Exploring Europe’s Lake Districts

The seaside beaches of Europe are among the most beautiful in the world, attracting millions of sun seekers during the summer months. Consequently, it’s hard to avoid crowded coastlines, that come with endless rows of lounge chairs, bumper-to-bumper traffic along narrow roads and long queues at bars and restaurants. Our advice? Leave behind the masses and enjoy the delights of summer at these stunning lakes found in Europe’s sublime Lake Districts.

Lake Como – Italy

For centuries, the Italian Lake District has been one of the most sought-after vacation spots in Europe. Surrounded by the rolling forests of the foothills of the Alps, its gentle waters are dotted with scenic villages and lavish villas. There are eight main lakes, but Gaia de Bueger of Trust&Travel and excellence.villas doesn’t hesitate one moment in choosing her favorite: Lake Como.

“The romantic poet Shelley correctly stated that it ‘exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty.’ The best way to discover the lake is definitively by cruising on a slow ferry floating past villas and small villages clinging to the water’s edge. You can stop in Varenna, a small village on the eastern shore of Lake Como.

“Here you can lunch at Cavallino: La Trattoria Dei Pescatori, a delightful place serving great fish dishes. Then, from the dock, stroll south to Villa Monastero, a former monastery and noble residence that today draws visitors to its lakeside gardens. On the opposite shore, you can visit another jewel of Como, Villa Carlotta, a former marquis’s mansion dating from the late 17th century and its romantic Italian gardens. In the city of Como, a favorite restaurant is Market Place, which is a sophisticated venue in the city center with only 12 seats.”

A perfect base from which to discover Lake Como is the sophisticated Villa dell’Imperatrice. The neoclassical villa is virtually suspended over the water on a beautifully manicured 7-acre park. It sleeps 12 guests in six double bedrooms, four with ensuite bathrooms and two with their own private bathrooms across the corridor large windows. The decor is a stylish mix of classic antiques and comfortable modern furniture. It has lovely French doors, a spacious terrace, a balcony, a private boat deck as well as a panoramic swimming pool with phenomenal views over the lake.

For more information about the Villa dell’Imperatrice or their other magnificent luxury villas on Lake Como, contact Trust&Travel and excellence.villas here.

Lake Garda – Italy

Though it’s often overshadowed by its neighbor, Lake Como, many similar pleasures and beauty can be enjoyed on Lake Garda, a favorite of Marina Gratsos from Carpe Diem Luxury Travel.

“There are plenty of picturesque towns on the lake,” says Marina. “Like the lovely historic town of Salò, dating back to Roman times. Visit on a Saturday to catch its excellent morning market, admire the city center’s Renaissance palazzos and take a stroll along its promenade (the longest on Lake Garda) before having lunch of traditional local dishes at the refine Hotel Laurin.

“While vacationing on the lake you can also visit Il Vittoriale, the fascinating, bizarre and exotic house of the great Italian poet, eccentric and proto-fascist Gabriele d’Annunzio. Lastly, book a table at the gorgeous hotel Villa Feltrinelli for a delicious meal at its Michelin-starred restaurant.”

Nearby Salò is arguably the finest private property on Lake Garda: this early 16th-century lakefront palazzo that has been in the owner’s family since its foundation. The palazzo has a beautiful garden, three little beaches on the lake, a private dock, six bedrooms and six bathrooms and comes with staffing. There is no pool, but guests generally swim in the lake from the house, or take out the boats and do day trips or water sports on the lake.

To reserve your stay at this beautiful villa or learn about other options in the Italy Lake District contact Carpe Diem Luxury Travel at this link.

Lake Attersee – Austria

With its 76 lakes, the Austrian Lake District of Salzkammergut, is one of Europe’s finest. Once the playground of Austria’s aristocracy, including the Emperor himself, the area boasts crystal clear blue lakes, green pre-alpine mountains, quaint villages and elegant lakeside villas.

Highlights of the area include the towns of Mondsee and UNESCO World Cultural certified Hallstatt. However, according to our local expert Monika Mayr-Melnhof at Schloss Kogl Castle, Lake Attersee combines the best attributes of the region. The largest lake in Salzkammergut, Attersee was the retreat for many artists, musicians and intellectuals like Gustav Klimt, Gustav Mahler and Johannes Brahms.

Spend some time communing with its spectacular nature by hiking through peaceful forests or by enjoying the lake’s many watersports such as swimming, sailing, water-skiing or diving. Monika also recommends attending a chamber concert at the Pfarrkirche Sankt Georgen Church. Afterward sample some of the region’s best wiener schnitzel at the elegant restaurant Bräugasthof Aichingerin Nussdorf.

In the nearby countryside is the refined Schloss Kogl Castle. Built in 1750, it has been owned by the Barons of Mayr-Melnhof since 1872. The baroque castle was entirely renovated in 2000 and is furnished in an elegant fin-du-siècle style. When you’re not exploring the area’s many splendors you can sit by the fireplace in the library, lounge by the pool in the garden, meander the graceful grounds or strike out on their historic bowling lane.

Join the Mayr-Melnhof family at their luxurious castle by contacting Schloss Kogl here.

Loch Ness – Scotland

The British Isles have several Lake Districts, but Andrew Loyd, director of Loyd & Townsend Rose, takes us north to Scotland and in particular to Loch Ness. Certainly the country’s most famous lake – thanks to its legendary monster – Loch Ness is also the country’s largest.

“Undoubtedly, one of the most popular things to do on the lake is a boat cruise in search of ”Nessie,” says Andrew. “However, there are many other excellent local attractions like the Culloden Battlefield, an important site of the religious civil war, historic Cawdor Castle and the ruins of Castle Urquhart.

“The area is also ideal for hill walking, bicycling and horseback riding. Hunting fans can take their hand at archery, falconry and clay & game shooting. Golfers may want to journey a little further north to tee off at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Make sure to have a meal at the quaint Dores Inn. Located right on the loch, its friendly staff serve up modern dishes and traditional Scottish cuisine, like their famous Stuart Grant Haggis with Neeps & tatties, mustard cream sauce.”

Enjoy the best of Scottish country life by staying at the exceptional Baronial Castle. Found on the banks of the lake, this authentic Highland Estate is the only habitable castle on Loch Ness. The classically furnished castle sleeps 28 in its meticulously restored luxurious state bedrooms. Have a moment to yourself in its opulent drawing room and library, or pick up a cue in the billiards room. The 500-acre estate features formal gardens, woodland and a private marina from which to embark onto the loch.

You can enquire about this castle or many other exquisite properties in the United Kingdom and Ireland by contacting Loyd & Townsend Rose at this link.

The summer months see millions of tourists descending on Venice. The masses filing through its narrow streets can make the city’s splendor and magic rapidly dissipate. However, if you venture off the main island, in a short vaporetto ride you can escape the crowds as well as discover the many other cultural, historic and gastronomic highlights of the vast Venetian Lagoon. We explore some of best local secrets of the Lagoon through the helpful tips of René Deutsch, owner of the private island Isola S. Cristina by Charming Places.

The Venetian Lagoon occupies an area of 550 square kilometres (212 square miles) stretching from the River Sile in the north to the Brenta in the south. Its formation dates back six to seven thousand years, though the present geography of the lagoon was created by human intervention in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today it’s home to over 100 islands, around 30 of which are inhabited and most of the highlights are in the northern part of the lagoon. Here are René’s favorite getaway or secret islands.

Best Island for History Buffs

Most visitors who leave the main Venice island flock to either Murano for its glass or Burano for its embroidery, but there are also several beautiful lesser known islands, such as Isola San Francesco del Deserto. Located between Sant’Erasmo and Burano, it has housed a minorites convent since the 13th century. Its history dates back to 1220 when Saint Francis landed on the island on his return from the Holy Land during the Fifth Crusade. While on the island he founded a hermitage which was later expanded into the current convent. The complex is open to the public from Tuesday to Sundays 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 3:00pm to 5:00 pm with guided tours led by Franciscan monks on a donation basis.

Best Island for Food Lovers

Connected to Burano by a bridge, the rural, non-touristy island of Mazzorbo is one of the top destinations for gastronomes: the Venissa Restaurant. Behind the walls of a 16th-century manor and surrounded by a vineyard and gardens is this lovely hotel and 1-Michelin starred restaurant. Its four chefs, who jointly received the prestigious Michelin star, follow a “zero kilometer” approach by using vegetables grown in their own garden and seafood caught in the lagoon right off the island. Their delicious menu could tantalize your palate with the likes of soft-shelled crabs with seasonal green asparagus accompanied by their delightful prosecco.

Best Islands for Sun Seekers

According to René the best beaches and beach clubs can be found at Lido di Venezia or Cavallino. The Lido, an 11-kilometre (7-mile) long sandbar, is possibly one of the world’s most famous beaches. Along its sandy beach are several famous hotels like the elegant Excelsior and the Des Bains, which was the setting for Thomas Mann’s novel Death in Venice. Much of the beach is occupied by private beach clubs where you can rent the use of a lounge chair and umbrella for the day (or longer). Cavallino, situated to the north of Lido island, has an 11-kilometre (9-mile) long beach and is the second most popular seaside resort in Italy. It’s more laidback than the Lido, yet it has equally lovely white sands and many family attractions.

Isola Cristina Private Island

The perfect place to enjoy the secrets of the lagoon is on your own private island. Isola Santa Cristina by Charming Places is located a 30-minute boat ride away from Venice. The recently renovated large, historic Italian house is set within beautiful gardens and grounds which create a balance between nature and luxury.

The sophisticated villa is outfitted with luxury amenities and a stylish décor. You enter the villa through the spacious terrace with a cozy fireplace which leads you to a bright living room and an art-deco style library. There are two master bedrooms, five double bedrooms and 2 single bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. The original Venetian kitchen is equipped with state of the art appliances and is just opposite to the grand dining hall fit to cater for 16 guests.

You’ll have exclusive access to the island’s gorgeous grounds where you can meander the apricot orchard and the vineyard or relax by the pool. You may not want to leave the island’s luxurious tranquility, but if you do want to explore Venice or any of the other islands mentioned above, there is a beautiful Venetian boat always at your disposal.

For more information on Isola Santa Cristina, visit the profile of Charming Places here. If you’re looking for other places to stay on Venice or elsewhere in Italy, our Italy experts have a wide range of fabulous luxury villas and apartments, more information here.

Where are our travel experts taking us this month? We’ve got a fabulous new luxury home with phenomenal mountain views in New Zealand, refined apartments in a historic palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal as well as hot deals in Saint Barthélemy and Costa Rica, plus great local tips for making the most of June on the Mexican Riviera.

New Opening: Slope Hill Serenity by Touch of Spice, New Zealand

Our members down in New Zealand at Touch of Spice have just added the exceptional new Slope Hill Serenity in Queenstown. Touch of Spice has a carefully selected portfolio of New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique accommodations.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for this new offering. The snow is just starting to sprinkle the mountain tops and the property is located at the base of one of New Zealand’s best ski fields: Coronet Peak. The contemporary, chic house features five bedrooms, four bathrooms and sleeps up to 10 people. There is a nice patio area that’s ideal for enjoying an evening meal and those fabulous views of the mountains.

To learn more about this or other luxury homes and apartments in New Zealand, contact Touch of Spice here.

New Openings: excellence.Villas, Venice

excellence.villas have just opened two fabulous apartments in the Ca’nova palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice, decorated personally by company founder Katharina Allès Trauttmansdorff.

The private historic palazzo is minutes away from Piazza San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale and right across from the Santa Maria della Salute basilica. Both two-bedroom apartments are on the third floor, accessible by a new elevator. The apartments have been redecorated in a classic style with a contemporary twist. The Borsato faces the Grand Canal, whereas the Hayez looks onto a quiet square. There is also a lovely terrace shared by all guests of the palazzo.

Be one of the first to stay at these gorgeous apartments by contacting excellence.villas at this link.

Special Offer: St Barth Properties, St Barthélemy

St. Barth Properties has an exclusive offer for UltraVilla readers. They will generously pay the 5% island tax on any new confirmed booking of seven nights or more that are made during the month of June 2016. The perfect place to stay on the island is the stunning, contemporary and luxurious six-bedroom Villa Galaxie.

Located above the quieter side of Gustavia, Villa Galaxie boasts a breathtaking seascape and fiery sunsets. A terrace with a gorgeous infinity pool provides a focal point and is configured to include spacious living and dining areas. Sleeping accommodations include a master (French king) suite housed in a private pavilion. The other five lovely bedrooms, all with en suite baths, are located in an adjacent pavilion. The villa’s chic décor is ultra-modern with a white palette, and techno amenities include a surround sound music system. Gustavia’s shops, restaurants, and Shell Beach are just a short walk away. This is an exceptional vacation home and ideal for an extended family and is the perfect venue to host a celebration.

Contact St. Barth Properties here to scoop up this great deal.

Last Minute Special: Papagayo Luxury, Costa Rica

Don’t be scared off by a little volcano smoke. Despite the recent eruptions of the Turrialba Volcano, it is still completely safe to travel to Costa Rica. Only the area within an approximate 50 km radius of the volcano has received any falling ash or debris, the rest of the country remains mostly unaffected, including where Papagayo Luxury is located, in the northwest corner. You can learn more about the eruption in this article from our Journal.

Papagayo Luxury also has an UltraVilla exclusive offer. Book any of their rentals for stays during the month of June and you will receive a 10% discount. (This offer is not valid for bookings for stays after June 30th 2016.) For more information on this great deal or future trips to Costa Rica, contact the Papagayo Luxury team here.

June on the Mexican Riviera, Local Tips by Villa & Apartments Abroad

Heading down to the Mexican Riviera this month? Lucky you! To help you plan, our local expert, Sylvia Jones of Villas & Apartments Abroad gives us the inside scoop on the area’s top events in June:

June 2nd-5th: American Express is hosting the first ever Masters of Food, Wine & Golf event at the Mayakoba Resort. For three consecutive days, gastronomic masters will gather to offer their culinary delights, along with an impressive list of magical wines, tastings, pairings, and cooking classes that are sure to excite “foodies” from around the globe. This festival promises to attract an international attendance, including celebrities and golf professionals. It will no doubt be one of, if not the most important attraction to Mexico for the summer.

June 3rd: Cancun welcomes handsome Mexican idol, Alejandro Fernandez on his world tour. The Mexican people love music, especially their home grown artists who have made it big.

June 9th: World famous DJ Nicole Moudaber will be performing at the “Blue Parrot,” in Playa del Carmen. This talented DJ is quite familiar to the hot beds in the summers around the world. She knows how to spin and pack a beach, sending sound waves into the depth of the ocean.

Thank you Sylvia for these great tips! For help planning your perfect trip to the Riviera Maya, contact Sylvia here.

We’re taking off to the beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia to meet Melanie Hall, founder and designer of the galactical Luna2. She reveals the fascinating story behind this one of a kind “private hotel” and how it helped bring design and style to the Balinese beach.

My husband Stewart and I purchased this prime beachfront site some 14 years ago. At that time, we recognised a gap in the market for a niche market of world-travelling hot-spotters, design junkies and discerning gastronauts: celebrities, socialites, business leaders and entrepreneurs, from key cities around the globe. We believed the time was right to satisfy the ever-growing demand in hospitality for those wanting more privacy and intimacy, with all the services of an exclusive 5-star hotel.

As such, we created Luna2 private hotel back in 2007, a “Cosmic launch pad for shoot-the-mooners!” According to the UK’s Wallpaper* magazine it “Breaks new ground here on earth”, and it was named one of Hong Kong’s Asia Tatler’s “World’s Top 10 Hottest Hotels”.

With my previous experience in Creative for international fashion brands, and my passion for design and hospitality, together with my husband’s Business & Finance expertise, and our combined extensive world travel, and knowledge of Indonesia, we both found that venturing into the hotel industry in Bali was a fairly seamless transition.

Why ‘Luna2’?

Luna2 was named after the first spacecraft to successfully land on the moon in the late 50’s. I wanted a brand name that reflected the late 50’s/early 60s, yet seemed futuristic, and appeared playful. In other words, that the name ‘personified’ the Luna2 ethos, which is…

We respect the past, welcome the future and like to have fun in the process! With this in mind, we blend nostalgia (great modernism works of the past, some 60’s pop etc), with futurism (innovation, gadgets, high-tech stuff) and touches of fun…life is not to be taken too seriously after all! This ethos continues to be infused throughout every aspect of Luna2 as a company, from architectural design to interior design, from Lunafood to music, right through to the superstar service we offer. Hence, Luna2 employees are encouraged to have a sound understanding of great tradition, keep abreast of global innovation, and retain a sense of humour in the process.

Why do we call it a ‘private hotel’?

Luna2 private hotel offers superstar services of an exclusive hotel with the intimacy of a private home. This exclusive-use, five-bedroomed ‘private hotel’ sleeps approximately 10 people and is the ultimate holiday destination for groups of singles or couples, with or without children. Luna2 aims to deliver a cosmic guest experience, every time.

A complement of no less than 20 internationally-trained staff cater to the guests’ every whim. Luna2 offers an out-of-this-world Lunafood & bar service, led by Executive Chef Errol Defoe from London, complete with in-house event-planning services; there is a comprehensive range of activities and spa treatments on offer, both in- and out-of-house.

Luna2 private hotel has raised the benchmark in Bali, by way of its prime location, visionary design and stellar levels of wining & dining, lounging & sleeping. The ultra-modern, minimalist design is a vastly different approach to the ubiquitous ‘modern Bali’ style. It is located beachfront in the heart of fashionable Seminyak, the “Chelsea” of Bali to those in the know! Seminyak has more recently emerged as Bali’s hub for style, with world-renowned hotels, restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques.

Luna2 is renowned for creating experiences which are seen as a level above the norm. The true definition of cosmic! Only those who have stayed at Luna2 private hotel really understand Luna2 point of difference, and as a result many come back for more. Guests who have been “Lunarised” have said, “Luna2 is on another planet – a great one!” “The service is on another level!” and “It doesn’t get any better than this!”

On May 21st Costa Rica’s Turrialba Volcano erupted, spewing smoke, ash and rock up to 3,000m (9,840ft) into the air. Is this going be the next Eyjafjallajökull, the Icelandic volcano which caused chaos in the skies in 2010? We connected with our local expert in Costa Rica, Jane Moore of Papagayo Luxury Villas, to learn about the situation on the ground and why we shouldn’t be panicking, but rather head down to this gorgeous Central American country.

At 3,340m above sea level, Turrialba is located near Cartago, in the center of the country, around 45 km (30 miles) northeast of the capital San José. The National University’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) recorded two explosions that exceeded 3,000m (9,800 feet) on Friday and several other large ones since.

“Debris from the eruptions has fallen on neighboring communities and some in the northern suburbs of San José,” explains Ms. Moore. “However, the volcano is not spewing lava and is not considered dangerous in that way.”

Precautions are important in the vicinity, however, Costa Rica’s National Emergencies Commission (CNE) cautioned on their Facebook page against “spreading rumors,” as illustrated in this informative article on the danger of misinformation. Instead, the CNE recommends those in the area to “take preventive measures respective according to [one’s] places of residence or work.” They’ve shared their official recommendations on their page, advising people the affected areas to wear masks and tight clothing to protect their lungs and skin.

What does this mean for travelers to the country?

“The volcanic ash has caused some airlines into Juan Santamaría International Airport since this volcano is close to San José,” says Ms. Moore. “Other flights have been rerouted to Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia in Guanacaste, which is not affected at all by ash.”

This is actually the airport which serves Papagayo Luxury Villas. The area along the Pacific coast is home to lush forests and miles of beautiful beaches. It’s over 250 km northwest from the volcano. Costa Rica is 51,100 sq km (19,730 sq mi), its rugged landscape includes a dozen volcanoes. Turrialba actually erupted around this time last year (May 4th, 2015) and it has been rumbling ever since.

We obtained this further feedback from our global expert Tim Roney of Villa Concierge who knows the country well.

“Frankly, the Central Valley has often been hazy with volcanic ash in the air during the past week with the smell of sulfur in the air,” says Roney. “Even up here on the slope of Volcan Barva above Heredia and approx 40 miles West of Turrialba, I find grey volcanic dust on the outside furniture and can sometimes smell the sulpher outside.

“Tourists flying into SJO and then going to Monteverde or the Pacific Coast will not notice a thing, this is very important. But anyone going into San Jose or flying into SJO enroute to the Caribbean Coast could notice the conditions I described.”

According to both Jane and Tim, there is no reason to cancel your trip to Costa Rica, especially if you are spending time in the northwest. In fact, now could be an even better time to travel there and if you act quickly you can take advantage of Papagayo Luxury’s Memorial Day Special. Book any of their rentals for stays during the month of June and you will receive a 10% discount. This offer not valid for bookings for stays after June 30th 2016. For more information on this great deal or future trips to Costa Rica, contact the Papagayo Luxury team here.

However, what if a natural disaster does interrupt your plans? Here are some useful tips:

• The most important thing is to be well informed, you may not need to change your travel plans at all.
• Seek advice this information and advice from trusted sources. For example, the past few days many people believed the Turrialba was spewing lava, based on someone’s facebook page and their posting and that some Japanese “specialists” were kicked out of the country for spreading false claims that upcoming eruptions were going to set off a major earthquake.
• Check with your travel agent, accommodation rental company and/or airline company for the latest news. They should have the most up-to-date status on your flights and travel safety to the affected area.
• You might also find the latest news searching hashtags (like #turrialba #volcanocostarica) or visiting local emergency sites’ Facebook pages (again, the pages of trusted sources)
• Check with the US State Department and if you are going to a destination that might be at risk, you can also register with their free “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” and you will receive a travel alert or travel warning message, plus they will know how to reach you in case of emergency. You can do this online here or by phone at (202) 501-4444, which is the emergency assistance number for Americans in foreign countries.
• Always purchase travel insurance (this is often included with your credit card insurance). This will assure that your mind is at ease and that you will be covered if a natural disaster does occur and you need to change your plans.
• If you’re already in the destination, try to remain calm and patient, the locals will be trying to find the best solutions to the issue and to communicate these, however, it might take a little time.
• If you will be traveling to remote areas of a country, you may want to prepare a list of relevant phone numbers (the closest embassy/consulate, the branch of your airline company, local emergency phone numbers) and carry a paper copy of these with you, so that if you do encounter a problem, you’ll have help faster.

These are of course helpful tips in the case of emergency, however, most trips to Costa Rica or elsewhere around the world go smoothly without incident.

Wishing you all happy–and above all safe–travels!

The Caribbean Sea is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world, home to warm turquoise waters, colorful coral and an amazing array of flora and fauna. One of the most majestic creatures inhabiting these waters is the exquisite sea turtle, and connecting with them through swimming or preservation is often a highlight of trips to the region. Our experts in the Caribbean have provided us with valuable information on the best ways and places to interact with these magical animals, all the while respecting them and their natural habitats, most importantly.

Turtles have actually existed for more than 200 million years, dating back to the era of the dinosaur. As their flippers made them natural swimmers, they evolved into a cross between amphibian and reptile. While this helped them endure the ice age, today many varieties, including various types of sea turtles, are endangered and risk extinction. This is mainly due to the actions of humans either directly on their habitats or stemming from larger environmental issues like climate change. Therefore, it is important to follow these general guidelines when swimming or interacting with sea turtles:

• Do not touch nor feed them
• Keep a few feet away from them whether you’re in the water or on land
• Do not swim close to them (nor the reefs), as this can cause great stress
• Do not damage or destroy the vegetation, and remember that shoreline vegetation is essential for preventing beach erosion and stabilizing dunes
• Do not anchor in coral or sea grass beds, but use moorings where provided or select sandy areas
• Do not purchase any turtle mean or jewelry and other adornments using their shells
• Please be kind, gentle and respectful

There are several local and international associations which promote the well-being and preservation of sea turtles. Some of these are listed below or there a lot of valuable information can also be found on website seaturtles.org.
With these rules in mind, it’s time to sport your mask and snorkel and start exploring on one of these exceptional beaches, cays and islands below.

Akumal – Mexico

Attracted to the warmth of the Golf, the favorite habitat for sea turtles to thrive became Akumal Beach, located in the Mexican Riviera 30 minutes south of the Playa del Carmen and 15 minutes north of Tulum. In fact, the name Akumal means “Place of the Turtles.” It attracts turtle lovers from all corners of the globe to come to enjoy the experience of swimming with them in the calm waters, which also makes it easy to venture even further. This area is protected by the second largest natural coral reef system in the world. Here you can swim with the giant sea turtles as well as an abundance of sea life and pretty schools of tropical fish.

One very special guest is Mexico’s Loggerhead, a species of giant sea turtle, that represents 30% of the world’s population. They can be found in the open sea and at great depth at times, coming up for air periodically. To see and swim with these great creatures, it’s best to take a diving tour or snorkel adventure. Akumal has recently been registered as a protected area in order to keep safe the turtles that visit faithfully, each year. Since the turtles nest from late May throughout the summer, another way to learn more about them is during controlled night walks when you may be lucky enough to witness the turtles arriving from the sea to deposit their eggs. During these months, the “Adopt a Turtle” program runs, which allows visitors to name a baby turtle and donate funds towards its preservation in these crucial first months. – Sylvia Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad

Discover where to stay in Akumal with the help of Sylvia’s expertise and her fantastic collection of luxury villas in the area. She can be contacted here.

Colombier Beach – St Barthélemy

St. Barth is also a wonderful place to spot sea turtles. There are many Natural Marine Reserves areas supervised by the Réserve Naturelle Saint-Barthélemy, which you can locate on this useful map. The Réserve Naturelle also monitors turtles; you can watch some of their findings virtually at this link.

Colombier Beach is where most people go swimming or to snorkel with the turtles. There are only two ways to get there: by a 20-minute hike along a goat path (the correct path begins at the end of Flamands; the path from Colombier is much more arduous. Either way, you’ll want to wear sneakers). Pack a picnic lunch, bring a cooler as well as some snorkeling gear and your beach towels so that you can enjoy the day there. The other way to get there is by hiring a catamaran or private boat (we can organize these arrangements for our clients). Spend a half or full day at Colombier and ask to have drinks and lunch included when you book. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided on the trip. – Peg Walsh of St Barth Properties

If you’re looking for the best places to stay while you enjoy these sea turtle experiences, St Barth Properties has two exceptional villas, Villa les Embruns and Villa Brume de Mer, which are near Flamands Beach and about a four-minute walk to the path. Learn more about these rentals by contacting St Barth Properties here.

Providenciales – Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos is a fabulous spot to swim with sea turtles. Hosting the third largest barrier reef in the world, the reefs are positively popping with marine life. Sea turtles can be seen year round throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, though summer is the best time for all marine life as the water is even more deliciously warm.

A good spot to view them on Providenciales is near the Coral Gardens Reef just off of Grace Bay. Swim out a little bit, towards the grass, and you are quite likely to see them dining! There are also several good dive guides who can take you island hopping or to other reefs easily accessible by boat. There you will have some of the finest snorkeling and diving and private moments: just you and the sea and large turtles enjoying the day. – Laura Blair of In Villas Veritas.

For the ultimate experience on the Turks and Caicos, In Villas Veritas has an exceptional property, the Turtle Tail Estate, on Providenciales. Enquire about this and their other luxury villas here.

Cape Eleuthera – The Bahamas

Over in The Bahamas there is an alternative way to connect with sea turtles via the Earthwatch Institute, an international environmental organization that brings individuals together with world-class scientists to work for the good of the planet.

Rather than pay a company to just swim with sea turtles, the Tracking Sea Turtles in the Bahamas program allows visitors to spend a week or so with a scientific team whose mission is to save endangered green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles by protecting their habitats. Participants get to swim with turtles, however, in the process, they are helping gather important data from tidal mangrove creeks, seagrass beds, and coral reefs where the turtles forage. – Pamela H. Murdock

Explore the wonderful luxury villas on Harbour Island managed by Pamela H. Murdock Ltd. at this link.

Jamaica

The waters off the coast of Jamaica are home to two of the seven different species of sea turtles: the green and the hawksbill turtle. However, their numbers have dramatically decreased over the centuries, and this will lead to their extinction if we’re not careful. Therefore, the Jamaica Environment Trust runs a specific group, Save Jamaica’s Sea Turtles, which has several initiatives to protect and conserve the sea turtle population. On the island, turtles tend to nest on the north coast near Ocho Rios, or around Montego Bay and Kingston Harbour’s Palisadoes Spit.

On the island turtles hatch their eggs from May to December, and visitors can get involved through local community turtle conservation projects in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, Bluefields and Westmoreland as well as Hope Bay and Winnifred Beach in Portland. Or, if you happen to be visiting in late September, Save the Turtles organizes a “Beach Clean-Up Day,” which attracts more than 4,000 enthusiastic volunteers.

For anyone looking for responsible excursions for swimming or visiting turtles, try Mel Tennant. He in a fountain of all knowledge when it comes to these beautiful animals, and often assists guests with their turtle hatching expeditions. Goldeneye also offers great snorkeling, and Mel can arrange boat trips. He can be reached at +1-876-880-0069.

Tobago Cays – Grenadines

The Tobago Cays is made up of a cluster of five uninhabited islands, like lily-ponds hopping off one to the other; Petit Tabac, Petit Rameau, Jamesby, Baradal (Turtle Island) and Petit Bateau. These tiny lands are protected by the vast and beautiful horseshoe reef teeming with tropical sea life, including green and leatherback turtles.

In the Tobago Cays, you are in for the most beautiful experience, swimming with the turtles in the sea which is ranked among the best in the world, if not the best. You will not only encounter the beautiful greens and leatherbacks swimming and foraging freely in the reefs and grassy areas, but also other sea life, including stingrays gracefully going about their business, and a rich population of pretty tropical fish of different colors, shapes, sizes and personalities. The aquamarine water is irresistible and refreshingly invigorating. This is an experience that strips you of the remnants of the stress you brought with you which has no doubt polluted your lifestyle and environment.

In the Marine Park, all divers and snorkelers must be accompanied by an expert and licensed expert, the water over the reefs can sometimes be shallow so it takes someone who is familiar with the seascapes and knows where to travel, how to navigate, and to guide you. – Sylvia Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad

Sylvia Jones can also arrange some beautiful luxury villa rentals on near this lovely sea turtle destination. Find out more about these by contacting here at this link.

The biggest event in Rio de Janeiro isn’t its lively annual carnival – this year. Instead, during the months of August and September, the city will be playing host to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, welcoming an expected 400,000 guests from around the world. This huge wave of visitors will cascade outside the stadium and into the city’s historic sites, shops, beaches and restaurants. If you’ll be getting in on the action, don’t be disappointed by not getting a seat at one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Plan ahead with these valuable insider tips on the best places to dine in the city provided by our local experts at Matueté Villas.

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The best way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city is retreating to nature. Spending the day (or several) hiking in the countryside or the mountains gives us the chance to forget about work, our busy schedules and our worries while we connect with the natural wonders of the world. There may be hundreds, if not thousands of gorgeous places to hike across the globe, however, it’s hard to beat the following phenomenal trails where you can take in jaw-dropping views of mountain peaks, cross through lush forests and marvel at crystal clear lakes, accompanied only by your thoughts, the chirping birds and the rustling leaves.

Kalalau Trail – Hawaii

Hawaii boasts some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and one of the best places to admire this is the Kalalau trail on Kauai Island. The 18km trail travels from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast, an unspoilt stretch of cliffs and green valleys rising from the Pacific Ocean. Our local experts at Hawaii Hideaways provided these useful tips for hiking the trail:

• The trail requires good physical condition, especially because it can often be muddy and slippery from rainfall. Be sure to bring good and sturdy hiking shoes
• Don’t take this trail if you have knee injuries or anything that may be affected by the sometimes steep inclines and more than 240m of elevation gain
• The hike will take, on average, 6-8 hours to complete the 13km roundtrip. A lot of people stop to camp on Kalalau Beach—keep in mind this requires a permit
• You do not need a permit to hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls, but anything after that requires a permit, even if you don’t plan on camping
• Do not attempt to cross the Hanakapi’ai Stream during bad weather or if it is flooding.

An excellent place to stay in the area is at their Ka Hale Kaiola luxury beachfront home. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and air conditioning. The Tommy Bahama furnishings add to the great plantation style of the house. A large covered porch with Brown Jordan patio furniture looks out across the ocean. The beach is accessed by going down the staircase off the lanai and across the beautifully landscaped front yard. Then you’ll find yourself on the beach ready for a swim! For more information about this home or other properties located on the island, contact Hawaii Hideaways here and you can learn more about the archipelago in our Hawaii Pocket Guide.

Routeburn Trail, Glenorchy – New Zealand

New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, so it was difficult to choose just one trail to recommend. However, our experts at Touch of Spice have won us over with the amazing Routeburn Trail.

“To those who have never walked the Routeburn Track, it’s hard to describe the feeling of purity that the environment injects you with,” says Touch of Spice founder Jacqui Spice. “There is an overwhelming amount of beauty in the trees, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife and the overall views that make the hike seem surreal. You will finish with an appreciation for New Zealand’s native elements and its preserved history.”

The 40km trail is well maintained which makes it achievable for all fitness level. Generally speaking, it is trekked over three days and two overnights, but this is flexible of course. You can take your time while you enjoy the exceptional mountain scenery, cross over rivers and past tumbling waterfalls on rope bridges, listen to the birds’ songs and see some of the locations where The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Plus, on the way, there are information boards along the track that tell you stories of nature’s history and how New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Māori, thrived in this environment. Jacqui suggests that if you are walking without a guide, the overnight huts need to be booked well in advance due to their popularity.  A guided tour with transport, huts, all meals & snacks, backpacks, and raincoats starts from $1,375 NZD per person for three days/two nights.

Touch of Spice has the ideal base for exploring the area: Wyuna House. This four bedroom, five bathroom home can sleep up to eight trekkers. This luxurious lodge is clad in local schist and cedar with timber floors, walls, and ceilings, and sits harmoniously amongst its picturesque setting. Large bay windows take in the view throughout the property where you can look out to Mount Aspiring National Park which the Routeburn track crosses over.

You can learn more about this and other properties of Touch of Spice alongside all our New Zealand offerings at this link and prepare your trip with the help of our New Zealand Pocket Guide.

Zermatt Lakes Trail – Switzerland

It’s not surprising that there are some phenomenal hiking trails in the Swiss Alps. Andy Castle, our Switzerland expert at Ultimate Luxury Chalets, recommends a stunning hike from the resort of Zermatt to Blauherd (2571m), the perfect place for mountain lovers to venture during summertime in Europe. The relatively easy route, without major climbs and descents, takes about three hours and is accessible by taking the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga. Once the train surfaces from the beginning passage underground, you are treated to exceptionally beautiful panoramic views.

You’ll walk through some of the most magnificent scenery of the Alps, passing Lake Stelli, Lake Grindji and Lake Grün as well as the moraine of the Findelen glacier, all the while with excellent views of the majestic Matterhorn. You won’t even feel the time passing and soon enough you’ll have reached the end at Riffelalp where you can take the Gornergrat Railway back to Zermatt.

If you would like to continue gazing at the breath-taking Matterhorn, then Ultimate Luxury Chalets‘ “Grace Chalet” is ideally positioned. This elegant, spacious chalet sleeps up to 12 and has floor to ceiling windows on all three levels, the south facing ones showcasing the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. The stylish and comfortable open-plan lounge features a French stone open fire-place and adjoining bar area, opening up to a large outside living space. It also has a luxuriously-seated cinema, a games room with a pool table, a spacious glass-fronted wellness centre including a sauna, massage room, a large pilates/yoga space and an outdoor hot tub. Read more about this and the other fabulous properties of Ultimate Luxury Chalet here, plus get inspired for your trip with our Switzerland Pocket Guide.

Hohe Tauern National Park – Austria

The Alps are not only about ascending to its highest peaks; the vast mountain range has many fantastic hiking options on its mid-levels, such as on the Austrian side in the Hohe Tauern National Park, a favorite of our experts at Schloss Klog Castle.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest nature sanctuary in all of the Alps, extending 1,856 km² over three Austrian provinces. Enjoy over 350km of marked hiking paths and alpine trails which crisscross through the beautiful Rauris Valley into Taxenbach and the SalzburgerLand region. A particular highlight is the Rauris Valley, dubbed the “Secret Jewel Hohe Tauern National Park.” Here you are truly lost in nature as you walk through deep green forests, past trickling streams and waterfalls, catch sight of powerful birds of prey in their nature environment and learn about the mineralogy and the gold-mine era. Most of the paths are suitable for inexperienced or casual hikers, whereas avid mountaineers and mountain-climbers can get their thrills on its higher peaks.

At the end of the day, you can take a well deserved break lounging on the grounds of Schloss Klog which showcase Austria’s beautiful nature. This refined Baroque castle has been owned and maintained with care by the Barons of Mayr-Melnhof since 1872. It offers a special window into Austrian Aristocratic life and is an idyllic place to stay in the heart of the country’s lake district. Learn more about this and our other Austrian experts here and learn more about this diverse country in our Austria Pocket Guide.

Gallatin National Forest – Montana

The diverse landscape of mainland United States has so many awe-inspiring places, but one of our prefered places to get away from it all is Montana, the “Big Sky State.” While one of the most famous parks in the US, or maybe even the world, is Yellowstone National Park in the neighboring state of Wyoming, Montana hiking is just as beautiful, but it attracts fewer fellow hikers – even more appealing. In fact as you amble on the wilderness trails of Gallatin National Forest, taking in exceptional views of the mountains, trickling streams and virgin forests, you might only pass fluttering birds, frisky foxes and meandering moose. But, beware of the grizzlies…

Despite the name, you shouldn’t have any dangerous close encounters with bears staying at the nearby gorgeous Grizzly Creek Ranch. A rustic yet very comfortable retreat, it can accommodate up to 30 guests. You’ll have exclusive use of the six different homes on the complex, including a wonderful dining and event hall, a recreation barn, yoga and massage cabin and more. Guided hiking can be arranged for Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone, or you mightn’t even need to leave the property of the vast 2,000 acre ranch. For more information and to book see Mountain Homes’ profile here, discover more about what to do in the state in our Montana Pocket Guide.