The Ham Tour

What happens when you pair a Spanish cultural guru with a French gourmand? A vanguard series of programs from tapas bar hopping to mixing with Michelin-starred chefs and everything in between when the owners of Terra Traditions collaborate.

The brains behind Terra, Spain's top luxury lifestyle tour crafters, have curated a spectacular array of bespoke culinary and cultural journeys designed to bring you an entirely new way to see and feel Spain.

And yes, indeed, there is even an entire tour dedicated to delectable Iberico ham.

Try these ideas on for size if you're hungry or thirsty for a new adventure...

Culinary curiosity?

Consider an Iberian Ham Experience with an entire day dedicated to this gorgeous delight from slicing to tasting with wine pairings and even mix in a paella making lesson.

-Tour & taste your way through some of Spain's most amazing open food markets with a culinary expert that will get you mixing with the local purveyors and stopping at some of the best "cheap & chic" places for amazing hidden spots serving tremendous dishes known to locals only.

Meet & mix

with Michelin-starred chefs or simply secure tables high in-demand at restaurants across the country. One of the team's favorites in Barcelona is Cinc Sentits, a restaurant that works only with artisanal products grown in nearby villages and towns in the Pyrenees...or take a culinary tour from Girona to San Pol de Mar, discovering up-and-coming new generation chefs who are redefining Catalan cuisine

Thirsty?

Try wine tastings with expert sommeliers in locales such as fine art galleries, ancient castles, and vineyards while enjoying a lunch al fresco under the vines. Mix in some creative tapas tastings with regional top chefs in stunningly decorated caves for a memorable experience.

Craving culture?

Take in a journey blending ultra-stylish designer hotels with a mix of the traditional in the way of private specialized visits with local artists, cooking lessons with gastronomic masters, exclusive winery visits and conversations with owners, private lectures on art and culture with scholars or masters of Spanish arts including flamenco, vintage sherry tastings, and beyond.

Avid adventurist?

Consider a flight in Granada over the Alhambra hills and the Sierra Nevada mountains ending up with a private champagne picnic atop a hill with an unforgettable view. Or, a 4x4 adventure through the Bardenas Desert in the Basque Country. If you want to luxe it up, consider arriving in style at one of Spain's countless beach resorts via helicopter, yacht or ultra-luxury chauffered vehicle!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE

- Special VIP amenities included in bespoke packages- contact us at info@theexplorateurportfolio.com to custom-craft your Spain experience today.

The sexy (in)side of Sao Paulo

Gray. Serious. Complicated. Enormous. A jumbled mix of thousands of mismatched buildings with jigsaw-style rooftops, all sitting at different levels both in height and décor. People walking on the main streets of Sao Paulo tend to be dressed down, covered up, almost aloof, and the vibe has you questioning yourself over and over again whether you're actually in Brazil.  I've traveled to this megalopolis countless times and though I still haven't warmed to it, I've finally discovered how to enjoy it. Sao Paulo defies everything you've learned or thought about the famed carefree, colorful, sexy vibrancy of Brazilian life. That is, until you step inside.

The word inside means quite a bit in Sao Paulo and it's the difference between having an over-the-top strikingly fabulous stay, or a bland, perfunctory visit with the obligatory stops and subpar meals. Sao Paulo is deceptive. Buildings from the outside that house the most glamorous, chic venues or residences are often moderate if not run-down outside. Some might say this is for security; to me it's clever marketing as there's nothing more intriguing than gaining access to something mysterious, and getting to the root of Sao Paulo's sultry side takes a leap of faith.

A step into the impossibly enormous doorway of what otherwise appears to be a drab office-style building with a short drive-up that is the Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej is to be swallowed up by breathy pulses of sound, stark eclectic design elements, and hidden corners where drinks and conversation last for hours.

A seemingly wrong turn down darkened, uninviting networks of complicated streets, paired with a stroll behind a softly lit boutique turns into an arrival at the doorstep of hidden local favorite Back Gastrobar for incredibly indulgent dishes and fabulous jazz.

A marvel of a gaze outside at the semi-circular Hotel Unique whose plain exterior, save for the shape, will have you stupendously surprised at the stark modern interior design and literally endless views at the Rooftop SKYE bar complemented by pulsating beats and smiling, beautiful people day or night. And a saunter through the Liberdade district will have your head spinning with the overwhelming array of Japanese emporiums and restaurants due to the city's robust Asian population which, for many first-time visitors, is also quite a surprise.

I've never been one for clichés, but Sao Paulo is a book that absolutely should not be judged by its cover.

World's most expensive holiday

Think you've done it all? Dream about doing it all? Well, I suspect you haven't seen this type of ALL yet, and here it is wrapped up into one neat two year package that includes visits to over 960 places that the World Heritage Committee has designated as sites which offer outstanding cultural or natural value. Luxury travel company Hurlingham Travel out of the UK has created what's being hailed as the world's most expensive holiday.

This Ultimate Journey includes stops in Mexico's Monte Alban, the Pyramids in Egypt, Span's Alhambra, Jordan's Petra, India's Taj Mahal, Easter Island and many, many more culturally and historically significant sites.

As you would have guessed, this itinerary is all connected by business class air travel and respites at the world's finest properties including the famed Cipriani Palace in Venice, the Hotel George V in Paris and...well, you get the idea.

VeryFirstTo.com, purveyor of all things luxury, has reportedly sold one spot to a PHD student from China who's expected to embark on his journey next year. Want to join in? It will only set you back about US $1.5 Million Dollars (if you could see me now, you'd know I was repeating it again and again with my pinky raised like a character in Austin Powers) Somehow it makes it a bit more palatable but for those with such a dispensable budget, and considering the outstanding experiences included, it seems well worth the investment. If anyone needs me for the rest of the day, I'll be daydreaming ...

http://veryfirstto.com/experiences/view/every-world-heritage-site-in-1-holiday/

QUESTION- If you had the money, would you do it? Shout out at info@theexplorateurportfolio.com

Casas na areia - Portugal

There are beach houses, and then there are beach houses. 

  I'm talking literally ON THE BEACH as if constructed to reflect the authenticity of old seaside living and then placed lovingly right on top of the sand.  If this sounds exactly like what you're looking for in a sumemr hideaway, then travel just about an hour outside of Lisbon and you'll find it at Casas na Areia.  Visually stunning in its simplicity at first sight, the experience just gets better from there. 

We're talking sand on the floors of this contemporary structure that feels incredibly old world even with its modern amenities mixed in.  Somehow, the balance is achieved and it's beautiful. 

The four bungalows sit within a natural reserve in Comporta, Portugal, surrounded by rice paddies, greenery and the soft sounds of the Sado River.  Years ago, this was the land of fisherman and farmers, today it maintains its simplicity that amazes travelers again and again.  Each of the four houses is equipped with bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms while a communal house offers a small kitchen, sitting room and the floor...the sandy beach which, its said, is a form of forced relaxation in itself as walking on sand tends to slow one down naturally.  It's a beach retreat that is most famous for all of the extras and fanfare it doesn't  offer, yet somehow it's mor ethan you could ever expect. 

www.casasnaareia.com

Operating Guidelines for a japanese hi-tech toilet

When I first traveled to Japan, I was ready.  I knew all about the astronomical prices (yet still experienced mild sticker shock when I actually saw them with my own eyes on everything from menus to taxi meters to lipstick). I learned the right way to get onto a subway. I practiced my business etiquette. I learned how to bow properly and even how to present my business card.  What I was NOT prepared for, however, was the toilet. Let me explain.

I'll set up the scene here...it's about 7:30 PM local time, which could have been 3 AM for all I knew after about 20 hours of flights, airports, taxis and mediocre food. The hotel was fantastic- swift check-in, comfy bed, whisper-quiet halls, and all the fun high-tech gadgets I could want. I could hardly wait to see the amenity selection in the loo and and get freshened up. But, I was stopped in my tracks by this ridiculously monstrous thing jutting out of the wall.I eyed it skeptically, cautiously, and then I stopped in my tracks. What is this contraption that looks curiously like a warped cross between a regal throne, hospital chair and something right out of the set of a futuristic space film? Maybe I'm imagining this due to the lack of sleep and jet-lag.

No, it's really there. Still suspicious I went in for a closer look. The Japanese toilet was like nothing I had ever seen. Amazed but horrified, how DO I utilize this thing?  Now, I like to consider myself an intelligent person, an ultra-savvy traveler with a keen sense of adventure, but I was nervous. What the heck do I do first? Do I sit on this thing or does it pick me up and place me on it? I decided to hold off a bit and do a further inspection. All I can say is WOW- this thing cleans itself, it somehow magically resists bacteria with some hermetically sealed self-sanitizing seat that heats your rear end too. A button to automatically open and close the lid for our germophobic friends that even goes by gender- a different lift for men than for woman. Enough of this, I thought, it's time to test this thing out.

As I sat there, gleefully testing out all the settings much like a toddler tests out a new toy sitting upon a seat that's too high for his or her feet to touch the ground, I noticed there was entertainment! Classical music, Japanese pop,  or just white static noise...genius. I can update myself on the latest hits while covering up the sound of my flush too (because face it, it's seriously something to be embarrassed about. Rather, wouldn't someone on the outside rather think you were weird or nasty if you

didn't 

flush?) Still trying to work that one out. And what's that right there? Choice of air freshener? Score! Let's go with the fresh pine forest. And that button on the left? Oh good grief- a digital timer  (like, do I really need to know how long I was on the toilet?) And then in the middle of this, the toilet phone rings... it's one of my work compatriots screaming in my ear telling me he just apparently gave himself a boiling hot enema (to quote him directly). OK note to self, resist urge to press the "red" button. I'm just about to finish and then OMG. There it is.  

The a** button...(pic attached). I couldn't read the writing so I just figured I'd take a chance.

All I can say is, it was one-stop-shopping- a backside massaging, water temperature-controlling, rear-end washing service complete with a blow dryer.

Never in my life... and so it went, every day, every loo, another adventure. Curious, strange, sometimes frightening but always entertaining...the Japanese toilet.

And yes, I'd buy one for myself in a heartbeat if I could track one down

Yurts so good!

Yurts are comfortable, yurts are warm, yurts are well equipped and yurts are strong...ok, if you're still wondering what a yurt actually is, see the example on the right.  You're looking at one of the ultimate ways to get as close to nature as possible, and even channel your inner caveman if one so desires.

The Outdoor Resort is set upon the Hardanger Base Camp, at the mouth of a  Norwegian fjord, at the bottom of 2 converging valleys near several mountains, whitewater rivers, waterfalls, tunnels and caves, all at your disposal This is an opportunity to get back to basics, in the comfort of your traditional Mongolian-style Yurt deep in the fragrant forest.  Try your hand at Stone Age skills or survival technique training, or indulge in the wealth of watersports, hiking or climbing in an invigorating landscape.  Or, take a lighter turn and take a lesson in cider production at the local factory.   Yurt on, we say. It's surprisingly refreshing.

EXPLORATEUR EXLCUSIVE

-  Save up to 20% on Norway vacations including the Yurt experience with ICS. 

Contact us for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

* LIVE LIKE AN ARISTOCRAT, IF ONLY FOR 2 NIGHTS IN FRANCE! ENTER HERE & LIKE US FOR A BONUS GIVEAWAY!*

 If the Portuguese explorers who discovered Trancoso upon landing at the coast in the early 1500's returned today, they'd likely be impressed to see it's almost exactly as it was those hundreds of years ago. Tranquil, divine and unspoiled, this rectangular coastal region retains its original style. If you're a wealthy Paulista or Carioca, this is where you want to jet to on the weekends, ditch your shoes and find a deserted beach to chill on for the weekend.

Our reccomendation?  Pousada Estrela d'Agua.  Vibrant, verdant, refreshing and quintessentially cool....it remains one of the world's undiscovered retreats, proferring emerald seas flecked with turquoise hues, soft sands, and instant chill. Amidst this land of cottages and capirinhas, fisherman and flora, unpaved roads and unexplored routes, and most importantly, the quiet home of Pousada Estrela D'Agua.

This fabulous former summer holiday retreat-turned-chic hotel is set in a dazzling location, on the Beach of Nativos among endless acres of native vegetation and awe-inspiring views of the gorgeous seas. Luxury comes curiously effortlessly here on the hillside, where an intuitive staff await to cater to each guest's every need and wish whether at the spa indulging in lavish body treats inspired by ancient treatments and Amazon-sourced materials. All 28 rooms here carry a rustic chic charm. Suites sit peacefully amongst the gardens complete with plasma TV, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, and a restful hammock on the porch. The master suites amaze, with king beds that are all unique, private swimming pool or hydro Spa, home theater, 500 thread count sheets and a sheer air of bliss.And now, it adds its very own sushi spot to its extensive list of fabulousness.  Led by head chef Max Kamakura who has already made  name for himself, leading the kitchens of Jam in Sao Paulo, and Soho in Salvador, the menu is comprised of exquisite creations from fresh fish delivered daily, complemented by a wonderful array of sakes.  The Hot Roll and the salmon temaki with crisp sweet potato are rapidly becoming fan favorite.  Check it out! http://www.theexplorateurportfolio.com/travel-Brazil/Pousada-estrela-d-agua/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE-Complimentary bottle of Prosecco and handwritten welcome card in room upon arrival.  Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

Hotel Arctic - Greenland

You've got to really want to get there, but once you arrive at Hotel Arctic, you understand why you made the hefty journey to what is literally the world's most northern 4-star hotel.Talk about a sense of arrival, the surrounding views stun you almost immediately when you realize you're on the edge of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a complex phenomenon full of constantly changing shapes, colors and sounds.

Head to reception, past the display of thick coats made of skins and it's game time:take the room, or the IGLOO?Sure, there are rooms here, but why the heck do that when you can stay in an igloo on the edge of the fjord?There are 5 to choose from, set so close to the edge it could make your knees week. Solid as a rock with aluminum frames, they're surprising modern and filled with creature comforts just like any other room.

But the view? We're talking majestic cliffs, drifting floes and a bay with waters that are completely at peace.Just like you'll be.

Greenland cuisine takes some getting used to if you're not a hearty fish or meat eater but they've got a decent selection of fresh specialties and a curious collection of wines around the world at their Ice Rock Bar.

All roads lead first to Copenhagen when you're heading through, from there, Air Greenland has several flights per week to Kangerlussuag where you'll need to hop another 45 minute regional flight t Ilulissat for your 5 minute transfer.  Alternatively, if you find yourself in Reykjavik, Air Iceland flies to Ilulissat directly. Hey, getting there is half the fun anyway, right?

www.hotelarctic.com

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE-

Special winter warmer gift pack pre-departure to prep you for the brisk temps when booking an Antarctic air-inclusive package including a stay at Hotel Arctic! Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

La Tagliata - Monte Pertuso, Italy

"Just go up- up up the mountain- make a left when you see the shrine and go up all the way towards Monte Pertuso, you can't miss it", said Ralphie, our trusted waiter at a local eatery we'd become accustomed to during a stay in Sorrento who as we found out spends 6 months in Italy and 6 months in Brooklyn because "he's got his things here, and got his things there".  Funny that he was pushing us to try another restaurant other than his own so we took it seriously and embarked on a nailbiting journey over the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast in the dark AND the rain in a quest to find this "La Tagliata" eatery that he forbid us to miss.

When we arrived, this gorgeous place looked more like a rustic Italian dining room in a home rather than a restaurant and it was stark empty. Yet, the host looked around, eyed us suspiciously and asked quite seriously if we had a reservation. We laughed, he shrugged and then profusely apologetically sat us near the kitchen...in a place like this, we're pretty sure we call that a JACKPOT. Though the nighttime views out over the hills are pretty magical, they're nothing compared to the magical sights of chefs on the grill, cooking a variety of meats and home-grown vegetables to a whole new level of perfection, or the ladies hand-rolling the homemade pasta using the freshest local ingredients. The dishes came out one by one, and kept coming...we didn't want to tell them to stop. By the time we left, this little home was packed to the hilt with a line of cars streaming down the side of the rocky inclined street waiting quite impatiently to park. Go early, DO make a reservation and do NOT miss this while on the Amalfi Coast (or anywhere near there for that matter). It's easy to find- just take the coastal road, turn, and go up-up-up the mountain- trust us, you can't miss it.

www.latagliata.com

Today's Surprise Giveaway

Heads up and Facebook pages ready... this looks like a much more appealing way to enjoy breakfast versus what you did this morning, then get to "liking"

We've got 3 nights to give away at the stunning Quinta das Vistas in Madeira which will go to one lucky Facebook fan.

The photo's being posted on our FACEBOOK PAGE. Like us, comment on the photo and you'll have a chance to be on your way to this fab retreat. GO!

The robot restaurant - China

You just can't make this stuff up. Indeed it's true, if you've ever indulged in a Jetsons-style fantasy about a world where just about everything is mechanical, then put this place on your list if you find yourself near Harbin, China. No need to worry about any language barrier here, as you'll only be interacting with a series of robot waitrons and chefs- heck, robots even bus the tables.    

Arrive and you'll be greeted by an usher robot who'll seat you, order through your waiter robot who will transmit that to a robot chef behind the kitchen walls who is able to prepare a variety of noodle and dumpling dishes. Next, eat- after your food is delivered to you by a waitress robot that's even equipped with motion sensors in case anyone accidentally gets in their way. At about $45,000 a robot (x a staff of 20) it's neither an inexpensive nor highly profitable model just yet, however as far as marketing goes, it's bananas brilliant.

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Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina Exclusive

There's perhaps no better defining moment marking the change of seasons than when Northeasterners start to talk about the beach. It's then when one knows that gray skies, snowy days and dark mornings are a thing of the past if only for a few months' time, and it's indeed time for sun & fun. But you're all grown up now, gone are the days of the shared shore houses, the week-long rentals in a bungalow the size of your living room.

You're past all that- what to do?

Easy...step it up a notch and check out a pre season spring getaway famed Montauk Yacht Club Resort, the most fabulous escape in the Hamptons. This resort is a landmark, with a long list of alum by the names of Vanderbilt & Astor, even Frankel (yes, Bethenny! OMG!).

Today, fresh off of a $6 million revitalization, it looks amazing. Guest rooms are thoughtfully done up in a relaxed, chic nautical New England style decor, with an array of modern gadgets and amenities. And for those seeking a bit more space and privacy, the bungalows and villas are ideal.

It's got everything you could ever want in an exlcusive local summer hideaway- tennis, fitness center, private beach, 2 pools, a marina, watersports and of course no resort of this calibre could be complete without a spa. SPA MYC on property is not to be missed, and their customizable treatment programs are just what you need after a long day of lounging, fishing, reading, or doing whatever makes you happy. And the dining...incredible.

The best part is that it's easily accessible- a few hours by car from most points in the tri-state area, a simple train or Jitney ride for New Yorkers, or just a short hop from New England making this an even more attractive jaunt. You'll find the midweek days much more subdued than the weekends so consider a stay during the week. Take a few days off, you deserve it and saying "I'm heading out to the Hamptons" just never gets old.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR EXPLORATEUR READERS

- Free daily breakfast + 2 category room upgrade for March & April travel!* Contact us for more info at

info@theexplorateurportfolio.com

* room upgrade subject to availability

Easy Tours of India

As almost all luxury travelers returning from India will tell you, the lodging and service options in this ancient land are unmatched anywhere on this planet.  However, not all of them get as immersive an experience as those who travel with the True Specialists.

Easy Tours of India is a unique organization that has 10 offices spread out among the major destinations in India. The United States office is staffed by true experts who all travel to India frequently and experience everything their guests will experience. Thus, they have the knowledge to guide a visitor and design a journey that will exceed all their expectations.

Facilitate your unique luxury exploration of India, and India's finest Tour Directors, Guides, and Chauffeurs will show you India's best kept secrets. Dine and receive a hands-on cooking lesson at the home of a famous Keralan chef, view the 5,000 year old spiritual capital of India,

Varanasi

, with sunrise and sunset boat cruises on the Ganga to experience Hinduism's most iconic rituals and ceremonies.

Gaze into the eyes of a tiger

at Ranthambore and be enthralled by the incomparable

Taj Mahal

as the sun sets on the world's most beautiful monument.

Whether you choose a small group tour or an independent tour, your tour will be exquisitely planned and facilitated around your interests. We hold the highest rating for luxury tours in India, and more than 12,000 of our

previous guests can vouch

for that.

Your time should never be wasted; the experts in our Design, Guest Relations and Operations Departments work together to give you the finest service from the day you first contact us, until you return home from your tour. While you tour India with us, your biggest decisions are what places and events you will spend your time exploring, and what cuisine you will try on your next meal. Because of our local expertise, you will experience all that India has to offer without having to ever concern yourself with any of the logistics.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE

- Save 12% on any reservations made between January 10th and 20th, 2013, for travel until April 2014.

Contact us

for more information and pricing. Be sure and tell us the Explorateur sent you.

BENTWOOD INN- Jackson Hole, WY

It's winter- so get out and do something winterish!  No better place than Jackson Hole, and no better boutique hideaway than Bentwood Inn (especially since we have a seriously fabulous deal to share!) This elegant five-guestroom log home is as beautiful and inviting as its backdrop, the legendary Grand Teton mountain range. The 6,000 square-foot home is is entirely composed of 200 year old huge pine logs from Yellowstone National Park.
 

This architectural splendor touches the senses. The grand, luxurious feel is relaxing and cozy from the moment of arrival where the spacious slate entry leads into a massive, three-story living area that showcases a floor to ceiling 30 ft. river rock fireplace, a baby grand piano, and an adjacent library. The warm and inviting dining room features hand-painted tables and cheerfully eclectic Western decor.

Bentwood offers guests all the comforts of home and more - including your own personal whirlpool bathtub, a fireplace in every room and the very finest in amenities. Each morning Bentwood's guests awake to enticing scents from the kitchen where they take ordinary breakfast entrees and give them a unique flare. Instead of French toast, guests are treated to Swedish, Danish and English Tea Time toasts. Why aren't you in Wyoming yet?

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE - Jackson Hole Winter Nature Escape- from $299!*  Includes:

- 3 Nights of Bentwood Inn luxury for two in a deluxe room with King Bed, private fireplace, personal porch or balcony

-Free wifi, plush robes, and unique and natural amenities.

-Daily full chef-prepared breakfast and evening appetizer hour in front of the 3-story river rock fireplace in the Great Room. 

-Your  choice of a 4 Hour Sunset or Sunrise Winter Excursion with a professional naturalist expert at interpreting the winter habits of wildlife in the valley.

- 4 course "Bentwood Bistro" Dinner served family style. Always a favorite of Bentwood guests, reservations required as the menu is always tailor made.

-National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride. Home to over 10,000 elk in the winter months, a sleigh ride through the refuge is a Jackson Hole must. 

Interested in skiing? Call your innkeepers to discuss adding discounted ski lift tickets to the package! Tel. 307-739-1411  www.bentwoodinn.com and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*Price is per person + tax, based on double-occupancy and availability. For single occupancy, add $100. Available to Explorateur subscribers through April 30, 2013. 

A SIMPLE HOLIDAY MESSAGE TO CONSIDER

I saw a sign yesterday that said, "If you can't feed 100 hungry people, feed just one".  It's that type of spirit and attitude that is so critical to keep in mind when we think about how we can make our own contribution to the world. Travel is such a significant part of how we make our markaround the globe.   

When we explore and carry stories of our adventures and experiences back, we inspire others and we drive awareness. When we travel, we help economies grow, families eat, children to be educated and help lives improve without even realizing it. 

And when we give globally and locally, whether it's just a little bit of time volunteering or a long-term project, we make a huge impact. Tourism accounts for over 238 million jobs around the world, and the world's one billionth tourist was just accounted for. Imagine the potential...

Travel, give when you can and where you can, and share your stories.  You're making your own global impact every time you set foot on an adventure. Thank you so much for reading, for caring, for taking the time to always respond, provide invaluable and fun feedback and for opening your mind to the world.  If you need some inspiration on where to begin,

connect with us

and we'll share some inspiring ideas. 

We've had a great year full of global explorations and incredible adventures that have been so enjoyable to share with you, and we're so excited for what 2013 will bring for all of you.  Wishing you and yours a joyous festive season and all the best for the coming year. Thank you!

LA VAQUITA ECHA- Maipo Valley, Chile

I think I half a cow. Or at least that was what was presented to me at our table atop a small, still-smoldering portable grill about 15 minutes after we had ordered something akin to a mixed grill at La Vaquita Echa, a small country farmhouse-style restaurant in the Chilean winelands. The Maipo Valley is perhaps one of the most well-known in the region, an easy day trip from Santiago, and also where the famed Concha Y Toro winery calls home.

The place is adorable, adorned with all sorts of handicrafts and positively full of folklore. Though welcome signs in multiple languages were strewn across the walls, giving us an "oh no, we just walked into a tourist trap" vibe, the hospitality right from the outset made us feel as though we were walking into someone's private home.

The food is incredibly fresh, but don't be fooled by the sides and the starters- the money is defintiely in the meat here. We ordered a mixed platter, and mixed indeed it was. Enough meat to topple the table including Waygu beef which was more delicious than we could have imagined. As if the food wasn't good enough, the waiters breaking into song, following the folk dancers and guitarist as they wove in and out of the tables was an absolute show. It made everyone smile, and certainly made it easier to linger a bit longer over another bottle of (very affordable) Carmenere.

It's not so much a secret find. We weren't terribly surprised to see how many day tours include lunch at La Vaquita Echa, and we usually try to stay away from these types of places. But, the food, the fun and the charm far outweigh any touristy factor here. Definitely go, and definitely wear your elastic-waistband pants. http://www.lavaquitaecha.cl/

PALAZZO SENECA - Umbria, Italy

You know, saying "I stayed in a palace" just never gets old, which is why you need to do this at least once in your life. Funny that we're on this topic as we've got the ultimate Umbrian suggestion for you. If you believe you can handle sleeping in a charming 16th Century royal retreat that is a blissful fusion of design and tradition, simplicity and elegance, then Palazzo Seneca is where you need to be.

Meticulously maintained and managed by the Bianconi family whose name is synonymous with true, pure luxury hospitality, this Relais & Chateaux residence's attention to detail is nothing short of incredible. Rooms are a perfect harmony of Italian bliss from lamps inspired by the San Remo festival, to artworks created upon traditional local materials, to handcarved four-poster wooden beds and antique restored furnishings while precious black granite sourced locally graces the bathrooms and adds an eclectic touch.

Attenzione: you will be absolutely spoiled with the cuisine here that you may find it difficult to enjoy Italian food anywhere else, for the restaurant is a celebration of the love for the land, where traditional 150-year-old recipes for pastas and breads hold true. Black truffles arriving exclusively from the region grace seasonal dishes while lentils, fresh grains, cheese and meats come from local farms and butchers long trusted by the family.

Wellness treatments here are the icing on the cake of true Italian perfection, with a mystical spa tucked away in the barrel-ceiling basement where complete privacy and serenity is guaranteed. Sip a warm tea made with herbs from the Monti Sibillini National Park followed by a relaxing few minutes in the stunning Turkish Bath before you embark on a phenomenal hydro massage bath or hot stone massage. Should fitness call, there's a cardio center, ball courts and both indoor and outdoor pools at the residence's sports center. Palazzo perfection.  

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE-

Save 10% in 2013! 

Contact us for more information on validity and pricing and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

CYBER MONDAY FABULOUSNESS

OK, you're probably on Black Friday/Super Saturday/Sensational Sunday/Cyber Monday overload right about now but just give it one more minute...we've got a roundup of some fantastic deals that we just had to share with you!  Here's a peek at some of the latest and greatest- connect with us HERE for more information!

FINCA CORTESIN, Spain- Stay over New Years and enjoy breakfast, welcome dring with Tapas, 50 minute massage or one green fee at their golf course, afternoon tea, special amenities , fruit & flowers in room on arrival, complimentary acess to the Spa and "Snow Cave" plus complimentary facial diagnosis at the Spa.  1.198€ per Junior Suite per night.  Valid over New Years period only.  www.fincacortesin.com   

LES SUITES DE LA POTINIERE- Courchevel, France-  Cozy up in one of their ultra-posh 55 square-meter suites including breakfast and 15% off of Spa services for a reduced rate of 990€ per night for travel 12 Jan - 08 Feb and 10 Mar - 14 Apr 2014.   http://www.suites-potiniere.com

BARDESSONO- Yountville, California-  Experience the best of Napa Valley luxe life with a gorgeous overnight stay, $25 gift cards to Bouchon Bakery, Kollar Chocolates, NapaStyle, $25 Resort credit + one wine tasting for 2 at Hill Family Estates.  Starting from $499 per night + tax, valid for travel through 31 Mar 13.  www.bardessono.com

 

HOTEL SAN SEBASTIAN PLAYA- Sitges, Spain-Bask in the eternal Spanish sun with a fabulous offer of a Sea View Room at just 108€ + 10% VAT breakfast for 2 people per night.  www.hotelsansebastian.com

BUONANOTTE GARIBALDI- Rome, Italy- Stay like a local in an oasis of tranquility and charm in the middle of charming Trastevere in this gorgeous luxury B&B.  Save 20% on December travel up to 25 Dec 12. www.buonanottegaribaldi.com/english/index.htm

ESTATE LIFE- Scotland- Consider spending a Scottish stint in your own private castle or estate from  £2,000 per night based on groups up to 14 guests.  www.estate-life.com

 

WANGZ HOTEL- Singapore-  Bask in the beautiful amenities of this hotel's "Anniversary Special" starting at just S$470, including a 2 night stay in a Superior Room, complimentary wi-fi and continental breakfast, complimentary tapas and celebratory drinks at the Halo rooftop lounge, complimentary shuttle to Outram Park MRT Station, Marina Bay and Orchard Road, + 25% dining privilege at Nectar Restaurant and Halo rooftop lounge valid for travel through 31 Jan 13 (excluding 24-31 Dec 12).  www.wangzhotel.com

AFRICAN REGENT HOTEL- Accra, Ghana- Rolling back prices here in this coastal African city of intrigue where prices go back to just $155 per night including breakfast, plus- stay 5 nights and pay for only 4.  Valid for travel 15 Dec 12 - 15 Jan 13.  www.african-regent.com

 

BERNARDUS LODGE- Carmel, California-  Relax in the heart of the Carmel Valley wine region at this fabulous retreat, indulge in a 2 night stay including a daily mimosa breakfast for 2, a $100 USD dining credit on property, nightly cookie plate turndown amenitu, 2 80-minute "Spice of Thai" body treatments + a departure gift of Bernardus/Ajne spa products valid for travel now through 06 Jan 13, starting at $1099 USD + tax & resort fees. www.bernardus.com

THE LOWEST OF THE LOW COST CARRIERS

You've got to hand it to Ryanair's spectacular tactics and PR stunts Their sheer nerve alone is enough to shock you at first, and then move you to throes of hysterical laughter. Throughout all of these challenging years, this company has managed to go so low below the belt (seat belt, that is) that it's a wonder they are still in business, but they're still alive and ticking even whilst employing the most incredibly shrewd and ridiculous tactics that keep clients begging for more.  The latest tactic?  The CEO now wants to eliminate seat belts on flights in favor of a standing-only section.

Their planes are flying, their schedules are holding, and they continue to advertise, so it begs the question: does one actually enjoy this type of treatment? Well, if you travel on an airline like Ryanair, then yes, I believe you do. Recently, they really hit the bottom of the bowl, no pun intended, as they proudly unveiled that they plan on removing two of the three bathrooms on their planes, allowing for up to six more extra seats.  And now, the often smug CEO Michael O'Leary suggests seatbelts are pointless as he lobbies for SRO sections on planes, citing that "if there was ever a crash on an aircraft, God forbid, a seatbelt won't save you". Indicating that nobody is required to wear a seatbelt on the London Tube, he hopes to bend around EU safety regulations and create the standing space where passages would be sold at about $1.60 apiece.  His justification?  "We  "We don't have heavy landings anymore. If you say to someone, 'look, hang onto the handle there, you're coming in to land', they'll be fine."

Some of the highs and lows through the years have included the£20 charge for reprinting a boarding pass, £20 charge per person each way just for checking in at the airport, a £1 charge per minute just to call customer service (which one must do if they have an issue as there is no email address on their site to voice questions), the way overpriced food on board, and a sneaky weight restriction on carry-on bags of 15 kg. Pack even a shade above that and you'll be hit with a £14 per kilo extra charge.

Let's not forget the ever-so-deceptive "cheap"fares that are as difficult to find as a needle in a haystack, and the lovely creative positioning of destinations on their website. Booking a flight to what they say is Paris on their site will actually leave you in Beauvais, over an hour and 20 minutes away, leaving you paying exorbitant transfer fees at the end of the day, making you wonder if this is really a low-cost flight in any sort of shape or form.

And then there was perhaps the most famous exploit of all, landing on an island off of Spain which was not the intended destination, offloading passengers, and leaving them there to fend while the plane turned around and departed. The customers hustled for a ferry, the crew naturally wound up back home safe and sound.

The positive side of this newest lavatory change? They've scrapped the original plan to charge passengers to utilize the lavatories on board, so feel free to go ahead and indulge in that expensive bottle of water in flight. As for seatbelts, would you be willing to take that chance?  Not this Explorateur. 

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IF YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A MELTDOWN, HAVE IT HERE
I broke one of my own travel rules yesterday.  I panicked, and it wasn't pretty. People are forever asking me about  my tips for travel and I frequently find myself speaking to everyone from close friends and family to total strangers about what I've learned around the world, where to stay, what to experience, where to eat and most importantly, what to do in an emergency. But, after a hellacious week battling Hurricane Sandy and a whirlwind work trip to London, I was THAT girl. Crazy out-of-town lady at the register who went to search for my wallet to pay for some fabulous items I wanted to pick up at Harrods, and BAM - there it wasn't.  Money gone, credit cards gone, sentimental fortune cookie notes gone, driver's license gone and if there's one thing I learned yesterday, if you've got to have a meltdown, have it at Harrods.

The cashier was so sympathetic it hurt me to look at him- he took me aside and before I knew it, a concierge was there with her arm around me calming me down and walking me through my last few stops- where had I been, what did I do with my bag, and reassured me she was sure it was at the hotel. While I didn't believe a word of it at the time, I felt better and was whisked away somehow to an office where another fabulously calming person was waiting, ready with phone in hand to help me call whoever I needed to , to sort this. Credit card company, bank, family, you name it. While I continued my tirade about how I couldn't believe I was pickpocketed, he calmly recommended we call my hotel just to check. Sure enough, we got the right person on the phone and there it was. She was right, he was right, and I have never had such empathetic, proactive service. I blame the jetlag for leaving it behind, but if there's one thing I tell people when dealing with emergencies on the road, it's FIRST, DON'T PANIC. How did I let myself get to that state? Me, the girl who's stayed in remote tented camps with no electricity and all manner of wildlife roaming just outside...me, the girl who's flown on small 4 seater planes with duct tape holding the window together.  No excuse except for the fact that I broke my own rule.  It happens, just usually not to me and it caused me a very unnecessary heart attack-size horror show. 

 
So, if I can pass on a piece of advice, I really do mean what I say when I say KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON if disaster strikes.  Everything can be fixed- sure, it's horrible to lose money but I've been pickpocketed abroad before and American Express had a new card shipped to me the next day. I've been sick while traveling before, and most hotels around the world can find you a doctor when you need one.  We usually can't see straight in a time of challenge when you're worked up and irrational so just breathe and remember, once everything gets fixed, it will make one heck of a story to tell you friends when you get back.  And, a million kudos to whomever is in charge of training at Harrods, you've done well.