It is already foreseeable that this will become a trend: not only eating vegan during the holiday, but living vegan as well. What this means for hotel operators is that animal-based products are to be abstained from during the furnishing: no leather, silk or downy feathers. That does not have to be a drawback – if it is done correctly. The ‘La Vimea’ in South Tyrol, a Green Pearls member, is leading the way as it is now the first entirely vegan hotel in Italy, from its design to its facilities, equipment and food – proving that veganism by no means represents the opposite of pleasure and recreation.

Vegan diet has meanwhile become a given on most of the market: many top hotels offer vegan options on the menus of their restaurants. Some of them go the extra mile, such as the ‘I Pini’ near San Gimignano: the food served here is sourced from vegan organic farming on their own estate. And a suitable drink is provided as well – their own organic wine.

Photo: © Biotique Hotel LA VIMEA

Just as it was with Captain Nemo, just like in Jules Verne’s ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ – it has now become a reality inside the four new expedition ships of the Explorer line by Ponant Yacht Cruises: two enormous armored-glass portholes in the form of whale eyes located amidships provide a view from the lowest deck right into the ocean – allowing for face-to-face encounters with dolphins, rays, sharks, octopi… with everything that casually swims by.

Underwater cameras are simultaneously transmitting real-time images onto digital screens on the walls of this extremely unique ‘Blue Eye Underwater Lounge’. The space is dimly lit, illuminated in shades of blue, the lines are curved and both architecture and furnishing are inspired by organic structures: what an amazing idea, enriching the experience of cruises by such a dimension! There is suddenly a new side to it – below the water level, with all of the magic of the seas to be marvelled at!

The first two Explorer ships will be brought into service in time for the summer season of 2018, while the two others will ‘set sail’ in 2019. They will mainly go on expedition cruises in tropical regions, but routes through the north and the Mediterranean Sea are planned as well. Each will be boasting 92 staterooms and suites, all equipped with a balcony or private deck.

Photo: © PONANT – JACQUES ROUGERIE ARCHITECTE

What could possibly be the greatest achievement for somebody who operates luxurious safari lodges in Africa, who invests the profits in animal protection and supports the local communities? It is when they catch a poacher, when they – with good words – not only touch their minds, but also their hearts, and when they dare to take his hand, provide him with a perspective, reeducate him. And when that man turns out to be an excellent pastry chef who works in one of the lodges and who has come to appreciate the animals of the wilderness, providing a reason for travelers from all over the world to come visit his homeland.

At &Beyond, this has happened more than once – precisely as described. Protecting nature with all its wild animals while including the people in the surrounding area and allowing them to lead better lives: it exactly fits their philosophy. 33 superb luxury lodges in the most beautiful African safari regions belong to &Beyond today. You would like to swing by and experience this Africa sensation for yourself? I am happy to provide counsel.

Photo: © andBeyond

It is a scenery as if it were part of another world: on a secluded island surrounded by the storming sea, with peculiar cliffs and mysterious rock needles, Luke Skywalker lives life as the last Jedi knight and receives a visit from space – all of which while the camera is rolling: for the eighth part of the Star Wars series, the southwest of Ireland has played the double for unknown planets in far off galaxies. Filming locations for the latest Star Wars adventure include the island Skellig Michael as well as the counties of Cork and Kerry.

The new season is now approaching: You want to go and see the peninsula of Inishowen, the headland of Sybil Head or Brow Head for yourself, places where – up until recently – film director Rian Johnson was calling ‘Action!’? We are happy to organize all of this on your behalf. By the way: during shooting days, the team jokingly sent Chewbacca to a village school as a surprise guest – much to the delight of the children.

More often than not, they are experiences that not everyone can afford and that are far from ever becoming a mass program. But one thing is for certain: they are absolutely unforgettable. A day trip to Antarctica by private jet is one of them.

The airline White Desert Antarctica offers such a trip from/to Cape Town during the summer of the southern hemisphere: The outbound flight lasts five and a half hours, the same duration as the return flight, and in between, the plane lands near the so-called Schirmacher Oasis on the runway of a research station – for souvenir photos with a wow effect. And for six hours packed with excursions into the spectacular surroundings!

Highlight: a gourmet menu with champagne on ice. For those who wish to stay longer, there are alternative programmes lasting several days. Pictures can be found at www.white-desert.com. We are happy to take care of your travel arrangements to the South Pole.