Golden Trips for Silver Travellers
The Bucket List Trip
argos in Cappadocia, Turkey
For a bucket list escape to one of the world’s most magical destinations, known for its distinctive fairy chimneys, honeycombed hills and mystical atmosphere, argos in Cappadocia hotel in Turkey offers guests the chance to admire the multi-dimensional, natural beauty from 1,000 feet up. Take a sunrise, hot-air balloon journey over Anatolian valleys, scattered with archetypal pigeon houses, beautiful vineyards and the peak of Mount Erciyes. Those looking for something less daring can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a unique Jeep Safari experience, where groups of up to 4 people will be taken off-road to the hidden valleys and hills of Cappadocia.
Relax after a day of adventure in one of argos in Cappadocia’s rustic suites, boasting traditional Turkish crafts and modern furniture, each unique in size and design and set within a 2000-year-old network of ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels. When not taking a dip in their private pool, there is an idyllic therapy room to unwind with spa treatments, the organic Seki restaurant, offering fine dining with breath-taking views over Pigeon Valley, and the region’s largest wine cellar.
Prices start from €250 (approx. £223) per person for a 60-minute flight. For more information please visit www.argosincappadocia.com
The Wine-Lovers Trip
COMO Castello Del Nero, Italy
Hidden amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany, COMO Castello Del Nero takes the form of a lovingly restored, twelfth-century castle set within a historic, 740-acre estate. Guests can hike or cycle forests and olive groves, walk by glistening lakes and towering vistas of vineyards - this entire 740-acres is free to roam. Oenophiles can try their hand at winemaking with the new Harvest Package - during harvest (Sept - Oct) guests are invited to try their hand - or feet - at the traditional 'pigéage' method of making wine with a private, four-hour tour.
The experience starts with handpicking plump grapes from the vineyard, before pressing out wine with bare feet. Finish with a relaxing picnic of fresh Italian produce and wine, overlooking the vistas of vineyards. A private guide will discuss the harvest process and creation of Chianti Wine, and guests will receive a bottle of estate-made COMO Castello Del Nero wine to take home - the ultimate, wine-lovers souvenir.
The experience starts from £390 for two people. For more information or to book visit comohotels.com
The Culture-Vultures Trip
CAYO Exclusive Resort and Spa, Crete
Opening for its first full season this April, CAYO Exclusive Resort and Spa offers unrivalled access to Crete’s tapestry of beaches, historic treasures and hilltop villages. Travellers can arrange privately guided tours of Elounda, a cosmopolitan bay built on the grounds of the ancient city of Olous, and the iridescent isle of Spinalonga – a UNESCO World Heritage List nominee, and setting of Victoria Hislop’s hit novel, The Island.
Trace the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, before heading back to CAYO for a relaxing spa treatment in the design-led Armonia Spa. Rituals are inspired by natural ingredients used by the ancient Greeks; salt scrubs, olive oil and honey. Perfect for a private escape, each of CAYO’s suites houses a private plunge pool and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, azure ocean and Spinalonga.
Rooms start from £190 per night. For more information or to book, visit cayoresort.com
The Spa-Seekers Trip
Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland
After an anxiety inducing time of uncertainty in 2020, those looking for a complete detox, restoration of energy, and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul can head to Chenot Palace Weggis, the Chenot group’s most advanced opening yet on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Home to an indoor spa and pool, a fitness centre and 97 spacious lake view rooms and suites, guests can choose from three signature, six-day retreat programmes, including Advanced Detox, Recover & Energise, or Prevention & Ageing Well, and all programmes are complimented by a bespoke, low-calorie and plant-based nutrition plan. Holistic diagnostics help tailor detox programmes to the individual and are then used to curate tailor-made lifestyle recommendations for guests to follow at home.
Chenot Palace Weggis is a full-service, integrated medical retreat, including a world class metabolic and sports laboratory, an in-house blood analysis laboratory, a full body cryochamber at -110C, antigravity technologies, an altitude chamber and a brand-new molecular lab for 2021. Expect treatments such as hydro-aromatherapy, manual lymphatic drainage, altitude hypoxie-therapy, anti-gravity exercise training and body composition analysis, and specialised sleeping technology rooms will also launch in 2021 where acoustics, light, and bed linen technologies which revert body heat back into energy have been scientifically interwoven with interior design and architecture to optimise rest.
A seven-night/ six-day programme residing in a deluxe double room at Chenot Palace Weggis on the Advanced Detox Programme starts from 7,500CHF (approx. £6,150) per person. For more information visit www.chenotpalaceweggis.com
The Sailing Trip
D-Resort Šibenik, Croatia
2021 travellers will be seeking privacy and seclusion more than ever, particularly those over-50. Perfect for those looking to avoid tourist traps, D-Resort Šibenik set in one of the Dalmatian Coast’s lesser-known holiday spots, Šibenik – Croatia’s oldest city with 950 years of rich history and natural beauty boasting crystal-clear waters and cascading waterfalls – invites exploration of Europe’s hidden gems with their new series of private yacht and sailing excursions. With an award-winning marina located just steps from the resort, guests can embark on guided tours or rent their own motor yacht, for a true taste of luxury living.
Travellers can take a trip to National Park Kornati, known as the pearl of the Adriatic Sea with 140 uninhabited islands, numerous coves and underwater cliffs perfect for diving, before stopping to explore the quiet charm of Prvić Island and a fresh seafood lunch. There’s also the option for a day trip to one of the most breath-taking and culturally rich places in Šibenik, the 4.4km St Anthony Channel with the famed Fortress of St Nicolas before a stopover in Zlarin - a small island known for its unrivalled hours of sunshine and unspoilt beauty with olive trees, pebbled beaches and unique red corals.
Room rates start from €135 (approx. £120) per night, based on two people sharing. For more information please visit www.dresortsibenik.com
The Multi-Generational Trip
Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa, Maldives
After a turbulent year for travel, families are banking on 2021 for bigger and brighter things. Grandparents and grandchildren, who haven't been able to spend much time together in 2020, are invited to experience an island adventure like no other at the five-star and deluxe all-inclusive Emerald Maldives Resort & SPA, voted World's Leading New Resort at the 2020 World Travel Awards.
This year, families can enjoy special pizza and gelato making cooking classes hosted by Italy's very own Chef Aldo at Aqua Restaurant and Yoga classes for young and adults, that can be organised privately upon request in the tranquillity of the family's villa. Thanks to Emerald's signature Deluxe All-Inclusive formula, all guests can enjoy complimentary non-motorised water sports, one boat excursion per week’s stay and two guided snorkelling tours. Children can enjoy an array of activities at the Dolphin Kids' Club, the most extended and well-equipped children's club in the destination.
20% off best available rate for a minimum of 7 night’s stay for a maximum of two adults and two children, applicable for all bookings received before February 28th 2021. Offer includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary 60 minutes massage for two adults OR 1x cooking class for the whole family and 1 x in-room family breakfast. For more information and to book, please visit www.emerald-maldives.com