The Maldives: Your Uncrowded Covid Safe Island Retreat

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

With the lowest villa density in the Maldives, Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa is one of the most private islands in the archipelago. You know what that means? Less people, less chances of catching Covid!

Prioritizing safety and seamlessness, Emerald has launched a series of new private experiences, each included in the Deluxe All-Inclusive offering – from private Teppanyaki classes to luxury boat trips.

The stunning Maldives property from above

One of the archipelago’s most exclusive all-inclusive, The Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa has launched a selection of new, private experiences for couples, families and small groups of friends looking to re-connect after a year apart. Here, privacy doesn’t have to cost the earth – each experience is included as part of the island’s Deluxe All-Inclusive offering – from private boat and snorkelling adventures, to cooking classes and private dining on the beach.

You’ll find me here

The island, which spans just 250 acres, possesses the lowest villa density in the Maldives, offering guests a completely private and undisturbed experience. Head out onto the tranquil Indian Ocean on a luxury boat and prowl the pristine lagoon in search of tropical fish and manta rays, rubbing shoulders with the resident marine life and exploring the colourful coral on snorkelling trips. Adventurous travellers (like me, of course) can head out into the deeper ocean on a diving excursion, or try their hand at wind surfing, kayaking or jet skiing.

I’m hungry for some island time already

Back on dry land, I plan to start my day with a floating breakfast in my private pool, or enjoying an exclusive private dining experience on the beach (inspiring photo above). For a hands-on foodie experience for someone like my amateur chef hubs, they have private Teppanyaki cooking classes with one of Emerald’s expert chefs at Le Asiatique Restaurant; learn to prepare fresh-from-the-ocean seafood and island ingredients with true Teppanyaki flair. While children are under the watchful eye of Dolphin Kids’ Club, I’ll finally be able to relax with a private yoga session or toast to my island escape experience with a creative cocktail in the Sunset Pool Café with views over the azure ocean. Now who’s paying?

20% off best available rate for a minimum of 7 night’s stay for a maximum of two adults and two children, applicable for all bookings received before February 28th 2021. Offer includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary 60 minutes massage for two adults OR 1x cooking class for the whole family and 1 x in-room family breakfast.

Rates start from £700 (approx. $955) per night on a deluxe-all-inclusive basis

http://www.emerald-maldives.com

Explore Alaska’s Most Scenic Wonders in Winter

Alaska Awaits

Alaska is open, y’all, and it’s ideal for families and friends who dream of exploring America’s greatest wildernesses free of crowds and against a pristine white canvas. Imagine skiing through forests, wildlife spotting, flightseeing above multicolored geysers and glaciers cresting on the snow, and a vastness only available in the quiet of winter. Abercrombie & Kent’s U.S. Luxury Tailor Made itineraries, which can be customized to your private party’s interests, feature handpicked local guides, fun activities that naturally lend themselves to social distancing, and luxurious accommodations. You can even book with confidence knowing you can reschedule your journey due to COVID-19, and that they have enhanced protocols in place to safeguard your health while travelling. This is numero uno in my book since I’ve been sheltering in place for almost a year and need to know things are on the up and up.

Our recent travel dream favorite is their Call of the Iditarod series because I’ve always been obsessed with riding a husky driven sled through the snow like a Russian Bond Girl.

You too?

Well, we can celebrate Alaska’s famed Iditarod dogsled race, watching the participants prepare and depart from Anchorage on their 1,000-mile trek, witnessing their arrival at an important checkpoint near your remote wilderness lodge. You can dogsled yourself along the rugged Iditarod trail on this independent journey filled with the splendors of Alaskan wilderness.

The skinny:

• Join Anchorage’s Fur Rendezvous festival, giving the Iditarod teams a ceremonial send-off
• Take in the buzz of Iditarod mushers and their teams arrive at a remote checkpoint
• Choose from an array of outdoor activities, including the option to drive your own dogsled team
• Discover the history of Alaska’s indigenous culture and art in Anchorage

Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1

ARRIVE ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 

DAY 2

ANCHORAGE | CELEBRATING THE IDITAROD

DAY 3

WINTERLAKE LODGE | SCENIC WILDERNESS FLIGHT

DAYS 4–5

WINTERLAKE LODGE | IDITAROD MUSHERS’ ARRIVE

DAY 6

WINTERLAKE LODGE | DOGSLEDDING & THE GREAT OUTDOORS

DAY 7

ANCHORAGE | EXPERIENCING INDIGENOUS CULTURE

DAY 8

DEPART ANCHORAGE

INCLUDED WITH EVERY LUXURY TAILOR MADE JOURNEY

• One-of-a-kind Itinerary Designed for You
• Driver-guide and vehicle
• Hand-Selected Accommodations
• Exclusive Insider-Access Opportunities and Inspiring Sightseeing
• English-Speaking Local Guides
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Full Breakfast Daily
• Entrance Fees and Taxes
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support

Want more info? I don’t blame you.

Check this link and get on it: https://www.abercrombiekent.com/tours/luxury-tailor-made-travel/2021/alaska-call-of-the-iditarod

Around the World on a Private Jet

Cartagena Colombia to Easter Island… Private

I’m not gonna lie. When I started going stir crazy, but I didn’t want to fly with a bunch of strangers, I started checking out private jet companies. Then, I went even deeper a few months later and looked into private jet and yacht vacations. A girl got desperate. A girl needs a dream. That’s when I came upon a big wild trip from one of my favorite travel purveyors, Abercrombie & Kent.

A private Boeing 757? Don’t mind if I do.

Most don’t know that Abercrombie & Kent was a private jet pioneer, introducing the first Royal Air Tour in 1989. Today it is one of the most experienced companies in the private jet business, having designed and operated dozens of programs on a variety of luxury aircraft to destinations all over the world, as well as custom-designed jet itineraries for multi-generational families and private groups.

Travellers who have had to put their passport away will appreciate their newest Private Jet journey taking off at this time next year, Around the World with Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet (Oct 14-Nov 8, 2021). This one-of-a-kind adventure offers 48 guests the opportunity to explore the far reaches of the world alongside A&K founder Geoffrey Kent and discover lesser-known destinations on one expertly planned itinerary featuring insider access.

Vietnam, Ha Long Bay to Danang (Travel Day)

• Discover Kanazawa, “the other Japan”, known for its rich cultural offerings, alongside a renowned Japanologist
• Explore remote villages along the Irrawaddy River
• Marvel at the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay
• Meet with artisans at a private exhibit of ethnic textiles at a former royal residence in Luang Prabang
• Relax in the Maldives
• In Benin learn the secrets of African Vodoun (Voodoo) at an authentic private ceremony
• Explore the white sand dunes and crystal clear waters of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

To travel on an A&K Private Jet Journey is packed with insider access, fine dining, and invitation-only cultural celebrations. Sample local street food at festive neighborhood in Hanoi hosted by a celebrity chef; explore Kenroku-en Garden accompanied by its chief landscape designer, followed by a private tea ceremony. and learn the ways of African Vodoun at a private ceremony in Benin.

South America, Brazil, Lençois Maranhenses

You can also personalize the journey with a choice of Design Your Day^® activities. In Hanoi, cycle around West Lake, meet traditional handicraft makers on an ethical artisan tour or visit a private art collection, hosted by the curator. In Brazil, explore Lençóis Maranhenses National Park by 4×4, boat or horseback; learn to kite-surf or paddle board; or simply relax on a pristine beach.

For hotels, you can expect classic luxury like the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and lesser-known gems like the Porto Preguiças Resort, gateway to Brazil’s Barreirinhas region and Mitsuno-Midori Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn featuring its own private onsen, as well as the luxe ‘Sanctuary Ananda,’ an intimate all-balcony river cruiser on the Irrawaddy River.

Japanese Geisha

For those who want someone to carry our bags from start to finish, you also have A&K’s Travelling Bell Boy^® which ensures that luggage is waiting in guest rooms at each hotel and complimentary laundry service. Prior to departure, save time with A&K’s White Glove Visa and Passport Handling, a concierge service that expedites visa and passport applications.

For this epic private personalized around the world 26-day tour, it’ll cost you, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you have the money, why not spend it on a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

$160,000 per person, double occupancy

Now who’s payin?

https://www.abercrombiekent.com/private-jet

The Top Sailing Destinations Around the World

This week, Guest Contributor, Nicole Noel, shares her Top 7 Most Fabulous Sailing Destinations around the World with our Jaunt Magazine readers.

The fact that you love to sail speaks volumes about you. That is what you will find if you listen to the experienced sailor, Super Calin. He states that, according to his experience, people who enjoy sailing are smart and confident. They are adventurous and they know how to enjoy life (Super Calin, January 2015). All these traits are enhanced if you try to enjoy sailing at some of these seven amazing places.

Capri, Italy

1. Capri, Italy

One of the most amazing things happens in Capri. It is the annual Rolex Sailing Week. It takes place in May because of the amazing sailing weather. Enjoy the view of inshore racing around the volcanic sceneries and Aeolian Islands. If you have what it takes, join the races and make the most o this event.

Who doesn’t love the French Riviera?

2. French Riviera

The charm and the luxury of the French Riviera are reserved for those that enjoy the luxury. The Gulf of St. Tropez needs to be a part of your itinerary. Explore the lagoons and visit the Medieval Cogolin. You can also just stay at the port and admire the stunning, luxurious yachts docked there.

Croatia

3. Croatia

You will pass thousands of islands once you enter the waters of Croatia. You can take your pick and visit the great, history packed city of Dubrovnik, or you can opt for some small, village taverns. Let the locals show you their fish specialties and do not forget to ask for a glass of a homemade Dalmatian wine.

The Turkish Coast

4. Turkey

Definitely start at Olympos and head to Gokkaya Bay. The waters are amazing and everywhere you chose to make a stop, the Turkish cuisine will spoil you for any other. Two stops are necessary, though: the sunken city will be underneath you as you sail over the ruins of the city that was destroyed 2000 years ago. It is the part of the World Heritage. Also, dock and go to explore Simena Castle, once you reach it.

Whitsunday Island, Australia

5. Whitsunday Island, Australia

This place is famous for its amazing white beaches and jaw-dropping color of water around it. It is a secluded place where people come to relax and spend a day in perfect nature. You can make this a perfect chance to let somebody do your boat detailing while you spend a day on this beach. That is why you need to make this a part of your trip. Forget about activities and adrenaline rushes and let the nature itself amaze you. It is a tropical paradise of peace.

French Polynesia

6. French Polynesia

Tahiti and Bora Bora are the destinations where the rich and famous go for their honeymoons and hedonistic trips to unwind and relax. The nature and the waters are awesome and full of wildlife. If you want to get in close touch with the nature, seek for a guide that will give you the shark feeding experience. That definitely adds to the thrill of sailing at this natural paradise.

Sailing the Magnificent Nile

7. Nile, Egypt

The Ancient river of Nile is the cradle of all life. Just by going down this river, you can meditate on that fact alone. However, to experience the ancient culture, make a stop in Sudan. Visit the wonderful ancient Meroe Royal City. You will see the tops of over two hundred pyramids. This was the ruling place of the Black Pharaohs.

The waters will take you to the most amazing places if you let them. Exploring the world from the sea is a perfect way to learn more about nature, history and world in general. Therefore, take that chance and make this list your checklist for the future.

Nicole Noel

 

Nicole Noel is an avid traveller. She enjoys discovering different cultures, exploring new things, and sharing her ideas with others. You can find her on twitter and FB.