On Our Travels – Quintessentially Travel

A GUATEMALAN TRANSFORMATION

Eleri — Sat, 04 May 2024 19:04:30 +0000

From coffee to conservation

The area surrounding the Atitlán Nature Reserve has undergone a quite remarkable transformation over the last few centuries. As recently as the late 1700s, the site was home to a thriving Mayan population, but the incursion of colonial Spain in the 19th and 20th centuries meant that it became first a sugar plantation, then a coffee one under the ownership of Don Moises Rivera Soto. However, one of the Don’s descendants decided to convert the plantation into a conservation site at the close of the 1990s, opening first a butterfly preserve and accompanying nature trails.

Today, the site is a fully-fledged nirvana for nature enthusiasts, with hanging bridges traversing mighty waterfalls and the gentle calls of crickets and hummingbirds accompanying the lilting rhythms of a life less hectic. Meanwhile, those who crave more activity in their holidays can soar far above the coffee groves, plunging waters and lush vegetation via the Reserve’s many ziplines. Where else would you get such a burst of adrenaline alongside such restful repose?

Disconnect, destress, indulge

The remote location of the Reserve, coupled with the scenic serenity of the lake adjacent, makes this one trip which is guaranteed to put you firmly in touch with the ground beneath your feet. To make the experience that much more meaningful, we recommend staying at Casa Palopó on the lake’s eastern fringes. This stunning boutique hotel offers impeccable hospitality, incredible views and extraordinary fine dining opportunities, all with a firm emphasis on getting away from it all.

For example, the property is proud to operate a no-television policy, allowing guests the opportunity to fully unwind in its elegantly decorated interior. Indigenous artwork and charming Guatemalan antiques adorn the walls, while the four-poster beds are made from rich mahogany and topped with sumptuous Italian linen, offering the utmost in comfortable indulgence. Meanwhile, each room comes with its own private terrace looking onto the lake and the awe-inspiring panoramas beyond, while certain villas even boast their own infinity pool and hot tub.

Exploring further afield

It might be difficult to tear yourself away from all that lavish luxury, but the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Aside from the Reserve itself, the lake is fringed by a multitude of diminutive towns and villages, each offering its own unique characteristics and charisma. The busy town of Panajachel, for example, is a popular gateway to the lake and its streets are awash with vendors selling traditional textiles and artisanal handicrafts.

Over on the opposite shore lies Santiago Atitlán, a fascinating insight into Mayan heritage. Alongside the colourful clothing of the locals, the town is also home to the Church of St James the Apostle, which is one of the oldest surviving Catholic buildings in the whole of central America. It’s also notable as the final resting place of Father Stanley Rother, the first US-born martyr who was tragically murdered during the Guatemalan Civil War. Neighbouring San Juan La Laguna is another itinerary highlight, perched atop a chocolate-box bay and home to the unique culture and crafts of its Tz’utujil inhabitants.

Reconnecting with nature

At Quintessentially Travel, we firmly believe in the importance of making the most of your time off. We also understand that everyone’s idea of the perfect holiday is different, which is why we pride ourselves on delivering bespoke luxury experiences that are specifically tailored to your unique tastes and predilections. Indeed, we’ve spent a decade building an impeccable reputation in the industry for creating once-in-a-lifetime trips for our guests, going above and beyond to exceed their expectations and deliver an experience they’ll look back on with fondness for years to come.

2020 sees us celebrate our 10th year anniversary, and one of the cornerstones of our commemorative campaign is the idea of reconnecting – both with the natural and the traditional. A trip to the Atitlán Reserve is the ideal way to experience Mayan culture in an unadulterated form, while the sustainably minded management of the Reserve offers up great opportunities to immerse yourself in the wildlife of the region. Add in a stay at Casa Papoló and you can’t fail to return from your sojourn rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rigours of the modern world afresh. For more information on organising your dream trip to this Central American idyll, get in touch with our team of luxury travel experts at Quintessentially Travel, today.

One of our favourite destinations to reconnect

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, our ideal holiday is simply an opportunity to get away from the daily grind. It's about switching off our mobile phones, logging out of our email accounts and disconnecting from the hectic hustle and bustle of modern life – and reconnecting with the world in its most natural state. At Quintessentially Travel,one of our favourite spots for such an experience is Cayo Espanto, a private island resort located just off the coast of Belize.
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rnThis exquisite hideaway is one of Central America's best kept secrets. Surrounded on all sides by the azure allure of the Caribbean, the island is within easy reach of some of the best scuba diving spots to be found anywhere on the planet. Whether it's the crystal-clear waters themselves, the golden sands of the island's beaches, the lush greenery of the native trees or the vibrant plumage of the birds which inhabit them, Cayo Espanto's colourful palette provides the perfect backdrop to truly feel at one with the world we live in.

At one with nature – hammocking in the Arctic

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

A remarkable history

It’s no wonder that Halipuu commands such an aura of magic and majesty, since the site has an incredible story attached to it. With the outbreak of World War Two, countless lives across the globe were thrown into disarray – including that of Kaarle Raekallio. Just a toddler at the time, Kaarle was forced to flee his island home and seek refuge on the Finnish mainland. As compensation for the land they lost, the government gifted Kaarle’s family a small parcel of Halipuu forest to try and help them put down roots in their new home.

Fast forward more than half a century and Kaarle has become Pappa (“grandfather”), the patriarch of his own family. But it’s not just humans that Pappa counts among his kin – after nurturing his woodland to maturity with the intention to harvest it for timber, Pappa found himself unable to part with his new friends. Instead, he put his Lappish pine offspring up for adoption and opened up Halipuu to the whole world, inviting tree huggers and nature enthusiasts from every corner of the globe to come and experience his own personal piece of paradise.

Reconnect, rejuvenate, relax

Guests at Halipuu forest can expect to be heartily welcomed by Pappa’s family – of both the arboreal and corporeal varieties. After a gentle stroll through the idyllic woodland surrounding the Raekallio homestead, you’ll be walked through a series of meditation and relaxation exercises designed to put you in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy your experience. Then you’ll be cocooned into a warm and cosy hammock to reconnect with nature and enjoy the Arctic environment in a manner quite unlike any other.

After your session under the pines is complete, you’ll be treated to a warming blackcurrant soup and a homemade snack crafted by Grandmother Terttu for the ultimate in Nordic hospitality. The site is open all through the year, meaning you can visit during the International Day of Forests in March, Tree Hugger’s Week in August or even come in the icy extremes of winter for a chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive but enthralling Aurora Borealis. Whenever you visit, you’re sure to return from your getaway refreshed and ready to take on the world once more.

Supporting sustainability

Visitors to Halipuu are not only guaranteed a truly restorative experience, but one that’s good for the body as well as the mind. That’s because the Lappish pines in Pappa’s woodland are highly sensitive to air pollution, meaning that the flourishing flora all around is testament to the cleanliness and quality of the Arctic air. By supporting Halipuu with your custom, you’re helping to sustain the forest for future generations to enjoy, as well.

Indeed, you don’t even have to arrive in person to make a difference. Halipuu runs an online adoption programme, in which patrons can sponsor a tree for a period of five years. During that time, they’re encouraged to stop by and see their adopted alpine friend as many times as they like, or else connect with the Raekallio family over video link if a physical visit isn’t possible. Contributing to conservation schemes such as these is key to giving back to the planet and ensuring that it’s every bit as verdant and vibrant decades down the line.

Finnish fancies

Kalipuu comprises just one opportunity to be at one with nature, but Finland as a whole and Lapland in particular offer a variety of similar experiences. For those who wish to see this captivating country in all its splendour and reconnect with their natural roots in the process, an extended trip might be an ideal option. As well as dropping in on Pappa and his brood, there’s also the chance to hunt for the Aurora within the Arctic Circle over a number of days. Traverse the tundra in a husky-drawn sled, indulge in an exotic bath in a geothermal spa and even say hello to Saint Nicholas and his reindeer.

Luxury accommodation options in Lapland are also in high supply. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is home to the original glass igloo, allowing guests to stare up at the starry night sky or – if they’re lucky – witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own bed. For a more panoramic place to rest your head, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel is a bucket-list destination perching up among the pines. Meanwhile, those in the market for more traditional lodgings may prefer the Arctic Light Hotel, which is housed inside the former City Hall of Rovaniemi. Wherever you feel most comfortable, we’ve got an option to suit.

Quintessentially satisfied customers

At Quintessentially Travel, we pride ourselves on delivering a thrilling experience that goes above and beyond the expectations of our clients with each and every holiday we tailor make. By taking the time to really get to know our guests, we can envisage what constitutes their ideal getaway and then create a detailed itinerary that’s uniquely geared towards their tastes and preferences.

Equipped with that knowledge, we can then consult our team of international travel experts, who have spent years scouring the globe in search of the next hidden gem. Whether it be hammocking in the Arctic Circle or kicking back on Caribbean beaches that most inspires you, we’ve got the knowhow and the global network of contacts to make it happen. We have established excellent relationships with all of the world’s elite hotels and resorts, giving you access to preferential rates and additional VIP benefits (such as room upgrades, flexible check-in times and resort credit) which really make a holiday memorable. To learn more about how we can turn your next escape into something unbelievable, get in touch with Quintessentially Travel, today.

The world’s most luxurious phinisi yacht

Eleri — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

How would describe Prana by Atzaro?

An impressive 180ft motor-sailing yacht built locally in Sulawesi which launched for its first voyage in 2018. Styled on a traditional Indonesian Phinisi sailing boat, which uses materials such as ironwood and teak, also offers low-key natural luxury (in line with its Ibizan cousin Atzaro Hotel) – plus all the comforts you would expect from a superyacht – this is the most luxurious Phinisi ever built.

This was a once in a lifetime trip and one of the most special and wonderful experiences I have had in my career. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone and everyone – it is perfect particularly for a group gathering/celebration.

What makes it different from a ‘regular’ cruise yacht?

What makes Prana by Atzaro unique to other yachts is that it’s owned by people who do hotels – they get service and how it works, and this is what makes it better than other yachts owned as a hobby. The team are excellent, and the little touches really make a difference, such as remembering how you like your coffee in the morning. The staff are always flexible, catering to guests’ wishes and ensuring that the trip is exactly right for them.

What routes can you go on?

My personal experience was a five-night cruise around the unexplored Raja Ampat Islands which is part of the Indonesian West Papua Province. I would suggest a minimum of seven-nights to get the optimum amount of time onboard Prana by Atzaro. From my experience, the sheer size of Raja Ampat and the vast range of activities, local culture, incredible marine life, numerous staggeringly beautiful diving and snorkelling sites that you have to yourself, there is so much variety that one could easily spend 10 days exploring all that this amazing and diverse destination has to offer. In five-days, we covered the central and northern parts of Raja Ampat, but there is so much more to explore, for example the south is 14 hours cruise away and offers some of the best diving in the islands.

As a destination, Raja Ampat is like nowhere I have been before. It is a serene and a pristine paradise that almost feels like you’ve entered Jurassic world – discover the immense limestone rocks jutting from the sea, jewel-like emerald waters that seems almost unreal and empty white sand bays and coves. With no one else around, you barely see another boat or person, so this experience really does feel truly, truly wild. The fact that Raja Ampat is so hard to reach makes it even more of a spectacular and special destination. From London, I flew to Jakarta via Hong Kong and then on for another 4.5 hours to Sorong (there is only one flight per day, and there is no direct access from other hubs in Indonesia such as Bali). The whole journey took 30 hours with two overnight flights, but it was absolutely worth the sore bones, stiff neck and every minute of missed sleep to discover the undiscovered – the secret that is Raja Ampat. I believe that what is keeping the area so perfectly protected is that the journey is so challenging, and although it is a drawback, at the same time, what makes it so magical and otherworldly is because you are genuinely worlds away.

As for the Komodo Islands, these are amazing but in a very different way – from pink sand beaches to the Komodo dragons swimming past the boat. This is also a more accessible destination than Raja Ampat and would work well in combination with a few nights elsewhere in Indonesia, such as Bali – extend the trip to more than just a charter.

What activities are available?

Guests can dive without any diving experience as there are diving instructors on board.
For those not keen on diving, the snorkelling too is out of this world and so varied – the best I have every experienced – we swam with turtles, manta rays and blacktip sharks, amongst so many different species of fish and astonishingly brightly coloured coral. There are some of the best dive sites in the world in Raja Ampat such as Melissa’s garden.
Trekking to the top of peaks to get picture perfect views.
Swimming in secret saltwater lagoons.
Visiting local villages virtually untouched by tourism.
Watersports: 6 paddleboards, 6 sea kayaks, wakeboards, water skis, fishing gear, diving and snorkelling equipment for all guests.
Yoga mats on board and a yoga instructor can be part of the staff if requested.
An outdoor cinema with bean bags can be set up in the evenings on the top deck (wind dependant), the team can serve dinner whilst guests enjoy a film with a cocktail.

Is there a crew onboard to look after guests? Tell us about them (chefs, crew, hospitality staff)

The staff to guest ratio is 1:1, so as you would expect the service is second to none. Mick the Cruise Director and his team ensure everyone on board is looked after and has everything they need.
Daily personal laundry service and turn down twice a day – this is real hotel style service.
Culinary delights by Chef Fauzi – all food is included and is of an extremely high quality. Everything we ate was delicious! From the Indonesian breakfasts (a huge spread of fresh juices, tropical fruits, cereal and yogurts, Nasi Goreng and everything else you could want made to order), the family style lunches of grilled meat, fresh fish and salads, to the varied dinners including a Lebanese sharing feast, beach BBQ and plated four course fine dining experience – we felt completely spoilt for choice.
A spa treatment room and two masseuses on board at all times (a 30 minutes massage or beauty treatment per person, during the cruise is included in the rates).

Describe a perfect day on Prana by Atzaro…

Our breakfast starts off with a fresh juice, tropical fruits and nasi goreng to gather energy for the morning’s hike. We hop on the tenders and soon find ourselves on a powder white beach, which we have all to ourselves. Venturing into the trees, we begin our short but steep trek up to the peaks of Wayag. The pain is worth the prize and when we reach the top, we are greeted by Raja Ampat’s most iconic view and the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us.

Once back on the beach, the crew have set up bean bags and umbrella shades for us to relax and enjoy our private bay. We swim and sunbathe and then head back to the yacht.

After an hour to chill on board, it is time for the morning’s second activity, and we head out again on the tenders to a nearby snorkel/dive spot. We slide into the crystal-clear waters to see what awaits us below and not only is there an abundance of fish and glittering coral, but we also spot a turtle.

Back onboard, we enjoy a lunch of light coconut-y Indonesian curries (a choice of fish, chicken and chickpea line the table), rice and a selection of salads by chef Fauzi.

This afternoon, we are offered the opportunity to: head to the spa for a massage, read our books on the sundeck, explore the glistening seas by kayak or make use of the motorised watersports such as water-skiing and doughnutting off the back of the dinghies.

In the early evening, we are told to get ready to head off the boat again and the tenders take us zig zagging through the rocky limestone outcrops and turquoise ocean until we reach yet another sandy cove where the crew are waiting to greet us for a Surprise Beach party. We arrive at dusk for music and margaritas, followed by a dinner of grilled lobster and BBQ meats as the sun went down, plus drinks around the bonfire before we head back to Prana by Atzaro, ready to retire and prepare for another extraordinary day to come.

‘Wandalust in Rwanda

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Some people call Rwanda the “land of a thousand hills”.

Lush, green and boasting some of Africa’s most varied wildlife (of which more, later), a country once known for its civil war of the mid-1990s, is now a byword for stability, ecology and wonder.

And it’s for these – and countless other reasons – that Rwanda is one of the most important destinations for Quintessentially Travel in 2020. Our holidays, planned with the most knowledgeable local guides, will give you

a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, dubbed ‘Africa’s Singapore’, is known for its fantastic restaurants, thriving art scene and exciting start-up culture. One of the cleanest (and safest) cities in Africa, it’s the perfect place to take in some paintings, go for a stroll and drink coffee – the beans produced here are some of the best in the world. The city also warrants a visit to the sobering, but essential Genocide Memorial and Museum.

There are many luxury properties to stay in, but we’d recommend making The Retreat by Heaven your base. Opened by Josh and Alissa Ruxin, two American health workers who came to the country after the 1994 genocide, this beautiful boutique hotel boasts 11 rooms, a pool, spa and a restaurant that makes staying here an effortless pleasure.

Away from the city, there’s one experience that you have to witness that takes place in Rwanda’s scenic countryside.

The annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony (Kwita Izina in the local language), takes place on the first Friday of September every year. Broadcast on national TV, and with the president in attendance, it showcases the official naming of every gorilla born in the previous year. Not only does it mark the importance of wildlife to Rwanda’s identity, but it’s also a celebration of its rejuvenation.

If you’re keen to see more gorillas, we’d also recommend a visit to the Volcanoes National Park, located in the south-west of the country. Here you’ll be taken on an official gorilla trek, where you’ll meet families of gorillas. Most exciting of all, you’ll be given an hour with your chosen family, all under the watchful eye of your guides. You can then relax in style at one of the luxury lodges adjacent to the national park. Bisate Lodge, a six-villa property, is built in the hillside of an extinct volcano; while trekking begins from the doorstep of the eight-suite Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Gorillas aren’t the only animals who make Rwanda their home. Another unmissable location is the Nyungwe National Park, a rainforest also in Rwanda’s south-west. This time, it’s not gorillas you’ll be looking for, but chimpanzees.

With local guides leading the way, you’ll be taken on a ‘chimp trek’ in search of our closest common primate, though while you’re there, there’s a good chance you’ll also meet some colobus monkeys. And, as at Volcanoes National Park, you’ll be relaxing in luxury, this time at the One&Only Nyungwe House, a five-star property located in a tea plantation.

On our Rwandan trip, we’ll do the hard work for you, which means booking you into the very best luxury accommodation, sorting out any transfers and putting you in the capable hands of local experts on the ground. And with members of the Quintessentially Travel team having experienced the extraordinary itinerary for themselves, we can attest that this is an emerging destination for good reason.

Rwanda may be a newcomer on the global bucket list, but as you’ll discover, today it’s ready to show you everything it has to offer. And that, as you’ll find out, is rather a lot indeed.

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Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba: Hotel Review

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Tell us about the atmosphere and location

The Sacred Valley of the Incas has become a cornerstone of Peru’s thriving tourist industry, with easy access to the citadel of Machu Picchu and the ancient city of Cuzco. And while that has brought crowds in ever larger numbers, Hacienda Urubamba’s location, set well back from the main road in 100 acres of lush farmland, means guests can experience this spectacular part of Peru without having to deal with the hordes of travelers who ply this route year round. The location is nothing short of incredible. The main house overlooks razor sharp ridges which climb to sharp peaks, the changing light giving each mountain its own allure as the day wears on.

The altitude (the hotel sites at 3,200 meters above sea level) means that everything moves at a pleasingly stately pace. The main lounge, with its roaring fire, is the perfect place to sip on a pre–dinner Pisco sour.

What’s the latest?

Although Hacienda Urubamba opened in 2015, its specifically created spa is a more recent addition. With treatment rooms overlooking mature lavender fields, the main appeal is the herb garden, where guests can harvest ingredients for their own, personalized massage oil, including chamomile and zesty Andean mint. Following treatments, guests can relax take advantage of the sauna and outdoor cold shower before settling into the hot tub, which overlooks the hotel’s own farm and the Andes in the distance.

What can you expect to find at the hotel?

Hacienda Urubamba featured 36 rooms in total. 12 are found within the main house, with nine superior deluxe, two junior suites and a vast ‘owner’s suite’, arrayed over one whole corner of the building. Downstairs, the main building features floor to ceiling windows, all the better for taking in the view while lingering over a cocktail or eating at the in–house restaurant.

There are also 24 casitas (literally ‘small homes’) spread spaciously over the hill behind the main house, backed by limestone–streaked hills. Each one features a patio, as well as a wood burner, with staff on hand to light a fire whenever required, a particular treat to return to after dinner.

As with other Inkaterra properties across the country, they are designed to mimic traditional homes, with wooden beams and stone walls abounding. Amenities include toiletries made using local ingredients, with vast and comfortable beds, TVs with local and international stations and coffee–making facilities with beans from local suppliers. Rooms start at £299 per night.

Hacienda Urubamba operates an Earth to Table concept, meaning ingredients used in the restaurants impressive menu are sourced on site, with meat brought in from local farms. While traditional dishes, such as lomo saltado and trout ceviche are readily available, alternatives such as tagliatelle made with wild mushrooms foraged around the property are what set it apart. The 100-acre farm is at the heart of the property, growing a wide variety of corn, kale, strawberries and elderberries, the soil irrigated by glacial meltwater and the ample rain which falls from November until March. Everything is organic.

Staff in both the restaurant and the wider hotel are extremely friendly and attentive to all needs, big and small.

What type of trip and traveller is it for?

Hacienda Urubamba is ideal for guests who want to experience the majesty of the Sacred Valley in a relaxed and luxurious setting, while learning about local culture. Inkaterra’s approach means that on–site excursions are included, with the chance to learn how to make chicha, the local corn–based beer that is available in villages throughout the valley, understand pre–Incan myths on a night hike under the stars with one of the in–house guides or go out birdwatching at dawn.

On the QT

The guided day time hike to over 3,400 meters offers truly stunning views of the valley and only takes an hour. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and will help you find the most photogenic spots while teaching you about the local flora and fauna.

Keep note

The shops in all of Inkaterra’s properties source the very best homewares and interiors from their specific region and Hacienda Urubamba is no different. The traditionally made blankets are worth searching out, allowing you to take some local style back home with you.

August, Antwerp: Hotel Review

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Tell us about the atmosphere and location

August sits just inside the car–free Green Quarter, a onetime military hospital complex that was used to care for Belgian soldiers during the 19th century. Today its covered walkways and quiet paths offer sanctuary from the busier streets of the city centre for both local residents and guests. The same air of serenity can be found inside August too, a nod to its religious past. Even the bar, once a chapel for the resident nuns, exudes a calm vibe, thanks to its towering windows and bright white walls. Its beautifully designed, secluded gardens provide respite on a warm day, the ideal space for morning coffee or one of the bar staff’s superbly crafted cocktails in the afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Work on August began in 2014, shortly after Van Hool began searching for a new property to build on the success of Hotel Julien in downtown Antwerp. It required extensive renovation, yet due to its protected status it was imperative that the original features of the former cloister were respected and retained. This job fell to Vincent Van Duysen, arguably Belgium’s most famous architect, with the hotel opening its doors in early 2019. August is his first hotel project. Van Duysen has a love of simple, spare design that can be seen throughout, whether it’s in the darkened confines of the restaurant, which stretches along the corridor beside the former chapel, or the monastic style rooms. In September 2019, August won the prestigious public vote for Het Schoonste Gebouw, the cleanest building in Antwerp, a biennial award for heritage buildings in the city.

What can you expect to find at the hotel?

August’s facilities reflect the understated luxury of the wider Green Quarter. The Jane, the two star Michelin restaurant just a few minutes away by foot, is a key inspiration. Its chef, Nick Bril, has curated the menu for the in–house restaurant, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Some of these are grown on the roof of PAKT, a former industrial site next to August that is pioneering a new rooftop city farm concept.

The light and airy bar is open until midnight, serving a full bar menu and specially curated cocktails. The Cocktail Maison, made with rhubarb cider, is a must.

The 44 rooms stay true to Van Duysen’s guiding design principles, with whitewashed walls and linen, marble tables and simple bathrooms. High ceilings and ample light, plus excellent amenities including 70 TV channels, a Bluetooth speaker and extremely comfortable beds, help balance the purposefully austere look. Rooms start at €219 per night.

The spa offers sauna, hammam, ice scrubs and even a reed filtered outdoor swimming pond. Bamford products are available, with private wellness sessions giving guests exclusive access to all the facilities. Prices start at €70 for one person per hour.

In room iPads offer make it easy to book treatments and arrange dinner reservations, with desk staff attentive and amenable. The free Wi–Fi is powerful and makes working in your room or in the bar pleasingly straightforward.

What type of trip and traveller should stay here?

August is ideal for travellers who love refined style, low key service and exploring first class culture and history. The hotel is a short walk from the stunning Art Nouveaux houses of Zurenborg, with the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Plantin Moretus Museum and Red Star Line Museum just a short ride away on Antwerp’s excellent and reliable tram service.

On the QT

Nearby PAKT, with its rooftop farm and creative businesses, is ripe for exploration. Caffenation serves the best coffee in the city, roasting its beans on site. It’s the ideal spot for a pick me up before heading into town.

Keep note

Just across from August’s main entrance is its shop. As well as serving simple lunches and coffee, it also stocks homeware, skincare and books used at the property, allowing you to take some of its enduring style home with you.

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On Our Travels – Quintessentially Travel

A GUATEMALAN TRANSFORMATION

One of our favourite destinations to reconnect

At one with nature – hammocking in the Arctic

The world’s most luxurious phinisi yacht

How would describe Prana by Atzaro?

Whose idea was it? And how long it did it take to go from idea to reality?

What makes it different from a ‘regular’ cruise yacht?

What routes can you go on?

What activities are available?

Tell us about the accommodation: the suites, lounge, dining areas etc.

Is it child-friendly?

Is there a crew onboard to look after guests? Tell us about them (chefs, crew, hospitality staff)

Lily shares some of her favourite pictures from her experience

Describe a perfect day on Prana by Atzaro…

‘Wandalust in Rwanda

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba: Hotel Review

August, Antwerp: Hotel Review

On Our Travels – Quintessentially Travel

A GUATEMALAN TRANSFORMATION

One of our favourite destinations to reconnect

At one with nature – hammocking in the Arctic

The world’s most luxurious phinisi yacht

How would describe Prana by Atzaro?

Whose idea was it? And how long it did it take to go from idea to reality?

What makes it different from a ‘regular’ cruise yacht?

What routes can you go on?

What activities are available?

Tell us about the accommodation: the suites, lounge, dining areas etc.

Is it child-friendly?

Is there a crew onboard to look after guests? Tell us about them (chefs, crew, hospitality staff)

Lily shares some of her favourite pictures from her experience

Describe a perfect day on Prana by Atzaro…

‘Wandalust in Rwanda

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba: Hotel Review

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August, Antwerp: Hotel Review

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