28 July 2021
Local Experiences
Travel Differently Through A Local Lens
Even the most popular places can offer unique experiences when you approach it through a local lens. With DISCOVERY’s Local Experiences, travellers can connect to the people, places, and things that make a destination truly unique. Rewarded to Platinum and Black level members, Local Experiences give access to thousands of curated experiences from cooking lessons to fitness classes.
If you’re looking for more than what’s recommended in the guidebooks, check out these experiences we’ve put together to inspire your future trips. For more Local Experiences, explore here.
Legendary Falconry Experience
Kempinski Mall Of The Emirates Dubai, UAE
Looking for memories to last a lifetime on your next trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates? Discover wilderness and culture while professional falconers take you on a journey back-in-time, creating a memorable and intimate UAE heritage experience. Learn first hand why for the Emiratis falconry is an art and enjoy viewing it in action for a truly impressive and thrilling activity.
Explore Roman Treasures At Palazzo Valentini
Portrait Roma, Italy
The archaeological remains of ancient Roman houses uncovered beneath Palazzo Valentini, which belonged to patrician families, maybe even senators of the imperial era, have been made into a fascinating journey through time. Mosaics, decorated walls, polychrome floors, streets and other findings have been brought back to life by a team of technicians and experts. Explore all these magnificent hidden treasures with Portrait Roma’s Local Experience Award.
Dolphin Quest By Splash
Vakkaru Maldives
Observing dolphins in free nature is an incredible experience and guests at Vakkaru Maldives are in for a treat because the property is lucky enough to have a large pod of spinner dolphins living right at its doorstep. Have a fun morning spent out at sea in search of dolphins around Baa Atoll and watch them playing in their natural environment from the comfort of one of the resort’s dhonis.
Muay Thai Experience
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui
Begin your Muay Thai VIP experience with a private session with a local muay thai trainer at Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, you can designate the time of day you prefer. In the evening you will be transported to the Muay Thai Arena where you will sit ringside and see the professional martial arts action up close! Next day follow up your training by relaxing your muscles with a soothing 1 hour thai oil massage in the tranquility of Nikki Beach Spa.
Young Bavarian Cuisine At Schwartzreiter
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, Germany
Enjoy a 3-course dinner for two in a cosy atmosphere at Schwarzreiter Tagesbar including corresponding wines, water and coffee. You will be spoilt for choice: Chef Maike Menzel and her team offer a dazzling array of dishes at Schwarzreiter Tagesbar. Tickle your taste buds and savour the young Bavarian cuisine the hotel’s culinary team has in store for you.
Lisbon Opera House Backstage Tour
Corintha Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon Opera House's backstage tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the real-life dramas behind this iconic theatre classified in 1928 as a National Monument. Here you can learn about fascinating stories throughout the building’s history and discover the wonder of the performing arts. Your personal guide will raise the curtain on what really goes on beyond the spotlight.
Vietnamese Cooking Class
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Step behind the scenes of Vietnam’s exotic culinary culture, renowned for its enticing blend of Chinese and Asian spices, as well as the ingredients and traditions of classic French gastronomy. Visit the local market before mastering the five fundamental taste elements of sour, bitter, sweet, spicy and salty, as you learn to cook a series of authentic dishes in a professional chef cooking class. Dine on your creations for lunch.
28 January 2021
Tips and Ideas
Fun Things To Do On Valentine's Day
Although Valentine’s Day is going to look much different this year compared to the previous ones, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate February 14th in a fun and special way. Whether you have a special someone or you’re single, there are lots of things that you can do to make the day extra special for you and your loved ones. We’ve put together five fun things that you can do to make the sweetest holiday of the year extra memorable.
Play Fun Games At Home
If you’re planning to stay at home during Valentine’s Day, you can take the opportunity to connect with your special someone over simple yet fun games, from Monopoly and Pictionary to Uno and charades. Check out this article from The Leela and try your hand out at these games to make the loveliest day of the year more exciting and fun.
Go Stargazing
Few sights are more magical than a sky full of stars, and there’s nothing lovelier than stargazing with your partner. So why not create the perfect date with your sweetheart under a sparkling sky and discover the wonders of the universe together. For some inspiration on your next stargazing escapade, check out this experience from Anantara.
Learn How To Hula
This Valentine’s Day, why not spice up your celebration by learning something new like the hula dance. More than just about swaying hips, elegant hand gestures and lithe feet, hula embodies the history of the Hawaiian islands. To learn more about this lovely dance, check out this beautiful article from Outrigger Resorts.
17 October 2021
Vacation Tips
Travel Safely To Your Dream Holiday
The need to take a vacation, to relax and recharge, feels more necessary now than ever before. Before you start planning that much-needed trip, you must keep in mind that in the new world of travel, health and safety should always come first—for yourself, your travel companions, and the people at the destinations you plan to visit. Here are some tips and guidelines to consider as you sort your travel in the world of COVID-19.
Know the Entry Requirements for Your Destination
While planning your trip, try to avoid destinations that are considered to be hotspots for the Coronavirus. Make sure to consult a regularly updated map of global travel restrictions to know which destinations are open for travel. Take note of each country’s developments in entry requirements, check whether quarantine on arrival is in place, and what documentation you might be required to present upon arrival.
Keep in mind that some destinations require arrivals to present a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19. Others require all entrants to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival while some require proof of travel insurance with complete coverage from each visitor. Being aware can make or break your travel experience. Be flexible with your itinerary and be prepared to make any necessary changes.
Choose Remote Locales Over Crowded Ones
Wherever you choose to go for your getaway, you’ll want to be sure to avoid crowded places. Try to maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others if possible. Social distancing is much more difficult in an urban locale compared to a place with significant geographic sprawl where you can easily explore from area to area. To ensure social distancing, choose a location that has plenty of outdoor spaces and activities.
Stay Safe When You Travel
Consider your mode of transportation and learn how to protect yourself and others from the virus when you travel. If possible, take short-distance road trips that allow you to have more control over your surroundings. Avoid transportation where you directly breath the same air as strangers. If you are flying, make sure to know your airline’s in-flight policies as well as cancellation and booking policies.
Opt for Outdoor Activities
When planning your itinerary, choose outdoor activities over attractions that might be closed or unsafe right now such as popular landmarks, restaurants, and other indoor destinations. In general, activities such as running, walking, and biking can be done with less risk of catching or spreading the virus. Try to avoid sports that are performed in groups and those that involve a lot of physical contact.
Bring A Pandemic Essentials Bag
Before you travel, don’t forget to pack your pandemic essentials for your travel bag. Stock up on such items well in advance, in case there are shortages in the destination where you are going. Make sure to include the following in your pandemic essentials: face masks, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, a thermometer, hand soap, and health insurance cards.
31 August 2020
Take A Joyride
Fun Things To Bring On A Road Trip
Imagine rolling down the windows of your car, enjoying the fresh breeze as you enter a new destination full of new experiences and discoveries. There’s truly nothing quite like a road adventure, and it’s a great way to explore parts of your own backyard that you haven’t seen yet.
If you’re planning for your next road trip and you want to ensure that it’s going to be a memorable journey, here are some fun things to bring to make your adventure extra awesome.
Music On The Road
Good music can keep you alert and smiling if you’re behind the wheel. A variety of music from country and classic to pop and upbeat tunes can keep the whole car happy. Create a playlist that you can download onto your device so you can play them even without an internet connection.
Road Trip Games
If you want to keep the little ones and even adults away from the “Are we there yet?” blues, then definitely make sure to add some travel-ready games to your road kit. From card game favourites to fun toys the choices are endless to keep everyone entertained. A road trip is also a great time to connect with your fellow travellers, using game cards with light-hearted and thought-provoking questions as conversations starters.
Homemade Healthy Snacks
Looking for a delicious way to stay healthy on the road? Why not prepare some homemade treats that are easy to munch while travelling. You can create your own trail mix of nuts and dried fruits and portion them into individual servings in small bags to make them easier to grab. Another healthy snack idea is homemade energy bars—here’s a great recipe from Divani Collection Hotels.
Pillows, Blankets, and Cozy Flip-Flops
When putting together your road trip packing list, don’t forget to bring these essentials to make your travel as comfortable as possible. A pillow is useful for those times when it’s not your turn to drive, when you need some shut-eye. If the air conditioning is too much to handle, a blanket provides a quick comfort. Keep your feet feeling relaxed the entire trip with a comfy yet stylish pair of flip-flops.
High Quality Camera
Make sure to keep a good quality camera on hand to capture all the exciting experiences, wonderful moments and incredible destinations you visit. Moreover, taking photographs and videos with a great camera can add a whole extra dimension to your adventures, helping you look at the world with a unique perspective. Get inspired to take great pics with this curated photography experience from Capella Hotels & Resorts.
Your Ultimate Travel Tool: DISCOVERY App
There’s no better way to get to the heart of your destination than with your DISCOVERY Loyalty App, the one travel tool you can’t miss on a road trip. With it, you can bring all the benefits of your DISCOVERY membership, manage your account, book your next stay and redeem Local Experience awards from the convenience of your phone. Learn more by exploring the different features of the app here.
