Sights in Venice
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Category Archives: Destination weddings
Another Incredible Virtuoso Travel Week
4000 talented travel consultants, suppliers and press converge in Las Vegas one week each year to connect, learn and enhance their clients’ travel experience. The energy and passion for this travel connection is immense. Classes are offered by the top travel experts in the business- highlighted by Helen Nodland, and the always delightful Ann Scully. An active network called VAST offers an all day exposition to better learn about the latest and greatest offerings in the active travel industry.
We meet hotel General Managers, heads of hotel marketing, destination management companies, tour operators, safari operators, airline representatives, destination wedding suppliers, and sales directors from all over the world – 396 meetings over a four day period. We meet before the general meetings, at specialized luncheons, cocktail parties and dinners, in addition to the 396 presentations. By the time the week is over, I can say I am thoroughly ensconced in travel information. I came home energized, inspired, armed with the best information and fabulous new connections to enable me to make my clients dreams come true.
My Onsite Dinner Hosts – IC Bellagio
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Restaurants St. Simons Area- Coastal Georgia
There are some excellent restaurants in the St. Simons area of Georgia: Delaney’s, Halyards, Tramici, are all top notch and very consistent. The Cloister boasts 5 star restaurants all over their property. My favorites are the River Bar, Tavloa, and the restaurant at the Beach Club called Southern Tides- it used to be called George’s after the long time front doorman, and I will continue to call it that. George’s offers a Blue Crab salad -fresh from the water daily- a MOUNTAIN of Blue Crab. Beyond delicious….. I will be dreaming about it till I return to the Cloister. Another Sea Island restaurant that is my all time favorite is the Lodge Bar- elegant, and casual at the same time- awesome.
My favorite this trip was Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar. We went three times. Seafood right out of the water- it is located at the Marina on the causeway to Brunswick. Shockingly good wine list, and really really good fresh seafood. Ambience was terrific and they made the best Gin and Tonic I have ever tasted. 
The Cloister – Sea Island Georgia
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Stormy Weather – Beach Club -The Cloister
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Spanish Moss on a back road – Sea Island Georgia
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Afternoon Serenade – The Lodge at Sea Island
Drinks on the Verandah, while the children run on the greens with no shoes- late afternoon. Sun is about to set.
Feeling that grass between your toes is unforgettable.
Beach Walking Paradise -Sea Island
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Spanish Moss- Sea Island
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Sea Island – Heavenly Destination for Families
Since it’s inception in 1928, Sea Island Cloister has welcomed generations of families for their summer fun. Chock full of the usual activities: beach play, beach club games, beach walking, biking, crabbing, sailing, boating, windsurfing, fishing, sea kayaking, incredible spa experiences, horseback riding on the beach, skeet shooting, falconry, the Cloister has maintained the fun but raised it to a new level of elegance. Bingo at the Cloister has taken on a new luster. I think there were at least 400 people participating- ages 5-95. Dueling pianos on Friday is not to be missed- like a piano bar on steroids.
Sea Island has never looked more beautiful with it’s Spanish Moss draping the trees. There is a special sense of place on Sea Island and my family will have the memorable experiences growing up there that I had. A wonderful, peaceful, gorgeous, elegant place, like no other.
The Cloister – Sea Island
Image courtesy of Sea Island Cloister
Sea Island and the Cloister – luxury haven for generations of families since 1928
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Topping Rose House
Topping Rose House -Bridgehampton NY
I had the privilege of visiting the recently opened hotel, Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Built as a Residence in 1842 for one of Bridgehampton’s prominent citizens, Topping Rose House has emerged from restoration as a delightful travel alternative in the Hamptons. Contemporary design by French designer Champalimaud, Topping Rose combines old house elements with new contemporary event spaces and cottages. Event space capacity is around 200 people. The 22 rooms and cottages are cleanly designed, relaxing, bright and cheerful. Service is spot on, with a young enthusiastic staff, ready to please.
The highlight to me is the Tom Colicchio restaurant. Mr. Colicchio’s philosophy of seasonal farm to table offerings are always an amazing experience. The goat cheese ravioli appetizer and spiced lobster entree were our favorites. Exceptional wine list and seasonal vegetables from a plethora of local sources make this a must return spot!
Topping Rose House! Fabulous New Hamptons Hotel
Backyard View
Recipes from the Road
Recipes from the Road
Pan Fried Kabeljou
Wynand, from Port Elizabeth South Africa, is the Head chef at Molori Safari Lodge. Previous duties were Head Chef at Sabi Selati Lodge, Sabi Sabi Private Game reserve, Sabi Bush Lodge to name a few. He sent me two recipes and here they are!
Hotel Monasterio- Cusco, Peru
Thriled to be there!
Stunning venue!
The Iconic Orient Express Monasterio- Cusco, Peru
I was just so pleased to finally see the spectacular Orient Express Hotel Monasterio. I had heard so much about it, and my clients all raved about the wonderful service.I know now why the service is so incredible: the GM Gustavo de Leon. He is everywhere and adores his job! I have never seen such happy employees and that comes from the top.
We had the privilege of experiencing an Opera Dinner at Monasterio the first night after a cocktail party in the gorgeous Chapel at Monasterio( the chapel in no longer consecrated). What an incredible setting! I have never seen anything quite as glamorous. All that gold!
We were entertained by the number one Soprano in Peru, and her husband. The duets were unforgettable. What an amazing memory. Monasterio offers that dinner each Friday night. I recommend it to anyone. I will be sure to put it into every itinerary I plan for Cusco. Rooms are bright and comfortable- decorated with serious paintings and antiques. Not monastic in anyway. Such a thrill to be there.
Cooking School at Palacio Nazarenas – complete with Uniforms and Pink Champagne!
We had a ball!!
Main Square – Cusco, Peru
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The Iconic Hotel Monasterio Cusco, Peru
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Breakfast Set Up at Our Table – Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
Fresh squeezed orange juice, coca tea, selection of local fruits and cheeses- wow!
Pool – Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
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Bathroom: Bright and large with heated floors- Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
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Newly Restored Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco Peru
Emerging from 7 years of loving restoration, Orient Express has again brought to life another historic 300 year old palace/ convent. I think it is what Orient Express does best. They bring out the most important reflection of culture in beautiful structures around the world and turn them into fabulous settings for guests to enjoy in delightful luxury. Hotels such as Palacio Nazarenas’ sister Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, Peru.
Hotel Caruso, Vila San Michele, Hotel Splendido and Splendido Mare , and Hotel Cipriani in Italy. Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa San Andrea in Sicily, La Residencia in Spain to name a few. Their attention is just as focused on their iconic trains: the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, the Venice- Simplon Orient Express in Eastern Europe, the Eastern & Orient Express in Singapore, and the Hiram Bingham in Peru. And then there are their cruise ships: starting with Road to Mandalay- I could go on and on.
Palacio Nazarenas
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Reception Desk at the Fab, Fab Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco Peru
With our Butler, Barnaby and the darling Ximena behind the desk.
Flowers of Peru
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Flowers of Peru
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Nice photo of Shane Arrold at Machu Picchu
Orient- Express Regional Director of Sales, Asia Pacific
Our resident photographer
Notice the steepness of the terraces at MP
Our Divine Day at Machu Picchu
We arrived at Machu Picchu at 1230P and for the next 4 and 1/2 hours, explored the ruins. What a photo op!
After our divine day at the site we visited Orient Express’s Sanctuary Lodge- located at the entrance of MP. When the crowds are gone you have the site to yourself.
We were treated to High Tea at Sanctuary Lodge -yum- before our amazing return trip back to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham. Met with trays of pink champagne, we thought the lunch trip was fun until we had the unforgettable experience of more singing, dancing dinner and drinks on our return. A very happy tired group tucked into bed that night at the gorgeous Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco- brand new sister hotel to the iconic Monasterio Hotel.
More about the hotels next!!
View from our table- Orient Express Hiram Bingham Train
Astounding vistas
Best way to reach Machu Picchu- Orient Express’s Hiram Bingham
The ultimate thrill is to explore the incredibly spiritual citadel, Machu Picchu.
Our group did it the fun way, we took the -luxury with a capital L -Hiram Bingham. Named for the explorer Hiram Bingham, who discovered MP in 1911.
It is an Orient Express train- done to death. I think they must have two employees for every guest. I was blown away with the welcome and care the staff took to make us happy.
We started with champagne, and the local specialty – Pisco Sour. In the early morning, no less!
We placed our order for lunch and enmass headed for the bar car. Orient Express Hiram Bingham absolutely has glamour and service down to a T. There was a musical group playing in the observatory car at the back of the train – next to the bar car, and we danced and sang the morning away. Lunch was a gourmet formal affair, four divine courses, and before we knew it we had arrived at our destination, Machu Picchu. It really is not just about getting to a destination, I have learned the journey is just as important. And what a journey. There are other options to get to Machu Picchu, Peru Train, and a four day trek, hiking the Inca Trail. But adding the Hiram Bingham is an unforgettable, delightful experience.
Flight from Lima to Cusco Peru
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Molori – Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Fabulous, glamorous Molori in Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Image courtesy of Molori
Ending with a bang! MOLORI, Madikwe (Malaria free) Reserve, South Africa
Stunning Lodge!!
Protea – National Flower of South Africa
Seen in an arrangement at Molori, Madikwe South Africa
Gorgeous Cheetah- Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Yes the clay is really that color!
Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
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Pool – Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
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Bar- Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
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Ahhhhh- visiting Singita Sweni and Lebombo, Kruger National Park
Located in the most famous game rich preserve in the world, Singita Sweni and Lebombo live up to all their hype. Considered as one of the top resorts in Africa, they work hard to make sure their guests are comfortable and happy. Trackers, Rangers, Chefs and hotel staff are all top of the heap. The Wine Cellar is enormous!! And the gift shop is one of the most comprehensive and beautiful I have seen.
Sweni is situated on the river and more intime. Lebombo is on a ridge with vistas over the thickets with gorgeous public spaces. One can experience both properties when staying at either Sweni or Lebombo. Rooms are similar- just a different view.
I think Sweni is one of my personal favorites and I hope to return very soon. Anyone want to go? I’m ready!
One of my favorites: Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park
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Dispatches from the Road 