Peninsula Paris Lobby
Mandarin Oriental Paris
Bar 228 Le Meurice
Louvre by the Seine
Paris still has her magic. Certainly the top romantic destination in the world, Paris never fails to please. Whether one’s focus is art, music, photography, fashion, history, food or wine, Paris is the ultimate. It is indeed a royal city.
Hotel de Sully – Historic monument near the Marais
Palais Royal
5PM visit from the giraffes
Breakfast!
Probably the most unique hotel in the world, Giraffe Manor was created by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. They were very interested in animal conservation, and bought the faux Scottish hunting lodge, in 1974. That year, the amiable giraffes, who kept poking their heads interestedly through the first-floor bedroom window were about to be dispossessed, their habitat lost to farmland development and their lives threatened.
Betty persuaded her husband to allow the giraffes to live on their 15-acre estate, and the couple began the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, based in Kenya and Maryland, which later bought an additional 105 acres for the giraffes. They adopted Daisy, one of the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffes—which can be as tall as 20 feet, making them the tallest of the species. Daisy’s descendants have since proliferated, and the Leslie – Melvilles added the Giraffe Center, open to the public, on the southern part of the property.
Fire pit overlooking the magnificent Masai Mara
Comfortable large rooms that give you a sense of Out of Africa
On the deck the view goes on forever
Dawn view from my tent
Sirikoi Lodge- Heaven on Earth – Lewa Downs Conservancy, Kenya
Sirikoi Lodge -Lewa Conservancy , Kenya
Learning how to play croquet – Sirikoi
View from the tent- lots of elllies.
Beautifully managed by Tom and Nikki Hartley, Sirikoi aims to please. We think it is our favorite Camp. The staff is so warm and welcoming, food is amazing, and the setting is unforgettable. Main dining area is off the Lodge right next to a water hole. So there is always action right in front of your eyes. Decor is impeccable with an organic garden that rivals anything we have seen. All food comes directly from the garden. Sirikoi is a hard place to leave.
Main Lodge, Sirikoi
SONY DSC
Both Relais & Chateaux and Virtuoso, Ol Donyo Was is an amazing Lodge in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya. One of the few Lodges with it’s own blind, Ol Donyo affords spectacular safe viewing of wildlife, up close and personal. Suites have huge glass doors open up to the plains and unforgettable views. The staff is highly trained and delightful. Our guide Elijah taught the children how to make bows and arrows out of tree branches. He was amazingly good with the kids. They hated to say goodbye. Perfect place for children on Safari, activities include horseback riding. The day of riding was a huge highlight.
Singita Sasakwa – Holy Cow! Pride of Tanzania
Situated in the Grumeti concession, Singita’s Sasakwa is uniquely outstanding. With a highly trained staff, along with the most wow decor I have ever seen in a Tanzanian Lodge- Sasakwa is probably one of the top 2 resorts in all of Africa.
Shop Window – Alfonso XIII Sevilla
Alfonso XIII Sevilla
Westin Palace Madrid
Top choice is Belmond La Residencia Mallorca
Belmond La Residencia- Mallorca
Sunset La Residence Mallorca
More views of the fab new Silo Hotel, Cape Town
View from the Silo Roof
Rooftop Bar Silo
Rooftop Pool Silo
Gift Shop -Silo Hotel
Reflection of the Suite’s Chandelier
Room 801 Silo Hotel
Shambala Zulu Lodge is owned by the same family that has the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg.
Lodge Zulu Camp
Superb attention to detail. Saxon Hotel
The Saxon Hotel- Top Choice in Johannesburg.
The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg never fails to please. Impeccable service and an a superb decor- tastefully furnished with African artifacts throughout the hotel.
Lobby of the Saxon Hotel.
The Saxon is a luxurious private retreat, set on ten acres of landscaped gardens. The Saxon entrance exudes an air of quiet majesty with its sweeping feature staircase and spectacular ostrich egg chandelier. The neutral shades of the interior reflect the tones and textures of Africa. Nelson Mandela wrote much of his memoir at the Saxon.
Sumptuous gardens in Round Hill
So many divine, exotic, stunning hotels, in Morocco. Marrakech alone has 6 prime properties: Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, Villa des Orangers, Amanjena, Four Seasons Marrakech, and Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. My absolute favorites are Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, then Villa des Orangers, then La Mamounia.
Enormous Pool Villa Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. Absolutely stunning. They even have a heated tub!
Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Royal Mansour is the ultimate resort in Marrakech.
Interior Courtyard at charming Palais Amani in Fes -a Relais & Chateaux property.
Fes boasts Riad Fes and Palais Amani, the grand Dame, Palais Jamais is under extensive renovation till end of 2017. Another must stay is near the desert, Dar Ahlam. Incredibly beautiful and the food is out of this world!
Formaly a Sultan’s hunting ground, the 19th Century Kasbah, Dar Ahlam, is stunning.
A Relais Chateaux property, Dar Ahlam is as famous for it’s comfort as well as it’s food.
You need at least 3 nights here to fully enjoy the place.
Stairwell view Dar Ahlam
Our intrepid group on top of a dune
Our camel guide
I can check camel riding off my list
What an adventure! The utter silence! The serenity of the sand. Luxurious tented camps that had all possible comforts. I can check camel riding off the list. We hiked up to the highest dune on our vicinity. We watched a sunset and then the next morning rode to watch the sunrise. We had dinner in the main tent, entertained by a group of local musicians. Fun to listen to indigenous music. The fabulous food that comes from an isolated kitchen always amazes me. Wine was flowing- couldn’t have asked for more.
The Archeological Site of Volubilis,recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site near Fes. The remaining structures and mosaics tell the tale of a city that once thrived. The ruins that have been spared are beautifully preserved relics of Roman Life.
It is believed that this spectacular city was constructed around 40 AD and that it was built on an old settlement which dated back to the third century. It became the administrative capital of the area and was known as Mauretania. The extremely fertile lands that surrounded the city produced olive oils and grains that were exported to Rome. The region also produces a good Rose wine
The markets of Fes are thriving pulsing, filled with energy. Every possible craft, clothing, fruit, flower, meat, vegetable, spice, sweet, one can imagine, is there. Always interesting. 
Garden by the Royal Palace Fes
Riad Fes – Relais&Chateaux hotel in Fes
Out tent at night Chamba Luxury Tented Camp Ladakh
Dining room Chamba Tented Camp Ladakh
Bedroom Amankora Thimpu
Walk to the bar Dhensa Resort Punakha
Dhensa Resort Punakha
Gorgeous Aman Resort Punakha
Incredible Staff at Amankora Thimpu
Lobby at Uma Resort- Paro Bhutan
Our Villa Uma Paro
Our View Uma Paro
Uma Paro
Hotels we loved in Ladakh and Bhutan. All had extraordinary staff:well trained, warm, welcoming and could not do enough to make us happy. Food was far beyond my expectations- especially at Chamba Camp, Amankora Thimpu and Uma Paro. The hotels were far more sophisticated than I expected. This region is a must visit on so many levels.
Out able guide in Bhutan,Tashi Druk, head of AndBeyond India Suhail Gupta, and Payal Mehta, head of operations in Bhutan. Not in the picture, but should be, is Kabir Pradhan
Our butler at Chamba Camp, Basu, the head chef at the camp, our expert Guide, Dhammo and our driver. Thank you for our ideal experience.
What an amazing experience! andBeyond India outdid themselves! Every detail was carefully thought out. The trip was completely seamless from the minute we stepped off the plane in Delhi and met with a big smile by Namgyal Wangchuk. Our shopping day in Delhi with Gagan was so interesting. We loved the restaurant Latitude, on top of Good Earth in Kahn Market. Great suggestion, Gagan.
Latitude Restaurant Delhi.
Glass walled poolside restaurant raises the bar on the already impressive Delhi dining scene. With central kitchens on both floors, food ranges from pan Asian through the Middle East to European. A wonderful dining experience!
Deluxe Suite with balcony-Lodhi Delhi
Mount Ranier- Wow!
Lindblad Sea Bird
Intrepid explorers getting ready for an interesting hike.
Tricia -Tree hugging Pacific NW Style
Amazing Sea Lions encounter!
Returning from another exciting adventure
Linblad is not about the hardware on board the ship. They want their guests to have the most amazing experience possible. They do not expect for you to stay in your room, they want you out and seeing all the destination has to offer.
Their staff is considered the top in their respective fields- the cream of the crop. Even better, they don’t take themselves seriously. They are very earnest in being sure you see, taste, smell and absorb the world around you. When you experience a cruise on Lindblad, you are going to get the best possible information, service, attention and experience. And the food is incredible too! I found the cruise exciting, extremely informative and most importantly tons of fun.
Located on the Seattle Waterfront, one block from Pike a Place Market Four Seasons Seattle is My top choice. Across from the Seattle Museum, in the thick of happening downtown, Four
Pike Place Market Seattle
View from the Royal Suite -Corinthia
Corinthia Flowers
Corinthia Lobby
Doormen at the Amazing Corinthia
Elegant Hall arrangement -fabulous Rosewood Hotel
Top of the heap- the legendary Goring.
I had the privilege of staying at the Stafford, Milestone, Cliveden, Corinthia, and Goring. All these hotels were outstanding. Particular characteristics will suit different clients.
Can’t wait to book them. London is all and all one of the best city experiences I have had in a long time.
Noteworthy -Destination Management Company Extraordinaire!
Blessed with unparalleled access to all things British, Susie Worthy and Nicola Butler can plan and execute almost anything a client could dream- with the exception of a private wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral or Tea with Queen Elizabeth. We had the most spectacular experience with Noteworthy this past week, surprise after delightful surprise. From our private visit to Highclere Castle, walking on the rooftop of Hampton Court, a pre opening visit to Winston Churchill’s War Rooms- even sitting in the great man’s chair, a walk up the back staircase in St. Paul’s to see the camera view for Diana and Charles wedding of the century, to a private visit to Prince Charles garden at Highgrove. The topper was our own personal dinner at the Tower of London – ending with the ceremony of the Keys.
Highgrove
Magnificent table in the Tower of London
Tower of London Dinner
Back staircase at St. Paul’s Cathedral
Highclere Castle – our own personal visit
View from the rooftop of Hampton Court
Rooftop of Hampton Court
Always considered a house for entertaining, Cliveden was built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham. He built the house as a hunting lodge and a place to entertain his friends and mistress. Set on 376 acres of glorius parks, the House is part of the National Trust. Cliveden has hosted every British Monarch since George I. Three Dukes and an Earl lived there. Queen Victoria was a frequent guest, and one of the notable later owners was American William Randolph Astor. The 1960’s scandal, the Profumo affair began at Cliveden. The affair helped topple the Conservative Party Government in Parliament.
A Relais & Chateaux member, Cliveden’s Andre Garrett oversees the award winning dining room.
Swan at Kensington Palace
Situated across from Kensington Palace, the Milestone is a delightful surprise. British to the hilt the general feeling is warm and cozy. The staff is the most genuine I have encountered- from the doorman to the butler to the very charming GM, Andrew Pike. One feels quite at home at the Milestone.
Tea at the Connaught – highly recommended as one of the best, I have to agree. The other top options are Claridges., Milestone, Dorchester and the venerable Ritz. The Connaught
has a beautiful curved room entirely banked with windows and full blown blue hydrangeas lining the window boxes. Tea starts with finger sandwiches and then a tiered tea tray, stacked with pastries and sweets is served. Take away boxes are usual. Connaught also has a fabulous bar.
Tucked away in the heart of historic St James’s, and just minutes from London’s iconic landmarks and vibrant West End, the Stafford London never disappoints. The solicitous staff ensures that guests always insist on returning. The Staffird has an incredible loyal following. Recently renovated, it is a number of townhouses put together. It is the most quiet hotel I have ever experienced. We stayed in the Mews section, on the courtyard. The rooms have a more clean, contemporary feel. Beds were heaven! I slept to 10A the first morning and almost missed breakfast.
Taking a short flight further into the Serengeti, we visited Lemala’s Kuria Hills Camp.
No bucket showers here! Gorgeous bathtubs, blow driers, bright lighting, a completely different tented camp experience. The terrain was rocky with giant boulders, reminding me of Zimbabwe. Beautiful location. 
Known for it’s lions resting in trees to escape the dreaded Tsetse fly, and the glorius flamingos on the lake, Manyara was a delightful surprise. The national park has some of the most lush jungle vegetation I have ever seen. We visited a Massai village, always a warm experience. 
Galapagos Marine Iguana
Marine Iguanas can dive to 30 feet.
Alvatross
Amazing, spectacular, indescribable, the Galapagos never dissapoint.
Frigatebird flapping for attention
Passing Scenery – Galapagos
Silver Sea Galapagos
Galapagos Grey Herron
Galapagos Land Iguana
Magnificent Frigatebird trying attract attention
Blue Footed Boobys
Blue Footed Booby- trying out his mating dance
Dispatches from the Road 