“Don’t bother with churches, government buildings or city squares,” Ernest Hemingway once opined; “if you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bar.” We may have a loftier opinion of government buildings, but we agree that drinking is a surefire way to get to know a destination. In one healthy sip of a local specialty (or two, or three, or twelve—no one’s judging), you can taste a place’s culture and climate, its personality and passions. Channeling the spirit of Papa, we present to you our list of worldwide summer cocktails—and where best to enjoy them. Cheers!
The snow may be gone, but that doesn’t mean the season’s over for America’s top ski resorts. It turns out the gorgeous scenery, wide range of activities and clean mountain air are just as appealing in the summer—and come with zero threat of avalanches. Here are a few top choices. See them all in our Ski Resorts in Summer Collection.
Have you found yourself yearning, ever since a particular day in late January, to escape from the daily chaos of life, the furious tweetstorms and breaking news alerts? You’re not the only one who wants to get away. In fact, the Obamas have been on an epic vacation spree since bidding their final farewells from the White House. Whatever your political persuasion, as world travelers the Obamas are pretty successful at creating enviable #vacationgoals. Here are a few of the places they’ve been—and how to follow along.
Deserted white beaches, charming Mediterranean architecture, cuisine and wine to rival Italy’s—but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Croatia’s appeals are many, and recently we’re seeing a lot of interest from our clients. (It might also have to do with some little show called Game of Thrones that’s filmed there).
But with its attractions spread along a rugged coastline and countless islands, it can be a tricky vacation to plan. We usually recommend exploring the country in a luxury chartered gulet—a traditional wooden sailing yacht—but those need to be reserved well in advance and can be pricey. Here’s an alternative that takes in the highlights and also gets you off the beaten path.
How do you quickly summarize Hong Kong? Quick answer: you don’t. Roast geese hanging in steamy shop windows, just two streets and an alleyway from the crystal dagger that is the Bank of China Tower. Milk tea and custom suits. Watching the sunrise from the top of Victoria Peak. Street food good enough for a Michelin star and cocktail bars that require a secret password. Hong Kong is a city of serious extremes—and fittingly, home to hotels that represent the pinnacle of luxury. So how do you decide where to stay? Here’s our abridged guide.
Dramatic coastal helicopter rides and one of California’s most treasured landscapes almost all to yourself? It may seem like a dream, but Skylark clients have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Big Sur this summer.
The problem with European beaches? All the Europeans. Just kidding! As a matter of fact, we love a scene-y beach, and no one does beach scenes like the Europeans (think St. Tropez or Mykonos or Ibiza). But sometimes there’s nothing better than a sunny day and a deserted beach. After all, who wants their nap interrupted by an errant soccer ball or their sunshine blocked by a parade of partiers stomping their way to the water? Here are three off-the radar-beaches in Europe for the people-averse.
Come on: admit it. What you’re really excited about isn’t the four days off of work, the excuse to day-drink, the quality time with friends and family. You want fireworks. We all want fireworks! The crackle and pop, the streaming colors, the oohs and aahs. What could be more American? Here are a few of our favorite spots across the country to enjoy sparks in the sky.
Summer means sales (and not just at Saks). We’re seeing a lot of great deals for discounted airfares that we wanted to share with our members. See details below—if you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with one of our agents.