I have several New Years resolutions to keep to this year and even started with one last night. Let's hope I can continue for another 51 weeks and 5 days.
I plan to cook more in 2020. Food is a huge part of our curated travel experiences, and I have slipped a bit at home in recent times in really making the effort to produce home-cooked meals almost every evening. It's been an unwritten rule in our household to sit down all together for dinner pretty much every night. Well, in the spirit of going back to this rule and learning something new to boot, Maisie and I learned to make pasta at a local cookery class on New Years Day.
Now the pappardelle was a little thick if I'm honest, but our ravioli was perfect, helped immensely by a fine sage and brown butter sauce. Here's to hoping your resolutions last a little longer than usual.
Top 5 - The Most Anticipated Launches and Openings for 2020
1. Celebrity Apex - April 2020
We were lucky enough to be invited on an inaugural cruise of Celebrity Edge (above and below) at the end of November 2018. As the first in the EDGE class ships, it really did exceed all our preconceptions and expectations. In April the second ship in the class, Apex will launch, and will sale the Mediterranean until November, when it will move to the Caribbean.
We continue to tell our clients that this new class of ship is luxury at a mid-range price and should really be considered, especially for families, and multi-generational cruising. With an innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces that stand apart from anything else at sea, the Edge and soon the Apex will revolutionize your cruise experience.
2. One & Only Mandarina, Mexico - June 2020
Set in a lush, beachfront jungle setting, this intimate resort will boast 104 standalone villas and treehouses (below) – every one with a private pool. Guests will have access to innovative culinary experiences, a lively beach club, wellness programming and a playground of adventures on land and sea. Younger guests will love their dedicated KidsOnly, where the wonders of Mandarina are brought to life and children will be immersed in nature and have a world of their own.
As a Virtuoso property we can exclusively offer: upgrade on arrival if available, daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, complimentary Wi-Fi, plus early check-in and late check-out if available.
3. Xigera, Okavango Delta, Botswana - June 2020
The Red Carnation Group are responsible for some of our very favorite luxury properties in the world among the 19 in their portfolio including Ashford Castle in Ireland, Egerton House in London and the Twelve Apostles just outside Cape Town. It looks like this year they are going to outdo themselves with the introduction of Xigera. This camp is a true labour of love, a miraculous and enchanting location (above) that will create experiences that are, quite simply, extraordinary. They are completely transforming a previous incarnation of a safari camp and 105 staff will care for a maximum of 24 guests. Currently under construction (below).
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris - May 2020
Located in the heart of the City of Light, and just steps from the Louvre and the Marais, Cheval Blanc Paris will combine historical, cultural and contemporary features for an authentic Parisian experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the 26 rooms and 46 suites will offer incredible views of famed landmarks and city life.
Our Virtuoso exclusives at this upcoming property: upgrade upon arrival if available, daily full breakfast for two, fast-track immigration, complimentary round-trip private transfer with VIP meet and greet, spa access, complimentary Wi-Fi and early check-in and late check-out if available. Artist impression below.
5. Seven Seas Splendor - February 2020
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is soon to launch this sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer, with many of the same upscale amenities, such as spacious accommodations (including the ultra-luxurious Regent Suite, above) and gourmet restaurants (below). With just 738 berths, we think this is the perfect size for luxury cruising and particularly like the upcoming March 2020 San Diego to Miami 14-night itinerary with stops at Catalina Island, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Puntarenas, Cruising the Panama Canal, Cartagena, Georgetown (Grand Cayman), and Miami.
Want to try something new in your travels? Let us know by clicking here, we'd love to help add a new spin on your yearly travel plans.
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