February, 2012 - Gwen Books

Come fly with us into the pristine and rugged landscape that gives these coastal mountains their sublime character and experience our version of a driving range on the mile high peak of Mount Currie, giving the term “longest drive” a whole new meaning!

Begin the Journey in Vancouver; settling in at one of our favorite luxurious five star properties; early next morning, we begin the ultimate golf outing. Whisked by heli to Whistler and the Big Sky Golf and Country Club for a challenging round of golf. Snuggled up against the base of majestic Mt. Currie, the classic links design is built on gentle rolling terrain that integrates seven lakes connected by a serpentine creek. Big Sky is the longest of four championship courses that comprise the Whistler Village golf community, with four sets of tees ranging from 7,001 to 5,208 yards (18 holes, Par 72). Finish the round at the pristine mile high perch of Mt. Currie – heli from the 18th hole to the top of the peak where you can propel biodegradable golf balls a mile or longer- the dare is up to you! Cocktails and canapés, of course, can be served atop the peak.

Included: Helicopter transfers, biodegradable golf balls, and bragging rights!

In designing a Journey, we look at each trip as a play – opening act and each subsequent act builds up to a finale. Every trip/play has an extensive cast of characters behind the scenes.

Our focus on individual bespoke Journeys entails more than a creative idea and a few reservations. My recent arduous visit to India reinforced my belief in our in depth interview process in securing all of our land teams. India, while stunning, is a challenging destination, as the infrastructure is not quite in place for flying everywhere, as we are accustomed. Definitely worth seeing, as I traveled by road to most of my destinations, I intimately understand the lay of the land. Dying to return already!

I travel because I love it, and verifying that each property provides the Perfect Pillow Menu is essential to my client happiness! Kidding aside, we strive to deliver the finest hand selected guides, drivers and land teams wherever you visit. A grumpy guide can make or break a trip; a driver who is only concerned with driving is not my kind of driver. If I don’t speak the language, I need a driver who will have coins for the loo stops along the road, who is keenly aware of my travel essentials and is willing to offer a suggestion if I am uncertain of local customs. I expect an expert driver who plans to arrive at the sunset at the Taj Mahal despite the numerous chickens and camels and traffic blocking our route!

Aman Welcome

There is no substitute for personally meeting and interviewing the members of my land team in each area and the guides and drivers. Property managers will greet my guests and be on hand for any request, you are not traveling alone! We expect personable service and we understand our discerning clients do as well.

The gaucho in Argentina, who, despite the language barrier assured my safety as I rode my Peruvian Pony through the pampas; que buono, as we scaled the face of a rocky mountain. Si, bueno as I galloped past him!

The amazing staff at all Aman properties, wow, so attentive! I can now add to the list, the thoughtful butlers and each client personal concierge at the Taj Palace properties, royal treatment indeed!

Turkey – my land team manager provides her cell for 24/7 service- if your luggage is lost, she is on call in the middle of the night!

India – a long list! A driver who will return to the airport at 4 am when a suitcase is waylaid – back again in a few hours to pick you up for touring. Car washed every day before sunrise adventures, snacks and magazines replenished for the lengthy drives. We begged him to come home with us! Guides who surprise us with trishaw rides through the bazaar, introduce us to the best craftsmen and jewelers.

Morocco – amazing teams who provide the best camels for our sunrise safaris, procure the most exotic spices, Argan oil and fabulous babouch slippers and aid in the bargain process if necessary, in the souks!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our land teams who understand our dedication and share our sensibilities, cherishing our clients as we do.