Context Travel Around The World From Your Home

Annabella Pardo

Traveling the world is a luxury many of us crave and long for in order to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life. With the world slowly opening up again we are very excited to begin to visit our favorite museums, landmarks, and gelato shops once more. In preparation of our global travels, here at Off The Mrkt we are learning directly from the experts themselves at Context Travel. Context Travel is a network of scholars and experts who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology, who offer private, custom, and small group walking tours in 60 cities across six continents for almost 20-years. 

Photo via @ContextTravel

Context is now the only travel company that allows you to start learning before you hop on a plane. People are craving year-round learning to supplement their travel experiences or to serve as an alternative to in-person travel entirely.

The digital learning program is called “Context Learning,” and it offers live interactive seminars and courses on a variety of cultural and historical topics with the company’s vast network of well-versed, PHD or MA-level degree scholars. Think of this as a LIVE version of Netflix where theres tons of options to choose from, select which one is most of interest to you and learn about your favorite subject.

Photo via @ContextTravel

Now that travel is coming back IRL, Context is continuing these seminars and courses to help fulfill not only the pre- travel enrichment and allow them to learn before hopping on a plane, but also provide the opportunity for adults to become lifelong learners (the courses are so in-depth you feel like you’re learning from a professor in school).

Photo via @ContextTravel

Due to popular demand for long form travel, and because Context participants have built relationships with their experts/scholars over the course of the pandemic, Context is now taking one step further to launch  Context Journeys – the brand’s first fully planned, multi-day, small and group tours in cultural capitals across the globe.

Journeys will be led by the brand’s network of scholars, many of which hold PhDs or other terminal degrees in their field and teach at the university level, who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology. Not to be confused with your everyday tour guide, these experts have dedicated their lives to learning the history and culture of these cities and can offer unique insight and connections to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the destinations.  

Photo via @ContextTravel

The pre-planned itinerary, which includes hotel accommodations, on-the-ground tours and logistics and most meals, will also include experiences exclusively for Context travelers. For example, in Amsterdam, the small group will tour Rembrandt’s house before heading to dinner in an original canal house to tour a private art collection. As Context’s experts have deep and long-term connections with the museums and locations being toured, each Journeys participant will receive VIP treatment.  

Get started learning from the best travel experts in the world, at Context Travel.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Qetaifan Island North, a New Way of Luxury Experience and Qatari Hospitality

When one of the richest countries in the world launches a mind-blowing development of the biggest entertainment destination in the region, this project has every chance to become a globally recognized location. Qatar is going to impress the business and leisure tourists from all over the world with Qetaifan Island North, a magnificent waterfront hub that has already become the winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards in the category of The Best Luxury Real Estate in Doha, Qatar. This exclusive development will provide a new perspective on lifestyle and hospitality in a global context.

The driving force behind Qetaifan Island North is a real estate development company Qetaifan Projects, which was founded in 2017. The company`s objective is supporting Qatar’s economic vision by building cities of sustainable and intelligent infrastructure.  Qetaifan Projects is a subsidiary of Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar.

The award-winning development is located on the northern part of Qetaifan Islands off Lusail City, a futuristic project aiming to create a modern and ambitious society. As an important part of this ambitious project, Qetaifan Island North represents a new way of life and the country`s future iconic destination featuring unique attractions and sumptuous facilities inspired by the region`s rich nature and culture.

The island spans approximately 1.3 million square meters, 129000 of which will be allocated to the state-of-the-art Waterpark. This is the main attraction of Qetaifan Island North; the theme of the oil and gas industry is complemented by the unique design of the Waterpark`s 21 rides. The most impressive of them is The Icon Tower with 80 meters in height making it the highest water slide in the world. The Tower is located on a small island opposite to Qetaifan Island North. It can be reached by the train that passes by the overwater bridge connecting two islands.

The distinctive sea views will look even more beautiful from the rooms of the luxury hotels surrounding the Waterpark. The lavish hotels meet all the criteria for winners of Luxury Lifestyle Awards. These hotels will provide their guests with true comfort and unique experiences including exciting shopping, spas, gyms, opulent restaurants, cafes and ballrooms. In total, the hotels will offer 350 rooms with capacity of 1500 guests.

The luxury hotels` guests will have an easy access to the retail plaza with food and beverage, entertainment, edutainment and other retail services. There is also the Souq, a unique market inspired by traditions of QAtari culture, overlooking the Linear Park. This park is the island`s main artery, where all zones are connected together. The visitors of Qetaifan Island North seeking for the family-friendly activities can enjoy their time by the artificial Salt Canal linked to the sea. There are lots of community facilities over the canal side, among them shopping outlets, snack stalls, prayer rooms, seating, meeting rooms, game rooms and a kid’s club.

The residents of Qetaifan Island North will experience the luxury lifestyle in its entirety. The area of residential community covers 15750 square meters with 107 sumptuous beach villas with spectacular views of the waterfront. The island`s residents are offered a school, a comprehensive medical center and a mosque.

The family-friendly Beach Club is planned to be the first completed facility of Qetaifan Island North. It is the perfect place for exquisite leisure for the whole family. The grown-ups can have a great time on the beach, in the infinity pool; restaurant, spa and gym are also at their service while the kids enjoy their own special area.

Qetaifan Island North is designed to be a central entertainment destination for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The experts of Luxury Lifestyle Awards are confident that it will be a perfect place to experience an unforgettable leisure and see the best of Qatari culture and hospitality.

About Luxury Lifestyle Awards

Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award selecting, recognizing, celebrating and promoting the best luxury goods and services all over the world.

The goal of the company is to connect people with the best of luxury. LLA has evaluated more than 10 000 various goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries and analyzed the results to give you a TOP list of the best of the best in the world. Such world-renowned brands as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari were proudly named winners. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion and exposure to an entirely new market of customers.

For more information, please visit: https://luxurylifestyleawards.com/

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

What To Know Before You Book Your Trip To Tulum Mexico

Alexandra Reconco

Are you looking for a quick and easy trip that’s not too far from home but far enough to feel like you’re getting away? Well, we have the perfect vacation spot that’s only a little over 4 hours away from JFK. Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is best known for its beaches, well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, and breathtaking views and excursions. Tulum is a dreamy paradise that is home to some of the most beautiful world wonders such as the cenotes and bio reserves which truly look like they are out-of-this world. Tulum is the perfect vacation spot and to ensure that this vacation is stress-free, we have curated a guide for the best hotels, and activities so that you don’t have to worry about planning.

Where to Stay

Ahau Tulum

Kari Bjorn Photography

“Where nature is the new luxury.” Ahau Tulum is an eco-friendly hotel resort that mimics a healthy ecosystem. Ahau Tulum is the place where you truly become one with nature and truly find yourself and have nature fill your heart and soul. Ahau Tulum offers all different kinds of cabanas to choose from that make the experience with nature even more surreal. Ahau Tulum offers a variety of food and offers the best quality of the freshest ingredients in order for the guests to receive the best of what nature can offer.

Casa Malca

Getting away for Casa Malca means connecting yourself with the wild but also allowing yourself to let go. Located on the beach, Casa Malca is surrounded by white-sand, crystal-clear water and the wonders of the rainforest, the ideal place that makes it feel like your in an alternate reality. Casa Malca offers four restaurants all different so that you can experience something brand-new at varying sensory and pleasure levels.

What to Do

Go visit the Cenotes:

Cenotes are a natural pit, or sinkhole that results from the collapse of limestone bedrock which then exposes groundwater underneath. Tulum is jam-packed with incredible cenotes and below are some the best that are truly a wonder worth seeing.

Tulum Ruins

Visiting the ruins should be on everyone’s list when on vacation to Tulum. This Mayan city  is very well preserved and sits atop of a beautiful beach and was used as a seaport that traded mainly turquoise and jade. Tulum is very famous and a crowd favorite because of its elegant setting on the sheer limestone cliffs and is the only Mayan city built on the coast. Visiting the ruins is the perfect day trip for those who want to immerse themselves in history and learn about the Mayan culture.

Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve in Tulum that was established in 1986 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Sian Ka’an means “gate of heaven” or “place where heaven begins.” This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that will show you an authentic experience with local guides and show you the wonders of the ecosystem and wildlife. Visiting Sian Ka’an is the perfect adventure for those who love nature and love to explore the wonders of Mexico.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Incredible Things You Should Try On Your Next Vacation

For some people, taking a vacation is all about hitting a beach and relaxation; for others, it’s about so much more than that. Many people nowadays head on vacation, all in the hope of being able to experience something different from the norm.

In today’s post, we are going to examine some things you should do or try on your next vacation. Whether you are heading off around the world or staying in the same country, there are still many things you can try to broaden your horizons.

Explore New Activities

For most of us, we spend our lives doing the same things every day of the week; after all, humans are creatures of habit. 

So when it comes to being on vacation, there is no better time to break this habit and try something brand new. Instead of heading to the beach to relax, why not consider something like Side Bet Sport Fishing Charters? Fishing is often very misunderstood, and unless you’ve experienced the thrill of sport fishing, you really haven’t felt a rush.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could even consider some other watersports while you are at the beach. To experience more fun and recreational activities with nature, you will surely enjoy going to Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals. While watersports aren’t a new concept, they are a great way to cut loose and really get the blood pumping. Who knows, this vacation you may discover you’re an adrenaline junkie, and you didn’t even know it.

Expand Your Taste Buds

As we mentioned in the previous section, humans are creatures of habit; this also goes for the food we eat. 

Unbelievably three-fifths of Americans say they won’t try the local cuisine when they go on vacation, with a world of flavors available; this is ludicrous. One of the most incredible ways to experience the culture of a new city or even country is to try some of the local delicacies as they can really open you up to a whole new world.

Food is one of the joys of life that keeps on giving, and by simply opening your mind just a little bit on your next vacation, you may end up surprising yourself and your taste buds.

Take In The Culture

Another thing we are all guilty of when we travel somewhere new is not embracing the local culture. When it comes to visiting a new city or country, it matters not in the world where it is; there will be certain local customs that could be vital for you to know. 

Taking the time to learn a little about the locals and the culture of the place you are visiting is not only polite, but it may also open up some brand new doorways for you. 

When locals see you embracing their local culture, they tend to warm to you more. The more people warm to you, the greater the opportunities that will come your way.  

Hopefully, if you are looking for something a little different from your next vacation, one or all of these things will help you discover a side of yourself you never knew existed.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

5 Must Visit Travel Destinations for Beer Lovers

By Peter Minkoff

How far are you willing to travel for a good pint of beer? If you’re a true beer lover, there’s no distance that can keep you away from trying a new type in a new country! So, if you’re really crazy about good beer, here are the top destinations you must visit this year that will quench your thirst.

Seattle

Seattle has an amazing brewery-count with over 60 breweries doing business and serving beer lovers from all over the globe. Each year, we get a new addition to the scene, and this year we got one of the best: Future Primitive Brewing. This little brewery specializes in “little beers” as their inventors like to call them. They are making an effort to rediscover old and forgotten methods and outdated styles and employ them in making something new and delicious. Other must-visit breweries include some cult faves like Reuben’s Brews, Cloudburst and Pike.

Tokyo

Beer is rarely the reason why people decide to visit Tokyo, but even if that’s not your main mission, don’t leave this city without sampling some of Japan’s best crafts. Tokyo has a pretty good scene filled with both local- and expat-owned breweries that serve everything from Japanese crafts to American favorites. For instance, make sure to visit Watering Hole in Shibuya that serves a fun mix of Japanese craft (Onisdensetsu, Minoh) and American Burley Oak and Upslope. A relatively new addition to the scene is Øl—a Scandinavian-Japanese bar opened up in partnership with Oslo Brewing. They serve everything from Oslo’s beers to Kyoto Brewing beers to Ballast Point lagers to house-made ginger ale!

Sydney

One thing is for sure, Australians love their beer! Craft breweries are popping up all over the country, especially in Sydney which is a must-visit beer destination. There’s not much to say about the scene that will make your brewery choice any easier: wherever you see beer, feel free to grab a pint, especially when in Marrickville, the country’s beer capital. Marrickville also has an excellent craft beer store that offers around 1000 beers from just about every beer brewing region in the world including local crafts. This means you can bring a taste of Australia with you and surprise those waiting at home with a bottle of best Aussie craft.    

Prague

The Czech Republic not only consumes the most beer per person, but they also produce some of the best brands of lager. Staropramen, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, Krusovice and Budweiser are some of the most popular beers in Europe. Kozel is very masculine and strong with its dark foam and thick taste while Pilsner Urquell is known for its “hoppy” taste. If you want to try something light and sweet, opt for Matuska, one of the country’s youngest crafts and try their Zlata Raketa with undertones of citrus and tropical fruit. All in all, drinking beer, especially crafts, is a valid pastime and hobby in the capital of Prague, so there are a plethora of different bars where you can sample some of the country’s best crafts. And there’s just no best or worst bar to visit in Prague. Each is completely unique and offers what they think is the best example of Czech beer. So, don’t hesitate to visit them all!

Berlin

It’s just impossible to leave out Germany when talking about beer. So, when in Berlin, make sure to go straight to Markthalle Neun, an urban market filled with everything one hipster might need: Good coffee, fresh and farm-raised food and craft beer. Heidenpeters is the place to go if you want to try amazing Pale Ale, IPA and Brown Ale (sometimes they also offer Porters and Stouts). In Kreuzberg’s Wrangelkeiz neighborhood search for Hopfenreich that serves local beers from producers like Berliner Berg, Stone Berlin and Spent Collective. And Brlo Brwhouse is a modern beer playground that serves around 20 beers on tap from house-brewed Helles to other local, national and international beers. It’s really a place to be. And, if you’re visiting Berlin in July, make sure to visit Berlin Beer Week, a 10-day celebration of beer experience with numerous events taking place throughout the capital.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Glorious Golden State: A Luxury Getaway to California

With gorgeous stretches of white sandy beaches, incredible cities, friendly locals and an exotic climate to boot- it’s no wonder that California is the most visited state in all of America. Being home to the stars and some of the most expensive places that exist in the world, it’s the perfect destination if you’re planning a luxury trip of the holiday of a lifetime- here are some ideas for making it extra special!

Hotels

It’s usually best that the first thing to think about when you’re booking a getaway is your accommodation, and even more so when you’re planning a luxury trip. Prestige hotels can be booked up months ahead of time, so it’s worth making sure the dates you want are available and ensuring you get in there to avoid disappointment. While there’s more to a trip than the place you stay, it’s still important and if you want to get five star treatment then you’ll need to choose well. Some luxurious hotels to consider include the Ritz- Carlton at Half Moon Bay, InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the Four Seasons and Rosewood CordeValle. At the highest end of luxury you have establishments like Belmond El Encanto and Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. There’s no shortage of fancy establishments to pick from, all of which will have the features you’d expect. From high end gyms to shops and spas, the best quality beds, views and so much more. It’s nice to retreat back to at the end of a busy day, and rest up ready for another day in one of the most exciting places on earth!

Drinking and dining

Going on vacation is all about indulging a little, and a luxury getaway wouldn’t be complete without tucking into some delicious dishes. The Golden State is been listed in the top ten food cities in America- so understandably the best chefs in the world all want restaurants here. It means you can enjoy all kinds of cuisines, and indulge in delicious food. For Asian cuisine try WP24, or for delicious French-American fusion food try Patina which you’ll find in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. You could tuck into a juicy steak at Palm Restaurant or try out Shojin if Japanese cuisine is your bag. There’s something for every taste, and plenty of options when you don’t mind spending a little more. And not forgetting drink too- California is all about the wine! Over ninety percent of all wine in the US is made here, and so a taste test is necessary. You could book a wine tasting event, or just enjoy some different varieties when you go out to eat or drinking in the evening.

Attractions

You have everything from scenic parks and stunning beaches for relaxing days spent soaking up some sun,  to cool clubs, restaurants, and bars in the evenings in Cali. Whether you want to stay up all night or make the most of the sunny days, you won’t be short on things to do. When you think of California, it’s likely the stunning beaches that spring to mind, but along with topping up your tan on the sand, why not dip a toe into the clear blue waters too? You can hire all kinds of boats and yachts all over the state, and spend a day on the waters. You could grab your binoculars and spot some Californian aquatic wildlife which includes everything from wild dolphins to whales and sea lions amongst others. You have the opportunity to go swimming with dolphins too, there are thousands of them around warm southern states! Or you could get some drinks and throw a boat party if you want to let your hair down. The beach and water is just one place to explore, be sure to check out the incredible driving routes too. As California's most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge is probably on your list of places to visit while you’re visiting. If you want to indulge in some retail therapy then California is the place to be. It’s famous for being home to some of the best shopping destinations in the world. Take downtown San Diego for example, the Westfield Horton Plaza is a massive outdoor mall with shops, restaurants and even a cinema. You could walk down the iconic Rodeo Drive, and rub shoulder with the stars, in all honesty it’s just about the most luxurious place in the world when it comes to shopping!

Getting around

When you’re enjoying a luxury vacation, the last thing you want to be doing is waiting on buses and public transport! To give the trip a high end feel, think of how you’ll get around. Companies like Go Luxe can be used to get you to and from the airport or to events during your trip in style. Another thing to consider is hiring a luxury car- a Cadillac, a Mustang or a Bentley for example would certainly have you feeling like you were doing things right! When you’re planning the trip of a lifetime, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the location and the things you’ll do when you arrive, but it’s important to consider how you’ll get to each place. That way you can do your research and book everything ahead of time making the trip run as smoothly as possible.

Have you ever visited California, or is it on your list? What kinds of things would you most like to do if money was no object?

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.