Praise

Compliments From Our Clients…

 

Gwen, I can’t thank you enough for all your help and the specialness that resulted from your taking care of us at the Four Seasons Maui. My daughter and I had a great time and it was very precious for me as a father. Thank you.

D.K. Palo Alto

From Tim: Gwen, You continue to do amazing work year after year. You are so tuned-in to every detail that matters to our family. It’s impossible to imagine a journey without your guidance and tremendous care. No matter what happens you have a positive, can-do attitude….and admittedly, I can be a bit demanding. We are especially grateful to you and Sebastian for the emergency evacuation of our daughter from Spain!  That was so far beyond the call of duty. Just another example of how much you care for your clients. Please do not retire…..ever! 

From Ethna: I want to add to Tim’s comments and thank you for getting our daughter out of Spain so quickly. We called you after 5 pm and within minutes of listening to the President press conference stating that all flights from Europe would be cancelled in less that 48 hrs. You responded immediately and got her on a flight out the next day. In addition you and your London team (thank you Sebastian), ensured that from leaving San Sebastian and traveling via Madrid, London her travel was seamless with support all along the way.

We were very confident once you were involved that her trip home would be as easy as possible. Thank you again not only for all the wonderful vacations you have planned for our family over the years but also for managing this during this very stressful time. You are the best.

Tim and Ethna Haley (Clients for over 17 years)

We’ve been watching movies recently featuring London and Paris, and our boys love that they can recognize the sites that we toured, with your help. Such wonderful trips with you this year, and we’re looking forward to many more!

Amar, Prabha, Ishaan, and Akaash (Clients for one year)

We are most nostalgic about the wonderful trip that Gwen planned for us last year to Morocco.  We travelled to Fez, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains before flying to a friend’s wedding in Italy last June.

It seems so far away especially since we can’t travel now.  We enjoyed seeing the old city of Fez, the vivid markets of Marrakech and hiking in the Atlas Mountains.  Gwen’s attention to detail was superb and her many offerings from dining with a Muslim family during Ramadan, listening to the art of storytellers were a delight.

We look forward to a time when we can plan another trip with Gwen.

Susan and Gib Myers ( Clients for over three years)

Gwen and her team have planned two, multi-week vacations for us in Europe, and several domestic trips for us as well. She has incredible taste in hotels and activities, and gets access to world-class experiences you could never book on your own. Gwen and her team quickly learned our preferences, and then made sure that the trips were exactly to our liking.
Some examples of their impeccable service: 
* We got very ill on one part of the trip, and they adjusted and replanned the trip perfectly (from a very far away timezone)
* At hotels, we didn’t even have to check-in, Gwen and her team handled everything before we arrived and secured incredible upgrades
* They planned a very complicated trip that involved a lot of small transfers to remote areas, and the execution was flawless
* They can quickly put together an amazing itinerary: we’ve done that with some local events and transport

We cannot imagine another trip without Gwen and her team (shout out to Ben! He is a rockstar). Looking forward to many, many years working together.

Thank you Gwen and team!

Emily F., San Francisco (Client for over two years) 

Gwen has been an amazing travel partner. For my family we have some serious dietary restrictions and Gwen has always ensured we’ve been well cared for wherever we’ve gone and it’s really appreciated. Her attention to detail, ability to chase busy people in a way that feels ok but gets the information she needs and her inspiring ideas for what to do with limited and precious vacation time has been second to none. I would recommend Gwen to anyone.

Alex Schultz, San Francisco ( Client for over two years)

Gwen, I just wanted to reach out and thank you again for such a fantastic Safari. Having your African firm owner along was amazing, in every sense of the word.  His insight, organization, conversation, and laughter were pieces of this experience that I wasn’t expecting, and it brought our trip to a whole new level.  Thank him for all of his time, tolerance, attention to detail and just his all-around great company.  He and his guide were the perfect combo for this group and we thoroughly enjoyed both. They are the best!!!

Gwen, what you and your team put together for us relative to schedule and accommodations was just perfect!  Giraffe Manor has always been on my list, and it didn’t disappoint.  What a lovely place and the giraffes were so graceful and majestic – and hungry:)!! We all loved Arijiju. It is a beautiful spot and everyone there was so kind and accommodating (even with the sunrise Irish coffee:). Our introduction to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was so informative – and I really fell in love with elephants (my phone screen saver is now our “adoptees” – Luggard and Dololo)!!!  Watching Benjamin, Edwin and all of the keepers in action at the elephant orphanages was simply inspiring. Our time at Ithumba was not only educational, but also entertaining.  Who knew grown adults could get so excited about feeding time for the elephants?  Once again, the crew at Ithumba took such amazing care of us – Buffy has already tried out a banoffee pie since our return. Onto the Masai Mara and Angama.  Again, a beautiful spot with the most wonderful people.  All of the animals – the seemingly millions of wildebeest, the cheetah, the lions, zebra, giraffes…. well, y’all know what is there but it was overwhelming to see all of that wildlife in that beautiful part of the world.

All of the logistics went so smoothly – from the airport arrival and departure (great service) to our drivers, the flights, the pilots and the beautiful rooms at Hemingways for a ‘freshen up’ before our fights – all on spot!

In a nutshell, I would do it all again tomorrow – just the way we did it.  We have never had a more perfect trip! Gwen, we look forward to planning our next adventure with you – such a great job!

Carol Ann and Bunny Weiss, Portola Valley, CA ( Client for over two years)

We are an adventurous family of five who love to travel to places off the beaten path. This last summer, Gwen and her team set us up with the trip of a lifetime. 

We asked for memorable and came home with 10,000 photos and a lifetime of memories including:

  • Walking safari in Lewa and coming face to face with two white rhinos
  • Waking up to 26 elephants drinking from the watering hole right outside our tent
  • A surprise breakfast in the bush with baboons on one side and lions on the other
  • Hearing the stories and seeing the success of the new Reteti elephant orphanage
  • Visiting an orphanage and connecting with the incredible children
  • Being escorted on foot by a journey of giraffe after watching the sunset over the Mara.
  • Watching 2 gorilla babies wrestle on their silverback dad’s back
  • Locking eyes with the silverback right before we had to say goodbye
  • Visiting a church where 5000 people lost their lives in the Rwandan genocide, learning how the country has rebuilt and attempted to forgive and move-on in the face of incredible adversity
  • Camping under the stars in a dried river bed and being joined by a group of Samburu to dance and sing around the campfire

Every little detail was incredibly well thought through. From the VIP arrival in Schipol, to the last-minute help required to reroute our flights when we had a business-related conflict.

Gwen is truly the “Jedi Master of Travel,” and we can’t wait to adventure with Gwen’s help again in the future!

Trae & Steve Vassallo, Portola Valley, CA ( Client for over two years)

We arrived by boat at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosporus from the airport in Istanbul. Splendid traffic-beating ride.

Reed  Hastings & Patty Quillin  Santa Cruz , CA ( Client for over eighteen years)

”Gwen, our recent trip to Berlin and Poland was unique, educational and unparalleled.  Like our other trips, the hotels were uber comfortable. Equally important, you pulled it off again with regard to our guides…they appealed to both my son Leo and I on a very deep intellectual an emotional level. Bravo Gwen.

Doug Brown, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Regent Properties (Client for 10 years)

Lusting after a couple of impossible-to-get-tickets for opening night with Jonas Kaufmann at Bastille in Paris?  Simple, call Gwen and you’ll have them by sunrise. 

Gilbert Pilgram Owner-chef Zuni Café

Gwen has unique access to special places and activities. Regardless of where you are in the world she has taken care of all the details. That confidence allows full enjoyment of your trip.

Mike and Mary Schuh (Clients for over 5 years)

 Gwen – Thanks for arranging our incredible trip in Morocco.  The hotel you proposed in Marrakech, in the heart of the Medina (the older city), was perfect for us.  We were in the middle of everything, from snake charmers to the bustling shops, but able to escape to the calm of the hotel rooftop to see it all from distance.  Also, the guide for our trek days in the Atlas Mountains was amazing.   A local of the Berber community, he seemed to know every trail, mule driver and village.  Fantastic.

John R. (Client for over 5 years)

We had the most amazing New Year’s at an architecturally stunning villa in Punta Mita thanks to Gwen’s recommendation. The chef was first class, the views stunning, and the trip: unforgettable. Gwen left no detail to chance and helped coordinate 14 people on different flights from around the country to our destination. Thank you Gwen and team!

K.S., San Francisco

Gwen, thanks so much for putting together a stunning trip to New Zealand for us. You not only found all the best places for us to stay but you somehow negotiated the best rooms. We felt like royalty wherever we went. And we could not have covered all we did without your masterful organization of logistics and transportation. You and your talented on-the-ground local partners never missed a beat.

Valerie and Barry McCarthy, Woodside, New York (Client for over 6 years)

Gwen, our most recent trip to Europe was magnificent, thanks to you! All that you had lined up for us, even down to the very last detail was A++ ! The knowledge of your guides and their expertise in navigating through the cities was truly an advantage from our perspective. Restaurants and hotels all accountable recommendations! We look forward to many more trips in the future, designed by you! Your travel recommendations inspire us to travel.

Kate and Art Coppola, Santa Monica & Montecito ( Client for over 9 years)

Gwen, thank you for arranging a fantastic trip to Morocco and Sicily! From our fabulous riad in Marrakech to the Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas mountains to our Palermo villa with its butler and house manager catering to our every whim, the accommodations and meals were unique and spectacular. We hiked the Atlas mountains with our Berber guide, stopping in his village to eat homemade bread and honey. While driving in Sicily, Paolo educated us about Sicilian culture and agriculture. Our Palermo guide, Marcella, was a delight.  She was informative and passionate about the art/architecture/history/landscape she showed us.  Perhaps the most memorable experience of the whole trip was the private visit to Monreale cathedral.  We have been to many cities and cathedrals and this was without a doubt one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had.  Marcella arranged for us to enter the cathedral when it was unlit, and then had the lights turned on very slowly, so that the effect was like a sunrise – all accompanied by music from an organist who was arranged for our experience.  It was breathtaking!  Thanks for an unforgettable adventure.

Nicole Lederer and Larry Orr, Palo Alto ( New clients, first Journey!)

Gwen, the Japan trip was far and away my best vacation in the past decade. Your arrangements eliminated all of the hassle, and ensured that we got to see things that we would never have thought of — or managed to find — ourselves.

Jonathan Bass, Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP ( Client for over 10 years)

Challenging to find guides that appeal to three generations: teens, parents, grandparents; yet you did it, Gwen! Thanks. Buenos Aires with your guides was spectacular. Highlight was the new monument to the Disappeared; like our Vietnam memorial, sad and inspiring all at once.

Reed Hastings,  Netflix, Founder & CEO (Client for over 17 years)

Gwen, you have now sent us to Kenya, Guatemala, Vietnam, Italy and to the Galapagos Islands. It just keeps getting better. I don’t know how you do it. Actually I don’t want to know. I just want you to keep doing it. You are the best! Please do not retire.

Tim Haley, Redpoint Ventures, Founding Partner (Client for over 17 years)

Gwen has helped make travel arrangements for our family of five since 2013. She provided excellent recommendations for a family safari to Tanzania and subsequently has planned several multigenerational vacations to Europe (including France & Spain in 2014, Germany & Switzerland in 2015, Italy & Greece in 2016 and Denmark & the UK in 2017), as well as many shorter getaways.  Gwen has always been gracious, responsible and professional — a true pleasure to work with.  She is patient and accommodating, even with last minute changes. With her creativity, insight and attention to detail, Gwen has helped us create wonderful memories with her excellent suggestions for hotels, activities, guides and restaurants.  We recommend her services highly.”

J.W. and E.S. San Francisco ( Client for over 5 years)

Gwen, a long list of absolutely perfectly designed adventures: grand tour of Italy (including ‘sold out’ seats at concert in Roman Coliseum), Kenya safari, surfing villa in Mexico, awesome white water Grand Canyon adventure, London with kids! You manage to please and interest each member of our family on every adventure. Thank you!

Jeff Brody, Redpoint Ventures, Founding Partner (Client for over 16 years)

Gwen creates a little bit of magic for each Journey by taking the time to learn what we’re interested in seeing. She is incredibly resourceful and has excellent contacts everywhere.  The added special features that we would not have been able to do on our own made the trip perfect. And she’s terrific on the follow through!  A fantasy trip – and we got to live it!

Susan and Joel Hyatt, Current TV,  Co-founder & CEO (former) (Client for over 6 years)

Gwen, first of all, I want to thank you for ALL the amazing trips you’ve arranged for us. I also want to say thank you for all the hard work you continue to do, day and night, to help out with the little glitches that come along with traveling! Our trip was FANTASTIC beyond belief, and we owe so much to you for helping to make it all happen! All of the surprises were amazing, everything planned in great detail. Our guides were wonderful – all experiences deeply appreciated by all! Everything was perfect – I can’t even begin to describe it – from day one until the last day, except that we had to leave. I’m giving your name to anyone that we know fortunate enough to plan trips of this scale. Thanks!!

Julie & Jeff Brody (and kids – they LOVED it!) (Client for over 16 years)

I wanted to reach out to let you know that our family had a blast in New Zealand. First stop, Poronui!, what a great way to start off our holiday.The Blake house and the staff were over the top. We spent Christmas day playing cricket and dining with the other guests. Definitely a Christmas we will never forget. One of our favorites was Wharekauhau, where we had some great meals, and the guys enjoyed ATVs and more skeet shooting. My birthday celebration was unbelievable, a perfect day for yacht sailing. Kauri Cliffs was an excellent finale. Overall, the helicopters saved a lot of time and it was a marvelous way to see all of what New Zealand had to offer. The “on the ground team” in NZ were top notch and very professional.  We were always in great hands and enjoyed VIP red carpet royalty. We can’t thank you enough for putting together such a memorable trip on short notice. 

T.D. and D.D Los Gatos (Clients for over 3 years)

Gwen, Wow! We had the absolute best time on our trip to Kenya. We cannot thank you enough for the work you put in organizing and planning it. Everything was better than advertised, and the whole trip was outstanding. The trip was a life-changer!” 

A.B. and L.B, Menlo Park (Client for over 6 years)

Gwen, I feel so guilty for not sharing with you the extraordinary memorable trip I enjoyed with my granddaughters in New York.  The hotel you suggested was perfect for us, the girls loved sleeping in and room service.  I will stay there in the future for shopping.  The seats you organized for plays were superb.  Bentley, your photographer recommendation, was delightful and I can’t wait to see our photos. The Italian restaurant, was the right choice – the girls love pasta and location was so convenient. Extraordinary memories, thank you!

J.K. Palo Alto

Our trip to Italy was fabulous. The choice of hotels for us was perfect– small, elegant and personalized. All of our transfers were seamless and the Tuscan countryside was spectacular. Taking a cooking class at Villa Bordoni was a highlight. Kudos to you for a job well done!

Sam and Leslie Pearl, Pearl Plastic Surgery Center

Gwen- I will forever cherish remembrances of the trip I just took with my 82 and 83 year old parents to Istanbul and Cappadocia in Turkey. I appreciated the thought you put into details such as having my parents change planes in the US — not in a foreign country, finding flights that would originate in different parts of the US yet arrive minutes apart in the same city thousands of miles away, and arranging our seemingly ever-present guide and driver who accommodated us cheerfully and flexibly throughout our journeys. Without your help this trip would have been a struggle for all three of us; with your help it was sheer pleasure. Thank you!

Elizabeth Still, Atherton

Gwen- Another amazing Journey, it is hard to believe each trip is better than the last, loved the exotic flavor of Turkey- the guides were wonderful, the yacht was spectacular and cruising the Greek Islands was amazing! Thank you for every special touch can’t wait to escape again!

A.N., Manhattan

… the summary is, Egypt was our best trip ever. Our guide, Safa, was particularly good. The ancient tombs and temples were inspiring beyond expectations! Thank you.”

Reed Hastings, Netflix, Founder & CEO (Client for over 16 years)

Always a challenge to fulfill the needs of various ages and genders!! Your impeccable attention to detail made our get-away “smooth sailing”. Much appreciated!!

Deenie and Frank Brosens, Taconic Capital, NY

How do you obtain the best seats to the French Open, hotel rooms which are sold out and reservations in the best Parisian restaurants!? Que Magnifique!

S.S., Woodside

The Galapagos and Ecuador trip you designed was fantastic. I loved Quito, the Hacienda, Galapagos, the hotel…everything was great down to the last detail. Santiago, our guide, was a perfect match– outgoing, funny and knowledgeable. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this wonderful adventure you planned.

Kathleen Dixon, Dixon Communications

Gwen, you are simply the best!  I have been trying to get Bob to Africa for years and he resisted until you put together such a wonderfully enticing itinerary. He was blown away by the fact that one could be deep into the African bush and be in such luxury.  We loved every minute of it and could not have done it without you!  Thank you, thank you for making one of my dreams come true.

Bonnie and Bob Biorn, Menlo Park

Gwen, London tour guide was perfect, providing a descriptive and colorful history, on a level suitable for the adults and kept my teenage children interested as well! Your London driver is marvelous; he could double as a tour guide. Marbella, a delightful slice of civilized life on the Costa del Sol. Golf was awesome; restaurants, staff, spa, village touring, and buggy racing at Ascari was over the top! Thanks again for another expertly planned trip!

S.T.,  Palo Alto

Rome, Venice (especially the added surprise of remembering my son’s birthday at the Cipriani!), the Italian Riviera, and Sardinia…it couldn’t have been better! Exceptional guides, classic riva boat in Capri and the grottos–over the top; Eolo in Venice was perfect amusement for the kids, they didn’t want to depart! Thank you so much for the perfect journey, your trips are amazing!

A.M.,  Atherton

Our Wimbledon experience was spectacular. We will never forget the tremendous day we had thanks to you.

Michael M., San Francisco

We cannot begin to thank you enough for putting together such an absolutely delightful trip to Istanbul!  Everything your thoughts and hands touched, turned out perfect.  But I’m sure you’re used to hearing that! The highlights were many.  First and foremost, your guide, Sayat, has an incredible store of knowledge, and was one of the best guides we’ve ever met.  He loved to tell the stories behind the fabulous facades we marveled over.  Thank you again, Gwen, for arranging a stunning trip!

Jeanne and Denny LeVett, Pebble Beach