In this January issue of Luxe Beat Magazine, you’ll find tropical escapes including coral grafting in Bora Bora, Bali’s hidden gem Mandapa, and Thailand’s magic. Get a taste of global wines with unexpected finds in Arizona, Temecula and more!
The Phoenicia Malta: A Luxury Mediterranean Landmark by Mary Charlebois and Kevin Scanlon
When arriving at Phoenicia Malta, you sense the history of this legendary hotel. Phoenicia sits alongside the 16th-century bastion walls of Valletta, built by the Knights of St. John. The historic city teems with history and beautiful baroque architecture. As you enter Phoenicia’s polished brass doors, it becomes apparent why dignitaries, heads of state, kings, and queens have graced Phoenicia’s lustrous marble floors. This is an old-world luxury hotel.
Patagonia: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring landscape by Debbie Stone
Adventure travel writer Debbie Stone, was initially hesitant, due to past experiences, embarked on a horseback riding excursion at Estancia Cerro Guido in Patagonia. The ride, led by experienced gauchos, offered a unique perspective on the sublime landscape and the cultural significance of horses in Patagonia.
Spend a Luxurious Long Weekend in and Around Upstate New York's Spa City by Theresa St. John
Saratoga Springs is fondly referred to as The Spa City, or the Queen of the Spas, with good reason. During the Paleozoic Era, Saratoga Springs suffered a series of faults that split open a good deal of underlying rock. These events created crevices and allowed water to make its way to the surface. Interestingly enough, these springs are the only naturally carbonated mineral springs east of the Rocky Mountains and have drawn folks worldwide to seek their benefits over the centuries.
Winter in Portland, Maine is Magical - Here's How to Experience It by Kirsten Harrington
Why would you want to visit Portland, Maine in the winter? Well, for starters, Portland’s Victorian buildings, cozy cafes, and cobblestone streets glow with an extra layer of charm as temperatures drop. Also, cruise season is over, making it easier to snag restaurant reservations and enjoy the city without the crowds. So, pack your parka and head to Maine’s most populous city! Winter awaits with holiday lights, award-winning restaurants, and stunning ocean vistas.
Shake Up Your Weekends with 52 Cocktails: A Chic Recipe Deck to Savor the Perfect Sip by Trina Kaye
Looking for a way to toast the end of a long week? 52 Cocktails to Welcome the Weekend is here to elevate your happy hour with a stylish and versatile deck of recipe cards that celebrates the art of mixology. Whether you’re indulging in a classic Hot Buttered Rum or exploring the dazzling Clementine Wallbanger, these beautifully designed cards offer step-by-step instructions to craft exceptional cocktails for any occasion.
The Rise of Koholā Taproom and Brewery in Maui by Jill Weinlein
The owner and President of Koholā Brewery is Mary Anderson. She purchased the brewery in 2020 during the pandemic. Then on August 8, 2023, Armstrong’s dream went up in flames and burned to the ground. “I have insurance for the brewing equipment, however equipment depreciates each year, so I knew I wouldn’t receive enough money to rebuild my brewery,” said Armstrong. Without making beer, her supply of Lokahi Pilsner, Talk Story Pale Ale, Lahaina Haze, The Waterman IPA and Red Sand Amber Ale ran out statewide within a week.
Downtown Sonoita: The Hub of Sonoita/Elgin's Wine Country in Arizona by Darla Hoffmann
Arizona’s wine country is no longer the secret it was ten-plus years ago. Some of the finest wines in the country come from the state’s American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Sonoita/Elgin is the first and one of three AVAs in Arizona; you can easily find it by driving I-10 E, which is about 45 minutes south of Tucson. You won’t miss the signs on the highway for the designated grape-growing region.
Cold Weather White Wines to Chill With This Winter by
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puts the Paradise in Bali by Diane Sukiennik and Michael Reiss
If Bali is the island of the gods, then surely, they reside at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. As you make your way into the valleys, rivers and rice fields that are so distinctive to Bali, you will arrive at this hidden treasure through a small country lane that gives rise to the splendor of the lush interior landscape and the exclusive entry gates to an otherworldly part of the island.
Grafting Coral in Bora Bora Paradise by Sherry Spitsnaugle
Explore a coral grafting experience at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, led by Marc Shellard from WiseOceans. Learn about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face, both natural and human-made. This piece is both inspiring and educational.