Summer in Greenland
Into the Tundra “You might be the first person in history to set foot on that particular place,” veteran mountain guide Phil Wickens told passengers on a recent Quark Expeditions cruise as they prepared for a helicopter excursion to a Greenland ice sheet. Our sustainability correspondent, Jen Rose Smith, was there to chronicle the entire adventure, including a campout in the wilderness. Make for the Arctic at the link below, or, if beach clubs are more your summer speed, scroll on for this season’s hottest. Setting Sail on a Cruise with No Fixed Itinerary Seen through a helicopter’s wraparound windows, the Greenland ice sheet was the world. It blurred into a creamy sky on the distant horizon; its sinkholes and crevasses puckered to cerulean depths. As tiny figures waved us in toward a landing, I recalled the previous day’s briefing for this flight, which took me from the decks of the 199-passenger .. READ MORE From Bali to Italy, the Cabanas Are Calling Claim a sunbed, order that bottle of Whispering Angel, and let the sound of lapping waves – mingled with ambient DJ sets, of course – carry you into an afternoon of beachside bliss. Today, every seaside luxury hotel worth its weight in seafood towers has its own beach club. The best offer more than a perch by the water – they’re showing off buzzy fashion collaborations, menus from Michelin-fêted chefs, and immersive art installations. Below, nine compelling reasons to pack your swimsuit. READ MORE Tee Off in the World’s Next Great Golf Destination Traveling pulls me out of my usual routine, so I try to arrive somewhere with no agenda and give myself time to actually settle in. (I also always pack at least two books that I won’t end up reading.) Last December, my boyfriend and I spent New Year’s Eve in Fortaleza, Brazil – we took a dune buggy to an all-night party out on the beach. READ MORE This Soon-to-Debut Cruise Ship Is Made for Family-Friendly Getaways Fresh off the maiden voyage of the new 3,565-passenger Norwegian Luna in April, Norwegian Cruise Line is already gearing up to raise the bar. Next summer, the 3,879-passenger Norwegian Aura becomes the line’s fifth Prima Class vessel – and its largest. It will set sail in the Caribbean with a triple-deck amusement complex and superlatives aimed to please families, including more waterslides than any other Norwegian ship. READ MORE Where to Brunch, Bird-Watch, Swim, and Play in the Cayman Islands In the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands beckon visitors with sun, sand, and sparkling sea. Beyond the postcard-worthy beaches, there’s more to experience in this tropical paradise: Grand Cayman and its Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are home to buzzing restaurants, dramatic seaside cliffs, biodiverse coral reefs, and remote bird sanctuaries. READ MORE A Long Weekend in Istria, from the Wineries to the Sea In the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands beckon visitors with sun, sand, and sparkling sea. Beyond the postcard-worthy beaches, there’s more to experience in this tropical paradise: Grand Cayman and its Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are home to buzzing restaurants, dramatic seaside cliffs, biodiverse coral reefs, and remote bird sanctuaries. READ MORE Greenlandic chef Miki Siegstad shares what he’s been loving lately. Photo by Gajan Balan/Quark Expeditions. Packing: I usually bring two Fjällräven jackets: one for nice weather, and a water-repellent option. Listening to: Avicii for adventures, Caamp for chill vibes, and Blink-182 for all situations. Watching: Yes Theory on YouTube. I like their philosophy that a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. Planning: I have a five-week trip coming up, to Reykjavík, Paris, Georgia, Armenia, Albania, Montenegro, and probably North Macedonia and Kosovo too. I’m looking forward to trying Georgian khinkali and khachapuri. Everyone is getting in on summer soccer prep. Even more hotel beach club news . Milan Design Week lives on at Marni x Cucchi through July 15. Ponant and The Ocean Agency just released a captivating polar image series . You deserve Neapolitan pizza at home Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
Spotlight On
Welcome to a special South Korea-focused edition of our newsletter. I’m just back from a week in Seoul for Virtuoso’s annual Symposium, a luxury-travel-industry meeting of the minds. My first visit to South Korea’s megacity – population 10 million! – was an immersion in K-beauty (top find at Olive Young, the country’s answer to Sephora: Round Lab Birch Juice sunscreen), street food (I loved the hodugwaja, walnut cakes with custard filling), and gracious hospitality. Highlights included a morning run along the Han River, a traditional 18-step head spa session at a Park Jun salon (my scalp is glowing), and wandering through shops and cafés in the 600-year-old alleyways of Jongno-gu near Gyeongbokgung Palace – a spot-on recommendation from Conrad Seoul chief concierge Chloe Kim, who shared her hometown insider’s picks. City Guide: Next-Gen Seoul South Korea’s capital keeps leveling up its cool factor. These days, Seoul draws travelers seeking the viral Rejuran (salmon DNA) facial’s lit-from-within glow, post-treatment skincare products recommended by bubbly staff at any of the city’s hundreds of Olive Young branches, READ MORE How to Spend a Day in Coastal- Cool Busan Take Seoul's cosmopolitan energy, buzzing markets, and epic shopping, throw in some balmy weather and gorgeous beaches, and you’ve got Busan. South Korea’s second-largest city, which sits on the southeastern edge of the Korean Peninsula, pairs street food with seaside breezes, traditional artisan shops READ MORE Four Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in Seoul For a long time, Seoul’s bar scene was dominated by beer, Korean spirits soju and makgeolli, and etiquette such as receiving drinks with two hands. Then, in 2015, Speakeasy Mortar opened in the city’s glamorous Hannam-dong neighborhood, marked by all the usual trappings (discreet address, robust whisky selection, no-photos-allowed policy). The bar quickly captured the attention of a younger, more creative generation of entrepreneurs eager to rewrite the nightlife norms in their hometown. READ MORE Soohyang Kim , founder of Korean home fragrance brand Soohyang , shares what she’s been loving lately. Photography by Ninevon Studio. Packing: Korean surprises – the best way to make instant friends abroad. Reading: Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra – one page at a time, for years now. Watching: Drive to Survive , the Netflix Formula 1 documentary Dreaming of: Darjeeling, India. I want to watch tea-leaf harvesting under a full moon. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
Urban Influence
For Virtuoso, The Magazine ’s City issue, we made a botanical splash at one of CDMX’s chicest hotels, Casa Polanco, before diving into the surrounding neighborhood’s modern arts scene. Writer Alexandra Owens shares a compelling case for why art and design lovers should visit now. If fromage is more your thing, we’ve also got a new guide to eating your way through Paris, one cheese at a time. Scroll down for the goods. A New Wave of Modern Design Is Heating Up Polanco On first impression, Polanco feels a little like the Upper East Side, as friends had told me it would. It’s one of Mexico City’s most lavish neighborhoods, complete with Michelin-starred darlings (Pujol, Quintonil), high-end retail (its jacaranda-lined Avenida Presidente Masaryk sports Gucci, Ferragamo, and Hermès, plus other haute heavy hitters), and coveted real estate. READ MORE Where to Find the Best Cheese in Paris It was more than misting, but not quite drizzling, one night in Paris just before Christmas. You know the kind, when you step out of the hotel thinking, This is fine, and Those fancy hotel umbrellas are so huge and stupid, then after walking a few blocks realize this is definitely not fine and you’d give anything for said huge and stupid umbrellas. It was 30 minutes to opening at one of Paris’ most in-demand restaurants, and I was more than peering, but not quite leering (OK, I was probably leering) into Bistrot des Tournelles in the Marais. READ MORE Five Things We Love: The Parker Palm Springs Palm Springs has always been my home away from humdrum. That two-hour straight shot from Los Angeles into the desert (followed by a hard right into the former playground of Elvis and Sinatra) shakes off the worldliest woes. When my wife and I got married there 25 years ago, an old-timer at the hotel bar told us not to worry about the rain pelting down everywhere else in Southern California. READ MORE Safari’s Quiet Season Delivers a One-of-a-Kind Experience Across East Africa, each season carries its own rhythm. Between November and March, that tempo slows into what Micato Safaris calls the “quiet season.” The plains turn lush and green, temperatures are mild, and baby animals are plentiful. It’s not quiet because there’s less to see – there are just fewer crowds around. Low traveler numbers (with the exception of the holidays, which are always in high demand) translate to fewer game-drive vehicles in the bush, clearing the way for intimate moments to witness wildlife and the beauty of calving season. READ MORE Thebe Magugu, founder and creative director of his eponymous fashion brand, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing : A Chanel silk headscarf, which I use as a do-rag to protect my hair on flights, and the Thebe Magugu sterling Sisterhood pendant. It’s a good luck charm of mine. Reading : Good to Great by Jim Collins. Watching : Weapons and The Substance are two of my favorite recent movies – they’re both quite intelligent horror. Dreaming of : Japan. Every time I’ve been due to visit, something ridiculous happens, the last being contracting chickenpox. I’m hoping for no disease or plague this time! The White Lotus heads to Saint-Tropez: The show will reportedly film at Château de La Messardière this summer. The days of using airline-provided headphones are over. Until we’re back in Seoul, we’re into this at-home alternative to a Korean body scrub. Tour Chilean painter Matta’s preserved Italian home. Skip the hot toddy: Drink one of these bartender-recommended warm cocktails instead. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
The Journal
As Copenhagen’s Noma prepares to close, this windswept island steps into the spotlight, with chefs like Emil Thaarup and Nicolas Min Jørgensen leading a new wave of sustainable, farm-to-table dining that celebrates Denmark’s rich landscapes. Explore North Jutland's evolving food scene, where fresh seafood, coastal beauty, and rustic flavors create a distinct culinary experience. READ MORE City Guide: Mumbai Looks Forward Mumbai’s "City of Dreams" is buzzing with innovation, from bold new restaurants and stylish boutiques to a thriving art scene. Discover how tradition and modernity blend to shape this dynamic cultural capital. READ MORE Five Things We Love: Bellevue Palace Perched above the Aare River, Bellevue Palace is a historic gem in Switzerland’s capital, blending luxury with sustainable Swiss traditions. From its elegant corner suites to underground dining at Noumi and easy access to Bern’s Old Town and beyond, this grand hotel offers a true taste of Bernese charm and culture. READ MORE Escape winter’s chill with Scottsdale’s sun-drenched landscapes and endless desert adventures. Hike scenic trails, stargaze at luxury resorts, and enjoy desert-inspired spa treatments. Scottsdale’s vibrant dining scene and blooming wildflowers make it the perfect warm-weather retreat. READ MORE Be sure to ask us about protecting your trip with one of our travel protection plans. In these trying times, this is a highly recommended option for a reasonable price. MORE DETAILS
How to Do Rome the Right Way
How to Do Rome the Right Way Experience Rome like never before with private guides who offer exclusive access to hidden sites and local secrets. Discover the city’s rich history, savor authentic Italian cuisine, and enjoy unique perspectives on iconic landmarks in just a few unforgettable days. READ MORE Explore how Manhattan, known for its hustle and bustle, has become a surprising haven for wellness seekers. From tranquil luxury hotels and expansive spas to serene green spaces and health-focused social clubs, discover how the city offers moments of peaceful respite amidst the chaos. READ MORE Discover the newly renovated Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden, a historic gem that blends baroque elegance with modern luxury. Explore its opulent suites, fine dining experiences, and rejuvenating spa, all set in the heart of one of Germany’s most culturally rich cities. READ MORE There are four key trends shaping the future of luxury hotels: deep cultural connections, hands-on sustainability efforts, holistic well-being, and restaurants that draw both locals and travelers. By focusing on personalized experiences, meaningful sustainability, and creating vibrant culinary hubs, Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels, is redefining what guests can expect from their stay. READ MORE Explore the most stylish luxury hotel experiences this summer, where fashion meets travel. From Dior’s sun-soaked poolside oasis in Turkey to Pucci’s vibrant flair in Monaco, these high-fashion collaborations offer more than just a stay—they’re an invitation to immerse yourself in the world of haute couture, with exclusive dining, shopping, and Instagram-worthy moments at every turn. READ MORE These Italian aperitivos are sure to elevate your spritz season. From the classic sweetness of Aperol to the complex bitterness of Cynar, explore a range of liqueurs that bring a touch of Italian summer to your home, whether you’re sipping on the Amalfi Coast or relaxing in your own backyard. READ MORE Be sure to ask us about protecting your trip with one of our travel protection plans. In these trying times, this is a highly recommended option for a reasonable price. MORE DETAILS
