Heartsong Africa

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Catherine Whitworth

Traveling in Africa is a love affair .
When I wake up the first morning in Africa, I find my senses tingling.
It reaches into your heart and turns on a switch. You are alive, senses are on high alert.
Adjectives come to mind: clarity, primal, life changing, striking a deep cord, it is like coming home to a warm place.

Saxon Hotel Johannesburg South Africa

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Saxon hotel

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Saxon

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The Glorius Saxon Hotel- Johannesburg

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Catherine Whitworth

Having breakfast at the divine Saxon Hotel where Pinky found fresh sliced mango for me. Their breakfast buffet was beautifully presented.

“An expression of five star ethnic African elegance”is how the Saxon described and the attention to detail is amazing. The Saxon is better know to many as the location where Nelson Mandela edited his biography. I wish I had more time to spend in Johannesburg. Today we are flying off to Botswana – Jack’s Camp on the edge of the Kalahari desert.

Heading off to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Catherine Whitworth

I will update my blog everyday I can get Internet.
https://catherinewhitworth.wordpress.com

Highlights of the Starwood Luxury Showcase: Al Maha Dubai Desert

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Highlights of the Starwood Luxury Showcase

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Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa in the desert outside of Dubai. A member of Starwood Luxury Collection, this resort is quite intriguing. Offering over the top desert tented experience, the Al Maha is in a category by itself. Activities include camel trekking, falconry, dune driving, archery, and wildlife exploration excursions.

Highlights of the Starwood Luxury Showcase

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Chatwal Hotel NY- a Virtuoso property

Westin Riverside Hotel Chicago

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Catherine Whitworth

The Starwood Luxury Showcase was held at the Westin Riverside hotel in Chicago. I was delightfully surprised at the comfort level of the rooms and the service. Rooms were bright and pleasant, personnel exceptionally courteous. A large breakfast was served in the Club lounge.
This hotel hosted the Luxury Showcase and the food served was really imaginative and very tasty. Table decor was beautifully set.

Next posting will be the highlights from the Luxury Showcase

Table decor at the Starwood Luxury Showcase

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Club lounge at Westin Riverside Chicago

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In Chicago for the Fabulous Starwood Luxury Showcase

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Catherine Whitworth

My goodness, I had always heard that Chicago was cold, but standing out waiting for the car made me a believer. This city is FRIGID!

I am thrilled to be here to meet folks from Starwood hotels all over the world.

Starwood hotels are Westins, W’s, Sheratons, and the ever incredible St Regis properties.

I am here to learn about the new resorts, and meet personnel from these hotels.

It is those personal connections that make my clients have an extra special experience.

I am always so surprised when I write a note to a hotel about a client’s arrival. Inevadibly, I get a response immediately from the General Manager or someone in management within the hotel. They really make an effort and it shows. Looking forward to seeing what properties are here!

Thrilled to have a write up in Virtuoso Life! 25 Must see destinations: Tanzania

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Highlights from Pure: Tiger Blue -cruising the Indonesian Islands

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Image courtesy of Tiger Blue

Highlights of PURE: Tiger Blue Luxury Cruising in Indonesia

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View at dinner. Westin Palace Madrid

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Having Andalusian Gazpacho, and Filet of Sole. Love this hotel and crazy about Madrid!!

La Mamounia better than ever- Marrakech, Morocco

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This is the result! Cocktail Party for PURE at the Sofitel Imperial Palace- Marrakech

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Spectacular party.

Cocktail Party for PURE-Sofitel Imperial Palace, Marrakech

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Cocktail party given by Sofitel Imperial Palace for PURE- Marrekech

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Breakfast Sofitel Imperial Palace Hotel Marrakech

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I don’t know what the meeting is about, but good food will be the result!!

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Marrakech

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The Pure Conference in Marrakech, Morocco

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

One of the most coveted conferences to attend is the PURE conference in Marrakech. The conference committee scours the world for the best of the best and it shows. All of the suppliers are top notch. Perfect for learning about new destinations, hotels, camps, destination management companies, and most importantly new experiences. PURE is about experiential travel. I am privileged to be going and I hope to share my experience with my clients and friends. They are the ones that will benefit as much as I will.

Stunning new hotel in Ireland, Ballyfin – picture courtesy of Ballyfin Ireland

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Organic Pumpkin Soup-yummmmm…

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Thai Chef’s Table- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Thai Chef’s table opening at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK LAUNCHES BANGKOK’S FIRST EVER THAI CHEF’S TABLE AT SALA RIM NAAM
February 2012 – Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has launched an exclusive “Chef’s Table” at its’ iconic restaurant, Sala Rim Naam. The first time ever by a Thai restaurant in Bangkok, our 25 year hotel veteran Thai Executive Chef Vichit Mukura, also of the popular national TV program “Best Thai Chef”, will provide culinary connoisseurs or simply ‘food lovers’, a rare opportunity to experience first-hand the “inner” workings of one of the most dynamic gourmet kitchens in the world whilst indulging in first-class cuisine.
The Chef’s Table, set in the heart of the kitchen, allows diners a behind-the-scenes VIP pass to interact with award-winning Chef Vichit and watch the ‘Master’ in action as he prepares a bespoke, exclusive Thai menu based on the handpicked selection of the day’s freshest local and imported ingredients. “I personally select only the freshest produce for the enjoyment of guests. Quality is paramount and brings out the true flavours of Thai cuisine at their best,” said Chef Vichit.
Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed into the iconic, Grand Palace inspired decorative restaurant by Chef Vichit to enjoy a welcome cocktail and being personally escorted for a private tour of the kitchen before being seated at the Chef’s Table.
Throughout this unforgettable evening, Chef Vichit and his team of expert chefs will constantly interact with diners and present the assorted ingredients for guests to select and then gain their input into the planning of the evening’s custom crafted, personalised menu. Guests will enjoy informal master class style sessions throughout the duration of dinner, and watch and learn as Chef Vichit plates up deliciously prepared and authentic Thai fare right in front of diners.