At the Beverly Hills Hotel, Everyone is a Movie Star

Iconic Wallpaper at BHH

Iconic Wallpaper at BHH


Home: Beverly Hills Hotel

Home: Beverly Hills Hotel


Hard not to love the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The Pink Palace never fails to please. Part of Dorchester Collection, the iconic hotel is better than ever. Undergoing selective renovation- of which I never saw or heard evidence, the hotel has kept the 1912 original decor but added all the 2019 conveniences. Staff is happy and welcome is warm. Beautifully led by GM Edward Mady, the hotel spins like a top. Can’t wait to return!
BHH Lobby

BHH Lobby

Morocco – A Kaleidoscope of Color

Potter in Skoura

Potter in Skoura

Marrakech

Marrakech

Majorelle Garden Marrakech

Lobby La Posta Vecchia

Any visit to elegant La Posta Vecchia is a special treat. Once the residence of Jean Paul Getty whose collection of antique furniture, tapestries and century old objects remain part of what is now a 19 room luxury hotel complete with every comfort and amenity. This 17th century jewel is one of the most prestigious hotels in Italy. Delightful GM, Marco Filippi runs a tight ship. Service is flawless. Perfect for small weddings, honeymoons or simply a magical romantic place to experience. A palatial seaside villa located within an easy 30-minute drive of Fiumicino airport.

Senior Suite La Posta Vecchia

Brownell Travel Group at La Posta Vecchia

Eden Hotel Rome – Spectacular after a 17 Month Renovation

With awe inspiring panorama views, Legendary Hotel Eden is like a shiny new penny after a 17 month renovation. Rooms are bright and elegant. The hotel retained those gorgeous white marble spacious bathrooms. Makes anyone feel like a movie star!
A Dorchester Collection hotel, the staff Is masterfully run by GM Luca Virgilio.
Staff Is enthusiastic and sincerely welcoming. Rooms are bright and large location at the top of the hill near Via Veneto, makes for easy walking. And those BEDS! Unforgettable!!

HotelEden View from Bar

Lobby Corner Hotel Eden

Still has the michelin starred restaurant, La Terrazzo and Eden bar with incredible views overlooking the entire Historic center of Rome

Il Giardino Ristorante Eden Hotel

Edinburgh- a Must Visit!

With artifacts found as early as the 1st Century. Edinburgh was established under Scottish rule in 960. To JK Rowling fans, Edinburgh has many structures that draw inspiration in Harry Potter movies. She has a home in Edinburgh, and wrote most of her Harry Potter books in Edinburgh.

Nooks and crannies in the city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a beautiful ancient city filled with clever shops, pubs, churches, charming gothic spires, castles, monuments and loads of amazing restaurants – from Michigan starred to simply good food. We were never disappointed.

Le Meurice Paris

What a welcome!


Opening in 1815 and welcoming Kings and Queens since 1855, Le Meurice is considered one of the most beautiful and opulent hotels in Paris. The decor of every bedroom and suite are unique, many with views of the Eiffel Tower. Located across from the Tuileries, the position is perfect. Philippe Stark recently renovated the public rooms and Bar 228. We found the staff and service to be outstanding.

Alain Ducasse Restaurant. Le Meurice

Lobby Le Meurice

Bar 228 Le Meurice

Hotels We Love In Paris

Peninsula Paris Lobby


Hotels we love in Paris. While there are hundreds of options for hotels in this spectacular city, we wanted to look at the top iconic properties. We aimed for Virtuoso hotels, because Virtuoso standards and amenities give our clients the cream of the crop and the best value with their amenities. Among the multiple Virtuoso choices, our favorites were Le Meurice, Peninsula Paris, Mandarin Oriental, and Shangri La.

Mandarin Oriental Paris

Bar 228 Le Meurice

Ol Donyo Was – Chyulu Hills Kenya- Amazing!

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.

Belmond La Residencia- Palma de Mallorca

Belmond La Residencia- Mallorca


Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca. Low key glamour.
On a island full of star hotels, Belmond’s La Residencia is the brightest.
Located in Deia, in the northwest mountainous area of Mallorca, Belmond la Residencia is the ultimate low key luxury destination. With leadership from Ulisses Marrieros, the resort spins like a top. With four restaurant choices, and the village of Deia a walk away, the hotel offers tempting options for all foodies.
Glamorous, classic, Belmond is the ultimate stop on Mallorca.

Sunset La Residence Mallorca

Round Hill -Jewel in the Caribbean Crown

Sumptuous gardens in Round Hill

Sumptuous gardens in Round Hill


Created in 1953 by Jamaica-born entrepreneur John Pringle,Round Hill been a favorite of celebrities for years. JFK and Jackie honeymooned in Villa 10. Oscar Hammerstein was the first owner of Villa 12. Alfred Hitchcock, Bing Crosby, and Adele Astaire were regulars—as were Bill and Babe Paley. Beyond that, Noël Coward, who was a frequent visitor, stayed in Villa 3.
Cottage owner, Ralph Lauren did a major renovation on the ocean front rooms.
RH is located on a 100-acre peninsula that was originally a sugar plantation. The cottages are built on the round hills, sloping down to the water . The British claimed Jamaica in 1629, the infuluence of their best traditions still remain.
With a year round temperate climate and nonstop access from most east coast airports, Jamaica is a perfect destination.
Unique to Round Hill, 27 private cottages combined with 37 sumptuous guest rooms offer a wide range of accommodation options. For weddings,the RH cottages, allow families and friends easy access for private celebrations, mingling with hotel rooms for group gatherings. It’s Old World Glamour affords one a delightful Colonial Caribbean sense of place.
At Round Hill the words past and present coexist not merely peacefully, but joyfully.

Walk way along the ocean Round Hill

dsc04552Round Hill Sunset

Hotels We Loved in Morocco

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!

Enormous Pool Villa Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. Absolutely stunning. They even have a heated tub!

Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

Royal Mansour is the ultimate resort in Marrakech.

Royal Mansour is the ultimate resort in Marrakech.


Interior Courtyard at charming Palais Amani in  Fes a Relais & Chateaux property.

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!

Dar Ahlam – Luxurious Setting Next To The Sahara

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.
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Stairwell view Dar Ahlam

Stairwell view Dar Ahlam

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The Wolseley London

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The Wolsley was one of our favorite dining spots. If has a french brasserie feel- big menu, lots of choices. Waiters in white aprons. Black and white tile floor, strike the perfect scene.
Starting with a Kir royale, I ordered the lemon sole and a crisp Chablis. We ended with a classic dessert -Pot de Creme. Perfect start to culinary adventure in London

Finest hotel in China – Peninsula Shanghai

Flowers at Peninsula Shanghai
Spectacular flowers everywhere is just one small detail in the scheme of things at the formidable Peninsula Shanghai. Situated on the Bund, this hotel aims to please. They offer an airport pickup in their fabulous Rolls Royce, and the service just gets better from there. Large, spacious, comfortable rooms face the river and the colorful Pudong area across the street. The bathroom has a button the dims the lights slowly as soft music comes up and water fills the bathtub. Just incredible. Returning to the Peninsula Shanghai is a must.

Yoga Pavillion Amanoi – Vietnam

Yoga Pavillion - Amanoi
Also great for a wedding celebration!!

Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong At Night

Impossible to capture the magic of Hong Kong in lights. You have to see it for yourself!

Dock entry to LPI- a little bit of heaven

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Dock to LPI
Situated on 5.5 Acres of private island, in the lower Florida Keys. It is about 40 minutes from Key West Airport. You are taken to their main admission Lodge, then transferred by boat to the Island. It is a favored enclave for luxury travelers. 15 thatched roof bungalows, featuring 30 suites-ranging from 550 SF to 1000SF -offer ultimate privacy and romance. The island is never inhabited by more than 60 guests.

View from Little Palm Island

Sunsets from the Keys are dynamite!

Sunsets from the Keys are dynamite!


Sitting at the bar with a nice glass of champagne- ahhhh…

Another Small Resort Gem- Little Palm Island

Easy jump to paradise

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.

Venice? No Dubrovnik, Yes!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Perfect location setting for the HBO series Game of Thrones, 6th Century Dubrovnik is a delightful surprise. 

Dubrovnik bears a striking resemblance to it’s neighbor, Venice. Ideally placed on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful stone village. The old town is set inside a fort wall that is one and a half miles around. You can walk the entire wall.

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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Topping Rose House

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Recipes from the Road

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Pan Fried Kabeljou

Pan Fried Kabeljou

I have so many divine recipes from recent visits, I have to post some of the best ones! This one is from Wynand Van Der Watt at the incredible Molori Safari Lodge on Madikwe Game Preserve, South Africa.
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!

Thriled to be there!

Stunning venue!

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.

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.

Molori – Madikwe Reserve, South Africa

Fabulous, glamorous Molori in Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Image courtesy of Molori

Protea – National Flower of South Africa

Seen in an arrangement at Molori, Madikwe South Africa

Gorgeous Cheetah- Madikwe Reserve, South Africa

Yes the clay is really that color!

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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A member of the Selati Pride – not sure if this is in Sabi Sands or Kruger National Park

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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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