I am fondly looking forward to my return to SE Asia.

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

I have started to plan my semiannual return to Bangkok, another visit to magical Myanmar, and site inspections in Krabi and Phuket Thailand. Myanmar is a really hot travel destination and I want to do a run on the fabulous Road to Mandalay- the Orient Express cruise on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar. I also want to check the iconic Strand Hotel and Governor’s Residence in Yangon. I am so happy to see Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake again. The people of Myanmar are so dear, and so happy to have guests again visiting their country. I am including some pictures from my last visit. Visas are necessary for Myanmar so I have sent off my visa application. One has to apply 3 months out. Weather will be hot and humid- yay!

One of the most gratifying letters I have ever received.

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

A few months ago I received an email from Lt. Marcus D’Silva who is serving our country in Kuwait. He had found a post I had made on my blog in February of 2010 about India and tiger tracking. He asked if I could help him have a similar adventure. Of course I immediately put him in touch with Toby Sinclair, and Suhail Gupta of India Safaris( Now & Beyon India- a Virtuoso company) and Salim Ali our illustrious guide at Ranthambore State Park. I told Toby and Suhail to please do everything they could to make Lt. D’Silva’s experience the best possible. As it turned out, Salim was on assignment with National Geographic, so they found Salim’s younger brother to do the guiding. Salim knows all the best sighting places. After lots of back and forth making arrangements, the trip was finally set. I was nervous because Tiger sightings are really rare, so I held my breath.
This is a portion of the thank you I received from Lt. D’Silva this week:

Catherine, Toby, Suhail, Farooq, Daljeet,

Captain Pritchard and I would like to express our sincerest thanks to all of you for organizing the game drives in Ranthambhore for the two of us. 6 drives and 5 tiger sightings up close and personal. I found myself a little sick the morning we bumped into each other Toby but we drove on with the mission (as we say in the army) and had two sightings that day. Farooq your guidance was truly exceptional. Suhail your services were most appreciated and Daljeet was extremely helpful in coordinating everything. Catherine none of this would have been possible if not for your blog and your initial assistance.

Princes and presidents could not have paid any amount to assure an experience akin to what we experienced on our trip. It was a memorable experience and one of the highlights of our journey through India.

This letter is the ultimate compliment and what we consultants are all about: making a memorable sometimes life changing experience for my client. Re posts of the blog entries and pictures are below.

Repost of our Tiger Tracking experience- last day, last game drive

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

For the last afternoon game drive at Ranthambore only Martha Gaughen, Suhail and I visited the park. The rest of the girls stayed at
Vanyavilas. Upon entering the second gate to the park, we had the privilege of meeting Salim’s father who was Fateh Singh Rathore’s driver( the 1st director of Ranthambore National park). Salim’s father drove Fateh Singh Rathore for 30 years, and they photographed tigers for 8 books. As I wrote in the last blog, Salim’s father looked at us and said “the tigress awaits”. Which of course threw us into a fit of excitement. True to his word and because Salim is such an instinctive guide, we saw a rare happening- a tiger charging a Shambar deer! THEN we followed the tiger (who missed the deer) 2 more times and that video is also amazing.

Best tiger experience on the last day, last drive

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

A&K 100 Club with Royal Malewane’s Liz Biden

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

VinaVik with our host Gonzague de Lambert

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

I tried my panorama lense.

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Room at Explora Patagonia

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

View from Explora Patagonia. Hard to beat

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Patagonia

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

The bottom of the world

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

The bottom of the world
Remote, majestic, untouched, wind blown pampas, big sky, spectacular, unspoiled, pictures can’t capture the majic – all these words came to mind as I traveled to Punta Natalas. We are staying at the brand new Singular hotel at the bottom of the world. Activities include trekking on glaciers, hiking to the Torres del Paine National park, fishing, speed boating through the fiords, biking, horseback riding, and or bird watching in some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever experienced!

Buena Vista Social Club

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Probably the highlight of my trip to Cuba was experiencing the music of the Buena Vista Social Club. They are a group of older musicians from Havana that were forgotten during the Castro Regime and brought back to prominence by an American guitarist, Ry Cooder. He came to Cuba and recorded the group of musicians in about 14 days. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, and all over the world, reviving traditional Cuban music. Their album was recorded in 1997 and received a Grammy Award. BVSC was a group of prominent musicians in the 40’s and 50’s that formed a Club in Havana. The room was throbbing, everyone was dancing the salsa. You could not possibly stay seated. The music was fabulous.

Brownell weekend- best bosses in the world.

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Catherine Whitworth

Suite 206. Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Lunch selection Eden Roc

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

View from suite 33. Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Cap Estel, Eze France

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Bar Cap Estel. Not for the faint hearted- gin and tonic was 18Euros.

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

A little gem near Puerta Vallarta- Las Alamandas

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

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.

A look at an interesting camp in Kenya

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

I always forget how green and fresh the Hamptons are in July.

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

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.

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

St. Regis Atlanta is offering a great Brownell Travel weekend rate.

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

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.

Great camps in or near the Maasai Mara

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

I am writing about camps in the Maasai Mara that afford comfort and great game viewing. Copying from the Maasai Mara site:”Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is known as Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, situated in southwest Kenya. Famous for the abundance of lion, the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Maasai people, well known for their distinctive custom and dress, it is without a doubt Africa’s most famous safari destination. Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles). The terrain of the reserve is primarily grassland and riverine forest with clumps of the distinctive acacia trees.”
The problem with the Mara is the amount of people visiting. I encountered 6-7 jeeps stalking the same game. Not an exclusive endeavor in the Mara Game Reserve. There are some camps that are situated nearby and the game viewing experience is completely different.
One is Mara Plains. Mara Plains Camp is a small, high quality, seven-roomed camp under canvas and on raised decks with sweeping views across Kenya’s notable savannahs. It is among the smallest and most personal camps in the Mara region. As one of just three camps currently operating within the Conservancy, which boasts the region’s lowest vehicle density, no mini-buses and only one guest room per 700 acres. It is possible to avoid the high tourist density of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve proper, if desired.
No other camp in the greater Maasai Mara Game Reserve or Olare Orok Conservancy has the privilege of traversing opportunities of Mara Plains Camp. Guests are able to traverse three areas as part of their stay at Mara Plains.
Another camp that affords great game viewing is Cottars 1920’s Camp. The camp situated in the Maasai Mara, bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves in an untouched exclusive concession guaranteeing privacy and an abundance of wildlife.
The camp accommodates up to 22 guests in authentic white canvas tents, which are spacious and luxuriously furnished. They incorporate original safari antiques from the `20`s, private en suite dressing rooms, bathrooms the main bedroom and a verandah.
Other favorites of mine are Bateleur, Il Moran, and Mara Explorer. All beautifully appointed and very comfortable.

Up and coming camps in Northern Kenya you might want to visit.

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

A sensational new camp in the Northern region of Kenya is Sasaab. Located in the arid Samburu region, Sasaab offers tranquil views towards the Laikipia plateau and Mt.Kenya. Nine tents and the main lodge have a distinct Moroccan design influence. One of the many activities is camel riding.
Other divine camps in the area are Borana Lodge, Sanctuary at Ol Lentile, and Sarara.

Deck of main house, Sirikoi -Lewa Downs, Kenya

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Five star camps in Kenya continued- Sirikoi

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Continuing my look at spectacular new camps in Kenya, Sirikoi ranks up there at the top. A new breed of comfort, sophistication, yet keeping the feeling of a wildlife camp, Sirokoi is spectacular. It is situated on the Northern slopes of Mt. Kenya surrounded by the Lewa Wildlife conservancy. Your game drive experience will be private and always exciting. I am enclosing pictures of the villa, grounds and main house. They also have 6 tented accommodations facing the conservancy. Activities include game drives, helicopter excursions, biplane excursions, lion tracking, horseback riding, they also have a 200m pool.

Five Star Camps in Kenya you might want to consider:

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

ol Donyo Lodge is in the heart of the 275,000 acre Mbirikani Group Ranch, located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park between the Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks in southeast Kenya. Its location is unrivalled with full views of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the path of traditional wildlife migration routes. It is a lodge rich in history, passion and conservation.
ol Donyo Lodge is a 20-bed lodge, rebuilt and redesigned in 2008, and perched on a hillside, with no two suites or villas the same. What is consistent is the attention to detail, the comfortable yet utterly luxurious décor and the tradition of greatness. Regarded as one of the most attractive lodges in East Africa, ol Donyo Lodge is a place to call home for at least 3 nights.
There is a range of activities available – from cultural visits, “Big Five” wildlife viewing and tracking, horseback riding and mountain biking – ol Donyo Lodge is a holistic experience. The only negative in the resort is the internet connection- slim to none. Hopefully they will improve that. And most people will be happy to disconnect!
I have enclosed some pictures of the suite I stayed in. It is a great place to start your trip to Kenya. It has a great stable, and horseback riding through a journey of giraffes is an experience to remember.

Bathroom with huge tub Ol Donyo Wuas

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Ol Donyo Wuas family suite with plunge pool

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Brand new appearance for my blog! Hope you like it!

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

I enlisted Taylor McCleskey from Atlanta, to help me polish up my blog appearance, and I really like it. I would love to hear what you think.
Looks like my next trip is a visit to the Hamptons to visit a friend in Montauk in July. It is one of my favorite yearly trips. We work on his next year travel plans. Always stimulating and lots of fun.
Then I will be off to Shanghai for a look at the Ritz Carlton Hotels.
Hard to beat Ritz Carltons! I am flying American so I am interested to see their flying experience. I am a Delta girl from birth.

A quick word about Africa Inscribed

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Brilliant game day drive

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

After we finished our heavenly Champagne breakfast on the Plains, we went on a drive. Immediately our driver, Benson, picked up a huge male lion. We tracked him for about 40 minutes because he looked like he was hunting, and there was a huge herd of zebra across the river. He would stand, smell the air and listen to the honking of the zebra herd. Finally he decided he was hot and just dropped down in some long grass. As we drove along we noticed vultures fighting over a kill, and two lappets dropped in. They were a spectacular sight, they land feet first and their wing span is around 6 feet across. we came upmto the river and watched a herd of 600 zebra. We thought we would see a crossing, but there were three huge crocs in the water. We saw one zebra get attacked, but he kicked the croc, and got across safely. Fabulous! On the way back to the lodge, Gavin, our brilliant hawkeye guide spotted a leopard in the bush and we turned around to watch him cross a swamp. Hard to top a day like that.

Our first Cheetah sighting!

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Coach Dooley jumping with the Massai Warriors-pretty good!

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

A visit to a Massai Village

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

We paid a visit to a Massai tribal village. They greeted us with a traditional welcome dance which incorporates jumping as high as one can. The men are the warriors and their job is to protect the village and cattle from predators. The women do everything else including BUILDING their houses. The Massai tribe is Christian and the entire village of 60 formed a circle with us and started our visit with a prayer. Very moving. we then proceeded to visit a home and meet the children. The proper greeting when you meet a child is to but your hand on their head. They walk up to you with their head bowed. The grand finale of our visit was an outdoor market., under a giant Acacia tree. The ladies do all the crafts themselves-beautiful beaded work. Each lady laid out a cloth and put her items on it. We walked around a big circle and picked what we wanted, then we go to the shade and negotiate. Needles to say we got some great deals. I have presents for my daughters and friends. Of course I bought a red necklace for one of of my best friends, Jane Kimbrell. I buy her a red necklace every place I go. She is getting quite a collection.

New York, New York

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

It is always wonderful to get to the city and see old friends. I also have had the pleasure of visiting with clients and firming up future travel plans. I am staying with a friend and last night he had a most delightful dinner party for a friend visiting from Indonesia, Jerome Abel. He just opened a very successful gallery showing at Ralph Pucci Gallery the night before. In attendance were some of my most favorite clients, Preston and Theo, Jerome, Matthew, Vicente, and Ralph Pucci himself-wow! I was in high cotton! The table was beautifully set and the evening was filled with laughter.
Today I had lunch with an old friend, Jerry Rose, who has emerged with a stunning event planning business-of course, Jerry Rose. His
partner John Simodis was a pleasure to meet and I look forward to
working on some new trips for them. Check out Jerry’s new website:
JerryRose.com. Tonight more visits with old friends Jose Nunez and
Aliye Simavi-I really miss Fred. And another of my favorite clients the Redleafs.

New York, New York

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Preparing my group for their Safari to Kenya

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Kenya Pre Departure Information

Enclosed is a predeparture form that explains all the limits and requirements for travel on Safari to Kenya. We also have to be concious of shots needed. I recommended they all check in with the CDC requirements. One new shot is Yellow fever and it needs to be documented on a yellow card. One had to have it for Tanzania, but not really for Kenya. I am told Kenya Customs now requires it. Another very important part of Safari is your luggage. Weight can be no heavier than 32 pounds. Bag size should be 12X24/10. It should be a soft duffle type bag because they are going into a very small cargo department. I am checking with ATT to check on international plans for ipads, iphones, and Blackberry’s. Best I can tell, you need to add an international plan to BOTH your iphone and ipad and cut off cellular data on each device. That will allow internet access in WiFi zones only, but it won’t be hundreds of dollars in fees when you return. I have also learned one needs to cut off email push, so your iphone and ipad does not download when you don’t want it. More on the preparations.

Packing for an East African Safari

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

I am getting ready for a Safari to East Africa and I thought it might be helpful to write about what to pack. What I am suggesting is equally good for Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. It is important to take into account the other activities one might choose do do other than game drives such as fishing, horseback riding- Singita Sasakwa, and Ol Donyo Waus among others have that- canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, ATV riding , etc. You might need clothing or equipment dedicated to those activities.
The key is to PACK LIGHTLY! Most charter flights won’t carry over 20KG. Which is 44.9 pounds. I found a canvas duffle with rollers from LL Bean. I can carry it on from the US to Nairobi. Then I packed a Longchamps fold up canvas bag to hold camera equipment when I have to check the duffle. Never check ANYTHING valuable, especially camera equipment or medications. In case your luggage gets lost.
For ladies:
4 short sleeved cotton T shirts
3 easy dry long sleeved khaki shirts
3 pairs long khaki pants- mine have zippers to make into shorts
2 pairs of long pants for night
2 pairs long shorts
One dress for night dining
One skirt for night
A really GOOD pair of binoculars
A good wide brimmed hat with a tie so it won’t blow off.
2 pair of sunglasses
Malarone medication for Mosquitos
A really good mossie spray with DEET
a bathing suit
A sarong for both BS and night
2 bright colored pashminas. I use them instead of the plane blankets.
2 cashmere sweaters for night or cold mornings
1 pair of Silver Tory Burch slippers for night
1 pair of sneakers
1 folding fan
All Chargers for phones and cameras
Universal adapter
Ziploc bags for makeup and hair products
1 all weather jacket
2 cameras one with long lense attachment, one video. Extra cards.
A journal
A fold up bag to use when your carryon has to be checked.
Undergarments
1 nightgown
Medjet medical pack
Visa credit card, iPad, and cash.

Just landed in Nairobi!

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Just landed in Kenya. My guides, Gavin Ford one of the top guides in all of Africa and Africa Inscribed chief Dylan Harriss were at the airport to Meet and Greet. So nice to see their smiling faces behind a huge group of greeters They sent an airport employee, Lanette, to the plane. When I deplaned, she was front and center to help with carryon luggage and MOST IMPORTANTLY to get me through the Visa registration. I was in a special line! No problems and NO LINE. You’ve gotta love it! We were off to the fabled Norfolk Hotel, I am checked in and hitting the sack. I brought special luggage from a family in Atlanta for a school in the Massai Mara. I will take that to A&K Kenya tomorrow, check out shops, and find out what the BEST lunch place is in Nairobi.

Sunrise in the Norfolk Hotel gardens

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

A day in Nairobi

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

I stayed last night at the historic Norfolk hotel. It is over 100 years old, but recently renovated by Fairmont hotels. The public spaces remain the same and I really felt like I was in Africa. I love the Veranda and the gardens.
I paid a visit to A&K Kenya to meet all the folks that help me make wonderful Safari experiences. Last year a family from Atlanta came over on Safari and they met the children of the Jacob Loigero school. They were so impressed with the school, they sent with me two HUGE bags of school supplies- one was full of soccer balls. I took them with me today to A&K and they were delighted to get the supplies to the school in the Massai Mara. Such a wonderful gesture from my family and so great of A&K to help.

Shopping Nairobi

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

Shopping nairobi.
My number one mission was to find the atelier of Anna trezbinski. Anna is a fashion designer from Nairobi who does extremely successful trunk shows in the US.. Among her designs are pashminsas that have feathers attached to the ends. They are absolutely stunning, and all the best camps in Africa have her designs I their shops. She used local villagers and does the most Incredible beaded jewelry, clothing with beading, bags, belts etc,etc. After some phone calls, my most resourceful driver, Alex, found her. And it was her birthday! I would love to talk her into visiting Atlanta, and doing a show there with my friend Betty Jo. I felt like I was in AliBabas cave!
I also found some local crafts shops and a wonderful curio shop called African heritage. I am bringing a group in May so I wanted to get some places lined up for them.
Another delightful place I visited in Nairobi was The giraffe center where I was able to feed the giraffes and they gave me A big kiss. Seeing those gentle animals so closely was such a thrill. I highly recommend it

My first kiss- a visit with the Giraffes!

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Catherine Whitworth

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