Don’t be surprised if you tell someone you’re going to Dominica that you might get a puzzled look, or they might assume you mean the Dominican Republic. There’s often confusion because Dominica is a bit under the radar. This Eastern Caribbean Island is home to about 70,000 people, and between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the South. It’s called “The Nature Island” and rightly so. You’ve likely never seen this much green. Not only are there lush rainforests, but abundant flora and fauna everywhere. It wows too with waterfalls, volcanic wonders, 365 rivers, and mountains. What else makes this a special place? For the adventurous, there are waterfall hikes, ziplining, canyoning, rafting, epic diving at spots like Champagne Reef, with its bubbling waters, and ATV tours. If you’re in the mood for a slower pace, explore hot springs, whale and bird watch, and forest bath. The island vibe is chill, it’s not overrun with tourists. Sixty percent of Dominica is covered in forest. All the nature is soothing. This is serenity central. I felt covered in calm within hours of arriving. Expect an awesome adventure whether you want relaxation or action.

To read the full article by Sheryl Nance-Nash visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

Glide through central Vietnam in a private carriage where spa rituals, fine dining, and cinematic scenery redefine the meaning of slow travel. Waking early in Da Nang, we stepped into the morning buzz outside the central train station: a tangle of scooters, street vendors, and the metallic voice of the PA cutting through the chaos. But within moments, we were greeted by a crisply uniformed staff member who led us into another world entirely. The Vietage waiting lounge offered cool air, cold towels, and gloriously chilled Champagne. The tone was set as flutes clinked and fellow passengers traded stories: this would be no ordinary rail ride. The Vietage by Anantara is a single luxury carriage coupled to Vietnam Railways’ Reunification Express. It travels daily between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, offering a six-hour immersion in comfort, cuisine, and countryside. With just six booths onboard catering to a maximum of twelve guests, privacy and personalisation are built in. It is as much an experience as a mode of travel—an homage to slow journeys in a fast world.

To read the full article by Michael Cullen visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

The luxury houseboat, Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga travels along one of Africa’s great waterways, Lake Kivu. The vessel is the first of its kind to sail the western region. Traversing the lake south bound from Gisenyi to Nyamasheke and North Bound from Nyamasheke to Gisenyi. The houseboat offers 2-3 night cruises. It has ten cabins, including two executive suites and two deluxe cabins. The vessel also has a restaurant and bar, a plunge pool and various outdoor spaces.

To read the full article by Kevin Pilley visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

Monasteries are sanctuaries of tranquility. Now they are sanctuaries of gastronomy. And magnets for bon vivants. For a week, from June 16-22,  the five-star Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp in Belgium – a former 13ᵗʰ-century monastery and member of The Leading Hotels of the World- hosts a star-studded gourmet festival featuring internationally-acclaimed master chefs, including Viki Geunes (Zilte, Antwerp), Christian Kuchler (Taverne zum Schäfli, Wigoltingen, Switzerland), Hans Neuer (Ocean Restaurant, Porsche, Algarve, Portugal), Sidney Schutte (Spectrum, Amsterdam), Dieter Koschina (Villa Joya, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal), Alexandre Gauthier (Le Grenouillère, La Madeleine Sous Montreuil, Pas de Calais, France), and Alberto Landgraf (Oteque, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

To read the full article by Kevin Pilley visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

One of my most memorable stays in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula was at Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is on Ismailof Island near Halibut Cove, a short water taxi ride from Homer. The wide range of activities at its doorstep and the stunning home make Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge stand out. Kachemak Bay State Park is one of Alaska’s hidden Gems. This wilderness paradise has over 400,000 acres of wild lands, streams, lakes, and bay frontage. Ridgewood offers many visitor activities in Kachemak Bay State Park, like bear viewing, kayaking, fishing for halibut or salmon, guided hiking, jet ski tours, and more.

To read the full article by Taste of Travel 2 columnist Kurt Jacobson visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

When words fail, a heartfelt Namasté speaks volumes. I’ve used massage therapy as part of my self-care routine for many years, yet I’d never heard of a masseuse working with tuning forks as part of their practice, that is, until I scheduled what I hoped would be a pleasant visit at the Namaste Spa & Wellness Center last month. When I studied the website, I saw an ‘invitation to come enjoy peace, tranquility, and healing.’ Who doesn’t need that today? Everything seems so stressful, and days are sometimes very chaotic. I had just undergone surgery and treatment for breast cancer; I knew I needed to experience some healing as well, in body and spirit. Emotionally, I was exhausted. I was hoping a session here would help.

To read the full article by columnist Theresa St. John visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, delivers classic Western vibes with a splash of luxury. Think movie-set charm, daily adventures on horseback, hearty buffet meals, and cozy casitas. Guests of all ages find something to love—whether riding trails, joining fun activities, or stargazing under pitch-black skies. I tried it all and share the details here. History of White Stallion Ranch White Stallion Ranch, home to the True Family for more than 59 years, welcomes guests year after year. Families build traditions here, children form lifelong bonds, and locals drop by regularly.

To read the full article by Photo. Write. Travel columnist Julie Diebolt Price visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

Drinking Christ’s Tears is one of the best things that can happen to a Christian and wine lovers of any denomination. So when in Naples, the Amalfi coast and Italy’s Sorrentine peninsula, do what the bon vivants do. Drink from the slope of Mount Vesuvius and the “Campania felix” (fertile countryside). Go with the lava flow. Lacryma Christi is a Neapolitan wine made from grapes grown on the slopes of the Vesuvius volcano. It is made mainly from Verdeca and Coda di Volpe grapes, with smaller proportions of Falanghina, Greco di Tufo and Caprettone. The red is made from Piedirosso and Sciascino grapes. Archaeologists believe it to be the nearest equivalent to wine drunk by ancient Romans.

To read the full article by Kevin Pilley visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

When I am playing tennis – whether singles or doubles- I like to attack the net. Not because I have a particularly strong volley game – forehand or backhand- but I do like to gain the psychological advantage over my opponent by showing off my luxuriously comfortable and effortlessly dainty Etoile Sport Paris ruffled trim crew tennis socklets and giving her a close up and impossible-not-to-envy view of my new matching four-way stretch Pointelle tiered tank and shorts. When she tries to keep my deft drop-shock in play, she will be further distracted by my new official Wimbledon wristbands and, my brand-new Babolat Jet Mach 3 tennis trainers putting her grubby Adidas ones to shame, she will fluff her shot and hand over the point. To feel confident all round the tennis court, you need to have the right equipment.

To read the full article by Elaine Pilley visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

“Early gingerbread followed by angelica. A long, peppery finish, a floral bouquet and intensely smooth herbal warmth, a hint of candied lemons and a delicate lingering note of Turkish Delight mingling with crispy, resinous oil juniper” doesn’t hack it anymore.

“Sleek and lightweight” are the new buzzwords in the gin world.

“Properly Improper” Brockmans Gin has just launched the lightest bottle in the super-premium gin category, using 30% less glass weight than competitors.

The new bottle extends to Brockmans’ collection of super premium spirits; Brockmans Intensely Smooth, Brockmans Orange Kiss and Brockmans Agave Cut.Made with 51% post-consumer recycled glass, it’s widely recyclable and made to reduce CO₂ emissions during production and transport.

Flat, very light wine is the latest thing too.

To read the full article by Kevin Pilley visit Luxe Beat Magazine.