Kareem George at the Cape of Good Hope.
Happy Holidays!
We look forward to the New Year with much anticipation and wish you inspiring travels :)
This month we share our most anticipated hotel openings of 2024 along with an insightful review of Silversea's new Silver Nova by our Luxury Cruise Consultant, Suzanne Moore.
Japan was already a hot destination this year and its popularity continues to increase. Luxury Travel Advisor, Elizabeth Sherbin shares why she is looking forward to her family holiday trip. Is now the time to plan your visit to this enchanting land?
Cheers and safe travels!
Kareem
CEO, Culture Traveler, LLC
Anticipated Hotel Openings in 2024
We are excited to showcase several highly-anticipated hotels that will be opened in the next year...
The Ocean Pavilion at Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia- The bushfires that devastated South Australia’s Kangaroo Island in 2020 also destroyed one of the region’s most glamorous places to stay. 2024 will see the phoenix rising, as Southern Ocean Lodge reopens as one of Australia’s premier luxury resorts. The focus now is the future of tourism to the island, with a new-look luxury lodge that bears a similar footprint to the award-winning original and has striking views of the Southern Ocean. Its 25 suites all have this view, as does the ultra-premium Ocean Pavilion, atop the limestone cliffs. The restaurant is proud to use many products from the island.
Aerial view of Montage Cay
Montage Cay, Bahamas- This private-island resort will feature 50 all-suite accommodations and a limited collection of Montage Residences surrounded by the island’s seven white-sand beaches against the Sea of Abaco and the surrounding cays. A 47-slip marina accommodating vessels up to 110 feet will anchor the resort.
Exterior view Six Senses Kyoto
Six Senses Kyoto, Japan- Kyoto will mark Six Senses entry into Japan. With its meandering paths through tranquil gardens and feel-good spa, Six Senses Kyoto is within walking distance of the historic Gion district. Embodying a heady mix of no-filter landscapes, genuine hospitality and fascinating contrast of preserved ancient culture and ultra-modern shine, this new resort is as sensuous as it is enticing.
At the heart of the Florence Collegio lies a skylit indoor garden dotted with lemon trees
Florence Collegio alla Querce (Auberge Resorts Collection), Italy- A former cultural institution and boarding school, this luxury hotel will encompass three adjacent 16th-century buildings, including an original chapel and theatre. It will offer 82 rooms, including 20 suites and a 2,250-square-foot signature suite. Amenities include an outdoor pool, wine tasting room, spa and fitness center. Dining options will include a destination restaurant, a glass-enclosed garden room set amongst olive trees for daytime dining, a sophisticated bar and cigar lounge set in the former academic admissions office and an outdoor pool bar.
Cruise Review: Silversea Silver Nova
Silversea Silver Nova
Embarking on a journey across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean is no small feat, and when it comes to luxury cruising, expertise is key. Our resident luxury cruise consultant, Suzanne Moore, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having recently completed a 12-day transatlantic crossing that promises to unravel the secrets of unparalleled luxury at sea.
As the sleek Silversea Nova graces the horizon, her undeniable beauty signals not just the arrival of a new ship but the beginning of an exceptional experience for passengers.
Nova stands out not only in her aesthetic appeal but also in sheer size, surpassing her Silversea counterparts. With increased length, width, and expansive open spaces, she redefines luxury. The hallmark suites, now exclusively located on decks 6-9, create an intimate and private atmosphere. Redesigned for opulence, these suites boast spacious bathrooms with rich marble surfaces, fluffy towels, and Frette bathrobes. The beds, recognized as among the most comfortable at sea, come with a pillow menu, allowing passengers to choose their desired fluffiness. A cold bottle of bubbly upon arrival sets the tone for a luxurious journey, and the spacious verandas, coupled with the attentive butler service, provide the perfect setting to enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail. Accommodating 728 passengers, Nova surpasses the Muse class, solidifying SilverSea's commitment to a grander and more spacious journey.
The color scheme aboard Nova is a testament to sophistication—calm and inviting. Muted tones of beige, grey, and tan dominate, creating an ambiance of understated elegance. Plush and comfortable chairs invite relaxation, and the glass elevators on both sides of the ship provide not only convenience but also a novel experience, especially when traversing the open seas.
New menus have elevated Nova's dining experience. The S.A.L.T Kitchen, a culinary haven, has expanded to meet its growing popularity. Atlantide, sharing the same deck, has undergone a significant enlargement. Both restaurants offer a delightful culinary journey, showcasing the ship's commitment to exceptional dining. However, the downsizing of the beloved La Terrazza's buffet footprint and dinner menu on Deck 10 may disappoint those who cherished it on previous voyages.
Deck 10 is now home to the new Marquee restaurant, a fusion of the Grill and Spacanoppoli from previous ships. With its stunning outdoor space and breathtaking views, Marquee stands as a testament to luxury. Equipped with heaters and cashmere wool ponchos, it remains a delightful experience even in inclement weather. Marquee serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering an exquisite dining experience.
Silversea Nova features strategically placed bars, inviting passengers to savor cocktails while enjoying panoramic vistas. Each bar is a destination in itself, providing an intimate space to unwind and relish the moment.
Education is a cornerstone of the Nova experience. From bridge sessions to bingo, trivia, and interactive cooking and mixology classes on Deck 10 in the S.A.L.T Kitchen and the Salt Bar, passengers are immersed in a world of learning. One can discover the joys of Portuguese cooking and signature cocktails, enhancing the cruise with enriching experiences.
The Silversea Silver Nova is not merely a ship; it's a floating haven of luxury and exploration. Her beauty is the first layer of a multifaceted experience that unfolds with each step on board. As she gracefully sails through the seas, passengers are treated to a symphony of sophistication, culinary delights, and educational adventures—a journey unlike any other. Bon voyage!
On the Horizon: Japan
Luxury Travel Advisor Elizabeth Sherbin is embarking on a captivating winter adventure with her family to the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan. Drawn by a profound curiosity to explore a country seamlessly blending tradition and cutting-edge technology, the Sherbin family is set to discover the wonders of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Naoshima.
The family's itinerary is a carefully curated blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, technological marvels, unmatched hospitality, and the genuine warmth of the Japanese people. Their anticipation is palpable as they look forward to a journey that promises to be a sensory feast, embracing the multifaceted allure of Japan.
An integral part of their adventure revolves around the authentic cuisine Japan is renowned for. The meticulous presentation and exquisite flavors of seasonal foods make Japanese dining an art form in itself. One notable culinary highlight for the Sherbins will be a visit to Le Cafe V Ginza, a restaurant that epitomizes the fusion of tradition and modernity in its offerings.
Japan's appeal extends beyond its urban landscapes, beckoning those with a penchant for history, spirituality, and nature. For history enthusiasts, the plethora of temples and shrines offer a glimpse into Japan's rich past, while nature lovers find solace in the serene beauty of zen gardens and bamboo forests.
Kyoto, in particular, is a haven for those seeking tranquility amid nature. The city is adorned with enchanting zen gardens, meticulously designed to evoke a sense of peace and harmony. Bamboo forests, like the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, provide an immersive experience, with towering bamboo stalks creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Many visitors to Japan opt for a ryokan experience, immersing themselves in traditional Japanese hospitality. Ryokans, traditional inns, are known for their serene ambiance, tatami-mat rooms, and communal hot springs. This authentic stay allows guests to embrace Japan's cultural nuances, from tea ceremonies to wearing yukatas, fostering a deeper connection with the country's heritage.
For those aspiring to embark on their own personalized Japanese adventure, the Sherbins invite you to reach out. Whether you're captivated by history, enamored with nature, or enticed by the culinary arts, Japan offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be woven into your unique journey.
Message us for more information on crafting your bespoke Japan experience and let the Land of the Rising Sun unfold its wonders for you.
Mystery Photo: Where is This?
Can you discern the identity of this tropical island? Here's a clue: It stands as the birthplace of a distinguished figure in the founding history of the United States.
Contact us to submit your answer. The answer and winner will be announced in our January newsletter...
November's Mystery Photo: Mozambique
A Dhow boat sits on the surreal coastline of the old city of the island of Mozambique.
Mozambique was used as a harbor and trading center by Arab merchants between the 10th and 15th centuries before Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama landed on the island in 1498 and claimed it for Portugal.
The entire island was inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 for its unique architecture, a melding pot of Arab, Indian and Portuguese influences, which evolved over its long history as a trading hub.
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