10 Incredible Yachts That Sail Around the World http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Americans are falling in love with small-ship yacht adventures, and cruise lines are scrambling to launch smaller ships in the hopes of securing the loyalty of adventure seekers that want to experience the world’s finest hidden harbors on their own terms. Three new yachts—Ponant’s Le Lyrial, Windstar’s Star Legend, and Crystal Espirit—entered service this year. Here are ten yachts to consider if you seek the ultimate in personalized service and intimate access to destinations around the globe.

by Andrea M. Rotondo

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Q&A: Sabah Founder Mickey Ashmore on Istanbul and Traveling Stylishly http://ift.tt/1GAcOG7

12 Delicious New Experiences in Sonoma http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

While Sonoma’s claim to fame is wine, the region’s latest crop of farm-to-fork fare—from a drive-thru restaurant from an organic-foods pioneer to a food-centric complex lined with eateries—is just as layered with ingenuity. From the hip, bustling plaza in Healdsburg to tasting rooms on postcard-perfect landscapes across the valley, here are must-stops for every foodie’s palate. Whether you crave a juicy Pinot Noir or crisp Chardonnay (just two grapes that thrive here), or a food experience to blow up your social-media feeds, it’s all here. There’s even a new bakery with serious cred (the France-born pastry chef trained under an El Bulli chef).

By Kristine Hansen

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20 Places to See in the U.S. Before You Die http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Yes, there’s a whole world out there to explore, but think of all the amazing places in our own country you’ve never visited. These are the iconic images ingrained in every American’s mind, the places, signs, and monuments that represent the best of what America is all about. They’re the beacons of democracy in D.C. and Philadelphia, the emblems of excess in New York City and Vegas, the wonders of nature in our many stunning national parks. They make up the cultural fabric of the country, and these classic destinations all deserve a spot on your list of places to see in your lifetime.

By Jayme Moye

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6 Ways to Save on WiFi While Cruising http://ift.tt/1LTSrAg

Staying connecting while at sea hasn’t always been easy, since utilizing a ship’s satellite to procure WiFi tended to be slow and expensive. Recently, however, many cruise lines have begun to upgrade their fleet’s technology, making the service more reliable and affordable. While some lines offer more affordable packages for WiFi service, others entice travelers with incentive plans and reward loyal cruisers with complimentary minutes. Here are six ways to save money the next time you go on a cruise.

1. Be loyal to your line.

Many lines offer packages to loyal cruises which include minutes, and may include unlimited plans at their elite status. For example, Princess Cruises’s Captain’s Circle members receive a complimentary Internet credit to be used on personal devices or on the ship’s Internet café computers. The amount of complimentary Internet is determined by the length of the sailing: If a voyage is seven days or less the incentive is 150 minutes, while travelers on a cruise of 21 days or more are rewarded with 500 free minutes.

2. Pick a line where Internet is included.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line, is getting even more all-inclusive by offering free, unlimited WiFi on all voyages, beginning with the 2016-17 winter collection of itineraries. The complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi will be available to all suite categories and will provide Internet access from any location on the ship via laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

3. Choose the amount of data that’s right for you.

Passengers are now in a better position to select plans that meet their needs than before. For example, on Carnival ships, guests who are only interested in using WiFi to post to their social networks can purchase a basic package for a lower fee. For only $5 a day, cruisers can access Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and other services with no limit on usage. This gives cruisers the chance to save money without having to worry about time constraints, a valuable option in a world where everyone wants to be connected.

4. Pick WiFi as a booking perk.

Keep an eye out for flash sales that offer WiFi as a perk, or select an Internet package with an onboard credit incentive. If staying connected is something that is a priority for you, complimentary minutes may offer a better value than dining or excursion incentives. Norwegian Cruise Line often offers an Internet package for its monthly Freestyle Choice promotion; those interested in sailing Norwegian should check their website at the beginning of each month to see what new promotions they are offering.

5. If purchasing a plan, splurge.

Typically, the most expensive Internet plans offer the most minutes at the lowest price. If everyone in a travel party plans to post and surf a lot, then the highest tier plan makes the most sense. Usually a password can be shared for between personal devices and for use in the onboard Internet cafés.

6. Purchase a sparse plan and then supplement while in port.

Another alternative is to purchase a conservative WiFi plan your first day onboard, choosing the lowest threshold of minutes to stay connected on sea days. There are often embarkation specials on Internet time. With three or four port days on a seven-day cruise, there are ample opportunities to connect to WiFi off a ship. Most ports have Internet cafés where per-minute costs are lower than traditional ship plans. Windstar Cruises, a smaller cruise line, touts that staff are available to provide their recommendations for the best and/or nearest Internet café in each port, where you’ll typically find quicker (and cheaper) connections.

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5 Outstanding U.S. Resorts for Thanksgiving Getaways http://ift.tt/1PRg6Xe

If you’ve never spent a Thanksgiving away from home, perhaps this is the year you’ll consider packing your bags for the holiday. And if you’re wondering where to go, there may be no better option than a destination resort, where you’ll be thankful for the comfort, convenience, and family fun offered on the property. When it comes to Thanksgiving getaways, these five resorts can’t be beat, offering everything from eight-course holiday feasts to family Olympics. If you’re looking for the recipe for the perfect Thanksgiving this year, forget about meal planning and book a stay at one of these outstanding resorts.

Ocean House

Where: Westerly, Rhode Island

The chilly winds off the Atlantic are no match for the warmth emanating from Ocean House, a destination beach resort that keeps its doors open and fireplaces lit year-round. The iconic Victorian hotel has a long history in the area, dating back to 1868. The original structure was demolished in 2005 to make way for the newly rebuilt Ocean House, completed in 2010 with 49 rooms and 23 suites plus a deluxe 12,000-square-foot retreat. Thanksgiving at the resort is an indulgent holiday weekend of food and spirits, with three dining options for the big meal including an expansive buffet ($78 per person, $35 for children 4–12), a more relaxed three-course meal ($74 per person), and sophisticated dining at Seasons ($90 per person), where a four-course holiday meal includes foie gras, rabbit, and slow-roasted turkey. The weekend festivities continue the following day with a special children’s tea time with Mary Poppins ($38 per person, $22 for children), and Saturday’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Rhode Island Travel Guide

Sea Island Resort

Where: Sea Island, Georgia

An expansive resort on the coast of Georgia, Sea Island Resort inhabits the entirety of its namesake island, a gated community only accessible to hotel guests and club members. Accommodations on the island range from classic luxury found at The Cloister, Sea Island's main property, to private cottages and a sporting lodge. Expect to be wowed by Sea Island’s transformation for Thanksgiving, as festive décor and accents from the fall harvest canvas the grounds. Delivering a feast that will satisfy the most demanding gourmands, Sea Island’s three upscale restaurants diversify their offerings; the Georgian Room has a stately atmosphere and will serve a pre-fixe holiday menu ($150 per person); Tavola the resort’s upscale Italian eatery, serves à la carte Italian twists on American classics (mains start at $28); and live music and a wood-burning fireplace set the scene at the romantic Colt & Alison (mains start at $45). Activities for the whole family fill every hour of the holiday weekend ,with fun traditions including the Turkey Day Family Olympics, the Burn Off That Turkey 5K Race, and the resort’s annual tree lighting on the day after Thanksgiving.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Georgia Travel Guide

The Grand Del Mar

Where: San Diego, California

A Mediterranean-inspired property on the Pacific Ocean, The Grand Del Mar brings sophisticated holiday style to San Diego’s Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. A stay in one of the resort’s 249 rooms will get you access to the world-class dining experience at Addison ($215 per person), where an eight-course Thanksgiving meal includes king crab, caviar, and a salt-roasted turkey. For something more casual, Amaya offers a three-course Thanksgiving-inspired meal ($95 per person) with hearty classics including mushroom velouté and roasted turkey with brioche stuffing. Throughout the holiday weekend, the resort welcomes its family guests to the join the Explorer’s Club on the Aria Lawn, where lawn games, face painting, music, and more keep the family entertained.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s San Diego Travel Guide

Blackberry Farm

Where: Walland, Tennessee

A resort best enjoyed with knife and fork in hand, Blackberry Farm is an all-inclusive culinary retreat that has attracted gastronomes to Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1976. Expect a host of activities and themed events around the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, starting with the annual turkey fry lunch featuring the farm’s famous biscuits and peanut soup. For the grand evening meal, reserve ahead to enjoy the refined, farm-fresh cuisine at The Barn (included in room rate), the resort’s signature restaurant. The restaurant takes it style cues from the resort, fusing rustic wooden finishes with a contemporary vibe, creating a stunning atmosphere within the cavernous barn with the help of candlelight. When it comes to the grand meal, expect farm-fresh turkey paired with selections from the resort’s cellar containing 180,000 bottles of wine. The weekend continues with the 5K Turkey Trot, family game night, and a field game of flag football to offset some of the caloric decadence. (Note: For Thanksgiving, Blackberry Farm has a five-night minimum stay in one of their 69 guest rooms.)

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide

The Broadmoor

Where: Colorado Springs, Colorado

The man-made wonder of the Cheyenne Mountains, The Broadmoor spans more than 5,000 acres of prime Colorado countryside in Colorado Springs. The resort fills many of those acres with 779 guest accommodations, ranging from rooms to private cottages to brownstones. Traditions from home are maintained as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is broadcast in The Broadmoor’s plush and cozy movie theater, starting early at 7 am. Four dining options feature holiday fare on Thanksgiving at the resort, with La Taverne (mains average $35) serving the region’s finest steaks and seafood, authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Del Lago (mains average $22), English pub food at the Golden Been (mains average at $24) and New American fare at Summit (mains average at $28). The Friday following Thanksgiving kicks the holiday season into full gear as Santa and his reindeers make a visit to the resort followed by the annual White Lights ceremony, where 700,000 strands of light illuminate the property on Saturday.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Colorado Springs Travel Guide

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5 Reasons to Visit Halifax Now http://ift.tt/1LTSr3l

It may be the largest city in Atlantic Canada, but history-meets-hip Halifax retains a pleasantly small-town feel while packing in plenty of diversions. Neat and lively neighborhoods are set back from the atmospheric waterfront promenade, fronting the city's scenic harbor (second only in size to Sydney, Australia's), where Haligonians (as the locals are known) are afforded a high-quality standard of living. Visitors can easily set out on foot to explore the city's compact quarters, chockfull of insightful museums, historic buildings, artsy shops, and a burgeoning food-and-brewery scene. Here are five reasons to visit Nova Scotia's capital right now, not including the fabulous fall foliage that's currently on display.

1. The Waterfront

Halifax's two-mile-long waterfront boardwalk, lining the sparkling harbor, is the city's bustling hub, beckoning visitors with cafés and restaurants; shops and galleries; entertainers and buskers; Segway, bike, and walking tours; historic ships and minor monuments; and boat tours and ferries that depart from Cable Wharf. Stretching between the Halifax Seaport (and cruise ship terminal) at its southern end, and the Casino Nova Scotia to the north, the promenade connects a slate of major attractions, including the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the Seaport Farmers' Market, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (see more on each below). Well worth a visit, too, are the Historic Properties, where historic timber-frame and stone warehouses have been reimagined as atmospheric shops, eateries, and pubs.

2. Food & Brew Scene

Halifax embraced the farm- (and boat-!) to-table culinary culture long before it was hip. Naturally, locally sourced seafood is a big deal here, with lobster, scallop, and chowder dishes galore, but don't overlook comfort-food staples like the gyro-like, Turkish-inspired donair (pita stuffed with shaved-and-spiced beef, topped with a sweet sauce made from condensed milk); try one from a "Pizza Corner" vendor at the intersection of Blowers and Grafton Streets. Or, sample some of the city's best culinary spots via a guided outing with Local Tasting Tours, which offers several, multi-stop tour variations—try their Downtown SOMO Food Tour to sample fresh greens and gelato at the Seaport Farmers' Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America; scallops at the historic Halliburton House Inn; risotto and Nova Scotia wines at one of the city's oldest Italian restaurants; and more.

The city has also been embracing a craft brewing boom in the last few years (sample well-crafted, small-batch flights at Garrison Brewery Co.), while the last decade has seen a viticultural revolution in the surrounding Annapolis Valley, about an hour outside the city (try a chauffeured and guided tour out of Halifax with Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours).

3. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Fresh from a massive $30 million renovation and expansion that nearly doubled its original size, Canada's equivalent of Ellis Island unfolds at the country's former waterfront immigration gateway, Pier 21. Set within the historic ocean liner terminal and immigration shed where almost a million new immigrants to Canada were processed between 1928 and 1971, the museum space has been brilliantly converted to contain multimedia and hands-on displays that bring the Canadian immigration story to life, spanning arrivals from hundreds of years ago through to present day. Visitors can view immigrants' personal effects (like old trunks and archival photos); explore a replica ship cabin and dining quarters common to twentieth-century immigrants; browse an audio collection of immigrant oral histories; trace their own family's immigration in the Scotiabank Family History Centre; and much more.

4. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

In this city by the sea, so much local history and culture is bound to the ocean. Uncover Nova Scotia's strong maritime ties at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, fittingly situated along Halifax's waterfront. Visitors can explore regional maritime heritage via myriad shipbuilding and naval exhibits, with transporting exhibition spaces that spill over into an old ship chandlery and onto the retired hydrographic vessel, CSS Acadia, berthed out back. Two dominant displays are related to Halifax's role in the 1912 Titanic tragedy, showcasing an impressive and sobering collection of Titanic artifacts (the city was the closest major port to the ship's sinking site) and the Halifax Explosion of 1917 (documenting the largest explosion on the planet, prior to the atomic bomb).

5. Halifax Citadel

Walk off that donair with the uphill trek to Canada's most visited national historic site, the star-shaped Halifax Citadel, the fourth in a series of forts to have been built on the site, dating back to 1749. While most visitors today appreciate the sweeping photo-op views out over the harbor, this position was more practically chosen for its strategic position to defend the city. The citadel does a good job in bringing history to life, with reenactors convincingly depicting members of the historic 78th Highlanders Regiment (and their pipe band) and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like for the soldiers who once lived and worked at this fort. (Real enthusiasts can even sign up for the ages-8-and-up "Soldier for a Day" program, to don a uniform and, for adults, to learn how to handle and fire a rifle.) Pop in to view the restored army barracks, guard room, and Army Museum, and be sure to time your visit for the noontime cannon fire salute and its related pageantry.

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5 Thanksgiving Cruises That Are Perfect for Families http://ift.tt/1jDqXYM

This Thanksgiving, forget the cooking and cleaning and instead focus on spending quality time with your loved ones onboard one of the five best holiday cruises for families. With sailings throughout the holiday week, these cruises keep all the traditions intact, while adding fun and inventive ways to celebrate the feast. From pumpkin-pie cocktails to post-dinner NFL games shows on jumbo screens, the comforts of home have never been more buoyant.

Princess Cruises

The newest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet of eighteen, Regal Princess debuted in May 2014 as the sister ship to Royal Princess. Departing November 22 from Fort Lauderdale, the ship will be calling on Princess Cays, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten during a seven-night cruise. A traditional holiday feast is served in all three of the ship’s main dining rooms, and autumnal accents decorate the ship as special events for the whole family include a turkey-carving demonstration, a turkey-calling contest, and a pumpkin-themed Jr. Chef@Sea bake-off, in which kids create their own dessert creations. Be sure to stop by the Tree of Thanks in Regal Princess's atrium, a Princess tradition where guests add notes of gratitude to the tree’s branches. And rounding out the complete Thanksgiving experience, the ship streams NFL games on a large outdoor screen.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Princess Cruises Guide

Royal Caribbean

At the forefront of onboard innovation and family fun, Anthem of the Seas debuted this past April. Sister ship to Quantum of the Seas, this ship is at the top of its class with cruising firsts including RipCord by iFLY (a skydiving simulator), North Star (a capsule that extends high over the deck, providing incredible views), and even bumper cars. Piloting a new program called Dynamic Dining, Anthem forgoes the traditional grand dining room for a rotating schedule of intimate restaurant-like experiences at no additional charge. On its inaugural Thanksgiving voyage (departing Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on November 22 for an eight-night Bahamas cruise), expect roast turkey with all the fixings served at the ship’s complimentary Dynamic Dining options, and seasonal arts and crafts for the younger set.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Royal Caribbean Guide

Celebrity Cruises

Don’t be fooled by the luxurious touches on Celebrity Reflection—Celebrity’s newest and biggest ship was built with families in mind. It’s easy to see why this vessel is the pride of the Celebrity fleet, with its state-of-the-art Lawn Club featuring real grass (perfect for a family picnic), premium AquaClass Suites that can connect to accommodate large groups, and a kids' area on Deck 15 with three clubs for passengers ranging in age from three to seventeen. The XClub for teenagers hosts a number of daily events that make the most of the ship with scavenger hunts, sports tournaments, and karaoke. When it comes to Thanksgiving onboard Celebrity Reflection (departs Miami November 21 for a seven-night sailing around the Caribbean), make sure you plan to eat with the whole family at Opus, the ship’s main dining room, where a special holiday menu awaits.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Celebrity Cruises Guide

Norwegian Cruise Line

If you’re looking for the newest ship this Thanksgiving, book a trip on the Norwegian Escape, which will make its maiden voyage in late October (Thanksgiving sailing departs Miami November 21 for a seven-night cruise). Promising to be Norwegian’s most deluxe cruise experience to date, expect fleet-wide firsts for the family throughout this freshly minted floating city. More adventurous families will enjoy Food Republic (additional charge), where a tabletop iPad menu includes a world of flavors, from Peru to Japan, and the first-ever Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea, where island fare like burgers and blended drinks is a win for the whole family. As for the big Thanksgiving meal, head to Taste, the main dining room, where carved turkey, mashed potatoes, and plenty of cranberry sauce is the featured entrée of the evening, finished off with Norwegian’s signature Pumpkin Pie Martini.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Norwegian Cruise Line Guide

Disney Cruise Line

Holidays bring out the best in Disney magic onboard the company's cruises, with this line distinguishing itself with special voyages called Very MerryTime cruises. For the optimal Thanksgiving Very MerryTime cruise (departs Port Canaveral, Florida, November 21 for a seven-night sailing), bring the whole family onboard Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney fleet. The ship transforms with holiday décor as Disney characters appear in holiday-themed costumes throughout the special day. Expect turkey dinners in the main dining rooms, with the chance to digest on the top deck with fresh air and NFL games broadcast on jumbo LED screens. And when you’re ready to turn in for the night, a turkey towel creation awaits!

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Disney Cruise Line Guide

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10 Most Unusual Landmarks in the U.S. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Forget Mount Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty—some landmarks are a little bit more unique (and off the beaten path) than others. But that doesn’t make them any less interesting. If you’re looking for something a little different the next time a road trip takes you across the country, make a stop at one of these quirky spots, some of which are truly beautiful, some kitschy, and some downright bizarre. From Kansas to California, here are America’s ten most unusual landmarks.

by Zachary Laks

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America's Most Scenic Roads http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With a stunningly diverse range of landscapes and climates, the U.S. is filled with countless scenic roads from coast to coast. Mountains, valleys, forests, canyons, coastlines—you’ll see all of these and more when you embark on the best drives in the country. Though you can find beautiful stretches of highway just about anywhere you look, we’ve picked out the most beautiful ones, which will take you through the most thrilling landscapes around the U.S. Get ready to be inspired by our journey across America’s most scenic roads.

by Zachary Laks

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Europe's 15 Best Second Cities http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

When it comes to traveling across Europe, most tourists come equipped with a checklist of must-see places: London, Paris, and Rome, among others. Meanwhile, lesser-known cities remain under the radar for most travelers—but bypassing these “second cities” would be a mistake, as these destinations offer distinctive cultures and histories that are worth experiencing firsthand. From a quaint, medieval Latvian town with stunning 13th-century architecture to a vibrant Greek coastal city with friendly locals and fresh fish, these cities prove that “second” doesn’t always mean “second best.” Here are our picks for Europe’s best second cities.

By Emily Wasserman

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20 Places to See Abroad Before You Die http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It’s a big world out there—so big that it can be daunting to decide what international destinations to visit in the course of a lifetime. From natural wonders to man-made masterpieces, from wildlife to cityscapes, the choices are seemingly endless. Don’t let indecision get you down, or worse, delay the planning of your next trip. We’ve whittled it down to twenty amazing places to see abroad before you die. Pick one or pick them all—you can’t go wrong.

By Jayme Moye

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World's 20 Most Stunning Libraries http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Over the centuries, kings, presidents, monks, and other luminaries have constructed libraries as more than mere book repositories, but as symbols of knowledge, power, and wealth. Many of their structures propose commanding architecture and some even house works of art and cultural treasures. Here are twenty of the world’s most stunning libraries, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mountains of South Korea to the modern incarnation of the legendary library of ancient Alexandria.

by Laura Itzkowitz

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World's 10 Best Aerial Views http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

There’s a world full of spectacular views out there, but some of the most jaw-dropping vistas can only be enjoyed from the sky. A view from above offers an alluring and unique perspective of almost any setting, adding an extra dimension to that “wow” factor. Whether you're gliding over thunderous Victoria Falls by Microlight, soaring over the Belize Barrier Reef by helicopter, or drifting over the plains of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon at dawn, aerial views can create some of the best memories of a lifetime. Take your pick from our list of the ten best in the world.

By Anisha Shah

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World's Best Destinations for Solo Travelers http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Traveling alone is no longer taboo. In fact, it's now trendy to go on trips alone, as more and more people are discovering the freedom of exploring a new place on their own terms. At the same time, community groups, meet-ups, and a vast wealth of online and digital resources have made it easier than ever to hit the road solo. From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the sultry beaches of Belize, many destinations are friendly to independent travelers. Still undecided? Here are some tips on destinations known to be safe and where to look in each. Happy solo travels!

by Anisha Shah

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10 Best Stargazing Sites in the U.S. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Experiencing the full brilliance of a starry night sky is no longer a given when you step outside. Even on the clearest nights, artificial light from cities obscures the natural darkness, making nighttime skies look a lot less majestic than they should. Across the country, however, there are still vast swathes of wilderness that retain the natural lightscape. In these ten destinations, you're sure to be awestruck as you gaze up at the jaw-droppingly beautiful skies above.

by Jayme Moye

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20 Best Day Trips in the U.S. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, one of the best things to do in a city is escape for a while. And sometimes all you need is a day to recharge, which is why we’ve selected 20 outstanding trips that only take an hour or two from the country’s major cities. Beautiful islands, stunning state parks, and charming towns await you outside the city limits, so get ready to hop in the car or catch a train to these places that offer a welcome change of scenery.

by Christina Valhouli

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Europe's 10 Most Epic Hiking Trails http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Thrilling heights, breathtaking scenery, challenging landscapes—the world’s best hiking trails have something for everyone. And there’s no better collection of trails than those that wend their way through Europe, tracing nearly every type of terrain imaginable, from the fjords of Scandinavia to the peaks of the Alps. While many trails on the Continent are worthy of considerations, this list contains only the most iconic, dramatic, and beautiful hikes. None of these routes are necessarily easy to tackle, but the challenge is part of the fun.

by Jayme Moye

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10 Best Halloween Celebrations in the U.S. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Halloween’s emergence as a cultural mainstay is a testament to the fun, freewheeling spirit of the holiday. Across the country, cities celebrate the ghost and ghoul season with festivals where you’ll find remarkable pageants of costumes, haunted tours, and spooky rituals. Summon spirits, raise a pint to the haunted shadows of the night, and seek delight as the nation plays dress up for the day.

By Zachary Laks

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10 Spooky Spots for a Ghostly Encounter http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With Halloween on the horizon, how about a seasonal getaway where you might see something far more memorable than fall foliage? Consider these spooky spots around the world, where the eerie encounters that have reportedly taken place include full-bodied apparitions of former royalty, ghostly orbs, mysterious echoes of cannon fire from bygone centuries, and even a phantom truck that terrorizes drivers. No matter which you visit, you’re guaranteed some spirited sightseeing.

By Blane Bachelor

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13 Spooky Underground Attractions http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Meandering the streets of a new city is a great way to feel its pulse, but have you ever considered what's right below your feet? These thirteen underground, man-made attractions, scattered around the globe, boast spectacular histories as former dwellings, burial grounds, and even smugglers' tunnels. And you can bet they're more than a little creepy. You'll want to make sure you dress warmly for all of them (no matter when you visit), and be sure to arrive armed with a steely constitution.

By Amanda Oppold

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Where to Go for Thanksgiving 2015 http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Why spend another Thanksgiving watching football on the sofa in a tryptophan-induced food coma when you could be out exploring the world? Whether you want to experience the holiday in a different way or laze on a warm beach and forget about it altogether, late November can be a great time to get out of town and try something new. From warm Caribbean islands to wintry European wonderlands, we’ve rounded up twenty places where you can have a memorable Thanksgiving—with or without the turkey.

By Deb Hopewell

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Where to Eat in NYC: Fall 2015 Edition http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Fall is the time of year in New York City when the cultural calendar kicks into high gear, and restaurants follow suit as well. Following the relatively slow summer months, September kicks off the season with a flurry of new dining options, and this year is no exception. This fall’s highlights include a throwback to chef Jonathan Waxman’s early career, a buzzed-about new spot from the red-hot Major Food Group empire, and a ninth Blue Ribbon establishment from the Bromberg brothers. From uptown to downtown and over to Brooklyn, here’s where we’ll be eating in New York this fall.

By Kate Donnelly

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Where to Go for Thanksgiving 2015 http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Why spend another Thanksgiving watching football on the sofa in a tryptophan-induced food coma when you could be out exploring the world? Whether you want to experience the holiday in a different way or laze on a warm beach and forget about it altogether, late November can be a great time to get out of town and try something new. From warm Caribbean islands to wintry European wonderlands, we’ve rounded up twenty places where you can have a memorable Thanksgiving—with or without the turkey.

By Deb Hopewell

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Food Lover's Guide to Basque Country http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Madrid and Barcelona may wow the masses with world-class museums and iconic landmarks, but to tap into Spain’s culinary nerve center, you must head north to the Basque Country, the green, hilly region that boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, not to mention some of Spain’s most prestigious vineyards. Given the area's reputation, you might assume that the best Basque meals are exclusive events punctuated by luxurious amuse-bouches served on demitasse spoons. But as locals will tell you, Basque food isn’t just for sybarites with deep pockets: From the laidback pintxos (Basque tapas) bars in San Sebastián, to the boisterous cider houses of Gipuzkoa, to the family-owned Txakoli vineyards on the Cantabrian coast, the Basque Country has something for every type of food lover. Here are our top picks for what you can't miss when visiting the region.

By Benjamin Kemper

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Halloween Country: Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, New York http://ift.tt/1OZDlin

By Lisa Van Allen

If there's one quintessential American ghost story, a good case could be made for Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Never mind how the original Headless Horseman story has morphed over the years from cute and spooky into occult and gory—as in Fox's series Sleepy Hollow. The story is as integral as any to Halloween, so there's no better place to celebrate the holiday than Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, New York, the towns where the legend takes place.

A quick train ride brings visitors twenty-five miles outside of New York City, where this bustling suburban grid sits on the banks of the wide, blue Tappan Zee. Come autumn, the area's historic estates don their Devil's Night best and put on countless Halloween celebrations for every taste.

Any visit to Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow should start with a trip to see Washington Irving's quaint, ivy-choked cottage called Sunnyside—after all, he's the guy who started it all. Keep your eyes peeled and you just might see his ghost peering through a dark window, possibly pining for his lost love.

From there head to nearby Lyndhurst, the estate of nineteenth-century railroad baron Jay Gould. Lyndhurst has been the setting for many a spooky movie and TV show, including House of Dark Shadows, a staple for fans of vampire horror. Even if you're not into this year's seaonal offering, "Jay Ghoul's House of Curiosities: Lyndhurst, The Disenchanted Castle," the estate's architecture alone is worth the price of admission, as the mansion is regarded as one of the best examples of Gothic Revival in the U.S. Notably, the estate is really the only venue in the area that offers daytime Halloween tours, which are a bit less spooky than the nighttime offerings.

If you've only got a couple hours to kill, no Halloween adventure into Headless Horseman country would be complete without a visit to the Old Dutch Church and the adjoining Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. There, the Headless Horseman rose from Washington Irving's imagination and famously chased Ichabod Crane through the haunted glen. There are tours for every interest—from nighttime lantern tours that conjure real-life stories of murder and madness to daytime perambulations that focus on Irving and the Sleepy Hollow legend. While you're there, try to attend an event inside the Old Dutch Church. Built in the late seventeenth century, the quaint interior offers no electricity or heat, just candles and a stove—perfect for master storyteller Jonathan Kruk's colorful rendition of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

With so much to do, you'll have to keep your energy up. The good news is there are lots of places to eat and drink. For a local haunt, hop on line for a gyro at Lefteris on Broadway. If beer is your thing, you'll love the huge selection and polished wood bar at The Bridgeview Tavern.

For a luxurious dinner you'll never forget, head just outside Sleepy Hollow to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, an elegant farm-to-table restaurant set in the heart of an environmentally progressive, working farm. There, massive stone structures inspired by Normandy folk architecture will win you over even before you sit down to eat. You can also take advantage of the fabulous Blue Hill Café during the day. But don't expect a table: just stake a claim on a picnic bench and chat up some locals. If you time it right, the sky will be blue, the October air sweet and crisp—and you'll eat your gourmet lunch out of a brown paper box, surrounded by the fields where your kale and squash were growing not too long ago.

Finally, if you've spent a fair amount of your time in weatherworn graveyards or at haunted houses like The Horseman's Hollow at Philipsburg Manor, you might need a moment to reflect. In that case, go seek a moment of solitude at one of my favorite but perhaps less visited spots in the area: Union Church of Pocantico Hills. For a few bucks, you can sit in one of the pews, ponder infinity, and gaze on a poignant collection of stained glass windows by Marc Chagall—not to mention Henri Matisse's very last work of art.

Or, just hunt down some more Halloween—because there's lots more to be had. Go get shivers up your spine gazing on the 5,000+ art-carved pumpkins at The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze. Go on a hayride. Go sip hot apple cider and watch a parade. You might not get to do everything that Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow have to offer in one weekend—but it will be fun trying!

Lisa Van Allen is the author of The Wishing Thread (Ballantine), a story of magic, sisterhood, knitting, and folklore in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.

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America�s Best Pumpkin Festivals http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

For some, the start of fall means that it's officially pumpkin spice latte season, but there are other ways to enjoy everyone's favorite gourd. This time of the year, you can find pumpkins for sale everywhere from city markets to roadside stands, but why not make a day of it? Across the country, farms are celebrating the season with family-friendly festivals where you'll find all the pumpkins, freshly baked desserts, and hay rides you could ever wish for. Get ready to layer up, lace up your boots, and make a trip to one of Americas’ best pumpkin festivals.

By Zachary Laks

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10 Most Haunted Bars in America http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

There are bars with unique clienteles all across the U.S., but some play host to some more interesting patrons than you'll find anywhere else: ghosts, spirits, and shades. With Halloween approaching, what better way to experience a haunting night than by being surrounded with spirits of the alcoholic and ghostly varieties? Here we’ve collected ten of our favorite and most colorful bars around the country that are reportedly haunted by some colorful characters. Pull up a bar stool, grab a drink, and try not break into a cold sweat as you imbibe with the dearly departed.

By Clint Lanier and Derek Hembree

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What to Drink in Cape Town (Besides Wine) http://ift.tt/1L3zURK

There's a pretty good chance that when you think of drinking in South Africa, your thoughts turn immediately to wine. Who could blame you: South African wine country—a fertile area located primarily around Cape Town—is not only visually spectacular, but is also quickly bolstering its winemaking reputation, which includes its own varietal, Pinotage. But try as he might, man cannot live on wine alone, and rich soil and terroir of South Africa refuses to be singularly defined. Here are some of the other drinks—alcoholic and non—that play a part in South African culture, plus where you can find them in Cape Town. Drink them in good health.

Amarula

There are images floating around the Internet of ostensibly tipsy elephants, wobbly on their feet after ingesting the fermented fruit of the tall, leafy Sub-Saharan marula tree. Scientists have debunked the myth of the drunk elephant, but we can still anthropomorphize to our heart’s content. Or join in the fun by drinking Amarula, a sweet and peppery cream liqueur made from the fruit of the tree, which is first hand-harvested before its juice is double-distilled in oak casks. Launched in 1989, Amarula is now a favorite of South Africans and is even used in the nationalistic Springbokkie shot, comprised of a layer of crème de menthe and a layer of Amarula, which is designed to mimic South African rugby colors of green and gold (The South African rugby team is called the Springboks after the indigenous antelope-gazelle). It’s a popular drink but not necessarily readily found on menus, so don't be afraid to ask for it anywhere fine drinks are sold. A good place to start is the Odyssey Gastropub—the first of its kind in Cape Town—with a locally sourced food menu, a TV that shows those rugby games, and weekly live music.

Gin

Gin is said to have made its way down to South Africa during the British colonial period, when soldiers used tonic water to guard themselves from malaria. The quinine proved too bitter to be imbibed straight, so they balanced it with hefty pours of gin. And so a gin-and-tonic culture was born, and today there are quite a few distilleries in South Africa churning out brands of gin like Old Buck, Jorgenson's, the aromatic Musgrave's and the popular Invarrosche, which comes in three versions including a lovely fynbos-infused amber (fynbos is an indigenous plant found in the Western Cape). It's easy to find a gin and tonic in Cape Town, but should you desire variety of the spirit, head to Mother’s Ruin on Bree Street, a dedicated bar where you’ll find over 150 gins, eight or more tonics, and about fifteen different types of garnishes daily to mix and match to your heart's content. Another favorite is the The Gin Bar, hidden behind Honest Chocolate Café and sometimes called "Secret Gin Bar" for its location.

Beer

Even before imbibing pints became a way of life for the Springbok-loving rugby set, South Africans have been big on beer. The native Sotho, Zulu, and Xhosa tribes, for example, have always brewed and consumed sorghum beers—made from sorghum, maize, maize malt, yeast, and water—in traditional ceremonies. While South African Breweries is the largest producer of beer in the country, including brands like Castle and Carling, South Africa has also become the home to over three dozen microbreweries in recent years. Show up in the fall for the annual Cape Town Festival of Beer, with over 200 local and international craft beers, brewing demonstrations, and beer tours. At any other time of year, stop off at the Beerhouse on Long for an extensive collection of local and international brews—99 bottles of beer on the wall to be exact—plus twenty-five beers on tap, with a food menu designed to sop up the damage, including South Africa's famous "bunny chow." For an immersive experience, hit Devil’s Peak Brewing Company, where the beer is brewed in-house, with behind-the-scenes tours available. The brewery's restaurant, the Taproom goes all out, serving hops-laced items like a Woodhead Amber Ale-infused pulled pork sandwich, which can be enjoyed alongside expansive views of the namesake Devil's Peak.

Brandy and Coke

Next to beer, arguably the second-most popular drink in South Africa is the brandy and Coke. (It even has its own Facebook page!) If you’re going to partake in the tradition, the brand matters. While there are are plenty of excellent brandies to choose from—try self-styling a tour along the Western Cape Brandy Route—South Africans eschew higher-quality liquors for the rougher Klipdrif, ordering the colloquial “Klippie and Coke.” Locals also refer to this combination as "karate water," for the moves you’ll try to pull after downing a few. Order it wherever drinks are sold or rugby-watching has reached a fervor.

Rock Shandy

This sparkling non-alcoholic cooler is another holdover from colonial times, where the simple concoction of lemonade (or lime juice), soda (or sparkling) water, and a dash of Angostura bitters was a refreshing way to beat the heat. In Cape Town, you'll find a thirst-quenching version served up in a tall glass at the celebrated tapas restaurant Chef's Warehouse and Canteen. Sit outside for views of bustling Bree Street, and while you're there, don’t forget to say hello to Bailey the dog.

Rooibos

Rooibos, the “red bush,” is a unique herb grown in the Western Cape of South Africa, traditionally brewed into a mild, non-caffeinated tea that's high in antioxidants and taken for its health benefits. To try the super brew, head to the Myatt Café and Chocolatier on the V&A Waterfront, where you’ll find both straight, organic rooibos and flavored versions alongside a variety of delicious cakes and pastries. For a cocktail with health benefits, make a reservation at the popular speakeasy-esque Orphanage Cocktail Emporium and order the More Tea Vicar, combining vanilla vodka, roobois syrup, cranberry, and lemon and served with a rooibos-lemon jelly in a delicate, flower-patterned tea cup. You can feel good about this purchase in more ways than one: Proceeds benefit the St. Francis Children's Home, founded in 1919 as an orphanage, and also where the bar derived its name. 

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How to Have the Sistine Chapel All to Yourself http://ift.tt/1OdDJK7

The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s greatest treasures—but having an enjoyable visit there is rare. Some six million visitors pass through the chapel each year to see Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes; at peak times of year, as many as 2,000 people are allowed inside the chapel at once. Being in the presence of so many others may cause you to have some less-than-holy thoughts about your fellow travelers; taking photographs and speaking are forbidden, though many visitors do both, as it’s impossible for a crowd of that size to be controlled. Regardless, every few minutes a guard will announce on a loudspeaker, “Atenzione, no photos, please be silent,” which momentarily quiets the throng before the hubbub starts up again. Meanwhile, with everyone staring up at the ceiling, bumping into other people is inevitable as you walk around the chapel. The experience brings to mind a chicken coop: crowded, chaotic, and noisy—hardly ideal conditions for viewing some of the finest artwork from the Renaissance.

The situation isn’t likely to improve anytime soon. Travel to Rome has increased more than 13% since 2013, the year Pope Francis was elected, according to American Express Travel. Earlier this year, His Holiness announced the Jubilee (also known as a Holy Year) of Mercy, which will take place December 8, 2015–November 20, 2016. The last Jubilee, which took place in 2000, brought 25 million pilgrims to Rome; this Holy Year is expected to attract as many as 33 million, many of whom undoubtedly will be planning to see the Sistine Chapel.

Don’t let the hordes deter you—there are several ways to improve your Sistine Chapel experience.

First of all, you should never wait in the public line to enter the Vatican Museums, where the chapel is located; by booking tickets on the official website, you are allowed to skip the line, which can have a wait time of up to three hours. If you don’t book tickets in advance, you’ll find the shortest lines between 12pm and 2pm, or during a Papal Mass. Even when lines to enter are short or nonexistent, however, you’ll still find a sizeable crowd inside the Sistine Chapel.

A second option is to book entry through a tour company, which will also allow you to skip the public line, use the dedicated tour-group entrance, and enter the Vatican Museums an hour before the general public is admitted at 9am. However, it’s important to note that more than 200 operators share this entrance, so unless you’re first in line, it’s possible that you will still have to wait for up to an hour depending on the time of day.

For a truly unforgettable experience, there is a third option, and this one is the best. There are only three companies designated as official Vatican Museums partners, and these operators are allowed to enter twenty minutes before non-partner tour groups, which is also 80 minutes before the general public enters the museums. One of the official partners is an Italian bus-tour operator, another is a luxury company that plans every aspect of your trip—neither of which is a feasible option if you aren’t visiting multiple cities in Italy or you don’t want to pay a high price tag.

The third operator, City Wonders, is perfect if you’re planning your own trip to Rome and don’t want to commit to anything more than early access to the chapel. (Founded in 2004, City Wonders is a well-respected tour operator with dozens of offerings in Rome and Vatican City, and many more in other parts of Italy as well as London and Paris.) Their Sistine Chapel Express tour (from $54.64 for adults, $49.06 for children) allows its small group of up to twenty people to be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel when it opens around 8 am.

On a recent Saturday morning, I experienced this tour myself. We met at 7:30am outside the entrance and put on audio headsets that allowed our guide to speak to us through a microphone rather than shouting. By 7:40, my group (less than ten people) went through security and was the first to enter the museums. We took a shortcut and swiftly made our way to the entrance of the Sistine Chapel, dumbstruck by the fact that we were the only people wandering through the gorgeous halls and galleries. Shortly after 8am, we were permitted to enter, and as I walked into the completely empty chapel, there weren’t even guards present yet.

Words can’t fully express the sense of wonder I felt. Only the day before, I’d made an afternoon visit to the chapel and found the crowds and noise so miserable that I could barely enjoy Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Now, in the company of just a handful of others, the complete silence allowed me to fully appreciate the majesty of the space and the artwork. Even when other groups started to trickle in, the experience wasn’t altered—it turned out that everyone who’d spent money and woken up early to beat the crowds was respectful of the chapel and its rules. It felt strange knowing that, perhaps only an hour later, the room would be crowded with tourists trying to secretly take selfies.

The guide may quietly discuss the history of the Sistine Chapel via the headsets, but I’d recommend reading up in advance and taking the headphones out so you can enjoy the silence. The Sistine Chapel Express tour does not include a guided tour of the rest of the Vatican Museums, but once you are finished in the chapel—and you are welcome to stay as long as you like—you’re free to independently explore everything else, which can easily fill the majority of a day. Considering that general admission to the Vatican Museums costs 16 euros (currently $17.90), which means the premium you pay for early access to the chapel is just over $36. That’s not peanuts, but it’s a small price to pay for experiencing one of the most beautiful man-made spaces in the world, essentially, by yourself.

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5 Mexican Hotels and Resorts Where You Can Celebrate the Day of the Dead http://ift.tt/1OdDJJW

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead (October 31–November 2), is a time when Mexican people honor their deceased loved ones in hopes that their spirits will return to their families during this two-day celebration each year. Traditionally, people build private altars and visit graves with gifts such as sugar skulls and marigolds. With colorful, Carnival-like traditions, delicious foods, and art-filled experiences, it’s no wonder why the Mexican holiday has fascinated people from all over the world.

Hotels and resorts in Mexico are beginning to capitalize on visitors coming for a visit during the festivities, and are doing all they can to provide authentic experiences to share the traditions and culture that are most commonly associated with the Day of the Dead. Below are five Mexican hotels and resorts that are offering unique opportunities to explore this rich and vibrant Mexican holiday. 

Sandos Caracol, Riviera Maya

Taking great pride in the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead holiday, Sandos Caracol offers a series of demonstrative and interactive events for guests on November 1 and 2, in order to truly provide a cultural learning experience. The most important element during the festivities is the display of Day of the Dead altars, created by various teams at the resort and displayed throughout the property for guests to visit. A traditional Mexican cemetery is also created and customary music, food, and prayers are offered as candles are lit in a stunning display of Mexican tradition.

Each evening of the celebration, a spread of traditional fare including tamales, mole sauce, holiday breads, and Mexican candies made of pumpkin, tamarind coconut and amaranth is offered. A candle tribute also takes place, during which guests can light and release candles to honor their own loved ones. In addition, there is a Sandos Catrina Parade each evening, as well as a fire show ceremony. Two performances highlighting two very important legends about culture and ancient beliefs also take place during the celebrations. The Day of the Dead celebration is part of the resort’s signature Xcalacoco Experience, a program designed to pay homage to the local heritage.

Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende

This trend-setting contemporary boutique hotel, located in the heart of 500-year old San Miguel de Allende, will be continuing their tradition with the fourth annual Black Dinner, conjured up by renowned chef Martha Ortiz, who has been described as Mexico’s queen of epicurean theater and culinary mysticism. The 2015 dinner event has been themed “Painted in Black” and will evoke a continuous lifeline from the past to present. This year’s menu is inspired by the spirits of Ortiz’s ancestors, with dishes like marigolds with scrapings of sweet zapote fruit, spirographs of black-and-vanilla mole, blue-corn gorditas with purslane and roasted avocado, and habanero chile with ashes.

The Black Dinner will be held at Hotel Matilda on October 31, 2015 and will be a highlight of the many Day of the Dead celebrations in San Miguel de Allende, which include the La Calaca Festival, a free participatory art and cultural event which takes place over four days and promotes the traditions and themes of the Day of the Dead.

Viceroy Zihuatanejo

The three-day celebration at the Viceroy Zihuatanejo begins on October 31 with an art exhibit and reception that will provide guests with the opportunity to meet internationally known Mexican artist José Antonio Madrazo, who will exhibit a special collection. Additionally, a dinner buffet at La Villa Restaurant will be accompanied with a pre-Hispanic dance performance, live music, and dancing. The following days will also have special Day of the Dead–themed menus as well as special performances. Mixologists at the bars around the property will also be preparing a variety of “bloody” cocktails, and the kitchen will be baking homemade pan de muerto, a traditional bread served during the holiday period, and will be included as part of the complimentary morning in-room coffee service. A traditional Day of the Dead altar with photos, skulls, and other themed elements will also be on display, as well as a large sand sculpture that will be in front of La Marea, the hotel’s open-air beachfront restaurant.

Casa Colonial, Oaxaca

Located just south of the capital city, the state of Oaxaca is known for its festive Day of the Dead traditions and celebrations. Accordingly, Casa Colonial offers a Day of the Dead tour. What was a former hacienda is now a bed and breakfast, and the property is run by an expat who has been giving tours in the area since 1988. Tours are open to the public and can also be bundled up as a package deal with hotel stays. The intimate tour includes a midnight vigil, the making of a traditional Day of the Dead altar, visits to ancient ruins and folk art villages, shopping at indigenous markets, Oaxacan cuisine and visits to local museums and cathedrals.

Grand Velas, Riviera Maya

This five-star resort located on the Yucatán Peninsula is offering Day of the Dead packages (October 18–November 16) that include a variety of activities and services. As part of the experience at Grand Velas, guests will enjoy a Mexican cooking class led by the resort’s executive chef, Ricardo de la Vega, followed by a private dinner; tequila and mezcal tastings are also included. Additionally, tickets to the eco-archaeological part of Xcaret for the Festival of Life and Death are provided, and visitors will experience the Hanal Pixan ritual (food for the souls), as well as skull making, art exhibitions and artistic performances. A $50 spa credit is also included and guests can take advantage of some unique treatments such as the Bacal Massage, Coffee and Cocoa Experience, and the Mayan Jade Facial, which are part of the spa’s “Journey Through Ancient Mexico” menu.

David Duran is a Brooklyn-based luxury, hospitality, culinary and overall freelance travel writer who contributes to such publications as Jetsetter, The Huffington Post, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, and Travel+Leisure among others. When not traveling for work, he is planning his personal travel.

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5 Outstanding Spa Treatments in Maui http://ift.tt/1OdDIpk

No matter how long your vacation, the island of Maui is a place to relax, and there’s no better way to enjoy your experience than with a unique spa indulgence. With so many top resorts competing to offer one-of-a-kind treatments, visitors to this beautiful island will find a wide array of pampering options at some of the world’s top spas, which you can visit even if you’re not lodging at their properties. Below are five outstanding spa experiences that can only be found on Maui.

Spa Helani, The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

Introduced this year, the Ocean Ritual at Spa Helani is a treatment that begins with the “Wave of Purity” aquatic scrub, which exfoliates the entire body. What follows is a “Neo-Vital Massage,” which reproduces the movements of the sea as the therapist uses fabric pouches filled with Dead Sea salts, which are heated and used during the massage. The next step of the ritual is the tingling “Marine Renewal” algae mousse, a self-heating wrap with stimulating and regenerating Spiruline and Laminaria algae powder. The experience concludes with an application of the Ocean Memory Cream.

Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin, opened its 10,000-square-foot facility in 2008. The full-service spa features thirteen treatment rooms, including three couples-massage suites, steam rooms, separate indoor relaxation lounges for men and women, as well as a shared outdoor lounge. The menu of services includes massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures as well as signature treatments.

Awili Spa, Andaz Maui

The Omakase Blending Experience is fully customized from beginning to end. The first step upon arrival is meeting with an apothecary consultant to custom-blend a product for the guest's spa treatment. Guests are taught the healing properties and benefits of each oil, tincture, and serum, in addition to fragrances and essential oils. Some of the more unique selections include locally sourced ingredients such as Kava Kava, plantain, hibiscus, and coffee-berry. Once the selections have been made, guests can enjoy a massage utilizing the product. Almost every therapist at the spa is double-certified and can customize a treatment based on ailments, symptoms, or special requests.

Awili Spa was inspired by a Hawaiian apothecary. The apothecary lounge is in the heart of the 14,000-square-foot facility, which has ten treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a tranquility pool, and men’s and women’s relaxation rooms, each with a sauna, steam room and heated plunge pool.

Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

The Nalu (Wave) Suite features one of only four WaveMotion Tables in the U.S. This treatment table moves in rhythmic motions and creates a deeply relaxing experience. Sensations of floating on the water are emulated on this table, which tilts, rotates, and rocks to create a weightless sensation. Therapists take advantage of the table’s three-dimensional movements to use joint-release techniques.

Fairmont Kea Lani’s 9,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa, combines Maui-sourced products with ancient Hawaiian traditions, as well as the latest in spa technology. Signature services include the Wailele (Waterfall) Suite offering Vichy shower treatments with infrared technology. The spa was recently recognized as Hawaii’s ‘Top Hotel Spa.’

Spa Grande, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

The luxurious 20 Hands Duo Massage is only recommended for experienced spagoers due to the overwhelming stimulation of having ten hands massaging you at once. This couples' massage is experienced together, with each person having five therapists tend to their body. One therapist focuses on the scalp, one each on the lower left and lower right side of the body and two on the upper portion of the body. A Swedish massage is performed in unison to conclude this one-of-a-kind treatment.

Spa Grande is one of the first spas to cohesively balance between traditions of East, West, and Hawaii. Eastern therapies focus on internal wellness with the assistance of herbs while services from the West focus more on new technologies. The traditions of Hawaii are achieved through integration of nature and culture.

Heavenly Spa, Westin Maui Resort & Spa

The refreshing Hualani Hawaiian Fruit Scrub uses Hualani products with essential oils such as coconut, kukui nut, and macadamia nut to help exfoliate and hydrate the skin. The treatment begins with the Vichy shower, which uses seven shower heads to spray water from head to toe. The scrub includes a gentle sugar-cane exfoliation infused with coconut oil, pineapple, and passion fruit essences. The treatment concludes with a Hualani Body Crème, which leaves the skin feeling silky and looking radiant.

The Heavenly Spa by Westin has a luxurious oceanfront setting with views of Kaanapali Beach. The full-service spa spans over 15,000 square-feet and has sixteen treatment rooms, including two couples-massage suites, each with a whirlpool. A hair and beauty salon as well as an oceanfront outdoor cabana are part of this beautiful spa.

David Duran is a Brooklyn-based luxury, hospitality, culinary and overall freelance travel writer who contributes to such publications as Jetsetter, The Huffington Post, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, and Travel+Leisure among others. When not traveling for work, he is planning his personal travel.

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5 Reasons to Go to the Tarn http://ift.tt/1Gptpqj

You’ll always have Paris, so why not explore the lesser-trodden regions of France? The department known as the Tarn, in the Midi-Pyrénées, is among the country’s loveliest areas, with a mosaic of vineyards and green hills making up a landscape dotted with medieval villages. There are, of course, dozens of reasons to explore this charming region, but these are the five most important ones.

Food and Wine

Gaillac may be the best wine region you’ve never heard of. This is the land of white varietals such as Mauzac, reds such as Gamay, and a method of producing sparkling wine that started long before anyone had heard of Champagne. Oenophiles travel the Route du Vins, with stops such as Causse Marines, a pioneering biodynamic vineyard; Vignes en Foule, a restaurant owned by a group of winemakers; and the Gaillac Wine Museum, set within a tenth-century abbey. Gastronomic experiences are just as abundant, with food markets every day of the week, including the popular Sunday farmers market in Saint Antonin Noble Val; artisanal cheesemakers such as La Fromagerie Marty in Cordes-sur-Ciel; and Michelin-star dining from celebrated chefs like Michel Bras, whose Café Bras in Rodez sits within the Musée Soulages. The best way to take it all in is to book a culinary-focused itinerary through Time Out in the Tarn, which organizes private tastings with winemakers, market tours, cooking classes, and meals at the area’s best restaurants.

Art

In addition to the modern art at the Musée Soulages, the Tarn is home to France’s largest collection of Spanish paintings, housed at the Musée Goya. The biggest draw for art lovers, however, is the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in the town of Albi, where Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born. The museum holds the largest collection of the post-impressionist artist’s work, with more than 1000 pieces, including his famous theater posters. For a little something more unusual, the Musée Les Arts du Sucre et du Chocolat in Cordes-sur-Ciel features sculptures made from sugar and chocolate.

History

Some of France’s most fascinating medieval towns populate the region. Cordes-sur-Ciel, southwest France’s first fortified village, dates back to the thirteenth century. Each July, the town holds the Grand Fauconnier, a medieval festival where the townspeople and merchants dress in traditional garb and the streets come alive with the music of the Middle Ages, along with torch-lit processions. The town of Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the home of the breathtaking thirteenth-century cathedral Sainte-Cécile. And Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant girl, is an important site of religious history for Roman Catholic pilgrims.

Outdoor Activities

The landscape of the region lends itself to active travel, whether hiking Mont Barre to take in vast views of the valley, cycling around the lakes on the Pastel Road, or gazing up the canyons while kayaking down the picturesque Aveyron River. Freewheeling France is a great resource for cyclists, with information for self-guided and organized rides. Location Canoes offers canoeing and kayaking adventures on the river Tarn.

Cinematic Villages

The village of Saint Antonin Noble Val is a star, most recently as the charming backdrop of The Hundred-Foot Journey, starring Oscar-winner Helen Mirren. Take a good look at the locals—many served as extras in the film. Previously, the town was also the setting for the 2001 film Charlotte Gray, starring Cate Blanchett.

Where to Stay

Feel like the lord of your own manor at Domaine de Perches in Gaillac, a breathtaking chateau surrounded by vineyards. Guests can stroll the gardens, enjoy the pool, play tennis, and dine on fine local cuisine. The stone house dates to the seventeenth century, while the rooms and interior are luxurious and modern.

The charming bed and breakfast La Maison au Puis in Cordes sur Ciel sits just outside the medieval town. 5 cozy rooms and a lovely garden provide a homey setting for guests. Their “table d’hote,” three-course, wine-paired gourmet meals, are a must, as owners Christian Zeelen and Nico Thomassen are accomplished cooks.

A serial traveler who often lets a country’s cuisine dictate her itineraries, New York City-based writer Kathleen Squires has visited all 7 continents and over 60 countries, with stints living in London, Tokyo, and Buenos Aires. Her work also appears in The Wall Street Journal, Details, Saveur, Cooking Light and National Geographic Traveler.

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10 Best Specialty Dining Options on Cruises http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Dinner on a cruise has traditionally meant set dining hours and big banquet tables, but that experience isn’t ideal for every traveler. Fortunately, cruise lines are increasingly offering specialty dining options that bring a new standard of excellence to the seas. Though not included covered by the all-inclusive rate, these restaurants offer high-end, intimate dining experiences at reasonable prices. In addition, more and more ships now feature menus that have been created by celebrity chefs and include luxury ingredients like caviar and truffles. For your next cruise, consider skipping the banquet hall and making a reservation (at a time of your choosing!) at one of these outstanding cruise-ship restaurants.

By Zachary Laks

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