Gili Lankanfushi - Maldives

How can I get any work done when I sit and my desk and dream? ....particularly when I simply have to share exciting new specials that just 'pop' into my inbox....

Book 4 nights and get another 3 nights free  at the amazing Gili Lankanfushi resort in the Maldives  with complimentary half board for two and free speedboat transfers .... what could be better - what a dream vacation.

If you are a Maldive affectione you may remember it as the Soneva Gili

Set on one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, this resort features expansive overwater villas with glass floor panels to showcase the surrounding marine life.

You can  savor fresh cuisine,  sip sunset cocktails in a traditional dhoni, or indulge at the Meera Spa 

This is the perfect spot for 'babymooners'  -  go have that last minute escape before your first baby arrives - you'll never get the same chance again.

Trivia about my beautiful Switzerland.

* One of the world's best Jazz festivals is held in July in Montreux?
* The Basle/Basel/Bale (depending on the language) Christmas market starts November 22.
*  Basle has 40 museums within 400 sq ft of each other.
*  St Moritz is an affordable ski destination - a ski pass when staying at one of 100 hotels is only 27.00 per person per day 

* You can see Europes highest mountain, Mont Blanc  from Geneva. 

*  Lucerne in Switzerland  is  the most visited city by Americans. 

....and .... 

 most importantly   

Sir Richard Branson has opened a dream ski lodge hotel in my favorite ski destination ....

...VERBIER...

www.thelodge.virgin.com

Spurring Spotted Cats

While I was minding independent domesticated feline cats my client  had a totally different viewing experience  - Read all about their experience at Selinda camp in Botsawana on the following  link      http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/?p=6428

Absolutley amazing photos. 

The World's First Double-Decker Cable Car.

 
Opened in June 2012 this open air cable car offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps carrying  passengers up the Stanserhorn near Lucerne. It is an optional experience,  the cable car carries 60 people on the lower enclosed deck and for those that are not faint hearted  a short staircase allows 30 passengers  at a time access to totally different view point.   What a marvellous piece of engineering. Can't wait to try it out in person.  

Are Consumers Really Expected to Embrace this Kind of Progress?

Would love to hear you opinion  - Please  let me know your thoughts. 

 

By Catharine Hamm, Los Angeles Times

October 7, 2012, 8:00 a.m.

If you book an airline ticket through an online site or go to a travel agent, you get the ticket price and, thanks to recent U.S. Department of Transportation rulings, that price includes taxes and fees. What you don't get — at least, not yet — is a price that includes ancillary fees (baggage, early boarding, seat choices), but consumer advocates are working toward that. But the changes in store for ticket booking may be even greater. Booking could be the all-new Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Or not.

The International Air Transport Assn., based in Montreal, is working on what it calls a "new distribution capability" for global distribution systems, which deliver airline ticket prices and schedules, whether you're a consumer using an online engine or a travel agent doing a search for a client. If your eyes glaze over at that sentence, grab some coffee because the results of this change will be anything but dull.

Under the new model, you'll see the price of your ticket as well as other things too — a sort of Amazon.com shopping experience — "a lot of new things around merchandising," said Eric Leopold, director passenger (yes, that's his title) of the international transport group. The new system "will really show the value of the products so you're not just selling seats; you're selling a whole experience to the passenger," he said, referring to those things that are often covered by ancillary fees such as upgrades.

Leopold likened the experience to supermarket shopping. Some consumers "will buy what is on the bottom [shelf at the] lowest price," he said. "Some will buy in the middle shelves," which may cost more but may be a better value.

What IATA calls a "new distribution capability," however, the American Society of Travel Agents is calling "authenticated shopping," which means you tell a little about yourself (maybe your frequent-flier number or your ZIP Code) and you are offered products that are tailored for you, such as lounge passes and preferred seating. These bundled, or one-price offerings, may be based on your previous travel habits and purchases (Do you upgrade? Do you spend time in the executive lounge?) or your economic status (Do you live in a ZIP Code that's "price sensitive"?) or other factors you may not be aware of.

That's an issue for the national travel agents organization, said Paul Ruden, senior vice president for legal and industry affairs for ASTA. "The concern is with how you do business … in an environment where airlines are able to price discriminate, for example, based on your identity," he said.

IATA says it isn't using this proposed system to inflate consumers' costs by foisting off pricier offerings on certain demographic groups. Ruden, who has worked with the Department of Transportation to try to get price transparency for airline pricing — not only fees and taxes but also ancillary fees — is not so sure.

In August, the Wall Street Journal reported that online travel agency Orbitz showed different and more expensive hotel options to Mac users, who presumably represent a wealthier demographic. "The Orbitz effort, which is in its early stages, demonstrates how tracking people's online activities can use even seemingly innocuous information — in this case, the fact that customers are visiting Orbitz.com from a Mac — to start predicting their tastes and spending habits," reporter Dana Mattioli wrote in a story that refers to the practice as "predictive analytics."

Castello di Casole

Then they moved on to Castello di Casole - where luxury oozed out from every corner. But what is luxury? What defines it? Could it  be  the rarity of the item, or the cost of the item? No;  for my money luxury is fine quality with superb service.

Newly opened in July of this year  Castello di Casole  appears to have acheived  a five star standard within a few months of opening. To be fair the reservation process was painful; if I remember correctly I had to make 8 phone calls to Italy and the local reservation department before receiving a written confirmation.  ...but , I believe their teething problems are over and the process should be relatively smooth from now on.    


A beautiful room



Zelda: An American Love Story

In Flat Rock,  situated in the mountains of Western North Carolina, population just 2,500 at last count,  stands a proud little theatre with a great big enormous heart.   The Flat Rock Playhouse, designated  as the North Carolina  State Theatre  was the scene this week for the opening of a new show, Zelda,  based upon an American love story between  F Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda. 

I was one of the  lucky ones to see this amazing new show. Chances are you won't be able to make plans fast enough to get there to see it but you will be able to see another one and should deffinitely put this location on your bucket list.  

The talent, enthusiasm, staging, production. music , acting is simply outstanding, I could go on and on, Vince Marini the Artisic Director has taken The Playhouse and made it a travel destination unto itself.  
Not only are there main stage productions but muscial evenings and Theatre-in-the-round at the downtown second Playhouse location. This is a town where acting is in it's heart and soul. There is even a Youtheatre that produces young interns, most of whom start by starring in  Carl Sandbag's Rutabaga stories  and continue to main stage theatricals including Broadway .

But, this week  Zelda  brought Broadway to the mountains.   I truly thought I was sitting in a theatre in the middle of Times Square  with the pulse and professionalism of a first class musical all around me. Watch for this show, because  Broadway will be bringing Zelda to New York CIty.  

Congratulations to the cast and  all at The Playhouse.   - a show never to be forgotten.       http://www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Catania Airport Sicily

HOT OFF THE PRESS   - Catania airport, Sicily will be closed to all flights for a month  - Nov 5 - Dec 5 2012... Alitalia promises to be contacting every passenger  to re-accomodate all affected flights  but  I'd suggest you call NOW  before other flight options and/or ferries fill up. 
Phone nbrs to call are:-
US: 800-223-5730
Italy: 800650055
and for  Air One: 091-255-1051

Hobbit Land News

Wellington, New Zealand is the new  Middle of Middle Earth . 

In anticipation of the 28 November New Zealand premiere of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Wellington, New Zealand is giving itself a Hobbit-sized makeover.
For the week of the premiere, the city of Wellington, where Jackson's Weta Workshop is located, is taking on the moniker, "The Middle of Middle Earth."
Shop keepers are being exhorted to transform their businesses into Middle Earth-inspired emporiums. Customs officials are said to be considering a Hobbit-themed stamp for arriving travelers.

....and.... going along for the ride is Air New Zealand, which has transformed entire aircraft to reflect the image of Middle Earth.

The close up safari

Three doggies and three cats told me they wanted me to publish the fact that they were jealous.

 It's not every day an agent/friend gets to move her office to  her clients home to pet sit while they are on safari  but  last month  was a special event for me.  I got to know some of the most endearing animals who kept me company for three weeks while  clients first who became friends took off on the most amazing  safari.   They traveled to Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa  and  saw everything you could hope for including the big five at their most active. 

I love to share photos but being a first class amateur photographer  some of these photos are destined to hit the highlights of wildlife photography so am keeping them under wraps  for now. It won't be long till I can give you the link to a wonderful book ...

.....till that time take a look at this face....  

Assisi and Andrea Bocelli

Almost every weekend someone famous is performing in Assisi  and  Andrea Bocelli  was coming to town the very next day.  

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni I - Florence

.......and onto Florence. I have many favourite hotels in Florence but Antica Torre Di Via Tornabuoni I with 28 rooms is one that tops my list.  The location just can't be beat, but then one can say the same for a room with a view of the Ponte Vecchio so everything is relative, but it is nice to be able to get away from the hustle and bubble of the city while still being within the center.

My dear clients sent these photos of their room, no wonder I can't wait to get back to Italy; what a view.

 

More on Tuscan Mamas!

You know that T-shirt slogan  - 'My Dad went to whereever and all I got was this T-shirt'.  When I travel vacariously through my clients eyes and experiences  I forgive myself when I feel like a child and want to say; all I got was this photo. In reality, receiving photos  from clients is a highlight of  being in the travel business and I just love to share.

Here are some of my clients photos of their  Tuscan Mama meal preparations  at Poggio Cennina.


AnnMarie





The dining room

 



Poggio Cennina wines

  

The Villa

 
 

the process




Nothing better than wine tasted in it's own vineyard



Almost done. Love the barefeet.



Olive trees from the villa



 

See what can evolve out of Round-the-World Travel

I sent my client on a trip of a life time Around the World and she came back  with an idea to start a healthy snack bar. And Simple Squares was born.  Congratulations - this is the most delicious, nutritious slow-food snack I have ever tasted. I really recommend everyone find a local source or order it on-line for each time you plan a hike, take a flight or just to enjoy. 
Kim,  I'm proud of you and happy that your creative mind conjured up this amazing all  natural food while on one of my trips. Yes; there's a little part of me that is equally happy to know your idea came out of this trip even if it did mean some hardship trying to find the right kind of food to eat while traveling the world.    
http://simplesquares.com
When up in New Jersey I couldn't wait to get back to my old haunt of the  The Market Basket in Franklin Lakes  to try all flavours, came home to where I was staying and snapped a photo of your Simple Square lying on the new yarn I had just bought.  Seems so in keeping to combine fine merino wool with fine food. Hope my knitting skills will do the project justice.  

Kingfisher Airlines

The airline with the most fabulous name is on strike. When it flys it even has fabulous service; but for now  good luck if you have a ticket on any of it's  flights thru October 7th - and maybe beyond  

One and Only Ocean Club - Your Ultimate Paradise

...SO many special offers are arriving on my desk that it's hard to keep up with them all. The latest is at the fabulous One & Only Ocean Club, laced with miles of white sand beach in the Bahamas.  A four night stay includes a $500 resort credit, 24 hour butler service, daily afternoon champagne, strawberries and post departure insurance starting from just $4180.00  for the room. valid for travel now thru 26 Oct and then again from 26 Nov thru 20 Dec.  

No guesses on the cost of what your butler will bring.  

Gelato

To all gelato fans - As of  this week Italy has imposed fines to anyone caught eating or drinking in the streets around any of their national monuments. Fines range from E100 to E500, so no more sitting on the Spanish Steps  with your favorite ice cream while watching the world pass by.  

SeaDream sailing to Asia

Hot News  - straight off the press - SeaDream is going to Asia  - what a fabulous destination for the most amazing yacht.

Grace Bay Club in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Only a few short weeks away I was dining on the beach at Grace Bay Club  and as our weather begins to change with the thought of colder days ahead,  island living if only for a short time seems more and more appealing.

As on my previous four visits to these islands  the friendliness of the people always stands out . It's a warm welcoming island where the food is amazing and the beach stretches for miles, but price wise,  to avoid sticker-shock  think New York prices. There's a 40% tax on all imported foods.

Nevertheless attention to detail is everywhere, with amazing wow-factor surprises. This strawberry tree was in my room as my good night treat.

and the next night a selection of three rums.

I was staying in a three bedroom unit  with four poster beds,  lavish bathrooms large walk-in closets, verandahs overlooking the beach and Caribbean sea, a local cell phone to reach my butler  and free worldwide international calling from the room.  Naturally I had to see if this really worked, so called my sisters, one who lives in Spain and the other who lives in South Africa.   The call was as clear as a bell with no charge and no charge for wifi either ..  

 Today, thru Dec 16  my host is offering a special  with a $250.00 resort credit  - two complimentary nights with a 7 night stay  - daily full American breakfast tax and service in a one bedroom suite with afternoon tea..... where the resort boasts the longest infiniti bar in the world.