andrew harper traveler magazine (q1, 2015)

+SPECIAL OFFERS

LISBON, PORTUGAL

MR. HARPER SHARES10OF HIS FAVORITE FAMILY-FRIENDLY

DESTINATIONS

BELMOND’S MYANMAR

RIVER CRUISES

33

SouthernCharms HotspotsoftheAmericanSouth ThatServeUpHistoryand6 HospitalityatEveryTurn

January | February | March 2015EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIDEAWAY REPORT SUBSCRIBERS

ANDREW HARPER

January | February | March 2015EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIDEAWAY REPORT SUBSCRIBERS

ANDREW HARPER

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Wonder is indigenous here, from ancient, moss-draped oaks to serenely winding rivers. Here, in South Carolina Lowcountry, land and architecture resonate with the grace

of a bygone era, where families create indelible memories of their own. At The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, not only is history at every turn. It’s always in the making.

AndreW HArPer exCLuSIve Offer: STAy THree nIgHTS

And reCeIve yOur fOurTH nIgHT freeOffer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 25 for travel through March 31, 2015, based

on availability, and excluding feb 13-14, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

For reservations contact the andrew harper travel oFFice at (800) 375-4685 or [email protected].

Benefits: Daily Breakfast • $100 spa treatment CreDit per room • accommodation Upgrade (based on availability)

Some places create great stories. Others make history.

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Hebridean Island CruisesSCOTLAND, UK – Hebridean Island Cruises has been setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. As the smallest luxury cruise ship afloat, accommodating just 50 guests, Hebridean Princess elegantly accesses the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Eire and Northern France. Granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty the Queen for services provided aboard the five-star ship for the royal family, Hebridean Princess ensures guests the highest standards of accommodation, together

with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.

Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully planned by Hebridean’s highly experienced research-

ers and world-class experts, all invited for their authority and genuine passion for their

subjects to join selected departures to talk on relevant themes.

The Tiree Lounge is beautifully designed and filled with cozy sofas, grouped around the

most extraordinary feature of the ship—an inglenook fireplace. The Columba Restaurant

offers menu choices where only the finest and freshest local ingredients are used; and no

cruise would be complete without a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis!”

hebridean.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER: Extra 15 Percent Savings Book select departures by May 31, 2015, and enjoy an extra 15 percent savings on the rate in addition to the Andrew Harper benefit. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new bookings only, confirmed by May 31, 2015, for the following departure dates, based on availability: March 24; April 21; May 12; May 26; June 9; Aug. 10; Sept. 22; and Oct. 6. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: 200 USD savings per person per cruise

3ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

4 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 ANDREWHARPER.COM

16 PropertyLocation

CONTENTSJanuary | February | March 2015

PropertyLocation56

28

16 All in the FamilyFrom the slopes of the Matterhorn to the marshes of Botswana, Mr. Harper lets us in on his 10 favorite crowd-pleasing destinations for family travel.

34 Town and CountryStrike a balance between bustling cities and bucolic countryside with these favorite town and country itineraries from the Andrew Harper Travel Office, part one of two.

44 Southern CharmedTake a tour of yesteryear as locals reveal the top sights and best eats across six history-laden Harper favorites of the American South.

54 LisbonBlending remnants of its historic past with stylish modern

offerings, Portugal’s visually striking capital is a current hotspot

for international travelers looking for a unique European

experience, and an ideal starting point for exploring the country.

Experience the former colonial empire with this weeklong

itinerary from the Andrew Harper Travel Office.

62 Meet Our Partners: Belmond’s Myanmar River Cruises

Be inspired by the stunning sights and charming people encountered on a river cruise through Myanmar as Belmond’s Eddie Teh shares details about this emerging luxury destination.

DON’T MISS some Harper favorite golf & spa destinations in the special supplement.

plus 33 SPECIAL OFFERS throughout

Wilderness SafarisAfrica Lisbon, Portugal

Myanmar62

54

ON THE COVER Spanish moss drapes an

avenue of oaks on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Photo by Dana Allen, courtesy of Wilderness Safaris.

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

HotelsCaribbean

33 Belmond La Samanna; Baie Longue, St. Martin

13 Peter Island Resort & Spa; British Virgin Islands

Czech Republic

33 Aria Hotel; Prague

England

26 The Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments; London

11 The Stafford London; London

France

10 Château Hotel André Ziltener; Chambolle Musigny, Burgundy

70 Château La Chenevière; Normandy

3 (S) La Coquillade; Gargas, Provence

9 Le Bristol Paris; Paris

Ireland

78 Ballyfin; Ballyfin

70 Dunbrody House; Co. Wexford

70 Sheen Falls Lodge; Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Italy

69 Borgo Santo Pietro; Chiusdino, Tuscany

29 Ca’ Sagredo; Venice

43 Castello del Nero; Chianti Wine Region, Tuscany

12 Grand Hotel Tremezzo; Lake Como

28 Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina; Dolomites, San Cassiano

42 La Posta Vecchia; Palo Laziale (Rome)

68 Palazzo Seneca; Norcia, Umbria

27 Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy; Florence

68 Rocco Forte Verdura Golf & Spa Resort; Sicily

Mexico

14 One&Only Palmilla; San José del Cabo

Netherlands70 Conservatorium Hotel;

Amsterdam

71 Hotel Seven One Seven; Amsterdam

Portugal

60 Lapa Palace; Lisbon

Spain69 Mandarin Oriental Barcelona;

Barcelona

St. Vincent & The Grenadines15 Petit St. Vincent

Turks & Caicos

11 Amanyara; Providenciales

United States

ARIZONA

4 (S) Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa; Scottsdale

CALIFORNIA

43 Farmhouse Inn; Forestville

2 (S) Rancho Valencia; Rancho Santa Fe

iFc The Resort at Pelican Hill; Newport Coast

GEORGIA

52 Little St. Simons Island; St. Simons Island

53 Stephen Williams House; Savannah

HAWAII

2 (S) St. Regis Princeville; Princeville, Kauai

MONTANA

31 The Resort at Paws Up; Greenough

NEW YORK

7 Glenmere Mansion; Chester

28 The Plaza; New York

OREGON

13 The Allison Inn & Spa; Willamette Valley

RHODE ISLAND

14 Ocean House; Watch Hill

SOUTH CAROLINA

2 The Inn at Palmetto Bluff; Bluffton

VERMONT

15 Twin Farms; Barnard

Yachts & CruisesWorldwide

3 Hebridean Island Cruises; United Kingdom and Europe

32 Un-Cruise Adventures; North America

Travel PartnersWorldwide

30 Asia Transpacific Journeys; Asia and the Pacific

8 Lakani World Tours; Worldwide

inseRt TCS Expeditions

61 Uniworld; Europe, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China

Special Offers & Alliance Partners IN THIS ISSUEPartners listed below are participating in this issue of the Andrew Harper Traveler magazine showcasing their Harper benefits and more. Page numbers in red circles indicate those partners including short-term SPECIAL OFFERS in addition to their Harper benefits. Page numbers followed by (S) are located within the Spa & Golf Supplement.


The latest NEW 2015 Andrew Harper Alliance Partners HotelsAustria

Sans Souci Wien; Vienna

Belize

Chan Chich Lodge; Belize City

Brazil

Hotel Fasano Saõ Paulo; Saõ Paulo

Canada

Fogo Island Inn; Newfoundland

Caribbean

Cobblers Cove Hotel; Barbados

Hotel Le Toiny; St. Barth’s

Colombia

Tcherassi Hotel & Spa; Cartagena

Costa Rica

El Silencio Lodge & Spa; Valverde Vega

Czech Republic

The Augustine; Prague

Dominican Republic

Tortuga Bay; Punta Cana

Ecuador

Galapagos Safari Camp; Galapagos

England

Covent Garden; London

Dorset Square; London

Royal Crescent Hotel; Bath

France

Les Fermes De Marie; Megeve

Saint James Paris; Paris

Shangri-La Hotel Paris; Paris

Germany

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski; Dresden

Hungary

Four Seasons Gresham Palace; Budapest

India

The Oberoi New Delhi; Delhi

The Oberoi Rajvilas; Jaipur

The Oberoi Udaivilas; Udaipur

Ireland

Dunbrody Country House Hotel; Co. Wexford

Israel

The Efendi Hotel; Old Acre

Italy

Portrait Roma; Rome

Panama

Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower; Panama City

Portugal

Tivoli Palácio de Seteais; Sintra

Singapore

Capella Singapore; Sentosa Island

Raffles Singapore; Singapore

South Africa

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve; Gansbaai

Spain

Hotel Ritz Madrid by Belmond; Madrid

Unites Arab Emirates

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas; Abu Dhabi

United States

CALIFORNIA

Cal-A-Vie Spa; Vista

GEORGIA

Little St. Simons Island; St. Simons Island

IDAHO

Henry’s Fork Lodge; Island Park

NEW YORK

Jedediah Hawkins Inn; Jamesport

RHODE ISLAND

Castle Hill Inn; Watch Hill

Weekapaug Inn; Westerly

TEXAS

Cibolo Creek Ranch; Marfa

Hotel Saint Cecilia; Austin

UTAH

Sundance Resort; Sundance

Travel PartnersWorldwide

1492 Company

Lakani World Tours

National Parks Revealed

Uniworld

THE ANDREW HARPER ALLIANCE

Publishers of the quarterly Andrew Harper Traveler magazine

and the annual Andrew Harper Travel Directory

vice president, publisher Georgia Beth Ridenhour

email [email protected]

phone (512) 904-7330 fax (512) 904-7350

director, account manager europe Colin Housley

director of travel partners Pam Sigler

account manager rest of world Carol Bacon

account manager n. am. Heather Eberle

alliance coordinator Joyce Jorden

senior art director David Villarreal

graphic designer Linda Bigirindavyi

traffic coordinator Andrew Herner

editorial assistant Scott Turrentine

ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE

director Sandi Ferreira

toll free (800) 375-4685 phone (630) 734-4610

fax (630) 734-4642


ANDREW HARPER CLIENT RELATIONS

toll free (866) 831-4314 phone (512) 904-7342

fax (512) 904-7350


ANDREW HARPER’S HIDEAWAY REPORT AND

THE HARPER COLLECTION

editor-in-chief Andrew Harper

ANDREW HARPER, LLC

president Greg Marchbanks

chief operating officer Lorelei Calvert

ANDREWHARPER.COM

Andrew Harper, LLC is registered to sell travel in the following states: California SOT-2110806-40; Iowa SOT-1096; Washing-ton SOT-603248672. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account.

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

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E A C H Y E A R , M O R E T H A N 6 0 0 H A R P E R - R E C O M M E N D E D h o t e l s , r e s o r t s , i n n s , v i l l a s , yach ts, cru ises a n d tou r oper at or s choose to partner with the Andrew Harper Alliance, providing special recognition and benefits ranging from complimentary breakfasts and resort credits to room upgrades and preferred rates. To ensure receipt of all benefits we have negotiated on your behalf, please confirm your reservations through the Andrew Harper Travel Office or at AndrewHarper.com. If, how-ever, you choose to book directly, please provide your Andrew Harper subscriber number upon booking. Andrew Harper contracted rates and benefits are typically not combinable with other special rates or promotions.

Photo courtesy of Ca’ Sagredo

Glenmere Mansion

CHESTER, NEW YORK – Amid the rolling farmlands of the Hudson Valley, the famed Glenmere Mansion transports visitors to a bygone era of refined elegance and glamour. Described as “absolutely beautiful and inviting” by one Andrew Harper guest, the hotel offers 18 well-appointed accommoda-tions, including five premium suites. The estate’s 150 secluded acres are home to pristine gardens, a heated outdoor pool and two restaurants—The Supper Room and Frogs End Tavern. An opulent Moroccan-inspired 8,000-square-foot spa provides bespoke treatments, as well as a spacious bathhouse and

hammam featuring curated therapies from around the world.

Recommended since 2011; Grand Award Winner–2012.

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Third Night Arrive on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday for a three-night minimum stay and receive the third night with our compliments. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates:Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Feb. 28 for travel through March 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding Jan. 16–19 and Feb. 13–16, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

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

Standard Inclusions: Daily full breakfast served at the restaurant • Access to fitness center and sporting facilities • Wi-Fi • Parking


ANDREW HARPER’S

PARIS Introducing the updated version of Andrew Harper’s personal guide to the City of Light, available now!

Highlights include:

• Five new hotels

• 14 new restaurants

• Five new shopping and beauty finds

• 2015 event schedule

• Paris Métro map

• Interactive walking tours

• New Giverny day trip

• Updated listings and more ...

Download “Andrew Harper’s Paris” app today on iPhone and iPad.

Visit andrewharper.com/guide-to-paris to learn more.

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ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] | 9

Le Bristol ParisPARIS, FRANCE – Alongside the shopping and arts attractions that draw travelers to Paris’s bustling 8th arrondissement, the 188 rooms and suites that comprise this 90-year-old hotel remain bright and spacious while maintaining their 18th-century sensibility. Discover the bevy of charming details that set Le Bristol apart, such as the two beautiful cats, Fa-raon and Kléopatre, who patrol the hotel, and an on-premise florist who can assist you in shaping elegant botanical creations.

At Le Bristol, attention to detail is unparalleled. The magnificent art collection houses only original mirrors, paintings and prints—no reproductions are allowed on the property.

And whether you choose to relax in the sixth-floor swimming pool with views of the sur-rounding Parisian rooftops or unwind over a meal paired with exquisite wine at Epicure,

the hotel’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, expect an equal amount of attention on your comfort and satisfaction. Le Bristol celebrates each season with tasteful cheer, including

cascading white lights and fireplaces during the winter, while colorful flower boxes and white umbrellas line the terraces each summer. Regardless of the time of year, guests can easily explore both hidden cultural gems and perennial favorite landmarks with recommen-

dations and assistance from the hotel’s superior team of concierges. As Paris is a city for all seasons, so too is Le Bristol. Recommended since 1988; Readers’ Choice Award–2014: #16

City Hotels.

lebristolparis.com

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Receive one night complimentary when confirming a four-night minimum stay. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through May 15, 2015, based on availability and excluding Jan. 24–30 and March 2–10, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

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

Standard Inclusions: Access to fitness center • Daily newspaper

ANDREW HARPER’S

PARIS Introducing the updated version of Andrew Harper’s personal guide to the City of Light, available now!

Highlights include:

• Five new hotels

• 14 new restaurants

• Five new shopping and beauty finds

• 2015 event schedule

• Paris Métro map

• Interactive walking tours

• New Giverny day trip

• Updated listings and more ...

Download “Andrew Harper’s Paris” app today on iPhone and iPad.

Visit andrewharper.com/guide-to-paris to learn more.

P R O M OT I O NP R O M OT I O N

Andrew Harper subscribers enjoy access to some of the best travel professionals in the business. Let them inspire your next trip.

Insider Knowledge Briefed exclusively by Mr. Harper and his editors after every trip, our consultants know the details that make for singular travel experiences.

Travel BenefitsParticipating hotels and travel partners offer valuable upgrades exclusively to our subscribers.

One-Stop Shopping Whether helping you plan a special event or a simple weekend getaway, our consultants can ensure a remarkable experience.

Experienced Agents Our dedicated team of travel consultants not only has decades of experience, but is made up of seasoned travelers themselves.

VISIT THE TRAVEL OFFICE TODAY:andrewharper.com/luxury-travel-agency or call (800) 375-4685

TRAVEL OFFICE?’’

ANDREW HARPER“WHY SHOULD I USE THE

10

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Château Hotel André Ziltener CHAMBOLLE MUSIGNY, BURGUNDY, FRANCE – Wine lov-ers will find this 18th-century château, built on the grounds of a former Cistercian abbey, a soothing retreat along Burgundy’s famed wine trail, the “Routes des Grands Crus.” Enological influences pervade, from the 10 individually furnished rooms which are named after famous Grand Cru wines from nearby vineyards, to the bistro-inspired wine bar, to the basement wine museum in the château’s former cellar. Explore the pic-turesque countryside by foot, bike or guided tour, or on one of

Burgundy’s 20 golf courses. Recommended since 1996.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily continental break-fast served at the restaurant or in room • Welcome drink per person • Visit to the wine cellar with wine tasting • Departure amenity

Standard Inclusions: Wine tasting • Bicycles • Wi-Fi • Parking

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The Stafford LondonLONDON, ENGLAND Recommended since 1984; Readers’ Choice Award–2011: #7 City Hotels; 2012: #3 City Hotels; 2013: #9 City Hotels.

601 Oakmont Lane, Suite 450 Westmont, IL 60559

“The Stafford in London was great!

An ideal location, wonderful

service and a very comfortable

room. The shows, restaurants, tour

guide services and everything else

arranged through the Stafford

concierge were consistently

excellent.”

— An Andrew Harper Subscriber

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

Standard Inclusions: Non-alcoholic minibar • In-room coffee service • Wi-Fi

London, England

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Third Night Receive a compli-mentary third night on stays of three nights or longer in a Deluxe King or higher room category. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through April 14, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Amanyara PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS – Described by one Andrew Harper guest as “among the most spectacular resorts we have experienced anywhere in the world,” Aman-yara is the Caribbean at its best. With 36 exquisite guest pavilions and 20 luxe villas intimately tucked along the island’s coast, guests looking for seclusion and relaxation are sure to find it. Here, water sports enthusiasts will thrill at the myriad activities and amenities, including snorkeling, sailing and world-class wall and reef diving. Guests will also enjoy the 50-meter pool, fitness center with Pilates studio, spa and

restaurant featuring Asian and modern Mediterranean fare.

Recommended since 2005.

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

Standard Inclusions: Private round-trip airport transfers • Minibar (excluding spirits) • Telephone calls • Non-motorized water sports • Daily snorkel trips • Regular yoga classes • Access to fitness center • Use of tennis courts, equipment and lessons • Wi-Fi

Andrew Harper subscribers enjoy access to some of the best travel professionals in the business. Let them inspire your next trip.

Insider Knowledge Briefed exclusively by Mr. Harper and his editors after every trip, our consultants know the details that make for singular travel experiences.

Travel BenefitsParticipating hotels and travel partners offer valuable upgrades exclusively to our subscribers.

One-Stop Shopping Whether helping you plan a special event or a simple weekend getaway, our consultants can ensure a remarkable experience.

Experienced Agents Our dedicated team of travel consultants not only has decades of experience, but is made up of seasoned travelers themselves.

VISIT THE TRAVEL OFFICE TODAY:andrewharper.com/luxury-travel-agency or call (800) 375-4685

TRAVEL OFFICE?’’

ANDREW HARPER“WHY SHOULD I USE THE



Grand Hotel TremezzoLAKE COMO, ITALY – Since opening its doors in 1910, the iconic family-owned hotel has cultivated a past as glittering as the illustrious waters of Lake Como over which it looks. An authentic Art Nouveau palace, the hotel’s sumptuous period décor transports you back in time to the grandeur of the Belle Époque. In addition to 76 decadent guest rooms, Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers discerning travelers well-appointed Historic Suites and the award-winning Rooftop Suites, including the ultra-luxe 1,614-square-foot rooftop penthouse.

Visitors with a penchant for fine dining will delight in the inventive haute cuisine at the

hotel’s renowned La Terrazza Restaurant. The seasonal menu takes advantage of local pro-

duce and offers traditional dishes enlivened with the special touch of creativity of Maestro

Marchesi, Italy’s most famous chef. Dining options also include L’Escale Foundues & Wine

Bar, T Bar, T Beach and T Pizza.

Unwind during your stay and indulge in the reinvented T Spa. The spa now occupies

the three-story Villa Emilia, an 18th-century villa adjacent to and directly connected to the

hotel. Encompassing more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, the spa

is home to five luxurious treatment rooms, a nail bar, a spa suite, a hammam and a variety

of relaxation areas. Visitors can also take advantage of the hotel’s lush sprawling gardens,

three pools (including a floating pool on the lake), a clay tennis court, and unparalleled

views of Bellagio and the Gringe Mountains just across Lake Como.

Recommended since 2013.

grandhoteltremezzo.com

SPECIAL OFFER: Special Savings For a lim-ited time, confirm a three-night minimum stay and enjoy a 20 percent discount on the best available rate (subject to availability). also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from March 6–April 30, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best avail-able non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome bottle of Prosecco with fresh fruit and sweets in room • For stays of two nights or longer, a one-hour boat tour on the hotel’s exclusive private boat

Standard Inclusions: Daily American buffet breakfast served at La Terrazza • Access to spa facilities • Wi-Fi


Peter Island Resort & Spa

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – Located on 1,800 acres of unspoiled tropical paradise, this island retreat features five pristine white sand beaches and only 52 rooms and suites, along with three luxury villas. Coupled with one-of-a-kind Caribbean hospitality, guests can unwind at the spa with indulgent body treatments featuring Natura Bisse products, feast on gourmet cuisine, enjoy a Champagne picnic lunch or simply relax in their favorite hammock. “Peter Island is an out-standing private island resort,” said an Andrew Harper guest. “The grounds, service and accommodations were superb. We felt as if we had known the staff for years due to their amaz-

ing hospitality.” Recommended since 1981; Readers’ Choice

Award–2011: #9 Beach Resorts; 2012: #13 Beach Resorts, #11

Family Resorts; 2014: #17 Beach Resorts

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Night: Stay 7, Pay for 6 Book a weeklong stay in any room category and only pay for six nights. This offer may be used for consecutive weeks. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Feb. 28, 2015, for travel from Jan. 4–May 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily full breakfast served at the restau-rant or in room • Private Champagne picnic lunch for two at White Bay or Honeymoon Beach • A bottle of wine per room • When booking includes a Tuesday, a wine social for two in lieu of a wine bottle

Standard Inclusions: Personal concierge • Welcome amenity • Non-alcoholic minibar • Afternoon tea • Non-motorized watersports • Snorkeling equipment • Mountain-biking • Twice-weekly group yoga classes • Tennis • Access to fitness center • Transportation to remote beaches on Peter Island • Wi-Fi

The Allison Inn & Spa

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON – Enjoy winter in the Oregon Wine Country. For wine aficionados, discover a path less traveled by visiting Willamette Valley. Our 35-acre destination resort with 200 nearby wineries is just as delightful in the “soft season.”

• All rooms have fireplaces, window seats and spa-like bathrooms

• JORY Restaurant & Bar features “Oregon Wine Country Cuisine” by Executive Chef Sunny Jin, formerly of The French Laundry

• 800-label wine cellar awarded a “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator

• Allison Spa with “pinotherapy” treatments, fitness studio, hair/nail salon and indoor pool

• Dine at the exclusive Chef’s Table or the Open Kitchen

Recommended since 2011; Readers’ Choice Award–2013:

#8 Food & Wine Resorts.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily $35 breakfast credit per room • Welcome bottle of Willamette Valley sparkling wine per room • $20 resort credit per room

Standard Inclusions: Access to spa and fitness facilities • Valet parking • Wi-Fi


Ocean HouseWATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND Recommended since 2011; Grand Award–2012; Readers’ Choice–2013: #15 Family Resorts;

2014: #20 U.S. Hideaway,s #20 Family Resorts

601 Oakmont Lane,

Suite 450 Westmont, IL 60559

The hotel is magnificent. The

setting, the grounds, the decor—all

exude classic New England luxury

with a fresh and modern twist. The

spa is lovely. The gym is fabulous.

The beach is delightful. Seasons

restaurant is outstanding with an

excellent wine list. We loved sitting

at the Chef’s Counter and watching

the open kitchen, and we loved

even better our meal in the bistro

just across from the counter.


Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • A private tour per room • Welcome amenity • Early check-in and late checkout, when available

Standard Inclusions: Access to 24-hour fitness facility • Daily resort activities • Afternoon refreshments • Transportation within 15 miles of the hote • 24-hour concierge • Wi-Fi • Parking

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

SPECIAL OFFER: $100 Resort Credit Confirm a two-night minimum stay in a Deluxe or higher room category and receive a $100 resort credit per room, applicable to food and beverage, spa and retail purchases. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reserva-tions only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding the months of July, August and September. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions, and blackout dates may apply.

FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CONTACTTHE ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE

AT (800) 375-4685 OR [email protected]

Andrew Harper amenities*

Upgrade upon arrival, daily continentalbreakfast for two, late check-out until 2 PM

and welcome margaritas with spiced guacamole and chips

An Invitationto Experience

One&Only Palmilla

*SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. OTHER TERMS AND

CONDITIONS MAY APPLY.

P R O M OT I O N



FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CONTACTTHE ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE

AT (800) 375-4685 OR [email protected]

Andrew Harper amenities*

Upgrade upon arrival, daily continentalbreakfast for two, late check-out until 2 PM

and welcome margaritas with spiced guacamole and chips

An Invitationto Experience

One&Only Palmilla

*SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. OTHER TERMS AND

CONDITIONS MAY APPLY.

Twin Farms

BARNARD, VERMONT – Tucked away on 300 acres of pristine Vermont countryside, Twin Farms is rustic elegance perfected. Discerning travelers will delight in the resort’s 20 uniquely appointed accommodations, which include 10 freestanding cottages and 10 suites within the Main House, Farmhouse and Lodge. Offering decadent spa treatments, a bevy of outdoor activities, museum-quality art and farm-to-table cuisine, the intimate all-inclusive is “ultra high-end, incredibly accommodating and completely indulgent,” accord-ing to one Andrew Harper guest. “I would recommend it to

anyone who enjoys the finest things in life.” Recommended

since 1994; Readers’ Choice Award–2011: #4 U.S. Hideaways,

#5 Food & Wine Resorts; 2012: #3 U.S. Hideaways, #6 Food &

Wine Resorts; 2013: #3 U.S. Hideaways.

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

Standard Inclusions: All meals, snacks and beverages • On-site recreational activities with equipment • Access to spa and fitness center • Long-distance phone calls • Packing services • Handcrafted gift • Wi-Fi • Parking

Petit St. Vincent ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES – Situated on a 115-acre private island in the Grenadines, this 22-cottage retreat is the epitome of gracious island living. Between sessions of unwinding on the powdery sands of the West End Beach and luscious locavore dining, guests can explore the rich marine world around them. At the newly opened Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Center, take an introductory course in scuba diving within the safe confines of the bay led by a group of professional instructors, or take a full PADI open-water course

to earn international certification. Recommended since 1980;

Readers’ Choice Award–2011: #20 Beach Resorts; 2012: #16

Beach Resorts.

SPECIAL OFFER: Spa Credit Special Book any stay by March 31, 2015, and receive a $50 credit for use at the Balinese-inspired spa. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclu-sions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 31 for travel through July 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

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

Standard Inclusions: All meals • Non-alcoholic beverages • Use of all resort facilities • Non-motorized watersports • Wi-Fi

Our safari combination—a river lodge in

the Okavango Delta, evening game drives

on the Chobe River in Botswana, followed

by a visit to the Kalahari Desert of South

Africa—was the perfect mix. The three ter-

rains were completely different, as was the

game-viewing in each area.

–AN ANDREW HARPER SUBSCRIBER

Area Alliance PartnersHotels Jack’s Camp; Makagadikgadi Pans

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp; Moremi Game Reserve

Zarafa Camp; Selinda Game Reserve

Destination Specialists andBeyond

A&K South Africa

Heritage Tours

Wilderness Safaris

VillasGrande Provence

Children discovering African wildlife while on safari. Photo by Mickey Hoyle, courtesy of Wilderness Safaris.

1 The Okavango Delta BOTSWANA

“For older children, an African safari can be a transformative experience. (In my view, age 12 is the minimum; some lodges require children to be at least 14, so it is important to check in advance.) The wildlife in the Okavango Delta is second-to-none, with huge numbers of big cats, especially leopard. It is possible to view game from horseback, or even from the top of an elephant. And children love cruising through the waterways and reed beds on a mokoro dugout canoe.”–MR. HARPER

While Mr. Harper, the editor of the Hideaway Report, travels the globe seeking the finest hotels, resorts and inns, Mr. Harper, the father and grandfather, loves nothing more than spending time with family in some of his favorite locales the world over. Following are 10 of his favorite family-friendly spots, each brimming with activities, set against exceptionally intriguing and scenic backdrops, sure to please all members of your multigenerational getaways.


OPPOSITE: Gondolas are still the preferred way to navigate the canals of Venice, and provide unforgettable moments for children and adults alike.

Lamanai ruins, Belize

…The usual wonderful sites were

enhanced by a new find—the Leonardo

da Vinci museum, with lots of working

models bringing his marvelous engineering

drawings to life.


Area Alliance PartnersHotels Aman Canal Grande Venice; Venice

Belmond Hotel Cipriani; Venice

Ca’Sagredo Hotel; Venice

The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel; Venice

Destination SpecialistsAbsolute Italy

A&K Europe

Belmond Trains & CruisesIC Bellagio

Yachts & CruisesSilversea Cruises

Seabourn Cruises

Crystal Cruises

2 Belize “Belize offers an unbeatable combination of water-based sports, such as snorkeling, diving and fishing, and jungle-related activities like whitewater rafting, bird watching (for exotic species including toucans and scarlet macaws) and horseback riding. The country’s barrier reef is the second longest in the world and in many places lies less than a mile offshore. The lagoon it creates is like a vast saltwater swimming pool, teaming with marine life. There are also Mayan sites with impressive temple structures—Xuanantunich, for instance—that are almost deserted and incredibly atmospheric.”–MR. HARPER

The Lamanai Mayan ruins were remark-

able. A private catamaran trip to Caye

Caulker with snorkeling was really

enjoyable. Best of all was our fishing and

snorkeling outing with a veteran guide.


Area Alliance PartnersHotels Cayo Espanto; Ambergris Caye

Chan Chich Lodge; Belize City

Victoria House; Ambergris Caye

3 Venice“None of the great cultural capitals of Europe—not Paris, not Rome—has the instant appeal of Venice. I have watched children, making an initial foray into the Old World, rendered speechless by their first trip down the Grand Canal. Nowhere else on the planet has such an immediate impact, and makes history and art seem so alluring. Venice never disappoints (so long as you avoid the height of the high season, with its cruise ship crowds). And if the appeal of Titian and Tintoretto begins to pall, then you can always take a vaporetto over to the Lido, rent a bicycle, and spend three or four hours cycling down to Chioggia, at the southern end of the Lagoon.”–MR. HARPER

| JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 ANDREWHARPER.COM

Area Alliance PartnersHotels The Alpina Gstaad; Gstaad

Gstaad Palace; Gstaad

La Reserve Geneva Hotel & Spa; Geneva

Villa Principe Leopoldo Hotel & Spa; Lugano

Destination SpecialistsA&K Europe

4 Zermatt SWITZERLAND

“In general, the American ski resorts are better suited to family vacations than those in Europe—my personal favorites being Vail and Beaver Creek—but children are invariably impressed by the Matterhorn, which towers over the Swiss town of Zermatt. (You also have to get there by train, which is popular with the younger generation.) Europe’s highest cable car lifts you to the Klein Matterhorn at 12,740 feet, from where there are sensational close-up views of the Breithorn (13,661 feet), Monte Rosa (15,203 feet) and the Matterhorn itself (14,692 feet). The descent to Zermatt is via a long, easy, intermediate piste—Zermatt is renowned for undemanding family skiing—with numerous mountain restaurants along the way. There, you can stop to rest, sit in the sunshine, sip a cup of chocolate and marvel at the scenery.”–MR. HARPER

The Matterhorn, Switzerland LOWER RIGHT: An overhead cable car near the Matterhorn


Greece is one of the most picturesque

countries in the world to visit, and so rich

with culture and food. It is the sort of place

that never gets old.


Area Alliance PartnersHotels Amanzo’e; Kranidi

Elounda Mare Hotel; Crete

elounda peninsula ALL SUITE HOTEL; Crete

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel; Athens

Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort – Costa Navarino;Messinia

Destination SpecialistsExeter International

Yachts & CruisesCrystal Cruises

Seabourn Cruises

Sea Dream Yacht Club

Silversea Cruises

All Yachts Worldwide

5 The Greek Islands“Even though the Greek myths are now ‘cool’—thanks to the Percy Jackson books and movies—and the Olympian gods are big at the box-office, much Classical history can still seem intimidating and remote. So rather than trudging across the baking stones of the Forum or the Parthenon, seek an entry to the ancient world aboard a sailing boat in the Greek Islands. In the spring and fall, I prefer to sail in the southern and eastern Aegean, but in summer the Ionian Islands—Ithaca, Cephalonia, Lefkas, Paxos, Zakynthos—are idyllic. There is an inspiring simplicity to Greek island life that is ideal for family vacations.”–MR. HARPER

Santorini, known for romance and colorful sunsets, has impressive beaches on

the eastern shore with the choice of colored sand of black, red or white, some being

only accessible by boat. The Peloponnese includes more traditional quaint towns such

as Hydra which does not allow cars on the island. The kids will have fun on the donkey

rides which are still in use today as transport. Spetses also does not allow cars and

the horse and buggy are their main source of transport around the island.

–KAREN KELLY OF ALL YACHTS WORLDWIDE

ABOVE: A bright walkway in Santorini, Greece TOP RIGHT: Remote beaches abound on Zakynthos and the Greek Isles.


Area Alliance PartnersHotels Casa Gangotena; Ecuador

Galapagos Safari Camp; Galapagos

Destination SpecialistsA&K Ecuador

Yachts & CruisesUn-Cruise Adventures

A sea lion and boy on a Galapagos island

6 The Galapagos“Despite the increasing pressure of tourism, the animals and birds on the Galapagos are still astoundingly tame. Sea lion pups will attempt to untie your shoelaces and blue-footed boobies will bring you pebbles as gifts. The snorkeling can be extraordinary—though you will need a wetsuit to have fun—with huge turtles, giant spotted eagle rays, and harmless (but nonetheless scary) six-foot Galapagos sharks. The best way to see the islands and to avoid the crowds is to charter your own catamaran. But there are also ‘safari’ lodges on the island of Santa Cruz, from which you can hike, cycle and ride.” –MR. HARPER


Area Alliance PartnersHotels Awasi Atacama; San Pedro de Atacama

explora Atacama – Hotel de Larache; San Pedro de Atacama

explora Patagonia – Hotel Salto Chico; Torres del Paine National Park

explora Rapa Nui – Posada de Mike Rapu; Rapa Nui

Hacienda Los Lingues; Santiago

The Singular Patagonia; Puertos Bories

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa; Torres del Paine National Park

Destination SpecialistsA&K Chile

7 Chile“Due to its unique geography, Chile boasts an astonishing variety of landscapes. In the north, the Atacama Desert has 20,000-foot active volcanoes and soda lakes dotted with pink flamingos. Here, you are also close to the pre-Columbian Andean world of Peru—most children of my acquaintance seem to have encountered the famous pictures in National Geographic of mummified sacrificial victims buried by Inca priests atop Chilean summits. In the south, the scenic splendors of Patagonia are augmented by penguins, condors, rheas and guanacos.”–MR. HARPER

In Patagonia, the mountain views of Torres del Paine National Park are spectacular.

Treks are varied, yet spectacular at every turn. The guides were well-trained,

knowledgeable, prepared and personable. We saw guanaco, ostrich, low-flying condors,

an endangered moose, swans, and fox or puma tracks. Others saw puma cubs.


TOP RIGHT: Children rock climbing in Chilean Patagonia BOTTOM: Guanaco in Torres del Paine National Park


As we say in Alaska, ‘there’s a difference between fishing and catching fish’ and,

in Alaska, it’s all about ‘catching’—whether it’s ocean fishing for salmon and

halibut from a charter boat in the Inside Passage or fly- and spin-fishing on a stream

in Southwest Alaska’s famed Bristol Bay drainage. And to do all of that exciting

‘catching’ in the grandeur of Alaska’s wild mountains, glaciers and beaches adds the

perfect seasoning to the fish caught.

–MARTY BEHR, NATIONAL PARKS REVEALED


Area Alliance PartnersDestination Specialists A&K Hong Kong

Asia Transpacific Journeys

9 Alaska“When children first learn to fly-fish it is important that they don’t spend hours, or even days, failing to catch anything. Disillusion tends to set in very fast. Fortunately, in Alaska the salmon and trout are so numerous, and so unaccustomed to anglers, that the skill level required for success is well within the capacity of the average 12-year-old. The only trouble with an Alaska trip is that if your child becomes accustomed to hauling in five or six 15-pound chinook salmon in the course of a morning, then he or she is likely to be spoilt for anywhere else.” –MR. HARPER

My husband and I went on a cruise

to the Inside Passage of Alaska. [It] is one

of the most beautiful places in the world.

The wildlife was stunning. We loved every

minute of the experience!


Area Alliance PartnersHotels Tikchik Narrows Lodge; Tikchik Lake

Destination SpecialistsNational Parks Revealed

Yachts & CruisesEntrée Alaska

Midnight Sun

Un-Cruise Adventures

8 Nepal Himalayas“Scenically, the Nepal Himalaya is the most beautiful place in the world. The size and splendor of the mountains has to be seen to be believed. A low-altitude trek, with trails between 7,000 and 12,000 feet, is suitable for children over age 14—if they are fit, adventurous and accustomed to the great outdoors. Of course, Everest has a unique appeal, but the most spectacular scenery is in west/central Nepal in the foothills of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. (The Everest trail is crowded and ascends to Base Camp at 17,590 feet, where altitude sickness is a risk.) There are a few small lodges—though none is luxurious—but a private trek with your own tents, porters and Sherpa guides provides the authentic (and unforgettable) experience.”–MR. HARPER

The enchanting landscape of Nepal

OPPOSITE: A young boy spin-fishing in Alaska



America’s Mountain West is proof that you don’t have to travel

internationally for world-class natural beauty, wildlife and

outdoor recreation. We have it right here in our own backyard!

It’s a visual and recreational feast.

–MARTY BEHR, NATIONAL PARKS REVEALED

My family loved staying at The Broadmoor [in Colorado

Springs], especially the children. There are many things that

are offered for families and my kids are still raving. We can’t wait

to return!


10 Colorado“Summer in the high ranges of the Rockies, around Telluride or near the Gunnison National Forest, is, for me, a time of pure pleasure. There is hiking, trout-fishing and horseback riding to alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers. Within days, city and suburban kids have the ruddy complexion and confident demeanor of children who grew up in a Western saddle.”–MR. HARPER

Area Alliance PartnersHotels The Broadmoor; Colorado Springs

Dunton Hot Springs; Dolores

Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort; Aspen

Hotel Teatro; Denver

The Little Nell; Aspen

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek; Beaver Creek

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch; Avon

Smith Fork Ranch; Crawford

Sonnenalp Hotel; Vail

The St. Regis Aspen Resort; Aspen


VillasBeautiful Places

Cuvee Escapes

West Beckwith Mountain in Gunnison National Forest, Colorado

P R O M OT I O N

26

The Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments

LONDON, ENGLAND – Those in search of a quintessentially British experience will find it in these intimate, family-owned (and family-friendly) townhouses and neighboring hotel, whose Green Park location invites easy access to Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus and the Royal Parks. Create your own home in London in one of 18 private, well-appointed apart-ments—many designed especially with families in mind, with extra-spacious quarters and a dedicated Kids’ Concierge who will provide toys and games, tickets, snacks and anything else you need to make your trip memorable for even the youngest guests. Award-winning afternoon tea and gourmet cuisine, 300+ bottle Whisky Bar and a full-service spa round out the

features at this London gem. Recommended since 1996.

SPECIAL OFFER: “Spellbinding” London with Stays from $599 Bring your family to London for a magical getaway and enjoy your second room at half price, plus two complimentary tickets to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. also includes: Complimen-tary meals for children under 12, as well as Andrew Harper benefits and standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 31 for travel through May 17, 2015, based on availability. The half-price room must be the same dates as the first room. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions, and terms and conditions apply.

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

Standard Inclusions: Wednesday evening drinks reception • In-room minibar • Wi-Fi


SPECIAL OFFER: Family Package Treat the whole family to the

mesmerizing art and beauty of Florence and delight in special

Pinocchio-themed activities. With Hotel Savoy’s Family Package,

book an Executive Suite and enjoy a complimentary Deluxe room

or book an Executive Double room and receive a Classic Twin room

at half-price to accommodate the whole clan. Package rates start

at 535 EUR per night. also includes: A welcome gift for each child on

arrival, discounted meals for children under 12 and special amenities

in the children’s room; Andrew Harper benefits; and any standard

inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for families

with children 16 and younger traveling through Dec. 31, 2015, based on

availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Florence, Italy

601 Oakmont Lane,


We just returned from an eight-

day stay at the Savoy in Florence

and wanted to compliment you and

your team for such terrific customer

service. Your concierge Marco

immediately redirected our airport

pickup from Florence to Bologna when

I saw the airline had changed our

flight destination 15 minutes before

boarding! And everyone else at your

hotel was as helpful and friendly. We

look forward to staying at more Rocco

Forte hotels in the future! Best wishes

for continued success. Thank you.


Rocco Forte Hotel SavoyFLORENCE, ITALY Recommended since 2006.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in• Daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant• 85 EUR food and beverage credit per room • 4 p.m. late checkout, when available

Standard Inclusions: Wi-Fi

P R O M OT I O N P R O M OT I O N



Hotel & Spa Rosa AlpinaDOLOMITES, SAN CASSIANO, ITALY – Nestled in a charm-

ing village halfway between Venice and Innsbruck in the heart

of the Italian Dolomites, Rosa Alpina is a refined 51-room

alpine lodge complementing the rugged beauty of the

UNESCO-listed landscape. The rich setting, gourmet cuisine

and wealth of activities in all seasons guarantee a satisfy-

ing stay for all members of your family. Recommended since

2005; Readers’ Choice Award–2011: #20 Food & Wine Resorts.

• Connecting Rooms and Suites Ensure Space for Your Family

• A Top Ski Destination for All Experience Levels

• Variety of Dining Options, from Casual to Michelin-

Starred Cuisine

Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome bottle of local wine per room • Special apéritif in the kitchen with Chef Norbert Niederkofler • 20 EUR spa credit per person • For stays of three nights or longer, a farewell amenity

Standard Inclusions: VAT • Service • Daily buffet breakfast served at the restaurant or in room • Access to spa facilities • Wi-Fi • For winter stays, shuttle service to ski-lift station

SPECIAL OFFER: All-Inclusive Family Fun Journey to the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains for five nights of family fun. The all-inclusive pack-age offers five nights of accommodation (including one night in a private mountain cabin); three special family dinners; entrance to an adventure park; hiking and mountain-biking activities; and special amenities just for children. Package rates start at 3,660 EUR, based on two adults and two children in two rooms. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from June 12–Sept. 20, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.



Ca’ SagredoVENICE, ITALY – A private palace. A noble residence. A fine art museum. An award-win-ning hotel. Ca’ Sagredo, seated on Venice’s famed Canal Grande, is all of this and more.

The hotel’s 42 rooms and suites offer modern comfort while immersing guests in the

opulence of Venice’s glorious past. Along the palace’s corridors, ceilings and salons are

original masterpieces by 17th- and 18th-century Venetian artists, such as Nicolò Bambini

and Giambattista Tiepolo. Amidst all this romantic grandeur, Ca’ Sagredo also proves an

ideal family retreat, boasting a thoughtful menu of child-friendly amenities, such as board

games, comics and coloring books delivered with the morning paper and a nightly turn-

down service that can include milk and cookies—and even a teddy bear—upon request.

Families can fill their days with delightful excursions, such as a embarking on a treasure

hunt at the Doge’s Palace. Budding artists can exercise their creativity with hands-on learn-

ing in the Peggy Guggenheim Kids’ Creative Lab, hosted at the city’s modern art museum.

Ca’ Sagredo also offers private photography tours where families ride in a gondola as they

capture the city’s colors and sights. The tour culminates with a photo album of the family’s

snapshots—a perfect memento of their time in Venice.

Recommended since 2008; Readers’ Choice Award–2012: #8 International Hideaways.

casagredohotel.com

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best avail-able non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily buffet breakfast served at Tiepolo or Doge Halls • 10 EUR credit per room for use at L’Alcova • For stays of three nights or longer, a tour of Teatro La Fenice

Standard Inclusions: Wi-Fi

P R O M OT I O N


Asia Transpacific JourneysASIA AND THE PACIFIC – Rich with tradition, captivating arts, lush countryside,

superb cuisine and friendly people, Southeast Asia is truly a joy to explore. Cambodia

captivates with the world-renowned ruins of Angkor. Thailand’s gentle Buddhist culture

permeates its vibrant cities and pristine beaches. Vietnam seamlessly melds tradition

with innovation.

Travel always begins with a dream—an impulse that is hard to define yet impossible

to ignore. With more than 25 years of experience in creating personalized custom

journeys, Asia Transpacific Journeys will merge your travel dreams with our regional

expertise, skillful travel planning and unparalleled access. We delight in using our

extensive first-hand knowledge of Asia and the Pacific to craft itineraries that perfectly

fit your unique travel style and preferences. Established since 1987.

• Delight in the Beauty of Asia

• Enjoy Historic, Sophisticated Hotels

• Authentic Cultural Experiences

• Expert Asia Travel Specialists

• Flexible Private Travel

• Expert Guides & Private Drivers

AsiaTranspacific.com

Andrew Harper Benefits: Book a Custom Journey to Asia and receive a complimentary “Beyond the Ordinary” excursion.

© 2015 The Last Best Beef LLC.

Andrew Harper benefits include: best available non-restricted rates; room upgrade, when available at check-in;$300 activity credit per reservation; early check-in and late checkout, when available.

FOR RESERVATIONS

Contact the Andrew Harper Travel Office at (800) 375-4685 or [email protected].

The American SafariTM

Glamping (glamorous camping) at The Resort at Paws Up® is more than an overnight

stay in a tent. It’s our way of introducing you to the grandeur of the American West

at a level of luxury unimagined in days gone by. We call it The American Safari.

More than 37,000 acres of wilderness, 100 miles of trails, and 10 miles of the Blackfoot

River combine to make for the ultimate adventure playground for adults and kids

alike. This is Montana’s premier luxury ranch resort. This is The Resort at Paws Up.

14.RPU.025 JFM Traveler.indd 1 11/20/14 3:52 PM

P R O M OT I O N

P R O M OT I O N


SPECIAL OFFER: $300 Travel Credit Book a seven-night Discoverers’ Glacier Country 2015 Alaskan cruise and receive a $300 shipboard credit per cabin (based on double occupancy). also includes: Andrew Harper benefit, plus standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 27, 2015, for applicable cruises departing April–September, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Large format coffee table book filled with images from your trip

Un-Cruise AdventuresNORTH AMERICA – Reconnect with your family while exploring some of the world’s most awe-inspiring terrain with Un-Cruise Adventures, where history, exploration and adventure combine for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Family-Friendly

• “Kids in Nature” (KIN) Program

• Guided Wilderness, Rainforest & Glacier Hikes

• Whale and Wildlife Watching

• Kayak, Paddle Board & Skiff Exploration

• Cultural Experiences with Locals

• Group & Private Charters

• KIN Destinations: Alaska, Hawaii, Sea of Cortéz

• Upscale Boutique Amenities

• Gourmet Cuisine

un-cruise.com

P R O M OT I O N

Aria HotelPRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Recommended since 2006.

601 Oakmont Lane,


“We cannot say enough about

this hotel. The concierge staff

was extremely helpful, the service

was impeccable and friendly,

and the accommodations were

outstanding.... 5++.”


Voted “No. 1 Hotel in Czech

Republic” by TripAdvisor, 2014.

Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Daily full breakfast served at the restaurant • Welcome amenity • Bottle of local red wine and cheese plate on one occasion during stay • Late checkout, when available

Standard Inclusions: Afternoon tea • Access to fitness and business cen-ters • Use of private entertainment room • Wi-Fi

Prague, Czech Republic

P R O M OT I O N

from the travel office SAMPLE ITINERARIES


San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

Some of Our Favorite City and Countryside Pairings Part I

Town & Country Some of Our Favorite City and Countryside Pairings Part I



“The Napa and Sonoma valleys lie a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, and their delights are myriad.”



T h e m o s t m e m o r a b l e itineraries tend to have a strong sense of balance; a vacation with lots of var iety even tends to feel longer. One easy

way to introduce balance and variety is to include a mix of urban and rural experiences in your trip, ideally in that order. Exploring a world-class city never fails to be exciting and broadening, but it can be difficult to avoid the temptation to squeeze in more sightseeing and shopping at the expense of a relaxing trip. Following a stay in the city with some time in the countryside ensures that your vacation will be not only exciting but restorative. The slow pace, open landscapes and wholesome cuisine slowly strip away the stresses of modern life, nourishing the soul in a completely different way from the high culture of a city.

In this series, we’re exploring some of our very favorite city and countryside pairings. In each case, the city and the surrounding region both merit explora-tion on their own. But when combined, the pairings lay the groundwork for a vacation that leaves you feeling both in-vigorated and refreshed.

California: San Francisco and the Wine CountryOne classic city and countryside pairing in the United States is in northern California, where two of the world’s most famous wine regions lie just an hour from one of America’s most picturesque cities. An ideal short visit could include around four days in San Francisco and another four in either the Napa or Sonoma val-leys. For a foodie, it would be hard to top such an itinerary.

Start in San Francisco, which Mr. Harper calls “a relentlessly charming place despite its popularity with the rest of the country.” His three recommended hotels in San Francisco proper stand

close to Union Square, a major shopping neighborhood and the revitalized Ferry Building, which “provides one of the finest gastronomic strolls in the coun-try,” notes Mr. Harper. This waterfront gourmet marketplace contains dozens of local butchers, creameries, vintners and confectioners, as well as perhaps the mother of all farmers’ markets, which ca-ters to thousands of people on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Take time to stroll around the Marina District, site of the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition after the 1906 earthquake. Now Chestnut and Union streets are lined with art galleries, bou-tiques and coffee shops. The Mission District, too, makes for a fine stroll. Many alleys in this neighborhood have murals inspired by Latin American artists

such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The city also has appealing parks, no-tably the Presidio, which leads to the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t miss Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line” installation, a path sculpted from fallen eucalyptus trees near the park’s oldest trail, Lovers’ Lane. Golden Gate Park embraces the renowned De Young Museum, a fine arts collection in an architecturally striking building finished in 2005.

On your last night in the city, take a sunset ferry ride across the bay to Jack London Square for dinner at Yoshi’s for a delightful evening of jazz and sushi.

The Napa and Sonoma valleys lie a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, and their delights are myriad. Of course, you can visit some of the world’s top wineries here, and our local travel partner, Porthos, can arrange for insider private tastings and tours at some establishments usually closed to the

public. Spend leisurely days in the tasting rooms, picnicking among the vineyards and indulging in a spa treatment or two (many of Mr. Harper’s recommended properties have exquisite spas). A hot-air balloon ride would make an unforgettable start to one of your mornings. And for a refreshing break from the wine, spend an afternoon hiking around the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, where trees can reach over 300 feet in height. Those with more time should consider staying at a property in each valley, but it’s also possible to tour both Napa and Sonoma from a single base.

If time permits, a fine way to wrap up a San Francisco-Napa-Sonoma itinerary would be to spend a cozy night or two in Sausalito, overlooking San Francisco Bay. The views are nothing short of inspiring.

Area Alliance PartnersCaliforniaHotels Auberge du Soleil; Rutherford

Bardessono; Yountville

Calistoga Ranch; Calistoga

Farmhouse Inn; Forestville

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco; San Francisco

Hótel Les Mars; Healdsburg

Madrona Manor; Healdsburg

Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco; San Francisco

Meadowood; St. Helena

Milliken Creek Inn and Spa; Napa

Poetry Inn; Napa

St. Regis San Francisco; San Francisco

VillasBeautiful Places


ABOVE: The San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge at sunset OPPOSITE: Lush Napa Valley vineyards



Italy: Florence and TuscanyOne of Europe’s classic city-country com-binations can be found in the heart of Italy. Florence and Tuscany, celebrated in countless films and novels, remain as alluring as ever. The pearl of the Renaissance, Florence has long been justly renowned for its graceful archi-tecture and astounding collections of art. Even if you’ve been before, having a local guide show you the magnificent ca-thedral or the incomparable paintings in the Uffizi or the expressive sculptures in the Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s “David”) will add great depth to the expe-

rience. Other favorite museums include the Bargello, which houses masterpiece sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and Cellini, and the lesser-known Opificio delle Pietre Dure, containing a small but gorgeous collection of mosa-ics and tabletops inlaid with semipre-cious stones. And our travel partner can arrange unique experiences such as a private opening of the Vasari Corridor, a passage the Medicis used to move between the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace unmolested.

But spending all your time in Florence in museums would be exhausting and put you at risk of Stendhal syndrome—visit one or two per day at most. Spend the rest of your time strolling in the Boboli Gardens, browsing the gourmet stalls of

the Mercato Alimentare Sant’Ambrogio in the Piazza Ghiberti, or wandering the Roman and Etruscan ruins in the suburb of Fiesole. In the height of summer, you might even want to base your entire Florentine stay in Fiesole to escape the heat and the crowds. A dinner there, overlooking the domes and towers of the city, is highly recommended in any case.

Many people spend a well-earned two nights in Tuscany (or equally beauti-ful Umbria) between visits of Florence and Rome, and a quick Tuscan break is an excellent idea. But the longer one spends in this exquisite countryside, the greater the dividends it pays. Mr. Harper agrees, writing that “The only thing [he doesn’t] like about Tuscany is going there with a return ticket.” It’s possible




to make an entire itinerary just of the region, staying in properties in Chianti, farther south near Siena and Montalcino, and finally along the Tuscan coast in Maremma. Certain remarkably beautiful towns such as Lucca, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni deserve to appear on most itineraries of the region, and some particularly charming and high-quality wineries in Chianti, Montepulciano and Montalcino require appointments for tastings. But scheduled stops shouldn’t take up all your time. We agree with Mr. Harper that “The supreme pleasure is puttering along country roads through one of the most distinctive and civilized landscapes in the world.”

Area Alliance PartnersFlorence

Hotels Belmond Villa San Michele; Florence

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze; Florence

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol; Florence

Hotel Lungarno; Florence

Il Salviatino; Florence

J.K. Place Firenze; Florence

Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy; Florence

The St. Regis Florence; Florence

Tuscany

Hotels Borgo San Pietro; Tuscany

Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa; Castillo di Vicarello

Hotel Borgo San Felice; Tuscany

Hotel Il Pellicano; Maremma

Hotel le Fontanelle; Tuscany

L’Andana Tenuta La Badiola; Tuscany

La Chiusa; Tuscany

Locanda del’Amorosa; Sinlunga

VillasA&K Villas

LaCure Villas

Cuvee Escapes

Villa Il Sogno


Absolute Italy

Belmond Trains & Cruises

Butterfield & Robinson

IC Bellagio

ABOVE: The Tuscan town of Montepulciano at sunset OPPOSITE: The iconic Duomo of Florence, the world’s first domed cathedral

“The supreme pleasure is puttering along country roads through one of the most distinctive and civilized landscapes in the world.”–MR. HARPER


“Mr. Harper calls it ‘a thrilling combination of everything there is to like about San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Cape Town.’”

Evening sets on Lorde Howe Island.

A view of Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge



Australia: Sydney and the Australian CoastFriendly and infectiously happy Australia has more than its fair share of dramatic natural beauty, an incredible collection of unique flora and fauna and a world-class food and wine scene. Most visitors to this island continent start with some time in Sydney, and rightly so. Mr. Harper calls it “a thrilling combination of everything there is to like about San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Cape Town.” Its har-bor is perhaps the most beautiful in the world, crossed by the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and punctuated by the iconic Sydney Opera House. Taking one of the famous green-and-cream ferries is a wonderful way to experience the city’s waterfront grandeur. More adventur-ous sorts can walk along the top of the Harbour Bridge itself for sensational views, securely attached to the bridge by a steel rope. Or tour the harbor by seaplane, stopping at a waterfront restaurant for lunch.

Sydney is far more than its stupendous har-bor, however. Arise early one morning to visit the Sydney Fish Market, the largest seafood market in the world outside of Japan. Also ex-plore The Rocks, the historic heart of the city which is now packed with shopping opportuni-ties. The Darling Harbour neighborhood next door is home to notable museums, restaurants and a fine aquarium, and King’s Cross reminds some people of London’s Soho. Taranga Zoo, where you can interact with koalas and kanga-roos, also merits a visit. And no stay in Sydney would be complete without a stop at famed Bondi Beach. The nearby Paddington neighbor-hood has charming Victorian architecture and numerous antique shops.

An obvious pairing with Sydney is the Great Barrier Reef, which extends some 1,600 miles and contains more than 900 islands. You don’t have to be a diver to enjoy this rich and extraor-dinarily colorful ecosystem. Snorkeling can bring you in close proximity to the magnificent coral formations, populated with dolphins, turtles, dugongs and around 1,500 species of fish. Birdwatchers also have plenty to see here—hundreds of unique species call this region home—and the deep-sea fishing is excellent. Relax on a pristine beach, and splurge on a spa treatment or two.


41JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 ANDREWHARPER.COM |


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Far less famous is Lord Howe Island, a tiny South Pacific jewel so little known that even many Australians have never heard of it. Just a two-hour flight from Sydney, “Lord Howe is an island of scarcely believable natural beauty,” ac-cording to Mr. Harper, with an offshore lagoon that “displays every color of the peacock’s tail.” The emerald-green slopes of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower plunge into the sea, leaving some room for white-sand beaches. To protect the unique ecosystem, which has an array of plants and animals found nowhere else, only 400 visitors are allowed on the is-land at any one time. A trip to Lord Howe is a kind of time travel. The one-street village contains cafés and general stores for the 350 permanent residents. There are few cars (the speed limit is 15 miles per hour) and bicycles are the best way to get around.

The fabled island of Tasmania is even closer to Sydney, just 75 minutes away by air. Here you can find one of Mr. Harper’s favorite Australian resorts,

which affords guests access to Freycinet National Park. Even short treks in the park “reward hikers with glorious sights,” Mr. Harper writes, “but the view of Wineglass Bay, one of Tasmania’s most celebrated, is breathtakingly beauti-ful.” You also can don waders and stroll into the sea to tour Freycinet Marine Farm, and taste fine wines at Freycinet Vineyards. This remarkable island is only just reaching tourists’ radars, making now an ideal time to visit.

Area Alliance PartnersSydney

Hotels Four Seasons Hotel Sydney; Sydney

The Langham Sydney; Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney; Sydney

Coastal

Hotels Capella Lodge; Lord Howe Island

Lizard Island; Great Barrier Reef

One&Only Hayman Island; Great Barrier Reef

Qualia, Great Barrier Reef; Great Barrier Reef

Saffire Freycinet; Coles Bay

Southern Ocean Lodge; Kangaroo Island

Destination SpecialistsA&K Australia

Yachts & CruisesLindblad Expeditions

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania


P R O M OT I O N

P R O M OT I O N


Farmhouse InnRUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Share in the warmth of Sonoma at this family-owned inn, sur-

rounded by hundreds of wineries in the Russian River Valley.

Both novice and expert wine enthusiasts will benefit from

excellent staff recommendations on can’t-miss vineyards and

restaurants before retiring to their elegantly furnished rooms

in the Main House (built in 1872), the adjacent cottages or in

the new Barn Rooms.

DAY 1 Take an unforgettable drive through the wine country

and be greeted like old friends at the inn’s 12 partner wineries,

which offer exclusive experiences and generous hospitality to

Farmhouse guests.

DAY 2 Enjoy a breath-

taking walk through

the nearby Armstrong

Woods State Nature Re-

serve, home to majestic

redwoods that can live

to be more than 1,000

years old. Afterward,

indulge at the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant with a wine

selected by a master sommelier.

DAY 3 Explore some of California’s most celebrated chee-

semakers with a tour of Cowgirl Creamery or have a picnic

near the pond at Marin French Cheese Company.

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Help us celebrate the grand opening of our new spa and Deluxe King rooms with a So-noma Wine Country getaway. Book four or more nights in a Deluxe or Luxury King room and only pay for three, and also enjoy a $25 credit on every spa treatment during your stay. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 25 for travel though March 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Reference Fourth Night Free at time of booking.

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

Standard Inclusions: Daily full three-course breakfast served at the restaurant • Access to spa facilities • Wi-Fi • Parking

Castello del Nero TAVARNELLE VAL DI PESA, CHIANTI WINE REGION,

TUSCANY, ITALY – Some 750 acres cradle this converted 12th-century castle in the core of Chianti’s wine country. Visit Florence, Siena and Pisa by day before returning to one of the hotel’s 50 rooms and suites, which offer views of the surround-ing olive fields and vineyards populated by wild boar, pheasant and deer. The hotel also boasts Italy’s first ESPA-branded spa, where you can relax both body and mind with custom holistic treatments, a revitalizing Vitality Pool and signature treat-ments that showcase local Italian ingredients such as sea salt

and Tuscan rosemary. Recommended since 2007.

SPECIAL OFFER: Tuscan Experience Book a five-night stay in any room category and experience a complimentary wine and extra-virgin olive oil tasting for up to two people per room. also includes: An-drew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 28, 2015, based on availability and excluding Sept. 4–5, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best available non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Welcome bottle of red wine per room, plus a sweet amenity • For stays of three nights or longer in a suite, one three-course dinner for two at La Taverna Restaurant (excluding beverages)

Standard Inclusions: VAT • Daily buffet breakfast served at the res-taurant • Use of hotel facilities • Daily newspaper • Scheduled shuttle service to Florence or Siena • Wi-Fi

Cherokee culture, European settlements, revolutionary battle grounds, heirloom recipes and antebellum architecture—the melting pot that is the South offers visitors gentile hospitality and a history as complex as its inhabitants.

Known for its uncompromising good manners, lilting accents, deep-rooted traditions, rich history and vibrant cultures, the South is a must-visit destination for foodies, history buffs and those with an eye for architecture. Staff at Alliance partner hotels and other in-the-know Southerners give their recommendations on what to see, what to do and what to eat to get a true taste of yesteryear and soak up some of that good ol’ Southern charm.

SouthernCharmed


SouthernCharmed

A line of oak trees arch over azaleas in bloom in Charleston, South Carolina.


Richmond, VirginiaA veritable walk down America’s memory lane, Richmond is home to a culture and history rich with political significance. “History is everywhere in Richmond,” says Erin Bagnell with Richmond Region Tourism. “Here, more than 400 years of American history live on through magnificent architecture, monument-lined cobblestone streets and world-class museums.”

Jennifer Crisp, public relations man-ager for The Jefferson Hotel, adds, “Not only are [Richmond’s] architectural gems being repurposed, they’re also lovingly preserved to maintain their historical integrity.”

CULINARY EXPERIENCES

“Richmond’s food culture is strongly con-nected to the city’s Southern roots, where authentically prepared, fresh ingredients are presented as a form of hospitality, comfort and community,” says Crisp. In addition to tasting the city’s pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes and peanut soup, Bagnell suggests a Real Richmond Food Tour for a taste of both history and local cuisine.

HISTORY LESSON

One-fourth of all American Civil War battles and 60 percent of their casual-ties occurred within a 75-mile radius of Richmond.

Area Alliance PartnersVirginia

Hotels Goodstone Inn & Restaurant; Middleburg

The Inn at Little Washington; Washington

The Jefferson Hotel; Richmond

Keswick Hall at Monticello; Keswick

IF YOU HAVE TO PICK JUST ONE…

Bagnell suggests attending St. John’s Church Foundation’s historical reenact-ment of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775, during which Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech.

Smoky Mountains: North Carolina & TennesseeRenowned for their natural beauty and historic mountain culture, the Smoky Mountains are greatly influenced by Cherokee natives and colonial settlers. “History lives on here in the culture of the mountains, and in the resilience and self-sufficient people who call southern Appalachia home,” says Brooks Bradbury, general manager of The Swag outside of Ashville, North Carolina.

The creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940 pro-tected 500,000 acres of pristine forest, and has allowed the natural landscape to remain unchanged, says Brian Lee, direc-tor of guest relations at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.


Bradbury describes the food scene sur-rounding the Smoky Mountains as simple and locally grown. He also notes it as home to the “best biscuits, collard greens, stone ground flours and grits, and fruit pies.” At Blackberry Farm, they say every

The Virginia State Capital in Richmond, Virginia

FIVE MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

• Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of U.S. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, and Confederate President Jef-ferson Davis

• M a y m o n t M a n s i o n : T h i s 12,000-square-foot, 33-room home offers a glimpse into the Victorian era, complete with Tif-fany stained-glass windows.

• The Virginia State Capitol Building , erected between 1785–1788 and designed by Thomas Jefferson

• The Old Stone House of 1750: Richmond’s oldest known struc-ture has served as the Edgar Al-lan Poe Museum since 1922.

• Monument Avenue, the only street in America listed on the National Register of Historic Places

row of vegetables in the farm’s abundant garden tells a story of the area and its people. Gardeners John Coykendall and Jeff Ross share these stories with guests through talks, cooking demonstrations and garden tours.


Both Bradbury and Lee suggest a visit to Cades Cove, an isolated valley in the Tennessee section of the Smokies. “It was once home to more than 100 families,” says Lee. “Today, visitors will find log cab-ins, cantilever barns, a working grist mill and churches, which represent the true pioneer spirit of the people who settled the fertile mountain farmland.”

Area Alliance PartnersNorth Carolina

Hotels The Swag; Waynesville

Tennessee

Hotels Blackberry Farm; Walland

River Inn of Harbor Town; MemphisTOP: The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina ABOVE: Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee


• Grist Mills: “There are two original working grist mills still in operation, and both are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” says Lee.

• Cataloochee Valley, considered the park’s best place to view historic frame buildings from the late 19th and 20th centuries

• Museum of the Cherokee Indian: “The Cherokee culture continues here today, and visitors delight in learning about native history,” says Bradbury.

• Appalachian Trail: More than 71

miles of the trail run through the

park; visit its highest point, Cling-mans Dome, at 6,643 feet.

• Fireflies: “During the month of June,

[the fireflies] put on an incredible

synchronized display,” says Sarah

Chabot, director of marketing at

Blackberry Farm. “It’s completely

unique to the area and has been a

tradition of Blount County for the

last century.”

Sunset over the Smoky Mountains

Photo courtesy of The Swag © Jumping Rocks Inc

Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm © Beall +Thomas Photography


Charleston, South CarolinaOft considered the South’s crown jewel, Charleston is a city that leads with its past. Here, refined manners, Southern hospitality and historic preservation reign supreme. “Charleston is a modern-day city that functions in an 18th-century environment,” says John LaVerne of Bulldog Tours. “It is impossible to be in Charleston and not be aware that you are surrounded by history.”

With its candy-colored antebellum mansions, centuries-old buildings and restored plantations, the city’s three centuries of history are on display at every turn, making it a veritable living museum.

“In Charleston, history is not relegat-ed to a plaque on a landmark,” says Larry Spelts, manager at Planters Inn. “Instead, it is a sense of place—a con-nection to the past—that lives in the hearts of locals, is apparent in regional traditions, graces the facades of homes, punctuates the vernacular and seasons the food.”


“The key to Lowcountry cuisine is the heirloom ingredients that we’ve been using for more than 300 years,” says LaVerne. Born of regional ingredients, such as Carolina Gold rice, grits, okra, heirloom tomatoes and seafood, Spelts recommends local favorites pimento cheese, she-crab soup, fried green toma-toes and tomato pie.

HISTORY LESSON

T h e f i r s t d e c i s i v e b a t t l e o f t h e Revolut ionar y War was fought in Charleston, and Fort Sumter was home to the first shots of the Civil War.


For views of the city from the harbor, Howard recommends a visit to Fort Sumter. “You get to be on the water and then you step onto the grounds, steeping in history from the Civil War.”

Area Alliance PartnersSouth Carolina

Hotels Belmond Charleston Place; Charleston

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff; Bluffton

Planters Inn; Charleston

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort; Kiawah Island

Wentworth Mansion; Charleston

The Wilcox Hotel; Aiken


• Charleston Stroll Walk with His-tory Tour: “Since 1979, this tour has been the gold standard of tours in town,” says LaVerne.

• Home & Garden Tours: Aly How-ard, lead concierge at Went-worth Mansion, suggests at-tending the city’s two homes and gardens tours—spring’s Festival of Houses and Gardens and the Fall Tour of Homes.

• House Museums: Katherine Rob-inson, president of the Historic Charleston Foundation, recom-mends visiting the beautifully re-stored Nathaniel Russell House and the preserved Aiken-Rhett House.

• Lower King Street Antiques District: “Visiting these vener-able antiques purveyors is one of the best ways to get a taste of Charleston’s storied history,” says Spelts.

• Historic Plantations: “Head down Highway 61 and experi-ence historic plantations like Drayton Hall and Middleton Place, where time has stood still for 200 years,” says Mike Vegis, director of public relations at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Is-land Golf Resort.

Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina

Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina

Photo by Josh Gibson, courtesy of Belmond Charleston Place

Photo courtesy of Wentworth Mansion © Holger Obenaus Photography LLC


Savannah, GeorgiaSince its foundation in 1733, Savannah has successfully woven together an in-tricate tapestry of colonial history and gentile hospitality. Surviving the rav-ages of war and reconstruction, it wasn’t until the 1950s that a group of women banded together as the Historic Savannah Foundation in an effort to preserve his-toric structures threatened by the wreck-ing ball. “The aesthetic beauty is like no other in the country,” says Erica Backus, director of public relations for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Now one of the country’s most popu-lar vacation spots, Savannah has wel-comed more than 50 million visitors in the last 10 years. “The best thing I can say about Savannah is that we don’t consider it modern in any respect,” says Albert Wall, owner and innkeeper of The Stephen Williams House. “It’s an old city—it has an old feel, old charm and old elegance.”


For a true taste of the South, Wall suggests partaking in a Lowcountry boil, which includes shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes and onions. Backus favors another Savannah favorite, shrimp and grits, which she describes as “indicative of the flavors of the area and foods that are staples in Savannah homes.” For a nice spin on this classic, she recommends dining at The Olde Pink House.

HISTORY LESSON

Juliette Gordon Low formed the first Girl Scout troop in America at her residence on Lafayette Square on March 12, 1912.


Wall recommends an architectural tour with Beth Reiter of Architours. “As a for-mer preservation officer for the city, she is especially qualified,” he says. “She’s as good as you can get.”

Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia ABOVE: Layfette Square in Savannah, Georgia


• Museum Houses: Wall suggests visiting the Owens-Thomas House and the Isaiah Daven-port House, the first major building saved by the Historic Savannah Foundation.

• Battle Field Park: “More than 700 men spilled their blood on this ground during the Siege of Savannah in a battle that lasted less than one hour,” says Backus.

• Forsyth Park: The Historic Dis-trict’s largest park (30 acres) is a perfect spot for relaxing and people-watching.

• Telfaire Museum of Art, the South’s first public art museum.

• Bonaventure Cemetery: “A 19th-century cemetery that’s wonderfully set and filled with impressive monuments and live oaks draped with Spanish moss,” says Wall.


Golden Isles, GeorgiaEnticing visitors since 1592, Georgia’s Golden Isles are comprised of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and the port city of Brunswick. With historic landmarks around every bend and inlet, the area “is almost like a living, breathing time machine,” says Scott McQuade, president and CEO of the Golden Isles CVB. “Our picturesque maritime forests, century-old oak trees and marshlands have re-mained untouched for generations.”


When you’re in the Golden Isles, it’s all about the Brunswick Stew, a hearty soup made with barbecued meat and a mix-ture of vegetables. The islands’ culinary staple, nearly every restaurant offers their own variation and secret recipe, says McQuade.

HISTORY LESSON

In 1804, Aaron Burr sought refuge on St. Simons Island soon after he fatally wounded Alexander Hamilton in a duel.


McQuade recommends the Lighthouse on St. Simons Island. “Not only does

the museum showcase a great deal of the area’s history, you actually get to walk to the top of a working lighthouse that is more than 100 years old.”

Area Alliance PartnersGeorgia

Hotels The Cloister & The Lodge at Sea Island; Sea Island

Little St. Simons Island; St. Simons Island

Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta; Atlanta

The St. Regis, Atlanta; Atlanta

The Stephen Williams House, Savannah

Live Oak landscape, St. Simons Island, Georgia


• Trolley Tours: “The tours cover a plethora of historic sites on [St. Simons Island] while educating pas-sengers on the stories, people and legends that make the Golden Isles magical,” says McQuade.

• Cannon’s Point: Mimi Rogers, cura-tor for the Coastal Georgia Historical

Society, suggests taking a guided his-tory tour of the 19th-century cotton plantation to hear the stories of life on St. Simons Island in the 1800s.

• Avenue of the Oaks: Two rows of sprawling oak trees create a dramatic tunnel, which was once the entrance to Retreat Plantation.

• First African Baptist Church: Estab-

lished in 1859, visitors from around the globe still attend services and enjoy soulful gospel music, says McQuade.

• Jekyll Island National Historic Dis-trict: Comprised of 33 historic struc-tures within 240 acres, it is one of the largest ongoing historic restoration projects in the Southeast.


New Orleans, Louisiana With the highest number of historic dis-tricts in the country and more registered historic landmarks than any other city, the Big Easy is steeped in history. “Every aspect of New Orleans is a reflection of the past,” says Thea Wall of Windsor Court Hotel.

And preservation and restoration of that history is a top priority, says Sarah Forman with the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Historic relevance has shaped the city because it’s really our most unique experience,” she says. “History is not only visible here—it’s alive.”


The true cuisine of New Orleans is Creole, a result of Spanish, French and African influences, and should in no way be confused with Cajun, says Forman. For an authentic taste of the city’s French-Creole faire, Wall recommends visiting Antoine’s Restaurant, the country’s oldest family-owned restaurant and birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller.

HISTORY LESSON

The French Quarter burned to the ground in the late 1700s during Spanish rule, making the quarter’s architecture roughly 10 percent French and 90 per-cent Spanish.


To fully immerse oneself in the layered history of the city, Wall suggests arrang-ing a private tour with a real historian. “There are too many sights to see and tales to tell,” she says.

Area Alliance PartnersLouisiana

Hotels Windsor Court, New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana BELOW: Fresh seafood is a staple of Louisiana cooking

51

LSSI-21292 Ad for Harper Traveler.pdf 11/17/14 8:44:56 AM

P R O M OT I O N

TOP: Typical architecture of New Orleans’ French Quarter BOTTOM: A sign reminds visitors of the Spanish influence on New Orleans.


• The National World War II Mu-seum: “The museum is a national monument and the only one of its kind,” says Wall.

• French Market: Founded in 1791 as a Native American trading post, it now encompasses six blocks and features open-air farmers and flea markets, as well as brick and mortar shops and restaurants.

• Historic Neighborhoods: The French Quarter, the city’s most historic neighborhood and home to Jackson Square and St. Louis Ca-

thedral; and the Garden District, home to world’s largest collection of 19th-century mansions.

• Of the city’s 400 officially recog-nized festivals and events, Mardi Gras and the Jazz and Heritage Fes-tival are the city’s oldest and largest.

• G h o s t a n d Ce m e t e r y To u r s : “[These] tours will take you on an adventure through time with tales of unrequited love, tragically lost lives and spooky sightings,” says Forman.

P R O M OT I O N


LSSI-21292 Ad for Harper Traveler.pdf 11/17/14 8:44:56 AM

Stephen Williams House

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA – Located on the western edge of Savannah’s historic district, this carefully appointed five-room bed-and-breakfast keeps guests returning to experience gracious Southern hospitality from proprietor, Dr. Albert Wall. Mr. Harper is particularly fond of the Stephen Williams Suite, which features gorgeous antiques including a hand-crafted four-poster bed and period

furnishings.

• Federal-style Townhouse, Built in 1834

• Charming and Consummate Host

• Historic Ambience with Modern

Amenities Recommended since 2004.

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Confirm a four-night minimum stay in any room by June 30, 2015, and receive the fourth night complimentarily. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reserva-tions only, booked by June 30 for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: Best avail-able non-restricted rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • Two tickets to the Isaiah Davenport House per room • When booking The Stephen Williams Suite, a Savannah-style cookbook

Standard Inclusions: Daily full breakfast served in the dining room • Wi-Fi • Parking

B uilt on a series of hills overlooking the broad Tagus Estuary, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most visually striking cities. But its elegantly homo-

geneous appearance is partly the result of a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of the city in 1755. Only the Alfama neighborhood, clinging to the hillside underneath the Castelo São Jorge, retains its original medieval al-leyways and an air of Moorish influence.

The Portuguese rebuilt in grand style, and now, 259 years later, Lisbon’s build-ings and monuments provide a constant reminder that the city was once the hub of a far-flung colonial empire. It remains at the center of a Portuguese-speaking world, which includes Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, East Timor, Goa and Ma-cau. The city can now boast an excellent subway system, an array of new museums and an old port that has been renovated into a stylish restaurant and nightlife district. Yet it is also wonderfully un-changed. The sidewalks are still paved with small squares of white stone, wood-en trolley cars rattle by, laundry is still strung between the shuttered windows of ancient houses with tiled façades, and at nighttime a mournful snatch of fado (the

national song that evokes the sorrow and wistfulness of life) creates an atmosphere that is sepia-toned and utterly unique.

Set close to the Atlantic, Lisbon’s cli-mate is relatively mild from May through October, but even in winter the city makes a very pleasant change of pace from the northern half of the United States. The following itinerary includes the top sights in the city and its surround-ings. It could be a fantastic week-long va-cation in itself, or continue on to explore the Douro Valley or the Algarve.

DAY 1Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to the Olissippo Lapa Palace, a lavish hotel on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River, or the Palácio Belmonte, occupying an exquisitely restored 15th-century palace in Alfama. In the afternoon, explore the evocative Alfama district and ascend to the Castle of St. George for panoramic views of the city.

A Blissful Week in

Lisbon


ABOVE: View of the rooftops of the Alfama district of LisbonOPPOSITE: Wooden trolley car navigating the streets of the Alfama district


DAYS 2 AND 3Dig deeper into Lisbon. Visit the extraor-dinary National Coach Museum and the ornate St. Jerónimos Monastery where Vasco da Gama is buried. Wander the white streets of the Baixa, lined with out-door cafés and restaurants. Mr. Harper notes that Lisbon’s best wine shop, Manuel Tavares, is at the top of this dis-trict on Rua da Betesga. The fashionable and atmospheric Bairro Alto district, just to the west of Baixa, is the traditional home of fado music.

DAY 4Sintra was once the favorite summer retreat of the Portuguese royal court, and it continues to rank as a top day-trip destination. Major sights include the 19th-century Palácio Nacional de Pena, which looks straight out of a fairy tale, and the equally enchanting Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the sum-mer residence of the kings of Portugal. Many people miss the elaborate Quinta de Regaleira, a Manueline/Gothic man-sion filled with enigmatic symbols relat-ing to the Freemasons, Rosicrucians and Knights Templar.

DAY 5A former fishing village, Cascais is now a wealthy suburb of Lisbon and an excel-lent place to spend a relaxing day outside the city. Its beaches can be crowded on summer weekends, but even then, it’s a pleasure to stroll the pedestrianized old quarter and visit sights such as the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a converted 19th-century mansion. Among other intriguing and beautiful decorative objects, this museum houses a 16th-century book with an illustration of how Lisbon appeared before the devastating earthquake.

LISBON


ABOVE: View of the Baixa district of Lisbon with Castelo São Jorge in the distance; St. Jerónimos Monastery; picturesque Cascais coastlineOPPOSITE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Palácio Nacional de Pena; Quinta de Regaleira; the National Coach Museum



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The Roman Temple of Évora OPPOSITE: Santa Justa Lift in the Baixa district



Lapa PalaceLISBON, PORTUGAL Recommended since 1994.

601 Oakmont Lane,


“Our trip to Portugal was splendid!

Everything you arranged for us

worked smoothly and beautifully—

the transfer from the Lisbon airport

to the fabulous Lapa Palace, where

we were given an upgrade to a

Junior Suite with a beautiful view,

in addition to other amenities. A

beautiful, comfortable and very

pleasant hotel.”


Andrew Harper Benefits: Preferred rates • Room upgrade, when available at check-in • VIP welcome amenities, including a half bottle of port, mini custard tarts and fresh flowers • $100 food and beverage credit per room • 4 p.m. late checkout, when available • For stays of four nights or longer, round-trip airport transfers

Standard Inclusions: Daily buffet breakfast served at the restaurant, or continental breakfast served in room • Access to spa facilities • Wi-Fi • Parking

Lisbon, Portugal

P R O M OT I O N




P R O M OT I O N

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

EUROPE, RUSSIA, VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, CHINA AND

INDIA – Introducing “Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River,” a 13-day, all-inclusive boutique cruise that allows you to explore rich history and culture and verdant vineyards. You’ll make your way through the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, where grapes have thrived on the vine for 2,000 years, and dis-cover legendary cities: Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca.

“Portugal is a beautiful and interesting country. We had

previously been to Lisbon and knew we wanted to spend more

time there. Our Uniworld cruise on the Douro provided beautiful

scenery and was very relaxing. It certainly exceeded our expecta-

tions!” said one Andrew Harper subscriber.

offer. Andrew Harper Benefits: For up to 13-day cruises, a $100 shipboard credit per person • For cruises 14 days or longer, a $150 shipboard credit per person

Standard Inclusions: All meals and beverages • Gratuities • Daily shore excursions • Use of fitness center • Bicycles on most European cruises • Wi-Fi

DAY 6The white hill town of Obidos is no stranger to tourists—an overabundance of souvenir shops clutters its main pedestrian street—but off the beaten track, the city still has plenty of atmosphere within its dramatic defensive walls. The balconies of whitewashed houses overflow with colorful flowers, and charming cafés and restaurants set up outdoor tables along the winding side streets. Have lunch at whichever catches your fancy. For something more up-scale, opt instead for the stylish restaurant in the Pousada de Obidos (open daily) or the fine Restaurant Cozinha das Rainhas (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

DAY 7An hour and a half inland from Lisbon, the walled city of Evora has been declared a World Heritage site, and the ruins of a Roman temple stand in one of its main squares. Renaissance palaces and medieval mansions line the nar-row streets of the center, making Evora an ideal city to explore on foot. Besides the temple, visit the Praça do Giraldo (a vibrant market square), the medieval cathedral, the ornate church of St. Francis and the well-preserved remains of some Roman baths. Also consider stopping in one or two of the fine wineries between Evora and Lisbon to do some tastings (the unusual and lightly fortified Moscatel de Setúbal, made on a peninsula across the Tagus from Lisbon, is particularly worth seeking out, especially if well-aged).

Area Alliance PartnersHotels Olissippo Lapa Palace; Lisbon

Palacio Belmonte; Lisbon

Tivoli Palácio de Seteais; Sintra


Heritage Tours Private Travel

Yachts & CruisesSilversea Cruises

OPPOSITE: Glazed tile archway in Obidos ABOVE: Flowers in bloom along the streets of Obidos

Belmond Myanmar River Cruises

In the spring of 2014, the lauded Orient-Express collection rebranded itself as Belmond—a move, the company states, that allowed the 45 luxury hotels, trains and river cruises that comprise the collection to rally around a promotable global brand identity—one that was free of a limiting association with their former namesake train, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, not to mention the tricky licensing circumstances that name entailed.

And the company is, indeed, much more than one famous train. In fact, it operates no less than six luxury trains, spanning from Singapore to the Scot-tish Highlands to the steps of Machu Picchu, as well as Harper-recommended, destination-defining hotels in both established and up-and-coming travel locales across all corners of the globe.

One of those burgeoning markets is Myanmar (formerly Burma), the South Asian country which is welcoming tour-ists to its ancient cities, dense jungles and vibrant villages after decades hid-den from the West. In addition to the stately Belmond Governor’s Residence in Yangon, Belmond has been operat-ing the Belmond Road to Mandalay, an 82-guest river cruiser, along Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River since 1995. In July 2013, they launched the Belmond Orcaella, a smaller 50-guest barge named after a local species of dolphin, to traverse the narrower and shallower Chindwin River that stretches to the far north of the country.

We spoke with Eddie Teh, general man-ager of the Belmond Road to Mandalay and Belmond Orcaella, about the many charms of Myanmar and why a river cruise is the best way to experience them.

QWhat attracts travelers to Myanmar?

What surprises them?Myanmar recently opened itself up to the world. So there is a big attraction for re-discovering what feels like a new land. It’s really like going back in time for the trav-elers. They tell me, “You know, Eddie, the people seem happy.” They’re not begging for food like in some places. People grow their own food; they’re self-sufficient. It’s truly charming and surprising how friendly the people are, which leads to a beautiful exchange of cultures. There’s an unexpected richness in villagers popping out along the river and staring as we go past—here, you are as much of a spec-tacle as they are.

What determined the decision to expand your offerings there with a second cruise ship?The idea for a second cruise came when we were comfortable with the Belmond Road to Mandalay and wanted to do more, and to take others to see the most beauti-ful parts of the country which are inland. The great challenge in this country is infrastructure—there is no accessibility inland, no hotels and the roads are poor. So we needed a smaller ship to go down the smaller river and gain access to all of these remarkable spaces that we couldn’t get to otherwise.

What sets a river cruise apart from other types of travel? What’s the appeal? The appeal of a river cruise is to see all these different places, all of these beauti-ful landscapes and villages and people, and your room follows you. It’s the best way to see the country, and a very gentle way to travel—sitting on the observa-tion deck whenever you wish, constantly looking at all that’s passing you.

The roads here are almost impossible to travel, but no matter where you go on a cruise you know you can come back to the comfort and safety of the ship.

How do the Chindwin and Ayeyarwady Rivers lend themselves to this type of travel?The Ayeyarwady has played a major role in travel and trade for centuries, as the best and only access across Myanmar. The river is very wide and becomes magnificent in the rainy season, when the changes in water level (which can be 30-40 feet) give you views of entirely different landscapes. There is a full range of scenery, from ancient statues of Bud-dhas on mountaintops to stunning city views to dramatic jungle cliffs to bustling rural villages full of children playing and people living their lives.

ABOVE: Staff onboard the Belmond Orcaella. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: The golden stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon TOP RIGHT: Sunset over the U Bein Bridge in Mandalay CENTER LEFT: Belmond Road to Mandalay cruises the Ayeyarwady River near Bhamo CENTER RIGHT: A monk peers over a railing on Mandalay Hill, Mandalay BOTTOM LEFT: A woman sells her wares in a market in Paleik BOTTOM RIGHT: White stupas of Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay (All photos on opposite page by Andrew Harper General Manager Meta Carson, except as noted.)

Photo by Matt Hind, courtesy of Belmond

meet our partners


Photo by Ian Lloyd, courtesy of Belmond

meet our partners

63JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 ANDREWHARPER.COM |

meet our partners


Hot-air balloons fly above the ancient temples of Bagan, Myanmar.

meet our partners


The Chindwin is a smaller river with smaller vessels, largely used for trade and to transport goods. The water level is low-er, so most travel is only available during the rainy season. There are very few trav-elers and tourists. But you can see both sides of the river, and can travel to the far north of Myanmar where the views become dramatic and greener. People are seeing a lot of business potential in it now for these reasons.

What level of involvement do you have with the communities along the river?Belmond has been based in Mandalay for more than 20 years. Early on, the Bel-mond Road to Mandalay set up a school and found that a lot of the former stu-dents ended up working for us.

Now we are involved with three com-munity projects. We have doctors on all of our vessels, and part of their role besides caring for passengers and staff is that they create clinics. These are free clinics, and they can see more than 300 patients a day—that’s more than the Bagan hos-pital. The patients come from all over. They’ll share transport, and it takes some of them days to make the trip. So it’s a significant thing. The infrastructure here for healthcare is poor. There’s a real need to help people.

We also create pop-up clinics at vil-lages along the route. The doctor will get off of the ship and treat villagers while the passengers are touring a site.

Our trips have different purposes. Sometimes we are going to assess pa-tients and their progress, but another is to see what people need and then bring supplies. On one trip we brought solar panels and set them up on schools and homes for an area that had never had electricity past 6 p.m. On other trips we set up wells, or build reservoirs. Our main aim is to complete the project. In these rural and inaccessible areas, pro-longed projects are difficult to manage. So our goal is to start a project and get it done while we are there.

What are some of the highlights of the two cruises?For the Belmond Road to Mandalay, it’s ar-riving in Bagan. The city has a special charm and a very mystical sense to it with the ancient buildings. And you’re in this big vessel passing through all of these cliffs. Bagan is so beautiful in the morning. There’s mist in the air, and the sunrise is incredible. You can take a hot-air balloon ride over the city and feel like Indiana Jones discovering temples. You can do the same by bicycle, and then you can get up close and really feel like you have discovered this ancient place.

Along the Chindwin, it would be ar-riving at a Naga village during the last part of a trip, and seeing the Naga tribe of people. It’s a small community at the very far northern border of Myanmar and India. It’s an amazing sight, all of the colors and costumes, the traditional dances, the children. They are mostly a Christian people, but still living what we would call a primitive life and have resisted the culture of other countries for the most part. They are known for their weaving skills and the colors and textiles are incredible. There is a lot of culture exchange with the guests, and an inter-est to see the guests and see what they do. They are a lovely and charming and musical people—there’s a sound they can make that has a totally different sound to it than anything in China or India or Myanmar. You just have to hear it.

Are either of the cruises incorporated into any of the Belmond Journeys or Celebrations?Some of the Asian Journeys in Laos or Thailand or Myanmar include a cruise. We are planning a special celebration for the 20-year anniversary of the Belmond Road to Mandalay this year, with many interesting lecture programs and local speakers. For example, we have a well-known textile worker who will be making things on the ship.

You had success in January 2014 with the former British Ambassador to Burma, Robert Gordon, leading a tour and have another planned with him for February 2015. Is this a limited occurrence, or do you anticipate having more “guest” tour guides?Yes, we are looking for more personalities to join our cruises, predominately on the longer voyages. Right now we have a former British general and a few famous photographers. On the Belmond Orcaella we’ll have a photographer who’s been in

Lounge chairs on the deck of the Belmond Orcaella

Photo by Matt Hind, courtesy of Belmond

meet our partners


Myanmar since 1980, and it will be very interesting to hear him share his experi-ences here through the 80s.

Many travelers to Myanmar report not seeing other tourists during their entire trip. Because of that scarcity, is there a unique relationship between locals and tourists where you and your guides have a larger role functioning as bridges between cultures? Does this present any particular challenges or rewards?You generally won’t see other tourists when you visit Myanmar. In Bagan, dur-ing the peak season, yes—you’ll see many there. But for our travelers, you don’t see as many because we visit rural and less accessible areas.

The nicest thing is that the locals here are so charming and welcoming. The guides don’t have to do much explaining or preparation for the guests to under-stand that. Young children will walk up and give flowers to the guests, where in other parts of the world it could be more usual that they would be begging for food or money. So it’s very different and wel-coming in that regard.

If there is a challenge, the biggest one is probably removing shoes and socks when entering religious places! I think there is some resistance to that because in some places the ground, perhaps it doesn’t seem as clean because of betel chewing, for example. So we carry towels for our guests to wipe off their feet and clean their shoes.

Some people find it intrusive to walk through the villages and go to someone’s house. But the guests are actually quite welcome. The people here are proud of their lives and livelihoods, and not ashamed for others to see them and their homes. This is somewhat different than the first-world where people might be more sensitive to others seeing their homes and their things, and so they feel intrusive. So the guides help to make them feel comfortable.

Belmond Myanmar River Guides Win MyintTour manager, Belmond Orcaella

GUIDE SINCE: 1995

What about travel and tourism led you to guiding?We’re able to represent as hosts for our country. It’s also the only sustainable job for my generation.

What’s your favorite memory while on a Belmond cruise?There are lots of memories. In 2006 we went to the east to Momaut to take our guests on an experience in the jungle. This started with a truck driving 45 minutes to Kyauk Talon. When we were deep in the jungle, most of the guests were starting to become tired and then we reached a creek where the bridge had broken down and we couldn’t pass. Luckily it was a small bridge and the ground staff was there to set up the bridge so we could cross. But then we reached a second creek and I had begun to be nervous about the guests. But this creek was actu-ally a tributary of the river and—out of nowhere—all of a sudden the ship appeared and began serving drinks to the guests. It was a surprise because I didn’t know the ground staff had been preparing this, and it was so amazing to see it happen and so amazing for the guests to now be able to rest and drink while the chefs are out cooking. We had the best meal that day, surrounded by untouched nature.

What’s the most enjoyable part of a trip for you?The Chindwin is the most enjoyable, because you see so many different things and different ethnic groups. I’m very taken by this river; the people along it are friendly and innocent in many ways, and very welcoming.

Soe Kyaw Thu Assistant tour manager, Belmond Orcaella

GUIDE SINCE: 2004

What about travel and tourism led you to guiding?As I grew up in Bagan, I saw many tour-ists and it made me want to be a guide. It matched with my hobbies, and of course I had seen the Road to Mandalay since I was young. Guiding is a chance to not just be a good ambassador for the country, but also to get informa-tion from all over the world, outside of Myanmar.

What’s your favorite memory while on a Belmond cruise?My favorite memory while on the Orcaella was a visit to Pauk Taw Pauk Mying and seeing the novitiation cer-emonies. It’s a huge celebration. We arrived by chance, and were surprised to see a colorful procession—many boys on horses—all excited for novitia-tion. There was loud music and lots of dancing; just a rural, dusty road with ox cars, but beautifully decorated and so colorful.

What’s the most enjoyable part of a trip for you?I’m interested in the lives of the people and in the architecture of the places we visit, especially Bagan.

Excited children in elaborate dress en route to their Buddhist novitiation ceremony in Tachilek, Myanmar

meet our partners


P R O M OT I O N


Palazzo SenecaComplimentary Fifth Night and Activity CreditsConfirm a four-night minimum stay and receive a complimentary fifth night, as well as the following activity credits: $10 credit per person toward truffle hunting; $15 credit per person toward a cooking class; and a $10 credit per person toward a cheese-making demonstration with local producers. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 7–April 30 and Oct. 15–Dec. 22, 2015, based on availability and excluding April 3, 6, 24 and 25. Activities must be reserved at least 15 days in advance of travel to receive credits. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

N O R C I A , U M B R I A , I TA LY

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

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

All current Special Travel Offers, including the ones found in this magazine and many more, are always available at AndrewHarper.com.

The Andrew Harper Travel [email protected]

Additional Special Travel Offers Rocco Forte Verdura Resort

Verdura Total Package: Upgrades and AmenitiesBook a four-night minimum stay in a Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, Grand Suite or Ambassador Suite accommodation and enjoy the perks of a comprehensive package offer, inclusive of: a one-category upgrade prior to arrival, subject to availability; private round-trip transfers to Palermo Airport for up to four people; one complimentary dinner for two; one 50-minute massage per person; an in-room welcome amenity; and priority status for upgrades and early check-in/late checkout, subject to availability. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through April 30, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

S I C I LY, I TA LY

P R O M OT I O N


Borgo Santo PietroSpring Offers: Spring Fever, Romance and Easter PackagesChoose from multiple offers to enjoy the per-fect Tuscan spring. Spring Fever: Stay two or more nights and receive 30 percent savings on the nightly rate. Romance Package: Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting, a candle-lit dinner for two and complimentary spa treatments during your stay. For further pampering, enjoy the two-night option which includes a massage, facial and mani-pedi. Easter Pack-age: Make the holiday unforgettable with a five-course Easter lunch, a spa treatment and a Champagne treasure hunt. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offers are valid on new reservations only, for travel from April 7–30, 2015, based on availability, except for the Easter Package which is valid from April 2–6, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Mandarin Oriental BarcelonaComplimentary Fourth NightBook a four-night minimum stay in a Deluxe Garden or Deluxe Boulevard accommoda-tion and receive the fourth night free. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 4–March 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding March 1–4, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

C H I U S D I N O, T U S CA N Y, I TA LY

BA R C E LO N A , S PA I N

Share #TheHarperWayJoin us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to share your unrivaled experiences inspired by the travels of Mr. Harper.

More onInstagram.com/HarperTravel

1 Explored the canals of Venice, home to the 2014 Hideaway of the Year, Aman Canal Grande #TheHarperWay

2 A beautiful (and delicious) welcome plate of local cheeses at The Tsitouras Collection in Santorini, Greece #TheHarperWay

3 Spotted a pair of giraffes at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve #TheHarperWay

1 2

3

P R O M OT I O N

Château La Chenevière Complimentary Fourth NightExtend your stay in Normandy with an extra night. Confirm any three-night stay and receive a complimentary fourth night. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 1, 2015, for travel from March 1—Nov. 30, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Sheen Falls Lodge Complimentary Fourth NightConfirm a four-night minimum stay and receive the fourth night with our compli-ments. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions.dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from April 1–June 30, 2015, and Sept. 1–Oct. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Dunbrody House Great Escape PackageConfirm two nights in the luxurious Chichester Suite and enjoy one five-course gourmet dinner at The Harvest Room and a special welcome treat from celebrity chef and owner Kevin Dundon. Package rates set at 425 EUR per person (based on double occupancy). also includes All taxes and duties, Andrew Harper benefits and standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Conservatorium HotelGuaranteed UpgradeExplore Amsterdam in style from a landmark hotel in the luxury and cultural heart of the city. For a limited time, enjoy a guaranteed upgrade when booking your stay in select room catego-ries. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for stays in Superior Duplex, Deluxe and Deluxe Duplex guestrooms, and Junior and Grand Duplex suites, for travel through March 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

N O R M A N DY, F R A N C E

K E N M A R E , C O. K E R RY, I R E L A N D

C O. W E X F O R D, I R E L A N D

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


The Andrew Harper Collection box set is comprised of 12 stand-alone guides. Designed to accompany you on your travels, the booklets document more than 1,000 Harper-recommended properties worldwide. In addition to current hotel recommendations and country information, they include extended restaurant listings, plus sightseeing and shopping suggestions. Take advantage of limited- time pricing by contacting us at [email protected] today.

Guidebook Set

Announcing

Share #TheHarperWayJoin us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to share your unrivaled experiences inspired by the travels of Mr. Harper.

More onInstagram.com/HarperTravel

1 Explored the canals of Venice, home to the 2014 Hideaway of the Year, Aman Canal Grande #TheHarperWay

2 A beautiful (and delicious) welcome plate of local cheeses at The Tsitouras Collection in Santorini, Greece #TheHarperWay

3 Spotted a pair of giraffes at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve #TheHarperWay

1 2

3

P R O M OT I O N

Hotel Seven One SevenRemarkable Museum TourBook two nights or more in any room category and receive complimentary tickets to Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) museum. Locals call this hidden gem—a complete church secreted away behind the façade of a 17th-century canal house—one of the most fascinating museums in Amsterdam, and a revealing look at the city during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public service. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Of-fer is not combinable with any other promotions.

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


Named “Best Online Luxury Travel Auction” by Condé Nast Traveler

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

Our worldwide auction selections are updated weekly, so log in to AndrewHarper.com and click on the image below “Harper Auctions” to view the current inventory!

HARPER AUCTIONS

35%off retailMATAURI BAY, NEW ZEALAND

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

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PARIS, FRANCE Le Bristol Paris

Winning Bid: 43% off retailPAST A

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2 Select an auction package and place your bid.You will receive email updates on the status of the packages you bid on.

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

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

P R O M OT I O N

The Sentient Jet Card is a program of Sentient Jet, LLC (“Sentient”). Sentient arranges flights on behalf of jet card clients with FAR Part 135 direct air carriers that exercise full operational control of charter flights

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established by Sentient. (Refer to www.sentient.com/standards for details.) Photo by Jeremy Swanson.

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P R O M OT I O N

Named “Best Online Luxury Travel Auction” by Condé Nast Traveler

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

Our worldwide auction selections are updated weekly, so log in to AndrewHarper.com and click on the image below “Harper Auctions” to view the current inventory!

HARPER AUCTIONS

35%off retailMATAURI BAY, NEW ZEALAND

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Winning Bid: 35% off retail 33%off retail

WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND

43%off retail

PARIS, FRANCE Le Bristol Paris

Winning Bid: 43% off retailPAST A

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PAST AUCTIO

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TO GET STARTED

1 Log in to AndrewHarper.com.Click on the image below “Harper Auctions” to view the current inventory, or on “Learn More” for additional details

2 Select an auction package and place your bid.You will receive email updates on the status of the packages you bid on.

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

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


P R O M OT I O NP R O M OT I O N P R O M OT I O N

3ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |2 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 ANDREWHARPER.COM


ENCHANTING CITIES OF

CENTRAL EUROPEBY PRIVATE JET

THE SPLENDORS OF

SOUTHERN AFRICAREMARKABLE JOURNEY TO

AUSTRALIA BY PRIVATE JET

A ndrew Harper Signature Tours grew from Mr. Harper’s travels around the world to seek out true hideaway

hotels. Along the way, he made many contacts with locals who know the very best in guides, transportation and one-of-a-kind experiences. All of this knowledge is shared with you in the Signature Tours, which present the opportu-nity to experience exotic destinations in VIP comfort and style. Reserve today!

Each tour is carefully crafted especially for Andrew Harper and is limited to 16 to 20 participants.

To receive additional information about Signature Tours, please contact Erica Doose in the Andrew Harper Travel Office: (800) 375-4685

or [email protected].

ENCHANTING CITIES OF CENTRAL EUROPE

BY PRIVATE JETMay 18-29, 2015

Traveling by VIP private jet is a true luxury. The incredible comfort aside — a 40-passenger plane has been reconfigured for 14 — a private jet offers flexibility and a travel experience like no other. From Tal-linn, Estonia, you will make a memorable stop at the ancient Hanseatic city of Riga, Latvia. A longer stay in the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland, allows you to easily fly to Bratislava, Slovakia, to see the historic city center surrounded by hilltop castles in the countryside.

THE SPLENDORS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

August 28–September 9, 2015

South Africa is deservedly renowned for its majestic scenery, abundant wildlife and rich culture. Botswana is famous for its spectacular and pristine Okavango Delta, which offers an enthralling and diverse safari experience.

We are also offering a Namibia pre-extension available August 22-28. Namibia is a vast, sparsely populated land of astounding scenic splendor. The Namib Desert is dominated by forbidding moun-tains, monumental rock formations and towering red sand dunes. Namibia offers remarkable game-viewing, and here also is where you find the Himba, a colorful and strikingly traditional tribal people.

REMARKABLE JOURNEY TO AUSTRALIA

BY PRIVATE JETOctober 19–November 1, 2015

Australia is unique in many ways, above all else in its combination of modernity and style with light and space. With so much to offer, Australia has seen a number of respresentations emerge over the decades, giving a certain typecasting to parts of Aus-tralia. Now is the time to add to existing imagery and challenge the romantic, rustic notions of many varied parts of Australia. Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and the Great Barrier Reef are only some of the highlights on this tour.

Rynek Główny, the main square in Krakow, Poland

Koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane in Queensland, Australia

Andrew Harper, LLC is registered to sell travel in the following states: California SOT-2110806-40; Iowa SOT-1096; Washington SOT-603248672. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account.

Discover even more Special Offers by visiting andrewharper.com/specialoffers.UNITED STATES

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Confirm a stay of three consecu-tive nights and receive a complimentary fourth night. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by May 27 for travel through May 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 4 of the Spa & Golf supplement for dates and additional details.

Rancho Valencia RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIFORNIA

SPECIAL OFFER: Grand Award Offer Confirm a two-night minimum stay and enjoy a one category upgrade at time of booking and an additional $100 resort credit (total value of $150). also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. Please refer to page 2 of the Spa & Golf supplement for dates and additional details.

Farmhouse Inn RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Help us celebrate the grand opening of our new spa and Deluxe King rooms with a Sonoma Wine Country getaway. Book four or more nights in a Deluxe or Luxury King room and only pay for three, and also enjoy a $25 credit on every spa treatment during your stay. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 25 for travel though March 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Reference Fourth Night Free at time of booking. Please refer to page 43 for dates and additional details.

Little St. Simons Island ST. SIMONS IS LAND, GEORGIA

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Discover the natural wonders of a private island sanctuary and enjoy a complimentary fourth night after staying three consecutive nights. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard in-clusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 1 for travel through March 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 52 for dates and additional details.

Stephen William House SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Confirm a four-night minimum stay in any room by June 30, 2015, and receive the fourth night complimentarily. also in-cludes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by June 30 for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 53 for dates and additional details.

Glenmere Mansion CHESTER, NEW YORK

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Third Night Arrive on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday for a three-night minimum stay and receive the third night with our compliments. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Feb. 28 for travel through March 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding Jan. 16–19 and Feb. 13–16, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 7 for dates and additional details.

Ocean House WATCH HILL, RHODE IS LAND

SPECIAL OFFER: $100 Resort Credit Confirm a two-night minimum stay in a Deluxe or higher room category and receive a $100 resort credit per room, applicable to food and beverage, spa and retail purchases. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding the months of July, August and September. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions, and blackout dates may apply. Please refer to page 14 for dates and additional details.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Stay three nights and receive your fourth night free. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclu-sions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 25 for travel through March 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding Feb. 13–14, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 2 for dates and additional details.

The Plaza NEW YORK, NEW YORK

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Third Night Enjoy a complimentary third night at The Plaza on stays through March 26, 2015. also includes: Andrew Harper ben-efits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through March 26, 2015, based on availability and excludes Plaza King, Deluxe Double, Connecting Deluxe, Grand Connecting Deluxe and Specialty Suite room cat-egories. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 28 for dates and additional details.

CARIBBEAN

Peter Island Resort & Spa BRITISH VIRGIN IS LANDS

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Night: Stay 7, Pay for 6 Book a weeklong stay in any room category and only pay for six nights. This offer may be used for consecu-tive weeks. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Feb. 28, 2015, for travel from Jan. 4–May 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 13 for dates and additional details.

Belmond La Samanna BAIE LONGUE, ST. MARTIN

SPECIAL OFFER: Early Booking Discount Book your stay at least 30 days prior to arrival and enjoy a 10 percent discount on the lowest available rates. This offer applies to all room categories. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations booked at least 30 days before arrival date, subject to availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 33 for dates and additional details.

Petit St. Vincent ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

SPECIAL OFFER: Spa Credit Special Book any stay by March 31, 2015, and receive a $50 credit for use at the Balinese-inspired spa. also includes: Andrew Harper ben-efits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 31 for travel through July 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 15 for dates and additional details.

IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN

The Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments LONDON, ENGLAND

SPECIAL OFFER: “Spellbinding” London with Stays from $599 Bring your family to London for a magical getaway and enjoy your second room at half price, plus two complimentary tickets to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. also includes: Complimentary meals for children under 12, as well as Andrew Harper benefits and standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 31 for travel through May 17, 2015, based on availability. The half-price room must be the same dates as the first room. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions, and terms and conditions apply. Please refer to page 26 for dates and additional details.

The Stafford London LONDON, ENGLAND

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Third Night Receive a complimentary third night on stays of three nights or longer in a Deluxe King or higher room category. also in-cludes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through April 14, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 11 for dates and additional details.

Sheen Falls Lodge KENMARE, CO. KERRY, IRELAND

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Confirm a four-night minimum stay and receive the fourth night with our compliments. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions.dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from April 1–June 30, 2015, and Sept. 1–Oct. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 70 for dates and additional details.

Dunbrody House CO. WEXFORD, IRELAND

SPECIAL OFFER: Great Escape Package Confirm two nights in the luxurious Chiches-ter Suite and enjoy one five-course gourmet dinner at The Harvest Room and a special welcome treat from celebrity chef and owner Kevin Dundon. Package rates set at 425 EUR per person (based on double occupancy). also includes All taxes and duties, Andrew Harper benefits and standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reserva-tions only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 70 for dates and additional details.

EUROPE

La Coquillade GARGAS, PROVENCE, FRANCE

SPECIAL OFFER: Exclusive Spa Savings To celebrate the opening of the expansive new spa, Andrew Harper subscribers can enjoy 50 percent savings per person on spa entrance fees. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard in-clusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Nov. 22, 2015, based on availability. Reference code AHCOQ at time of booking. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page ?? for dates and ad-ditional details.

Château La Chenevière NORMANDY, FRANCE

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Extend your stay in Normandy with an extra night. Confirm any three-night stay and receive a complimentary fourth night. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates

Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 1, 2015, for travel from March 1—Nov. 30, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promo-tions. Please refer to page 70 for dates and additional details.

Le Bristol Paris PARIS, FRANCE

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Receive one night complimentary when confirming a four-night minimum stay. also includes: Andrew Harper ben-efits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through May 15, 2015, based on availability and excluding Jan. 24–30 and March 2–10, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 9 for dates and additional details.

Borgo Santo Pietro CHIUSDINO, TUSCANY, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Spring Offers: Spring Fever, Romance and Easter Pack-ages Choose from multiple offers to enjoy the perfect Tuscan spring. Spring Fe-ver: Stay two or more nights and receive 30 percent savings on the nightly rate. Romance Package: Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting, a candle-lit dinner for two and complimentary spa treatments during your stay. For further pampering, en-joy the two-night option which includes a massage, facial and mani-pedi. Easter Package: Make the holiday unforgettable with a five-course Easter lunch, a spa treatment and a Champagne treasure hunt. also includes Andrew Harper ben-efits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offers are valid on new reservations only, for travel from April 7–30, 2015, based on availability, except for the Eas-ter Package which is valid from April 2–6, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 69 for dates and additional details.

Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina DOLOMITES, SAN CASSIANO, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: All-Inclusive Family Fun Journey to the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains for five nights of family fun. The all-inclusive package offers five nights of accommodation (including one night in a private mountain cabin); three special fam-ily dinners; entrance to an adventure park; hiking and mountain biking activities; and special amenities just for children. Package rates start at 3,660 EUR, based on two adults and two children in two rooms. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from June 12–Sept. 20, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 28 for dates and additional details.

Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy FLORENCE, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Family Package Treat the whole family to the mesmerizing art and beauty of Florence and delight in special Pinocchio-themed activities. With Hotel Sa-voy’s Family Package, book an Executive Suite and enjoy a complimentary Deluxe room or book an Executive Double room and receive a Classic Twin room at half-price to accommodate the whole clan. Package rates start at 535 EUR per night. also in-cludes: A welcome gift for each child on arrival, discounted meals for children under 12 and special amenities in the children’s room; Andrew Harper benefits; and any standard inclusions.dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for families with children 16 and younger traveling through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 27 for dates and additional details.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo LAKE COMO, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Special Savings For a limited time, confirm a three-night mini-mum stay and enjoy a 20 percent discount on the best available rate (subject to availability). also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from March 6–April 30, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 12 for dates and additional details.

Palazzo Seneca NORCIA, UMBRIA, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fifth Night and Activity Credits Confirm a four-night minimum stay and receive a complimentary fifth night, as well as the following activity credits: $10 credit per person toward truffle hunting; $15 credit per person toward a cooking class; and a $10 credit per person toward a cheese-making dem-onstration with local producers. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 7–April 30 and Oct. 15–Dec. 22, 2015, based on availability and excluding April 3, 6, 24 and 25. Activities must be reserved at least 15 days in advance of travel to receive credits. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 68 for dates and additional details.

La Posta Vecchia PALO LAZIALE (ROMA), ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Special Savings Stay two consecutive nights and enjoy 10 per-cent savings on food and beverage purchases and spa treatments. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from April 23–May 28th and from September 21–Octo-ber 25, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 42 for dates and additional details.

Rocco Forte Verdura Resort SICILY, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Verdura Total Package: Upgrades and Amenities Book a four-night minimum stay in a Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, Grand Suite or Ambassador Suite accom-

modation and enjoy the perks of a comprehensive package offer, inclusive of: a one-category upgrade prior to arrival, subject to availability; private round-trip transfers to Palermo Airport for up to four people; one complimentary dinner for two; one 50-min-ute massage per person; an in-room welcome amenity; and priority status for upgrades and early check-in/late checkout, subject to availability. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through April 30, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 68 for dates and additional details.

Castello del Nero TAVARNELLE VAL DI PESA, CHIANTI WINE REGION, TUSCANY, ITALY

SPECIAL OFFER: Tuscan Experience Book a five-night stay in any room category and experience a complimentary wine and extra-virgin olive oil tasting for up to two people per room. also includes: Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 28, 2015, based on availability and excluding Sept. 4–5, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 43 for dates and additional details.

Conservatorium Hotel AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

SPECIAL OFFER: Guaranteed Upgrade Explore Amsterdam in style from a land-mark hotel in the luxury and cultural heart of the city. For a limited time, enjoy a guar-anteed upgrade when booking your stay in select room categories. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for stays in Superior Duplex, Deluxe and Deluxe Duplex guest-rooms, and Junior and Grand Duplex suites, for travel through March 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 70 for dates and additional details.

Hotel Seven One Seven AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

SPECIAL OFFER: Remarkable Museum Tour Book two nights or more in any room category and receive complimentary tickets to Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) museum. Locals call this hidden gem—a complete church secreted away behind the façade of a 17th-century canal house—one of the most fascinating mu-seums in Amsterdam, and a revealing look at the city during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public service. also includes Andrew Harper ben-efits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through Dec. 31, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 71 for dates and additional details.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Fourth Night Book a four-night minimum stay in a Deluxe Garden or Deluxe Boulevard accommodation and receive the fourth night free. also includes Andrew Harper benefits, as well as standard inclusions. dates Offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 4–March 31, 2015, based on availability and excluding March 1–4, 2015. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 69 for dates and additional details.

TOUR OPERATORS AND CRUISES

Hebridean Island Cruises SCOTLAND, UK

SPECIAL OFFER: Extra 15 Percent Savings Book select departures by May 31, 2015, and enjoy an extra 15 percent savings on the rate in addition to the Andrew Harp-er benefit. also includes: Andrew Harper benefit, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new bookings only, confirmed by May 31, 2015, for the follow-ing departure dates, based on availability: March 24; April 21; May 12; May 26; June 9; Aug. 10; Sept. 22; and Oct. 6. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 3 for dates and additional details.

Un-Cruise Adventures NORTH AMERICA

SPECIAL OFFER: $300 Travel Credit Book a seven-night Discoverers’ Glacier Country 2015 Alaskan cruise and receive a $300 shipboard credit per cabin (based on double occupancy). also includes: Andrew Harper benefit, as well as standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by March 27, 2015, for applicable cruises departing April–September, 2015, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions. Please refer to page 32 for dates and additional details.

Lakani Private Jet Tours WORLDWIDE

SPECIAL OFFER: Complimentary Round-Trip Airfare Confirm your place by Jan. 31, 2015, in the Europe Rediscovered by Private Jet program departing Aug. 30, 2015, and receive round-trip business class airfare from any major U.S. city to Berlin and back from Paris for each traveler. dates: Offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by Jan. 31, 2015, for tour departure on Aug. 30, 2015, based on availability. Please refer to page 8 for dates and additional details.

P R O M OT I O N P R O M OT I O N

All SPECIAL OFFERS from this issue

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

Standard Inclusions: Tax • Gratuity • All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages • Pre-dinner drinks reception • Select on-site activities • Wi-Fi • Laundry and pressing service

P R O M OT I O N

Ballyfin, Ireland

601 Oakmont Lane,


“For the rest of our lives, every meal,

every room, every staff, truly every

travel experience will be compared to

Ballyfin. It is the most glorious place

imaginable. I have videos of our Sir

Christopher Coote Suite, our golf cart

trip along the many paths on the

grounds, and—truly, ‘Downton Abbey’

revisited—our approach up the long

drive in the pouring rain to members

of the staff waiting on the steps with

umbrellas. Guess we knew right then

and there that Ballyfin would be a

dream come true.”


BallyfinBALLYFIN, IRELAND Recommended since 2012.

Grand Award–2013.

andrew harper traveler magazine (q1, 2015)

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