots and should be a part of
any tourist’s Zakynthos itinerary. Off the
Eastern Coast of the island, this beach is
naturally divided into two by the surrounding
cliffs. The first Xigia beach has seen its
popularity rise in recent years and is mostly
known for its sulphuric water, as a result
of the minerals pouring into it from the cliff.
Other than the medicinal benefits of this
beach, it is an ideal spot to relax and sunbathe.
However, be warned: While the sulphur
is good for your skin, it results into a
strong smell on the beach. Also, two chairs
will run you about 10 euros for the day.
On the other side of the cliff, lies the more
hidden version of Xigia Beach. You will
need to follow the stairway to get down and
could even relax on the cove before
descending into the water via ladder. Atop
the stairway, there’s a lovely tavern which
offers some of Greece’s finest delicacies at
a relatively modest price. I would recommend
ordering the moussaka and risotto
and please - top it off with a chilling Mythos
beer. After you’re done eating, you could
also sunbathe on the many beach chairs
overlooking the water. All in all, it makes
for a wholly satisfying experience and is a
day well spent.
After visiting both Xigia and Shipwreck
beaches, tourists should also make time to
visit Kalamaki. Located a mere 6 kilometres
WT Library Image
A final, must-see destination in Zakynthos
is Marathonisi - also known as turtle island.
Marathonisi, located off Laganas bay, got
its name due to its unlikely turtle-shaped
formation and acts as one of the nesting
homes for loggerhead turtles called
Caretta Caretta. It’s important to note that
all excursions to this islet are handled by
the National Marine Park in order to preserve
the turtles’ nesting grounds. With that
being said, it’s quite easy to catch a boat
from either Laganas or Keris to get there
and will cost you approximately 25 euros.
Turtle spotting has become a common
touristic activity in Zakynthos and is made
easier by Marathonisi’s sparkling blue
waters.
As a whole, Zakynthos offers tourists a bit
of everything and has proven to be an ideal
vacation spot, be it for the family or even
for a lovers retreat. Its wonderful beaches,
authentic food and unique excursions on
offer ensure tourists could have a relaxing
time all-while immersing themselves into
the rich, Greek culture.
www.visitgreece.gr
American World Traveler Summer 2018

Atlantic Arctic Indian Pacific Southern Ocean
C r u i s i n g w i t h
W O R L D
Traveler
C RUISING
Cruise News - pages 38 - 39
This Photo: MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview
SECTION
MSC Seaside, “the ship that follows the sun” - page 42
Sail Greece and Turkey Aboard Celestyal Crystal - page 44
Poseidon Expeditions, A Cool Cruise Never to Forget - page 46
Adriatic Aegean Mediterranean Caribbean Baltic Black South-China Sea
Danube Main Mekong Moselle Nile Rhine Rhône Saône Seine Yangtze
Come With Us & Sail The World!

38
AmaWaterways Avalon Azamara Carnival Celebrit
C r u i s e N e w s
Seabourn Launches New Ultra-Luxury Ship, Ovation
Seabourn Ovation is the fifth ultra-luxury vessel to join the Seabourn fleet over the
past decade, and the second of two ships designed for the line by hospitality
design icon Adam D. Tihany. Like Seabourn Encore before it, the ship features all
oceanfront suites with private verandas, along with modern design elements and
innovations in keeping with Seabourn’s reputation for understated elegance, as
well as one additional deck, newly expanded public areas and a brand-new, al
fresco dining venue, “Earth & Ocean at The Patio”.
The ship departed on its maiden
voyage May 5, for an 11-
day Inaugural Mediterranean
Spring cruise, bound for
Barcelona, Spain.
www.seabourn.com
AmaWaterways Offically
Welcomes AmaLea to
European Fleet
AmaWaterways has recently christened
its newest river cruise ship,
AmaLea in Vilshofen, Germany. Sister
ship to AmaViola, AmaStella and
AmaKristina, AmaLea will sail sevennight
cruises on the Danube between
Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding her first
season with four Iconic Christmas Market Cruises.
The 154-guest AmaLea features AmaWaterways’ exclusive twin balconies– offering
panoramic views from both a French and outside balcony. Guests will enjoy
gourmet dining onboard, with free-flowing wines at multiple venues including The
Chef’s Table; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; a fitness center
and spa; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; and in-room
Entertainment-On-Demand. www.amawaterways.com
Signature Land Programmes
Silversea Unlocks 9 New Remarkable Experiences for Guests
Enabling guests to travel deeper, Silversea unveils an exciting new collection of land programmes
in nine breathtaking destinations around the world, named the Signature Land
Programmes. Preserving Silversea’s hallmark of luxurious adventure and born from the
success of the cruise line’s momentous Couture Collection, the Signature Land
Programmes will unlock some of the world’s
most spectacular experiences from
September 2018.
The Signature Land Programmes will be led
by Silversea’s experience leaders and will
complement select voyages in: Iceland, Sri
Lanka, Canada’s Great Lakes, Bolivia,
Nepal, Chilean Wine Country, Beijing,
Myanmar and Vietnam.
www.silversea.com
G Adventures Launches New Sri
Lanka Itinerary Along the East Coast
Another ‘travel first’ as operator expands
sailing program
G Adventures announces the launch of
a new sailing trip along Sri Lanka’s east
coast, following the splash made by its
industry-first sailing trip along the south
coast of the island nation. The first itinerary
launched in February this year
and is already 90 per cent sold out in its
first season. This further demonstrates
Sri Lanka’s increasing popularity as a
travel destination, with the country also
experiencing a tripling of demand for G
Adventures’ land-based trips in 2017.
The new Sailing Sri Lanka – East Coast
itinerary is designed to complement the
existing Sailing Sri Lanka – South Coast
tour, meaning sailing trips will run in
the country throughout the year and
give travellers two different options.
Trips will travel the east coast from July
to September 2018, before heading to
the south coast from November 2018 to
April 2019.
Compared to the south which features
more on-land excursions, the east coast
is more deserted and secluded, with
some of Sri Lanka’s best snorkelling
opportunities. Both itineraries are timed
for optimal whale-watching and travellers
can also take advantage of the
two kayaks and two stand-up paddle
boards that are always onboard.
Both sailing trips take place on a brand
new 52-foot catamaran carrying up to
eight travellers. The boat was launched
this year for G Adventures and has four
double / twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms,
portholes, and pop-up skylights.
www.gadventures.com
Royal-Caribbean Scenic Seabourn SeaDream Si

y Costa Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America
39
Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s newest Super Ship, the S.S. Beatrice, has
set sail on her maiden voyage along the Danube from Budapest to Giurgiu, with a land
extension in Bucharest. Debuting with a fresh, sleek yacht-like design, the S.S. Beatrice
is the first vessel in the brand’s award-winning fleet of floating boutique hotels to be
upgraded to a Super Ship.
“We’re thrilled to continue to offer guests the highest standard in river cruising with the
debut of S.S. Beatrice,” said Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld CEO and President. “We’ve seen
great success with all of our Super Ships and their level of luxury demonstrates the way
forward for the brand. We’re excited to bring all of our ships up to this impeccable standard,
with plans to upgrade the River Empress and River Royal to Super Ships in 2019.”
The S.S. Beatrice boasts yacht-style light wood with blue and white finishes throughout. Its renovated lobby features elegant mirrors, marble
floors, a white Murano chandelier with blue shades, and a grand staircase made of nickel and black iron – a signature design element
of Uniworld’s Super Ships. The ship’s redesigned lounge includes sofas and chairs with hand-made upholstery, a parquet floor and upholstered
ceiling panels, solar shades, and new USB ports allowing guests to charge anywhere they are sitting. The artwork throughout the ship
includes pieces from Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder and Pino Signoretto.
The ship offers four dining options all inspired by famous Austrian composers, including Mozart’s, the ship’s main restaurant; Wolfgang’s
bar and lounge and newly added Schubert’s and Max’s. For guests seeking an immersive culinary experience onboard the S.S Beatrice,
Max’s restaurant offers intimate cooking classes where guests can create local European cuisines alongside the chef. Menu highlights at
Max’s include broccoli coleslaw, regional Bohemian bread pudding dumplings and homemade apple strudel. Schubert’s, an 18-seat café
located at the bow of the ship, offers guests shared plates from lunch through dinnertime. The cozy Austrian-styled eatery features menus
reflecting the cuisine of the ship’s destinations, including brisket bouillon, Wiener Wurst with mustard, and an Austrian Kaiser Burger.
Additionally, the ship offers two new Grand Suites each measuring 310 square feet and a second 390 square foot Owner’s/Royal Suite.
Connecting rooms, ideal for friends and families travelling together, have also been added. The S.S Beatrice sails on six itineraries to destinations
including the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. www.uniworld.com
Viking’s Ultimate World Cruise
New 245-Day Itinerary Is Longest-Ever Continuous World Cruise
Viking has recently announced its most comprehensive itinerary to date with the new Ultimate World Cruise, which will span 245 days, six
continents, 59 countries and 113 ports, with 22 port overnights and a full circumnavigation of the globe – making it the longest-ever continuous
world cruise itinerary.
Departing from London on August 31, 2019 on Viking Sun®, this grand eight-month journey will mark Viking’s third voyage around the
globe and will nearly double the length of the company’s previous World Cruise itineraries. Within the 245-day Ultimate World Cruise
itinerary, Viking will also offer guests an option to sail one of two shorter segments during the cruise. Guest can choose between Viking
World Treasures, a 127-day sailing from London to Los Angeles that visits 33 countries and 61 ports, or Viking World Wonders, a 119-
day journey from Los Angeles to London that visits 29 countries and 55 ports. As with all Viking itineraries, guests receive a complimentary
shore excursion in each port and free unlimited Wi-Fi; World Cruise guests also receive Business Class airfare and all gratuities and
service fees, along with an extensive list of added-value included features in their cruise fare.
“For more than 20 years we have been offering guests the most culturally immersive journeys available in the industry and we are pleased
to announce the most extensive itinerary in our history,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our World Cruises offer guests the rare
opportunity to unpack once and explore dozens of the best destinations on earth – at a value that is unprecedented in the travel industry.”
Viking’s Ultimate World Cruise visits dozens of legendary cities, charming ports and idyllic
islands in one epic journey. Included excursions in every port allow guests to immerse
themselves in the world’s cultures, and The Viking Way of exploration offers additional,
optional excursions that provide unmatched insight into Local Life, Working World and
offer Privileged Access visits to cultural institutions. Overnight stays in 22 cities allow
guests to delve deeper into destinations; and Viking’s Culture Curriculum® offers additional
enrichment on board with regional entertainment and lectures, as well as learning
opportunities as part of the Viking Resident program. Full details on the Ultimate
World Cruise can be found on Viking’s website. www.vikingcruises.com
Hurtigruten MSC Norwegian Oceania Ponant Princess Regent
versea Star-Clippers Uniworld Viking Windstar

42
MSC Seaside
“the ship that follows the sun”
by Anne-Marie Macloughlin
With a steady increase in holidaymakers
opting to cruise the high
seas (a projected 27.2 million in
2018 according to data generated by Cruise
Line International Association, the cruise lines
are paying attention. Launching evermore
luxurious liners to satisfy even the most discerning
of tastes, these behemoths of the sea
provide multi-generational entertainment,
luxury and a once-in-a-lifetime experience as
they sail the four corners of the globe.
The Ship
With my only experience of cruising the high
seas limited to a brief jaunt out of New York
Harbour one balmy November, the siren
song of the Caribbean lured me to the MSC
Seaside, the newest flagship in the Italian
cruise fleet. A brand-new prototype, the
Seaside features unique design that brings
guests closer to the oceanic experience.
Inspired by Miami beach condo design, the
seaside boasts two glass-floored catwalks
and a 40m high ‘Bridge of Sighs’ affording
guests a stunning ocean view. Panoramic lifts
and a waterfront boardwalk further dissolve
the separation between guest and ocean.
Developed by MSC to fit the needs of today’s
cruise guest, this beautiful vessel is aptlynamed
as “the ship that follows the sun”.
With an itinerary that included Sint Maarten,
San Juan and Nassau, I was eager to put the
name to the test.
Food and Drink
As one would expect, food and drink options
are of considerable importance when catering
to the global community. The discerning
holidaymaker demands cachet in addition to
convenience, the buffet experience on board
as popular as ever but with more exclusive
options on the table. The Seaside’s premium
restaurants can compete with anything a
major city can offer. The Butcher’s Cut caters
to meat lovers as the name suggests but with
seafood and vegetarian options available
too. Attentive and knowledgeable staff will
demystify the menu and offer the appropriate
wine suggestions for your meal, almost psychic
in anticipating one’s needs. For someone
whose wine knowledge is embarrassingly
sparse, I was grateful for the educational
experience (and the delicious salmon).
The Ocean Cay is a seafood lovers nirvana,
the appetizers we ordered staggeringly generous,
the goat cheese tarte big enough to be
mistaken for an entrée. Again, we were presented
with a distinguished wine selection,
our server happy to make suggestions for the
overwhelmed. The ambience of the Cay is
tasteful, low key and intimate, the nautical
theme apparent but not stifling. It was
strange to remember we were sailing, such

was the effect after dark of a free-standing
establishment. Definitely a high point.
Bars abound on the seaside, be it an al fresco
cooler one desires while soaking up the
rays or a seductive cocktail at sundown. The
Atrium is a dazzling visual centrepiece spanning
three decks that houses several bars and
a variety of entertainment including piano
bar, DJ and live dance performances from
the versatile entertainment staff. As I experienced
on every deck, the bar staff are very
happy to recommend cocktails, beer or wine
as per one’s personal taste. Not a fan of
sweet beverages (the Bloody Caesar more my
speed), the bar staff created a fiery Bloody
Mary which more than made up for the lack
of Clamato! For the connoisseur, premium
liquor abounds, my Scotch-loving colleague
happy with the selection.
Entertainment
The Seaside has it all; from Broadway-style
theatrical magic to movie nights, bingo,
dance lessons and themed events, the only
“downside” is figuring out which option to
choose. Daily schedules are delivered to the
cabins to assist with such major decisions.
Time constraints dictated some very cunning
schedule surfing, the ever-helpful MSC staff
available for tie-breakers. My companion
and I opted to take in a show at the
Metropolitan Theatre, a 900 plus house with
state of the art lighting and sound. “Timeless”
had been described as a Michael Jackson
tribute; so far so good. What we did not
expect was a 40 minute multi-genre experience
with comedy, steampunk, contortionists,
musical theatre, aerial acts and yes, a tribute
to The King of Pop in the shape of a supernaturally
authentic dancer leading us through
some of MJ’s best loved hits.
For a more immersive entertainment experience,
the nightly themed parties hosted by
the Seaside’s animation team are excellent
ice breakers. From the decadence of a Great
Gatsby themed soiree to the Pirate Party on
our final evening (my personal favourite) it
makes sense to check in advance for costume
inspo. The entertainers are energetic, engaging
and talented. Amateurs need not fear the
dance floor; the staff are well-trained in communicating
simple yet impressive moves to
the non-professionals among us. Take note:
a visit to your local dollar store for cheap and
cheerful costume accents prior to sailing is
recommended. Al fresco fitness classes are
also hosted by the entertainers and a wonderful
way to burn off some of those calories
and soak up the vitamin D. For more familyoriented
endeavours the Doremi club provides
peace of mind for parents looking to
keep their little ones amused.
Ports – Sint Maarten, San Juan, Nassau
The Dutch/French island of Sint
Maarten/Saint Martin was our first stop. The
beaches are clean and pebble-free with the
option to rent a sun lounger or umbrella for
when things heat up. Strolling the boardwalk
is the perfect way to get one’s bearings and
find a spot for lunch or a cooling cocktail. We
stopped at The Lazy Lizard for some delightful
blackened chicken and Cajun fries where
we were welcomed like family, the open front
allowing us to enjoy the charming view as we
dined. Local vendors stroll the beach selling
their wares including colourful sarongs and
jewellery. For those in need of some pampering,
al fresco massage and hair braiding is
on offer from the friendly islanders. When
you remember this tiny island was battered
during Hurricane Irma in 2017 it’s hard to
fathom when all seems so idyllic; a testament
to the tenacity of the islanders and those who
came to their aid.
Approximately 200 land miles from Sint
Maarten lies sunny Puerto Rico (literally, “Rich
Port”), a major stop for cruise ships. It’s US
status was apparent within minutes of disembarking;
CVS and Walgreen pharmacies jostle
for space in the busy port. Vendors line the
waterfront, wares including ball caps and T’s
for that last-minute gift. It should be noted
that the shore excursions from the Seaside
are sold out fast so make your selections
early in order to make the best of your time
ashore. Local tour guides are many but all
timings and destinations are approximate; be
prepared for a long wait while they fill as
many seats as possible! History buffs will
enjoy a visit to the San Juan National Historic
Site featuring the imposing Castillo san Felipe
del Morro, a 16th Century Spanish citadel
with some interesting photo opps; the
43
day we went a 3-foot long iguana was
clinging to the side of the wall! The
summers are typically hot and humid, on this
May day the heat was such that a shady lunch
break was in order (and a cold beer). La
Cueva del Mar boasted the freshest fish in
town. Thanks to my travel companion who
has a nose for such things, we enjoyed the
best fish tacos in recent memory topped with
tangy coleslaw.
Our final port of call was sunny Nassau, a
Bahamian paradise and former pirate
stronghold. At one point the scoundrels outnumbered
the locals, amongst them the infamous
Blackbeard. Luckily, Nassau shows little
evidence of its scandalous past but for the
curious one may visit the site of Blackbeard’s
former residence. There are many tours one
may partake in but for those crunched for
time, a water taxi ride with an entertaining
local guide is a must. For a mere $4 each
way we escaped the busy cruise terminal and
caught some rays at Cabbage beach, a
stone’s throw from the manufactured
grandeur of the Atlantis resort where one
may rent a sun lounger and umbrella to
escape the searing UV rays. If it’s shopping
you’re after, non-guests of the resort are permitted
entry to the complex where tourist
trappings lie cheek by jowl with designer
watches and apparel. Taxis are in abundance
so we reluctantly left the beach and went souvenir
shopping before returning to the
Seaside. As with a lot of resorts the ubiquitous
made in China tat is overflowing but there
are some good local craft stores where we
found inexpensive shell jewellery and mini
bottles of local hot sauce.
As we finally set sail for Miami and home, the
vacation was not quite over yet. The wonderful
crew of the Seaside hosted a Pirate Party
to send us on our way, the entertainers in
authentic costume as they led the guests into
some rousing dance numbers. With the lingering
Bahamian vibe of piratical times past
still firmly in our minds, where better to connect
with one’s inner Blackbeard than on the
high seas?
www.msccruises.com
American World Traveler Summer 2018

It’s All Greek to Me!
Sail Greece and Turkey Aboard
Celestyal Crystal
Aricle by Olivia Balsinger
Oia, Santorini
Few moments in life prove more blissful
thank sitting dozens of meres high
the edge of an off-white length in
Santorini, nursing a crisp Greek wine, belly
full from souvlaki and olives (of course!), as
you watch the colors of the sky melt into the
Mediterranean below. Yes, this may seem
like a scene setting for the climax of a cheesy
romantic movie. But, indeed, it was my reality
during my recent overnight in Santorini,
Greece as part of my seven-day journey on
The Celestyal Crystal through Greece and
Turkey. Though the company primarily sails
3, 4, and 7-day cruises in the Aegean,
guests have the option of combining programs
to customize the length of their stay
Though I have been fortunate to cruise
aboard many luxurious lines, Celestyal
stands apart for its commitment to maximizing
a guest’s time in port giving travelers as
comprehensive understanding and experience
of the destination possible. Celestyal
Cruises, a Greek owned and operated company,
is the company that delivers Greece in
the most authentic manner of all its competi-
tion. From the superior service, to the mouthwatering
menus, to the the attentive staff and
especially to the commitment to showing off
destinations, there is really no comparison.
Athens
One of the world’s most visited cities, our
Celestyal Cruise began in Athens—capital of
Greece arguably one of the most important
cities in human history. I arrived a few days
early, deciding to stay at the NJV Athens
Plaza, a five star property part of Preferred
Hotels & Resorts, within walking distance to
Athens treasures (and, bonus points: my
hotel room faced the Acropolis!) Both the
capital of Greece, the heart of ancient world,
Athens has become a prime destination for
tourists interested in discovering the roots
and the rise of Europe as it is known today;
it is the city where Classical civilizations intellectual
and artistic though originated; where
symposia were held to entice the spread of
ideas and healthy debate; where democracy
was developed and culture flourished. When
you travel there today, you can feel this
almost mythical quality permeating throughout
the air; where millennia old structures
stand proud against a bustling urban city
that is equal parts elegant and edge. The
boarding process onto the ship was seamless—it
was time to begin my adventure.
Santorini
You've most likely heard of the mesmerizing,
paradise shores of Santorini island, which for
decades has been the primary destination
for tourists to experience the idyllic beauty of
the Greek Islands. Its beauty is romantic, as
it combines a naturally gorgeous landscape
with villages that preserve its classical legacy
as well as cater to modern luxuries, such as
fine dining and truly fabulous shopping.
Sparkling turquoise water, beaches with
impossible mosaic of sand (such as black,
red and white), an active volcano, and spectacular
rock formations that provide a sense
of tranquil seclusion ensure that, no matter
which angle you view it, any picture of the
land will be postcard-worthy. But Santorini is
not just a feast for the eyes...it is also a feast

for the senses! It is home to some of the best
restaurants in Greece and boasts wine that
rivals the rest of the world and because
Celestyal spent a night in port here, I was
delighted by the many divers, delicious dishes
of the island.
During my overnight stay in Santorini, I had
the pleasure to visit Oia, which is famous for
being the most picturesque village in all of
the Cyclades. I was not able to put my camera
down, as seemingly every corner of this
quaint and colorful village is astonishingly
photogenic. The tour ended in Fira, located
on the caldera cliffs opposite the island's
active volcano. The capital of Santorini and
its largest town, some claim that it is here, on
the bottom of the Caldera cliffs, where one
can truly soak in all of the wonder that is
Santorini.
Milos
A hidden gem within the Cyclades island
group, Milos offers the more adventurous
tourists everything that one can ask for from
an idyllic Greek getaway. Scattered throughout
are spectacular views of its whitewashed
village architecture, picturesque beaches on
the shores of the Aegean, and quaint city
centers where one can experience the warm
hospitality of the local people. Milos is the
perfect destination for those looking for a
break from the other comparatively crowded
islands in the Cyclades.
I enjoyed what was sincerely the swim of my
life at the magnificent Firiplaka beach. I took
a refreshing dip in the crystalline green-blue
seas, and drifted ashore to the silver sand
beaches, where I laid back, gawking at the
gorgeous colored rock formations that line
its coastline. I also visited the picturesque
fishing village of Pollonia, which host numerous
events dedicated to the arts and music.
The area truly feels ass the fishing boats
moored by the quay to find that perfect spot
on the beach, hidden within the tamarisk
tree-lining. Luckily, I also had the time to visit
Sarakiniko Beach on the island's north shore,
whose north-wind waves result in greyishblue
rocks that are famously compared to a
moonscape.
Ephesus
I spent a day in the life of an Ancient Greek
with a visit to Ephesus, a place frozen in time,
reliving its extensive, fascinating history by
careening through its beautifully preserved
ruins—some dating back to the prehistoric
ages! Excavations spanning almost a century
and a half have marked Ephesus as
Europe’s most complete classical metropolis
(even though 80% of the city has yet to be
unearthed!), allowing modern eyes to see its
former glory as the capital of Roman Asian
Minor, and the fourth largest city during the
Roman period.
The highlight of our excursion was a visit to
the Terrace Houses, which gives the clearest
example of how the diversity of the
Mediterranean peoples historically embedded
in this area’s ruins. Located on a hilltop,
these structures were the “Houses of the
Rich,” and gives in-depth insight into the
lifestyle and living conditions of the empirical
Roman elite. I learned about the brilliant
planning and ingenious structure of Roman
domestic architecture, with original
frescoes and mosaic cycles intact.
Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, the fifth
largest in the Mediterranean Sea, and the
eighty-eighth largest island in the world.
Remnants of its brilliant past arrange themselves
like stage props against an aweinspiring
coastal landscape. Mythology tells
us that it was in the caves of Crete where
Rhea hid her newborn Zeus from his titan
father, but this mystical air transcends time,
and embeds itself in the bustling cities,
charming villages, splendid shores, and fascinating
archaeological sites. Celestyal
cruise excursions brought the exquisite cuisine,
delicious wine, and impossibly gorgeous
landscapes to life for me, giving me
free time to explore the island.
Onboard Experience
The Crystal boasts 476 staterooms (317 are
outside cabins and 163 are inside cabins.)
There are 15 cabin types to choose from
aboard the ship, accommodating individual
needs and budgets. Staterooms are
equipped with air conditioning, telephones,
televisions and hairdryers. Passengers may
pay for Wi-Fi to enjoy anywhere on board,
including their staterooms.
For more casual dining, guests may opt for
the 9th floor self-serve Leda Buffet for breakfast,
lunch or dinner. The two more formal
dining rooms on board, The Olympus
Restaurant and The Amalthia Restaurant, are
that perfect balance of sophistication and
authenticity. Especially being a Greek ship
and given the destinations of this particular
cruise, it is fitting that the majority of the
restaurants serve traditional Greek cuisine.
After dinner, I would often find myself in the
Eros Lounge, relaxing and unwinding among
a crowd of fellow passengers. With a martini
in hand and the onboard band's melody
in the air, I'd reflect on my day of adventures
and wander what next is in store.
www.celestyalcruises.com
45
American World Traveler Summer 2018

46
A Cool Cruise Never to Forget
Article and photography by Lisa Sonne
In every direction, there is a gallery of icebergs,
frozen freshwater sculptures that
floated away from a parent glacier hundreds
of thousands of years old. I feel like a
great polar explorer. The front of my kayak
carves through the glistening “frazzle” –a thin
layer of sea ice that coated these Arctic waters
overnight. The frozen geometric patterns
crackle with the plowing bow, and cascading
crunching sounds join in as my paddle
plunges through and pushes back in this stunning
bay.
A group of us – from Canada, Russia, India
and the U.S. – are making an excursion from
an expedition ship in the largest and deepest
fjord system in the world. The Scoresby Sund
(Sound) of eastern Greenland is above the
Arctic Circle, in a remote, hard-to reach place
that is uninhabited and rarely visited by
humans. The horizon of waters and whites
are of densities and hues that defy any paintbox.
This is timeless, raw, gorgeous nature –
the same kind of seascapes that the intrepid
explorers braved in previous centuries.
Then I look down – and see the modern day
“dry suit” I am wearing to keep me waterproof
and warm, and the plastic kayak that
gracefully tolerates me. I twist as far as I can
and between me and an ancient glacier, the
MV Sea Spirit floats grandly. The 116-passenger
ship has an ice-certified hull and state of
the art communications and navigation
equipment. Even more important at the
moment, when the eight of us paddle back,
we can enjoy hot showers, fresh towels, wonderful
food, clean clothes, comfy beds, and
even an open-air jacuzzi. The famous polar
explorers – Shackleton, Stefansson, Peary,
Amundsen and Nansen – never had it so
good.
The “Arctic Sights and Northern Lights” cruise
of Poseidon Expeditions is well-named. By
day, we see polar bears foraging the steep
shores of a fjord and whales spouting. After
dark, fantastical swaths of light may swirl in
night skies. The cruise ship may not have
casinos or discos but I am happy instead to
bet on the weather, and look up to see light
dancing with the stars.
Our voyage begins and ends in Iceland’s
dynamic capital, Reykjavik, and the villages
and waterfalls of Iceland’s West Fjords and
the Snaefellsness Peninsula with great memories,
even if I can’t remember how to pronounce
the names: Isafjorour, Grundafjordur,
and Dynjandi Waterfalls.
Between these beautiful Icelandic bookends,
we will cross the Denmark Strait to visit a
remote Inuit outpost –Ittoqqortoormiit- at the
mouth of Scoresby Sund. Days five to ten are
for places without people. As the literature
says, “Scoresby Sund is a true Arctic
Wilderness and this part of the voyage is a
real expedition.” There are named islands
and fjords on the maps, but the itinerary is
always TBD (to be determined), depending on
weather and sea conditions, as well as wildlife

eports and passenger interests. When we
head to a place Poseidon has never been
(and perhaps no ship has visited), extra
excitement burbles onboard.
Every shore visit is done with thorough preparation.
A team of ship guides land first to set
up “perimeters,” where they are posted as
armed guards against polar bears, which are
dangerous, not cuddly, in their natural habitat.
Hikes of varying difficulty are offered,
providing Arctic flora and fauna, Thule archeological
sightings, and spectacular views.
Every kayaking day also gifted diverse highlights
like paddling between the pinnacles off
Red Island—the red-brown sandstone contrasting
dramatically with white, calving icebergs.
Another day, a chunk of iceberg thunderously
broke off. Although it happened fairly
far away, we were in a small bay and within
moments, we were cresting over the waves
it created when it fell.
My favorite kayak experience may have been
getting close enough to a large Musk Ox to
hear it biting off and chewing the vegetation.
We were mesmerized watching it move, with
its shambled fur swaying from side to side.
The musk ox, on the other hand, stared
straight at us and then returned placidly to
eating.
While at sea, the Russian captain and crew
skillfully navigate, while passengers look for
whales, visit the bar, settle in the ship’s library
of exploration books, or head to the ample
amphitheater, with its program of films and
lectures like, “Viking Discoveries in
Greenland,” “ The Cultural History of Whales
and Dolphins,” and “Mammal Identification
Tips.” Each crew-member wears multiple
hats. Many have deep knowledge-specialties
to share, on topics from wildflowers to glaciology.
When the crew offers a “Polar Plunge Party”
off the back of the boat, a doctor and defibrillator
stand by as intrepid / insane participants
are roped before jumping, just in case
they need to be hauled back in from the frigid
sea. Before reason set in, I had just enough
time to change from kayaking gear into my
swimsuit and be one of the last ones to jump
in and earn my Polar Certificate. Fortunately,
there were no heart attacks, just good-hearted
memories.
The transformations from day to night provided
another set of dramatic highlights. I’ve
been fortunate to see gorgeous sunsets from
cruise boats in French Polynesia, the
Galapagos, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and
many countries in Europe, but Arctic sunsets
can be in their own class ---beyond-
Photoshop colors-- as their bold vibrancy is
reflected in waters and icebergs.
After dark, the northern lights may provide a
magnetic light display – both in how they
draw us out of our lovely, warm suites onto the
cold decks to watch and in how they are created.
Solar winds send a field of magnetic
particles far into space. As some hit the
earth’s magnetosphere, they speed up around
the north and south pole, then plunge toward
earth and collide with the atmosphere, creating
energy in the form of light.
As we gather on decks for the intermittent
show, I love being surrounded by human spirits
speaking in different languages, but kindred
in our seeking awe. Sometimes there is
just reverential silence in the dark, and then a
chorus of international oohs and ahs and lots
of clicking camera noises.
Only some of the dancing colors are visible to
the human eye, but more appear through the
lens of a camera. When I am not clicking or
just staring with wonder, I enjoy standing
behind a talented Chinese woman with
greater lenses as she takes psychedelic videos
of the show. Not every night rewards us, but
several do – and with the lights, swirls a sense
of wonder and bewitchment.
More Polar Exploring
For those who want to try out their own exploration
fantasies in the Arctic or Antarctic,
Poseidon Expeditions offers great polar variety,
north and south. Poseidon even offers an
icebreaker journey that takes bucket-list travelers
straight to the North Pole.
For now, when summer heats up too much, I
remember back to the crisp, clean, cold air
and striking beauty of the Arctic—as well as
dream of someday heading far south and
kayaking with penguins.
www.poseidonexpeditions.com
www.LisaSonne.com
47
American World Traveler Summer 2018

48
Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel

49
Destination
Egypt
At the Crossroads of History, Culture & Civilizations
by Dwain Richardson
Join us as in these eight-pages as we explore this
most beautiful, intriguing and mysteries corner of the world.
American World Traveler Summer 2018

50
King Tutankhamun's Mask

Egypt has been steeped into history
for the longest time. Because
there has been a lot of interest in
Egypt’s history, historians coined the term
“Egyptology,” which is the study of
pharaonic Egypt. Egyptology spanned the
period between c. 4500 BCE and CE 641.
How did Egyptology begin? Scholars going
with Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of
Egypt published the Description de l’Égypte
(1809–1828); this publication made huge
quantities of source materials about
ancient Egypt available for Europeans.
Did you know that written Egyptian documents
dated to c. 3150 BCE? This was the
first time that pharaohs developed the
hieroglyphic script in Upper Egypt. These
scripts provided the source material for
Egyptological study.
Following the Arab conquest, only the
Copts kept the ancient language alive (written
in Greek characters). Coptic texts taken
Egypt during the Renaissance awakened
interest in the Egyptian language. German
Jesuit Athanasius Kircher published a
Coptic grammar in 1643; European travellers
returned to Egypt with antiquities and
stories of wondrous ruins. What’s more,
Egyptology became an academic discipline
in France, England, and Germany.
American museums opened Egyptian collections
in the late nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries. The University of
Pennsylvania, the Metropolitan Museum of
Art, and the Brooklyn Museum are some of
music collections that have done a lot of
work in Egypt.
On the geographical front, Egypt has two
coastlines on the Mediterranean and Red
Sea. It borders Libya to the west, the Gaza
Strip and Israel to the east, and Sudan to
the south.
Egypt has an area of 1,001,449 square
kilometres. The longest straight-line distance
from north to south is 1,024 kilometres,
and the straight-line distance from
east to west is 1,240 kilometres long. The
country’s maritime boundaries measure
more than 2,900 kilometres of coastline
along the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of
Suez, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Red Sea.
Most of the country is made of desert.
Thirty-five thousand square kilometres
(3.5%) of the total land area is cultivated
and permanently settled. Most of Egypt is
located within the desert zone that runs east
from Africa’s Atlantic Coast and connects
with southwestern Asia.
Four leading geological regions are present
in Egypt: Nile Valley and Nile Delta,
Western Desert (also known as Libyan
Desert), Eastern Desert (an extension from
the Nile Valley until the Red Sea Coast),
and Sinai Peninsula. Of the geological
regions, the Nile Valley and Nile Delta are
the most significant areas, though they
cover only 5.5% of the country’s total area.
Cairo
While you’re in the country’s capital, be
sure to visit the following attractions:
Great Pyramid of Giza
This is the oldest and largest of three pyramids
in the Giza complex. It borders El
Giza. The Great Pyramid is one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is
the only structure that has remained intact
over the years. The Great Pyramid has
three chambers. The lowest chamber was
cut into the bedrock, which served as the
chamber’s foundation and was left unfinished.
The Queen’s and King’s Chamber
are the second layer of this structure. Lastly,
the upper layer is made of buildings that
used to include two mortuary temples to
honour Khufu, Egypt’s second pharaoh of
the fourth dynasty, three smaller pyramids
for Khufu’s wives, a “satellite” pyramid, a
raised causeway to join the two temples,
and small mastaba tombs. (Mastaba
means “house for eternity” or “eternal
house.”)
Great Sphinx of Giza
This is a national symbol for ancient and
modern Egypt. The sphinx is carved from
the Giza plateau’s bedrock. If you look at it
carefully, you’ll see that it looks like a lion’s
body. The head looks like that of a king or
god. The sphinx symbolizes wisdom and
strength. Visitors would be pleased to note
that the sphinx has been recently restored.
You can find the Great Sphinx at the Nile
River’s west tip, located near Cairo. While
visiting, let yourself be amazed by the many
temples that surround the sphinx. Some of
these temples contain multiple sphinxes.
Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
This is Egypt’s largest museum. It
opened in 1902. Visitors will be greeted
with 107 halls, huge statues (on the ground
floor level), small statues, jewels,
Tutankhamon treasures, and mummies (all
on the upper level). Interested in photos?
The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities has
dedicated a section to photography. And if
you like books, periodicals, and other written
material, you’ll be able to visit the
library. Lastly, the museum dedicates seven
sections to treasures and monuments in
chronological order. See Tutankhamon’s
treasures in the first section. All pre-dynasty
and Old Kingdom monuments are found in
the second section. The third section presents
the first intermediate period and
Middle Kingdom monuments. In the fourth,
check out the Modern Kingdom monuments.
In the fifth section, find all the late
period monuments (including those of the
Greek and Roman periods). Find coins and
papyrus in the sixth section, and sarcophagi
and scrabs in the last section.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
51
You can see this Ottoman mosque from a
mile away. It was built in the nineteenth
century and in honour of Tusun Pasha,
Muhammad Ali’s oldest son, who passed
away in 1816. Architect Yusuf Bushnak
completed the structure in 1848. The
mosque and citadel are some of many
attractions and landmarks in Cairo. Step
inside the mosque and you’ll see that its
architecture is typical of Turkish style. The
mosque has a main dome surrounded by
four small and semicircular domes. The
minarets are cylindrical and have two balconies
and conical caps (you’ll see these on
the mosque’s western side). The mosque is
made primarily of limestone. The lower
storey and forecourt, however, are made of
alabaster. The mosque’s western entrance
leads to the open courtyard. The courtyard
is surrounded by rounded arcades with
small domes. You will notice a marbled
fountain in the middle of the courtyard,
American World Traveler Summer 2018

52
built by Ismail Pasha in 1828. One last
detail about the courtyard: Note an iron
clock on the western wall, presented to
Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe
(France).
The Hanging Church
(St. Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church)
This is one of Egypt’s oldest churches. The
history of this particular church dates back
to the third century A.D. Why is this attraction
known as the Hanging Church? It is situated
above a Babylon Fortress gatehouse,
and its nave is suspended over a passage.
Unlike most churches that may have as
many as ten steps, the Hanging Church has
twenty-nine. Be prepared for a long hike
up! Once you enter the church, be prepared
to see 110 icons. Of these icons, the
oldest dates back to the eighth century. The
others, however, hail from the eighteenth
century. The iconostases within the church
are made of ebony and ivory, just like the
main altar. The icons depict a number of
religious personalities, including the Virgin
Mary, the Twelve Apostles, and St. John the
Baptist.
Khan el-Khalili
Care to do some shopping during your stay
in Cairo? You’d want to stop by Khan el-
Khalili. This bazaar district is the city’s main
attraction for residents and tourists alike.
The bazaar, which was first a mausoleum,
used to be the heart of Cairo’s economic
activity; sultans would build businesses
nearby. Today, most Egyptians run businesses
here. Take advantage of buying
local products (souvenirs, antiques, jewellery).
But there’s more: take a sip of coffee
or shisha at one of the many coffeehouses
along the strip. If you’re feeling
hunger pangs, many restaurants are at
your fingertips. If you prefer to buy foods,
you’ll come across many food vendors
throughout the market.
Sinai Peninsula
Ras Muhammed National Park
This is the most famous park in the country
known for scuba diving. As you dive below
the crystal waters of the Red Sea, you’ll see
many coral reefs and various species. The
sea walls are breathtaking, too. Ras
Muhammed National Park became a protected
area in 1983. Divers, please note:
You cannot dive anywhere you please. You
need to dive in selected areas only. Another
important tip: Visitors must vacate the
premises by sunset. The best places for
scuba diving? Shark and Yolanda Reefs.

Both reefs are mountain-like peaks rising
from a sandy sea bed spread out below the
surface. You can also scuba dive at Satellite
Reef if the sea current isn’t too strong.
53
St. Catherine’s Monastery
Its official name is Sacred Monastery of the
God-Trodden Mount Sinai, and is located
at the foot of Mount Sinai. It is part of the
Church of Sinai, which is a member of the
wider Eastern Orthodox Church. Like other
churches in the country, St. Catherine’s
Monastery teems with iconic art, particularly
mosaics. Most of the art is in the form of
hot wax painting. In addition to mosaics,
visitors will find several liturgical objects,
chalices and reliquaries, and church buildings.
A few other points of note: The
monastery has the oldest operating library.
St. Catherine City, located around the
monastery, is a small town with hotels and
swimming pools. The monastery is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sharm-el-Sheikh
This is a city located on Sinai Peninsula’s
southern tip and along the Red Sea coastal
strip. This is the economic hub for the country’s
southern governorate, and includes
cities such as Dahab and Nuweiba. You’ll
find St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount
Sinai nearby. Most importantly, Sharm-el-
Sheikh is a holiday resort for tourists.
Watersport and scientific tourism enthusiasts
will appreciate this southern city a
great deal: it is possible to do snorkelling
and scuba diving, and those interested in
species will be happy to note that there are
250 various coral reefs and one thousand
types of fish. And let’s not forget the
resorts: Aqua Blu Sharm Resort is one of
many resorts tourists can choose from for
accommodation and meals. For the curious,
Aqua Blu is a four-star hotel resort.
Nile River
Many boating companies offer cruises
along the Nile River. Some companies of
note are Avalon Waterways, Emerald
Waterways, and Memphis Tours. Visit the
company websites for information on fares
and booking.
Luxor
Located in Upper Egypt and often characterized
as “the world’s greatest open-air
museum” (characterized as such because
the temple complex ruins in Luxor and
Karnak are in the modern city). Temples
and museums grace Luxor’s east bank.
Temples also make up the many attractions
American World Traveler Summer 2018

54
in the west bank. In addition, you’ll find two
valleys of note—Valley of the Kings and
Queens—Tombs of the Nobles, Deir el-
Medina (workers’ village), and Malkata
(palace for Amenophis III, ninth pharaoh of
the eighteenth dynasty).
Valley of the Kings
This is the place where people constructed
tombs for pharaohs and powerful nobles
for five hundred years (sixteenth to eleventh
century B.C.). Visitors can find this valley on
the Nile’s west bank. The valley is divided
in two: East Valley and West Valley (most
tombs are in the eastern zone).
Unfortunately, most tombs are not open to
the public, and the tombs that are open
may sometimes close whenever restoration
work must be done. Only one tomb is
accessible to the public in the West Valley.
Visitors must have a ticket in hand to see
the site. Guides will show you around the
tomb, but they cannot talk while visiting
inside. Sorry, camera lovers: photography
is no longer permitted inside the tomb’s
walls.
Karnak Temple Complex
Come see a mix of temples, chapels,
pylons, and other buildings at this complex.
Construction began during the Middle
Kingdom period and continued into the
Ptolemaic period. Did you know that
Karnak is a common name in popular culture?
It’s been the feature location for a
number of movie scenes in Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen and The Mummy
Returns. Agatha Christie’s Death on the
Nile takes place aboard the S.S. Karnak
steamship. And a number of music groups,
including the British symphonic metal band
Bal-Sagoth, make mention of Karnak in
songs like “Unfettering the Hoary Sentinels
of Karnak.” This is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
Aswan
This is another southern city in Egypt. What
makes Aswan special? It teems with tourists
year-round. In fact, Aswan is an ideal winter
destination for many, since the Nile
River offers breathtaking views. The river
flows through granite rocks, round emerald
islands covered in palm groves, and tropical
plants. And like most Egyptian destinations,
Aswan does not fall short of sites or
monuments. Interested in visiting the Agha
Khan Monastery? Sail across to the Philae
Temple. If you want to see more attractions,
why not take a trip to St. Simeon’s
Monastery? Another feature of this city is
culture. Take a bite into local fish produce

at a restaurant while listening to Nubian
music. Want to spice up your food? Stop by
at a local market and purchase local
spices. Up for a tattoo? You can get a
henna (flowering plant) tattoo while you’re
here. If you want to take a bit of Aswan with
you as you return home, be sure to buy
souvenirs and African handmade goods at
the Aswan Bazaar. Finally, if you ever have
arthritis or any type of pain during your
stay, you can bury your body aches in the
city’s sand. Aswan also has a number of
sites for people to relax and rejuvenate.
Abu Simbel Temples
These are two massive rock temples located
in Abu Simbel, a village in Nubia, near
the Sudan border. You can find the temples
on the western bank of Lake Nasser, 230
kilometres southwest of Aswan. To avoid
being submerged by Lake Nasser, the temples
were relocated in 1968. This is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site; the complex
is coined the “Nubian Mountains,” since
they run from Abu Simbel to Philae, near
Aswan. Two temples await visitors upon
their arrival. The Great Temple is the
largest. When you arrive at the entrance,
you will see a bas-relief representing two
images of the king worshipping Ra
Harakhti, a falcon head. Step inside the
temple and take a look at the layout. It is
triangular in shape, as are most ancient
temples in Egypt. The hypostyle hall is characterized
by pillars representing Ramses
linked to Osiris, the underworld god. This
indicates the pharaoh’s everlasting nature.
You’ll also see colossal statues; some of
them bear a white crown of Upper Egypt,
and others wear a double crown of Upper
and Lower Egypt. A pillared hall follows the
hypostyle hall. The pillared hall features
various scenes of royalty and victories in
past wars. The Small Temple is known for
its statues of a king and his queen. Here’s
one particularity with the Small Temple:
scenes with the queen playing instruments
adorn the walls. (The instrument in question
is the sinistrum.) Pillars and bas-reliefs
depict various scenes with pharaohs,
queens, gods, and goddesses.
The Western Desert
Siwa Oasis
This is an Egyptian oasis sandwiched
between the Qattara Depression and the
Egyptian Land Sea in the Libyan Desert. It is
one of the country’s most isolated settlements
with a population of 23,000.
Agriculture is the main industry in the oasis,
though tourism has become a runner-up in
recent times.
With respect to culture, Berber inhabitants
in the oasis were talented in creating
55
basketry, pottery, silverwork, and
embroidery crafts. Dress styles were
also of major significance, especially bridal
silver and silver ornaments/beads women
wore at events. As roads and television
services made headway in the Siwa Oasis,
all silver ornaments were eventually
replaced by gold ornaments.
Like most parts of Egypt, the Siwa Oasis
has its share of festivals. The Sihaya Festival
is by far the leading festival in the area. It
honours Saint Sidi Sulayman, the town’s
traditional patron. What happens during
this festivity? The local men assemble on a
mountain to eat, sing songs of thanks to
God, and make peace with one another.
The women remain in the village and celebrate
by singing, dancing, and playing
drums.
Here’s a brief list of sights you might want
to check out as you visit the Siwa Oasis.
Mud-brick houses in Shali, an old town
Desert sand dunes south of Siwa
Siwa salt lake
Temple of the Oracle of the Amun
www.egypt.travel
American World Traveler Summer 2018

56
Luxury Hotels...Grand Resorts...Charming B&B...Opulent Villas...Quaint C
The Safari Lodge at Amakhala Game Reserve, South Africa
Article by Jennifer Merrick, Photos: Safari Lodge
Stay & Play Section Sweet Dreams Around the World
We couldn’t have asked for a better welcome than the one we experienced at the
Safari Lodge on the Amakhala Game Reserve. Less than five minutes after arrival, as
we filled out registration forms, we heard someone say.
“It’s Norman!”
When we looked up, we saw an elephant lumbering up to the watering hole with its
big ears flapping as if to wave hello.
The animals at Amakhala, a 7500-hectare private conservancy, aren’t usually given a
name (it’s not a zoo), but Norman is an exception. This lone bull elephant, pushed
out by the dominant male in the herd, has earned a special place in the heart of
everyone here, and now mine, too.
The reserve, which began in 1999, is a joint conservation effort and has 10 individual
lodges each with their own personality, style and comfort level. The Safari Lodge
is all about luxury, relaxation and big-five adventure in a comfortable and authentic
ambiance.
Sleeping 24 in 11 safari suites, its four-star wilderness accommodation features private
plunge pools, lounge areas, stocked fridges, four-poster beds covered with mosquito
nets (though it’s located in a malaria-free zone so it’s not a necessity) and a
large bathtub complete with bubbles and sparkling wine on ice. Though even that
couldn’t compete with the view we had of impalas and antelope grazing outside.
It takes no time at all to get into the rhythm of safari life: coffee, early morning game
drive, full breakfast, relax and enjoy the surroundings, lunch, evening game drivebath
with aforementioned sparkling wine, dinner.
The game drives were led by professional, knowledgeable guides, and we spotted
wildlife ranging from large game, like rhinos, lions and giraffes, to smaller creatures,
like African slugs and tortoises.
And, of course, we couldn’t forget Norman, who we watched rolling around in the
mud, having a grand time, which was exactly what we had, too, at the Safari Lodge
on the Amakhala Game Reserve.
www.amakhala.co.za/lodges/safari-lodge
Hilton Comes to
Yunnan Province’s Shangri-La
Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La is the 13th
location of the company’s mid-market
brand in China, and the first to bring the
Hilton name to Shangri-La in Yunnan
Province. Located in Shangri-La’s city center,
it features a Tibetan theme in its style
and a mix of modern amenities assisting
productivity and comfort in each of its 233
guest rooms. Dining options include a noodle
bar, international buffets, and a menu
featuring Western, Sichuan, Yunnan,
Cantonese, and Tibetan cuisine. A 24-hour
gym, self-service laundromat, and 24-hour
market are provided for the convenience of
guests, as is free high-speed WiFi throughout
the premises.
Marriott Introduces Fairfield Brand in China
Marriott International has opened its third
mainland China location of its recentlyacquired
luxury brand W hotels, already
established in Beijing and Guangzhou, on
The Bund in Shanghai. On the property are
374 guestrooms including 35 suites, an
indoor/outdoor pool, 5300 square meters
of event space with 17 meeting rooms, and
a grand ballroom. There will also be five
food and beverage outlets, including a
contemporary NYC-style bistro, a purveyor
of Cantonese cuisine, a destination cocktail
bar, and a bar serving the rooftop pool
deck, plus a bar that will double as a venue
for international DJs on another level of the
hotel.
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57
board rentals, and the property's newest
addition, the Dip + Slide water play area.
Pool amenities include complimentary towel
service and full-service poolside lunch and
spa services, Conveniently, both pools are
open from sunrise to sunset. I had the
opportunity to experience a 50-minute
Diplomat Signature Spa Treatment, which I
must strongly recommend. Be sure to make
your spa reservations well in advance as
space is limited.
Exclusively designed for The Diplomat, specialty
cabanas created by fashion designer
Trina Turk are available for rent on the lower
floor of the pool deck, providing a relaxing
and stylish oasis for the day. We ordered
lunch from Playa, a Beachfront Nuevo-Latina
restaurant and bar featuring an extensive
rum and tequila selection.
The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida
From the Atlantic coast to the
Intracoastal, the reinvented Diplomat
Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida
pays homage to the hotel's storied past as a
social hub, with a modern take on design
and amenities, including a luxurious spa and
more than 10 new culinary concepts.
Fresh off a magnificent $100 million transformation,
this oceanfront, all-encompassing
destination resort is now part of Curio
Collection by Hilton, a global set of upscale
hotels handpicked for their unique character.
We stayed in a gorgeous Oceanview Double
Deluxe Room with a balcony, providing a
beautiful and completely unobstructed view
of the ocean.
There are no shortage of exceptional dining
options here. Let us certainly recommend
breakfast at Point Royal, a coastal restaurant
also open for lunch and dinner. This is a
by Alexandra Cohen
large dynamic buffet filled with almost every
breakfast option imaginable, from housemade
pastries and an inventive cereal bar, to
egg dishes, salads and grains Our first dinner
was also at Point Royal, part of famous
chef Geoffrey Zakarian's approachable
American cuisine, complete with indoor/outdoor
seating and a grand yet modern Raw
Bar. From the Diplomat seafood platter, a
fabulous yellowfin tuna tartare, roasted
Maine diver scallops and must try Black
Forest meringue pie, this dining establishment
is topnotch. The same can be said for
Monkitail (https://www.monkitail.com), which
won the top spot for Best Hotel Restaurant in
USA Today’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The menu is a contemporary take on the classic
izakaya, featuring sharable small plates
and sushi as well as an array of specialty
cocktails and saké. Surrounding an open
robatayaki kitchen in the heart of the restaurant
is a private dining area overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean: hot Hamachi, toro caviar, the
big eye tuna special, Edamame dumplings,
Robitayaki lobster tail, skirt steak and short
rib skewers, a duck scrapple bao bun, a tempura
shrimp taco, an aged New York strip
and broiled sea bass with aioli and snap
peas headline some of the choices to go with
the fruit loop ice cream and almond joy for
dessert.
We were thrilled to discover that The
Diplomat partners with the award-winning
Boucher Brothers Management to pamper
guests during their day on the beautiful
Hollywood Beach. We got to spend a day
lounging in private daybeds and relaxing on
a chaise for a luxurious take on “fun in the
sun.” The team from the Boucher Brothers
team could not have been nicer in setting us
up, and they in fact came back several times
over our stay to adjust the umbrellas and
make sure everything was okay. Lunch and
drinks were available right at our chairs. This
service is available daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
www.diplomatresort.com
In addition to the two beachfront pools, there
is also jet skiing, ocean kayaking, paddle-
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Advertorial
Accommodations
Puntacana Resort & Club is the
Caribbean’s leading resort community on
the eastern shore of the Dominican
Republic. Tortuga Bay is member of the
Leading Hotels of the World and the only
AAA Five Diamond awarded hotel in the
Dominican Republic, offering understated
elegance, privacy and unparalleled personal
service. Located at Playa Blanca is
The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club,
guest enjoys all of Westin’s signature
amenities and Don Queco Cigar Bar. Our
Four Points by Sheraton is situated at
Puntacana Village, few minutes away from
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
The Estates
Become a part of our magnificent paradise
community with the purchase of a
vacation home in the elite The Estates at
Puntacana Resort & Club, where Julio
Iglesias, Mikhail Baryshnikov call home.
An exclusive lifestyle of relaxation, excitement
and understated elegance, prospective
buyers can choose among elegant
homes perched above the Caribbean Sea
or overlooking scrupulously manicured
golf courses in Corales, Tortuga, Arrecife,
Hacienda, Hacienda del Mar and Marina.
Home and apartments are also available
at Puntacana Village.
Golf
With 45 holes of championship golf,
Puntacana Resort & Club is the
Caribbean’s premier golf & beach destination.
The P.B. Dye designed La Cana
Golf Course, consisting of 27 holes across
Tortuga, Arrecife and Hacienda, was
declared the number one course in the
Caribbean by Golf Magazine. Designed
by Tom Fazio and set between rocky cliffs,
coral reefs and the expansive Caribbean
Sea, the Corales Golf Course features six
oceanfront holes, multiple lines of
approach and picturesque canyons, making
for an exhilarating experience.
Activities & Spa
Puntacana Resort & Club offers a wide
range of adventures for guests of all ages
including golf, tennis, kite boarding, scuba
diving, horseback riding, fishing and
numerous excursions by sea, land and air.
The leading spa in the Caribbean, Six
Senses Spa at Puntacana Resort & Club
presents a range of innovative packages,
Signature treatments and Asian therapies.
Visit Galerías Puntacana to enjoy an
assortment of shops, restaurants, playground,
and our spirited nightlife.
Dining
Puntacana Resort & Club is home to 6
world class eateries with an indigenously
delectable cuisine. Tucked inside Tortuga
Bay, the AAA Four Diamond awarded
Bamboo blends modern cuisine with
Mediterranean influences. Specializing in
local seafood, The AAA Three Diamond
Award La Yola is located at the Marina. At
La Cana Golf & Beach Club is The Grill,
an American style grill offering views of
the sea. The Westin Puntacana Resort &
Club provides a variety or restaurants and
bars from Ananí to Brassa Grill. Next door
is Playa Blanca, a beachfront tropical
restaurant. Our Dine Around Program
offers the best sampling of our finest culinary
experience. All restaurants offer complimentary
shuttle service within the resort.
More dining options are available at
Puntacana Village.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We believe that in development there
needs to be equilibrium among the economic,
environmental and social components.
Our non-profit Grupo Puntacana
Foundation serves both natural and social
resources, while contributing to the sustainable
development of our Dominican
Republic. These practices have been guiding
principles of our company, and along
with vision, hard work and perseverance,
the key to our success.
Punta Cana International airport
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ),
built, owned and operated by Grupo
Puntacana, the resort’s developers, and
located within Puntacana Resort & Club, is
just minutes away from check-in at any of
our hotels or private homes. Punta Cana
International Airport (PUJ) has direct service
from 98 different cities around the
world, making Punta Cana the most
accessible destination in the Caribbean.
Our VIP terminals service the needs of
guests flying in private aircrafts.
The Caribbean’s Premiere Golf
& Beach Resort Community
www.puntacana.com

60
The Castle in the Rockies
by Steve Gillick
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is
an experience like no other. Located
in Banff National Park (Canada’s
first National Park, created in 1885), the
hotel, built in the classic turn-of-the-century
Chateau Style, sits at the convergence of the
Bow and Spray Rivers at the foot of Sulphur
Mountain, with ‘just-outside-your-window’
views of Tunnel Mountain, Mount Rundle
and the Fairholme Range of the iconic
Rocky Mountains.
American World Traveler Summer 2018
Outside the Banff Springs Hotel, near the
Conference Centre, stands a statue of
Cornelius Van Horne who envisioned the
grand hotel in the Rockies that opened in
1888, the same year he became President
of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The hotel
would suffer hard times, including the great
fire of 1926 that resulted in a larger structure
being rebuilt on the site, but since the
re-opening in 1928 and despite a 3 year
closure during the 2nd World War, the hotel
adapted to the needs of domestic and international
travelers through expansion, renovation
and it’s first Winter opening in the
1970’s, making it a year-round destination.
The exterior of ‘the castle’ is impressive
enough but the interior, from the main entry
lobby to the shopping arcade, to the
accommodation floors, oozes a sense of
luxury and care that responds to all generations
of travellers looking for a more
upscale experience, without it being
haughty. For instance, as an alternative to
the many fine dining choices in the hotel,
there is the Stock Food and Drink restaurant
in the lobby that offers delicious, freshly
made sandwiches, salads, soups, quiche,
coffee, pastries and more, to either eat
casually in an adjoining room or take-out
and enjoy, along with the views. And I will
say that the hotel staff are smiling, friendly,
helpful, and make one feel at home from
the moment you arrive.
I was in a Fairmont room, with a plush
queen-size bed and an amazing view of the
mountains. Fairmont rooms, Deluxe rooms
and Suites are available with a variety of
bed types (King, Queen, Double, Twins) and
views ranging from the hotel and grounds
to the spectacular mountains surrounding
the property. The hotel offers seasonal and
regularly scheduled activities including a fitness
centre, tennis, bowling, skating, wilderness
hikes and campfire/marshmallow
roasts. Winter downhill skiing is available at
nearby Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake
Louise. For many, the hotel’s award-winning
Willow Stream Spa is an attraction on its
own with over 50 signature experiences plus
saunas, whirlpools and a mineral pool.
From the nearby Banff Gondola
Observation Deck near the summit of
Sulphur Mountain, you can see the Castle in
the Rockies and appreciate its location and
natural setting but you can also easily see
that the hotel is within walking distance (1.9
km) to the town of Banff. Along the way you
are accompanied by fantastic river and
mountain views and then in the town itself
there are number of restaurants, bars,
shops and the visitor information centre.
Clear signage points the way to everything
in the area.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the
Castle in the Rockies, is a truly unique
accommodation experience. William Van
Horne noted “Since we can’t export the
scenery, we’ll have to import the tourists”
and the result for over 130 years has been,
in a word, “Wow”!
www.fairmont.com

OceanZ Aruba
Boutique Luxury At Its Best
by Susan Campbell
61
Aruba is famed for it sprawling strips
of high-rise and low-rise resorts lining
some of the world’s best beaches,
but as far as avant-garde, boutique
stays on this island, there’s never been a lot
to choose from. But now there is a new
option for an upscale and sophisticated
escape at OceanZ Aruba- far from the
crowded tourist scene- but close enough to
everything so that you never feel isolated.
This stunning new complex offers 13 rooms
including two incredible oceanfront master
suites- all uniquely decorated and each
with a different character. The owner Eva
Zizzu is a well-known fashion designer
from Venezuela (but she has lived on Aruba
for many years,) and decided she would
like to create the kind of stay that she would
seek out when travelling away from her
adopted island home. A place where she
could entertain her guests in style, and
cater to a discerning clientele that expected
more than basic services. So she set out to
create curated experiences and elegant
extras in her new venture, which is
designed to exceed expectations, and she
has succeeded. It is indeed stunning at
every turn.
Though not directly on a beach, it’s close to
a secret swimming spot where you’ll find
some of the island’s best snorkeling, and
they provide transportation as well as
everything you’ll need for an ideal beach
day out at two popular stretches of sand
nearby as well. And the hotel’s location is
one of the best places on the island to view
spectacular sunsets over the water, which
you can also view from their indoor/outdoor
glassed-in dining room.
Full breakfast is included in the rate and
there is a private chef to cater to your needs
plus a trendy bar for excellent signature
cocktails. You can enjoy tapas and drinks at
their large saltwater infinity pool while you
lounge in high style as well.
One of the things I like most about this
place is that it’s very swanky without the
stuffiness you often find in this kind of stay.
It really is a refreshing oasis of friendly, and
it exudes barefoot luxury at its bes in every
way.
This spot is also ideal for a small destination
wedding, they can take care of every
detail from start to finish, and you just have
to show up!
www.oceanzaruba.com
American World Traveler Summer 2018

64
InterContinental Presidente Cancun
by Susan Campbell
ALandmark Grande Dame
Built back in 1973, this is one of Cancun’s
original downtown hotels planned by
Mexico’s president of the time Luis
Echeverría -ergo the name “Presidente”.
This Grand Dame has weathered the years
well, and a recent comprehensive update
makes it worthy of its reputation as THE
upscale anchor of the entire Hotel Zone.
At first blush, the vast expanse of lobby in
muted earth tones seems more corporate
stay than tropical vacation mode. But don’t
let first impressions fool you. Though they
do excel at large groups, conventions and
events, if you simply keep walking right
through to the other end, down the stairs,
and out into the water circuit area everything
changes. Bam! You are instantly hit
with an absolutely postcard perfect vision of
paradise on arguably the broadest beach in
the region. All swaying palms, blindingly
American World Traveler Summer 2018
white sand and sparkling turquoise waters
flanked by pools, whirlpools, beach bars,
and plenty of shade palapas and daybeds.
But for me, one of the best features is the
wave conditions.
I love to float calmly in the sea, but most of
Cancun’s narrow hotel strip beaches are
battered by big waves- though lovely to look
at- they aren’t so much fun to swim in unless
you enjoy getting tossed around like a rag
doll. I don’t. So, I really enjoyed the placid
conditions in their bay. And an additional
bonus is that there are no hotels on one
entire side, so you aren’t sardined into a
constant party scene which is very much part
of the appeal there. And with such an
expansive beach, it never feels crowded
even when the hotel is full. I also enjoy the
fact that one of the pools is adult-only for
kid-free relaxation.
Accommodations, Eats, and Activities
Though all of the hotel’s recently refreshed
300 rooms offer an inviting stay, you might
want to upgrade your experience from a
classic to an executive room or spacious
suite in order to avail yourself of their classy
Club Lounge which includes complimentary
breakfast, evening drinks and refreshments
plus many additional amenities. But even if
you don’t, you’ll find plenty of fine food and
delightful drinks to choose from on-site.
Enjoy healthy fare and Mexican craft beers
at trendy little indoor enclave Café Urbano
for decadent eats El Caribeño’s big surfside
palapa offers an eclectic array of Caribbean
cuisine. Right on the sand, Le Cap Beach
Club’s outdoor emporium serves up
Mediterranean specialities, and the signature
cocktails at The Deck Bar are divine.
For late night drinks and your caffeine fix,
The Epicentre lobby bar is the spot. And
you’re also within easy access of all of
Cancun’s cosmopolitan downtown dining
and nightlife as well.
Activity wise, there’s a full-service watersports
centre, while the on-site Ikal Spa
offers Mayan inspired pampering treatments.
And a brand new urban cultural and
nature experience right in the Hotel Zone
called Parque Maya Cancun is a must visit
for an exciting combination of history,
ziplines, mangrove kayaking, ruins exploring,
and more…all just minutes away.
www.presidentecancun.com

Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
by Susan Campbell
65
It wasn’t my first time to Cozumel, but past
trips I took the hour-long road transfer
from Cancun airport to Playa del
Carmen and then the ferry across to the
island. This time I hopped on a sweet little
affordable 20-minute flight on a tiny prop
plane with Maya Air from the Cancun airport
and was at my resort in no time. Live and
learn. More beach time!
An alluring tropical oasis
Set amid a lush jungle on an impossibly aqua
sea, Presidente InterContinental Cozumel
Resort & Spa has only 218 rooms, but it
seems much larger than that as it sprawls
along the coast and back into the jungle
through green labyrinths. I was thoroughly
enchanted with my room, all done in refreshing
tropical shades with interesting touches of
Mayan décor. So much so, I wouldn’t have
left my bed looking out on the aqua waves if
it wasn’t for those heavenly hammocks and
decadent daybeds beckoning me to come
relax closer to the sea. And once on the
beach there, I realized I was in prime snorkeling
real estate.
A Snorkelers Heaven
I have great memories of snorkeling in
Cozumel and have taken a few of the boat
trips, but this little rocky enclave off the beach
with stairs down into the sea has you
immersed in a whirlwind of tropical fish
swirling all around you in no time. No boat
required. I was in heaven. If you’d rather not
get wet to see the fish, they also have clear
bottom kayak rentals.
Dining and Pampering Delights
After working up an appetite in the water, the
huge buffet breakfast in the beachfront palapa
El Carabeno hit the spot and a lazy soak
afterward in the infinity pool beside it was
ideal. They also have deluxe cabana rentals
there. Children playing one too many games
of Marco Polo began to harsh my chill
though, so I simply escaped to their adultonly
pool in the tropical gardens. That’s also
where their luxe spa is located and though I
didn’t partake this time, the ancient ritual they
offer called Temazcal - a Mayan steam house
experience led by a shaman- looks intriguing.
Alfredo da Roma Trattoria is their signature
dining room specializing in fine Italian, but if
you’d rather go casual in an outdoor setting
under the tropical stars Faro Blanco and Le
Cap Beach Club are the spots to be. They
also can set up designer s’mores in an open
firepit by the sea at night. Loved that. They
also have a homemade candy store on site.
Local Culture
Though you might never want to leave this
oasis of seaside luxury, the main town is very
close, and you can use their coaster bikes to
get there and explore the colorful local culture
and do some souvenir shopping, too. It’s in
an ideal location for the best of both worlds.
www.presidenteiccozumel.com
American World Traveler Summer 2018

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WT Library Image
The Dominican Republic
A Colorful, Cultural Caribbean Destination
by Olivia Balsinger
With multiple direct flights per day
from both the United States and
Canada, the Caribbean island of
the Dominican Republic allows seamless
access to your dream paradise getaway; a
mere number of hours transports you to a
world of color, of hospitality and of superior
hotels, among natural wonder and enriched
by fascinating culture. As soon as I touched
down in Punta Cana, I was greeted with a
pina colada and a smile, and, consequently,
the certainty that I would be enjoying this
journey as strongly as the sun beamed down
on my shoulders. The new slogan of the
Dominican Republic is that the destination
“has it all” – and as a recent visitor, I can
attest these words ring true.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana’s reputation for five-star luxury
is well deserved; nonetheless, the destination
is certainly more than just highways and
resort developments, having truly blossomed
into a dining, dancing, and glitzy hub of
excitement. One gem of the city’s nightlife is
the the Coco Bongo Punta Cana show — an
experience not to be missed. More than a
disco, this two story dynamic club boasts
mind-boggling shows every twenty minutes.
Acts include a Beatles cover band, snippets
from the Broadway show “Chicago” and
even a dazzling Spiderman show. And I
would be remiss to neglect mentioning
Punta Cana’s miles of pristine white sandy
beaches and Caribbean Sea—a relaxing
retreat.
Where to Stay: All-inclusive, affordable luxury
is located right beside one of the world’s
ten most stunning beaches in Bavaro Beach.
Barceló Bavaro Palace is five-star accommodation
that guarantees the highest degree of
rest and relaxation during an island getaway.
Paradise surrounds you, in all its natural
majesty — from the constant, energizing
sunshine, to the cool, crystal clear
waters, and the uplifting breeze that sweeps
through the lofty leaves of the palm trees.
Here I would begin a day of sheer paradise
by waking up in one of the hotel’s spacious,

comfortable rooms; 80% of which face the
oceans for breathtaking views of the beach
landscape.
With such a close proximity to the breathtaking
Bavaro Beach, the hotel gave me easy
access to the best that the island has to offer.
The beach is protected by a coral reef, which
ensures a perfect, calm current to explore
the beautiful water. And after a day of these
adrenaline-fueled experiences, unwind I
would appreciate unwinding in a comfortable
space in the resort’s spa, and refuel in
the evening at the casino, clubs and performances.
The Westin Punta Cana lines three miles of
the Playa Blanca shoreline, with white sand
beaches separating the resort paradise from
the surrounding turquoise water. Offering
everything fun under the Caribbean sun—
including two championship golf courses,
and a world class spa—this 26-square-mile
slice of paradise is the perfect place to check
all the ticks on your island-vacation getaway
bucket list.
Santo Domingo
The colonial city of Santo Domingo, the capital
of the Dominican Republic, is just 2.5
hours from Punta Cana, and home to some
of the best preserved structures of the area’s
heritage. One of the largest cities in the
Caribbean, Santo Domingo is home to over
4 million people and though as early as five
years ago it may have been dangerous to
even walk the streets of the city during the
day, it has undergone a renaissance of sorts
and continues to become safer and more
welcoming to tourists. Despite this change
being especially prominent in the Colonial
City, the authenticity of the heritage and culture
have remained remarkably steadfast.
New stores and bike tour companies now
neighbor an enormous, landmark castle,
once owned by the son of Christopher
Columbus. It also is home to innovative cultural
spaces, such as museum and galleries,
with unique additions such as micro theatres
and bookstores. There are two main colonial
monuments that have been built in the early
sixteenth century that have fully restored as
museums. I love that the city is alive with
vibrant colors, music and a vast array of
delicious, international dining options.
Where to Stay: En route to Santo Domingo,
the self-proclaimed “most exclusive resort in
the Caribbean” is the stunning 7,000-acre
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas. Guests
can spend their days on the ultra-secluded
secluded shores of the nearby Catalina and
Saona Islands. Casa de Campo is also
home to Teeth of the Dog—the #1 ranked
golf course in the Caribbean. There is also
superb tennis courts and polo facilities, as
well as an expansive list of daily activities,
such as water sports and outdoor excursions.
Additionally, Royal Hideaway Hotel is a luxury
accommodation conveniently located in
the capital of the Dominican Republic. It
offers five-star comfort for guests looking to
explore the historical and cultural trove that
is the stimulating, colorful, and multi-cultural
city of Santo Domingo. All of the El
Embajdor’s 298 rooms come complete with
spectacular views of either the sparkling blue
Caribbean Sea, the captivating cityscape of
the lively Santo Domingo, or the tranquil
scene of the resort’s exotic gardens.
Samana
Samana is situated on the northeast cost of
Dominican Republic, about a two hour’s
drive north from Santo Domingo and four
hours from Punta Cana. Samana lies on the
coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in the northeastern
part of the Dominican Republic. It is
formed almost entirely by mountains, whose
looming adjacency to the province’s endless
beaches, coves, bays, and waterfalls, makes
for a picture-perfect backdrop for your
island getaway. It is a trove of natural treasures
that does not only offer awe-inspiring
views, but also the perfect location to rejuvenate
your mind, body, and spirit.
En route to Samana, you would be remiss to
miss Cueva Fun Fun, an eight-hour or so
excursion that shows you the highlights of
popular activities in the area. The company
offers complementary pick-up and drop-off
between your hotel, and provides a comprehensive
itinerary of horseback riding, hiking,
repelling, and, finally, exploring the deep
trenches of the largest cave in the
Caribbean comprised of over 28 kilometers
of tunnels and underground
passages.
Samana is an entirely different world from
Punta Cana. Waterfalls and fjords replace
flashy five-star nightlife. One of the highlights
of the region is Los Haitises National
Park, a paradise made of limestone karst
plateau with conical hills, sinkholes and caverns,
all navigable by boat. My adventure
cap on—Indiana Jones style—I discovered
petroglyphs—fascinating and spooky at the
same time, dating back hundreds of years to
the time of the Taino people.
Where to Stay: The Luxury Bahia Principe
Samana, tucked into an unspoiled cliff along
the coast, features an adults-only, all-inclusive
experience, whose program is guided
towards your wellness and self-care. The
spa in the luxury Bahia Principe’s Samana is
a high-tech haven set against the cliff-side
view. It is complete with a Turkish bath,
Finnish sauna, tropical storm shower, and
dynamic pool. For those truly looking to
unwind, take advantage of the resort’s WE
Wellness Experience — an exclusive program
of intensive care. There is a choice of
the different types of therapies offered: WE-
Care for a relaxing experience, WE-Train for
sport’s therapy, and WE-Balance, a harmonic
senses therapy.
A short ferry ride away is the fantasy getaway
that awaits you at the Luxury Bahia
Principe Cayo Levantado, situated on the
idyllic island of Cayo Levantado. This allinclusive
escape offers an ideal environment
to unwind and collect unforgettable memories
of otherworldly beauty. The secluded
beach setting of Cayo Levantado is an aweinspiring
vision of transcendental beauty,
and includes the world-renowned, pristine
bay of Playa Rincon. It is a setting that
awards countless opportunities to become
intimate with the gorgeous nature that surrounds
you. Whether your trying it for the
first time or just shaking off the rust, the
resort’s water sport program has options
that I very much enjoyed.
www.godominicanrepublic.com
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American World Traveler Summer 2018

68
Malawi
“Warm Heart of Africa”
by Olivia Balsinger
You can spend an eternity in Malawi
and not discover it all. Though it may
be small in physical size, this southern
African is a fascinating country that is
just as culturally diverse as it is geographically
diverse. Amidst a mountainous landscape
and verdant scenery lies Africa’s
third-largest lake: Lake Malawi, a stunning
mass of water that is home to a wide array
of wildlife and where a plethora of activities
take place like swimming, diving and hiking.
Though Malawi hasn’t always been recognized
as a safari destination, luxury
lodges are becoming more prevalent. And I
would be remiss to not mention the welcoming,
kindhearted people of Malawi—after
all, it is nicknamed “Warm Heart of Africa”
for a reason. I recently spent a week discovering
the magic of Malawi and the following
are my recommendations.
Kumbali Country Lodge
Just ten minutes away from Malawi’s capital
city Lilongwe, at the end of a peaceful treelined
road, lies Kumbali County Lodge.
Located on a forest reserve and daily farm,
the lodge’s 650-hectare property provides a
gorgeous setting to enjoy nature walks,
exotic bird and wildlife spotting, or guided
tours down the Malawi River. A short, rather
beautiful walk brought me to Malawi
Cultural Village, where I entirely immersed
myself in the country’s traditional food,
dancing, singing, drumming, and arts &
crafts; there is also the Permaculture Center,
which offers education on practical solutions
for the growing food crisis on both the
national and international level. A perfect
stopover for excursions down Lake Malawi,
the lodge boasts cozy accommodations in
sixteen thatched suits that include ensuite
bathrooms and private verandas, as well as
world-class cuisine in their onsite restaurant.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
In the eastern region of Malawi, nestled in
the Chipata Mountain range is the
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, whose miombo
forests feed of a vast network of rivers
running along a rolling, verdant hillside.
The reserve is home to over 280 bird
species, making it one of the most important
aviary habitats in the country. More recently,
in July and August of 2016 and 2017,

Nkhotakota became poised as one of
Malawi’s most important wildlife sanctuaries,
when it hosted a translocation of 520
elephants and more than 1,400 game animals
from areas such as Liwonde and
Majete. This historic transfer came after
decades of poaching and timber harvested,
which left many key mammal species scarce
and its natural habitat destructed. Today,
however, the 19,000-hectare sanctuary
allows for the safe reintroduction of species,
and promotes sustainability within the local
communities to combat issues of poverty,
hunger, poaching, and environmental
destruction.
Tongole Wilderness Lodge
Located deep within the woodlands of the
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the oldest
National Park in Malawi, is the Tongole
Wilderness Lodge. A model of eco-tourism,
the lodge’s commitment to local sustainability
and wildlife conservation, as its provision
of employment opportunities has brought
substantial amount of hope and pride to a
deprived part of the country. Billed as one of
Africa’s and possibly Malawi’s last remaining
pristine, unexploited wilderness, this
high-end lodge poised on the forested
banks of the Bua River was the perfect
haven to call home during my safari. It was
a perfect mix of all—I was able to partake
the activities offered onsite, such as wildlife
safaris, fly fishing, fly camping, and canoe
tours. Lodging consists of four luxury riverside
suites, with options for a super kingsized
bed or two twin beds, perfectly accommodating
two adults. The ensuite spaces
come equipped with a spacious shower,
twin marble basins, and hand-built sunken
bath that doubles as a plunge pool.
Mumbo Island
Situated in the middle of Lake Malawi is an
unspoiled, deserted tropical island, whose
pristine topography offers an off-the-grid
getaway, with accommodations that are
both extremely comfortable and inspiringly
eco-friendly. The camp ground itself is
perched on high, overlooking jagged rocks
and tranquil water. It is built of timer, thatch
and canvas, and only uses furnishings that
were locally sourced, made either in the village
or in Malawi. It is a small camp, catering
to fourteen people, with three reed
chalets and two walk-in tents. Each chalet
comes equipped with an en-suite bathroom,
deck with a hammock and a breathtaking
view of the placid waters. There is also a
dining area with a lounge, where I’d enjoy
a refreshing drink under the shade of a
baobab tree, and relax after participating in
one of the camp’s many activities, such as
kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
Huntingdon House
It is hard to think of what could possibly be
“off the beaten path” when it comes to a
safari — an event that is itself one of the
most unique experiences that someone can
treat themselves to during their lifetime. A
stay at the Huntingdon House, however,
may very well redefine the safari experience
by offering lodging that is more akin to a
bed and breakfast, rather than the traditional
game lodges common to the area. The
house was built in the mod 1930s, following
the decision of its founder, Maclean Kay, to
halt her journey home back to Scotland and
begin instead a life in the African paradise
that had come to love. Now known as the
Satemwa Tea Estate, which also a working
tea and coffee estate, the House is still run
by Kay’s family. In fact, fourth generation
Kays can commonly be seen picking flowers
in the garden, or stealing cookies in the
kitchen — a touching, familiar aspect that
draws visitors to this gorgeous estate
throughout the year. Five spacious rooms
are yours to choose from—my favorite
aspect was waking up to the smell of freshly
baked biscuits every morn’.
Mvuu Lodge
Just of the Shire River, which runs through
the western border of Malawi’s Liwonde
National Park, sits Mvuu Lodge — an
accommodation comprised of eight elegant
lodgings where I would rest my head in luxury.
Its situation high above the water allows
for breathtaking panoramic views of the
surrounding wilderness, where I bore witness
to herds of majestic beasts gathering to
feed, drink and frolic. The name
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Mvuu, after all, does translate to
‘hippo’ in Chichewa, attesting to the
high numbers of the animals in the Shire
River. Each lodge includes an ensuite bathroom
facility, as well as a private viewing
platform where you can daydream in the
sun, gazing out upon the glistening lagoon.
Liwonde National Park
Despite its modest size of 220 square miles,
Liwonde National Park in central Malawi is
one of the area’s most popular game
reserves. And although it does not have the
largest number of big game animals compared
to other African countries, it is
nonetheless a national treasure not to be
missed: due to the River Shire flowing along
its western border, Liwonde attracts a large
number of hippos and elephants, as well as
kudu, sable, and bushbuck. There is also an
impressive population of elephants, as well
as the occasional leopard, hyena, lion, and
black rhino spotting — the latter of which
was recently re-introduced into the habitat.
The park’s smaller size allows for a more
intimate safari experience compared to
other parks in the area. Liwonde is also a
haven for bird enthusiasts, with one of the
best year-round bird watching opportunities
throughout Central and Southern Africa.
Rare species that call Liwonde home include
the Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Pel’s Fishing-
Owl, Spur-winged Lapwing, Lillian’s
Lovebird, and the elusive Brown-breasted
Barbet. The park may be accessed via
Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe. The most
common option for visitors, however, is to
travel via chartered plane from Blantyre —
a 30-minute journey.
Getting There
Though it may feel like an isolated and
unspoiled area of the world, travelling to
Malawi from North America is actually quite
simple. Travelers can fly to Johannesburg on
South African Airways (SAA) and then take a
connecting flight to either Lilongwe or
Blantyre.
www.malawitourism.com
American World Traveler Summer 2018

Serendipity in Villa Clara, Cuba
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
The Driver’s Bar in the town of San
Juan de los Remedios, in the
northern Cuban province of Villa
Clara, has a 1950’s retro look, thanks to
the mural behind the bar. While they serve
beer, mojitos and sandwiches to locals and
visitors alike, the Bar is a magnet for curious
photographers and art lovers. And
luck would have it that as soon as I entered
the bar to take some photos, I was greeted
by the artist who had been commissioned
to paint the mural as part of the restoration
of the building in 2014. Roaidi Cartaya
Carbajal was born in Remedios in 1972
and has become a recognizable artist and
personality in Cuba for his depictions of life
in his home town.
As for the 1957 black Dodge Coupe with
bright yellow fins that was parked across
from the Bar, that’s also one of Carbajal’s
projects, where the cars of the 1950’s represent
art, design, memories, Cuban history
and Cuban culture. But as he was
explaining this to me we were interrupted
by a loud rumbling of motorcycles as a
number of rough and tough looking men
and women clad in leathers and Club colors,
parked down the street. The leader,
wearing mirrored sunglasses strode directly
toward us and I bravely asked “Are you a
friendly motorcycle gang or should I be
concerned”?
His immediate response, accompanied by
a charismatic smile, was “Oh we are very
friendly”. And after some conversation and
laughter, the Club members, who I later
learned were award winners at various

international and local competitions, lined
up outside the bar for photos.
While a chance meeting with a notable
artist and then a motorcycle club, within a
few minutes of each other, may seem
unusual, it’s a perfect example of what
travelers refer to as ‘serendipity’: the
unplanned occurrence of situations that are
both positive and memorable. And in
northern Cuba, serendipity comes in all
shapes and forms: tranquility, wonderful
food, smiling personalities, warm conversations,
pink flamingos, music and history.
The Province of Villa Clara is located in the
very north of central Cuba, not only touching
the Atlantic Ocean, but actually including
an archipelago or group of some 500
small islands (or Keys or Cayos). The original
name of this historical area was, Las
Villas or ‘The Cities’, referring to four cities
founded in the 16th and 17th centuries,
including San Juan de los Remedios which
is believed to be Cuba’s third oldest city,
dating to 1514.
But as Cuba fast-tracks the building of a
modern tourism infrastructure in response
to the needs of travellers, great emphasis
has been placed on the Cayos. A
Causeway, known as the Pedraplen, located
about one hour’s drive from Santa
Clara airport, joins Cayos Las Brujas, Cayo
Ensenachos and Cayo Santa Maria, bringing
visitors to a part of Cuba that many find
irresistible. Case in point, George and Lori
from Dieppe, New Brunswick, explained
that they spent three weeks at the Dhawa
Hotel on Las Brujas in 2017 and returned
in 2018 for peace and quiet, sunrise walks
on the beach, conversations with the
friendly resort staff, and to simply relax and
unwind from their busy ‘real-life’ schedules.
But the other value-factor for the couple
was the food. While some visitors to Cuba
have bemoaned the mediocre taste of food
in general, it seems that the further East –
and North – you travel in the country, the
fresher the ingredients become and the
better the preparation, presentation and
taste of the dishes. And this is accomplished
through training, international partnerships
and the passion and creativity of a
growing number of millennial chefs. We
visited several properties on the three
Cayos and not only were they well maintained
and architecturally pleasing to the
eye, but the food was quite commendable,
from the ‘amuse bouches’ to entrees such
as chicken, seafood, beef and pork, and on
to the vegetables, salads, soups, and
deserts. These hotels included Playa Cayo
Santa Maria, Hotel Iberostar Ensenachos,
Hotel Valentin Perla Blanca, Hotel Melia las
Dunas, and Las Terrazas.
And in northern Cuba visitors can also
enjoy farm fare at places such as the Hotel
Granjita in Santa Clara and El Curujet
Restaurant in Finca La Cabana outside of
Remedios, where freshly grilled chicken,
pork and corn are served with Moros
(Beans and Rice), steamed vegetables and
fruit for desert (bananas, papayas, pineapple,
watermelon, mangoes and more).
An ice-cold Bucanero or Cristal beer is perfect
on a hot Cuban afternoon but for the
cocktail crowd, it’s good to know that aside
from Cuban classics such as the Mojito,
Cuba Libre or Pina Colada, the cocktail
movement is very strong in this part of the
country through the efforts of talented,
trained mixologists.
They say that music is ubiquitous in Cuba
and in the north it ranges from the addictive
rhythms of Cuban folk tunes, to the
iconic songs of the Buena Vista Social Club
and Afro-Cuban rhythms and even
includes The Beatles and Leonard Cohen.
At a festival in the town of La Estrella, the
Conga La Salsa Drum troupe entertained
the crowds of locals and visitors with their
hypnotic beat, and every so often, the
drummers would form in a tight circle,
beating the drums even harder, feeding off
each other’s enthusiasm, and energizing
the spectators.
The towns and cities in Villa Clara are perfect
for exploring and soaking up the local
culture. Santa Clara is the capital city of the
province, best known for the Mausoleum of
Che Guevara, the resting place of
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the Cuban revolutionary hero and
some of his comrades, as well as the
Museo Historico de la Revolucion, where
visitors can learn more about Che’s life.
Sagua La Grande is a city in the western
part of the province. The downtown area
was declared a National Monument in
2011 in order to celebrate and preserve
the colorful neoclassic, eclectic, modern
and art nouveau architectural styles. A walk
through the plazas and the streets leads to
the Puente el Triunfo, the bridge that crosses
the eponymous river that has become a
symbol of the city.
Caibarien is the town near the southern
end of the Causeway. The Old Sugar Mill,
now a Museum, provides insight into the
sugar cane industry (along with a sampling
of freshly squeezed Sugar Cane Juice—
with optional rum, of course) but the museum
grounds also feature a collection of old
locomotives, some which are perfect for
photos and selfies. Visitors can even take a
short train ride on one of the steam trains
and get a glimpse of rural Cuba. A farmer,
laboriously tilling the soil with a wooden
plough and oxen took the time to wave at
me. That’s Cuba for you!
As we were heading back to our accommodation
on the Causeway, a bright flash of
pink in one of the swampy areas reminded
us that we were in the UNESCO-recognized
Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, where
nature-lovers, photographers and outdoor
enthusiasts can not only follow hiking trails
but also see flocks of American Pink
Flamingos, Cormorants, Egrets, Stilts,
Brown Pelicans and 270 or so other species
of birds and wildlife.
Villa Clara is a great area to relax, explore,
savour, converse, tap your feet, indulge in
history, put on your dancing shoes, or just
do nothing. For Cuba first-timers or return
visitors, it offers those serendipitous experiences
that translate into travel value.
www.gocuba.ca
American World Traveler Summer 2018

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Dominica
The Little Island that Could
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
Dominicans are one tough people!
They showed an incredible
resilience in the face of the worst
disaster to ever hit this island nation. This I
can say after a trip that showed how the
recovery from Hurricane Maria was taking
shape right before us. Yes, there were signs
of the destruction wreaked on the island,
but in certain places you would have to
look closely to find the evidence. In the
months after the Category 5 storm, the
Dominicans have reclaimed their beloved
Island.
Dominica is one of the greenest islands in
the Caribbean and an outdoor paradise to
the active traveler. Mother Nature has a
strong hold here, with a deep tropical forest,
hidden coves, colonial forts and more.
Although tourism has developed more
slowly than on neighbouring islands,
Dominica’s mountains, freshwater lakes,
hot springs, waterfalls, and diving spots
make it attractive to adventurers and it is
quickly becoming a popular eco-tourism
destination.
With so many things to discover we were
excited to start our journey.
Picard Beach Cottages
Our first stay would be at the fabulous
Picard Beach Cottages. Located in the
north – west and facing the gentler
Caribbean side, the cottages are placed in
the heart of the best beaches of Dominica.
This is a destination on its own, where
guests can relax in tranquility by the sea or
in their own rooms.

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The accommodations were ocean front,
and I mean that literally. You just cannot get
closer to the beach without being in the
water. The all natural wood units have a
separate bedroom, large washroom, a
kitchen, and a living room, but the best
part of the cottages is the large shaded
patio where you can breathe in that beautiful
ocean air and watch the waves roll in.
This property is best known as the temporary
home of the crew, executives and
movie stars during the filming ‘The Pirates
of the Caribbean 2’ movie. Each cottage
had a name that corresponded to the person
that stayed there.
Indian River Experience
There is a special vibe that comes with the
island life. During this escapade, we would
be offered a chance to meet Cobra. A local
Dominican, he would lead us into the jungle
and discuss the flora and fauna with
admiration and passion. It was amazing to
watch him in action; he was a strong man
and had to be. There were many times he
had to row the boat with many passengers
up stream to a bush bar.
Once there, we would be treated to wonderful,
locally sourced rum and enjoy the
superb setting by the river bank and the
dense forest with reggae music playing in
the background.
Cabrits National Park – Fort Shirley
Fort Shirley stands in the north of Dominica
and is considered to be the island’s most
historic site. In 1802, African slave soldiers
took over the garrison and their action
helped to put in motion a revolution that
eventually resulted in all slave soldiers in
the British Empire being made free in
1807.
This historical value was an added bonus to
the spectacular views that it provided.
Thanks to its strategic placement high on a
mountain originally intended to spot invading
navies, we were treated to a unique
look at the bay below.
Visit to Kalinago Barana Aute
This is a local (first nation) tribe, and they
are one of the only such people left in the
West Indies. Sharing their history and traditions,
the Kalinago people offer an interpretation
center, snack bar, gift shop, and a
tour that begins after crossing a footbridge
and following a circular trail on the northern
side. The trail leads to a series of small
huts (ajoupas) that are located throughout
the site, all featuring traditional activities
such as canoe building, cassava root processing,
basket weaving and herb collection
and preparation. A central arrangement
of small huts with the main Karbet
(biggest hut) is used for cultural and theatrical
performances.
It is a world of colour and pageantry, where
the nation's first people's talent and pride
are abundantly on display.
see following page
American World Traveler Summer 2018

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Islet View Restaurant
This was one of the best meals of the trip.
The setting was perfect as it sits high on top
of a hill overlooking the forest and built in
a wooden structure. We feasted on barbecued
chicken with vegetables and vast
selection of local rum and lots of reggae
music. A great island style meal and an
experience to remember.
Emerald Pool
The hurricane’s rampage left this hidden
cove damaged, but like the islanders, its
resilience has helped it rebound. Most of
the damaged trees have been cleared from
the area and the Emerald Pool has returned
to its former splendour.
After a short walk along a nature trail, we
found this magnificent piece of paradise. A
river flows fresh from the mountains and
over the 50-foot Emerald Falls plunge into
a swirling basin that collects the clear, inviting
water. Though it is quite cold, it is also
really refreshing.
Reggae surprise
The main languages in Dominica were
English and some French as this island has
changed hands many times in its history.
And still, while tourism is such a major
industry, there is a multitude of languages
spoken. If you can imagine we even heard
mandarin in a local eatery run by
Taiwanese.
However, the most internationally recognised
sound was the unmistakable Reggae
beat. The music was found in every corner
of the island and it was not pushed on to us
as tourists, but it is a favourite of the
Dominicans themselves. The dress and
dreadlocks of many of the locals attested to
the culture of the area as well.
Fort Young Hotel
This is the best the island has to offer. It is
built in an old fort right in the heart of the
capital and sits moments away from the
main marina with the ferry port and markets
just a few metres from its entrance. It
has spacious rooms and wonderful balconies
with ocean front views. The hotel
underwent many renovations and now has
all the modern amenities a traveller could
want and has also been able to keep its old
world charm. The luxury is coupled well
with ideal exposure to Dominica’s vibrant
culture and delicious cuisine.
Roseau
As the capital and largest city of Dominica,
Roseau is small and urban city surrounded
by the Caribbean Sea, the Roseau River
and Morne Bruce and is the oldest settlement
on the island.
The city is filled with tourist eye candy, with
its combination of modern and colonial
French architecture, reggae music playing
and the odors and scents of the exotic food
wafting through the air.
It is a great base of operations, and is close
to the second-largest hot lake in the world,
Boiling Lake, as well as waterfalls, thermal
springs, and scenic plateaus including
Morne Bruce, which provides panoramic
views of most of downtown Roseau and of
the Botanic Gardens at its base. There are
also magnificent views of the Caribbean
Sea, particularly spectacular when cruise
liners are in port.
The little island that could
Amazing welcoming people, world class
hotels, fabulous local and international cuisine,
warm climate, beaches, forests,
waterfalls, lakes, rivers, hiking and horseback
riding trials and wonderful diving
makes this little island the perfect vacation
destination. All this without the massive
resorts, congestion and overcrowded
touristic scenes. Dominica is a paradise
island still to be discovered. But be forewarned,
many have and come here for a
visit and some have stayed and made it
home.
www.dominica.dm
American World Traveler Summer 2018