Belmond Hotels – Cocktails for Every Scene

Pandemic shut down has endured since mid-March and now in California many of us are on shut down inside due to extremely poor air quality from the devastating fires burning throughout our state.  Pandemics, Politics, Bad Air days…Locusts next or as a dear friend suggested maybe Godzilla! Nothing would surprise me at this point.

Over the weekend amid another day of locked in hibernation, I read, worked out, wrote blogs, glued petite travel treasures which had mysteriously broken, and by 4.30 pm, I succumbed to a cocktail in bed with chips and a massive pile of travel magazines! Posting the appalling cocktail hour on Instagram, wondering if it was a Mortal Sin to be in bed sipping before 5 pm…it was stunning to hear from so many of my urbane friends who had begun tippling earlier.

Belmond Hotels to the rescue with a list of perfect libations to remind us of their captivating hotels around the world! From city-chic hotspots to hidden garden oasis, Belmond has a pool for every style—and a cocktail to match every pool. Here are just five of our favorites. Belmond Cocktails for Every Scene.

We will travel again, and the Belmond Hotel Cipriani would be a sublime place to begin! Set on Giudecca Island, a five-minute ride by private launch from St Mark’s Square, Belmond Hotel Cipriani captures everything La Serenissima is famed for.

As one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Venice, Italy, every inch of this iconic hideaway is guaranteed to enchant. Exquisite antiques and local artifacts whisk you back in time, while Michelin-starred gastronomy, charming staff and the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the city offer modern sophistication. Transport yourself into a realm of vintage glamour that knows no bounds. Order a Bellini at Gabbiano Bar, then savor slowly as you gaze across the lagoon.

The most glamorous star in Venice. With windows boasting 270-degree views out across the water, enjoy vistas spanning the Doge’s Palace to the church of St Giorgio and the islands beyond.

As one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Venice, Italy, every inch of this iconic hideaway is guaranteed to enchant. Exquisite antiques and local artifacts whisk you back in time, while Michelin-starred gastronomy, charming staff and the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the city offer modern sophistication.

A love letter to Italy https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/venice/belmond-hotel-cipriani/

Of course every country has a way to say it and it is really one of the first phrases you learn when visiting a foreign land.

Cin Cin!

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!