Destination: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Dupe: Cavtat, Croatia
Swap the bustling Amalfi Coast for the serene coastal town of Cavtat in Croatia. Cavtat offers stunning Mediterranean views, charming cobblestone streets, and delicious seafood without the tourist throngs of Amalfi, or even the Croatian town’s close-by, more cosmopolitan neighbor of Dubrovnik.
Nestled between the quaint streets of the historic small town and the unbroken blue of the Adriatic Sea, Hotel Supetar Cavtat of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection features 16 spacious, stylish, and individually designed rooms with Mediterranean soul. Each of the rooms in the meticulously renovated 1920s three-story private villa reveals a distinctive touch of style, with soothing color palettes and intricate detailing. Carefully designed to offer rest and relaxation with a mix of stylish furniture, sophisticated fabrics that celebrate history and modernity, and pops of wallpaper, rooms feature garden or sea views just steps away from the charming waterfront promenade. Antique furniture pieces are paired with modern finishes, while rich fabrics and bespoke artwork add a sense of sophistication. The hotel also houses a Mediterranean restaurant, wine bar featuring local and international wines, artist in residence program, garden, and pool.
Destination: Napa Valley, California
Dupe: Mendoza, Argentina
Trade the vineyards of Napa Valley for the equally exquisite wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. Mendoza boasts world-class wineries, stunning Andean backdrops, and a vibrant culinary scene. Travelers can indulge in luxury at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, a bespoke estate created by Argentina’s renowned female winemaker, Susana Balbo, and her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo. This boutique hotel features seven spa suites with integrated in-room spa amenities, a restaurant showcasing bold Argentinian flavors, a specially curated art collection, and impassioned programming, including horseback riding and custom wine blending. The spa menu offers a sensory journey
inspired by Mendoza’s cultural heritage, with luxurious mud wraps infused with red wine must and hydrating treatments enriched with grape polyphenols.
Destination: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Dupe: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Instead of the bustling beaches of Puerto Vallarta, opt for the tranquil shores of Riviera Nayarit. Just north, this area offers a more laid-back vibe only a few miles away with Sayulita, a Pueblo Mágico known for its vibrant surf culture, and San Pancho, a cultural gem recently recognized for its artistic and community achievements.
Travelers can opt to stay at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. With a backdrop of the picturesque Sierra Madre mountains, the beachfront resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools. Six restaurants, four of which have received AAA Four Diamond awards, offer distinguished cuisine and presentation, gourmet culinary experiences, and impeccable service. Other features include a three-tiered pool with different temperatures, a fitness center, 24/7 in-suite service, water sports, tennis, Baby Concierge, Kids’ Club, and state-of-the-art Teens’ Club. Velas Resorts offers unparalleled all-inclusive experiences with luxurious accommodations, world-class service, and award-winning amenities.
Destination: Switzerland
Dupe: Norway
Swap the mountains of Switzerland for the majestic fjords of Norway. Travelers can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, explore charming towns and dine on exceptionally local cuisine in the Scandinavian country. Travel curator Up Norway is committed to sustainable tourism and authentic Norwegian experiences, offering bespoke itineraries tailored to an individual’s preference. The company takes pride in offering experiences off the tourist trail and offers access to sites and stories that would be a challenge to discover otherwise. Their partners are native Norwegians who take pride in serving local cuisine, showing off their vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature. Up Norway’s trips focus not on standard city tours but on getting people out into the country’s stunning landscapes and in contact with the local people. Curated accommodations include not only boutique hotels but also stilted log cabins, lakeside yurts, tent igloos, and a renovated lighthouse: cozy places where you’re hosted by the owners and introduced to the local culture and traditions. A highlight of travel with Up Norway is their digital itinerary application where travelers can find all their travel details, personalized recommendations, and best of all; a 24-hour direct chat to access the Up Norway team with any questions.
Ideal for summer travel, Up Norway’s Coastal, Rural and Urban Norway Journey takes travelers along the Golden Road of Trøndelag region, and then on to the remote island community of Veiholmen, before ending the trip in urban Trondheim. All along the way, this journey allows travelers to engage with local communities and delve into Norway’s nature, food, soft adventure, and more. Highlights include rowing in a traditional Viking-style boat, cheese and cider pairings, food as art, unmatchable views, kayaking around a remote archipelago, Polestar car rental, and more.
Destination: Galápagos
Dupe: Mauritius
Travelers can escape to the breathtaking island of Mauritius located off the east coast of Africa, where they can witness rare wildlife like the Aldabra giant tortoise and vibrant pink pigeon, and explore remote landscapes. Mauritius allows nature lovers to seek adventure in an ecologically sensitive environment. Travelers can opt to travel with HomeExchange Collection, an exclusive community for like-minded travelers to meet, share, and exchange their luxury homes. With access to more than 5,000 luxury homes in over 85 countries, HomeExchange Collection ensures that travelers feel at home anywhere in the world, guided by their host’s advice and locally curated travel recommendations.
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