Robberg Beach Plettenburg Bay, South Africa

There's nothing quite so good as a deserted beach  and it's like this most of the time. The most companions we had ever  had were 40 dolphins

 

Jutting out on it's own little promontory is The Plettenburg Hotel owned and managed by Liz McGrath .  It's a 5 star gem that overlooks the lagoon side of Plett  close to  town as well as other beaches including Roberg and a selection of restaurants, though why one would want to eat anywhere else is a bit of a mystery.  The Plettenburg as with Liz's other hotels is a  member of Relais Chateaux hotels  which says it all regarding the type of food you'll find here  

.....and don't miss an opportunity to stay at her other hotels  = I've been to all three   and they are  extraordinary -  The Marine in Hermanus  - an amazing place to see whales and  Cellars-Hohenort in the suburb of  Constantia,  Cape Town..  All are quite amazing serene locations that shouldn't be missed. I always find it a shame that clients visiting Africa don't have time to spend a few extra days enjoying the beauty of this area.   All I can say is that you will just have to return,  as this is a  destination unto itself with  perhaps just touch of safari.that will surely re-generate those energy cells.  

l

LUXURY SPOTLIGHTS - A free night on an Island in High Season

Today, I receeved news of these wonderful places that are offering a free night.

Dominica Republic   -  5th night free.  - Caso De Campo

Turks and Caicos - 4th night free - Gansevoort

Bahamas  - 5th night free - Pink Sands Resort

Hawaii - 5th night free - Grand Hyatt Kauai

Maldives - 7th night free - Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

  http://www.tajhotels.com/Luxury/Exotica-Resort-and-Spa/Taj-Exotica-Resort-and-Spa-Maldives/Photo-gallery.html

...and if that's not enough I can offer a discount of 40% off a suite at Half Moon, Jamaica.  

The Alpina Gstaad

It's been a long time since the arrival of a new hotel in Switzerland has caused such a stir. Gstaad, a long time playground for the rich and famous now has a hotel  to keep attracting those that made this area famous.

The Alpina Gstaad  has a touch of all that anyone would want.  A rich chalet experience with international  flair, goat throws, a Swiss stuebli fondue and raclette  restaurant, cuban cigar bars, Japanese Megu restaurant  and an Asian Six Senses spa.

Of particular appeal is that cars arrive at the hotel in an underground passage maintaining the tranquility of the region.  However I read a report that out of a daily charge  there is also a bar credit of USD350.00 . I've looked for this on many reservation centers and as yet haven't been able to verify it.  May be it's appropriate on one particular date; nevertheless the mind boggles at the thought of being able to drink that amount of liquor and still ski the next day . ....but then it could be the perfect excuse to pop that world class bottle of champagne .      
 

The Crystal Symphony sailed into Charleston

Anxious to see the $65 million renovations  to the Crystal Symphony, I hopped on board and snapped a few corners showing some amazing subtle improvements  that bring this beauty into the top of her league. 

The atrium 

A new carpet

New art work

Flower delivery to the suites

A suite's bathroom with a view

The spa

Sailing into Charleston

New lighting

A vertical garden

Wonder how many ketchup and mustard jars are used in one voyage.

The main lounge.

I'VE BEEN BUSY TRAVEL'IN.

Whew ! - I've got a lot of catching up to do.  Been to Plettenburg Bay, Keurbooms, Knysna, the Garden route, Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa and then to many islands in the Caribbean, St Martin,  Virgin Gorda, Jost Van dyke, Norman Island, Anguilla, St Kitts, and St Barths. ....and if that's not all, I've also got two ships to report on, the  Crystal Symphony and Star Clipper. 

At first my days were so full I didn't have time to report on any adventures - then just as the travel pace began to slow, I dropped my computor so wasn't able to report on anything till now. 

Will start sorting through my many  photos and try to post something every day as I catch up on my travels. As a starter though I just have to share this idyllic photo  of the serenity  that surrounds the achievement of having climbed Table Mountain  Here my daughter Sharon and niece Tamsyn enjoy the most amazing view over Cape Town and the surrounding oceans.