A Jet Setter's Guide to the World's Most Exciting Luxury Travel Experiences

Special Offer this Summer at Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos (pictured above)

The highly anticipated luxury eco lodge is now open and will celebrate a grand opening on October 1st. A very special offer is available August 1 – September 30 to experience Pikaia and the Galapagos. Receive 20% off Rack Rates for all 7-night programs, plus a priority room upgrade, subject to availability.
pikaialodgegalapagos.com

The Norman is Set to Open in Tel Aviv

Ready for their August 1st opening, The Norman dream is becoming a reality! Bringing an upscale product to Tel Aviv, the hotel features 50 rooms and suites, two restaurants, rooftop pool, and a wellness area. Book your next business trip or holiday to Tel Aviv. To explore further, please visit thenorman.com

Photography Workshop at Song Saa in Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island proudly offers this unique four-day photography learning experience for novices to advanced photographers. Participants will learn from renowned Conde Nast Traveler and New York Times photographer Justin Mott with daily lessons on light, composition and learning how to tell a story with images. While exploring neighboring Koh Rong Island, guests will learn to break away from taking typical pictures and find their personal style and vision in photography and storytelling. Very limited spaces available, November 5-9, 2014. songsaa.com

Fishing for Cod at Fogo Island Inn

Experience North Atlantic fishing culture and connect with Newfoundland's roots by participating in a fishery that has shaped lives and culture. It is made for intrepid, curious and discerning high-comfort explorers who wish to immerse themselves into the local culture and experience a unique adventure. The full board package includes a community host island orientation, a half day fishing expedition with a lesson on cod fishing and full use of the Inn's facilities. Two-night minimum, package is available July 19 - August 10 & September 20 – 28. To secure your booking, please call: 709-658-3444 or toll free in North America at 855-268-9277 or email reservations@fogoislandinn.ca. fogoislandinn.ca

An Experience to Remember at the Armani Hotel Milano

October 8-12, 2014, live the unique “Vendemmia Experience” at the Armani Hotel Milano. A mix of excellent wine tastings and luxury shopping experiences at the boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda, the world-famous fashion district. Guests of Armani Hotel Milano are pampered by a memorable stay in line with the “Stay with Armani” philosophy. Guests receive a special VIP Pass to access to the “Vendemmia Experience” on the evening of Oct. 9th. Email reservations.milan@armanihotels.com and mention the Vendemmia Package for more information. https://milan.armanihotels.com/

Texas Size Specials at The Inn at Dos Brisas

The Inn at Dos Brisas is offering two new summer packages - featuring 2014's lowest rates. The Pitchfork to Pillow special includes in-room dining prepared by the Chef from their Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Restaurant, a culinary experience to remember from pitchfork to pillow. Or, choose the Dos Brisas Adventure package where guests can customize their own experience, action-packed or an epicurean delight. dosbrisas.com

Explore La Corte dei Papi in Tuscany

A historic family estate with modern-day stylings, La Corte dei Papi a tranquil Tuscan getaway for gourmands and those seeking a truly unique experience. The hotel boasts just 15 suites including beautiful Spa Suites and an excellent restaurant housed in the estate's original wine cellar. Special packages include Wellness Special, Romance Special, Honeymoon Package, Maserati and Ferrari packages, and more. lacortedeipapi.com

Sri Lanka with Banyan Tours

Mark Twain called Sri Lanka "A beautiful and most sumptuously tropical island." Ceylon, or Sri Lanka as it is known today, boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. The lush, tropical island offers serene Buddhist sites, aromatic spice plantations, pristine hills, and a beautiful coastline of azure seas bordered by golden beaches. For custom-designed luxury tours for individuals and small groups contact Shonali Datta Shonali@banyantours.com. banyantours.com

Villa Manzu Amazes in Costa Rica

Villa Manzu is the ultimate playground for groups of friends and ideal for a weddings, large or small. Many press clippings from this month agree. From Texas Weddings Magazine - “Looking to marry amongst your closest family and friends, on a cliff over the ocean? Villa Manzu is an eight-bedroom, 32,000 square foot home. When you stay here, you have the entire property. If you pack family and friends in, twenty-four people can sleep in beds – perfect for family and the wedding party.” villamanzu.com

Rustic Yurt Adventure at Brush Creek Ranch

Glamping takes a decidedly adventurous twist at The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, where guests have the opportunity to overnight in the heart of Wyoming's alpine high country. This fully-outfitted ala carte adventure allows for a private horseback pack trip for up to 6 guests, complete with private wrangler and adventure guide to a 700-square foot circular Yurt tent. Guests can enjoy hiking, fishing, archery and more, along with gourmet dinner and breakfast around the campfire. Board games, storytelling, wildlife viewing and stargazing are all part of the fun. Visit www.brushcreekranch.com to explore the vast options across 15,000 expansive acres for a truly memorable luxury ranch vacation.

Rancho La Puerta #1 Destination Spa

Rancho La Puerta has received top honors in the Travel + Leisure 2014 World's Best Awards, as the #1 Destination Spa in the world for 2014, and has received this honor four out of five years. AND, readers of Conde Nast voted Rancho La Puerta the #1 Destination Spa this year. If you have not yet experienced this award winning getaway, book the “Say Hello to the Holidays” special. Book by September 1, 2014 for stays November 15 – December 19th and receive the 7th night free for any one week stay. rancholapuerta.com

Large Villa Sale at Six Senses Zighy Bay

At Zighy Bay in Oman, three large villas are the epitome of luxury and privacy. The two Retreats each feature two bedrooms, plus a personal spa suite, a wine cellar and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Huge outside space is within the privacy of high cobblestone walls, with plumped up sun loungers and shaded living and dining areas including a traditional Arabic summer house, surround the large infinity-edged swimming pool. One four-bedroom Private Reserve features separate living and dining room areas for entertaining, a private spa suite, a gym, a yoga studio, a wine cellar, staff quarters, a 17-metre infinity swimming pool and live-in butler. Reserve these large villas at great savings, 15% off for The Retreats and 25% off for The Private Reserve. Contact Jad Frem at dos-zighy@sixsenses.com for more information. sixsenses.com

Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa in Forbes

Nicaragua's new luxury hideaway was written up in Forbes Magazine June 16th issue. Ann Abel writes about founder Carlos Pellas and the investments he has made not just in his multi-million dollar resort, but in the country he loves dearly. mukulresort.com

Introducing Fivelements Ambassadors

Many guests return to Fivelements because they feel a deep connection to the sacred site and staff, or because they have experienced a positive impact from the healing, wellness therapies and cuisine. Guests' passion for Fivelements has inspired a new initiative to invite select retreaters to become Fivelements Ambassadors. Truly engaged in their own wellbeing, the wellbeing of those close to them and of the world as a whole, our Fivelements Ambassadors are all extraordinary individuals who stand as an inspiration to us all. https://www.fivelements.org/en/about-us/living-in-harmony-blog/item/6-introducing-fivelements-ambassadors

New Zealand's Ultimate Lodge Package

Experience the very best New Zealand has to offer with a very special nine-night package. Three nights at each Lodge - Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, and Matakauri Lodge – each Lodge offering unique landscape and activities. A stay at these lodges always includes daily pre-dinner drinks and canapés, gourmet dinner, and full breakfast – but guests who book the Ultimate New Zealand package also enjoy a quintessential New Zealand adventure at each property (per couple), plus lunch daily. Options include spa treatments, excursions, kiwi discovery tour, cruises and more. This package offers substantial savings and is a perfect itinerary to explore both the South and North Island. Click here for package rates through March 2015: https://www.kauricliffs.com/PicsHotel/KauriCliffs/Brochure/Packages/Ultimate%20NZ%20Lodge%20Package.pdf

Muay Thai at The Siam Bangkok

Bangkok's most fashionable boutique hotel features the first luxury Muay Thai gym in Bangkok. Guests can participate in beginning to advanced lessons from one day to one week. The Siam's Muay Thai Master works with guests based on their stamina and fitness level. Two-night Muay Thai package includes full board, eight hours of Muay Thai instruction, massages, excursions to a local Muay Thai fight and more. thesiamhotel.com

Unrivaled Art Experience at Vik Retreats

Estancia Vik and Playa Vik in Uruguay offer sumptuous accommodations, majestic landscapes and countless amenities, but the experience of artistic immersion is truly among the most inspiring aspects of the guest experience. Havens of design, the retreats boast an unparalleled collection of contemporary Uruguayan and international art, including works by celebrated artists James Turell, Anselm Kiefer, José Trujillo, Carlos Musso, among many others. With each suite having been imagined by an individual artist, Vik Retreats highlight the best of contemporary art, promising singularly remarkable experience for their guests. vikretreats.com

In Search of Serenity in The Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi's over-water Meera Spa offers a myriad of spa massage treatments by internationally-respected therapists, reiki, reflexology and ayurvedic experts. The “In Search of Serenity” package is the perfect choice for those looking for something extra in their Maldives holiday. Available August 15 – October 31, 2014, the package includes Champagne on arrival, daily breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers by speed boat, 75 minute couples massage followed by in Spa Aromatherapy Bath, Private Yoga Session, organic garden tour followed by lunch, and more. https://www.gili-lankanfushi.com/view-offers/49542

News from Ananda in the Himalayas

Ananda received another celebrity visit, this time from the French duo “Les Twins”, identical twin brothers Laurent and Larry Bourgeois, who are well known French dancers, choreographers, and models. They called it “the experience of a lifetime.” Also in the news, next month, from August 1 -15, Ananda will be hosting a special retreat, "Retreat for Management of Asthma & Breathing Disorders" which will be conducted by Head of Yoga, Sushant Panedy. https://www.anandaspa.com/

Wellness Plus at Chiva-Som

Hurry! Chiva-Som's new Wellness Plus special is valid until September 30th and features bonus nights for all retreat programs until September 30. Guests who book a minimum of five nights will receive upgraded treatments equal to those of a seven night stay. Guests who book seven nights get upgraded treatment equal to those of 10 nights, etc.. All retreats include an individual health and wellness consultation, all meals, physical analysis, daily spa treatment, daily fitness and leisure activities, and unlimited use of Water Therapy Suites. https://www.chivasom.com/

Plunge into Your Own Private Island

Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay, located in the Exumas of The Bahamas, is always improving the rooms and facilities. All bathrooms have recently been retiled and additional outdoor bathtubs have been added to many of the houses. Balinese daybeds called "juglos" are situated in the shade just off the ocean next to some of the houses as well. https://www.mushacay.com/

Micato Grand Safari the Ultimate in Luxury Travel

Every African safari is about the animals…thundering herds and multitudes of creatures on the plains. But there is more to safari than wildlife–there's splendor and elegance beyond belief–and travelers experience it all on The Micato Grand Safari. Romantic and indulgent, this program features the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in all of Africa. Even the extravagance of a hot-air balloon safari – followed by a sumptuous champagne breakfast served on the plains – is provided during a sojourn of the fabled Maasai Mara. In Tanzania, the vast rolling plains of the Serengeti and the otherworldly beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater will leave travelers breathless. And an unprecedented seven flights during this 15-day program makes travel between reserves a seamless, time saving joy. https://www.micato.com/

“Live It Up” with The Address & Armani Dubai

From the pristine beaches, and the phenomenal mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment, to world-class culinary experiences, Dubai is indeed the unmatched destination for visitors. Special Live it Up offerings include entertainment choices, spectacular retail and leisure offerings, and unparalleled hospitality, that guests can expect on their visit to Dubai, guaranteeing nothing short of a memorable and extraordinary holiday. Guests at Address Hotels and Armani Hotel Dubai until August 31, 2014, can create delightful memories with rewarding stays, special summer rates, and a host of complimentary choices that will truly enhance their visit to Dubai. https://www.liveitupsummer.com/

The Greening of The Lodhi, New Delhi

The Lodhi is progressively becoming greener with increased rainwater harvesting, recycling of water onto the gardens and cooling tower, “companion” planting to deter bugs and insects and careful selection of biodegradable chemicals for use in the laundry. Much of the vegetarian food is of organic origin and kitchen waste is converted into fertilizer for the gardens. Salads, herbs and vegetables are being grown around the property and mangoes from trees on the property are currently being made into pickles and relishes for guests to enjoy. https://www.thelodhi.com/

Halekulani in The Hideaway Report

Halekulani on Oahu received a glowing review from Andrew Harper in the June issue of The Hideaway Report. Halekulani has been long recommended by the incognito publication, and a recent visit details why … "the Halekulani has long been one of my favorite hotels.” https://www.halekulani.com/

Summer Specials in Tuscany

From June to September, enjoy summer specials at Il Salviatino, Florence. Experience the park surroundings of Fiesole, outdoor pool, magnificent Italian gardens, and the breathtaking views of Florence from the terrace. Special rate starting at 350 Euros for stays through September 30, 2014. Rates per night, room only. Contact info@salviatino.com for bookings or more information. https://salviatino.com/

Experience Verona's Famous Opera with Palazzo Victoria

Until September 5th journey to the roots of Verona and experience the true passion for the music and the Opera, surrounding by the breathtaking scenario of the most ancient theater in the world. Palazzo Victoria, the hub of the city center, is located only few blocks away from the Roman Amphitheatre. Opera Package includes two nights accommodation, breakfast, one dinner, two opera tickets, and more from 1140 Euro. Contact victoria@hotelvictoria.it for bookings or more information. https://palazzovictoria.com/

SHA Wellness NYC Roadshow and Summer Special

Alejandro Bataller, owner of SHA Wellness Clinic, was recently in New York City for a sales roadshow with Kurtz-Ahlers Wellness Consultant, Monica Chandra. Many key accounts enjoyed meeting Mr. Bataller and were inspired by the impactful wellness services SHA offers. SHA will be launching their new wellness arena with over 80 treatment rooms and additional specialty wellness programs for their guests, which will be ready this coming July. Visit SHA before August 31st to take advantage of bonus offer savings. https://www.shawellnessclinic.com/