{"id":21203,"date":"2020-11-18T16:15:24","date_gmt":"2020-11-19T00:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/?p=21203"},"modified":"2021-02-04T18:05:44","modified_gmt":"2021-02-05T02:05:44","slug":"skys-the-limit-where-money-is-no-object","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/skys-the-limit-where-money-is-no-object\/","title":{"rendered":"Sky\u2019s the Limit: Where Money Is No Object"},"content":{"rendered":"

Curated by Ed Boitano<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The T-Boy Society of Film & Music\u2019s latest poll is dedicated to Sky\u2019s the Limit<\/em>,\u00a0 where members select trips and destination\/s in which money is of no concern. Like last month\u2019s World\u2019s Friendliest Destinations<\/a> we\u2019ve decided to continue with another uplifting theme due to the events of today. You\u2019ll find members\u2019 selections to be deeply personal and great fun, where we tap into their minds and go on an emotional journey and see what constitutes their wildest dreams.<\/p>\n

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\"street
Tango on the streets at La Boca in Buenos Aires’ immigrant barrio.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRISON LIU.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Richard Carroll<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy Writer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Sky’s the Limit; Destinations where money is no object\u00a0<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

If I came upon a satchel of gleaming South Africa diamonds and with deep pockets where the sky’s the limit and money is no object,\u00a0I would quickly book a private jet and invite family and close friends on a 21-day plus world excursion to Buenos Aires and a night of tango at Bar Sur with dinner at the Four Seasons; a few nights at remote Las Alamandas on the West Coast of Mexico; a visit to the Maya site of\u00a0Tikal in Guatemala led by Maya guide Jose Antonio Gonzalez; dinner and lunch in Mexico City<\/a> at Pujol, Mercaderes and Les Moustaches, serenaded by guitar and harp; a private Bordeaux<\/a> winery tasting tour to Yquem, Margaux, Petrus, Lafitte Latour, and Haut Brion; overnights at Turtle Island, Fiji; dinner with Executive Chef Massino Defrancesca, Kimpton’s Seafire Resort, Cayman Islands; overnights at the historic 18th century Castadiva, Lake Como; three nights at The Ritz London<\/a>,\u00a0 and along the travel trail sharing with anyone in need.<\/p>\n

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\"Astronaut
Astronaut McCandless, pictured above, is floating free in space. McCandless and fellow NASA astronaut Robert Stewart were the first to experience such an “untethered space walk” during Space Shuttle mission 41-B in 1984. The MMU works by shooting jets of nitrogen and has since been used to help deploy and retrieve satellites.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNSON SPACE CENTER OF THE UNITED STATES, (NASA).<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chloe Erskine \u2014\u00a0Educator<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Outer Space<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Trans
The glories of Golden Eagle\u2019s Trans-Siberian Railway.<\/span> PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ed Boitano<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy editor:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Much of my youth was colored by images of the Trans-Siberian Railway. All I really had was a little note card in a pack of other cards which illustrated the world\u2019s most monumental engineering feats. At the length of 5,772 miles, traversing though eight times zones, my Sky\u2019s the Limit\u00a0<\/em> selection would be to experience Siberia via the Trans-Siberian Railway. Siberia constitutes 77% of Russia\u2019s total land mass with the nation itself blanketing 11 percent of the world’s landscape. Reading about taiga<\/em> forests; rugged mountains ranges; untamed rivers; ancient log infested \u00a0lakes; and little villages, first settled by Old Believers<\/em>, preservationists of “pre-Nikonian” practices of the Russian Church, would no doubt be a stunning foray into a new world of images and history. After careful research, I discovered Golden Eagle<\/em>, a luxury private train, considered the top of the line in deluxe first-class railway travel. My journey would commence in Moscow (or St. Petersburg) to the Pacific in Vladivostok. Perhaps \u00a0I\u2019d bring half a-dozen friends who have a keen appreciation of caviar and vodka.\u00a0 After all, isn\u2019t this the Sky\u2019s the Limit: Where Money Is No Object?<\/em> Golden Eagle’s <\/em>luxury service is provided by a provodnitsa<\/em>, a female attendant in a military-style uniform, who keeps things running smoothly in a unique Russian way. Za Zdarovje!<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Antarctica,
Top Left: Penguins take center stage in Antarctica.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB ROSKAMP;<\/span> Top Right: Parque Nacional Tierra de Fuguo in Argentina.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB ROSKAMP;<\/span> Bottom Left: Experiencing the fjords helps you understand the Norwegian character, whose national identity has been formed by its passionate bond with nature;<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF INNOVATION NORWAY;<\/span> Bottom Right: A performer in Tahiti Nui.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB ROSKAMP.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Deb Roskamp<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy photographer & writer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cruising.\u00a0 Seeing the world. Two pleasures that bring me some of my greatest delights<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Combine. Include a generous helping of the some of the most remote locales that I have fantasized visiting, but because of their location, make it highly improbable that I will. Sprinkle into the itinerary a few places that I’ve already been to, loved, but most likely will not return to.\u00a0 Subtract COVID-19 and any pandemic to follow.\u00a0 Find a pot of gold (4 kg worth).<\/p>\n

My “Sky’s the Limit:” around the World in 167 days aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud, departing January 25th, 2022 from Ushuaia, Argentina.\u00a0 Includes Antarctica<\/a>, Shetland Islands, multiple stops along Chile, Robinson Crusoe Island, Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, multiple stops in the Marquesas, Tahiti<\/a>, Cook, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon<\/a>, and Papua New Guinea islands.\u00a0 On to Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Egypt, Greece, Albania, Tunisia, Sicily, Algeria, Spain, Portugal, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, ending in Norway.\u00a0 Aaah… bliss!<\/p>\n

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\"Fyllis
Nestled amongst fertile hills in Southland, New Zealand, the Lodge at Tikana offers guests their own space to fully relax and unwind. Catering for single party bookings, the Lodge at Tikana is a deer and horse ranch, and ideal place for easy access to Fiordland, the Catlins and Stewart Island.<\/span> PHOTOS COURTESY OF VICTOR BLOCK.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fyllis Hockman<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy writer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lodge at Tikana \u2014 Southland, New Zealand<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

So there I was lying in this massive tub\u00a0overflowing with all kinds of\u00a0goodies \u2018cause I couldn\u2019t decide between the rosewater bubble bath, the ginseng and orange blossom aromatic bath soak, the green tea and lime leaf water infusion disc or the green tomato and seaweed body scrub. I was so stressed out by the decision, it was a good thing there was the lemon-scented calming oil to finish off with. Not your usual hotel amenities! Which is an apt introduction to the Lodge at Tikana in Southland, New Zealand. Tikana, by the way, means style in the Maori language.<\/p>\n

Did I mention that while I was soaking, I was also making eye contact with a family of deer peering in the wide bath-tub-level window next to me? This luxurious two-story retreat, the only guest accommodations on the property, is part of a working farm which breeds the afore-mentioned deer as well as thoroughbred horses. But let\u2019s get back to the important things. How many lodgings have YOU stayed in that came with its own wine cellar???<\/p>\n

Okay, you had a wine cellar, you say. Well, what about your own latte-making machine in the kitchen? Imagine curling up on the couch in your living room with freshly made cappuccino? We\u2019re not talking International Coffees here. Of course, you probably wouldn\u2019t also have a little fawn outside your window.<\/p>\n

The d\u00e9cor is combination art house and rustic elegance \u2014\u00a0steel and stone flow together between raw timber-framed floor-to-ceiling windows to create an environment that entices the eye and embraces the soul. A heady escape from civilization but with surround-sound entertainment and internet hook-up.<\/p>\n

Picture this. While sipping cappuccino mid-day, I nibbled on cheese and crackers from the fridge; with the Chardonnay, I opted for olives and deli. Keep in mind, this is no hotel mini-bar where you\u2019re charged extra for every indulgence. And indulgences abound.<\/p>\n

Owners Dave and Donna \u2014 he, a vet; she, a horse trainer \u2014\u00a0who also know a thing or two about treating humans, take pampering to a whole new level. Their gourmet meals are 4-star Michelin for both food and presentation.<\/p>\n

I was so relaxed after my bath I dined in the fluffy, multi-colored robe they provided \u2014\u00a0though my evening wear didn\u2019t do justice to the beautifully attired table. A candelabra of multi-layered candles oozed ambience, and the silver meal-covers warmed our hearts as well as our food.<\/p>\n

Chef Donna discussed our preferences for every course ahead of time \u2014\u00a0did we want the lamb or the venison tonight? Basted in garlic or encrusted in dukah<\/em>? I have no clue what that is but it tasted yummy. And would you believe sticky date pudding with toffee sauce?<\/p>\n

I inadvertently picked an award-winning wine from the extensive collection to accompany the meal. It was beginner\u2019s luck but I didn\u2019t feel the need to disavow the hosts of my sophisticated taste.<\/p>\n

Such all-inclusive sumptuousness comes at a price, of course \u2014 a hefty one \u2014 but this is Sky\u2019s the Limit: were money is of no concern\u2014 and I\u2019ll be ready for my return to Southland, New Zealand.<\/p>\n

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\"Ashford
Ashford Castle is a medieval and Victorian castle that has been expanded over the centuries and turned into a five star luxury hotel near Cong on the Mayo-Galway border in Ireland.<\/span> PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOM WEBER.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tom Weber<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy writer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ashford Castle: Elegantly Wrapped in Irish Charm<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Of the 522 medieval castles that dot the Republic of Ireland\u2019s landscape, one stands \u201ckeep and ramparts\u201d above all others:\u00a0Ashford Castle,\u00a0the oldest fortress in the country,\u00a0a true treasure of the Emerald Isle\u00a0and a real \u201csky\u2019s the limit\u201d destination.<\/p>\n

Several years ago, I arrived at this iconic landmark under a fine mist and was led across a stone bridge straddling the River Cong in Co. Mayo by a piper in full regalia.\u00a0\u201cC\u00e9ad m\u00edle f\u00e1ilte<\/em>! (One-hundred-thousand welcomes),\u201d announced the general manager as I walked up the entry stairs, flanked by a pair of Irish Wolfhound statues \u2014 four-legged guests are always welcome \u2014\u00a0and stepped onto the bespoke carpeting and entered into a world of regal elegance.<\/p>\n

Winner of the 2020 World SPA Award as Ireland\u2019s best hotel spa, Ashford Castle, a five-star country estate,\u00a0is\u00a0set amid 350 acres of well-manicured greenery, gardens and rustic paths and trails that overlook the Lough Corrib,\u00a0the country\u2019s\u00a0second largest lake.\u00a0With a heritage dating all the way back to 1228, the castle turned the page on its\u00a0history in 2013 when it was purchased by\u00a0Red Carnation Hotels\u00a0and immediately underwent a top-to-bottom, multi-million dollar renovation and refurbishment that was unveiled to much fanfare\u00a0in 2015.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m handed a green leather key card to a lovely, renovated deluxe view room on the top floor of the castle.\u00a0As I swiped\u00a0the card over the security pad and pushed\u00a0back the door, my jaw dropped\u00a0in OMG fashion.\u00a0My suite, like the other 82 guest rooms, is richly appointed as the meticulous attention to detail is found in the unique works of art, carefully sourced antique furniture with sumptuous fabrics and custom-designed carpet, king-sized bed, feature lighting, exquisite toweling and VOYA seaweed-based organic bath and beauty products.<\/p>\n

Cullen\u2019s at the Cottage, a\u00a0summer-only bistro restaurant occupying a traditional thatched-roof cottage, serves up international and local dishes inspired by Beatrice Tollman, owner of Ashford Castle, in a casual atmosphere accented by friendly Irish hospitality.\u00a0Greeted warmly by the manager, she and her young and eager wait staff went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure my dining experience at the Cottage was memorable. And, it was.<\/p>\n

A nightcap was in order, so\u00a0I\u00a0retired to The Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar where the on-duty mixologist prepped a\u00a0Jameson,\u00a0neat. Seated at a glass-covered table showcasing a few antique flintlock pistols, I sipped slowly wondering all the while if these weapons were ever used in a duel at 15 paces.<\/p>\n

Sleep arrives quickly as I tuck myself into the inviting bed \u2014 turned down by evening maid service \u2014 with luxurious 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton monogrammed bed linen, and highlighted by a complimentary box of Lily O\u2019Brien\u2019s chocolates resting atop one of the pillows. Night night!<\/p>\n

When it\u2019s not raining on your parade, and that\u2019s a real possibility when visiting the Emerald Isle, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy around\u00a0the castle\u00a0in between breakfast, lunch and dinner.\u00a0Tee it up at the parkland golf course; play singles or doubles on two all-weather tennis courts; go fishing; grab a kayak and paddle around the lake; mount a horse and hit the woodland trails, or take a carriage ride with the entire family; hire a bike and cycle the castle\u2019s vast estate; take aim at clay pigeons and bullseyes with skeet and archery; play billiards; screen\u00a0The Quiet Man<\/em>\u00a0and other box-office hits in the velvet-seated cinema; relax in the spa; or, do what\u00a0I did: experience the ancient sport of falconry.<\/p>\n

Ireland\u2019s School of Falconry is the oldest established falconry school in\u00a0the country.\u00a0Here, castle guests can book a once-in-a-lifetime \u201chawk walk\u201d and fly their very own Harris\u2019s hawk in the nearby woodlands.\u00a0Following its \u201chandler\u201d from tree to tree, your hawk periodically swoops down into your gloved fist, grabs a \u201csnack,\u201d then flies off again. You know it\u2019s somewhere nearby from the sound of the tiny bells attached to its talons.<\/p>\n

I was told that a \u201chistory\u201d cruise around Lough Corrib, sailing daily, weather permitting,\u00a0from Ashford Castle\u2019s private pier, is a terrific way to explore the camera-ready surroundings of some of the lake\u2019s 365 isles, one for each day of the year, and take in the panoramic views of the Connemara Mountains in the distance.\u00a0I\u00a0board the M.V. Isle of Innisfree, an original tender (lifeboat) from the Cunard Line, and we shove off.\u00a0The knowledgeable captain\/historian steers the boat and narrates the scene at the same time as we cruise across the lake. Meanwhile, an 80-year-old musician entertains guests topside on the \u201csqueezebox\u201d with a selection of Irish tunes, like\u00a0Danny Boy<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Rakes of Mallow<\/em>. In between the history lesson and the ditties, a member of the crew ensures that glasses are kept full with wine or Jameson, or both, to ward off the cold wind hitting us straight on. Brrrr.<\/p>\n

In 1906, the Prince of Wales was a guest of the Guinness family, owners of Ashford Castle at the time. The prince went on to become England\u2019s King George V.\u00a0In honor of his visit, the Guinness family built a special dining room which still bears his name.\u00a0Dressed in coat and tie, I\u2019m ushered into the graceful setting that is the George V Dining Room and prepare to dine like royalty.\u00a0From acclaimed Chef Philippe Farineau\u2019s kitchen, a bounty of food magazine-worthy dishes are plated before me from Ireland\u2019s lands, seas and farms, all paired with stellar wines from\u00a0Bouchard Finlayson Winery\u00a0of South Africa.<\/p>\n

With\u00a0my\u00a048-hour, fairy tale-like stay coming to an end,\u00a0I add my name\u00a0to the guest book to ensure that\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0part of the Ashford lore.\u00a0I\u00a0thoroughly enjoyed the elegance of Ashford Castle, but found its Irish charm simply irresistible.<\/p>\n

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\"Los
A cruise around the world can include festive beach destinations like Los Cabos, the Bay of Paraty\u2019s secluded islands, sacred Tahitian maraes, and land packages to Berlin\u2019s Museum Island.<\/span> TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD FRISBIE. CENTER TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF DEB ROSKAMP. TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY G\u00dcNTER STEFFEN\/\u00a9 VISITBERLIN.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Richard Frisbie<\/a><\/b>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy writer:<\/b><\/p>\n

A cruise around the globe<\/b><\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

I don’t have that lifestyle, or even that imagination. My last vacation was in the 1980s \u2014\u00a0a week in southern California followed by a weekend at Amelia Island resort. Since then it’s just been an overnight to Maine to visit family once or twice a year, or my press trips which are certainly no vacation. “Sky’s the limit” travel is beyond my ken, not to mention my wallet.<\/p>\n

That being said, after years of writing hundreds of cruise port excursions annually for the largest reseller of same, I would love to do a world cruise in the best stateroom\/suite\/penthouse on board, with a butler and an unlimited budget. That way I could socially distance, (which is more my nature than it is pandemic-related) and see the best of the best everywhere in the world using top guides in all ports, with enough time to eat local specialties, drink local wines, while touring museums, historic city centers, and beautiful countrysides.<\/p>\n

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\"Tuscany
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNY GOEREND FROM UNSPLASH.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ringo Boitano<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0T-Boy writer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Tuscany Calling – Italy<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A private villa with a swimming pool, surrounded by vineyards in Tuscany. Included in the package would be a SUV rental car and a chef, who specializes in Cucina Toscana as well as Italy\u2019s other 19 regions. Cooking lessons by request. The theme would be to relax, take day trips or longer, and host friends from around the globe.<\/p>\n

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\"Norway's
Top: To understand the fjords is to understand the Norwegian character, whose national identity has been formed by its passionate bond with nature. When a Norwegian goes on vacation,-the destination of choice is (usually) the Norwegian countryside.<\/span> TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF INOVATION NORWAY.<\/span> Bottom: Qu\u00e9bec City\u2019s reflections of light with the Fairmont Le Ch\u00e2teau Frontenac towing over the St. Lawrence River.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY: QU\u00c9BEC CITY TOURISM.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phil Marley <\/strong>\u2014\u00a0Poet<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Summer: Norway\u2019s Fjords<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

To spend six summer months in a large remote, vacation cabin, with electricity or not. Hiking, fishing, boating, touring nearby waterside villages. Evenings spent around a grand table with family and friends, dining on mammoth communal meals. And the laughing and joking in eternal peace.<\/p>\n

Winter: Qu\u00e9bec City<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, it\u2019s cold, but with a warm jacket, gloves and a pair of solid boots, you don\u2019t even notice. The season is filled with the spirit of hygge<\/em>, the Danish expression of coziness, evoking \u00a0a warm feeling inside. Reflections of lights and historic buildings bounce off the snow. Restaurants welcome you with blazing fires. And, if the chance you become bored, there is Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> winter festival, \u00a0Carnaval de\u00a0Qu\u00e9bec.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Suru
During the ancient and medieval periods, Kashmir was an important center for the development of a Hindu-Buddhist syncretism.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF NARENDER9 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skip Kaltenheuser<\/a> <\/strong>\u2014\u00a0T-Boy writer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kashmir – Pakistan & India<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Some places I\u2019d like to go to are off-limits, at least to my sensibility, because of internal political strife or potential international conflict. And in this case, the tensions are between nuclear powers, Pakistan<\/a>, India and China. I hope they find a way to work it out and the whole region becomes travel friendly, I\u2019ve heard its beauty is awesome. When it opens, no doubt someone will put together some over-the-top digs and pleasures, in the style to which I\u2019d like to become accustomed but probably won’t. But\u00a0if it does open, I hope it\u2019s also backpacker\/hiker friendly, sans landmine anxieties.<\/p>\n

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\"Trans-Siberian
The longest of the three trans-Siberian routes, between Moscow and Vladivostok, covers 6,152 miles and takes seven days.<\/span> PHOTO COURTESY OF SERGEY KRYLOV.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brent Campbell<\/strong> \u2014\u00a0Musician and composer:<\/strong><\/p>\n