The most amazing, extensive breakfast I have ever experienced was at the St Regis Beijing. Wow!
Best Breakfast -St Regis Beijing
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Tag Archives: Virtuoso
St. Regis Beijing
Host to kings, princes, presidents and CEO’s, the St Regis Beijing lives up to it’s reputation. In a perfect central location on Embassy Row, we could walk to the Silk Market and one of the most luxurious underground malls I have ever seen. Every designer you could possibly think of, was represented. Beijing is the cultural capital of China, and getting to the sites and museums was an easy jump- mostly by car. The city is enormous.
Small details, beautifully placed- Amanoi, Vietnam
Devil’s in the details.
Yoga Pavillion Amanoi – Vietnam
Also great for a wedding celebration!!
Plunge Pool at Villa 2 Amanoi -Vietnam
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Main Lodge- Nam Hai, Hoi An Vietnam
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Nam Hai- Hoi An Vietnam
Some of the best food we encountered was in Vietnam. Fresh and vibrant. one of the best restaurants was at the Nam Hai. Near Danang, an elegant, glamorous addition to the middle coast of Vietnam. Gorgeous pool and public areas! Service was wonderful.
Beware if you are not happy with lots of steps. The elegant villa is set as rectangle facing the sea- with a step down from the entry area, a step down beside the bed then another step to the living room. steps are lit but you want to be cautious.
Innovative and beautiful. It is the place to be in Hoi An Vietnam.
Cool Hotel in Hong Kong- Upper House
Upper House – COOL hotel in Hong Kong Central.
There is a special type of client looking for cool new slick spaces – You know who you are.
Upper House is going to fill the bill in Hong Kong. Minimal, contemporary, intime and totally cool.
Three room types: Peak view 70 CM/Harbor view 70CM and harbor or peak view suite 80CM
A great addition to the services of Upper House is that they allow early arrivals. So if your flight arrives in the morning, they will move you right into your room. They check you in there. No lines -No waiting. 
Upper House’s restaurant is Café Gray Deluxe, a 21st century ‘grand café’, located on the 49th floor overlooking Victoria Harbor, marks the return to Hong Kong of Chef Gray Kunz and his cuisine – a unique style of European classics and signature dishes from a lifetime leading the very finest kitchens in Europe, Asia and America.
Hotel facts:
The hotel’s 117 rooms (including 21 suites and 2 penthouses) start at 730sq ft – the largest in Hong Kong. They feature wonderfully spacious bathrooms and dressing areas, and offer either scenic harbor or island views. Calming and contemporary, the rooms are designed to provide a sense of relaxation, warmth and understated luxury. Room features Luxury down bedding Complimentary in-room bar Dual temperature wine fridge Complimentary espresso machine and selection of teas and infusions LCD TV with 2.1 surround sound with simple connectivity for PC, camcorder and MP3 Interactive hotel information, music and games via in room iTouch Complimentary wired and wireless high speed internet access Spacious bathrooms with TV, dressing area, walk-in rain shower and limestone clad bath
Another Small Resort Gem- Little Palm Island
Easy jump to paradise
The flight from Atlanta took an hour and a half. Poof! Before I knew it, I had landed in another bit of paradise. Tropical bungalows, recently updated with a Caribbean Colonial feel- lots of shutters – were a haven. Breezes blowing, palm fronds moving gently in the wind, I couldn’t believe how quickly one could just stop, kick back and relax.
Setting up for the Pool Banquet Celebration – Silversea Spirit
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Salon- Aman Grand Canal, Venice
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Another Incredible Virtuoso Travel Week
4000 talented travel consultants, suppliers and press converge in Las Vegas one week each year to connect, learn and enhance their clients’ travel experience. The energy and passion for this travel connection is immense. Classes are offered by the top travel experts in the business- highlighted by Helen Nodland, and the always delightful Ann Scully. An active network called VAST offers an all day exposition to better learn about the latest and greatest offerings in the active travel industry.
We meet hotel General Managers, heads of hotel marketing, destination management companies, tour operators, safari operators, airline representatives, destination wedding suppliers, and sales directors from all over the world – 396 meetings over a four day period. We meet before the general meetings, at specialized luncheons, cocktail parties and dinners, in addition to the 396 presentations. By the time the week is over, I can say I am thoroughly ensconced in travel information. I came home energized, inspired, armed with the best information and fabulous new connections to enable me to make my clients dreams come true.
My Onsite Dinner Hosts – IC Bellagio
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The Cloister – Sea Island Georgia
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Stormy Weather – Beach Club -The Cloister
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Spanish Moss on a back road – Sea Island Georgia
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Afternoon Serenade – The Lodge at Sea Island
Drinks on the Verandah, while the children run on the greens with no shoes- late afternoon. Sun is about to set.
Feeling that grass between your toes is unforgettable.
Beach Walking Paradise -Sea Island
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Spanish Moss- Sea Island
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Sea Island – Heavenly Destination for Families
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.
The Cloister – Sea Island
Image courtesy of Sea Island Cloister
Sea Island and the Cloister – luxury haven for generations of families since 1928
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Recipes from the Road
Recipes from the Road
Pan Fried Kabeljou
Wynand, from Port Elizabeth South Africa, is the Head chef at Molori Safari Lodge. Previous duties were Head Chef at Sabi Selati Lodge, Sabi Sabi Private Game reserve, Sabi Bush Lodge to name a few. He sent me two recipes and here they are!
Hotel Monasterio- Cusco, Peru
Thriled to be there!
Stunning venue!
The Iconic Orient Express Monasterio- Cusco, Peru
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.
The Iconic Hotel Monasterio Cusco, Peru
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Pool – Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
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Newly Restored Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco Peru
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.
Palacio Nazarenas
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Flowers of Peru
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View from our table- Orient Express Hiram Bingham Train
Astounding vistas
Best way to reach Machu Picchu- Orient Express’s 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.
Machu Picchu
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!
Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
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Pool – Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
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Bar- Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
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Ahhhhh- visiting Singita Sweni and Lebombo, Kruger National Park
Located in the most famous game rich preserve in the world, Singita Sweni and Lebombo live up to all their hype. Considered as one of the top resorts in Africa, they work hard to make sure their guests are comfortable and happy. Trackers, Rangers, Chefs and hotel staff are all top of the heap. The Wine Cellar is enormous!! And the gift shop is one of the most comprehensive and beautiful I have seen.
Sweni is situated on the river and more intime. Lebombo is on a ridge with vistas over the thickets with gorgeous public spaces. One can experience both properties when staying at either Sweni or Lebombo. Rooms are similar- just a different view.
I think Sweni is one of my personal favorites and I hope to return very soon. Anyone want to go? I’m ready!
One of my favorites: Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park
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Find the Owl in this picture- Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park
Image courtesy of Gavin Ford
Bath with plunge pool and outdoor shower – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands
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What’s in the fab gift shop – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands
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Lobby – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands South Africa
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Singita Boulders
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Singita Boulders – Sabi Sands South Africa
Singita Ebony is done in a more traditional style, warm colors and lots of English Safari antiques and decorative accessories. Singita Boulders is more contemporary, walls are stacked boulders, and the color palate is soothing blues, taupes and greens. Both have an appeal and the staff in each is above par.
Dispatches from the Road 