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
Go Wild
For our May Virtuoso, The Magazine cover story, writer Aaron Gulley and photographer Jen Judge spent time with 16-year-old eagle hunter and bona fide badass Aymoldyr Dayanbek, who became the second woman ever to win Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival in 2023. Their ten-day exploration of the country set the tone for our adventure issue, an edition full of expedition cruises (and what to pack for them), art-centric overnights, and more. Traveling to Mongolia Is a Steppe Back in Time Decked out in a snow-white Spyder hoodie with red webs stitched across the shoulders and faux-fur platform Crocs, 16-year-old Aymoldyr Dayanbek flicks through her Instagram feed and rapid-fire messages with friends, seemingly oblivious to the backdrop of western Mongolia’s glacier-licked Altai Mountains. But asked about falconry, the tradition of hunting with eagles practiced in these highlands for centuries, she ditches her phone and lights up. READ MORE Add Some Sparkle to Your Next Expedition Sailing In Svalbard, time loosens its grip. Under the midnight sun, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 198-passenger World Voyager circumnavigates the islands round-trip from Longyearbyen in 11 nights, charting a course for glacier-carved fjords where polar bears roam and Arctic foxes dart across the tundra. Wildlife sightings and shifting ice guide shore landings and Zodiac safaris, while life on board revolves around lounge-hopping and the rooftop pool deck. A precision timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre is practically a necessity here: READ MORE Tee Off in the World’s Next Great Golf Destination Pebble Beach? Been there. St Andrews? Done that. The world’s most iconic golf destinations are worthy of repeat pilgrimages, but few places pair marquee courses with off-the-green diversions like Southeast Asia does. Over the past several years, many of the game’s greatest architects have designed and helped open new courses across Thailand and Vietnam, from seaside links to jungle-hugged layouts and pristine parkland stunners. 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 Hike, Bike, and Kayak in 2026 Our take: The scenic route is always worth it – especially in the fall, when Alpine summits and pastoral valleys greet travelers with crisp temperatures and vibrant foliage. Backroads’ small-group and private hiking, cycling, and multi-adventure tours fully immerse travelers in the world’s most desirable locales, from the Canadian Rockies to Thailand’s tropical beaches. READ MORE Jimmy Millán, one of six artists-in-residence at Almanac Barcelona, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: Black and red Sharpie permanent markers, along with a notebook for sketches. You never know where creativity is going to come from. Reading: The biography of Archer Milton Huntington, the founder of the Hispanic Society of America. Listening to: Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, along with a mix of Latin fusion and jazz. Dreaming of: The U.S. is at the top of my list. I want to experience New York City’s energy, the creative spirit of Los Angeles, Chicago’s architectural presence, the cultural depth of New Orleans, and the atmosphere of San Francisco. This summer, Napa celebrates 50 years since the Judgement of Paris. Leaky concealer has stained its last suitcase. The NYC subway symphony. A Schiaparelli deep dive is on at London’s V&A through November. The new La DoubleJ x Belmond Villa San Michele collection is pure Florentine decadence. 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
Ready, Set, Go
Sports lovers have long known that cheering on their faves IRL is an instant vacation upgrade. Our new feature series dedicated to sports travel goes all in on the fandom – the Virtuoso way. Whether it’s securing a posh Grand Prix perch, picking up a racket at one of the world’s best resorts, or planning a getaway to an unexpectedly great golf destination , we’ve got you covered. Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in Eight 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Cities The FIFA World Cup is a sporting juggernaut, an event so globally entrancing that even those who have no idea what “offside” means might find themselves swept up – shouting “Goooooooooal!” and passionately defending Norway’s chances in the “group of death.” READ MORE What Does Responsible Travel Mean to You? READ MORE These Hotels (and Cruises) Have the World’s Best F1 Views The in-person vibe at an F1 race can’t be beat: thunderous engines, dirty pit lanes, supermodel-handsome drivers, and glamorous parties thumping on all weekend. The 2026 Formula 1 calendar spans 24 Grand Prix races across the globe. Every track on the schedule has its own perks, from Melbourne’s festival-like atmosphere to Miami’s kitschy vinyl marin.. READ MORE A great hotel makes guests feel like they’re authentically experiencing a destination – and a reverence for celebrating a distinct sense of place is one of Regent Hotels & Resorts’ many strong suits. While some hotel brands deliver a consistent aesthetic from one city to the next, each of Regent’s 11 global properties embraces the one-of-a-kind character of its … READ MORE These Kempinski Hotels Connect Travelers to Local Legacies and Traditions Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels has spent more than 150 years establishing its cred: opulent properties in historic buildings, a concierge team with a cache of authentic experiences, and elegant suites and coveted restaurants in which to begin and end days of exploration. READ MORE Tennis pro Jannik Sinner, who recently helped develop an onboard wellness program for Explora Journeys, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: My PlayStation. I like to bring it on tour so I can play with my team – we’re all very competitive and it gets pretty loud. Craving: When friends go to the Dolomites, where I grew up, I tell them to try canederli di pane, the typical dumplings from the region. And the area’s white wines are among the best in Italy. Dreaming of: Cruising to Asia is high on my wish list, especially Tokyo and Osaka. The stadium-friendly clear bag, but make it fashion . Souvenir-magnet collectors know the stakes are high . Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s extensive collection of Black American and diasporic art is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego starting this weekend. Did you see this year’s list of James Beard Awards finalists? Tamba, we’re coming for you Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
The Best Holiday-Season Stays
12 Better-than-Hallmark Holiday Season Escapes There’s no place like home for the holidays – but there might be someplace better. The platonic ideal of a December hotel, cruise, or tour doesn’t just take travelers from their ho-hum hangouts – it places them inside a faraway snow globe, perusing village markets and skating across frozen ponds. Or it transports them to the tropics, swapping brrrs for blankets of white sand. These holiday escapes take the stress out of Christmas travel: Gravy dinners are a given, Santa Claus is coming, and checking into a tinseled suite is just the start of the fun. READ MORE Five Things We Love: Fairmont Golden Prague Fairmont Golden Prague reopened in April 2025 after a five-year-long renovation, but the 1974 Brutalist building’s past is intentionally kept in view. From its perch on the Vltava riverfront in Prague’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the building still presents its sharp concrete profile; inside, though, the atmosphere shifts. Earthy color palettes soften the architecture, while handblown glass, sculpted wood, marble floors, and gilded detailing bring in warmth and texture. READ MORE Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: On Adventure and Aging In a country as large as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, knowing where to start is key. Stretching 800,000 square miles across the Arabian Peninsula, with expansive direct access to both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia spans ancient wonders to modern marvels, encompassing archaeological sites, neo-Islamic architecture, sustainable coastal landscapes, and new design-forward hotels. READ MORE This Mexico Resort Is a Magnet for Multigenerational Families On a balinese daybed on a morning graced with gentle breezes, I’m surrounded by the swish of rope, the clink of hardware, and Adriatic waves lapping against the idling hull of the Sea Cloud Spirit. Twenty-two crew members run rigging across the decks and up the masts to unleash more than an acre of bright-white canvas over the tall ship. The intricate process unfolds with the Croatian coastline as a distant backdrop. READ MORE Meet the Riviera Maya Retreat that Connects Guests to the Real Mexico Nestled between the jungle and a quiet Caribbean cove, the 349-room Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya doesn’t skimp on options for unwinding, from its soothing and sophisticated jungle-meets-ocean design and secluded white-sand beach to the private plunge pools in every suite and the cenote-inspired spa. But when it’s time to explore, the choices are just as expansive. READ MORE Christelle Hilpron, general manager of Cheval Blanc St-Barth , shares what she’s been loving lately. Packing: The small leather envelope Cheval Blanc gifts to guests – it’s perfect for keeping all my travel documents in one place. Reading: Belle Greene by Alexandra Lapierre, a portrait of a brilliant, strong-willed woman ahead of her time. Watching: Downton Abbey – I find it’s an echo of l’art de recevoir , which is so essential in the hospitality world. Dreaming of: The Norwegian fjords, for a change of scenery from tropical Saint Bart’s. chic winter coat for the Volvo driver in your life. At long last, the Grand Egyptian Museum is officially open , with King Tutankhamun’s tomb as a centerpiece. If you’rx`e planning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S., keep an eye out for Jewel on Holland America Line’s float . Renoir’s sketches are now on display at NYC’s Morgan Library & Museum. A must-have Golden State souvenir: Chocolatiers andSons collaborated with Ed Ruscha on a limited-edition Made in California bar. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe
Winter Is Secretly the Best Time to Visit These European Cities The world’s most discerning travelers are rethinking the seasons that shape their journeys. According to the 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report, a majority of travel advisors now field requests for off-peak trips designed to dodge both congestion and heat waves. And as European vacations swell in popularity, much of the buzz comes from winter trips to places such as Slovakia, Norway, and northern Italy where comparatively cool temps are part of the draw, according to the European Travel Commission. READ MORE Sustainable Travel Spotlight Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe Thirty villas blend seamlessly into Mexico’s largest wine country, where the hotel’s onsite Pictograma Winery and vineyard produces grenache varietals exclusively. Spice Islands Spend seven nights on board the Aqua Blu sailing Indonesia’s Banda Sea and exploring a seventeenth-century fortress on Banda Neira as well as the “Thousand Temples” of Misool. Learn More A Journey Through Kenya and Zanzibar During this 11-day safari, visit the Maasai Mara and Laikipia in Kenya before touring Stone Town, Zanzibar, and unwinding on Mnemba Island. Learn More Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
Independent Hotel
Virtuoso’s Best Travel Companies of 2025 Thousands of Virtuoso advisors voted for these hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. Private yacht outings to barrier islands and concierge-curated beach days at the 153-room Dewberry Charleston echo the Lowcountry bons vivants lifestyle. Overlooking Marion Square from a onetime federal building, the property also winks at nostalgia with Stickley armoires and a brass bar for nursing daiquiris and juleps. READ MORE In the storybook mountain village of Entre-deux-Guiers, France, an order of Carthusian monks has stewarded the secret formula for Chartreuse since 1764. While travelers can’t visit the monastery, the green and yellow versions of this sweet, herbaceous elixir are behind-the-bar fixtures from Parisian cafés to Megève chalets. Its enchanting anise character livens up classic cocktails, such as the Bijou (gin, Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters) and the Last Word (gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice). READ MORE Five Can’t-Miss Experiences in Saudi Arabia In a country as large as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, knowing where to start is key. Stretching 800,000 square miles across the Arabian Peninsula, with expansive direct access to both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia spans ancient wonders to modern marvels, encompassing archaeological sites, neo-Islamic architecture, sustainable coastal landscapes, and new design-forward hotels. READ MORE Here’s What It’s Like to Sail the Adriatic Sea on a Majestic Tall Ship On a balinese daybed on a morning graced with gentle breezes, I’m surrounded by the swish of rope, the clink of hardware, and Adriatic waves lapping against the idling hull of the Sea Cloud Spirit. Twenty-two crew members run rigging across the decks and up the masts to unleash more than an acre of bright-white canvas over the tall ship. The intricate process unfolds with the Croatian coastline as a distant backdrop. READ MORE Inés De Los Santos, owner of Buenos Aires cocktail bars CoChinChina, Kōnā, and Costa 7070, shares what she’s been loving lately. Packing: Caudalie face mist, compression socks, and a good sun hat. Reading: Eternal Japan by Amélie Nothomb is on my nightstand. Listening to: The podcast Modapedia. Dreaming of: Athens, Milan, and Florence. Grand Budapest Hotel fans, unite: London’s Design Museum opens an exhibit showcasing director Wes Anderson’s archives next month. This just-released cookbook from celebrity chef Diane Kochilas celebrates the flavors of Athens. Aurora Expeditions recently announced that they’ll plant marine life and remove a kilogram of waste from the ocean for every passenger that sails with the line. Have you seen Michelangelo’s grocery list? This toiletry bag, designed to keep products upright, might be a game changer. 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
