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THE SPA ISSUE! ARUBA • • TULUM • SANTA FE • VERMONT • SIGHTSEEING IN STYLE & MORE! Biz Feature SIGHTSEEING OCT 2016 _Lima APR-08.R5-2 10/18/16 5:35 PM Page 74

One of the Whitsunday Islands near the Great Barrier Reef

74 PASSPORT I OCTOBER 2016 Biz Feature SIGHTSEEING OCT 2016 _Lima APR-08.R5-2 10/18/16 5:35 PM Page 75

SIGHTSEEING IN STYLE by Jimmy Im

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sightseeing in style

n 2009, I spent two weeks gallivanting around where, among of aircraft the destination now has within their inventory (in 20 years, the num- myriad attractions, the Great Barrier Reef fully seduced me. Off the ber of helicopters have tripled). Great Barrier Reef helicopters have also seen coast of Queensland, the 1,400-mile-long ecosystem comprising 2,900 an increase in popularity due to different tours that are now available, including pristine, individual reefs is known to be the world’s largest coral reef Sandy Cay Escape which flies passengers to a private sand island on the Great system, an actual living, natural thing that can be seen entirely from Barrier Reef with gourmet picnics. Iouter space. Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef don’t hesitate exploring the The Great Barrier Reef isn’t the only place where helicopter sightseeing is waters, whether in glass-bottom and submersible boats or kayaks and scuba div- in demand, and helicopters are not the only means of transportation to see the ing. At one point during my visit, I was asked if I wanted to hop on a helicop- world off foot. Sightseeing in moving vehicles, from trains to yachts, has ter to see the reef from above. I declined, believing the most practical way to see become the hottest way to tour the globe. The debut of new train journeys, the destination was to actually immerse myself in it completely. After all, the hotels offering new ways to sightsee, and the return of glamour in travel have whole point was being in the actual reef, right? warranted renewed interest in travel excursions. Sightseeing in hot-air balloons, Passing on the helicopter ride was one of the most regretful travel decisions helicopters, trains, and yachts is a multi-billion-dollar industry where both par- I’ve made. Seeing a rare and precious ecosystem in such a remote part of the ties (companies and tourists) are rewarded. Here’s a look at various ways to world from an aerial perspective can only be a divine moment that can’t be dupli- sightsee in style in amazing places around the world. cated anywhere else on earth. Even though the Great Barrier Reef is largely vis- ited for its water activities, seeing it from above could have been a unique, breath- HOT-AIR BALLOON taking experience (and imagine the Instagram love!). To see the Great Barrier Perhaps the oldest form of sightseeing in the skies, hot-air balloons took Reef from the skies, absorbing the immense scope of the natural wonder would flight in 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers who worked at a paper fac- have been exhilarating. If I have any reason to return, it’s to experience the topog- tory sent a sheep, a duck, and a chicken on an eight-minute flight over raphy of the magnificent network of reefs from above, like the thousands of visi- in their makeshift paper vessel. The hot-air balloon has since tors who do so every year. Helicopter rides over the attraction are a popular buck- become a gravity-defying (and retro) way to see vast landscapes from a et list activity within a bucket list (just getting to the reefs is an adventure in itself). bird’s-eye view. It’s had such an impactful comeback that even Uber Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort in Queensland (Port Douglas Road, launched a service in where users can book hot-air balloon rides (a Tel: 61-7-4099-5888. www.sheratonportdouglas.com), which just completed service that is expected to eventually roll out in the US). The million-dol- a $40 million renovation is meeting the demand of travelers who want to see the lar industry has done wonders for several businesses that rely on hot-air destination by air. The resort launched airport transfer via helicopter to their balloon tourism, and many destinations across the globe are specifically helipad, and now the resort offers several helicopter tours in the area, including known for stunning rides. Enthusiasts book vacations in Albuquerque, tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, there is an increase in the number New ; Cappadocia, ; Bagan, ; and the Serengeti to

View of Hawaii from a Helicopter

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sightseeing in style

Balloons Over Atacama Photo: Andy Davey

Sightseeing in hot-air balloons, helicopters, trains, and yachts is a multi- billion-dollar industry where both parties (companies and tourists) are rewarded.

take flight and check it off their “basket” list. There’s even a whole offers food delivery and pharmacy pick-up. The latest feature? Uber recent- lifestyle around it, where hot-air ballooners celebrate all things balloon at ly partnered with Airbus for helicopters on demand. UberCopter in São festivals like International Balloon Fiesta in , UK or Gulf Coast Paulo, offers flights for as little as $20 a ride. Even before Uber came Hot Air Balloon Festival in Alabama. And when does a wedding proposal up with this concept, Gotham Air took the Big Apple by its choppers, offer- not happen in flight in a hot-air balloon while on vacation? ing shared helicopter flights from JFK and Newark International Airport to Several new destinations are feeling the hot-air buzz, like the Atacama Manhattan, not only cutting travel time from two hours to six minutes, but Desert. For decades, San Pedro de Atacama has been known for its magnet- giving passengers the exhilarating thrill of flying over Manhattan. ic, starry night sky. Considered to have the clearest skies in the world due Uber’s not the only business looking to the skies for profit. Start-up compa- to its little light pollution and elevation, the constellations are unreal. Peo- ny Chopper (www.flychopper.com) in Orlando offers on-demand helicopter ple also keen to see the desert landscape by day, where visitors can take rides in Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Miami, going to and from airports, flight to view the lay of the land before sunset. Launched in August 2016, resorts, and restaurants. Chopper offers affluent locals and tourists a way to get Balloons Over Atacama by Eastern Safaris (www.easternsafaris.com) from point A to point B in style, and it’s creating more than 100 jobs in the state. offers daily hot-air balloon rides to experience the desert’s spectacular While the helicopter-taxi concept may be a glimpse of the future, the helicop- topography that sprawls with rugged canyons, geysers, volcanoes, salt ter ride is a fancy sightseeing option from the past. Helicopter tourism is all the rage lakes, and plenty of wildlife like flamingos. The flight lasts approximately in metropolitan cities and vast country locations, and there’s a spike in demand 45 minutes, and there’s no better way to see the unobstructed sunrise over (tour flights in Manhattan now leave 14 times every hour during the day). Helicop- the desert landscape. LGBT travelers love the rustic-chic Alto Atacama ter tourism is responsible for 30 million tourism dollars in NYC alone. (Camino Pukara, Suchor, Ayliu de Quitor, Tel: 56-229-12-3945. Among the popular places known for helicopter tours, Hawaii is the most www.altoatacama.com), a terrific boutique hotel that recently underwent famous with flights over rain forests, beaches, cosmopolitan cities, small towns, major renovations, including the expansion of their pampering spa. The bal- volcanoes, and more. The new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (92-1001 loon rides can be booked with Alto Atacama. Olani Street, Tel: 808-679-0079. www.fourseasons.com), which opened this past summer, is the first hotel in the state to offer helicopter-ride airport pick-ups, where HELICOPTER guests marvel at breathtaking coastal views. Some of the best helicopter rides are While Uber (www.uber.com) takes over the globe with car services, it also in the Big Island, where helicopters ascend active and dormant volcanoes and even

OCTOBER 2016 I PASSPORT 77 Biz FeatureSIGHTSEEINGOCT2016_LimaAPR-08.R5-210/18/165:35PMPage78 78 sightseeing in style uuy oes f h Wrd 90 vne Lmn Tl 800-745-8883. Tel: Leman, d avenue (960 World the of Hotels Luxury placeslike Evian, France. Thecentury-old, five-star toremote locations in the Grand Canyon and Valleyof Fire. sons.com/lasvegas Vegas other to see the golden colors of New ’s fall foliage. fall where guests could book a chartered helicopter ride from one resort to the www.taconichotel.com nershipwith Blvd., Cambridge, MA. Tel: 617-888-8000. packages or in-house choppers. Kimpton Hotel Marlowe egt! ok t with it Book heights! you can see the tourists inside taking photos of you. Talk exciting. about reaching and great safe it’sHalfway through but the daredevil, ride, the feels tour pauses Itat the John doors!). Hancock withoutTower, flight takeso close windowsoyou feel like you’re literally floating inthe sky (many helicopters copterexperience.com rience venture to some waterfalls deep in the rain forest you can’t reach by foot. ae Twr lc, e: 312-266-1000. Tel: Place, Tower Water whichrecently unveiled new suites andbrand-new a Club Lounge. Overseas,helicopters are in high demand, especially in simply sublime, rural Forthrillinga city adventure, take flight with More hotelsMoreofferingare helicopter tourseverthanbefore, whether smart PASSPORT Belmond Grand Hibernian TrainIreland Hibernian Grand Belmond (3960LasVegas Boulevard South,Tel: 702-632-5212. 22 Suh ase Sre,Tl 312-967-8687.Tel: Street, Halsted South (2420 Kimpton TaconicHotel I OCTOBER 2016 2016 OCTOBER ) partnered with Maverick Tours for private helicopter rides ) in Chicago.in virtuallyuniquechoppersThese )are all ) in Manchester,in ) Vermont offeredpackage athis past izCrtn ChicagoRitz-Carlton (3835Main Street, Tel:802-362-0147. www.hotelmarlowe.com www.ritzcarltonchicago.com 10 at ero Sre at Street Pearson East (160 ChicagoHelicopter Expe- HotelRoyal (25 Edwin H Land www.chicagoheli- Four Seasons Las www.foursea- , a membera, of ) in part- ), geous picnic area, surrounded by captivating viewsvate of Mont helipad, Blanc. guests are mesmerized bytion, therecently landscapebegun offering and arehelicopter droppedrides offover www.evianresort.cominthe aAlps. gor-From the hotel’s pri- and SailTime. Also, accessible(especially for millennials) with companies like Freedom Boat companiesClub boatclubsbecomingandare morepopular, makingboating more ingis also starting to gain speed in the nautical market. Peer-to-peer boatsboat wererental sold in 2015, an increase of 8.5 percentNational Marinecompared Manufacturers to 2014. Association,Boat shar-an estimated rise.According the238,000 to billion $35.9 on annually, new are sales in rakes boat power- and vacation boot. viewsto seaside stunning, on millionaire some or life—and good celebrity,the brings wealth proving CEO,sea, at champers involves a for day typical A yacht. a on sail setting than glamorous more there’snothing proves, history As YACHTING AND BOATING where sightseeing the coast is as unforgettable experience.terfullydesigned vesselsbeautifulsailtakeinguests to afor out destinations, luxury hotels across the globe. More hotels and resorts are touting their own mas- campaign to get people on the water has helped the nautical movement. Boating in America is highly lucrative. The US recreational boating industry n o te a-redis dsiain i te ol, a Facso is Francisco San world, the in destinations gay-friendliest the of One Intradition of sumptuous living, sailing on a yacht is becoming a standard at Discover Boating ),which just completed massive,a $100 million renova- Ghoast Cheese Maker Full Maker Cheese Ghoast ( www.discoverboating.com ), a national

Photo: Belmond Biz Feature SIGHTSEEING OCT 2016 _Lima APR-08.R5-2 10/18/16 5:35 PM Page 79

amazing gay-friendly vacation rentals

COMO Hotels Cameron Yacht

known for its bay, where traversing the waters is a must when visiting. TRAIN TRAVEL While most travelers will cram into a touristy boat ride, the historic Casa Nothing conjures centuries-old, stylish sightseeing like train travel. In the Madrona (801 Bridgeway, Tel: 800-288-0502. www.casamadrona.com) 19th century, railways were the only way to travel between long-distance in neighboring Sausalito is the best launching point for the serene waters. destinations, where riders were awe-struck with immense landscapes, for- Sausalito is known for its sail culture, and plenty of private boats for hire eign cultures and met likeminded travelers. Train travel (with luxurious await. Casa Madrona has terrific ties with the best captains, and their exclu- sleeper compartments) is still popular today, and it’s considered the only sive partnership with Freda B (www.schoonerfredab.com), a massive, means to travel well through some exotic destinations like Mongolia, , luxury schooner, is a privileged way to experience the bay. Food is served, , and Scandinavia. It’s even a rite of passage for college students views of the Golden Gate Bridge are up-close and personal and, best of all, who want to see (Eurail), or check out the Pacific Coast Highway you don’t have to share the boat with other visitors. (via Amtrak). In Venice, , the entire city is a network of romantic canals where visitors Now, luxurious train travel is making a solid comeback thanks to Bel- must cruise the waters to navigate. While historically the means of travel was in mond (formerly Orient Express, which perfected luxury train travel). a gondola with a dapper boatman paddling away, most luxury resorts have taken Belmond (www.belmond.com) recently debuted Belmond Grand canal cruising to a whole new level by featuring posh, private yachts for sightsee- Hibernian in Ireland, the country’s first luxury touring train that features ing. The historic The Gritti Place, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Campo Santa unforgettable land and train experiences. The journey, inaugurated in Maria del Giglio, Tel: 39-041-794611. www.thegrittiplace.com) is the grand August, traverses the country’s very-green landscapes like in Cork, dame of the canals, where celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Angelina Jolie Kilarney, Galway, and Westport, with tours and activities that include have made it their Venetian playground. The hotel recently debuted a private boat, behind-the-scenes at Jameson’s Whiskey distillery, kissing the Blarney Riva, costing half a million dollars, that tours the canals. Stone, and private access to Blarney Castle Gardens. For those on a time- Over in the , COMO Hotels and Resorts (www.comohotels.com) budget, the two-hour tour from Dublin to Belfast and Portrush take visi- recently introduced Cameron, the brand’s new 68-foot Hatteras yacht, which pro- tors to the magnificent Giant’s Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery. vides seamless, luxury-drenched nautical access between COMO Cocoa Island The highlight, of course, is the comfortably elegant carriages that reflect and COMO Maalifushi. The live aboard vessel, equipped with resident marine the colors of the tartan, two dining cars, an observation car, and well- biologist and surfing instructors, is available for multi-night itineraries where appointed, decorative cabins. guests can sleep under the stars. Come May 2017, Belmond will introduce Belmond Andean Explorer, Meanwhile, Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com) Maldives allows South America’s first luxury sleeper train that traverses the Peruvian Andes, passengers to stay aboard as long as they like with Four Seasons Explor- from to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. The Explorer will accommodate 68 er, the first hotel-on-water concept where guests can embark on three-, guests in refined, en-suite cabins and offer fresh, seasonal Peruvian menus cre- four- and seven-night cruises aboard an elegant, three-deck catamaran. ated by the chefs at Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.

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