New Global Journeys to Widen Your Horizons in 2019

New Global Journeys to Widen Your Horizons in 2019

As 2018 comes to a close, here is a list of new in-depth experiences for 2019 that are not only horizon-widening but offer no barrier to exploring the world around you.

Eating your way through Mexico City:

Named the #1 destination to go in 2019 by National Geographic Traveler, Mexico City is a world capital welcoming more than 12.5 million visitors each year who come for its renowned cuisine, vibrant culture, rich history, unique neighborhoods and modern-day travel offerings. For a deeper look at authentic Mexican cuisine, take a tour through Mexico City’s secret food stalls, cutting-edge restaurants and street food scene with Eat Like a Local Mexico City. Born and raised in Mexico City, founder Rocio Vazquez Landeta gives access to Mexico City’s dynamic food landscape that could only be experienced through the eyes of a local. The new four-and-a-half hour Mexico City Foodie Immersion tour begins with coffee in hand from the epicenter of the city’s coffee culture. Explore the best in street food, visit traditional markets, sample a candy tasting, drop in for a home-cooked meal and end with cocktails at a hipster lounge. The tour runs daily starting at 10:00am, $99USD per person. www.eatlikealocal.com.mx

Rejuvenate, Discover and Explore in New Zealand: 

At New Zealand’s The Marlborough Lodge, find peace and soul-stirring beauty with their newest, three-day experience. Explore the Marlborough Sounds with a guided kayak tour alongside dolphins and seals; meet penguins, robins and bellbirds with a conservationist at Motuara Island, New Zealand’s bird sanctuary, hike from a secluded cove to the breathtaking Queen Charlotte track where lunch and a private helicopter tour awaits – including a landing back on the lawns of the Lodge.  Cycle through vineyards with a private guide, walk through vineyards known worldwide for Sauvignon Blanc with a viticulturist and meet leading organic winemakers in the region. Back at the lodge, wander the 16 acres of parkland gardens with the Chef, creating your own lunch with an interactive cooking class. Gather berries from the lodge’s gardens and learn how to create your own signature cocktails. Here, days begin with poolside yoga and freshly-squeezed orange juice from the garden nearby, afternoons are meant for massages in the newly-opened spa located in a beautiful converted chapel. Blissfully calm with soaring ceilings, native timbers and original stained-glass windows, the new spa just opened in November 2018. Evenings, guests enjoy cocktails by the outdoor fire before dining on produce grown at the Lodge, with local seafood, beef and lamb.  This new three-day package includes all accommodations, food and beverage, all activities and spa treatments as detailed in the itinerary. Rates start at NZ$13,950 during the peak season (Nov-Mar), NZ$11,750 during the shoulder season (April & October) and NZ$10,850 during the low season (May – September). www.themarlboroughlodge.co.nz

The Year of the Woman:  

One of the only travel companies leading women-only group trips to Mexico City, Wild Terrains support local, female-owned businesses throughout their creative itineraries. In addition, they donate a portion of profits from each trip to a local organization supporting creative and entrepreneurial women. Choose from the International Women’s Day Trip (March 6-10, 2019), the Mother/Daughter Mother’s Day Trip (May 10–14, 2019) and others. Guests stay at hotels like Ignacia Guest House in Colonia Roma, and experience a private pop-up dinner curated by Chef Norma Listman of Masala y Maiz, who shares her experience as a Mexican female business owner. Enjoy a private textile shopping experience from the women behind textile company Colorindio, in the former home of famous architect Juan O’Gorman. Eat your way through Mexico City’s street food crawl led by Eat Like a Local Mexico City, visiting favorite female-run food stalls and restaurants, and explore Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul on a private tour led by a female art historian. From $1,850USD per person (double occupancy) and $2,150USD per person (private room)*, includes accommodations, most meals, transportation and all activities. Airfare, alcohol, visa fees, and travel insurance not included. *Mother’s Day trip double-occupancy only www.wildterrains.com

Wellness in Saint Barths:

Start of the new year with a stay at Les Ilets de la Plage, a peaceful, serene, low key, boutique beachfront resort located in the idyllic island of Saint Barths. Fill your days with daily yoga, aqua Pilates and /or spa treatments.  Hike the beautiful surrounding hills, power walk along the beach at dawn, swim in the ocean or do laps in the resort pool. Paddle boarding tones up muscles well, but guests also have access to unlimited gym facilities and classes. Smoothies, fresh fruit and yogurt offered for breakfast daily, with healthy, delicious lunches or dinners using the freshest Caribbean ingredients supplied by Mayas-to-Go. Stay in the resort’s newest villa – Le Studio, a 592 square-foot open-plan, bright and airy space with its own balcony and gorgeous sea views. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom beautifully designed studio features a fully equipped kitchen, chic teak armchairs with footrests in the living area, teak table and chairs in the dining area, large flat screen smart TV, spectacular ocean view terrace with comfortable seating (perfect for sunrise and sunset viewings!), king size bed (or twins on request), fully airconditioned throughout and more. Le Studio opened in late November 2018 and rates start from €215- €550 per night, depending on the season. Rates are per night including morning pastries delivered daily and complimentary tea and coffee all morning by the pool. www.lesilets.com

The Ultimate Francophile:

Medieval villages, a towering chateau, rolling fields and forests, gently flowing rivers, fresh baguettes with glorious cheese paired with local wine - the Dordogne region of central France. On Foot Holidays new self-guided walk* concentrates on the Middle Dordogne, beginning on the river at Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, and weaving through the countryside southwestwards as far as Belcastel. Along the way you’ll stay at waterside inns and former chateaus, discover tributaries like the steep-sided Ouysse. In the hills above, you’ll traverse quiet footpaths through bucolic countryside, crossing the limestone causse to the next impossibly beautiful village. A highlight – ancient pilgrimage site Rocamadour, where buildings cling to the cliffs overhanging the valley. Enjoy regional French cuisine, including a Michelin-starred restaurant at the journey’s end. The new Dordogne walking route is now available for bookings from May to October in 2019, except mid-July to late August.  The route is a 7-night holiday, with 6-, 5- and 4-night options. Rates start from £1060 per person based on double occupancy, including 7 nights bed and breakfast, all luggage transfers, route notes and information pack. www.onfootholidays.co.uk

Journey with the Founders of Naya Traveler:

Starting in May 2019, Naya Traveler will launch Founder-Led Trips with an immersive journey to Morocco, followed by Spain in September and Argentina in October. Founders Sarah Casewit, Marta Tucci and Sofia Mascotena will lead small group trips in their own home countries: Morocco, Spain and Argentina. These journeys will offer an intimate homecoming experience for travelers, providing the opportunity to go beyond the tourist route and discover a country from the hand of the local founders. Travelers can now sign up for the first Founder-Led Trip taking place in Morocco. With highly personalized and curated itineraries, Naya Traveler recently launched private, tailor-made trips to Spain in October. Naya Traveler’s founders believe that the stories and connections that emerge from traveling with “naya” (purpose) are just as important as the tangibles. Naya Traveler works with an exceptional group of locals garnered from the founders’ own personal relationships, ranging from traditional artists and literary authors to ethnographers and more – all who will guide travelers through the threads of the region’s rich cultural tapestry. www.nayatraveler.com

Hit the Slopes with the Family:

Just 75 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Copper Mountain’s early season terrain conditions are the best they've been in years. The highly anticipated American Eagle high-speed combination lift opened to the public on 12/3, with 6-person chairs, 8-person gondola cabins, increasing uphill capacity by over 40%. Copper is an ideal vacation destination with a laid-back and inclusive vibe, with three pedestrian-friendly village areas with lodging, retail outlets, restaurants, bars and family activities. Copper’s naturally-divided terrain also offers world-class skiing and riding for all ages and abilities. The Cirque offers a relaxed mountain atmosphere with European décor. Ground level condos on the south have patios that open to the grand courtyard, with two outdoor pools, water fountains, a hot tub, fire pit and gas grill. Located along Ten Mile Creek a short walk in either direction to Center and West Villages via the recreation path, the building features a media room, fitness room, children's room, complimentary wi-fi and heated underground parking. Toast & Co. is a cozy retreat in Center Village. Savory breakfasts, barista-made coffees and morning cocktails start the day off, later in the day, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted libations and small plates serve as a great option to wind down after a day on the slopes. After dark, explore with Moonlight Dine + Ski, offered monthly through winter. Start with a ride up the new American Eagle lift for an hour of private skiing/riding. At mid-mountain, stop for live acoustic music, libations, a gourmet buffet dinner and dessert at Solitude Station. At the night’s end, enjoy a final corduroy lap down to Center Village under the light of the moon. www.coppercolorado.com