Recommend October 2015 - (Page 46)

europe This photo: Biking through Burgundy with Butterfield & Robinson. Opposite page: Cozy corner at Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany. SPEAKING "Bespoke" in Europe carla hunt In Europe, luxury travel experiences keep taking off in new directions, as can be expected on a continent tailor-made for today's brave new world of bespoke travel. This, of course, is good news for U.S. travel planners looking for creative ways to serve their upscale, often well-traveled, increasingly well-informed and recently adventurous clients. They are the market for the newest luxury lodgings and most exclusive trips, as well as the most extraordinary and authentic experiences. We reached into the huge inventory of luxury European products and came up with four that spoke "bespoke" to us. celebrate river cruising In medieval times, the Christmas markets were the commercial and social focus of the season. Centuries later, 'tis the season to still be jolly when clients opt for a river cruise among Europe's Christmas markets. Topping off the holiday-afloat season, river cruise lines' Christmas and New Year's cruises offer the most customized gala sailings of all to destinations decked out in holiday finery. One of the most luxurious are those offered by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, whose palace-style fleet is appointed with Murano glass chandeliers, antiques and original art, custom-made Savoir beds, and heated floors, as well as suites that add complimentary laundry and butler service. 46 october 2015 Uniworld celebrates in particularly grand and unforgettable style with its 11-day Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise, sailing through three countries from Passau to Budapest, and the 13day Grand Christmas & New Year's Cruise, floating through four nations from Nuremberg to Budapest. Check for last-minute cabin availability on the respective departure dates of Dec. 22 and 23 for this year, then plan ahead for the 2016 holiday sailings whose particulars are now available. The 156-passenger River Beatrice will depart on Dec. 23, 2016 for its 11-day itinerary to Germany, Austria and Hungary, and the 150-guest S.S. Maria Theresa-the third of the company's Super Ships that made her debut this year- departs Dec. 22, 2016 to cruise into Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary on a 13-day itinerary. Prices for the 2016 sailings start at $4,999 and $5,799, respectively. Consider some bespoke gifts under the Uniworld Christmas trees: the Christmas market in Nuremberg; midnight mass at the Regensburg cathedral; sleigh bells ringing on a ride through the Bavarian Forest in a horse-drawn wagon; a spiced wine tasting and organ concert in an Augustinian monastery; a private reception with Princess Anita von Hohenberg in the Artstetten Castle; and waltz lessons in Vienna before ringing in the New Year with dinner and dancing in a Viennese palace. recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2015

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk: Starwood’s The Luxury Collection
Tour Talk: Defining Luxury
The Butler Did It
The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia
Spa Wars
Raising the Bar in Mexico
Spa Treats
Chic Stays
Official Florida Travel Industry Education Program—Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Course
Stay Well at MGM Grand
Southbound, by Design
Speaking “Bespoke” in Europe
Indulgent Experiences
New Asian Beauties

Recommend October 2015