Boka Bay appears as though it has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. The bay is shaped like a bow — wide on two ends with a narrow channel connecting them. From every angle, you have gorgeous views of the imposing Orjen and Lovcen mountains. The towns and coastlines around Boka Bay, sometimes referred to as the Bay of Kotor, have come to be known as the Montenegrin Riviera. And while at the far end of the bay you have the city of Kotor, a walled medieval city with centuries of history, my journey in Montenegro began at the small seaside town of Herceg Novi, a rising star in the luxury landscape thanks to the debut of the One&Only resort.

Location, location …

The sprawling resort enjoys coveted real estate on a stretch of sandy beach on Boka Bay. With gorgeous landscaped grounds, sparkling turquoise pools, soaring ceilings and rounded archways, it’s easy to believe you’ve stepped out of reality and into a storybook palace.

In fact, the resort was designed to reflect the architectural style of the old Venetian palaces of the region. Guests lounge regally poolside at one of its many pools or sip fine Italian wines at the al fresco Italian restaurant Sabia while sampling southern Italian cuisine. On the other end of the resort, the Tapasake Club offers a more playful pool club atmosphere complete with DJs, sushi and a sake bar.

Each of the 123 guestrooms and suites is positioned for views of the marina, bay and mountains. Rooms are equipped with sleek, modern fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terraces. Bathrooms are equal in size to the bedrooms and double as a space where you can lounge thanks to plush sofas and spacious vanities. A cozy robe and a glass of Champagne create the most posh pampering experience.

Time to explore

But where the One&Only Portonovi really treats its guests like high society is in the service and its signature experiences. From the luxury med spa to private boat tours around Boka Bay and secluded forest hikes through the Orjen and Lovcen mountains, each experience makes guests feel like a VIP.

I was fortunate enough to try a little bit of everything. Starting with our speedboat tour of the bay, this is the perfect way to gain a sense of place. Our guide took us from the private dock of the resort to nearly every corner of Boka Bay. The tour even included a stop at the dreamlike Our Lady of the Rocks island in the center of the bay. The small, rocky island is home to a turquoise-domed church, whose origins date back to the 15th century. We also sped up to the doorstep of Kotor’s Old Town, and then over to Tivat, the original millionaire’s enclave along the bay, known for its luxury yachts, glamorous shopping and expensive restaurants.

• Related: Rixos opens its first hotel in Montenegro

But my favorite experience was one that the hotel arranged for a deeper connection to Montenegro. Led by my guide Sasa, a local trail runner and master outdoorsman, I was taken up through the thick forests and over stony pathways that open up to breathtaking vistas over Boka Bay. The best part of the journey was what awaited at the end. The trail led to a 400-year-old village made entirely of stone, where i was introduced to a family who had lived in the village for generations. In fact, our host Nicola’s great ancestors were responsible for helping to construct the village, and he and his wife are among the few residents still left in the town today.

I was welcomed into Nicola’s home, where he and his wife had prepared a beautiful feast of cured meats and cheeses, salad, bread and homemade wine. This was all in addition to plenty of sips of the local spirit, rakija, a type of fruit brandy. Nicola gave me a tour of the village, from the house where he was born to the hut where they age and cure their own meat. It’s moments like these, where you can step away from the resort and learn about the people and place you are visiting, that are always the most luxurious for me.

Back at the hotel, wellness is an important pillar of its ethos. The
opulent spa is a collaboration with wellness brand Chenot, making the
One&Only Portonovi the first of the hotel collection to have a
Chenot Espace spa. The spa features traditional spa treatments and
stress-relieving therapies as well as med spa services. Guests can
receive a bespoke program with nutrition consultations, detox menus and
technical anti-aging treatments.

One&Only Portonovi made Montenegro come alive for me in ways that I do not think I could have experienced on my own. The service and hospitality are impeccable, the rooms and cuisine all five-star. But it’s the pride of the destination among the people who live there that really did it for me. I left feeling connected to this place. And when a hotel makes you want to come back for more, you know it did its job well.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Discovering Montenegro, with help from the One&Only Portonovi resort appeared first on Travel Base Online.

Volcanic ash sent into the atmosphere could cause air travel disruptions and potentially damage jet engines, according to the AccuWeather Global Weather Center, citing the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano eruption in 2010, which disrupted air travel for weeks.

But the volcanic characteristics and location of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano from 2010 and the current volcano near Grindavik are different, the center said, meaning the broader impact to air travel is not necessarily expected to be as severe.

“The Eyjafjallajoekull volcano is located at high elevation, more than 5,500 feet, and is essentially covered by an ice glacier,” said chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter. “The volcano near Grindavik is not encapsulated in an ice cap, but if it erupts, it can still introduce plumes of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, which can travel on the upper-level winds.”

Icelandic authorities raised their aviation alert to orange, according to the Associated Press, indicating an increased risk of a volcanic eruption.

The town of Grindavik, which was evacuated after activity was detected, is on the Reykjanes Peninsula about 31 miles southwest of Reykjavik and 16 miles from Keflavik airport. The region was shaken by hundreds of small earthquakes every day for about two weeks, the AP said. A magnitude 4.8 quake on Thursday forced the temporary closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions, is closed at least through Nov. 16 because of the risk of eruption.

A notice posted on the Visit Iceland website Nov. 13 said that at the moment “it is not possible to conclude what effects a possible volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula might have on flight traffic to and from Iceland.” It added that all airlines were currently operating on schedule.

AccuWeather advised travelers to closely monitor travel to Europe within the next few weeks, and it added that atmospheric ash could still result in the closure of portions of air space.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Could a volcanic eruption in Iceland disrupt travel? appeared first on Travel Base Online.

The program, called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) would require visitors to Schengen Area countries to fill out a form ahead of travel that would be used to screen them for security or migration risks. 

It will apply to travelers between the ages of 18 and 70, will cost around $8 and be valid for two years. The U.K. is implementing its own system on a separate timeline called the Electronic Travel Authorization. (The U.S. has its own program called the Electronic System Travel Authorization, which has been in place for several years). 

The EU system was originally planned to take effect in 2021 and more recently was expected to start in 2024, although many in the industry didn’t expect it to take place until late in the year at the earliest. 

And no start date is guaranteed: An FAQ about the program on the ETIAS website merely says: “It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System will be operational from mid-2025.” 

Source: Read Full Article

The post EU plans to require travel authorization in mid-2025 appeared first on Travel Base Online.

The project, which was overseen by Parisian interior design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon, represents the latest chapter of a multiyear renovation and reimagining of the hotel.

The 175-year-old landmark building now features a refreshed reception area, grand lobby lounge with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, stylish bar area, fireplace and smoking room. 

To date, 29 of the hotel’s 112 rooms and suites have been redesigned against the backdrop of the property’s belle epoque architecture.

The new two-bedroom Kronenhof Suite on the fifth floor features high ceilings, an atrium, a parquet floor, leather accents, a well-stocked bookcase, designer pieces and modern furniture and a bar fashioned to look like a leather steamer trunk.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina unveils renovations appeared first on Travel Base Online.

Located in the Kruununhaka district, the Hotel Maria features 117 guestrooms, including 38 suites, two restaurants and bars, a ballroom, a chapel and state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities.

The property comprises four historic buildings built between 1885 and 1930, and guestrooms feature custom furnishings from American furniture specialist RH. Amenities include large “American-style” beds, state-of-the-art technology and bathrooms equipped with marble walk-in showers, traditional Finnish saunas and/or steam rooms, soaking tubs, gas fireplaces and televisions.

The two-bedroom, 1,722-square-foot Imperial Suite offers butler service, two bathrooms with a steam room, spacious living areas and library and a dining room with optional private dining experiences. 

The Maria Spa and Wellness Club, set to open in spring 2024, will feature a large, coed Finnish sauna, steam room, cold- and warm-water plunge pools, Jacuzzi, four treatment rooms and the services of a Wellness Concierge.

Spa treatments will use Biologique Recherche products, and the Spa Bar will be located in a greenery-filled, fully enclosed atrium sanctuary. 

Rates start at $496, including taxes and breakfast for two.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Preferred Hotels' Legend Collection is entering Finland appeared first on Travel Base Online.

The 62-bedroom property is in the heart of Amsterdam at the junction of the city’s Museum Quarter and P.C. Hooftstraat, an upscale shopping street.

Originally three residential houses built in 1899 by architect P. van der Vliet, Jan Luyken’s namesake was the 17th-century Amsterdam poet and etcher Jan Luyken.

The hotel is near the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Concertgebouw concert hall. 

The ground floor layout, created by Amsterdam-based interior design studio Nicemakers, mirrors a private home, with vintage and contemporary pieces from the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.

The library overlooks a private garden for guests, and the kitchen offers a relaxed, open-plan space with a sharing table and sofa nook. 

Breakfast features local, seasonal produce and artisanal pastries, and home-made snacks and refreshments are available throughout the day.

The on-site gym features handcrafted wooden equipment from NOHrD for cardio and strength-based exercise and floor space for mat-based activity. 

Guestrooms feature bed linens and soft furnishings made in Amsterdam from Elle La and Bonnie Barlag as well as drip coffeemakers, robes and Codage bathroom amenities.

The property features mobile check-in and a digital key system, and house hosts are available 24/7.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Jan Luyken Amsterdam townhouse hotel opens appeared first on Travel Base Online.

Guestrooms will be housed in two traditional Transylvanian farmhouses, each with an inner courtyard that provides access to deluxe rooms and junior suites.

The restaurant Stup will offer indoor and outdoor dining as well as views of the Bucegi Mountains. The cuisine will feature modern takes on traditional Romanian cuisine, and the Nectar bar will serve cocktails and local drinks.

The property is located about 120 miles from Bucharest, or about two-and-a-half hours by train. Helicopter transfers are also available.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Matca opening in Romania's Transylvania region appeared first on Travel Base Online.

Paris and France go together like coffee and croissants.

It’s this instant association with the City of Light that blinds most tourists from even considering many of France’s other intriguing destinations. As capital of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, medieval Lyon is still behind Marseille in size, but in terms of historical and cultural influence, it’s almost unmatched.

During World War II, Lyon was the center of the country’s Resistance movement and a stronghold of Free France during Nazi occupation. Stretching well beyond the 20th century, Lyon has been an epicenter of commerce and community. Traboules — merchant passageways dating to the fourth century — still discreetly wind their way through Vieux (Old) Lyon. An amphitheater completed in 15 B.C. once hosted gladiator fights and remains the oldest Roman structure of its kind in the country.

Sure, Paris has Notre Dame, which even as it is being reconstructed is still attracting scores of visitors. But Lyon also has a Notre Dame; it’s perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. And wouldn’t you know it, next to the basilica is a mini-replica of the Eiffel Tower. But Lyon also has much to offer that you won’t find in its more celebrated sister city 300 miles to the north.

For instance:

Paris has Alain Ducasse. Lyon has Paul Bocuse. 

It’s the battle for the coveted title of “world’s gastronomic capital” that most greatly divides the residents and epicureans of Paris and Lyon. Ducasse is one of the most highly awarded chefs in history, with 21 Michelin stars and counting; among them, for bistro Benoit Paris. 

But Lyon has a secret weapon of both long-standing culinary traditions and the late Bocuse that have helped shape and elevate the landscape of Lyonnaise cuisine.

With a focus on local ingredients and simplicity, Bocuse formed an empire of French cuisine from his lifelong home of Lyon. L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges held Michelin’s three-star rating, the guide’s highest, for 55 years (it was downgraded to two stars in 2020). A more approachable chain of four brasseries — named for each of the main points on the compass — introduce guests to Bocuse’s signature flavors. Today, locals and visitors also frequent family-owned bouchons that date to the 1600s. These homey, tavern-like restaurants serve Lyon’s hearty comfort food of sausages, tripe, potatoes and quenelles, a type of dumpling often made from fish or meat and egg. 

Paris has the Louvre. Lyon has the Lumieres.

The Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, two of the most recognizable works of art in the world, make their home in the Paris museum. But another art form, motion pictures, had its start in Lyon when Auguste and Louis Lumiere began experimenting with developing film in 1881. By 1895, the cinematographe became the first viable motion picture camera, improving upon what was considered a clunkier design by Thomas Edison. 

Anyone interested in the pioneers of cinema can visit the Musee Lumiere in the brothers’ childhood home in the neighborhood of Monplaisir. The Institut Lumiere is part of the museum, founded by Louis’ grandson, and works to promote and preserve French filmmaking. Daily film screenings and a film festival each October are held on site. Stand on the exact place where, in March 1895, the brothers filmed “Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory,” widely considered to be the world’s first film. (Editor’s note: The Musee Lumiere is currently closed but will reopen in September.)

Paris has couture. Lyon has silk.

The influence of Paris’ fashion houses, from Chanel to Dior, has left an indelible impression on the world of luxury clothing design. 

Among the fine fabrics used for many of these garments is silk. Lyon’s history of silk-making is a storied one, stretching back to family looms along the Saone River employed for personal use in medieval times. Soon, silk became a coveted material of the French aristocracy, and in 1466, King Louis XI funneled money to Lyon to transform a small community of silk weavers into a silk manufacturing hub. By 1540, Lyon was granted a monopoly on raw silk imports throughout France, centralizing the industry and fueling a booming trade center.

Lyon’s silk fever reached a pitch in the 1600s and all but halted due to revolts against poor labor conditions by the canuts (Lyonnaise silk workers) throughout the 18th century. 

The introduction of the Jacquard loom during this time boosted output and drew the attention of the visiting Bonapartes, reviving the silk trade once again. Today, the Maison des Canuts is a museum and functioning workshop where visitors can bear witness to Lyon’s multilayered silk-making history and also splurge on a chiffon scarf. 

Paris has the Seine. Lyon has the Rhone (and the Saone).

Dean Martin is just one of many to immortalize “The River Seine” in song. It’s been the subject of artists like Claude Monet and the setting of films from James Bond to the work of Luis Bunuel.

Lyon, on the other hand, lies at the confluence of two scenic rivers, the Rhone and Saone, that like the Seine have played a significant role in the city’s identity. Visitors can learn more about these influences at the Musee des Confluences, a center exploring the science and anthropology of the rivers’ impact on Lyon and the rest of the country. 

The museum is one of several located along the riverfront, and there is a lovely tree-lined walkway, as well. Lyon is typically the departure point for Rhone cruises, like the South of France itineraries I’ve sailed with Viking and Avalon, and most river cruises include an overnight here. But clearly Lyon is a city that is deserving of a much longer look. 

Source: Read Full Article

The post For France beyond Paris, we'll always have Lyon appeared first on Travel Base Online.

ETIAS, which consumer media often erroneously call a visa, is actually a travel authorization. Obtained via an online application that costs around $8, it screens travelers for potential security or migration risks. The EU says the system will launch “sometime in 2024,” and approval will be valid for three years.

It will apply to those between the ages of 18 and 70 traveling in the 26 countries of Europe’s Schengen Area, which includes France, Italy, Germany and Spain, but not Ireland or Cyprus. The U.K. is implementing its own program for visa-free visitors called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which will cost about $12 and be valid for two years.

It is unclear when ETIAS will actually open for applications. Adopted in 2018, it was originally to take effect in 2021. The EU now says it will start in 2024, but many in the travel industry say that would be its earliest implementation date. 

“I don’t anticipate this being in effect before the end of ’24,” said Tom Jenkins, CEO of the European Tourism Association. He thinks ETA will be up and running before ETIAS.

The EU says the ETIAS application process will take about 10 minutes and in more than 95% of cases will result in a “positive answer” within minutes. It stressed that no “visa-like obligations” will be required, such as visiting a consulate or providing biometric data. Approvals are linked to passenger profiles, and no paperwork needs to be presented to border authorities.

The two programs are similar in name and purpose to the $14 Electronic System Travel Authorization the U.S. requires of visa-exempt European travelers. They, too, must receive online approval determining that they do not pose a security risk.

Once ETIAS does goes into effect, the EU has suggested people apply up to three months before traveling.

But with no official start date or way to apply, advisors and tour operators don’t want to worry clients. 

Preplanning with ‘vague’ info

Rosanne Zusman, chief commercial officer of CIE Tours, said the company is operating as if ETIAS could go into effect in January. But unlike Jenkins — and emblematic of the lack of solid information — Zusman says she has heard the British ETA is likely to be implemented after ETIAS comes on line.

“It’s all very vague,” she said. “We want to make sure we [inform clients] far enough in advance for them to take action, but not so far in advance that the information is too early to be helpful.”

As of June 1, CIE began including a bold notification about ETIAS requirements on invoices and documents for 2024 travel to Schengen Area-countries where CIE operates: Italy and Iceland. 

But Zusman said CIE was not actively talking about ETA, since it appears less imminent. “And like the ETIAS, even if somebody wanted to try to get out ahead of the curve, they couldn’t even fill out the application today,” she said. 

Liam Dunch, Abercrombie & Kent USA’s product manager for Europe, said there was “some confusion” about plans for ETIAS and ETA, and from what A&K understands, it’s still “in the early stages in both regions,” with expected implementation delayed until late 2024 or early 2025. Once it’s official, A&K will include details about it in predeparture documentation sent to travel advisors, Dunch said. 

Brianna Glenn, owner of Los Angeles-based Milk + Honey Travels, said her agency was sharing information about ETIAS and ETA “generally” on social media and that she will include it in her next monthly newsletter. But she said she wouldn’t “start actively discussing it with clients unless they bring it up.”

Milk + Honey will include the information on 2024 Europe travel proposals. Once in the final planning phase, about two months prior to travel, she will follow up “with clear action steps of what they need to do and a check-in to make sure they did it,” Glenn said. 

“All things considered, it seems like a relatively small hoop, and in comparison to other visa requirements that exist, this is nothing to be anxious about,” she said. 

CIE’s Zusman agreed, adding that after three years of Covid tests and forms, travelers are used to added requirements. 

“There’s definitely going to be a learning curve,” she said. “And there could be somebody who shows up for their flight and isn’t allowed to board. But we feel pretty confident that with early and repetitive reminders, most travelers will learn it’s a new normal.”

Glenn said she was ready for clients’ questions. 

“That is where we can continue to be a resource and provide value,” she said. “But people are not going to decide not to go to Italy because of a form they have to fill out and seven euros. If they did, they didn’t want to go to Italy that badly to begin with.” 

Source: Read Full Article

The post Europe's travel authorization system (not a visa) is coming soon. Maybe. appeared first on Travel Base Online.

Avant Mar is located on Piperi beach on the Aegean and is about a four-minute walk from the fishing village of Naousa.

The hotel offers a blend of contemporary design, traditional architecture and a style both casual and elegant.

Eateries include Matsuhisa Paros, the first Nobu-style restaurant on the island, with an open kitchen concept, a sushi bar and a resident DJ. 

All-day dining is also available at Thymes, under the direction of chef Dimitris Katsanou, and Figs pastry shop serves traditional Greek sweets and pastries.

A semi-outdoor wellness area offers spa treatments as well as open-air yoga and Pilates.

The property is accessible from Athens by plane or by high-speed ferry from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. 

Nightly rates start from about $664 a night.

NOTE: As of Tuesday afternoon, Paros, along with the rest of the Cyclades, has not been affected by the wildfires in Greece, according to multiple news outlets. As always, stay current about alerts and advisories via the U.S. State Department.

Source: Read Full Article

The post Avant Mar opens on the Greek island of Paros appeared first on Travel Base Online.