Latest news with #BlackTomato
National Post
03-08-2025
- National Post
Secret European destinations where you can fly under the radar like rich people
Article content Article content Lake Jasna, Slovenia Article content Tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia has quietly become one of Europe's most rewarding high-end escapes. Its cuisine combines a heady mix of Alpine, Mediterranean and Slavic flavors, while boutique winemakers in regions like Brda and the Vipava Valley are making the kinds of natural wines that you'd expect to find in Paris' best bars. And then there's the scenery: Glacier-fed lakes, dense forests and mountains as jagged and dramatic as anything in Switzerland. Article content A growing number of travellers are catching on to its charms: Black Tomato says inquiries are up 34% year over year; the destination is particularly compelling to 'soft adventure' types who enjoy fly fishing, hiking and cycling. Those who book often end up in the Julian Alps, where Hotel Milka offers elegant minimalism with floor-to-ceiling mountain views. Its fine-dining restaurant is helmed by chef David Žefra, who whips up Danube salmon with kohlrabi and elderflower or venison with wild mushrooms and fermented cherries — Alpine ingredients prepared using Nordic techniques. Article content How you get there: Flights to Ljubljana from Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich and other European cities are all under two hours. Then it's just over an hour by car to Hotel Milka. Article content Lake Orta and the Dolomites, Italy Article content As Venice draws Bezos wannabes and Amalfi approaches overexposure, Piedmont's Lake Orta is emerging as a serene alternative. Stay at the 11-room Casa Fantini, where you can rent an electric boat to zip around in seclusion. The staff sends you off with a full picnic basket so you can play your day by ear. Most days on the lake involve seeing the frescoed 12th century basilica on San Giulio Island — the small enclave, floating in the centre of the lake, is inhabited by only a couple dozen nuns. Article content Because Lake Orta is so far to Italy's northwest, it still takes about four hours to drive east to the Dolomites — a pairing many travellers opt for, if only to indulge in one of the region's newest five-star stays. Yes, Aman Rosa Alpina is among the splashiest (re)openings in the area. But we'd pick the 35-room Ancora Cortina, a historic inn that's been brought back to life by Renzo Rosso, the founder of Diesel, and Aldo Melpignano, whose Italian hospitality empire includes Puglia's critically acclaimed Borgo Egnazia. It's smack in the historic centre of town and surrounded by family-owned businesses that have existed in Cortina for generations, like the 98-year-old Pasticceria Lovat across the street. Article content Article content Menorca, Spain Article content Long overshadowed by Ibiza's nightlife and Mallorca's five-star polish, Menorca has become the Balearics' unexpected standout — a place with endless walking trails, laid-back beach clubs and preserved wetlands that serve as rare bird habitats. 'It's far less frenetic than Ibiza or Mallorca,' India says. Article content A pair of new properties in restored farmhouses — Santa Ana and Son Ermità — epitomize the island's low-key luxury vibe. You'll need to book all six rooms at Santa Ana for a single group; the 200-year-old finca is meant for exclusive use, which works well for a small group of friends or a large family travelling together. Son Ermità is more conventional. Its 11 rooms — many of which have elaborate exposed beams and terracotta tile floors — can be booked individually, with shared access to 800 acres of grounds and a seafood-oriented restaurant in the main building. Both make excellent launching pads for a range of relaxing activities, like hiking coastal trails, kayaking along hidden beaches or daytrips to Hauser & Wirth's trailblazing art gallery in the center of the island. Article content
Condé Nast Traveler
22-06-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Tuscany
Arriving in Tuscany can feel like walking into a watercolor—the sun-dappled hills are so dense with hue, and the medieval architecture so in harmony with the natural surroundings. Add to this the fact that it harbors one of the world's most celebrated wine regions, as well as 43 Michelin-starred restaurants (the third-most in Italy in 2024), and it's not surprising it's considered a sensory playground for adults. Thankfully, it's also home to increasingly cutting-edge hotel kids clubs and a hugely family-centric culture in general, so the prestigious location can be enjoyed with babies, children, teens, and their less refined palates in tow, too. From family campsites (such as hu Norcenni Girasole village), to smart villas (including the newly renovated Villa Il Santo), and even private islands (perhaps Forte San Giorgio and its 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms?)—there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, however big your brood. Plus, tour companies such as Black Tomato are on hand to come up with multiple places and a broader Tuscan adventure. But for canny parents who like to make the most of room service, fully-staffed kitchens, and increasingly creative (free) childcare to maximize everyone's eating and exploring time while travelling as a pack, here's our pick of the best hotels in Tuscany for families.
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Travel + Leisure
13-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Why 'Challenge Travel' Is Trending Among Adventure Lovers—and Some of the Best Experiences to Book
'People want bold and challenging travel experiences,' says Tom Marchant, cofounder of the outfitter Black Tomato. The company debuted its Get Lost itineraries in 2017, giving a select few clients the chance to role-play survival situations in the Peruvian Andes or Mongolian steppes. Travelers on these journeys get dropped in the wilderness and then navigate their way back to civilization. Marchant says interest in the trips has spiked, with 2024 bookings up 40 percent from the previous year. Black Tomato is far from the only operator dreaming up next-level challenges, as travel advisors, tour companies, and even cruise lines are tailoring their offerings to what some call Type 2 fun: experiences that are difficult in the moment, but enriching in hindsight. 'Adventurers are seeking true challenge and isolation,' says Pelorus Travel cofounder Jimmy Carroll. 'These are trips where endurance, strength, and adaptability are essential.' Here are six experiences guaranteed to test your mettle. A CMH adventure in western Canada. Andy Cochrane/CMH Heli-Skiing& Summer Adventures HELI-SKIING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA Founded in 1965, CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures has grown alongside interest in backcountry skiing, and the company now has more than 150 certified mountain guides who can safely lead fresh-track, deep-powder runs across some 3 million acres of the Canadian Cascades. CMH also has a network of comfortable backcountry lodges for multiday adventures among the iconic granite spires of the Bugaboos. A campsite on Kubu Island, in Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans. OPEN-AIR CAMPING IN BOTSWANA Many safari camps offer indoor-outdoor suites that let in the sounds of nature. Then there's Jack's Camp, the storied Botswana lodge on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. From Jack's, guests can embark on a two-night foray into the vast Makgadikgadi Pans in a convoy of ATVs before making camp on Kubu Island, an outcropping of granite that rises from the arid plain. 'They call it a 'five-gazillion-star bedroom,'' says Mark Lakin, a T+L Travel Advisory Board member who recommends the trip to his clients. One outpost of Utah's Western Uinta Hut System. Inspired Summit Adventures HUT-TO-HUT TREKKING IN UTAH The Western Uinta Hut System is a collection of strategically placed yurts that open the door to more than 100,000 acres of high-altitude terrain. The first of their kind in the state, these rustic lodgings afford adventurers comfortable (if not luxurious) places to overnight during mountain-biking, hiking, and fishing forays deep into the wilderness, says Shaun Deutschlander. She's the founder of Inspired Summit Adventures, which pioneered the growing network and offers guided trips into the mountains. IMPOSSIBLE MISSIONS IN MOROCCO Scaling the exterior of Dubai's Burj Khalifa may be out of reach, but doing your own stunts is possible. Working with crew members from the Mission: Impossible franchise, Pelorus Travel has put together an adventure that involves trekking in the Atlas Mountains, racing across sand dunes in Predator X-18 buggies, and rappelling from a rooftop in the Marrakesh medina. 'It will be a super immersive and high-octane experience,' says Carroll, the Pelorus cofounder. Taking the plunge with Aurora Expeditions in Antarctica. SCUBA DIVING IN ANTARCTICA If simply visiting the seventh continent isn't enough, Aurora Expeditions has trips that also go under it. The expedition cruise line was the first mainstream operator to offer scuba diving in the frigid waters off Antarctica, where the sea life includes spider crabs, soft corals, and walls of giant kelp. It's also possible to spot penguins and seals, says Edwin Sargeant, an ice diver and guide with Aurora Expeditions whose favorite thing to see is the undersides of icebergs. GOING OFF THE GRID IN PERU Black Tomato can coordinate wilderness-survival adventures that push participants' limits. After a safety briefing led by a former officer in the Royal Marines, guests are dropped in the Peruvian mountains with little more than a map and a compass—and orders to get back to an extraction point several days' hike away. For safety, participants are shadowed by a team of pros. 'You won't see them, but they'll always be there to help at a moment's notice,' says Rob Murray-John, head of special projects for Black Tomato. A version of this story first appeared in the July 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline 'Pushing the Limits.'
NDTV
30-05-2025
- NDTV
Townsizing To Mystery Tours, All The Viral New Travel Terms Trending This Year
New Delhi: So, you've packed your bags, triple-checked your flight timing and planned out your outfits. But wait, have you brushed up on your travel lingo? If not, don't worry. You're not alone. As the world of travel gets quirkier, cleverer and, let's face it, much more unpredictable, so does its vocabulary. Welcome to the Travel Dictionary 2025. From 'townsizing' (where you 'size up' a town), to 'land snorkelling' (no sharks involved here), here's a handy guide on all the travel terms that are trending at the moment. Let's decode. Detour Destinations Forget the bucket-list usuals, 2025 is the year of the scenic sidekick. Call it the underdog glow-up, but detour destinations are all about pairing big-name cities with their lesser-known (and way less crowded) neighbours. Think Reims with Paris or Santa Barbara as L.A.'s breezy little cousin. It's the savvy traveller's two-for-one trick: more charm, fewer queues and just enough space to actually breathe. Merci beaucoup. Townsizing Big cities? Been there, 'grammed that. Enter townsizing, a delightful little buzzword courtesy of Priceline that swaps skyscrapers for storybook streets. Want mountain air in Stowe, Vt? Or coastal charm in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Townsizing isn't just a change of scene, it's a mindset. Smaller towns, slower pace, bigger smiles. It's like therapy but with cobblestones and ice cream. Land Snorkelling Yes, it's a thing, and no, you don't need a wetsuit. Born from the poetic brains of artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, land snorkelling is like forest bathing's minimalist cousin. You walk slowly, soak in the world around you-city cracks, desert shadows, wildflowers by the sidewalk-and tune into the tiny, beautiful chaos of your surroundings. It's mindfulness in motion, minus the moss. JOMO Travel Still haunted by FOMO? Time to switch sides. JOMO, aka the Joy of Missing Out, is your digital detox dream. This travel trend is all about switching off the Wi-Fi and tuning in to... well, silence. Whether you're glamping in the woods or lounging in a cabin with zero signal, JOMO is your permission slip to say "no thanks" to vacation hustle and embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing. Live Tourism Lights, passport, action. From Beyonce to the Super Bowl, live tourism has people chasing not just places, but moments. It's about planning your whole itinerary around that once-in-a-lifetime concert, Olympic showdown or celestial event. (The next total solar eclipse? Mark August 12, 2026. You heard it here first.) Because sometimes, memories come with a soundtrack and maybe even a merch tee. Mystery Tours Plot twist: even you don't know where you're going. Mystery tours are the ultimate trust fall into adventure. Agencies like Black Tomato and EF Go Ahead are crafting secret itineraries, whisking travellers to places they won't know until boarding time. Mongolia? Morocco? Magic? All of the above. You just pack a bag and go. No spoilers, just surprise sunsets. Noctourism Sleep is overrated. Stars, on the other hand? Worth it. Welcome to noctourism, where the best memories happen under moonlight. Whether it's stargazing in Namibia, glowing plankton swims in Puerto Rico or wandering neon-lit night markets in Taiwan, night owls are officially in style. Bonus: it's a clever way to beat the daytime heat and snap cooler photos. Phenomenon Chasing Why follow influencers when you can follow the Northern Lights? Phenomenon chasing is about tracking down nature's most jaw-dropping events - solar eclipses, volcanic eruptions, lunar rainbows -and just letting awe take over. It's the kind of trip that reminds you how small you are and how stunning the universe can be. Side effects may include goosebumps and dramatic life perspective shifts. Bonus Trend: Tripstagramming (Guilty As Charged) Okay, not official, but let's be real. You will post that dreamy cappuccino or mountaintop selfie. Just remember, whether you're townsizing, snorkelling on land or mystery touring through an unnamed jungle - don't forget to enjoy it offline, too. So, what's your next move? Whether you're chasing stardust or simply switching your phone off, let 2025 be the year you travel with curiosity and a bit of cheeky new lingo to match. Because if you can't say it in style, did you even travel?
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
10 of the Best Small Towns in the U.S. for a Summer Getaway, According to Travel Experts
With summer on the horizon, it's high time to start plotting out your travel plans. While some travelers may be thinking about a grand European vacation, there are also plenty of options stateside—from national parks and beaches to buzzy cities and small towns. If the latter piques your interest, we're here to help narrow down your options. Maybe you're thinking of heading out West, to a small mountain town like Telluride or Jackson. Or perhaps you want a beach experience; if that's the case, St. Simons Island or Kennebunkport might resonate with you. No matter your preference, there's a small town that's perfect for your next summer trip. Read on for the best small towns to visit for a summer vacation—a list filled with picks from Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisors (plus a couple of my own personal favorites). 'What I love about Jackson Hole, and what I think makes it so distinctive, is its unique juxtaposition. You can spend all day outdoors—fly fishing, searching for elk, moose, or bears, or taking a scenic float down the Snake River,' says Mary Cropper, a T+L A-list advisor and travel expert at Black Tomato. 'Then, when it's time for dinner, you can dress up and hit the town [of Jackson] for a pre-dinner aperitif to watch the sunset, followed by fine dining. And if you really want to get into the spirit of things, make your way to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which is about as authentic as it gets.' Summer is also a wonderful (if crowded) time to explore nearby Grand Teton National Park; Yellowstone National Park is also doable as a day trip with Jackson as your base camp. For a memorable stay in the heart of Jackson, book one of the rooms at The Wort Hotel or The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa. 'Crested Butte truly feels like the last best-kept secret in Colorado, untouched and unhurried in ways many mountain towns just can't replicate,' says A-list travel advisor Kristin Diehl, who recommends staying at Scarp Ridge Lodge, one of the Eleven Experience Lodges. 'It's a restored 19th-century miners' saloon where they've thought of all the details. Their idea of a 'concierge' service means crafting your perfect day of guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, or whitewater rafting, followed by wellness treatments and private-chef-prepared meals that feel well-earned following very active days.' Plus, summer is also peak wildflower season in Crested Butte. Visitors are greeted by columbine, lupine, and mule's ear sunflowers—and the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place in July. Both Diehl and Cropper have the Kennebunks in Maine on their list—and it's not hard to see why. 'There's nothing quite like a New England summer, an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives,' says Cropper, who recommends visiting Kennebunkport. 'Located between Ogunquit and Portland, this charming seaside town is a perfect place to post up for a New England summer. With the beach just a short walk away and a downtown area perfect for dinner and drinks, it's a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the coastal vibes,' says Cropper. 'Not to mention, the area serves up some of the best lobster rolls I've ever had, putting it on the map as a foodie destination.' And if you want to elevate the experience, venture to nearby Kennebunk. 'Check into the White Barn Inn for a quaint coastal escape, perfectly charming and steeped in history. Spend your days indulging in spa rituals, learning the art of Maine cuisine in a chef-led cooking class, or cruising along the coast on a golden-hour sail,' adds Diehl. 'While everyone knows of St. Michaels when thinking of the Eastern Shore of Maryland—and I still recommend staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin—neighboring Easton, Maryland, is an unassuming, under-the-radar culinary hotbed,' says Diehl. 'Fueled by visionaries like Paul Prager and his Bluepoint Hospitality Group, the town is home to haute spots like Bas Rouge, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Harley Peet, and The Stewart, a sultry Scotch bar redefining small-town sophistication.' Before tucking into an unforgettable meal, head to the Pickering Creek Audubon Center to hike, bike, or canoe around the marsh, or spend a couple of hours exploring the historic downtown area. 'While the Deep South may not top your summer travel list, St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a hidden gem of storybook charm and soulful Creole history beneath canopies of Spanish moss,' says Diehl. Before the sun gets too powerful, go horseback riding at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or tackle the 5.6-mile bike path and trail at West Feliciana Sports Park. Then get a break from the summer heat by popping in and out of the town's antique shops and boutiques; she recommends Deyo Supply and Sage Hill. 'A stay at the St. Francisville Inn is the cherry on top of this getaway teeming with Southern hospitality; the restaurant alone draws diners from all over southeast Louisiana for reservations,' she adds. Cropper calls Telluride an 'ideal playground for outdoor adventure,' where 'summer temperatures stay comfortably cool' and there are endless opportunities to bike, hike, swim, paddleboard, and soak up all of the fresh air. 'If you're planning ahead, consider timing your visit around the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or the Telluride Film Festival—two standout events that showcase the town's vibrant cultural scene and bring its creative spirit to life,' she says. If you want a classic summer beach vacation—the kind where you can spend every day swimming, reading, riding bikes, and taking everything at a slow pace—add St. Simons Island to your shortlist. One of Georgia's barrier islands and a longtime favorite of mine, St. Simons is just about as family-friendly as it gets. For a resort experience, book a stay at either The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort or The Inn by Sea Island, which has an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles for guests. Hungry after a long day at the beach? You've got lots of options, but it's almost criminal to skip the hot chicken at Porch or the brisket at Southern Soul Barbecue. 'I'll take any excuse to visit Ketchum, Idaho; it's the best home base for exploring all of Sun Valley's great outdoors,' says Diehl. 'Stay at the Limelight or the iconic Sun Valley Resort, then spend your days fly fishing, rafting, biking, or horseback riding before ending the night under a canopy of stars.' If you're in the area for more than a couple of days, definitely try to see more towns in the area. 'I also always love a day trip to Stanley, Idaho. It's out of a postcard; the tiny downtown is set against the dramatic Sawtooths and wide-open sky,' she adds. The small towns along the Jersey Shore are the type of destinations that ooze summertime nostalgia. Think wooden boardwalks, ice cream shops, amusement parks, and miles of gorgeous shoreline. There's one town in particular that stands out, though. Spring Lake is picturesque in every way—from its grand beachfront homes to its walkable downtown with one-of-a-kind eateries and shops (I always recommend sandwiches from Tom Bailey's and sweet treats from The Scone Pony). Just know that you will need a badge to access the beach; if you stay somewhere like The Ocean House Bed & Breakfast or the Johnson House Inn, they'll be able to help you out. 'If you're looking for a spot similar to Telluride but with a more off-the-beaten-path feel, check out Salida, Colorado,' says Cropper, describing the town as a 'hidden gem' and a 'little piece of heaven that hasn't been overrun by tourists.' Located on the Arkansas River, the town embraces both the outdoors and a creative nature. 'Salida is brimming with art galleries, live music, and festivals, with artists filling the streets. What really sets Salida apart is the town's easy-going, no-frills atmosphere. It's all about good vibes, fun times, and a relaxed pace,' she explains. As far as accommodations, Cropper recommends grabbing a tent or renting a camper—alternatively, you can stay at Salida's Amigo Motor Lodge or The Inn in nearby Buena Vista. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
