Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

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January | February | March 2013 ANDREW HARPER the Best of Scotland 21 + SPECIAL OFFERS U S E P R O M O C O D E T R 1 2 1 2 EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIDEAWAY REPORT SUBSCRIBERS SOUTHERN SPAIN & MARRAKECH ITINERARY 7 OF MR. HARPER’S FAVORITE HISTORICAL CITIES INSIDE THE LIFE OF A CONCIERGE NEW ZEALAND SIG TOUR 2013 A 2013 Andrew Harper Signature Tour

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Transcript of Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

Page 1: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

January | February | March 2013

ANDREW HARPER

theBest of Scotland 21+

Special OfferS

us

e promo code Tr1212

exclusively for HIDEAWAY REPORT suBscriBers

Southern Spain & Marrakech

itinerary

7 of Mr. harper’S favorite

hiStorical citieS

inSide the life of a

conciergenew Zealand Sig tour 2013

A 2013 Andrew Harper Signature Tour

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PelicanHill_AndrewHarper_DPS_JAN-MAR2013_OL.indd 1 11/6/12 2:16 PM

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18 44

9 | A day in the life: the Andrew Harper Traveler talks with hotel concierge staff in L.A., Miami, n.Y.C. and Santa Fe for a behind-the-scenes look into planning the ultimate travel experiences in these frequently visited cities with their never-ending lists of attractions and activities.

18 | History is calling: Boston, Charleston, Savannah, Bali, Beijing, Prague and Vienna may initially appear to have little in common. But each is glazed with a rich and colorful past, and all are some of Mr. Harper’s favorite historical spots.

contentsJanuary | February | March 2013

ON tHE cOvER carriageway and ancient

neidpath castle in peeblesshire, scotland

Amanjena marrakech, morocco

olympic stadium, The Bird’s Nest beijing

34 | A Tour de force: Each year, Andrew Harper creates custom Signature tours in some of our readers’ favorite destinations. the 2013 tours in new Zealand and Scotland are filling up fast. the Andrew Harper Traveler speaks to Peter Delgado in the Andrew Harper travel office about these meticulously crafted journeys of a lifetime.

44 | from the Travel office: recommended itineraries for Marrakech and southern Spain.

plus 21 special offers throughout!refer To promo code Tr1212 wHeN BookiNg

34 The lodge at kauri cliffsbay of islands, new Zealand

The plaza new york city

9

Castello del nero tuscANy, ItAly

“This is my very favorite hotel in Italy. We just spent a week there (our third visit)

and can’t wait to go back. Amazing food (including fresh fish which is unusual

in Tuscany) and a great wine list. Highly recommend. Also the cooking class is

great fun.” —An Andrew Harper Guest

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; a welcome bottle of red wine with sweet amenity per room; and for stays of three nights or longer in a suite, a three-course dinner (including beverages) for two per room at la torre restaurant.

standard rate inclusions: rates include room tax, daily buffet breakfast served at the restaurant, use of hotel facilities, daily scheduled shuttle bus to/from florence or siena, daily newspaper, parking and complimentary wi-fi.

Recommended since 2007.

Visit AndrewHarper.com/Sweepstakes for more information and to enter for your chance to win!

His identity is a secret. His favorite hotel doesn’t have to be.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Andrew Harper sweepstakes are open to legal residents of the United States or the District of Columbia age 21 or older. To enter and view the o cial rules and regulations, visit AndrewHarper.com/Sweepstakes.

The much-anticipated list of Grand Awards, comprised of Andrew Harper's favorite hotels, resorts, restaurants and travel experiences from the past calendar year, will be announced this

January, along with opportunities for you to win a stay at the Hideaway of the Year and more!

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Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa by l’occitanePROvENcE, FRANcE – nestled on a hillside and drenched in Provençal sunshine, the Minimes convent was first home to nuns before being converted into this upscale, 46-room hotel. Recommended since 2008.

» Historic 400-year-old dwelling

» l’occitane spa

» rooms with a mediterranean influence

» Terraced gardens

» 60 miles east of Avignon

» medieval Architecture/

contemporary design

» french countryside

» casual and upscale dining

» Heated swimming pool

sPEcIAl OFFER: Discovery stay stay four nights and enjoy the proximity to a variety of experiences nearby, such as the life of cezanne in aix en provence, the beauty of valensole plateau’s countryside, moustiers sainte marie, lake sainte croix and southern luberon, from 902 eur per person. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions; as well as dinner daily, access to all spa facilities; and use of fitness center and tennis court. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from march 1 to June 30, 2013, based on availability. price varies depending on room and dates selected. transportation costs to local attrac-tions and sites are additional.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant or in room; a welcome l’occitane amenity per room; a daily relaxation experience at the spa for two; for stays of three nights or longer, a luncheon for two at bancaou by pesquier restaurant (excluding beverages, taxes and gratuities); and for stays between Jan. 1-march 31, 2013, preferred room rates.

standard rate inclusions: rates include room tax and service.

HotelsauStriaGasthof Post; Lech am Arlberg

Hotel tennerhof relais & Chateaux; Kitzbühel

argentinaAlgodon Mansion; Buenos Aires

cZech repuBlicMandarin oriental Prague; Prague

englandAmberley Castle; Sussex

the Bath Priory Hotel; Bath

Gravetye Manor; Sussex

Hambleton Hall Hotel; Midlands

Hotel tresanton; Cornwall

eStoniaPädaste Manor; Muhu island

franceLa Coquillade; Gargas

Le Chalet Zannier; Megève

Les Crayères; reims

Les Prés d’Eugénie—Michel Guérard; Eugénie les Bains

french polyneSiaFour Seasons resort Bora Bora; Bora Bora

irelandBallynahinch Castle Hotel & Estate;

Co. Galway

Cashel House Hotel; Co. Galway

italyBorgo Santo Pietro; Siena

Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli; Brescia

Gritti Palace; Venice

Hotel Villa Ducale taormina; Sicily

Palazzo Seneca; norcia

residenza napoleone iii; rome

nepalDwarika’s Hotel; Kathmandu

nicaruagaJicaro island Ecolodge; Lake nicaruaga

Hacienda & Ecolodge Morgan’s rock; San Juan del Sur

portugalConvento de São Saturnino; Azoia-Sintra

ScotlandGleneagles; Perthshire

SpainHotel orfila; Madrid

Son Brull Hotel & Spa; Mallorca

SwedenGrand Hôtel Stockholm; Stockholm

thailandthe Siam; Bangkok

turkeyAmanyura; Bodrum

united StateScalifornia Calistoga ranch; Calistoga

Cavallo Point; Sausalito

colorado Hotel Jerome; Aspen

florida the Breakers Palm Beach ; Palm Beach

Fisher island Hotel & resort; Fisher island

the St. regis Bal Harbour resort; Bal Harbour-Miami Beach

hawaii the Kahala Hotel & resort; Honolulu

louisiana Windsor Court Hotel; new orleans

maine Camden Harbour inn; Camden

Captain Lord Mansion; Kennebunkport

Hidden Pond; Kennebunkport

pennsylvania

the rittenhouse; Philadelphia

south carolina Wentworth Mansion; Charleston

the Willcox Hotel; Aiken

vermont the Pitcher inn, relais & Chateaux; Warren

uruguayHotel Fasano Punta del Este; Punta Del Este

vietnaMSix Senses Con Dao ; Con Son

Travel partners/ yachts & cruisesA&K Ecuador; Ecuador

Matuete; Brazil

rio Life tours; Brazil

Sea Dream Yacht Club; Global

villa partnersVilla Belle Bague; St. Barth’s

New 2013 Andrew Harper Alliance Partners

windsor court Hotelnew orleans, louisiana

The siambangkok, thailand

gravetye manorsussex, england

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tHE ANDREW HARPER AllIANcEPublishers of the quarterly Andrew Harper Traveler magazine and the annual Andrew Harper Travel Directory

director and publisher Georgia Beth ridenhour

email [email protected]

phone (512) 904-7330 fax (512) 904-7350

associate director Colin Housley

account managers Carol Bacon, Heather Eberle

alliance coordinator Joyce Jorden senior design director Pam Caperton

production manager Christen newlon

design intern Elisa Corey

ANDREW HARPER tRAvEl OFFIcE

director Sandi Ferreira

toll free (800) 375-4685

phone (630) 734-4610 fax (630) 734-4642

email [email protected]

ANDREW HARPER clIENt RElAtIONs

toll free (866) 831-4314

phone (512) 904-7342 fax (512) 904-7350

email [email protected]

ANDREW HARPER’s Hideaway RepoRt AND tHe HaRpeR collection

editor-in-chief Andrew Harper

ANDREW HARPER, llc

president Greg Marchbanks

chief operating officer Lorelei Calvert

ANDREWHARPER.cOmcst-#2110806-40 ist-#1096 Wst-#603248672

NEW!

Sort and Filter our Special oFFerStake advantage of the specially negotiated offers from participating harper-recommended hotels, villas, yachts and cruise partners. offers typically include andrew harper benefits. book them on their own, or use them as a valuable extension to your itinerary!

FIND tHE PERFEct

Special oFFer

s E A R c H N O W

AndrewHarper.com/specialOffers

HotelsauStria

23 Hotel Bristol, Vienna—A Luxury Collection Hotel; Vienna

canada

42 Wedgewood Hotel & Spa; Vancouver

cariBBean

43 Amanyara; turks & Caicos

43 Cap Juluca; Anguilla

42 Peter island resort and Spa; tortola

cZech repuBlic

19 Augustine Hotel, Prague; Prague

france

4 Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa by l’occitane; Provence

gerMany

23 Hotel Adlon Kempinski; Berlin

italy

back cover Borgo Santo Pietro; tuscany

2 Castello del nero; tuscany

52 J.K. Place Capri; Capri

53 Park Hyatt; Milan

Mexico

53 Maroma resort & Spa by orient-Express; riviera Maya

Morocco

50 La Maison Arabe; Marrakech

49 Palais Amani; Fez

netherlandS

s2 Hotel Seven one Seven; Amsterdam

new Zealand

s3 treetops Lodge & Estate; rotorua

s3 Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate; Featherston

Scotland

52 Glenapp Castle; Ayrshire

41 Gleneagles; Perthshire

South africa

51 Mateya Safari Lodge; Madikwe Game reserve

Spain

50 Barcelo La Bobadilla; Granada

48 Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa; Casares

united StateS

alaska 8 tikchik narrows Lodge; Dillingham

arizona

33 Sanctuary Camelback Mountain; Paradise Valley

california inside front cover Pelican Hill; newport Beach

florida

52 King & Grove tides; Miami Beach

georgia 19 the Stephen Williams House; Savannah

illinois 16 Waldorf Astoria, Chicago; Chicago

massachusetts 28 taj Boston; Boston

montana 16 the resort at Paws Up; Greenough

new mexico 12 the inn of the Five Graces; Santa Fe

new york 15 Hôtel Plaza Athénée new York; new York City

17 Lake Placid Lodge; Lake Placid

15 the Plaza; new York City

special offers and alliance partners in this issue

partners listed below are participating

in this issue of the Andrew Harper Traveler magazine

showcasing their andrew harper benefits and more.

those noted in red are including short-term sPEcIAl

OFFERs in addition to their andrew harper benefits.

all current sPEcIAl OFFERs may always be found at

andrewharper.com

TravelerANDREW HARPER

6 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

Travel partners/yachts & cruises40 Adventures in Golf; Scotland

31 Hebridean island Cruises; United Kingdom

32 Midnight Sun Yacht; Alaska

33 Paul Gauguin Cruises; French Polynesia, South Pacific

30 Sea Cloud Cruises; Worldwide

32 Seabourn Cruises; Worldwide

s4 tCS & Starquest Expeditions; Worldwide

51 travcoa; Worldwide

30 Un-Cruise Adventures; Alaska

28 Wilderness Safaris; Africa

villa partners41 LaCure Villas; Worldwide

8 Lifestyle Villas; Cabo San Lucas, MexicoBarcelo la Bobadilla

Granada, spain

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AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

Beverly Hills Hotel and BungalowsBEVErLY HiLLS, CALiForniA

Hotel Bel-airLoS AnGELES, CALiForniA

l’ermitage Beverly HillsBEVErLY HiLLS, CALiForniA

The peninsula Beverly HillsBEVErLY HiLLS, CALiForniA

acqualina resort and Spa on the BeachSUnnY iSLE, FLoriDA

The Betsy—South BeachMiAMi, FLoriDA

fisher island Hotel & resortFiSHEr iSLAnD, FLoriDA

King & Grove TidesMiAMi BEACH, FLoriDA....................pg 52

Mandarin Oriental, MiamiMiAMi, FLoriDA

St. regis Bal Harbour MiAMi BEACH, FLoriDA

The inn of the five GracesSAntA FE, nEW MExiCo

rosewood inn of the anasaziSAntA FE, nEW MExiCo

The carlyle, a rosewood HotelnEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

The Greenwich HotelnEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

Hôtel plaza athénée New YorknEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

The lowellnEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

The MarknEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

The plaza HotelnEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

The St. regis New YorknEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

tRAvEl PARtNERs

Discover New York and BeyondnEW YorK CitY, nEW YorK

tikchik narrows LodgeDIllINgHAm, AlAskA – Elegance in the wilderness awaits

guests at this premier Alaskan lodge on a 17-acre peninsula

within the 1.6-million-acre Wood-tikchik State Park. Although

this completely isolated property is accessible only by float

plane, expect comfortable accommodations, complimentary

laundry service, an atten-

tive staff (36 employees for

22 guests) and gourmet

meals featuring the

area’s bounty and fresh

vegetables. twelve large

guest rooms and two

suites offer on-demand hot

water, 24-hour electricity

and stunning views of the

rugged Kilbuck Mountains.

the lodge’s professional guides and float planes afford sport

fishing enthusiasts access to diverse experiences within a

50-mile radius. novices and experts alike can cast for trout in

nearby pristine streams, angle for salmon in the Pacific, or fish

for arctic char and northern pike just steps from the lodge.

Recommended since 1987.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; a welcome bottle of wine per room; a complimentary beverage per person per night from the bar; and a complimentary fly casting lesson.

standard rate inclusions: rates include taxes, all meals, daily fly-outs to varied fishing destinations (weather permitting), fishing equipment (rods, reels, lures and flies) and transportation between dillingham and the lodge.

Lifestyle Villas cAbO sAN lucAs, mExIcO – our beachfront, ocean- and

golf-view villas and condos provide turn-key luxury with one

to 14 bedrooms. Many value-added services are available.

Activities range from golf to horseback riding, diving, ziplining

and cultural tours that provide the most intimate and

exclusive experiences.

• private Transportation

• weddings and events

• ground services

Andrew Harper guests receive: a complimentary breakfast preparation the first morning of stay. (cost of groceries not included.) Hotel concierges in four of

your favorite u.s. cities pull

back the curtain on one of the

toughest jobs in the industry,

and reveal their top recommendations on

area eateries, attractions and activities.

Whether it’s wrangling live tarantulas or

tracking down an elvis impersonator for

a 12-year-old’s birthday, it’s the job of the

hotel concierge to make sure a guest’s every

dream comes true. they’ve heard and seen

it all, know where to go and what to see, and

have the connections to make sure you get

the best seats and hottest tickets in town. We

recently chatted with the concierges at resorts

in los angeles, Miami, nYc and Santa Fe and

got the inside scoop on not only their best

recommendations as to where to send guests,

but also what it’s like to be in the hot seat at a

concierge desk.

A DAy in

theLife

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Have you been a concierge at other hotels and, if so, how did it

compare to your position at Acqualina?

I started at a big convention hotel with more than a thousand rooms. Acqualina is a small, intimate boutique hotel with just 97 rooms, which gives me more of an opportunity to really get to know the guests. We have a lot of loyal, repeat guests here, so I’m literally seeing their kids grow up.

what’s the strangest request you’ve ever had?

We get so many requests, nothing seems bizarre anymore. And the fact that it’s something different every single day is part of what I love about my job.

Have you ever had to turn down a guest’s request?

As long as it’s legal, moral and ethical, we always say yes.

which restaurants in the area do you recommend the most?

Zuma, for Japanese food. For steaks, Prime One Twelve and Bour-bon Steak. In South Beach there’s a great place called Casa Tua for Northern Italian.

what’s the most frequent question you get

asked by guests?

The honest answer is, “Where’s the restroom?” Otherwise, it’s parents asking about something special they can do with the kids. I tell them about the VIP tour at Jungle Island zoological park. On this private, behind-the-scenes tour, they get to go inside the cage with a giant sea turtle, lemurs jump on their heads, etc. When the families come back, they always hug me and tell me how it great it was.

what are your three miami must-sees?

Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive are both nice, long streets that are two of the most happening places in town. Lincoln Road is a pedestrian-only street with lots of shopping and restaurants. Ocean Drive is the street where you’ll see all those cool, old art-deco buildings. And thirdly, beautiful Key Biscayne, an island southeast of Miami. It has the Miami Seaquarium, and the beautiful William Powell Bridge, which offers a stunning view of downtown Miami. And the breeze there is great.

what activity do you recommend as being

quintessentially miami?

Miami is a melting pot of cultures, and visitors should take advantage of all the different kinds of cuisine in places like South Beach and the various ethnic neighborhoods like Little Havana. There’s literally everything from Japanese to Russian.

what’s your favorite secret place?

The Cape Florida Lighthouse on Key Bis-cayne. It’s a small place not many people know about, so it’s quiet and peaceful, and there’s a decent beach there.

Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, FLConcierge Atiana Echeverriacqualina reSort & Spa

Los Angeles, CAConcierge Alex NiezgodaHotel Bel-air

we have celebrating our art, food truck culture and all the fresh produce of California. There is the Downtown Artwalk one Thursday a month, First Fridays in Venice and, my absolute favorite, the Yamashiro Farmers’ Market. Every Thursday night in summer, you can sample the best local produce, food truck fare and live music at this pop-up market on the grounds of this Japanese restaurant in the Hollywood Hills. And there is no better view of the city lights below.

what would you recommend as the quintessential l.A.

experience?

Packing a picnic from Joan’s On Third, picking up a delicious bottle of chardonnay from nearby Santa Barbara, and dining on the lawn of the Hollywood Bowl before enjoying a perfor-mance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic out under the stars.

Jungle island

what’s your secret to being a good concierge?

It’s a balance of being able to humbly serve yet still picture yourself in the shoes of your clientele so you can ensure that guest expectations always meet guest satisfaction.

what’s one of the strangest things you’ve ever been asked to do?

Arrange an Elvis impersonator for a 12-year-old boy’s birthday. I also once had to ship a taxidermied deer head to the French island of Corsica.

what’s the biggest tip you’ve ever gotten?

While we appreciate monetary gratuities, what sticks out the most in my mind are the more thoughtful gifts, such as a

beautiful pair of cufflinks from a guest from Hong Kong, or a tie from a Saudi family. It reminds me how exhilarating it is to travel and to share our cultures with one another.

which restaurants do you most often

recommend?

Wolfgang Puck at the Hotel Bel-Air, for quintessential California cuisine. Madeo, a family-owned restaurant that, despite the old-school ambience,

delights with anything-but-ordinary Italian. And The Bazaar by José Andrés. It’s hard to tell if their tapas come from Spain or another planet. The examples of molecular gastronomy will burst in your mouth, and the design by Philippe Starck will astound the rest of your senses.

if you had to pick only three places for a guest’s l.A.

must-see list, what would they be?

1 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Just steps away from the tourist hordes at the nearby Venice Boardwalk are Abbot Kinney’s refreshing sea breezes and funky post-industrial architecture.

2 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Spanning 2,000 years, its collection is unique for both its range and the stun-ning architecture that houses it.

3 Universal Studios. “Take a VIP tour and get behind the scenes, where some of the most iconic TV shows and movies are produced before your very eyes.”

if a guest was to ask you to recommend someplace that’s not

listed in all of the l.A. guidebooks, what would you tell them?

My favorite spots in L.A. are the various nighttime street fairs

“The beach. Whether it’s renting bikes in Venice, surfing in Malibu or taking a

whale-watching cruise from Newport,

no one does it better than Southern california.”

“As long as it’s legal, moral and ethical,

we always say yes.”

yamashiro farmers’ market

los Angeles county museum of Art

crandon park Beach Key biscayne

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the inn of the Five GracesSanta Fe, new Mexico – Set in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, the inn of the Five

Graces offers the rare combination of a secluded escape in a central location. Landmarks

like the San miguel mission and the Plaza are just steps away, yet the historic inn remains

set back, private and serene.

the elevated level of service at this relais & Chateaux property begins even before guests

walk through the door. According to one Andrew Harper guest, “the service was among the

best i’ve ever experienced. Each member of the staff went far beyond what was necessary

or expected.” Whether you prefer a historic tour of Santa Fe or a pottery class with a local

artist, the concierge can plan activities and itineraries in advance of any visit, or upon arrival.

Housing 20 suites, one villa and three rooms, the inn’s original adobe buildings reflect

the pueblo design representative of the region. Each room has its own character, but the

2,000-square-foot villa is particularly impressive. inside, this guesthouse is adorned with

a stunning blown-glass chandelier, a full kitchen and five fireplaces, while multiple private

balconies and patios allow for spending quiet time relaxing outdoors. the guest rooms

are curated with Asian and South American furnishings, much of which is handmade.

this East-meets-West aesthetic was brought to life by the inn’s owners, importers Sylvia

and ira Seret. in fact, Sylvia herself created the intricate tile work in each bathroom using

materials from around the world. “the fabrics and mosaic tiles gave the rooms a wonder-

fully romantic, moroccan feel, and the bathrooms are all drop-dead gorgeous,” comments

another Harper guest. “the entire inn was lavishly and perfectly decorated.”

the fusion of cultures continues throughout the property. Spa treatments are dictated

by both tibetan and indian traditions, and the French-inspired Bistro 315 uses local, sea-

sonal ingredients, some of which are grown on site. Recommended since 2005.

Special oFFer: winter and Spring Spa credit confirm a stay and receive one $100 spa credit per room to apply toward any spa treatments. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 4 to april 30, 2013, based on availability. offer is not combinable with any other offer.

offer. andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; a 10-percent discount at bistro 315 restaurant (excludes alcohol); and chocolate-covered strawberries at turn-down on the first night of stay per room.

Standard rate inclusions: rates include daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, mini-fridge stocked with soft drinks and snacks, wi-fi, fitness room access, parking and valet service.

How long have you been with the Five Graces?

Five years. And I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. When I first started, none of the buildings even had central air conditioning. The oldest building on the property is 400 years old—try putting air conditioning in a 400-year-old building! Before, the rooms were pretty average, but today they are the most special thing you can imagine.

What’s the secret to being a good concierge?

Thinking about what guests want before they even get here. I typically call them a minimum of three weeks in advance of their stay and get to know them over the phone. So when they get here, we’re already friends.

What was the most difficult request you’ve ever

had from a guest?

One time a guest wanted a “real psychic,” which is kind of a touchy subject. I mean, does it exist? I just made sure it wasn’t anyone who would throw a live chicken at them.

What’s something you wish guests knew about

the role of a concierge?

That if you reach out and contact them ahead of time, you’re going to get better personal service. Because if you wait until you arrive, it might be too late to get the reservations or tickets you want.

What’s the biggest compliment you’ve gotten as a concierge?

One guest said they wished I wasn’t married so I could marry their son.

What requests do you get most often?

Santa Fe is an alternative healing mecca, so I’d have to say spa reservations.

What are your three must-sees in the

Santa Fe area?

1 A day trip to Bandelier National Monu-ment, where they can climb around the ancient cave dwellings. It’s about a

“One time a guest wanted

a ‘real psychic.’”

Santa Fe, NMConcierge Judith Arute the Inn Of the fIve Graces

40-minute drive from the hotel. You should include a visit to Los Alamos, where the atom bomb was created, and go to the Bradbury Science Museum to learn about its history.

2 A walking tour around downtown Santa Fe with a historian. It’s a great way on your first day to get a feel for what you’re looking at. There are lots and lots of old adobe buildings, which could get boring, but when you know what happened here, it’s much more interesting.

3 Canyon Road, Santa Fe has the second largest art market in the United States, and there are literally hundreds of galleries in just three blocks along Canyon Road.

What is the quintessential Santa Fe thing to do?

Visit the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. It’s the oldest natural hot springs in the United States. There are four different types of mineral water there [touted for their healing qualities].

Do you have any dos and don’ts for area visitors?

Don’t expect stores to be open at certain times. The hours here are very European.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

Bandelier National

Monument

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14 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

New York CityConcierge Raphael Pallais The Plaza

New York, New York – For significant occasions, the

timeless grandeur of this century-old hotel at Fifth Avenue

and Central Park South offers the perfect setting for special

occasions and celebrations. Elegant accommodations and

myriad outstanding dining options—including the Palm

Court—help guests toast anniversaries and birthdays during

multi-generational gatherings and create romantic memo-

ries for couples. the Caudalie

Vinotherapie Spa, LA PALEStrA

fitness salon and the Shops at

the Plaza also provide endless

diversions. Beaux Arts-inspired

décor graces the 282 guest

rooms and suites, the lat-

ter attended by white-gloved

butlers. this timeless urban

resort has a contemporary

spirit. Guests may use iPads to

control their room environment,

make dining reservations and

connect with the concierge.

the Eloise Suite and Knights of

the Plaza packages offer fun, gift-filled overnights in specially

decorated suites for lucky little girls and boys. Recommended

since 2009.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily conti-nental breakfast served at the restaurant; a new york city-themed welcome amenity; and a 100 usd food and beverage credit per room.

Standard rate inclusions: rates include fitness center access. when booking a suite, rates also include butler service.

the Plaza

New York, New York – Exceptional, personalized service

from the staff at Hotel Plaza Athénée makes this 2008

Andrew Harper’s readers’ Choice Award-winner a new York

City standout. As one AH guest comments, “the only reason i

hesitate to recommend it is that i don’t want it to become too

popular!” Guests of the 117 rooms and 25 suites can dine on-

site at the newly refurbished Arabelle. the property’s hidden

gem, however, is the Asian-inspired spa, where each treat-

ment room features its own private bathroom, steam shower

and changing area. Recommended since 1985.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily conti-nental breakfast served at the restaurant or in room; a personalized shopping experience at bergdorf Goodman; and the choice of a 100 usd food and beverage credit or a 50 percent discount on a signature plaza athénée 50-minute massage per room.

Standard rate inclusions: rates include wi-fi in public areas and access to the spa, fitness center and business center.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée new York

Being that the Plaza is such a legendary hotel, is there any

added pressure to meet your guests’ every need?

In a way, yes, the expectations are really high. “But you’re the Plaza!” is an exclama-tion we hear often.

Does being a concierge in New

York City present any specific

obstacles or advantages?

The clear advantage is being in a city that has so much dynamic content to offer. It’s ironically also the obstacle, as it becomes tougher and tougher to stay attuned to its rapidly changing rhythms and realities.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done as concierge?

Helped a guest order a batch of live tarantulas to be roasted at one of his dinners back home.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten as concierge?

The tears of a young cancer-stricken girl for whom I’d pre-pared a giant get-well card signed by everyone in the hotel.

What activity or attraction do you most often recommend?

Central Park. It offers such a cornucopia of activities to visitors—from a historic carousel (the original carousel opened there in 1871, approximately 50 yards from the site of the current one), to an open-air theater (the Delacorte, home to the incredible, and free, Shakespeare in the Park series), to a castle (the Belvedere). You’ll also find baseball, handball and basketball playing fields, tennis courts, a chess and checkers house, an ice-skating rink, a lake where you can

rent rowboats, and a restaurant (Loeb’s Boathouse). If you’re adventurous, you’ll discover the more mysterious locations, like the Blockhouse (the oldest build-ing in the park), the 2,000-year-old obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle), or Lasker Pool, where you can cool off through-out the summer for free as well.

What would you recommend as the quintessential Big Apple

experience?

A Broadway show and dinner. If asked specifically which show to see and what restaurant to go to, I would say dinner at the Palm, one of New York’s great steakhouses, followed by “Chicago”, a timeless, classic Broadway show. The hardest combination of either that I’ve been able to break is a 6 p.m. table at Le Bernardin followed by premium tickets to “The Book of Mormon.” That, to this day, remains the ultimate double whammy.

If a guest was to ask you for your secret favorite spot in New

York City, what would it be?

The middle section of the Bow Bridge in Central Park, for its gothic, neoclassical and Renaissance styles all combined in one small park element that has been extensively used for photography and special events. It is reminiscent of a musi-cal bow because of its unusual curvature. Another secret spot would be a bench in the middle of the winding Shakespeare Garden in Central Park, a beautifully manicured garden of fra-grant herbs and flowers overlooking the Swedish Cottage. You can sit undisturbed for hours and simply soak in the beauty and the silence. H

“If asked specifically which show to see and what restaurant to go to, I

would say dinner at the Palm, one of New York’s great steakhouses,

followed by ‘Chicago,’ a timeless, classic Broadway show.”

Central Park Carousel

Bow Bridge central park

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16 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

P r o M ot i o nP r o M ot i o n

bEcOmE A FAN

facebook.com/AndrewHarperTravel

FOllOW us

Twitter.com/HarperTravelpinterest.com/HarperTravel

EmAIl us

[email protected]

sPEcIAl OFFER: Designed to unwind with complimentary Night stay two nights and the third night is complimentary, along with the choice of a tandem massage or two ski lift tickets for whiteface mountain. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through march 30, 2013, based on avail-ability and excluding Jan. 18–20 and feb. 15–23, 2013. offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper guests receive: an upgrade, when available at time of booking; one lunch for two per room (excluding alcohol and gratuity); daily complimentary treats; for stays in summer and fall, a private boat tour of lake placid ; and for stays in winter and spring, an olympic passport per person.

standard rate inclusions: rates include daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, wi-fi, use of on-property amenities and access to off-site fitness facility.

Recommended since 2002; 2011 Grand Award Winner; 2011 Readers’ Choice Award, #13, Top 20 U.S. Hideaways; #13, Top 20 Food & Wine Resorts; 2012 Readers’ Choice Award, #19, Top 20 U.S. Hideaways.

Lake Placid Lodge lAkE PlAcID, NEW yORk

“We absolutely loved Lake Placid Lodge! The lodge rooms are very comfortable

and the furnishings are all made by local artisans. There are fireplaces everywhere,

all fully stocked and ready to be lit. The staff was extremely attentive and flawlessly

carried out my plan for my husband’s birthday celebration.”

—An Andrew Harper Guest

the resort at Paws Up gREENOugH, mONtANA

“Paws Up is an amazing destination. If you have young children it might be best

to stay only a few nights because there are more activities for older children. We

enjoyed our three-night stay very much with our 5- and 7-year-olds. They liked the

kids’ camp; my 7-year-old got to ride a horse; and we spent a lovely day at the lake

and rented a boat for the kids to go tubing. The cattle drive for [ages] 10 and older

was amazing!” —An Andrew Harper Guest

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; a 150 usd activity credit per room (excludes spa services); and early check-in/late checkout, when available.

standard rate inclusions: rates include all meals, snacks, round-trip missoula airport transfers and wi-fi.

Recommended since 2007.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago cHIcAgO, IllINOIs

“The Waldorf Astoria in Chicago is lovely. Its understated elegance, warm and

inviting guest rooms (some with fireplaces) and location in the Gold Coast make it

a perfect luxury hotel to stay in in the city. Don’t miss dining in their restaurant and

be sure you have time to use their spa and workout facilities…state-of-the-art!”

—An Andrew Harper Guest

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in (not valid from deluxe double or Gold coast suite); daily american breakfast for two served at balsan restaurant or in room; a 50 usd spa credit per room; and complimentary overnight valet parking.

standard rate inclusions: rates include wi-fi and access to the elysian spa & health club.

Recommended since 2011; 2011 Readers’

Choice Award, #19, Top 20 City Hotels.

SasaabSamburu, Kenya

ReferaFriend

share your love of travel with friends and family! each of your referrals will receive a complimentary six-month Andrew Harper Premier Online subscription with all benefits, discounts and special offers.

log in to AndrewHarper.com and click on “my subscription” to get started.

Know someonewho will betraveling soon?

interact with us and the rest of the andrew harper travel community on AndrewHarper.com

ConneCt with

Andrew HArper

Page 11: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

19andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

P r o M ot i o n

Augustine Hotel, PraguePRAguE, czEcH REPublIc – in the heart of the city

lies Augustine Hotel, Prague, a unique structure spanning

seven buildings, including the 13th-century Augustinian St.

thomas Monastery from which it derived its name. A handful

of practicing monks still live adjacent to the hotel grounds

and guests are granted exclusive access to the monastery’s

private library. An Andrew

Harper guest who visited

labeled Augustine Hotel,

Prague a “jewel” and its

location “superb;” not

surprising as many of

Prague’s most notable

destinations, including

the Prague Castle, the

Wallenstein Garden, the

Charles Bridge and the

city’s commercial center

lie within close proximity.

the 101-bedroom hotel contains 16 suites, an impressive spa,

award-winning interior design, two bars and the Lichfield

restaurant, one of the Grand Restaurant Guide’s “top 10

restaurants in Prague.” Recommended since 2009.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily full breakfast served at the restaurant; an 85 eur food and beverage credit per room; and early check-in/late checkout, when available.

standard rate inclusions: rates include shoe shine and spa access.

the Stephen Williams House

sAvANNAH, gEORgIA – Set in the heart of Savannah’s

historic district, Stephen Williams House is a charming

bed-and-breakfast that was once home to the city’s mayor.

Museum-quality décor adorns each of the five guest rooms,

as well as the dining room, music room and parlour. the inn’s

owner, an antiques dealer whose hospitality and style perme-

ate the property, purposely selects every authentic piece. As

one Andrew Harper traveler recalls, “our brief stay with him

was the highlight of our trip to Georgia.”

Recommended since 2004.

sPEcIAl OFFER: stay three Nights, Receive Fourth Night Free confirm the stephen williams suite for three consecutive nights and receive the fourth night free. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reserva-tions only, for travel from Jan. 1–dec. 31, 2013, based on availability. offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; two tickets to the isaiah davenport house per room; and when booking the stephen williams suite, a “savannah-style” cookbook.

standard rate inclusions: rates include daily full breakfast served in the dining room, wi-fi and parking.

HIDEAWAY REPORTYour subscription, now on your iPad.®

Subscribers can now simply sign in and receive the iPad®-friendly digital edition of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, in full color with video.

1

2

3

Visit andrewharper.com/how-to-newsstand for a quick start guide.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

Page 12: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

2120 andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] || January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

HTemple of Heaven

beijing

municipal House art nouveau

black madonna House cubist

Rudolfinum neo-Renaissance

church of st. Peter and Paul at vysehrad gothic

Dancing House modern

loreta baroque. Don’t miss the 27-bell carillon playing a Marian song, Sturm notes.

Wander through the streets of the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, says Jindrich

“Henry” Sturm, concierge at the Aria Hotel and member of Les Clefs d’Or.

visit Prague castle.“Be sure to spend time in the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral at the castle,” Sturm notes.

Admire the baroquest. Nicholas church in the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) Square.

Watch the animated figures of the Astronomical clock emerge every hour. The clock dates from the 1400s and is located on the

southern side of the Old Town Hall.

“take a night walk amid the open-air sculpture gallery on the pedestrian-only Charles Bridge, which has spanned the Vltava River for more than 600 years,” Sturm suggests.

Explore Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, which includes the remains of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto.

visit strahov monastery, one of the world’s oldest monasteries of the Premonstratensian Order.

“take in a panoramic view of Prague and its many spires from several high points around the city, including Petrin Tower and the Zizkov TV Tower,” Sturm suggests.

Enjoy a musical performance or opera at the neoclassical Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted the world premiere of “Don Giovanni” in 1787.

“Walk around the narrow streets of Novy svet, near the castle in the Hradcany district,” recommends Sturm.

istoricallySpeaking

“Prague has been a political, cultural and economic center of Central Europe for more than 1,000 years. The seat of two Holy Roman Emperors, it became the capital of Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) after World War I. It is a city of startling grandeur, with exquisite baroque palaces lining both banks of the Vltava River, while high above soar the gothic spires of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. But for many modern travelers it is more recent history—that of the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution—which makes their visit particularly poignant. The exuberant city of today is a vivid reminder of the dreary and dangerous years of the Cold War and Soviet occupation.” –Mr. Harper

10view of prague from petrin Tower

Cities often are synonymous with a contemporary, cutting-edge way of life. Yet, even the most modern city is influenced by its past. History shapes a city’s identity and helps distinguish it from other places. Mr. Harper highlighted seven cities worldwide that weave their vast, vibrant pasts with the present, creating historically significant travel destinations. Area Harper Alliance partners share insight all guests should know before they go.

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

aria HotelPrAGUE, CZECH rEPUBLiC

augustine Hotel, praguePrAGUE, CZECH rEPUBLiC

Mandarin Oriental praguePrAGUE, CZECH rEPUBLiC

tRAvEl PARtNERs

exeter international

Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Prague

Examples of Prague’s Diverse Architectural Style6loreta

Page 13: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

23andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

P r o M ot i o n

22 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

bERlIN, gERmANy – the Hotel Adlon Kempinski is located

in the very heart of the vibrant metropolis Berlin, right next to

Brandenburg Gate.

Dating back to 1907, this landmark hotel is filled with history,

tradition and European flair. the 304 luxurious guestrooms

and 78 suites feature lavish generosity and a loving attention

to detail. Exquisite designs, materials and colors imbue every

room and suite with its own unique and personal charm.

Visiting foodies will enjoy the hotel’s four fine-dining

restaurants. Awarded two Michelin stars, the expressive

cuisine at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer will satisfy even the most

discerning palate.

the exclusive Adlon Spa by resense and the Adlon Pool &

Gym area provide a stylish haven of beauty and pure relax-

ation in the city center. immerse yourself in a total sense of

well-being amid an ambience of luxury, and enjoy invigorating

revitalization before you set out to discover the numerous

cultural attractions within walking distance that Berlin has

to offer. Recommended since 2006.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at time of booking; daily full breakfast served at the restaurant; a welcome amenity and personalized welcome note per room; a historical tour of the hotel (upon request); and 2 p.m. late checkout, when available.

standard rate inclusions: rates include room tax, service, wi-fi, daily newspaper and access to pool and gym.

vIENNA, AustRIA – World-class musicians and thespians

mingle with international dignitaries in the wood-paneled

Bristol Bar at this five-star, art deco hotel located in the heart

of downtown. For 120 years, the who’s who of arts, commerce

and politics has crossed paths at this cultural landmark,

enjoying the high life of first-class service and old-world

charm. Among the updates completed as part of a major ren-

ovation are state-of-the-art banquet halls and reinvigorated

guest suites—some of which

offer views of the Vienna

State opera, where Gustav

Mahler once premiered his

masterworks. But it’s hard to

imagine much time spent in

the 140 rooms when there is

so much history to explore,

from the ancient grandfather

clock in the lobby to the stair-

case with brass railing that

was dented by a soldier’s rifle following WWii.

Recommended since 1990.

sPEcIAl OFFER: Fourth Night Free confirm a four-night stay and pay for only three nights. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, booked by march 20, 2013 for travel between Jan. 2–march 31, 2013, based on availability. offer is not combinable with any other promotions and must be booked under the setah rate plan.

offer. Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily buffet breakfast served at the restaurant or in room; a welcome amenity per room; 4 p.m. late checkout, when available; and when booking the penthouse, opera or prince of wales suites, a welcome bottle of wine and one-way limousine transfer.

standard rate inclusions: rates include room tax.

Hotel Bristol, Vienna A Luxury Collection Hotel

visit st. stephen’s cathedral, “the biggest church in Vienna with a beautiful view over the city,” notes Chief Concierge Dieter Ludewig and his team at Hotel Bristol.

Ride a Fiaker, a two-horse-drawn hackney carriage, recommends Rosemarie Regner, director of sales at Hotel Bristol.

take a tour through Vienna’s history-rich coffee houses, including the Café Imperial, says Regner.

Explore Prater, a large public park that includes the famous giant Ferris wheel.

shop at the Naschmarkt.

“Vienna offers an inexhaustible wealth of architectural grandeur, a rich artistic legacy and some of the finest museums in the world. Today, it has just 1.7 million inhabitants, but the immense Hofburg Palace, seat of the Habsburg impe-rial dynasty, recalls the city’s past as capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Most sights are within easy reach, and if your legs become weary, there are always the spotless red-and-white trams that constantly trundle around the Ringstrasse, the great circular boulevard that defines the Innere Stadt, or old city. Only Paris has more delightful cafés, and on each return visit I quickly make my way to the Café Landtmann, next to the Burgtheater and opposite the Rathaus (City Hall), for a slice of Wiener Apfelstrudel and an Überstürzter Neumann (two shots of espresso beneath a layer of whipped cream).” –Mr. Harper

Enjoy the public burggarten, once the private gardens of Emperor Franz Joseph I, says Michael Moser, Chief Concierge at Hotel Imperial.

see a performance at the state Opera or hear the vienna Philharmonic. “one of the best orchestras in the world,” Moser notes.

treat yourself at Demel, Vienna’s most famous pastry shop, founded in 1786, Moser suggests.

take the historic yellow tram around the Ringstrasse, suggests Regner. The yellow tram caters mostly to sightseers, while commuters usually use the red-and-white trams.

see the training of the lipizzaner stallions.

10Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Vienna

Palaces to Visit in Vienna4

A fiaker

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

Hotel Bristol, a luxury collection HotelViEnnA, AUStriA

Hotel imperial, a luxury collection HotelViEnnA, AUStriA

tRAvEl PARtNERs

exeter international

schönbrunn Palace, a UnESCo World Heritage site. Ludewig and his team suggest touring the impe-rial apartments and park surrounding the palace.

Hofburg Palace, the former winter palace of the Habsburg family. Ludewig and his team recom-mend visiting the treasury and the Sisi Museum.

Albertina Palace has the largest and most valuable graphic arts collection in the world, Moser says.

belvedere Palace has one of the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collections, Moser notes. Don’t miss Klimt’s “the Kiss,” advises regner.

Belvedere palace

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2524 andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] || January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

visit a temple and pray with the local balinese—

“Bring a sarong, as it is essential to wear a sarong when entering a temple,” advises Chrissie Lincoln, regional sales manager with Amanresorts Indonesia.

Hike through the rice fields of Ubud or East Bali.

Dine on a traditional organic balinese feast with views of Mount Agung from Bali Asli, a new restaurant near Tirta Gangga, Lincoln advises.

sip a cocktail at Ku De Ta while watching the sun set into the ocean, suggests Lincoln.

Enjoy Asian fusion delights at mama san, the latest restaurant from chef Will Meyrick, recommends Lincoln.

“Continue your night upstairs at the ultra-hip bar, which boasts one of the best cocktail lists on the island,” she adds.

visit John Hardy’s silver atelier and have lunch with the staff, followed by an appointment-only tour of the jewelry workshop and show-room, Lincoln recommends.

spend time in ubud, “the cultural heart of Bali,” Lincoln says.

browse the art galleries and handicraft markets around ubud.

stroll the boutiques of Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Oberoi—“Reward your hard work with high tea at Biku, a converted Torajan Joglo [traditional house],” says Lincoln.

Have a balinese massage.

visit the summer Palace, Forbidden city and temple of Heaven, all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

tour the living temples, including the Temple of Azure Clouds and the Temple of the Origin of the Dharma, “perfect examples of the cultural continuum that Beijing represents,” says the Guest Services Team at Aman at the Summer Palace.

Explore the hutongs—narrow, maze-like alleyways—in the Houhai area, recommends Jer-emy Brook, director of marketing for the Peninsula Beijing.

visit the “bird’s Nest” and “Water cube,” now the National Stadium and National Aquat-ics Center, built for the 2008 Olympics.

Hike the longquanyu or mutianyu great Wall, suggests Aman’s Guest Ser-vices Team. Or, Brook suggests, see the Great Wall by helicopter.

tour beijing by night, when the mix of ancient and modern structures is highlighted by specialized lighting, says Aman’s Guest Services Team.

go to the chateau changyu Winery, “one of the leading Chinese wineries within the local mainland market,” says Aman’s Guest Services Team.

visit the night market in Wangfujing Street, which has culinary offerings such as fried scorpi-ons, sea horses, cicadas and starfish.

sample classic dishes, such as Peking duck, Chinese pan-cakes and Chinese dumplings.

shop in the Panjiayuan antique market.

Visit the National Art museum of china.

Go to private museums, funded by local residents, “to get a better idea of the culture,” recommends Brook.

Explore the 798 Art zone.

See Peking opera at the National centre for the Performing Arts, known as the “Bird’s Egg.”

Catch a show by the National Acrobatic troupe.

Watch a Kung Fu show at the Red theatre.

“Beijing has a complex relationship with its past. (The city has been known as “Beijing” since 1403, the time of the third Ming emperor, but the first city on the site, Ji, dates to the 11th century B.C.) Wishing to project an image of modernity and prosperity, the communist authorities have steadily erased much of Beijing’s ancient architecture, and no building, with the exception of national icons such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, has seemed safe from peremptory demolition. This has not always been popular with the citizens, many of whom resent the destruction of the hutongs (traditional low-rise neighborhoods). Of late, I am pleased to say, voices in favor of preserving China’s ancient heritage have received a more sympathetic hearing.” –Mr. Harper

10Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Beijing

“Bali has a unique Hindu culture despite its location in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country. With the rise of Islam, the Javanese aristocracy took refuge in Bali and brought with them the traditions of dance, theater, sculpture and music that thrive to this day. Southern Bali now attracts huge numbers of tourists and its innocence and beauty have been lost. I spend as little time around Denpasar and Kuta as possible and head north to Ubud and beyond. There, the landscape of rice paddies and high volcanoes remains exquisite, and the island’s ancient culture is as alluring and colorful as ever.” –Mr. Harper

great wall of china

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

amandariBALi, inDonESiA

amankilaBALi, inDonESiA

amanusaBALi, inDonESiA

cOMO Shambhala estateBALi, inDonESiA

Raft the telaga Waja River.

cycle through the villages and rice fields of East bali, taking in the sites along the way including the Water Palace at tirta Gangga and the ancient Palace of Ujung.

try stand-up paddling or surfing.

climb mount batur and watch the sun rise.

Experience world-class diving opportunities, such as a “fantastic shipwreck dive in tulamben,” Lincoln suggests.

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

aman at Summer palaceBEiJinG, CHinA

The peninsula BeijingBEiJinG, CHinA

tRAvEl PARtNERs

abercrombie & Kent Hong Kong

asia Transpacific Journeys

10Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Bali

rice fields east bali

street market ubud

Outdoor Activities to Do in Bali5

Ways to Enjoy the Arts of Beijing6

Page 15: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

27andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

see the city’s historic district from a horse-drawn carriage. “Charleston’s carriage tours are extraordinarily informative and popular among Charlestonians and visitors alike,” says Bradley Dick-erson, manager of the Planters Inn. Private carriage tours also are available.

spend time in the gibbes museum of Art, which opened in 1905.

stroll through charleston’s Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

see the impressive avenue of oaks with moss-draped branches leading to Boone Hall.

visit the Isaiah Davenport House— this federal-style home houses a museum which received a Preserve America Presidential Award.

Walk through savannah’s 22 urban squares, designed in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Don’t miss the beautiful fountain in Forsyth Park,” suggests Albert Wall, owner of the Stephen Williams House.

check out the telfair Academy of Arts and sciences, the South’s oldest art museum. The museum includes

“The Bird Girl” from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

go to the cathedral of saint John the baptist, “a magnificent example of gothic architecture and an impressive testament to Savannah’s 19th-century Irish community,” says Wall.

Drive through bonaventure cemetery, where ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss line the roadways.

Explore savannah’s waterfront. This 18th-century streetscape built of ballast stones and lined with 19th-century warehouses is now home to res-taurants and shops,” Wall notes.

Discover savannah’s architectural history on a walking tour by former preservation officer Beth Reiter ([email protected]), recommends Wall.

visit the Owens-thomas House, “one of the best examples of Regency architecture in America,” Wall says.

take a ghost tour. “Savannah is known as America’s most haunted city,” Wall observes. “Several tour companies offer walking and trolley tours. One is even in an old hearse.”

take a trolley tour through the Savannah Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.

“Charleston is widely regarded as the most beautiful city in the United States and I see no reason to disagree. The variety of its architecture is astonishing—Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian—and yet all the styles cohere into a harmonious whole. Charleston was the first city in the country to pass a historical preservation ordinance and, like Savannah, it was spared the ravages of the Civil War. On a sunny spring day, there are few more pleasant ways to spend an hour than in wandering along Battery Promenade before paus-ing at White Point Gardens to gaze across the harbor to Fort Sumter.” –Mr. Harper

go antiquing on king street.

visit the charleston museum, the oldest municipal

museum in the country, Dickerson notes.

tour the unfur-nished Drayton Hall, which “architec-

turally is second to none,” Dickerson says.

Head west of the Ashley River, where you will find “some extraordinary historic sites that are well worth your time,” suggests Dickerson.

visit the gardens at middleton and magnolia, two impeccably preserved plantations.

“Middleton is an outstanding example of traditional English gardening, while

“Savannah’s Historic District is a wonderful place in which to stroll with no particular destination in mind. When General Oglethorpe laid out the city in 1733, there were just four squares; today there are 22, shaded by oak trees and lined by enviable redbrick mansions. (In 1864, Sherman’s troops were given the run of the city, on the understanding that they would leave it intact.) For me, Savannah’s 250 years of history have an almost palpable presence.” –Mr. Harper

Nathaniel Russell House

Edmondston-Alston House

Heyward-Washington House, which accommodated George Washing-ton on his week-long visit to the city in 1791, Dickerson notes.

Joseph manigault House, a fine example of Federal-style architecture.

Aiken-Rhett House—“Confederate President Jefferson Davis used the residence for a week during the only visit he made to Charleston during the American Civil War,” Dickerson says.

Magnolia embodies a more whimsical approach to its design,” Dickerson says.

Admire charleston’s historic architecture,

“long a point of interest to Charlestonians,” says Dickerson.

fountain at forsyth park planters inn

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEl

cloister at Sea islandSEA iSLAnD, GEorGiA

The lodge at Sea islandSt. SiMonS iSLAnD, GEorGiA

The Stephen Williams HouseSAVAnnAH, GEorGiA

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

charleston placeCHArLESton, SoUtH CAroLinA

The inn at palmetto BluffBLUFFton, SoUtH CAroLinA

planters innCHArLESton, SoUtH CAroLinA

The Sanctuary at Kiawah island Golf resortKiAWAH iSLAnD, SoUtH CAroLinA

Wentworth MansionCHArLESton, SoUtH CAroLinA

The Willcox HotelAiKEn, SoUtH CAroLinA

10Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Savannah

Local Culinary Offerings to try in Savannah4

Historic Homes to Visit in Charleston5

10Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Charleston

Trolley tour

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Enjoy family-style southern dishes for lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining room, suggests Wall.

sample a chatham Artillery Punch, “a lethal concoction from an 18th-century recipe,” says Wall, who warns: “Just have one.”

try a lowcountry boil, available at several river Street restaurants.

Dine at Elizabeth on 37th, or the olde Pink House, which also features local entertainment in the Planters tavern in the basement.

stop in leopold’s Ice cream, a fourth-generation, family-run ice creamery.

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29andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |28 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

P r o M ot i o n

taj Boston bOstON, mAssAcHusEtts – this

landmark Beaux-Arts hotel overlooks the

picturesque Public Garden famed for its

fauna and swan boat rides. Surrounded by

art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the

hotel is ideally located on newbury Street,

the rodeo Drive of Boston and near the

theatre District. Recommended since 2005.

• AAA four-diamond-rated restaurant

• Afternoon Tea on weekends

• fireplace suites (seasonal)

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an up-grade, when available at check-in (not valid from an executive suite or higher room category); daily continental breakfast for two served at the café (excluding gratuity); an 85 usd food and beverage credit per room for use at the café, the bar or in-room dining (excludes tax and gratuity); and early check-in/late checkout, when available.

standard rate inclusions: rates include Jaguar XJ transfers (subject to availability), overnight shoe shine, business and fitness center access.

Wilderness SafarisAFRIcA – Wilderness Safaris is an ecotourism company dedicated to responsible tourism in Africa operating more than 70 lodges. the types of camps and lodges include one located in the heart of the okavango Delta in a pristine private concession where secluded luxury is enhanced by each of two camps having only seven rooms, ensuring maximum privacy and personalized service. the out-of-camp experience comes to life with expert, experienced guiding and a diversity of fun, exciting activities. these activities range from game drives (by day and night), motor boating through the main channels, silent makoro (dugout canoe) gliding through water lily-filled shallows, guided walks that allow you to track, scent and feel closest to nature and even helicopter visits to the local communities. www.wilderness-safaris.com

tour Fenway Park, which turned 100 in 2012 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Take a pregame ‘batting practice tour’ and get field box seats to a Red Sox game,” suggests Jonathan Nicholson, concierge at Boston’s XV Beacon Hotel.

stop at a café in the North End—Boston’s “Little Italy”—for a cannoli and espresso.

stroll through the Public garden, “an urban oasis in the middle of the city,” Nicholson says. The Taj Boston concierge team suggests riding the historic swan boats and checking out the “Make Way for Ducklings” bronze statues, based on the 1941 children’s book of the same name.

visit Harvard square and take Trademark Tours’ “Unofficial Tour of Harvard,” Nicholson recommends.

visit the museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Dine at mistral or menton, suggest Nicholson and the Taj Boston team.

shop for antiques on Charles Street and browse locally owned boutique stores on Newbury Street.

Ice skate on Boston Common’s Frog Pond, “a popular outdoor rink in a former watering pond for

“Boston is saturated with the history of the Repub-lic: 19 million visitors make the pilgrimage to Faneuil Hall every year, making it the fourth most popular attraction in the country, well ahead of Disney World in Orlando (visited by a mere 17 million). But despite the tourist invasion, there are still areas of the city where the ghosts seem relatively undisturbed. I always find my way back to Beacon Hill, not least because one of my favorite local restaurants, Barbara Lynch’s, No. 9 Park, is located in an 1803 townhouse there. On each return visit, I find myself aspiring anew to own one of the lovely old Federal mansions—though this may remain one of my life’s unrealized ambitions.” –Mr. Harper

Historic swan boats

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

Mandarin Oriental, BostonBoSton, MASSACHUSEttS

Taj BostonBoSton, MASSACHUSEttS

XV Beacon HotelBoSton, MASSACHUSEttS

10Things a Visitor Must Do or See in Boston

the Freedom trail (See above.)

the uss constitution, first launched in 1797

the Athenaeum, founded in 1807

boston tea Party Ships & Museum

Old North church “Famed for ‘one if by land, two if by sea’ lanterns that Paul revere ordered used to alert colo-nists about the British invasion,” the taj Boston concierge team notes.

king’s chapel, founded in 1686

Sites that Illustrate Colonial and Historic Boston6

cattle,” says the Taj Boston concierge team. In warmer months, the pond becomes a popular wading pool.

Explore the mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, recommends Nicholson.

Walk the Freedom trail, a three-mile route that links 16 historic sites, including Bunker Hill and the Paul Revere House. H

The uss constitution

Page 17: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

3130 andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] || January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

P r o M ot i o nP r o M ot i o n

Hebridean island CruisesuNItED kINgDOm, EuROPE – Cruise like royalty with the only cruise line that has

received the prestigious royal Warrant from the Queen aboard the five-star, ultra-luxurious,

all-inclusive 50-guest Hebridean Princess. Discover awe-inspiring wonders and untamed

landscapes in the Highlands and islands of Scotland and the British isles on magical four-

to 10-night cruises. Hebridean Princess, with all the comforts of a warm and elegant country

home, offers the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodations together with

a level of service from an almost forgotten era. We invite you to experience a cruise like no

other where you’ll feel as though you are traveling with family on a private yacht.

“Best cruise” (January 2012 grand Awards issue of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report)

each cruise includes:

• privately escorted Tours

• distinguished guest speaker program

• Beverages, select wines, spirits,

champagne

• meals, snacks, and picnics Ashore

• All gratuities, port fees and Taxes

• Bicycles, fishing and speedboat rides

Andrew Harper guests receive: a 200 usd savings per person per cruise.

yAcHT/cruise pArTNers : speciAl mArkeTiNg secTioN 7 iNTerAries

Un-Cruise Adventures DIscOvERERs’ glAcIER cOuNtRy Sail remote

passageways aboard 22-, 36- and 86-guest yachts.

View glaciers, whales and wildlife.

uncover Alaska. unrushed. uncrowded. unbelievable.

Day 1 JuNEAu Embark on your week-long wilderness

adventure.

Days 2-3 glAcIER bAy NAtIONAl PARk observe

calving glaciers, puffins, eagles and moose. Exclusive

exploration, afloat and

ashore, accompanied

by a national Park

ranger.

Day 4 Icy stRAIt

Explore the richest

whale waters in

Southeast Alaska.

Skiff and kayak along

shore keeping watch

for bears.

Day 5 cHIcHAgOF/bARANOF IslANDs Marvel at the

waterfall coast. Discover “not-in-the-guidebooks” places.

Day 6 FREDERIck sOuND Visit Five Fingers Lighthouse,

a rocky sea lion haulout, and another excellent spot for

humpback whales.

Day 7 ENDIcOtt ARm Cliff-walled fjords slice the

mountains. Glaciers actively calve in the ice-filled fjord.

Day 8 JuNEAu Disembark.

Andrew Harper guests receive: a large-format coffee table book filled with images from your trip.

Sea Cloud Cruises

mEDItERRANEAN, DutcH WAtERWAys, RHINE & DANubE

RIvERs, cARIbbEAN, cENtRAl AmERIcA

true yachting in five-star luxury aboard classically sailed tall

ships and a refined river cruiser. With fewer than 95 like-minded

guests, explore majestic cities, exotic ports, quaint villages and

sandy beaches. interesting shore excursions and lecturers,

gourmet cuisine, and attentive, friendly service are hallmarks of

these cruises—at once elegant and unique.

• sea cloud: Natural beauty of the caribbean March 21, 2013

• sea cloud II: charming & chic Riviera coastlines May 7, 2013

• River cloud II: spring tulips April 13, 2013

Andrew Harper guests receive: a welcome amenity valued up to 100 usd per cabin.

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P r o M ot i o nP r o M ot i o n

sPEcIAl OFFER: Enjoy a luxury Private Home With 20 Percent savings confirm a minimum two-night stay in a select private home (casa montana, casa del sano or Gallery) and receive 20 percent savings on the best sanctuary rate. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions (limited to two persons per stay). dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through april 30, 2013, based on availability. harper guest benefit of room upgrade not applicable as the private home is the highest accommodation level.

Andrew Harper guests receive: an upgrade, when available at time of booking; a 75 usd food and beverage credit (excluding alcohol) per room; and a 100 usd spa services credit per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include a daily 30 usd breakfast credit per person.

Recommended since 2003.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain PARADIsE vAllEy, ARIzONA

“The Sanctuary was great. We had a nice spacious two-room suite with a wood-burning fireplace. The smell of the burning

mesquite was wonderful. The Elements dining room had great views and an excellent menu...both for breakfast and for dinner.

The spa was very special, one of the best we have experienced. Excellent, helpful concierge staff.” —An Andrew Harper Guest

Paul Gauguin CruisesFRENcH POlyNEsIA, sOutH PAcIFIc

Day 1 Embark Paul gauguin in Papeete, tahiti. Begin your jour-

ney to paradise in the capital of tahiti. Embark the Paul Gauguin, a luxu-

rious yet casual vessel with a seemingly endless choice of activities.

Day 2 Raiatea Explore the island that was once the cultural,

religious and political heart of Polynesia, and home to tahiti’s most

significant archeological sites.

Day 3 taha’a (motu mahana) this islet adjacent to taha’a is our

very own South Seas paradise featuring white-sand beaches and

crystal-clear waters. At our exclusive event, spend a full day exploring

this idyllic, isolated island, with lunch and Polynesian entertainment.

Day 4 bora bora this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a

spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands.

Day 5 bora bora Explore more of this magical isle on your own or

on a choice of optional shore excursions, such as a glass-bottom boat

ride. Enjoy dinner back on board.

Day 6 moorea With spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-

hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea’s awesome beauty

is unsurpassed. Shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching

expedition and more. An overnight here affords two full days on Bora

Bora’s gorgeous sister island.

Day 7 moorea/Papeete (tahiti) Explore more of this peaceful

oasis. trek on the “trails of the Ancients” or snorkel one of the world’s

most beautiful lagoons.

Day 8 Disembark in Papeete Cap off your epic journey where it all

began. Explore more and choose our pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in

either Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, taha’a or Papeete.

Midnight Sun YachtJuNEAu, AlAskA

Day 1 Depart around noon for a night at Pavlof Harbor

where we will anchor off the waterfall, watching for grizzlies

on the beach or fishing below the falls.

Day 2 Move down Chatham Straights to Warm Springs Bay.

Anchor in an isolated cove, hike up to the waterfall and soak in

the natural hot springs pools. Anchor in beautiful takatz Bay

this evening.

Day 3 Have a leisurely morning, perhaps in a kayak. Leave

late morning for red Bluff Bay and do some salmon fishing

along the way. Explore the great waterfalls, and drop shrimp

pots. Keep a lookout for bears in the creek and meadows.

Day 4 travel to one of our favorite isolated bays. troll for

salmon off Kingsmill Point. today we enter world famous whale-

watching waters. tonight’s anchorage will be ideal for kayaking

and exploring the shoreline.

Day 5 Leave early and

travel through Frederick

Sound and Stevens

Passage to iceberg

Cove with a short stop

and interpretive forest

hike. Spot sea lions and

breaching whales.

Day 6 Spend the day

in the fiord and at the

glaciers. Look for seals and mountain goats. End the evening

in iceberg Cove or taku Harbor.

Day 7 Leave early to travel back to Juneau.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; a welcome amenity; and complimentary limousine service to/from hotel or airport.

Seabourn CruisesWORlDWIDE – our six intimate, elegant yet casual ships

have just 104 or 225 suites and will take you to must-see cities

and hidden gems worldwide. Enjoy complimentary gourmet

dining, open bars throughout the ship, and fine wines poured

at lunch and dinner. tipping is neither required or expected.

Voted “World’s Best Small-Ship Line” by Travel+Leisure and

Condé Nast travelers.

• staff-to-guest ratio Nearly 1:1

• New 2013 Antarctica and patagonia voyages

• largest spa on a luxury cruise ship

Andrew Harper guests receive: a 250 usd shipboard credit per suite on select departures.

Andrew Harper guests receive: a 100 usd shipboard credit per person.

Page 19: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

P r o M ot i o n

A Tour De Force peter delgado’s job is to ensure that your experience

on an andrew harper Signature tour is one you’ll

never, ever forget. Here’s how he does it.

Thinking about taking one of the special Signature Tours that Andrew Harper offers throughout the year? Talk for a few minutes to Peter Delgado, who oversees the 12-year-old program, and you won’t need any more convincing. The man clearly knows his stuff.

“I started traveling at age three and

haven’t stopped,” says Delgado, who hails from a small town in southern England and now makes his home in the Chicago area. “I’ve been to 50 countries so far.” Add to that his two decades as a tour consultant for renowned outfitter Abercrombie & Kent before joining Andrew Harper back in 2009.

milford sound new Zealand

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P r o M ot i o n

36 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

i imagine that’s a long process.

From the initial thought to the end of the tour, we’re looking at a 12- to 24-month time frame. In fact, I’m already doing preliminary work on the trips for 2014. We hope one of them will be gorilla tracking in west-ern Africa.

And you accompany the groups on the

actual tours as well, right?

Yes. We always want to have an Andrew Harper representative on the tour, so I go on all the trips. It’s about quality assurance. And about getting to know the subscribers.

once you’ve chosen a destination, how

do you go about planning the itinerary?

obviously, when you’re talking about

the most fascinating locations on the

planet, there’s an abundance of

activities to choose from.

We’re looking for unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Most people don’t go back to a destination twice, so our goal is to make their visit some-thing memorable. In New Zealand, for instance, a popular spot is Milford Sound, and there are several ways to do it. But we’re going in on a helicopter. We’ll land on a glacier and walk in a normally restricted area, where the view is simply spectacular. Later, our guests will also be able to drive around in classic cars from the ’60s and ’70s and explore the scenery. When it comes to putting together the most exhilarating parts of the itineraries, our travel partners are very useful. When we went to Peru, for example, we met with resident archaeologists and had access to their research in an area that only they and a very few other people could see. These sorts of opportunities leave an impres-sion on our guests.

what else sets signature Tours apart

and makes them so special?

The properties we use, which are all five-star hotels, and where the rooms tend to be suites. In New Zealand, for instance, one of the places we’ll be

staying at is the Huka Lodge. It’s one of the most prestigious properties in the country. Royalty from Europe stays there, like Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. And in many cases, we take over the entire property, so guests have the whole run of the house.

who is the typical signature Tour

traveler?

Our clients tend to have time on their hands; many are retired. But they can be adventuresome, both physically and culturally. They love the history, the culture, the food. They have a real purpose for going there, and have read the materials and books about the destination that we’ve recommended. They want to have a real involvement with the destination. They want to be a traveler, not a tourist.

The tours are limited in size. How

does that contribute to the exceptional

experience?

One benefit is that the guides can make themselves more easily under-stood to the group and give each guest more personal attention. It’s also easier for the travelers to bond, even

over a short period of time. And of course, a small group affords a more exclusive experience.

speaking of the guides, how do you

find the best of the best?

When it comes to finding local partners, we look for people with a qualified track record and an in-depth knowledge of the area, and those who have gained a certain reputation. Some of the guides we use are profes-sors at local universities. We rely on local guides who can speak English, and speak it well. Part of my job is to go the locations beforehand and meet the guides, to test their English and their knowledge.

That experience has served him well in putting together the program’s “once-in-a-lifetime” itineraries in some of the world’s most exciting destina-tions. We recently spoke to Delgado to find out what goes into creating a classic Signature Tour and what makes the trips, like the ones scheduled for New Zealand and Scotland in 2013, so memorable and unique.

let’s start at the beginning. How

did the signature Tours program

get started?

The idea came about because we had so many requests for small, exclusive group tours from subscribers, so we were basically responding to their wishes. We also wanted a way to join subscribers together. And it was a way to give more life to the value of an Andrew Harper subscription.

How many people have taken the tours

so far?

Over the years, I’d say about 150 people since the program started.

How many trips do you do a year?

We do anywhere from one to six trips a year. Currently we’re doing two to three.

How do you pick the signature Tour

destinations?

It’s a combination of things. One factor is the places subscribers are asking about. Another is what we’re reading about in the travel press—what the hot destinations are at the moment. We also consider staff and colleague recommendations. Then I go out and scout the locations. I work with local suppliers, check out all the places we’re considering for the itinerary and come back and refine the trip.

kauri cliffs

Huka lodge

white islands

mount stuart

inveraray castle loch Ness

“We’re looking for unique, once-in-a-lifetime

experiences.”

new zealandSCOTLAND

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3938 andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] || January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

what does the price for the signature

Tours cover?

The fee covers everything except the international airfare to the destination, and any necessary visas or inoculations. We try to make it as seamless as pos-sible, so you only really need spending money for shopping and souvenirs. In fact, that’s another thing we look for in local guides. We make sure they have a list of shops that are reliable, where our guests can be sure that the mer-chandise they buy is genuine. So they don’t buy some gemstone in India and then find out the value isn’t what they thought when they get it home.

you’ve mentioned the upcoming New

Zealand trip set for April 2013. what’s

the highlight of the trip in your opinion?

The cultural visit to the Maori meet-ing house, where our guests meet with villagers for a ceremonial meal. It’s an exclusive event only a small privileged group like ours can do, but it’s an essential part of what New Zealand is all about. For instance, we may suggest that guests dress up in local attire. We’ve done this successfully in differ-ent areas, like when we were in India. One night the women wore saris, and the men wore traditional Indian suits.

dressing in traditional scottish attire is

part of the other signature Tour taking

place in 2013, which will be in scotland.

what else can you tell us about that trip?

On this trip, we’ll travel on the luxuri-ous Royal Scotsman train, which is an

iconic journey. The following itiner-ary in the eastern part of Scotland has unique aspects, like the fact that the castles where we’re staying will be exclusive—we’ll be taking over the whole castle. Mount Stuart is regarded as the most authentic gothic castle in Great Britain. There are tapestries everywhere. And the guide will explain the nuances of what’s going on inside. Inverlochy Castle is a very well-known, typical Scottish castle. An old country house mansion, and the food is exqui-site. You can go out and do all the local stuff, like fishing and shooting. Corrour Estate is another very unique site. It has a lake and is on this vast, rug-ged, 60,000-acre estate that is largely untouched.

Are there ever any activities that you

won’t include in a signature Tour

itinerary?

Yes, there are some things that we won’t book. It happened when I was planning the New Zealand trip. There was something being offered that was a little too, um, outdoorsy. And it just didn’t have that wow factor. H

scoTlANd

dATes: sepT. 19–ocT. 2, 2013

dAys 3–6

Embark on this classic 720-mile trip aboard Orient-Express’ Royal Scotsman, stopping along the way for activities such as whisky-tasting at Glen Ord Distillery and a tour of Ballindalloch Castle and gardens.

dAy 11

Scenic drive across the western region of Isle of Skye. Tour Dunvegan Castle or visit local art studios. Cooking

Select Highlights from the 2013 Signature Tour Itineraries

demonstration with a Michelin-starred chef.

dAy 12

Private guided tour of Loch Ness. Afternoon tea. Measuring by tailor for traditional Scottish attire to be worn the fol-lowing evening.

dAy 13

Falconry display. Choice of optional activity, such as a guided visit to Culloden Battlefield, a round of golf at the home of the Scot-tish Open, or a trip to Johnstons of Elgin cashmere store. Gala Scottish dinner, with men in traditional

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

scotland

Glenapp castleAYrSHirE........pg 52

GleneaglesPErtHSHirE

The HowardEDinBUrGH

inverlochy castle Hotel and restaurantFort WiLLiAM

isle of eriska Hotel, Spa and islandArGYLL

rocco forte, The BalmoralEDinBUrGH

The TorridonWEStEr roSS

New zealand

azurQUEEnStoWn

Blanket BayGLEnorCHY

eichardt’sQUEEnStoWn

The farm at cape KidnappersHAWKE’S BAY

Grasmere lodgenEAr ArtHUr’S PASS

Huka lodgetAUPo

lake Timara lodgeBLEnHEiM

The lodge at Kauri cliffsMAtAUri BAY

Matakauri lodgeQUEEnStoWn

Otahuna lodgeCHriStCHUrCH

Treetops lodge & estaterotorUA

Wharekauhau lodge and country estateFEAtHErSton

tRAvEl PARtNERs

adventures in GolfSCotLAnD

Dream escapeSCotLAnD

Seasonz nEW ZEALAnD

QuOTES fROM PREVIOuS SIgNATuRE TOuR guESTS“this was really the

trip of a lifetime for our

family and we are so

appreciative of all the

work you put into it.”

— L. P., New York, NY

“i had a great time, and

the in-advance read-

ing made the trip even

more memorable. thank

you for everything.”

— R. B., Hartford, CT

“we greatly enjoyed

the trip and are ready

to return. we enjoyed

your company and

all the amenities that

went with the trip.”

— T. & J., Park City, UT

“we had a great time with

you and the other mem-

bers of the group. it was a

wonderful itinerary. Great

job by you and your team.”

— D. & M. R., Avon, CT

“my wife has already

recommended this trip

to several of our friends.

p.s. we did a couple of

things on this trip that i

wouldn’t have guessed

that we would do, but we

had a helluva good time!”

— L. H., Cicero, IN

Scottish dress and ladies with a tartan sash and brooch over their dresses. Musi-cal entertainment includes bagpipers and traditional reel-ing and dancing.

New ZeAlANd

dATes: April 5–17, 2013

Price is per person, based on double occupancy: $24,250.

Limited to 18 guests, registration ends January 2013.

moNdAy, April 8

Helicopter excursion through the South-ern Alps, including a glacier landing at Milford Sound. Jet boat safari through the channels of the Dart River.

THursdAy, April 11

Jeep safari through varied terrain of Cape Kidnappers Station. Private tour of a Hawke’s Bay winery, including taking part in a wine-blending competition.

fridAy, April 12

Tour of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest private gardens, accompa-nied by the owner, with games on the croquet lawn. Visit to the home and studio of renowned local artist.

sATurdAy, April 13

A spin in an MG Roadster, Jaguar or other classic car for a two-hour drive along New Zealand’s central plateau, with lunch at a local pub along the way. Champagne at Huka Lodge, followed by a stroll to Huka Falls.

moNdAy, April 15

Choice of round of golf, clay pigeon-shooting, spa package or nature walk at Kauri Cliffs.

TuesdAy, April 16

Luxury cruise in Bay of Islands aboard a private chartered yacht with barbe-cue lunch served onboard. Sumptuous farewell dinner. H

maori meeting housenew Zealand

orient-express’ royal scotsman

dart rivernew Zealand

“One of the things we strive for

is to immerse our guests in the local culture.”

Jeep safaricape Kidnappers, new Zealand

Page 22: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

41andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

P r o M ot i o n

PERtHsHIRE, scOtlAND – it has been almost 100 years

since the British bested the Americans at Gleneagles in team

rounds of golf that spawned the ryder Cup. these prestigious

matches will return to this hallowed parkland course in 2014.

test the three picture-

perfect championship

courses in advance

of the new kings to

be crowned. A French

chateau with 232

rooms—take your

pick between modern

or traditional furnish-

ings—awaits. if you

are not replenished by

the whisky-infused

smoked lobster at the

restaurant of Andrew

Fairlie, Scotland’s only chef with two Michelin stars, then the

wellness treatments at the Spa by ESPA will do the trick. now

take advantage of the hotel’s offer to train a gun dog or drive

an Argo Cat with your child before playing another round.

Recommended since 1984; 2012 Readers’ Choice Award, #16,

Top 20 Golf Resorts.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; an afternoon tea for two per room; and for stays of two nights or longer, one round of golf for two per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include taxes, daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, railway station transfers and access to resort facilities including spa, fitness center with scheduled classes, pitch and putt, croquet, tennis, hiking trails, stable and falconry.

Gleneagles

Bespoke itineraries • Exceptional access to world-ranked courses, including the Old Course at St. Andrews • Deluxe accommodations Premier land transport, helicopters and private air charter Non-golfer programs • Peerless service and in-depth knowledge

During their stay in Scotland, Andrew Harper guests receive preferred rates and a hosted cocktail party or whisky-tasting.

The Ailsa Course, Turnberry Resort

ADVENTURES IN GOLFCreating memorable golf travel experiences since 1977

LaCure VillasWORlDWIDE – the LaCure portfolio is truly unique with

access to some 1,000 luxury properties worldwide, including

stunning beachfront and hilltop villas, exclusive private

islands, working vineyards, historical palazzos and chateaux,

and breathtaking ski chalets. We extend a host of special

privileges to our clients including private chefs, butler services

and special occasion planning.

• Bespoke experiences

• spectacular settings and views

• worldwide Network of concierge services

Andrew Harper guests receive: a locally inspired welcome basket.

standard rate inclusions: meet-and-greet and welcome amenity, upon arrival; and a mid-week linen change.

Page 23: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

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P r o M ot i o nP r o M ot i o n

AmanyaraPROvIDENcIAlEs, tuRks & cAIcOs – nestled on an

18,000-acre nature preserve on Providenciales in the turks

and Caicos islands, Amanyara has 38 rooms and suites,

and 20 private villas. the resort recently added two two-

bedroom Pool Suites. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy and

crafted from the finest materials and finishes, each of the two

2,831-square-foot suites includes two one-bedroom pavilions

connected by a relaxation and dining lounge that overlooks a

private, zero-edge lap pool, landscaped courtyard and their

own fitness room with weight

and cardio equipment. With

an extra youth room featuring

two single beds, the suites can

accommodate families. one

recent Andrew Harper guest

says “We loved the accom-

modations: the architecture,

the furnishings, the pool and

the privacy.” Activities include

whale-watching, yoga, tennis,

diving, snorkeling, sailing and much more. this winter, the

resort is including breakfast and dinner daily for guests who

stay five nights or longer. this added-value offer runs from

Jan. 7 to May 31, 2013. Recommended since 2005.

sPEcIAl OFFER: Winter Dining Offer confirm four consecutive nights in a pavilion or villa and receive daily breakfast and one dinner (excludes beverages). or confirm five consecutive nights in either a pavilion or villa and receive daily breakfast and dinner (excludes beverages). also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 7 to may 31, 2013, based on availability and excluding feb. 13–24, 2013 and march 24–april 6, 2013. offer is not combinable with any other promotions, and restrictions may apply.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant or in room; one lunch for two (excluding beverages) per pavilion; and a sunset cocktail per person with canapés served poolside once during stay.

standard rate inclusions: rates include private round-trip airport transfers, minibar (excluding spirits), wi-fi, telephone calls, fitness center, tennis and use of non-motorized watersports.

Cap Juluca

mAuNDAys bAy, ANguIllA – Situated on Anguilla’s

southwest coast, Cap Juluca has reopened for the winter

season with several enhancements, including the new

3,290-square-foot, two-bedroom oceanfront Jonquil Suite.

the popular restaurants have been re-envisioned, with Pimms

offering a French- and Caribbean-influenced menu, and Blue

featuring a new bar located directly on the beach. the popular

bar, Spice, offers entertainment with a Caribbean casual flair.

With 66 rooms located in 14 villas, Cap Juluca offers tennis,

golf, nautical sports and water activities, spa services, yoga,

Pilates, a children’s program and much more. Recommended

since 1998; 2010 Readers’ Choice Award, #7, Top 20 Beach

Resorts; 2011 Readers’ Choice Award, #5, Top 20 Beach Resorts;

2012 Readers’ Choice Award, #9, Top 20 Beach Resorts.

sPEcIAl OFFER: two specials: Free Night or Resort credit Get away this winter and enjoy some relaxing days in the sun with one of these two enticing offers: more maundays–7th Night complimentary once here, you’re sure to want one more day at the award-winning beach, maundays bay. confirm a seven-night stay and pay for only six nights. stay in Paradise–$250 Resort credit confirm this package for a minimum of five nights and receive oceanfront accommodations for two and a $250 resort credit per room, per stay that may be redeemed anywhere within the resort, including the two gift shops and spa. also includes (for both offers): andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offers are valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 4–march 31, 2013, based on availability. offers are not combinable with any other promotions and are exclusive of tax and service fees. blackout dates may apply.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; a 100 usd resort credit per room; and an organized tour to a anguillan landmark, such as Kavanaugh caves, sydney’s antique museum in George hill or heritage collection at east point pond.

standard rate inclusions: rates include daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, morning coffee, afternoon tea, monday cocktail reception, wi-fi, driving range, watersports and fitness center access.

Peter island resort and Spa

bRItIsH vIRgIN IslANDs – Peter island is a private, family-

owned island resort and spa in the British Virgin islands, four

miles from tortola. the 1,800-acre uninhabited island has

an intriguing history, including tales of pirates and explor-

ers landing on the five white-sand

beaches. the resort comprises 52

rooms, including 32 ocean-view

rooms and 20 beachfront junior

suites, while three exclusive villas

offer a more private getaway. Dining

options from signature restaurant

tradewinds to private beach picnics

are available. Guests can relax at

tradewinds Wine room and Drake’s

Channel Lounge, as well as the 10,000-square-foot, sanctu-

ary-inspired spa. From diving and snorkeling to helicopter

tours and chartering a yacht, the resort offers activities for

all ages. And, with a 2:1 guest-to-staff ratio and personal

services such as the “island Host,” Peter island’s focus is on

guest service. Recommended since 1981; 2010 Readers’ Choice

Award, #18, Top 20 Beach Resorts; 2011 Readers’ Choice Award,

#9, Top 20 Beach Resorts; 2012 Readers’ Choice Award, #13,

Top 20 Beach Resorts; #11, Top 20 Family Resorts.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an up-grade, when available at check-in; daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room; a private champagne picnic lunch for two at white bay or honeymoon beach per room; and early check-in/late checkout, when available; and for new bookings made until march 30th, 2013, round-trip beef island airport transfers and a 100 usd spa credit per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include personal concierge, welcome amenity, non-alcoholic minibar, wi-fi, non-motorized watersports, snor-keling, mountain bikes, twice weekly group yoga classes, tennis, fitness center and transportation to remote beaches on peter island.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

vANcOuvER, bRItIsH cOlumbIA – no detail is over-

looked at Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, the only relais & Châteaux

property in Vancouver. From personalized concierge tours and

activity-planning to indulgent

body treatments and mas-

sages, a highly trained staff

creates a memorable, bespoke

experience for each guest.

Eighty-three rooms and suites

make up this boutique property

set in the heart of downtown.

relax at the award-winning spa

before enjoying a locally grown,

sustainable meal at Bacchus

restaurant. After dinner, head to

the Piano Bar to cozy up in front

of the fireplace for a nightcap.

“the bar is a wonderful place

to have a drink and people-watch at the end of a busy day,”

says one Andrew Harper traveler. “We will definitely stay there

again when we visit Vancouver!” Recommended since 1988.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; daily continental breakfast served at the restaurant; a welcome box of chocolate truffles and personal note from the owner; and when booking a suite or higher room category, a half-bottle of regional wine upon arrival.

standard rate inclusions: rates include wi-fi and use of steam room, fitness center and business center.

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P r o M ot i o n

Alhambra, granada

The Moorish Splendors of

Marrakech and AndalusiaSpain’s most exotic region is surely

andalusia, where, as andrew Harper notes,

“For nearly 800 years, the Moors lavished

their affection on the conquered territory,

leaving a legacy of majestic architecture and

exquisite gardens.” although the Spanish

expelled the Muslim Moors (the english word

comes from the Spanish moro, or “dark”) in

1492, they didn’t disappear. their aesthetics,

cuisine and culture are very much alive in

Morocco, just across the Strait of Gibraltar.

nowadays, it’s easy to combine the best

of southern Spain and Morocco into one

unforgettable itinerary. Start in Marrakech,

Morocco’s most alluring city. note the

elaborate palaces and elegant towers;

indeed, by exploring Marrakech first, the

many parallels between Morocco and

southern Spain will be that much easier to

identify and appreciate.

although one could certainly spend much

longer, we recommend the following 13-day

itinerary which encompasses the best of the

Moorish cultural legacy.

arrive in Madrid from the united

States. change planes, and fly non-

stop to Marrakech. Here, Mr. Harper

recommends a range of hotels and

resorts, from historic courtyard

mansions in the heart of the medina

to oases in the palmery comprising an

array of private villas. Some travelers

even try both, staying in downtown

Marrakech for a few nights before

switching to a palmery resort for

relaxation and day excursions.

Day 1 Traditional moroccan private courtyard

from the travel office A sAmPlE ItINERARy

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dAy 2

Although Marrakech now practically overflows with luxury hotels and resorts, the exotic soul of the city remains thoroughly and vibrantly intact. On a first visit, a guide is vital for illuminating the rich history of the city and navigating its labyrinthine lanes.

Start at the Almoravid Koubba, the small size of which belies its importance. This two-story tower is the only Almoravid building (dating from 1062 to 1145 A.D.) remaining in Morocco, and its style is at the very root of the country’s architecture (as well as that of Moorish Spain). Across the square, the Marrakech Museum displays Moroccan art in a grand and beautifully restored 19th-century palace. The Ben Youssef Medersa next door dates to the 14th century, but this Koranic school was rebuilt by the Saadians who ornamented almost every surface. The exquisite stuccowork and zellij (geometric tilework) found here resemble that in the Alhambra in Granada.

From the medersa, walk down with your guide through Marrakech’s souks, presenting a profusion of tempting handicrafts. Browse through the leather souk, the souk of the blacksmiths, the souk of the slipper makers and the souk of the carpenters, this last fragrant with cedar. Just beyond, the dyers’ souk glows with brightly colored skeins of wool. Carpets have taken over the former slave market, and nearby stalls sell traditional cosmetics as well as herbal remedies and ingredients used for magic.

Pass through the textile souk into the incomparable Djemaa el Fna, a sprawling, unspoiled square where locals still come to enjoy street food, storytellers, musicians, acrobats, dancers, magicians and other entertainers.

dAy 3

Continue exploring Marrakech with your guide starting with the ornate Bahia Palace, the 19th-century home of a slave who rose to become vizier (a high officer in a Muslim government). Walk through the Mellah, the former Jewish quarter, and wander the evocative ruins of the El Badi Palace. Farther into the kasbah (inner citadel), the Saadian Tombs boast dazzlingly lavish mausoleums and shady gardens.

In the afternoon, take a calèche (horse-drawn car-riage) to the Majorelle Gardens, 12 gorgeous acres created by painter Jacques Majorelle and owned by Yves Saint Laurent until his recent death.

dAy 4

Begin by taking a half-day excursion into the Ourika Valley, a cool, green ribbon lined with Berber villages; take a Moroccan cooking class (Morocco boasts a rich culinary heritage); explore Marrakech on your own; or simply relax and take advantage of the amenities of your hotel, many of which have unusually splendid spas.

dAy 5

Fly from Marrakech to Casablanca, change planes, and continue on to Malaga, Spain. Rent a car or engage the services of a driver (the narrow roadways of the region provide some challenging twists and turns), and proceed along the coast to a relaxing resort near the white village of Casares, about an hour’s drive. Take the rest of the day at leisure.

dAy 6

Play a round of golf on one of the adjacent world-class courses; wander hilly (and still relatively unspoiled) Casares; venture into glitzy Marbella; or simply lounge at your resort. Even quirky Gibraltar is only an hour away.

dAy 7

Turn inland and drive an hour to historic Ronda, perched on a ridge and sliced in two by a vertiginous gorge. An 18th-century bridge spanning the gorge makes a sensationally scenic focal point. It’s great fun to wander the narrow, maze-like alleys of La Ciudad, the old Moorish center, and see what you discover.

Continue two hours north to Sevilla and, if you chose to drive yourself, return your rental car. This evening, your concierge can recommend the best bars for some tapas hop-ping in conjunction with or followed by a traditional flamenco show.

dAy 8

The 12th-century tower next to the cathedral, the Giralda, bears a strik-ing resemblance to the Koutoubia in Marrakech, and indeed, this bell tower was originally an Almohad minaret. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Sevilla, or simply enjoy it from below and head straight into the glorious cathedral, the world’s largest gothic church. After marveling at the interior,

take a meditative walk in the adjacent Patio de los Naranjos, a cloister-like Moorish courtyard and orange grove.

The remarkable Alcázar stands next door. This palace was built by the Abbadids and enlarged by the Almohads, but much of the extant architecture and décor is Mudéjar, a style evolved by Moorish artisans after the Christian reconquest.

Take a 10-minute stroll (or a romantic horse and carriage ride) from the palace to the Plaza de España, a colorful confection of tile work, statues, fountains and bridges.

dAy 9

Have a relaxing morning in Sevilla. Explore the romantic Santa Cruz quarter; visit the Museo de Bellas Artes with its fine painting collection housed in a former convent; or mean-der some of the lively pedestrianized shopping streets like Calle Sierpes.

This afternoon, take the train to Córdoba (about 45 minutes). If you have a driver, stop in pic-turesque Carmona en route.

dAy 10

For 300 years, Córdoba served as the capital of the western Moorish empire, and before that, it was Roman Spain’s largest city. Today, provincial Córdoba contains one of the Moor-ish empire’s greatest monuments, the Mezquita. This immense and extraor-dinary mosque (now a cathedral) is simply breathtaking in its architectural power and splendor. Note in particu-lar the radiant Mihrab (prayer niche), which served as a model for Mihrabs in both Spain and northern Africa.

In the afternoon, wander the Judería, the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, and perhaps pop in the charming Museo Arqueológico, a Renaissance man-sion housing artifacts dating from pre-Roman through Moorish times.

leather souk slippers

The koutoubia minaretmorocco, africa

giralda sevilla, spain

village casaresmalaga, spain

“The Koutoubia Minaret,

rising dramatically above the square,

heralds Sevilla’s Giralda, now a bell

tower adjacent to the cathedral..”

moroccan tea and pastries

from the travel office A sAmPlE ItINERARy

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4948 andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] || January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

Palais AmanimOROccO – Just within the ancient medina

walls of Fez lies Palais Amani. the medina, a

uniquely north African construction and the

world’s largest urban area without automo-

biles, is perfect for the traveler who loves to get

out and explore. the 14-room hotel contains a

tranquil garden, a traditional hammam, a roof-

top bar with stunning 360-degree views, and

a renowned restaurant. Cooking workshops

allow guests to further explore Moroccan

cuisine, sending them home with gifts to

accompany their new culinary know-how.

Recommended since 2011.

sPEcIAl OFFER: Food lovers’ Folly confirm this package and receive a three-night stay for two in a classic room, vip welcome, up-grade when available on arrival, a full-day produce to plate workshop which includes a market tour and cooking demonstration, guided tour of the medina to discover the monuments and cultural history, baking workshop on traditional moroccan pastries; traditional hammam for two, and Grande finale six-course gastronomic dinner. starting package price is 750 eur per person based on double occupancy. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through dec. 21, 2013, based on availability. offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; complimentary room-service breakfast; an exclusive medina welcome amenity per room; and a 25-percent discount on one complete beauty package per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include daily tra-ditional moroccan breakfast, welcome drink with homeade pastries, wi-fi and moroccan slippers

Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & SpacAsAREs, sPAIN – With its sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding Casares Mountains, Finca Cortesin is a family-friendly golf and spa destination one Andrew Harper traveler says “could not be faulted.” Recommended since 2009; 2010 Grand Award Winner.

» 67 guest suites and six villas

» Breathtaking views of the mediterranean

» Heated, salt-water swimming pools

» exclusive Beach club

» spacious spa with fitness center, Turk-

ish Bath and spain’s only snow cave

» 150 Hectares of lush green Belt

» world-class, cabell B. robinson–

designed par 72 golf course

» Home of the volvo world match play

championship

» Award-winning cuisine at el Jardin

and schilo restaurants

sPEcIAl OFFER: championship golf Experience also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions, as well as: four nights in the selected suite category based on double occupancy; welcome golf pack at your room (two finca cortesin caps and tees); two green fees at valderrama Golf course per stay; two green fees at la reserva Golf course per stay; and two green fees at finca cortesin Golf course per stay. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel between Jan. 1–dec. 31, 2013, based on availability. tee times should be booked in advance and one green fee, per person, per course is included. for non-golfers, the three green fees may be applied to a massage at the spa.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates and an upgrade, when available at check-in; and a welcome bottle of wine per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include daily full breakfast served at the restaurant, welcome drink with spanish tapas, in-suite fresh flowers upon arrival, seasonal fruit bowl and premium water, wi-fi, valet parking, spa access and use of exclusive beach club including transfers (open high season only).

mezquita córdoba, spain

dAy 11

Take the train (or go with your driver) from Córdoba to Granada, a trip of about two and a half hours.

After lunch, start exploring the city, one of the last strongholds of the Moors in Spain. Begin with the cathedral, notable for the flamboyant Carrara marble Capilla Real, the mausoleum of Fernando and Isabel who recon-quered the city. To the north, the Moorish Albacín quarter makes for a fascinating wander. Don’t miss the square in front of San Nicolás church, which has an unforget-table view of the Alhambra palace.

dAy 12

Devote the bulk of today to the Alhambra, one of the greatest monuments in all of Europe. Arguably representing the apex of Moorish culture, this fortress/pleasure palace dominates three hills overlooking Granada, and though it suffered looting and even partial demolition over the centu-ries, much of its mind-bogglingly intricate stuccowork, lacéria (the “carpentry of knots”) and zel-lij tiles remain intact. Explore the reception halls, salons and living quarters linked by gardens and courtyards cooled by ornate fountains. The Alhambra impresses

without a word of commentary, but a guide can really help bring this stupendous palace to vivid life.

Take the afternoon at leisure for any final souvenir shopping, or just to relax. The road lead-ing down from the Alhambra into town is lined with several touristy but good-quality shops selling hand-made Moorish-style decorative items and furniture.

dAy 13

Fly from Granada to Madrid, and connect to your flight home. H

from the travel office A sAmPlE ItINERARy

AreA AlliANce pArTNersHOtEls

Hotel OrfilaMADriD, SPAin

finca cortesin Hotel Golf & SpaCASArES, SPAin

la BobadillaGrAnADA, SPAin

amanjenaMArrAKECH, MoroCCo

la Maison arabeMArrAKECH, MoroCCo

palais amaniFEZ, MoroCCo

riad l’OrangeraieMArrAKECH, MoroCCo

tRAvEl PARtNERs

Made for SpainSoUtHErn SPAin

Heritage ToursMArrAKECH

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P r o M ot i o nP r o M ot i o n

sPEcIAl OFFER: safari Photography mini-Workshop enhance the memories you capture while on safari with a photography mini-workshop offered during your confirmed safari. this workshop will be conducted by a guide who is a professional published photographer. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through may 31, 2013, based on availability.

Mateya Safari LodgemADIkWE gAmE REsERvE, sOutH AFRIcA –

the perfect safari experience awaits in South

Africa’s Madikwe Game reserve at Mateya Safari

Lodge. the artistic, eco-friendly lodge offers

five air-conditioned suites, excellent cuisine and

special attention to personal experience. one

satisfied Andrew Harper guest singled out the

lodge’s owner as both “delightful and generous

with her wine cellar.” Recommended since 2010.

• experienced guides

• Abundant, varied wildlife

• malaria-free Area

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; a head and neck massage for two per room; and a private dinner in the wine cellar.

standard rate inclusions: rates include all meals, coffees, teas, local beverages, house wines, game drives, bush walks, wi-fi, laundry, reserve gate entrance fee, landing fees, levies and ground transfers from madikwe airstrip to mateya.

gRANADA, sPAIN – A stunning replica of a Moorish palace,

this world-class hotel is situated in the picturesque hills of

Andalusia, surrounded by Mediterranean woodland. A col-

lection of whitewashed houses with terracotta rooftops, the

resort feels like an immaculate village.

in keeping with its lavish theme, the 70 palatial guest rooms

and suites are a study in elegant comfort—some of which boast

domed ceilings and interior courtyards with flowing fountains.

Wrapped in 1,000 acres of private land, the hotel offers

guests myriad activities both relaxing and adventurous, from

lounging by the pool to exploring the Sierra de Loja on horse-

back. Prefer a helicopter tour or hot-air balloon ride? that

too can be arranged. other amenities include three gourmet

restaurants, two bars and a full spa and fitness center.

Recommended since 1989.

sPEcIAl OFFER: Affordable three-Day getaway confirm a mini-mum of three nights and receive daily breakfast and dinner for two in la finca restaurant (excludes drinks), daily entrance to spa water circuit, and a citrus body wrap for one person. daily rates are from 265 eur. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, and is currently ongoing with no expiration date, based on availability. rates vary depending on dates and room selected at time of booking. black-out dates may apply.

Andrew Harper guests receive: an upgrade, when available at time of booking; in-room fresh fruit upon arrival; and one entrance to the spa water circuit per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include room tax, daily buffet break-fast served at the restaurant or in room, parking, bikes, tennis/paddle courts, table tennis, badminton, archery, french boules and trekking.

Barcelo La BobadillaLa Maison ArabemARRAkEcH, mOROccO – ideally located in the city’s

bustling medina (the fortified city center), this legendary

hotel has enchanted guests with a charming riad experience

since opening in 1946. With

flower-filled patios, cedar

ceilings, colorful tadelakt

walls and traditional

Moroccan décor, the atmo-

sphere is at once serene

and exotic.

the hotel boasts 12

guestrooms and 14 sump-

tuous suites, of which

nearly all feature private

terraces and fireplaces.

Should you require more

extensive accommoda-

tions, opt for the spacious

douiria, a secluded, penthouse residence comprised of one

suite and three bedrooms.

Visiting foodies will delight in the hotel’s world-famous

cooking school, where authentic Moroccan cooking is both

learned and enjoyed. other amenities include three fine-din-

ing options, piano-jazz bar, heated pool, a new spa featuring

a traditional hammam, and access to the hotel’s off-site

country club. Recommended since 2000.

Andrew Harper guests receive: preferred rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; one cocktail per person at the bar the first night; a bottle of wine per room; in-room fresh flowers; and for stays of five nights or longer, a complimentary cooking class.

standard rate inclusions: rates include daily moroccan and continen-tal breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, afternoon tea and wi-fi.

sPEcIAl OFFER: save $300 per person off any Escorted or Independent Journey, such as the april 16 and oct. 22 departures of travcoa’s over the top: minarets & medinas of morocco escorted Journey, when booking before march 31, 2013. also includes andrew harper benefits. dates offer is valid on new reservations only. price is per person, based on double occupancy. international and intra-tour airfare is additional unless otherwise stated and is subject to change. not to be combined with any other offer. other restrictions may apply; see travcoa.com for terms and conditions.

travcoaWORlDWIDE – travcoa ensures that each Escorted Journey is limited to 18 guests, led by the world’s most attentive travcoa travel Directors, enriched with insights from superb local guides, and features our exclusive Dine-Around Program. Since 1954, we have been perfecting the art of taking travelers beyond the extraordinary and into

the exceptional.

• Accommodations at Harper- recommended properties

• europe, Africa, the middle east, Asia, india, the south pacific and the Americas

• escorted, independent, custom Journeys

Andrew Harper guests receive: 7 Continents Club savings of 4–6 percent off escorted and independent Journey for guests and companions.

standard rate inclusions: rates include luxury accommodations, services of a travcoa travel director and/or expert local guide, transfers and transportation (excluding air), all meals plus our exclusive dine-around program where applicable, sightseeing and other excursions per the itinerary.

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S P E C i A L t r AV E L o F F E r S

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S P E C i A L t r AV E L o F F E r S

| January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

maroma Resort & spa by Orient-Express

“Seaside sanctuary on a 200-acre jungle estate fronting a long white-sand beach, 35 minutes south of Can-cún. The Maya-Moorish compound contains 65 guest quarters enhanced by handcarved furnishings and private verandas.” –ah

$50 Per-Night Resort credit amazing experiences await with maroma resort’s $50 resort credit per night. indulge in fine cuisine, delicious drinks and pampering spa treatments. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel through march 31, 2013, based on availability. offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

R I v I E R A m AyA , m E x I c O

m I A m I b E Ac H , F lO R I DA

glenapp castle“Secluded hotel 90 minutes southwest

of Glasgow, amid 36 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands on a hillside with views to the Isle of Arran.” –ah

golf and Whisky Packageincludes three nights in a Garden view room, daily six-course dinner in the michelin-star restaurant, daily breakfast, full afternoon tea on arrival, one round of golf for two, one whisky-tasting and vat. 495 Gbp per night, double occupancy. additional charges for golf club rental and caddie. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates valid on new reservations only, for travel from april 1–dec. 22, 2013, based on availability. not combinable with any other promotions.

Ay R s H I R E , s c Ot l A N D

cA P R I , I tA ly

Park Hyatt milan“Elegant 106-room hotel in a 19th-century

palazzo next to the Galleria and near the Duomo. Sleek accommodations combine contemporary and classical styles, and contain features such as hand-blown Mu-rano light fixtures. Spacious Italian marble baths offer glass-walled rainfall showers, sunken tubs and double sinks. Public areas include a splendid glass-domed lobby lounge for all-day dining, an elegant gourmet restaurant serving innovative Italian cuisine, and an inviting bar. Newly renovated small spa with gym and steam rooms.” –ah

milan’s surprises receive a compli-mentary bottle of italian prosecco upon arrival. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. when booking spa, diplomatic, presiden-tial or imperial suites, also receive open bar, minibar, vip fruit basket, champagne and delights, flower bouquet, one pressing service upon arrival and a personalized concierge. dates offer is valid on new reser-vations only, for travel through aug. 31, 2013, based on availability.

king & grove tides“Art deco landmark in Miami Beach.

Forty-five spacious suites offer pan-oramic ocean views, king beds and large marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.” –ah

Fourth Night Free enjoy a complimentary fourth night when you confirm three nights and receive daily breakfast, a $75 food & beverage credit once during stay, welcome cocktail and a room upgrade at time of check-in, when available. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel from Jan. 1-march 31, 2013, based on availability. offer is not combinable with any other offers and excludes Jan. 1 and 4-7, 2013; feb. 15-17 and 22-24, 2013; march 15-17 and 22-24, 2013.

J.k. Place capri “Stylish 22-room hotel in a handsome white

19th-century villa near the Marina Grande. Rooms have magnificent views of the Bay of Naples and feature white walls, smooth white wooden floors, canopied beds with fine Italian linens, and baths with white mosaic tiles, gray marble double vanities, deep tubs and double showers.” –ah

guaranteed upgradesreceive a guaranteed upgrade and special rate when confirming the following room types: JK classic upgraded to superior (390 eur); superior double upgraded to deluxe (490 eur); and deluxe upgraded to Junior suite (590 eur). weekends require a mini-mum three-night stay. also includes an-drew harper benefits: welcome fruit basket and a bottle of wine when dining at JKitchen lounge & restaurant; and standard rate inclusions: daily buffet breakfast, minibar, wi-fi, access to wellness center, shuttle service to capri center, service fees and tax. dates offer is valid on new reservations only, for travel in april and october 2013, based on availability.

m I l A N , I tA ly

Take advantage of these limited-time special promotions created by our Harper Alliance partners exclusively for Hideaway Report subscribers.

Unless otherwise noted, all special offers also include Andrew Harper benefits: a host of special amenities such as gourmet lunches and dinners, cocktails, wine-tastings and chocolates, gallery tickets, spa credits and airport transfers—and that favorite of favorites, room upgrades.

All current Special Travel Offers, including the ones found in this magazine and many more, are always available at AndrewHarper.com.

the Andrew Harper travel [email protected]

SPECiAL trAVEL oFFErS

Additional

Andrew Harper is pleased to offer convenient online booking!

24|7

Begin your journey by visitingAndrewHarper.com/online-booking.

Check availability, get up-to-the-minute

best rates, and book your accommodations

at more than 700 Harper-recommended

hotels directly from our site any time of

the day or night.

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55andrew harper travel office (800) 375-4685 [email protected] |

AndrewHarper_8.2x10.75_HIGHRES.indd 1 11/27/12 8:13 AM

as a Hideaway Report subscriber, you not only receive the benefits of Mr. Harper’s trusted travel advice and our expert planning services, but also have access to the partners he believes significantly add to the comfort, convenience and joy of your travel experiences. their exclusive offerings are listed below.

Friends of Andrew Harper

porthos provides wine acquisition services and recommendations

personalized to Hideaway Report subscribers. the porthos team of

oenophiles samples more than 5,000 wines annually in their pursuit

to offer andrew Harper wine collectors the finest undiscovered vin-

tages and cellar-worthy varietals from napa and around the world.

Hideaway Report subscribers receive exclusive first pick of

the world’s most sought-after wines as well as insider access to

undiscovered new releases; a complimentary subscription to the

Andrew Harper Wine Concierge weekly wine-only email newsletter;

and personal guided tours and tastings throughout napa valley.

for more information email [email protected]

or call (866) 550-2492, x9.

private wine procurement and consultation

Porthos

Medjetassist is the premier medical evacuation and repatriation

membership program for travelers. as a Medjet member, if you

become hospitalized more than 150 miles from home virtually

anywhere in the world and require continued hospitalization,

Medjet will arrange medical transfer to the hospital of your choice.

for more information on the MedjetAssist membership program, go to www.Medjet.com/Harper

or call (800) 527-7478.

medical concierge and medical evacuation

medjet Assist

54 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

Page 30: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

Andrew Harper Private Sales is an online marketplace that allows members

to purchase hotel packages directly. Thanks to the outstanding reputation of

Hideaway Report subscribers, these limited-time offers feature extraordinary

discounts that are not available to the public.

Private Sales are distinct from auctions in that they do not involve bidding and

often feature deeper discounts. Private Sale packages are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. These can be accessed

through AndrewHarper.com.

Types of packages you might find on our Private Sales include:

DEALS TOO GOOD TO BE PUBLIC

Andrew Harper Online Marketplace

PRIVATE SALES

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Augustine Hotel, Prague

BUY IT NOW

PACKAGE DETAILS• Five nights in a Classic Suite

(double occupancy)

• Spa and fitness center access

• Room tax (14%)

From Mr. Harper“Atmospheric hotel incorporating a 13th-century monastery in the Malá Strana district, near Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. The 101 individually decorated rooms and suites combine contemporary styling with features inspired by early 20th-century Czech cubism.”

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

BUY IT NOW

PACKAGE DETAILS• Two nights in a Palisade Suite

(double occupancy)

• Taxes (12.5%)

From Mr. Harper“Charming resort hotel over-looking the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, adjacent to the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course and a 2,000-acre seaside nature reserve. The rambling sandstone lodge embodies an appealing and distinctive early 1900s California architectural style.”

introducing

Andrew Harper’s

Paris Designed for the sophisticated traveler, Andrew Harper’s Paris offers an informed and idiosyncratic selection of more than 350 of Andrew Harper’s favorite hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions. Maps and photographs help to make the app as practical as it is inspiring.

DownloAD tHe APP for free from the itunes® store

Visit Andrewharper.com/Paris for more information.

Page 31: Jan/Feb/Mar 2013 Traveler

58 | January/february/march 2013 andrewharper.com

P r o M ot i o n

south america

2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

© ANDREW HARPER

ANDREW HARPER’S

italy2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

belgium &

netherlands

2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

united states(south)

2012

caribbean,

bahamas & bermuda2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

ANDREW HARPER’S

united states(midwest / rockies)

2012india &south asia

2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

ANDREW HARPER’Sspain&portugal2012australia,

new zealand&south pacific2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

india &south asia2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

ANDREW HARPER’S

united states(east)2012 africa &

middle east2012

ANDREW HARPER’S

© ANDREW HARPER

The Harper CollectionAndrew

Now available as a stand-alone

publication

The Andrew Harper CollectionPurchase it now » $200 each

visit AndrewHarper.com/buy-collection

contact andrew harper subscriber services (866) 831-4314 or [email protected]

* Please note that this is a one-time purchase; the sections will not be updated each year, as they are reserved for Andrew Harper Premier subscribers only. (Premier online subscribers can view digital editions of the Collection by signing in to AndrewHarper.com.)

sPEcIAl OFFER: two specials–Easter Package and April’s One Night Free enjoy the choice of two special offers this spring, including a three-night stay for the price of two during the month of april, and an extensive easter gourmet package including a five-course easter lunch, spa vouchers and much more. also includes andrew harper benefits and any standard rate inclusions.dates offer is valid on new reservations only for travel throughout april 2013, based on availability. the easter package is valid between march 28 and april 1, 2013.

Andrew Harper guests receive: the best available non-restricted rates; an upgrade, when available at check-in; a welcome drink followed by a private tour of the grounds; a welcome bottle of spumante, selection of fresh fruit and fresh flowers in room; and a 40-minute massage for two per room.

standard rate inclusions: rates include taxes, daily full breakfast served at the restaurant or in room, wi-fi, parking and use of all hotel facilities.

Recommended since 2010.

Borgo Santo Pietro tuscANy, ItAly

“The public space and grounds are spectacular as was the food and ambience. Even

more memorable is the camaraderie and friendliness of the staff. Team BSP is a top-

notch, flawlessly managed operation and deserves its No. 1 ranking appearance in

Andrew Harper under Tuscany. We definitely will return next October for another stay.”

—An Andrew Harper Guest