Sail into summer at Europe’s jet-settiest dot on the map, a lowlands cultural staple and the yummiest of wine luaus.
by Sara Behunek
For the first time in its 32 years, the 17-day-long Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina, will kick off with a lavish pre-opening gala at the newly renovated Memminger Auditorium.
Highlights of the rest of the fortnight include a new version of Amistad; performances by the Westminster Choir; the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and The Burial at Thebes presented by the U.K.-based Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company. Tickets range from $10 to $150 ($350 for the gala) and can be purchased online or by calling 843-579-3100.
Fly into Atlantic Air or Million Air (7,000 feet and 9,000 feet, respectively), both at Charleston International Airport. spoletousa.org
Monaco is a place draped in decadence, so to say an event is the most luxurious the diminutive principality has to offer is a bold statement. The ShowBoats International Rendezvous, however, isn’t backing down.
For the nineteenth year running, the world’s most elite mega-yachts will converge in the Med’s azure waters for three days of swank galas, indulgent dinners and glittering receptions, wrapping up with the famous costume ball. This year’s theme: “Red Hot!”
Fly into Swissport Executive Airport (9,842 feet) at Aeroport Nice Cote d’Azur. monaco2008@showboats.com
What can the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival offer that similar fests can’t? For one, unadulterated views of misty-mountain peaks and the crystalline Pacific.
Throw in beachfront accommodations, golfing, tennis and demonstrations from Pano Karatassos and dozens of other celebrity chefs, and you have one of the longest-running, most prestigious events of its kind. All-inclusive packages start at $1,538 per person. For more information or to register, call 800-527-2582.
Fly into Maui Aviators (3,000 feet) at the Kapalua West Maui Airport. kapalua.com