Los Cuernos over Lake Pehoe, Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia: Discover Two Countries In One

Patagonia, a stunning gem in South America stretching from Chile to Argentina, is a must-see destination teeming with fjords, glaciers, deserts, lakes, mountains, and vast untouched nature. This expansive, beautiful region is best experienced from September to February, during the continent's spring and summer. 

At its southernmost tip, the resort town of Ushuaia offers a feeling of standing at the world's end. Both the Chilean and Argentinian sides have spectacular areas to explore - let us guide you to the experiences and accommodations that align with your aspirations.

Torres del Paine National Park  |  Rio Palena Lodge

In Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is the must-see with trails on the famous W-route that can be done as day hikes taking visitors past peaks reaching 8,200 feet above sea level. Day hikes can end with a scenic ferry return -- past mind-blowing glaciers and the Southern Ice fields. The fishing in the region is magnificent, too, expert guides are found at Rio Palena Lodge, a billionaire’s paradise that’s part of the Eleven luxury lodges, nestled in a mountain valley on the banks of the Palena River. (In the winter, the heli-skiing here is unparalleled.)

Trekking Perito Moreno Glacier  |  EOLO - Patagonia's Spirit Hotel - Relais & Chateaux

On the Argentinian side, explore the Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons, or take in its chilly grandeur from the water on a boat cruise. The village of El Chaltren, found in the UNESCO-ranked Los Glaciares National Park, is where you gear up before hiking closer to the peaks of Fitz Roy and reaching the Laguna de los Tres viewpoint. If you want to extend your stay in this magnificent area consider eco-dome glamping, with panoramic views of Fitz Roy, just six miles outside of town. For a more glam stay, the Relais & Chateaux finery of the 17-room Eolo lodge offers a tranquil escape.

Bariloche  |  Cerro Catedral Ski Resort

For an urban fix, make the charming four-season town of Bariloche, Argentina, your base. Travel & Leisure magazine recently crowned it Patagonia’s “most charming town.” It’s also considered the chocolate capital of the country, so make sure to pick up a few artisanal bars while exploring the main shopping street, La Calle Mitre. Visit July through September if you are a skier - nearby, Cerro Catedral is a large and modern ski resort. Summer visitors can enjoy the natural charms of Nahuel Huapi National Park, where the largest and deepest lake of the region has long lured outdoor explorers.

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A trip to Patagonia ensures adventure and awe are on your itinerary no matter what time of year you visit.

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Nayarit, Mexico

Maximizing Your Mini Vacation

If you’ve just time for a short escape from your day to day, we’ve got some ideas where five days may be all you need.  

Temple Bar District, Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

Delve into the craic of this ancient city, brimming with castles, cathedrals, and pubs. Take in Irish history at the Epic Immigration Museum or the downtown's plentiful free museums, including the popular Natural History Museum. Revel in the music of cozy pubs, plunge into Temple Bar's lively heart, and cap off with a pint at the iconic Guinness Storehouse, savoring city views. The cherry on top? U.S. pre-clearance at Dublin's airport streamlines your journey home.

Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Island, San Diego

San Diego, California

Experience exceptional weather, stunning beaches, and a blend of diverse cultures in this captivating coastal city. With its Spanish roots dating back to 1769, the city boasts architectural gems including the Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival structures housing Balboa Park’s museums and shops. Head north to explore Encinitas, a surfer’s haven, and appreciate the mile-long sandy shoreline of La Jolla Shores. Beyond the beach, the rugged cliffs and scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Beach park add a dash of adventure, making San Diego the perfect short getaway.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Explore the northernmost capital in the world, nestled between mountains and sea. Visit the architectural marvel of Hallgrímskirkja, and immerse in Viking history at the National Museum of Iceland. Sample local specialties in Reykjavik's innovative food scene and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. Just outside, the Golden Circle route offers a day trip filled with geothermal wonders and majestic waterfalls. Unwind at the end in the world-famous Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters.

Four Seasons, Punta Mita

Punta Mita, Mexico

With its pristine beaches and upscale resorts, it's a haven for relaxation and high-end leisure. Here, you can tee off on championship golf courses, explore the biodiverse Marietas Islands, or bask on the breathtaking Playa Destiladeras. Delight in the local food scene, a fusion of indigenous flavors and global cuisine, and soak up the vibrant culture in traditional Huichol craft shops and bustling beachfront fish markets. In Punta Mita, every moment promises an unforgettable Mexican escapade.

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If all you’ve got time for is a quick escape, we’ve got ideas.

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Experience a European Holiday without Leaving North America

Embrace the holiday season with a touch of European charm in the heart of North America - Quebec City. As the festive period approaches, Quebec City unfurls its tapestry of European elegance and Canadian hospitality for you to explore. Wander the charming cobblestone streets of the 400-year-old walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with quaint shops, art-filled galleries, and delightful antique stores.

Chateau Frontenac  |  Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide

Enjoy a majestic stay at the Chateau Frontenac, an architectural marvel that overlooks the historic city. Adjacent Dufferin Terrace promises breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, perfect for serene, snowy strolls. Savor the flavors of the region at La Buche, a restaurant that captures the spirit of Quebec with its authentic French-Canadian cuisine, served in an atmosphere rich with provincial nostalgia.

Historic District of Old Quebec  |  Christmas Market - Chateau Frontenac

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Ready for a delightful winter escape? Let's explore Quebec or other enchanting destinations.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Pack Patience and Your Sense of Humor, Too

As the service industry grapples to bounce back to pre-pandemic staffing levels, patience proves to be a vital travel companion. This situation is noticeable not only during travels but also in local communities and bears repeating. The key to enjoying your well-earned vacation? Embrace patience, keep calm, and remind yourself that you are on vacation or en route to an exciting destination.

Remember, any day spent away from your laptop, whether it's at the beach, in the mountains, or simply enjoying a chilled beverage with a new view, is a good day. If service levels don't meet expectations, do let us know. This feedback shapes future travels, helping us create an even more enjoyable experience for your next adventure.

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We always want to hear about your trip. Let’s turn your vacation days into an unforgettable escape.

Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

Why We Love this Year-Round Destination

South America is a destination that can please everyone. You can discover twelve countries in a continent that boasts the world’s longest mountain range, largest river basin, and driest region—not to mention one of its greatest concentrations of biodiversity.

Come for the ancient civilizations, wildlife, the eye-popping ice fields, and the incredible resort hotels you’ll find to relax and recharge in. No matter when you want to travel, there’s a must-see sight but also a whole lot more to explore. Here are a few of our favorite stops:

Peru

Left: Machu Picchu  |  Top:  Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo  |  Bottom:  Astrid y Gastón, Lima

After wandering the ruins of Machu Picchu and taking in those valley views, stay a few extra days to see more of this stunning country. North of Cuzco, discover even more Inca ruins and shop the stunning artisanship found in the local markets of towns in the Sacred Valley. The area is rich in culture, and the time you spend in the valley allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude of Cuzco.

Visitors can also head to the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca for a culture hit—the area is the mythological birthplace of the Incas. Before you fly home, the food scene of Lima is a must-try. There are more Michelin-starred chefs here than you would expect.

Chile

Top: Tierra Atacama  |  Bottom:  Explora, Torres del Paine |  Right: Viña Haras de Pirque

After you’ve used up your vocabulary of superlatives admiring the Andes spires and the mind-blowing sights of Torres del Paine National Park, make sure you don’t head home right away.

Pack your bathing suit—and find an online dictionary—to prepare yourself for the natural beauty of the Atacama Desert oasis pools—slipping into geothermal waters at the driest place on Earth is something you won’t soon forget. Then, take time to sample the inviting sauvignon blanc and Syrah of Casablanca Valley, about 45 minutes outside Santiago.

Ecuador

Left: Mashpi Lodge  |  Top: Galapágos Islands  |  Bottom: Quito

Once you’ve been blown away by the “cageless zoo”—the Galapágos Islands are renowned for wildlife that lives without fear of humans, there’s still so much more to see and do. Since you’ve come this far, make sure you spend time in the Amazon rainforest. One of the easiest ways to do this is to book a tour at the resort near the Mashpi Reserve, along the western slope of the Andes and a three-hour drive from the capital, Quito.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of Mashpi Lodge let you feel like you’re in the jungle even when you’re kicking back from a day of wildlife viewing in the cloud forests. And while you’re in the neighborhood—stand on the equatorial line for a fun photo, and make sure to explore Quito’s excellently preserved Historic Quarter.

South America works any time of the year, let’s figure out when you can start exploring.

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel

Making Your Arrival Half the Fun

You may not be a rock star, but it sure is nice to feel like one when you travel. Flying into LAX? Look into PS—this private suite solution to airport terminal woes is at the top end of the line. Travelers can choose to dine and drink in an exclusive lounge, make use of a private room with day beds, or book a direct limo ride from your front door to the tarmac. 

Airports around the world have also opened separate VIP terminals and front-of-the-line access for elite travelers happy to pay for the privilege, everywhere from Amsterdam to Dubai to New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Ask us to book the service for your family. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Since you’re in rock-star-mode, seal the deal by turning heads as you arrive into your destination. Here are a few of our favorite breathtaking arrivals.

Six Senses Oman

Glide: Standing 960 feet above the Gulf of Oman, simply push off and enjoy a guided paraglide down to the beach beside Six Senses Oman. If the rest of your group isn’t so adventurous, there’s also a scenic 4x4 drive through the mountains or a private speedboat arrival from a nearby port.

Fly: St. Barth’s might be as unpretentious as it is exclusive, but that doesn’t mean you need to schlep in with the masses. Book a private jet to move you quickly and efficiently from St. Maarten (SXM) to your hotel—customs agents will meet your PJ, and you’ll be on the beach in no time. Travelers starting their laid-back luxe getaway on the Hawaiian island of Lanai can book a sleek Lanai Air PJ transfer from Honolulu—from tarmac straight to the mai tai on your balcony.

Left: JW Marriott Venice  |  Right: CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures

Speedboat: Leave the crowded alleys and vaporetto of Venice behind by hopping into a private speedboat to reach the exclusive island hotels of Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, and the JW Marriott Venice. In Udaipur, board a small vessel to cross Lake Pichola and fall under the romantic allure of Leela Palace Udaipur in India’s most amorous city.

Heli: Seeing the world from a helicopter is a thrill no matter where you land—but dropping into British Columbia’s CMH lodges after flying over the Cariboo or Bugaboo ranges (heli-hike in summer or heli-ski in winter) is as unforgettable a flight as you’ll find in South Australia, cresting the Blue Mountains to land at One and Only Woglan Valley resort.

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Let's find a way to make your arrival half the fun.

Raise a Toast to Travel

Can you really say you’ve been to Brazil if you haven’t sipped a caipirinha and watched the sunset? The refreshing muddled blend of cachaça, limes, and brown sugar is the country’s national drink. No matter where you go, live and libate like a local—and let us know if we missed your favorite!

Peru/Chile: The Pisco Sour is a tart, sweet, silky, herbaceous cocktail to savor, and when you need a nonalcoholic boost, the caffeine in a yerba maté tea is just the ticket.

India: Ordering gin and tonic in the country of the cocktail’s origin is a true travel moment, particularly when it’s served with a salty snack and a grand view. For a refreshment that skips the alcohol, you can’t beat a mango lassi, a thick blend of mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, and cardamom.

Mango Lassi  |  Singapore Sling  |  Yerba Maté

Bali: It’s never hard to find someone with a machete at the ready to slice open a fresh green coconut—all you need to do next is stick in a straw and sip—ahhhh! You also can’t go far without seeing someone drinking Bintang—a pale lager that’s likely the most popular beer in Indonesia.

Singapore: Kopi, or coffee, is the national drink here, and kopitiams (coffee shops) are a way of life—the default order is made with sweetened condensed milk and is simply delicious. But it wouldn’t be a proper visit without a drink at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar—home to the Singapore sling, where the sweet cocktail is served in souvenir glasses.

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Here's to raising a glass in a new destination.