One of the rooms
Reply
Category Archives: Luxury travel
Casa Isabelle-las Alamandas
Hotel Garza Blanca and Restaurant Blanca Blue
View from one of the villas Las Alamandas
Unspoiled luxury Las Alamandas
A little gem near Puerta Vallarta- Las Alamandas
I am completely blown away by a small resort on the west coast of Mexico called Las Alamandas. A Virtuoso property, I had heard the name though the years, but I never seemed to give it a good look. The property was left to Isabelle Goldsmith by her grandfather 20 years ago, and building it into a 5 star property has been her passion. The grounds are impeccable, las Alamandas is a trumpet shaped yellow flower- native to this area. Hundreds of palms line the beach, the sound of the waves is thundering. You are lulled into relaxation without even realizing it! The really great thing about the property is that Isabelle owns all the acreage around it, so it is completely unspoiled. No encroachment as far as the eye can see. Your won private paradise! It has 17 rooms and villas. I am going on an exploration of rooms next.
Entry Las Alamandas
Las Alamandas
Las Alamandas
Las Alamandas a little gem near Puerta Vallarta
Anna Trzebinski is coming to Atlanta!
Please stop by Betty Jo Currie’s home to see all the latest exciting designs from fabulous Kenyan designer, Anna Trzebinski. Wednesday 12-4 and Thursday 10-4. Her husband Lemarti will talk about their Camp, Lemarti’s, Wednesday night. Proceeds go to Tribal projects in Kenya.
A look at an interesting camp in Kenya
Fascinating creations. Please stop by if you are in Atlanta.
Hats off to Bones – Atlanta
After another amazing lunch today and having had my son’s DIVINE Birthday dinner last week, I have to stop and give this restaurant a well deserved mention.
Starting with the unparalleled wine list posted on an iPad-the first in the country to do so- they have dotted their i’s on every level. Steaks are their specialty and their filets melt in your mouth. No better in Atlanta.
Upon arrival one is welcomed by name by Marty, Emile and or Dan and seated immediately if at all possible. The feel is warm and clubby, and the waiters are like family. One particular waitstaff member, Johnathon watched over both my son’s proposals to their brides-actually the whole staff seem to be in on it! He stops to see the grandchildren’s pictures every time I have dinner there. One of the secrets to Bones is the length of stay of their waitstaff. They are career not just temporary. They know their clients and that name recognition goes a long way. Bones is firmly but lovingly guided by Susan DeRose and Richard Lewis. They absolutely have that golden touch. They also own Blue Ridge Grill and OK Cafe.
If you want a place to take clients and have them impressed or just want to be fluffed, there is no better spot in Atlanta. Simply the best.
2 September, 2011 01:40
Birthday boy with Kelly Clarkson at Bones
Fabulous new IPad interactive travel app from A&K
I just downloaded a fabulous new travel app from the IPad app store called The World of A&K.
It is free and a fabulous interactive app with sections on exotic travel, extreme travel, family travel, etc. You can really have fun with this one!
Pudong Shanghai
Chinese flag
Sunrise Shanghai
Shopping in Shanghai
For folks that love to shop, Shanghai can be considered by many Nirvana. The Ritz Carlton engaged a company called Shopping Tours Shanghai for a day activity for our group.
Two ladies, Suzy Fewtrell and Claire Theaker-Brown who are residents of Shanghai took us on a day of high powered shopping. They questioned us on what we wanted to see and proceeded to take us to the best dealers, determining the best buys, and in general succeeded in distilling thousands of choices to the very best. They continually go around and seek out dealers in all areas of interest – pearls, jewelry, silk, tailors, jade, handbags, clothing, antiques, shoes – you name it. They determine if it is real,who has the best quality, and what one should pay for it. They can tailor a tour for your desires, or if you prefer, a solo experience is possible. They are also up on all the latest hot, top restaurants, and have a website if you want rheum to personal shop for you. I may be emailing them to pick items I missed!
A great day!
Saying a prayer -Jade Buddha Temple Shanghai
.
City view Pudong Shanghai
.
Bund View Deluxe room- Ritz Carlton Pudong Shanghai
.
View of the Bund and Eastern Shanghai
.
Ritz Carlton Pudong
I was perfectly happy with my very comfortable, warm happy family stay at the Portman Ritz Carlton. I could not imagine how anything could be better in Shanghai. Then we moved over to experience the other Ritz Carlton-on Pudong.
I have to say, I am dazzled by the brand new- one year old Ritz Carlton Pudong. It is a completely different hotel style, very sophisticated, slick, and glamorous- heavy Deco influence. The rooms are either River/ Bund view or City view. Not a bad view in the place. Enormous 24 Hour gym, fabulous spa, the Club level is a must book. Contemporary Art is everywhere. It is bright, and most welcoming. The staff is typical Ritz Carlton- state of art drop at your feet, nothing is more important than your every wish, everyone calls you by name -awesome. I had a Bund view room. Floor to ceiling windows bed facing the city, 51st floor amazing view, especially at night. The Bund is a line of historic British buildings built in the early 1800’s that line the river and then eastern Shanghai grows out beyond. All those skyscrapers lit at night- fab.
They hotel has a new very hot and trendy spot on top of the building called Flair. Jaw dropping views of the city from the 54th floor. I am told reserving a table goes for $400- and there is a line to get in!
Club level Ritz Carlton Pudong-Shanghai
View from my bed Ritz Carlton Pudong
.
TV Radio tower Shanghai
Apothecary shop Shanghai
.
Lotus in Yu Garden Shanghai
Jade temple Shanghai
.
Shanghai from my room
.
Shanghai
I am visiting Shanghai as a guest of the Ritz Carlton Hotels. I have stayed in other hotels here, but I must say for a big hotel, it feels very intime. A good bit of the comfort comes from the service. Ritz is renowned for it’s personal service, but I think this one is extra special- it may have to do with the Asian sensibility of making a guest feel welcome but they all know our names, they are to fault solicitous of our needs, they are genuinely happy to have us in their country. A liitle retail therapy also helps, I had a suit made immediately for a song. They have a tailor onsite. I am sititng on the club level having a delightful breakfast. There is something about Asia that is very intriguing.
American just opened new Admiral’s club DCA
Bright shiny new!
Admiral’s club DCA
A delightful stop at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown
After a 2 hour wait on the runway, any destination would be great, but I found that the Ritz Carlton Georgetown to be delightful. It was originally the incinerator for DC. Ritz bought it and renovated it in 2003. It still retains the 4 story tall chimney which is used for special parties and private dinners. Very dramatic. Lobby is industrial chic with a fireplace and comfortable seating. It is a small, more intime hotel and the service is impeccable. Everyone addressed me by name from Kerem the Front office manager, to Alice Lehimdjian- director of sales, and Catherine Hewitt senior sales manager. Rooms are large and bright. Bathrooms are huge. Mine had a soaking tub- yay! Colors ar subtle. You cannot go wrong with choosing this hotel if you want to be in Georgetown. On my way to Shanghai tomorrow.
23 July, 2011 12:15
The Wait Is Over – Cuba Is Open to U.S. Visitors
Subject: The Wait Is Over – Cuba Is Open to U.S. Visitors
[Be One of the First to Visit Cuba with A&K]
Be One of the First to Visit Cuba with A&K
For nearly 50 years, Cuba has been off-limits to U.S. citizens. Beginning in September, join A&K on Cuba: The Forbidden Isle Revealed, a landmark opportunity to discover our enigmatic neighbor.
Working with a registered not-for-profit group – and thanks to our years of experience operating in Cuba through our UK office – we have created an itinerary that reveals the heart and soul of this island nation. Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, savor the unspoiled beauty of Trinidad, meet families in culture-rich Matanzas and experience Hemingway’s Cuba with a visit to Finca Vigia, his seaside home.
Don’t miss this chance to visit one of the world’s most alluring – and misunderstood – destinations with a company that knows it inside and out.
Only with A&K:
• Explore the historic city of Trinidad
• Travel in executive coaches featuring first-class seats and air conditioning • Pay a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s Finca Vigia before it opens to the public
• Discover culturally rich Matanzas with a stop at a nineteenth-century pharmacy • Go behind the scenes at the famous Teatro Sauto in Matanzas
• Lunch al fresco and to the tune of a live local band at the opulent DuPont House
Cuba: The Forbidden Isle Revealed
Prices begin at $4,325 per person, plus charter international air ($449), visa ($55) and a non-profit partner fee ($200).
Marco Polo Club members can save $255 per person on the inaugural September 30, 2011, departure.
Cuba Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cienfuegos
Days 2-3: Trinidad
Days 4-5: Havana
Day 6: Viñales
Day 7: Havana
Day 8: Matanzas
Day 9: Las Terrazas
Day 10: Havana
Day 11: Depart Havana
2011 departures
Sep 30, Oct 14, Oct 17, Nov 23, Dec 12, Dec 21 2012 departures Jan 6, Jan 13, Feb 24, Mar 5, Mar 23, Apr 9, Apr 20
Contact us to plan your journey
Catherine Whitworth
Brownell Travel
706.714.3766
catherinew@sterlingtvl.com [http://www.abercrombiekent.com/assets/images/user/agency_logo/50230.jpg]
Another new Crown Room. Laguardia
Master chef
They don’t have Hydrangas like that in the South
Sunflowers East Hampton
I always forget how green and fresh the Hamptons are in July.
I travel to Montauk each summer to visit a client and friend. We plan his coming year’s travel adventures. He has been to so many places, it is really becoming a challenge. We are looking for more and more unique and exotic places. I love a good challenge. He is showing, and doing a book signing at the Bridgehampton Antique show this weekend, so I get to help.
Each time we pull into the Hamptons, we are greeted with clean cool breezes, and the most amazing trees and flowers. It was 73 degrees at 6PM last night. A divine break from 95+ in Georgia. Everything is green and fresh. The colors of the hydrangeas are a feast for my eyes. We cannot grow them like this in the South. All the lawns are manicured and the houses are so charming behind the very large hedges.
Restaurants are fabulous. Last night we ate at Sarafina, really delightful Italian. Tonight it will be East by Northeast in Montauk- rated best on the village.
I always forget how green and fresh the Hamptons are in July.
I travel to Montauk each summer to visit a client and friend. We plan his coming year’s travel adventures. He has been to so many places, it is really becoming a challenge. We are looking for more and more unique and exotic places. I love a good challenge. He is showing, and doing a book signing at the Bridgehampton Antique show this weekend, so I get to help.
Each time we pull into the Hamptons, we are greeted with clean cool breezes, and the most amazing trees and flowers. It was 73 degrees at 6PM last night. A divine break from 95+ in Georgia. Everything is green and fresh. The colors of the hydrangeas are a feast for my eyes. We cannot grow them like this in the South. All the lawns are manicured and the houses are so charming behind the very large hedges.
Restaurants are fabulous. Last night we ate at Sarafina, really delightful Italian. Tonight it will be East by Northeast in Montauk- rated best on the village.
St. Regis Atlanta is offering a great Brownell Travel weekend rate.
The fabulous St. Regis Atlanta is offering a Brownell Travel weekend rate of $209.00 per night plus tax, till the end of the year. The rate can be reserved through any Brownell or Sterling Brownell consultant if rooms are available.
Dispatches from the Road 