Editor's Picks: July News

July News

This Month’s Dream: Donna Karan’s Sanctuary

Parrot Cay, in the Turks & Caicos, has long been known as the kind of far-flung beach-chic destination where stylish travelers go to drop out, sans BlackBerry. This season, the big news is Donna Karan’s stunning, recently completed Sanctuary. The estate, with two four-bedroom villas, a Balinese screened-in pool pavilion, three pools and high-tech amenities throughout, was in the works for more than three years—and well-worth the wait. The décor throughout is pure Karan: subtle, inspired, creative. With the rest of the Turks & Caicos undergoing a building boom, the Sanctuary remains true to what drew travelers to this part of the world in the first place: natural beauty, seclusion and total tranquility.

Where to Go Next: Egypt

I have spent the last ten days in Egypt, visiting Cairo, Alexandria and taking a Nile Cruise aboard Oberoi’s new five-star boat, the Zahra. For sophisticated travelers, the country has never had more to offer. Cairo boasts two fabulous Four Seasons hotels (with cabanas by their pools), the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence (the pyramids) and chill-out restaurants on the Nile, where four can dine on fabulous cuisine (Lebanese, Italian or sushi) for less than $100 for the whole party. But it’s for the antiquities—one-third of all the world’s are here—that you come. And there’s no better way to see them than by staying on Oberoi’s sleek floating palace that has raised the bar for the region. For these reasons and many more, which I will outline in my upcoming Destination Report, plan a trip soon. And yes, it’s hot in July, but worth it because seeing the pyramids at Giza with no other tourists is unforgettable. M.B.B.

First to Go: Special Family Packages

We know that finding family vacations that balance the interests of well-traveled parents with the fun and comforts of young children can be a challenge to orchestrate. To make things easier, we are introducing our first signature Indagare Family Trips, so you can book memorable getaways designed with activities that appeal to all ages built in. From the moment you arrive, there will be family-friendly excursions already planned. Our introductory Family Trips include journeys to Sea Island in Georgia; Esencia and Cuixmala in Mexico; the historic Clifton Inn in Charlottesville and a special offer—for Indagare Connoisseur members—at the exclusive, brand-new Turks & Caicos Sporting Club. To find out about the special amenities, perks and activities offered during these trips, click on the resort names above or call us at 212-988-2611.

Insider Access: Vienna Art trip

Long known for its imperial museums and palaces, Vienna has also cultivated a booming contemporary art scene in recent years. One of the best times to see what’s new and buzzing is during the annual ViennaArtWeek, when culture aficionados descend on the Austrian capital. To get a VIP glimpse behind the scenes, i.e. dine with artists, meet with curators and mingle with the art world at private events, travel with expert Gioia Zwack, whose recently launched company, The Other Europe, offers access to people and parties off-limits to most. Of course, those who want their fix of old-world Vienna need not worry: itineraries are flexible and can also include visits to the staples, like the Museum of Fine Arts. Read details on upcoming trips with Zwack.

Indagare Exclusive: Villa in Umbria

Italian aficionados have long been praising the unspoiled glories of Umbria— less overrun but just as stunning as Tuscany—and for Indagare members still looking for a European escape this summer, we are pleased to announce a special, last-minute offer: Casa del Lago, a property in the renowned portfolio of villa company Sanctuary, can be rented at a steep discount during the period of August 2-23. A beautifully restored farmhouse, tucked into vineyards near Lake Trasimeno, it has six bedrooms, a swimming pool, an open kitchen-living room and lots of outdoor spaces from which to soak up the serene ambience.

New on Indagare

An interview with Winston Churchill’s granddaughter about the travel tours she’s planning this Fall in the footsteps of her grandfather; a member postcard about a women’s rights seminar, instigated by Mia Farrow, in Thailand; a dispatch from Johannesburg an Indagare Insider on hot spots on Mallorca ; and a best-kept secret of New York City’s shopping scene (hint: it involves haute labels and a consignment showroom). Plus: an update on what’s new in Marrakech and a destination report on the British Virgin Islands, including a stunning new villa to get.