We love December in the major cities, the stores and restaurants dressed for the holiday season. Whether in London, Paris, Milan or New York, the days leading up to Christmas are joyful and atmospheric.
For opera buffs, La Scala Milan opens on December 7th with a performance of Verdi’s Attila. It is a wonderful time to be in the city, for Christmas shopping and dining in its many great restaurants. For art lovers, London’s contemporary galleries have some unmissable shows, including Robert Rauschenberg at Galerie Thaddeus Ropac; while Njideka Akunyili Crosby features until February 3rd at the National Portrait Gallery. And not to be missed, although it’s difficult to find space, is Art Basel Miami, between December the 6th and 9th.
December is a time to reflect on where we travelled in summer and fall of 2018 and the memories we created. It is also a time to plan forward for 2019 and make sure we visit all the amazing destinations we promised ourselves but have not as yet discovered.
We take great pride and passion in finding those extra special destinations, the ones we know will create indelible memories of extraordinary experiences. We believe you can only live an experience once, each one unique.
We are frequently asked which are our favourite places. It is a tough question, for there is not one single answer. When? For what? City or resort? Leisure or adventure?
In order to inspire you and provide a flavour of our fabulous world of travel we have compiled a shortlist of just a few of the experiential destinations that are exciting us most for the coming months.
Antarctica, flying by private charter from Cape Town, a trip only available during certain periods of winter.
Northernmost Norway to see the Arctic wolves.
Glamping in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, which can be combined with the best of China.
Southeast Cambodia, staying in the newly opened luxury tented camp in Bokor National Park which makes for a new experience, linked with Siem Reap in the northwest, as well as Laos and Vietnam.
Sossusvlei and Damaraland, covering the best of the exquisite desert landscapes of Namibia.
Chilean Patagonia for the Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine and what is arguably the finest lodge in South America.
We hope your 2019 will be a year for creating memories. Come with us on a journey of discovery and travel the Nota Bene way. You won’t be disappointed.
Happy holiday season and warm wishes to all our clients and followers for a healthy, happy and travel-filled new year.
The directors and team at Nota Bene.