Life, it seems, is beginning to return to normalcy: as Singapore eases into Phase 1 of the post-circuit breaker period, other countries like France, Italy and Greece are beginning to reopen. Though the world at large remains unsure about non-essential travel, countries like Italy are banking on tourism to help revive its economy post-outbreak. However, it’s unlikely that international travel will be an option anytime soon – which is why luxury hotels and resorts have these cultural experiences lined up to sate your travel needs.
And while you’re participating in these cultural activities, whether it be a traditional Balinese dance or learning how to whip up some classic Omani cuisine, just remember that booking a trip ahead of time might help some of these brands get back on their feet faster. At the same time, don’t expect travel to be the same as it was in 2019.
(Related: Hospitality brands doing good: these luxury hotels are giving back to local communities during Covid-19)
Airlines and hospitality brands worldwide have changed. They’ve begun preparations to ensure safe travelling – for work or for play – can resume. While it might take a while to iron out the kinks, you can be sure that they’re committed to ensuring that your safety, and of those around you, will be well taken care of.
(Related: How luxury brands are pivoting to produce medical supplies)
For now, we’d avoid planning trips to any crowded tourist hotspots with barely any elbow room to spare (think the Louvre or the Sistine Chapel). Instead, opt for a relaxing resort holiday on a quiet cay. After all, there’s nothing like a little bit of surf and sun after being stuck indoors for the last few months. Else, you can always enjoy the amenities and experiences that are available in your favourite luxury hotel, while spending a little time with your loved ones without the lurking spectre of work-from-home or home-based-learning.
https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/experiences-luxury-hotels-resorts-wanderlust/
Luxury hotels resorts experiences
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Capella knows that a luxury stay is more than just creature comforts. They’re committed to tradition and heritage of the land their properties are located in – and Capella Ubud is no exception. Now that you’re stuck at home, the luxury tented resort has brought some Indonesian culture to you. For starters, they’ve got a vigorous Balinese-inspired dance routine if you’re not averse to working up a sweat. A longstanding cultural tradition in Balinese culture, Balinese dancers often start training from childhood. This workout slash dance set is designed by Capella Ubud’s resident expert, giving you a chance to lose yourself in free expression to the sounds and moves of Bali, all while working your body. Else, you could learn how to recreate an old Indonesian elixir: called jamu, it’s famed for its anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties, thanks to its use of turmeric, ginger, honey and lemon. Once you’re really missing Bali, there’s always their newly-launched ‘Dream now, travel later’ package: book up to a two-week getaway in advance, with any trips longer than three nights netting you an exclusive private dinner in your tented camp. You’ll only have to settle your dates later on once everything is back to normal.
For the dance class. For the jamu class.
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With just under 50 properties across 21 countries, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is no stranger to hospitality. Whether as an island resort or luxurious boutique in a city centre, Six Senses aims to reawaken the senses of guests and reconnect them to what’s important to them. And what better way than through the senses? For now, taste, smell and touch to be exact: with a collection of recipes that spans the globe, you’re sure to find a taste or smell that reminds you of a fond memory at home or abroad. If you’re pining for a taste of island life, recreate Six Senses Laamu’s All Island Salad, courtesy of chef Stefan Goehcke. The raw salad features only vegetables harvested from the island’s own edible farms, though you can substitute it with some local veg. Else, you could try a delightfully peppery and citrus-laden Made in Duoro cocktail. Again, Six Senses Duoro Valley sticks to the philosophy of sticking as far as possible to homegrown, sustainable fruit and vegetables – even as they reopen for Portugese residents from June 1. Classes on how to cook these recipes are streamed live on their Facebook and Instagram page.
Six Senses has also recently announced a partnership with Covid Relief Bangkok with a trio of fundraisers in mind. Whether it be paying for a private virtual lesson with one of Six Senses’ hotel chefs, booking a wellness weekend at Six Senses Samui or Yao Noi in advance, or purchasing an immunity-boosting kit, you can contribute to Six Senses’ efforts to help the most vulnerable communities in Bangkok.
For the recipes. For the fundraiser.
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For luxury safaris that contribute to conservation at the same time, look to Andbeyond – they’re following previously live-streamed game drives with a range of online offerings that showcase the best of what they have to offer. More than just live-streams of the parks they’re protecting though, you can opt for personalised experiences that’ll allow your kids to not only talk to knowledgeable park rangers and glean just a bit more about animal conservation – a portion of the proceeds from these experiences will be channelled back into ongoing conservation efforts, habitat maintenance and the Africa Foundation. Else, Andbeyond TV will continue to offer twice-daily, three-hour-long streams of your favourite animals from around the region, including the Big Five and more. You can also look forward to getting a peek behind the curtain: what makes a ranger, how Andbeyonds chefs operate, and exactly what makes their luxury safaris so special.
For face-to-face time with guides. For Andbeyond TV.
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Consummate hoteliers Anantara take luxury seriously – especially when it comes to wellness. Though we won’t be able to get an exfoliating mask and treatment at any of their spas for now, they’ve taken the liberty of releasing an array of simple home recipes that’ll help you get that taste of luxuriant wellness from home, without the use of any product. Apart from those already listed in their blog, try out spa manager at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort Vina Teodoro’s salve for chapped or dried lips, perfect if you’ve been wearing a mask for too long. Combine 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp lime juice and 1 tbsp of honey before applying gently to the lips for ten minutes. Thereafter, wash with warm water and apply 1 tbsp of honey and olive oil each to keep it moist and plump. Though it won’t be the same as a spa retreat you could consider booking a stay at Anantara. From now to Jun 28, Anantara will be offering an extra 30 per cent value with any advanced, flexible booking at any of their locations. They’re already taking proactive steps to ensure that any stay at their hotels is a safe one. Apart from enhancing safe distancing measures from spas to fitness centres, they’re also working on improving their air-conditioning filtration.
For more home spa ideas, Anatara-style.