Beyond the Tie: Curated Journeys for the Discerning Dad

Credit: Colin Eick

As Father’s Day tiptoes around the corner, we face that delightful conundrum: how to truly enchant the grand patriarch of your clan. Forget the fleeting joy of another tie or gadget. This year, let’s conjure something truly magical: the indelible impression of an extraordinary adventure.

Whether Dad secretly dreams of sipping a soulful Malbec as the Andes whisper ancient tales, or perhaps envisions his golf swing achieving exhilarating perfection by the sparkling sea, or even yearns to cruise through Norway’s majestic fjords where mythical creatures might just peek from the mist, or be captivated by the historic cities along the Adriatic, we’ve waved our wands and curated a collection of bespoke travel escapades. Each journey is whimsically tailor-made for every discerning dad, promising an escape that pirouettes far beyond the ordinary, weaving memories destined to twinkle in his heart forevermore.

Imagine gifting a journey where ancient history collides with cutting-edge exhilaration. In Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” such an experience awaits. Your discerning dad will find himself ensconced in the legendary Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, a bastion of seaside luxury perched majestically just steps from the ethereal beauty of the Old Town. This iconic retreat offers not only unparalleled views of the shimmering Adriatic but, in 2025, an exclusive front-row vantage point to a spectacle unlike any other: the E1 Dubrovnik GP 2025. As part of the groundbreaking UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF – the world’s inaugural all-electric raceboat competition – this event (taking place June 13–14) promises a thrilling display of innovation and speed. Imagine sleek, silent hydrofoils, owned by global icons such as Tom Brady, Will Smith, and Rafael Nadal, carving through the sparkling waters between Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls and the mystical Lokrum Island. It’s a singular confluence of sustainable technology and high-octane excitement, set against the timeless backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage city. This is more than a trip; it’s an immersion into the past and future, a truly unforgettable Father’s Day tribute.

For the father whose sartorial sensibilities extend beyond the golf course and into the realm of timeless elegance, Paris offers an unforgettable Father’s Day escape. The exquisite Hotel Bel Ami, nestled in the intellectual and chic heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, serves as the perfect Parisian pied-à-terre. Here, sleek, contemporary Parisian flair harmonizes effortlessly with an air of understated luxury. The hotel’s aesthetic is one of modern sophistication, infused with a warm, inviting ambiance. Its location is, quite simply, unbeatable for the dad who delights in the curated quietude of perusing rare first editions at the venerable Librairie Galignani, indulging in the tactile luxury of Loro Piana, discovering the subtle elegance of Officine Générale, or simply lingering over a perfectly aged glass of Bordeaux on the terrace of the legendary Café de Flore. After a bespoke facial or a restorative massage at the hotel’s newly unveiled Codage Paris spa – a sanctuary of urban tranquility – guests can gracefully unwind with a perfectly crafted whiskey or a classic Negroni at the hotel bar before venturing out to explore the Left Bank’s myriad culinary gems, from Michelin-starred artistry to charming bistros. This is an immersion in Parisian art de vivre.

For the father whose ultimate indulgence is a profound reconnection with tranquility and the earth’s most exquisite pleasures, a sojourn to Argentina’s celebrated wine country is an unparalleled gift. Surrounded by the sprawling, sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers a serene sanctuary meticulously designed for indulgence and restoration. Here, luxury intertwines seamlessly with nature, providing an idyllic setting for profound relaxation. Dads can surrender to the sublime pleasure of in-suite vinotherapy treatments, allowing the restorative properties of the grape to envelop them. Private steam rooms offer a detoxifying respite, while curated wine fridges, thoughtfully stocked with Mendoza’s most exceptional vintages, invite spontaneous moments of connoisseurship. Every Thursday, a particularly enchanting ritual unfolds with the Spirited Asado Experience: an open-air Argentinian BBQ, sizzling with authentic flavors, expertly paired with rare local spirits. Imagine tasting Mendoza’s pioneering whisky or exquisite small-batch gins under the vast, starlit Patagonian sky. This is not merely a vacation; it is a personalized journey of rejuvenation, a sensory immersion in the heart of Argentina’s viticultural soul.

Credit: Lyngen Lodge

For the father whose spirit yearns for epic landscapes and the thrill of discovery, a true bucket-list journey awaits in Norway’s breathtaking Arctic wilderness. Up Norway crafts personalized Arctic road trips that promise not just adventure, but seamless execution, allowing for pure immersion in the rugged northern beauty. Imagine navigating spectacular fjord safaris, feeling the crisp Arctic air on your face as you partake in exhilarating crab fishing expeditions, or cruising alongside colossal, ancient glaciers. Every logistical detail is meticulously arranged, from bespoke itineraries to accommodation. Moreover, each journey comes equipped with a comprehensive Digital Travel Guide and 24-hour chat support, ensuring a stress-free yet utterly unforgettable escape. This is a chance for dad to delve deep into Norway’s untamed north with , a journey of unparalleled natural grandeur that promises to inspire awe and create enduring memories.

For the father who dreams of escaping the clamor of the everyday, of truly disconnecting where the turquoise sea meets untouched shores, Sailrock South Caicos offers a rare indulgence in barefoot luxury. This is one of the Caribbean’s last unspoiled hideaways, a sanctuary designed for profound tranquility. Guests are welcomed into expansive private villas, each boasting panoramic ocean views that stretch to the horizon, personal infinity pools that seemingly merge with the sea, and direct access to secluded, pristine beaches. It is the quintessential escape for dads yearning to shed the crowds and reconnect deeply with nature’s serenity. Days here unfold with a blissful rhythm: perhaps fishing for elusive bonefish in the world’s third-largest barrier reef, silently exploring hidden coves by kayak, or indulging in curated rum tastings that capture the island’s spirit. For ultimate relaxation, island-inspired spa treatments offer a soothing balm for mind and body. This is the ideal blend of serene disconnection and invigorating ocean adventure, a Father’s Day gift that will be etched into memory as truly unforgettable

The serene views from a Balinese Villa

For the independently minded traveler, the father who cherishes the freedom of choice and the authenticity of local immersion, HomeExchange Collection presents an unparalleled opportunity. This exclusive membership offers access to a meticulously vetted network of luxury homes across the globe, transforming the traditional vacation into a truly personalized adventure. Whether his heart desires a chic Parisian flat overlooking the Seine, a serene Balinese villa surrounded by lush rice paddies, or a cozy mountainside chalet nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, he can inhabit a destination like a true local. The beauty lies in the elegant simplicity of swapping homes with fellow discerning members, all while benefiting from invaluable, personalized advice and insider tips from their hosts. This is not just a vacation; it’s an invitation to live, truly live, in the world’s most captivating locales, on his own terms

For the father whose ideal escape seamlessly blends the pristine greens of a championship golf course with the sun-drenched allure of a luxurious beach, Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta stands as an exquisite choice. This adults-only boutique resort offers an intimate sanctuary where golf-loving dads can indulge in exhilarating rounds at two of the area’s most prestigious courses: Vista Vallarta and Marina Vallarta. Beyond the tee, relaxation takes center stage. He can unwind by the exclusive beach club, sipping expertly crafted cocktails as the Pacific Ocean whispers at his feet. The gourmet all-inclusive dining ensures every meal is a culinary delight, from fresh, local seafood to international haute cuisine. It’s an elegant fusion of sporting passion and serene coastal luxury, designed for the dad who appreciates life’s finer pleasures.

If cobblestone streets simply can’t compete with the allure of pristine sand, then Hotel Manapany in St. Barths offers a Father’s Day gift steeped in barefoot luxury and quintessential Caribbean calm. Situated gracefully on the unspoiled Anse des Cayes, this eco-conscious hideaway masterfully blends laid-back island vibes with an air of subtle sophistication. Imagine sun-kissed mornings in beachfront villas offering panoramic ocean views, followed by the refreshing indulgence of locally sourced rum cocktails. Open-air spa treatments, infused with the island’s natural rhythms, provide a serene respite. Dads can greet the dawn with invigorating sessions of surfing or paddleboarding in the gentle surf, feeling the warm Caribbean waters lap around them, before concluding their day with the simple yet sublime pleasure of grilled seafood and rosé at the hotel’s sustainably focused restaurant. It’s a harmonious blend of active adventure and profound relaxation, an idyllic escape where every moment is a gentle reminder of paradise.

As Father’s Day draws near, let’s cast aside the fleeting joy of another tie or gadget. This year, imagine gifting something truly extraordinary: the enduring splendor of an experience. Our curated journeys are far more than mere vacations. From the thrilling roar of cutting-edge electric raceboats slicing through ancient Croatian waters to the serene indulgence of a sun-drenched Argentinian vineyard, or the pristine solitude of a Turks & Caicos cove where worries simply melt away, these are invitations to forge indelible memories. They’re a chance for Dad to explore long-held passions, ignite new ones, and connect with the world – and with you – in profoundly meaningful ways. This year, give the gift of discovery, of exhilarating adventure, of unparalleled luxury, and watch as the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression that truly celebrates the remarkable man in your life