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.
Image courtesy of Sea Island Cloister
Oysters on a platter on the way out the door.
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!
Backyard View
Pan Fried Kabeljou
Thriled to be there!
Stunning venue!
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.
We had a ball!!
Fresh squeezed orange juice, coca tea, selection of local fruits and cheeses- wow!
We had the pleasure of experiencing Palacio Nazarenas during our stay in Cusco and it was unforgettable.
Beautifully and lovingly managed by Floris Boyen. I have not experienced that caliber of attention to detail and service in a long time. Each member of the staff was warm welcoming, and full of smiles. I felt the warmth from the heart, it was not from instruction or training- although terrific training was evident. Floris’s passion for making us feel comfortable was palpable. The staff was happy and it showed.
The hotel’s historic decoration was impeccable. Every corner was filled with history. The rooms were large and light. The bathrooms were huge and BRIGHT! Happy colors of flowers everywhere. Palacio Nazarenas is the only hotel in Cusco that boasts a swimming pool- heated no less.
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.
With our Butler, Barnaby and the darling Ximena behind the desk.
Orient- Express Regional Director of Sales, Asia Pacific
Our resident photographer
Notice the steepness of the terraces at MP
I slipped off to shoot some pics from the top. Huffing and puffing!!
So excited to be there!!
This side plunges straight down.
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!!
Pictures cannot do it justice!
Astounding vistas
In the observation car – 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.
Loads of fun!
I have the distinct privilege of being a guest of Orient Express for a visit to Peru: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu has always been on my wish list, and traveling with a company the caliber of Orient Express- one of the premier hotel, cruise and train companies in the world, is a no brainer. I am thrilled and honored to be in the group.
Delta has a direct nonstop from Atlanta to Lima so I booked it! One caveat: if you plan to connect with another flight in Lima, give yourself 3 hours. The line to clear customs averages 1 and 1/2 hours. Fast track service is not available. Another important know before you go: Cusco is 11,023 feet above sea level. Getting accustomed to less oxygen takes about 3 days. I strongly that you get altitude medication – it affects everyone.
The flight from Lima to Cusco is gorgeous – be sure to sit on the left hand side of the plane.
Majestic ice covered peaks are just below. Heading for Cusco, yay!
Dispatches from the Road 