With New Year resolutions still fresh on everyone’s minds, these leading ships, hotels and camps around the world are set to create unique experiences for the wanderlust traveler to discover when they launch later this year:
Quasar Expeditions will introduce its long-awaited M/Y Conservation yacht in the Galapagos in Fall 2023. With a comprehensive sustainability plan encompassing everything from design to daily operations, the Conservation experience will be entirely eco-friendly without compromising on the spacious comfort, luxurious amenities, and immersive Galapagos adventures Quasar is known for. The M/Y Conservation furthers Quasar’s mission to protect, conserve, and restore the islands.
Exclusively designed for 18 passengers, this yacht’s pioneering features include renewable energy components, biodegradable amenities, an entirely carbon neutral footprint, and a crew of environmentally-conscious hospitality specialists. The Conservation will also be able to host scientists, conservationists, and volunteers on board. Their initiatives will include conducting archipelago research, monitoring the impacts of introduced species and increased tourism.
One of the many goals of the M/Y Conservation’s goal is to allow guests to experience and appreciate the pristine ecosystem responsibly and sustainably. The islands in the Galapagos archipelago are 600 miles from the nearest land and this huge expanse of inhospitable ocean in-between makes it very difficult for new kinds of plants and animals to reach the islands. Because of this, certain endemic species such as blue footed boobies, the Galapagos giant tortoise and marine iguanas can only be found exclusively on the Galapagos Islands, and the M/Y Conversation will be almost entirely silent, as to not disturb the marine life.
In May 2023, FORESTIS is welcoming a sister property situated in the up-and-coming location of the Dolomites: Odles Lodge.
Further up the northern Italian Alps from FORESTIS, Odles Lodge is a stand-alone property opening in the up-and-coming setting of the Dolomites after being completely rebuilt in the past year due to a fire. The opening of Odles Lodge comes as the wave of boutique hotel openings in the Dolomites for a luxury retreat has been on the rise as travelers are seeking more peaceful, nature-immersed getaways.
The chalet and four individual suites at Odles Lodge feature minimalist design details, similar to the FORESTIS hotel, that allow guests to completely immerse into the surrounding nature elements. Utilizing locally sourced mountain-pine and spruce, the property boasts a light and airy feel, each with a balcony and vast windows, inviting guests look outside rather than in. Two of the four suites will offer two bedrooms and the others one bedroom, designed to accommodate various traveler types seeking a peaceful getaway. The rooms can also be rented out individually as separate hotel suites.
Armin Sader of the Asaggio Architects is the designer of Odles Lodge and FORESTIS. The aim of FORESTIS was to let the dignity of nature flow into an architectural project and create something profound where the natural warmth and hospitality of the hosts can unfold. The three towers grow out of the Alpine terrain and stretch into the sky like tree trunks, providing an unimaginable view of mountains and natural light in the luxurious, minimalist suites. Sader worked to remove as little of the environment as possible in his building of FORESTIS, using original, natural materials to respectfully renovate the interiors and the local trees as a source of wood for the foundational make-up of the property. The result is a clean, pure property with no “unsettling” features and use of wood, stone, glass, and natural textiles to symbolize the natural occurrences at FORESTIS.
Guests residing at Odles Lodge will also enjoy a sauna, steam bath, wine cellar, garage, indoor and outdoor pool, and alpine breakfast. All guests staying at Odles Lodge can utilize any of the FORESTIS amenities, including the rejuvenating spa and forest cuisine restaurant.
Natural Selection’s new camp, North Island Okavango, is slated to open in June 2023 and is located on a private island within a game rich concession in the northern edge of the Okavango Delta. This intimate camp is in what is undoubtedly one of the most famous wildlife-watching destinations in the world, with only three tents, set on raised wooden platforms overlooking stunning views of the lagoon, not taking too long for guests to relax and soak in the tranquility.
At North Island Okavango, travelers get to experience the Delta three ways; on land (game drives and game walks), on water (mokoro and boat meanders) and in the air (hot air ballooning and scenic helicopter flights). Unlike other camps, North Island will also have water-based activities almost all year round, all depending on guests’ preferences and their safari wish list.
Visitors will enjoy the very best of Botswana’s wild and wonderful places, surrounded by a mosaic of islands netted together by shining lagoons and transient channels. As guests explore this incredible eco-system of floodplains, open savannah and woodlands, they’ll enjoy wildlife encounters like never before—from big cats, to buffalo, antelope, and aardvark. For birders, this is a dream come true with over 350 species of birds recorded in the area.
North Island Okavango offers exceptional comfort, style, and luxury. The use of textures, fabrics and local craftsmanship celebrating the modern Africa extends through to the generously sized rooms. Guests can enjoy 140 square meters of interior and outdoor space to relax and indulge in; with a private plunge pool, sunken sundeck, indoor and outdoor showers, bath, air-conditioning, fireplace, and Wi-Fi, each suite offers incredible comfort—without compromising on safari style.
Tswalu Kalahari
New to Tswalu Kalahari in 2023 is Loapi, six individual micro-camps, each functioning as a stand-alone and independently run mini-camp,courtesy of GAPP Architects. With at least 330 feet between each home, guests are assured of privacy and seclusion throughout their stay. Loapifeatures 4 one-bedroom homes and 2 two-bedroom homes, spanning over 3200 square feet and over 4,600 square for exclusive use, each including its own plunge pool, fire pit, private chef, dedicated butler, in-room spa treatments, a private vehicle, guide, tracker and more.
Backed by the Korannaberg mountains and tucked into the contours of the Tswalu concession (South Africa’s largest private reserve), each home has been carefully positioned to make the most of unimpeded views south across the swaying golden grasses and gnarled trees of Tswalu’s characteristic arid savannah. In Setswana, Loapi means ‘The space below the clouds’ which is reflected in the camp’s environmentally sensitive, modular design suspended between earth and sky. The camp features numerous sustainable design solutions, from energy-saving air-conditioning and solar-powered pool pumps to generous, shade-creating overhangs. Insulated walls, double roofs and cross-ventilation naturally help temperature regulation. To encourage responsible water consumption, bathrooms have indoor and outdoor showers (no baths), and the plunge pools are designed to be water-wise to reduce evaporation.
GAPP Architects were extremely conscious of Tswalu’s sustainability initiative of leaving no trace behind when taking on this new project.
Singita is scheduled to re-launch Singita Mara River Tented Camp located in northern Tanzania in June 2023. Positioned on a dramatic riverbend in the remote Lamai triangle in the Serengeti, guests will enjoy access to some of the world’s most prized and private game-viewing occurrences; elephants, crocodiles, hyenas, topis and the renowned migratory route navigated annually by more than a million wildebeest.
Striking lines and shapes in bursts of blue, dark red and burnt orange were incorporated in the design of the Camp, taking inspirations and celebrating the local Maasai people. With tranquil and airy spaces available, guests are encouraged to connect with nature, allowing for absolute relaxation, and celebrating a sense of place.
Simplicity and chic sets the tone for the laidback, luxurious accommodation, with only six tents available, including four one-bedroom and two family tents. Continuing to uphold the essence of sustainable tourism, the camp operates off the grid and relies entirely on a custom-designed solar system for its power and the use of recycled and natural materials wherever possible.
During the warmer days, moments in the plunge pool at the main camp can be enjoyed, or embrace Singita’s wellness journey by prioritizing physical and mental wellness, creating harmony and a complete well-being while in a sanctuary. Wholeness at Singita starts with connection, authenticity of relations, the bonds formed, and moments shared. A concept beyond wellness, positioning the complete Singita experience as a journey to happiness through intuition, inspired by Africa’s rich cultures.
Hotel Violino D'Oro
This summer, Collezione EM welcomes a new luxury property in Venice: Violino D’Oro embracing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of this italian city. A charming hideaway on the canal where exquisite art meets the magnificence of an intimate home, Violino D’oro is a five-star luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Venice. Masterfully brought to life by two Italian sisters, Sara and Elena Maestrelli, the property is an ode to the artistic and artisanal history of Venice.
The hotel boasts 32 rooms in a majestic Venetian Palazzo that extends from Calle XXII Marzo to Campo San Moisè and along Rio de S. Moisè. In partnership with the esteemed architects Piera Tempesti Benelli, Riccardo Burigana, and Tiziano Folin, Violino D’Oro celebrates the floating city as a place of cultural encounter throughout history from the 18th century to the present day. A tribute to Venice's role as a driving force behind cultural movements and great masterpieces, its design and decor showcase a wide range of artistic styles, from ancient art to oriental influences, as well as unique contemporary art and design pieces.
The hotel also features exquisite craftsmanship in fabrics, glass, and floors, including original Venetian seminato handmade by one of the oldest artisan families still in operation today. The hotel's design includes contributions from renowned brands such as Rubelli, Venini, Martinelli Luce, Flos, Gebtüder Thonet, Asin Terrazzieri Veneziani, Antonio Lupi, Dani Marmi, Richard Ginori, and Oluce. These brands are known for their high-quality and unique designs, making the Hotel Violino D'oro a true architectural and design masterpiece that will offer a truly unique and luxurious experience for guests, under the guidance of experienced architects and designers.
Everything has been brought together to make Violino D’Oro the essential destination for a truly Venetian experience. At any time of day, guests can savor Italian flavors at the property’s restaurant, Il Piccolo, serving home-style cuisine with a focus on simple and authentic local dishes, particularly vegetarian and Venetian-inspired cuisine.
Collezione EM is a new luxury hotel brand in Italy offering a blend of classic Italian elegance and modern amenities. The brand prides itself on celebrating Italian design and craftsmanship in each of its hotels. Collezione EM features a collection of unique hotels, deeply connected to the cultural and artistic heritage of the cities they are located in, offering “a sophisticated luxury for gentle souls”. The hotels are privately owned and operated, and the hospitality business has been actively curated for over thirty years by the female lineage of the family.
Comments