Helena Marks, Protravel International

27/10/2023

Spent a lovely staycation with my dear friend Ellen seeing the NY Ballet at Lincoln Center than a walk to show off the new entrance to the Highline to the end.

01/09/2022

It’s never to late to say how exciting it is to have the first Virgin Hotel opening in NYC (at the end of the year?) and to have Shannon Bryne
Back in town (occasionally?). We had a partial hard hat tour and the public places will be amazing and great rooms with views.

Welcome 🤗

13/04/2022

A view from my terrace on Hayman Island.

31/05/2021

31/03/2021

Antigua and Barbuda are open to American citizens with a negative COVID test taken within a week of arrival at the airport. Highlights of this Caribbean gem include Antigua's panoramic views from Shirley Heights' summit and the white sand beaches of Half Moon Bay.

29/03/2021

Connect with Peruvian culture on a 12-day experience hosted by Luxury Gold Tours. Geared towards guests who value sustainability and philanthropy, highlights include a tour of Lima with a local expert, exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, and visiting the Centre for Traditional Textiles. This organization supports native women and the textile craft they work to protect.

27/03/2021

Experience the majesty of the Pacific Northwest with a river tour by the American Queen Steamboat Company. Over nine days, the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River will journey along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, letting guests soak up the history of American expansion, incredible natural wonders, and even an unlikely wine scene.

25/03/2021

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanos National Park is a must-visit for avid mountain cyclists. While the active volcano of Kīlauea is always a major attraction, the park’s trails will take visitors through landscapes as diverse as rainforests and lava fields. Crater Rim Drive is a popular choice for this very reason.

24/03/2021

Situated in the central highlands of Costa Rica, El Silence Lodge & Spa personifies sophistication while keeping the environment in mind. Spacious suites surround guests with natural tones, large windows, and private outdoor pools, ensuring the area’s soothing natural atmosphere is never far away. The hotel’s restaurant also highlights the richness of traditional Costa Rican cuisine with ingredients from its organic mini-farm.

23/03/2021

Located on either side of Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park showcases the region’s incredible biological diversity. Although pleasant throughout the fall and winter, the park is best visited in spring when desert vegetation blooms. Don’t miss a hike along the Valley View Overlook Trail. This easy stretch along the Bajada Loop Drive is dense with cacti and offers excellent views at its terminus.

21/03/2021

Developed in the 1960s, Porto Cervo is a Sardinian village with no shortage of Italian charm. With emerald waters framed by white sand beaches, the scenery is nothing short of bucket list-worthy. Friendly to travelers of all ages, this destination is family-friendly. Once-in-lifetime spring break anyone?

19/03/2021

Americans can visit Colombia with a negative COVID test taken within 96 hours, as well as completion of an immigration form. In addition to exploring the capital city of Bogotá, not to miss is the Caño Cristales, or “the river of five colors,” located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. The 62-mile stretch of river boasts stunning waterfalls and natural pools.

18/03/2021

Spanning over 2,500 hectares of rolling hills and meadows, The Ranch at Rock Creek is the epitome of a classic Montana ranch. From horseback riding to hiking and fly fishing, a dull moment is never on the agenda. Fans of history can even visit nearby ghost towns. Luckily at this ranch, comfort is never sacrificed. After a long day outdoors, unwind with a massage or kick back on the porch of your private glamping cabin.

16/03/2021

There’s no question that Norway takes nature seriously. There may be no better way to take in this Scandinavian country’s natural wonders than on Ponant’s nine-day cruise from Bergan to Tromso. Highlights include Lofoten Islands, Briksdal Glacier, and Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking mountains and waterfalls.

15/03/2021

The Bahamas are a classic relaxation destination, and a stay at Tiamo Resort, located on South Andros Island, is no exception. From the intimate Starlight Villa to the Cool Villas set on stilts among the mangroves, the property’s 11 thatched-roof villas each offer guests their own slice of paradise. This eco-friendly property is also a Mecca for diving enthusiasts, free to spend their days swimming through the coral reefs amongst the local fauna.

13/03/2021

Straddling eastern California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is best visited in the spring, fall, and winter when its famously extreme weather is off-season. Highlights include the iconic sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells, the ridges of Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin, the lowest point of land in the Western Hemisphere.

11/03/2021

The Royal Blues Hotel is truly a gem in the crown of Florida's eastern coast. This property is described as an "ode to the sea," and it's not difficult to see why. With ocean views from every guest room and direct access to the beach, the water is never far away. Whether you decide to go for a stroll on the sand or wander to Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier is entirely up to you. However, don't forever to dine at Chanson Restaurant. Its inventive world cuisine makes seafood the star of the show.

10/03/2021

Historically a silver mining town, Park City is now one of Utah’s prime winter sports destinations. With over 330 trails and 43 lifts, it’s impossible to run out of terrain to explore. A stroll around historic downtown is a must when you’re not busy carving up the slopes.

08/03/2021

It’s not surprising that one of the top bucket list destinations for 2021 is Antarctica. The best way to explore the seventh continent? Book a luxury cruise to see humpback whales and colonies of penguins in their natural habitat. With a solar eclipse coming in early December, it’s to your advantage to book sooner rather than later to snag your front-row seat to this spectacular celestial event.

05/03/2021

"This land resembles no other place. Sardinia is something else. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel--nothing finished, nothing definitive. It is like freedom itself." - David Herbert Lawrence

03/03/2021

Turtle Inn is a charming beachfront property situated on the beaches of Placenia, Belize. Indulge in complete relaxation on the sand or under the thatched roof of your shoreside cabana. Children are not only welcome at the Turtle Inn, but expected. Guests aged 6 to 18 can spend three to four hours in "class" every day as part of the Coppola Curriculums program, getting a boost to their education with immersive, locally inspired experiences.

02/03/2021

For a bucket list adventure a little closer to home, consider Utah’s Lake Powell. Not only is it a jumping-off point for excursions to Bryce Canyon and Sedona, but this man-made reservoir is also a pleasant place to cool off in the summer. With over 2,000 miles of coastline and majestic red canyons, a dull moment is hard to come by. Fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, and stargazing are just some of the visitors' activities.

28/02/2021

"Australia is about as far away as you can get. I like that." - Andre Benjamin

26/02/2021

With breathtaking natural landscapes, 2021 may be the best year to see Alaska. Without the usual cruise crowds, explore Anchorage and its outlying parks (like Kincaid and Chugach) in peace or hop aboard the Alaska Railroad for a scenic journey inland to Fairbanks to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

25/02/2021

With sweeping views of three Hawaiian islands from its hillside perch, a stay at the Hotel Wailea is the best remedy for a mid-winter slump. Reconnect with your other half by wandering through the property’s lush gardens, lounging poolside, or dining on colorful, island-inspired cuisine in the restaurant—think lots of seafood and tropical fruit. The best part? It’s all done with sustainability in mind.

24/02/2021

While exploring the ancient streets of Istanbul, Turkey, is always a must, there's plenty to do outside the city as well. Wander the ruins of Ephesus, one of the most intact Roman cities in the world, or visit the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Photos are best taken at dusk when the waters glow as the sun sinks below the horizon.

23/02/2021

Situated in the heart of Beirut in a 1930s-era building, the Hotel Albergo is a unique blend of Ottoman and Art Deco architecture. Each of the 33 suites is boldly decorated with bright colors and unexpected textures in a true reflection of Lebanese culture. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop pool. With its hanging gardens and cocktail bar, you may not want to leave.