Living Waters- Food and the travel connection

Summer and warmer temperatures are approaching in many parts of the world. Beaches, lakes and rivers provide a refreshing respite from the heat for many. Spending the day relaxing on the sand or boating is an obvious choice for water lovers, but more is on offer to experience when we consider water, a key component of life, in a different way. Food, a driving force behind travel, has become more than an afterthought when traveling. The water carries in it minerals and hydration for the growers, fisherman and artisans to create unforgettable taste that span the world wide.

Lapland Safaris

Located just above the Baltic Sea, we start our journey in a northern region of Finland called Lapland. Though true Lapland consists of multiple countries, Finnish experience experts Lapland Safaris have crafted that adventures that focus on nature and all its elements. The ever popular Midnight Sun that is viewable from the end of April until the end of August. Endless days a perfect for a ´Summer Night at the River (Rovaniemi)´(photo at the top). Let the sun warm your spirit on a relaxing catamaran ride to Kotisaari where you will enjoy a fireside snack of reindeer sausage, fresh lingonberries, Lappish cheese with cloudberry jam and whipped cream, surrounded by nature.

Where to stay: Lapland Hotels- Sky Ounasvaara

Lake Como for You

Just over 3100 km south lies the Italian Lakes, which are often at the top of the list of Northern Italian experiences for travelers. The beautiful and historic cities surrounding the lakes offer endless opportunities to explore the storied stairs and hand laid walkways of Italian craftsmanship. Laura Sanvito and her tremendous team of luxury travel designers at Lake Como for You are directly connected to the heart of our story. She and her team have created the perfect way to connect with the tranquil waters that touch the area. The Great Lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and Lake Como), connect to numerous rivers that offer another level of serenity.´A Walk & Wade Fishing Day´ features a prime day of fly fishing in one of the best best rivers in Northern Italy to catch Brown Marble, Rainbow Trout and Grayling. Pause for an afternoon break to enjoy a delicious lunch comprised of local ingredients from Valtellina Valley artisans (bresaola, ham, delicious cheese, freshly baked bread and vegetables) before finishing your day taking time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Food Valley Travel

The Adda River weaves its way south with twists and turns, connecting to the Po River, the longest in Italy, which carries into the Adriatic Sea. efore the journey to the sea is complete, the river connects again and heads into Parma, home of Food Valley Travel. Experts in creating luxury travel experiences in Parma, Emilia-Romagna and beyond for more than twnty years, Parma is known historically as a city of water. Their incredible ´Parmigiano Tour The One & Only´takes you to the local dairy to learn the process, history and taste what us considered the King of call cheeses. The water plays a unique role in the creation of the cheese and you will taste the difference in each aged wheel, as there is no Parmesan anywhere in the world with a comparable taste. Parmagiano Reggiano can only be produced in this area of the world, making this a unique travel experience.

Rewind Dubrovnik

Just opposite of Italy, off the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is Croatia. A scenic drive down the coast takes you to the home of Rewind Dubrovnik, where Lukša Malohodžić and his team have developed unforgettable experiences for their travelers. They began their story as a boat tour company and expanded into land experiences. Their expertise within Croatian luxury is second to none and their tours are a testament to their passion for what they do. Enjoy an afternoon connected to the water and authentic tastes of Croatia on the ´Dream Wine Tour to the Elaphiti Islands´.

Set sail to both Šipan and Lopud Islands with a local expert skipper and guide. The rich story of the region is shared by the skipper and Mr. Mato, the owner of a winery on Šipan Island. Enjoy a presentation of an incredible variety of regional wines including Merlot, Rosé, Pošip and Cabernet Sauvignon. A stroll through a picturesque village on Lopud Island, a light lunch, an opportunity for swimming and more round out a perfect day of kinship with food, water and friends new and old.

SKYIN

Our food and water journey ends in a place that is known as the motherland of civilization, Africa. On the eastern coast rests one of it´s treasured lands, Kenya. Skyler Mason and the team of destination experts at SKYIN have developed experiences that are immersive and aim to connect travelers to the culture of the land and its people. During your stay in Kenya, they want you to develop an understanding of the warmth and love that Kenyans offer every traveler, while coming to understand that travel is not only enrichment for self, but to help others. During your travels throughout Kenya with SKYIN, fresh, clean drinkable water is always available. Whether carried with you on safari, at restaurants, visiting the Maasai and at every lodge or hotel stay. The availability of water feels second nature, as it is common where you and I live. However, many Kenyans in rural areas struggle to have enough safe drinkable water due to a lack of infrastructure. Incredible organizations like WorldServe International , a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, partner with SKYIN to make sure that cultural sensitivity is applied to protect and respect the traditional way of life that the Maasai preserve, while creating safe water sources for the people.

A healthy Maasai community creates opportunities for them to connect with travelers from around the world. communal opportunity is dinner with the Masaai. A sacred celebration, experience helping the tribe prepare the celebratory goat dinner that everyone will enjoy for the evening. At the end of the dinner, you would be transported back to your luxury property for a restful nights sleep before continuing your journey throughout the region; knowing that your experience helps to insure the Maasai and Kenya are as connected to the water in their community as you and I are at home.

Where to stay: Lengishu House and Borana Lodge

No matter where you are in the world, we are all connected by every lake, sea, ocean, river and stream. Our histories, the food and the preservation of life depend upon it. As we all continue to travel to experience waters around the world, we can remember to conserve this valuable resource at home and make sure we are connecting with local tour providers who support the best efforts to keep the communities they love thriving in and out of the water.