My most recent trip to Bali may have been hot, humid, and filled with Obama-induced traffic, but the time spent at the Bulgari Hotel made all of that disappear. The hotel was the most welcoming, beautifully designed, luxurious retreat I have ever visited. It’s hard to complain when you’re waking up with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Indian Ocean, watching the sun set from a private balcony, jumping into your own plunge pool to wake up each morning, or requesting each meal to be enjoyed in your 3,000 square foot villa. It may have been the endless smiles, the daily “Selamat Pagi” (good morning in Balinese), or something in the coffee, but I immediately felt relaxed, happy, and felt very, very, lucky.

Welcome to the Bulgari! This stunning entryway is created from volcanic stone and rich exotic woods.

Set within the volcanic stone walls of the resort, each villa is similar in size and layout but each room category offers better and better views (unless you plan to stay in the two-story, 10,000 sq foot Bulgari Villa). Rich mahogany woods and luxurious furnishings create a warm and calming environment with sweeping views. Contained privately within garden walls, each villa offers contemporary elegance in both indoor and outdoor spaces combining modern with traditional design.

My living room for four incredible days.

After a long flight, there is nothing better than a spa treatment at the Bulgari Spa. Each treatment room overlooks the Indian Ocean and spa gardens.

Relax.

Do I feel like taking a shower indoors or outdoors today, or maybe a bath instead? Bulgari’s signature bath products were yet another reason to indulge.

My bathroom!

Each day we anxiously rushed home from our day of activities, hoping we wouldn’t miss the fire-bright sunlit sky. I snapped this photo from my balcony just before the sun went down.

I grabbed my camera just in time.

And no trip is complete without at least five multi-course tasting menus. After all, it’s important to make sure every single dish is perfect. And even though the gourmet food and drinks were delicious, my favorite meal was the $2 “Babi Guling,” suckling pig slow roasted with garlic, chili, and ginger, over white rice.

Dining al fresco, a wonderful way to start the day

Please contact us if you’re interested in a trip to Bali. While we may just recommend spending your days at the Bulgari completely relaxing at the hotel, there are so many places to see and things to learn about their wonderful culture. From the Green School, a school that redefines learning with a refreshing and effective approach that strives to foster a generation of responsible global citizens; to Big Tree Farms Chocolate factory, where you can enjoy classes and lectures; to learning the art of Balinese wood carving; or participating in a local cremation or wedding, we’re here to make sure your trip is as cultural fulfilling as it is luxurious.

Robyn

Once synonymous with cocaine, crime, and coffee, Colombia is making a comeback.  Day by day, this lesser-known Latin star is establishing itself as one of today’s most alluring destinations. We’ve heard so much about it recently that we decided we needed to check it out for ourselves. So, last week, Brooke Garnett and I hopped on a flight southbound and 5.5 hours later we stepped foot in Colombia.

iHola Colombia!

Equipped with a brilliant Caribbean coast, seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, a buzzing capital city, a pulsing culinary scene, and the wild Amazon rainforest, Colombia is packed with diversity. But for all its history, Colombia actually feels fresh because it’s being seen for the first time by so many, giving it a youthful energy that fits in perfectly with the bright striking vistas you take in around every bend in Cartagena’s narrow cobbled streets or the electric green hillsides of the Cocora Valley. We couldn’t get enough of this stunning country not yet lost to swarms of tour buses. Colombia is as charming as it gets.

A handful of reasons why you will love Colombia as much as we did:

Colombia is close!

Our world is packed with thrilling travel experiences, but few are as close and as authentic as Colombia.  The capital city of Bogotá is just a 5.5 hour flight from New York City and there is a direct 2.5 hour flight from Miami to Cartagena.  Many people don’t realize that Colombia is just as close as her popular neighbors Aruba and Costa Rica. Plus, it’s in the same time zone as New York City, meaning no jet lag and more time to enjoy every minute of this lively country so few have considered.

We loved this dramatic paper dress in one of Colombia's stunning villas!

Simple pleasures

There is not a simple pleasure in the world that compares to sipping coconut water straight from a young coconut!  When we were taking a break from replenishing our Vitamin D in the afternoon sunshine or capping off a perfect day of hiking through lush jungle by gazing into star-studded skies, we unapologetically indulged in the local fruit as we smiled ear to ear.

Indulging! Tayrona National Park

Cartagena

No trip to Colombia is complete without a visit to Cartagena. Anyone lucky enough to find themselves in the picturesque old city must dedicate one day to wandering her narrow streets, no place in particular to go, just stopping wherever tickles your fancy.  Taste test the local vendors’ street side specialties before trying on that Panama Hat at the corner store (we couldn’t resist, as you can see!).  Marvel at the vibrant colors at every turn, but don’t forget to take in the city’s architectural treasures like the San Felipe Fortress.  Stop to chat (en español) with the locals about two of their most revered Colombians, famed painter Fernando Botero and venerated writer Gabriel García Márquez . And watch how as the sun goes down, Cartagena warms up; drink a Maracuyá Mojito or Club Colombia (the local beer) with the locals before, during, and after dinner to unwind before putting on your dancing shoes to salsa the night away!  The culture and historic sites may be a reason you head to Colombia, but a sultry night on the town will certainly be one of the top reasons you return.

The narrow cobbled streets of Cartagena at night

Culinary Adventures

The fresh juices alone are reason enough for me to plan my return trip to Colombia. Add the local delicacies like cazuelas, sopa de mondongo, maracuyá, limonada de coco, langoustine ceviche, arroz con coco, and sancocho and you officially have a foodie’s dream destination.  We will never forget our walk through La Plaza de Mercado de Basurto with our culinary guide for the day, Jorge Escandon. A ceviche master whose fame skyrocketed overnight after Anthony Bourdain requested Jorge to be his Colombian food guru, he was the perfect host. We were honored to have the opportunity to explore the local markets that feed most of Cartagena with this connected insider. Prepping lunch back at his seaside home was quite possibly one of the most fulfilling days of my life (emphasis on the filling!).

Jorge and Katie explore the Basurto Market, taste testing fruits along the way!

Dramatic Landscapes

After sipping your morning “tinto” (black coffee) at your hacienda, head out for a hike through the Cocora Valley.  We promise you will never witness a landscape quite like it; dramatic towering wax palm trees up to 200 feet tall dot the vibrant green hillsides. When your legs need a break, make sure to give the local specialty a try (cheese dipped in your coffee or hot chocolate).

Quindian Wax Palms grow to a staggering 200 feet tall!

For curious travelers seeking something they haven’t experienced before, consider Colombia. Go for its charisma, its authenticity, and its Jugo de Lulo (best juice we’ve ever tasted, hands down). You will probably be the first of your friends to have a Colombia stamp in your passport, but you better hurry up…  discerning travelers who have already been there are probably already planning their trip back with their friends (we are). Colombia is teetering on the brink of being recognized as something fabulous. It certainly should be.

Reach out to Absolute Travel’s South America Specialist, Brooke Garnett, to chat more about our brand spanking new Colombia programs and stay tuned to learn more about Colombia in our upcoming e-newsletter!

Katie & Brooke

You might think that after hundreds of safaris, the bush would be a little less thrilling for Absolute Travel’s Daniela Bonanno. Not the case. On the prowl for her homeland’s unmissable experiences, our hip Capetonian left her favorite city behind, her family in tow, to find out for herself the big deal behind Tswalu Private Game Reserve. Learn why it has soared to rank amongst her top five African experiences – ever. We will give you a few clues: Meerkats, San Bushmen, and Bono.

Tswalu's meerkats put on an excellent show for my daughter, Vesper!

Living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world (Capetown!) is already a huge privilege, but having easy access to remote places like the Kalahari Desert is a major plus. So last week I decided to take my little family on an(other) impromptu adventure, this time to Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve. Tswalu is renowned in the conservation world, recently commended by The Economist for its wildlife conservation practices. “Our aim is to restore the Kalahari to itself” says Tswalu’s owner, Nicky Oppenheimer. Trust me–you don’t want to miss it.

Tswalu Private Game Reserve

Plus, getting there is simple. After a short drive to the ExecuJet Lounge at Capetown airport, we were quickly escorted to our two-hour scenic flight over the Kalahari Desert. Already an excellent start; our two-year-old daughter Vesper’s eyes were glued on the wilderness below from takeoff to landing. Before we knew it we were being welcomed by Adrian our ranger and David our tracker with cold ice tea and a big smile! This was easily the most stress-free way to get to the bush I have ever experienced in all my 100+ trips.

It was fabulous to be back in the bush!

As we hopped in our open-air vehicle for the 25 minute drive to Motse Lodge, we were reminded of the San Bushmen who have called the land home for centuries. Everywhere we looked were sightings of Oryx, Tsessebe and Giraffe. We knew we were in for a treat, but we had no clue just how mesmerized by Tswalu we would become. Black-Maned Kalahari Lions, check. The elusive Aardvark, check. Aardwolfs, check.  Harmann’s Mountain Zebra, Cape Cobra, Giant Ground Gecko, Eastern Clapper Lark, Orange River Francolin, Cape Fox, check, check, check. A wildlife enthusiast’s dream.

Vesper was all smiles at Tswalu!

As if that was not enough, the days at Tswalu were filled with incredible sunsets, horseback safaris, dune dinners, late night drives, and the ultimate Kalahari experience: private time with a colony of Meerkats! We had the rare opportunity to have an undisturbed glimpse at their kingdom. The look on Vesper’s face throughout that experience was reason enough to go back. The conservation and research efforts at Tswalu mean that Tswalu’s meerkat colonies are unaffected by close encounters, allowing guests an extraordinary opportunity to witness their charming up close and personal. Amazing!

Horseback safari at Tswalu

As if the natural world at Tswalu is not enough, let me add a touch of glamour to the whole picture: Tswalu is where famed photographer Annie Leibovitz photographed U2 lead-singer Bono and his wife, Ali, for the Louis Vuitton Core Values Campaign. Have I said enough!?

Bono and Ali Hewston photographed for Louis Vuitton's Core Values campaign

Tswalu has now made my Top Five List of favorite places in Southern Africa. It’s a brilliant destination for children and the whole family, but also creates the perfect luxury safari or romantic safari honeymoon. If my experience at Tswalu sparked your interest, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Find more photos from our adventure on Absolute Travel’s Facebook page!

After Absolute Travel staffer Noël Gilbert returned from Papua New Guinea with images that would make even National Geographic drool, the region instantaneously jolted to the top of our intrepid staffers’ wish lists. So when our friends at Papua New Guinea Tourism mentioned an Asaro Mudman and Huli Wigman wanted to visit us in New York City, we were elated.

On October 13th, Absolute Travel welcomed Papua New Guinea to our neck of the woods. Needless to say, it was not a typical day at the office. An afternoon spent designing custom, luxury journeys was replaced with traditional New Guinea dance lessons in front of Cipriani’s Downtown and planning webinars was forsaken for wide-eyed window shopping along West Broadway with our guests, Wigman Oberia and Mudman Kaleno. Later that evening, we hosted an intimate party to share this special glimpse into Papua New Guinea at a chic SoHo loft with 75 of our closest friends. It was an unforgettable evening of discovery, New York City style! The festivities were topped off by adventuring through Times Square and NYC’s upscale Core Club. Not exactly the activities Oberia and Kaleno are accustomed to in their daily lives back home! Here are a few of our favorite moments with our new friends from their stay earlier this month.

With a network of personal relationships across the globe, Absolute Travel connects clients with people who are our friends, not strangers from a guide book. Pictured, Wigman Oberia and Mudman Kaleno prep before taking on the SoHo streets while staffer Noël Gilbert gets her paparazzi on! They were pleased that most of their traditional garb got through customs, but they did need some extra greenery for their grass skirts which they found at the Chelsea Market!

Billed as the South Pacific’s Final Frontier, Papua New Guinea beckons travelers seeking a refreshingly authentic experience in a country packed with natural wonders and cultural diversity (Papua New Guinea is the size of California with 820 indigenous languages). It’s truly like no place else on earth. The same has been said for New York City, the “no place on earth part” at least, which is why we loved bringing the two together for the ultimate juxtaposition. This image of Wigman Oberia is an Absolute Travel favorite; we love the contrast of Oberia’s wig and hornbill necklace with the cab in the background which gives it a full-blown downtown vibe! Barefoot and barely there outfits, they were a bit chilly, but their energy and excitement for New York City overshadowed their goosebumps!

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to bring together old and new friends for a rare glimpse into Papua New Guinea. Staffer Noël Gilbert’s photographs decorated the room giving the space a rustic feel, while Oberia and Kaleno mingled with the crowd, charming everyone in the room! It was truly an evening of discovery and we’re confident every single guest left feeling a child-like excitement about the adventure, and their new friends.

A very special guest Alistair Ballantine from Oberoi Hotels & Resorts shares a photograph from his visit to Papua New Guinea over twenty years ago! We loved hearing about his adventurous stories, told with cheerful abandon and a big smile. His travel experiences to Papua New Guinea all began with “I remember the time when…” – making us appreciate the power of travel that much more. It never leaves you.

Next stop: Core Club for an insider’s look at midtown’s swanky side followed by the quintessential New York City adventure: Times Square.

We’ve sent our travelers to Papua New Guinea’s lowlands and highlands for over a decade. The destination is an intrepid traveler’s fantasy – and an experience very few have had. Please get in touch with Noël Gilbert to learn more about her time in the region and learn more about this one-of-a-kind destination.