The Absolute Holiday Travel Gift Guide
by Geoffrey Ravoire, Luxury Travel Advisor & Marketing Manager
As we enter the Holiday Season, our hearts are warm with thankful feelings. Thankful for exploring the world once again. Thankful for a strong year working alongside the best clients, best team, and best partners in the world. Thankful for being together again!
We’ve assembled this list of some of our favorite experiences to inspire you to dream further, and soon dream of a world without borders.
Our fabulously experienced team of Travel Advisors are passionate about helping you give your loved ones the greatest gift…the gift of travel. Let us help you look like a star this Holiday!
FOR THE FOODIES
Cheese Geek at Blackberry Farm
From diving into the details of the cheesemaking process, to perfecting your pairing skills there’s no better food to dedicate an event to. Cheese Master and VP of Culinary Pioneering at Di Bruno Bros., Emilio Mignucci, will collaborate with Blackberry Cheesemaker Chris Osborne to share their expertise. Enjoy ample time on the Farmstead, delicious conversation, and special menus inspired by, you guessed it, cheese!
Image Credit: Blackberry Farm
A Royal Afternoon Tea in Versailles
In homage to Marie-Antoinette, afternoon tea is served in the sitting room of this new, exceptional hotel located in the heart of the Palace of Versailles. Expect an assortment of finger sandwiches, Viennese-style brioche rolls, treats made by the pastry chef, or even the much-adored Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse hot chocolate. Have you really done Versailles if you haven’t lived like a royal?
Image Credit: Airelles Le Grand Controle
Truffle Hunting at Castello di Reschio
Give your nose a workout on a truffle hunting trail with our local expert, heading to a neighboring farm to snuffle out this rare delicacy. Follow a truffle hunter and his dog, enjoy a truffle tasting session, watch a cooking demonstration, and round the day off with a delicious truffle-themed lunch.
Image Credit: Reschio Estate
FOR THE FAMILIES
First Safari with Singita Ebony Lodge
Every aspect of a family safari is individualized, including spacious multi-bedroom family suites, personalized itineraries taking children’s ages and special interests into account, and mini tasting menus for little ones while their parents enjoy an elegant multi-course dinner. Children of all ages are welcome, and the Singita Mini Rangers’ Course is filled with activities ranging from tracking to birding and bush survival skills.
Image Credit: Singita
Yachting at Monaco F1 Grand Prix
Who hasn’t seen images of F1 racing through the streets of Monaco while the jet-set watches the thrill from the deck of a yacht? There is something magical about this week of May when some of the most beautiful yachts and anchor in Monaco or dock on Quai des Etats-Unis. Our favorite combo? Yacht in the bay, daily tenders to go enjoy the race with VIP tickets, shopping in Carré d’Or, and glamorous parties all night. Truly something for everyone!
Image Credit: Burgess
Dog Butlers and Pampering at Las Ventanas
From special menus and massages to pamper furry friends, our beloved pets who have it all can now vacation in the lap of luxury. In addition, a portable Pet Cabana is available for use in suites, or at the pool or beach, so dogs can enjoy the outdoors with you in shady comfort. Butlers will also walk pets, either along the fine-sand beach or in the flowering desert countryside, at the times each day that the guest specifies. Dog butlers can even organize birthday parties for Fido and invite his furry friends to attend!
Image Credit: Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraiso
FOR THE ADVENTURERS
The Greatest Day in Antarctica
This is your chance to experience the real interior of Antarctica in a single day. Fly a Gulfstream from Cape Town down to Wolf's Fang runway and spend a day hiking untouched peaks, fly an observation plane over this dramatic landscape, or fat bike to the end of the world. Back at the base camp, you can celebrate your achievements by sipping a cocktail with 1000-year-old glacial ice and a freshly prepared picnic.
Image Credit: White Desert
Each villa of this private reserve is assigned with a private guide and 4WD so you can explore the treasures of Patagonia at your own pace, visiting where you want, when you want. No set route, no menu, just experience your own path in the last frontier.
Image Credit: Awasi
Snowshoe Safari in Grand Teton
Become an adventurer as you follow the tracks from a local naturalist guide through rolling hills and snow-covered forests at the base of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. Snowshoeing gives you a taste of the beauty that backcountry travel offers. Exclusive viewing opportunities of elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and more await…
FOR THE WELLNESS SEEKERS
Optimal Wellbeing Program by Sensei
Your pre-arrival process begins with a WHOOP wearable strap to help gather real-time fitness, sleep, and recovery data. Your Sensei Guide helps to translate that data and develop a structured program tailored to your desired outcome while connecting the three fundamental paths of the Sensei Way — Move, Nourish and Rest.
Image Credit: Sensei
Located in Les Sources de Caudalie, the Vinothérapie Spa offers exclusive treatments in an incredible natural setting. Unique treatments combine the virtues of natural hot spring water drawn from 1,770 feet beneath the earth – rich in minerals and oligo-elements – with the most recent scientific discoveries of the benefits of the grape and the grapevine.
Image Credit: Les Sources de Caudalie
Momcation in the Heart of Manhattan
Mothers deserve a break and Equinox's Momcation is the perfect formula for a getaway to reboot. Escape to this urban oasis alone or make time to reconnect with someone special while you enjoy a weekend of luxury bliss. Techno-Therapy Spa Treatments include Cryotherapy, Infrared Sauna, and “Wave Table” Brain + Body Boost.
Image Credit: Equinox Hotels
TO TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE
Respectful, Considered, Culturally Immersive Experiences
Over the years, our clients traveling with ME to WE have been welcomed with open arms by the partner communities visited. This has allowed our travelers to gain an unprecedented understanding of each country and its culture, and the daily challenges and joys experienced by community members. They've worked alongside them to build classrooms and clean water systems. And along the way, they've expanded how they see the world and become part of a story of transformation.
Image Credit: Me to We
Mangrove Reforestation in Fiji
Guests of the sublime Kokomo Island have the opportunity to participate in planting and transplanting activities through the Kids Club and landscaping department, regularly assisting with watering, weeding, and maintenance. By educating you on the importance of mangroves, having you participate in planting activities, and helping protect local communities, this project raises environmental awareness while assisting in community development.
Image Credit: Kokomo Island
Many resorts and destinations are aiming to become 100% carbon neutral. At Soneva Kiri, Thailand, relax in complete luxury knowing your resort focuses on sustainable tourism in all areas, from building partnerships with local communities, to ensuring the natural beauty surrounding the resorts is protected and cared for. Soneva Kiri also boasts an organic garden where local vegetables, herbs, and fruits are grown for the chef. More about the initiatives of this responsible brand here.
Image Credit: Soneva Kiri
TO BRING TRAVEL TO YOUR HOMES
Browse merchandise from your favorite Oetker Collection properties.
From Capri Dolce Vita to Aspen Style, discover the most iconic travel books.
Image Credit: Assouline
The Art of Pottery at Mayflower Inn
Join artist and potter Charlie Dumais for an immersive experience in his Litchfield studio. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind experience, a hand-drawn sketch of your vase, and a tile sample of your selected glaze. After your piece has been fired and glazed, Dumais Made will send your vase directly to your doorstep.
Image Credit: Dumais Made