Consider a 'grannymoon' vacation before a new grandchild arrives
Tourists gather at the top of the highest dune of the Sandwich Harbour overlooking the lagoon in the Namib-Naukluft Park, south of Walvis Bay. Credit: Marco Longari/AFP
Will you soon have a new grandchild in your world? Why not treat yourself before that bundle of joy makes his or her debut? You’ll want to be rested and ready so put a "grannymoon" on the calendar!
Here are five ideas to consider.
Check the bucket list box
Before the new baby snags your full attention, make one of your travel dreams come true. One of the least populated countries in the world, Namibia, begs to be explored. From the capital city of Windhoek to the stark Skeleton Coast, you’ll find a timeless landscape where desert-adapted wildlife — elephants, lions and the rare black rhino — share the vast landscape with birds, antelopes, cape foxes and brown hyenas. Drive through barren moonscapes and search for small herds of Hartmann’s zebras or find pink flamingos and other migratory birds in a coastal wetland. Hike up Namibia’s highest ochre-colored sand dune and watch the sunset before slip-sliding down. Few people and sparse development translate into a magnificent display of stars. Don’t forget to look up.
MORE INFO AndBeyond.com; visitnamibia.com.na
Channel sweet magnolias
Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, to see camellias, daffodils, azaleas and scores of other species in bloom within America’s oldest public garden. Founded in 1676 and open for visitors since 1870, the expansive and historic plantation is home to the last large scale romantic garden left in the United States. Naturalist guides help visitors spot alligators, turtles, egrets and herons in their native habitat while on a tram tour of the plantation’s wetlands, marshes, lakes and forests. A 45-minute history tour details Magnolia’s role in moving from slavery to freedom.
MORE INFO magnoliaplantation.com
Relax on a river cruise
Whether you choose to float a river in India, France, Spain or Italy, you’ll board a Uniworld ship that is unique to your destination. From the color palette to furnishings and antiques, you’ll feel right at home where you are. Settle into your luxurious cabin, unpack once and let the exploration begin. Each day, your excursions will provide an in-depth experience, wading into local cultures, shopping, museums and dining. You’ll visit a local vineyard, dine inside a 1,000-year-old-castle or sample handmade cheeses or chocolates. For those seeking more active outings, itineraries offer walking, hiking, cycling and kayaking options. Onboard each boutique ship, expect premium wines and spirits, farm-to-table cuisine, musical entertainment, and warm and friendly service.
MORE INFO uniworld.com
Create Mediterranean-inspired memories in Barcelona.
Treat yourself to the beauty and bounty of Barcelona, a city known for innovative design, culinary creativity and its location on the magical Mediterranean. Visit the Picasso Museum, stroll La Rambla and marvel at Sagrada de Familia and Park Guell, two of Antoni Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces. Check in to the well-located and towering Hotel Arts Barcelona, a destination in itself, for world-class views, easy access to the beach, and a rooftop spa and outdoor pools that overlook the city and the shimmering sea. Choose from well-designed guest rooms, suites or splurge for a duplex penthouse. For a top-notch treat, plan to experience Enoteca, the hotel’s highly-acclaimed, two Michelin-starred restaurant.
MORE INFO ritzcarlton.com; enotecapacoperez.com
Plan a high desert hangout
Set amid ancient juniper groves in central Oregon’s high desert, Juniper Preserve, near Bend, is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Test your skills during a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, or a par-72 championship course crafted by Tom Fazio. Later, ride bikes, explore the on-site cave or plan a hike along nearby rivers or on forested trails. Spend a day at the full-service spa, sampling restorative services. Visit the wellness teepee for yoga classes, music-enhanced guided meditations, crystal guidance workshops and herbal tastings. Stay in vacation rentals or the 104-room Juniper Lodge, where panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains will take your breath away.
MORE INFO juniperpreserve.com
