All posts by Stefanie

Aman Cruises. Indonesia

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During my last trip to Indonesia, I discovered the new product that Aman just debuted, a unique cruise experience called Amandira and Amanikan. Just when I thought Aman couldn’t get any more spectacular, they did.

Venture into the Indonesian archipelago in true fashion through one of Aman’s two cruise experiences. Both cruises set out from your home base at Amanwana, a private island resort on the island of Moyo, east of Bali. The resort offers 20 luxury tented camps perched on the edge of your own private beach. Each tent is air-conditioned, with hard wood flooring and a king-sized bed draped in flowing mosquito netting. Large banks of windows let in light and look out on jungle or beach settings. After a few nights in Amanwana, venture out on a 10-day cruise to Raja Ampat or the neighboring island of Komodo National Park.

Explore Raja Ampat, one of the world’s most diverse landscapes, where the Pacific meets the Indian Ocean. Raja Ampat encompasses thousands of islands, cays, and beaches. From climbing Mt. Pindito to privately dining on an uninhabited island, your Raja Ampat experience will be tailored expertly to your needs and desires.

Discover the fabled Komodo dragon in its UNESCO-protected homeland only 200 kilometers from the resort. Komodo National Park is also home to some of the best scuba diving in the world so start your adventure with a dive exploring the reefs around Satonda Island, which are frequented by rays and dolphins. End your expedition with an expert led trek to find the Komodo Dragons, monkeys, deer, and a cornucopia of nature.

The first of Aman’s two cruise liner options is the Amandira, a two-masted sailing ship 52 meters long. This sailing ship, which only launched in 2015, is a traditional Phinisi fishing vessel, which combines the ancient romance of the spice trade with cutting-edge contemporary amenities. Perfect for a couple looking for a blend of old-world and new-world.

The second cruise liner option is the Amanikan, a 32-meter custom built coastal cruiser. With three above-deck cabins, an expansive foredeck with bar for outdoor dining, and world-class diving facilities, Amanikan is equipped for journeys throughout the archipelago. Perfect for couples looking for a more refined cruise experience.

Land Rover x Abercrombie & Kent SVAutobiography

Hotel of the Week

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Abercrombie & Kent is one of the top travel agencies for tailor-made experiences, so it is no wonder they wanted to team up with one of the most high-end car companies to bring you a once-in-a-lifetime trip. A&K, partnered with Land Rover, has created a 21-day trip that spans five continents, eight countries and nine of the world’s best hotels. Using the Range Rover SKAutobiography clients will drive themselves, using the expert GPS Nav systems of course, in unparalleled luxury both on-road and off-road.

From the tranquil Amalfi Coast to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, you will circumnavigate the world in only 3 weeks! Start your first leg of the trip at Four Seasons Cap Ferrat, the second leg at The Royal Mansour Marrakech and ending your time in Morocco at Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s famed Atlas Mountain Retreat. Leg three includes a stop at the beautifully isolated Amangiri. Built into the dramatic mountains of Utah, this change of scenery will be highly-welcomed after the hours of driving. Leg four takes you to the Atacama Desert in Chile where you will stay at the ultra-luxe Awasi Hotel. An overnight flight and short hop take you to Tasmania, where you will stay at Saffire Freycinet, one of Posh Voyage’s all-time favorite hotels.

Starting at £100,000 per person based on two travelers, this road trip is fully customizable based on the client’s preferences. This trip is only offered through select Abercrombie & Kent bespoke boutiques, but you can also contact concierge@poshvoyage.com for more information.

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For the full itinerary please see below:

Day 1 – Nice to Monaco

  • Lunch at Joel Robuchon at the Metropole, Monaco
  • Overnight at Four Seasons Cap Ferrat

Day 2 – Hills of Provence

  • Personalised fragrance making class
  • Lunch at Chateau St Martin
  • Overnight at Four Seasons Cap Ferrat

Day 3 – Coastal drive to Portofino

  • 3 hour drive to Portofino along the coastal highway
  • Overnight at Hotel Splendido, Portofino

Day 4 – Cinque Terre

  • Drive along the coast to the Cinque Terre
  • Lunch on the Italian Riviera
  • Overnight at Hotel Splendido, Portofino

Day 5 – Lake Comocruise

  • 3 hour drive to Lake Como
  • Take a private sunset cruise over the lake to Bellagio
  • Overnight at Villa D’Este

Day 6 – Dolomite Mountains

  • 5 hour drive through the Italian lakes into the Dolomite mountains
  • Overnight at San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

Day 7 – Helicopter picnic

  • Fly up by Helicopter for a discreet picnic on a glacier
  • Snow shoeing and crevasse rappelling
  • Overnight at San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

Day 8 – Fly toMarrakech

  • Transfer to Venice
  • Flight to Marrakech
  • Overnight at Royal Mansour

Day 9 – Ouarzazate Desert drive

  • Day drive into the arid desert around Ouarzazate
  • Lunch in a private desert camp
  • Overnight at Royal Mansour

Day 10 – Atlas Mountains

  • Day drive into the Atlas Mountains through Berber villages
  • Lunch at Richard Branson’s hotel Kasbah Tamadot.
  • Overnight at Royal Mansour

Day 11 – Transfer to US

  • Flight to Las Vegas
  • Helicopter to Amangiri – Range Rover on standby for drive to hotel
  • Overnight at Amangiri

Day 12 – Monument Valley drive

  • Drive 2.5 hours to Monument Valley
  • Antelope Canyon – Hiking and Scrambling excursion
  • Overnight at Amangiri

Day 13 – Grand Canyon by helicopter

  • Helicopter to North rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Private dinner under the stars at a local Sandstone Butte
  • Overnight at Amangiri

Day 14 – Utah desert drive

  • Drive 4.5 hours though the Arizona/Utah desert
  • Breakfast in Zion National Park
  • Overnight Flight from Las Vegas

Day 15 – Atacama, Chile

  • Arrival day in the Atacama Desert
  • Overnight atAwasi

Day 16 – Alamo Observatory

  • Day drive to the Alamo Observatory
  • Private Lunch
  • Overnight at Awasi

Day 17 – Atacama desert drive

  • Day Drive into the Atacama Desert.
  • Overnight at Awasi

Day 18 – Transfer to Australia

  • Overnight flight to Sydney

Day 19 – Sydney Bridge climb

  • VIP Sydney Bridge climb experience and behind the scenes at Sydney Opera House
  • Overnight at Park Hyatt Sydney

Day 20 – Transfer to Tasmania

  • Fly to Tasmania
  • Drive 2 and a half hours through Tasmania on stunning roads
  • Overnight at Saffire

Day 21 – Boart trip to Wineglass Bay

  • Quad bike through the coastal heathland and forest
  • Boat trip to Wineglass Bay
  • Overnight at Saffire

Day 22 – Return to London

Travel Tip: How to Cancel your Trip Due To The Zika Virus

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The quickly spreading Zika virus has everyone a little worried- and rightfully so. With that being said, 80% of people living in The Americas may contract the virus and never know they had it, only 20% show symptoms such as a rash or fever. The problem with the virus is that it is suspected to be directly correlated with a birth defect in newborn babies called microcephaly. The CDC has issued a warning for all pregnant women to cancel their vacation plans to the affected areas to prevent their exposure to harmful mosquitos that may be carrying the virus.

However, cancelling travel plans last minute may result in a loss of your travel costs, even with travel warnings in place many airlines and hotels are not offering refunds. Here are our top tips on how to get back up to 75% of your travel budget if you have decided to cancel your travel plans due to the Zika virus.

Talk to your Travel Agent

 

Since your travel Agent has special relationships with the hotels and their management, it is likely they will be able to get you the best possible refund on a reservation cancellation. However, many hotels only offer refunds on a case-by-case basis. If you’re not pregnant  or trying to get pregnant and you’re canceling your trip, it will be much more difficult to get a refund. The Travel Industry does realize the panic associated with this quickly spreading virus and often will do their best to help you rearrange your stay.

Speak to someone at your Airline over the phone

 

Most Domestic Airline carriers are offering provisional refunds on flights to Zika-affected areas. American Airlines is offering free cancellations to certain places on the CDC watch-list and Delta has a cutoff of February 29 for fee-free itinerary changes. However these are just limited options to the many people around the world traveling, which is why it is best to call the airline directly to solve the problem. More likely you will be able to appeal to their humanity and reservations agents will pull special strings.

Got Travel Insurance?

 

Did you purchase travel insurance before your trip but are unsure if your claim will cover the cancellation costs? If you have a “cancellation for any reason” clause, you are in serious luck. If you do not have this luxury, call your travel insurance company (talk to someone directly) and ask if a change of heart is a reasonable excuse for cancellation. If there’s a direct government warning against traveling to that country that also counts as a viable excuse.

 

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Amanwella. Tangalle, Sri Lanka.

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Just off the southeast coast of India lies the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Often overshadowed by its popular neighbors, India and The Maldives, Sri Lanka is at the cusp of a tourism overhaul. Due to it’s vibrant culture, fusion food, sublime beaches, and kind people, Sri Lanka is one of 2016’s must-travel destinations.

By far, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious accommodation is the Amanwella, situated on a mature Coconut Grove just outside the town of Tangalle in southern area of the island. This contemporary beachfront property is reminiscent of my time at the Amankila in Bali because of the strong Asian influence in the architecture of the property as well as it’s use of natural colors and textures. Accessed only a thin and windy gravel road, you open up to a large red pebbled courtyard which leads you to the stunning (and private) crescent-shaped beach.

There are 30 identical suites that are divided between oceanfront and hillside views. Unlike many Aman properties, Amanwella has the option to connect two Suites via a shared courtyard, which is perfect for traveling families. The Suites each come with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to reveal a private terrace and plunge pool.

There are also a number of dining venues at the hotel so you’ll never feel a repetitiveness with meals. The Restaurant is located adjacent to the Arrival Pavilion and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sample the local fisherman’s catch of the day in an intimate and romantic dining experience that combines Asian and Mediterranean influences. The Lounge Bar is a more casual dining venue, but with similar panoramic views to The Restaurant. Be sure to grab a cocktail and paired cigar there at sunset. The Pool Terrace is the perfect place for alfresco dining and a refreshing coconut drinks. The adjoining Beach Club also offers lunch and a private beach BBQ dinner, ideal for you and your loved one.

The Amanwella Spa is the quintessential place for a little R&R. Listen to the sounds of the waves crashing below you on the beach while you indulge in their signature massage, the Abhyanga Massage, which is a traditional Ayurvedic massage including warm oils to remove impurities from the body. If you want a little more action and a little less rest, explore Sri Lanka’s Mulgirigala Rock Temple or try your hand at surfing with one of Amanwella’s expert surf instructors. While Sri Lanka’s weather is pretty moderate year-round, be sure to visit between November-April and go whale-watching!

Sule Shangri-La. Yangon, Myanmar.

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With tourism increasing to more than 5 million travelers a year, Myanmar is the last unchartered tourist destination left in Southeast Asia. Myanmar is still truly authentic, beautiful, but as soon as the tourism and development starts to pickup “affordable” will be out the window. Which is why it is one of our top destinations in 2016 to visit, explore pagodas, cuisine, and culture.  The Burmese are also quickly trying to learn english, so don’t be surprised if a genuinely nice person comes up to you on the street with a, “Hello, whats your name”?

When staying in the city’s capital, there is only place you should stay: Sule Shangri-La, formerly known as the Traders Hotel. The hotel exterior is modern while the interior has the classic Shangri-La luxury mixed with details from Myanmar culture. Double crystal chandeliers adorn the lobby and well as bright peacock murals along the lobby bar. Hand-carved wooden art pieces are showcased throughout the hotel. Many local artists are represented in the hotel, each with their own creative depictions of Burmese stories.

The 484 rooms at the hotel are recently remodeled with modern amenities with a distinctive Asian tradition. Each room comes equipped with a large window that looks out onto the city, river or Shwedagon Pagoda. Flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, fine linens and marble bathrooms complete the guest experience. Stay in one of the Horizon Rooms and Suites, which are situated on a higher floor, with the best views of the city, Yangon River, and the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. For a little extra, you can upgrade to these rooms and enjoy private check-in/check-out, exclusive access to the Club Lounge with daily beverage and ‘happy hour’, Buffet Breakfast at the lounge while enjoying the 360 panoramic views of the city.

There are multiple dining options that offer international cuisine or more daring traditional Burmese cuisine. Summer Palace is the hotel’s signature Chinese Restaurant, specializing in Cantonese Dim Sum and authentic Chinese dishes. If you’re in for a adventure, try the chicken feet cooked in an aromatic sauce.  Also, don’t forget to order our fresh and creamy Mango Pudding for dessert. Head to the Gallery Bar for their crowd-favorite Happy Hour and be sure to order the “Mandalay Sour”. The hotel’s renovation also included the three other venues – Café Sule for international flavours and Asian favourites; the iconic Peacock Lounge, perfect for listening to the piano with a fresh fruit cocktail, and the Gourmet Shop serving freshly baked goods, snacks and beverages.

Top 5 Iconic Hotels

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Ritz Paris

After more than three years of extensive renovation, the grand palatial hotel of Paris was expected to open its doors late 2016. However, due to an unforeseen fire early this year, the opening got delayed a few more months, but rest assured that you will not be disappointed when the Grande Dame of Paris opens its doors.

The Ritz first opened in 1898, which makes it the oldest hotel in our list. The new hotel was constructed behind the façade of an 18th-century town house, overlooking one of Paris’s central squares, Place Vendome. It was reportedly the first hotel in Europe to provide a bathroom en suite, talk about luxury back in the day!

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Claridges, London

Claridge’s was founded in 1812 as Mivart’s Hotel. In 1854, the founder sold the hotel to Mr and Mrs Claridge, who owned a smaller hotel next door. The hotel’s big break was in 1860 when Empress Eugenie made an extended visit and entertained Queen Victoria at the hotel. Like this story, these walls house probably the most interesting conversations among the royal family and political figures of the English history.

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 The Plaza Hotel, New York

The French Renaissance château-style building houses the most interesting stories any hotel could ever dream of. From Frank Loyd Wright feeling inspired for his next book, to Scott Fitzgerald wife frolicking in the hotels fountain during the wee hours. The Plaza Hotel has definitely gained the most fame from the Hollywood blockbuster movies that have been filmed here since it’s opening in 1907.

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Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles

Also known as “The Pink Palace”, The Beverly Hills Hotel was made famous by actors and actresses at the cusp of the glamour age of Hollywood. This was the place to see and be seen by the most influential and a who’s who of the Entertainment Industry. Today, it is as classic as ever, still serving their famous tuna melts in the Fountain Coffee Room or a ladies’ lunch at the famed Polo Lounge. Like most of the actors in Hollywood, the The Beverly Hills Hotel has aged well.

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Raffles Singapore

It was 1887 when the Raffles Hotel Singapore open its magnificent doors to its first lucky guests. Since then, this luxury hotel in Singapore has become an icon that epitomizes the elegance and good taste of the East. Its fresh colonial architecture has attracted the most famous personalities, from writers to celebrities, politicians and members of royalty, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. No matter how many new luxury brands make their way into Singapore, this is and will be the place to stay for a classical and grand experience.

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Waldorf Astoria, New York

Although the recent renovations  have stripped the grandeur of its main lobby area, this hotel is still a landmark of New York due to its stunning art-deco architecture and elegant English country interior. Since it’s beginning, in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria gained international renown for its lavish dinner, parties and galas. A common hub for political and business conferences and fundraising events. Do not forget to stay at the Waldorf Towers, the most exclusive and chic part of the hotel.

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Peninsula, Hong Kong

The grand dame of the orient. Every great lady has a history, and The Peninsula Hong Kong is no exception.  The architects who in the early 1920s drew up plans for “the finest hotel east of Suez” . From the moment The Peninsula opened on 11 December, 1928, it was evident that this was going to be a hotel to swoon about. Over the years, The Peninsula has been witness to and participant in the history of Hong Kong and the world, celebrating stunning galas, enduring hard war years, military occupation and shining like a diamond.  At the Peninsula Hotel myriads of stars, renowned authors, musicians and political figures have chose this to be their home away from home when visiting Hong Kong.

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Saffire Freycinet. Tasmania, Australia

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Tasmania, an island best known for it’s population of the popular cartoon character, the Tasmanian Devil, is also one of the top places for a romantic and magical journey in Australia. The landscape is filled with both Glaciers and volcanoes, rainforests and farmland. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of food, relaxation, and nature, Saffire Freycinet goes above and beyond your expectations. What I love about the hotel is that everything has a local connection; they get their wine from the vineyard over the hill, the seafood freshly caught in the bay, and the produce from a farm down the road.

The rooms are modern yet cozy, with ceiling-to-floor windows, and incredible views. I prefer the Signature Suites because they come with a private deck lounge perfect for breakfast in the morning or a sunset cocktail. If you’re looking for an experience more intimate, opt for the Private Pavilions, they come with their own private kitchen and you’ll never have to leave the room because the chef comes to you! The concierge will tailor your stay for every occasion, and they have even gone as far to write out “Happy Anniversary” in the gravel outside of a guest’s room for their silver anniversary.

Head chef at Palate, the hotel’s culinary masterpiece, Hugh Whitehouse believes that, “…showcasing the best of the season allows us to offer a more balanced and textured dining experience.” The multi-course degustation menus change nightly to offer you a wide variety of eats and adventures. The food is superb and the wine list is extensive- you couldn’t ask for more.

Saffire Freycinet offers a wide variety of complimentary journeys to spice up your stay. From meet-and-greets with Tasmanian Devils to Oyster shucking and sparkling wine tasting (while standing in 4-feet of water int he bay no less), to Pelican Bay canoeing and guided mountain walks, the nature-lover in you (no matter how small) will be surprised at how much fun you have. For the ultimate luxury experience, charter a boat and explore Tasmania’s coastline, with frequent stops to explore deserted beaches and picnic along the cliffs.

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Top 5: Air Travel Trends for the Future

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While there have been some hiccups with international flying, the U.S. is finally making strides upgrading their airliners. Year after year Asia-based airlines, such as Singapore and Cathay Pacific Airways, are at the forefront of luxury air travel, putting the Business and First Class on U.S.-based airlines to shame. In fact, in the year 2015, a U.S.-based airline didn’t even break the Top 25 of the World’s Top 100 Airlines List. However, with America at the head of most technological advances, it only seems fitting that our next wave of development be in Travel.

1. Faster than the Speed of Sound

 

After the failure of Concorde in 2003, the idea of supersonic flights has been put to rest, until now. NASA announced earlier this year that it will be spending 3.9m GBP funding research into finding a greener and quieter alternative to the Concorde. Airbus is also backing a project for the world’s first supersonic business jet, which will make the flight from New York to London in under an hour. Testing will begin in the next 5 years if all goes according to plan and it’s predicted speed will be just under twice the speed of sound, or 1,300 mph.

2. App Obsession

 

Airlines are quickly rolling out new apps for airport navigation and flight management. American Airlines recently adopted Apple’s Core Location Technology to help navigate you and utilize your down time in airports. Which will be majorly helpful when International Airports start building more luxury lodging options across different terminals, such as Helsinki has done with their special sleeping pods. If you’re like me, and would rather starve than eat some airplane food, AirGrub has come up with the perfect app to help you find the top restaurants in each terminal and meals to-go or eat-in.

3. Bye Bye Personal Tv’s

 

Airbus recently filed a patent to introduce virtual reality helmets into airplanes, instead of personal tv’s or group screenings where you’re constantly fiddling with the earphones and trying not to make eye contact with the stranger sitting next to you. The application suggests the helmets could offer “sound, vision or olfactory (related to smell) isolation” from the rest of the aircraft cabin. Hooray for technology!

4. Seat Solutions

 

With travel at an all-time high, crowded flights where you’re fighting over the armrest aren’t going away anytime soon. However, airlines are trying to maximize space and also increase your comfort level, if ever so slightly. Airbus’ next patent would be a seat layout that would stack people in a split-level, mezzanine-style. Airbus also plans on softening the rigid division between First, Business, and Economy by introducing a morphing material into the seats, the more you pay the more comfortable the seat.

5. See The World Outside From Your Seat

 

In 2014 Airbus filed another patent for an “interactive cabin window system” instead of 1-2 small oblong windows in each row. The display screen would bring up information and pictures of what you are passing outside, including historical information and world marvels. Imagine being able to watch the sunrise on the ceiling, even though it is still daytime outside, to help your body adjust to the new time zone it has just reached. The seat automatically readjusts itself to a sitting position to gently wake you up and the sunrise turns into a skyline of Manhattan. Welcome to flying in 2050.

101 Hotel. Reykjavik, Iceland.

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Because of it’s direct flights from the East Coast and accessibility from Europe, Iceland is going to be one of the top destinations to visit in 2016. With some of the best luxury boutique hotels in the world, Iceland is a destination perfect for any season. With the annual Summer Solstice Festival in June and up to 20 hours of sunlight a day, the list of possible activities are endless. Known for it’s expansive and rolling landscapes, filled with glaciers, hardened lava, and natural hot springs, your inner outdoorsman will be filled with joy.

Your first stop on your tour of Iceland should be the capital, Reykjavik. It is the cultural, social, and economic heart of Iceland. Forward-thinking design hotels have been the new trend in Reykjavik, and the 101 hotel is at the forefront of this movement. The hotel has a minimalist and sleek design with splashes of modern art and natural textures such as wood, stone, and glass. The rooms have the same general design, but opt for the Junior Suite with Balcony, especially if you’re there over the summer. The balcony overlooks the harbor and it is the perfect place to have breakfast in the morning.

Icelandic food can be hard to stomach, especially if you’re a picky eater. They love to pickle their food, including their meats. So if you want to dip your toes into the culinary scene, head downstairs to the 101 Hotel’s Kitchen, where they serve modern Icelandic food with an international twist. The hotel also has a wonderful art gallery that showcases leading Icelandic and international artists.

Insider Tip: 101 Hotel is located in downtown Reykjavik, walking distance from some of the best sights and attractions in the city, which means it can get a little noisy so bring some ear plugs!

Pousada Maravilha. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

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Once considered a political prison, Fernando de Noronha is nowadays known as one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. I also find it to be the best-kept secret in Brazil.

This remote island located in a heavenly Archipelago is 340km off the Northeast coast of Brazil. Although it’s not the easiest place to get to, the long journey will be well worth it, trust me.

The island is covered with exotic forest and features volcanic rock formations, turquoise waters and a rare marine wildlife. The Brazilian environmental Association brilliantly limits the number of visitors to 700 per day to ensure that the island can remain an unspoiled gem and not have it turn in to a overcrowded theme park.

Pousada Maravilha is the frosting on the cake. This spectacular Pousada, or hotel, is nestled in between a mountainous region overlooking one of the 16 secluded beaches in FDN. The 8 ultra-luxurious bungalows are modern, simple and beautifully decorated, but always staying true to the surroundings.

You might be asking why come all the way here for a spectacular island if there are so many gorgeous one close to home? Easy, the snorkeling and scuba is rated one of the best in the world. Did I also mention is one of the surfing capitals of the world?