American World Traveler Spring 2020 Issue

Croatia Japan South Africa Costa Rica Florida 

A M E R I C A N 

Traveler 

W O R L D 

Already 18 Years 

Spring 2020 

Where to Next ? 

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

Published by 

Canadian World Traveller 

5473 Royalmount, suite 224 

TMR (Montreal) Qc H4P 1J3 

Welcome to World Traveler 

American World Traveler 

347 5th Ave, suite 1402 

New York, NY 10016 

Tel: 1-855-738-8232 

www.worldtraveler.travel 

info@worldtraveler.travel 

info@canadianworldtraveller.com 

info@americanworldtraveler.com 

Publisher 

Michael Morcos 

Editor-in-chief 

Greg James 

Contributing Editor 

David J. Cox 

Graphic Department 

Al Cheong 

Advertising Department 

Leo Santini 

Marketing Department 

Tania Tassone 

Distribution 

Royce Dillon 

Senior Travel Writers: 

Susan Campbell 

Steve Gillick 

Regular Contributors: 

Habeeb Salloum 

Jennifer Merrick 

Olivia Balsinger 

Mike Cohen 

Ilona Kauremszky 

Natalie Ayotte 

Jasmine Morcos 

Daniel Smajovits 

Cherie DeLory 

Lisa TE Sonne 

Alexandra Cohen 

Jessica Percy Campbell 

Mathieu Morcos 

Gregory Caltabanis 

Anne-Marie Macloughlin 

Janice Mucalov 

IIn this issue, we start our world-wide 

tour in Japan with ‘A Refreshing Visit 

to Tokyo’s Miyakejima Island’ before 

we head to the city itself to experience some 

of the best this metropolis has to offer. While 

in Asia, we go to Vietnam to discover the 

beautiful Halong Bay with Paradise Cruises. 

Next, we jet-off to Europe for some wideranging 

adventures. We start in the little visited 

city of Kiev and find out it has lots to 

offer travelers. Next we go to Croatia to find 

out why it is one Europe’s most popular destinations 

before heading to Mont Blanc, 

France, to hike through some breathtaking 

trails. Finally, we go to Budapest to take 

another fantastic Viking cruise, this time on 

the Danube to experience some Christmas 

market magic. 

To Africa we go, first for another cruise, this 

time it is on the mighty Nile to discover magnificent 

temples and monuments and to see 

how the locals live. On the other side of this 

content, we head to South Africa and view its 

magnificent wildlife at Kruger National Park. 

In the Americas, we head to New York City 

to take in a Broadway play and then some 

humor at a local comedy club. Heading 

west, we first go to Wisconsin for the wonderful 

‘Cherry Orchards, Light Houses and 

Shoreline’ before heading way north to 

experience some amazing scenery and 

wildlife on a cruise with Uncrusie 

Adventures. 

To the complete other end of the USA, we 

find an assortment of amazing things to see 

and do in Central Florida. From here we 

climb abound for a delightful Holland 

America cruise to the Caribbean. While in 

the area, we head to Costa Rica for yet more 

wildlife sightings and then for rest and relaxation 

‘Finding Pura Vida in Puntarenas’. 

Happy Travels! 

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.

Destinations 

Crusing Section 

36 

South Africa 8 Japan 10 

Croatia 12 Wisconsin 64 

Cruise News 

Viking 

Paradise Cruises 

Uncruise 

Nile Cruise 

Holland America 

Stay & Play - 52 

Costa Rica 66 Florida 68 

Kiev 

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort 

Around the World 14

8 

Kruger National Park: A Journey into the Wild 

Article and photography by Daniel Smajovits 

Since 2004, Ezrom Mathumbu’s office 

has been the 20,000 square kilometers 

that comprises South Africa’s 

Kruger National Park. 

While Ezrom, who is one of Kruger’s senior 

hospitality managers, is very welcoming to the 

thousands of guests that pass through Satara 

Rest Camp on a daily basis, an electric fence 

is in place to keep all those pesky neighbours 

away. For good reason too: these neighbours 

aren’t stopping by for a cup of coffee, as just 

outside Satara’s fence are a few prides of 

lions, coalitions of cheetahs and leaps of 

leopards. Further in the distance? A few herds 

of elephants and towers of giraffes. 

Needless to say, during our visit to Kruger, we 

were glad Ezrom had just paid his electricity 

bill. 

Evident from the onset of our visit to Kruger 

was the hospitality displayed by Ezrom and all 

the staff from South Africa’s National Parks 

Service (SANParks). Their main goal, other 

than ensuring everyone’s safety, is ensuring 

that visitors from around the world experience 

the best of what South Africa has to offer on 

what is often a once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

Larger than the State of Israel and home to 

the Big Five: elephants, buffalos, rhinoceroses, 

leopards and lions, Kruger National Park 

welcomes over one million visitors per year. It 

is for those one million reasons that the South 

African government and the National Parks 

Service ensures that the park remains accessible 

for all types of travelers. 

Depending on the length of your stay in South 

Africa, getting to Kruger National Park has 

never been easier. While some guests might 

make the five-hour drive from Johannesburg, 

it is much easier to hop on a flight into one of 

the nearby airports: Nelspruit (KMI), 

Hoedspruit (HDS) and Phalaborwa (PHW). 

Much smaller Skukuza airport is located within 

Kruger itself, with South African Airways 

operating a daily flight between Cape Town

and Johannesburg. Each airport has rental 

car facilities for you to begin your safari (journey) 

immediately. 

Even for the most experienced of drivers, getting 

behind the wheel in Kruger is an experience 

unto itself. Nonetheless, despite the 

occasional elephant traffic jam, renting a car 

and navigating the park at your leisure is 

unquestionably the best way to experience this 

adventure to the fullest. A self-drive through 

the park allows you the freedom and flexibility 

to stop for a minute or an hour to gaze at 

the animals in their natural habitat. As only 

park rangers have the ability to drive off 

marked roads, so whether you’re with a private 

guide or on your own, the views will be 

the same. 

As with most wildlife-centered trips, luck plays 

a role. It is impossible to predict the type of 

game you will see, if any. Technology, such as 

WT Photo Library 

the Latest Sightings app allows users to 

enhance the safari experiences of others by 

posting animal sightings and activity in realtime. 

Each rest camp also has a board where 

guests can mark sightings as well. While lowtech, 

the board gives guests clues as to where 

the animals have congregated in past days. 

Since the average game-drive will keep you in 

your car for hours at a time, Kruger is home 

to both five-star private lodges (min. 

$1,000/night) to the most pedestrian of tents 

(min. $50/night). Regardless of accommodations, 

sleeping within the confines of Kruger is 

critical to maximize game viewing. Guests 

staying in the park are allowed to begin and 

end their game drives up to one hour earlier 

or later than those coming in for the day. This 

extra time allows you to beat the traffic and 

find the best viewing spots. 

Each camp offers a variety of lodging, from 

the tents to clean, private bungalows with en 

suite bathrooms (min. $150/night). 

Furthermore, most camps have a full-service 

restaurant and an on-site convenience store. 

As the majority of guests opt to braai (barbeque) 

their own meals, stores are stocked 

with a variety of fresh and frozen foods as well 

as fruits and vegetables. The largest campsite, 

Skukuza, looks more like a mini village than a 

typical camp. Included within its confines is 

the aforementioned airport, gas station, 

restaurant, library, a conference centre and 

even a 9-hole golf course. Travelers often 

begin or end their journeys here, making it 

the most popular campsite. 

Although squeezing in a quick 9-holes might 

signal the start of a good day for some, we 

recommend to begin each day with a rangerled 

game drive. As animals are most active in 

the early morning and evening, park run vehicles 

are the only way to experience the environment 

during the periods when the gates 

are closed to the general public. Despite 

spending your day on a game drive of your 

own, guests occasionally overlook the excursions 

conducted by the park rangers. Driving 

traditional open-air vehicles, most major 

camp sites offer drives at sunrise, sunset and 

in the evening, in addition to bush walks. 

Rangers undergo two years of training and 

often have many more years of experience, 

evident by their ability to spot and track 

wildlife as well as answer any and all 

questions. Furthermore, these drives 

ensure a complete sensory experience, 

as rangers often shut down their engines to 

allow guests to appreciate the sounds of the 

wildlife. While the occasional elephant or buffalo 

traffic jam during a self-drive is thrilling 

and definitely a highlight, we suggest that 

guests participate in two ranger-led activities 

per day to ensure the best of what Kruger has 

to offer. 

To truly immerse yourself in the majesty of the 

park, when checking in at any of your campsites, 

inquire about a bush braai. These special 

excursions only take place if a minimum 

of six guests are interested and offer the oncein-a-lifetime 

opportunity to eat a five-star 

meal under the South African stars. With only 

torches lighting the way, guests dine in the 

dark while listening to the sounds of wildlife. 

With an armed ranger standing guard to prevent 

any unwanted dinner guests, the bush 

braai will be the highlight of your trip. 

For us, after four full days in Kruger National 

Park, it became abundantly clear how guests 

return year after year and staff like Ezrom 

have yet to experience a dull moment at the 

office. Whether you’re spending an hour on 

the side of the road gazing at a herd of elephants 

or you’re on the prowl for that elusive 

leopard, the freedom and unpredictability of 

the park is unmatched on earth. 

With accommodations that meet all budgets 

and needs, fully stocked stores, restaurants 

and the abundance of wildlife, Kruger 

National Park offers a life-changing experience 

for individuals, couples and families. 

Courtesy of the South African government, a 

safari has never been more accessible and 

affordable. 

All accommodations and ranger-led activities 

can be booked online at: www.sanparks.org. 

As the park is busy throughout the year, it is 

recommended to book a minimum of six 

months in advance. Should you have any 

questions regarding accessibility, SANParks 

staff are readily available to answer any and 

all questions via e-mail. 

www.krugernationalpark.org.za 

9 

WT Photo Library 

American World Traveler Spring 2020

10 

A Refreshing Visit to Tokyo’s Miyakejima Island 

Article and photography by Steve Gillick 

Tokyo bound travellers are in for a 

hot time! Surprising adventures 

await on Miyakejima Island where 

visitors come face-to-face with the Island’s 

astounding volcanic scenery. 

Our Island guide, Ms. Hitomi Kikuchi noted 

that Ebisu, one of the seven Japanese 

Happy Gods, and the god of fishermen is 

associated with the Izu Islands in Tokyo 

Prefecture. “Every time there’s a volcanic 

eruption, it can be interpreted as a religious 

event because it means that the god is present”. 

And it follows that Miyakejima should 

be truly blessed as it is the most active of all 

the Izu islands! 

We had a wonderful preview of volcanic 

splendour on our 55-minute flight to 

Miyakejima from Tokyo’s small Chofu 

Airport, when our 19-passenger Dornier 

228-212 aircraft passed right by Mt. Fuji, 

with its white symmetrical cone showcased 

against the backdrop of a deep blue sky. But 

while Mt Fuji has been dormant since 1707, 

the last volcanic activity on Miyakejima was 

in the year 2000 with three prior eruptions 

occurring roughly 20 years apart in 1983, 

1962 and 1940. 

When we asked about tourism on the island, 

Hitomi-san explained that she was originally 

from Nara but in 1999 she came to 

Miyakejima as an instructor for the “swim 

with wild dolphins” program. She fell in love 

with the Island’s natural and seasonal 

attractions: In Spring, Miyakejima is a birders 

paradise; Summer is prime time for 

swimming, fishing and diving to see the 

coral reefs, and Winter activities include 

trekkiing and ocean fishing “right off the 

shore”. Other Islanders chimed in to mention 

favourite past times that included participation 

in the Matsuri (the seasonal festivals), 

Taiko (drumming), Jogging, surfing 

and biking. In fact, each November the 

“WERIDE” endurance race near Shichito 

Observatory attracts over 130 bicycle racers 

from all parts of Japan and overseas.

For visitors, touring around Miyakejima’s 28 

kilometer (17.4 miles) circumference leads to 

scenic beaches, crashing waves, shrines and 

‘geo spots’, that bear witness to a violent volcanic 

past. Excellent explanatory signage in 

both Japanese and English, is available at 

every geo spot; something that positively 

supplemented the engaging information 

provided by Hitomi-san. 

The volcanic eruption in 2000 resulted in the 

evacuation of the entire island due to mudslides, 

ash and gas, and it has only been 

since 2015 that island life has returned to 

“fully normal”. Our first interaction with the 

effects of that eruption was at the Shiitori 

Shrine, just north of the airport. A vermilion 

torii gate stands in front of a small shrine 

while in the background, bare, dead-white 

trees poke through recent green foliage. But 

then our guide pointed to what appeared to 

be a white log and noted the photos on the 

nearby sign that showed how mudslides had 

completely swallowed the original torii gate 

and the ‘white log’ was in fact the lintel (top 

bar) of that torii gate. The rest was underground. 

And an even more poignant geo spot is the 

Ako Lava Trail where visitors traverse a 

boardwalk built over the now rough, sharp 

lava stones, that in liquid form, engulfed 

most of Ako Hot Spring Village in October 

1983. Roughly 340 houses were destroyed. 

The Trail goes right by the school that was 

buried in lava, almost to the roof. 

Most of the Geo Spots educate visitors about 

the island landscape that was so dramatically 

altered by volcanic activity. Mt. Hyotan 

(Hyotanyama) lies in a bleak desert-like 

landscape of grey/black soil with dashes of 

yellow scrub brush. But as we hiked up the 

hill, we could see the red soil crater with 

hardened lava shapes resembling contemporary 

art. On one side there was the white 

surf and blue waters of the Pacific Ocean 

while on the other side was a verdant forest 

with low, rugged mountains in the distance. 

Hyotanyama was created in one day during 

the 1940 volcanic eruption. The observation 

point on nearby Mt. Sanshichi created by the 

1962 eruption, overlooks the Hyotanyama 

crater, highlighting contrasting colours of 

black, red and brown soil with the azure sky 

and ocean. This spot has been listed as one 

of the 100 Views of New Tokyo. It’s quite 

spectacular. 

Nippana Shinzan was also created in one 

night during the 1983 eruption. We had to 

hold on to our baseball caps as we hiked up 

the black rock hill due an invigorating warm 

wind. Technically called a pyroclastic cone (a 

hill made of volcanic rocks and ash), the 

dramatic shape of the ‘cone’ with its black 

and red rocks and resembling a man-made 

fortification, is absolutely amazing. 

And again we held our hats tightly as we 

stood on the summit of Shichito Observatory, 

a mountain peak where the strong winds mix 

with the beautiful, hilly, volcanic scenery. This 

is part of the Ako Geo Trekking route, as well 

as one of the more demanding segments of 

the annual WERIDE endurance bicycle challenge. 

For scenery of a different nature, we journeyed 

to Tairo-ike, the largest freshwater 

pond in all the Izu Islands. This area appeals 

to two very special travel interests. Nearby is 

Maigo-jii, a giant Chinquapin Oak tree 

which is literally a crowning reward to see 

for flora aficionados and members of Big 

Tree associations. 

And for birders, the pond area is one of the 

prime venues to spot the endemic Izu Thrush 

(a.k.a. Akakokko). We joined the Miyake 

Nature Center staff to view birds such as the 

Shichito Mejiro, the Blue Rock Thrush and 

some Hiyodori (Bul Buls). 

As we explored further, wonders never 

seemed to cease! At Megane-iwa, ‘the eyeglass 

boulder’, sunset views through the one 

remaining lens, once a cave, (the other collapsed 

during the Isewon Typhoon in 1959) 

are on the island’s ‘must experience’ list. 

Remarkable too are the dark, striking cliffs at 

Toga Beach as well as Kamanoshiri Beach 

where we were fortunate to spot a curious 

Blue Sea Turtle who swam by and posed for 

photos. 

11 

To a dedicated foodie, islands and oceans 

mean only one thing: fresh seafood. 

We enjoyed very tasty dinners and breakfasts 

at our friendly hotel, the Kairaku, that 

also offered wonderful sunset views of Ako 

Port. But we had an appetite to explore further. 

At Hikoshichi restaurant, owned by the welcoming 

couple Takao and Tomiko 

Watanabe, we relished a delicious lunch of 

home-made soba noodles, plump shrimp 

tempura, crunchy pickles and cold draft 

beer. At Ikeyoshi, owned by the affable 

Kimura family, we were in a state of taste 

bud bliss over the incredibly fresh Chirashi 

(assorted seafood on a bed of rice) with 

savoury Miso soup and yet another cold 

draft beer. 

On the road we popped into Gyunyu 

Senbei, where the third generation of the 

Hiramatsu family makes delicious sweet 

milk biscuits, an Island exclusive! And what 

better way to indulge in the spirit of the destination 

than a visit to Miyakejima Shuzo, 

where wheat-based Shochu (at 25% alcohol) 

is produced and sold. Free, self-serve samples 

and a chat with Toji, the Shochu Master, 

made for a very pleasant visit. 

Exploring Miyakejima is a unique adventure 

filled with astounding volcanic scenery as 

well as great opportunities for photography, 

birding, swimming, fishing, hiking and gastronomy. 

It’s a nature-escape with a truly 

refreshing difference! 

www.miyakejima.gr.jp/ 


C r o a t i a 

Europe’s Hot Destination for 2020 and Beyond 

by Olivia Balsinger

IIt seems as though the entire past 

decade has been Croatia’s year, with 

balmy, rugged beaches and sapphire 

seawater adjacent to towering ancient walls 

that store the tales of time, how could 

Croatia not top every traveler’s list? Well, 

the country officially deserves the spotlight 

in 2020, as Croatia was named the top 

“Emerging Destination” by Virtuoso travel 

advisors for the new decade, honoring the 

stir caused by the Game-of-Thrones effect, 

dramatic landscapes, and proximity to 

other European destinations. Now let’s take 

a deep dive into this historical gem on the 

Dalmatian Coast and explore why Croatia 

should be on your shortlist, both now and 

for years to come. 

Split 

Of course, Split—a coastal city that seamlessly 

intertwines modern life and ancient 

history is widely known for its lavish yacht 

parties and Mediterranean climate in the 

summer. What you may soon discover is 

that Split is an all-season destination and 

considerably quieter and more affordable 

outside of July and August. In the wintertime, 

the city is alive celebrating the holidays 

in more temperate weather conditions. 

The newly opened Cornaro Hotel is a 

modern escape in the historic Old Town, 

standing just feet away from Diocletian’s 

Palace, where Emperor Diocletian slept 

every evening after voluntarily surrendering 

the throne of the Roman Empire. The 

Palace today, perched on the harbor and 

forming about half of Split’s Old Town, is 

still vibrant with life - the Michelin-starred 

restaurant Zoi, for example, is built into the 

4th-century walls. If you’re a Game of 

Thrones fan, prepare to be flabbergasted 

at the real-life movie set you’ll wander 

through in the Palace as well, even more 

amplified with an official GoT guide! 

Split is truly “split” between the old world 

and new in juxtaposition as well. Modernday 

restaurants, cafes, designer shops, and 

general innovation are sprinkled into the 

rich history and storied past. Between modern 

Mexican cuisine at To Je Tako and 

Maltese delights at Corto Maltese Freestyle 

food, there are a surprising amount of 

ways to taste the world in a city with a population 

of less than 200,000 residents. 

Dubrovnik 

Another famed destination in Croatia is 

Dubrovnik, the ancient jewel of baroque 

architecture and limestone streets cradled 

in the Dalmatian Mountains. Whether pretending 

to be Cersei Lannister a la Game 

of Thrones on the iconic Walk of Shame 

staircase, or imagining defending the city’s 

honor on the famed - and highly 

Instagrammable - Walls of Dubrovnik, 

imaginative travelers will have a ball in 

town. The five-star Hotel Excelsior, towering 

over the Adriatic and Old Town skyline, is 

the ultimate retreat for tourists, walking distance 

to the city’s sights, yet a refuge from 

the crowds on its own with an otherworldly 

spa and reclining chairs overlooking the 

moody ocean underneath. (And pro tip: 

purchase a room or suite facing the sea for 

the most magical array of hues over the 

water each night. This is the optimal view to 

pair with a glass of Croatian wine!) 

Dubrovnik is also emerging as an off-season 

destination, as well. The mild Croatian 

winter is a prime time to bask in culture, 

wander the holiday markets of Old Town 

and meander the main street, the Stradun, 

made of limestone but sleek as marble, all 

without the hoards of crowding summer 

months inevitably bring. (And pro tip: If 

you're lucky enough to have a few days in 

Dubrovnik, take a day trip 20 kilometers 

south of the city, to the idyllic resort town of 

Cavat, famed for its pristine and less 

touristy and crowded Adriatic beaches, 

ancient Illyrian necropolises dotting the 

coastline, and ample fresh seafood available.) 

Rijeka 

And this year there is even more reason to 

visit - Rijeka, Croatia’s third-largest city and 

largest port, will be honored as the 

European Capital of Culture in 2020. 

Rijeka has benefited from a diverse history 

with Mediterranean, Eastern 

13 

European, and Central European 

influences which has shaped its 

eclectic architecture, culture, and progressive 

spirit. Water and the port are the 

anchoring themes of Rijeka, which are conceived 

within the symbolic and historical 

center of the city: its anchorage point – the 

port. Cultural messages with the power to 

change Europe and the world are traveling 

from Rijeka - the Port of Diversity - in seven 

directions. 

The entire program of Rijeka 2020 – 

European Capital of Culture comprises 

about 600 events taking place in 2020. It is 

divided into seven thematic blocks or flagships, 

which deliver the specific messages 

of the European Capital of Culture project 

in Rijeka through various cultural events. 

The “Sweet & Salt” flagship enables the 

new architectural and urban development 

of areas that will modify Rijeka by the sea 

(Salt) and by the Rječina River (Sweet), 

which flows through the city center. These 

programs, centering on the significance of 

space, show different ways in which architecture 

and art open the doors of overlooked 

places, create new areas for citizens 

to move and meet and breathe life into 

spaces that deserve to be alive. Following 

the makeover, the Rijeka City Museum, 

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, 

City Library, and the Children’s House will 

become centerpieces of cultural life in the 

city. 

From its historical relevance to its crystal 

blue seas, from its castles that hold the 

country’s secrets in their imposing stone 

walls to its modern port cities that emulate 

and exemplify the European vision, Croatia 

is certainly a destination to keep on your 

radar now and for years to come. 

www.croatia.hr 


14 

Around The World 

(in 22 pages) 

Exploring India with Turban Adventures 

by Olivia Balsinger 

I usually pride myself on my ability to navigate foreign lands 

solo, balancing practicality and creativity. But the first time my 

partner and I visited India, we knew we needed to entrust 

experts. After much research, we booked a six-day Golden 

Triangle Tour with the Jaipur-based tour company, Turban 

Adventures. I surrendered my pig-headed stubbornness in 

logistical planning to the company and it was the best decision 

we could have made. 

We were picked up from the airport and brought to four-star 

hotels in the comfort of our knowledgeable local driver, whose 

been with Turban Adventures for ten years. Most importantly, 

however, the curated and local experiences arranged by the 

company brought the bright and colorful Indian culture alive 

for us. We left the Taj Mahal not only with stunning photographs, 

but with deep insight into the history of the marble 

mausoleum. We experienced a cooking class in Jaipur with a 

local family, learning invaluable lessons about each other’s 

cultures. Our first foray through India was safe, clean, and, 

most importantly, an authentic adventure thanks to the guidance 

of Turban Adventures. 

www.turbanadventures.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. 

Balcony Media 

Showcases Authentic Vietnam 


The country of Vietnam is recognized for its generous hospitality, its 

diverse and eclectic topography, its spicy and fresh gastronomy, 

and, of course, its recent tragic war history. A tour with Balcony 

brings all of these facets of this Southeast Asian country together. 

Perhaps the most iconic hotel in the entire country is The Sofitel 

Legend Metropole hotel in the capital of Hanoi, where a tour with 

Balcony begins. The award-winning , storied colonial property sits 

gracefully in the French Quarter and quietly yet defiantly has been 

pivotal to the city’s history. A tour of the hotel’s recently rediscovered 

and slightly claustrophobic tunnel and bunker system, still 

standing from the 1960’s war, is the best way to briefly feel the 

chaotic remnants of history. Order a “Charlie Chaplin '' at The 

Metropole’s famed Bamboo Bar - legend has it this combination of 

gin, apricot brandy and lime juice, was this comic actor’s go-to 

when he honeymooned here in 1936. 

Of course, Vietnam is also known for sunnier topics than war, quite 

literally. A short flight from Hanoi, locals and foreigners alike have 

long retreated from the hectic, cities saturated with smells and 

motorbikes to explore the pristine and still coastlines. Balcony 

brings you to two distinct properties in Cam Ranh, where relaxation 

and cultural integration are at the forefront. The Anam Hotel, 

opened in October 2019, seamlessly integrates Vietnamese hospitality 

with family-friendly activities, including a splash waterpark 

and twelve swimming pools, which cascade down to the ocean. 

Another choice with Balcony is a luxury stay at one of Vietnam’s 

quintessential Indochine-era inspired design hotels, which honors 

the local area with activities such as local cooking classes and a 

buffet where mothers of the staff cook Vietnamese classics for 

guests. 

www.balconymediagroup.com 


16 

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 


kayaking and a walk through the 

17 

woods, while at night it was perfect for 

a sit-down dinner with the local folks. It 

is both stylish and durable. Being made of 

synthetic material means it does not stretch or 

shrink. It can be washed with all my other 

clothes and tumble dried on low heat. 

On top of it all, it is wind and rain proof and 

with a full hood, I can go into most elements 

without having to carry other outerwear. The 

JPN Rain Jacket has me covered on all fronts 

and I love it! 

Splashes of color! 

Sporty, Fashionable, and Functional, Helly Hansen has it All 

We asked three of our writers to review the latest Helly Hansen 

outerwear and here are their reviews. 

When I think of spring, I think of flowers 

blooming, warmer temperatures and sounds 

of birds singing and long walks. However, 

there is a very well-known expression that 

says, “April showers bring May flowers”. 

Changing temperatures and rainy days do not 

discourage me from taking long walks with 

my two puppies Kenya and Maya anymore. 

Finding a weather resistant coat was essential 

and I found everything I needed to protect me 

from the rain with the women’s Helly Hansen 

Sling Moss Raincoat. 

Let spring begin! 

For years now, I had been looking for the perfect 

hip length water-resistant jacket. 

Hallelujah! I found it, the Helly Hansen EVIE 

Jacket for women was perfect. 

Being waterproof, I would test the EVIE jacket 

by going for a walk with our family dog in the 

pouring rain, purposely leaving the umbrella 

behind. With the full hood up, the EVIE jacket 

pulled it off by keeping me nice and dry. No 

water passed through to my clothes as I 

watched the water pellets roll off my jacket as 

I walked. It’s also incredibly windproof, which 

kept the humidity of the rain at bay. 

The hood is perfect, it fits comfortably around 

the head protecting your hair and face from 

the elements and I found the hood stayed well 

in place without using the jacket strings. For 

those that need extra warmth, the bottom 

flaps can be tied down to keep the cold air 

out. 

Another convenient feature is that you won't 

need a scarf. The jacket’s strong zipper goes 

all the way up to the chin, adding that extra 

comfort we need when walking outdoors. This 

is a two layered jacket, and Helly Hansen 

added back ventilation, to accommodate for 

those warmer days. So go ahead, and brave 

the elements! I just love my new EVIE Jacket 

and highly recommend it to all my friends. 

Love at first sight! 

No hiding it, I am a big fan of Helly Hansen, 

and I am on my third Jacket now. The latest 

one – the men’s JPN Rain Jacket, is versatile 

and perfect for a host of many outdoor occasions. 

I bring these beauties on my worldwide 

adventures and really appreciate their functionality. 

I could go out for social gatherings without 

being over or underdressed. On my last trip to 

Hill country in Texas, I would find it practical in 

many diverse ways. Daytime, it was used for 

My favourite thing about this jacket is that they 

inspired their limited collection from Sling, an 

Oslo based spray painter and artist, by using 

clean lines and neon colours. Although this 

jacket has a minimalist style, it is super bright 

and colourful while being fully waterproof. In 

order to prevent excessive heating while wearing 

the coat, they integrated slats in the back 

to help with breathability. 

It also has two external pockets useful to hold 

small essentials and a big hood to keep your 

hair dry. Although rain and wind has always 

been an obstacle during long walks, my new 

HH jacket has come to the rescue offering me 

both comfort, quality and great design. I highly 

recommend it. 

Whether it is a night on the town, a business 

meeting, light actives or extreme 

sports, Helly Hansen has you covered. 

www.hellyhansen.com 


Intrepid Travel Unveils Its Annual 'Not Hot List' 

Home to magnificent birdlife, pristine beach 

getaways, and lush tropical woodlands, 

Gambia just goes to show that size isn’t everything. 

In response to this growing demand, 

Intrepid Travel has launched its Senegal & The 

Gambia Expedition. 

Greenland - As the number of operators 

going to Spitsbergen is on the rise, Greenland 

is a great alternative to experience the beauty 

of the Arctic Circle. The world’s largest noncontinental 

island, where fewer than 60,000 

people live, is a literal breath of fresh air. 

When Trump expressed interest in buying the 

country, Intrepid saw a spike in traffic - as 

high as 237% - to its Greenland web pages. 

One of the few places left on Earth that can be 

described as truly wild, icebergs tower instead 

of skyscrapers, and tiny settlements on the 

coast still rely on subsistence fishing to survive. 

Intrepid Travel just launched their 

Greenland Expedition, its first dedicated landbased 

tour of the country. 

Sudan 

Combating the escalating issue of overtourism, 

Intrepid Travel, the world’s 

largest adventure travel company, is 

releasing its annual ‘Not Hot List,’ which highlights 

a selection of lesser-discovered destinations 

that deserve the spotlight - from 

Canada’s Haida Gwaii Islands, the 

‘Galapagos of the North,’ to Indonesia’s Tana 

Toraja Trek for going beyond Bali’s beaches. 

The world’s largest B Corp certified travel 

company ensures all of its tours are led by 

local leaders who can guide travelers away 

from crowds. On a larger scale, Intrepid 

Travel also regularly makes changes to its itineraries 

and launches new products to introduce 

travelers to new communities in a sustainable 

way, aiming to alleviate the negative 

impacts of tourism while still spreading its 

economic benefit. There’s no reason travel 

can’t enrich local communities, instead of 

overwhelming them. 

Photos: Intrepid Travel 

Intrepid Travel’s global ‘Not Hot List’ includes: 

Dakhla, Morocco - Largely inaccessible until 

a couple of years ago, Dakhla’s white sand 

dunes, countryside and crystal clear beaches 

on the edge of the Sahara and off mainland 

Morocco are seriously off tourists’ radar. On 

the brand new Marrakech & Dakhla 

Adventure, spend the night at a traditional 

Bedouin camp and enjoy epic scenery, far 

from the busy streets of Marrakech. Enjoy 

renowned seafood straight from the catch 

and marvel at the beautiful Bahia de Dakhla 

lagoon. 

The Gambia - Gambia has been trending in 

Google search (+23%) and receives far fewer 

visitors than Africa hotspots like South Africa 

or Kenya. The smallest nation on the African 

mainland, countries don’t come much more 

compact and traversable than Gambia. 

The Haida Gwaii Islands - Known as the 

‘Galapagos of the North’ for its complex 

ecosystem and diverse wildlife, Canada’s 

most remote region – the Haida Gwaii – feels 

like the edge of the world. It’s also the ancestral 

home of Canada’s Haida First Nations 

people, who remain critical to sustaining the 

country’s north. Intrepid Travel has launched 

its Haida Gwaii Islands Expedition, where 

travelers can visit local villages that live in harmony 

with the pristine wilderness of Naikoon 

Provincial Park and can hear the First Peoples’ 

stories of challenge and triumph during 

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples 

Month. 

Moldova - This tiny country, sandwiched 

between Romania and Ukraine, only welcomes 

160,000 overnight visitors a year 

(according to the UNWTO), nearly the 

amount of visitors Croatia sees daily. On 

Moldova, Ukraine & Romania Explorer, try out 

Moldova's famous wine on a tour of Milestii 

Mici winery, home to the biggest wine cellar in 

the world with more than 120 miles of underground 

passages lined with around 2 million 

bottles. Access the breakaway republic of 

Transnistria, a ghost of the Soviet past, and 

marvel at Orheiul Vechi, a 14th century cave 

monastery and UNESCO site built inside a 

cliff. 

The Gambia Greenland Moldova

Sulawesi 

Nicaragua - After a period of political unrest, 

Nicaragua has seen a resurgence in tourism, 

enabling the return to the land of lakes and 

volcanoes, where nature is uninterrupted, the 

food is delicious and volcano boarding is a 

real slightly-scary-but-thrilling sport. On the 

new Best of Nicaragua itinerary, spend time at 

a local indigenous community on Ometepe 

Island, a lush, rainforest-filled island formed 

by two volcanos that rose from Lake 

Nicaragua. Learn about Nicaragua’s revolutionary 

past in bohemian Leon, stroll the colorful 

colonial streets of Granada, then head 

to Nicaragua’s Pacific coast for the sun, surf 

and laid-back vibes of San Juan del Sur. 

Northeast Cambodia - As of this year, 

Intrepid Travel removed Sihanoukville – what 

used to be a sleepy beach town and is now 

nearly unrecognizable due to overtourism – 

from all itineraries, instead choosing to visit 

lesser-known destinations within Cambodia. 

An untouched corner of the country, the 

Northeast region is home to lush forests, 

remote lakes and waterfalls and temples lesser 

known than Angkor Wat, but no less fascinating. 

On the new Cambodia Expedition: 

Elephants & Jungles, spend time observing 

elephants in their natural habitat with an 

active hike at the Elephant Valley Project, an 

initiative that puts elephants’ welfare and 

treatment first, rather than the tourist dollar. 

Sudan - Few people know that among vast 

stretches of sand dunes, Sudan holds some 

of the world’s most incredible archaeological 

sites, ancient ruins and resilient cultures. 

While President Trump included the country 

in last week’s travel ban, restricting travel for 

Sudanese citizens, the increased attention 

may actually spur interest in tourism. 

Following the previous Middle East travel 

bans, Intrepid Travel saw growth in the 

region, with travelers wanting to learn about 

the countries they continually hear about in 

the news and make their own decisions 

about them. On the new Northern Sudan 

Expedition, discover the remnants of great 

empires, explore ancient cities and necropolises, 

and encounter modern Sudan in 

souks, chai houses and nomadic settlements 

along the way. 

Sulawesi, Indonesia - Iconic treks like 

Everest Base Camp have long represented 

some of Intrepid Travel’s most popular itineraries, 

but those wanting to discover new 

places one step at a time can opt for quieter 

paths, like the Tana Toraja trek in Sulawesi. 

After all, there’s more to Indonesia’s archipelago 

of 17,000 islands than Bali’s beaches. 

On the new Sulawesi Expedition: Tana 

Toraja Trek, traverse dense bamboo forests 

and deep fertile valleys, stay in traditional 

villages, and boat past acres of emerald 

green rice paddies. Experience a day in the 

life of fishermen operating a community 

project in the village of Puntondo, learn 

about the importance of the marine ecosystem, 

and how this project is helping to save 

the coastline. Travelers will even learn about 

the infamous Ma’nene death ritual, or the 

‘ceremony of cleaning corpses’ – a 900- 

year- old tradition where the Torajan people 

dig up and spend time with the dead. 

Tajikistan - Uzbekistan experienced +257% 

year-over-year growth making it the number 

one fastest growing destination for Intrepid 

Travel. With the ‘Stans going strong, Intrepid 

Travel predicts that Tajikistan could be the 

next destination in this region to surge. The 

allure lies in the heritage of the Silk Road 

and cities featuring crumbling reminders of 

Soviet influence. While political and 

military forces have battled over these 

regions, life in these isolated areas 

has changed little in the past centuries. On 

the new Tajikistan Discovery trip, travelers 

will spend five nights across Tajikistan's 

homestay network, where they’ll immerse 

themselves in the local traditions. 

19 

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 30 years. The company offers more than 1,000 

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 


20 

The Mont Blanc Circuit with Boundless Journeys 


Our personal reasons for deciding to 

circumnavigate Mont Blanc were as 

diverse as the hiking group itself. 

One was using the physical challenge of the 

hike as a reminder he is more than a successful 

entrepreneur. Two were already best 

friends but wanted their girl-time bonding in 

the pristine wilderness. And me? For me, it 

has been an especially draining year--physically, 

mentally, and especially emotionally. 

My best friend had died in a gory car accident 

just months prior. I knew that in order to 

fully digest the complex emotions surrounding 

such a sudden tragedy, I needed to 

escape the noise pollution of society and 

think clearly once again. And so to the 

mountains, I fled. 

Whatever our reasons for signing up, one 

thing was clear: We all hoped the crisp late 

August air of the Alps would be therapeutic 

on our circuit of Mont Blanc, Europe's largest 

mountain at 15,770 feet, with tour operator 

Boundless Journeys. 

Little did we know it would provide much 

more. The journey of our motley crew of five 

strangers began in the quaint French ski town 

and official base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix, 

where we first shared our goals and inspirations 

for the journey over cheese fondue. Our 

guide, Irene, assured us that no matter personal 

abilities, we would succeed and complete 

the circuit as a group. And before we 

had time to second guess our strength, the 

next morning, we were off. 

The Tour de Mont Blanc, a stunning circuit 

through Switzerland, France, and Italy, is one 

of the world's greatest inn-to-inn hikes and 

adventures. I knew it would be a challenging 

physical journey, but I had underestimated 

the incredible melange of culture we would 

be immersed in as well. As we meandered 

through dramatic landscapes shaped by hillsides 

and carved by river, as we snaked our 

way from village to village, we noticed 

changes in language, cuisine, architecture 

and culture. In Switzerland, our hiking was 

often in rhythm to cowbells noisily dinging in 

the field. In the medieval town of 

Courmayeur, Italy, we enjoyed gelato and 

pizza as our rewards for the day, meandering 

the stone streets of the city. France, of course, 

meant cheese aplenty--Raclette, Reblochon, 

and Beaufort cheese, oh my! We seldom had 

connections to the outside world as cell data 

and WiFi were scarce. Instead, our group 

bonded through the literal highs and lows, 

through moments where we couldn't imagine 

hiking that foreboding hill in the distance to 

those where we looked back in awe of what 

we had accomplished. 

Though I was initially apprehensive about 

joining a tour group for the adventure (in my 

head, I'm much more Bear Grylls-esque than 

reality), I soon understood why joining a tour 

group was beneficial. Even before the hike 

commenced, Boundless Journeys was 

preparing me with packing lists, exercise suggestions, 

and reading materials. Our leader, 

a Mont Blanc veteran and environmentalist, 

was an encyclopedia of information--from 

the villages, we would hike through to various 

types of vegetation, Irene's knowledge 

was a constant aid. 

A bittersweet end to our communal journey 

nine days later as we arrived back to 

Chamonix, with sore muscles, expanded perspectives, 

and lifelong memories. The challenge 

and the beauty of the mountain was 

now a part of each of us--and no matter the 

reason for joining the program, we all 

arrived back changed. Mission accomplished. 

www.boundlessjourneys.com 


Finding Pura Vida in Puntarenas 


The slogan most synonymous with 

verdant Costa Rica is "Pura Vida." 

Directly translated, this catchy 

phrase means "Pure Life." This Central 

American country is well-known for many 

regions - from lavish spa getaways deep in 

Monteverde Cloud Forest to the postcardworthy 

Volcano Arenal. However, there still 

remain areas of untouched paradise, such 

as Puntarenas, located on the county’s 

northwestern coast and hugging the Gulf of 

Nicoya. And, suffice to say, in an era when 

most everything feels inorganic and too stimulating, 

Puntarenas sincerely exemplifies 

"Pura Vida." 

Of course, one reason why Puntarenas 

remains so untouched is because it hasn't 

been fully discovered by tourists yet. The 

area's importance, however, dates back centuries 

as a highly trafficked fishing port. 

Today, you may recognize the name in association 

with cruises, as this is a favorite stop 

for large passenger boats. But Puntarenas 

can easily become its own trip and getting to 

this unspoiled piece of paradise is simple. 

San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, is only about 

two hours away, and flights from all over the 

world arrive daily. More than likely, your first 

stop visiting this area of the country will be 

the town of Puntarenas, with a population of 

just over 100,000 and a culture that spans 

centuries. While you can walk the seaside 

promenade and observe colonial architecture, 

which is a direct tribute to its past, you 

can also explore the forward-thinking innovation 

here, such as Casa de la Culture, a 

once dirty jail that now hosts an array of cultural 

performances all year. For those interested 

in marine life, Puntarenas is also home 

to Costa Rica's sole aquarium, which dually 

educates visitors and assists in the rehabilitation 

of injured marine life. 

Once you've gotten a taste of the varied 

species in the area, you're going to want to 

explore the real marine life of this region as 

well-and with an abundance of unspoiled 

wilderness surrounding Puntarenas, that 

shouldn't be difficult. Natuwa Wildlife 

Sanctuary, just minutes outside the city, provides 

homes for some of Costa Rica's fleeting 

wildlife, such as tapirs, spider monkeys, marmosets, 

and jaguars. Of course, spying a 

sloth, the curious and cuddly creature native 

to the region, is undoubtedly a highlight. 

For those in the market for an active vacation, 

Puntarenas is the answer. For example, 

a short boat ride to Isla Tortuga brings you 

to crystal clear water optimal for snorkeling, 

diving, jet-skiing, or simply lounging. ATV'ing 

through the jungles and virgin beaches of 

Puntarenas with companies such as Pura 

Vida Expeditions is an excellent way to 

explore the entirely uninhabited part of the 

region. 

The Puntarenas region is special because it 

caters to all sorts of budgets accommodation 

wise. Whether you want to sleep under the 

sparkling stars without light pollution or 

enjoy the amenities of a boutique beachfront 

resort such as Tambor Tropical stunning teak 

wood and comfortable beds, the possibilities 

are as unique as the region's topography. 

www.visitcostarica.com

24 

Topping your Last Visit to Tokyo 

Article and photography by Steve Gillick 

In the spirit of adventure, it’s always a 

pleasurable challenge to return to a 

favourite destination with the goal of 

indulging in brand new experiences. 

Tokyo is perfectly suited to this quest for ‘the 

new’. In fact, only a few days after the opening 

of the new Shibuya Scramble Square, we 

stood on the Sky Stage, 230 meters (755 feet) 

above the famous multi-directional pedestrian 

crossing (the Shibuya Scramble), under a big, 

beautiful blue sky. This open-air observation 

deck affords magnificent 360 degree 

panoramic views of the City of Tokyo. A philosophical 

thought, etched in glass, emphasizes 

unity and commonality for all those who stand 

on the ‘stage’: 

Shibuya at your feet - Tokyo all around you – 

both connected to the world beyond. At the 

center of everything you stand, one with the 

sky. 

One floor down in the Sky Gallery, visitors 

sidle up to the windows, as close as they can, 

to look straight down to street level. Interactive 

art exhibits reinforce the theme of one sky 

uniting visitors from around the world. For 

those who have visited Tokyo’s other observation 

decks (Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and 

more), the Sky Stage is really the topping! 

For a different kind of interaction with nature, 

the Nezu Museum is soothing to the soul. 

Featuring the fine art collection of the philanthropist 

Kaichiro Nezu, the building was 

designed by architect Kengo Kuma to complement 

and emphasize the natural beauty of the 

area. Visitors enter along a bamboo and 

stone pathway and then after appreciating the 

art inside the Museum, they stroll through the 

beautiful treed, green garden of walkways, 

ponds, statues and lanterns. It’s a total escape 

from the sights and sounds of the busy city 

and it works! 

In Gotokuji, just outside the city of Tokyo (but 

still part of Tokyo Prefecture), travelers pounce 

on the idea of visiting the Cat Temple. Just 

beyond the three-storied pagoda, they visit a 

shrine where a small statue of Kannon, the 

Goddess of Mercy, is surrounded by thousands 

of ‘Maneki-Neko’; figurines of white 

cats with red ears and collars, who raise a 

paw to beckon or ‘wave-in’ good luck. A 16th 

century legend recalls that a powerful feudal 

lord, caught in a violent storm, was invited by 

a cat to take shelter in the temple. Now visitors 

purchase cat figurines and place them at 

the shrine in hopes of having their wishes fulfilled. 

And for those looking to admire pagodas 

there are five-storied pagodas in Asakusa 

and Ueno Park as well as the beautiful 

Ikegamihonmonji Pagoda about 30 minutes 

outside the city of Tokyo. Peaceful experiences 

continue a few train stops away at Senzokuike 

Park with a walk around the lake, sightings of 

the rare Hummingbird Moth, and birding 

opportunities that include Great Blue Herons, 

Black-crowned Night Herons, flocks of feral, 

lime-green, Rose-ringed Parakeets, and the 

Kawasemi or ‘river cicada’, also known as the 

Common Kingfisher. 

And these were only some of the highlights of 

a return visit to Tokyo that included first-time 

visits to the Okutama nature area and the 

amazing volcanic scenery on Miyakejima, 

one of the Izu Islands. With so many activities 

in Tokyo Prefecture, it’s actually very easy to 

‘top’ your last visit with new, innovative, exciting 

and rewarding adventures. 

www.gotokyo.org 


26 

Broadway Review: Ain’t Too Proud tells the story of The Temptations 

by Mike Cohen 

Last spring I saw Motown the Musical at 

Place des Arts in Montreal, the 

American dream story of Motown 

founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight 

boxer to the heavyweight music mogul 

who launched the careers of Diana Ross, 

Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and 

many more. I loved every minute of it. So 

when I visited New York City recently, I was 

naturally drawn to Ain’t Too Proud: The Life 

and Times of the Temptations. It won a 2019 

Tony Award for Best Choreography and had 

12 nominations. 

The Temptations are an American vocal 

group who released a series of successful singles 

and albums with Motown during the 

1960s and 70s. Featuring five male vocalists 

and dancers, the group formed in 1960 in 

Detroit, Michigan under the name The Elgins 

and gave us such memorable hits as My Girl, 

American World Traveler Spring 2020 

Ain't Too Proud to Beg, I Wish It Would Rain, 

Treat Her Like a Lady, Just My Imagination 

(Running Away with Me) and For Once In My 

Life, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted 

and more. They earned three Grammy 

Awards. 

Otis Williams is the last living member of the 

Temptations. His book about the group is the 

basis for the Broadway show. Williams in fact 

continues to perform, using the Temptations 

name. 

Ain’t Too Proud, currently playing at the 

Imperial Theatre on West 45th Street until at 

least US Thanksgiving Weekend 2020, is the 

electrifying new musical that follows The 

Temptations' extraordinary journey from the 

streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of 

Fame. With their signature dance moves and 

unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top 

of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top 10 

hits with 14 reaching number one. The rest is 

history — how they met, the groundbreaking 

heights they hit and how personal and political 

conflicts threatened to tear the group 

apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. 

Tony Award nominee Derrick Baskin portrays 

Otis Williams and is the glue to the show. He 

narrates the entire history of the Temptations 

from the opening number until the conclusion. 

Before walking into the theatre I simply 

knew the songs which made the Temptations 

so successful, but this is a true history lesson 

and it pulls no punches. There have been 24 

members of the Temptations since this group 

was first established. Williams had to continually 

make the hard decisions and drop 

members who were not comporting themselves 

properly. 

After breaking house records at both Berkeley 

Rep and The Kennedy Center, this musical is 

written by three‐time Obie Award winner 

Dominique Morisseau, directed by two‐time 

Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey 

Boys), and featuring choreography by Tony 

nominee Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, On Your 

Feet). 

www.ainttooproudmusical.com

27 

Carolines on Broadway is New York’s finest Comedy Club 

by Mike Cohen 

For years I have walked by Carolines on 

Broadway promising myself that I 

would one day check out this world 

famous 300 seat comedy club. Well I finally 

did so, booking a dinner and show package 

on a Saturday evening. 

I arrived at 5:45 pm, checked in and was 

shown to a nice table in the club where veteran 

server Alfred took my order – some crispy 

fresh cut zucchini chips to start and a main 

course of grilled salmon and roasted potatoes. 

The menu has a nice variety of choices; 

appetizers such as calamari, nachos, shrimp 

cocktail and onion rings to a selection of salads 

and sandwiches, pastas, chicken and 

steaks. For dessert you can chose from strawberry 

shortcake, apple tart and chocolate 

cake, all served with ice cream. Of course 

there is a full liquor and cocktail menu. 

Carolines first opened as a small cabaret club 

in the New York’s Chelsea neighborhood in 

1982. Owner Caroline Hirsch, a lifelong 

comedy fan, soon began booking comedians. 

The comedy acts – which included now legendary 

performers like Jerry Seinfeld, Tim 

Allen, Billy Crystal, Rosie O’Donnell and Jay 

Leno – were a tremendous success. 

Located in the heart of Times Square, 

Carolines on Broadway presents the very best 

live comedy entertainment seven nights a 

week. Just steps from many of Broadway’s 

most well-known theatres, Carolines on 

Broadway provides the same quality entertainment 

that is customary on New York’s legendary 

Great White Way. On the night I went 

the headliner was Sinbad, who has starred in 

numerous TV shows and motion pictures. 

Today, Carolines on Broadway continues to 

hold center stage in Times Square as one of 

New York City’s most popular and enduring 

hotspots and as the city’s only genuine nightclub. 

The club is a New York institution and 

was one of the cornerstones in the revitalization 

of the vibrant and bustling Times Square 

district. In addition to presenting such top 

headlining comedians, the 300 plus seat club 

also features emerging talent, live podcasts, 

and improv and sketch comedy, as well as 

playing host to countless large-scale fundraising 

events and high profile benefits. 

For the dinner and show package, food is a la 

carte. You do receive priority seating in the 

showroom when you have dinner before the 

show in the supper lounge. Just arrive at the 

time of your reservation and you will receive 

your tickets to the show. I had a delicious serving 

of grilled salmon and an equally impressive 

fried zucchini chips appetizer. If, however, 

you miss your dinner reservation before the 

show, they will not be able to hold the 

reserved seats for you in the showroom and 

you will be sat first come, first serve. 

The theatre was an easy 10 minute walk from 

my favorite place to stay in New York City, the 

historic Algonquin Hotel on 44th Street near 

6th Avenue. See more on the Algonquin in 

our ‘Stay & Play section on page 52. 

www.carolines.com 


28 

Spotlight on Kiev 

by Daniel Smajovits 

The Motherland Monument weighs in 

at 560 tons, stands 102 meters tall 

and towers over Kiev. Sword and 

shield in hand, upon first glance from the 

plane or car, this monument all but confirms 

every stereotype you have about the city: 

you’re visiting a place still shrouded by the 

iron curtain. 

Or so you think. 

If there is any city in the world that is in the 

midst of a renaissance, it’s Ukraine’s bustling 

capital. Less than five years removed from the 

Maidan Revolution, the third such upheaval 

since the fall of the Soviet Union, the aura in 

the city is that it finally turned a corner. 


First time visitors to Kiev should opt to stay 

near Khreschatyk Street, which like Broadway, 

runs through the heart of the city. The street 

itself is lined with hundreds of stores, restaurants 

and bars and even becomes a pedestrian 

thoroughfare on weekends, where families 

gather well into the evening to enjoy Kiev’s 

lively and family friendly nightlife. 

With so much to see and experience, book a 

walking tour with Your Kiev Tours. Started as a 

passion project by Eva Vik and her three 

friends, the blossoming walking tour has 

become the #1 rated tour on Trip Advisor. 

Spending a morning with Eva will introduce 

you to all the major and even some hidden 

sights of the Ukrainian capital. Her engaging 

and fun style, which makes you feel like you’re 

walking with a long-lost friend, will serve as 

the perfect foundation for the rest of tour trip. 

While Eva will introduce you to some 

Ukrainian food and drink, ensure to save 

some room for Kyiv Tasty Tours. Going 

beyond the traditional fare, this food tour 

turns the tables on both local cuisine and 

restaurants. From the city’s vibrant market to 

a hidden restaurant in the heart of 

Independence Square, this tour will make you 

long for Ukrainian food well after you’ve 

landed at home. 

For history buffs, as one of the oldest cities in 

Eastern Europe, Kiev and its surroundings is 

home to a number of the continent’s most 

unique museums. The Museum of Corruption 

is appropriately located in Mezhyhirya 

Residence, the one-time home of President 

Victor Yanukovych before he fled the country 

following the Maidan Revolution. While closer 

to the city centre, The National Museum of the 

History of Ukraine in the Second World War, 

home to the aforementioned Motherland 

Monument, allows you to step into the tumultuous 

history of the country and life behind the 

Iron Curtain and more. 

As no trip to Kiev will be complete without 

sampling some of the city’s famous nightlife 

and whether you’re solo, with friends or with 

your significant other, Kate from Sights of Kiev 

is your perfect guide. Beginning at 9:00 p.m, 

Kate’s nightlife tour goes well beyond the traditional 

bars to a number of exclusive - and 

sometimes hidden - spots known only to 

locals. From the best local spirits and beers 

with some fantastic live music in between, an 

evening with Kate will seem like you’re back in 

college with your roommate, enjoying a night 

on the town, making this tour the ideal way to 

wrap up your fantastic trip. 

www.traveltoukraine.org

Subscribe 

to our print issue at 

www.worldtraveler.travel 

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

30 

A Journey of the Senses 

AAt the crossroads of Europe and 

Asia is Istanbul, with a rich history 

spanning over two thousand 

years. Strategically located on the 

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a vibrant city 

where east and west meet to create this 

unique cultural capital. Istanbul is home to 

an estimated 15 million inhabitants, built 

on seven hills, and topped by the minarets 

of over 3,000 mosques including the worldfamous 

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. 

Mouth-watering tastes worth travelling for 

It is the food that leaves the greatest 

impression. Traditional Anatolian staples 

such as doughy manti (dumpling), freshly 

squeezed juices sold on every street corner 

and sesame covered simit rolls, perfectly 

accompanied by Turkish çay (tea). The 

smell of fresh fish or rich Turkish coffee are 

often in the air. 

Take flight in a hot air balloon at sunset 

On everyone’s bucket list should be a hot 

air balloon flight at sunrise. People travel 

to Cappadocia from all over the world to 

take part in this spectacular sight of hot air 

balloons making their gentle flight over the 

valleys and fairy chimneys, lit up by the rising 

sun. Accommodation ranges from 

cool and rustic cave hotels to elegant and 

luxurious houses. Traditional Turkish baths 

(hamams) in which to relax and unwind is 

also a highlight. During your stay, venture 

into underground cities, cave churches and 

the outdoor museums to learn more about 

the history of this special place. 

Cappadocia is also famous for its wine, 

and a must experience element of your 

meal. 

The colourful Aegean coastal city of Izmir 

In Western Anatolia on a bay of turquoise 

water is the Aegean coastal city of Izmir, 

where archaeological sites remind visitors 

of a rich history set against a backdrop of 

the hilltop Kadifekale castle. Spot one of 

the most famous landmarks of Izmir, the 

Clock Tower designed by French architect 

Raymond Charles Pere dating back to 

1901. To enjoy the view and save your 

legs from the 155 steps connecting city 

streets, use the public elevator known as 

Asansör. Another alternative is the modern 

European-style quarter of Karşıyaka which 

also offers excellent sea views. Notable 

nearby highlights are the enchanting 

ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the Seven 

Wonders of the Ancient World. The nearby 

village of Çeşme is a charming gastronomic 

paradise with its whitewashed houses 

and blue painted windows. 

Turkish food in Izmir has many influences 

and flavours for every palate. Izmir meatballs, 

called köfte, are enjoyed across 

Turkey, made lovingly with local spices and 

served in a tasty tomato sauce. Try local 

specialty Kumru, the perfect on-the-go 

snack of sausage, cheese and tomato 

served in bread, or the delicious pastry 

Boyoz, which can only be found in Izmir 

and should not be missed!

The luxurious ancient port city of Bodrum 

Rugged, rolling mountains meet the shores 

of the crystal blue Aegean Sea in the small 

city of Bodrum. The Aegean coastal city is 

spread across a double bay, mixing 

ancient and modern history. The city is 

home to the ancient Greek city of 

Halicarnassus, site of the Tomb of 

Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of 

the Ancient World. Along the coastline is 

the well-preserved medieval Bodrum 

Castle which offers superb views and is 

home to the Museum of Underwater 

Archaeology. 

Renowned for its unique "sugar cube" 

houses, Bodrum is one of Turkey’s gems 

and is fast becoming the first choice for 

holidaymakers the world over. 

Escape to small villages or enjoy the 

extravagance of its many five-star hotels 

and bustling nightlife, Bodrum is the place 

where the green of the forest meets the 

clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. 

Make sure your flight is part 

of the vacation 

Vacation time is precious, so make every 

minute count by starting your trip the 

moment you step onto the plane. The 

award-winning products and services of 

Turkish Airlines’ Business Class provide an 

unparalleled experience with the utmost 

elegance. Prior to take off, passengers can 

benefit from extra baggage allowance, priority 

check-in and boarding, and access to 

Turkish Airlines Lounges. 

Relax in exclusive seats, with massage 

functions, that convert your seat into a 188 

cm flat bed. Delight in gourmet dishes prepared 

and cooked to your taste by Flying 

Chefs, and enjoy comfort kits to maximize 

your wellness on-board. Business Class 

also offers a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment 

system, films in different languages, 

a wide assortment of audiobooks, 

a great range of music and much 

more. It boasts award-winning catering 

designed for any palate where you can 

enjoy international cuisine and local 

Turkish specialties such as ‘pide’ and 

‘börek’ with fresh fruit juices and tea. 

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. 

With 321 destinations, and adding new ones 

at a rapid pace, THY welcome travellers with 

smiles and a friendly hello, though often with 

a charming accent! 

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 

31 

Whether you are enjoying the wonders of 

Turkey for several weeks or only a few 

days as part of the Turkish Airlines 

Stopover Program, Turkish hospitality and 

wonder awaits. 

Are you ready to Widen Your World? 


G Adventures Launches Five New Planeterra Projects to Empower Women 

New ‘Project 100’ community tourism projects will positively impact more than 2,800 women 

tively impact women, youth and Indigenous 

people. The next five Project 100 projects are: 

Berracas de la 13 - Comuna 13 

Medellin, Colombia 

Once a city under the control of groups loyal 

to Pablo Escobar, Medellin was rife with crime, 

violence, drugs and political unrest. Much has 

changed since then, with the city now a popular 

tourist destination and regarded as one 

of the most innovative cities in the world. Even 

with a decrease in crime, there are still barriers 

which exist for those that live there however. 

Berracas de la 13 was created by a group 

of women with the goal of empowering 

women and youth in their community. With 

Planeterra’s support, Berracas de la 13 has 

improved its restaurant, developed a local 

tour and meal service and grown local infrastructure 

to create a sustainable income 

stream which welcomes travellers looking to 

learn from local guides, purchase unique 

handicrafts and try new food. The experience 

is available on the nine-day Colombia 

Express tour. 

TWE - Together We Earn 

Kerala, India 

OOn International Women’s Day, 

March 8, 2020, community 

tourism pioneer G Adventures 

and its non-profit partner Planeterra 

announced five new projects which put a 

focus on empowering women and their communities. 

More than 2,800 women will benefit 

from the 3,000 travellers expected to visit 

these projects annually. 

With a strong focus on empowering and supporting 

women, the new projects include a 

visit to a cultural and craft experience in 

Jerusalem where stories are shared and local 

handicrafts are showcased, as well as a stop 

in Kerala, India where 10 local women create 

community through hospitality and traditional 

food. 

The new projects are part of the Project 100 

initiative, a commitment to have 100 

Planeterra projects built into G Adventures 

tours by the end of 2020. With these projects, 

the total number now included in the company’s 

tours has reached 85, just three-months 

into 2020. Each year, more than 100,000 

travellers visit Planeterra projects impacting 

the lives of more than 60,000 local people. 

Jamie Sweeting, President of Planeterra 

Foundation and Vice President of Responsible 

Travel at G Adventures, says these projects 

support G Adventures’ purpose of changing 

people’s lives through travel, while empowering 

women, youth and Indigenous communities. 

“Supporting the local communities we visit is 

at the forefront of everything we do and these 

new projects continue our mission of turning 

travel into impact. I’m proud of projects like 

these that put the spotlight on the women in 

these communities and all the amazing work 

they’re doing,” says Sweeting. 

All G Adventures and Planeterra projects are 

selected to ensure the largest benefit to the 

local communities based on traveller numbers. 

There is a focus on projects which posi- 

There’s no doubt incredible strides have been 

made for women’s empowerment in Kerala, 

which now has the highest rates of women 

empowerment based on education and 

health indicators. The state, however, still 

struggles with women’s participation in the 

labour force – agriculture is the main source 

of income for families and women often don’t 

have the opportunity to gain skills and find 

employment beyond the fields they work in. 

With Planeterra’s support, TWE (Together We 

Earn) was able to bring its women’s empowerment 

to the next level by providing tangible 

skills-training opportunities, a guaranteed 

customer base of travellers and a sustainable 

income source. This was accomplished by 

investing in training and the construction of a 

kitchen in rural Alleppey – used for hospitality 

training and hosting international travellers. 

Travellers can visit and experience this project 

on the seven-day National Geographic 

Journeys South India: Explore Kerala tour.

33 

Domari Culture & Craft Experience 

Jerusalem, Israel 

The Dom community in Jerusalem faces regular 

discrimination due to not being fully integrated 

into either Israeli or Palestinian societies. 

The Domari Community Centre was 

created as a place where Dom women and 

children could be supported and provided 

vocational training while gaining the confidence 

and independence to thrive. Planeterra 

has supported the Domari Society of Gypsies 

by helping to create a tourism experience for 

G Adventures travellers – traditional food is 

served, cultural stories are shared and local 

handicrafts are showcased to help further 

positively impact the community. Travellers 

can visit this project while on the 15-day 

Jordan and Israel Adventure tour from 

Amman to Jerusalem. 

Shedia Home - Athens, Greece 

Homelessness continues to be a significant 

social issue in Greece with youth unemployment 

surpassing 50%. Shedia Home is a notfor-profit 

organization working to employ and 

empower those experiencing homelessness 

and social exclusion in Athens. More than 

150 people have been provided the opportunity 

to earn an income to cover their basic 

needs on a daily basis. In fact, 43 individuals 

now have homes thanks to their connection 

with Shedia. Planeterra partnered with the 

organization to provide valuable sustainable 

income for its programs – bringing travellers 

to the brand new Shedia Home, which features 

a cafe, educational talk from one of the 

Shedia’s guides currently experiencing homelessness 

and the option to join a tour of 

Athens which “makes the invisible (homeless), 

visible.” The 15-day Best of Greece tour from 

Athens to Santorini includes visits to Shedia 

Home. 

Maldives Plastic Program 

Malé, Maldives 

Pollution of the oceans directly impacts the 

Maldives, which are made up of 99% water 

and only one per cent land. Without the proper 

infrastructure or awareness for proper recycling, 

the country’s imported plastic items 

sometimes end up thrown in the oceans or on 

land. Partnering with local travel company 

Voyages, Planeterra has now integrated plastic 

pick-ups into all G Adventures tours traveling 

through the Maldives. Planeterra provides 

the equipment necessary for travellers to 

engage in plastic clean-ups on beaches, with 

the goal of mitigating tonnes of plastic waste 

from ending up in the ocean. A local nonprofit 

also assists in the processing of the collected 

plastic to be used for upcycling in countries 

which have the proper infrastructure to do so. 

The Maldives Plastic Program can be experienced 

on the eight-day Maldives Island 

Hopping trip. 

www.gadventures.com/aboutus/responsible-travel 


34 

Tropical 

Tidbits 

by Sue C Travel 

Bahamas bounces back with solar energy 

plans and new investments 

Though there’s still much work to be done 

to get the islands affected by Hurricane 

Dorian back to ‘normal’, they are embracing 

the rebuild as an opportunity to do 

things differently. One way they are doing 

that is by looking seriously to solar powered 

“micro-grids” for energy, in fact the goal is 

to produce 30% of Bahamas energy from 

renewable sources by 2030. Royal 

Caribbean has also taken a keen interest in 

getting Grand Bahama back on the map 

quickly and have announced a $300 million 

investment in Freeport in tandem with 

new partner Holistica Destinations. Plans to 

update and expand the Freeport cruise terminal 

with a project called Harbour Village 

will include new visitor attractions including 

multiple shopping and dining venues, 

beach areas, excursion opportunities and 

more. They have also purchased the Grand 

Lucayan resort on the island and will turn it 

into a showcase 526-room hotel with a 

shopping village, spa and wellness center, 

a massive water and adventure theme 

park, and a 40,000-square-foot convention 

center. The new projects are slated to 

be finished winter of 2022. 

www.bahamas.com 

New luxury Bahamas hideaway on 

South Andros 

You might have already seen this unique 

property being built on the pristine 

Bahamian island of South Andros if you’re 

a fan of HGTV’s Island of Bryan television 

series chronicling one couple’s quest to 

turn an abandoned hotel into a new luxury 

resort. Now, their dream is a reality with the 

opening of the Caerula Mar Club, a visionary-driven 

oasis of sublime tropical escape. 

The couple took great care to ensure that it 

was built in the most sustainable manner 

possible, and by only welcoming families 

with children over the age of 12, they can 

ensure it remains a peaceful retreat for 

those seeking romance. The boutique 

upscale collection of accommodations 

includes swanky clubhouse suites and private 

stand-alone villas, and the island is 

surrounded by the world’s third largest barrier 

reef and the greatest number of “blue 

hole” caves that offer superb diving and 

snorkeling ops. 

www.caerulamar.com

ToursByLocals is a genius concept 

I just happened upon this fab Canadian 

owned company ToursByLocals recently, 

and I love what they do. They supply wellvetted 

local tour guides to create personal 

private tours for you in a gazillion destinations 

around the world. And yes, they are 

offered in just about every island in the 

Caribbean chain, and all throughout Latin 

America, too. Learning about the culture, 

attractions, and history through local eyes 

is the best way to get to know a new destination, 

and you are welcome to advise 

them on what you’re interested in most if 

you don’t like their suggested tour. Maybe 

you want to beach hop to the best snorkel 

sites, do a local foodie trail, or go hiking in 

secret spots… the choice is yours, and they 

can also accommodate those with limited 

mobility if you ask ahead. Ideal for cruise 

visitors seeking to avoid those big crowded 

junket excursions, too. 

www.toursbylocals.com 

Secrets St. Martin now open 

After a $63,000,000 USD renovation of 

the former RIU resort on lovely Anse Marcel 

Beach on the French side of the island, 

Secrets® St. Martin Resort & Spa opened its 

doors in March of 2020. Now the upscale, 

adult-only, all-inclusive offers 258 luxurious 

suites including Preferred Club swim-out 

options, and all guest receive their signature 

Unlimited-Luxury® treatment with 

gourmet fare and top-end spirits in several 

dining and bar options or via 24/7 room 

service. They also have a state-of-the-art 

convention centre, a huge ballroom, and a 

world-class spa. Also notable is their water 

circuit boasting the largest infinity pool in 

the Western Caribbean. 

www.secretsresorts.com/en_us/resorts/stmartin/st-martin.html 

Cuba gets overwater villas 

Situated in the province of Ciego de Ávila 

of Cuba just 35 minutes from Jardines del 

Rey International Airport, Cayo Guillermo 

Resort Kempinski opened in March of 

2020, and is touted as one of the most luxurious 

non-all-inclusive hotels on the 

island. The new resort offers 245 deluxe 

rooms and suites including the very exciting 

contemporary overwater bungalows called 

the Playa Pilar & Hemingway Water Villas. 

A gym, spa, and yoga space plus a kid’s 

club and tennis courts add to the allure, 

and the on-site drink and dining options 

are multiple and include a Hemingway 

Cigar Bar & Lounge in tribute to his love of 

this region. 

kempinski.com/en/cayo-guillermo/cayoguillermo-resort 

St. Augustine’s stylish 

new beachfront resort 

Florida’s oldest city now has a new way to 

stay on its gorgeous Atlantic coast since 

Embassy Suites by Hilton opened the St. 

Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort just 

over a year ago. Located close to Anastasia 

State Park, a 1,600- acre nature preserve, 

activities include swimming, birdwatching 

and nature hiking there, and it’s close to 

the historic old city for easy urban 

35 

explorations of St. Augustine’s most 

famous historic attractions. Signature 

dining on site and by the pool/beach, and 

free made-to-order breakfasts as well complimentary 

evening receptions, flexible 

event space, a fitness center and a 24/7 

market round out the amenities of this 

modern and ethereal oasis of 175 spacious 

two-room suites and studio suites with 

ocean views and balconies. 

embassystaugustine.com 

A different kind of bathing beauty? 

Though there are islands in the Bahamas 

famous for having wild pigs that you can 

swim and snorkel with, the feral pigs of 

Playa PortoMarie in Curacao aren’t that 

energetic. In fact, the small tribe of porkers 

that often wander onto the sand there are 

quite content to simply hog some of your 

shade, slowly forage around for food, or 

simply bask in the shallow waters along the 

beach. And though sometimes they might 

summon up the energy to roll over and 

request a belly rub from a human, that’s 

about the extent of their workout. But 

they’re fun to photograph, and just one 

more reason to head to PortoMarie which is 

a stunning stretch of sand on aqua sea with 

a double coral reef ideal for snorkeling. 

There’s also a dive shop and a great beach 

bar on site, too. (Special thanks to Donna 

LeClair for the great pig photo.) 

www.playaportomari.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 


Arctic North Atlantic South Atlantic North 

Amazon Danube Mekong Nile Rhine Rhône Moselle Seine Yangtze 

C r u i s i n g with 

W O R L D 

Traveler 

Come With Us &

Pacific South Pacific Indian Southern Ocean 

CRUISING SECTION 

Cruise News - pages 38-39 

A Very Viking Cruise! - page 42 

Paradise Discovered in Halong Bay - page 44 

Uncruising and Unwinding in Alaska - page 46 

On the Nile - page 48 

Holland America’s New Style of Cruising on the Nieuw Statendam - page 50 

This Photo: Paradise Cruises 

Sail The World! 


Adriatic Aegean Mediterranean Caribbean Baltic Black South-China Sea

38 

AmaWaterways Avalon Azamara Carnival Celebrit 

C r u i s e N e w s 

Aqua Expeditions' Aqua Nera Sets Maiden Voyage For October 2020 

Following the launch of Aqua Blu in November 

2019, Aqua Expeditions will unveil the highly 

anticipated Aqua Nera in October 2020, setting 

a new standard for luxury river cruising on 

the Peruvian Amazon. 

The vessel will operate on three-, four- and 

seven-night itineraries to ensure complete flexibility 

and the ability to adapt to guests' travel 

plans. Aqua Nera's itineraries will depart from 

the Peruvian port of Iquitos before meandering through the various tributaries of the 

Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, visiting diverse Amazonian 

towns and villages along the way. Expert naturalist guides will be on board to offer bespoke 

experiences, such as intimate wildlife encounters in the world's most biodiverse rainforest; 

from morning birdwatching to spotting the legendary pink river dolphins. 

www.aquaexpeditions.com 

Atlas Ocean Voyages 

Atlas is creating a new category in 

between the ultra-premium and 

the ultra-luxury cruise brands, 

what they are calling Luxe- 

Adventure journeys. One of the 

key differentiators will be how they 

deliver the destination aboard 

their small, all-inclusive, luxury 

ships (98 rooms): offering highenergy 

and heart-pounding shore-side experiences that would be considered unconventional 

in the cruise industry, i.e. dark tourism at Chernobyl, white-water rafting in 

Cappadocia, glamping outside Wadi Rum, and glider flights over Provence. Back on 

board, they will focus on wellness and offer lively venues for guests to share their day’s 

exploits, think Après Ski. And these are just some options their guests will have during 

the inaugural summer 2021 season sailing the Holy Land and Eastern Mediterranean, 

Western Mediterranean, and the Black Sea aboard their first ship, World Navigator. By 

2023, World Navigator will be joined by four additional new sister ships 

www.atlasoceanvoyages.com 

SeaDream Yacht Club to 

Return to South Florida in 2022 

For the first time in over 10 years, 

SeaDream Yacht Club has revealed 

plans to return to South Florida. 

SeaDream II is now scheduled to sail 

to Palm Beach in January 2022. The 

announcement comes as SeaDream 

opens for reservations 33 new 2022 

West Indies voyages. The newly 

unveiled season, kicking off January 

2022 through April of the same year, is 

brimming with new destinations. For the first time in the company’s history, the luxury 

twin mega-yachts will sail to The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos as well as 17 new additional 

ports in the West Indies. 

www.seadream.com 

Australis 

Luxury Expedition Cruises 

Through Patagonia 

Australis cruises, the only commercial 

cruise company to navigate through the 

heart of Patagonia, offers unique disembarkations, 

uncompromised luxury 

accommodations, cuisine and wines, 

with strong sustainability initiatives 

ensuring minimal environmental impact. 

Their two vessels each house 100 cabins 

for 200 guests total, creating very special 

experiences. 

Sustainable tourism: Expert 

guides contribute to scientific research 

including bird counting, and sampling 

and analysis of plant and wildlife 

through the Science and Business 

Correlation Program. Australis minimizes 

and aims to eliminate use of single-use 

plastics and paper, and promotes 

the use of signature canteens, 

reducing the use of plastic onboard. 

Adventure/Expedition travel: 

Travelers get up close and personal with 

unspoiled wilderness, coming face to 

face with the Magellan penguins during 

the zodiac boat excursions, which feature 

fur seal and albatross sightings. 

Australis guides are experts in the 

region’s history and there to educate 

travelers during small group disembarkations. 

Honeymooners: Cabins are 

built for two passengers fitted with large 

picture windows in each. Vessels feature 

luxury service and first-class restaurants 

with international cuisine and local 

recipes to highlight the delicious and 

varied regional fare, as well as a wide 

selection of Chilean and Argentinean 

wines. 

Tech detox: Passengers commit 

to the live experience during a 4 or 8- 

night expedition without access to 

phones or WI-FI, which is intentional 

from the brand. 

www.australis.com 

Royal-Caribbean Scenic Seabourn SeaDream Si

y Costa Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America 

39 

Silversea Opens Sales On New 

51-Port Grand Voyage Arctic 2021 

Silversea Cruises, has recently open 

sales on the Grand Voyage Arctic 

2021—a remarkable 51-port itinerary 

that connects a range of once-in-a-lifetime 

experiences. 

Between July 16 and September 17, 

2021, Silver Cloud will journey between 

Tromsø and Nome (Alaska), unlocking 

unique experiences for guests over 63 

nights. The cruise line’s guests will travel 

deep into seven countries to witness 

untouched glaciers, captivating wildlife, 

and remote communities, while also 

crossing the fabled Northwest Passage 

and enjoying two maiden calls— 

Nordfjordholmen (Melfjord, Norway) 

and Lysebotn (Norway). Silversea’s 

team of Expedition Experts will enhance 

the experience with informative lectures, 

immersive Zodiac tours, and activities 

ashore, while esteemed guest speakers, 

bespoke events, and many onboard 

enrichments complete the offering. 

51 PORTS, SEVEN COUNTRIES, AND 

TWO MAIDEN CALLS 

On this remarkable itinerary that will 

unlock many unique experiences, travellers 

will follow in the footsteps of 

Amundsen, Franklin & Ross by traversing 

the famous Northwest Passage. This 

iconic route has long intrigued the most 

intrepid of travelers and remains a lifedefining 

adventure for many. 

Historically significant destinations, 

such as Beechey Island and Gjoa 

Haven, will enable guests to learn more 

about the passage’s discovery, as they 

develop a deep appreciation for this 

pristine region and all that inhabits it. 

www.silversea.com 

Viking Announces Launch of New Expedition Voyages 

Purpose-Built Ships Will Bring Guests to the Far Reaches of the Earth 

and the Heart of North America Beginning in 2022 

Viking has recently announced the expansion 

of its destination-focused travel experiences 

with the launch of new expedition 

voyages. Viking Expeditions will begin 

sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, 

Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages 

to Antarctica and North America’s 

Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, 

Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, 

sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic. 

Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will 

bring the newest and most modern vessels 

ever to explore this region of North 

America and will mark a major commitment 

to local tourism and economic 

development for the states of Michigan, 

Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the 

Canadian province of Ontario. 

Viking Expedition Ships 

The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis 

and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 

189 staterooms; both ships are currently 

under construction and will be delivered 

in Norway by Fincantieri’s VARD. 

Designed by the same experienced nautical 

architects and engineers that designed 

Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally 

sized and built for expeditions – small 

enough to navigate remote polar regions 

and the St. Lawrence River, while large 

enough to provide superior handling and 

stability in the roughest seas. The ships 

will feature public spaces that are familiar 

to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that 

have been reimagined for expeditions, as 

well as new public spaces created specifically 

for expeditions. 

2022-2023 Viking Expedition 

Inaugural Voyages 

Antarctic Explorer 

(13 days; Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) 

Antarctic & South America Discovery 

(19 days; Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro) 

Arctic Adventure 

(13 days; Roundtrip Tromsø) 

From the Arctic to the Antarctic 

(44 days; Tromsø to Ushuaia) 

Undiscovered Great Lakes 

(8 days; Thunder Bay, Ontario to 

Milwaukee) 

Great Lakes Explorer 

(8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, 

Ontario) 

Niagara & The Great Lakes 

(8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee) 

Canadian Discovery 

(13 days; New York to Toronto). 

www.vikingcruises.com 

Hurtigruten MSC Norwegian Oceania Ponant Princess Regent 

versea Star-Clippers Uniworld Viking Windstar

A Very Viking Cruise! 

Article and photography by Michael Morcos 

Once in a cruisers life, they must take 

a Viking cruise. There are all sorts 

of cursing options and Viking has 

all the most popular worldwide destinations 

covered. Choices start between river and 

ocean itineraries and the lists explodes from 

there. Viking covers six continents and will 

soon have cruises that go to Antarctica on their 

new expedition ships (read Viking’s Expedition 

Ships on page 39) Being a leader with the 

most river boats, they cover most of the major 

rivers and as rumour has it, they will be soon 

be sailing the Mississippi. If it’s Viking then you 

would believe it will be another masterpiece 

ship and itinerary. 

There is a good reason why Viking has rapidly 

expanded their offerings, won countless 

prestige awards and have seen their fleet swell 

from their humble beginning some short years 

ago. They are simply the best at taking care of 

their clients. These very same clients have 

become regulars returning again and again. 

Some even book their next cruise while barely 

finishing the one they are on. 

As for price and value, as the saying goes ‘the 

proof is in the pudding’. There are lots of discounts 

being given by competitors but as 

usual, ‘you get what you pay for’. With Viking, 

they go far beyond that. Every detail of one’s 

trip is planned from the time they leave home 

to the return. Viking has their own in-house 

travel agents that work out the best routes and 

connections and often have special fare rates 

from their partner airlines. From the traveler’s 

flight, to an airport transfer to the ship, to easy 

and quick check-in, arriving at your stateroom 

is seamless and all so easy that your luggage 

is already there. 

Comparing all-inclusive cruises on the market, 

Viking cruises include excursions at every port 

of call with professional guides and fantastic 

itineraries that include the best things to see 

and do in that location. Also included are all 

three meals a day, wine and beer at lunch and 

supper. It is important to mention, one will 

never starve on a Viking cruise, quite the 

opposite, one has to refrain as the meals are 

varied and delicious. There are also special 

meals that reflect the gastronomy of the region 

and fabulously prepared and presented. 

All this and we must mention the superb Viking 

ships and having traveled on both river and 

ocean vessels they are, simply put, magnificent. 

Everything on these beauties is perfect! 

Pleasing Nordic design, attractive décor, relaxing 

lines and colors gives the feeling of tranquility. 

Above all else, everything is simplified, 

no fussing with cabin temperature controls, TV 

remote controls, safes, washroom faucets or 

cabin doors. 

A very Viking cruise indeed! 

And a very Merry Christmas as once again my 

wife and I are on a magnificent Viking cruise. 

This would be our fifth with Viking, this one 

during the period leading up to the holiday 

season. Although the Romantic Waltz cruise 

from Budapest to Passau was not holiday 

themed, per say, it sure brought us to the most 

stunning European Christmas markets. Seven 

glorious days of exploring the best of on the 

Photo: Viking

Danube that would bring us to five different 

countries, languages and cultures. Sunrise to 

sunset (and beyond) our itinerary was packed 

with fun and exploration. We could have opted 

for rest and relaxation, staying on board to 

enjoy the beautiful ship and its public spaces 

and amenities but exhilarated by the surroundings, 

we would explore the wonderful 

cities, towns and markets all along the way. 

In Budapest we would be in awe, after all, this 

was our first central European Christmas market. 

Yes, we do have them at home but in this 

region, the markets are infinitely bigger and 

much better. Our Viking longship, the 

Vilhjalm, would dock in the heart of the city 

giving us amazing 360 degree views of the 

best of central Budapest. On our arrival, we 

would waste no time and with luggage in 

cabin, we would bolt out the door and explore 

the charming quiet streets and the bustling 

and popular night markets. All our senses 

where on high as would smell the wonderfully 

prepared foods in stalls, traditional warm 

spiced wines and the cinnamon that was in 

every corner of the two biggest markets. 

The following day, we would take something 

typically Hungarian and something some of 

the locals participate in daily. That would be 

going to the baths. On my fourth trip here to 

Budapest, it was finally time to get this once in 

a lifetime experience. We would opt for one of 

Vikings optional tours of the baths. The trip 

there and back was effortless. With a Viking 

prepared bag filled with the necessities like a 

fluffy towel, we would depart on our private 

luxury coach with other Viking guests and 

drove straight to the bath building, all the 

while we had a professional guide taking 

about her beloved city and the history of the 

iconic baths. 

Bath anyone? 

This was already becoming a highlight of our 

trip. Barely there, I felt an easy going feeling 

as our coach navigated the small and dimly lit 

narrow streets. In a city full of bath houses, 

Viking’s choice was one of the best. The St. 

Lukacs bath building was big and grand in 

structure and once inside you could get lost in 

the many halls, passages and stairways. The 

baths themselves date back to the 12th century 

when it was the favourite of the Turkish 

grand Vizier. Today, they have three large outdoor 

pools, several indoor pools (all at varying 

temperatures) and many fountains and 

saunas. Two hours were spent in bliss relaxing 

and enjoying the thermal effects of the warm, 

natural spring waters. 

Cruising up the Danube 

In the following days, we would have more of 

the same. More pampering by the Viking crew, 

more great Viking led excursions, more wonderful 

scenery, more amazing experiences, 

more gastronomic delights, more amazing 

Christmas markets, more charming towns and 

villages, more shopping…life was good! 

On our seven-day cruise we would visit the 

small but lively Slovak capital of Bratislava 

where, on a Friday night, the town square 

swelled with happy locals singing, laughing 

and dancing the night away. The wonderful 

grand city of Vienna was at her holiday best, 

just about every centrally located street and 

square was brilliantly lit up with colourful lights 

and the many markets had a festive feel to 

them. A break from the big cities was found in 

the charming village of Krems and a nearby 

monastery, where we would be in the fresh 

country air and enjoy quiet reflection in the 

richly decorated Gottweig Abby. What followed 

was a breathtaking cruise through the 

Wachu valley: vineyards, castles and small villages 

dotted the landscape and locals waved 

as we slowly navigated the Danube. Although 

our time was limited in the historic city of Linz, 

we would still find time to stroll the main 

boulevard and see how the locals finished 

their day with food and wine in the main 

square. 

A short drive away, we were in the beautiful 

medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, Czechia, 

here we would visit one of the best-kept old villages 

I had ever seen. Lastly, we would finish 

this cruise in the lovely town of Passau, 

Germany, this would be a return visit for us 

here. As the last one was in the height of summer, 

this time around, the masses where gone 

and we felt like we were one of the locals. 

Yes, life was good! The Danube River is one of 

the best rivers worldwide for traveling to on 

and crusing on. The best part was the Viking 

experience, so perfect in so many ways, it was 

another ‘Very Viking Cruise!’. 

www.vikingcruises.com 

43 


44 

Paradise Discovered in Halong Bay 


Halong Bay is by no means 

unchartered territory by tourists 

in Vietnam, unlike other areas 

of her pristine coastline where crossing 

paths with another visitor is few and far 

between. In fact, over three million tourists 

flock to this bay each year - compare that to 

Vietnam’s stark coastline such as Ha Giang, 

which, due to its geographic location in the 

highlands of the country, hardly sees 

tourists. 

Halong Bay, on the other hand, is a comfortable 

and efficient two-hour drive on the 

newly-renovated highway from the bustle 

and chaos of the country’s capital, Hanoi. 

With this congestion of tourism and the saturation 

of competition, how do cruising 

companies differentiate themselves and 

attract guests? 

For Paradise Cruises, that answer lies in the 

company’s commitment to delivering 

unparalleled luxury service. With a total 

fleet of about a dozen ships and more in the 

pipeline, Paradise Cruises prides itself on 

creating the optimal balance of relaxation 

and adventure, flexibility and scheduling, 

opulence and simplicity. The brand has 

established a longtime respected reputation 

in the country - in fact, Paradise Group 

Vietnam currently owns and operates four 

other fleets as well as the 156-room 

Paradise Suites and Paradise Trend hotels, 

the first and only boutique luxury hotels in 

Halong Bay. 

I recently was privileged to sail Paradise 

Elegance throughout northeast Vietnam’s 

magical topography. Here we meandered 

through the Gulf of Tonkin, where limestone 

pillar islands adorned with emerald forests 

create a surreal scene, a real-life cross 

between Avatar and Jurassic Park sets.

While all Paradise Cruises share similarities 

in the caliber of service and itinerary variation, 

they still differ in many ways. I urge 

you to research the Paradise ships individually 

before booking, to decide which itinerary 

is most agreeable for you. For me, the 

answer was Paradise Elegance. 

Onboard Experience 

Paradise Elegance, with 31 spacious cabins 

and five-star amenities, flawlessly exemplifies 

the company’s vision. Grand in stature, 

this 200-ton steel craft ship is the most 

extensive overnight option to ever sail 

through Halong Bay, measuring 61 meters 

long and 13 meters wide. The precision and 

time it took to decorate the vessel’s interior 

is unmistakable - not a thread is out of 

place. Vietnamese and eastern Asian 

design concepts are fused with modern 

Western twists, seamlessly meshing the two 

worlds. 

The piano bar on Elegance is just that: elegant. 

The primary social gathering space 

onboard, this charming and spacious room 

is connected to the restaurant, luring guests 

for a cocktail or cigar following dinner. 

Between the dark wood paneling, the 

ornate paintings, and the musty leatherbound 

chairs, the room’s ambiance is reminiscent 

of a refined nineteenth-century 

English parlor, where the gentlemen sip 

top-shelf whiskey and talk politics. The 

ship’s primary evening entertainment is a 

live band, which readily takes requests from 

the audience and encourages dancing until 

wee morning hours. 

Of course, if you have two left feet, you can 

enjoy Elegance’s other evening activity 

offering: squid fishing from the stern of the 

boat (and if you’re lucky enough to catch 

one, the cook will fry it for breakfast the next 

morning!) 

The top deck of Elegance is where all the 

action throughout the day is centered. With 

striking 360 degree views of the surrounding 

landscape, the capability to hold up to 

70 people at once, and a circular, shaded 

bar serving snacks and happy hour specials, 

it’s obvious why guests flock to the 

top. 

By late afternoon the sun melts into the skyline. 

It provides a stunning background for 

the traditional Vietnamese cooking class, 

where the ship’s chef demonstrates how to 

delicately produce a classic spring roll and 

invites brave guests to try themselves. 

For a boutique cruise line, Paradise 

Elegance boasts a surprising variety in its 

31 suites. The ship has 27 Deluxe Balcony 

Cabins and four Terrace Suite cabins. No 

matter the category, all rooms include a 

bed, a telephone, a spacious bathroom 

with a shower, sink and toilet, a walk-in 

closet, and - most importantly - a balcony 

with two deck chairs. The bathrooms are fitted 

with their high-end amenities and are 

much less claustrophobic than traditionally 

thought of a cruise. 

Each guest room is assigned a butler who 

serves as the liaison between guests and 

management for the duration of the journey. 

The butler’s primary responsibility is to 

inform guests about the scheduling and 

serve dishes during dinner (and more informal 

duties include giving local advice about 

must - explore hidden gems in the area!) 

Shore Experiences 

Speaking of hidden gems, the greatest 

draw to any cruise through the UNESCOprotected 

Halong Bay is the ability to experience 

nature at her most extreme - she 

lures in guests from around the world with 

her dramatic limestone islands contrasting 

the vibrancy of the turquoise Gulf of Tonkin. 

Paradise Elegance goes far beyond the 

standard cruising itinerary; however, allowing 

guests more bespoke experiences, 

should they choose. 

Paradise Elegance provides a relatively condensed 

schedule for guests, whether they 

choose the “one night-two day” or “two 

night-three day” program. A one-night itinerary 

usually includes an afternoon visit to 

Sung Sot Cave, the largest and arguably 

most serene cave in Halong Bay. An intrep- 

id adventurer’s dream, the ancient 

45 

cave is composed of 1,969 sunken 

limestone towers submerged in the 

indigo waters of the bay and many still 

remain rugged and unexplored. 

Weather permitting, the next optional excursion 

is a visit to The Tung Sau Pearl Farm, 

notable for growing pearls and practicing a 

handmade technique based on Vietnamese 

tradition and Japanese technology. This is 

also an extraordinary inlet here to kayak 

and experience the untouched nature more 

intimately, guests can rent a two-person 

kayak for an additional USD 20. The following 

morning begins bright and early, 

with a visit to the famous Ti Top Island, the 

ideal stop to for a brisk a.m. swim or an 

arduous hike culminating in panoramic 

views at the top. 

The first 24 hours of Paradise Elegance’s 

“two night-three day” program is identical 

to that of the “one night” itinerary. However, 

guests who wish to experience Halong Bay 

even more in-depth will continue the second 

day onwards and deeper into the bay 

aboard the Paradise Explorer tender boat. 

Throughout this multi-hour journey, the ship 

stops at Trong Cave on Bo Hon Island, 

where your mouth may be left agape 

observing the sheer amount of stalactites 

dangling from the cave’s ceiling. 

Of course, Vietnam is famous for its hidden 

floating villages. Cua Van Floating Village, 

the largest of the five remaining floating 

fishing villages in the bay, is no exception. 

Elegance guests will reach this hidden gem 

the most local way possible, traditional 

bamboo boats. Those up for the adventure 

may decide to kayak instead. 

There is a reason why Paradise cruises have 

withstood the test of time and competition 

sailing in one of Vietnam’s most touristic 

areas: they prioritize comfort, luxury, and 

an authentic feeling of adventure. 

www.paradisecruise.com 


46 

Uncruising and Unwinding in Alaska 

Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick 

The stress of selling our home had 

taken its toll. Bags appeared on top 

of bags under our eyes from the 

preparation, staging, showings, open houses 

and uncertainty. Sleepless nights were the 

norm as we feverishly wished for somebody, 

anybody, to buy our home. But finally, it sold. 

Three days after the successful sale, still shellshocked, 

we flew to Juneau, Alaska, to 

embark on an UnCruise. This Seattle-based 

company differentiates itself from other cruise 

lines with its small ships (its biggest vessel has 

a maximum passenger capacity of 90), inclusive 

expedition-styled itineraries and its focus 

on nature, wildlife and culture. 

Our ship, the aptly named Wilderness 

Explorer, sailed a section of Alaska’s Inside 

Passage, a route that weaved through countless 

islands along the Pacific coast. We boarded 

tense and tired, and disembarked, seven 

days later, relaxed and filled with awe by the 

expansiveness and staggering beauty of the 

Alaskan landscape. 

Days of Adventure 

We fell easily into the rhythm of the ship. 

“Good morning, Wilderness Explorers,” the 

announcement would chime at the start of 

each day. “Breakfast is now being served in 

the dining room.” 

After a delicious and hearty meal, we’d set out 

to do exactly what our ship’s name dictated 

and explore the wilderness. Unlike other 

cruises I’d been on, all of the UnCruise excursions 

were included in the price and designed 

to get you out in the wilds of Alaska at whatever 

intensity suited you best. Choices ranged 

from easy discovery walks and zodiac tours to 

paddleboarding, sea kayaking and bushwhacking. 

The latter was an UnCruise speciality, 

which could be described as hiking 

without a trail, and often involved slithering 

under fallen trees, clamouring up rocks and 

sliding down hills. 

“We’re exploring, too!” our enthusiastic 

guides chirped as we dove into the lush vege-

Bay, where we paddled into a divine grotto 

and listened to the sound of the ocean and 

forest while rays of sunlight filtered through 

the crevices of the limestone walls. 

sea lions,” the ranger remarked. “It 

smells like one, too, and is only inhabited 

by males too young or old to 

mate.” 

47 

tation of the temperate rainforest. Our lungs 

filled with air so rich with oxygen we could 

almost taste it, as we forged our way through 

bushes and trees. It was the complete opposite 

of the please-stay-on-the-marked-trail 

hiking I was used to! 

Whatever adventure we decided on, whether 

leisurely or active, the wilderness never failed 

to astound and inspire us. Sheltered from the 

ocean and with an abundance of rain, vegetation 

flourished in the Inland Passage’s archipelago. 

Life clung to every branch and stone 

with moss and lichen of every shade of green. 

The calm, deep-blue water stretches out to 

mist-shrouded mountain peaks in the distance. 

Hidden Falls and Secret Grottos 

Because of the ship’s smaller size, we had 

access to special sites that ‘floating cities’ AKA 

larger cruise ships don’t. Places like Basket 

Photo: Uncruise 

Hidden Falls, situated on the east side of 

Baranof Island, is another locale that’s available 

only to smaller vessels. It’s home to a fish 

hatchery that releases about 84 million chum 

fry each year. Some passengers elected to 

participate in an interpretive tour of the facility, 

whereas others, like myself, explored the 

site by kayak. We first paddled to the waterfalls, 

and wondered how it could have been 

named ‘hidden’, when it’s a breathtaking 

128-feet high. And then we investigated 

around the hatchery, where we were amused 

by the fish that were continuingly jumping out 

of the water, sure that at one point one would 

flop itself into the boat. None did, though our 

guide said it had happened. We were also 

delighted by the seal, whose sweet face kept 

popping up, and the eagle perched on a ‘No 

Fishing’ sign. 

Glacier Bay National Park 

We spotted wildlife every day on our cruise, 

but our morning in Glacier Bay National Park 

was particularly memorable with sightings so 

incredible that even the park’s ranger was 

blown away. 

“A truly remarkable day,” said Mark Ender, 

who was on board with us during our time at 

the 3.3- million-acre park that is famous for 

its glaciers, scenery and wildlife. “I only make 

journal entries when something is truly special, 

and today was definitely that.” 

We were already feeling lucky, when we gathered 

around Ranger Matt on deck after 

breakfast, armed with binoculars. The sun 

was shining in this normally rainy climate, 

and the white-peaked mountains shimmered 

against the bluebird sky. 

“Those are the Fairweathered Mountains,” 

Ranger Matt told us. “They got their name 

because they can only be seen on days like 

today.” 

We felt even more fortunate when we started 

seeing the incredible wildlife at the park. 

“The island we passed is a bachelor pad for 

On South Marble Island, there were puffins, 

the clown of the bird world, because of their 

brightly-colored beaks. 

Next, the cutest otter floated by on his back. 

But all of this was just the opening for the 

shows that were about to start. 

“An orca!” someone called, and I turned just 

in time to see a tail fluke wave before it dove 

into the water. It surfaced again, this time 

closer to the boat along with another orca, 

and they both showed off their graceful moves 

and sleek black and white coloring. These 

creatures, also known as killer whales, are the 

largest member of the dolphin family, and it’s 

a rare sighting. 

Brown bears are not so rare, but the territorial 

display we witnessed was. Watching 

through our binoculars, passengers collectively 

gasped, as both bears stood up on their 

hind legs vying for one particular spot on the 

beach. One retreated but then returned again 

for a second and third round before disappearing 

in the forest. 

And then there was the swimming moose, 

who seemed completely oblivious to the clicking 

of cameras. 

Just ‘wild’ in every sense of the word. The glaciers 

themselves almost seemed alive, when 

they rumbled and crackled, as they calved 

into the turquoise water. Feeling miniscule 

before the 350-feet ice sheet, our awe of the 

Alaskan landscape, replaced the tension we 

had accumulated in the past months of selling 

the house. 

We remained blissed out until we returned 

home…to move. 

www.uncruise.com 


48 

On the Nile 

Article and Photography by Lisa TE Sonne 

Ican’t believe we are on the Nile, the 

longest river in the world, the “mother of 

civilization,” the river of Moses, King Tut, 

Cleopatra, Nefertiti, Somerset Maugham, 

Agatha Christie, and so many more. 

My eyes open dreamily to see blue waters rippling 

past a river bank of palm trees, 

papyrus-like grasses, and a donkey and 

thatched hut reminiscent of a biblical manger. 

I am waking on the top deck of the M.S. 

Mayfair plying the passage that thousands of 

feluccas with their distinct sails have journeyed 

over thousands of years. After seeing 

the ancient Egyptian sun god of Ra depicted 

in temples and tombs, and on cartouches and 

post cards in Cairo and Alexandria, I have 

enjoyed a solar nap, a more contemporary 

homage to the powerful sun overhead. It’s 

January, but I am comfortably warm. 

I hear snatches of French, Spanish, and 

Arabic, as well as English, from some of my 

fellow passengers on the 74-cabin Mayfair. 

Some kids are giggling and splashing in the 

roof Jacuzzi. Tea is being served in porcelain 

cups to adults. And then, in the distance, a 

muezzin calls locals to pray to the one great 

God Allah, in this country whose history is 

carved and painted with images of ancient 

gods that look part lion, crocodile, jackal, 

owl, lion, cow, cat, or even alien. 

My mind cruises through images that I have 

now seen in person, not just books or screens. 

The Egyptian museum in Cairo was an essential 

three-dimensional primer before going to 

tombs and temples. The museum’s 120,000 

artifacts include King Tut’s gold mask, wellpreserved 

royal mummies, and colorful hieroglyphics. 

The museum is nestled among high-rises in

how it got there and who else has 

touched it in hundreds of generations 

of people. 

49 

the capital of Egypt, which bustles with 20 million 

living people. Across the Nile to the west, 

in Giza, famous monuments to the dead, 

including the Giant Pyramids and the iconic 

Great Sphinx, are roughly 4,500 years old. 

That’s thousands of years older than other 

ancient bucket-list destinations, such as 

Angkor Wat, Machu Picchu, the Aztec pyramids, 

and the Anasazi cliff dwellings. 

River Life 

To live a few days on the life-source Nile, my 

husband and I flew south to Luxor to begin 

our cruise to Aswan. My first image of the Nile 

at Luxor was of waters much bluer than the 

river’s commercial artery through Cairo. And 

beyond the blue, desert mountains contrasted 

with colorful hot air balloons. 

Moored near the great Luxor Temple, the 

Mayfield became our moving home en route 

to shore excursions with wonderful guides. In 

only a few days, via horse-drawn carriages, 

air-conditioned vans, and shaded motorboats, 

we managed to visit the Valley of the 

Kings with King Tut’s tomb, the Valley of the 

Queens, the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of 

Rameses, the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the 

Philae Temple and Luxor Temple. 

Countless guidebooks and web sites can 

share incredible facts about famous locations: 

Estimates say about 2.3 million stone blocks 

weighing about one ton each were used to 

build the Great Pyramid. The eyes alone on 

the Sphinx of Giza are two meters high. But to 

be there with your own eyes is to wish they, 

too, were two meters high. There is so much 

to take in and to wonder about. To touch one 

of these mammoth stones and to marvel at 

Driving through open desert, then crouching 

through a long narrow passage and descending 

into the bowels of the Earth to see something 

astonishing awakens an innate thrill of 

discovery. 

In our current world hurtling past Snapchat 

and 30 nano-seconds of fame, the carved 

walls and pillars and ceilings in these temples 

are still telling stories millennia later - tales of 

battle and bravery, tenderness and love. And 

they have created rock stars (literally) for the 

ages. 

We also created our own little stories when 

going to have hibiscus tea in a Nubian village, 

visiting the Aswan Dam, clambering 

over rocks to see the Unfinished Obelisk, and 

helping make paper in the Papyrus Museum. 

But our touchstone was always the Nile River 

to smell the winds that swirl felucca sails and 

to watch the moods of the clouds and to feel 

the rhythms of the river’s tides. 

Our well-appointed ship provided several 

ways to view river life: topside with winds and 

smells and sun, from the dining room with 

good food and drink, or from a balcony in the 

suite. Our room even had a deep bathtub 

with a sliding panel, so that we could see over 

the bed, through the balcony glass door, and 

onto the Nile itself. 

We passed diverse tableaux - oasis-looking 

settlements, stretches of sand-piled deserts 

with a row of camel, and all-rock islands with 

only winged visitors. We passed the river life 

of fisherman and farmers in realms once 

ruled by great pharaohs. We passed cliffs with 

cave-like portals that stirred mystery about 

what might have once been. 

When the sun blazed fiery farewell to another 

day, we saw it in the sky and reflected in the 

Nile, as it has been millions of times before. 

And later we could sleep on the Nile, under 

the stars of Moses and Pharaohs. 

Yes. We really are on the Nile. 

www.egypt.travel 


50 

Holland America’s New Style of Cruising on the Nieuw Statendam 

by Janice and George Mucalov 

IIt was music to our ears. Literally. The 

gifted classical quintet on the ship’s 

Lincoln Center Stage played Schumann 

pieces to heart-tugging effect, stopping casual 

passers-by in their tracks. Later that 

evening – a few skips down the ship’s Music 

Walk – a live band in the Rolling Stone Rock 

Room kicked out smash hits that got everyone 

rockin’ and rollin’ like it was the 70s again. 

The B.B. King’s Blues Club also got us into the 

groove with soulful and funky tunes from 

Memphis. 

If you think you know what cruising is like on 

Holland America, think again! 

Holland America has jazzed up its approach 

to cruising, especially on its two newest 

2,650-passenger ships, the Pinnacle-class 

Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. 

This is not your granny’s cruise – though she’s 

very welcome. Our one-week Caribbean 

cruise on the Nieuw Statendam attracted a 

wide range of guests, from young families 

(most with well-behaved children) to globetrotting 

silver-haired couples. 

Club Orange 

We signed up for Club Orange, the cruise 

line’s new VIP pay-for-perks program ($25 

USD p.p. a day). This allowed us to skip the 

lines when embarking in Fort Lauderdale and 

board the ship almost immediately. 

Best of all, we could have breakfast and dinner 

in the private Club Orange restaurant, 

also open to Neptune and Pinnacle Suite 

guests. Sporting décor color pops of pumpkin

orange and an open kitchen, it serves exclusive 

Club Orange dishes (which change 

daily), in addition to what’s on the menu in 

the main dining room. It’s particularly great 

for bypassing the breakfast crowds in the 

main buffeteria and enjoying a sit-down 

breakfast of Eggs Benny. 

Fresh Ship Design 

Both contemporary and timeless, the Nieuw 

Statendam’s design sings. 

In the three-deck-high central atrium, a spiral 

staircase winds around a soaring sculpture 

resembling a harp. You feel as if you’re walking 

right into the stainless steel strings. Look 

up at the ceiling skylight, and you see a 

changing kaleidoscope of high-def images – 

maybe wispy clouds or, at night, a star-studded 

sky. 

The $4 million art collection relates mostly to 

music. But other pieces are catnip for art 

lovers too. Many are new takes on classic 

masterpieces. There’s a reproduction of the 

Mona Lisa. And beside it, another Mona Lisa 

made of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Triple take – is 

that a seriously blurred picture of the famous 

half-smiling lady? You can’t help but stop and 

try to figure out the art on the walls. 

Lots of high-tech wizardry abounds too. Fancy 

a glass of wine for lunch in the Lido Market? 

Just press a buzzer on your table to get 

almost-instant service. And gone are the days 

of checking a paper print-out of the daily 

activities – simply check the HAL Navigator 

app on your phone. 

New Specialty Restaurants 

We’ve cruised HAL in the past, but the dining 

had never really wowed us. Not so in the 

Nieuw Statendam’s specialty restaurants. 

We often judge a resto by something as simple 

as the bread. If it’s not good, we don’t 

expect much from the rest of the food. On the 

Statendam, each of the four main specialty 

dining spots boasts its own unique yummy 

bread. 

At the 54-seat Rudi’s Sel de Mer? Crusty 

baguettes garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary. 

The place transports you to a cozy 

French brasserie with plush curved red banquette 

seating and pop-art porcelain plates 

painted with colorful food faces adorning the 

back wall. We couldn’t resist the classic escargot 

baked in Pernod butter for an appetizer. 

C’est bon! Popular entrées include duck à l’orange, 

coq au vin and whole Dover sole meunière 

with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt. 

But the Pan-Asian Tamarind was our favourite 

restaurant. Sophisticated dim lighting. Black 

wood tables and plates. Rich purple glassware. 

Enhancing the exotic mood? Asian 

servers dressed in long Thai-style silk dresses. 

We sipped chilled sake while waiting for our 

orders. First up: A tempting array of fresh lobster 

and dragon rolls from sushi master Andy 

Matsuda’s sushi bar. Next, we sampled wokseared 

lobster, red Thai curry of cashew barramundi 

and Mongolian barbecued lamb 

chops with baby bok choy and plum sauce. It 

was all so tasty that if our cruise was longer, 

we’d have happily sprung for the extra $25 

USD p.p. cover charge to eat here again. 

The Pinnacle Grill for steak and wild salmon 

and Canaletto for Italian food also won us 

over. 

Staterooms 

And then there are the staterooms. Of the 

1,339 accommodations (including 174 

suites), 851 are veranda staterooms. Varying 

from 228 to 420 square feet (including the 

balcony), they’re well thought out. 

Dressed in white duvets, the beds face a large 

flat-screen TV opposite. There’s plenty of cupboard 

and drawer space (and we liked the 

wall hooks for hanging sunhats and purses). 

Bathrooms have decent-sized glass showers, 

so you can lather up with the ship’s Elemis 

products without bumping into the sides. A 

swack of convenient USB bedside and other 

plugs also meant we could recharge our 

phones, iPad, laptop and cameras all at the 

same time. Outside on our balcony, two grey 

lounge chairs came with footstools so we 

could even recline and nap (sort of). 

Pools and fitness room 

Sea days are perfect for relaxing on deck by 

the pool, right? We had two such days on our 

cruise. 

There are two pools on the Nieuw 

Statendam. One is mid-ship, with a 

51 

retractable glass roof and lounge 

chairs topped with thick cushions. On 

the upper deck overlooking the pool, you can 

loll about like a Roman on cool cocoon-like 

couches and chairs, separated by breezy 

white curtains. You have to be savvy to snag a 

lounger here though (easier come mid-afternoon). 

Aft is another less busy pool. 

For a pocket of tranquility, The Retreat is a 

separate sanctuary with pool- and ocean-view 

cabanas and dedicated staff to serve you 

drinks. It’s popular, so book early (extra 

charge). We tried to reserve a cabana for our 

second sea day; sadly, they were all gone. 

We decided to hit the fitness room with its forward 

view windows instead (better for us, we 

consoled ourselves). Problem: With so many 

state-of-the-art machines, it was hard to figure 

out which ones to try! 

Itinerary 

After summering in Europe, the Nieuw 

Statendam returns to her Fort Lauderdale 

homeport in November, 2020, for another 

winter season of Western and Eastern 

Caribbean cruises. The star attraction is Half 

Moon Cay, included on most itineraries. 

Picture the dreamiest of tropical islands with 

powder white sand and limpid waters. 

Chances are it looks a lot like this, HAL’s private 

island in the Bahamas. 

You can pet stingrays, ride horses and pedal 

a bicycle around the small island. But we were 

happiest just lazing about on the beach under 

the shade of waving palms. And when our 

stomachs started growling, we plonked ourselves 

down on wooden bar stools in the 

breezy new Lobster Shack to chow down on 

fresh grilled lobster. 

Ahhh… Eat, swim, sleep, repeat. And 

evenings of first-rate entertainment to look 

forward to. A Caribbean cruise doesn’t get 

much better than this. 

www.hollandamerica.com 


52 

Luxury Hotels...Grand Resorts...Charming B&B...Opulent Villas...Quaint C 

Sweet Dreams Around the World 

Stay & Play Section 

Escape to Wonderland: Hotel Giardino Mountain Resort 


St. Moritz has always been a scene of winter wonderlands, and Hotel Giardino 

Mountain is no exception. A train journey on the Swiss Rail, reminiscent of the Polar 

Express, takes guests to the five-star property from the country’s capital of Zurich. 

The ride itself is out of a Christmas card - hills and mountains juxtapose quaint villages 

as the train meanders through rural Switzerland’s valleys. 

Once pulling into the charming St. Moritz train station, you’ll be greeted by one of 

the hotel’s drivers who whisks you to Hotel Giardino Mountain - aptly named for fitting 

snug in slopes of the Albula Alps. The property is comprised of seven Engadine 

houses which were extensively restored in 2011 and reopened as a five-star design 

hotel. 

Mother Nature is undoubtedly showing off in this environment, the hotel is perched 

at almost 2,000 meters above sea level, snuggly caressed between the Alpine peaks 

of Corvatesh and Corviglia. For those who enjoy adventurous activities or simply 

rejuvenation in nature, there is a pristine lake just 300 meters from the hotel that 

sits adjacent to a spectacular pine forest. 

In the wintertime, by far the busiest time of year for tourism in St. Moritz, locals and 

foreigners alike enjoy skating and cross-country 

skiing by the lake. Though the area is 

known for these months of bundling warm, of 

course, though locals say they prefer summer 

in St. Moritz. As the air warms, they can go 

swimming and boating on the lake, or explore 

the maze of trees while sporting hiking boots 

instead of skis. 

For those who prefer to relax and enjoy the 

amenities of the resort instead of heart-palpitating 

adventures, Hotel Giardino Mountain 

has got you covered. The Dipiù Spa at Hotel Giardino Mountain is a relaxing and 

immersive experience, with pools, saunas, gyms, massages, and cosmetic options. 

The Hotel Giardino Mountain is a blissful escape where guests can enjoy as much 

or as little of surrounding nature as they’d like. The possibilities here are as boundless 

as the Alps themselves. 

The Algonquin Hotel 

Times Square New York 

by Mike Cohen 

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square first 

opened its doors in 1902. Today, it is part 

of the Marriott chain’s Autograph 

Collection, an evolving ensemble of strikingly 

independent hotels. Each of the 181 

rooms and 25 suites features a comfortable 

well-lit work desk, as well as complimentary 

Wi-Fi. 

This is our family’s home away from 

home whenever we travel to the Big 

Apple. We stayed in a very comfortable 

one bedroom Playbill Suite. The layout 

was ideally suited for us. There is a nice 

sized entrance, with the master bedroom 

to the left featuring a nice-sized bathroom. 

The spacious living room has a 

pullout couch, a large desk which was 

perfect for me to write my stories and 

good drawer and cupboard space. You 

can get a fridge and a microwave, 

depending upon availability and on 

request. 

www.algonquinhotel.com 

www.giardinohotels.ch 

New York London Paris Tokyo Hong Kong Bali Rome Thailand Monaco Amsterdam Berlin Ibiza Montreal Tanzania Hawaii Rio Madrid Ca 

Manila Singapore Mumbai Chicago Jerusalem Moscow Egypt Bora Bora China Japan Santorini Osaka Los Angeles Barcelona Santiago Washi 

Iceland Orlando Beverly Hills Melbourne Mallorca San Diego Crete New York London Paris Tokyo Hong Kong Bali Rome Thailand Monaco

ountry Inns...Luxary Safari Camps...Ecolodges...Ice...Cave...Treetop... Hotels 

53 

peace and clarity. Though skeptical about 

the cosmic power of gems, there was no 

doubt of the peacefulness that descended 

upon us at this spa. We reluctantly left, but 

knew we’d be back. Did I mention wellness-inclusive 

covered a massage a day 

and full access to the spa waters? 

“Hasta manana, YHI SPA,” I whispered 

under my breath. 

Our wellness suites had a menu of ‘stay 

well’ features that included: air purification, 

aromatherapy, circadian task lighting, 

guided meditation, stay well shower 

infuser, dawn simulation and a Deepak 

Chopra welcome. Meal options ranged 

from healthy pressed green juices delivered 

to your room to indulgent multicourse 

meals at the property’s many 

restaurants. And, of course, all sorts of 

libations as wellness-inclusive also meant 

all-inclusive. 

“It’s all about choice,” Bothfeld commented. 

Wellness-inclusive Luxury at Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort 

This January, resolutions still fresh in 

my mind, I was delighted to check 

out the brand-new ‘wellness-inclusive’ 

initiative at the adults-only Melia 

Punta Cana Beach in the Dominican 

Republic. 

“This program is like our baby,” said Oliver 

Bothfeld, hotel manager. “We really wanted 

to do something different.” 

The first difference was that we checked in 

not at the front desk, but at the spa. Not 

by Jennifer Merrick 

just any spa, either, but the lush and serene 

YHI SPA filled with tropical plants and water 

features with turtles lazily basking on rocks. 

Our tight, winter-weary muscles unknotted 

a little, as we sipped Tropical Moringa 

Herbal Tea and filled in our information. 

Once done, we were given our wellness 

bracelets, which, unlike the plastic, hospital-like 

bands that I associated with allinclusive 

resorts, was a black-stringed piece 

of jewellery with a larimar stone. Found 

only in the Dominican Republic, this blue 

gemstone’s energy supposedly resonated 

We chose to skip the 7AM Run for Fun on 

the Energy for Life itinerary and instead 

biked around the resort. The grounds were 

beautifully landscaped with tropical flower 

gardens and wildlife, like the flamingos 

whose reflection shimmered pinks and 

corals in the water. Several times during 

our stay, we strolled along Bavaro Beach. 

Recognized by UNESCO, this stretch of 

sand was as gorgeous as they come with 

postcard perfect wind-swept palms, white 

sands and turquoise water. 

We might not have kept all our resolutions, 

but we started the new decade in the right 

direction. Now every time I wear my larimar 

stone bracelet, I’m transported back 

to the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort and 

start to breathe a little deeper. 

www.melia.com 

pe Town Beijing Sydney Vancouver Ecuador Malaysia Crete Stockholm Maldives Peru Miami Shanghai Tahiti Riviera Maya Las Vegas Toronto B 

ngton Jakarta Marrakesh Boston Botswana Copenhagen New Delhi Dubai Sao Paulo Bangkok Auckland Boracay Uganda Banff Guangzhou Casa 

Amsterdam Berlin Ibiza Montreal Tanzania Hawaii Rio Madrid Cape Town Beijing Sydney Vancouver Ecuador Malaysia Crete Stockholm M

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

56 

Hilton Garden Inn 

Sacramento Art and Food Celebrated at the Hilton Garden Inn’s New Hotel 

by Jennifer Merrick 

IIn the lobby of the newly-opened Hilton 

Garden Inn Sacramento Airport 

Natomas, we watched as local artist, 

Amie M. Tokuhama-Chapman, painted a 

floor-to-ceiling mural of flowers, farm fields 

and a plane. 

“It’s a tribute to the hotel’s location and 

Sacramento,” said Amie when I admired her 

work. 

Located 100 miles northeast of San Francisco, 

Sacramento, California’s capital, is known for 

its rich soil and bountiful crops. The Hilton 

Garden Inn gives guests a taste of the farmto-fork 

city with nightly chef specials at the 

Brightheart Bar and the Garden Grille and 

Bar. We enjoyed an assortment of local meats 

and cheeses along with the freshest of fruit 

accompanied by a Judy’s Garden Gin, a sig- 


nature cocktail created especially for actress, 

Judy Greer. 

The Shop, open 24 hours a day, also stocks 

local products, including chocolate and confectionaries 

from Andy's Candy Apothecary; 

wines from nearby family-owned vineyard, 

Bogle Winery and almonds. The valleys 

around Sacramento produce the majority of 

the world’s supply of this nutritious nut, along 

with plums, peaches, tomatoes, olives, pears, 

sunflowers and grapes. Amie’s painting of the 

farm fields celebrated this rich agricultural 

heritage. 

The mural also reflects the strong street art 

culture of Sacramento. The city has embraced 

outdoor art with over 800 murals in the downtown 

core alone and an annual festival that 

sees dozens of new murals every year. 

“Graffiti artists, sometimes on the run, migrated 

here from the larger cities,” said Jenn 

Kistler-McCoy, our guide and owner of Sac 

Tour Company, explaining how the culture of 

murals began in Sacramento. 

On the tour through downtown Sacramento, 

Jenn fed us tidbits and tales about the murals 

and the artists. Some were well-known, like 

Shepard Fairey, a street-art celebrity, whose 

arresting 15-story Johnny Cash mural was a 

commentary on the prison system. Other 

artists were local, like Maren Conrad, who 

painted a tribute to Lady Bird, an Oscar-nominated 

coming-of-age story that brought 

Sacramento into the limelight. 

“It’s a city that fosters art,” Amie said, and 

then told us that the Hilton Garden Inn commissioned 

her for the mural after seeing her 

sidewalk art at one of the city’s many festivals. 

The plane in her work reflects the location of 

the hotel. Situated seven minutes from the airport 

and ten minutes from downtown, it 

attracts both business and leisure guests. 

Modern, comfortable and reasonably priced, 

its amenities include an outdoor pool, business 

center, fitness room, room service and 

free parking. And if your timing is right, you 

may just get to see more art in action. Hilton 

Garden Inn has plans to commission more 

murals as part of its mandate that the hotel 

represent the character and flavours of 

California’s capital. 

www.hilton.com/en/hilton-garden-inn 



57 

Hotel Review: Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences 


My recent stay at Vista Encantada 

Spa Resort & Residences, the 

meticulous newly-opened resort in 

Cabos San Lucas, entirely regenerated my 

spirit. After all, it would be difficult to not feel 

at peace at this exclusive and tranquil property, 

the ultimate retreat from the Cabos chaos 

energy nearby. 

Nothing is more soul-soothing than a backstroke 

in one of the resort’s rooftop infinity 

pools, under the canvas of the sprawling 

Mexican sky, the surrounding Pacific Ocean’s 

breeze cooling the harsh air, the unobstructed 

views of the famed Land’s End rock formation 

in the distance. 

The elegance in Vista Encantada’s interior is a 

seamless melange between traditional 

Mexican color palettes and smooth contemporary 

finishes. An all-suite property, the 

“smallest” living arrangement is a one-bedroom 

suite, which features a master bedroom 

with a King bed and a living area with a full 

kitchen, sitting and dining area, and an 

accompanying lounge area. 

The Milagro Spa is the optimal sanctuary to 

indulge in unique treatments and remedies 

carefully curated with Mexican wisdom of 

herbs and plants to help heal and rejuvenate 

the body. I indulged in the Pacific Mare 

Signature Ritual, which delicately combines 

warmth from an ancient Ayurvedic warm oil 

and a cooling sensation to dually relax and 

ease muscle tension (which, after countless 

laps in the infinity pool, I certainly needed!) 

The spa also boasts a variety of couple’s treatments, 

including a lighted candle drip massage 

and a romantic aromatherapy experience, 

including champagne and strawberries, 

of course. 

The gastronomic delights of Vista Encantada 

make it worth a visit on its own. A stay is 

incomplete without digesting the panoramic 

views and signature dishes at Mestizo del Mar. 

Wannabe mermaids like myself will adore the 

swim-up bar and grill at Atico Rooftop Pool 

and Bar, while those who prefer a little spice 

in their bite will flock to Los Riscos Mesquite 

Grill and Bar for authentic Mexican dishes 

and zesty margaritas. To promote nearby 

local businesses, the hotel also has a unique 

Golden Zone program which invites guests to 

use their meal plans at local restaurants, 

including a local steakhouse and sushi restaurant. 

No guilt trips needed after indulging in all 

these tasting offerings, however, because 

there are plenty of complimentary fitness 

activities to enjoy. Take advantage of perhaps 

the prettiest gym you’ll witness, located on the 

property’s roof, with views of the sparkling 

sea below. A horseback riding program 

allows guests to experience the stark and 

drastic desert-like surroundings of the resorts, 

trotting through trails sprinkled with cacti. 

Whether pursuing an active holiday or hoping 

to escape from the chaos of everyday life, the 

distinguished hospitality, creative gastronomic 

experiences, world-class amenities, and 

amorous spa make Vista Encantada Spa 

Resort & Residences the obvious choice on 

your next Los Cabos getaway. 

www.vistaencantadaresort.com 


58 

Asylum turned Hotel 

Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center - Buffalo, New York 

by Cherie DeLory, photography Christopher Payne 

Once a notable insane asylum with 

a revolutionary holistic and therapeutic 

approach to wellness, is 

now a stunning hotel and conference Center 

and a National Historic Landmark in Buffalo, 

New York. The former Buffalo State Asylum 

for the Insane (1880-1974) was designed in 

the Richardsonian Romanesque style, named 

after American architect Henry Hobson 

Richardson. 

In consultation with mental health advocate 

Dr. Thomas Kirkbride, Richardson and 

American landscape architect Frederick Law 

Olmsted collaborated on a vision that would 

provide a calm sanctuary and inspire hope 

and healing for its patients. Kirkbride believed 

that environment strongly influenced ones’ 

health and wellbeing. So, maximizing the 

sunlight pouring into the wide open corridors 

and spaces, providing a garden for planting, 

and plenty of outside space for playing recreational 

sports defined the architectural and 

philosophical blueprint. 

Following an extensive restoration, the boutique 

hotel opened in 2017 showcasing an 

overwhelming character-filled elegance. It 

maintains the integrity of the heritage building 

and boasts soaring 16-foot ceilings and 

expansive hallways and curved corridors connecting 

the wings, floor to ceiling windows, 

and original maple hardwood and ornate 

mosaic tile floors. 

There’s an intimate lounge, workout room, 

restaurant, business centre, and an outside 

terrace overlooks the vegetable and flower 

garden bordered by an intriguing crossshaped 

garden brick wall. It’s the original 

medina sandstone foundation of a greenhouse 

built in the early 1900s, but the walls 

have been extended to form a cross shape. 

The Tower Ballroom on the fourth and highest 

floor used to be a chapel where multi-denominational 

services were held. The Buffalo State 

College campus, directly across the street, 

used to be a 100-acre working farm for the 

hospital. The hotel serves up sustainable and 

garden fresh dishes in the farm’s namesake, 

100 Acres. 

In many ways, hallmarks of the former hospital 

have been repurposed and remain relevant 

to today’s hotel residents. Art walks, popup 

art displays, and yoga sessions are held in 

the same spaces where patients were encouraged 

to come out of their rooms into the lightfilled 

expansive 15-foot hallways to socialize. 

Inquire at the reception desk about the complimentary 

self-guided audio tour of the 

grounds. There are many historical tours 

available of the Richardson Olmsted 

Campus, including some buildings that are 

not open to the public yet. Other development 

projects on the campus are in the planning 

stages, including the Lipsey Buffalo 

Architecture Center, a space dedicated to 

information about the city of Buffalo’s historic 

architecture. 

Encompassing 42 acres of green space, Hotel 

Henry is like a breath of fresh air and a 

healthy dose of sunlight. It’s within walking 

distance to Delaware Park, a national historic 

district, the Buffalo Zoo, the Museum District, 

art galleries, and Elmwood Village for shopping 

and restaurants. 

www.hotelhenry.com 


59 

The Listel: Vancouver’s Eco-conscious Boutique Hotel 

by Jessica Percy Campbell 

These days, many travelers are concerned 

with minimizing their carbon 

footprint as they explore the world. 

It’s no wonder that eco-friendly destinations, 

restaurants, and accommodations are 

becoming increasingly popular. From extensive 

bike-lanes to accessible public transit by 

Skytrain, Vancouver is known for leading the 

way in green initiatives in Canada. The Listel 

Hotel is one of Vancouver’s finest accommodation 

options, priding itself on being a zerowaste 

facility since 2011. Through composting 

organic materials, and by making use of 

water reduction programs and solar panels, 

they have also been able to reduce their own 

carbon footprint by 30%! 

But being green isn’t the only thing that 

makes The Listel Hotel unique. Art and culture 

lovers will be pleased to discover that each 

floor offers a variety of themed artwork in 

every room. The Museum Floor features 

beautiful artwork and pottery from 

Northwestern First Nations artists. The 

Modern Art Floor showcases vibrantly colored 

rooms with retro furnishings. The Gallery 

Floor rooms are designed to make guests feel 

like they’re each in their own private art 

gallery. The Listel also offers multiple event 

venues ideal for sophisticated corporate or 

celebratory events. From the lobby to the conference 

rooms, the entire hotel is decorated in 

carefully curated artwork from around the 

world. 

What I love most about this hotel is that 

Charles, The Listel’s resident coffee connoisseur, 

offers a wonderful daily service for the 

caffeine enthusiasts among us. Each night, 

hotel guests can fill out a card indicating their 

preference for French press coffee or tea 

delivery in the morning. They will literally 

“wake up and smell the coffee” at their 

doorstep in the best way possible so that they 

can hit the ground running. The Listel Hotel is 

ideally situated in an exciting area of 

Vancouver’s West End, with hundreds of 

restaurants and shops within walking distance. 

The hotel is also connected to Forage, 

an award-winning restaurant well-known for 

its commitment to sustainability and for featuring 

locally sourced ingredients, wines, and 

craft beer from British Columbia. 

As Vancouver is one of the mildest cities in 

Canada, tourists can visit year-round without 

worrying too much about extreme weather. 

Visitors will never run out of things to do, as 

Vancouver offers the perfect mix of city life 

and nature, with many hikes and gorgeous 

beach scenes available nearby. I’d recommend 

taking a leisurely stroll through Stanley 

Park or Lynn Canyon Park before a night out 

on the town. For fitness lovers looking for 

something a little more challenging, the 

Grouse Mountain “grind” is certainly tough, 

but it ends in a rewarding view of the city. 

Vancouver also hosts all kinds of interesting 

events such the International Wine Festival at 

the end of February and the Cherry Blossom 

festival in April. Whatever your fancy, The 

Listel Hotel is a charming place to call home 

while wandering around the stunning city of 

Vancouver. 

Bonus: Guests visiting The Listel Hotel from 

surrounding areas nearby like BC, Alberta, or 

Washington State, are offered a resident’s 

rate of 15% off. 

www.thelistelhotel.com 


62 

Curacao - Four Fab Spots to Stay 

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort 

Exciting New Oasis for Business and Leisure 

by Susan Canpbell 

Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino 

Practical Urban Base with a Brand-New Vibe 


Iwas delighted to hear that the Curacao Marriott would be reopening 

in the Piscadera Bay area in 2019. The absence of a major 

resort on that prime piece of real estate right across the street from 

the Curacao World Trade Center was sorely missed. But now, after a 

$40 million USD renovation, the transformation is complete. And it’s 

glorious. I’m happy to see they left the grand entrance and sprawling 

pool intact and now, bedecked with state-of-the-art amenities, they are 

regaining their reputation as 

a first-rate stay on that landmark 

six acres of oceanfront. 

They will soon also offer the 

largest meeting space 

capacity on the island. 

The 336-room hotel is divided 

into two wings flanking 

The Great Room lobby area, 

one with a stand alone 

adult-only pool area. Our 

rooms were fresh and modern with epic sea views, and our Reef Club 

level status gave us access to an inviting indoor/outdoor space just off 

the lobby offering complimentary gourmet snacks and spirits. Also, off 

the lobby, is Zalo Gastropub for creative tapas and hand-crafted cocktails, 

a sushi bar, and a coffee house/marketplace for grab-and-gogoodies. 

For surfside food and drink, there’s the lively Salty Iguana, but 

it’s their new signature dining spot called C-Spice that’s really making 

big waves on Curacao’s culinary front. We had the pleasure of enjoying 

a fabulous poolside 

dinner there, and it was 

great to see award-winning 

Chef Dino Jagtiani at 

the helm. I knew him from 

St. Maarten when he ran 

Temptation, one of that 

island’s most celebrated 

restaurants for many years. 

Welcome back Curacao 

Marriott! 

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/curpb-curacao-marriott-beach-resort 

I’d not been to this cool urban resort in the heart of downtown 

Willemstad for two years, so I was really surprised at the magnitude 

of changes there- all for the better! Though their past carnival theme 

had been a very bright and colorful collage of design elements, that’s 

all changed after a 12-million-dollar renovation. Though the new Wind 

Creek Carnival Casino still carries on that festive colorful theme, the 

entire complex has been redesigned with an ethereal upscale, sleek, 

and modern style. From the sparkling new lobby and refreshed 

indoor/outdoor Nautilus signature dining room to the addition of a 

guest-only Starbucks on the second floor, the resort has truly been elevated. 

And it’s extremely inviting. 

Our stay this time was short but sweet, so the first spot I headed to was 

the unique manmade clifftop beach and seawater infinity pool, seriously 

one of the coolest water installations I’ve ever experienced. I’m happy 

to say that it’s still intact the way I remembered it, but now it’s even better 

with on-site spa cabanas. It’s right beside the cruise terminal, so you 

can see the twinkling lights of the ships on the water at night, and during 

the day, sometimes the infinity view provides the optical illusion that 

the ships are about to cruise right up onto the beach! Very cool. 

All the property’s 223 rooms and suites have been completely refreshed, 

and I totally enjoyed my sea view room overlooking the historic Rif Fort 

and its lively outdoor village where the outdoor music can waft up to 

your balcony at night. Of special note was the abundance of 110-volt 

outlets, there were dozens 

of them. Most of Curacao’s 

hotel rooms were originally 

designed to accommodate 

European visitors, so they 

often require adapters for 

the 220-volt outlets. 

This is an ideal practical 

base for business travellers, 

but also perfect for those 

seeking to be within easy 

walking distance of all the island’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and 

major urban attractions Willemstad has to offer. 

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/curbr-renaissancecuracao-resort-and-casino 


63 

Avila Beach Hotel 

The Grande Dame That Always Delights 


Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort 

An Ideal Escape for All Ages 


Every time I visit Curacao, I like to spend time at this classic 

Grande Dame, and each time I do, it’s even better than the last! 

Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2019, this is the resort where 

the Dutch Royal Family stays while on island, but this spot, though definitely 

aristocratic, is by no means snooty. It’s an inviting compilation of 

two family-friendly private beaches with a house coral reef ideal for 

snorkeling, a collection of casual and modern dining spots, and fun 

and friendly bars. In fact, their Blues Bar is famous for being the 

absolute best spot for Thursday Happy Hour on island. It’s set upon its 

own high pier, and their live jazz band plays atop the bar on their own 

loft perch. And if you dine on their outside deck there Thursday nights, 

you’ll also be treated to the Punda Thursday Vibes fireworks display in 

the distance. 

The 150-room complex is divided into three separate wings, each with 

its own appeal and specialty. The Blues Wing sits atop its own overwater 

pier and is uber romantic, especially now that this wing has been 

designated as adult-only. For business travelers and those seeking nononsense, 

sleek, modern stays, the Octagon Wing is the place to be, 

and that’s where you’ll find their stylish Cloud Nine Spa, 24/7 fitness 

centre and deluxe infinity 

pool. La Belle Alliance Wing is 

more classic colonial and their 

apartment style stays are preferred 

by families because 

they sport full kitchens. We 

had the pleasure of staying in 

their new two-bedroom luxury 

penthouse suite in the Belle 

Alliance Wing, and it was 

epic. The 3rd-floor sea view 

deck was large enough for a 

party of 20, the open concept kitchen/living room was also massive, 

and the the fact that it has 2 1/2 bathrooms and its own laundry facilities 

was also a plus. 

There’s also history and culture on site - a small octagonal museum 

dedicated to Simon Bolivar is worth a visit, and there’s often outdoor 

classical musical concerts in their sea front courtyard. 

www.avilabeachhotel.com 

Iadore staying at this sprawling complex out on the island’s eastern 

tip, it’s truly a destination within a destination, and it offers everything 

one could want for an ideal tropical holiday. And if you golf, 

even better. Their spectacular seaside Old Quarry Golf Course has won 

best in the Caribbean awards many years running. I don’t golf, but I do 

love to go tropical fish-finding, and this resort is just around the corner 

from the cool tugboat wreck in Spanish Waters, one of the island best 

snorkels sites. 

The colonial style complex of 

350 stylish and spacious rooms 

spans 2,000 acres of gorgeous 

palm gardens and a lovely protected 

beachfront with shallow 

waters ideal for families. 

Children also love the water 

fountain splash area and parents 

love the main pool with big cabanas and food and beverage service. 

The resort now has an all-inclusive option, and dining on site 

includes a collection of beach bars and grills, the Medi main dining 

room, sushi and cocktails in The Great Room and Shore, their standalone 

signature restaurant that sits atop a cliff over the sea. Shore also 

welcomes off-property guest and it is, in my opinion, one of the best 

dining spots on the island, and so do take a trip out there to experience 

it, even if you are not staying at the 

resort. They have an excellent 

stand-alone bar there, too. 

Personally, I simply enjoy chilling 

on the beach or floating in the sea 

while there and getting royally 

pampered in their awesome 

Atabei Spa is also a must, but if fitness 

is your thing, there are plenty 

of options. Hiking, biking, guided yoga and Pilates and an excellent 

24/7 gym are a few, and the resort’s tennis and golf pros offer weekly 

clinics for guests. The calm waters surrounding Santa Barbara beach 

are also ideal for SUP and sea kayaking. 

www.santabarbararesortcuracao.com 

Curacao - Four Fab Spots to Stay 


64 

Cherry Orchards, Light Houses and Shoreline 

by Cherie DeLory, photography: Destination Door County 

“Hold on tight,” shouts master lighthouse 

keeper, Hal Wilson from the wheel of his 

tractor’s seat. “This is going to be a lot 

of fun.” No, we’re not going for a hay wagon 

ride through the fragrant cherry orchards of 

Door County, Wisconsin. We’re braving the 

stormy waters of Lake Michigan over the 

causeway en route to the Cana Island 

Lighthouse. Depending on the weather, sometimes 

the causeway is free of water and visitors 

can walk to the island, but today we’re 

experiencing Hurricane Dorian’s wind and 

rain from across the Atlantic, making our voyage 

all the more atmospheric and strangely 

similar to the seafaring conditions that 

required the assistance of lighthouse structures 

to prevent sailors from catastrophic shipwrecks. 

One of 11 heritage lighthouses on the Door 

County Lighthouse Tour, the Cana Island 

Lighthouse is 150 years old with an instagram-worthy 

wrought iron spiral staircase to 

be conquered if you want to reach the wondrous 

panoramic views at the finish line. I 

climbed the 102 winding steps trepidatiously, 

not wanting any vertigo to get in the way of 

experiencing the tower’s architecture, the 

enlightening view from the landing at the top 

of the tower, and its crowning glory: the giant 

Fresnel lens. Nothing captures the imagination 

of the sea better than an image of a lighthouse 

with crashing waves and the direct 

glow of light from the Fresnel lens casting its 

glare onto the water’s landscape for the safety 

of travelling ships and boats. 

Hygge and Hammocks 

Door County is a Swedish settlement, hence 

nods to Norwegian culture abound. It’s no 

wonder the Scandinavian concept of hygge 

seems to be the natural order of things here. 

With a population of around 27,000, it’s 

known for abundant shoreline, beaches and 

historic lighthouses that guard the peninsula 

off of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Its five 

state parks offering everything from kayaking, 

hiking, camping and birdwatching make It a 

beacon for nature and outdoor enthusiasts 

year round. 

Its string of village main streets lined with artisan 

shops, craft breweries and bakeries serv- 

Cherie DeLory

ing up treats like the local specialty, cherry 

pie, make it easy to feel like this is a home 

away from home. That’s how I felt at 

Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, my bed and 

breakfast in quiet Baileys Harbor. This historic 

inn (circa 1907) was once the local blacksmith 

shop. The owners have since built a 

replica inn opposite the original, which is 

where I stayed. I was instantly won over by 

the lush flower garden surrounding the 

entrance and the intimacy and decor of the 

foyer, where treats are available 24/7. 

Popcorn, organic juices and homemade 

cherry oatmeal cookies. And it didn’t take 

long to test drive the hammock on my room’s 

balcony, which overlooks the greenery and 

bullrushes with the lake and dock beyond. I 

fell asleep to the sound of water lapping on 

the shore and the soft hue of the electric fireplace 

casting its glow across the room. I’d 

awake to glorious morning sunrises and the 

cheery calls of Red Winged Blackbirds. 

Ridges Sanctuary and a Sunset Cruise 

The quaint village of Baileys Harbor has a lot 

to offer, and the best part is that everything is 

within walking distance, with bikes available 

at the Inn. Next door is The Ridges, a diverse 

nature sanctuary covering 1,600 acres in and 

around the shoreline, with vast trails, wetlands, 

boreal forest, wildlife and wildflowers 

to explore. Don’t leave out a visit to the 

Nature Center and Baileys Harbor Range 

Lights, a pair of lighthouses situated at opposite 

ends of the boardwalk. I didn’t eat in 

town, but I stopped in for a latte at Bearded 

Heart Cafe and sampled a craft beer flight at 

Door County Brewing Company, the town’s 

saloon-style gathering spot with live music 

and a porch for watching the world go by. 

Watch the day slip away into night on the 

Sunset Live Music Cruise with Sister Bay 

Scenic Boat Tours debarking from the town of 

Sister Bay. This was a wonderful opportunity 

to witness my first mesmerizing Door County 

sunset, capture panoramic views of the coastline 

with its soaring limestone bluffs and 

underwater sea caves surrounding Cave 

Point County Park, looming lighthouses, and 

the table umbrellas dotting the patio of an 

atmospheric waterside restaurant. Fred & 

Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill is located at 

Little Sister Resort, a cottage and camping 

ground in Sister Bay. Imagine my delight 

when a couple of days on I was able to enjoy 

their fish tacos and a cherry juice margarita 

sitting at the water’s edge, listening to live 

music, and taking in another glorious sunset. 

Lipstick Trees and Root Beer Floats 

Everyone loves cheese, but did you know that 

the orange colour can come from a lipstick 

tree? A lunch stop and cheese curd tasting at 

family-owned Renards Cheese in Sturgeon 

Bay was a tasty and educational experience. 

Other restaurants worth a reservation are 

Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grille in 

Sister Bay for their delicious wood-fired pizzas, 

Coyote Roadhouse in Baileys Harbor 

serves up cowboy portions in a proper western 

saloon ambiance. I recommend the 

baked beans and steak. Wilson’s Restaurant 

& Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim is the spot for 

old fashioned home-brewed root beer ice 

cream sodas. Try Scaturo’s Baking Company 

and Cafe in Sturgeon Bay for brunch. My 

fried egg, sausages and french toast topped 

with warm cherries and whipped cream gets 

my vote for best brunch ever. 

Earth, Wind and Fire 

Cycling is my recreation of choice so to have 

the opportunity to explore Peninsula State 

Park on two wheels was exciting. Our bicycles 

were from Edge of Park Rentals, near the Fish 

Creek entrance of the bike trail. Sunset Trail 

is a 10-mile easy terrain that takes you 

through the woods and along the water’s 

edge. You’ll discover Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, 

Nicolet Bay Beach, and the Northern Sky 

Theatre Amphitheatre, a 650-seat outdoor 

theatre in the woods to enjoy live musicals 

during the summer. 

Want something a little different for dinner? 

Gather around the fire for a fish boil. The 

taste may not be for everyone, but it’s all 

about experiencing the local Scandinavian 

tradition. Rowleys Bay Resort in Ellison Bay is 

one of several resorts serving up the excitement. 

It’s raining, so inside the Master story 

teller regales us with entertaining stories 

about Rowelys Bay and its original settlers, 

the Potawatomi Indians, who enjoyed preparing 

their fish in this way. Outside, a large kettle 

is filled with Lake Michigan whitefish, 

caught daily, salt, red potatoes, and sweet 

onions. Listen for the school-bell. That’s when 

kerosene is thrown on the fire and the pot 

boils over resulting in raging flames. My timing 

was a little off so by the time I ran outside 

into the rain to snap a photo the flames had 

calmed down. Back inside the dining room I 

tasted the fish, and left plenty of room for 

Door County cherry pie. 

www.doorcounty.com 

65 

Cherie DeLory 

Cherie DeLory 


66 

Costa Rica: Listening to the Sounds of the Rainforest 

Article and photography by jennifer Merrick 

After an adventure-filled day exploring 

sites around Arenal Volcano in 

Costa Rica, we all felt a little dozy 

on the way back to our resort for the 

evening. So, we were almost stunned when 

we found ourselves pulled over on the 

shoulder of a main road. Had the vehicle 

broken down? Flat tire? 

“Howler monkeys,” announced our unflappable 

guide, Rhyan Cruz. He grabbed his 

ever-present telescope and led us out of the 

van. Sure enough, there were a troop of primates 

balancing on the hydro wires and 

bouncing around in the trees that lined the 

road. The monkeys lived up to their name, 

vocalizing loud, deep, barking-like bellows. 

Rhyan set up his telescope, and we did our 

best to get close-up shots of the playful creatures. 

But like monkeys do, they kept moving 

as soon as the focus was right. 

Howler monkeys are one of 250 species of 

mammals in Costa Rica, a country with one 

of the highest biodiversity in the world. 

Located in Central America above Panama, 

over a quarter of this small country the size 

of West Virginia, is protected wilderness. 

Though plentiful, some wildlife could be 

hard to spot without someone like Rhyan, 

who like all guides in Costa Rica had a 

license and extensive training. With a 

degree in eco-tourism and over 18 years of 

experience, Rhyan not only had a sharp eye 

but an expert ear. 

“We usually hear wildlife before we see 

them,” he told us. Howler monkeys were 

obvious, but others less so. He explained 

that the sound of the white-face monkey 

came from the throat. “Caww,” he mimicked.

“And spider monkeys sound like a rusty 

saw.” 

We saw these acrobatic monkeys, named 

for their spider-like appearance when they 

hang by their tails from trees, earlier that 

day at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. 

This 600-hectare property featured 16 

bridges – 10 fixed and 6 hanging – and led 

us through the cloud forest high above the 

jungle floor. 

Back in the van after saying adiosto the 

monkeys, we headed to Buena Vista Lodge, 

located in the more remote northern part of 

the country near the border of Nicaragua. 

Situated on the edge of the Rincon de la 

Vieja National Park, this eco-property 

offered plenty of opportunities to see and 

hear wildlife. 

The next day, as soon as I opened the door 

of our basic but comfortable room, I was 

greeted by a large iguana basking in the 

sun. And as I continued up to breakfast, several 

unusual-looking creatures I had never 

seen before crossed in front of my path. 

They had striped tails that stood upright and 

a long, pointed snout for a nose. 

“Coatis,” I was told later. These tree-climbing 

mammals were as common as racoons 

were to us. 

Activities at Buena Vista Lodge ranged from 

ziplining through the rainforest and mountain 

water slide to horseback riding and hiking. 

I opted for horseback riding, even 

though I had little equestrian experience; 

and I was grateful that my gentle horse was 

calm because I certainly wasn’t. But after 

about ten minutes of trying not to hyperventilate, 

I relaxed and looked around. 

Rewarded with incredible views of lush valleys, 

I breathed deeply and even loosened 

my white-knuckled grip on the reigns to take 

some pictures. 

Rhyan was doing what he did best –listening. 

At one point, he motioned for us to stop 

and pointed at the bushes. And there was 

the most extraordinary bird I had ever seen 

in the wild – a Yellow-throated Toucan. 

“I heard it,” he told us later. “Toucans 

crunch.” 

Besides the wildlife, what impressed me 

most about the Buena Vista Lodge was its 

commitment to sustainability. In the 1980s, 

the property was a cattle farm, and few had 

even heard of the word ‘eco-tourism’. 

“To be honest, people thought the owners 

were crazy at the beginning,” said Medardo 

Moscoso, the environment director at the 

lodge. “How could there be a hotel in such 

a remote place?” But the owners let some of 

the pastures return to the forest and 

constructed a few stone buildings. 

“And people started coming and were 

impressed to see the wildlife,” said 

Medardo. Approximately 70 percent of the 

properties 2000 acres is being reforested, 

and the remaining was used as pastures. 

Mecardo explained that they produced 

much of what the resort needed themselves–vegetables, 

meat, dairy, eggs and 

even the soap in the 76 rooms. The soap 

was made from the waste cooking oil from 

the kitchen and was just one of the environmental 

initiatives he managed. 

“You know the food you’ve been eating was 

cooked with farts?” 

“No idea,” I answered, glad I had finished 

my lunch. 

We were shown the lodge’s ‘biodigestor’. 

This contraption, the first of its kind in Costa 

Rica, fermented manure, producing heat 

that was piped through the resort. Other 

projects included working with native 

species of bees and monitoring trails with 

camera traps to ensure activities had limited 

impact to wildlife. Medardo created a ‘sustainability 

tour’ for guests to see all their 

innovative initiatives. 

There was a lot to explore on our own at the 

resort as well. A 35-minute hike or 15- 

minute tractor ride away was the beautiful 

Pacayas Waterfall. A little farther were the 

thermal hot springs, where we soaked away 

tired muscles in its natural pools and 

slathered on mineral muds that softened the 

skin. 

All around was lush vegetation and exotic 

birds, butterflies and creatures like the 

agoutis that looked like a pet guinea pig 

only with long legs. There were sounds, too, 

but I’d need a few more lessons from our 

guide, Rhyan, before I could tell you what I 

was listening to. 

www.visitcostarica.com 

www.buenavistadelrincon.com 

67 


68 

Photo: Plantation Adventure Center 

Central Florida is Packed with Adventure and Lifetime Experiences! 

Article and photography by Michael Morcos 

IIs it possible to visit central Florida and 

not go to Orlando with all its theme 

parks and still have fun? You bet! We 

would do just that on a week-long journey 

that would feature an amazing swim with 

Manatees in Crystal River, having an out of 

this world experience at the Space Coast and 

having a kaleidoscope of contrasting fun 

experiences in Polk county. 

Crystal River 

Our journey would start in Crystal River, 

known as the best place in the world to see 

and (legally) swim with Manatees. Manatees 

can only be described as funny looking seals, 

only they are far from that. They are primarily 

found in the ocean where they feed on 

aquatic plants. So where does the Crystal 

River come in? Manatees cannot handle cold 

water and between November and April they 

head inwards to warmer waters. Crystal River 

and, in particular, the area known as the 

Three Sisters Springs Refuge, is a favourite for 

them because there are underground springs 

blasting millions of gallons of fresh water at a 

perfect 20 degrees Celsius. 

Our scheduled departure by boat was at 6:30 

AM. On this day the temperature was unlike 

Florida, at slightly above freezing, which 

would seem an unlikely time for a swim. But 

the Manatee Gods were with us. This was the 

perfect time. The ocean was freezing, and our 

lovely friends would move inland by the hundreds. 

The amazing and professional crew at the 

Plantation Adventure Center dive shop knew

what they were doing and precisely where to 

go for sightings. After fitting us with the best 

wet suits on the market, we would lazily navigate 

the canals which had a mysterious morning 

fog rising from the water. A breathtaking 

sight on its own. 

Even early in the morning, the Three Sisters 

Springs Refuge was full of people all enjoying 

the magnificence of being in fresh warm 

water with the gentle giants. Following protocol, 

we would only observe the Manatees and 

were only allowed to touch them if they came 

to us. Two hours passed in a flash, but we left 

with lifelong memories and for some - a 

check off their travel bucket list. 

Other activities on this visit included the Ellie 

Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State 

Park. This is a refuge for animals that would 

otherwise not survive in the wild. To our 

amazement, amongst the many diverse animals 

there that included many specious of 

beautiful birds, was an actual Hippo. Yes, off 

all things, so far from home yet so happy in 

this sanctuary. 

Our thirst and appetite were well served in 

downtown Crystal River, including wonderfully 

prepared mix drinks at the redesigned Crew 

Bar, and large juicy steaks at Vintage on 5th. 

Beautiful ending to a great day in a quaint 

and charming town. 

Which way to the beach? 

Travel for me is about doing new things. This 

trip to the Space Coast would give me a 

chance to see and participate in yet more 

wonderful experiences. The Space Coast is 

more than what people think of, being the 

place that launches humans into outer space. 

It also has some fantastic beaches, 71 miles 

in all. During our short stay here, we would 

visit the Kennedy Space Centre and the following 

morning take surfing lessons. 

Kennedy Space Center 

Getting there early in the morning before the 

masses arrived would have us right at the 

front of the gates of the Kennedy Space 

Center and we would enter right after the 

singing of the American national anthem. 

Right up front were the amazing spacecraft in 

the rocket garden, they took my breath away. 

These are the things of a little boy’s dreams. I 

felt small and humbled beside them, who 

could not. 

All the while running to beat the crowds, we 

would find ourselves at the Space Shuttle 

Atlantis Pavilion. There I would marvel at the 

building while climbing upwards to a theatre 

that showed the launching of the shuttle in a 

large room with screens on most sides. Then 

it happened, the movie ended, the front curtain 

rose, and I was speechless. Right in front 

of me was the star, a space star. It was the 

actual ship, the Atlantis that flew 33 space 

missions over 26 years was now hanging 

slightly sideways with its bay door open. It was 

a sight I would remember for life. 

The rest of the full and glorious day was spent 

on more amazing experiences. We tried the 

incredible Shuttle Launch Experience, a 

thrilling ride that heightened all the senses. 

We would also have a delicious buffet style 

lunch with the retired astronaut John-David 

Bartoe who spoke of his time spent in the 

space station. Had some astronaut training 

experience and finally a tour by coach of the 

Cape Canaveral grounds where we saw the 

NASA hangers and launch pad of the Apollo 

missions. To add to this, on this tour we would 

be interrupted by an unscheduled moving of 

a Space X rocket to its hanger. 

Later supper at the Westgate Cocoa Beach 

Pier was a perfect way of ending our day as 

we would feast on the best the ocean has to 

offer. 

Hang Ten at the Ron Jon Surf School 

The following day brought us a whole new 

experience and a great appreciation for surfing. 

We would get lessons at the Ron Jon surf 

school, call it a crash course on how to get up 

from a surfboard when you hit the perfect 

wave. That was easy, really easy, on dry land. 

A short walk to the beach and the students – 

‘surfers to be’ were taken one by one by a 

professional staff member into the waves and 

surf. Long story short, it was a disaster, most 

of our attempts found us splashing on our 

backs into salty water, but at least it was a 

warm, sunny day and we would treasure this 

experience as another once-in-a-lifetime 

event. 

see following page 

69 


Welcome to Polk County 

Was Polk a former US president asked one of 

our traveling companions? Indeed, he was. 

Not ever knowing this, or that a Polk county 

even existed, we would be treated to more 

amazing adventures at the Safari Wilderness 

Ranch, visit the fun LEGOLAND Florida 

Resort, the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens and 

exciting Westgate River Ranch Resort. 

A visit to Safari Wilderness Ranch would bring 

us real close to some beautiful free-roaming 

animals, there from the comfort of an openair 

bus we had the chance at feeding friendly 

water buffalos and antelopes. Would like to 

include Ostrich to the list but these guys were 

pests, grabbing whatever they could find. 

Besides the land tour we would come to the 

best part of the visit, which wasn’t the camels 

nor the funny looking hogs, it was the Lemurs. 

Wonderful, playful little monkeys! With food in 

hand, they grab you with their soft tiny palms 

and gently eat the treat. Another wonderful 

experience! 

Bok Tower Gardens 

Bok Garden Tower, what a strange name for 

a tourist attraction I thought, but within minutes 

of my arrival I was in love with this place 

and there in the distance it was – the tower, 

mystery explained. Away from everything, this 

50-acre property is an architectural gardening 

gem and what brought it all together was 

the tall singing tower. Throughout the day you 

would hear live music on its 60-bell carillon. 

A peaceful and uplifting day as we strolled 

past ponds and a maze of beautiful flowering 

beds. 

Westgate River Ranch 

A destination on its own, the Westgate River 

Ranch has something for every age and taste, 

including quirky accommodations that range 

from safari style tents to luxury tepees and 

right up to full two-bedroom cabins. The highlight 

of the week’s events is the Saturday 

rodeo when the ranch swells to its maximum 

capacity. With so many activities to choose 

from, it would take a full week to participate 

in them. Our day long visit would have us on 

an air boat through the river front to spot 

birds and alligators. This would prove another 

first for me and I loved the speed, noise 

and rush of air from the massive boat fan. 

Another first for me was at the trap and skeet 

range. Here, with the help of an instructor, we 

would also find out that this is really a difficult 

skill to shoot a clay pigeon in flight. 

LEGOLAND 

Last but certainly not least was a day spent in 

LEGOLAND. This park was built on the old 

Cypress Gardens grounds and the rest was 

built one brick at a time, so to speak. I marvelled 

at the imagination of the LEGO staff, 

how they can create such works of modern art 

with just little pieces of plastic. Although most 

of the rides were ‘pink knuckle’, my favourite 

was the Great LEGO Race with the virtual 

reality option. Although the ride itself looks 

tame from ground level, the actual experience 

brings you into a colourful and comical landscape 

and heightens all the senses. One more 

wonderful first for me! 

Balmoral Clubhouse 

Our stay in Polk country was at the beautiful 

and well-manicured gated properties at 

Balmoral. Packed with creature comforts, it 

was a perfect way of relaxing and rejuvenating 

from the day’s events and still so close to 

all the attractions, it is the perfect home away 

from home, maybe even better than home! 

www.visitflorida.com

American World Traveler Spring 2020 Issue

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template ?