Ancient cities, picturesque landscapes, world-class service, and the most lavish spas–embark on an adventure–on your own terms.
One of the best things about traveling is finding adventure. Something generally hazardous, typically exciting, unusually new. The I’ll-deal-with-this-later nagging itch we feel as we ascend the elevator Monday morning. Adventure. The enticing dream that keeps us moving forward.
In 1831, Charles Darwin set sail from Plymouth on a journey that would forever alter the way many see the world. He notoriously began his journey sea sick, vomiting over the sides of the ship, with an unknown, uncharted, and vast expanse of ocean before him. Not exactly first class.
These days, adventure is a little different. Although earth shattering discoveries may be more elusive, for those looking for a taste of the unknown, adventure awaits. In some cases, with Maserati chauffeurs and complimentary cocktails on hand to aid in your recovery.
So wherever in the world you find yourself this year, we’ve compiled a list of trails to explore, restaurants to indulge in, and spas to retreat to. You might not be able to score a trip on the Beagle 2, but you’ll be guaranteed a unique experience in some of the most amazing cities in the world.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Nestled between snow capped mountains on the edge of a vast lake, the pre-medieval city of Zurich is the understated (and underrated) capital of global banking and finance. Its rich history extends beyond the legendary Swiss Banks, to a time when the city served as an early Roman stronghold and rich trading center.
Whether in town for business or pleasure, take advantage of the opportunity to explore a trail system peppered with museum-worthy sculptures, wind down at some of the world’s best spas, and top it all off with a hearty meal of veal and raclette. You earned it.
Where to Stay:
Baur au Lac
Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
● A welcome gift from our hotel’s chocolatier upon arrival
● Early check-in/Late check-out, subject to availability
Dolder Grand Hotel
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily continental breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Widder Hotel
Rennweg 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● A guaranteed upgrade to a Junior Suite or Suite at time of booking if you book a deluxe double room.
● For bookings on other room types you will receive our Zurich card, a 24-hour pass offering free transportation and entrance to all the 43 museums in Zurich.
● Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in the pavilion
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Where to Eat:
Kronenhalle
Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Hiltl
Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Raclette Stube
Zähringerstrasse 16, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Don’t Miss:
Mountain Bike through Dolder Forest
SHANGHAI, CHINA
Shanghai buzzes with energy at all hours of the day and night. The bustling hub of industry and finance in the world’s most populous country, Shanghai’s rich history melds Eastern and Western traditions and has left the city, its culture, and its inhabitants cosmopolitan, diverse, and certainly never boring.
You can’t visit and not take a jog along the meandering mile Bund alongside the Huangpu river. To get a real taste of the city, though, join a running tour and embark on a trip through time to discover the architectural styles of historic buildings and spaces, mouth-watering scents, and a cacophony of expression like nowhere else.
Where to Stay:
The Peninsula Shanghai
32 Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● A complimentary lunch for up to two people per room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities, served at Yi Long Court
● A Virtuoso smartphone will be extended to clients on arrival offering numerous features such as complimentary international and local telephone calls, emergency contact numbers, a direct line to the Hotel Concierge and addresses of main tourist attractions.
● One exquisite lacquer soapbox per stay
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The PuLi Hotel and Spa
1 Changde Rd, Jing’an, Shanghai, China, 200040
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability,already included in rates
● Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests,already included in rates
● Afternoon tea set with a glass of champagne for up to 2 persons per room once per stay
● Early check-in/late check-out,subject to availability
● Welcome amenity
Twelve at Hengshan
Hengshan on the 12th, Xuhui District, 200031
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Where to Eat:
Lost Heaven
38 Gaoyou Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai, China
Red Door Lounge
Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Dragon Phoenix
8F, Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai 200002, China
Don’t Miss:
Saturday Tea Dance at the Jasmine Lounge
MUNICH, GERMANY
Long the heart of Bavarian culture, fine arts, architecture, and science, Munich was founded in the early medieval period and named in honor of the Benedictine Monastery from which it sprung. The city’s rich history and reputation as host of legendary Oktoberfest is a melange that has resulted in a culture founded on complexities, curiosity, and education.
Munich is known for much more than dirdls and good beer. The Englischer Garten is Europe’s largest urban park, dwarfing even New York City’s Central Park. Take a walk or ride through the extensive trail network, and you will discover roaming goats, frigid streams, Buddhist temples, and miles of land to explore.
Where to Stay:
The Mandarin Oriental Munich
Neuturmstraße 1, 80331 München, Germany
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay
● Complimentary internet access
● Early check-in/late check-out
The Charles Hotel
Sophienstraße 28, 80333 München, Germany
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
● Early check-in/late check-out
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
Maximilianstraße 17, 80539 München, Germany
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
● Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, in restaurant or via room service
● $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit,
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
● For Suite Bookings of 3000 Euros per night: Complimentary round-trip airport transfers
What to Eat:
Vinpassa
Isabellastraße 47, 80796 München, Germany
Tegernseer Tal Bräuhaus
Tal 8, 80331 München, Germany
Mark’s
Neuturmstraße 1, 80331 München, Germany
Don’t Miss:
Check out the Munich surfers at the Eisbach
MANILA, PHILIPPINES
The bayside capital of the South Pacific hub for finance, industry, and trade, the cosmopolitan city of Manila teems with life. Although the city’s Spanish colonial heritage is still visible in old stone pathways and the Intramuros–the old walled city that sits at the heart of the town–Manila is thoroughly modern with a vibrant economy of innovation and creativity.
Skyscrapers punctuate piercing blue skies and warm, invigorating sunshine. Lace up your shoes and prepare for a hike around Manila–full of opportunity in luxury pearl traders, spa treatments, and silk markets.
Where to Stay:
Raffles Makati
1 Raffles Drive Manila, Makati, 1224 Metro Manila, Philippines
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
● Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, OR Complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The Peninsula Manila
1226 Makati City, Metro Manila
Makati Shangri-La
Makati Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines
Where to Eat:
Som’s Noodle House
1766 Nicanor Garcia, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Sala Restaurant
Podium Level, LV Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Ave, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines
People’s Palace
1st, Greenbelt 3, Esperanza, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines
Don’t Miss:
Talk to the concierge about attending a local cock fight
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
Colombo became an established port over 2,000 years ago. Due in part to its strategic location, the city became the capital of Sri Lanka when the British ceded the country in 1815. Although the formal capital was moved to the adjacent city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte in 1982, Colombo has remained the country’s hub for trade, business, and entertainment in the South Asian country.
These days, Sri Lankans and expatriates enjoy the many outdoor attractions of the city. Visitors and locals alike can be found sipping Coca-Cola from glass bottles on the Galle Face Green–a ribbon of parkland along the oceanfront. For those wishing to stretch their legs, walk the trails at Viharamahadevi Park. Afterwards, treat yourself to a game of croquet and a visit to the spa at the historic Galle Face Hotel.
Where to Stay:
Galle Face Hotel
2 Galle Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Taj Samudra
25, Galle Face Center Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Kingsbury
Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Where to Eat:
Nihonbashi
11 National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
The Mango Tree
62 Dharmapla Road, කොළඹ, Sri Lanka
The Lagoon
00300, 77 Galle Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Don’t Miss:
Watch Sri Lanka take on India in a cutthroat game of criquet at the Premadasa Stadium
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
New York is a prismatic city like a work of art. As cosmopolitan as it is American, New York’s rich history is evident in the complexities of design, flavors, and cultures. From street food to white table cloths, brownstones to high rises, the city is not shy about surprises.
Take a trip within the city and explore the five boroughs. Learn the feat of engineering that transformed marshy swampland into the celebrated Central Park, before floating beneath lanterns at The Greenwich Hotel’s underground swimming pool, a gem housed in a 250-year-old pine farmhouse transported from Kyoto.
Where to Stay:
Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (Valid room to room or suite to suite only. Upgrade already reflected in GDS rates)
● Daily Continental Breakfast for up to two in-room guests
● $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
● Complimentary Wi-Fi for duration of stay
Hotel Plaza Athenee, New York
37 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD Hotel Credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
● Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
The Greenwich Hotel
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
● $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Where to Eat:
Uncle Boons
7 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Kiki’s
130 Division St, New York, NY 10002
Seamore’s
390 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Don’t Miss:
Explore the heartbeat of the city with a visit to The Moth
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Nestled on the shore of Table Bay, beneath the austere and protective mountain that lends the area its name, Cape Town is the world’s southernmost playground. The colonial city dates back to the early 15th century, when the bay was established as a trading hub for Dutch, Portuguese, French, Danish, and English explorers, who exchanged tobacco, copper, and iron for fresh meat.
These days, visitors can leave their herbs and hardwares at home and still explore all the city has to offer. Wander through vibrant neighbors and learn the history of the area. Suit up and dive in to discover the underwater wonders (careful for sharks!). Treat yourself and travel by train through the countryside to visit world-renowned vineyards. Cheers!
Where to Stay:
Cape Grace
W Quay Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
● A choice of a 50 minute traditional massage or a 50 minute Neoqi Hydrotherapy Experience, per person, per room, per stay
● Complimentary mini bar consisting of a selection of local wines, beer and soft drinks
● A complimentary bottle of wine, per stay, from the Virtuoso Wine bin in the Bascule Vinoteque
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Taj Cape Town
1 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Daily Full English Breakfast
● 1 1/2 Hour City Walk with a professional tour guide
● Wine Tasting for two guests in the Wine Gallery once during stay
● For stays of 4 nights or more, we add the following:
● a ZAR500 food credit in either Mint restaurant or the Twankey Champagne & Tapas bar, once per stay
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Victoria Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Departure Lounge Clients Receive:
● Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
● Full South African Breakfast daily including freshly-harvested oysters and sparkling wine, served in restaurant
● Tea by the Sea for two (once during the stay)
● Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
● For stays of 4 or more nights guests also receive:
● A scheduled helicopter transfer for two to the V&A Waterfront OR A luxury one-way airport road transfer (Luxury Room or above)
Where to Eat:
La Colombe
Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7848, South Africa
The Roundhouse & Rumbullion
Round House Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Moyo Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
Don’t Miss:
Surf with the Muizenberg locals
It doesn’t take much more than the pleasure of investigation to find adventure. Cheers, to 2016! Contact [email protected] to schedule a talk with a Departure Lounge travel advisor to plan your next getaway.
Article by Leslie Canter.
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