Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Opens May 31

by | Mar 30, 2019 | Travel Bytes

Miramonte Indian Wells

One of the Southern California’s most popular annual culinary events returns May 31 – June 9 when the Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week (aka dineGPS) returns to the desert oasis.  Visitors and locals have a wide choice of luncheon and dinner prix fixe menus in a wide variety of settings ranging from bistros and gastropubs to casual, indoor/outdoor, trendy, ethnic, and fine dining.

Koutouki

Greater Palm Springs is comprised of nine distinct cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella.  DineGPS offers the perfect opportunity for food lovers of every persuasion to sample what’s new, what’s trending in many of the finest restaurants, and discover many of popular eateries across the Coachella Valley.  The 10-day event showcases special lunch menus of two courses for $15, $20 or $25, and dinner menus of three courses priced at $29, $39 and $49.  Some may offer wine pairings and/or supplemental dishes for an additional charge.  For the list of participating restaurants, visit www.dinegps.com.

Spencer’s

Launched in 2007, the annual event has grown from fewer than 30 to more than 100 restaurants.  A new feature this year is giving back to the community. For every reservation booked via the dineGPS website, $1 will be donated to FIND Food Bank which distributes 10+ million pounds of food assistance annually to an average 85,000 individuals across the Coachella Valley every month.  Each donated dollar provides seven meals.

Le Vallauris

Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the producing partner of Restaurant Week in collaboration with presenting sponsors Sysco™ and Agua Caliente Casinos. DineGPS is open to everyone and does not require tickets or passes to attend.  All supporters are encouraged to tag social media posts with #dineGPS and @dineGPS.

For more information, visit dineGPS website

 

Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Gastronomy, Grands Crus, Vineyards Highlight 2020 Megayacht Cruise

by | Feb 26, 2019 | Luxury Travel News

Partnering with Ducasse Conseli and Château Latour, Ponant is offering an exceptional 9-day cruise for foodies and oenophiles from Lisbon to Lorient aboard the luxurious megayacht l’Austral April 11-19, 2020.  Onboard festivities include two gala dinners prepared by chefs from Alain Ducasse’s restaurants, two Grand Cru tastings and wine conferences, and the onboard presence of the sommelier Eric Beaumard and the cheesemaker-affineur Bernard Antony.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites featured throughout the cruise start with the Tower of Belem and Monastery of the Hieronymites (Jeronimos Monastery) in your boarding port of Lisbon. First on the itinerary is Porto, capital of northern Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its fine wine. Next is Vizcaya Bridge in Bilbao near the celebrated La Rioja winemaking region. Following a cruise up the Gironde estuary to Pauillac, you’ll enjoy winetastings at some of the most magnificent vineyard estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux and Pauillac appellations.  Château Latour provides a storybook setting for the evening’s mooring and onboard dinner gala featuring innovative wine and dish pairings.

During two full days in Bordeaux, you will be immersed in the Aquitaine wine capital’s rich wine-making traditions with excursions to the Port of the Moon World Heritage Site, Cité du Vin museum, medieval village and château of Saint-Émilion, and other majestic area châteaux.  Last stop before disembarking at Lorient is Ile d’Aix, a popular crescent-shaped, two kilometer-long island of marshes, vines, cliffs, creeks, and perfect pastel houses with multi-colored shutters. You can also visit the village, World Heritage site of Fort Liédot, the Napoléon Museum and African Museum.

Ponant’s l’Austral is a sleek 132-passenger vessel blending traditional yacht elegance with innovative features to create the perfect mix of luxury chic and casual. Restaurant menus are inspired by Ducasse Conseil  which also oversees training of the chefs. The many personal touches and service complete the sophisticated, yet laid-back ambiance of a private yacht. Amenities include Hermès beauty products, Veuve Clicquot champagne, and top-of-the-line beauty treatments in its Sothys Spa.  Click here for a virtual tour.

For further details on the itinerary, visit Gastronomy, Grands Crus & VineyardsCruise      

Photos courtesy of Ponant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

African Travel Introduces Culinary Adventure in South Africa

by | Jan 15, 2019 | Travel Bytes

For epicures seeking to venture off the usual culinary itinerary, African Travel, Inc. is offering ‘A Taste of South Africa‘, a new 10-day luxury epicurean journey showcasing the best of South Africa.

Dedicated foodies who want to immerse themselves in local culture as well as savory flavors, fine wines, and scenic splendors will discover culinary attractions and farm-to-table flavors in Cape Town; savor the award-winning, world-class wines of Constantia and Franschhoek; and enjoy a luxury safari near Kruger National Park.

Highlights include:

  • Visit to Cape Town’s farmers’ markets with a specialist food guide introducing you to local bakers, fine-food purveyors, bakers, organic gardeners, grocers, trader and more
  • Exploration of the Constantia Valley, the oldest wine-producing region in the southern hemisphere and home to award-winning wine farms and some of the Cape’s finest restaurants
  • Guided tasting walk through the historic wine town of Stellenbosch
  • Babylonstoren, one of South Africa’s oldest Cape Dutch farms, for wine tasting
  • Sample olive oil at Tokara Wine Estate on the slopes of Simonsberg mountain
  • Discover some of the 52 wine farms and 48 restaurants in Franschhoek, one of the world’s top food and wine destinations
  • Winetastings at the elevated wine estates of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

‘A Taste of South Africa‘ concludes with three days at the internationally-renowned Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve which has one of the highest densities of wildlife per acre. Take morning and afternoon game drives, sip sundowners in the bush, and enjoy dining at the luxurious Sabi Sabi Bush Camp Lodge.

Departures are scheduled throughout 2019. www.africantravelinc.com

Photos courtesy of African Travel, Inc.

Award-Winning Bushmans Kloof Adds Private Villa to South African Retreat

by | Nov 12, 2018 | Luxury Travel News

Multi-award winning Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the foothills of South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains has just opened Cederberg House, a stunning private villa accommodating up to four guests in seclusion and luxurious comfort.

Overlooking the peaceful Boontjies River, the villa’s timeless design inspired by Cape Dutch architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape.  Raw materials including stone and slate flow generously through each room which is accented with curated original works of art by some of South Africa’s most renowned artists including Esias Bosch, Gabriel de Jongh, Walter Battiss and Tinus de Jongh.

Ideal for families and small groups of friends, guests at Cederberg House experience all the gracious hospitality and all-inclusive personalized service for which Bushmans Kloof is so well known. All meals, activities, a private guide and vehicle take you into the open plains, sandstone formations, breathtaking flora and fauna, and 10,000-year-old rock art sites.

The secluded villa includes two large master suites with their own outdoor showers, state-of-the-art technology, fully stocked bar, dining room and spacious living area. In addition to the artwork, amenities include B|J Africa Signature spa products, indigenous flowers, scented candles and delectable treats from executive chef Charles Hayward and his team. The large private terrace and pool are ideal for connecting with the sights and sounds of nature as night quietly ends the day. For larger groups, Cederberg House can be booked with the nearby Riverside Supreme Suite accommodating up to six, or Koro Lodge, a private, fully-catered villa with its own chef that accommodates up to 10 guests.

“I am so proud to unveil Cederberg House as the latest, truly special addition to Bushmans Kloof,” said Toni Tollman, head of global design for Red Carnation Hotels. “We set out to create something that seamlessly connects our guests to the surrounding landscape in total privacy and seclusion. Drawing at all times on a natural and timeless aesthetic, our approach was to complement the wilderness experience while delivering the ultimate in comfort, hospitality and service. I really believe that this is one of the finest private accommodations in South Africa, in the heart of this unique and beautiful reserve.”

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has received numerous awards and was inducted into National Geographic’s ‘Unique Lodges of the World’ in 2016. Also a Relais & Châteaux property, it has been awarded ‘African Natural Heritage Site’ status for its tireless work in the preservation of the 130 ancient San rock art sites on the reserve.

For more information and reservations, contact Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, call 011.27.21.437.9278 or visit www.bushmanskloof.co.za

 

Photos courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Your Inner Artist During Uniworld’s Floating Art Workshops

by | Oct 25, 2018 | Luxury Travel News

Have you ever wanted time to sketch the scenic splendors of the ever-changing countryside from the deck of a luxurious floating boutique hotel?  Check out Uniworld’s four exclusive Floating Art Workshops in Europe and Asia with renowned landscape and portrait artist Larry Aarons as your art instructor and mentor.

Designed for all skill levels, his three classes will include: how to create a charcoal portrait using his signature brush method; a small group capturing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape; and a  hand-drawn memento for you to keep.  All sketch materials are provided at no additional cost.  Classes are limited to 10 students each, so sign up as soon as you are settled aboard.

Just named the 2018 World’s Best River Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure, Uniworld’s meticulously-designed luxury vessels not only take you on spectacular itineraries but the onboard ambiance also reflects the rich character of the historic regions in which you cruise. Complimentary daily shore excursions are also carefully curated to fully immerse you in the culture, cuisine and historic sites in ancient towns and villages that thrived as commercial traffic developed along the waterways. Exclusive Experiences also offer several options daily so you curate your own adventure. You can also use the vessels’ bikes or explore on foot.

Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy  |   8 Days: Roundtrip from Venice  |  Departs October 21, 2018  |  Ship:  River Countess   

The first of the four Floating Art Workshops is an 8-day roundtrip cruise from Venice highlighting the treasures of Northern Italy.  Departing October 21, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy features the hidden treasures, food, wine, centuries-old art, architecture and historic sights of this splendid region. Enjoy an evening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, the seaside town of Chioggia loved by fishermen and artists alike, and a multicourse lunch with wine pairings at a historic wine estate in Valpolicella.  Explore medieval Padua, once home to Galileo and Copernicus; Bologna’s sprawling historic Piazza Maggiore lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures; and UNESCO-designated Ferrara with its famed Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara Cathedral and 14th centuryCastellol Estense.

Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong  | 15 Days: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi  |  Departs: December 18, 2019  |  Ship: Mekong Navigator

Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong, the second workshop mentored by artist Larry Aarons, is a 15-day sailing aboard the Mekong Navigator departing December 18 from Ho Chi Minh City for Hanoi. Two of the most beautiful, historic and friendly places in Asia, dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia are intriguing studies in contrast.  Colorful floating villages lining the shores of the Mekong are rich in reminders of its French Colonial past.  Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s thriving capital, is fast-forwarding to the future yet retains a provincial intimacy, while lively Siem Reap is the gateway to the vast UNESCO-designated jungle temple complex of Angkor Wat.

Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time | 8 Days: Brussels to Amsterdam  |  Departs: March 24, 2019  |  Ship: River Queen                       Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time is an 8-day itinerary from Brussels to Amsterdam departing March 24 aboard the River Queen.  Fields of tulips as far as the eye can see, windmills silhouetted against the sky, and landscapes once painted by Vincent van Gogh are among the unforgettable sights that await you during spectacular annual tulip season when the fields and towns as far as the eye can see are alive with color. There’s great shopping, countless activity options, fabulous foodie spots and traditional culinary favorites including Belgian waffles, beer, pralines and chocolate during a walking tour of the world’s diamond capital. Maastricht, with its hundreds of national heritage sites, is one of the most beautiful cities in Holland. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps ass you stroll through Nuenen where you’ll wander through the sites that inspired much of his art. In the historic town of Heusden, learn to make bread at a local bakery and wander through the remnants of a 13th-century fortress. See Kinderdijk’s 19 well-preserved windmills, and in Amsterdam, you’ll have an exclusive “Morning with the Masters” visit — minus the crowds  — to the Amsterdam Hermitage Museum.

Brilliant Bordeaux  |  8 Days:  Roundtrip from Bordeaux  |  Departs: June 16, 2019  |  Ship: River Royale                                              From its turbulent history, splendid châteaux, and rolling vineyards to its winding waterways and hilltop villages, Bordeaux is the ultimate oenophile’s paradise and traveler’s dream.  Departing Bordeaux June 16, you’ll sail three magnificent rivers—the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde—and discover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France. Explore the cultural treasures and wineries of Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks and magnificent vineyards where you’ll sample French life, food, wines and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting in Fort Médoc.  You’ll also see World War II in France from the enemy’s point of view during your visit to a defensive army camp and portions of the Atlantic Wall. A scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie reveals the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill. You can also opt to experience that same scenery on the seat of a bike.  En route back to Bordeaux via Libourne, please your palate with several wine tastings, village tours, a farmers’ market visit, and Bordeaux Heritage walking tour.

About Larry Aarons Originally from Long Island’s North Shore, Larry graduated with a degree from NYC’s School of Visual Arts and works in every medium.  His art has been featured in numerous one-man shows presented in galleries and museums in New York City, Art Basel in Florida and on Long Island, as well as numerous publications. His signature drawings have earned him the prestigious Presidents Award of the Salmagundi AAP and the Gold Medal of Honor from the American Artist Professional League. He has also been the spokesperson for Life and Art at the United Nations in New York City and was the artist featured on the cover of the international magazine ARTVoices.  Fun Fact: Larry’s portraits of actor Robert di Niro and Chris Rock are now in their subjects’ respective personal collections.

Details are available at www.uniworld.com/en/promotions/floating-art-workshop/

All photos courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

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