Archive for September, 2011
ORIENT-EXPRESS ITALIAN MASTERPIECE
So much information crosses my desk every day making it so hard to know what to pass on to you. However, these programs from Orient-Express sound so exciting that I couldn’t wait to tell about it. These exceptional journeys created for lovers of art and culture aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the company of a guide from London’s National Gallery – the ultimate cultural experience. The joy of these journeys is that you don’t need to be a serious art aficionado to have a wonderful time — your guide is adept at making it gripping and enlightening, however much or little you know. Inspired by the National Gallery’s forthcoming Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is launching an exciting new itinerary from London to Milan and Florence, which will open up the wonderful worlds of Leonardo and Michelangelo to anyone with an interest in art and a passion for travel. There is a 9-day and a 7-day program. If you want more information you can download the brochure by going to http://static.orient-express.com/pdfs/VSOE_ItalianMasterpiece.pdf. Let me know if I can assist you in making this happen for you and for any pre- and post-travel in conjunction with this.
THANKSGIVING IN BERMUDA
This is another offer that seems pretty special. This package is being offered by the beautiful Fairmont Southampton Princess. Leave the kitchen behind and spend some time in beautiful Bermuda with family and friends. The bountiful Thanksgiving program offers plenty of traditional treats. Enjoy daily fun fitness walks including the Lighthouse Hill Walk, Beach Trail Walk, and Bermuda Railway Trail Walk. Daily and evening activities for kids at The Explore Camp including games, movies, arts & crafts, Karaoke Pizza Party and more!
Join the staff for “The First Thanksgiving” and hear the tales of what it was like at that first Thanksgiving with an informal chat with a local expert historian. The Cellar will feature coverage of The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade & football games on the big screen. Enjoy a Culinary demonstration & wine tasting featuring helpful hints on how to prepare traditional holiday treats! Bermuda is just a short hop from the East Coast. Doesn’t this sound like more fun than standing over a hot stove and washing all those dishes? To see the entire program, go to:
www.fairmont.com/NR/rdonlyres/D917A2A8-0EDA-4316-9E1E-2A9DC2CC8AD9/0/SHP_Thanksgiving_Flyer2011.pdf.
More next week.
I’ve been working very hard the last couple of weeks. After the quiet days of August, this is to be expected. I could really use a visit to
a spa but, alas, I can’t get away right now. However, maybe you could use a spa get-away…by yourself, with your spouse, friend, or whomever. One of my very favorite resorts in the U.S. is Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. The setting in Boynton Canyon just can’t be beat. Enchantment has Mii Amo Spa, a truly world-class spa. In fact it has been repeatedly rated by Travel + Leisure Magazine as the world’s best destination spa. The value of this fabulous destination spa becomes even greater this fall. Now through December 18th, they are offering 3-, 4- and 7-night packages which include spa accommodations, three meals daily, two spa treatments daily and gifts from Mii Amo. On the 3-night package they are extending a $150.00 spa credit, $250.00 on the 4-night package and $450.00 on the 7-night package. In addition, on the 7-night package, wine is also included with dinner. You’ll also be able to take advantage of all of the resort facilities and amenities, fitness classes, Native American activities, cooking demonstrations, art classes, hiking the red rocks and more. After you’ve made the booking, their specialized spa coordinator will personalize the Mii amo experience to suit your needs. Please let me know if you are ready to indulge all your senses. I will be more than happy to assist you with your plans, but I warn you, I’ll be jealous!
Adventure and eco-tourism travel has become very popular with a broad spectrum of travelers. Some people equate this kind of travel with back-packers and college kids. However, this does not have to be the case. Adventure travel can be quite luxurious and exciting. It is also wonderful for families, a group of friends, even a honeymoon. For anyone. You can have an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. And isn’t that what travel should be about? A company that I know, Hills of Africa, can customize some very special itineraries for you that definitely fit the luxury adventure travel category. Here is just one suggestion from them:
Gorilla trekking in Uganda: Arguably the most adventurous excursion in the world, a gorilla trekking safari takes you deep within Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where a vast array of primates awaits you. Starting early in the morning, the trek through the Impenetrable Forest is by no means for the faint hearted. Inside the forest, you’ll venture up hills through dense towering trees, often coming upon smaller primate species and stunning birds. During your walk, your guide will introduce you to signs left by gorillas, and other species that you may come in contact with while on your journey up the mountains.
As soon as you come across the group of gorillas, it’s impossible not to feel overwhelmed with various emotions. As one of the few people in the world to witness these magnificent creatures it would be an understatement to call the experience unforgettable. In fact, many would consider it to be life changing.
If this kind of travel is your cup of tea, and I hope it is, I’d love to hear from you.
PARIS: For my very first blog entry I think it is only fitting to write about my favorite city: Paris. I still remember the very first time I went there after many years of yearning and dreaming. My biggest fear was that it would not live up to my expectations. I had no reason to be concerned. Not only did Paris live up to my expectations; it far exceeded them. Since that day in 1971, I have lost track of the number of times I have been back. What is it I love so much? I think that first and foremost is the sheer beauty of the city: the architecture, the charming streets, the monuments, etc. I love the style of the city, the people, the attitude of the city. When people tell me that Parisians are very chauvinistic about their city, my reply is “they have every good reason for this”. After you have seen and done all the things that as a tourist you should do, Paris is the most wonderful city for just wandering, getting lost, discovering things you normally would not discover. Since I have been to Paris many times, I am always looking for something different or offbeat to do. I have taken cooking classes, wine tastings, gourmet tours to name a few. The last time I was in Paris I even went to the Hamman at the Paris Mosque for an afternoon of pure relaxation. And I have never found the French to be rude; aloof, maybe; reserved, definitely, but never rude. You just have to try to understand a little about the differences between our culture and theirs. If any of you out there are interested in these differences, I highly recommend that you read “French or Foe” by Polly Platt. This is a book written for “trailing spouses” to help them navigate these differences when their spouses are transferred to France to work. Not only is this book informative, it is also very humorous. If you get the idea that I love Paris, you are absolutely correct. And I would love to share this city with you.