| In today's Instagram world, Iceland's Blue Lagoon has become a vacation superstar. In 2014 the picturesque oasis drew around 700,000 visitors, which then skyrocketed to an estimated 1.3 million last year. While its geothermal spa has certainly contributed to all of the attention that the Nordic country has received, the overflow of tourists is attributed to affordable flights and exposure in Game of Thrones.
But now luxury travelers have a perfect reason to visit—this past April saw the much-anticipated debut of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon. The 62-suite hotel has been years in the making, and it was worth the wait. Upon entering guests are greeted with oversize picture windows that look out to 800-year-old moss-covered lava and tiered pools of pastel blue water. Modern matte black pendant chandeliers and sleek concrete walls are juxtaposed against warm wood paneling and leather seating. The sunken dining area—where complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea are served daily—is soft and largely neutral, with beige and cornflower blue furniture. | | | A similar aesthetic carries over to the rooms—those on the ground level with a direct view of the lagoon are decorated with blue accents while those on the second floor that showcase the olive-hued moss are adorned with bits of green. Each accommodation boasts a rain shower and standalone bathtub in addition to floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished terrace or balcony so that guests can easily connect with nature. | | | There's also a cozy library with an honesty bar, fitness center, and a gallery showcasing 20th-century Icelandic ceramics. Be sure to dine at the Spa Restaurant, where simple, light fare can be enjoyed while swaddled in a comfortable robe and staring out at the calming waters. In the evenings, visit the underground Wine Cellar, which features 350 different bottles surrounded by volcanic rock, then make your way up to Moss, where Icelandic cuisine is the star and a seat at the chef's table is a must. | | The main attraction, of course, is the Blue Lagoon. And the real benefit of staying here is entrance to the hotel's very own extension of the iconic geothermal waters and its subterranean spa. Unwind in the mineral-rich lagoon away from the crowds, book an in-water massage, and take advantage of the many amenities at the oasis. At your disposal are steam and sauna rooms, a relaxation area with hanging nest chairs, dark dens lit by fireplace, and even a terrace for unbeatable panoramic vistas. If you want some extra privacy, there's a secluded Lava Cove tucked away in the corner with a wood-burning fireplace, private lagoon, and heated chaises.
And be sure to cap off your spa journey with the Blue Lagoon Ritual, a three-step, self-enforced scrub and mask treatment using mineral salt and lava, blue-green algae, and silica. The natural ingredients are derived from the lagoon's seawater and processed onsite at the Blue Lagoon's research and development center, and will leave you feeling revitalized and anything but blue. | | | Two for the Road: A 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl'mat Légère 'Special Sport' Roadster along the Tour d'Elegance course.
Nothing revs the hearts of automobile aficionados quite like Monterey Car Week. Every August, lovers of rare models, exotics and concept cars head to Northern California for the world's premier auto exhibitions. | | | Big Caddy: After a two-year restoration, this 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Hartmann Cabriolet with a Swiss body and a 16-cylinder engine made its debut at Pebble Beach and won First in Class in the American Classic Open category.
Anchoring the week is the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, which began in 1950 and features the Tour d'Elegance, a slow-moving museum of vintage cars that parades along the Monterey Peninsula's famed 17-Mile Drive. There is also The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering in nearby Carmel, which started its engines in 2003 and features the debut of several supercars—among this year's reveals were the Lamborghini Huracán SVJ and the Bugatti Divo—and concept cars. | | | Fit for a King: A 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, originally built for the royal family of Jodhpur, turned heads in the Motor Cars of the Raj category at Pebble Beach and was awarded First in Class.
The finale of the Concours d'Elegance, of course, is the competition among different classes of classic autos—including Prewar Preservation, which features cars that have never been restored, and the Postwar Sports class, which showcases famous race cars. | | The Alpha Car: Best of Show at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta.
This year's Best of Show was a 1937 Alfa Romeo 2900B Touring Berlinetta, above, owned by David and Ginny Sydorick of Beverly Hills, California. The couple have entered the Concours for several years but had never won top honors. "That dream came true today and it's just spectacular—with a spectacular car," said David Sydorick in a post-awards interview. "We had a wonderful crew on this car, a wonderful restoration group and wonderful detailing people. And it's a beautiful piece of artwork." | | | There were also several high-profile auctions during Monterey Car Week, which brought in more than $360 million in total sales. At RM Sotheby's, one of the most coveted cars in the world—a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, above, the third ever built—sold for a record $48.4 million. (It eclipsed the previous auction record set in August 2014 when another 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO went for $38.1 million.) And at Gooding & Co., a 1935 Duesenberg SSJ that once belonged to actor Gary Cooper set a record for an American car at auction, selling for $22 million. | |  |
Travel Wise
Just what do those dings mean on an airplane anyway? Here's a simple way to decode them:
1 Ding: This chime can have several meanings, including that passengers are free to move about the cabin. But it can also be a signal that a passenger wants to contact a flight attendant.
2 Dings: This could be a sign that slight turbulence is ahead or it could be a signal to flight attendants that the plane has reached at least 10,000 feet.
3 Dings: Buckle up. And get out of the rest room. Three chimes is usually a sign that rough turbulence is coming and that passengers and crew should return to their seats. | | Elite travelers looking to book a premium flight are often confused about the differences between business- and first-class cabins—particularly among rival airlines. There are some amenities that are universal between both classes—including extra legroom, early boarding, and spacious seats—but other offerings really set the experience apart.
Domestic business class flights generally are only a bit nicer than premium economy, but internationally the difference is usually far greater. International flights often feature business class seats that recline to a flat bed, either at an angle or completely flat. Some carriers, including Singapore Airlines (above) even offer what feels like a double bed for those traveling together. | | | Of course, if you're looking for an experience that is truly unique and luxurious, there's no question that first class—again, most notably on long-haul flight—is the ultimate upgrade. For starters, the seat will typically be extremely comfortable, spacious and will likely fully recline into a bed or it may even have its own enclosed pod—or perhaps an enclosed suite—for added privacy. This can make for a very comfortable place to sleep if you have a long flight planned. | | | You can also expect to be served the best food and drink options on the plane, including, of course, top-shelf alcoholic beverages. First-class passengers typically also enjoy other perks such as designer slippers and pajamas or even the ability to take in-flight showers. Then again, that's what travelers expect for a higher fare. | | | |
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