Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Shuttered since 2020, slated to reopen in 2026 after an extensive renovation. The Montecito property marked its centennial on February 6, 2026, exactly 100 years after its grand opening ball. The Beach Road leading to the resort is lined with palm trees, iconic southern California! Plans feature 138 revamped rooms and suites, new bungalow suites with plunge pools, a 150-foot lazy river, a 3,557-square-foot family pool, and an adult pool. Dining: a new Nobu restaurant is part of the extensive renovation plan. A seasoned FS GM has ensconced from another Four Seasons property to pave the Golden Path – waiting for Little Birdies to share more news!

The Arrival: the once very small Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is planning a major Terminal Improvement Project, featuring a 33,000-square-foot, two-story addition to the existing terminal. The expansion includes enhanced security screening, baggage claim, more seating, and outdoor dining. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. The little café in the tower has closed, a family favorite!

The Dorchester London Many suites have undergone complete refurbishment, I recommend the Garden Suites, connect to five bedrooms!  The penthouse and rooftop pavilion are pending, but Vesper Bar is divine! If you are clever, reserve the exclusive spot in Vesper Bar. Tucked away in The Snug – an intimate 8-seater space, made entirely private by the swish of a tasseled curtain – you’ll enjoy the best of our cocktails and light bites in your own discreet cozy corner.

Mandarin Oriental is expanding into Egypt with a major portfolio of luxury properties, including the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo (expected 2027), along with managing two iconic heritage hotels—Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan and Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor—plus a luxury Nile cruise launching by July 2027. 

Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract Aswan A historic colonial-era hotel known for hosting Agatha Christie, scheduled for significant renovations and management takeover by 2027. I convinced my guide to let me trot off in a pony cart for a Rye Manhattan at sunset overlooking the Nile.

Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace Luxor A historic 1886 property near the Temple of Luxor, undergoing full restoration. Our VIP clients stayed on their first trip 20 years ago!

All Aboard! The Art of Sleep

Timeless Journeys the Legend Expands: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) offers ultra-luxury overnight Journeys from Paris to Italian destinations including Venice, Verona, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. Operating from spring through autumn, these 1920s-style trains feature Art Deco cabins, fine dining, and scenic routes through the Alps.

Key 2026 Paris-to-Italy Routes Paris to Venice The classic Journey crossing Switzerland, offering views of the Gotthard route before arriving at Santa Lucia Station.

Paris to Amalfi Coast (New 2026): A new itinerary starting 4 May 2026, featuring a stop in Pompeii and a stay at Caruso, a Belmond Hotel in Ravello.

Paris to Florence (New 2026) Scheduled for September 2026, pairing the train Journey with a stay at Villa San Michele, one of our VV Favorite properties!

Paris to Portofino  Available in October 2026, concluding with a stay at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. May I say it again? One of our VV Favorite hotels – Belmond does Italy Ottimo!

Paris to Verona: Offers journeys culminating in the historic city of Verona.

Highly Recommend!