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Virtuoso Life Guide: Staying Home
Social distancing like it’s our job. Right now, our homes are our whole wide world. They’re our gyms, our offices, our schools, our bakeries, our spas and staycation destinations, our nail and (yikes) hair salons. Yes, we’re in the travel business and we’re dreaming of the day we can get back out there. But it’s our responsibility to #stayhome now, so we’ve rounded up some diversions to make social distancing more pleasant, productive, and inspiring.
- → Read: Our Book Picks
- → Watch: What to Stream Right Now
- → An Insider’s Guide to the Caribbean
- → Decorate: Beautiful Ways to Preserve Travel Memories
- → Connect: How to Stay Social While You’re Social Distancing
- → Shop (Online): 8 Ways to Bring Your Favorite Hotel Home
- → Keep Calm: How We’re Making Our Mental Health a Priority
- → Sip: 7 Wines to Take the Edge off Social Distancing
- → Play: Family Game Night Ideas
- → Debate: Our Rejected Travel Showdowns
- → Pitch In: How You Can Help
- → Go: The Best Virtual Vacations On the Internet
- → Cook: Great Recipes from Around the World
- → Get Inspired: How We’re Getting Creative at Home
- → Entertain the Kids: Download the Virtuoso Travel Activity Book
- → Relax: The Ultimate Self-Care Day
- → Work: How We’re Staying Productive at Home (And a Look at Our Setups)
Adventure Calls
Take the Road Less Traveled
After two years of staycations and close-to-home travel, we’re ready to hit the road, skies, and seas again for those long-delayed adventures. Whether it’s an African safari, Galápagos cruise, or expedition to Antarctica, your Northstar Virtuoso travel advisor will handle all the mind-boggling logistics and see that you get the full VIP treatment.
Cruises
Arctic expeditions on a new polar ship (complete with two helicopters). Up-close encounters with wildlife in Svalbard. Costa Rica under full sail. See All Experiences ›
Hotels
Glamping, pura vida-style, at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Botswana safari lodges known for their creature comforts. Stargazing in Sedona’s Red Rock Country. See All Experiences ›
Tours
Spectacular national parks accompanied by a Navajo guide. Hiking, cycling, and kayaking in New Zealand. Game drives in Maasai Mara. Hot-air balloon rides in Egypt. See All Experiences ›
Destinations & Experiences
One of the oldest cities on the Arabian Peninsula is an intriguing new travel destination. A festival of light, music, and ideas in Sydney. British Columbia’s charming summer playground. See All Experiences ›
Holiday & Winter Getaways
Now’s a great time to nail down your holiday travel and 2022 winter adventures. In the mood to try reindeer sledding? Your Northstar Virtuoso travel advisor can arrange a storybook stay in a cozy log cabin in Finland. Prefer to chill somewhere warmer? There’s a villa in the Maldives, a cottage in Saint Bart’s, and a bungalow in Santa Monica that would be perfect for you. Wherever you go, expect exclusive amenities and expert guidance when you book through your Northstar Virtuoso travel advisor.
Cruises
Sip hot mulled wine in Christmas Markets along the Danube. Ring in the new year on the Mexican Riviera. Savor caviar and Champagne served by ship officers (in the surf!) in Saint Kitts.
Hotels
Picture this: original 17th-century art in the lobby of your hotel in Amsterdam. Score a suite deal in Scottsdale and a personal ski instructor in Saint Moritz. Make merry in Montego Bay.
Tours & Packages
Welcome back, bienvenue, and benvenuto to London, Paris, and Florence. Chase the sun in Los Cabos. Hit the slopes in Utah and Montana. Opt for a private driver in Scotland, Iceland, or Ireland.
Off the Beaten Path
Take the Road Less Traveled
How many people have heard of AlUla? (Clue: It’s one of the oldest cities on the Arabian Peninsula.) Who’s considered a trip to Inari-Saariselka or Rovaniemi? (Hint: They’re great places to spot the Northern Lights.) No question: Our planet is teeming with off-the-beaten-path places just waiting to be discovered by you. No matter the destination, your NorthStar Virtuoso travel advisor is ready to help plan an unforgettable vacation filled with extra amenities and insider tips.
Discover the spirit of Mana in Tahiti
Experience this rich culture, friendly people, and unrivaled natural beauty. Countless exciting activities and experiences await them – from participating in a traditional Polynesian performance and snorkeling in crystal clear waters to relaxing in an overwater bungalow – the possibilities are endless.
Top Destination Highlights
- Relax on Bora Bora’s white-sand beaches
- Dive into Fakarava’s fascinating lagoon
- Explore the Marquesas Islands on horseback
- Enjoy a traditional Polynesian dance show
- Stay in an iconic overwater bungalow with Virtuoso exclusive amenities
- Hike the lush, tropical mountains and valleys, discovering hidden waterfalls and lava tubes
- Attend a local event such as the Heiva i Tahiti and the Hawaiki Nui Va’a
- Discover ancient archaeological treasures: marae (temples), petroglyphs, tikis, and museums
- Swim with large marine life: humpback whales, dolphins. manta rays, sharks, and more
Hotels
Complimentary massages in the Dominican Republic? Limo transfers, solicitous butlers, and priority tee times in Greece? Yes, please! More ›
Tours & Packages
Witness ancient traditions and visit nomadic families in Mongolia. Partake in “I can’t believe we did that” experiences in Peru, Egypt, and Costa Rica. Go on a private jet journey in Southern Africa and Antarctica. More ›
Destinations & Experiences
Be among the first to explore AlUla, off-limits to tourists until recently. Discover the hidden charms of Central Europe. Chase the Northern Lights in Lapland. More ›
Family Outing
There is nothing wrong with staycations, but we’re willing to bet, by now, your family is itching to take a real vacation. And you’re undoubtedly eager to meet up with those favorite relatives you haven’t seen in ages. We have lots of great suggestions for family-centric vacations. Receive VIP amenities when you book your travel through your Virtuoso travel advisor – from free nights to generous resort credits.
Cruises
Imagine your child’s surprise when they come face-to-face with giant tortoises and curious sea lions in the Galápagos. Marvel at bizarre mud pools and deep blue icebergs on a circumnavigation of Iceland.
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Hotels in the U.S.
Score a complimentary round of golf and spa treatment in seaside Carlsbad. Treat junior cowboys and cowgirls to a ranch experience in Utah. Sun yourself in a poolside cabana while the kids enjoy a Ranger program in the Sonoran Desert.
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Hotels Around the Globe
Savor time together in a dreamy villa in the Dominican Republic. Relax in a spa housed in former bank vaults in England. Enjoy creature comforts and adventures with creatures (ponies!) in Jamaica.
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Destinations & Experiences
Unwind in Maui in a spacious, family-friendly suite. Chat up Humboldt penguins and zip-line in Peru. Adventure in Southern California’s original surf town.
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Suite Retreats
Room to explore and relax
Whether you’re eager for more room to spread out or a space that can comfortably accommodate everyone, a suite is the way to go. In addition to increased square footage, you’ll find awesome amenities that will take your vacation to the next level – everything from private pools and patios with fire pits to airport transfers and specialty dining experiences.
Cruises
Treat yourself in Alaska and Europe with 50% off excursions, drinks, and dining. Score free air on a river cruise in Europe. Savor sustainable caviar while sailing among the seductive Greek Isles.
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Hotels in the U.S.
Opt for a treehouse with plunge pool at Mexico’s new coastal rain forest retreat. Spread out on your private wraparound lanai in Maui. Bliss out at a five-acre spa in Puerto Rico.
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Hotels in Europe
Live it up in London with an in-suite two-Michelin-starred dinner. Look forward to a private pool and butler at the #1 resort in Greece. Unwind with a complimentary massage in Marbella.
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Destinations & Experiences
Relax on an overnight rail journey between Venice and London or Paris. Pamper yourself with the finest amenities in Singapore. Kick back on a white-sand beach in the Turks and Caicos.
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Sun and Sand
After what seemed like an endless winter, the future is looking enticingly bright. If you’re looking for a warm-weather vacation, we know dozens of places to lay down your beach towel – from Malibu to Maui, Turks and Caicos to the Turkish Riviera. Your Virtuoso travel advisor can help you plan your next getaway with their expertise and access to exclusive amenities such as free nights and generous spending credits.
Cruises
Set sail for the summery vibes of the Caribbean. Snorkel directly from your crewed yacht in the British Virgin Islands. Opt for a small-ship cruise in the Eastern Med and save 60% on a second guest.
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Hotels in the U.S.
Recharge and renew at a wellness retreat in Miami. Indulge in a free night at the Pink Palace of the Pacific. Enjoy coastal bike rides and check out the vibrant arts scene in Santa Monica.
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Hotels Around the Globe
Bask in the Bahamas with a free night and a $100 food and beverage credit. Live large at an eco-friendly sanctuary in Puerto Rico. Save 50% on a second room in Cozumel.
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Destinations & Experiences
Drink in dramatic views of the Pitons in Saint Lucia. Unplug and relax in laid-back Santa Monica. Sip sunset mai tais on your private Big Island lanai.
Adventure Calls
Trips that go above, below, and beyond
Now is the perfect time to start planning that big adventure you’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s Antarctica, an African safari, or an expedition cruise to the Galápagos, look for early booking savings, flexible cancellation policies, and generous incentives. Your Northstar Virtuoso travel advisor can negotiate special rates with amenities, help you wade through the fine print, and advise about the logistics.
Cruises Adventures
Add the Falklands and South Georgia to your Antarctica itinerary. Meet blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises in the Galápagos.
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Hotel Adventures
Envision an active ski trip in Vail or a guided trek in Red Rock Country. Hike historic trails on the Big Island. Find sandcastles and surf camps on the beach in California.
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Package Adventures
Explore Central Asia with a National Geographic photographer. Treat the kids to an adventure-laden trip to Yosemite. Engage with chimpanzees in Uganda.
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Celebrations
Vacations to plan for in the New Year
If ever there was a reason to celebrate, it’s that 2020 is now in our rear-view mirror. It’s time to begin planning those delayed celebrations and long-awaited vacations. And now, more than ever, your Virtuoso advisor will prove invaluable – whether you’re looking to commemorate a major birthday, important milestone, or happy occasion (we’re looking at you, honeymooners). Expect expert insights on destination travel guidelines and safety protocols, modes of transportation, and accommodations. And look forward to exclusive amenities – such as upgrades, complimentary nights, and shipboard credits.
Packages of Celebrations
Traverse the Canadian Rockies by train. Circumnavigate the globe on the queen of ocean liners. Chill in the Caribbean with birthday-boy Richard Branson.
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Hotels of Celebrations
Tie the knot under blue skies in Utah. Live large with a private plunge pool in Mexico. Celebrate good health with a wellness getaway in Arizona.
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15 Trips of a Lifetime
Happy New Year and Happy Planning!
It’s safe to say that many – if not most – of us were forced to cancel a potential “trip of a lifetime” in 2020. But as this challenging year draws to a close, with promising vaccines on the horizon, we’re looking longingly at our suitcases and a return to travel in 2021/2022. Whether you’re planning to re-book that canceled European vacation or – with the money you saved from not traveling – splurge on that bucket-list experience you’ve daydreamed about, we’re ready to assist when you’re ready to shift from “Pause” to “Play.”
Cruises of a Lifetime
Charter a yacht – with captain and chef – and explore the British Virgin Islands. New in 2022: free airfare from a leader in luxury cruising.
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Hotels of a Lifetime
Channel The Crown in London. Practice social distancing on a 500-acre ranch. Work and learn remotely in the Cayman Islands.
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Packages of a Lifetime
Savor Slovenia’s celebrated cuisine and green initiatives. Travel without the crowds in Croatia, Scotland, and Italy. Explore the past and future in Tokyo.
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