Escapes by Escala

01/21/2025

Private villas are where vacation dreams get personal. Think Andalusian stables, backyard swimming coves, and kitchens fully stocked for you. Ready to escape to one of these six extraordinary stays?

📷: Villa Macakizi

International dream houses where vacation living gets personal.

01/16/2025

Thessaloníki, Greece’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, boasts a food scene as layered as its history. Start with bougatsa and uncover the flavors that earned this city global acclaim.

📷: Yadid Levy

Tour the sweetest treats in Greece’s second-largest city.

01/14/2025

Baja California Sur invites you to uncover towering waterfalls and cultural gems. Explore Los Cabos’ best day trips, where desert, sea, and mountains meet. ☀️

📷: Luis García

How to explore the desert, mountains, and sea during a Baja California Sur beach trip.

01/09/2025

A new year means new horizons to chase. This guide to 2025’s must-visit destinations will inspire your travels, from heli-skiing South America to cruising Peru’s rivers. Let your calendar fill with extraordinary journeys.

📷: Secret Bay Resort

A guide to chasing new horizons in the year ahead.

01/03/2025

Wake up where the buffalo roam. Amangani blends Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes with refined comfort, whether you’re exploring Grand Teton National Park or soaking in alpine views from the pool. Discover five reasons why this resort is a must-visit.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-amangani

Image: Alex Moling

01/01/2025

Experience the magic of Québec City in winter—a season that transforms this historic gem into a wonderland. Stroll cobblestone streets draped in snow, try sweet caribou, and warm up in Nordic-style spas. Don’t miss the thrill of ice canoe races or the elegance of skating under twinkling lights.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/meet-the-canadian-city-that-inspires-winter-wonder-more-than-any-other

Image: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

12/26/2024

Greece’s captivating islands stretch across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian seas, offering a diverse tapestry of ancient history, striking landscapes, and unique architecture. Look beyond Mykonos and Santorini to these surprising archipelagos and islands.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/the-greek-islands-you-need-to-visit-next

Image: Greek National Tourism Organization

12/24/2024

Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina spotlights bold flavors and rich traditions in Egypt’s capital. From iconic street food to modern takes on Egyptian cuisine, Cairo’s culinary scene promises unforgettable experiences.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/the-virtuoso-life-chef-michael-mina-knows-where-to-eat-in-cairo

Image: Billal Taright

12/20/2024

Set sail aboard Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ first Sphere Class ship, and savor unforgettable flavors while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/first-look-princess-cruises-sun-princess

12/18/2024

Perth offers more than just golden beaches. Wander through its vibrant neighborhoods, uncover hidden gems, and snap a quokka selfie on nearby Rottnest Island. See why Western Australia’s capital shines bright.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/city-guide-suns-out-in-perth

Image: Ian & Erick

12/13/2024

Quiet dawns and vibrant days await on the Mekong. This AmaWaterways journey through Vietnam and Cambodia blends serene river moments with cultural discovery.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/a-mekong-river-cruise-explores-the-past-and-future-of-vietnam-and-cambodia

Image: Kevin J. Miyazaki

12/11/2024

From old-school tabernas (tapas bars) to cocktail dens and classy wine bars, Madrid boasts some 18,000 spots to celebrate its iconic drinking traditions. Start with these five must-visit bars.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/where-to-drink-vermouth-wine-and-cocktails-in-the-spanish-capital

12/07/2024

Ready to plan your next getaway? These stunning new hotels in New York, Tokyo, London, and beyond are the perfect places to start.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/our-favorite-new-hotels-of-2024-so-far

Image: Jonathan Maloney

12/06/2024

Sailing through storied Mediterranean ports aboard Evrima feels like a dream—elegant suites, Michelin-level dining, and a private beach at sea redefine luxury on the water. Read more about this megayacht.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/ritz-carlton-makes-a-splash-on-the-megayacht-scene

11/22/2024

Explore some of the biggest cruise ships on the seas and learn why these floating destinations are perfect for multigenerational vacations.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/get-to-know-some-of-the-biggest-cruise-ships-on-the-seas

11/20/2024

Discover the best trails, thrilling adventures, and insider tips for your Queenstown escape. Explore what makes this alpine haven so extraordinary.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/an-adventurers-guide-to-queenstown

Image: Rosewood Matakauri

11/15/2024

Imagine setting sail along Norway’s winter coast in search of the northern lights. Read more about this traveler’s journey and get inspired for your own aurora adventure!

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/thrill-of-the-chase-my-quest-to-catch-the-northern-lights

Image: Matt Dutile

11/13/2024

Step into Slovenia’s world of artisanship at Center Rog, a historic factory on the Ljubljanica River that transformed into Europe’s largest maker space. Discover artistry in every corner of this unique destination.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/michelleescalasummach/travel/articles/store-bought-is-inot-i-fine-a-guide-to-handcrafted-goods-in-slovenia

Image: Center Rog Archive