The chic cylindrical bottles of Voss water can be spotted in the world’s hottest restaurants and hotels. But the company has another meaningful presence miles away from Gramercy Park Hotel and Hakkasan—in the rural villages of Sub-Saharan Africa. The four-year-old Voss Foundation has changed the lives of thousands of people in Africa by providing access to clean water in five countries. Indagare spoke to executive director Kara Gerson about the charity’s accomplishments, the personal impact of overseeing such inspirational projects and tips on what not to miss when visiting the home of Voss: Oslo, Norway. Read More

Some of our members are connoisseurs of beach villas, be they in Thailand, the Turks and Caicos or Brazil. Indagare founder Melissa Bradley first thought of them when she recently toured the brand-new villas on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. With incredible sensitivity to the natural surroundings, the architects and designers created stunning hideaways at Romazzino and Pitrizza that blend into the resorts and yet offer a quantum leap in luxury. And, certo, they are a stone’s throw away from the island’s beautiful beaches and emerald sea. In sum, they capture the best of Sardinia. Read More

Thanks to books like Eat, Pray, Love and troves of honeymooners, the Indonesian island of Bali has become almost a caricature of itself, and parts of it have sadly fallen to global gentrification. But, as Indagare’s Barkley Hickox recently found on a trip, the destination can still be a far-flung paradise—you only have to know where to look (and book). It helps that Indonesia is ground zero for Aman Resorts, whose philosophy of destination-specific, understated luxury was born here. In the course of 10 days, Barkley explored every corner of Bali and beyond, traveling to a romantic spot in Central Java and “glamping” in the jungles of the Moyo nature reserve. Read More

Join a special art, architecture and design trip to Houston this September (11-15), hosted by a Houston-based art historian whose insider access in her hometown will open doors to cultural highlights. Timed to coincide with the Houston Fine Art Fair, the five-day itinerary includes curatorial visits to the Contemporary Arts Museum, the new Asia Society Texas Center (above), the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel. Guests will also see a special showing of the James Turrell sky space at sunset and visit fabulous private collections. A limited number of spots remain. Contact Indagare’s Bookings Team for pricing and the complete itinerary. Read More

For the organized traveler, few things are as satisfying as well-packed luggage. No one feels more strongly about this than Stephanie Johnson, a self-dubbed “order-obsessed modernist and traveling anthropologist” whose Stephanie Johnson Bags are in the luggage of many stylish travelers. Indagare spoke with the chic and curious traveler about her favorite destinations, including Palm Springs, Israel and Cambodia, and about SJ’s Style Compass, a travelogue documenting her most memorable voyages and irresistible style. Read More

“Inch for inch, Israel surely delivers more cultural pileups than any other country on earth,” writes Indagare’s John Cantrell who visited the small Middle Eastern country (it’s the size of New Jersey and half of it is desert). From quiet moments in ancient basilicas to the buzzing nightlife of contemporary Tel Aviv, John explored Israel’s many faces, including time in Jerusalem, Galilee and the Red Sea. “It’s an amazing country that can multi-task for a visitor,” he writes. “A trip here can be a vacation, history lesson, religious pilgrimage or cultural experience—one at a time or all the time.” Read More

Rome itself is a work of art,” said Woody Allen, whose latest film, To Rome with Love, is beautifully set in the Italian capital. A work of art, surely, but one that is totally accessible. There’s little roped-off in Rome, in fact many of the city’s most exquisite treasures, from Berninis to Caravaggios, are displayed in unassuming churches and palazzi. The newest edition of Indagare’s Black Book—available in print and online—celebrates the best of the city, including top hotels, sights, restaurants and shops, and tips from plugged-in Insiders who call the city home. Plus: five iconic Italian resorts outside of Rome for relaxing post-city exploration. Read More