Nature enthusiasts and gardening aficionados can rejoice in this verdant season as luxury travel company Scott Dunn highlights its top floral festivals around the globe, showcasing the very best of mother nature. These botanic affairs celebrate a range of excitement from a blossoming season, fruitful harvest, annual migration and more. These floral festivals recognize some of the most beautiful natural destinations in the world and when paired with Scott Dunn’s curated itineraries – and insight from its designated travel specialists – deliver unique, unforgettable experiences. Scott Dunn Sales and Service Manager, Casey Holt says, “Our guests build entire itineraries around marquee global events—whether it’s a local festival, concert tour, major fashion week or a championship tennis tournament. It’s not just about attending the event, it’s about turning it into a luxury travel experience. This kind of ‘eventourism’ reflects a deeper desire to connect with global culture while traveling in style.”
THE MOROCCAN ROSE FESTIVAL
From the towering Atlas Mountains to the bustling streets of Marrakech and the tranquil palm groves of Skoura, Morocco beckons culture lovers with its vibrant landscapes, rich history and extraordinary tapestry of experiences. For travelers seeking an unforgettable immersion, Scott Dunn’s 9-night Sahara Serenity: A Luxury Adventure in Morocco itinerary provides the perfect escape. “The Moroccan Atlas Mountains captivate with their dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and ever-changing natural beauty” says Scott Dunn Senior Africa Travel Specialist, Tarik Nechadi. An opulent stay in Marrakech shifts to a serene reprieve in Skoura. Before venturing to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, flower lovers can detour to Kelaat M’Gouna in the Tinghir Province for The Morocco Rose Festival. Inspired rose decorations and garlands line the streets as rose-scented soaps, gels, creams and oils permeate through the town to celebrate the rose harvest. Kelaat M’Gouna, affectionately known as the Valley of Roses, is the perfect place to pick up a bottle of rose oil as the lush and fragrant destination is home to the country’s largest distillery. Following a tented stay in the desert, travelers will round out their Moroccan adventure with three-nights in the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by sweeping views and indulging in luxury accommodations.
THE FERIA DE LAS FLORES IN MEDELLÍN
Travelers with a curiosity for South America’s vast cultural and natural wonders can embark on Scott Dunn’s 17-night Ultimate Colombia & Galapagos itinerary. Guests will start their journeys in Bogotá and MedellÍn. MedellÍn, known as the “city of eternal spring,” with its old city spread out across the hills in a maze of neighborhoods connected by cable car to the beating heart of the 17th-century city. The Feria de las Flores in MedellÍn, which happens at the start of every August, is a 10-day feast of color, florals and joy packed with musical performances, markets, fairs and competitions. The joyous event culminates with the Silleteros Parade, in which flower farmers carry large, elaborate flower arrangements on their backs to celebrate their heritage through an expression of color and florals that traces back to their families’ roots. Scott Dunn Latin America Team Leader, Simon Hunt, says, “In the weeks leading up to the Feria de Flores in Medellin, our guests love to visit the small town of Santa Elena for a behind the scenes look at how the extravagant flower floats are prepared by the Silleteros families.” Following the festival, Scott Dunn travelers can head onwards to the colonial gems of Cartagena, Colombia and Quito, Ecuador, visiting each of their Old Town regions, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For the final leg, guests will board a seven-night Aqua Mare cruise – the first superyacht to sail the Galapagos Islands. Naturalist guides on the crew will educate guests on the area’s eco-diversity through a series of snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding excursions to encounter the water’s remarkable bird, marine and wildlife. “For experienced divers, Aqua Mare provides guests with incredible diving opportunities at multiple sites during their seven-night itineraries. This is an experience often limited to simple ‘liveaboard’ boats, or those staying in hotels on land, so it presents a stunning opportunity to experience a luxury super-yacht, without missing out on deep water exploration,” shares Hunt.
THE ANNUAL FÊTE DU JASMIN
For discerning travelers seeking unparalleled experiences, luxury travel company Scott Dunn offers bespoke itineraries that blend the sophistication of Paris with the timeless elegance of the South of France. Scott Dunn’s 12-night Classic Paris, Provence & the French Riviera tour provides exclusive access to iconic Parisian sights, charming Provençial villages and the coastal allure of the French Riviera. Sarah Iwicki, Scott Dunn Europe Travel Specialist, says, “Pairing the stunning blooms of Provence and the Riviera with the dazzling lights of Paris is the ultimate blend of city, countryside and sea.” This itinerary begins with four nights in Paris, exploring artistic treasures and historic marvels before embarking on a journey to the South of France for four nights in Provence. Once there, travelers can revel in the idyllic countryside and savor the finest regional wines before traveling onward to Nice in the French Riviera for a four-night, curated experience at Hotel du Couvent. Enroute from Provence or from Nice’s legendary Old Town, travelers visiting in August – one of the best times to visit the region – can venture inland for the Grasse Jasmine Festival. Tucked away in the hills of Provence, the annual Fête du Jasmin in Grasse marks the beginning of the jasmine harvest. Paying homage to the flower for which the town is renowned, the festival features fireworks, traditional dancing, costumes and a parade. The celebrations culminate with the crowning of Miss Jasmine as jasmine petals float through the air akin to confetti and jasmine water is splashed about in excitement.
