The Best Of London & Brussels. The Beaumont and Hotel Amigo

A bevy of our clients are safely gallivanting, bags bulging with wipes, n-95 masks and Covid travel testing kits- so far, nothing but marvelous postcards. Our dear clients began with a Scotland jaunt to indulge their golf obsession on the incomparable and not too crowded Golf Greens. Pop over to London for a week of fine dining, J Sheekey of course, pre-theatre – (Tom Stoppard play is exceptionally good), fancy an afternoon cozy boat voyage on the Thames with a jazz trio? Giggles, dancing and creating lasting memories – Legacy Travel is what we espouse – this gregarious extended family, also known as The Entourage, has been traveling with us since day one!

Le Magritte Bar The Beaumont Hotel

Their favorite hotel in London has always been The Beaumont and we were faintly fretful about fresh ownership and updated décor- fret not!  They loved it – photos propelled through the air, compliments on the always warmhearted and engaging staff, ‘everyone still knows our names’! After pining for travel, what an appreciated treasure, familiarity at your best-loved hotel! It’s been modified, but the cozy elegant charm remains. A new Bar experience – and yes, I received many photos from the VIP clients … Le Magritte Bar & Terrace belongs to the great tradition of American bars that became legendary in London and Paris during the 1920s.

All-American bad boys (and girls) from Hemingway and Fitzgerald to Martin, Sinatra and MacLaine would have felt right at home in its handsome walnut- paneled interior, hung with an eclectic collection of early 20th century paintings and photographs, including the Magritte that gives the room its name.

The Beaumont Hotel is included in many of my London posts, it’s a cozy Art Deco design gem. The five-star Mayfair hotel has 73 rooms, of which 23 are studios and suites. Seamless style and old world aesthetics are apparent in every room and public space – the art collection alone is worth a visit. All the rooms at The Beaumont have been designed in a soft Art Deco style, with a purist’s eye for delicate and pertinent detail without sparing a modicum of guest comfort. Spacious rooms with comfortable period furniture, massive wardrobes for unpacking, enormous bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, large rain showers for those who don’t subscribe to soaking. Do visit the spa, it is spare and glamorous and truly satisfying! Separate post on my spa experience.

The Beaumont

The Beaumont’s Presidential Suite evokes the glamorous era of the great transatlantic liners of the 1920s and 30s. With an expansive sitting room and a separate dining room seating eight, plus a pantry kitchen and a guest bathroom, it features cream lacquer paneling, brass inlaid details and parquet timber floors throughout. Subtly patterned silk curtains, hand-made rugs and period antiques and artworks create a discreet and elegant setting. Hugely versatile and supremely comfortable, the suite has a large terrace offering uninterrupted views towards the City of London, and can be opened up to include up to five bedrooms, incorporating the entire fifth floor of the hotel, in total privacy.

The Colony Grill Room The Beaumont London

Our London VIP team has exceptional excursions, has dined at the newest and finest restaurants and can direct you to a wee champagne, oyster and caviar bar for an afternoon tuck.

Bellamy’s for Oysters & Bubbly – near The Beaumont

May we suggest another plucky Travel Recipe, combine a few important cities, in this case London and Brussels? Europe’s fast trains make a speedy connection in luxurious comfort. Brussels could also be combined with Amsterdam or Paris, a cultural trifecta!

Since the Rocco Forte Rome Hotel de Russie just hosted eleven of our globetrotters, their scrumptious property in Brussels is top of the list for our excursions.

Hotel Amigo Brussels

Rocco Forte hotels are distinctive, and each property is faithful to its surroundings. Inhabiting magnificent buildings in exceptional locations, Rocco Forte properties offer unique design, discriminating dining and exceptional service.

Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte property, is as close to the historic center of Brussels as you can get. Many grand rooms look directly onto the roofs of Hotel de Ville, the hotel front door leads straight into the maze of medieval streets that surround the Grand Place. The name “Amigo”, if you don’t know, comes from the nickname for the 16th-century prison on this site when Belgium was part of the Spanish Netherlands. A luxury landmark hotel with historic heritage, offering an excellent Italian restaurant and sophisticated martini bar and adding a local reminder, the hotel has a Belgian-related Tintin and Magritte-themed suites.

From chic rooms to presidential suites, Hotel Amigo effortlessly marries elegant design contemporary creature comforts with fine art and superlative service. Rooms and suites number 154.  All the rooms are spacious, and stylish, with large and well-equipped, marbled bathrooms. The simplest “classic” rooms are 28 square meters, but there are several levels of luxury suites, some with interconnecting doors to neighboring rooms for families with children (who might particularly enjoy the “Tintin Suite”). At the very top or the range is the Armand Blaton (Royal or Presidential) Suite, with a large rooftop terrace overlooking the city.

Hotel Amigo

A marvelous walking city, a cultural haven of Magritte’s, Rubens and fine antiques. Handmade chocolates, beer and moules frites. There are approximately 304 active breweries in Belgium.

Day trips?

A Culinary adventure in the North Sea. Bask in the sunshine on the ship’s deck and savor the salty tang of the breeze as you glide across the North Sea, searching for one of Belgium’s most prized delicacies: grey shrimp. A quintessential element of local cuisine like both waffles and frites, for centuries they’ve been a key ingredient on Belgian seafood menus, usually in the form of classic kroketten (croquettes) or tomaat-garnalen (tomatoes stuffed with shrimp). Ideal for foodie families: hop aboard an authentic shrimping boat as part of this gastronomic getaway offered by Hotel Amigo and learn about this proud Belgian tradition.

On arrival, you’ll be presented with iconic yellow Petit Bateau raincoats to take with you to the port of Ostend, where you’ll be welcomed by the captain and crew of the Crangon. Step aboard, slip on your coats and admire picture-perfect views of the coast as the trawler pulls out into the open sea. Keep an eye out for tell-tale ripples below the surface and watch the crew in action as the ship’s trawling nets start to swell. As the catch is reeled in and spills onto the deck, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade first-hand from the crew as together you sort, rinse, boil and cool your haul.

Once you’ve caught your fill, it’s time to return to Ostend and then back to Brussels. Hotel Amigo’s chefs are experts in the art of transforming fresh ingredients into succulent delicacies, and once handed over, your catch will be expertly rolled and cooked into croquettes for you to sample. Divine day!

If Brussels had a perfume, it would be Chocolate, and yes we can create a Chocolate Trail for Chocolate Connoisseurs.

A Day Trip to Bruges. With medieval architecture, winding canals, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class art, Bruges is an enchanting Belgian city. Just a 40-minute drive from Hotel Amigo, it’s the perfect day trip destination. Stretch your legs with a walk around the city’s historic heart, exploring the cobbled streets and historic sights of Markt and Burg. If you have the stamina, climb the iconic belfry in Markt for sweeping panoramic views across the city. Make sure to pay a visit to the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek (the Basilica of the Holy Blood) while you’re in Burg, to see the vial said to contain the blood of Christ. There’s also a well-preserved 12th century chapel, murals, stained glass, and an opulent treasury.

Bruges - Wikipedia
Bruges

On Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat, a few minutes’ walk from the basilica, you’ll find the intimate De Stove restaurant. Serving freshly caught fish from Zeebrugge, alongside other expertly crafted, internationally influenced dishes, De Stove is just the place for a restorative lunch. Make it an occasion to remember with a glass or two of perfectly paired, sommelier-approved wine.

No trip to Bruges would be complete without seeing its canals. After lunch, take a carriage ride or boat trip to explore this beautiful area of the city. Or stroll alongside the canals, if you’d rather walk off your lunch. Just make sure to take in the Rozenhoedkaai (the Quay of the Rosary) on your way. It’s one of the most photogenic sights Bruges has to offer.

End up the Groeningemuseum (Bruges’ fine arts museum), three minutes’ walk from the Rozenhoedkaai, to take in some Flemish masterpieces, including The Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling.

Bring the day to a close with a meal at the ivy-clad, Michelin-starred restaurant, Den Gouden Harynck, just a minute away from the museum. In addition to the fine French cuisine, Philippe Serruys’ wine cellar is a place of beauty.

If you have time before leaving Bruges, take in a concert or performance at the renowned Concertgebouw. Otherwise, simply head back to the welcoming surrounds of the Hotel Amigo to relax with a nightcap in your suite after a day well spent.

Local Flavor: Belgians take their tradition of comic strip writing seriously, even giving it its own name, the ‘ninth art’. Their greatest artist is Hergé, creator of ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ and country’s most famous fictional detective. The unforgettable character of Tintin has left an indelible mark on Brussels and everywhere you turn, glimpses of him and his comrades light up the capital, from murals on walls and train stations, to museums, shops and even in the suites of  Hotel Amigo.

Tintin in Brussels | Visit Brussels

Delve into the story of Tintin in Brussels with this comic lover’s guide to the city. Inspirational Locations. Start where it all began in Etterbeek, a municipality of Brussels where cartoonist Hergé (real name, Georges Remi), was born. Explore the neighborhood that raised such a talent before heading to 26 Rue Terre Neuve in Brussels to discover the surprisingly ordinary house on which Tintin’s home was based. Around the corner is La Fleur en Papier Doré, said to be Hergé’s favorite watering hole. A quiet, homely space, it’s easy to imagine him relaxing here while taking a break from writing or perhaps dreaming up fresh ideas over a pint of Belgian beer.

Belgians love comics so much that the capital has a whole museum dedicated to it: the Comics Art Museum. Naturally, Tintin plays a leading role at the institution, which takes visitors through 25 years of comic strip literature. A favorite for families and children, the museum has creative exhibitions dedicated to the adventurer and other famous faces like the Smurfs and Dickie, and a children’s reading room.

Adventure! For those seeking a more outdoorsy experience, it’s hard to beat the incredible natural beauty of Belgium’s vast forests, craggy peaks and meandering rivers. After your arrival, enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling countryside, before arriving at the Skydive Spa in the Belgian Ardennes. Here, suit up and climb into a private plane, which will take off and gain height for fifteen minutes, ascending to an incredible 4000 meters above the mountains. Take in sensational views of the spa town far below, the wind rippling through your hair as you lean out of the door—and let go. Discover the indescribable feeling of total freefall in complete safety as, strapped to your instructor, you reach speeds of up to 200kph before your parachute releases to float you gently down towards the earth. Spot ancient castles, farms and villages from on high as you glide towards your landing spot, where a glass of Champagne will be waiting to celebrate your jump.

The adventure continues with a tour of the countryside in a gleaming 2CV convertible, before lunch at stunning castle Manoir de Lébioles and a chauffeured drive back to Brussels as the adrenaline rush recedes. Are you game enough?

Brussels is famous for being an international hub of politics, having remarkable architecture, and a chocolate store on nearly every street, how can you say no?

As Marcel Proust once wrote, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”.  

Brussels Grand Palace Street View

Hatchet Throwing Free your Inner Lumberjack at Triple Creek Ranch

Covid Craziness? Well, I for one, can attest to a few peeps possessing certified crazy comportment, not naming names, but when the EU announces U.S. travelers are unwelcome with a list of ambiguous requirements, granted requirements that didn’t really change much – communication avenues moved to full tilt.

Free your Inner Lumberjack Triple Creek Ranch

If you are unwilling to mosey across the pond, I have a splendid suggestion, escape the congestion, the suburban stress, and head to the countryside. By countryside, I mean Big Sky, Montana countryside. Our favorite adult Dude Ranch, Triple Creek Ranch offers a plethora of wilderness skills, combined with fine dining and wine tasting. 

Are you in need a refresher course on Frontier Skills? How does Hatchet Throwing sound as the ultimate stress reliever? It’s the latest rage – unleash your inner-lumberjack and satisfy the primal urge to throw sharp objects! State of the art hatchets and big sky with plenty of elbow room deliver an unanticipated thrill! Pack my bags, I’m ready to gallop Buckaroos!

Triple Creek Ranch is an award-winning Montana luxury ranch resort hidden away in the heart of the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, in Darby Montana. The Bitterroot Valley was the ancestral home of the Salish tribe of the Flathead nation. The Ranch caters to families with children16 and older, but most of the clientele is adults. Cowboy chic décor abounds, the architecture provides the first hint, charming log cabins and cottages dotted amid the towering fragrant Ponderosa Pines. The air is fresh, the skies robin egg blue, all this punctuated by the gurgling creek running through the property; my comfortable cabin was enhanced by the sound of the rushing creek, guaranteeing deep sleep. The owners are serious Western fine art collectors and generously share their collection in each accommodation and in all the public spaces, truly an enhanced perk.

Triple Creek Ranch

A long list of additional classes has been added to their already well stocked experiences. The Ranch is now offering new music, craft, fly-tying and other workshops that take the “summer camp for adults” concept to a whole new level. The wellness program includes daily yoga, meditation, and mindful forest walks, and they have also increased the number of guided activities. An amazing number of activities that seem clearly focused on restorative health. Part of the charm of the Ranch is the joy of doing nothing at all. Read for pure pleasure, relax in a hot tub or nap on a hammock in the shade of the whispering pines.

They recently opened an Escape Room! Working with a company to design a serious mystery and a series of puzzles based on the history of the Bitterroot Valley and West Fork Road, which began life as a stagecoach route back in the late 1800s. Using maps, ciphers, and various interactive clues, puzzle your way through stagecoach schedules, the Discovery Corps’ journey through the valley with Lewis & Clark, apple varieties grown on historic Bitterroot orchards, and other mysteries sure to please history buffs and puzzle solvers alike. Ideal for a group of 4-6 guests, this inclusive experience takes about an hour and a half to solve. Need a little extra help? A helper is available via radio to offer helpful clues as needed.

Triple Creek Ranch

New winter options include an outdoor observatory – a newly built observatory dome houses the big Celestron telescope for the ultimate in star gazing. There’s no denying that the activities that Triple Creek and Montana offer can entertain and keep you occupied for days on end, but the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets. It’s one of the better locations for gazing at the milky black night sky as well! The northern location and the brilliantly clear air provide sparkling star gazing. You might be able to spot rare wonders like the Northern Lights and the Milky Way.

Of course, the most popular activities remain horseback riding and fly fishing. Craig and Barbara Barrett have been on ranch for most of the summer, Sunday afternoon cocktails at their home for Triple Creek guests is a highlight for any guest! Friendly and engaging, they enjoy sharing their love of their Montana home with the guests. You may remember that Craig was the former Intel CEO and chairman for many decades.

Dining Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman has been crafting exquisite dining experiences at Triple Creek Ranch for over fifteen years, introducing a new dinner menu each evening. His finely tuned and adventurous palate informs a diverse menu showcasing distinctive flavors and imaginative presentation. 

The Chef’s Table offers the opportunity to explore and savor a variety of tastes created from locally grown produce, fresh seafood, and high-quality game meats. Combined with fine wines from Triple Creek Ranch’s wine cellar, a state-of-the-art showroom and a Wine Spectator, “Best of, Award of Excellence” winner for 10 consecutive years (following several initial years as an “Award of Excellence” winner.).

Triple Creek Ranch

The cabins are mostly clustered near the main building, which consists of the spacious dining room, activities center, swimming pool and gym. There are 4 homes off property within a mile or so and a few have river front access. The furniture is very comfortable, cowboy chic, western in style and accented by the amazing, curated art collection. Oversize bathrooms with massive steam showers melt away any aches and pains from horseback riding or mountain hiking. Reserved as an all-exclusive experience, all meals and activities are included in your stay. Triple Creek Ranch is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group of luxury properties.

Each cabin is equipped with a stocked kitchen, deck, and a golf cart for getting around the property. However, if you indulge in the delicious gourmet dining, I heartily recommend parking the golf cart and hiking up the paved road to the main lodge! Staff is always around and can cart you home if you prefer. My cabin had a huge deck with lounge chairs and a hot tub under the stars.

Experience a trail ride with the local Rawhide Outfitters, leisurely horse rides traverse along a picturesque trail that was traveled by Lewis & Clark. With amazing views and wildlife, you will get a sense of what it must have been like for Lewis & Clark during their historic crossing. Reaching the summit, observe a panoramic view of the Continental Divide where a delicious picnic lunch is served. Authentic experiences… Triple Creek Ranch is authentic in every manner. Owned, designed and managed by people who clearly cherish the land and love sharing their vast enthusiasm for nature and its bounty.

Year round activities are available, interesting and appealing to a broad range of tastes. From wine and food tastings, helicopter tours to Glacier and Yellowstone, to long photography weekends, horsemanship clinics, wildlife safaris on adjacent Ranch properties. A herd of buffalo encircled our ranch vehicle, babies nursed while large bulls tussled for herd dominance.When I was offered a ranch safari, I wasn’t sure what to expect – it ended up being a lovely Ranch excursion with plenty of wildlife viewing and a full scope understanding of the owners interest in ranching and preserving nature from development. Yearly weekend events Music, Food and Art weekends. Look to end of October for Wine event with Kistler and Spottswoode Vineyards. If you are a Stave puzzle addict, plan for next April for the much anticipated puzzle master weekend!

Do I sound like I need more time at Triple Creek? Yes, is the immediate answer. And especially with the newly added Frontier Skills! You may have seen photos online of my archery skills, refined in Bhutan, where archery is the national sport. Hatchet Throwing will certainly relive my cabin fever tension!

Triple Creek Ranch
Where the Buffalo Roam Triple Creek Ranch