Jan/Feb/March 2014 Traveler

January | February | March 2014

ANDREW HARPER

EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIDEAWAY REPORT SUBSCRIBERS

23+SPECIAL OFFERS

14 CITIES FOR

MUSIC LOVERS

NEWS FROMAFRICA

WINE ITINERARIES

PART II

Our25Favorite

Annual Events From Mr. Harper & The Andrew Harper Travel Office

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| JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 ANDREWHARPER.COM2

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ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] | 1

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14 Favorite Wine Country Itineraries Part II from the Andrew Harper Travel Office Napa and Sonoma, Tuscany, Provence, France and South Africa’s Cape Winelands

26 News from Africa The latest from our partners across the continent

34 The Year Ahead 25 favorite annual events from Mr. Harper and the Andrew Harper Travel Office

50 Note-Worthy Destinations 14 cities for music lovers

CONTENTSJanuary | February | March 2014

ON THE COVER Volcano and fireworks erupt at Wakakusa Yamayaki in Japan.

Photo by 名古屋太郎 (Nagoya Taro) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Austin, Texas

62 Meet the Guides Butterfield & Robinson’s Daniel Bower, Luca Pacchioni and Erin Reed

plus 23 SPECIAL OFFERS throughout

Sénanque Abbey, Provence

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22 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 ANDREWHARPER.COM

HotelsAustria

60 Hotel Sacher Wien; Vienna

59 Hotel Bristol and Hotel Imperial; Vienna

British Virgin Islands

12 Peter Island Resort & Spa; British Virgin Islands

Canada

57 Wedgewood Hotel & Spa; Vancouver, British Columbia

England

58 The Stafford London, by Kempinski; London

61 The Athenaeum; London

46 The Dorchester; London

47 The Goring; London,

47 The Halkin by COMO; London

France

24 La Coquillade; Provence

61 Le Bristol Paris; Paris

French Polynesia

65 Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; Bora Bora

Germany

4 Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski; Munich

India

48 Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces

Ireland

70 Ballyfin Demesne; Ballyfin, County Laois

Italy

23 Hotel Le Fontanelle; Tuscany

66 Borgo Santo Pietro; Tuscany

6 Villa Feltrinelli; Gargnano, Lake Garda

67 Palazzo Seneca; Umbria

Morocco

9 Palais Amani; Fes, Morocco

Netherlands

65 Conservatorium Amsterdam; Netherlands

66 Hotel Seven One Seven Amsterdam; Netherlands

St. Vincent & The Grenadines

13 Petit St. Vincent; St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Scotland

12 Gleneagles; Scotland

South Africa

32 Tswalu Kalahari; Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

33 Mateya Safari Lodge; Madikwe Game Reserve

Spain

49 Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa; Casares

Turks & Caicos

45 Amanyara; Providenciales

United States

CALIFORNIA

IFC Pelican Hill; Newport Beach

25 Meadowood Napa Valley; St. Helena Napa Valley

23 Farmhouse Inn; Forestville

22 Ventana; Big Sur

MONTANA

9 The Resort at Paws Up; Greenough

NEW YORK

13 Glenmere Mansion; Chester

SOUTH CAROLINA

7 Inn at Palmetto Bluff; Bluffton

VERMONT

11 Twin Farms; Barnard

ALASKA

11 Tikchik Narrows Lodge; Tikchik Lake

Travel Partners, Yachts & CruisesWorldwide

5 SeaDream

8 Sea Cloud

INSERT TCS Expeditions

VillasItaly

8 Villa Il Sogno; Florence

Special Offers & Alliance Partners IN THIS ISSUEPartners listed below are participating in this issue of the Andrew Harper Traveler magazine

showcasing their Harper benefits and more. Page numbers in red circles indicate those

partners including short-term SPECIAL OFFERS in addition to their Harper benefits.THE ANDREW HARPER ALLIANCE

Publishers of the quarterly Andrew Harper Traveler magazine and the annual Andrew Harper Travel Directory

director and publisher Georgia Beth Ridenhouremail [email protected] (512) 904-7330 fax (512) 904-7350associate director, account manager Colin Housleyaccount managers Carol Bacon, Heather Eberlealliance coordinator Joyce Jordensenior art director David Villarrealproduction manager Christen Newlongraphic designers Linda Bigirindavyi, Sarah Mooreeditorial assistant Scott Turrentine

ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE

director Sandi Ferreiratoll free (800) 375-4685phone (630) 734-4610 fax (630) 734-4642email [email protected]

ANDREW HARPER CLIENT RELATIONS

toll free (866) 831-4314phone (512) 904-7342 fax (512) 904-7350email [email protected]

ANDREW HARPER’S HIDEAWAY REPORT AND THE HARPER COLLECTION

editor-in-chief ANDREW HARPER

ANDREW HARPER, LLC

president Greg Marchbanks chief operating officer Lorelei Calvert

ANDREWHARPER.COM

Andrew Harper, LLC is registered to sell

travel in the following states: California

SOT-2110806-40; Iowa SOT-1096;

Washington SOT-603248672. California law

requires certain sellers of travel to have a

trust account or bond. This business has

a trust account.

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4 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

NEW 2014 Andrew Harper Alliance Partners HotelsArgentina House of Jasmines; Salta

Austria Hotel Sacher Wien; Vienna

Palais Coburg; Vienna

Cambodia Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor; Siem Reap

Raffles Hotel Le Royal; Phnom Penh

CanadaHotel Le Germain Dominion; Quebec City

Hotel Le Germain Montreal; Montreal

Chile Hacienda Los Lingues; Colchagua Wine Valley

Costa Rica Gaia Hotel & Reserve; Manuel Antonio

EnglandBarnsley House; Cotswolds

The Chester Grosvenor; Chester

Gidleigh Park; Devon

Fiji Yasawa Island Resort & Spa; Yasawa Island

France Château de Verrieres; Loire Valley

Château Saint-Martin & Spa; Vence

Villa Gallici; Provence

GermanyBrenners Park Hotel & Spa; Baden-Baden

Villa Rothschild Kempinski; near Frankfurt

Indonesia Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan; Bali

IndiaNadesar Palace; Varanasi

Ireland Castle Leslie Estate; Co. Monaghan

Castlemartyr Resort; Co. Cork

Dromoland Castle; Co. Clare

Italy Bulgari Hotel Milan; Milan

Grand Hotel Tremezzo; Lake Como

KoreaPark Hyatt Seoul; Seoul

Mexico Banyan Tree Cabo Marques; Acapulco

New Zealand The Spire; Queenstown

Nicaragua Mukul, Beach, Golf & Spa; Rivas

Peru Sol & Luna Lodge; Sacred Valley

Seychelles Fregate Private Island; Fregate Island

Spain Hacienda de San Rafael; Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII; Seville

Sweden Ett Hem; Stockholm

Switzerland The Alpina Gstaad; Gstaad

Tanzania Singita Mara River Tented Camp; Serengeti National Park

ThailandFour Seasons Resort Chiang Mai; Chiang Mai

Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle; Chiang Rai

United States

CALIFORNIA

Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel; Beverly Hills

El Encanto; Santa Barbara

Golden Door Spa; San Marcos

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe; Truckee

COLORADO

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch; Avon

CONNECTICUT

The Mayflower Grace; Washington

MASSACHUSETTS

The Charlotte Inn; Edgartown

The Wauwinet; Nantucket

White Elephant; Nantucket

NEW YORK

The Baker House 1650; East Hampton

The Peninsula New York; New York

PENNSYLVANIA

The Lodge at Glendorn; Bradford

WalesLlangoed Hall; Brecon

West Indies La Samanna; St. Martin

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski MUNICH, GERMANY – The 297 lavishly

decorated rooms and suites at the Hotel

Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

reflect a perfect blend of trend and tradi-

tion. Sumptuous materials accent the

exclusive interiors, featuring calf leather

flooring, art-adorned ceilings and a view

of Maximilianstrasse–true modern luxury

in the heart of Munich.

• Elegant penthouse suite with

rooftop views

• Exclusive Butler Service

• Elaborate works of art decorate

the walls

Recommended since 1998.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at time of booking • Daily buffet breakfast served at the restaurant, or a la carte in room • Complimentary spa access • 80 EUR spa services credit per room.

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include tax, service, Wi-Fi, shoe shine and daily newspaper.

5ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

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EACH YEAR, MORE THAN 600 HARPER-RECOMMENDEDhotels, resorts, inns, villas, yachts, cruises and tour operators choose to partner

with the Andrew Harper Alliance, providing special recognition and benefits ranging from

complimentary breakfasts and resort credits to room upgrades and preferred rates.

To ensure receipt of all benefits we have negotiated on your behalf, please confirm your

reservations through the Andrew Harper Travel Office or at AndrewHarper.com. If, however,

you choose to book directly, please provide your Andrew Harper subscriber number upon

booking. Andrew Harper contracted rates and benefits are typically not combinable with other

special rates or promotions

La Samanna, Baie Longue, St. Martin

Only 112 Guests 95 Award-Winning Crew 5-Star Cuisine Inclusive

P “It’s yachting, not cruising”Enjoy the difference.

Expertly Designed

BALTIC & FJORDS VOYAGESJune - August 20147-14 Day Voyages

Exclusive Andrew Harper OfferContact your Andrew Harper Specialist to receive an added 5% Savings + $200 per stateroom

Spa Credit on Asia & Costa Rica 7-14 day voyages made by December 31, 2013. www.SeaDream.com Yacht’s Registry: Bahamas

Tallinn, placing the Hermitage Museum and more at your doorstep.

St. Petersburg

referential docking in St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm and

NORTHERN EUROPE - MEDITERRANEAN - CARIBBEAN - COSTA RICA - ASIA

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Villa FeltrinelliGARGNANO, LAKE GARDA, ITALY – Set inside a private park, Villa Feltrinelli offers a

secluded escape amidst a stunning natural landscape. Originally a summer retreat for

Italy’s Feltrinelli family in the late 1800s, the villa now welcomes guests from April through

October. The property sits on the banks of the country’s largest lake, with magnificent

mountains visible in the distance. Majestic olive, orange, ancient oak, cypress and

magnolia trees surround the hotel and deliver truly breathtaking views from all corners

of the grounds.

While the villa’s castle-like exterior projects a regal quality, complimentary amenities

such as fully stocked in-room bars, laundry services and Acqua di Parma toiletries help

guests feel truly at home. Each of the 21 suites offers a distinctive design and experience.

The décor throughout the property mixes original pieces with custom-designed touches,

including detailed frescoes, antique Venetian mirrors and marble pillars. Large bathrooms

with heated marble floors, deep soaking bathtubs and walk-in showers facilitate total

relaxation, and a staff-to-guest ratio of 3:1 guarantees unparalleled service.

Guests may dine at their leisure in the cozy dining room or enjoy al fresco meals.

The two-Michelin-star restaurant serves exquisite dishes prepared with fresh, local

ingredients. Nearby cultural sites, historic cities and working vineyards await exploration.

Alternatively, the lake, garden and outdoor pool provide the perfect settings to unwind

and admire the exquisite Italian landscape.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Complimentary car service to local restaurants • Early check-in/late checkout, when available • Farewell amenity

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT, daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, a fine selection of house wines, soft drinks and beers in the room bar, Wi-Fi, valet service, laundry service and use of on-site recreational facilities.

Recommended since 2003. 2011 Readers’

Choice Award, #1, Top 20 International

Hideaways; 2012 Readers’ Choice Award,

#1, Top 20 International Hideaways; #19,

Top 20 Food & Wine Resorts; 2013 Read-

ers’ Choice Award, #1, Top 20 International

Hideaway

F o r r e s e rvat i o n s p l e a s e c o n ta c t t h e a n d r e w h a r p e r t r av e l o F F i c e at 800.375.4685 o r e m a i l [email protected]

2013 AAA Five Diamond Award • #7 Hotel for Food Lovers 2013 Bon Appétit • #1 Top Resort in the U.S. 2013 Condé Nast Traveler

*For stays of three nights or more.

At Palmetto Bluff we do our best to spoil you. From a complimentary golf cart, a bottle of wine and local treats to an upgrade at check-in, Andrew

Harper members will experience the ultimate in Lowcountry luxury. Our Southern hospitality is certainly enough to draw you in for a warm

winter retreat, but to truly wrap you in comfort we’re offering a complimentary 60 minute Spa treatment with any stay January through March.*

Discover more at palmettobluffresort.com

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SEA CLOUD CRUISES

CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA,

MEDITERRANEAN, ADRIATIC, AEGEAN,

DANUBE, RHINE, DUTCH WATERWAYS –

Five-star luxury aboard classically sailed tall ships and a

refined river cruiser. With fewer than 95 like-minded guests,

explore majestic cities, exotic ports, quaint villages and sandy

beaches. Interesting shore excursions and lectures, gourmet

cuisine and attentive, friendly service are hallmarks of these

cruises—at once elegant and unique.

A sampling of available cruises:

• Tropical Paradise:

Roundtrip Barbados March 17–27 (SEA CLOUD)

• Sail & Race:

Nice–Malaga May 13–20 (SEA CLOUD II)

• Movie Magic, Medieval Towns:

Nuremberg–Amsterdam June 7–14 (RIVER CLOUD II)

Andrew Harper Benefits: Welcome amenity valued up to 100 USD per cabin.

Villa Il Sogno TUSCANY, ITALY – This picture-perfect retreat embodies

everything and more one could envision of a Tuscan villa.

The gracious four-bedroom villa is only seven miles from

Florence and convenient to Chianti vineyards.

DAY 1 Leisurely arrival via private Mercedes followed by

welcome drinks with a selection of canapés served poolside.

DAY 2 VIP tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence followed by a

stroll through Boboli Gardens.

DAY 3 Back to Florence to visit an outdoor market.

Back at the villa, enjoy an amazing Tuscan meal prepared by

Rossella—always a highlight for Andrew Harper guests.

DAY 4 Day trip to Lucca or Sienna.

DAY 5 VIP private tour of the Gardens of La Pietra

followed by an evening performance at the historic Fiesole

amphitheater.

DAY 6 Luxury shopping at The Mall and lunch at an

authentic trattoria.

DAY 7 Visit picturesque Arezzo or Greve.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Welcome dinner, plus a gourmet wine basket

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9

The Resort at Paws UpGREENOUGH, MONTANA – This 37,000-acre resort in

the valley of the Blackfoot River will host a number of

culinary events in 2014 including the ever-popular Montana

Long Table series of three one-night dinners held through-

out the summer. Thirty luxuriously furnished tents and

28 Western vacation homes provide the perfect retreat for

families, friends or couples, with an abundance of outdoor

activities, a children’s program, an outdoor tented spa and

so much more! Recommended since 2007. 2013 Readers’

Choice Award, #17, Top 20 Family Friendly Resort

• Montana Master Grillers–May 2014

• Montana Master Chefs–September 2014

• Upper Crust–October 2014

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • 300 USD activity credit per reservation, excluding spa services • Early check-in/late checkout, when available.

Standard Inclusions: Rates include all meals, snacks, round-trip Missoula Airport transfers and Wi-Fi.

SPECIAL OFFER: Special Rates on Three-Day and Half-Day Culinary Workshops We are offering special rates on our two culinary workshops: A three-day culinary stay includes accommo-dations for two, a welcome dinner (excludes drinks) and culinary workshops, Moroccan bread-making, and sweet delicacies. Rates for the three-day stay start at 500 EUR per person, based on a Luxury Room. Another option is a half-day workshop, which includes a trip to the local souks, a two-hour cooking demonstration, gifts and lunch. Rates for the half-day workshop are approx. 106 EUR per person. alSo INCludES: Andrew Harper benefits and standard inclusions. daTES: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2014, based on availability.

Palais AmaniFEZ, MOROCCO – A private paradise in the

heart of Fez, this refurbished palace consists

of nine suites and five rooms and offers refined

dining, extensive terraces, and a traditional

hammam and spa. A half-day cooking workshop

takes you to local souks and provides a hands-

on cooking demonstration. Choose a three-day

culinary package and try your hand at Moroccan

bread-making and more.


• Intricate and authentic décor

• Close to the Golden Triangle

• Experience diverse Moroccan cuisine

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Complimentary breakfast served in room • Exclusive Medina welcome amenity • 25 percent discount on one spa treatment

Standard Inclusions: Rates include daily traditional Moroccan breakfast, welcome drink with homemade pastries, Wi-Fi and Moroccan slippers.

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Auctions open and close every Tuesday at 4 p.m. CST.

off retailNamed “Best Online Luxury Travel Auction” by Condé Nast Traveler

For Hideaway Report subscribers only, the Andrew Harper online travel auction offers an opportunity to save on stays at many of Mr. Harper’s favorite hideaway hotels, villas and cruises!

Our worldwide auction selections are updated weekly, so log in to AndrewHarper.com and look for Auctions under the Exclusive Offers tab on the home page!

Place your bid. You will receive email updates on the status of your auction item.

Log in to AndrewHarper.com. Under Exclusive Offers, click on Auctions.

Win and book! If you win, you will receive an email notification with instructions on next steps.

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HARPERAUCTIONS

33%off retailWATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND

43%off retail

PARIS, FRANCE

35%off retail

MATAURI BAY, NEW ZEALAND The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Winning Bid: 35% off retail

off retail

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Tikchik Narrows Lodge

TIKCHIK LAKE, ALASKA – This secluded 14-room retreat

has lured sport fishing enthusiasts since 1969. Reachable

only by plane, this secluded escape offers respite and outdoor

activities. The adventure begins each morning when you board

a floatplane to be whisked off to the day’s fishing locale. Sight

rainbow trout and Dolly Varden in small streams or head to the

Kulukuk River to fly-fish for king and silver salmon.

Families can enjoy all of Tikchik Narrows Lodge’s activities

together. Return to the lodge for creature comforts and talk

about the day’s big catch as you dine overlooking the Kilbuk

Mountains. Recommended since 1992.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Welcome bottle of wine per room • One complimentary beverage per person per night from the bar • One fly-casting lesson

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include taxes, all meals, daily fly-outs to various fishing destinations (weather permitting), fishing equipment (rods, reels, lures and flies) and transportation between Dillingham and the lodge.

Twin Farms BARNARD, VERMONT – This 20-room property set on

an idyllic 300-acre stretch of Vermont wows with natural

splendor.

Stay in the Chalet, the premiere cottage set atop a private

mountain where you can hit the slopes from the front door.

Sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice-skating

are other favorite wintertime activities.

Unwind in the Out of the Woods Spa: nourish skin with

a customized facial or book an in-room couple’s massage.

Dine on farm-to-table cuisine paired with a vintage from the

20,000-bottle collection, and bask in the view of stunning

artwork by Roy Lichtenstein, Cy Twombly and Jasper Johns.

Expect to be inspired by this bucolic beauty. Recommended

since 1994; 2011 Readers’ Choice Award, #4, Top 20 U.S.

Hideaways; #5, Top 20 Food & Wine Resorts; 2012 Readers’

Choice Award, #3, Top 20 U.S. Hideaways; #6, Top 20 Food &

Wine Resorts; 2013 Reader’s Choice Award, #3, Top 20 U.S.

Hideaways

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome bottle of wine per room • Guided hikes or snowshoeing, weather permitting

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include all meals and beverages, on-site recreational activities with equipment, Wi-Fi, long-distance phone calls and fitness center access.

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Gleneagles

PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND – Both sportsmen and the

pampered set benefit from a stay at this French chateau-

styled hotel surrounded by emerald-green landscaping in

beautiful Perthshire. During summer, guests can optimize the

many outdoor pursuits and experience all of the property’s

elegant glory. The five-star hotel is appointed with a destina-

tion spa, 232 traditional and modern rooms, and Scotland’s

only restaurant with two Michelin stars. “Short break” offers–

“Three’s the Magic Number” and “Save on Seven”–offer

discounted stays during this peak season, with optional

activities like championship-level golf and falconry lessons.

It’s prime time to experience Scotland, the 2014 destination

for the Commonwealth Games, Year of Homecoming and

Ryder Cup, which Gleneagles will host.


SPECIAL OFFER: Save on Seven Enjoy seven glorious days and nights at Gleneagles from only 1,975 GBP per room. This provides you plenty of time to dine in all four restaurants, play all three championship courses, sample any number of soothing spa treatments, crack some clays at the shooting school, fly a Harris hawk, go on a trail ride, walk the grounds ... or just lay back and relax! alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between May 1-Aug. 14, 2014, and Sept. 1-11, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • One afternoon tea for two per room • For stays of two nights or longer, one round of golf for two per room on the King’s or Queen’s Course

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT, daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, railway station transfers and access to resort facilities including spa, fitness center with scheduled classes, pitch and putt, croquet, tennis, hiking trails, stable and falconry.

Peter Island Resort & Spa BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – A private island escape on

1,800 acres of paradise in the British Virgin Islands, where

guests are never far from white sand and turquoise water.

Choose from three Villas, 20 beachfront Junior Suites or

32 ocean-view rooms—all airy, blanketed with wood, and

equipped with lavish bathrooms. Ayurvedic spa treatments

await after a day of hiking, windsurfing, scuba diving and other

activities. Enjoy a Champagne picnic lunch for two on the

beach as a precursor to a fresh-to-table dinner prepared with

ingredients from the chef’s organic garden. “It’s one of the best

experiences in the Caribbean,” says one Andrew Harper guest

after a recent stay. Recommended since 1981; 2011 Readers’

Choice Award, #9, Top 20 Beach Resorts; 2012 Readers’ Choice

Award, #13, Top 20 Beach Resorts; #11, Top 20 Family Resorts

SPECIAL OFFER: Stay Seven Nights, Pay for Six Confirm a minimum of seven nights by Feb. 28, 2014, in an Ocean View Room or Beach Front Suite and pay only for six nights. When extending your stay to 14 nights, pay only for 12. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Feb. 28, 2014, for travel through May 31, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room • Private Champagne picnic lunch for two at White Bay or Honeymoon Beach • Early check-in/late checkout, when available.

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include personal concierge, welcome amenity, non-alcoholic minibar, Wi-Fi, non-motorized watersports, snorkeling, mountain-biking, twice weekly group yoga classes, tennis, fitness center and transportation to remote beaches on Peter Island.

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Glenmere MansionCHESTER, NEW YORK – In the Hudson Valley, overlooking

the Catskill Mountains and Glenmere Lake, one hour from

New York City, this famed country estate-turned-hotel merges

Gilded Age opulence with modern amenities. Named a 2012

Andrew Harper Grand Award Winner, Glenmere Mansion

has 18 rooms and suites, sprawling private gardens on 150

secluded acres, a 25-by-50-foot heated outdoor swimming

pool, tennis, bocce and croquet courts and two restaurants

where chefs offer a bounty of Hudson Valley cuisine.

The new 8,000-square-foot spa, one of the most beautifully

appointed facilities to emerge in years, opened to great fanfare

and acclaim last year. The Moroccan-inspired spa, connected

to the hotel for all-weather access, includes a luxurious

marbled bath house and hammam, five treatment rooms en

suite, a relaxation library lounge and a full-service nail salon.

Recommended since 2011; 2012 Grand Award Winner

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Complimentary port wine for two at turndown • Two tickets per room for a one- or two-hour tour at West Point Military Academy

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include daily full breakfast served at The Supper Room, use of on-site facilities, Wi-Fi and parking.

Petit St. Vincent ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES – Live the life of a pam-

pered castaway on this 115-acre, 22-cottage, private island

retreat situated in the Grenadines in the West Indies.

Take a day sail on Beauty, the hotel’s private sloop: you’ll

tour the surrounding islands, swim with giant sea turtles

and snorkel along the coral reefs. Return to the hotel for

hand-caught local rock lobster and dishes assembled with

ingredients from the chef’s garden.

Experience the thrill of a truly remote and pristine paradise.

Free of internet service, your connection will be with the sand

and surf; and the much sought-after peace and quiet awaits

at the beach. Recommended since 1980; 2011 Readers’ Choice

Award, #20, Top 20 Beach Resorts; 2012 Readers’ Choice

Award, #16, Top 20 Beach Resorts

SPECIAL OFFER: Bar Credit Enjoy a relaxing stay at Petit St. Vincent and receive a $50 bar credit per room. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reser-vations only, for travel through Aug. 31, 2014, based on availability.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome fruit and cheese plate per room • Half pound of Neuhaus chocolates per room

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include all meals, non-alcoholic beverages and use of all facilities and non-motorized watersports.


T he phrase “wine country” conjures an array of ro-mantic images—mild, sunny days and delicious-ly cool nights; sensually undulating hillsides clad

with gnarled vines, topped by an oc-casional château, villa or even castle; and luxuriously long al fresco lunches of exquisite cuisine and perfectly paired wines. It’s no wonder that some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world are located amid the scenic and gastronomic riches of wine country.

We in the Andrew Harper Travel Of-fice plan itineraries throughout wine regions all over the world. Yet, certain re-gions come up again and again, including northern California, Tuscany, Provence and South Africa’s Cape Winelands, and justifiably so. These remarkable places are enduring favorites of Andrew Harper subscribers and staff alike. Each of these regions offers an ideal mix of glorious scenery, world-class restaurants, sybaritic accommodations and superlative wines.

Every wine country itinerary we plan for Harper subscribers is customized,

but we thought it would be useful to put together sample itineraries that showcase these four wine regions at their best, with plenty of unusual and exclusive experi-ences included. Any of the following jour-neys would truly be unforgettable.

Favorite Wine Country Itineraries Part II

from the travel office SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Early morning fog settles over a vineyard and mustard blossoms in the Napa Valley, California.

from the Andrew Harper Travel Office

15

NAPA AND SONOMA VALLEYSDAY 1Fly into Oakland, San Francisco or Napa and transfer north into one of the world’s most renowned and beautiful wine re-gions. Take some time to relax, then meet with a local sommelier this evening for an introduction to the wines of Napa Valley. Tailored to your interests, the tasting can be anything from a broad overview of the region to an in-depth blind tasting.

DAY 2Through our connections in Napa Valley, we can arrange for private tastings at wineries not normally open to the general public, including a number of well-known “cult” wineries. These can be enjoyed with a guide, who can be an in-valuable resource, or simply have a driver whisk you from winery to winery. You might visit establishments such as OVID, CHÂTEAU BOSWELL and CONTINUUM, but the specific wineries to be included in the day can be customized.

Enjoy a romantic picnic lunch, and have dinner at a noted Napa Valley restaurant such as TERRA or REDD.

DAY 3An early morning hot-air balloon flight is an iconic Napa Valley experience, par-ticularly when followed by a gourmet brunch paired with sparkling wines.

After some time to relax, spend sev-eral hours at a top winery tasting from the barrel and learning about wine-blending techniques. After you’ve honed your skills, create your own Napa blend, complete with a custom label, which you can bring home to share with friends (or keep all to yourself).

This evening, head to a top winery nearby and help the chef forage for produce from the garden to include in a special menu just for you. After taking a cooking class with the chef, sit down to dinner paired with wines you helped select.

Winemaker statue at the entrance to Napa Valley wine country

DAY 4This morning, head west from Napa to-ward Sonoma. “Wineries in [Sonoma and adjacent Carneros] produce impres-sive reds,” says Mr. Harper, “notably the PINOT NOIR from SAINTSBURY, Cabernets from larger winemakers north of the town of Sonoma such as ST. FRANCIS and CHATEAU ST. JEAN, and ZINFANDELS from RAVENSWOOD.” We recommend visiting SAINTSBURY en route to Sonoma, and stopping for lunch at DRY CREEK KITCHEN

in stylish Healdsburg.

In the afternoon, relax at your hotel and explore Healdsburg, or visit some additional wineries in the Sonoma Valley.

DAY 5Visit wineries along WEST DRY CREEK

ROAD, which Mr. Harper calls “one of the most enjoyable wine drives in the United States.” The scenery isn’t the only rea-son; the Pinot Noirs of the cool RUSSIAN

RIVER VALLEY are some of the finest anywhere. This region has embraced the Burgundian style of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs.

DAY 6Return to the airport and take your flight home. Or add a few days or more to enjoy San Francisco.


TUSCANYDAYS 1-3Spend some time in Tuscany’s capital, Florence. We can help with anything from reserved entries to blockbuster sights like the UFFIZI to finding exquisite hand-crafted goods with a personal shopper to a private cooking class with a noted Florentine chef.

DAY 4Transfer with your driver into the Tuscan countryside, an extrava-gantly romantic landscape of vineyards, olive groves, fortified medi-eval towns, hilltop castles and rolling pastures dotted with cypresses.

CHIANTI, one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, lies just south of Florence, with silver-green olive groves, well-kept vineyards and small stone cottages. Stroll through the towns of Greve, Montefioralle and Radda in Chianti on your own, wandering among their charming piazzas and churches. Visit notable Chianti wineries and taste their famous CHIANTI CLASSICO and CHIANTI RISERVA wines, along with lo-cal extra virgin olive oil.

Check into one of the enchanting, historic Harper Alliance hotels nearby, and have dinner paired with local vintages.

Local Harper Alliance hotel partners share their recommendations.

Napa ValleyTAMRA WASLEWSKI DIRECTOR OF LEISURE SALES MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY & SOUTHBRIDGE NAPA VALLEY

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES• Visit the Culinary Institute

of America at Greystone; take a tour of the historic building, enjoy cooking and wine demonstrations and dine in The Wine Spectator Restaurant.

• Take a break from wine-tasting and sit for an olive oil-tasting at Round Pond.

• Shoe shoppers must explore Foot Candy on Main Street in St. Helena.

• Guests staying at Meadowood can schedule a croquet lesson with Meadowood’s resident croquet pro and then enjoy a lively game. Croquet is the perfect equalizer between players of widely differing physical skills. Everyone starts at the same level, so the consummate athlete has no competitive edge. In fact, croquet is a game of strategy, not unlike chess, which offers the thinking player the true advantage.

INTERESTING FACTS • Some 94 percent of the

wineries in Napa Valley are family-owned.

• Only 4 percent of the wine from California is from Napa Valley.

LOCAL WISDOM• Visit during the months of

December-March to enjoy light traffic and easy access to the wineries and restaurants.

• During the month of February, the valley floor is filled with bright yellow mustard creating a beautiful view and striking contrast against the dormant vines throughout the region.

• Plan ahead to gain access to favorite places; most of the wineries and restaurants are on the smaller side and book out up to 4 months in advance. Although there are some wineries that are open to the public, it’s best for you to call ahead to make sure and then make a reservation if necessary.

• Don’t go home without experiencing the English muffins made by Model Bakery in Downtown St. Helena, also found at The Grill at Meadowood.

HIDDEN CHARMS• Realm Cellars is a hidden

gem found within the winery Chateaux Boswell (also a gem!) This small boutique wine is hand crafted and will be one to watch. By appointment only.

• Downtown St. Helena–quaint shops, art galleries, dining, this is Main Street U.S.A. at its finest.

YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY A BOTTLE OF WINE

• Anyway, as long as it’s from Napa Valley it will be enjoyed!

• On the deck of my accommodations at Meadowood, listening to the birds chirp, along with lively conversation with my husband.

Sant Antimo Abbey near Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy



Tuscany

SALVATORE VELLETRI CONCIERGE BORGO SAN FELICE

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES• A bike tour through the

vineyards, enjoying the colors of our countryside, or following the historic “Eroica” route along some of the most scenic roads of the Chianti area. A highlight is undoubtedly the stretches of white gravel roads, enabling cyclists to experience first-hand another era of cycling.

• Rent a Ferrari or classic vintage car and drive through the country roads and cypress hills.

• View the Tuscan landscape from a hot-air balloon, enjoying a glass of Poggio Rosso (our great Chianti Classico) during the ride for an unforgettable experience.

• Visit villages such as Radda or Castellina in Chianti or other medieval hamlets like Monteriggioni or San Gimignano, strolling down their narrow streets. Obviously a not-to-be missed gem is Siena, famous all over the world for its history and for the Palio (horse race).

DAY 5Spend a full day at a top winery in the heart of the Chianti countryside. Blend your own Tuscan wine alongside an oenologist, surrounded by barrels of SANGIOVESE, MERLOT, CABERNET

SAUVIGNON, GAMAY and SYRAH. Once you are satisfied with the final result, prepare and seal 60 bottles, finished with a personalized label of your own design. At midday, take a break from your efforts and enjoy a full Tuscan wine-tasting lunch. Your bottles arriving in the U.S. will serve as a lovely reminder for months to come of your Tuscan adventure.

DAY 6Take a pleasant journey through the VAL D’ORCIA

with your local guide and enjoy a walking tour of the quaint town of PIENZA, an architectural masterpiece of Renaissance design, where you will see the PALAZZO PICCOLOMINI and DUOMO along with the many shops selling every type of pecorino cheese imaginable. Then head into the countryside to a local cheese producer and tour his workshop, learning about the various types of pecorino he produces. End the tour with a tast-ing of the various cheeses accompanied by cold cuts and bruschetta.

In the afternoon, delve deep into the wines of MONTALCINO, including BRUNELLO DI MONTALCI-

NO, one of the finest wines in Italy. Take a guided visit of the cellars of a boutique Brunello pro-ducer, followed by a wine-tasting of the various blends. Explore the town of Montalcino and stop at the famous ABBEY OF SANT’ANTIMO, known for its ethereal Gregorian chants at Mass. Be-fore returning to your hotel, stop at another top Brunello winery for a tasting at their wine bar.

DAY 7Spend the morning in the atmospheric city of SIENA, taking a walking tour with an expert guide, before transferring to the MAREMMA. Once the heartland of the enigmatic Etruscans, this Tuscan coastal area is now one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions.

Check into your countryside sanctuary, and take the afternoon to relax and enjoy the property. Alternatively, spend the afternoon visiting one or two wineries in the nearby MO-

RELLINO DI SCANSANO region, which produces wines with Brunello-like character from richly ripe Sangiovese.

DAY 8Make a day trip north to the charming town of BOLGHERI, popular with Italians yet relatively undiscovered by international tourists. After a walking tour of the town, visit the prestigious TENUTA DELL’ORNELLAIA, surrounded by natural splendor. Stroll through the vineyards, tour the cellars and of course do a tasting of the winery’s full range. It’s possible to visit other wineries in the region on request as well.

DAY 9

Return to Florence and the airport, or continue your journey south and head to ROME.

PROVENCEDAY 1Arrive in AVIGNON, and take some time to settle into one of the Andrew Harper Alliance palatial hotels in the heart of the city. Avignon once served as the home of the papacy, and its noble walls and remarkable architecture reflect this heritage. Take an afternoon walking tour with an expert guide, and take the evening at leisure.

DAY 2Start the day with a cooking class in the private cooking school of LA MIRANDE. In addition to resident chef Daniel Hébet, some of the top chefs of the region share their culinary expertise with food enthusiasts here.

In the afternoon, tour and taste in the east-ern reaches of the RHÔNE region, where the vineyards of the LUBERON grow in idyllic natural surroundings. Just below the village of MÉNER-

BES, mayor Yves Rousset-Rouard produces New World–style reds and whites in his state-of-the-art DOMAINE DE LA CITADELLE. An added

Pecorino cheese made from ewe’s milk, pecora meaning ‘sheep’ in Italian


Senior wine-maker checking the quality of Chianti grapes



attraction is his surprisingly fascinating CORKSCREW MUSEUM. Just down the road, outside the photogenic village of BONNIEUX, Jean-Pierre Margan uses or-ganic and occasionally even biodynamic farming techniques to produce the rich, rustic reds of CHÂTEAU LA CANORGUE.

DAY 3Drive to the small but spectacular moun-tain range of LES ALPILLES, where dra-

matic bleached limestone peaks emerge from a green girdle of almond trees, olive groves and vineyards. Stop in MOURIÈS for a tour and tasting at the MICHEL

OLIVE MILL. The very best of Provençal olive oil comes from Les Alpilles, which was granted its own appellation for the golden liquid.

Continue to the vineyards of LES BAUX

DE PROVENCE, a region that was part of the larger CÔTEAUX D’AIX EN PROVENCE

until it earned its own appellation in 1995 for REDS and ROSÉS. Many wines produced here strongly reflect their ter-roir, the hallmark of France’s best wines. Enjoy tours and tastings in the spectacu-lar underground cellars of CHÂTEAU RO-

MANIN and at the 15th-century CHÂTEAU

D’ESTOUBLON.For lunch we suggest either the leg-

endary hotel/restaurant L’OUSTAU DE

BAUMANIÈRE in Les Baux or the slightly simpler but no less excellent CABRO D’OR, both owned by master chef Jean-André Charial, president of the Vignerons of les Baux. He will be happy to spend a few minutes talking to you about the appel-lation.

In the afternoon, you can return to Avignon for some time at leisure, tour the fascinating half-ruined town of Les Baux itself, or do more wine-tastings at the 17th-century MAS DE LA DAME, painted by Van Gogh, and at LES TERRES BLANCHES, the first organic vineyard in Les Baux.

DAY 4Get close to the rich nature and history of Provence this morning with a gentle two-hour canoe trip down the GARD

RIVER. Float from the quaint village of COLLIAS to the PONT DU GARD, a remark-able Roman aqueduct with three levels of stone arches. Even today, it remains an impressive example of engineer-

Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, a Unesco World Heritage site, on the Gard River

Vineyard and lavender field in the Rhône-Alpes region of Provence



ing as well as a striking addition to the landscape.

Nearby TAVEL produces what some consider to be the world’s best rosés. Do a tasting of these sunny wines before returning to Avignon for some time to explore on your own.

DAY 5Check out of your hotel and head north along the Rhône. Explore the RASTEAU appellation, which has both a sweet wine and a Côtes du Rhône village. Visit a pri-vate wine estate while admiring the view of MONT VENTOUX, the DENTELLES DE

MONTMIRAIL and the village of RASTEAU. Paul and Mary-Elisabeth established this wonderful domain, now run by their daughter Françoise and her husband, Jon. As you visit the cellar and taste their wines, they share with you their love of

Provence as well as that of their wines. In the afternoon, take a walking tour

of the fascinating town of VAISON-LA-

ROMAINE, a former Roman city and now one of the largest archaeological sites in France. Some of the foundations of the cathedral have been exposed, showing how it rests on masonry scavenged from Roman buildings.

Check into your hotel in the Proven-çal countryside, and take the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax.

DAY 6Head west to the city of ORANGE, another major Roman center. This city retains its spectacular amphitheater, one of the largest ancient structures remaining in Europe.

After touring the theater and viewing Orange’s triumphal arch, continue to

the famed wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, dominated by i ts ruined chateau. Just outside the v i l l a g e s t a n d s the crenellated Hoste l ler ie du Château des Fines Roches, rich in me-dieval atmosphere. The food here is based on the best local products: olives, red mullet and—when in season—truffles. After lunch, have a tasting in the at-tached winery, Domaine du MoussETe, which produces red and white Châ-teauneuf-du-Pape.

Visit the magnificent CHÂTEAU LA

NERTHE next door, the most elegant wine estate in the appellation. As early as the

Les Baux in the Alpilles mountains


Freshly harvested truffles


18th century, LA NERTHE was considered one of the best Châteauneuf crus, and THOMAS JEFFERSON even bought a few cases. The château later fell on hard times, but its current director, Alain Du-gas, has restored it to its full prestige.

If you like, en route back to your ho-tel, stop in BEAUMES-DE-VENISE for a tast-ing of its delectable MUSCAT.

DAY 7Head north along the Rhône to the im-posing hill of HERMITAGE for a tasting of its mighty Syrah-based reds and its long-lived dry whites at leading négociant Michel Chapoutier in TAIN. After lunch across the street at a restaurant serving local Hermitage wines by the glass, take a vineyard tour and tasting with the friendly Paul Jaboulet, who produces con-sistently top Hermitage wines.


View across vineyards of the Stellenbosch district with Simonsberg mountain in the background; Western Cape Province, South Africa

Ancient Roman Théâtre antique d’Orange

Continue north along the Rhône valley to the CHÂTEAU D’AMPUIS. This is the heart of the CÔTE-RÔTIE appellation and the home base of E. GUIGAL, the most influential wine maker of the region. Today, the appellation—and his wines in particular—have achieved cult status. Enjoy a private visit and a tasting at the château.

Overnight a little farther north in the gastronomic capital of LYON, or in the picturesque BEAUJOLAIS countryside.

DAY 8Depart Lyon by rail or air, and connect to your flight home. Alternatively, take more time to explore gracious Lyon or relax in underrated Beaujolais.

CAPE WINELANDSDAY 1Arrive in CAPE TOWN possibly after a safari in South Africa and/ or Botswana.

DAY 2

Head this morning into one of Cape Town’s oldest and most colorful quarters to cook fragrant CAPE MALAY cuisine in the home of a local family. Learn about the fascinating history of the Cape Malay people and their rich culinary heritage while preparing and eating a delicious traditional meal. Take the afternoon at leisure to explore Cape Town on your own or relax at your hotel.

DAY 3Transfer a short distance by private car into the chief wine-producing area of the Cape, centered on the picturesque towns of PAARL, STELLENBOSCH and FRANSCHHOEK. In the June 2013 Hideaway Report, Mr. Harper describes this area as “among the most beautiful wine-lands in the world, backed by jagged mountains and, from November to March, reliably bathed in sunshine.”

Historic Cape Town suburb Cape Malay


Cape Winelands

ROBYN SWANEPOEL

PR & MARKETING

LE QUARTIER FRANÇAIS

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES

• Mountain-biking, walking or running on the various mountain paths. There are also guided walks on the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, a natural heritage site.

• A garden tour at Babylonstoren’s Toren. This formal garden is laid out over eight acres and boasts over 300 varieties of plant–all of which are edible.

• Learn the history of Franschhoek with a bespoke guided tour. Every interesting element of Franschhoek’s history is highlighted, from the pre-colonial settlers, the Dutch East India company and the French huguenots to local architecture, the apartheid era, and interesting village characters.

• Experience a night of culinary magic in The Tasting Room restaurant–ranked in the top 50 restaurants in the world.

• Wine-blending at the Môreson Wine Estate–making your own wine!

INTERESTING FACTS

• The Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster) is a prison situated between Paarl and Franschhoek. It was here that Nelson Mandela spent the last three of his 27-year imprisonment.

• Cape spotted leopards are still seen in the Franschhoek mountains and on hiking trails.

• Elephants used to live in the Franschhoek valley. The valley therefore used to be named Olifantshoek (‘Elephants’ corner’).

• The valley was originally settled in 1688 by 176 French huguenot refugees. Many of them were given the land by the then Dutch government, and some named their new farms after the areas in France from which they came-Cabrière, Provence, Chamonix, Dieu Donné, etc. Most of these original farms and houses still stand today.

LOCAL WISDOM • Agathosma is a genus

of about 140 species of flowering plants native to South Africa, and commonly known as buchu. They are small shrubs and many are highly aromatic, which is why their genus name means “good fragrance.”

• The leaves of these shrubs have long been used as a traditional African herbal remedy, and colonialists took bottled infusions to be sold in European countries such as ‘buchu tea’ in the late 1800s. It is still used today–predominantly for digestive and antiseptic purposes.

HIDDEN CHARMS• One of the subtle and

lesser-spoken-about highlights is the fragrance that lingers in the air. The beautiful open gardens are given much attention by their proud owners, and so the variety and prettiness of the colors and smells is a treat. Walking through the town you will faintly be aware of the perfume aroma surrounding you, perhaps interspersed with the charming smell of a wood fire burning in a home.

YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY A BOTTLE OF WINE• Sitting under the trees at

Bread&Wine whilst chatting with friends and family, and enjoying a cheese and charcuterie platter.


P R O M OT I O N


En route to your wine country resort, stop at the GLEN

CARLOU ESTATE, home to the world’s largest privately owned contemporary art collection. This estate, affiliated with the HESS COLLECTION, also produces an array of excellent award-winning wines available for tasting. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your resort.

DAY 4We recommend beginning your first full day in the wine-lands with a walking tour in French-flavored Franschhoek, a historic wine town and an ideal spot for lunch. The impressive LA MOTTE winery, owned by mezzo-soprano Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, has a Harper-recommended restaurant called PIERNEEF LA MOTTE which celebrates wineland ingredients.

In the afternoon, visit two or three nearby wineries for tastings. You can of course customize your itinerary, but if you need some ideas, we recommend considering other fine wineries near Franschhoek such as BOEKENHOUTSK-

LOOF, GRAHAM BECK, BELLINGHAM and/or L’ORMARINS (home to a notable classic auto museum). If gardens are of interest, stop at the EXOTIC PLANT COMPANY on the MÔRE-

SON estate, where you can stroll through rooms of exotic orchids, glass of CAP CLASSIQUE in hand.

DAY 5Start exploring the area around Stellenbosch today with a half-day winelands “safari” experience. Head into the vineyards of WATERFORD WINE ESTATE in an open Land Rover. As you traverse the scenic slopes of HELDERBERG

MOUNTAIN, learn first-hand about the terroir and taste some wines among the vines.

After a relaxing picnic lunch, taste wines in some of the top STELLENBOSCH ESTATES. Again, we can arrange visits of whichever wineries you like. Some of the most re-nowned are VERGELEGEN, MORGENHOF, RUSTENBERG and MEERLUST.

DAY 6Take this day at your leisure to keep exploring the Cape Winelands. We can arrange all sorts of activities in the area. You might like to bicycle with a guide from vineyard to vineyard, or perhaps meet with a local winemaker to try your hand at blending your own wine. Alternatively, visit the elegant RUPERT ART MUSEUM showcasing South African art created between 1940 and 1970, or take a gentle hike in the MONT ROCHELLE NATURE RESERVE, situated in part of a UNESCO-declared biosphere reserve with glorious views of Franschhoek. Or head up to PAARL, home to numer-ous notable wineries such as FAIRVIEW, BACKSBERG and AVONDALE.

DAY 7After one more leisurely breakfast, make the short transfer back to Cape Town and the airport


Ventana Inn & Spa

BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA – Teeming with natural beauty, this

Big Sur boutique hotel set on 243 unspoiled acres of rolling

green boasts jaw-dropping views of the Pacific.

Get the lay of the land with daily, guided property walks.

You may spot a California condor or red-tailed hawk among

the redwoods. Watch the whale migration from December

through January and again April through May.

After a day of exploration, indulge in locally sourced,

seasonal dining at The Restaurant at Ventana, situated 1,200

feet above the ocean. Panoramic views of the surrounding

mountains and canyons are best viewed with a vintage from

the award-winning wine list in hand. Recommended since 1980;

2012 Readers’ Choice Award, #11, Top 20 U.S. Hideaways; 2013

Readers’ Choice Award, #11, Top 20 U.S. Hideaways.

SPECIAL OFFER: Fourth Night Complimentary Confirm a stay for four consecutive nights by Jan. 31, 2014 and receive the last night com-plimentarily. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Jan. 31, 2014, for travel though March 1, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • 75 USD dining credit per room • Welcome bottle of wine per room

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant, daily wine and cheese reception, morning yoga classes, guided “Discovery Walk” of property, Wi-Fi, parking and shuttle service to Big Sur shops and restaurants.

P R O M OT I O N


Area Alliance Partners Napa/Sonoma, California

Hotels Auberge Du Soleil

Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Calistoga Ranch

Farmhouse Inn

Hotel Les Mars

Madrona Manor

Meadowood Napa Valley

Milliken Creek Inn

Poetry Inn

Provence, France

Hotels Hotel Crillon Le Brave

La Bastide de Moustiers

La Coquillade

La Mirande

Le Couvent des Minimes

Villa Gallici

Tuscany, Italy

Hotels Borgo Santo Pietro

Castello del Nero

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Hotel Borgo San Felice

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol

Hotel Le Fontanelle

Hotel Lungarno

Il Salviatino

J.K. Place Firenze

La Chiusa

L’Andana Tenuta La Badiola

Locanda dell’Amorosa

The St. Regis Florence

Villa San Michele

The Cape, So. Africa

Hotels La Residence

Le Quartier Francais

Travel PartnersAbercrombie & Kent Europe

Abercrombie & Kent Southern Africa

Absolute Italy

andBeyond

Decouvertes

IC Bellagio

Wilderness Safaris

VillasA&K Villas

BeautifulPlaces

LaCure Villas

Villa Il Sogno

Farmhouse InnFORESTVILLE, CALIFORNIA – In the

heart of wine country in Forestville,

California, Farmhouse Inn is owned and

run by fifth-generation Sonoma natives.

The property employs six concierges

for just 18 rooms, ensuring an authentic

experience for each guest. Meals at the

Michelin-star restaurant utilize the fresh-

est ingredients to create artfully prepared

dishes. The on-site spa offers farm-

to-table treatments in the property’s

carriage house.

• Family-owned and run

• Minutes from wineries and vineyards

• Michelin-star restaurant


SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Tuesdays in the California Wine Country What’s better than two nights in the California wine country? Three nights, with one being complimentary! Sneak away to the Sonoma wine country and celebrate romance at Farmhouse Inn. Confirm a minimum three-night midweek stay in a Heritage Deluxe, Heritage Suite, Barn Deluxe or Barn Luxury Room which includes a Tuesday night and receive the Tuesday night compli-mentarily. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Of-fer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 31, 2014, for travel through April 3, 2014, based on availability and excluding Jan. 10-20 and Feb. 14-16, 2014. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome bottle of local Sonoma wine and cheese plate per room • VIP wine-tasting

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include daily full two-course breakfast served at the restau-rant, Wi-Fi and parking.

Hotel Le Fontanelle

TUSCANY, ITALY – Amid the Tuscan

countryside sits a haven of tranquility

and rural elegance. Here, visitors with a

penchant for all things gastronomy will

enjoy delectable dishes from the hotel’s

gourmet restaurant, La Colonna, which

are perfectly paired with breathtaking

views and selections from the sommelier.

For the ultimate experience, partake in

a Chianti wine- and extra virgin olive oil-

tasting from the hotel’s own production.

• 25 guestrooms and suites

• Outdoor pool with panoramic views

• Indoor, heated pool


SPECIAL OFFER: Half-Day Winery Tour Confirm a four-night stay in a suite and receive one complimentary self-driving winery tour for four hours at a nearby property. Guests must confirm day and time preference for the tour at time of booking the hotel stay. alSo INCludES Andrew harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reserva-tions only, for travel through Oct. 31, 2014, based on availability.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Mini-bottle of house olive oil on departure • For stays of five nights or longer, a 100 EUR hotel credit per room

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include daily continental buffet breakfast served at the res-taurant, a welcome amenity, Wi-Fi, use of hotel facilities, parking and shuttle service to Siena at predetermined hours, valid once checked in. Suite bookings also include non-alcoholic minibar. Minimum two-night stay.

P R O M OT I O N


La CoquilladeGARGAS, PROVENCE, FRANCE – Set among 70 picturesque acres of hillside vineyards in

the Luberon region of Provence, this eco-friendly hotel consists of six charming renovated

farmhouses and outlying buildings, some of which date to the 11th century. A total of 28 con-

temporary accommodations feature quarry-tiled floors, beamed ceilings, private terraces or

gardens, and spacious baths with separate showers and tubs. The carefully planned design

and décor of each guest room emphasize quality furnishings and uncluttered comfort.

The property’s three dining options include the Michelin-star Le Gourmet, featuring

creative and refined dishes with Mediterranean and Provençal influences; Le Bistrot for

traditional Mediterranean cuisine; and the open-air Le Jardin dans les Vignes, serving

refined summer cuisine and wood-grilled fare. Tour the vineyards and enjoy wines from the

hotel’s own Aureto label in the on-site wine cellar.

Relax at the picturesque, peaceful swimming pool or in the shade of the unique sails

that cover the terrace. An outdoor bar serves drinks and light meals, and the pool staff will

attend to your every need. In-room massages, tennis and petanque also are offered.

Andrew Harper calls it “a splendid property from which it is hard to drag yourself away.”

But don’t miss all the area has to offer. Explore the surrounding countryside on a Swiss-made

BMC bicycle or in a vintage Jaguar or Triumph, see the sights from above in a hot-air balloon,

and discover the picturesque Luberon villages of Bonnieux, Gordes, Goult and Ménerbes—

all within a 30 minutes’ drive. Recommended since 2011; 2012 Grand Award Winner

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome bottle of Aureto wine per room • Visit to the Aureto winery • For stays between April 16-May 7 and Oct. 15-Nov. 3, 2014, daily buffet breakfast served at the restaurant

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT, Wi-Fi and parking.

25

P R O M OT I O N

P R O M OT I O N

26


f r o m a a r d v a r k s t o z e b r a s ,

Africa is home to some of the most exotic wildlife in the world. These birds, animals and reptiles—coupled with the continent’s breathtaking landscapes—explain why Africa consis-

tently ranks as a top destination for travelers across the globe.

We’ve rounded up our Harper Alliance partners in Africa—including Russel Binks, managing director of Tswalu Kalaha-

ri; Suzanne Bayly-Coupe, international marketing at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve; andBeyond Group Conservation

Manager Les Carlisle; Kim Nixon, sales manager at Wilderness Safaris; Bronwyn Varty, head of marketing at Londolozi

Private Game Reserve; as well as the sales and marketing team at Sanctuary Retreats—to give us the latest on wildlife,

safaris, excursions and conservation across their African destinations.

oppoSITE: The “Big Five” game animals: lions, Cape buffalo, African elephants, rhinoceros and leopards

28 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

WildlifeMost visitors to Africa are eager to catch a glimpse of the “BIG FIVE” game animals: LIONS, CAPE BUFFALO, AFRICAN ELEPHANTS, RHINOC-

EROS and LEOPARDS. Alliance partners’ prop-erties do not disappoint, as the Big Five are often found roaming nearby.

“Londolozi started viewing leopards in 1979, and since then we have built wonderful relationships with 17 different wild leopards,” Varty says. “Leopards do not migrate, but rather hold specific territories for the whole of their lives.” To keep former and future guests up to date on the animals, staff at the private game reserve maintain a blog about each of the leopards.

Yet, African wildlife extends well beyond the Big Five. “The discovery of the wider Af-rican ecosystem is an experience that visitors never forget,” says Binks. “The vast diversity of wildlife and BIRDS always exceeds visitors’ expectations.” Indeed, the range of wildlife found at Harper Alliance partners’ properties illustrates this diversity.

At some of Sanctuary Retreats’ lodges, guests can observe CHEETAHS, COLOBUS MONKEYS, CROCODILES, GIRAFFES, ZEBRAS and a range of RARE BIRDS. Sanctuary’s Saadani River Lodge, off the coast of Tanzania, even has its own RES-

IDENT HIPPOPOTAMUS named Babis. At andbe-yond’s lodges and camps, Carlisle encourages guests to not overlook the abundant smaller wildlife, such as HONEY BADGERS, MEERKATS, WARTHOGS and AARDVARKS.

BIRDING also is increasingly attracting visi-tors to Africa. “Tswalu has become an ex-tremely popular birding safari destination,” Binks says. “It is an environment dominated by grassland, so there is plenty of food avail-able for seed eaters. Because it is also condu-cive to reptiles, we see a large variety of carniv-orous bird species. In fact, approximately 240

SPECIES OF BIRDS have been seen at Tswalu.”The ecosystems vary with each African

region, exposing travelers to different wild-life experiences. “SOUTHERN AFRICA IS MORE

ABOUT DIVERSITY and a huge range of habitats and differing wildlife species, while a few ar-eas in Africa have MASSIVE MIGRATIONS LIKE

THOSE OF EAST AFRICA,” Nixon says. Carlisle calls the annual Great WILDEBEEST Migration in Kenya and Tanzania “one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world.”

Wildebeest migration

30

SafarisSafaris have evolved from the days when Africa’s reserves were hunting conces-sions, yet the excitement of spotting a GIRAFFE, a JACKAL or a RHINOCEROS has remained constant. According to Harper Alliance partners, the safari is still the most sought-after activity in Africa. “Sa-faris and game drives allow guests to get close to an array of birds and animals in their natural habitat, which deepens visitors’ appreciation for the African wildlife and landscape,” Carlisle says. Nixon echoes this sentiment: “At Wil-derness Safaris, we believe that through life-changing guest journeys and safaris, we can begin to truly SAVE THE WORLD’S

WILDERNESS AREAS.”The wildlife guests see on safari de-

pends not only on where they go, but when they go. “In summer months, many ANIMALS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE COOL

MORNING HOURS TO GRAZE before the

heat of the day, so on morning drives, guests have the opportunity to see day-time predators, including big cats, gear-ing up for the day’s hunting and other activities,” Bayly-Coupe says. “In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. NIGHT

DRIVES produce some unusual sightings, including AARDVARK, AARDWOLF, BAT-

EARED FOX and PORCUPINE.”Alternatives to the iconic open four-

wheel drive safari vehicle are also a growing trend. Several properties offer WALKING SAFARIS, allowing guests to appreciate the sheer size and strength of some of Africa’s animals. “There’s nothing like seeing lion tracks or the giant footprint of an elephant to make guests FEEL CLOSER TO NATURE than ever before,” says Malemia Banda, head guide for Sanctuary Zambia. Viewing game on HORSEBACK has also grown popular.

Guides, rangers and trackers who lead safaris often come from local communi-ties and grew up living off the land, giving

Photographic safari; Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Wilderness Safaris’ Abu Camp; Okavango Delta, Botswana


them an intimate knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Varty notes that guides are highly skilled and prone to “wowing guests with their OUTSTANDING KNOWL-

EDGE and UNFORGETTABLE STORIES.” Carlisle says guides play a pivotal role in enriching a visitor’s experience in Africa:

“Not only do they have a vast wealth of information about local wildlife and ecol-ogy, they impart cultural information and BRING TRADITIONS ALIVE for our guests.”

Many Harper Alliance partners tailor their safaris to guests’ interests. For example, andBeyond offers BESPOKE

EXPERIENCES catering to all generations and interests, such as FAMILY, BEACH AND

GOLF SAFARIS, while Londolozi’s options include PHOTOGRAPHIC and HONEYMOON

SAFARIS. Guests at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero in Botswana can take an excur-sion on the new PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

BOAT. While no two safaris are the same, Carlisle notes that they have one thing in common: “Safaris leave you with unforgettable experiences that inspire a life-long love affair with Africa’s wildlife and wide open spaces.”

Other ActivitiesBeyond safaris, a variety of excursions and local activities offer opportunities to immerse yourself in Africa’s natural and cultural environment.

Guests at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp or Sanctuary Baines’ Camp in Botswana can SPEND THE MORNING WITH JABU, THEMBI and MORULA, a trio of semi-habit-uated orphaned elephants, and accompa-ny them on their daily walk through the bush to forage for food. Guests also enjoy a picnic lunch in the elephants’ company.

At Wilderness Safari’s two Odzala camps in the Republic of Congo, guests learn about the lives of WESTERN LOW-

LAND GORILLAS. Africa’s densest popula-tion of the gorillas is found in the Congo Basin, which is the SECOND-LARGEST

AREA OF TROPICAL RAINFOREST IN THE

WORLD, according to Nixon. In addition to gorilla tracking—an experience Nixon calls “amazing”—guests also can take pirogue rides, savannah or night drives, or walks in the lush habitat.

Area Alliance Partners Hotels andBeyond operates 32

lodges and camps in South,

Southern and East Africa,

including the Kruger National

Park, Masai Mara National

Reserve, Serengeti National

Park and the Okavango Delta.

Londolozi Private Game

Reserve, one of the original

game reserves in South Africa,

is situated adjacent to the

Kruger National Park and has

five small independent, stand-

alone family-run camps.

Kwandwe Private Game

Reserve is located in malaria-

free Eastern Cape Province,

South Africa and offers suites

in Great Fish River Lodge,

Ecca Lodge, and two exclusive

villas, Uplands Homestead and

Melton Manor.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve,

located in malaria-free

Southern Kalahari, South

Africa, caters for 30 guests in

two exclusive lodges.

Sanctuary Retreats operates

13 lodges and camps in Kenya,

Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania

and Uganda, as well as offering

private camping across East

Africa.

Travel Partners Wilderness Safaris is a

conservation organization

and ecotourism company that

operates camps and safaris

in South Africa, Botswana,

Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia,

Zimbabwe, Republic of Congo,

Malawi and Kenya.

Tree Camp Deck Lounge; Londolozi Private Game Reserve


SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Air Transfer Confirm a stay for four nights between Jan. 1, 2014–Dec. 31, 2014 and receive complimentary flights to and from Tswalu from both Johannesburg and Cape Town airports. alSo INCludES: Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Tswalu Kalahari TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA –

South Africa’s largest private game reserve is a

malaria-free wilderness with superlative game includ-

ing desert black rhino, black-maned Kalahari lions,

meerkats, pangolin and aardwolf. Catering to 30

guests, the emphasis is on luxury, flexibility and

exclusivity. Design your own itinerary with game drives,

bush walks, horseback safaris, spa treatments and

exquisite cuisine.

• Malaria-Free Safari with Kids’ Programs

• Rare and Endangered Wildlife, Including Pangolin

• Luxury, Flexibility and Exclusivity

Recommended since 2000. 2013 Readers’ Choice Award,

#14, Top 20 Safari Lodges.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • One spa treatment per person • Private dinner with a wine-pairing/tasting • Private discussion with Tswalu’s Conservation Department.

Standard Inclusions: Rates include VAT, all meals, beverages, select Premium South African wines, game-viewing activities, babysitting services, valet service and laundry.

P R O M OT I O N

At andBeyond’s lodges, guests can enjoy HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDES over the Kenyan bush and guided MOKORO (dug-out canoe) EXCURSIONS into the heart of the OKAVANGO DELTA. Binks suggests visi-tors to Tswalu Kalahari get to know NA-

TURE AFTER DARK. “Experience the magic of star gazing and the thrill of sleeping under the night sky,” he says. Guests can spend the night on the MALORI, a king-sized bed on a raised deck in the middle of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, “surrounded by the calls of nocturnal animals, with nothing between them and the brilliant stars [over] the Kalahari,” he adds.

“KIDS ARE A BIG FOCUS FOR US AT

KWANDWE,” says Bayly-Coupe. Children can take special game drives, fish for min-nows and go spoor tracking— the trailing of animals by their scent, tracks or other evidence, such as broken foliage. “On the last day, a ranger signs a certificate confirming that the proud child is now a RANGER-IN-TRAINING.”

Other activities center on CUISINE. This includes options such as breakfast

or dinner SERVED IN THE BUSH, WINE

TASTINGS, DUNE PICNICS and DRINKS ON

A MOORED FLOATING DAM. At Londolozi, Varty recommends dining in a one-of-a-kind setting: “Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deck high up in the ebony trees as elephants drink in the river below or have a private dinner under the stars surrounded by hundreds of candles with LIONS ROARING IN THE DISTANCE.”

Conservation & SustainabilityFor Harper Alliance partners, taking care of the wildlife, the land and the local people is essential and reflected in their approach to ecotourism, sustainability and conservation. Ultimately, Harper Al-liance partners say, their conservation efforts have a positive impact on the lo-cal community as well as guests. “WE’RE

DRIVEN BY TWO GOALS: to create an in-spirational experience for guests, and to restore the land to itself,” Binks says.

To this end, they work to maintain the African landscape, acting as STEW-

ARDS for the PRECARIOUS ECOSYSTEM. For example, Kwandwe Private Game Re-serve has reintroduced more than 7,000 wild animals into the area, returning the cheetah to the Great Fish River Valley for the first time since 1888. andBeyond’s 56,800-acre Phinda Private Game Re-serve, once degraded farmland, is now home to significant populations of Big Five game and the world’s largest private herd of NYALA ANTELEOPE.

In order to bring greater awareness to the region, Tswalu Kalahari created the TSWALU FOUNDATION to contribute to

Blue cranes–protected, but classified as vulnerable; Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

P R O M OT I O N

33

Mateya Safari Lodge

MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA –

South Africa’s northern region is home to the 290-square-

mile Madikwe Game Reserve and the prestigious Mateya

Safari Lodge. Allowing for a maximum of only 10 guests, lodge

accommodations comprise five elegantly appointed, air-

conditioned hillside suites, each with a private pool, deck and

outdoor fireplace, and each overlooking a watering hole and

the plains below. With 66 large mammal species and more

than 350 bird species inhabiting the reserve, daily game drives

and bush walks led by Mateya’s expert rangers are integral to

the experience. The lodge is located in a malaria-free area, and

its emphasis on personable and meticulous service, comple-

mented by gourmet dining, an 8,000-bottle wine cellar and

an impressive collection of African art, has garnered the high

regard of the Andrew Harper community, with one subscriber

calling it “one of the best if not the best property in Africa.”

Recommended since 2010; 2013 Grand Award Winner

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Massage, Plus Extra Amenities Confirm a stay at Mateya Safari Lodge and receive a back and neck massage per person once during stay; a bottle of South African Champagne in suite on arrival; early check-in/check-out, subject to availability. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is based on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Head and neck massage for two per room • Private dinner in the wine cellar

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include all meals, coffees, teas, local beverages, house wines, game drives, bush walks, Wi-Fi, laundry, reserve gate entrance fee, landing fees, levies and ground transfers to/from Madikwe Airstrip.

COMMUNITY and ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. “The Ka-lahari system is an understudied area,” Binks says. “The foundation is fundamental in not only developing a greater appreciation for the beauty of the Kalahari and its abundant wildlife in a hands-on manner, but also provides encouragement and support to gain knowledge to better manage this part of Africa.”

Knowing that the future of these environmental areas rests with the people that inhabit them, CONSERVATION

EFFORTS extend to local communities as well. Nearly all of the properties are involved in OUTREACH PROGRAMS to develop EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES in rural communi-ties and engage locals in conservation strategies, such as Londolozi’s partnership with the GOOD WORK FOUNDATION, Kwandwe’s ANGUS GILL FOUNDATION and the WILDERNESS

WILDLIFE TRUST created by Wilderness Safaris. “Empower-ing local communities is key to conservation,” Nixon says.

Carlisle echoes this philosophy. “We recognize that economic development of the areas in which we operate is crucial to the maintenance of BIODIVERSITY,” he says. “By physically demonstrating a commitment to conservation and community development, our guests see how their stay has a positive benefit. From then on, we believe that they will become responsible travelers, ensuring that their future travel choices will make a difference both environ-mentally and socially.”

“Silverback” adult male western lowland gorilla

W ith the world at your fingertips, deciding where to go and what to see can be daunting. In the following pages, Mr. Harper and the Andrew Harper Travel Office share their favorite worldwide events—from a daring race through a

medieval town to a ritual ceremony high in the Himalayas to a colorful carnival in the desert of India—to guide you in selecting some spectacular ways to spend your days in The Year Ahead.

The Year AheadMr. Harper and the Andrew Harper Travel Office share their favorite 25 annual events.

Tsechu festival in honor of Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan

34 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 ANDREWHARPER.COM34 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 ANDREWHARPER.COM

The Year AheadMr. Harper and the Andrew Harper Travel Office share their favorite 25 annual events.


Mr. Harper’sFavoriteVENICE CARNIVAL Venice, ItalyFEBRUARY 15–MARCH 4

The canals, plazas and alleys of Venice come alive in opulent splendor during the 10-day Carnival as the city populates with masked revelers worthy of its grand Baroque heritage. The formal, Old-World tone sets this festival apart from those in New Orleans and Rio, luring socialites and disguised dignitaries to its elegant and elab-orate Carnival balls—among the world’s most elite parties. Theater, street perfor-mances, parades and fireworks round out the festivities of this lavish saturnalia.

PUNAKHA TSECHUPunakha, BhutanMARCH 11–13

Held in the impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter home of the Bhutanese

clergy, the tsechu celebrates the deeds and teachings of Guru Rimpoche, the legendary saint who introduced tantric Buddhism into the Himalayas. Masked performers, dancers and monks re-enact historical events and provide entertain-ment, culminating with the unfurling of a large thangka scroll that is said to wash away sins just by viewing it. The im-portance of the tsechu to locals and the stunning setting of Punakha make this a compelling event.

KYOTO CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Kyoto, Japan

LATE MARCH–EARLY APRIL

For a few days each spring, Kyoto, Japan erupts in color as the front of flowering cherry blossoms sweeps through the city. For centuries, locals have been using the occasion to mark the arrival of spring, ruminate on the transience of life and indulge in the spectacular scenery of the country’s cultural heartland with picnics in the city’s many evocative parks and gardens.

15Person in a Venetian costume attends the Carnival of Venice

Dancer at Tsechu celebration in Bhutan


ANTIGUA SAILING WEEKAntiguaAPRIL 26–MAY 2

More than 100 yachts and thousands of spectators converge in Antigua each year to witness top racing vessels chase the trade winds across the deep blue of the Caribbean. Watch the regatta from van-tage points on the shore or on spectator boats, afterward joining late-night revel-ers for barbecues, steel bands and requi-site rum punch during the lively island parties, culminating with Lord Nelson’s Ball after the races.

GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVALLewes, EnglandMAY 17–AUGUST 25

The festival boasts outstanding and inno-vative opera productions, housed on the elaborate grounds of a 600-year-old Eng-lish country manor. The audience, always in elegant formal wear, is encouraged to picnic during the long intermission and

tour the beautifully designed gardens and home. The London Philharmonic serves as the resident symphony orchestra.

WHITE NIGHTS FESTIVALSt. Petersburg, Russia

MAY 23–JUNE 10

This extended festival takes place during St. Petersburg’s long summer days, where it never gets darker than a milky twilight. A manic energy in the city fuels numer-

ous street parties, music and dance performances and art events, crowned by the impressive Scarlet Sails ceremony, replete with fireworks and orchestra. A simple late-hour stroll among the ro-mantic and stately Baroque buildings of St. Petersburg offers unique charms of its own.

EL ROCIO PILGRIMAGEEl Rocio, Andalusia, SpainJUNE 6–10

This vibrant 13th-century Andalusian tradition sees around a million pilgrims make their way to the Wild West–like town of El Rocio to venerate a statue of the Virgin Mary, many making the journey on horseback or in traditional covered ox-carts. The mobile festival is marked by impromptu parties, horse races and lively, spontaneous singing and dancing accented by colorful flowers and traditional dress. The focal point of the event is the emergence of the statue from the chapel where it resides and the sub-sequent procession to the other chapels in town.

White Nights Festival, St. Petersburg, Russia

Pilgrims on the way to El Rocio, Andalusia


WIMBLEDONLondon, England

JUNE 23–JULY 6

Tennis’ oldest and premier event still fea-tures the same customs and quirks as when it began 137 years ago: a grass court, players dressed in white, royal patronage and the traditional serving of strawber-ries and cream and tea. Despite the atten-tion and worldwide fervor regarding the event, Wimbledon retains the feel of a 19th-century garden party.

IL PALIO DI SIENASiena, ItalyJULY 2 AND AUGUST 16

Steeped in medieval heritage, Il Palio combines fierce village rivalries with an intensely competitive horse race around the city’s central plaza. Preceded by a spectacular pageant of 16th-century her-aldry, the 90-second race is the crescendo after months of preparations, forging of secret alliances and the building fervor in the city, giving way to massive celebra-tions in honor of the winner.

“One should experience one viewing of this race in one’s lifetime.” – The Andrew Harper Travel Office’s Joe Colucci

SALZBURG FESTIVALSalzburg, AustriaJULY 18–AUGUST 31

Grand Baroque architecture and the dra-matic scenery of Salzburg set the stage for this five-week festival of opera, music and classic theater, where the city pays homage to the legacy of its famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performanc-es of his repertoire abound, including his

“Great Mass” in a striking Romanesque basilica, in what is arguably their natural setting.

Panoramic view of “Piazza del Campo” during the Palio of Siena

Riders in the Palio di Siena circle the Piazza del Campo


PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHEParis, FranceOCTOBER 5

The prestigious Parisian event is the cli-mactic point of horseracing, functioning as the supreme test of top thoroughbreds. The main race charts a 1.5-mile course of hills and straights through the lush greenery of the Longchamp racecourse. With the largest purse in European horseracing, the Arc attracts equally opu-lent crowds, as high fashion and exclu-sive Champagne tents complement the city’s charged atmosphere.

DIWALIOCTOBER 23–27

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a special time in India, when bright colors and good cheer permeate the country as families gather to acknowledge the tri-umph of good over evil and look forward to a prosperous future. The holy city of Varanasi is especially striking during the celebrations—thousands of candles and oil lamps are lit along the banks of the Ganges River, and visitors pour into the city to bathe in the river, observe rituals performed by Brahmin priests and enjoy the surrounding festivities.

PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIRPushkar, Rajasthan, India

OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 6

Doubling as a religious festival and major camel market, this astounding and pho-togenic fair overloads the senses with sights and sounds and smells, as musi-cians, dancers, snake charmers, artisans and holy men converge with desert herd-ers and their 50,000 camels and livestock within a tent city in the dunes outside of Pushkar. A carnival-like atmosphere ac-companies the fair, with games, rides and contests, including camel dancing, camel beauty competitions and mustache judg-

People burning oil lamps as part of Diwali in Varanasi, India


ing. While the trading is wrapping up, the holiday of Kartik Prunima is observed with a ritual dip in Lake Pushkar at dawn under the full moon.

ARGENTINE OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIPBuenos Aires, ArgentinaNOVEMBER 15–DECEMBER 6

Buenos Aires hosts the final event of polo’s prestigious Triple Crown series, featuring the “sport of kings’” highest-skilled players and horses. Glamorous crowds, glittering parties and high-level socializing complement the festive at-mosphere of this major sporting event, which brings more than 80,000 people into the city.

SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACESydney, AustraliaBEGINS DECEMBER 26

An Australian summer tradition, this compelling race is considered one of the most difficult in the world. The yachts depart Sydney Harbour with consider-able pomp on Boxing Day, arriving 630 nautical miles later at a festive reception in Tasmania just in time for New Year’s celebrations. Vantage points from the Sydney headlands provide spectacular views of the iconic Australian experience.

Travel Office Favorites

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVALPark City, UtahJANUARY 16-26

Every winter, the American film industry descends upon the quaint mountain town of Park City, Utah for this legend-ary festival, started by Robert Redford in 1981. Sundance offers a unique charm,

as the glamorous, celebrity-rich Hol-lywood set; innovative and cutting-edge filmmakers; and 50,000 festivalgoers all rub shoulders in the small-town setting. Aside from film, the area offers excellent skiing and easy access to Salt Lake City and Ogden.

WAKAKUSA YAMAYAKINara, JapanJANUARY 25

Flames engulf a small mountain outside Nara, Japan, when dry grasses covering the 342-meter volcano are set ablaze during Wakakusa Yamayaki. More than 100,000 spectators converge on this small city near Kyoto to view the unique conflagration and accompanying fire-works.

oppoSITE: Two young cameleers preparing to take part in the decoration competition of the camel fair in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India. bElow: Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

10


WHITE TURF St. Moritz, SwitzerlandFEBRUARY 9, 16, 23

St. Moritz’s exclusive White Turf is surely one of the world’s most exciting races, with horses kicking up snow on the fro-zen surface of the lake, backdropped by Alpine peaks. Jockeys race horses in the traditional manner, but the real highlight is the skijoring, in which horses tow jock-eys on skis.

SHAKESPEARE’S 450TH BIRTHDAY London/Stratford-upon-Avon, England

APRIL 20

Celebrate William Shakespeare’s birthday right where he made a name for him-self, London’s Globe Theatre, or two hours away in the bard’s birthplace (and gravesite) of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Both are sure to offer a plethora of plays, parades and processions, community events, street entertainment and special celebrations to mark the event. Expect spontaneous performances of actors reading Shakespeare’s poetry, elaborate costumes, music, magic and plenty of merriment.

Equestrian skijoring; White Turf, St. Moritz


Two sumo wrestlers clash while the audience watches on at the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament.

GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENTTokyo, Japan MAY 11-25

During the Grand Sumo Tournament, the world’s top sumo wrestlers clash at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall. Held each January, May and September, these tournaments are more than just big guys bashing into each other; sumo wrestling runs deep with ancient traditions and ceremonies. This tournament presents a perfect opportunity to experience sumo wrestling at its best.

Area Alliance Partners

HotelsAntigua Sailing Week Antigua

Carlisle Bay

Hermitage Bay

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort

Argentine Open Polo Championship Buenos Aires, Argentina

Algodon Mansion

Alvear Palace Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

Palacio Duhau–Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Black-Necked Crane Festival Gangtey, Bhutan

Punakha Tsechu Punakha, Bhutan

Amankora

Cherry Blossom Festival Kyoto, Japan

Grand Sumo Tournament Tokyo, Japan

Wakakusa Yamayaki Nara, Japan

Park Hyatt Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

Pushkar Camel Fair Pushkar, India (near Jodpur, Jaipur)

Amanbagh

Aman-I-Khas

Ananda in the Himalayas

Banjaar Tola

The Imperial

Mahua Kothi

Nadesar Palace

Rambagh Palace

Taj Falaknuma Palace

Taj Lake Palace

The Taj Mahal Hotel

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Umaid Bhawan Palace

El Rocio Pilgrimage El Rocio, Spain (Andalusia)

Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa

Hacienda de San Rafael

Hotel Alfonso XIII

Glyndebourne Festival East Sussex, England

Amberley Castle

Gravetye Manor

Il Palio Di Siena Siena, Italy

Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa

Hotel Borgo San Felice

Hotel le Fontanelle

La Chiusa

Locanda dell’Amorosa

Relais Borgo Santo Pietro

Montana Master Chefs– The Resort at Paws Up Greenough, Montana

The Resort at Paws Up

Prix De L’arc De Triomphe Paris, France

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Hôtel d’Aubusson Paris

Hotel Lancaster

Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris

Hotel San Regis

Le Bristol Paris

Le Meurice

Relais Christine

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Edinburgh, Scotland

The Howard

Rocco Forte The Balmoral

Salzburg Festival Salzburg, Austria

Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Shakespeare’s 450th Birthday London, England

Wimbledon London, England

The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments

The Dorchester

The Goring

The Halkin by COMO

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The Savoy

The Stafford London, by Kempinski

Sundance Film Festival Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah

Amangiri

Montage Deer Valley

Red Mountain Resort & Spa

St. Regis Deer Valley

Stein Eriksen Lodge

Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race Sydney Australia

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

The Langham Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney

Saffire Freycinet

Venice Carnival Venice, Italy

Ca’ Sagredo Hotel

The Gritti Palace

Hotel Cipriani

White Nights Festival St. Petersburg, Russia

Grand Hotel Europe

Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria

Travel Partners serving the areas mentioned in this article


Abercrombie & Kent Europe

Absolute Italy

Asia Transpacific Journeys

Decouvertes

Dream Escape

Exeter International

IC Bellagio

Made for Spain

Matuete

Travcoa

Villas serving the areas mentioned in this article

A&K Villas

BeautifulPlaces

Cuvee Escapes

LaCure Villas

Villa Il Sogno


P R O M OT I O N

45

AmanyaraPROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS – This minimalist

resort for couples and families fits seamlessly into the rocky

banks and silky beaches of the Turks and Caicos islands.

Take a dip in the infinity-edge pool; take a lesson from the

onsite tennis pro at the enhanced tennis facility; or dive

into the crystal-clear Caribbean, enjoying the abundance of

tropical fish inhabiting the reef. Meditate or enjoy a private or

scheduled yoga session by the reflection pond or read a

book from the on-site library. There are 37 guest pavilions;

two 2-bedroom pool suites; and 20 villas of 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms.

“We felt we had been away for a month after just several

hours,” one Andrew Harper subscriber says. Soon, both Asian

and Mediterranean food will be served for dinner—which is

complimentary for guests who stay at least five nights during

the winter 2014 season.


SPECIAL OFFER: Dining Offer Confirm four consecutive nights and enjoy complimentary daily breakfast and one dinner (excluding beverages). Stay five consecutive nights and enjoy complimentary daily breakfast and dinner (inclusive of beverages). Offer is available on all room types: Pavilions, Suites and Villas. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through April 10, 2014, based on availability and excluding Feb. 12-23, 2014. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant or in room • One lunch for two per room, excluding beverages • Sunset cocktail per person with canapés once during stay

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include private round-trip airport transfers, minibar (excluding spirits), Wi-Fi, telephone calls, non-motorized watersports, daily snorkel trips, regular yoga classes, fitness center and use of tennis courts, equipment and lessons.

Parade at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY AND THE NORMANDY INVASIONNormandy, FranceJUNE 6 (ACTIVITIES JUNE THROUGH AUGUST)

Certain to be a memorable and emotional commemora-tion of one of the most daring military operations in modern history, the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Nor-mandy is likely the last decennial anniversary to welcome participants and witnesses of the earth-shattering event. Look for international ceremonies to take place on the historic beaches on June 6, with commemorative events continuing throughout the summer.

ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Edinburgh, ScotlandAUGUST 1-23

“I’ve had two clients go on two separate occasions and told me it was the highlight of their trips!”–The Andrew Harper Travel Office’s Julie Gierek

Thousands converge in Edinburgh every summer in celebra-tion of the musical traditions of the military regiments of the British Commonwealth. Although the festival also fea-tures international bands and cultural dances, the highlight continues to be the traditional mass procession of Scottish pipes and drums, followed by a series of performances showcasing the historic tunes of Scotland. The festival is part of the larger Edinburgh Festival—the largest annual cultural festival in the world—ensuring limitless activities and events to be found within the impressive city.


P R O M OT I O N

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room • 85 GBP food and beverage credit per room • Welcome amenity

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include spa access.

The Dorchester LONDON, ENGLAND


‘‘We had a fabulous time. Our welcome was warm, as if they were thrilled to have us. They upgraded us on the ‘first leg’ of our visit; on the ‘second leg,’ they remembered us and remembered that we had been to India. Impressive. Always called us by name.’’ —An Andrew Harper Subscriber

Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)

HUMAN CHESS GAME Marostica, Italy SEPTEMBER 12-14

Every two years, the stunning Venetian town hosts a dramatic human chess game, anchoring an elaborate story about two noblemen competing for the hand of the local lord’s daughter. Taking place across a weekend in the central plaza beneath the city’s hilltop castle, the game is resplendent with 15th-century regalia, magnificent costumes and skillful performances that display the grand pageantry of Renaissance Italy.

MONTANA MASTER CHEFS AT PAWS UPGreenough, MontanaSEPTEMBER 25-28

“One of my favorite events is the Master Chef weekend at Paws up in Montana. After enjoying activities at the ranch like cattle-herding, fly-fishing, ATV riding and a hayride with lunch down on the Blackfoot River during the day, at night we were treated to the chef’s culinary delights. Each dish was paired with a wine from owners of Napa Valley vineyards. They even had a stage set up and had an actual Master Chef cook off with a panel of judges. The great thing about this event was not only being active, tasting amazing food and enjoying fine wine… It was getting to meet the chefs and vineyard owners.” –The Andrew Harper Travel Office’s Paula Dunlap

BLACK-NECKED CRANE FESTIVALGangtey, Bhutan

NOVEMBER 11

The people of Gangtey hold this annual festival to celebrate the arrival of the endangered black-necked crane and reaffirm their ties to nature and their commitment to conservation. The health- and environment-conscious festivities showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area through sacred dances, masked per-formers and folk songs, all backdropped by Gangtey Monastery and the beautiful Phobjikha valley.

“I was in Gangtey and this festival is magical!”–Andrew Harper Alliance’s Carol Bacon


P R O M OT I O N

The Halkin by COMO

LONDON, ENGLAND – This 41-suite west London gem

is a study in refined elegance and design gravitas with

Italian inflections. Set in the city’s storied Belgravia district,

The Halkin is near impressive shopping and photo-worthy

architecture.

A focal point is the Michelin-star restaurant, Ametsa with

Arzak Instruction, a Basque culinary collaboration between

Chef Elena Arzak, her father, Juan Mari Arzak and other noted

chefs. The original Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain

inspired the design. The wave-like ceiling of the restaurant is

lined with 7,000 glass tubes filled with spices.

As COMO enthusiasts would report, their spa treatments

are a must. Book an in-room COMO Shambhala massage for

the ultimate in relaxation.

SPECIAL OFFER: USD Guarantee Stay at The Halkin and enjoy all London has to offer, with the convenience and value of a guaranteed rate in US dollars. These packages are available for three or five nights, in Superior and Deluxe rooms, and include a welcome drink on arrival, airport transfers(one-way transfer for a three-night package, two-way transfer for a five-night package), 25 GBP spa credit per person for in-room spa treatments by COMO Shambhala therapists, full à la carte breakfast each morning, and tax and service fee. The three-night pack-age in a Superior room starts at $1,800 USD. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through March 31, 2014, based on availability. USD rates are subject to change and actual dollar amounts charged may fluctuate slightly due to individual bank and credit card currency exchange differences. Additional nights may be purchased and will be charged in British pounds at the best available rate. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily continental breakfast (or full English breakfast when booking a suite) for two served at the restaurant or in-room • Pressing of one garment upon arrival per person, for up to two people per room • Flight of wine at the bar per person, for up to two people per room

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include a welcome drink, Wi-Fi and fitness center access.

The GoringLONDON, ENGLAND –Located steps away from Buckingham

Palace in the city’s posh Belgravia district, this quintessentially

English hotel will easily become your home away from home.

Boasting 69 individually designed guestrooms and suites, the

family-owned hotel is the height of glamorous sophistication,

while also feeling intimate and personal. Says a recent

Andrew Harper guest, “The hotel service was outstanding.

At least eight staff members consistently remembered my

name over my 48-hour stay.” While there, be sure to partake in

The Goring’s decadent afternoon tea, which received the

2013 Top London Afternoon Tea Award by the UK Tea Guild.

SPECIAL OFFER: Two Worlds of Luxury Experience the combination of a luxurious stay in the city as well as the peaceful countryside. Confirm two consecutive nights at The Goring along with two consecu-tive nights at Gravetye Manor and, in addition to a private car transfer between the properties, receive: at The Goring, daily breakfast and tickets to The Shard; and at Gravetye Manor, daily breakfast and a pair of tickets for a return ride on the historic Bluebell Railway, as well as entrance to the National Trust property Sheffield Park Gardens (located at one end to the Bluebell Railway line). Package rates are from 1,684 GBP for two in a Standard Room. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Aug. 31, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant or in room • 100 USD food and beverage credit per room for use at The Dining Room • Welcome amenity • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include daily newspaper, shoeshine and access to local health club and pool.

P R O M OT I O N


SPECIAL OFFER: One More Night Confirm a minimum of three consecutive nights during the low or middle seasons and receive an additional complimentary night. Offer applies to the Executive Suite and Executive Sea Suite. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel during low season (Jan. 1-March 31 and Nov. 1-Dec. 24, 2014) and the middle season (April 1-10, April 22-July 10, Sept. 15- Oct. 31, 2014 and Dec. 25–Jan. 11, 2015), based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Suite upgrade, when available at check-in • One 50-minute massage for two per suite • 4 p.m. late checkout, when available.

Standard Inclusions: Rates include daily full breakfast served at El Jardín restaurant, welcome drink with Spanish tapas, fresh flowers in room on arrival, seasonal fruit bowl and premium water, Wi-Fi, valet parking, spa access and use of exclusive Beach Club (open high season only), including transfers.

Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & SpaCASARES, SPAIN – With sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and surround-ing Casares Mountains, Finca Cortesin is a family-friendly golf and spa destination one Andrew Harper traveler says “could not be faulted.” Recommended since 2009;

2010 Grand Award Winner.

• 67 Guest Suites and Six Villas

• Breathtaking Views of the Mediterranean

• Heated, Salt-Water Swimming Pools

• Exclusive Beach Club

• Spacious Spa with Fitness Center, Turkish Bath and Spain’s Only Snow Cave

• Bath and Spain’s Only Snow Cave

• 150 Hectares of Lush Greenbelt

• World-Class, Cabell B. Robinson- Designed Par 72 Golf Course

• Home of the Volvo World Match Play Championship

• Award-Winning Cuisine at El Jardín and Kabuki Raw Restaurants

P R O M OT I O N



Note-Worthy

While a destination’s scenery and visual image often draws travelers, the sounds of a place can be just as alluring. Here, we highlight music cities around the world.

Austin Known for its live music scene, its green spaces and its laid back attitude, Austin has become one of America’s favorite cities. Period. Many come to see North America’s largest urban bat colony–1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats–emerge nightly from beneath the South Congress bridge. Outdoor enthusiasts come to en-joy the area’s many lakes, natural springs and swimming holes, like the legendary Barton Springs. The emerging culinary scene is earning Austin a reputation as a destination with more than just BBQ–though no one should leave without sampling brisket smoked the Texas way. Of course, when a city’s official slogan is “Live Music Capital of the World,” one expects music to be integral to any visit.

Isadora McKeon, communications director for Bunkhouse Marketing (which manages Hotel St. Cecelia), provides the following insight:

TYPE OF MUSIC TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED

WITH AUSTIN: Americana/roots/singer-songwriter talent–Patty Griffin, Dale Watson and Alejandro Escovedo are a few examples.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: South By Southwest, Austin’s largest annual mu-sic event, takes place throughout the city, making it one of the country’s more interesting festival settings (sxsw.com). ACL festival is a huge event and has [in 2013] expanded to two weekends (www.aclfestival.com). Newer festivals, like Fun Fun Fun Fest (funfunfunfest.com) and Psychfest (www.austinpsychfest.com), are gaining national attention and drawing a different type of music fan to Austin. But, you can find a show for free or cheap on any given day. For example, there is an amazing African band that plays every Saturday night at The Sahara Lounge for $5 or $6. The last time I saw them I thought, “I can’t believe we are this lucky.”

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: The Continental Club, Antone’s and the Cactus Cafe are just a few of Austin’s legendary clubs. Austin City Limits is an iconic venue–


even in its new location on Second Street, it carries a long history of special musical performances for the TV show, which started in 1974, and is the longest-running music show in TV history.

Cape TownCape Town truly is a feast for the senses. The rich natural beauty includes the wide expanse of Table Mountain–recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature–and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the largest of South Africa’s nine national botanical gardens. Some of the world’s leading winelands are just outside of the city, and Cape Town’s diverse menu of culinary options runs from fine dining along the waterfront to small family-owned restaurants. Wildlife, including the African penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach, is abundant.

Simone Garner, marketing executive with One&Only Cape Town, elaborates:


WITH CAPE TOWN: Cape jazz is most often associated with Cape Town. Somewhat improvisational in nature, Cape jazz orig-inates from the southern part of Africa. With influences from American jazz to African music styles such as marabi, Cape jazz is a unique reflection of lo-cal history and culture. Another music style associated with Cape Town is afro jazz, which blends jazz, funk and South African township flavors.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: The Cape Town Jazz Festival takes places every year at the Cape Town International Convention Centre over two days, nor-mally in April. Local jazz musicians as well as top international jazz artists take the stage. www.capetownjazzfest.com

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: For large, out-door concerts, Cape Town Stadium is popular. Smaller bars and restaurants have musicians regularly playing where you can enjoy the local flavor and talent of the city.

LondonA thoroughly modern city with ancient foundations, London’s position as capital of the world’s largest empire ensured its status as a melting pot centuries before New York and Los Angeles were even on the map. Cultural heft, royal institutions and unprecedented diversity crafted the unique soul of the city, shaping its musi-cal output from the ballad-makers and tavern tunesmiths of yore to the bawdy music halls and their classical counter-parts and onward into the realm of rock and pop music, giving us the Beatles and the ensuing British Invasion, clas-sic rock icons, punk legends, alternative pioneers and a burgeoning underground and experimental scene—not to mention the Spice Girls. With more than 17,000 music performances a year, numerous festivals and more than 300 venues,

London is an undeniable center for music of all genres.

From John Andrews, head concierge at The Goring:


WITH LONDON: For me, when it comes down to music, London is synonymous with the Proms. But, we have it all, from classical to rock and everything in be-tween.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: London is spoilt for choice when it comes to mu-sic events. To name but a few of the best: Hyde Park Concerts (Pop/Rock), the Proms (Classical, www.bbc.co.uk/proms), 02 (Pop/Rock) and Ronnie Scott’s (Jazz/Blues, www.ronniescotts.co.uk).

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Wembley Arena, 02 and Ronnie Scott’s, a legend-ary jazz club in Soho.

MemphisMemphis is much more than the home of Elvis. Known as “The Bluff City” for its location over the Mississippi River, Memphis prides itself on its cultural arts, including two art museums–the Brooks and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens–as well as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Memphis, Ballet Memphis and the historic Orpheum Theater, for Broadway road shows. One can spend time at the National Civil Rights Museum as well as watch the NBA’s Grizzlies play to packed houses at FedEx Forum. And, Memphis restaurants feature an array of cuisine, including the famous barbeque. Still, when you’re dubbed “Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” music is expectedly woven throughout the city.

From George Falls with River Inn of

Harbor Town:


WITH MEMPHIS: There’s rhythm & blues, rock-&-roll, jazz, country, pop, rap and gospel. Even opera buffs were recently treated to “Rigoletto.”

The Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London


SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: One of the most popular events is the Sunset Symphony, performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra each May on the banks of the Mississippi River. Also in May, there’s MusicFest, a three-day event with current popular groups. The total event is called Memphis in May (www.memphisinmay.org). Another popular event involving the Memphis Symphony is the annual Elvis Birthday Pops per-formed on or near his birthday in January (memphissymphony.org).

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Probably the most famous venues are on Beale Street, including B.B. King’s, King’s Palace and Rum Boogie Cafe. Others are the High Tone Cafe, Minglewood Hall and Newby’s. On almost any Sunday, you can hear the best gospel and spiritual music in America in most any large church.

MoroccoSituated at the northwestern tip of Africa, across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, Morocco enjoys both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and is sepa-rated from the rest of the African conti-nent by the imposing Atlas Mountains. The country has a long history dating to Carthaginian and Roman times, and a rich culture blending Berber, Arabian,

European and African influences. Morocco offers much for international travelers: ancient and imperial cities, endless beaches, mountain-trekking, Sahara camelback expeditions, as well as its renowned cuisine. When you arrive in Morocco, you immediately feel you are “elsewhere,” yet at just a few hours’ flight from most European capitals and a mere 7.5-hour flight from New York, this exotic country is much closer than most people imagine.

Taoufik Ghaffouli, general manager at La Maison Arabe, and Jemima Mann-Baha, co-owner of Palais Amani, elaborate:


WITH MOROCCO: Moroccan music, like the country’s cuisine, is multifaceted and enjoys influences from many different regions of Africa and the Mediterranean. In general, it’s very rhythmic and often repetitive. Within each family of music there are significant regional differences. Some of the main music groups include Berber music, traditional folk music of the Berber people; Gnawa, a mystical, repetitive, often trance-inducing music brought to Morocco over the centuries by sub-Sahara Africans; “Chaabi,” popu-lar music heard at celebrations and wed-dings; classical “Malhun” music; and the Andalusian orchestra music handed down from generation to generation that is steeped in history and loved and known by all locals.

S I G N I F I CA N T M U S I C E V E N TS : The Festival of Sacred Voices, a 10-day full-on festival held in Fez ev-ery June, is now in its 20th year of bringing together famous musicians from a r o u n d t h e w o r l d , i n c l u d -i n g B u d d h i s t m o n k s , D e r v i s h t u r n e r s , Ma l i ro c k s t a r s a n d Indonesian ballet (www.fesfestival.com). The Gnawa festival in Essaouira (www.festival-gnaoua.net) is also re-nowned. The Mawazine festival, held an-nually in the Moroccan capital of Rabat in May/June, is the biggest music festival in Africa and one of the largest in the world (www.festivalmawazine.ma).

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Music is integral to celebrations and weddings. Also, dur-ing holidays, local governments and mu-nicipalities often organize free open-air concerts with leading Moroccan singers and musicians.

New OrleansOne aspect that has helped New Orleans rebuild after Katrina is its foundation of music. Areas such as the French Quarter and Bourbon Street are thriving. Yet, New Orleans is built on more than a foundation of music, as any visitor to the Crescent City knows. Vibrant neighbor-hoods are filled with cafes and boutiques. Long-time favorite restaurants mix with newer options to offer a culinary experi-ence as only New Orleans can. And, the architecture continues to reflect the city’s distinct Southern charm. Regardless of what area you visit, music remains a com-mon theme.

Thea Wall, director of business travel and leisure sales at the Windsor Court

Hotel, shares her thoughts about the Crescent City:


WITH NEW ORLEANS: The most popular type is jazz, but New Orleans is also the home of Dixieland, zydeco, blues, brass band, Cajun and funk. So, while we are the birthplace of jazz, with such a mix-ture of cultures we are a true “gumbo” of so many other sounds.

Statue of a young Elvis Presley on Beale Street, Memphis

Moroccan musician at the Medina


SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April-May is internationally known (www.nojazzfest.com). Our French Quarter Festival (featuring all local art-ists, April, www.fqfi.org/frenchquarter-fest), Satchmo Festival (August, www.fqfi.org/satchmosummerfest), Essence Music Festival (July, www.essence.com/festival) and VooDoo Experience (November, www.worshipthemusic.com) continue to grow in popularity.

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, Snug Harbor, Civic Theater, Maple Leaf Bar, House of Blues. All of Frenchman Street in the Faubourg Marigny is a hot spot for live music. The Windsor Court features local musicians nightly in the Polo Club Lounge.

New York CityCommonly referred to as “the city that never sleeps,” New York City lives up to its reputation by dazzling visitors with its bright lights, ever-changing landscape and diverse neighborhoods. Those seek-ing cultural experiences will not be disap-pointed, from the world-class museums along the Upper East Side’s “Museum Mile,” to cutting-edge art galleries in Chelsea, to glittering Broadway shows and dramatic productions at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Touring the city is best seen by foot and the city’s innovative culinary scene will provide the necessary fuel needed to tackle this bustling metropolis.

Ernesto Floro, director of sales and marketing at The Carlyle, provides insight into New York City’s music scene:


WITH NEW YORK CITY: New York has in-fluenced so many musicians and music styles that it’s difficult to choose one style. I think each genre of music has a group of New York artists that bring the sensibil-ity of the city to their music. There’s truly something for everyone.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: Every night of the week there’s a multitude of music

events to choose from in all the venues big and small throughout the city.

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: There are so many, from the big venues like Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall, to the intimate experiences such as The Carlyle Cafe for the best cabaret.

ParisWhen you think of Paris, a few associa-tions immediately come to mind: the City of Light, fashion hub, cultural epicenter, a culinary pioneer, a picture-perfect city with its postcard-famous French landmarks. Paris welcomes millions of tourists each year to the Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Musée d’Orsay, among others. Then, there is Paris’ range of culinary experiences, in-cluding starting the day with delicious smells of freshly baked croissants and bread wafting out of the boulangeries onto the streets. A host city of fashion week, Paris exudes elegance and style, attracting fashion lovers from around the globe to its haute couture designer shops in areas such as Saint-Germain-des-

Prés and the world-renowned Champs Elysées. With such a varied range of ac-tivities and areas, Paris caters to all tastes and preferences.

Staff from Four Seasons Hotel George V provide more information about Paris for music lovers:


WITH PARIS: The music of Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Gilbert Becaud are the obvious choices.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: La Fête de la Musique is a street music festival that takes place annually on June 21 (www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr). The perfor-mances include a wide range of musical genres.

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Olympia fea-tures performances from current famous music performers. Similarly, Zénith features performances from world-re-nowned music artists. Le Caveau de la Huchette is excellent for jazz music. And, L’Opéra Bastille is a must for opera fans.

55

Area Alliance PartnersHotels Austin, Texas

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Boston/Lenox, Massachusetts Blantyre

Fifteen Beacon Hotel

Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Wheatleigh

Bregenz, AustriaGasthof Post, Lech am Arlberg, Alps

Cape Town, South AfricaCape Grace

Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa

Ellerman House

One&Only Cape Town

London, England The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments

The Dorchester

The Goring

The Halkin By Como

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The Savoy

The Stafford London, By Kempinski

Memphis, TennesseeRiver Inn of Harbor Town

MoroccoAmanjena

Palais Amani

New Orleans, LouisianaWindsor Court Hotel

New York City, New YorkThe Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Crosby Street Hotel

The Greenwich Hotel

Hotel Plaza Athenee New York

The Lowell

The Mark

The Peninsula New York

The Plaza Hotel

The St. Regis New York

Paris, FranceFour Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Hôtel d’Aubusson Paris

Hotel Lancaster

Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris

Hotel San Regis

Le Bristol Paris

Le Meurice

Relais Christine

Rio De Janeiro, BrazilHotel Fasano Rio De Janeiro

Tokyo, JapanPark Hyatt Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

Vienna, AustriaHotel Bristol, Vienna

Hotel Imperial

Hotel Sacher Wien

Palais Coburg Residenz

Travel PartnersAbercrombie & Kent Europe


Asia Transpacific Journeys

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Decouvertes

Dream Escape

American Excursionist

Exeter International

Heritage Tours

Matuete

Travcoa

Wilderness Safaris

VillasA&K Villas

BeautifulPlaces

Cuvee Escapes

LaCure Villas


Rio De JaneiroOne of the world’s most visited capitals, Rio de Janeiro will offer even more rea-sons to visit with upcoming events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. Traditional, well-known events, such as Carnival, continue to lure people to Rio and offer the opportunity to see why the city has earned a reputation as one of the best places for entertain-ment. Music is interwoven through-out the city’s experiences, providing a genuine mix of cool and urban styles with sophisticated atmosphere that makes it one of the most charming capitals of the world.

Mariana Vilhena, assistant communication and marketing manager at Hotel Fasano

Rio de Janeiro, provides a closer look at music in Rio:


WITH RIO DE JANEIRO: Samba is one of the greatest Brazilian national symbols. The samba carioca, played in Rio de Janeiro, was consolidated at the end of the 1920s as the most popular kind of samba. Many names such as Noel Rosa, Cartola, Ary Barroso and Carmen Miranda, have been emerging in Rio since then. Another style associated with the city is the Música Popular Brasileira (Brazilian pop music

or MPB), a combination of traditional urban styles such as samba and contem-porary rhythms like pop and jazz. And, bossa nova emerged in the ‘50s from the upscale beachside neighborhoods.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: Rio de Janeiro has welcomed every edition of Rock in Rio Festival–now internation-al–since 1989 (rockinrio.com). Carnival remains the main musical and cultural scene. In the streets, you can see people dressed in costumes performing instru-ments and dancing in the bloco parades.

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Rio Scenarium, in the Lapa neighborhood, is a samba house with authentic Brazilian music. Garota de Ipanema is not just a good place to eat, it’s also a touristic point. Named after its homonymous song, the house reminds us of the era of bossa nova and our old, remarkable singers. Baretto-Londra, the lounge bar at The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, is a great place for quality performances.

ViennaVienna offers an architectural splendor that is hard to match, with reminders of the city’s past prominence as the capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire still present. Vienna’s artistic legacy also is

still palpable as well, as you’ll find some of the best museums in the world in the city. From public green spaces, such as Burggarten, at one time the private gar-dens of Emperor Franz Joseph I, to St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the fiakers-horse-drawn hackney carriages-passing by on the streets within the Innere Stadt-and history-laden coffee houses, Vienna’s grandeur is found on every street. And, in Vienna, music literally is in the air. Waltzes and operettas call the city home. The renowned State Opera is one of the most important opera houses in the world, and many famous composers have lived in Vienna. Also, jazz lovers will find a pulsating jazz scene, and pop and rock concerts provide unforgettable live music experiences.

Ursula Sigrid Wagner, assistant director of sales-the Americas-for Hotel Sacher, offers more on Vienna’s music scene:


WITH VIENNA: Classical music. Plus, the Viennese State Opera is renowned all over the world.

Significant music events: The New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic is a concert of classical music that takes place each year in the morning of January 1 and is broadcast around the world (www.wienerphilharmoniker.at). From

Sambodromo (parade area ) in Rio de Janeiro

Statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Burggarten in Vienna

P R O M OT I O N


May to October, the Vienna Mozart Concerts take place (www.mozart.co.at/Vienna-Mozart-Concerts). There are about 110 concerts held by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra with internationally renowned singers and soloists, all in magnificent historical costumes and wigs in Vienna’s larg-est and most famous concert halls. Founded in 1986, the Vienna Mozart Orchestra focuses on the work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Some of the 30 musicians are members of the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna Symphonic. Also, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, a choir of trebles and altos and one of the best known boys’ choirs in the world, performs about 300 concerts each year (www.wienersaengerknaben.at).

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Wiener Staatsoper, Wiener Konzerthaus, Wiener Musikverein and Volksoper Vienna

Encore! Boston/LenoxFrom The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Boston:

TYPE OF MUSIC TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BOSTON: Having

such a rich diverse collegiate community in our metropolitan city allows us to

really celebrate all styles of music, from the distinguished classical musicians of

the Boston Symphony Orchestra to more mainstream rock bands like Aerosmith,

Boston or Dropkick Murphys.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: Boston celebrates our nation’s

independence each year with The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, held on

the Fourth of July at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade (www.july4th.org).

Tanglewood music festival in Lenox, summer home of the Boston Symphony

Orchestra.

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: For such a small city, Boston hosts a multitude

of different music venues. There are the larger concert venues–like the Comcast

Center, TD Garden, House of Blues, Bank of America Pavilion or Fenway Park–to

the smaller, more unique locations, like Paradise Rock Club, a top local rock and

alternative performance venue, and Symphony Hall, considered one of the best

acoustic buildings in the world. Boston also has its local gems, such as Wally’s

Café, one of the oldest family-owned and -operated jazz clubs in existence, or

Toad, the quintessential neighborhood music bar located in Cambridge. Since the

1950s, the now 250+-acre Tanglewood has been a mecca for music lovers coming

for festivals or to study. More than 300,000 visit annually.

Bregenz, AustriaUrsula Sigrid Wagner, assistant director of sales–the Americas, Hotel Sacher informs us:TYPE OF MUSIC TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BREGENZ: Classical

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: Bregenzer Festspiele (Bregenz Festival,

www.bregenzerfestspiele.com) is a performing arts festival held every July and

August. Founded in 1946, the festival presents a wide variety of musical and

theatrical events in several venues, including the Festspielhaus (Festival House)

and the Seebühne, a stage over water on the shores of Lake Constance that,

with 6,769 seats, is the world’s largest lake stage. The venue offers visitors

a spectacular mountain panorama and a unique view of the sun setting on

the horizon, directly above the lake. Other music events include “Bregenzer

Meisterkonzerte,” classical concerts that take place five times over the year

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Unwind and dine at

this luxurious downtown boutique hotel located amidst all

the city’s shopping and entertainment. The elegant Euro-

pean decor with the latest in North American comforts is

complimented by exceptional service, a great spa and an

award-winning restaurant.

The spa has become a mecca for sybarites, offering unique

and rejuvenating treatments such as the Espresso Limon

Slimming Treatment, while Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge is

hailed by Vancouverites as the city’s most romantic restau-

rant. Helmed by Executive Chef Lee Parsons, it offers modern

French cuisine with the emphasis on the freshest, seasonal

ingredients and an impressive wine list. The popular Lounge

with live piano music nightly is a see and be seen hot spot for

guests and locals alike. Recommended since 1988.

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Valet Parking Confirm any length of stay and receive complimentary valet parking. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through April 30, 2014, based on availability.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily European continental breakfast served at Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge • Welcome box of chocolate truffles • When booking a suite, a welcome half-bottle of regional wine

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include Wi-Fi and use of health club, steam room and business center.


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(www.bregenzerfruehling.at/mk/), and concerts of the

Symphonieorchester Vorarlberg (Symphony Orchestra

Vorarlberg, www.symphonieorchester-vorarlberg.

at). Founded in 1984, the orchestra performs about 10

different programs on various concerts per season.

FA M O U S M U S I C V E N U E S : Seebühne,

Festspielhaus

Chennai, IndiaFrom The staff at Taj Hotel Group: TYPE OF MUSIC TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED

WITH CHENNAI: Chennai is known as the “classical

music and dance capital” of India, and is the bastion

for carnatic music. Carnatic music and dance are an

essential part of the cultural fabric of Chennai–just as silk

threads are to the traditional Kanjeevaram saris. Some of

the world’s best carnatic singers and musicians have been

nurtured and trained in Chennai.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: December is

synonymous with music and dance. Chennai comes

alive to a spectacular celebration known as the Margazhi

Music and Dance season. More than 1,500 musicians and

dancers from across the world come together in Chennai

to pay tribute to India’s treasured cultural legacy. This

is the only time of the year when the world-renowned

names in Indian classical music and dance congregate in

performance.

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: All the notable halls

and venues in the city host performances through the

Margazhi Music and Dance season. Some established

venues are Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha,

Kalakshetra, Kamarajar Arangam, Krishna Gana Sabha,

YGP Auditorium, Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium and

Chinmaya Heritage Centre.

TokyoDouglas Foote, international public relations manager, Park Hyatt Tokyo shares:TYPE OF MUSIC TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH TOKYO: One popular type of music is J-pop

(Japanese pop). This style of music is often associated

with girls that are kawaii (Japanese for cute), and lolita

goth and visual kei styles, characterized by the use of

varying levels of make-up, elaborate hair styles and

flamboyant costumes. That said, Tokyo has an eclectic

selection of jazz, hip-hop and indie rock music scenes

that are vibrant and thriving. Once you break past

stereotypes of the Japanese music scene, you’ll find a

depth and passion that is often surprising.

SIGNIFICANT MUSIC EVENTS: Three music

events include Summer Sonic, a multi-day rock festival

held simultaneously in Osaka and Chiaba (www.

summersonic.com), the three-day Fuji Rock Festival,

which is one of the largest outdoor music events in Japan

(www.fujirockfestival.com), and the Tokyo Jazz Festival

(www.tokyo-jazz.com).

FAMOUS MUSIC VENUES: Tokyo Dome, Saitama

Super Arena, Budokan and New York Bar at Park Hyatt

Tokyo. New York Bar’s UNPLUGGED series on Sunday

nights, for just one example, brings together up-and-

coming performers from Tokyo’s talented pool of jazz

musicians.

SPECIAL OFFER: Three for Two Confirm three consecutive nights and receive the last night compli-mentary. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through March 31, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily full English breakfast served at the restaurant or in room • One pre-set lunch or dinner for two per room at The Lyttelton, excluding wine • Seasonal welcome amenity

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT, Wi-Fi, soft drinks, daily Times newspaper and use of fitness room and all leisure facilities. When booking a Mews Suite, rates also include airport transfers.

The Stafford London by Kempinski LONDON, ENGLAND

Recommended since 1984; 2011 Readers’ Choice Award, #7, Top 20 City Hotels; 2012 Readers’ Choice Award, #3, Top 20 City Hotels;

2013 Readers’ Choice Award, #9, Top 20 City Hotels

‘‘The Stafford in London was great. An ideal location, wonderful service and a very comfortable room. We stayed in a Main House Master Suite this time. The shows, restaurants, tour guide services and everything arranged through the Stafford concierge were consistently excellent.’’ —An Andrew Harper Subscriber

Tanpura/Sitar, a carnatic musical instrument

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Hotel Bristol and Hotel Imperial VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Boasting more than 50 theaters and opera houses and 100

museums, Vienna is a city steeped in culture. World-famous composers such as Mozart,

Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and Haydn have called this cultural mecca home, making it

a must-visit city for music enthusiasts.

Originally built as a palace for the prince of Württemberg, Hotel Imperial was opened to

the public in 1873. With 138 guestrooms and suites, this sumptuous hotel is a study in ele-

gance, with silk-clad walls, crystal chandeliers and private butler service. Located just steps

away from the historic Musikverein, home to Vienna’s Philharmonic, the hotel has for many

years served as a favorite meeting place for composers, musicians and maestros. Currently

undergoing a one-year, 11-million EUR renovation, the Imperial will soon unveil new concepts

for the restaurant, bar and café, as well as a “conductors portal” connecting the hotel to the

neighboring Musikverein, bringing the hotel back to its original palatial splendor.

Ideally situated next to the Vienna State Opera house, Hotel Bristol is a jewel in the heart

of the city, boasting spectacular views, Art Deco style, fine dining, five-star service and

150 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. A harmonious blend of precious antiques and

state-of-the-art technology, Hotel Bristol has enchanted guests–including prominent musi-

cians such as Enrico Caruso, Giacomo Puccini and Leonard Bernstein–for more than 120

years. A recent unveiling of 10 new suites and guestrooms marked the start of a two-year

renovation to meticulously revitalize the iconic hotel’s elegant Viennese flair and Art Deco

style. The restoration will included a re-design of the hotel’s ground floor areas, including

the lobby, Restaurant Bristol and the famous Bar Bristol. Hotel Bristol, Vienna Recommended

since 1990; Hotel Imperial, Vienna Recommended since 1985.

Hotel Bristol

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily buffet breakfast served at the restau-rant or in room • Welcome amenity • 4 p.m. late checkout, when available • When booking the Penthouse Suite, Opera Suite or Prince of Wales Suite, a one-way limousine transfer, plus a welcome bottle of wine

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT and Wi-Fi.

Hotel Imperial

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily buffet breakfast served at the restau-rant • Welcome amenity • 4 p.m. late checkout, when available • When booking an Executive Junior Suite or higher room category, a one-way limousine transfer

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT and WI-Fi. When booking an Executive Junior Suite or higher room category, rates also include butler service and a daily culinary amenity.

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Hotel Sacher WienVIENNA, AUSTRIA – Boasting a privileged location directly across from the Vienna State

Opera and near the Imperial Palace and Vienna’s top museums, this landmark hotel is the

ultimate destination for culture, comfort and impeccable service. “The Sacher” is at once

traditional but innovative, having recently completed a major, multi-year renovation that

combines up-to-date features with a contemporary ambience and luxurious details.

The hotel has been a preferred address for prominent guests, most notably composer/con-

ductor Leonard Bernstein (whose favorite suite was named for him after his death), European

aristocracy and world leaders. A unique flair and incomparable charm are demonstrated by

the world-class art throughout the interior. A total of 149 elegant and spacious accommoda-

tions feature baths with separate tubs and showers, plus flat-screen TVs within the mirrors.

Two gourmet restaurants include: Rote Bar, renowned as the meeting place of many

opera lovers, as its covered terrace looks out directly on the Vienna State Opera; and Anna

Sacher, which features a comprehensive selection of international dishes combining tradi-

tion and modernity. Blaue Bar offers cocktails in a stylish atmosphere, and Café Sacher

Vienna, Sacher Stube and Sacher Eck’ are perfect for coffee, pastries and other special-

ties—most notably the Original Sacher-Torte (“the most famous cake in the world”).

The Sacher Spa rounds out the facilities, with a gym, steam baths, sauna, relaxation

rooms and professional spa services including the signature “Time to Chocolate” skin treat-

ment. Recommended since 2002.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily buffet breakfast served in the historic marble hall • One 30-minute “Time to Chocolate” spa treatment per room (seven-day advanced reservation required) • When booking a One- or Two-bedroom Suite, round-trip limousine transfers to/from the airport or train station.

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include tax, service, Wi-Fi, spa access and shoe shine service.

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Le Bristol Paris

PARIS, FRANCE – The music scene in the City of Lights has

always burned brightly, providing the world with musical great-

ness, from the Moulin Rouge to Edith Piaf. Another sparkling

Parisian jewel is Le Bristol Paris, a luxuriant hotel located on

the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. Home to 188 impeccable

guestrooms and suites, this five-star palace hotel is housed

in one of the city’s most extraordinary historic mansions.

Visitors looking for the best of everything will find it here: haute

gastronomy at Epicure, delightful bites at Le 114 Faubourg,

complete indulgence at Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, and

a rooftop pool overlooking Paris. Says an Andrew Harper

subscriber, “Le Bristol Paris is unconditional perfection.”


SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Night Confirm a stay of four consecutive nights or longer and receive one complimentary night. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Feb. 1 to 24, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Room upgrade, when available at time of booking • Daily full breakfast served at the restaurant • Welcome bottle of wine per room • For stays of three nights or longer, a 140 EUR spa credit per room • For stays of three nights or longer in a Deluxe Suite or higher room category, a one-way airport transfer

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include VAT, daily newspaper and fitness center access.

The Athenaeum LONDON, ENGLAND– Close to everything in London’s chic Mayfair district, The Athenaeum is a study in modern elegance. The 164 rooms, including 12 suites and 18 apartments, are ideal for travelers looking to stay in the lap of luxury while enjoying the benefits of city dwelling. Guests desiring the pinnacle of perfection should opt for the idyllic Penthouse Suite, with three double rooms, two baths and a balcony overlooking London’s city center. Before a night on the town, sample an array of whiskeys at the hotel’s renowned Whisky Bar, which boasts over 300 varieties. Later, rejuvenate at the hotel spa, where you can delight in a full range of services, including bespoke REN treatments.

Best of British Luxury With Britain’s best shops on our doorstep, The Athenaeum is perfectly located for a shopping break in the New Year. Anyone can take advantage of the January sales, but we are offering special access to Britain’s best brands with exclusive discounts! We have partnered with retailers located in Covent Garden and the Burlington Arcade-offering exclusive discounts between 10 to 50 percent. We also can arrange complimentary VIP experiences at retailers such as Fortnum & Mason. alSo INCludES: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as any standard inclusions. daTES: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between Jan. 2 to March 31, 2014, based on availability. This offer may be combined with any ongoing winter promotion at The Athenaeum.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred USD rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily full breakfast served at the restaurant • Early check-in/late checkout, when available • For stays of three nights or longer, a one-way Heathrow Airport transfer • For stays of five nights or longer, round-trip Heathrow Airport transfers

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include Wi-Fi and complimentary soft drinks and snacks from minibar. Children under 12 eat free.

meet the guides

BUTTERFIELD & ROBINSON’SDaniel Bower, Luca Pacchioni and Erin Reed Since 1966, Butterfield & Robinson has designed active journeys to incredible destinations the world over, on bike or foot for the active traveler, or simply geared toward specific travel interests, such as food and wine, or family adventure. Their guides are seasoned travelers, to say the least. “Think teachers, painters, travel writers, architects, botanists and biologists,” states the company’s website (butterfield.com). “They’ve lived all over the world. They speak a gazillion languages. And they’re ridiculously fun to be around.”

Daniel BowerCITIZENSHIP: Canadian

YEARS WITH B&R: Two

COUNTRIES/REGIONS GUIDED: France (Loire Valley and Provence), Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

COUNTRIES VISITED: Canada, United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Israel, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand

When did you discover your love for travel? I was officially bit by the travel bug in India during my first backpacking trip. India opened my eyes to a new perspec-tive on the human experience. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by the myriad ways in which life is lived on our planet. More incredible than the differences that make us all unique are the simi-larities that bind us all together. This, to me, is the travel bug, and the more I’ve scratched at it, the itchier it’s gotten.

What’s your favorite memory while on a trip with B&R? A sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan, Myanmar. [There is] no better way to take in the thousands of ancient temples. I will never forget it.

“More incredible than the differences that make us all unique are the similarities that bind us all together.”

What are you most looking forward to about guiding in 2014?Reconnecting with old friends, making new friends, creating everlasting memo-ries and riding my bike.


Luca PacchioniCITIZENSHIP: Italian

YEARS WITH B&R: Three

COUNTRIES/REGIONS GUIDED: Italy (Puglia, Tuscany, Veneto), Spain (Catalonia), Holland

COUNTRIES VISITED: Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, England, Holland, Belgium, Croatia, Israel, Canada, USA, Australia

When did you first get bit by the travel bug? I never got bit by the travel bug—I am the travel bug! Maybe this is due to the fact that I have been lucky: even though I come from a countryside village, my parents used to take my sister and me on trips all around Europe in a caravan. I was only eight months old when I started traveling; here and there I have flashbacks about places that I don’t even recognize. Maybe that’s the reason why I travel around—to try to find those places.

What’s your favorite memory while on a trip with B&R? Gathering people around a table and laughing about what happened on the trip, with a local (excellent) glass of wine and the tipsiness that follows after the 60 miles we rode on the bike that day—whether it was in the Alps, the Pyr-enees, in the dunes around The Hague or around Cascina in Tuscany.

What are you most looking forward to about guiding in 2014?Great riding, good weather and lots of fun!

Bicycling through the rolling Tuscan hills


Erin Reed YEARS WITH B&R: Eight

COUNTRIES/REGIONS GUIDED: New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burgundy, Provence, Normandy, Tuscany

COUNTRIES VISITED: Australia, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, Croatia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, Guatemala, United States, Spain, Morocco, New Zealand

When did you first fall in love with travel? When watching my grandpa come back from holidays. He would lift his suitcase up on the dining room table and we would all sit around as he pulled exotic things from it and told us stories to go with each object. To me, this was so fasci-nating and such a gift because I realized two things early on: first, that the world was a big place made for exploring, and second, that the stories gathered from travel are rich and worth much more than any souvenir.

What’s your favorite memory while on a trip with B&R? This is a very difficult question for many reasons. There are so many aspects of this job, from relationships with my travelers and co-guides to events and relation-ships with our partners in the field, that it makes it hard to pick just one favorite memory. I will pick a memory from the archives of my time guiding in New Zea-land. We hosted a galactic night up on top of this mountain, where we had a private dinner at an internationally famous star-watching facility—we had sparkles and tin foil and silver and gold decorations all over the room. The travelers were given an invitation wrapped in gold foil on the first day of the trip, inviting them to a “galactic” theme night scheduled for the fourth day, and they were invited to participate in whichever way they could.

That night the travelers ran from room to room borrowing this and that from each other, all in order to make their costumes as good as possible. As the time approached, we all emerged

from our rooms and revealed our outfits which, needless to say, were fabulous and creative. We headed up the mountain and were blessed with the most perfectly clear sky; as we saw the sun set over the southern Alps, we danced to music and watched the southern cross appear as if by magic. I have an old suitcase from that trip and every time I use it my fingers get dusted with silver sparkles, reminding me of that beautiful night—and why I love my job.

What’s your favorite aspect of being a B&R guide? My favorite aspect of being a guide are the moments on a trip when you see someone find their childish excitement, or giggle unexpectedly, or dance as if they have no cares in the world, or have an interaction with someone from the other side of the world, which you know will form a memory forever imprinted on their heart. It’s like watching layers of stress peel away to reveal the intrepid explorer at the heart of us all. Is that not the best part of travel…those moments when we even surprise ourselves?!

meet the guides

“We saw the sun set over the southern Alps, we danced to music and watched the southern cross appear as if by magic.”


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Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Complimentary Fourth Night with BreakfastFourth night complimentary when three consecutive nights are confirmed. Includes daily buffet breakfast in Tere Nui restaurant and applies to a maximum of two guests per Overwa-ter Bungalow Suite or four guests per Beachfront Villa. Offer is stackable for longer stays with every fourth night complimentary. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 19, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other offer.

Conservatorium HotelStay Three Nights and Pay Only for TwoConfirm a three-night stay in a Suite and receive the third night complimentarily. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on any new reservations, for travel through March 31, 2014, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

A M ST E R DA M , N E T H E R L A N D S

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Take advantage of these limited-time special promotions created by our Harper Alliance partners exclusively for Hideaway Report subscribers.

Unless otherwise noted, all special offers also include Andrew Harper benefits: a host of special amenities such as gourmet lunches and dinners, cocktails, wine-tastings and chocolates, gallery tickets, spa credits and airport transfers—and that favorite of favorites, room upgrades.

All current Special Travel Offers,

including the ones found in this

magazine and many more, are always

available at AndrewHarper.com.

The Andrew Harper Travel [email protected]

Additional Special Travel Offers

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Borgo Santo PietroThree Spring Deals, Plus an Easter SpecialStay two nights or longer and choose between three packages: our Simply Spring Special includes a 30 percent savings on any room cat-egory; the Blossom Pampering Special includes a manicure and pedicure, a 50-minute massage and a 40-minute facial per room (package rates start at 870 EUR); and the Gourmet Delight Special includes a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, wine-tasting, five-course tasting menu for two, choice of either a chauffeured visit to Siena and Castello Brolio Winery for a wine-tasting or a Tuscan cooking class. (Package rates start at 1,040 EUR). For Easter, the grand Easter Adven-ture is a three-night, fun filled Easter experience and includes an Easter egg treasure hunt, five-course gourmet Easter lunch, pizza-making, one 40-minute massage, a bottle of spumante and more. (Package rates start at 1,350 EUR.) alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Springtime offers are valid on new reservations only, for travel from April 10 to May 31, 2014, excluding April 17-21. Additional nights are 25 percent off. The Easter Special is valid April 17-21, 2014. All packages are based on availability. Offers are not combin-able with any other promotions.

Hotel Seven One SevenThe Golden Age of AmsterdamHotel Seven One Seven’s location in the middle of the canal district makes it the perfect starting point from which to explore Amsterdam. Confirm any length of stay and receive complimentary tickets to the Van Loon Museum for an up close look at the city during its golden age. The homes in the historic center are uniquely enchanting both in their architectural design as well as their close proximity to one another. Visitors of the museum will get to view one of the most beautiful canal houses. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2014, based on availability.

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Palazzo SenecaStay Four, Pay Three, Plus Gastronomy ExperiencesConfirm a stay of four nights and the last night is complimentary; also receive a $10 credit for truffle-hunting, $15 credit for cooking classes and $10 credit for cheese-making demonstra-tion with a local producer. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any standard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reserva-tions only, for travel through June 30, 2014, based on availability and excluding April 17-19, April 24-26, May 1-31 and June 1-2, 2014. Activities must be reserved a minimum of 15 days prior to arrival for credits to be applied.

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: Medjet benefits you should consider.

Traveler-Andrew Harper 5 facts 1/2 page Outline.indd 1 11/7/13 10:45 AM

ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] | 69See PorticoClub.com for terms and conditions. Portico, Portico Club and the Portico curve logo are all trademarks of Portico Club, LLC. ©2013 Portico Club, LLC. All rights reserved. Fla. Seller of TravelRef. No. ST38620. Pursuant to Haw. Rev. Stat. §468L-1 et seq., Portico Club maintains a Hawaii travel agency trust account at First Hawaiian Bank, 67-1189 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743, titled “Portico Club, LLC – Client Trust Account”. | Andrew Harper, LLC has not reviewed Portico properties nor receives any monetary compensation for membership or booking fees to Portico Club.

with portico you get:• Private spacious homes • 70+ of the world’s most

sought-after destinations• Resort-style services• Daily housekeeping• An on-site concierge• And more

To ensure every vacation exceeds your expectations, we make an effort to get to know your preferences inside and out. When you join, you get an EscapistSM, a personal planning expert, who proactively recommends where to go, must-dos and can’t misses. Your Escapist works closely with your on-site concierge to customize your activities, make reservations and more. By taking care of every detail, Portico lets you focus on every moment of your time away together.

Portico understands the importance of your time away together.

www.porticoclub.com / 888.246.6829

puerto vallarta, mexicoSee PorticoClub.com for terms and conditions. Portico, Portico Club and the Portico curve logo are all trademarks of Portico Club, LLC. ©2013 Portico Club, LLC. All rights reserved. Fla. Seller of TravelRef. No. ST38620. Pursuant to Haw. Rev. Stat. §468L-1 et seq., Portico Club maintains a Hawaii travel agency trust account at First Hawaiian Bank, 67-1189 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743, titled “Portico Club, LLC – Client Trust Account”. | Andrew Harper, LLC has not reviewed Portico properties nor receives any monetary compensation for membership or booking fees to Portico Club.

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SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Nights We invite you to spend more time at Ballyfin to experience all it has to offer. Confirm three nights during the months of March or April and receive a complimentary fourth night; confirm four nights during the month of May and receive a complimentary fifth night. alSo INCludES Andrew Harper benefits and any stan-dard inclusions. daTES Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between March 1 and May 1, 2014, based on avail-ability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Private tour of the kitchen with the executive chef and his team • Clay pigeon-shooting for two per room.

Standard rate inclusions: Rates include tax, gratuity, all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, pre-dinner drinks reception, select on-site activities, Wi-Fi, laundry and pressing service.

Ballyfin Demesne BALLYFIN, COUNTY LAOIS, IRELAND

Recommended since 2012; 2013 Grand Award Winner; 2013 Readers’ Choice

Award, #19, Top 20 International Hideaways.

‘‘My wife and I stayed at Ballyfin last month. Extraordinary is the only word to describe the estate. This hotel is designed for comfort and enjoyment. The developer has given a gift to the Irish people. A must to stay at if your itinerary permits. Plan on three days to get into the routine of this country manor!’’ —An Andrew Harper Subscriber

Jan/Feb/March 2014 Traveler

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