May 2016 Hideaway Report

In this issue, Andrew Harper shares luxury travel recommendations from a recent cruise to Antarctica. Over the course of the month, we will also be releasing Mr. Harper's trip report from Belize, travel photos, an itinerary and more.

Articles

Antarctic Cruise Adventure

Antarctica is the place of the moment. Cruises sell out a year in advance, and the Andrew Harper Travel Office is deluged with inquiries.

An Antarctic Reading and Viewing List

The books and DVDs I found most useful and enjoyable in preparing for our Antarctic trip, and while there.

The Many Guises of Ice

If you thought that ice was a fairly straightforward substance, and chiefly of use for cooling a gin and tonic, then Antarctica will be a revelation.

A Wealth of Wildlife

These are the creatures we saw on our Antarctic voyage, and you will have a very good chance of seeing them as well.

Time Travel at Port Lockroy

A surprising high point of the trip was our visit to Port Lockroy, a former British base that has been restored and now operates as a museum.

Antarctic Cruise Options

When contemplating a cruise to the Antarctic, it is vital to think carefully about your personal priorities.

Video: The Quiet Splendor of an Antarctica Cruise

Our Antarctica cruise followed a route from Ushuaia, across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands, and along the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Arctic Cruise Options

Most of the inquiries about the Arctic focus on polar bears. Here are cruise options that will address that passion and more.

What to Pack for a Trip to Antarctica

What to pack on a cruise to Antarctica, in addition to the digital Expedition Guide from Lindblad.

Belize: From the Jungle to the Beach

With a population of just 350,000, Belize has done an outstanding job of protecting its environmental and historical riches.

Belize Underground: Sacred Caves

The limestone bedrock beneath much of Belize is riddled with caves, which the ancient Maya regarded as portals to the underworld.

Archaeology: Ancient Mayan Cities

Belcampo Belize stands near some intriguing and little-known Mayan sites, including Nim Li Punit and Lubaantu.

Classic Hotels and Resorts in Belize

I have traveled to Belize regularly over the past three decades. During that period, a number of hotels and resorts have become established favorites.

Gourmet Belize: A Cooking Class and Spice Farm Tour

Few tourists head to Belize specifically for the food, but that doesn’t mean the country is a gastronomic backwater.

Memorable Rums of Belize

I’ve yet to visit a Central American country in which I found the local rum to be disappointing. Belizean distilleries make some rums as well.

Excursions: Snorkeling Mexico Rocks

The famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve, south of San Pedro, can become crowded during high season, so we snorkeled the waters farther north at Mexico Rocks.

Video: Belize Jungle to the Beach

With a population of just 350,000, Belize has done an outstanding job of protecting its environmental and historical riches.

New and Noteworthy May 2016

Andrew Harper shares notable luxury travel news from May 2016, like Seabourn's spa cruise, Singita Lebombo's expansion and Adrian Zecha's Chinese hotel venture.

Making Connections

Ultra-long-haul flights are back.The world’s longest flight is operated by Emirates from Dubai to Panama City (17 hours 35 min).

Letter From the Editor, May 2016

Antarctica is the place of the moment. I am asked constantly about cruises to the Great White Continent, and the Travel Office is deluged with inquiries.