Travel Tribe Journeys – Summer Enticements

The days lengthen and warm and we begin to dream of escape. Where to go – spring break to fall – our Clients are plotting & planning – some have already left footprints on sandy beaches and scoured the souks in Marrakech.

Morocco – it is hot, hot, hot! Spring break found many of the five-star hotels sold out, we prevailed for a last-minute request.  We also have May travelers headed to Morocco. We love La Sultana in Marakech and Kasbah Tamadot in the scenic Atlas Mountains, activities include mule trekking to Berber villages. Side car excursions, hot air balloon escapades, Tagine cooking classes, private visits to Yves Saint Laurent home at the Majorelle Garden.

Mustique – Indigo seas and the year around perfect weather combined with an embarrassment of stunning Villas, make this a superb crowd free destination One advantage, our Villa team can offer many properties for 5 nights minimum- some don’t require a full 14 day stay- 5- 8, 10 days – many owners are flexible.

The Maldives, recent booking for two weeks at The Four Seasons Landaa & Kuda Huraa – my faves! Swim with manta rays hovering above and below you, floating in the gentle turquoise seas. Sail away to the spa across the bay, nothing prepares you for the sapphire seas and sugar white sandy beaches. I’m pining to return!

Four Seasons Maldives Kudaa Hura Resort, the Maldives
Four Seasons Maldives Kudaa Hura Resort, the Maldives

Japan – oh my, take a number – you are certain to run into friends at the sacred temples! A plethora of new offerings, innovative exclusive luxurious experiences; gardening with a master designer, with a long lineage of acclaimed gardeners who is currently entrusted with palace and temple gardens. Visit little known private Kyoto gardens. VIP experiences await fans of traditional theatrical performances. A master of Noh, an ancient performing art known for its fantastical masks and flowing robes has created a contemporary and well-designed space dedicated to the craft in a private theatre in the masters own home.  Long list of unique offerings.

Japan Journey

New York, spring fling at The Whitby, in midtown. Kit Kemp’s most recent addition to the city vibrant color and pattern abound!

France, in particular, the iridescent Cote d’ Azure. You may bump into friends at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, summer sizzlers! Days spent bobbing on yachts in private coves, followed by exceptional French cuisine.

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, Cote d’ Azure.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cote d’ Azure.

Paris in June- doesn’t it sound dreamy? Le Meurice return guests love their VIP attention.

Le Meurice, Paris Luxury Suite

Oh, a multi generational family of 12 is headed back to The Ranch at Rock Creek – they’ve visited multiple times and can’t get enough of Ranch and Rodeo life, Giddy Up !

The Ranch at Rock Creek
The Ranch at Rock Creek

Peru – Machu Picchu adventure for Spring break- the world-renowned complex, a sublime jewel of Incan civilization, built on a towering ridge of granite and tropical forest. As you enter the Sanctuary see the iconic Sun Gate you will be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences. Adventure awaits. Another smashing stay at Belmond Hotels!

Machu Picchu Belmond Hotels

One lucky dad is cruising with his son, on a Linblad National Geographic Alaska Journey to the Bering Straits wilderness touching coast of Russia Journey. Visit Provideniya, Russian Federation, at the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic”- no Russia visa required!

One of our VV sophisticated art collectors swooned at the latest gallery collections at the recent New York Art Fairs while luxuriating at The Lowell this week!

The Lowell Hotel New York

Big Five – African Safari for eight friends at the VV best lodges with our private safari team. Our fourth African safari and gorilla trek this year.

Rwanda Gorilla Trek mom & baby & toddler
Kenya Safari endless horizons

The eternal city of Rome will enchant a family of summer travelers, ask about our exclusive activities. Practice The Art of Doing Nothing Italian Style: L’arte di non fare nulla.

Hotel de Russie Roma

Tuscany a romantic Journey of exploration and staying at all three Belmond retreats. These foodies are checking off the top trattorias! A romantic honeymoon encompassing Five Luxury Belmond properties throughout Italy and Sicily – The Ultimate Grand Tour!

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Sicily
Belmond Villa San Michele Florence

Amsterdam – always a great add on following Italy, Anne Frank, Van Gogh – private boats to cruise the canals.

We are plotting a fall Munich, Paris, London and Paris Journey for a group of eight friends – in memory of a dear friend and family member, an intrepid traveler who passed away this year. A Toast to a Well Lived Life and Enchanting Travel.

Paris

Last but not least, Punta Mita Four Seasons was chock a block full of our spring break clients!

Four Seasons Punta Mita

The globe is whirling with exotic options – days are lengthening, plan a Journey!

Travel Tribe – Follow me London Tales

There was a time when hotels and dining in London was never something to look forward to, in the past 20 years, the city has become one of the best foodie and hotel centric cities in the world. My London fixer is always the first to advise us on the current and best restaurants and I’m astonished that each time we inquire, he has a long list of new must dine settings.

Upcoming stay at a few new hotels and stopovers at my all-time favorites. Schlepping my light weight French bags isn’t always convenient by moving from hotel to hotel, but I’m eternally curious. New properties by old guard firms like Belmond always intrigue me, unique countryside properties whisper to me, especially if they are plopped riverside with vintage wooden water craft.

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Belmond Cadogan, London

Belmond Cadogan Hotel, proper city hotel with fresh opening in March and I will sleep over. Step inside and discover an indulgent city hideaway where every detail weaves together past and present. A longstanding boutique hotel in the fashionable Knightsbridge neighborhood will also grant you access to the lavish and secluded Cadogan Gardens and tennis courts.

If walls could talk, Cadogan would have some captivating stories to tell. The address has long been a playground for socialites and bohemians like Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry. Today they celebrate their past and heritage while offering modern, understated luxury. From the world-class restaurants and tranquil garden to quirky design details and in-room libraries, this is London living perfected.  

Belmond Cadogan, London

At a glance: 54 rooms and suites. Fine dining British restaurant, elegant bar, tea lounge and small café. Features: exclusive access to Cadogan Place gardens, fitness suite and library. Activities: shopping in Knightsbridge and Chelsea, privileged access to key London galleries and museums. An elegant garden featuring ornamental planting, sweeping lawns and tennis courts, Cadogan Place Gardens have remained relatively unchanged since it was laid out in 1886. Today it also boasts a selection of impressive trees, adding to the sense of privacy and exclusivity. We’ll provide blankets, deck chairs and board games; all you have to do is sit back, and let the time slip by. I hope to enjoy a sunny spring in London!

And out to the countryside to Cliveden House, a country estate quite well known for who has recently stayed, including Meghan Markle and her mum the night before the Royal Wedding!

Cliveden is a National Trust-owned estate in Buckinghamshire, on the border with Berkshire. Located in the heart of the English countryside, Cliveden is a luxury country house. 

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The Italianate mansion isn’t the only draw. The grounds surrounding the estate feature manicured lawns and gardens, picturesque gazebos, and even sculptures. The mansion was built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and is decorated with antique furniture and period features. It sits on 376 acres of National Trust grounds, which means it is protected by charity. Cliveden House has played host to every British monarch since George I and has been home to three Dukes, an Earl and Frederick Prince of Wales.

Several gardens overlook the River Thames, including the Japanese Water Garden, the six-acre Parterre garden, and the Rose Garden, in which 900 roses bloom during the summer. In the Cliveden Boathouse on the River Thames, you will find a lovingly restored flotilla of vintage launches.

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Cliveden House, UK

A jaunt down the River Thames in one of these exquisite treasures, whether for a glorious afternoon tea, a lazy picnic lunch or an indulgent champagne cruise to Henley, offers the ultimate in sheer effortless enjoyment. The most luxurious boat trips on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames you can imagine.

Both locations deserve more than a one-night visit, but a little appetizer for a lengthier sojourn!

Dispatch and review in April!

Cliveden House UK