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Sailing Southeast Asia
Langkawi Island is a popular duty-free escape destination on the far northern tip of Malaysia and across the gulf from Thailand. The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is a reliable Southeast Asian standard famous for hosting the prestigious Royal Langkawi International Regatta, held over five days in late January or early February. The Royal Langkawi has berthing for 205 boats and full marina amenities, including two restaurants, a swimming pool and even a PADI dive shop.
For more information: Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
Part of $150 million "luxury lifestyle marina community" in Phuket, the Royal Phuket Marina opened in 2006 to great fanfare and instant patronage when the 22nd Phuket King's Cup—a well-heeled international regatta—christened the marina. With its initial condominium shares and marina berths already filled, entreprenuer Gulu Lalvani's luxury resort has plans to expand the marina, add more private villas with their own moorings and build a ritzy hotel. The marina recently won the Best International Design award from the International Property Awards in London.
For more information: Royal Phuket Marina
This is the newest installment in Singapore's $5 billion project to build a high-end resort at the southeastern tip of the island at Sentosa Cove. It also includes Singapore's first casino, numerous condominium complexes, single-family homes with boat docks, a golf course and luxury hotel. With berths large enough for megayachts and enough docks for 270 boats, the marina's purposefully limited 4,000-person membership was filled shortly after its September 2007 debut. In 2009, ONE?15 will be a stopover port and in-port race host in the prestigious around-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.
For more information: ONE?15 Marina Club
Although not technically Southeast Asia, Hong Kong shares the South China Sea with Vietnam and others. Clearwater's name conjures the crystalline waters of the Clearwater Bay peninsula in the southeastern Kowloon peninsula. The 300-berth marina—with six reserved for superyachts—is well-protected from the sea in its own little cove. Members of the marina enjoy access to the extensive dining and recreational facilities, indoor and outdoor tennis and an executive nine-hole golf course at the Country Club. There's even a helicopter pad for trips to Hong Kong island.
For more information: Clearwater Bay Marina & Golf Club
Flush with investment money from billionaire venture capitalist Chaoyang Wang—one of China's richest businessmen—this newly minted yacht club in the northern city of Qingdao has already serenaded a stopover for the patrician Clipper Worldwide Race. Qingdao is also a jumping-off point for sailing trips around the Southeast Asian countries, making it an important part of the circuit. Qingdao will also play host to the sailing, rowing and water sports events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. China has even gone so far as to christen Qingdao—best known in the West for the Tsingtao brewery—as "The City of Sailing." Wang expects the massive new marina to kick-start a sailing craze in China which will help fill the marina's 366 berths.
For more information: Qingdao Yinhai International Yacht Club
With a long and robust history, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is the pride of yacht clubs in Asia. Initially founded by British sportsmen in 1849 as the Victoria Yacht Club, by 1894 the club was granted "Royal" status by the Lords of the Admiralty. Nowadays this large, diverse club covers two islands and two bays and berths hundreds of boats from dinghies to large yachts to sampans. The club features a full-time boatyard, three marinas and hardstanding services. With more than 11,000 members, the RHKYC is one of the largest yacht clubs in the world. It also plays co-host to the annual China Sea Race.
For more information: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
The Raffles name recognized worldwide for its elegance and charm. Mega-yachts, in particular, are catered to year-round as Raffles actively promotes its "nautical lifestyle." The marina is also a long-time host and co-host to numerous area regattas, including the annual Singapore Straits Regatta. There's all the usual boating facilities, as well as tennis, billiards, bowling and a gymnasium available for guests, plus a small theater, a pool, two restaurants and a pub.
For more information: Raffles Marina
The Rebak Marina is part of the exclusive Rebak Island Resort operated by Taj Hotels. The marina has 189 water berths in a no-surge harbor and dry dockage for yachts up to 98 feet, as well as an impressive 65-ton marine travel lift. The Rebak Marina prides itself on seclusion, exclusivity, luxury and natural beauty on the privately owned Rebak Island—one of only three inhabited islands in the duty-free Langkawi archipelago. The marina is connected to the recently developed (and pricey) Rebak Island Resort.
For more information: Rebak Marina Langkawi
The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club has been around since 1826, back when the Stamford Raffles crew and the first president of Singapore were patrons. RSYC is the oldest club in Singapore, but recent upgrades and expansions mean 168 wet berths, including one that can accommodate a mega-yacht up to 140 feet long. The club has long been active in major regattas, including the Clipper Sea Race and the Singapore Straits Regatta. RSYC was moved to the West End in 1999 and redesigned; it won the SIA Architectural Design Award in 2001.
For more information: Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
The resort's 147 villas are built into a tiered hillside with lush foliage and clear bay views. Stroll down to some of the prettiest beaches in southern Bali, or spend some time in the infinity pool (one of our favorite spots). This is truly a place to get into the spirit of the season.
For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com.
Deia, Mallorca, Spain
La Residencia offers luxurious seclusion in a tiny mountain village setting above the Mediterranean. It's a magnificent hotel in a stunning place. The property was created from a 16th century manor house. Guestrooms feature antique furnishings. Make sure to take time to explore the hotel's amazing art collecting featuring the works of island artists.
For more information, visit www.laresidencia.com.
Paris, France
In the 1800s, King Louis XV commissioned the palace that became a luxurious home-away-from-home to the rich and famous in 1909. The rooms and suites offer all the comfort and cushiness you'd expect. The elegant Les Ambassadeurs restaurant is one of the city's finest--Chef Jean-Francois Piege's cuisine simply sublime. Christmas in Paris can't get any better than this.
For more information, visit www.crillon.com.
London, England
Located in a quiet corner of St. James Place in Mayfair, Dukes has only 90 rooms and is purposely low key. Guestrooms have traditional furnishings and marble bathrooms, and there's a small spa. But our favorite place is the cozy first-floor bar--sit here and you feel like you're in someone's living room, with the bonus of enjoying an expertly prepared martini.
For more information, visit www.dukeshotel.com.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
One of the best ski resorts in North America. The 550-room Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located right at the base of Blackcomb, and has a classic alpine ambience. You'll find plenty of cozy fireplaces scattered throughout the premises. For a splurge, book a suite with a slope-view tub.
For more information, visit www.fairmont.com.
Uruguay Cruise from Buenos Aires
Small is a good thing on SeaDream. Passengers enjoy an ultraluxury yacht experience, far from the mega-ship crowds. Make sure to spend time in the comfy Balinese Sun Beds on Deck 6. Look out to sea and you won't miss your Christmas tree one bit.
For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Coastal Norway
This is the original Santa country. It's highly likely you'll see reindeer, and you'll certainly see amazing scenery, from one of the 11 comfortable passenger/deliver ships in this fleet. The route is Bergen to Kirkenes and back, with the opportunity to take advantage of organized excursions.
For more information, visit www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.
Henderson, Nevada
The 493-room hotel is on the north shore, and guestrooms have sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses will inspire golfers, there's a full-service spa, Camp Hyatt program for kids and a 10,000 square foot, European-style casino (hey, it's near Vegas). Are you gonna be naught or nice?
For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Accommodations at both resorts are in condo-like suites set in tropical gardens, but the beach is the real attraction. Guests can enjoy the services and amenities of both properties with a complimentary shuttle.
For more information, visit www.oceanclubresorts.com.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Winter wonderland here is a historic palace on Lake Geneva, with views of the snow-covered French Alps. This 1800s property offers the height of European elegance. New additions include a wonderful full-service spa. The gourmet restaurant La Rotonde boasts a Michelin star, and is a perfect venue for Christmas Eve.
For more information, visit www.brp.ch.
Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
For the view alone over the harbor of glamorous Portofino, dining at La Terrazza is a requisite stop along the Italian Riviera of the Ligurian coast. But the pastas, perfumed by the local basil pesto sauces, and the exquisitely fresh seafood makes this as much a gourmet's pilgrimage spot as a place very wealthy Europeans go to relax.
For more information: Hotel Splendido
It seems like the Gritti has hosted every celebrated king and queen, author and movie star of the last 50 years, and to dine out on the deck of the Club del Doge restaurant here is to be in view of all that makes Venice unique. The Adriatic fish is splendid, the risottos sublime, and the prosecco sparkling wine requisite at any time of the day, but especially at twilight.
For more information: Doge Gritti
No frills at all, but sitting outside under an umbrella in this beloved Lisbon restaurant known as "The Chicken King" allows you to eat the best roast chicken and fried potatoes in Portugal while hobnobbing with the Lisboans who have packed this place for generations.
Located on the Asian side of the Bosporus and accessed by a hotel ferry, Ajia is a marvelous renovation of an old palace, and it has drawn a slew of fashion clients and corporations who hold meetings in this little oasis of calm. The terrace offers a grand view of the city, and the Italian cuisine is both unusual in Istanbul and very refined too. Great risottos and pasta with spicy seafood.
For more information: Ajia Hotel
Located on the eighth floor of OXO Tower on Southbank and run by Harvey Nichols, the outdoor terrace here affords a vast view of the Thames from St. Paul's to the Tate Museum. There's an excellent 3-course lunch, a wine cache of 800 labels, and dishes that range from old-fashioned shepherd's pie to roast halibut in red wine with Jerusalem artichokes. In the evening there is live jazz.
For more information: Harvey Nichols
Barceloneta (little Barcelona) is the fishing area at the city's harbor and it's packed with seafood restaurants. Can Majó is considered one of the best, not least for its lovely prospect on the water and its very reasonable prices as well as for wonderful local specials like bacalao, rice with squid, and impeccably grilled fish. Try the local wines too.
For more information: Can Majó
"Prague Piglet" is well named for its extraordinary pit-roasted suckling pig, its skin crisp, accompanied by fresh, hot potato chips, lettuce and tomato, along with items like grilled duck liver, breast of duck with thyme sauce, and filet of pike with spinach sauce. The Czech, Bohemian, and Moravian wines offered here are getting better every year too. The hilltop outdoor setting, near the Castle, provides an enchanting view of the city.
Europe's largest beergarden and Munich's most famous, this is the place for huge steins of Bavarian beer, Wiener Schnitzel, plump German dumplings, and the fat, salty pretzels that make you thirstier and thirstier. The oompah bands are both loud and lots of fun.
For more information: Chinesischen Turm
This Paris classic is set on a nexus of the Boulevard St. Germain and Boulevard Raspail, across from the equally delightful Le Dôme. Since 1903, La Rotonde has been as famous for its literary and artistic patrons, from Hemingway to Picasso, as for the bonhomie of its good brasserie fare of onion soup gratinée, beef tartare, and steak au poivre
For more information: La Rotonde
World's Best Culinary Trips
Rhode School of Cuisine invites you to steep in the culture of Morocco as a guest in their villa at Dar Liqama, "the house of green mint." Toast spices and roll couscous as the sun sets over La Palmeriae, the desert palm grove, just outside of Marrakech. In addition to delicious mint tea and nine cooking lessons with the local chef, the villa also offers pool, spa, hot tub, tennis courts and excursions to the souk and through the desert by camel.
For more information: Rhode School of Cuisine
Kea Artisanal, on the Aegean island of Kea, combines sightseeing, hiking and plenty of fresh food, including some of Greece's finest cheese and wine. Aglaia Kremezi and her staff guide you from top to bottom on this tiny island, introducing you to traditional recipes that are also featured in her cookbooks. After a boat ride and a dip in the stunning sea, the barbecue will be heaped with seafood before your bathing suit has time to dry.
For more information: KeaArtisanal
Artisans of Leisure have many gastronomic bases covered with their Culinary Tour to Japan, including three diverse destinations. In Tokyo and Kyoto, you'll learn how to shop for ingredients such as miso, tofu, seaweed, noodles, tea, sake and sweets, and how to prepare and present these items in typical Japanese dishes and seasonal specialties. After Kyoto, enjoy a luxurious night at an exclusive hot springs ryokan (an exclusive Japanese bed and breakfast) in Hakone.
For more information: Artisans of Leisure
China Sports and Travel offers several cooking trips, including this 11-day tour that focuses on regional cuisine from Beijing, Suzhou and Shanghai. Expect in-depth instruction; one morning is dedicated to Peking duck, the national dish that dates back to either the Yuan and Ming dynasties, depending on whom you ask. On another tour, chefs have the rare opportunity to cook at one of the country's finest institutions, Beijing New East Cuisine School. Full-time students study for three years just to be admitted into the program, but you will be an honored guest.
For more information: China Sports and Travel
Place yourself in the hands of the professionals at Viking (yes, the appliance people) and hone your skills with hands-on cooking lessons at the world-class Four Seasons Chiang Mai Cooking School and the Suan Dusit Cooking School in Bangkok. Prik bai horapa (fried fish with chili and basil), Buddhist temples and boat rides make this culinary voyage unique. Pad Thai on your lunch break will never be the same.
For more information: Viking Travel
Heli-Skiing Trips
Canadian Mountain Holidays
Since 1965, CMH has been choppering skiers to the far reaches of British Columbia’s peaks. You’ll hole up at one of their 12 luxury lodges in one of their 12 distinct ski areas and hit the slopes from right outside your door. Not only is the dry, fluffy snow some of the best in the Rockies, but skiers start at a lower altitude than the American Rockies (around 10,000 feet), meaning you’ll have more oxygen and can finish low enough to ski in the trees. A variety of packages lets you choose how long your multi-day stay is and how much chopper time you want so you can play as hard—or as easy — as you like.
Season: December – early MayPrices: 7-day trips starting around $4,900 per personFor more information: Canadian Mountain Holidays;
Helitrax
Colorado’s only heli-skiing operation is based out of Telluride. For guests staying in town, Helitrax offers one- to three-day packages, as well as private charters and a one-week package including unlimited heli-skiing and accommodations at a turn-of-the-century ghost-town luxury lodge with natural indoor and outdoor hot springs. You’ll fly to a peak landing-zone elevation of 13,800 feet, the highest in North America, where everyone from amateur powder hounds to steep-couloir experts will be satisfied.
Season: Mid-January – mid-AprilPrices: Single days from $945 per personFor more information: Helitrax; 866-435-4754
SwisSKIsafari
A unique, two- or three-country journey that choppers you through Switzerland, Italy and France while your bags travel by road. Ski Verbier, Courmayeur and Chamonix on the Three Valleys tour, or take in the splendor of the Matterhorn and stay in the famed Hotel Zermatterhof before continuing on to Cervinia on the Alpine Tour. Along the way are unique experiences like visiting the monks of the Grand St. Bernard Hospice, a famous mountain-pass monastery on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Experience mountain vistas and open-valley skiing as you appreciate the cultural difference and amazing cuisines.
Season: March – AprilPrices: $6,500 – $8,260 per personFor more information: SwisSKIsafari; +41-27-398-2194
Casa Tours/Andes Heliski
Go with Chile’s first heli-ski company for a week schussing the Andes. You’ll be choppered out of Santiago to a base camp just 10 minutes away. But where you’ll be skiing feels a world away — it’s terrain that would take a week and tons of expert gear to get back into. The runs here go from 14,000-foot ridges to 8,000-foot high-valley floors, and the longest is a whopping 9,500 feet — it normally takes four hours to ski.
Season: Mid-July – end of SeptemberPrices: $6,845 per personFor more information: Casa Tours; 888-311-2272
m/v Absinthe
Perhaps the ultimate in indulgence. Your helicopter ferries you and 11 friends to your waiting 201-foot megayacht off the coast of British Columbia where you land à la James Bond. As the ship sails into quiet coves, you’re in total control of your activities. Board the chopper and within minutes be in some of the world’s deepest powder and most gorgeous peaks. If the weather’s bad or you don’t feel like skiing, take the copter and go heli-fly-fishing or go waterskiing or kayaking. Return for a massage, a custom-cooked meal and a stocked wine cellar.
Season: March – April Prices: $36,000 per day (12-person maximum)For more information: Absinthe; 866-935-3228
Powderbird
Hit the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains, in an area larger than all the Utah ski resorts combined. You’ll ski through untracked regions filled with Utah’s famous fluffy powder. Powderbird books per day, and you can expect an average of seven runs and 15,000 vertical feet while skiing with seven other guests and two guides. Or charter you own chopper and hit the vast backcountry with your friends.
Season: Mid-December – mid-April Prices: $700 – $910 per person, per dayFor more information: Powderbird; 800-974-4354
Wucher
The exclusive Arlberg region fittingly serves up Austria’s only opportunity for heli-skiing. Fortunately, you’ll find some amazing skiing out of the ritzy Lech and Zurs. Go with Wucher Helicopters and you’ll pay per run, with each lasting about an hour. You’ll be dropped off above treeline at around 8,500 feet, for wide-open, powder-filled skiing.
Season: January – April Prices: 350 euros ($450) per ride (for 3 skiers)For more information: Wucher; +43-5550-3880-0
Heliski Aran
Ski the Pyrenees in Spain’s Val d’Aran region, where the altitude is a breathable 9,000 feet and the runs can be in wide-open valleys or off of rocky cornices. Choose an aggressive ski day where you can take on three to six runs. Or just get one lift in the chopper and enjoy a long, leisurely scenic run with a stop for – what else – a long, leisurely, scenic lunch. You can also commit to the four-day heli-camp, where you’ll explore all kinds of hidden slopes.
Season: Mid-November – mid-May Prices: From 180 euros ($230) per person for 3 descentsFor more information: Heliski Aran; +34-646-13-36-21
Points North
Snowpack is what makes heli-skiing in Alaska so special — the snow sticks to almost inconceivable places, making even the most dramatic terrain accessible. You don’t pay for vertical feet here, but rather for helicopter hours, which works out to be more cost-effective. You’ll ski in an area of 2,000 square miles, over steep peaks and wide-open glaciers, watching for bears coming out of hibernation and staying in a cannery-turned-luxury lodge. Or book The Maritime Maid, an 85-foot vessel that can take you to even more remote locales.
Season: Mid-February – mid-MayPrices: $3,720 per person for a 6-day trip; The Maritime Maidis $6,250 for 8 people For more information: Points North Heli Adventures; 877-787-6784
Backcountry Helicopters
The only privately owned, family-run heli-skiing business in New Zealand is based in Mt. Aspiring National Park, in the center of the South Island. Skiing here is for those with patience; if the weather is marginal or worse, the birds can’t fly, which means there’s usually heli-skiing just 3 or 4 days a week. But when it’s good, it’s very good. Skiing is above treeline, going from about 7,200 feet to 4,800 feet, and there’s something for everyone, with plenty of bluffs and jumps for the experts and wide-open cruising basins for amateurs.
Season: End of July – mid-OctoberPrices: 3 runs for $460 per person; 7 runs for $615 per person; extra runs $50 per person eachFor more information: Heliskiing; +64-3-443-1054