Itineraries

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The beach at Amanyara.

Find pristine white beaches and barefoot luxury on the Caribbean’s most up-and-coming island. Savvy jetsetters have known about this 40-island chain in the Eastern Caribbean for years, but hotel renovations, buzzy celebrity guests and new direct flights have injected this island with renewed interest for luxury-seeking travelers. 

When to Visit 

With 350 days per year of sunshine, it’s hard to choose a bad time to visit Turks & Caicos. The high season runs from December through April. Temperatures are cooler than many places in the lower Caribbean during peak season—highs hover in the 80s with a light breeze—but as a general rule, the island is a year-round spot. Hurricanes have largely spared the islands; but cautious when booking in the ultra-low season, September and October, as many resorts close or undergo refurbishing projects during that period.  It’s also the highest chance of rain. But in a year like this 

What to Know (Before You Go)

Don’t let the guidebooks fool you. Turks & Caicos isn’t by far the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands – at least on the journey from the airport to your resort. It lacks the pink sands of Bermuda, the mountains of St. Lucia or the captivating culture of Antigua. The 161-square-mile island is mostly flat, dotted with scrub pine and small, single-level homes. 

But don’t let that discourage you. Turks & Caicos is captivating in its austerity, letting its blindingly white beaches and crystal-clear waters do most of the talking. As an added bonus, service is decidedly more “on the ball” than many Caribbean islands, and the locals are among the friendliest we’ve met. Conveniently, the American dollar is the local currency and direct flights are available from most major East Coast destinations. The island is also one of the safest in the Caribbean—parking, and traffic violations are the police’s biggest hassle. 

Stay Here 

Well-heeled travelers have several options depending on their mood. 

Our personal favorite is the barefoot luxury vibe of Parrot Cay by COMO, a 25-minute boat ride from Providenciales. The resort features a villa-style concept, with a series of private pavilions, cottages, and private homes scattered around the island. As much an eco-spa resort as a luxury destination, guests visit for the award-winning COMO Shambhala spa, healthful cuisine, and complete privacy. We’d suggest one of the beach villas, which offer private pools perched on top of a secluded white sand beach, as well as 24/7 butler service.

Many also love the Asian-inspired Amanyara, part of the ultra-luxury chain of Aman hotels and resorts. Located on the 5,000 acre Northwest Point Marine National Park at the far end of the island. The payoff is worth it. Serenity, discreetly attentive service and privacy abound; each room is freestanding and private with views ranging from lagoon and garden to ocean-view villas perched on top of a white sand beach. Highlights include exceptional fitness facilities (think a private boxing studio, Pilates studio, and multiple tennis and pickleball courts) as well as exceptional dining.  

For more accessible luxury (and decidedly more family-friendly locales), choose from a number of high-end resorts right in Providenciales. Our top pick? The centrally-located Grace Bay Club. Opt for sprawling, condo-style residences in three buildings; choose from the family-friendly Villas, the adults-only Hotel and the luxuriously private Estates. Suites offer panoramic oceanfront views and large private terraces with spectacular sunset views. Coming in early 2022, the brand will open a new property – Rock House – which offers a sexy St. Tropez-meets-Caribbean vibe. Individual cottage-style accommodations will feature plunge pools, ocean views, and the resort itself promises fun features like a wine grotto and the longest pool on the island. 

For a bit more streamlined style, we also love the Wymara property, which features spectacular multi-bedroom villas on the other side of the island that offer direct villa-to-water access from private over-water hammocks and docks – one even has a water slide, Maldives style. 

The island also boasts a new Ritz-Carlton resort, complete with signature BLT Steakhouse and a Casino. It’s bound to be a traveler favorite, but truth be told, we prefer the more boutique options for our clients. 

Where to Eat & Drink

Turks & Caicos has one famous dish—conch—and it’s served in varied preparations. Try it raw in ceviche or conch salad, breaded and fried like calamari in cracked conch, or mixed with dough into a hush puppy-like conch fritter. On cool nights, conch chowder also makes an appearance on most menus. 

Get your fill at none other than the aptly-named Da Conch Shack, an open-air restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. Go on Wednesday evenings for their famed beach parties and live music or enjoy a lingering lunch any day of the week. 

That said, our favorite option for the local vibe is the unassuming Mr. Grouper. Do yourself a favor and order the signature dish—coconut grouper with mango sauce—served with your choice of two sides. Choose the creamy mac n’ cheese and fried plantains. Not exactly healthy, but utterly delicious.  These local haunts are a short cab from most Grace Bay area resorts. 

Providenciales has its fair share of fine dining, as well, much of which is walkable or a short ($10-$20) cab ride from Grace Bay area hotels. No trip to Provo is complete without at least one visit to Coco Bistro. Make reservations early to dine under the coconut palm fronds at this ultra-romantic restaurant, where tables in high season often book weeks in advance. Savor Caribbean-inspired fare with global influence, like locally-caught tuna sashimi or tandoori-rubbed Mahi with an aromatic chickpea potato cake. If you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from the restaurant’s namesake, Coco the cat. Don’t miss the signature coconut cake for dessert. 

The island’s luxury hotels also offer a number of upscale options. There’s no better place to watch the sunset than from the famous Infiniti Bar at Grace Bay Club. 

Other standout choices for a night on the town include Stelle at the Gansevoort, which serves Mediterranean fare, and Grace’s Cottage, which is located at Grace Bay Club’s sister hotel, Point Grace. 

Where to Play

If you can motivate yourself to get up from your lounge chair, you won’t be disappointed. 

Divers and snorkelers have long known the Turk & Caicos Islands to be some of the world’s best. Calm, crystal clear waters, amazing coral reefs and a wide variety of sea life make diving here fun for any skill level. Wall diving is the preferred pastime; the Turks & Caicos island chain sits atop two limestone banks separated by the “Turks Island Passage” a 6,000-foot channel. If you can, schedule a night dive three to five days after the full moon, when the island’s glowing worms take to the water in a spectacular and somewhat bizarre light show—as the males finish mating, they die in a burst of phosphorescent color that must be seen to be believed. Dive Provo can help you plan an outing.

JoJo the Dolphin.

Leisure seekers should skip the scuba tanks and book a half-day tour with Island Vibes instead. Friendly captains pick you up right from your hotel for a four-hour excursion featuring rum punches, local Turks Head beer and a 45-minute break for snorkeling right along the reefs. Next, you’ll head to Little Water Cay, where you can spot some of the island’s most famous residents, some of the 50,000+ iguanas that populate the Turks & Caicos Islands. While you’re there, the team prepares a fresh conch salad from a just-caught bivalve. It’s the perfect light lunch before you head out again to bask in the sunshine and show off your athletic skills on the boat’s second-story diving board.  You might even spot Jo Jo the Dolphin, the island’s unofficial mascot, a lone dolphin often seen frolicking near tourist destinations.

Want to try something out of the ordinary?  Plan a visit to Potcake Place in the easily-accessible Salt Mills Plaza, an island-based dog rescue that specializes in puppies. Potcake is the name of the wild dogs of the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. These pups were often fed “potcakes,” or the cake-like mass found at the end of the family’s rice and peas dinner pot.  Show up around 10 AM to the shelter and the friendly team will let you borrow a puppy for a few hours—socializing the dogs and helping them learn basic commands is a key part of the pup’s “re-homing” process. All dogs at the shelter are available for adoption, and most go to U.S.-based homes.  

Of course, relaxation is also on the agenda. There’s no better way to spend the day than lounging in a beach chair, cool beverage in hand, at the hotel spa, or swimming in the crystal clear water.  

Take a stroll from your resort to spend a lazy afternoon browsing the small strip of stores at the Salt Mills Plaza or the Regent Village. Souvenir shops peddle the usual wares, including delicious local Bambarra rum; blend the coconut and dark together with your choice of fruit for a perfectly from-the-islands treat. If you can’t leave without a sparkly bauble, Coco, from the Grace Bay team, is the island’s signature shop offering beachwear from names like Camilla and 9Seed.

Your biggest problem? Once you’ve settled into the Turks & Caicos lifestyle, you may never want to leave.  

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All of the hotels mentioned above offer preferred amenities for Lily Pond Luxury® guests, ranging from complimentary daily breakfast to priority upgrades, hotel credits, and more. Contact your advisor directly to be paired with the perfect property and to plan your trip! 

Lily Pond Approved

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The main mansion at Cliveden House.

The Cliveden House is a 5-star hotel in the Berkshire countryside of England. It has a rich history rooted in tumultuous love affairs and visited by the world’s elite. Today, the Relais&Chateaux hotel offers guests a historically immersed stay on luxurious grounds with many activities on the grounds.

The gardens at Cliveden House.

History

The 2nd Duke of Buckingham acquired Cliveden House as a monument to his mistress Anna Maria, Countess of Shrewsbury, in the late 17th century. The Duke died in 1687 and the property bounced between aristocrats for many decades, during which it became a regular stop for several British politicians, as well as a hotspot for many scandals and tragedies. The final inhabitants left the property, which they had donated to the National Trust, in the 1960s. In 1985 the Cliveden house began its journey as a luxury hotel.

Grounds

The estate is set on 376 acres of National Trust grounds and offers expansive walking trails and water features. While you wander through the gardens, you may come across the Cliveden Maze which covers one-third of an acre and is based on the one that was built for the 1st Viscount Astor in 1894. If you venture down to the River Thames, you may come across the vintage Flotillas. The Suzy Ann was built in 1911 and can accommodate up to 10 guests and was restored for Cliveden in 1986 – meals, drinks and picnics on the flotillas can be catered for. The Belmont is a 33-foot slipper launch that can accommodate up to 4 guests and was built in the 1930s. Many walking trails are available and can be explored here.

A Junior Suite at Cliveden House.

Rooms

47 rooms and suites in the main mansion, plus the Spring Cottage – which is a three-bedroom house located on the banks of the River Thames. Rooms are named after past visitors and owners of the house – such as the Lady Astor and the Nancy Lancaster. Rooms have touches of antique and period furniture to stay true to their centuries-old royal beginnings. There are a variety of types of rooms, all with their own unique features – ranging from the club rooms, to junior suites, to hot tub rooms and mansion house parterre suites. The Lady Astor Suite, for example, is one of the mansion house parterre suites and is one of the grandest suites in England – with high ceilings handmade king-size bed, and sweeping views over the Parterre and River Thames.

Why Visit

Cliveden House, I set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the British countryside. Many guests visit just to experience this area famed for its natural beauty. It is just a 25-minute car ride from Windsor Castle and roughly an hour’s drive outside of London. Guests can tour royal residences, including Highclere Castle - famed as the main setting of Downtown Abbey. Ultimately, it is a place to go to unwind and bear witness to a place so beautiful British Royalty chose to steal away from the world there.

If you are looking for an intimate, romantic, and beautiful place to have your wedding, or just want to experience an estate renowned for its luxurious history reach out to us to find out more.

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

New & Noteable

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A Garden Suite’s private porch at Sensei Porcupine Creek.

Sensei, a total wellness concept and brainchild of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is set to open a second location next year in Rancho Mirage, California. The Porcupine Creek location will continue Sensei’s original vision of providing wellness retreat programs in awe-inspiring natural settings – the Sensei Way, creating three simple paths - “Move, Nourish and Rest” – that can be applied to include preventative health practices in everyday life. The first location is located on Lānaʻi (Hawaii) and operates as a Four Seasons hotel, one of two on the island.

Sensei Porcupine Creek will take a 230-acre private estate and transform it into an ultra-lux boutique resort with a central focus on spa therapies, nutrition, and movement programs as well as golf, tennis, swimming, and yoga.

The Setting

The backdrop of the estate is the beautiful and expansive Santa Rosa Mountain range. The retreat is a desert oasis amidst the mountain range, which is a part of a nationally protected monument in the Coachella Valley. With a procession of palms, immaculately kept fairways and lush gardens, guests will want to explore from the moment they step onto the property. The hues of the sunset wash over the mountains and add color to the surrounding natural environment in the evenings. 

The Villas

There will be a small number of rooms in the former estate house and private villas scattered around the property, with 22 total accommodations. Villas promise to be open concept with high ceilings, natural woods, and enormous windows, and a combination of “garden suites” as well as main house rooms, all with details including teak furnishings and limestone and bronze fixtures. 

The Food

The culinary program is specially curated by Nobu Matsuhisa, the chef-mastermind behind the famed Nobu brand. As such, it promises to cater to specific diets, as well as a whole foods, organic and locally-sourced set of ingredients where possible.

The Amenities

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The restaurant, as well as all the resort’s amenities, will only be available to overnight guests. Most stays will probably range from three to five days, during which guests can choose to either disconnect completely from technology and immerse themselves in the environment, or to use technology to measure their physical success.

Guests can select unique packages curated for their needs and desires for their stay. Whether you would like a structured wellness program tailored to your personal health data, a flexible stay with curated wellbeing activities and non-activities, or other personalized in between options – we can help you create the retreat perfect for you. There are also nearby activities for guests who wish to venture out of the Sensei bubble.

Want to be the first to book Sensei Porcupine Creek? Let us know and we’ll send you early access to reservations when they open up later this year. 

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

Itineraries

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Laid Back Luxury Awaits 

The 35-square mile British West Indies island of Anguilla, which is about half the size of Brooklyn, promises some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, food and hotels, all with a covetable ‘barefoot luxury’ vibe. It’s an under-the-radar favorite in a year when travelers are more eager than ever to travel, safely. 

Once upon a time, it was easy to overlook the sleepy island of Anguilla for its buzzier Caribbean counterparts. After all, it wasn’t as close as the Bahamas for a weekend getaway, didn’t have the celeb cachet of St. Barths, and lacked the posh hotels of islands like St. John or Antigua. 

But not anymore. Thanks to daily flights into the nearby island of St. Maarten (an easy ferry ride away) or simple one-hops direct to the island from San Juan, buzzy new hotel renovations, and more than 100 delectable restaurants, travelers are finally discovering just why this tiny island is exactly where they want to be in 2021 and beyond. 

Stay Here

A room at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

Anguilla’s hotels offer something for everyone, but all of the island’s luxury hotels have something in common. They’re perfect for the barefoot luxury seeker, someone who wants an island escape that feels upscale, but not at all pretentious.

The five-star standard for families and couples alike, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, is a striking bluff-meets-beachfront resort and offers everything a lover of the Four Seasons brand would expect, like three oversized pools to Kelly Wearstler-designed rooms and suites with private plunge pools and contemporary neutral décor. 

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Lily Pond Client Perks at the Four Seasons Resort:

• Breakfast for two guests daily*
• $100 resort credit for rooms, $200 resort credit for suites, once per stay
• Early check-in and late check-out, as available
• Upgrade upon arrival, as available

The resort is offering a 5th night free package for 2021, and a 6th night free package for early 2022 visits, combinable with our perks for you!**

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Although the property is nearly a decade old, more than 45 miles of silver travertine marble, high ceilings, and striking natural wood accents make it seem as if it could have been designed in 2021. Unwind in your choice of 181 oversized accommodations, more than 80% of which boast ocean views. 

Cap Juluca Belmond Resort.

For families and groups, we love the spacious four- and five-bedroom villas, each with a private pool, or the oversized multi-bedroom suites, many of which boast full kitchens. There’s little not to love about this newly re-flagged property, which saw a full update of its dining facilities as part of the re-brand. Our new favorites include the aptly-named Sunset Lounge (get trendy with a floral-adorned Frosé cocktail), the waterfront Coba restaurant, and the laid-back Half Shell Beach Bar. Work off the calories in the gym, movement studio, or private spin room designed by celeb-favorite trainer Harley Pasternak. 

The best beach award goes to none other than stalwart Cap Juluca, a Belmond Resort, which is perched on a perfect half-moon swatch of Maundays Bay. The 62-room resort boasts some of the island’s best “on beach” accommodations; many rooms and suites allow guests to step right out onto the sand. The resort also features its own 32-foot boat, perfect for exploring the island. Newly renovated in a Moroccan-meets-Mediterranean-meets-beachy vibe, the property is more intimate than Four Seasons and offers that kind of barefoot in-the-sand luxury that many travelers crave, but is just about 5 minutes away, so it’s easy to visit both properties for dinner. 

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Lily Pond Luxury Client Perks at Cap Juluca:

• Breakfast for two guests per room daily
• $90 resort credit for rooms, $200 credit for suites, once per stay
• Early check-in and late check-out, as available
• Upgrade upon arrival, as available
• $500 gift certificate for stays of $5000 or more, for use within six months of arrival at any Belmond resort worldwide

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Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort.

For a more intimate feel, try the 44 room Malliouhana, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Decorated in a contemporary palette of mint, mango, saffron, and white, the resort looks out of a Caribbean dreamscape, complete with whimsical touches like the wall of vintage scuba helmets on one of the entry wall, or the mirrored mosaic tile floors in the lobby. Take advantage of a double-cascading infinity-edge swimming pool perched over the cliffs, two beaches, and a fine dining restaurant that seamlessly melds American, Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors.  You also won’t want to miss a cocktail at the indoor-outdoor Sunset Bar, one of the island’s best spots to catch a technicolor sunset. 

Perks for Lily Pond Luxury Clients at Malliouhana:

• Breakfast for two guests per room daily
• $100 one time resort credit
• Upgrade upon arrival, as avaialble
• Early check-in and late check-out, as available

The resort has an assortment of complimentary night promotions available, combinable with our amenities above.

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Other notable hotels we often book for clients include Zemi Beach House, on the other side of the island, which offers great beaches and a quiet vibe, the intimate Relais & Chateaux Quintessence Resort, which, at just 13 rooms, can also be bought out for families and friends or small weddings, and CuisinArt Resort, re-opening in November 2021 as “Aurora Anguilla” after a complete renovation. It’s also the only property on the island to boast a golf course. 

For groups and families, we can’t get enough of the private-home-meets-private resort option of Ani Villas. A ten-suite estate made up of a four-suite North villa and a six-suite South villa, guests can buy out all or part of the estate and enjoy an all-inclusive stay that includes staff, daily massages, water sports, custom activities and so much more. 

Food, Glorious Food

Anguilla gets top marks for its food – the 35-square-mile island boasts more than 100 restaurants, from the fine French-inspired dining at Jacala to live fire cooking at Ember to Italian at Cip’s by Cipriani to small barbecue shacks that serve slow-roasted ribs and chicken to anyone willing to wander by and pull up a seat on a nearby picnic table. 

Cip’s by Cipriani outdoor seating.

The island’s luxury hotels boast predictably upscale cuisine, but we’d also suggest getting out and about among the local fare for a true taste of island life. One of our favorites was Veya, which offers a mishmash of international cuisine. On our last visit, dishes were inspired by flavors ranging from a layered black bean salad that reminded us of Mexico to shrimp “cigars” that were vaguely Moroccan – an unlikely combination, but everything melded seamlessly as we sat outside in the treehouse of a restaurant and enjoyed the sounds of a live singer doing Sinatra covers at the bar below. 

Other favorites include Blanchard’s Beach Shack, Mangos or Pimms in West End Village, all longtime island favorites.  

Not sure what to order? Most restaurants pack an extensive menu of fresh seafood, but we’d suggest at least one meal of Anguillan crayfish, a small spiny crustacean that looks like lobster but tastes much sweeter and tenderer. It’s best served simply grilled with drawn butter, and available on almost every menu. Our favorite version came from the tiny Sandy Island’s grill. 

Just beware – you won’t feel like getting into your bikini after any of these deliciously filling meals.  

Day by Day 

Anguilla boasts 33 beaches, most of which are made of smooth, pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, so you could easily spend your entire trip exploring your favorite place to get a tan. But, as with any island, we have a few favorites. 

Meads Bay beach.

Meads Bay boasts a beautiful strip of white and clear blue water that looks right out of your favorite Instagram account. Anguilla isn’t known for rowdy nightlife, but the most happening spot in town is also on the beach – Sandy Ground, to be precise. In high season, you’ll spot dozens of ships docked in the area, but even in quieter times it’s easy to hop from bar to bar enjoying live music, rum punch, and a good mix of tourists and locals. Don’t miss Elvis Beach Bar, known as ‘the king’ of Anguilla nightlife. 

If you really want the private island life, take a short boat trip to Sandy Island or Prickly Pear Cays, both of which offer regular transport from Sandy Ground.  These tiny islands just a few hundred yards offshore boast beautiful white sand beaches, beach-bar style restaurants serving fresh grilled seafood and strong island-style drinks. Prickly Pear is better for those who want to snorkel, while Sandy Island offers beautiful covered daybeds and loungers for napping, drinking and eating, and then napping again. 

If you want to spend a day on the water, we’d suggest the aptly-named Funtime rentals, which offers both chartered services to and from St. Maarten as well as private tours on 12-passenger boats perfect for exploring the island or taking the hour-long boat ride over to St. Barths (weekly on Tuesdays in high season). 

Want something a bit more relaxing? Try a spa day at the Four Seasons, where you can enjoy your treatment with the windows open to hear the crashing ocean waves below, or indulge in a yoga class on the spa deck perched right over the waves. 

Four Seasons Anguilla Spa.

You may want to rent a car for your easy exploration of the island – if you can get used to driving on the “wrong” side of the road you’ll find it easier than expensive cabs. Just beware, the biggest traffic jam on this six-stoplight island is usually the many local (and adorable!) goats that often wander into the streets. 

Getting Here 

Anguilla gets an unfair rep as an island that’s hard to access, but the reality is that it’s just a quick flight and boat trip away. The easiest way to visit is to hop a quick ~four-hour flight from most East Coast airports into St. Maarten and then opt for a quick 7-minute plane transfer or a 20-minute boat charter onto the island. A boat will run about $450 roundtrip per couple, inclusive of entry and departure taxes, and flights are comparable, or $1100 per family.  

These can easily be arranged by the hotel concierge, or we can set them up as part of your pre-arrival. 

Know Before You Go

The island is warm year-round, but high season runs from mid-December through late spring and slows again through the summer, but the privacy, extremely low COVID rates (and required vaccination for all travelers after July) has made this a popular destination for summer too. 

Most hotels for the month of September through mid-October, which coincides with hurricane season, but no other times of year are considered bad – just some rainier than others.  

COVID Entry Requirements

Americans may travel to Anguilla, so long as they receive pre-travel authorization, along with a few other things. Vaccinated visitors to Anguilla must take a COVID test on arrival, quarantine for 7 days on arrival (and test negative again before they can leave quarantine), and have valid health insurance with COVID-19 coverage. However, starting in July vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine. Anguilla plans to eliminate all entry requirements by October 1st.

Lily Pond Approved

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A tent at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an off-the-grid Relais & Chateaux resort set on the 62 meter-wide Pacific Ocean inlet for which it is named, in Vancouver Island, Canada. Accessible only by seaplane, guests will experience ultimate relaxation and escape made possible only by its location and exclusive 25-tent accommodation.

Surrounds

The Clayoquot Sound was designated as a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve in 2000. The lodge is surrounded by a variety of ecosystems, including old-growth conifer forests, temperate coastal rainforests, and rocky coastal shores. It is richly biodiverse because of its ability to freely evolve without human interference. It is located on the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation peoples’ territory, which they call Ahousaht.

Experiences

An Orca Whale at Clayoquot.

The lodge has cultivated a strong relationship with the Nuu-chah-nulth people and guests have the opportunity to visit the ancestral village. Many endangered and rare species inhabit the land and sea of the area, and guests may be lucky to spot some. Watersports, hiking, fishing, animal spotting, and horseback riding are some of the main activities offered at Clayoquot Lodge. There are helicopter trips available for both hiking and fishing trips. These helicopter trips offer the opportunity for guests to get even further off the beaten track to undisrupted wilderness. Sample itineraries can be found here, and we can further curate experiences perfectly for each guest.

Food

A meal at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.

Much of the produce that appears on the menu regularly is sourced from the Clayoquot Sound—think fresh fish, crabs and scallops, foraged wild mushrooms, turnips and radishes, cabbage, and berries, all of which make inventive yet carefully crafted appearances on the menus. Breakfast is a flexible affair, designed to be either a light bite to be enjoyed before heading out to a day of activities, or a leisurely affair for those with a more laid-back vacation in mind. The lunch menu is seasonally led and offers PNW bistro-style food that is also flexible and can either be easily fit into a busy day of activities or casually enjoyed at a lazy pace. Dinner is a highlight of the day and is enjoyed as a three-course menu with a generous range of choices, as well as numerous private dining experiences fit for milestone occasions. 

Spa

The Healing Grounds Spa is a must-visit after a day spent exploring Claoyquot’s outdoor adventures. The spa features a waterfront massage tent, saunas, and cedar hot tubs – all amongst the ancient forest. There are also miles of waterfront and forest running trails for those dedicated to holistic wellness. Stretch classes are offered every morning for all skill and experience levels.

When to Visit

While the region receives lots of rain, the summer season is generally warm and dry. If guests are interested in marine sports and outdoor activities, the summer (June-August) and shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) are an ideal time to visit the region. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is a seasonal lodge, open from May until the end of September.  In the spring, black bears begin to wake up from the Winter hibernation, making it an ideal time for sightings despite the cold. The summer is still cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 51-66 F, but it is drier and the whale migration is at its peak. In the fall, temperatures begin to drop again and the surf swell around the coast increases – while salmon begin their run up the river.

Baillie Lodges is an Australian-based chain that has taken over its first property outside of Australia and New Zealand with this property for the 2021 season. Baillie has a vision to align the property with the brand’s philosophy within a 3-year time frame, with the first changes being making the guest tents more contemporary. Sister properties include Huka in New Zealand and Longitude 131º in Australia. More information on the brand can be found here.

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If Clayoquot is calling to you, Send us an Email to learn more!

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

New & Noteable

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The Kea Island One&Only Resort set to open in 2022.

Luxury brand One&Only is expanding its portfolio of luxury properties to include two new resorts in Greece in 2022, perfect for those travelers seeking trips for next summer and beyond. Greece is HOT for this year and next alike, as it was one of the earliest European nations to announce reopening to American travelers.

These properties promise both luxury experiences and the strong sense of place that the brand is known for, as well as the ultimate combination – the ability to visit both Athens (a general must for first-time travelers, and a common entry point from the US) as well as an island destination. 

The two properties will make an ideal pairing: Aesthesis is located on the Athenian Riviera, while the other location is on Kea Island – the closest Cycladic Island to Athens. 

What to Expect

Both properties are scheduled to open in 2022, which means they are ideal for travelers looking ahead to next summer’s plans. Aesthesis boasts modern yet elegant Greek style where city meets waterfront resort, and Kea offers expansive sea views and a beautiful beach that is naturally sheltered from the Aegean winds. As with every One&Only, entertainment is at the heart of the experience – with food destined to be a prominent part of these Greek locations. Of course, our travelers will also get value-added amenities like complimentary breakfast, priority upgrades, and likely special experience credits as well.   

Aesthesis: Luxury on the Athenian Riviera 

Aesthesis is located on more than 1600 yards of seafront. It’s a combination beachfront estate also a private forest reserve, where guests and residents will bask in sun-drenched luxury. It’s also an anticipated romantic escape – most of the accommodations are secluded villas with private pools, perfect for couples and privacy-seekers alike. 

True to the brand’s reputation, there will be both programming for families with children as well as space preserved solely for adults. A Chenot Spa (a Swiss brand known for its lux and inspired treatments) will also be a highlight. 

Kéa: Island Paradise

The Kéa Island location will offer 75 villas and private homes. Guests will arrive via private luxury yacht, setting the scene for a location optimal to lounge, socialize and play. 

When to Visit

While summer is high season in Greece, spring and fall weather is most pleasant, with a high likelihood of constant sunshine. Crowds are also less dense at this time of year, with fewer tourists visiting the area than in the summer. If you choose to visit during the winter months, expect chilly but relatively mild weather in this Mediterranean location.

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Want to be added to our wait list to notify when reservations open up at these properties? Send us a note! 

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

Itineraries

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Table Mountain from Blouberg Beach.

Today’s guide is courtesy of Lily Pond Luxury’s Michaela Barrett, a South African native. We’ve asked Michaela to highlight a few of her favorite sites and spots to format an epic South African luxury adventure fit for first-timers and luxury lovers alike!

When to travel (and for how long):

This is a tricky question! Typically, the best time of year for safaris is May to September (the winter) as it is the dry season and will allow the best animal viewing because they congregate around watering holes. However, if you want to experience the beaches and nature in Cape Town more than you want to see animals in a Game Reserve, then November to March will suit your needs better. The recommended length of time to stay would be about 5 days in Cape Town and 3-4 days on Safari, longer if you wish to tack on the Winelands at the start or end.

Where to stay:

All of the luxury properties suggested below offer extra amenities for Lily Pond Luxury clients, including breakfast, credits, and upgrades where available. Ask your advisor how best to select the perfect property for you!

Silo Hotel: This hotel is fairly new to Cape Town’s hotel scene and has quickly risen to the top of the list of luxury hotels in the city. There are only 28 rooms in the modern eclectic hotel, and each room has a private balcony and its own collection of Contemporary African Art. There is also a spectacular one-bedroom penthouse included in the 28 rooms and private residences along the Atlantic Seaboard. There are a few dining experiences available within the hotel that offer incredible views of Table Mountain. The Silo Spa is a great place to unwind.

The Vineyard: This Claremont based hotel has become one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in Cape Town over the past two centuries since the original house was built in February 1800. The architecture is still true to its original English style, but the contemporary interior styling of the house creates a comfortable environment for today’s guests. Hotel amenities include a spa, fitness center, jogging route, and a resident of the hotel since the 1980s that guests will look forward to meeting are the Mountain Tortoises that roam the property. The Constantia Winelands are a short distance from the hotel, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a 25-minute walk, or a 10-minute drive, away.

One&Only: Also located at the V&A Waterfront, the One&Only is also very well located for exploring the city. The rooms are spacious, and guests will have spectacular views of Table Mountain, the Marina, or both from private balconies. The One Above Penthouse offers the ultimate luxurious accommodation experience, with 4 king-sized beds, 2 private pools, a glass wine cellar, and outdoor spaces on both floors. The Nobu restaurant is located in the hotel, along with Isola – a more laid-back restaurant, a bar and lounge, a wine studio, and private dining options. Unwind after a day of sightseeing at the exclusive Spa Island and infinity pool.

Singita Lodges: Singita is dedicated to environmentally conscious hospitality, sustainable conservation, and empowering local communities. Singita means “Place of Miracles” in Shangaan, and that is exactly what this exclusive chain offers. Game viewing is consistently spectacular, as the limited number of guests means fewer people to chase away and interfere with the wild animals. The chain includes 15 lodges across four countries, five of which are in South Africa. Our advisors can help you decide which lodge is the best fit for you, or you could try out a few. Each lodge differs a little from the others, but at the heart of it all is a desire to connect with nature and witness wild animals in their natural state like never. A safari brings out the child-like wonder at the world that everyone should experience at least once in their adult life.

Food in Cape Town

Cape Town is a foodie’s paradise. With the South African currency (the rand) as weak as it is, tourists can enjoy fine dining for a fraction of what it would in the US or Europe. Cult-favorite Nobu has a location in the One&Only hotel and dishes range from $7 to $35 on average (yes, please). Many other restaurants inspired by traditional South African flavors offer the same luxury dining experience – with tasting menus featured at most high-end restaurants – with their own unique atmosphere that sets them apart as their own experience. Fyn is another must-try for foodies staying in the city. With an open-plan kitchen, chic Asian-inspired décor, and an uninterrupted view of Table Mountain and the city below, guests can rest assured they will have a dining experience to remember (and unforgettable cocktails). South Africa is well-known for its wines, and Stellenbosch and surrounds – the Capetonian Winelands – are dotted with wine estates, many of which feature their own special fine dining experiences. Wine Pairing menus and wine tasting are experiences that no wine-lover should miss when visiting South Africa. Some of the Wineland classic restaurants include Delaire Graff, Die Werf, La Colombe, and Babylonstoren.

Activities in Cape Town:

Classic must-sees in Cape Town often include the restaurants and wine estates mentioned above, but there are many more experiences that visitors wouldn’t want to miss. The iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners of the Apartheid Regime were imprisoned) are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and highly recommended for visitors to South Africa to see. The nearby V&A Waterfront is a shopping mall with outdoor entertainment that includes traditional music, and within walking distance is the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) – two fun activities that could be combined into one day. If you’re there in the summer, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Clifton, Camps Bay and Boulder’s Beaches are beautiful destinations each of which you could easily spend an entire day at. The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is a fun, trendy destination that features boutique stores, food markets, and one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in the country- ranked in the Top 50 in the World, The Test Kitchen (which you need to reserve at least a month in advance). The Bo-Kaap is a formerly segregated area that is the historical center of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town and the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Cape Town. It is recognizable for its widely photographed brightly colored homes. Visit the Southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas.

Your Lily Pond Luxury travel advisor can arrange guided tours to any of these sites at your leisure.

Visas and Safety:

American passport holders do not need visas to visit South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism. Passports must be valid for 30 or more days after the intended return date from South Africa. South Africa is a safe place, but poverty is rife. Keep your belongings close to you at all times, try to use bags that have zippers instead of bags that do not close, and stay in more touristy areas. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t flaunt your wealth and you will be fine.

Stay up to date with the latest COVID requirements using the tools found in our blog about getting back to travel.

Getting there:

You’re in luck. South Africa is one of the easiest places to get to in Africa from the United States. United flies to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport direct from Newark as well as DC (17.5 hours) and then it is approximately a two-hour flight to Cape Town. Generally speaking, travelers will want to spend at least 3-4 nights in Cape Town, possibly venturing into the Winelands, and cap off their trip with a safari.

Getting between safari lodges, with or without COVID restrictions, can require lots of flying. If you’re willing to charter lots of small planes and sit on flights, it’s doable, but if you’re trying to limit the time spent in the air and maximize budget, it’s best to stay within South Africa. for your safari, rather than attempting to spend too much time hopping around. If you chose to do a safari (a highly recommended experience) you will charter a light aircraft from OR Tambo airport directly to your lodge – we recommend the Kruger National Park, or the adjacent Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Both offer prime game viewing and top lodges for a true “safari” experience, without the headache of wasting days in transit.

Venturing to Neighbouring Countries:

The Fish River Lodge.

Neighboring Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are also beautiful destinations. While Botswana’s safaris are somewhat similar to what you will find in the Kruger, there are a variety of landscapes that differ – such as the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans that you will experience at Jack’s Camp, or the Okavango Delta at Seba Luxury Camp. Namibia is a coastal desert and is home to the breathtaking Fish River Canyon – the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. The Fish River Lodge offers an “on-the-edge” experience with incredible views of the canyon below with nothing else as far as the eye can see. Zimbabwe is home to the thundering Victoria Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel has one of the best vantage points of this Natural Wonder, right across the border in Zambia is the Royal Livingston hotel by Anantara and is incredibly close to the falls, also with an amazing perspective of the “smoke that thunders”. Mozambique is for ocean lovers, and the White Pearle Resort and Azura Quilalea Private Island are two amazing hotels to kick back and enjoy the white sandy beaches. For those on return visits to Africa, trying another country is perfect to expand your horizons. Because once you visit Africa once, you’ll always yearn to return!

Michaela Barrett is a rising Junior at Wake Forest University, where is studying communications and journalism. She is spending the summer with Lily Pond Luxury, expanding her love of experiential travel.

Lily Pond Approved

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The deck of a suite at the Fish River Lodge, overlooking the Fish River Canyon.

The Fish River Lodge is a contemporary lodge in Namibia on the edge of a cliff of the Fish River Canyon, with expansive views of the canyon below. The lodge and surrounding areas are focused on eco-conscious practices to ensure minimal impact on the sensitive, arid environment. With 20 chalets, the Fish River Lodge offers the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts to experience the second largest canyon in the world.

The Rooms

There are 6 doubles, 3 family and 11 twin chalets at the lodge. Each chalet boasts tall windows to admire the canyon view from bed and a wrap-around deck for admiring the view while you drink your morning coffee. At the main building, there is an infinity pool that is an oasis from the heat in the summer months and offers incredible views. In the winter the big fireplaces inside the main building are a cozy indoor retreat.

Nature & Activities 

A Kokerboom at sunset with the Fish River Canyon in the background.

The local flora and fauna are also part of the appeal of the Fish River Canyon. The Kokerboom is a succulent tree that is largely associated with the region, and they create the perfect silhouette in beautiful sunset pictures. Visitors may also spot the rare zebra, oryx antelope, and ostriches. Adventure activities that are both guided and unguided are available and are suited to a variety of fitness levels. Hiking and biking paths where one can meander along the rim of the canyon or trek down into the canyon below are guest favorites and are easily accessible from the lodge.

Getting There

Windhoek is the closest major airport to the lodge, which is located on the Western Rim of the Fish River Canyon. Windhoek’s international airport is a 2-hour flight from Johannesburg, South Africa. From the town of Keetmanshoop in Namibia, you take a tar road to Lüderitz and then turn onto the D463, which is a gravel road, for a little over 12 miles. The journey from Windhoek to the lodge will take about 7 hours by car. But it is a drive well worth it because it is the only lodge directly on the rim of the canyon – with all chalets between 16 and 26 feet from the edge. Guests typically stay 2 or 3 nights.

Inside the main building, where food is served and fires crackle in the winter.

When to Visit

It really depends on what kind of weather you want. Temperatures in the summer range from 86 to 104 Fahrenheit in the summer and 32 to 68 Fahrenheit in the winter. Because the lodge is located off the main electricity grid and depends on solar power, there is no air conditioning, fridges, or kettles in the chalets, but fans are available. If you want to experience swimming in the caverns or the infinity pool on the edge of the cliff, or have the best stargazing opportunities then the summer season is the perfect time for you to visit.

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If this is a destination that sounds exciting to you, reach out to us to learn more!

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

Lily Pond Approved

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A suite at Jack’s Camp in Botswana.

Jack’s Camp is an ultra-luxury tented camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of Botswana. With only 9 rooms, service is exquisitely tailored to each guests’ desires, with little touches that make guests feel like royalty. The camp has recently undergone an enormous revamp, and while it kept the touches that set it apart as Jack’s Camp, it is even more luxurious, and the tents have almost doubled in size.

Jack’s Camp is inspired by the life of Jack Bousfield, a crocodile and legendary hunter that set out to the Makgadikgadi Pans in the 1960s and set up camp in this spot because he was so captivated by it. In 1992 Jack died in a plane crash, and his son, Ralph, establish the Uncharted Africa Safari Company in honor of his father’s vision. As such, it is furnished in a nostalgic 1940s style with no frills, like no electricity, water in copper jugs, and showers under the stars. Jack was captivated by adventure and living things – people and animals alike – and had strong connections with the native bushmen. Ralph has been able to make conservation of both people, animals, and the environment a central mission, alongside adventure, with the Uncharted Africa Safari Company.

The living area in a suite at Jack’s Camp.

The Rooms

The iconic green canvas, muslin-draped walls, and 1940s campaign style remain, but each room has been upgraded to include an overhead bed cooling system and a private deck with a plunge pool. While there used to be no electricity to keep the authentic feel, there is now 24-hour solar-powered electricity in the tents and a complimentary laundry service, but still no WiFi or hairdryers (you don’t need them out there!). The new setup offers 7 tents with two queen-size beds and 2 tents with an extra length king bed, providing guests with the option of accommodating more people per tent than was possible before.

The Food & Amenities

The mess tent still houses the Natural History Museum, library, and vintage 36-seater dining table that served as an officer’s mess table in the 1820s, as well as the drinks cabinet and antique pool table. Jack collected many local stone tools, fossils of extinct fauna and flora, historical maps, animal skulls, and bushman beadwork, much of which is displayed in what the camp staff fondly refer to as the Natural History Museum. The collection is one of the most comprehensive ancient artifact collections in Botswana. The dining table is where all the guests staying at the camp come together to eat dinner and exchange stories of the day, and it is an iconic part of Jack’s Camp’s homey environment. The shared swimming pool pavilion is the only of its kind in Africa and offers panoramic views perfect for soaking up the nature and spotting animals. Food and drinks are included in your stay, and are all incredibly delicious (it still amazes us how safari camps make gourmet food) and tailored to guests’ specific needs.

A quad bike adventure on the salt pans during the dry season.

When to Visit

With two distinct seasons offering totally different things, we will help our clients choose from a selection of about 7 different periods throughout the year to visit based on their desired experience. Have habituated meerkats crawl up and perch on your head, meet Zu/’hoasi Bushmen and walk through the bush with them, take day and nighttime game drives, go on hikes, horseback rides, and receive a wellness therapy on your private deck or the dedicated spa year-round. Take quad bike adventures across the salt pans and marvel as the stars unfold above you in the dry season (16 April – 31 October). In the Shoulder Season of November, rains roll through and grass starts to grow, while flocks of flamingos and other birds move in and Wildebeest and Zebras crowd the plains. The Green Season (10 January – 31 March) requires less traveling, as the large amounts of animals present often allow viewing directly from your veranda. The green season is also when the last remaining zebra and wildebeest migration in Southern Africa, and the second-largest in Africa, occurs – and it’s a sight to behold!

How to Plan a Trip

Jack’s Camp is part of the Uncharted Africa Safari Company, and they guarantee guests “Real Adventure in Unreal Style” at all their camps, which include San Camp and Kalahari Camp. If you’re looking to get away and experience life in the bush in luxury, Jack’s Camp should be at the top of your list.

Safety & Security Update

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With hopes of the world going back to (a new) normal slowly starting to become reality, our travelers are more excited than ever to explore. We’ve (thankfully) seen a record business in the first half of 2021, and the latter half of this year is poised to look much the same. While things are looking promising, with many borders cautiously opening back up to travel, there are still a number of ever-changing factors to keep your eye on when planning trips in the post-lockdown world. 

This guide will introduce you not just to ways to stay on top of special requirements and rules that different countries have with regards to travel, such as quarantine and testing requirements, but also guide you through a bit of what you can expect as you travel in 2021 and beyond. Remember that we at Lily Pond Luxury are here to help you each and every step of the way! 

Understand What is Required of You (and How Your Travel Advisor Can Help)

Most non-US destinations still have quarantine and/or testing requirements in place, and all travelers, even those who have been fully vaccinated, must still complete and submit negative test results to re-enter the United States no fewer than three days prior to re-entry, per CDC guidelines.

These rules are complex and ever-changing, and we do our best as advisors to not only stay on top of these regulations, but also to educate you, as travelers, about what actions you can expect to take, from testing and authorization forms to insurance purchases and even medical evacuation coverage. 

The below is a blend of actions you, the traveler, can take, and actions that we, the advisor, can take on your behalf. 

Generally speaking, you, the traveler, must complete all health tests, fill out all travel forms, obtaining insurances, and are responsible for submitting test results in a timely fashion to comply with travel regulations. Should you fail to complete any of these items, you may be subject to trip cancellation by the hotel or airline, quarantine requirements, or additional on-the-ground testing and fees. 

As much as we’d love to streamline any and all aspects of your travel, the above are personal requirements that often involve complex health statements and certifications of your current health and behaviors leading up to the trip.  

We are happy to not only design the perfect trip, from hotels to activities and special moments, but we can also conduct specialty services that have grown far more popular in the wake of the pandemic. Yes, we can purchase your travel insurance, your medical evacuation insurance, ship your luggage, buy your airline tickets and more – these are all value-added items your travel advisor is perfectly equipped to help you with! We’ll even schedule your pre-return covid tests (often done right on the resort grounds) prior to your return, as desired. 

We will do our best to advise you of requirements at your destination prior to booking travel, as well as prior to departure, and of course answer any questions about a destination, a property’s COVID protocols, and more. 

Traveler Resources – Restrictions, Testing Requirements & More:

While not an exhaustive list, the below are links to reputable channels we often use to cross-check traveler requirements. 

Sherpa 

Visit Sherpa and get depth information on requirements specific to you. Upload your dates of travel, vaccine status, country of entry and more, and the website will share the current travel guidelines with you. It’s free, doesn’t require membership, and very comprehensive – it’s also used by partners like American Airlines.

VeriFLY 

This is the airline industry’s most widely adopted mobile health passport and can help travelers ensure that they have fulfilled all requirements necessary to travel between specific destinations. Customers input their origin and destination and will be prompted to upload the necessary documentation to the app. The app will then confirm or deny that the location-specific requirements have been met. The app is intended to give travelers peace of mind that they have done everything that they need to do, however, travelers should still read up on what is expected of them just to make sure. We think of this as slightly more comprehensive than Sherpa, and the first step towards a “vaccine passport” concept. 

Government Websites

To get the most reliable and up-to-date travel requirement information, we’d suggest US government websites.  For Americans, a large database of destinations’ exit and entry requirements can be found here.

Testing, Simplified

If your destination requires testing, you may be able to use Vault’s rapid at-home testing kit. PCR compliant (it even works for Hawaii, one of the strictest spots), this test is $119 per test and is a simple saliva-based test that can be done at your computer. 

To re-enter the United States, travelers will also need to take a negative test no more than 3 days (72 hours) prior to boarding their flights home. This can be a PCR or an antigen test, and most resorts have onsite medical teams that can administer the tests and have you back to your regularly scheduled activities within the hour! We’re happy to set up your appointment, or many can be done onsite when you arrive at your property. 

Insurance

Yes, insurance is hot right now! The most important question to answer: it rarely covers a pandemic, unless you booked travel before the issue became “known.” One of the things we all learned from COVID is that it’s important to plan for the unexpected, as resorts and airlines tend to be getting less and less flexible when you ask to go outside of standard policy.

From comprehensive plans like Travelex or Allianz that are “gold standard” for insurance, we also can quote specialized insurance policies for everything from COVID evacuation (COVAC) to hospital and terrorism transfers (MedJet). 

Insurance, while expensive (usually five percent or slightly more of trip cost) covers a variety of items, from medical emergencies in destination (when your usual health insurance may not cover) to lost luggage, coverage for missed connections and travel delays, and even emergency evacuation. While this can be tempting to skip, it’s a cost that’s well worth the spend if you have to claim against it. You can also use it to recoup travel costs if you have to cancel a trip prior to travel, such as because a family member became ill, you lose your job, or get into an accident prior to travel. You can generally buy insurance up until about a day before you travel, but it will only cover pre-existing or known conditions if you buy within two weeks of the first deposit on your trip – when you book your hotel or airfare. 

Additional benefits for specialized insurance cover COVID evacuation, hospital transfers, and more.

We walk clients often through the nuances of specific plans, so feel free to ask for more assistance as part of any full-service planning process. We can also quote and book insurance as a one-off benefit as part of our hourly fee concierge programs. Our rates tend to be better than the general public, so there is a benefit to using your advisor for this service. 

Lines, Sold Out Rental Cars & More

Yes, lines, higher-than-average prices and shortages in certain areas (like rental cars) are now normal parts of travel. Many travelers are shocked by high prices and certain destinations, like national parks, that have been sold out for months and months. Yes, everyone wants to travel.

For many hotels, it means even off-season (like the Caribbean in summer) can be full or sold out, rental cars are expensive or unavailable, and restaurants are booked months in advance. It’s a combination of demand, reduced capacity or occupancy, and in some cases, businesses raising rates to make up for a year of not having guests. We are happy to try to negotiate or suggest “alternate” options that are suitable within your budget and style, and of course, ways to make your budget go further, such as sharing a private villa with friends and family vs. each taking individual suites. 

We suggest you budget for spending 20 to 40 percent more than in the past – particularly over peak dates – and try to plan early. Now, summer, is a great time to think about next spring break, summer break, and even use our long-range “Dream Designer” service to do some forecasting for your travel budget and bucket list destinations in the next 3-5 years. We offer this customized service for clients looking to maximize their travel experience and hit the best places at the best times.

The Bottom Line 

Packing your patience is key – we are eager to help you travel safely and in style, and to make sure our partners help you have a fantastic visit, no matter where you wish to go! 

While it feels like things are starting to go back to normal, a lot of countries are still struggling to contain the virus and get vaccines out. As a result, not every destination is at the same level of ‘normal’ as the United States. Thus, it remains of utmost importance for travelers to stay up to date with the requirements of the places that they are visiting. While one advantage of using a travel advisor is that they always stay up to date with these guidelines, clients are still responsible for researching specific requirements, filling out forms and scheduling their own tests.

We look forward to hearing from you, and as always, please reach out with any questions! 

Lily Pond Approved

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The ocean facing cabins at Nimmo

A luxury wilderness retreat set in the heart of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, on the Pacific Ocean, guests will experience ultimate seclusion and reconnection at Nimmo Bay. Away from the hustle and bustle of human civilization, nature thrives, and guests will have the opportunity to encounter humpback and orca whales, bear cubs, and other untouched wildlife.

The Rooms

Guests have a choice between a cabin facing the ocean or a cabin alongside a natural stream and waterfall. All cabins have two bedrooms, one bathroom, a lounge area and housekeeping service. With only 9 cabins, set far from any cities or towns, guests will experience uninterrupted relaxation incomparable to regular life.

The Food

The dining experience is unrivaled. With the Great Bear Rainforest being one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world, Nimmo Bay places a large emphasis on sustainable living – and as a result, food is often sourced and foraged from right around the property. For guests looking to get involved, there is the opportunity to free dive for your dinner, which will then be prepared over an open fire under the starry sky. Wild vegetation, spot prawns, fresh halibut, uni and dungeness crab are some of the staples when they are in season. But don’t assume this means unextraordinary meals, because the expert chefs create culinary masterpieces from these ultra-fresh ingredients. Ingredients not sourced from the wild (like pasture-raised meats and some produce) is sourced from sustainable farms in the nearby Vancouver Island. There is always an opportunity to scale back or up with your involvement in meal prep depending on your level of interest.

The Activities

Discover nature via boat, kayak, paddleboard, helicopter, or foot. Join an expert guide in a bear viewing opportunity tailored to your desires (think land or boat) while keeping the safety of both guests and animals at the forefront – you’ll also learn more about their ecology. Waterway adventures, like paddleboarding, also provide the opportunity to encounter animals and learn more about ecology. For more far-flung adventures, helicopter tours can be organized. Therapeutic and relaxation wellness opportunities are equally as incredible, for those looking for some TLC.

Getting Here

Getting to this off-the-grid escape requires some well worth it planning. Inaccessible by road, guests two options are by air or sea - all adding to the sense of adventure that this remote destination creates. Set arrival and departure times are in the late afternoon and early evening only. Private charter floatplanes from Vancouver, Seattle, Victoria and Tofino are non-stop routes. However, the most common route is a 50-minute flight from Vancouver International Airport to Port Hardy, and then a 20-minute floatplane flight from Port Hardy to Nimmo Bay. The special Helicopter Adventure Package (which includes a private helicopter booked for everyday of your trip) will include a transfer from Port Hardy via helicopter instead.

When to Visit

Nimmo Bay is open for a six-month span from May to November. Depending on what you are hoping to get out of your adventure different times are better than others. For grizzly bear spotting, September to October is your best bet (black bears typically roam all season long). Whale watching season begins around July 1 and continues into the fall, while sea lions stick around all season. Resort activities are available throughout the whole season, but for specific viewing desires we will take into account seasonal fluctuations to find the best time for you. Stay lengths include 3, 4, and 7 nights, with arrivals and departures on Mondays and Thursdays only.

Since you’ll likely be transferring through Vancouver on both sides of your trip, why not add on a couple of days there for exploring Canadian city life too? Vancouver is Canada’s most ethnically diverse and most dense city, and despite being a city many of its most beloved attractions are also outdoor activities. Gastown is a cute downtown area that boasts cocktail lounges and chic boutiques. The Chinese gardens in Chinatown are also a must-see in Vancouver.

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While you may never want to leave, the appreciation for nature, yourself, and others that your experiences at Nimmo Bay will instill in you will last forever. If a Canadian back-to-nature adventure sounds appealing to you, get in touch with us to discuss what best fits your desires.

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

LILY POND APPROVED

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The four bedroom Mesa Home at Amangiri.

Meet Amangiri. A 45-minute drive from the closest airport, in Page, Arizona, this southern Utah-based luxury resort is for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, away from the rest of the world.

Suite decor at Amangiri.

Opened in 2009, this 34-suite retreat was created with the vision of honoring Native American Heritage – particularly Navajo culture. Spread over 600 acres, with views of the rock formations and mesas of the expensive desert, the hotel further transports guests into a Navajo-esque environment with the sounds of traditional music and crackling fireplaces, visions of handcrafted rugs and lighted candles, and the smell of sage drifting through the air.

Today, it’s best known as an ultra-private retreat that caters to the A-list and well-heeled clientele alike, and is one of our most requested for bucket list birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and more.

Activities

The nearby Lake Powell.

With ample space to explore, guests can choose to hike with a guide that will teach them about the environment, or to hike on their own – the Broken Arrow Cave where 6,000-year-old artifacts and petroglyphs were found makes a magical final destination. Further opportunities for exploration include horseback rides tailored to each guests’ level of adventure and expertise – with the most challenging including ridge-top hacks high above the canyons. For those who prefer water activities, Lake Powell is the perfect spot, with beautiful canyon walls towering above and the Rainbow Bridge to admire, guests will never want to leave. The new 200-foot-long Cave Peak Stairway is suspended 400 feet above the ground from one canyon wall to another and offers a thrill for adrenalin-junkies. We curate a wide array of activities for guests, including hot-air balloon trips, yoga, and Navajo story-telling.

Dining

The Amangiri restaurant boasts sustainable, seasonal menus inspired by traditional Navajo dishes as well as Utah’s Southwestern culinary heritage, with the main restaurant set in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide expansive views of the plains that surround the hotel. Food can also be served outside on the pool terrace. The restaurant has a wood-fired oven in the open-plan kitchen, which gives the food an authentic flavor. While the menus take inspiration from Native American cuisine, the chef also incorporates modern global influences to create new flavors.

Wellness

Guests also have the opportunity to unwind and reconnect at the Aman Spa, where treatments incorporate Navajo healing traditions that draw on the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. Before performing treatments, therapists “smudge” the client with white sage to help them reconnect with nature. Guests can also do yoga on the rocks, guided meditation wherever they feel most comfortable, and relax while immersed in a crystal sound bath. All part of reconnecting with oneself and nature, the Aman spa centers on the philosophy of hózhó.

Camp sarika

Just a five-minute drive away is the sister location to Amangiri, Camp Sarika. The new “glamping hub” for the resort is located just a short drive away and offers a totally unique resort experience (guests often ask to experience both parts of the property). Each of the 10 one and two-bedroom tents comes with its own private plunge pool, and the camp centers on a communal area with a lounge, restaurant, and pool. Meals are served family-style, meaning you get more interaction with other guests (and makes it perfect for families or social couples), and this resort offers the same outdoor adventure and in some ways, even greater seclusion and opportunities for deeper mediation and reconnection.

About aman

Aman is in a resort class all to its own. Guests dub themselves #AmanJunkies and up to 50% of the hotel’s travel is from repeat guests who simply love Aman. It’s rare that we see a brand with this level of following and desire, and as a result, guests often book these properties months and months in advance to secure best rates and dates.

Eager to experience another Aman? The sister property Amangani (Jackson Hole) is a popular option, and the brand’s first city escape, Aman New York, is set to open this fall. The Caribbean boasts Amanera in the Dominican Republic and Amanyara in Turks and Caicos while other properties dot Europe. The brand dominates in Asia, with true standout options ranging from Cambodia, Thailand, China, Japan, and even Bhutan.

If you are in search of a luxury retreat that offers seclusion and reconnection with the earth, as well as cultural education on the Navajo tribe, let’s chat to find out more about Amangiri – and if Utah isn’t for you but you’re still tantalized by this chain’s philosophy, contact us to find out more about their other locations.

Lily Pond Luxury guests get an extra resort credit and priority for upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out at all Aman properties, plus extra perks when applicable.

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

New & Noteable

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If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live like royalty, Airelles has just made that possible with the opening of Le Grand Contrôle within the grounds of the iconic Château de Versailles, on June 1st.

A suite in Le Grand Côntrole.

Accomodation

Step into the shoes of the European elite of centuries past as you roam the palace halls and more than 2,000 acres of gardens and sleep in a building constructed by Louis XVI’s favorite architect. Restored and redecorated to represent the 18th-century style of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the hotel boasts just 14 opulent rooms and suites, each with individual décor. Largely decorated with original period furniture and art, the hotel has a uniquely authentic air. Many other historical features, such as parquet flooring, fabrics, stonework, and wood paneling were also recreated by commissioned French artisans.

Special guest perks include exclusive access to areas of the Château and grounds that are closed to the public and the ability to explore the Grand Canal and gardens at leisure with special access to boats and golf carts. Each stay also includes a private tour of The Trianon and The Queen’s Hamlet before the arrival of the general public, a private tour of the Château after all visitors have left for the day, and unlimited access to the Orangery Gardens. Versailles is a must-visit for many visitors to Paris, so we’d suggest pairing this new luxury retreat for one or two nights at the beginning or end of your visit to take the most advantage of the grounds and special experiences.

The restaurant at Le Grand Côntrole.

Dining

Chef Alain Ducasse, with 20 Michelin stars to his name, further transports guests on their aristocratic journey with his gastronomic delights that are reminiscent of both past and present. With flamboyant reimagined French classics, dinner is a theatrical affair that recalls the King’s royal banquets – with staff dressed in period costume as they serve gold, silver and vermeil dome covered dishes, a bell rings at 8:30 pm to signal the beginning of the five-course gourmet feast. Each Sunday, a royal brunch is served, and an afternoon tea dedicated to Marie Antoinette is held every afternoon.

Spa

The Valmont spa features a hand-painted fresco and Carrara marble checkerboard floor, the indoor swimming pool, and a Hamman and sauna. Services are provided by Swiss skincare experts and include a signature 90-minute Majestic Mirror facial designed especially for Le Grand Contrôle.

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This luxurious new experience is nothing short of fit for royalty! Let’s discuss planning a visit as part of your return to France. Whether you’ve seen Versailles before or this is a first occasion, we’re happy to help make this an experience to remember and discuss the best way to pair your stay with a larger excursion in Paris, wine country, or other neighboring countries.

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

New & Noteable

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The infinity pool and pool bar at Kalesma Mykonos.

Greece is hot hot hot this summer. One of the first to re-open to American travelers, all eyes are on this multi-island marvel, a perfect blend of historic splendor and beach/party/romance. There truly is something for everyone, as each island brings its own unique personality to play.

A luxury suite with a view of the Aegean Sea at Kalesma Mykonos.

Guests looking for style and sophistication with a vibrant nightlife should consider making a stop in Mykonos. The Kalesma Mykonos doesn’t disappoint. The resort seeks to immerse guests in the uniquely luxurious and earthly atmosphere that the region historically represents. Aleomandra, where the hotel is situated, is said to have been home to the Olympian god Apollo’s horses’ stables. As such, Kalesma, which means “inviting” in Greek, combines the myths of the region with a deep respect for the earth, and heartfelt Mykonian hospitality.

The Rooms

The exclusive hotel pays careful attention to design, and with only 25 luxury suites and two larger villas, guests will experience a deeply immersive and personally curated stay. The Cycladic-inspired architecture fuses modern elements and locally sourced materials to create a meticulous and luxurious aesthetic experience, while remaining comfortable and unpretentious. All suites have a private patio that provides unobstructed views and full-sized personal heated pools.

The Experience

The Pere Ubu restaurant at the peak of the hotel’s property has panoramic views of the surrounds.

The hotel seeks to engage all five senses. With breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, comforting sounds of nature, earthly textures incorporated into the décor, tastebud-inspiring flavors, and enticing aromas, this mission is exceptionally accomplished. Set on five acres of land, guests can stroll along the sandy shores or wander along the hillside bursting with herbs and wildflowers. Pere Ubu is a Greek restaurant perched on the peak of the property with unrivaled panoramic views of the sea. There is also a pool bar that serves cocktails and small bites, located centrally at the hotel’s infinity pool. Private dining experiences are also available in guests’ accommodation.

For guests looking to reconnect with their body, private in-room spa, and fitness services are also available. A dedicated spa that is set to open in 2022 is still in the works, but for now, clients have the option of receiving face and full-body treatments in other peaceful settings, or from the comfort of their own suite. Yoga and Pilates sessions are also available from the privacy of guests’ suites, or outside on the private terraces, upon request.

We’d love to design a visit to Kalesma as part of a larger Grecian escape, with perks including customized beach club service, private boat tours, and more – no dream is too big or too small. Reach out today! 

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Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

New & Noteable

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St. Regis has a reputation for luxury, and its most recent addition in Bermuda will not disappoint. With close attention to design, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and a casino, the resort brings a new level of sophistication to the island’s hotel presence. Combining these features with its unique and spectacular location, the resort is going to quickly become a client favorite, joining properties like Rosewood Bermuda, The Loren and more as must-visits while on island.

Here’s what to know before you go:

The Rooms

With 120 guest rooms, including 21 suites and two and three-bedroom residences (perfect for families!), the St. Regis Bermuda offers its typical tailored services that make it such a special experience. The design channels local traditions and geography with its own sophisticated charm to create an atmosphere emblematic of Bermuda.

Dining & Onsite Amenities

This is the hotel’s international restaurant.

There’s ample opportunity to unwind and enjoy the beautiful St. Catherine’s beach. With a few on-site dining options, you will have a choice of light coastal food, steakhouse offerings, and light-bites at the bar - which will debut its locally inspired take on the brand’s signature Bloody Mary, the Gates Bay Mary. Further on-site amenities include a family pool and an adult pool, a spa, and a 24-hour fitness center. For parents that want some time to themselves, the hotel has both a casino and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones.

The Location

Located in St. George’s, a town named as a UNESCO world heritage site for being the oldest town of English inhabitance in the New World, there are a myriad of historical attractions in the area. St. Peter’s Church is the oldest Anglican church that has been in continuous use outside of the British Isles and is a five-minute drive from the resort. Fort St. Catherine was originally constructed in 1614 and has transformed into a museum that portrays how it has been used to defend the island at various intervals since. It can be found just steps from the resort. The northern part of Bermuda is more historic in nature; most shopping and dining is located in Hamilton, where other luxury properties make their homes.  

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COVID Policies, When to Go, and More

As of the time of publication, Bermuda requires a few hoops for travelers. There is a Travel Authorization fee ($75 per adult) as well as negative PCR results taken within 4 days of arrival. There is also a testing requirement on days 4, 8 and 14 of the stay.  

Bermuda is an ideal escape from May through October; it has weather similar to Coastal North Carolina and can be easily accessed from most East Coast cities.

Perks & More

Through year’s end, St. Regis Bermuda is offering a 4th night free, combinable with our existing client perks of breakfast for two per room daily, a $100 one-time resort credit, upgrade if available, and early check-in and late check-out.  

If you’re interested in finding out more about this highly anticipated new destination reach out and we’re happy to assist!

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

Updated Service Offerings

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If there’s one thing I’m hearing, it’s that you are eager to travel in 2021, or as soon as circumstances permit you to do so safely. 

We’re excited to help you do so in style, and that’s why we are introducing three new types of trips for your planning pleasure. And for those who love our signature services – don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere – you’ll find a brief refresher at the end of what we provide. 

DREAM DESIGNER

The Dream Designer is the perfect experience for the couple, family, or even solo traveler looking to plan for their “travel health” in 2021 and beyond. Much like planning for retirement, travel is something that many of our clients build into their annual budgets.

While experiences like safaris, villa rentals and major sporting event tickets can certainly be arranged at your convenience thanks to our connections, for best rates and space, it’s best to plan ahead.

The Dream Designer lets you practice annual, medium or long-range planning to best organize your travel goals, budget, and schedule. Plan for the next year, milestone anniversaries, a family “wish list” or a post-retirement grand tour. It’s your dream – we just help you plan for it.

The ultimate deliverable is a customized calendar (with optional reminders), inspiration list, and targeted content to get you excited and ready to travel.  

PERFECTLY PLANNED

While many clients love the planning process, others prefer a bit more of a surprise element. Whether it’s a partner looking to surprise someone with a great weekend away, a memorable anniversary, or milestone birthday, we’re happy to work “in secret” and deliver you a Perfectly Planned itinerary, packaged as a gift to your intended recipient.

We’ll even help you deliver the news in style, whether it’s a suitcase of curated clothes chosen by one of our stylist partners, or a great inspiration box of goodies to help you get excited for the trip.

Simply provide dates, a budget, and a mood, and we’ll do the rest, be it booking everything and handing you the tickets, or putting together several choices to let you choose your own adventure.  

POINTS, PLEASE

We’ve long had clients inquire about how to best utilize their points, be it for air, hotels, or anything in-between. We’re happy to say that after many years of searching, we’ve found the perfect partner for these needs, and can now offer this for our clients. Simply let us know how many and what type, and we’ll marry it into any of the above or our signature full-service planning experience.

SIGNATURE SERVICE

Most of you have experienced our signature services already, which includes everything from initial consultation to trip design, custom in-app itineraries, and full-service planning for accommodations, air, activities and more. We’ve long offered services ranging from private jet and yacht procurement to special event and attraction ticket purchases and can almost always add valuable extras to your stay, including breakfast, credits, upgrades and more.

Today’s traveler has even greater need for an advisor’s expertise, as we help navigate the changing world of insurance policies, COVID-19 pre- and post-trip testing, and, in some cases, multi-month trips for our digital nomad travelers. No ask is too big, or too small. 

New & Notable

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Where is your passport welcome in the wake of COVID-19?

While not all clients are itching to use their passports, we wanted to proactively offer up a list of spots that are currently accepting American travelers. This list is current as of November 4, 2020 and meant as inspiration only; we are happy to speak directly with clients inquiring about future trips or holiday travel.

New Details

ANGUILLA

Visitors must complete an application form at www.ivisitanguilla.com to initiate the approval process. Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken no less than 3 days and no more than 5 days of arrival in Anguilla. A rapid PCR test will be taken on arrival in Anguilla, followed by another COVID-19 PCR test on day 10 or 14 of your stay in place accommodations. All persons are required to provide insurance which covers COVID-19 medical cost and full hospitalization, doctors' visits, prescription, and air ambulance. All visitors must wear a facial covering during transit and through ports of entry in and out of Anguilla.

When in Anguilla...

Visitors must undergo regular temperature testing and house monitoring. All visitors are required to stay in place at their certified hotels and villa for at least 10 days.

Vacation in Place- visitors must stay at hotel/villa

Visitors staying 5 or less days

$300 single, $500 per couple, $300 main applicant + $250/family member

Visitors staying 6 days to 3 months

$400 single, $600 per couple, $400 main applicant + $250/family member

This fee covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence.

On November 15th , 2020, the sea shuttle services from the St. Maarten-Anguilla Ferry Terminal, located across from the Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), will once again operate into the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Anguilla. Calypso Chatters, Funtime Charters and GB Express are among the certified and approved companies authorized to resume the 25-minute private and semi-private shuttle services between Sint Maarten and Anguilla.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open - Belmond Cap Juluca

• November 14 - Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa

• December 17 - Malliouhana

• Open - Quintessence Hotel

• December 15 - The Reef

• December 14 - Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa

New Details

ANTIGUA

All passengers arriving by air MUST have a negative covid-19 RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test result, taken within seven (7) days of their flight (children under 12 years of age are not required to have a negative covid-19 RT-PCR test result). This includes transiting passengers. Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health Authorities.

All arriving passengers or the head of a family will need to complete a health declaration form issued on your flight, to be shared with Port Health Authorities. A series of assessments will be undertaken by the Quarantine Authority or an authorized health officer, including interviews based on the completed Health Declaration Form, temperature checks and the intended place of stay to determine if persons should be tested on arrival. There is a cost of US$100 for the test on arrival.

Those staying at Jumby Bay Island must stay on the island.

www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

Curfew 11 pm - 5 am daily until December 31

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open - Carlisle Bay

• Open - Curtain Bluff

• Open- Hermitage Bay

• November 7- Jumby Bay Island

New Details

BAHAMAS

Visitors must obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR (swab) test five (5) days prior to arrival (name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result). Children age 10 and under are exempted.

Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at https://travel.gov.bs/international .

Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:

$40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.

$60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.

Free - Children 10 years and under

For the duration of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes. Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5). Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.

Beginning November 14, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travelers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

Hotel Reopening Date

• Open- Albany

New Details

BARBADOS

Guests must arrive with a negative Covid-19 PCR test 72 hours before arrival. Guests will need to fill out immigration / customs form and upload negative test results at www.travelform.gov.bb (take a copy of your results with you at the airport). All arriving passengers must wear a mask and will have an automatic temperature check on arrival. Airport officials will validate your test results and guide you through Immigration & Customs and Baggage Claim. A trained service provider will transport you to your accommodation where you will quarantine for the next 2 days as a 2nd test is required 4-5 days after your first test which was taken in your home country (result return time of approximately 24 hours). Associated fees for the 2nd test will vary based on your specific requirements and the relevant service providers (Please contact your accommodation management regarding available options).

Once a negative result is given, visitors will no longer be restricted to the property and can explore the island. A mask will be mandatory and businesses will have a hand sanitation area as well as a temperature check.

Hotel Reopening Date

• Open - Sandy Lane

New Details

CANOUAN

Must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done 5 days before arrival. Visitors must register 24 hours prior to arrival at https://stv.servicedx.com/formmgmt/travelform and send their negative result and their passport bio page directly to coronavirustaskforcesvg@gov.vc (please arrive with a printed copy of the result and completed arrival form in English)

Travelers will have a COVID-19 PCR test done on arrival as well as clinical assessment, testing would be approximately US$75 per person.

Must arrive with proof of a fully paid reservation in a government-approved hotel for five (5) nights where you will be quarantined. Will be tested and quarantined in the hotel room or villa until results are received. Once clearance is given, travelers can enjoy the resort facilities.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Canouan Estate Resort & Villas

• Open- Mandarin Oriental Canouan

New Details

DOMINICA

Travelers must submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival at http://domcovid19.dominica.gov.dm/ . Upload a negative PCR test result where samples were obtained within 1-3 days prior to arrival.

Travelers must present the following to airlines prior to boarding and upon disembarkation:

Negative PCR test result where samples were obtained within 1-3 days

Notification of health clearance to travel

Rapid Diagnostic Test will be administered on arrival. If positive a PCR test will be administered and a traveler must wait in a government-approved facility for results (at travelers’ expense).

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski

• Open- Secret Bay

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Travelers no longer required to present a COVID-19 test certificate. Complimentary travel & health insurance will be granted to every visitor until December 31, 2020.

Curfew 7 pm-5 am Monday-Friday and 5 pm-5 am Saturday & Sunday

Nationwide curfews do not apply while you are on the property

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Amanera

• Open- Casa de Campo

• Open- Eden Roc Cap Cana
  

New Details

GRAND CAYMAN

Anticipating the opening of borders on January 1, 2021

More information to follow.

Hotel Reopening Date

• January 1st- Kimpton Seafire

New Details

GRENADA

Must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 7 days before travel (children 5 & under are except). Visitors are required to have a minimum 5-night reservation at an approved hotel. On day 4 visitors have the option of getting retested to be allowed to leave the hotel (with a negative result- takes 1-2 business days) or remain at the hotel for the duration of the vacation.

Fill out online pre-travel information at https://covid19.gov.gd/ (including acceptance of the Waiver Of Liability Agreement) and upload relevant documentation, if required (copy of negative PCR test, proof of confirmed reservations, AND payment for 5 nights).

Download Ronatrac Mobile App contact tracing app and register prior to travel, the app is not available for iPhone users yet, and they are currently exempt from this requirement.

Hotel Reopening Date

• Open- Silversands Grenada

New Details

JAMAICA

All international travelers must have a Travel Authorization (https://travelauth.visitjamaica.com/) obtained before departure. Both the Travel Authorization and the Test Certificate must be valid on the date of arrival into Jamaica. Travel Authorizations are valid for 10 days from the date of approval. All residents of the USA who are 12 years of age or over, will be required to obtain an Antigen Test or COVID-19 RT-PCR Test. The test should be conducted within 10 days of the intended travel date at a medical laboratory that is accredited by the relevant national health authorities. Antibody tests & results from home-based test kits will NOT be accepted. Face coverings are mandatory to wear in public places.

Visit https://travelauth.visitjamaica.com/ prior to traveling

Curfew lifted

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Golden Eye

• Open- Round Hill Hotel & Villas

• Open- Tryall Club

PUERTO RICO

Travelers entering Puerto Rico must fill out a Travel Declaration Form through the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal (https://app.travelsafe.pr.gov/), get a molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) no more than 3 days prior visiting the Island, and show proof of a negative result or they must quarantine until the traveler provides proof of a negative result. Travelers must obtain an Airport Exit Confirmation number & QR Code, which is automatically received when uploading their molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.

Curfew 10 pm - 5 pm until November 13

For travelers that are connecting in Puerto Rico on their way back to United States, as long as they do not spend over 24 hours in Puerto Rico, they are not required to quarantine upon their return to the United States if their home state has placed Puerto Rico on their quarantine list.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

• Open- St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

New Details

ST. BARTH

Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test was taken within 3 days of arrival flight. If staying for more than 7 days, the traveler will be required to take another test while on the island (cost 150 EUR). Transit passengers in St Martin are required to fill out an entry form (requested for arrival & departure) Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) (https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/)

Guests traveling via private charters to St Barth OR via Puerto Rico to St Barth will have to fill up a form for tracking purposes.

Mandatory mask for everyone over the age of 6 everywhere that has a shop, a school or an administration. Maximum of 6 people per dining table and guests will have to leave all phone numbers, names and email for tracking purposes

Hotel Reopening Dates (reopening from regular seasonal closure)

• Open - Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France

• Open - Eden Rock St. Barth

• November 25- Christopher St. Barth

• Open - Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf

• Open - Hotel Manapany

• Open - Le Toiny St. Barth

• Open - Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa

• December 17- Le Sereno Saint Barthelemy

• Open - Villa Marie

• Open- Villas

ST. KITTS & NEVIS

Complete the entry form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn) and submit a negative PCR test completed within 72-hours of travel from an accredited laboratory (List of accredited labs to be provided by the Ministry of Health, at a later date). Undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.

Download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app (to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less).

• 1-7 days: visitors are free to move about the hotel property, interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities.

• 8-14 days: visitors will undergo a PCR test (USD 100, visitors’ cost) on day 7. If the traveler tests negative on day 8, they are allowed, through the hotel’s tour desk, to book select excursions and access select destination sites (list to be announced later).

• 14 days or longer: visitors will need to undergo a PCR test (USD 100, visitors’ cost) on day 14, and if they test negative the traveler will be allowed to integrate into St. Kitts and Nevis.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open - Four Seasons Resort Nevis

New Details

ST. LUCIA

All arrivals (5 years and over) must have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 7 days before arrival in Saint Lucia. The test result must be submitted by email before traveling to TravelSaintLucia@gmail.com. Print and travel with a copy of your test results, the auto-response email from the form submission and the TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION LETTER that you will receive

All arrivals 18 years and older must complete (1) A Travel Registration form (online – 7 days before travel, print and travel with a copy of the auto-response email) and (2) a Health Screening form (download, print and travel with the completed form)

If your booking is last-minute, (fewer than 7 days prior to travel), fill out the online travel authorization form as above. The auto-generated confirmation email that you will receive immediately after submission should then be forwarded to travelinfo@stlucia.org

All arrivals must receive (and travel with a printed copy of) a letter of authorizing travel to Saint Lucia based on Verified reservations at a COVID-19 certified property

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Jade Mountain

• Open- Sugar Beach a Viceroy Resort

• Open- Cap Maison

New Details

ST. MAARTEN

Will need a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken (Antibody or Antigen Tests will not be accepted) within 5 days of arrival flight and travel insurance. The original result of this test must be uploaded as soon as possible as part of the health authorization application procedure in order to be processed. Processing takes 6-8 hours. Children age 10 and under are exempted from the mandatory rt-PCR test. If health authorization is pre-approved, you will receive a (printable) authorization via e-mail, which must be presented to the health and immigration authorities upon arrival. The original rt-PCR test result should be presented to the health authorities upon request.

For travelers originating from a high-risk country; 14 consecutive days of self-monitoring of body temperature and possible flu-like symptoms is mandatory. Travelers in this category will receive an automated daily email for 14 days providing a link for submitting the required information online. If you are remaining for a shorter term on the island, you will have to submit the information for the time you are on the island.

All visitors must register at https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/ before arriving. Border between St. Maarten and St. Martin has reopened.

Hotel Reopening Date

• December 1- Belmond La Samanna

New Details

TURKS & CAICOS

Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test within 5 days of arrival flight for all travelers (children younger than 10 are exempt). Travel insurance that covers COVID-19 in-country medical treatment, the cost of quarantine, and repatriation/medivac is also mandatory. A traveler may begin the application process 72 hours prior to arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Visitors must register at www.turksandcaicostourism.com before arriving.

A nightly curfew has been reimposed until November 16, 2020, from 12 AM - 5 AM. Restaurants must close at 11 PM daily.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• Open- Amanyara

• Open- Beach Enclave

• Open- COMO Parrot Cay

• Open- Grace Bay Club

• Open- The Palms

• Open- The Shore Club

• Open- Wymara Villas

New Details

VIRGIN GORDA

Visitors may begin to arrive at the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Tortola from December 1, 2020. Prior to travel, guests are to visit the BVI Gateway Online Portal to complete a travel declaration and upload proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to travel as well as proof of medical insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19. Approval will come in the form of a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate and upon arrival at the new Welcome Center in the airport, officials will perform health screening including a temperature check and COVID-19 PCR test.

Visitors are asked to recover from their travels and unwind in the luxury of their villa or suite while awaiting the results of the airport-administered test - this should take no more than 24 hours and means they are not waiting for results at the airport. Visitors are required to download a contact tracing app to their cellular phone or, in place of that, purchase a wearable device (tracking bracelet).

There is a mandatory 4-day quarantine period in the resort, another COVID-19 PCR test is required to be able to leave the resort.

More information on this will be forthcoming.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• December 4- Little Dix Bay

• December 1- Oil Nut Bay

New Details

COSTA RICA

Negative RT PCR test will no longer be required. Travelers will still be required to complete Costa Rica's electronic Health Pass which asks for information on travel plans and show proof of travel insurance from either a national Costa Rica insurer or another provider that covers COVID-19 expenses.

In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting: 1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica, 2) guarantee of coverage for medicals expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of 50,000 USD and, 3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness. It is also possible to purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute (INS) or Sagicor of Costa Rica, covering the duration of your stay in Costa Rica.

Hotel Reopening Dates

• November 12- Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica

• Open - W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal

• Open - Nayara

MEXICO

No restrictions if flying to/from the country

Hotel Reopening Dates

East Coast

• Open- Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

• Open- Banyan Tree Mayakoba

• Open- Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

• Open- Chable Maroma

• Open- Chable Resort & Spa

• Open- Grand Velas Riviera Maya

• Open- Hotel Esencia

• Open- Nizuc Resort & Spa

• Open- Rosewood Mayakoba

• Open- Viceroy Riviera Maya

West Coast

• Open- Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

• Open- St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

• Open - One&Only Mandarina

Los Cabos

• Open- Chileno Bay Resort & Residence

• Open- Esperanza an Auberge Resort

• Open- Grand Velas Los Cabos

• Open- Las Ventanas al Paraiso

• Open- Le Blanc Spa Resort

• Open- Montage Los Cabos

• Open- Nobu Los cabos

• Open - One&Only Palmilla

• Open- Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort

• Open- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

• Open- Zadun, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

The above information is based on current requirements for US citizens and is subject to change at any time. Health forms can be downloaded on the websites provided. Additionally, all travelers are required to provide original versions of the negative test results upon arrival. Travelers should be ready to be screened before entering the arrivals area at the intended destination as well as while in transit.

Those experiencing symptoms must quarantine in their accommodations until they receive a negative result. They may also be taken to a government facility and treated for at least 14 days at their cost (housing/medical).

Masks are widely required in public spaces.

Please refer to your state's official government website for up to date return travel protocols.

Final Thoughts

Should you travel? This is a deeply personal choice. We’re always here to guide you through the best ways to do what you wish, safely and effectively. If you have questions about planning, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Exclusive Client Offer

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Unwind & Reconnect

At your choice of Miraval Resorts with exclusive Lily Pond Luxury® Rates.  

Now more than ever, there is a need to reconnect with friends, regain positivity, and heal mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Experience Miraval’s many wellness activities, and take advantage of exclusive rates for our clients.

January 21-24, 2021

Miraval Berkshires:   $1,686, per person, double occupancy; $2,098 single occupancy

Miraval Arizona: $1,883 per person double occupancy; $2,296 single occupancy

Miraval Austin:  $1,650 per person, double occupancy; $2042 single occupancy

This EXCLUSIVE package includes:

• $175 nightly resort credit, per person to spend spa services, activities and private sessions

• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Luxurious spa-inspired accommodations

• Complimentary shared shuttle transfers from Tucson/ Austin/ Hartford Airports

• Unlimited participation in select daily yoga, fitness, meditation, and wellness lectures

REACH OUT TO MCLEAN@LILYPONDLUXURY.COM TO BOOK; BOOK 3 OR MORE ROOMS FOR YOUR PARTY AND I WILL ADD AN EXTRA $100 CREDIT TO THE STAY.

Fine Print:  Rates are based on a 3-night stay and include all taxes and resort fees; valid for the Classic room category in Berkshires and Dreamcatcher Rooms in Austin and Arizona; and based on availability.  Must be 18 or older; please contact your Lily Pond Luxury® advisor directly to book.

New & Notable

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Where is your passport welcome in the wake of COVID-19?

While not all clients are itching to use their passports, we wanted to proactively offer up a list of spots that are currently accepting American travelers. This list is current as of August 21, 2020 and meant as inspiration only; we are happy to speak directly with clients inquiring about future trips.

In somewhat positive news, U.S. State Department has lifted its Level 4 global travel advisory.

Here are some options for current permitted travel, as well as brief details about what tests and restrictions are in place:

·         Antigua & Barbuda – visitors will need to provide a negative PCR test less than 7 days old, and there is medical screening on arrival.

·         Aruba – you must show a negative PCR test from the last 72 hours, plus you must purchase travelers’ insurance on arrival.

·         Bahamas – visitors need to quarantine for 14 days, plus you must show a negative PCR test to get the recently-instituted health visa for visitors.

·         Bermuda – before travel, you must pay a $75 fee and online application before the flight, which covers your test on arrival, but you can avoid this test if you provide a negative PCR test within 7 days before arrival.

·         Brazil – travel restrictions were lifted on July 29, and visitors must provide medical & travel insurance; additionally, some airports remain closed (but not the major international airports), and no land borders are open.

·         Croatia – to enter Croatia, you must show a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours old.

·         Dominica – flights resumed on August 7, and visitors must show a negative PCR test from the last 3 days, complete an online questionnaire 24 hours or more before arrival, and there are health checks on arrival.

·         Dominican Republic – international airports reopened July 1, but land/sea borders are closed; there is medical screening and a questionnaire on arrival, choose between showing a negative PCR test from the last 5 days or pay them to do one.

·         French Polynesia – visiting locations like Tahiti & Bora Bora is possible if you have a negative PCR test and provide proof of travel/health insurance.

·         Jamaica – those coming from the more affected states in the U.S. require a negative PCR test from the past 10 days, and all visitors must obtain online travel authorization, plus undergo screening on arrival.

·         Maldives – fill out a health declaration, and you must have pre-booked hotel reservations and remain on one property.

·         Mexico – fill out a health questionnaire to visit.

·         St. Lucia – you need a negative PCR test no more than 7 days old, complete pre-arrival paperwork, and book hotel reservations at authorized locations in adance.

·         St. Vincent & The Grenadines – show a negative PCR test from the last 2 days or take one on arrival; alternatively, show a negative antibody test from within the last 5 days, and everyone must complete pre-trip paperwork and screening on arrival.

·         Tanzania – to visit, you must undergo medical screening, fill out a questionnaire, and possibly undergo government quarantine at your own expense, if you show symptoms or test positive.

·         Turkey – restrictions were lifted June 12, and visitors are subject to a medical screening on arrival.

·         Turks & Caicos – to visit, show a negative PCR test from the past 5 days, then apply through their portal for approval to visit, plus you need proof of insurance and a completed questionnaire.

·         Ukraine – visitors must have medical insurance that covers coronavirus-related medical issues, and you may quarantine at a location of your own choosing if arriving from a red zone country and subject to quarantine. Also, you must purchase a Ukraine-based SIM card for your phone and install a government contact tracing app on arrival. Avoid the quarantine restrictions by showing a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours old.

·         United Arab Emirates – you can only visit the Dubai emirate, and arriving to Dubai via AUH Abu Dhabi airport is possible only with a pre-arranged visa from Dubai. Visitors must complete a health form, provide health insurance, install an app, and show a negative PCR test from within the past 96 hours.

·         Western Sahara – there are no restrictions to visit this self-declared state next to Morocco and Mauritania.

Final Thoughts

Should you travel? This is a deeply personal choice. We’re always here to guide you through the best ways to do what you wish, safely and effectively. If you have questions about planning, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Itineraries

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MEXICO’S CARIBBEAN COAST SHAKES THINGS UP (NOT JUST COCKTAILS) MAKING THEIR WHITE SANDY BEACHES AN EXQUISITE (and socially distanced) ESCAPE FOR ALL.

Nizuc offers plenty of social distancing spots, plus three beaches.

Just over an hour after clearing customs, we were settled in poolside, sipping tequila and gazing out over calm Caribbean waters and white sands that stretched as far as the eye could see.

It was easy to wonder why people even bother at all with Florida, when the only hassle of this easy escape is packing a passport. The benefits of stunning, oversized rooms with private pools, superior service and true serenity was completely at odds with the area’s reputation for raucous spring breakers.

Riviera Maya, the vast area that starts south of Cancun and stretches all the way down to Tulum, is a hotbed of luxury activity along Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Just a four-hour flight from NYC, you’ll find a simple weekend away, a no-fuss holiday getaway or a streamlined spring break that lets you do everything you wish... or nothing at all.

HAUTE HOTELS

Much like its Mexican rival, Los Cabos, Riviera Maya boasts its fair share of high- end hotels, each tailored to a unique demo- graphic. Depending on the occasion there are a stunning array of options.

COMPLIMENTARY AMENITIES FOR LPL GUESTS AT Nizuc:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom served in Restaurant

• One-way airport transfer (valid on arrivals only)

• Hydrotherapy session for two, once during stay

• Welcome Amenity in suite: a bottle of tequila and dried fruit

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

For the weekend getaway, choose Nizuc. The 274-room resort offers the amenities of a larger property with the privacy and serenity you’ll usually find reserved for small boutique hotels, thanks to its unique design as a complex of villas and generous rooms (starting from 700 square feet) nestled on 29 acres of protected mangroves. You’d never know it was just 15 minutes from the airport.

Opt for the 2,430-square foot Garden Villa, which offers an oversized private pool, out- door living area and butler service. It’s a worth-it splurge. No matter how short your stay, it’s easy to fill your days or do nothing at all, thanks to six restaurants, two bars, three pools and two beaches, one of which is adults-only. Nizuc also features an ES- PA-branded spa with the best hydrotherapy circuit we’ve tried in years, complete with gratis hand, scalp and arm massage. Use of the facility comes complimentary with treatments of 50 minutes or more.

For dining, Asian-fusion Indochine is one of our favorite restaurants in the area, with a mouth-watering miso-marinated sea bass and seriously good sushi. There’s also fine Mexican at Ramona.

Beautiful multi-bedroom villas at Rosewood Mayakoba are available.

You can’t go wrong with Mayakoba, also just 35 minutes from the airport. It’s a unique 1,600-acre complex of four luxury resorts, a replica Mexican village El Pueblito, and a Greg Norman-designed golf course all connected by a series of man-made lagoons and cenotes. It’s perfect for families, couples and multi-generational groups alike.

COMPLIMENTARY AMENITIES FOR LPL GUESTS AT rosewood, andaz and banyan tree mayakoba:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom

• $100 credit

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Perhaps the most luxe option is the Rosewood Mayakoba with its impeccable attention to detail and newly-refreshed rooms. However, we slightly prefer the sexy-for- couples-but-welcoming-for-families Banyan Tree Mayakoba, offering an Asian-inspired twist on Mexico. Rooms start at over 2,700 square feet and boast private pools so large that you may consider never leaving your room. Couples will want private living casitas at the Serenity Pool Villas while families will love the two- and three-bedrooms which offer rooftop pools. New villas will be completed in 2020 to add beachfront one- bedroom options as well. Don’t miss Banyan Tree’s Saffron, a delicious Thai standout that draws guests from as much as a 30-minute radius of the resort. Get the yellow curry; you won’t regret it. Rosewood also offers a well-attended beach barbecue on Thursdays that’s also worth the reservation. We love the street food fare at Aqui Me Quedo, which translates to “here I stay,” an apt name for the adults-only poolside spot at Rosewood where we easily spent a few afternoons noshing on tacos and spicy mezcal margaritas.

Another standout experience at Rosewood are regular Ceiba dinners, held weekly in slower seasons and more regularly when the hotel is full. Hosted by the resort’s managing director, guests are invited to gather, family- style, under the resort’s large Ceiba tree in the garden for a communal dinner of fresh and local fare. Limited to about 30 per night and attended by select resort staff as well as guests, it’s a great way to mingle a bit with other travelers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hotel Esencia’s white sand beach.

Both resorts offer perks like gratis bikes for guests – conveniently labeled with your room number and left outside your door – and stellar five-star spas. The Banyan Tree’s Rainforest Indulgence is a must-try. The 150-minute experience is true decadence, starting with a completely private journey through the spa’s expansive rain showers, saunas and steam room with an eight-step process that involves everything from mud applications to ice baths and hair masks, before ending with a body scrub, Vichy shower and relaxing massage in one of 16 private spa bungalows. Therapists for the spa come from the resort’s other properties in Thailand and Bali, offering an exceptionally authentic taste of Banyan Tree’s Asian heritage.

Families may also want to consider the Fairmont and Andaz properties onsite, which offer top-notch stays at a slightly more forgiving price point. For lunch, we loved

Sotavento at Andaz, an easy beachfront spot that offers a break from Mexican with fresh, simple Mediterranean fare.

Don’t miss the complimentary boat tours, dubbed the Mayakoba Connection. They leave regularly from each resort’s main lobby and connect guests between resorts, as well as impress you with the wildlife and natural surroundings of the complex. You’ll learn from knowledgeable guides about the more than 100 species of birds, dozens of animals and more than a dozen crocodiles that live on property, as well as get a sneak peek of the more than 20 onsite dining options. If you want to visit El Pueblito, the village with shops and snack spots, play a round of tennis, or learn to make ceviche at the cooking school, you can also ask for a golf cart or evening SUV shuttle between resorts; the boats only run during daylight hours. There’s also a small chapel perfect for weddings or vow renewals.

COMPLIMENTARY AMENITIES FOR LPL GUESTS AT Belmond maroma, hotel escencia, chable maroma and viceroy riviera maya:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom

• $100 credit

• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

There are a few other standouts in the area. For those who wish for a true “old Mexico” feel, opt for the private Hotel Esencia, an intimate escape that was once the private home of an Italian Duchess. Esencia also features a Michelin-starred chef formerly of Spain’s famed El Bulli. At a more accessible price, there’s Viceroy Riviera Maya, where each of the 41 rooms is an individual casita with private plunge pool. For a beachfront get- away, the Belmond Maroma is located on the best beach in the area and offers many rooms with gorgeous ocean views – a rarity along this stretch of Mexican coast as so many hotels specialize in lagoon or jungle view. Both Viceroy and Belmond regularly offer dining plans to make them more cost- inclusive.

Rooms at Viceroy Riviera Maya

We love all three of these properties. Esencia can easily be the most expensive in the area, but it’s quite remote, so it’s best for a couple’s escape where you don’t wish to leave the resort. Both Viceroy and Belmond offer a more “authentic Mexican” vibe, while still blending high-touch service and exceptional dining and spa offerings as well.

Speaking of all-inclusive, if you’ re traveling with a large family or friends, Grand Velas is an excellent option.

For a girlfriend getaway or wellness escape, we’d opt for the new Chablé Maroma, opened this spring. It’s the second property from the brand – the first is inland near Merida. Think of it as wellness lite; you can still enjoy plenty of tequila but also try a temazcal (a Mexican sweat lodge) or meditate under an

Alamo tree, a plant considered sacred to the Maya. Or, keep it simple with a familiar deep tissue massage and private yoga class. To get truly in touch with your inner hippie, head onward to Tulum, about 90 minutes from the Cancun airport, where options like Nomade or Be Tulum are as Insta-worthy as they are luxe. While here, try creative smoothie bowls at Matcha Mama, mezcal cocktails at Gitano (yes, the same one that’s in NYC) and farm-to-table fare at El Zorro Plateado.

SARGASSUM – IT (LITERALLY) STINKS

We’ d suggest checking the sargassum situation before booking. The unattractive and malodorous seaweed has been plaguing the Mexican and Caribbean coasts for years now. But don’t pass on the destination entirely. Resorts are doing their best to keep up but watching for live cams, checking with your travel advisor or calling the resort directly can keep you from disappointment. The sea- weed comes and goes, so you may see some one day and virtually none the next.

WORTH LEAVING THE RESORT

Truthfully, Riviera Maya makes for an easy fly n’ flop destination – and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. For a long weekend, we’d suggest picking a complex with a few options for activities, like Mayakoba. New this season is a 55’ Van Dutch charter yacht, perfect for a full- or half-day trip out to Cozumel or a sightseeing tour for those who simply want to get off campus.

But if you wish to get out into the local culture, plan a day or half-day to sightsee with a driver/guide; every resort can arrange boat days or tours to major sites. If you’re visiting for a week or longer, resort hopping can also offer a nice change of scenery. We’d suggest mixing something like the new Chablé Maroma, which is geared toward wellness, with something a bit more foodie, like Nizuc, or pairing the remote Hotel Esencia with Rose- wood Mayakoba or Belmond Maroma.

Other attractions worth trying are Chicen Itza, the 1,200-year-old complex of pyramid- like Mayan Ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World; try to go early to avoid the worst of the crowds. Prepare for a long day as it’s about a two-hour trip each way. Lesser ruins, like the Coba near Tulum, are slightly closer.

Another option is an early morning dip in one of the many local cenotes, natural underground water sources that create crystal clear pools teeming with wildlife.

We’d pass on the big clubs in Cancun – pretty much anything in the hotel district feels tourist – or venturing beyond the main drag of 5th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen. After all, who needs shopping or nightlife when white sand and clear water await?

WHEN TO VISIT

Riviera Maya is warm and sunny year-round, although, like any Caribbean climate, it’s prone to an occasional rainstorm. There’s no “bad” time to visit, but we usually skip travel from late June through October, when the chance of hurricanes is the highest, and the humidity and bugs put a damper on the fun.

THE PACKING LIST

Flowy caftans by Camilla, a stunning suit by Norma Kamali and a Eugenia Kim sun hat fit in nicely; for men, shorts + Swims by day and linen slacks and a button up (no need for a jacket) by night work just fine.

GETTING HERE

Daily nonstops are available from most destinations on the East Coast, with regular offerings from the West Coast and Midwest.

SAFETY FIRST

We often hear rumblings about safety concerns in Mexico. It’s a personal choice, of course, where you wish to travel, but we turned to the experts at Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report for a little extra insight:

Although travel alerts have been issued recently for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, and specifically the resort city of Playa del Carmen, there is little immediate cause for alarm. There are no restrictions placed on U.S. government employees in the region, and travelers are urged only to “Exercise Increased Caution.” The incidents that have attracted attention have primarily been a result of turf war- fare between rival gangs.

In a post-COVID world, safety is a matter of both healthcare and preference, but we find Riviera Maya to be ideal given the large room spaces, ample outdoor dining, and sprawling resorts that make it easy to socially distance.

This story originally appeared and has since been updated from the Fall 2019 issue of Woodbury Magazine, where McLean writes quarterly travel journals.