From '2001: a Space Odyssey' to Hidden Beaches and Coffee Shops

PLUS: 4 Days in Paris for the Experienced Traveler

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57 years ago.

On April 2, 1968.

"2001: A Space Odyssey" premiered in theaters in Washington D.C.

Richard Strauss: Zarathustra

[Click above ⬆️⬆️⬆️ to hear the famous intro music.]

In the film, Stanley Kubrick showed us a future where machines and humans dance a complicated tango across the cosmos.

Fast forward to today.

Our smartphones, now loaded with AI, have replaced HAL 9000, but they're much friendlier.

They translate menus in Tokyo, find that perfect hidden beach, or rescue us when we're hopelessly lost down some charming alleyway.

We're not quite floating through space stations yet, but travel has changed.

We preview hotels in virtual reality before booking.

Our apps know what we like before we do.

And somewhere, a computer is already planning your next perfect getaway.

The way we explore has evolved, just like Kubrick predicted.

But the magic of travel isn't in the technology; it's in the human interactions:

The travel designer who knows exactly what will delight you, the third-generation hotelier in that boutique hotel you love, the local guide who shows you her favorite childhood beach spot, or the stranger who becomes a friend over coffee.

In the end, the magic of travel is in that smile that needs no translation.

I hope you’re smiling now 🙂 

Latest Luxury Travel News

Set Sail in Style: Orient Express Unveils Its Mediterranean Masterpiece

Orient Express Sailing Yachts has opened reservations for the Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, set to embark in the summer of 2026. This luxurious vessel offers voyages from May to October, ranging from two to eight nights across the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. With 54 spacious suites, guests will visit iconic ports like Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez, as well as hidden gems such as Portoferraio and Saint-Florent. Onboard amenities include multiple restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, bars, lounges, a cabaret, a recording studio, pools, and a marina. ACCOR

If sailing the Med in unmatched elegance sounds like your kind of odyssey, consider this your official boarding call.

Elevating Happiness: Bhutan's Visionary Gelephu International Airport Takes Flight

Bhutan, the kingdom of Gross National Happiness, is building the Gelephu International Airport, designed by the visionary Bjarke Ingels Group and set to open in 2029. Inspired by the Himalayas, the terminal will feature diamond-shaped roofs, open-air forests, yoga decks, meditation spaces, and sound bath zones. With plans for 123 flights per day, it will unlock long-haul access to this secluded paradise, redefining what it means to arrive mindfully. CNN

For those seeking a journey where serenity meets innovation, Bhutan's upcoming aviation marvel promises an ascent into mindful travel.

Four Seasons Launches the Ultimate Boarding Pass

With its Private Jet Experience, Four Seasons is revolutionizing luxury travel by transforming a custom Airbus A321neoLR into a flying five-star retreat. These 14- to 24-day itineraries whisk guests across the globe, from the Seychelles to Kyoto, with Four Seasons resorts waiting at every stop. Think: private chefs, personalized excursions, and a crew trained to spoil you senseless—in the best way possible. It’s not just travel—it’s a lifestyle, midair. FORBES

Because when your layovers include Bora Bora and a butler, calling it a “flight” feels wildly inaccurate.

Tuscany on Track: A New Route for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express just unveiled a glamorous new route from Paris to Tuscany, launching June 2025. This overnight journey glides through the Alps and Italian countryside, delivering Art Deco opulence, fine dining, and white-glove service aboard vintage 1920s carriages. Travelers will awaken near Florence, with stops in Rome and Venice also on select itineraries. It’s a rolling love letter to Europe’s golden age of travel. CN TRAVELER

Because sometimes, the scenic route should include caviar and a velvet chaise.

Catch the Trade Winds: Caribbean Sailing Events to Mark on Your 2025 Calendar

The Caribbean is making serious waves in 2025 with a stellar lineup of sailing events. From the BVI Spring Regatta to the glamor of Les Voiles de St. Barth and the legendary Antigua Sailing Week, it’s a whirlwind of sails, sunshine, and seaside soirées. Expect high-speed races, champagne-filled decks, and sunsets that deserve their own standing ovation. TRAVEL PULSE

Because some calendars are for dentist appointments, while others are for rum-soaked regattas.

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For the “been there, done that, back for the good stuff” kind of traveler…

The Savvy Traveler | Paris

4 days of hidden gems, refined indulgences, and local secrets.

Day 1: Artistic Immersion & Parisian Elegance

  • Start at Musée Jacquemart-André — a 19th-century mansion turned art-filled dream. Don’t skip their chic tea salon.

  • Stroll through Parc Monceau and nibble your way along Rue de Lévis, a beloved local market street.

  • Lunch at Maison Rostang – refined, under-the-radar Michelin-starred magic.

  • Dive into Musée des Arts Décoratifs for fashion, interiors, and inspired design.

  • Window shop Rue Saint-Honoré like you belong there (because now you do).

  • End your day with dinner at Restaurant Pages – where French-Japanese fusion meets understated brilliance.

Day 2: Eat Like a Local, Wander Like a Poet

  • Start in Canal Saint-Martin with a croissant from Du Pain et des Idées, and watch locals do their chic morning thing.

  • Wander boutiques and galleries, then head to Le Marais.

  • Lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges – a 400-year-old market with gourmet street food.

  • Visit Musée Carnavalet – Paris history, beautifully told (and free!).

  • Browse vintage shops or sip natural wine at a tucked-away bar.

  • Dinner at Clamato – no reservations, seafood heaven, buzzing with locals.

  • Optional: Jazz at Caveau de la Huchette if you’re feeling retro-romantic.

Day 3: Royals or Rive Gauche? Choose Your Flavor.

Option A – Day Trip:

  • Take a 25-minute train to Château de Chantilly. Visit the palace, gardens, and horse museum, then lunch at La Capitainerie in the castle.

Option B – Stay in Paris:

  • Explore Musée Delacroix, stroll Rue de Buci, and eat a baguette au jambon et au fromage in Luxembourg Gardens.

  • Visit Panthéon Crypt or get delightfully lost in the Latin Quarter.

  • Cocktails at Bar Joséphine (Lutetia) and dinner at La Tour d’Argent – a legendary finale.

Day 4: Curiosity, Coffee & a Soft Landing

  • Breakfast at Café de Flore (for the history) or Coutume Café (for the beans).

  • Visit Maison de Victor Hugo and wander through Place des Vosges.

  • Treat yourself to a pastry class, perfume workshop, or a quiet museum like Musée de la Vie Romantique.

  • Final dinner at Frenchie Wine Bar – cozy, cool, and a perfect Parisian goodbye.

I know, I know, many of you would suggest something else or have a different approach. Please share your suggestions in the comments.

April will be a very busy month on the events front.

Global Events to Keep on Your Radar

April 1st – April 15th, 2025

Sports

🏎️ Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix📍 Suzuka Circuit, Japan | 🗓️ April 4–6, 2025 Fast corners, devoted fans, and that famous figure-eight layout — Suzuka is one of the most beloved tracks in F1. The race kicks off Asia’s leg of the tour with edge-of-your-seat action.

🏃‍♂️ Schneider Electric Paris Marathon 📍 Paris, France | 🗓️ April 6, 2025
Run past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées. It’s one of the world’s most scenic races — whether you’re chasing a personal best or a croissant after the finish line.

The Masters Tournament 📍 Augusta National Golf Club, USA | 🗓️ April 10–13, 2025 Golf's most iconic tournament returns to Augusta. Expect lush greens, dramatic putts, and a new owner for that coveted green jacket.

🏎️ Bahrain Grand Prix 📍 Sakhir, Bahrain | 🗓️ April 11-13, 2025 Formula 1 heads to the desert as Bahrain’s night race dazzles fans with sunset skies, strategic pit stops, and blistering speed.

Music & Entertainment

🎡 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Weekend 1) 📍 Indio, California, USA | 🗓️ April 11–13, 2025 The desert’s coolest festival returns with chart-topping headliners, mind-blowing art installations, and enough glitter to rival the Milky Way.

🎸 TV on the Radio – European Tour 📍 Various Cities, Europe | 🗓️ April 2–10, 2025
The cult-favorite indie band returns to the stage with a string of European gigs: Athens (Apr 2), Lausanne (Apr 4), Berlin (Apr 6), Vienna (Apr 8), and Manchester (Apr 10).
A stylish comeback for lovers of live alt-rock.

🎵 The Eagles at The Sphere 📍 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 🗓️ April 1–15, 2025 (select dates) The legends take over the most futuristic venue on Earth. With epic visuals and timeless hits, this Vegas residency is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of encore.

Cultural Events & Celebrations

🎠 Foire du Trône 📍 Paris, France | 🗓️ April 1–Ongoing Europe’s oldest funfair (dating back to 957!) lights up Paris with rollercoasters, cotton candy, and classic family vibes — a perfect cultural stop after strolling the Seine.

Paris is always a good idea.

Audrey Hepburn

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