As summer approaches, we are once again drawn to the magic of the Greek islands – each with its own unique character and flavour. From the mountainous Cyclades in the central Aegean, where cerulean blue waters shimmer against cube-shaped white houses, to the verdant Ionian islands west of the mainland with their pebble beaches, olive trees and calm waters ideal for sailing. Mykonos is the ultimate party island with its up-tempo beach clubs, super prime villas, and lively restaurant scene, whereas smaller Antiparos, popular with the art crowd who have built some beautiful villas on the island, is quieter and lower in profile. ​ ​ In the eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese islands hug the Turkish Riviera coastline, including delightful Symi, with its pastel-coloured homes and charming harbour. ​Nearby Patmos is frequented by creatives and the fashion crowd who gather in Chora for the summer. ​ We love the Ionian islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, together with tiny Ithaca, which is the location of one of the most beautiful privately owned villas for rent and overlooks the bay of Vathi.​ ​ A 30-minute helicopter hop to Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula in the south, with its ancient sites of Corinth, Sparta, and Mycenae, offers a world-class hotel and private villas at Porto Heli. From here, the nearby islands of Spetses and Hydra are a perfect day trip by private yacht charter. ​ The secret to a successful Greece trip is this… ​ Firstly, the month of the year. May through mid-July are perfect (particularly May and June before the school holidays begin). The islands spring back to life after the winter lull, restaurants and little boutique shops stay open late into the evening, the weather is hot but still bearable, and the water is perfect for swimming. Getting around Greece is the next point of consideration. To maximise time and ease of travel, we always suggest chartering a helicopter between the mainland and islands or sailing by private boat. The latter is best in September once the Meltemi winds have subsided. Hopping between islands is effortless in an Airbus helicopter – Folegandros to Antiparos takes just over fifteen minutes, and on to Mykonos in the same amount of time. Lastly, where to go and what to see. At the crossroads between ancient and modern, the majestic city of Athens never fails to impress with its magnificent relics, monuments and museums combined with leafy avenues, cobbled shopping streets, café culture and vibrant seafront. Spend a few nights in an Acropolis-facing suite in the city’s most stylish boutique hotel for a few days of culture before exploring the Peloponnese and sailing to the beautiful islands of Hydra and Spetses. With extra time, charter a yacht and visit some of the smaller islands of the Cyclades, such as Folegandros, Sifnos and Antiparos. Those seeking a little more action shouldn’t overlook Mykonos. Yes, it has its clichés – it’s pricey and sometimes pretentious – yet there’s an energy and sense of fun to the island. A successful trip depends on who advises you, how well they know the island, and how closely they are connected to villa and boat owners, hotel managers, restaurateurs, boat crews, and people who can make things happen. Like all the world’s jetset hotspots, you need to know you have the right tables booked at the right time, sun loungers secured at the most fashionable beach clubs, spectacular accommodation, an excellent boat captain, and that all the logistics are covered seamlessly. That means no queues, no waiting around… just being able to step off your boat onto a jetty, be seated for lunch at the perfect table, and be waited on by people who know your name and will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best time. If you choose Nota Bene, letting us guide you through all the details—a day visiting Delos, a charming restaurant on the square at Ano Mera, or lunch overlooking the ocean alongside the small church at Aghios Ioannis—you can still find authenticity, style, and “the good life” on Mykonos. But make no mistake, it’s easy to go wrong and end up having the complete opposite experience. At these prices, bad decisions and flimsy advice are a serious blow and a waste of time. Your choices really count here! For assurances of never taking a wrong turn again when it comes to travel, TALK TO US.

Botswana offers one of the most private and spectacular safari experiences in Africa. Few places on Earth possess such contiguous pristine wilderness, untrodden by tourists and so uniquely preserved. It all comes down to an exceptionally well-conceived tourism model that favours high value and minimal ecological footprint. In real-life terms, this means high prices, a small number of visitors, and very specific seasonality. But when we speak of prices, let there be no misunderstanding: the accommodations you’ll find in Botswana are in a league of their own. They are exquisite, and the level of exclusivity, space, quality of accommodations and guiding, is second to none. Although the Kalahari Desert covers an enormous eighty percent of the country, the Okavango Delta and the wildlife-rich tapestry of connected ecosystems in the north are synonymous with any super high-end Botswana safari. Swaths of unfenced wilderness support an incredibly diverse variety of free-roaming wildlife, and here lies one of the most unique floodplain landscapes in the world. There are few experiences comparable to gliding along the water channels of the Okavango Delta, brushing past water reeds and lily pads, brightly-coloured birds skimming past, and crocodile eyes peering from the grassy banks. The mighty yawn of a hippo or an elephant herd coming to drink at the water’s edge are wildlife experiences to treasure, and you’ll share them with barely anyone else. How to plan a top end Botswana safari? Let’s break it down into three distinct regions… KALAHARI DESERT The ancestral homeland of the San Bushmen, evidence of human existence in the Kalahari Desert dates back some 100,000 years—amongst the oldest in the world. Within this wild, flat desert terrain, the Makgadikgadi Pans cover a staggering 12,000km² —parched and unforgiving for much of the year. Perhaps unexpectedly, the region supports some unique wildlife, including its resident and much-loved meerkat population. Yet, visitors don’t really come here for the fauna. This is a place to marvel at the lunar-like landscape, quad bike across salt-crusted pans, learn about ancient Bushmen traditions, and explore on foot or horseback. You’ll most likely stay at one of the most iconic camps in Africa —just three in a one million-acre private wildlife reserve. LINYANTI The remote northern Linyanti region includes Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda private reserves —the latter home to Zarafa Camp and Zarafa Dhow Suite, owned by conservationists and National Geographic documentary filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert. This is a rugged landscape combining floodplains with mopane woodland, and it boasts an impressive African wild dog population, enormous elephant herds, and thousands of zebra that migrate here during the winter months. One of its main draws is the unrestrictedness and opportunities for night game drives, where you’ll likely see elusive nocturnal species. Diverse, remote and untrodden, the Linyanti region combines perfectly with the Okavango Delta. OKAVANGO DELTA Fall asleep to the sound of grunting hippos under a canopy of stars, glide along water channels on a traditional dugout canoe guided by an oarsman, see Nile crocodiles emerge from the papyrus, and a splendid array of bird life. Experience some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, including some seriously dramatic predator-prey chases, and encounter packs of African wild dog, as well as elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, rhino, buffalo, zebra, and epic herds of roam, sable, eland, and waterbuck, to name a few. Stay in some of Africa’s most exquisite lodges and camps, with seriously impressive accommodations, enormous wooden decks with panoramic views, excellent dining experiences, and a range of wonderful activities combining land and water safari. This is the essence of the Okavango Delta. The world’s largest inland delta, a natural phenomenon that relatively few will ever experience, is by far the most private, exclusive and wildlife-diverse place to safari on earth. We’ve visited Botswana’s finest lodges, camps, and private residences and have a deep insight into planning the ultimate itinerary, taking in these three regions. If you’re considering a wildlife safari any time soon, CONTACT US.

One of life’s greatest pleasures is indulging in a beautiful wine or champagne served at the perfect temperature in just the right glass. Extra points for a magnificent view of the ocean, an elevated terrace overlooking wildlife plains or rainforest, rolling countryside hills, or a brilliant blue sky against snowy alpine terrain. At Nota Bene, we consider an excellent sommelier to be like gold dust—someone with passion and depth of knowledge who listens to you and enhances your wine experience with the insight of a true expert. Many of our clients are wine enthusiasts, and we are constantly on the lookout for unique vineyards and wine estates that will delight and surprise even the most knowledgeable connoisseurs. Some of our more niche, specialist trips are based on fine wines alone. From the Sicilian slopes of Mount Etna and high-altitude Greek grape varieties to the hills and clay-limestone soils of Provence and historic vineyards of the Iberian Peninsula, our highly personalised wine experiences include expert advice on investing, collecting, transportation, storage, and creating a home cellar. Whether Europe, Chile, New Zealand, California or South Africa, tap into our team, and we’ll work alongside winemakers, winery owners, vintners, and leading wine asset managers to create something tailored entirely to your tastes, guaranteeing a range of exclusive, previously unthought-of suggestions. Here are just a few of the areas we’ve focused on for wine-specific itineraries: Spain Perhaps best known for its red blends, including full-bodied Rioja variants like Tempranillo and richly-coloured, robust reds from Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas produces some of the world’s leading white wines, famous for the saline Albariño grape variety that thrives in high altitude vineyards close to the sea. With advancements in wine-producing techniques, climatic variations, many indigenous grape varieties, and a long history of winemaking, the fine wine market is becoming increasingly exciting in Spain. We curate exquisite wine-led journeys throughout the country, including a superb private estate in Castilla-La Mancha where guests can visit several impressive boutique wineries alongside sensational gastronomy, horse-riding, falconry and quad bike experiences. Combine with a few nights in the elegant and energetic capital city of Madrid for restaurants, upscale shopping, and some of the world’s finest museums and art galleries, including the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Greece More under the radar than its European counterparts, Greece is still one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries with a splendid history that dates back thousands of years. In recent years, wines from the Peloponnese region have made a serious comeback, and there are some exceptional boutique wineries in its varied terrains. Near the town of Nafplio, the ancient site of Nemea grows the Greek Agiorgitiko grape, producing some of the finest red wines in Greece. Homer named this area Ampeloessa, meaning “full of vines”, a legacy that has continued to this day. Working with some of the finest private villas in Greece, we often combine the Peloponnese with the Cyclades islands, including Santorini, home to some of the oldest vineyards where grapes are grown in volcanic soil. Northern Italy Italy produces a seemingly endless variety of spectacular wines – the entire country is renowned for its sensational gastronomy and diverse viticulture. The exquisitely beautiful Tuscan landscape is a treasure trove of culinary delights and wine offerings, with some of Italy’s most magnificent countryside estates and world-renowned Sassicaia wines, highly sought-after by collectors and wine enthusiasts. During the autumn months, with its amber and apricot hues, Piedmont’s hilly Langhe region unfolds with the Alba International White Truffle Fair, an opportunity to taste white truffles and beautiful red wine varieties such as Barolo and Barbaresco. In the Florentine upper Arno valley, on the outskirts of Figline Valdarno, highlights include eleven hectares of biodynamic vineyards at the region’s most upscale private residence. Further north, in the eastern part of the hills of Verona, the Soave region produces some excellent white wines, particularly those made in the organic vineyards at the foothills of the Lessini Mountains. For a broader Veneto experience, travellers should consider a few days in Venice for contemporary art at the Biennale, excellent hotel offerings, and some world-class restaurant offerings within the city and its islands. Next month, we’ll be in Porto, exploring the Douro Valley and uncovering some of its finest wines, boat experiences, and culinary offerings. For more on Nota Bene’s favourite wine journeys, CONTACT OUR TEAM.

There’s a reason we love working with exclusive-use chalets and lodges. It’s the scope for dreaming up out-of-this-world journeys and experiences that can’t be replicated. Really, the opportunities for creating rip-roaring adventures, fairy-tale settings, fantastical expeditions, and generally inspiring complete wonderment are simply unparalleled. Some of the most majestic landscapes are snowy wonderlands where only the most adventurous venture. So it’s surprising to discover limitless possibilities throughout the different seasons, not just winter. Polar bears and beluga whales in the remotest wilds of Canada onboard the only Arctic expedition boat with underwater viewing. A beautiful private lodge in Finland during the season of the ever-rising sun and midsummer harvest for the remotest horseback riding and days spent fishing on pristine waters. Summer flower fields, riverine forests, and the rapids of the Shiribetsu River with hiking, boating and mountain biking experience in Japan’s spectacular Niseko region. Walking in the forests of Val Pusteria, where deer and fawns roam undisturbed, and the enchanting Lake Braies within Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in Italy’s mountainous Alta Badia region. Kenya’s exquisite Mount Kenya region offers an abundance of wildlife, helicopter experiences to remote, far-flung corners, horse-back safaris, and opportunities for walking and night game drives. Here, we delve into some of our favourites and why they’ve excelled for the most adventurous and intrepid travellers.

An ancient city of Moorish architecture, dominated by the Alhambra Palace, Granada sits in all its splendour beneath Andalucia’s Sierra Nevada mountains. This is where worlds collide: narrow medieval laneways, intricate Islamic relics, and fortified palaces mingle with a flourishing contemporary art scene, graffiti-splashed walls, and a buzzing late-night tapas scene. The theme of colliding eras is mirrored in an amazing exhibition showing until 25 March entitled “Reflections. Picasso/Koons at the Alhambra”. This brings together five works – two by Pablo Picasso and three by Jeff Koons – establishing a dynamic conversation between past and present. Though March-time weather is often unreliable, mild, spring-like days aren’t uncharacteristic in Andalucia, and indeed, you’ll want to explore the area well before the searing summertime kicks in. Granada combines perfectly with an organic farm in the rolling hills of Serrania de Ronda, where you can explore the enchanting countryside horseback followed by a dressage class, learn about medicinal plants, and dine farm-to-table. Alternatively, you’ll find one of Spain’s most exquisite private estates merely a 2.5-hour drive from Granada or a short helicopter hop. Outstretched on thousands of hectares of land in the deepest Iberian countryside, this is the place for silence, nature, and complete privacy. It’s also one of Spain’s most sought-after and exclusive shooting destinations. Activities for all ages and interests include horseback riding, quad biking, paintball, falconry, and hot-air balloon rides. Last but by no means least, Madrid presents a world-class city experience in every sense. Picture elegant tree-lined boulevards, a mix of emblematic historical buildings and forward-thinking contemporary design, excellent shopping, and some of Europe’s finest culinary establishments. Spain and Portugal combine beautifully, so stay tuned for our upcoming Lisbon, Porto and Douro Valley mailer. Meanwhile, to enquire about upcoming contemporary art events in Europe and how best to explore the Iberian Peninsula and beyond, TALK TO OUR TEAM

Physical and emotional well-being is everything nowadays. We’re alert to the need for self-care and taking frequent breaks from our busy schedules. Mindfulness is a buzzword that many take seriously when it comes to diet, exercise, and mental health, seeking ways to incorporate healthier attitudes into all aspects of daily life. An obvious space for carving out dedicated wellness time is during our travels – well-needed windows when we finally grind to a halt. The spiritual home of Ayurveda India is an obvious starting point for travellers turning inward. Ananda in the Himalayas is like a health-centric mecca on 100 acres of landscaped grounds where the experience focuses on restoring balance through yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and organic cuisine. Kamalaya Koh Samui has a seemingly endless menu of wellness programmes designed around weight, women’s health, detox, stress, burnout and immunity. Whether sleep enhancement, gut reset, or a full overhaul of your basic fitness, optimal well-being is at the core of their experience. North of Riviera Maya, the new SHA Mexico takes healthspan seriously, delivering advanced, science-backed methods designed to optimise your health to its fullest potential. Integrating ten holistic disciplines, brain health, dermatology, functional medicine, sleep optimisation, and physical performance are all covered. On Greece’s captivating Peloponnese, Euphoria Retreat combines Greek with ancient Eastern philosophies, focusing on the link between physical health and emotional well-being. Their programmes embrace the outdoors and nurture deep healing, emotional harmony, and restoration. Austria’s Vivamayr refers to itself as a medical health resort, and really, this experience is about intense rejuvenation. From innovative diagnostic procedures to therapies that lean into gut health, vitamin substitution, and improved rest, Vivamayr means business! Hydro-aromatherapy, hydro-mud therapy, and energetic massages are the name of the game at Palace Merano in Italy’s south Tyrol, where they implement the Revital Method based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Or, for something completely unique, the Zenbo Seinei meditation retreat overlooks Japan’s Awaji Island, combining onsen bathing, meditation, and yoga, with Zen-inspired workshops in calligraphy and incense. Finally, in London, we’re seeing brand new longevity clinics opening, such as Hooke, for medical, nutritional, fitness and cognitive healthcare, and biotech companies involved in senolytics, ozone therapy, and personalised IV infusions. An extraordinary range of high-end health-related travel options exists geared towards creating optimal physical and emotional well-being. If a curated trip in either Europe, India, Asia or the Americas is on your agenda, combining wellbeing with unique experiences, world-class accommodations, and access to the often inaccessible, CONTACT OUR TRAVEL TEAM.

We are delighted to share an interview between Rachel Dube, who is writing for Forbes.com, and Nota Bene founder Anthony Lassman. The article zooms in on five of Anthony’s favourite worldwide restaurants. Each one is low-key, innovative, privately owned and managed by people with a passion for food and wines. The article provides insight into the brainpower behind Nota Bene and the knowledge that underlies our core values. A must-read for those wanting to understand how we differ! We are honoured to be recognised for our contribution to opinioned fine travel and lifestyle. Particularly when it comes to the intricate details that distinguish the Nota Bene brand. Believe it or not, restaurants are one of the hardest parts to nail because they need to suit the occasion and, importantly, your mood. Sometimes, you’ll want something easygoing and casual with a local neighbourhood vibe, while other times call for a more soigné choice. It’s not just about the food, but the atmosphere, the lighting, who else is dining there, the acoustics, whether you can be guaranteed the best table, and how well the sommelier really knows their wines. One thing’s for sure: a terrific restaurant with all the right components can do wonders for a trip. A bad choice can leave a terrible lasting impression. Some clients are foodies and prefer gourmet fine dining. Others seek out the coolest hotspots frequented by knowing locals. We have it all covered. If you’re seeking a trusted opinion on all things related to high-end travel, your search ends here. To learn more about our services and approach to curating the world’s finest journeys, BOOK A CALL and let’s discuss your requirements.