Tabla de contenidos para January/February 2019 en AFAR

The Napa Valley is blooming and beautiful throughout winter and spring. It’s this time of year that we refer to as Cabernet Season. After the grapes are harvested, the valley takes on a slower pace than usual. Crackling fires and cozy moments replace the hustle and bustle of summer. And when you’re looking to escape the record lows elsewhere in the country, our mild Mediterranean climate assures Cabernet Season is just as perfect for a mid-week retreat or a long weekend getaway as it is throughout the rest of the year. BIG, BOLD COLORS Go for a joyride down Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. During the fall, the valley is awash with bright golds, vibrant reds, russets and coral. Winter is known for the beauty of the blooming yellow…

WHEN TO GO During Japan’s ski season (mid-December through April), the country’s legendary snow replenishes slopes nightly. WHY NOW When it comes to skiing, the northern island of Hokkaido gets a lot of attention—and tourists. But it’s Honshu where most Japanese snow lovers spend their weekends. By day, they ski down slopes surrounded by ancient temples. By night, they soak in historic onsen (some of the hot springs in Nagano date back 1,300 years). There are more than 330 ski areas on Honshu, and those in the mountainous northwest get the same soft, dry powder that falls on Hokkaido. In recent years, some of Honshu’s resorts, including two in sight of Mount Fuji, have begun to attract international visitors. Snowtown Yeti is increasing its night-skiing dates in 2019, and Fujiten…

1. St. Lucia WHEN TO GO In mid-December, the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sailing event ends with an awards ceremony and other festivities in the island’s Rodney Bay. WHY NOW St. Lucia’s rich cultural traditions are highlighted on several tours. With Heritage Tours of St. Lucia, travelers can help harvest cacao at one of the last working agricultural estates in the Choiseul region. At Lushan Country Life Nature Park, guests can listen to centuries-old folk stories. And at Howelton Estate 1896, artisans teach newbies how to make their own chocolate bars. In late 2019, the villages of Gros Islet, Soufrière, and Anse La Raye will offer travelers the chance to explore rum making and island art, as well as visit renovated chattel houses. HOW TO GET THERE American Airlines…

WHEN TO GO December to April are the warmest and driest months for exploring Cambodia, including the rain forest corridor, which connects the Bokor and Kirirom National Parks in the southwest region of the country. WHY NOW South of Cambodia’s fabled temples of Angkor, a remote river valley in the Cardamom Mountains is now on the radar of intrepid travelers. That’s because of Shinta Mani Wild, a recently opened luxury camp that embraces both conservation and design. By partnering with Wildlife Alliance and the Cambodian government, the project aims to protect 400 riverside acres from mining, logging, and the poaching of endangered animals. The four-acre all-inclusive Shinta Mani Wild, created by Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley, features 15 sprawling tents that sit along a riverbank. A zipline traverses rushing rivers and…

WHEN TO GO The island is temperate year-round, but spring is an especially good time to visit: The rainy season is over, summer crowds have yet to descend, and rates are often discounted. WHY NOW Bora Bora was once the province of honeymooners, one of the many islands in French Polynesia where travelers could spend a week relaxing in an overwater bungalow or on an idyllic beach. You can still do those things, but a rise in immersive local experiences means there are more reasons than ever to step outside the bungalow. Conrad Bora Bora Nui, the newest five-star resort on the island, now offers ukulele lessons from Bora Bora musicians, introductions to Polynesian tattoo art, and tours of the Mount Otemanu cave. The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso…

WHEN TO GO March and April are the most comfortable months to visit, when the mercury starts to rise but the heat and humidity of summer haven’t taken over yet. WHY NOW This year, Houston will commemorate the Apollo 11 milestone by unveiling the reconstructed Mission Control Center at the NASA Johnson Space Center. But several other attractions are raising the city’s profile as a scientific and cultural powerhouse. At the 14-acre Museum of Fine Arts campus, visitors can stroll new promenades that lead past reflecting pools, tree-filled plazas, and such venues as the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation, which will offer passersby a glimpse of art undergoing restoration. Nearby, the recently renovated Menil Collection—designed by Renzo Piano, of Centre Pompidou fame—opened the Drawing Institute, a light-filled, 30,000-square-foot…

WHEN TO GO The Chilean winter, from June to August, is usually the slow season in this high-altitude valley. Not this year. The 90-mile-wide region will be in the path of totality—the swath in which the moon completely blocks the sun—for the next solar eclipse on July 2, and more than 500,000 people are expected to gather to watch the action. WHY NOW With 300 sunny days a year and minimal light pollution, the arid Elqui Valley offers some of the best stargazing in the world. More than a dozen observatories stand along the valley’s 65-mile Ruta de las Estrellas, or Route of Stars, which begins in the coastal town of La Serena and ends in the Andean village of Alcohuáz. Vicuña, the largest town, is the best jumping-off point…

WHEN TO GO From July 18 to August 11, the Fête des Vignerons returns to Vevey, the gateway city to the lauded Lavaux wine region. WHY NOW The Lavaux region’s winemaking history dates to the 11th century; its 1,000-year-old terraced vineyards have landed it on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and its famous chasselas white wine has landed it in the hearts of oenophiles everywhere. In tribute to that long history, the Fête des Vignerons is staged in Vevey once every generation, up to five times a century. The festival dates to 1797, when the Brotherhood of Winegrowers launched a small parade to mark the end of its annual meeting. Today it mounts a much bigger spectacle, featuring three weeks of ornate parades, popup restaurants, and cultural activities. The main…

WHEN TO GO In September, temperatures range from the 70s to the low 80s. It’s also the month for Crush Walls, a weeklong festival when graffiti artists use local buildings as their canvases. WHY NOW There’s a new energy in Denver, sparked by the arrival of young entrepreneurs who have moved to the city for its booming job market, high quality of life, and cool creative scene. At the center is the River North Art District (RiNo), where more than two dozen galleries have opened in former warehouses. New bars and distilleries, such as Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, serve locally made beer and spirits, and boutiques sell handmade home goods. Among a slew of new restaurants, Julep stands out for its homey Southern fare, and Call (soon to be joined…

WHEN TO GO As September wanes, breezes cool the city. On October 1 each year, Hong Kong celebrates China’s National Day with a dramatic display of fireworks in Victoria Harbour. WHY NOW The 2019 debut of several world-class art spaces will enhance the city’s status as one of Asia’s most important creative centers. Experience this energy in the West Kowloon Cultural District at the Xiqu Centre for theater; the M+ museum, which will showcase contemporary visual art, design, architecture, and film; and Art Park, a public green space that will host live performances. In February 2019, Victoria Dockside’s Avenue of Stars—Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame—is expected to reopen as part of a harborfront redesign by the team behind New York City’s High Line. Local hoteliers are overhauling…

Despite Italy’s enduring popularity with travelers, there are still regions that, like Calabria, remain virtually unknown to most international visitors. Katie Parla, a Rome-based expert in Italian food and wine and the author of the forthcoming Food of the Italian South: Recipes for Classic, Disappearing, and Lost Dishes (Clarkson Potter; March 2019), shares her dining recommendations for some of Italy’s less familiar regions Abruzzo The region This mountainous area has some of the highest peaks in the Apennines. “The villages are scattered among national parks, where you’re more likely to encounter grazing sheep than humans,” Parla says. “I love to go to this region specifically to eat cheese.” Where to eat In the town of Scanno, Gregorio Rotolo sells cheeses made from the milk of free-range sheep. “They graze the…

Caribbean Island CUBA Palm trees sway, the sultry sounds of guitar and timbales pour forth from Havana salsa clubs, and colorful architecture fills the urban cityscape. Despite recent policy changes, U.S. passport holders can still travel to the Caribbean nation legally under the “support for the Cuban people” visa category (just be sure to follow the federal guidelines). For help planning your trip, consult AFAR’s travel advisors (afar.com/tac). Beach Destination MAUI The Aloha State’s beach offerings are diverse, and Maui’s are no exception: In Waianapanapa State Park, travelers can hike the Ke Ala Loa O Maui, a volcanic coastal trail that will take them beyond black sand beaches, or, on the other side of the island, watch the sun set over the waves while nibbling hula pie from Kimo’s. During…

Culture Capital DUBROVNIK To wander through Dubrovnik is to experience Croatia’s cultural history. See it in the UNESCOlisted Old City sector, where centuries-old baroque churches, Gothic palaces, and medieval walls stand. Hear it in the notes of traditional a capella klapa singing during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which marks 70 years in 2019. And feel it in the paintings by Croatian artists who grapple with the region’s recent past and present at the Museum of Modern Art and the War Photo Limited gallery. Wine Region BORDEAUX The diverse terroir of southwestern France produces exceptional merlots and cabernets. As you sip your way through Bordeaux’s wine routes, you can also admire its landscape of rivers and, of course, vineyards. True oenophiles should check out the three-year-old Cité du Vin, an interactive…

At AFAR, we believe that personalization combined with exclusive access results in truly transformative trips. From creating bespoke itineraries suited to your travel style, to providing 24/7 white-glove service throughout your entire journey, AFAR’s trusted team of travel advisors are ready to design your ultimate getaways. Learn more about how their expertise and deep access can unlock richer, more fulfilling travel experiences crafted just for you. AFAR TRAVEL ADVISORY COUNCIL www.afar.com/tac…

WHEN TO GO In the winter months, the skies are clear and the temperature hovers in the upper 70s. December through March is the prime time to spot migrating gray and humpback whales—and to catch a polo match at the Careyes Polo Club. WHY NOW It all started in July 1968, when Italian banker Gian Franco Brignone spotted a large plot of jungle on a flight along Mexico’s western coast and decided to buy it all. Over the last 50 years, more than $350 million has been invested to preserve the 20,000-plus-acre nature reserve—and to create the exclusive Costa Careyes development. Before the recent opening of El Careyes Club & Residences, travelers had only a few options: a staffed villa, a casita, or a beach bungalow. Now, El Careyes is…

At AFAR, we believe the best hotels enhance the travel experience. Which is why we’re proud to introduce AFAR Recommended Hotels, a collection of more than 1,000 properties thoughtfully selected by AFAR experts in more than 200 destinations around the world. These hotels are so much more than spots to spend the night: They’re exemplary for their sense of place, distinctive design, and commitment to encouraging guests to travel deeper. Visit afar.com/hotels to search for AFAR Recommended Hotels by destination, interests, and more. MAKE YOUR HOTEL PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AT AFAR.COM/HOTELS…

AS BOTH A BERMUDIAN AND eighth-generation Gosling, Malcolm Gosling Jr. has rum in his blood, figuratively and, during summer happy hours, literally. Gosling’s Rum is more than Bermuda’s oldest family-owned business and the local rum of choice—it’s also the key ingredient in the island’s national drink, the Dark ‘N Stormy®. Perhaps the one thing Bermudians love more than their Gosling’s Rum is a good party. “Every Friday at five o’clock, the happy hours kick off,” says Malcolm. “They’re an all-island affair. Locals, tourists, and business travelers let loose and have a good time.” Whether your scene is to chill out at an outdoor garden bar, by a beach bonfire, or on a packed catamaran, Gosling’s Rum will likely be in your glass. And Malcolm himself might even be there. “I…

WHEN TO GO Rwanda has a pleasant semi-tropical climate due to the country’s high elevation, but that means lots of rain, too. Your best bet is the dry spell from June through September. WHY NOW More than two decades after a violent civil war, Rwanda is peaceful again, attracting visitors with its coveted gorilla trekking experiences—by far the country’s biggest draw. But Rwanda offers even more than the chance to encounter the majestic apes. The capital of Kigali, treated by most travelers as a quick stopover before their safari, is home to a thriving arts scene and new restaurants that reward an extended stay. The year-old Heaven Retreat, with its teak furnishings and private patios, offers a central base. A 2.5-hour drive to the east, 433-square-mile Akagera National Park is…

Bring your appetite for amazing culture and cuisine on your next trip to Germany. From Berlin to Munich to Baiersbronn, we’ve curated top culinary experiences that fuse traditional flavors with modern flair. Raise a glass at renowned wineries and authentic pubs as you immerse all of your senses and satisfy your hunger for more meaningful travel experiences. AFAR JOURNEYS www.afar.com/journeys your adventure starts here AFAR JOURNEYS IS HERE TO CURATE YOUR EPIC ADVENTURE IN GERMANY WITH FOUR NEW ITINERARIES LAUNCHING ON DECEMBER 24. WWW.AFAR.COM/JOURNEYS…

WHEN TO GO In autumn, it’s cool enough to hike in Lebanon’s cedar forests, yet still warm enough to spend time at the beach. Plus, harvest season—especially for grapes and olives—is in swing. WHY NOW For years, it was virtually impossible to take more than a day trip beyond Beirut and Tripoli, Lebanon’s biggest cities, simply because there was no place to spend the night. Then entrepreneur Orphée Haddad launched L’Hôte Libanais, a collection of 22 small guesthouses in the capital and less-trafficked areas of the country, all owned and run by locals. Each of the homes is selected for its preservation of Lebanese design and architecture, and each offers travelers more intimate access to locals. For example, the home Zita Fidar, located near Byblos on the coast, regularly hosts…

LAST SUMMER MY family and I took a road trip from our home in the Bay Area through the Central Coast of California and down to the beach communities of Orange County. We visited several historic missions along the way, we saw friends and family, we ate decadent meals and tasted delicious wines, and we enjoyed top-notch hospitality at some truly beautiful hotels. But what I will remember most about the trip happened on California state route 150, a steep road riven with switchbacks between Santa Barbara and Ojai. As my husband piloted our borrowed minivan over golden hills studded with old oaks, I sat in the passenger seat, watching the landscape shift. There were Christmas tree farms covered in saplings and orchards of avocado trees heavy with fruit growing…

DOREEN WILLIAMS-JAMES of Wild Herbs and Plants of Bermuda grew up on the flavors of her home island. As a child, she watched her father forage for prickly pear, cassava root, and stinging nettles to keep her family not only fed—but healthy. “Everything you need to eat, the island offers. And the most vibrant flavors are often the most healing,” says Doreen. “My goal is to reconnect people with Bermuda’s natural edibles. The nettles on their morning walks, the nasturtiums growing in their backyards.” Doreen founded Wild Herbs and Plants of Bermuda and offers private tours, cooking classes, and events around Hamilton and St. George’s. Her tours include nature walks where she points out edible plants, explains their healing powers, and serves tasty samples like dandelion chocolate-chip cookies. For a…

Death Valley is a misnomer for one of the friendliest, most stunning destinations in the West. Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and travelers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of an otherworldly landscape will revel in the magic of this photographer’s paradise. From a stretch of pink and gold mountains known as Artist’s Palette to miles of mesquite sand dunes, the colors are alive in Death Valley. Nestled in the heart of this vast desert is the Oasis at Death Valley, a lush resort that blends authenticity with tranquility. Formerly known as Furnace Creek Resort, one of Death Valley’s best-kept secrets has been completely reinvigorated by a well-deserved multimillion-dollar renovation, infusing this historic property with new energy. An elegant hideaway since 1927, the resort’s AAA four-diamond Inn at Death Valley is…

WHEN TO GO In February, the tail end of Australian summer, the town hosts the Byron Bay Surf Festival (February 20–24), a celebration of surfing, music, and art. WHY NOW Surrounded by tropical farms, jungle, and the turquoise waves of the Pacific, Byron Bay is a coastal paradise just two hours south of busy Brisbane. Hippies and surfers have known this for decades, but Byron’s “cheer up, slow down, chill out” mantra has recently attracted a new generation of artisans, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are reshaping the small beach town. Try on the Byron life at Rowie, a clothing boutique that emphasizes styles made from natural fibers, and Pop and Scott (pictured, left), stocked with minimalist furniture, ceramics, and clothing by Australian designers. The latter is part of Byron Arts…

COMMODORE JON CORLESS LOVES SPRING for many reasons—most of all, because the boats are on the horizon. “After the winter, the seas calm and it’s ideal for sailing,” says Jon. “Boats start transitioning from winters in the Caribbean to summers in Europe and many stop in Bermuda along the way. Several choose to race.” As the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’s ranking Flag Officer, Commodore Corless has a hand in all the Club’s races and regattas, many of which are world-famous. On May 8, the Bermuda Antigua race will commence as part of the 2019 Atlantic Ocean Racing Series, with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club hosting a party and Prize Giving. For those wanting to catch the action from shore, the Hamilton Princess Hotel serves fresh wahoo sandwiches and swizzles and…

WHEN TO GO Lyon reawakens between April and June. The mild, sunny days are ideal for a food crawl of the city’s culinary hits, including its legendary bouchons, bistros that serve traditional Lyonnais food. WHY NOW With its wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants and classic bouchons, and access to some of the country’s finest ingredients, Lyon has long attracted food-lovers. Now, with the reopening of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, the city gets a new culinary hub. Located on the banks of the Rhône River, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu was built as a refuge for clergymen by the Catholic Church in the 12th century and was expanded by French architects Guillaume Ducellet and Jacques-Germain Soufflot in the 17th and 18th centuries. It took eight years of painstaking restoration to transform the beloved landmark into…

LOVE LIVES HERE So does a rooftop pool and lounge, oysters at Seaworthy, handmade pastas at Josephine Estelle, music at venue Three Keys, and the coziest beds in the universe. Ace Hotel New Orleans resides in the heart of the Crescent City and is pet, family, and everybody friendly. See you soon. acehotel.com/neworleans JOIN US IN THE NAPA VALLEY JANUARY 23–25, 2019 With exclusive access to winemakers, chefs, artisans, and more, AFAR Experiences is your chance to get an insider’s look at this world-famous destination. Register today—space is limited! afarexperiences.com/napavalley JOIN AFAR ON THE HIGH SEAS JULY 27–AUGUST 3, 2019 The maiden voyage of AFAR Sailings and Silversea Cruises calls at some of the Mediterranean’s most idyllic ports in France, Italy, and Spain. On this immersive travel experience, AFAR guests…

WHEN TO GO The Azores have a subtropical climate, and the weather, while mild all year long, may cycle through clouds, wind, rain, and sun in a matter of hours. Go in June, when it’s most reliably sunny and not too hot. WHY NOW The Azores, a nine-island volcanic archipelago 900 miles west of Portugal, are home to deep-blue lakes, oceanside bluffs, and patchwork fields in every imaginable shade of green. Now that travelers can fly from New York City in less than five hours, the autonomous Portuguese region won’t be a secret much longer. On São Miguel, the biggest island, cobblestones in designs called calçada portuguesa cover the plazas of regional capital Ponta Delgada; hiking trails surround the crater lakes of the Sete Cidades area; and the five-star Grand…

WHEN TO GO The annual California Wine Festival (July 19–20) celebrates some of the best wines in the state, including those from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, with two days of tastings and food-and-wine pairings. WHY NOW A year after devastating wildfires and massive mudslides in neighboring Montecito, Santa Barbara is back in full swing. The Hotel Californian (pictured), with its original 1920s Spanish colonial revival facade, has introduced elegance and energy to the city’s historic waterfront. Celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard dreamed up the interiors, infusing the 121 rooms and suites with Moroccan elements such as geometric patterns, arched entryways, and gilded sconces. Exit the hotel, and the best of the city is within walking distance. West Beach is just steps away, as is the innovative new MOXI discovery…

WHEN TO GO Winters are gloomy and spring can be muddy, so visit in the summer, when tables spill out onto the sunny sidewalks. WHY NOW As Poland continues to emerge from the shadow of Communism, a creative wave is energizing Warsaw. It includes a vodka revival. In Praga, once one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city, the new Polish Vodka Museum tells the 600-year story of the national spirit. In this former vodka factory, visitors can taste potato-, wheat-, and rye–based vodkas, then head out to the new crop of vodka bars. At WuWu, chef Adriana Marczewska puts an upscale twist on classic Polish pub dishes and pairs them with a list of dozens of vodkas. She even transforms a Communist standard, the “pork luncheon”—a Spam-like concoction served…

“GOMBEY DANCING IS typically dominated by male culture, but I was introduced to it by my mother,” says Irwin Trott, the founder and managing director of Warwick Gombey Troupe. As a child, Irwin was taken by his mother to performances around their neighborhood and, by the age of six, he was dancing and drumming himself. Gombey has its roots in African, Native American, and Caribbean traditions, and is completely unique to Bermuda. “Over 200 years ago, Gombey was considered uncivilized by slave owners, but today, it’s embraced as integral to the island’s multicultural heritage,” Irwin says. “My goal is to keep Gombey alive and share it with the world.” Every fall, the island’s International Gombey Festival (October) attracts travelers from around the globe for days—and nights—filled with peacock-feather headdresses, hand-painted…

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A FOOD STORY. It was supposed to be a story about eating baby anchovies in a stew of Calabrian chilies and spooning spicy, fatty ’nduja sausage onto crunchy bread. I pictured myself sampling this fiery, peculiar food while sitting beside the Tyrrhenian Sea, watching a horizon specked with Old World swordfishing boats. I saw myself tipsy on wines I’d never heard of and imagined myself drunk on a fresh love of Italian food, the food of “my people,” whatever that means for a second-generation Italian American raised in rural Northern California, far from the East Coast epicenters of Italian immigrant culture and farther still from Italy itself. But by my second night in Calabria, I already had a hunch this wasn’t going to be such…

Getting there Take the Caledonian Sleeper, a 12-hour overnight rail service, from London to Inverness. In spring of 2019, the company will roll out renovated trains that offer both shared berths and rooms that have double beds and en-suite showers, as well as stylish new club cars for drinking and dining. Single rooms from $276. sleeper.scot What to drive Highland Supercars specializes in iconic British brands, such as Aston Martin, Jaguar, Bentley, and Range Rover. Whether you want a sporty little number that hugs the curves or something with off-roading comfort and screens in the seats for the kids, the company will find you the right ride. From $388 per day. highlandsupercars.com Where to stay Encompassing 14,500 acres in the southern Torridon Hills, the Ben Damph Estate offers three no-frills…

Wellness Destination BALI Long before the publication of Eat, Pray, Love, Bali was renowned as a spot for yogis and spa travelers. With plenty of jungle spas and oceanside resorts, visitors can find idyllic settings to experience sound therapy, practice asanas, or eat Ayurvedic meals. But interested wellness seekers can also undergo spiritual Balinese healing, which could include sessions with a traditional healer who may use massage, oils, spices, or other methods to treat patients’ energy. U.S. Road Trip CALIFORNIA’S PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY A southern part of California State Route 1, the Pacific Coast Highway got the highest number of votes in any category this year. Running more than 100 miles between Dana Point and Oxnard, it showcases the best of the Golden State: Pacific waves crashing against dramatic bluffs…

Water Sports Destination FIJI Twice in a row, AFAR travelers have chosen this South Pacific archipelago as their favorite spot to play in the waves. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, standup paddleboard, sail, or fish, the small sovereign nation surrounding the Koro Sea has it all. Only a third of the more than 300 tropical islands are inhabited, but there are plenty of luxurious retreats to enjoy. Try a scuba diving lesson at Six Senses Fiji, which opened last spring, or help replant mangroves at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji. European City BUDAPEST Over the past few years, the capital of Hungary has lured more travelers than ever before with its Gothic spirals, neoclassical domes, and elegant thermal baths (some have been in use for more than 400 years). But…