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Author: The Smalls

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Ruinart

A visit to Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house, is an unforgettable journey into the essence of luxury and heritage. Founded in 1729, Ruinart combines centuries of tradition with a bold commitment to contemporary art and sustainability, crafting an experience that goes beyond exceptional champagne. Residing in the historic town of Reims, this iconic maison invites guests to explore its legendary chalk cellars, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These “crayères” not only age the champagne to perfection but also offer a surreal, atmospheric setting for tastings that are as sophisticated as the sparkling vintages themselves.

Moët & Chandon

Explore Champagne’s largest network of underground wine cellars and discover the secrets behind this iconic Champagne and symbol of French luxury. More than three centuries of heritage, passion and savoir-faire lie beneath your feet as you walk along the cobbles of Avenue de Champagne.

Mali Ston Oysters

Renowned since Roman times, the oysters of Mali Ston are considered some of the finest in the world—briny, sweet, and kissed by the minerals of the bay. Just an hour from Dubrovnik, the Pelješac Peninsula delivers more than dramatic scenery and boutique wineries—it offers the unforgettable experience of savoring this delicacy mere moments after harvest. You’ll board a small boat from the historic harbor and glide through aquamarine waters to a floating platform anchored in the bay, where a local family or oysterman shucks your tasting to order.

Kemo Sabe Aspen

Kemo Sabe isn’t just a Western boutique—it’s a full-on Aspen experience. Set on East Cooper Avenue in the heart of downtown, this iconic shop curates high-end cowboy boots, hand-tooled leather belts, one-of-a-kind turquoise jewelry, and the brand’s famous custom hats. Each piece is a nod to the American West, crafted with the precision and polish expected by Aspen’s most discerning clientele. Whether you’re just browsing or going full-send with a bespoke setup, every visit feels personal, luxurious, and a little bit wild.

Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril

Set along the sparkling shores of Lake Como, the Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril are a dreamlike escape into 19th-century romanticism. Designed in the English style for Duke Francesco Melzi d’Eril—Napoleon’s Vice President of the Italian Republic—the gardens blend exotic trees, camellias, azaleas, water lilies, and sculptures in perfect harmony. Winding footpaths guide you past a moody Moorish pavilion, a serene Japanese pond, and intimate benches made for reflection. With views across the lake and the Alps beyond, it’s no wonder these gardens have long inspired poets, painters, and noble hearts.

Ultimate Taxi

Forget everything you know about getting from point A to point B. The Ultimate Taxi is Aspen’s most unexpected and beloved hidden gem—a one-man, one-cab show operated by the legendary Jon Barnes. This tricked-out yellow cab is a kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, synthesizers, and yes—Jon himself playing live music while you cruise through town. Expect everything from Beatles covers to spontaneous jokes, all while surrounded by a neon galaxy of wonder.

James Bond Island

Set dramatically in the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island—made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun—is one of Thailand’s most iconic natural marvels. Towering limestone karsts shoot skyward from the sea like ancient sentinels, their jagged silhouettes casting dreamlike reflections across turquoise shallows. The main attraction, Ko Tapu, rises 20 meters straight from the water—a striking vertical spire that feels both otherworldly and cinematic.

Approaching the island by longtail boat or private speedboat is part of the magic. Jungle-draped cliffs loom above as you wind through narrow inlets and hidden lagoons, each turn revealing another breathtaking vista. It’s easy to see why filmmakers chose this place to stage Bond’s high-stakes showdown—it feels like a scene built for adventure, drama, and escape.

On land, you’ll find souvenir stands and makeshift cafes, but the true allure lies just beyond the crowds: secret sea caves, paddle-through mangroves, and panoramic viewpoints that reward those who linger. Whether you arrive early to beat the bustle or stay late for golden-hour light, James Bond Island delivers a sense of spectacle that lingers long after you’ve left.

Trsteno Arboretum of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts

Just a short drive from Dubrovnik, Trsteno Arboretum is one of Europe’s oldest arboretums, dating back to the 15th century. With sweeping views of the Adriatic and a remarkable collection of exotic trees, plants, and architectural elements, it’s a place where time slows down and nature speaks in whispers. Once the summer estate of a noble Dubrovnik family, the grounds feature a Renaissance villa, elegant aqueducts, and a Baroque Neptune fountain surrounded by fragrant citrus groves and towering palms.

For lovers of gardens, history, or quiet moments away from the tourist trail, Trsteno offers a refreshingly tranquil escape.

Mount Vesuvius

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted with catastrophic force, burying the thriving Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum beneath ash and claiming thousands of lives. Once dormant for centuries, it remains the only active volcano on mainland Europe—its most recent eruption in 1944, and its last major event in 1631. Today, Vesuvius rises dramatically above the Bay of Naples, a lush, looming presence that reminds us of nature’s raw and unpredictable power. A hike to its crater offers panoramic views and an unforgettable encounter with the earth’s fiery heart.

Tasting Pompeii Tour

A bespoke experience organized by Bosco de’Medici. An expert archaeological guide reveals all the secrets and curiosities of the ancient city of Pompeii. As noted, it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. At the end of the tour, the experience continues with a visit and tasting lunch at the estate.