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This year, one of Indagare’s founding principles—that travel is not just about where you go but how the journey shapes you—will become even more important. Meaningful, eye-opening adventures can be found close to home, whether it’s an insider art tour in your backyard or a trip of renewal to a nearby spa, or far away, on a trip to an endangered destination, like the Amazon. Memorable journeys (near and far, escapist and inspirational) are what we’re celebrating in 2009.

Cultural Insider: Opus Art Tours

“Walking around your own city should be an eye-opening cultural experience,” says Muriel Quancard-Johnson, the French founder of New York-based Opus, a travel company dedicated to exploring contemporary art, design and architecture. Exclusively for art-loving Indagare members, Opus is now offering two tours, in New York and in Paris, exploring the cutting-edge cityscapes of New York’s Bowery and Lower East Side and the elegant galleries of the Marais in Paris. Quancard-Johnson and her team of art scholars make sure that the tours are insightful, focusing on history and current trends, as well as a lot of fun. Learn more.

Indagare Community: Postcards

We love to hear about your travels and just this week, we have received several postcards about special vacations, including a restful break in the Maldives and a family holiday in the Turks & Caicos. One member was also declared the winner of our Trips of Renewal competition and will be awarded a weekend at the Mayflower Inn & Spa. Read the winning postcard. You can send us a postcard about one of your recent journeys, by emailing info@indagare.com.

Where to Go Next: Amazon Adventure

At a time when many travelers are scaling back their trips, selecting meaningful journeys becomes even more important. Trusted guiding company Butterfield & Robinson has structured just that kind of excursion with their Destinations At Risk: The Amazon itinerary that departs February 17. We have access to a few of the remaining spots on this trip, which is hosted by George and Martha Butterfield and co-led by marine conservationist Celine Cousteau (Jean-Michel’s daughter). Most of the trip will be spent deep in the jungle, accessible only by seaplanes and boats. Details.

This Month’s Dream: Alpine Skiing

Anyone who has ever been to the European Alps know just how fickle winter conditions can be there, but this year, record snowfall has inundated such resorts as Lech and Zermatt, and European newspapers are raving about the best skiing conditions in a generation. There’s plenty to be excited about off the slopes as well, including extraordinary new chalets in Verbier and a wine restaurant, run by one of Europe’s most celebrated sommeliers, in Courchevel. Of course, one of the great pleasures is revisiting the classics in a beloved resort, says Coralie Charriol Paul, who has watched Megève transform from “a little place hardly anyone knew” to a glamorous winter destination. Read about her favorite places in the beloved French resort. Our Alpine skiing reports include St. Moritz, Verbier and Courchevel, with Megève and Lech coming next week.

Coming soon: Destination reports on Bangkok, Cairo and Koh Samui.

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To facilitate finding memorable and affordable journeys for our community, we reached out to our network of top partners and are highlighting winter promotions in a special email blast. This week’s offers include resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil and Bora Bora, as well as Silverseas cruise lines.

ROSEWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS, CARIBBEAN & MEXICO

Whether seeking a change of scenery, time to reconnect with your family or simply a day without a schedule, Rosewood offers a way to escape the cold and warm your soul under the tropical sun. From January 2 to May 2, 2009, guests will enjoy a complimentary fifth night when they stay four or more consecutive nights at select Rosewood resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. The participating resorts include Rosewood Mayakobá on the Riviera Maya, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos, Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort on St. John, and Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort on Antigua. For reservations and more information, call 888-ROSEWOOD and mention the “Rosewood Escape A Little While Longer” promotion or visit www.rosewoodhotels.com.

ONE & ONLY PALMILLA

Once a tropical hideaway for the likes of Hemingway and Harlow, the private and elegant One&Only Palmilla features expansive ocean-facing accommodations, each with a veranda, a day bed and indulgent amenities. The staff at the acclaimed resort is known for its gracious hospitality, and the distinctive artistry of Mexico is reflected in everything from wrought iron detailing to massive wooden doors weathered with age. The resort is pleased to offer its Winter Escape to Los Cabos, which includes two 50-minute spa treatments or two rounds of golf, an upgrade at the time of arrival (based on availability), a $150 daily resort credit and daily lunch for two. Valid from January 3 to March 31, 2009. Certain restrictions apply, including 4 night minimum stay. For more information, contact Indagare at 212-988-2611 or the resort directly at 888-691-8081. Explore other One&Only destinations worldwide.

THE SANDPIPER, BARBADOS

The Sandpiper is an exclusive boutique hotel set within seven acres of landscaped gardens on beautiful Barbados. Family owned and managed and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Sandpiper offers 47 elegant rooms and suites and gourmet dining at their restaurant, which is regarded as one of the finest on the island. For last-minute planners, Sandpiper still has a few rooms available for the Christmas holiday period. For more information, visit www.sandpiperbarbados.com.

SILVERSEA CRUISES

A leader in the cruise industry, Silversea is like a floating boutique hotel with spacious suites and gourmet dining in three open dining venues. Silversea has been ranked the top cruise line in the Small Ship category for many consecutive years by Condé Nast Traveler and in 2008 by the readers of Travel & Leisure. This year, Silversea launched the Prince Albert II, with cruises to regions as far-flung as the Arctic and the Antarctic. Part of the Silversea Expeditions line, it is designed to deliver adventures in style, with onboard lecturers, Zodiacs, and a full expedition team. Each of its 18 suites are more than 400 square feet, bigger than those on any other expedition ship. For more information, visit www.silversea.com

COPACABANA PALACE, RIO DE JANEIRO

The grande dame of Rio de Janeiro hotels, the Copacabana Palace is located on Copacabana Beach, a few minutes’ drive from the downtown. Most of the accommodations are suites, and all are luxurious and sophisticated. Amenities include a large pool, a tennis court, a modern fitness center, a brand new three-floor spa, the Hotel Cipriani Restaurant and the Pérgula Restaurant. The hotel is pleased to offer a three-night getaway that includes an airport transfer upon arrival; breakfast at Pérgula Restaurant; and a unique Amazon treatment at the spa. In addition, guests may spend a day with the hotel’s personal shopper service to discover the best local boutiques. For more information, visit www.copacabanapalace.com

BORA BORA

Located on the small island of Motu Toopua, the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa is surrounded by clear blue water and has views of the emerald peaks of Mt. Otemanu. This tropical resort offers seventy-six Polynesian-style bungalows, each with such exotic extras as private pools and outdoor dining gazebos in the bungalow suites. The hotel also features the Maru Spa, a Polynesian-inspired “tree-house” spa that uses custom-made products prepared with indigenous fresh fruits, plants and other natural ingredients. From January 4 to December 25, 2009, the resort will offer a special promotion: reserve 5 nights in a motu or over-water bungalow, and the fourth and the fifth nights will be complimentary. This offer is valid on motu or over-water bungalows only and is subject to availability at the time of booking. To book, please contact Indagare at 212-988-2611. For more information about the resort, visit www.boraboralagoon.com.

NEW ON INDAGARE

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In today’s quickly changing and increasingly challenging economic landscape, many travelers have canceled trips, while others have waited to make plans. To facilitate finding memorable, last-minute and affordable journeys for our community, we reached out to our network of top partners and are highlighting holiday and winter promotions in a special two-part email blast. This week’s offers include hotels and villas in Mexico and the Caribbean, resorts from from California and Colorado to Vermont and cruises in Europe and the Caribbean.

AYIA PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

Located within the exclusive 1,500-acre resort community of Punta Mita on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, this resort is offering a special rate for the holidays of $650 per night for a two-bedroom luxury condo. The offer includes roundtrip airport-resort transportation and is valid from December 19, 2008 through January 4, 2009. Indagare members also enjoy a twenty percent discount off the grand-opening rate of $450 per night. Guests of Ayia Punta Mita have access to two Jack Nicklaus golf courses, Residents’ Beach Club and St. Regis Beach Club. To book, email reservations@ayiapuntamita.com or go to www.ayiapuntamita.com.

ENCANTADO, SANTA FE

Celebrate the holidays in Santa Fe at Encantado, an Auberge Resort, the new sister to the famed Auberge du Soleil, which brings a full-service luxury resort to this cultural and spiritual epicenter. Encantado features 65 casitas, a world-class spa, and Terra, the signature restaurant led by award-winning chef Charles Dale. Christmas rates at Encantado begin at $540 for a two-night stay in a luxurious Casita with Christmas Day brunch for two. New Year’s rates begin at $450 for a one-night stay with New Year’s Day brunch for two. Encantado’s Winter Bed & Breakfast package includes accommodations and daily breakfast for stays of two or more nights. Rates begin at $275 a night. Indagare members can receive a complimentary room upgrade for stays through February 28, 2009. To book, contact Encantado at 1-877-262-4666 or visit www.encantadoresort.com.

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA

With sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and striking craftsman-style architecture, this 250-room oceanfront luxury resort is situated on 30-lushly landscaped acres in the heart of the picturesque arts community of Laguna Beach. This is a retreat unlike any other with lush landscaping and white sand beaches—offering elegant accommodations, a beachfront spa, three sparkling swimming pools and regional, distinctive dining. To book, contact 949-715-6000 or go to www.montagelagunabeach.com.

WIMCO, CARIBBEAN

Esteemed villa rental pioneer Wimco states that there is still time to scoop up a private villa or intimate hotel room for the holidays. Many of its distinctive properties in the Caribbean have reduced minimum night requirements and are now available for as few as seven nights. Celebrate the holiday season with your family, on the beach! To book, call 866-850-6140 or go to www.wimco.com.

HACIENDA DE SAN ANTONIO, MEXICO

At the sister property of Mexico’s acclaimed Cuixmala, travelers will find rustic elegance and in-land adventure. A 19th-century working ranch, organic farm and coffee plantation sprawling over 470 acres in the Western highlands of Mexico, the Hacienda is a paradise for gourmets and nature lovers. The palatial home’s twenty-two suites and three grand suites are all individually decorated with custom-made touches such as one-of-a-kind couches, beds and linens to reflect the intimate nature of the estate. Rates from $770 per suite. Special rates, from December 15 through January 8, 2009, include a Grand Suites at $1,430 and Suites at $770 (offers excluding 15 percent VAT, 2 percent lodging and ten percent service charges). To book, email reservations manager Doris Iglesias at reservations@haciendadesanantonio.com or go to www.haciendadesanantonio.com.

TWIN FARMS, VERMONT

Revel in a last-minute holiday getaway to Twin Farms, in the beautiful countryside of Vermont. Limited space is available for Christmas, as well as New Year’s, with all-inclusive rates starting at $1,750 per night. Since opening in 1993, Twin Farms has upheld a tradition of graceful hospitality and quiet beauty. Guests enjoy the use of a spa treatment facility, full fitness center, lakeside cabana and a Japanese-style Furo. Winter months bring both Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowshoe hikes, sleigh rides and ice skating. Each holiday season transforms Twin Farms into a romantic wonderland for happy couples complete with a Christmas tree in each guest cottage, goodies from Santa, special holiday meals, a fond and a fun and festive farewell to this year as we welcome in the new. Rates range from $1,750 to 2,850 per night per couple and are inclusive of all meals, beverages, on-site recreation with equipment, ground transfer from area airports and of course all the special perks of the holidays. To book, call 800-894-6327 or go to www.twinfarms.com.

RITZ-CARLTON BACHELOR GULCH, COLORADO

There is still holiday availability at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, a AAA Five-Diamond, year-round destination resort that exudes authentic Rocky Mountain luxury. With unparalleled ski-in/ski-out access, the resort also offers The Bachelor Gulch spa, Ritz Kids and the new Spago by Wolfgang Puck, the only Colorado outpost of the renowned Beverly Hills restaurant. Bachelor, the resort’s resident Labrador Retriever is available for walks through the Loan-a-Lab program. To book, call (970) 748-6200 or go to www.ritzcarlton.com

HERMITAGE BAY, ANTIGUA

Situated on the west coast of Antigua overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this stunning privately owned property offers guests a romantic, tropical hideaway. Comprised of twenty-five spacious, freestanding Cottage Suites, and flanked by over 140 acres of lush undeveloped land, guests of Hermitage Bay truly feel as if they have been transported to their own private island. In an exclusive offer to Indagare members, Hermitage Bay is pleased to extend a free upgrade combined with one night free for every five nights booked for the remainder of the holiday season through 2008. Rates start at $900 and are inclusive of all food and beverage for double occupancy. The rates are subject to availability and can change depending upon the arrival date. To book, email info@hermitagebay.com, call 268-562-8080 or go to www.hermitagebay.com.

MAROMA, MEXICO

Arriving at Maroma, a luxurious Orient-Express property feels like stepping into a beautiful private home. Guest accommodations blend contemporary elegance with Mexican flair, three restaurants ensure a range of cuisine, and guests can visit the delightful Kinan spa (be sure to experience the Mayan Temazcal treatment) or take a complimentary boat trip to the nearby snorkeling reefs. Maroma is pleased to offer Indagare members a special promotion: Maroma’s Winter Gift. Starting from $545 (excluding tax and service fee) and including a three-course dinner per stay (four-night minimum). To book, email reservations@maromahotel.com or call 866-454-9351.

SEABOURN CRUISES, CARIBBEAN & EUROPE

Seabourn is pleased to offer an exclusive rate of $2,499 per person (plus taxes) for Indagare members on selected seven-day cruises from the Yachts of Seabourn. You’ll sail aboard the intimate, 208-guest Seabourn Legend and enjoy all-suite accommodations, personalized service and an atmosphere of sophisticated ease. Applicable Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings include: Dec 19: from Ft. Lauderdale to Barbados; March 7: St. Thomas roundtrip, including St. Kitts, Martinique and the BVI; March 14: St. Thomas roundtrip, including Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Barth’s and BVI; April 26: Barcelona to Monte Carlo; May 3: Monte Carlo to Rome; May 10: Rome to Monte Carlo; June 20: Monte Carlo to Barcelona. Fares are in U.S. dollars, cruise-only, per person, double occupancy and subject to availability. Government fees and taxes are additional. Offer applies to Seabourn Legend 12/19/08, 3/7, 3/14, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10 and 6/20/08 sailings only. Certain restrictions apply. To book, contact Indagare at 212-966-2611.

Featured in next week’s blast: special promotions from favorite properties in South America and Asia as well as more in Mexico and the U.S.