As the world continues to stay home, we are all looking for new ways to stay entertained. From at-home spa tips and wellness advice to recipes from hotel chefs; and from an inside look at local customs to virtual experiences, we have brought together ten of our favorite opportunities from around the world that you can “experience” from the comfort (and safety) of your own home…



1. Marbella Club | An Exfoliation Mask at Home

The Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa is a beachfront boutique resort on the Mediterranean has the timeless character of a classic whitewashed Andalusian village. Personal service and elegance is assured amid their bloom and bird-filled subtropical gardens, which flourish year-round in Southern Spain’s generous climate. All 35 guestrooms and 80 elegant suites in Marbella are set in the jasmine-scented subtropical gardens so lovingly enhanced by the Prince himself. Spaces include a furnished outdoor terrace that overlooks the glorious gardens or endless views out to sea. For the best of the best when you plan your next visit, we love the Villa and Grand Villa options that are Andalusian-style luxury villas, which have their own gardens, and some even have private pools and fully fitted kitchens. Silvia Gámez, facialist at the Thalasso Spa, shares her home exfoliation mask, inspired by the Marbella Club’s Mediterranean fruits and products, olive oil and lemons.

What You Will Need:

  • 4 teaspoons of sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
  • 5 drops of lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons of olive oil (or 1 teaspoon for every one of sugar you use)

Preparation:

>> Mix the lemon zest with the sugar. This will allow the sugar to completely absorb the essential lemon oils.

>> Add the lemon juice and the olive oil.

>> Mix until completely blended.

How to Apply:

>> Take a hot shower to prepare your skin for the exfoliation.

>> Apply the mixture throughout your body, gently massaging using circular motions and focusing on the driest areas of the body, like the elbows and knees.

>> Let rest for 5 minutes.

>> Rinse with a warm cloth and dry with a towel. Your skin should feel soft!

Silvia´s tip: If you want to intensify the results of the exfoliation, dry brush between the hot shower and the exfoliation.



2. Czech Republic | A Virtual Prague Experience

The Czech Republic is looking forward to being able to welcome tourists again in the near future, but for now, they are continuing to find ways to showcase the sights, sounds and tastes of their country. Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. This city presents itself as a changeable city, which likes to alternate styles: it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern, but above all, it is a city that is cosmopolitan through and through… and is looking forward to having you back soon. For now, enjoy this virtual Prague getaway!



3. Sorrel River Ranch | Delicious Utah Scones

Sorrel River Ranch is an exclusive 240-acre riverside oasis surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Utah’s iconic arches, canyon-lands, and red rock mesas. Get the full experience when we can travel again and enjoy their custom-built cabins, campfires, and miles of sun. Check in to a variety of Moab accommodations for intimate getaways or large gatherings, and then fill every moment with adventure, discovery, or nothing at all. Treat yourself and indulge in Utah Scones prepared by Midge Knerr, one of the first female chefs in NYC, and now the Mercantile Manager for Sorrel River Ranch’s new locally sourced mercantile market.

What You Will Need:

  • 1 cup of hot water
  • 1 tablespoon of yeast
  • ⅓ cup of oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ cup of sugar
  • 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flower
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 2 quarts of oil for frying: 2 cups of cinnamon sugar for rolling after frying

Instructions:

>> Mix 3 tablespoons of warm water with the yeast with a pinch of sugar.

>> While the yeast is rising, add hot water, oil, salt and sugar in a large bowl.

>> Add egg to the yeast and combine well. Then add egg and yeast to the sugar mixture and stir well.

>> Add flour gradually and knead dough as it stiffens until it is doughy and elastic. This should take about five minutes.

>> Place dough in a greased bowl – make sure the top is greased. Let rise for 30 minutes – until it is doubled in size. This also can be kept to rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator.

Shaping and Frying:

>> Have a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Heat the 2 quarts of oil in a deep pan at least 2 inches and heart to 350-375 degrees.

>> Divide dough into balls (they can be made smaller) and roll into a ball with a finger through the middle and make a hole. This dough is very forgiving and can be stretched into a shape if need be.

>> When temperature is correct, add 3-4 at time in the oil. Brown them on each side.

>> Remove from oil and toss in cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!



4. Ireland | Fill Your Heart and Dreams

As soon as we can travel again, Ireland will be waiting to fill our hearts with its beauty and warmth. Until then, we can dream of our future adventures. Perhaps you are in the rugged hills of Connemara on the Wild Atlantic Way, where wild horses roam beneath brooding skies. Maybe you are stepping back thousands of years to absorb the Irish culture and explore an island of ancient monuments, medieval castles and iconic round towers. There are so many ways to fill your heart with Ireland. Although we are choosing to stay home and stay safe for now, we can still be spellbound by the island’s magic in a new short film to experience #FillYourHeartWithIreland. So hold Ireland in your imagination and picture the days ahead when you can experience first-hand the island’s wondrous charm.



5. Casa Angelina | A Signature Mojito 

Casa Angelina offers a sublime slice of modern minimalism on the Mediterranean that sits on the high cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. We have featured this property before as we love the level of services and amenities they offer their guests, and appreciate the emphasis they place on elegant simplicity and first-rate food. This boutique 39-room hotel is a place where guests can rediscover the forgotten rhythms of long, drawn-out days and easy, lingering evenings. It serves as a sanctuary, bearing a fresh, pared-back aesthetic and a white-on-white palette that accentuates both the sea and sky blues outside and the contemporary artworks on display inside. You can enjoy a little taste of Casa Angelina thanks to this delicious signature cocktail, the Limoncello Mojito.

What You Will Need:

  • Lemon cubes (helpful recipe here)
  • 1 spoon of white sugar
  • 7 mint leaves
  • 1.5oz of Amber Rhum (Havana 7 is recommended)
  • 1.5oz of Limoncello liqueur
  • 1 Top of soda water

Instructions:

>> Muddle together the mint leaves and sugar.

>> Add the Rhum and Limoncello, and shake in a cocktail shaker.

>> Pour over lemon cubes in the glass.

>> Top it off with soda water (to taste).

>> Decorate with a lemon slice or small sprig of mint.



6. Switzerland | Yodel Like a Local

I know we are all looking forward to planning our next visit to Switzerland to enjoy the unmatched beauty and culture. But for fun, what do you really know about yodeling? We enjoy listening to the unmistakable sounds, but it was initially used as a means of communication between Alpine villages. It is very easily recognizable, and its central themes are love for nature and home. Although yodeling had been possibly used as far back as the Stone Age, the choir singing of yodeling songs started in the 19th century. On special occasions, talerschwingen, or bell shaking, often accompanies polyphonic natural yodels. In Switzerland and the other Alpine countries, yodeling developed into song in the 19th century. Discover a little remix from Swiss DJ Antoine songs “Ma Cherie.”



7. Puente Romano Beach Resort | Take a Breath

Puente Romano Beach Resort is one of Marbella’s most sought after beach hotels, and for good reason. With a village-style feel instead of a typical resort atmosphere, you can indulge in their spa and wellness facilities, open-air courtyard that is perfect for cocktails, botanical gardens, world famous tennis courts, and 14 different restaurants all with unique menus. Puente Romano gym manager, Mario Simón García has collected together some breathing techniques to practice daily to help calm any anxiety that we might be experiencing with these unsure times we are living in at the moment.
Tiger Breathing can improve the energy in your lungs. To get the most out of this type of breathing exercise, breathe in through your nose. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, and then repeat 3-6 times each day.


Triphasic Breathing is simple, but it can be calming. Breathe in and fill up the three sections of your body in order; the abdomen, rib cage and the collarbone, one by one. Breathe out and empty the same three parts starting with the collarbone, the rib cage and finishing with the abdomen. Repeat 5-10 times.



8. Germany | Dream Now, Visit Later

To keep the dream of traveling alive, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) launched the microsite for its empathy campaign #DiscoverGermanyFromHome. Enjoy walks through towns, landscapes, castles, parks and beaches discover Germany’s diverse cuisine, and expand your knowledge of soccer, fairytales, cars, and beer through their multiple-choice quiz. Be sure to also check out the #HomeMadeGermany section too where they have some fun German recipes that can keep you busy while staying home, and staying safe. With all this entertainment at your fingertips, embark on a special virtual trip through a selection of destinations in Germany – enjoy! <<MORE>>



9. Silversea | Inspirational Cocktails

Silversea is committed to making your voyage unforgettable by taking you to the most beautiful destinations on the planet in the comfort and elegance that you deserve. Their small luxury ships are designed for those who delight in the thrill of discovery while indulging mind and body in the most lavish surroundings imaginable. All accommodations are spacious, ocean-view suites that include butler service, and most include private verandas. Silversea voyages and cruise expeditions sail to over 900 destinations on all seven continents, and will be eager to welcome guests again soon. In the meantime, they have introduced a new culinary program, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). Sixty new cocktails have been created, each using ingredients that highlight a different destination, and the story behind it. Silversea Bartender Alex Ducusin Perez says the inspirations are, “as diverse as the Antarctic Peninsula, fine art, ancient cultures or even Brazilian popcorn, there are no limits to the creativity behind each recipe.” To wet your appetite, we are sharing one of these signature cocktail recipes with you now.

Boom Town | Western Australia

In the late 19th century, Irish-born engineer C.Y. O’Connor had the foresight to deepen the harbor of Fremantle and transform the once sleepy town of Perth into the state of Western Australia’s trade capital and gateway to riches for thousands of gold miners. This signature cocktail based around the classic Southside Fizz uses Old Young’s Smoked Vodka, a locally made spirit that marries botanic tastes of hickory, cherry wood, peat and eucalyptus.

What You Will Need:

  • 1 handful of fresh mint leaves
  • ½ oz. sugar syrup
  • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz. cloudy apple juice
  • 2 oz. Old Young’s Smoked Vodka
  • Top with Fentimans Tonic
  • 1 drop of Bittermens Celery bitters

Preparation:

>> Chill a Collins glass and put to the side.

>> Add mint into a cocktail shake and press.

>> Add the sugar syrup, lemon, apple juice and vodka.

>> Fill with cubed ice and shake for 10 seconds.

>> Fine strain and top with Fentimans Tonic.

>> Add a drop of celery bitters and lightly stir.



10. Hawaii | Experience Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki

Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki are two resorts with a legacy of perpetuating and supporting the arts in Hawai‘i, and they are now encouraging families to discover #HawaiiFromHome. Based on HalekulaniLiving.TV, the site features seven seasons of Living TV, which follows the lives of those who celebrate the Halekulani lifestyle through their cultural and artistic pursuits. Families can learn about the art of spearfishing and Hawaiian quilting, while other episodes profile contemporary Hawai‘i artists and their craft. In addition, as a sponsor of the esteemed Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF), visitors can explore HIFF@Home. A link provided on the website allows visitors to access content from local groundbreaking filmmakers and short films from around the world screened at O‘ahu’s independent film festival. <<MORE>>

Spending lots of time indoors during the past year has certainly been a unique experience and completely changed many people’s lifestyles. If you have enjoyed trying out the experiences mentioned above, you may be starting to think about your next break and how you can make it extra-special.