With Mother’s Day around the corner, here are some perfect travel experiences to treat Mom.
Rome, Italy
Moms looking for an escape to get lost in history and good food will especially love visiting Rome. An ideal place to stay in the heart of the city, the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is a former 19th century Roman palazzo that lies within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks and parks, including the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and Spanish Steps. The hotel recently rolled out an experience developed in conjunction with Davvero Rome, one of the city’s leading culinary influencers and tour guides. Perfect for Moms who are self-proclaimed foodies, this is available with a guide or as a self-guided tour. The five-night experience includes everything from a street food tour, pizza workshop, and truffle hunting to an aperitivo tour in the Prati neighborhood, sampling of the city’s top gelato spots, and tasting dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. The idea of the itinerary is to let travelers experience Italy not only through the eyes of a local but actually with locals during fun and authentic experiences. A novel offering in the city - and a great break from eating, Archeo Running’s new Hidden Rome Tour explores the Eternal City’s secret sites and the stories behind them. Founded by renaissance (wo)man Isabella Calidonna, an art historian, certified tour guide and coach for Fidal (Italian Athletics Federation) and Coni (Italian National Olympic Committee), ArcheoRunning combines all her passions to showcase the Eternal City in a new light.
Norway
For Moms who love the element of surprise, give them the gift of a mystery trip. Sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway recently launched a new Mystery Trip planning service for the influx of travelers that are increasing up for going anywhere. After varying levels of lockdown over the past two years, a surprise vacation experience is an increasing trend. Through its proprietary digital questionnaire, an Up Norway trip specialist e-meets with travelers to determine travel dates and interests as well as goals for the trip, preferences for accommodations and budget. Then it's time for travelers to dream dreams of where they’ll end up while Up Norway crafts a custom journey of unique experiences, cultural explorations, meetups with locals, and more. Highlights of travel to Norway this time of year range from treetop cabins in the dense Finnskogen Forest of fir trees punctuated by blue lakes, fairytale whale and fjord cruises, and dog sledding, to hunts for the northern lights and daily cruising through the majestic Hjørundfjord to pinpoint the perfect spot for skiing adventures in the Sunnmore Alps. With Norway's increasing presence on the international culinary scene, travelers can expect mouth watering food experiences, top local produce including berries ripened under the midnight sun, imbibing in Norway’s liquid gold - Hardanger Sider, traditional and neo-fjordic menus, and more. The culture of the native Sami is incorporated throughout many Up Norway journeys from hiking and packrafting from the Sami town of Kautokeino through Reisa National Park on the Arctic trail, workshops in the art of the lasso, beloved matpakke (picnics) with joik (traditional song), accompanying the annual reindeer migration, and meeting with the local musher (dog sled captain) among many other custom experiences.
Mexico
After long periods of quarantine and lockdowns, groups of friends have missed important moments. Wanting to bring friends back together in person, Velas Resorts has created new Pals Catching Up Retreats where Mom and her gal pals can meet up again and catch up in a heavenly setting. A collection of activities to reconnect range from bike tours, mixology classes and a night out on the town, to hiking, picnic on the beach, relaxing spa moments, and dedicated time to bond. Available at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, retreats can also be tailored to each group to maximize the experience.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
With a privileged climate, cultural heritage, crystal blue sea and beautiful coast, Dubrovnik has long been a popular destination for travelers. For moms looking for contemporary luxury combined with medieval culture, Adriatic Luxury Hotels are ideal for exploring the UNESCO protected city with both Mediterranean Sea views and ancient Old Town on its doorstep. Combining a spectacular seaside setting overlooking both, flawless service and an illustrious history of royal and celebrity guests, its five-star Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is an iconic landmark hotel. A historic villa built in 1913, the hotel features tranquil gardens in which to stroll, a beautiful beach, and three restaurants - all offering spectacular views of the Adriatic. Of course, there’s also an indoor swimming pool, a glamorous spa, and a fitness center. Moms who enjoy history can reminisce about Game of Thrones while strolling through the narrow streets of Old Town, explore the Cultural History Museum in the Gothic-style Rector’s Palace, enjoy fresh traditional eateries, and so much more.
