ILHA DE TOQUE TOQUE- Brazil

Toque Toque (or Tap Tap, depending on where you're from) is about as far away from the hectic yet beautiful chaos of any Brazilian metropolis. It's a tiny haven in the middle of lush, relatively uninhabited nature reserves, serving as home to this spirited boutique hotel so remote that you'd find it hard to believe Sao Paulo is a mere 3 hours away. 10 rooms in the middle of 17,500 square meters of landscape fits quite comfortably as you'd well imagine. And here, you'll find dirt roads, not paved- the artesenal work of caiçaras fishermen, not commercial boats nor yachts trawling the shoreline...and total, complete privacy in an ultra-romantic setting.

Couples will dig the startling views, the private hot tubs designed for deliciously sublime baths, the seclusion of it all. Eco-friendly travelers will dig the owners' commitment to the Earth- no trees were harmed in the construction of this hotel, water here is collected from a waterfall, and the only energy here is solar powered. There's even a nutritionist and spa therapist on property to help restore your balance.

Travel the week of 23-30 Jun and be treated to the seductive sounds of phenomenal Brazilian jazz artists that will heat up the sultry nights on the beach with their soulful sounds and blissful beats. Ilha de Toque Toque's 2nd annual Jazz Festival. Check out the website for more info at www.ilhadetoquetoque.com.br

 

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE-15% off of the Honeymoon Package including 3 nights in an Essencial Suite with private Jacuzzi, daily breakfast, 1 romantic candlelight dinner, one hour-long massage per person and totally romantic decorations and goodies en suite upon arrival, plus complimentary Natura sunblock for those days in the Brazilian sun. Valid select dates in 2012. Connect with us for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

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KUMBUK RIVER ECO LODGE-
Face it, no matter how many plush beds, 600-thread-count linens, and luxe rooms you’ve spent time in, it still is infinitely cooler to say you’ve slept in an elephant. And now you can. Kumbuk River is a gorgeous oasis on the southeastern Sri Lankan coast, set amidst a wildlife sanctuary brimming with amazing sights. Here, one spends their days trekking around this area known as Yala, exploring the riverfront, taking a dip in the herbal therapeutic pool before seeking a coveted glimpse of an elephant in the moonlight and then retiring in one. The structure is indeed the world’s largest “elephant”, which sleeps up to 10 comfortably in its surprisingly spacious belly comprised of bedrooms, a staircase, full bathrooms and a lounge. It’s even said to gently rock guests to sleep as it sways ever so slightly on a breezy evening. Everything here is entirely centered around the environment, from the complex’s construction, to the full integration of the concept in the guest experience where the property’s team spends time teaching all guests about Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. By the time you leave, you’ll be fully aware of how Kumbuk River Resort’s sustainable efforts help local suffering rural economies as well. www.kumbukriver.com

FARE START- Seattle

Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Or, if you're a typical restaurant, give someone a dish and he'll eat that meal, but what happens after that? Especially if that person is facing tremendous hardship and doesn't know where the next meal might come from? The admirable, innovative hybrid restaurant/job training programFareStart tackles that issue successfully each and every day with Seattle's homeless.

Over the past 19 years, this stunning example of culinary goodness has provided opportunities for over 3,500 of the city's disadvantaged citizens to change their lives, while delivering some four million meals to hungry adults and children in the area. FareStart, in collaboration with the city, believes in ending homelessness versus just managing it with band-aids by developing long term solutions. While most sympathize with the issue, FareStart took a proactive stance from the beginning by developing a culinary training program offered to adults and youth at risk. The 16-week comprehensive curriculum with a foundation of emotional and social support provides them with significant culinary skills and thus an opportunity to successfully reenter the community and the food service job market with a renewed sense of confidence.

The course blends hands-on training with classroom instruction, followed up by job placement assistance, and for the younger set, there's the Youth Barista Program also providing job training mixed with counseling on life skills to help them get back on track.

It doesn't stop there. Day in and day out, volunteers deliver nutritious meals to shelters and childcare centers, while educating on healthy food choices. FareStart students help prepare and deliver the meals, providing them with the opportunity to utilize their new skills, while serving as shining examples to those they connect with at the shelters. It is indeed possible to transform your life and end your own personal cycle of hardship by embracing the opportunities in front of you.

FareStart generates revenue to support these projects via its businesses coupled with the generosity of others. They bring together the community in a special way, night after night, and this is the reason it is always at the top of my list whenever I am in Seattle. Food is even more delicious when you know each bite is created from inherent goodness, and when you know everything you order is contributing to changing lives.

Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime, and if you're FareStart, teach a person to cook, and you provide them with an entirely new lease on life. www.farestart.org

 

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE-Receive one of our Explorateur Concierge-crafted Seattle Guides when you follow us on Twitter or Facebook- Send us a Tweet as a shout out or comment on our FB page , let us know your email address and we'll get it out to you faster than you can say Emerald City.

THE SURIN- Phuket

 Think Surin, think seclusion. This is the place you'll want to be when absolute disconnection from the rest of the world is in order. This slice of bliss elegantly sashays down the tropical landscape to rest along Phuket's finest white sandy beach at Pansea Bay, world-famous for its crystal clear waters and pristine white sands. The resort nestles in peaceful seclusion in the form of 108 secluded cottages gently shaded by coconut palms on verdant slopes. It is the genuine rustic serenity and warm tropical hospitality that beach lovers and island enthusiasts seek.

This celebrated resort paradise has been rejuvenated by its original designer, Paris-based architect Ed Tuttle who has artfully refreshed Thai beach cottages utilizing local materials and traditional designs fused with modern functionality. The cottages are connected by elevated walkways and all feature unobstructed views of the ocean, spacious bedrooms, bathrooms with his-and-hers vanities and high-tech electronic elements. All done up in custom made furnishings and warm, earthy, organic colors. The atmosphere is eclectic yet serene, the service is high touch yet unobtrusive.

Authentic dining can be found at a variety of the resort's eateries, including Lomtalay offering a wide selection of regional, delectable dishes, and casual Asian fare and international specialties at the Beach and Sunset Bars. Fitness and wellness come in many forms at the Surin, from the stylish black-tiled pool adjacent to a special children's pool, fully- equipped gymnasium, and all manner of watersport from catamarans to windsurfing, snorkeling to scuba diving and more. Relaxation can be found within the peaceful confines of The Surin Spa, created in harmony with the natural beauty of the surroundings, featuring a complete menu of Thai-inspired wellness and rejuvenation treatments. Spa rooms offer sweeping views of the Andaman Sea and pose the perfect sanctuary for ultimate spa indulgence

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary 1-category room upgrade plus stay 5 nights in a Beach Cottage or Beach Studio and receive a complimentary 50-minute spa treatment, welcome drink, bottle of local wine en suite and use of gym and sauna during your stay. Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*upgrade subject to availability

MY COMPLICATED LOVE AFFAIR WITH JOBURG

 I'm in love with Johannesburg. As I sit here in this amazing city once again, I am reminded how fascinating it is, so it's no wonder I'm frankly tired of the disapproving looks and quotes of incorrect statistics I get from so many when say its name. My first visit changed my life, and any trip to South Africa with an intentional Joburg bypass means missing out on this intriguing nation's soul.

Years ago, I could've stayed within the lavish surroundings of my hotel and shopped the day away, but I instead opted for a private tour including a visit to Soweto, an outskirt of a million people, with far too many living in absolute squalor. To be guided through a courthouse which was once a prison, only to find that my guide was imprisoned there himself for years for breaking curfew during Apartheid was a glimpse into a difficult emotional journey from hardship to forgiveness that I will never fully comprehend. 

Later on, I found myself comfortably at peace while walking in Soweto's massive outdoor market, and even having tea at an elderly resident's home who proudly regaled us with his own stories of the past. As we pressed on, I encountered a makeshift shop held up by 3 ratty pieces of corrugated steel. While I could have purchased all of the contents for less than the price of a gourmet dinner, I settled on pens and lollipops and we walked down the street to a school, where 50 beautiful children rushed to the gate to see us mysterious strangers.

 

Mostly clothed in tatters, all with bright sparkles of wonder in their eyes. In an instant we heard the most beautiful chorus of young voices, singing us the national anthem as a way to welcome to their country which they will always be proud of, no matter how much they have (or don't have). The tears flowed, the emotions raced through my mind and I wondered how many visitors miss out on things like this.

So, go to Joburg. Get out of the car, follow that intriguing aroma that's emanating from a hole-in-the-wall eatery, take time to visit a local orphanage to just hold a baby in need of love, even help a school plant a vegetable garden. For, this is a city of a million stories, with an indescribable spirit and edge that fully proved it has the strength to the entire planet with its flawless display of impeccable hospitality and organization during the World Cup.

The magic of Africa lies not behind the walls of a luxury hotel, its something only found discovered once you look beyond the surface. Do so and you'll gain a whole new perspective on yourself and what's important. I certainly did.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE-Save up to 30% on a fabulous, custom-crafted South Africa tour complete with unique experiences perfectly tailored to your interests throguhout the country. Contact us at info@theexplorateurportfolio.com for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

XARA PALACE- Malta 

It’s hard not to fall in love with Malta.  It’s a mysterious, magical Mediterranean mixture that is totally unexpected and somehow always seems to surprise even the most informed traveller.  A little bit North African, a tad Italian, somewhat British with a hint of Arabic, it’s a blend of prehistoric temples, fantastic food, hidden alleyways, medieval cities, spectacular historical structures and rich diverse cultural history.  Though you’ll never know quite what to expect until you arrive, one thing you can be sure of is the hotel which will offer you the most fabulous stay, the Xara Palace.

This exclusive family-run hideaway is a member of Relaix & Chateaux, coyly hidden within the walls of a 17^th Century Palazzo restored to its original grandeur. The property, replete with antique furnishings and artwork is an homage to Maltese history and reminiscent of the ancient capital city of Mdina.  Back in the 1500’s, this was a hotspot for all manner of nobility, and today their eatery, Trattoria AD 1530 is a stunning reminder of those simpler times, with divine cuisine and panoramic views to die for.

Retire to your sanctuary where you’ll be ensconced in fine linens, spoiled with ultra-plush seating areas and luxurious marble bathrooms, all bathed in serene natural light, with original windows and fully restored balconies for charming views.  http://www.xarapalace.com.mt/ 

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 10% on stays of 3 nights or  longer, complimentary welcome drink, bottle of local wine in room upon arrival and use of gym and sauna during stay.  Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

*valid for travel through 28 Dec 2012, advance payment required, subject to availability. Quote savings code EXP/12 when booking