Photo by Magdalena Smolnicka
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and why not give a gift that is far from the ordinary and will be remembered for a lifetime? Instead of the usual flowers and candy, surprise mom with a special experience that can be shared together or on her own on Mother’s Day or throughout the year. Below are a few immersive journeys from around the world that are the perfect gift for every type of mom!
For Nature Enthusiasts
Walk the Amalfi Coast of Italy with On Foot Holidays
This spectacular coast has wild mountains rising sheer from the Mediterranean, old fishing towns clinging to the rocks, tiny hidden coves and, of course, lots of fabulous food. The self-guided walk starts at Amalfi itself, and works westwards along the rugged peninsula, ending in bustling Sorrento. A seven-night self-guided hiking vacation with On Foot Holidays is priced from £995 per person (based on two sharing), including accommodation, luggage transfers and comprehensive maps and directions. Shorter versions also available. https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/amalfi-coast/
The Italian Lakes – Maggiore and Orta with On Foot Holidays
The glory of the Alps for walkers of modest abilities. Start at the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, then head up and over Mottarone with stunning mountain views from the top, and down to little Lake Orta. Here there are more spiritual attractions, notably the assembly of chapels on Sacro Monte and the peaceful convent on Isola San Giulio. A seven-night self-guided hiking vacation with On Foot Holidays is priced from £860 per person (based on two sharing), including accommodation, luggage transfers and comprehensive maps and directions. Shorter versions also available. https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/lake-maggiore/
For Culture Lovers
Photo by Davis Vargas
Naya Traveler’s hand-picked journeys in Peru, Argentina and Myanmar
Because no two moms are the same, Naya Traveler has curated a few special journeys for different moms. For new moms with babies, explore Peru’s intricate tapestries to architectural marvels. Peru is home to one of South America’s most sophisticated ancient civilizations with over 5000 years of history to its name. Moms with teenagers can discover wild Argentina, an adventure-filled experience that deepens one’s sense of natural beauty and expands understanding of cultural identity. The Patagonian Steppe is a land of age-old Gaucho customs, pure air, arid landscapes and enormous glaciers waiting to be explored. For the forever mom, (moms with adult children), explore the treasures of unchartered Myanmar on this stunning journey. Straddling the line between Southeast Asia and India both geographically and culturally, Burma’s astonishing natural beauty, rare ethnic diversity and rich spiritual legacy allows this country to stand out amongst its neighbors as a world apart awaiting to be discovered. More details on each journey with pricing is available. www.nayatraveler.com
For Adventure Seekers
Photo by Hush Nai doo
Explore Tanzania on a safari with Duma Explorer
Leading safaris and treks in Tanzania since 2004, Duma Explorer is one of Tanzania’s only Travelife-certified tour operators. A founding partner of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, Duma Explorer continually demonstrates their commitment to social, economic and environmental sustainability. For all safaris of at least 7 days booked during the month of May, Duma Explorer is offering a complimentary Serengeti Balloon safari for mothers. This may be the most beautiful area in the world for a balloon flight with no power lines, fences and few roads. Launching at dawn, rising as the sun rises, gently float over the plains of the magnificent Serengeti. A balloon offers an opportunity to see the Serengeti from a unique perspective. Notice wildlife trails made by generations of animals impossible to see from the ground. After landing, celebrate in the traditional way with a champagne toast before heading off to a special ‘Out of Africa’ breakfast in the wild. The Serengeti Balloon special is valid for travel from May 2019 through May 2020. Rates for Duma Explorer safaris start at $2500USD per person, double occupancy. www.dumaexplorer.com.
For the Ultimate Pampering
Photo by Juan Rojas
Calabash Cove Resort and Spa
One of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is a Caribbean gem offering seclusion, beauty and mesmerizing views at every turn. Its 26 villas feature old Caribbean charm coupled with luxurious resort amenities of today. From the heavenly Windsong restaurant and lively C-Bar overlooking the infinity pool to the peaceful Ti Spa, guests have everything at their fingertips when vacationing at Calabash Cove. Spoil mom with the resort’s “Unconditional All Inclusive” covering all meals and beverages including room service, daily food specials including a daily lobster dish (when in season), premium brand drinks, a stocked in room bar with full size bottles, over 20 wines from the wine list by the bottle for breakfast, lunch or dinner, gratuities/tips and Wi-Fi. And this Mother’s Day, every mother receives champagne with breakfast and a complimentary 50-minutes massage on all stays of 6 nights of longer. www.calabashcove.com
For Wellness Fanatics
Les Ilets de la Plage
Family-friendly hidden gem Les Ilets de la Plage offers 12 private villas with direct access to the white sand beach and azure sea in Saint Barths. Secluded yet central, Les Ilets has been a well-kept secret for years, combining the privacy and serenity of a villa with a hotel concierge service at an affordable price. For any stays of five nights or more in May and June 2019, Les Ilets de la Plage is offering a 20% discount for mother and child for any of the following experiences. Treat mom to a private Vinyasa yoga session with Carole Pernelle of Absolute Hot Yoga at Les Ilets de la Plage or on St Jean Beach (from 140 € per hour). For nature enthusiasts, go on an island hike or tour with local guide and environmentalist Helene Bernier (50 € per hour for groups of 1 to 4 people). The tour of the island by car with guide is 100 € per hour including service, driver, insurance, license and private guide. Or see Saint Barths in all its splendor on the water with a sunset sailing champagne cruise on the Leeward side of the island with Jicky Marine. Catamaran sunset tours are available every day in private or by group based on availability (690 € for a private tour or 124 € per person for a group tour). www.lesilets.com
A selfie of my daughter Lauren and I
Thank you for reading The Badass Writer! What will you be doing on this special holiday? Do you think these are good Mother’s Day travel gifts? I hope this article helps you decide what to get her as sometimes it can be hard to do that!
Coming up we have more beauty articles, books reviews, lifestyle topics and, of course, luxury travel ideas. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! Plus, I always welcome and encourage your comments below.
Blessings,
Connie
