Lake Tahoe Delivers as a Family-Friendly Destination
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards, Return On Life™ on January 26, 2012
by Terrie Hansen, CTIE
Vice President – Marketing, Virtuoso, Ltd.
It’s that time of year! Snow is falling and families are headed to the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of winter activities. If you are looking for a great place to do all of that, plus enjoy good restaurants, a few spa treatments, and some adult time at the casino tables, then the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe delivers.
We just returned from a 4-day weekend, multi-family (that would be three) excursion and had a ball. Nestled in the Sierra Mountain Range, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has stunning views of the lake and boasts 422 newly renovated guest rooms, including private lakeside cottages.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort is a 5-minute ride, and by now the majority of the lifts and runs are open. Our group had both boarders and skiers, and the mountain provided the right mix of difficulty for everyone, even a few jumps for our 9- and 11-year-old daredevils.
The kids stop between activities for a quick photo.
Additionally, Diamond Peak has state-of-the-art snow making equipment, so we enjoyed freshly groomed conditions every day.
Back at the resort, the kiddos hit the outdoor heated pool, while the adults sipped cocktails in the near-by hot tub. Afterwards, loaded with a pocketful of tokens, the kids ran the arcade room, while we tested our skills at black jack and roulette. Add to that a beautiful spa and a lively pub for après ski cocktails, and you have the perfect family resort!
This and other family-friendly travels are better when designed by a Virtuoso travel advisor. Click here to learn more about what a travel advisor can do for you.
Virtuoso CEO Appears on NBC’s TODAY Show
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News on January 19, 2012
The Virtuoso travel network received nationwide exposure today when CEO Matthew Upchurch appeared on NBC’s TODAY show, which averages more than 7 million viewers.
Matthew was interviewed by the TODAY show’s Ann Curry for a segment titled “When to Use a Travel Agent.” If you missed Matthew discussing the value of travel advisors, or want to see his interview again, you can watch the segment on NBC’s website:
Find out more about Virtuoso here.
Virtuoso Promotes Top Destinations on Fox News
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News on January 12, 2012
What do Jordan, Laos, Ireland and the Republic of Congo have in common? They are just a few of Virtuoso’s picks for must-see spots in 2012.
Virtuoso Public Relations Director Misty Ewing promoted the destinations in a Jan. 3 interview on Fox News.
“Where should we be dreaming about?” Ewing asked viewers of the segment in promoting “unexpected and unusual destinations.” She promoted the following:
- Jordan for its stability and convenience, as it’s easy to travel around.
- Republic of Congo for its gorilla trekking, where visitors can get as close as 20 feet from 11 different species of primates
- European river cruising, because visitors can pay up front in their local currency to avoid fluctuations, and everything is included
- Ireland as a way to experience the UK during the Olympics year in London
- Thailand and Laos for their gorgeous sights and warm, welcoming people
Watch the complete interview:
To see more coverage of Virtuoso’s picks for must-visit destinations and suppliers who can provide luxury experiences in those locations, click here.
Where Next?
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on January 5, 2012
So many places to go, so little time. But that’s the beauty of a new year – it’s a fresh calendar, and the months stretch out ahead with possibilities. There are family vacations to plan, upcoming milestones to celebrate, and new destinations to check off you must-visit list.
That list will get a little longer with this issue of Virtuoso Life. Maybe you’ll want to spend a week in London before – or during – the Olympics (page 96). Or set sail with your extended family on a Baltic cruise (page 104). Perhaps you’ll head outdoors for an adventure in Alaska (page 114), skiing in Whistler (page 124), or biking through France (page 130).
The world awaits, so we asked Virtuoso’s top travel advisors to tell us what’s hot for 2012 – the destination and trips they’re recommending clients book now, and why. (Find out on page 84).
And though we asked advisors for their opinions, we also want yours: Where do you want to go next? Tell us by taking our Travel Dreams Survey. It’s fast, fun, and will surely inspire you with a world of destination and experiences, from island escapes and romantic getaways to outdoor adventures and trips of a lifetime.
In fact, the grand prize is a trip of a lifetime itself; a 12-day, all-inclusive Mediterranean cruise for two on Crystal Cruises’ Serenity from Venice to Athens, in a penthouse suite (but of course). The grand prize also includes the perks of Voyager Club, an exclusive program available only through Virtuoso. Five other lucky entrants will each win $1,000 cash. The survey begins January 5 and ends March 31, so please go to www.virtuoso.com and take our survey for a chance to win*.
Whatever’s on the horizon for your year ahead, may it include more than a few new passport stamps. Happy Travels – and good luck with the survey.
* If outside of the U.S., sweepstakes does not apply. Non-U.S. residents are invited to take the survey at www.virtuoso.com/traveldreams.
Virtuoso Named NCL Consortia Partner of Year
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News on December 29, 2011
Virtuoso was recently named 2011 Consortia Partner of the Year by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Virtuoso was one of seven travel partners honored by NCL for their successful relationship this year.
“I was particularly delighted to accept this award recognizing Virtuoso’s close partnership with NCL,” commented Bill Smith, vice president, cruise sales and performance management at Virtuoso. The line really values the contributions that our professional travel advisors make to its sales. Our members respond to NCL’s evolving product and see the benefits of offering it as a vacation choice to their more discerning clients.”
In 2011, NCL introduced Partners First, a corporate philosophy that puts travel partners first. “The success of Norwegian Cruise Line relies on the support of our travel partners. We highly value our agency partners, recognize their achievements and appreciate their hard work and dedication to our brand,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer. “We continue to look for new ways to enhance this commitment in order to continuously strengthen Norwegian’s relationship with our travel partners.”
To learn more about the award-winning travel experiences that you can get with the help of a Virtuoso travel advisor, click here.
December Virtuoso Insights – Europe + Urban Escapes
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on December 5, 2011
From Europe’s premier ports to New York, December Virtuoso Insights is filled with remarkable places to explore. Discover next season’s most popular European ports of call, from Venice to Istanbul, Monte Carlo, and more. Or, if you’re searching for a South American getaway, look no further than Buenos Aires, where each barrio has its own distinctive vibe. And, if family fun is on your agenda, bundle up the kids and head to New York where they can give their regards to Broadway, behind the scenes, or play it up at FAO Schwarz, before the store opens! Whatever your interests, wherever your journey takes you, your Virtuoso travel advisor has the insider tips to make your trip exclusive and memorable for the whole family.
Small Bite of the Big Apple – Page 18, Getting to New York City’s core with kids. There’s nothing quite like seeing the “Big Apple” through a child’s eye – and no one gets to the city’s core quite like Virtuoso’s travel advisors!
Barrio Hopping in Buenos Aires – Page 28, Stepping out in South America’s sexiest city. Stylish, spirited, and way-past-your-bedtime-sexy, Argentina’s colorful capital is a city of superlatives.
Europe Ship & Shore – Page 38, Exploring the Continent’s premier ports of call. We’ve compiled some of next season’s most popular overnight calls, along with our favorite ways to explore them.
And, you won’t want to miss, The Virtuoso Traveler – Page 4, – For experiences that run deep, Lima’s Luis Humberto Zazzali taps into his travel advisor’s expertise.
All of these trips and more can be hand-tailored to suit your needs with the help of a Virtuoso travel advisor. Don’t have a travel advisor? Click here to find one.
Just Back From…Spain
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards on December 1, 2011
The Lounge-Library at Hospes Palacio del Bailio
by Betsy Goldberg
Senior Manager – Corporate Communications at Virtuoso, Ltd.
Fascinating Spain blends a rich heritage with contemporary twists on history. This mix is particularly evident when visiting the country’s Virtuoso properties. I toured five network hotels during a recent educational sponsored by Virtuoso On-Site Valesa Cultural Services and two Virtuoso tourism board partners, the Tourist Office of Spain and Heritage Cities of Spain.
We began at the grande dame of Madrid hotels: the Ritz. This 101-year-old señora is famed for her elegant interior resplendent with historic treasures, the impeccable service and the Sunday brunch buffet. Here we found a mix of tradition and modernity, as Spanish standbys such as paella and the ubiquitous ham shared tables with international favorites such as carpaccio (no less than three different types), quesadillas and sushi.
The InterContinental Madrid offers an equally impressive Sunday brunch buffet in equally impressive surroundings. Included are everything from non-traditional whole lobsters to dim sum to chocolate mousse – and, yes, traditional paella and ham. We stopped eating long enough to tour the hotel, and were blown away by the 4,000-square-foot modern Royal Suite, which has housed such luminaries as Paris Hilton, Joe Biden and Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch.
The Red Lounge at AC Santo Mauro
More oohs and ahs followed as we visited the newly redecorated AC Santo Mauro Hotel in Madrid. The hotel’s elegant late nineteenth-century building was the residence of the influential Duke of Santo Mauro. Its decor playfully blends history with hipness. We admired the public rooms, including the gorgeous Chinese and Red Lounges, and craved a sip of something delicious in the clubby Chivas Lounge.
How many hotels have such a storied history that they have their own on-location museum? The Westin Palace Madrid, which turns 100 next year, does. Giants of the arts world, including Hemingway and Dali, frequented the bar. More recent celebrity guests include Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson and Henry Kissinger. We dined under the hotel’s spectacular stained-glass dome after touring the spacious rooms decorated in a contemporary style.
You’ll feel like a celebrity when concierge Joey Sendra escorts you around the cutting-edge Hospes Palacio del Bailio in Córdoba. You’ll see patios, gardens, murals from the 1700s and the stunning lounge-library, where guests have been known to doze off in the comfortable surroundings. The hotel, declared a historic monument in 1982, was built between the 16th and 18th centuries. But the site has been inhabited for much longer. We were given a midnight tour of the Roman ruins under the hotel – accessible only to Virtuoso guests.
All of these trips and more can be hand-tailored to suit your needs with the help of a Virtuoso travel advisor. Don’t have a travel advisor? Click here to find one.
Find Enriching Journeys in Virtuoso Life
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on November 3, 2011
Beckoning to you from China, India, Buenos Aires and more, you’ll realize your true travel potential with one of these Enriching Journeys. Take a trip down the Yangtze River in China, discover four cities with distinctly different personalities in India, and find the latest fashions (and footwork) in Buenos Aires. If you desire inspirational travel, this is the issue for you!
FEATURES INCLUDE:
The New China: Page 82 – A trip up the Yangtze River reveals the superpower’s intrigue, from breakneck development to ancient treasures and natural wonders.
Subcontinent Sampler: Page 92 – An essential guide to four cities in India, each with personality to spare.
Tokyo Today: Page 102 – A new day dawns in the land of the rising sun.
Stepping Out: Page 108 – Fashion, food, and fancy footwork – winter’s the perfect time to make moves for Buenos Aires.
Also, you won’t want to miss – The Virtuoso Traveler on page 54 – Frank and Gerry Victor trip the light fantastic to their Virtuoso travel advisor’s score.
All of these trips and more can be hand-tailored to suit your needs with the help of a Virtuoso travel advisor. Don’t have a travel advisor? Click here to find one.
Chairman’s China
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Meetings & Events, Postcards on October 26, 2011
Hitting the wall: St. Regis Beijing hosted a once-in-a-lifetime lunch on the Great Wall of China at Virtuoso's 2011 Chairman's Event.
By Elaine Srnka
Editorial Director, Virtuoso Life
Some climbed a few steps, others took in the view from their seats, and an ambitious few even laced up their sneakers for the ultimate run. Regardless of their vantage, all attendees at Virtuoso’s annual Chairman’s Event, held in China last week, will agree: Lunch on the Great Wall ranks as one of the top travel experiences of a lifetime.
Actually, the entire week, which began in Beijing and ended in Shanghai, was punctuated with many “wow” moments, with stunning hotels, decadent meals, entertaining cultural performances, and incredible venues.
The event was Virtuoso’s seventh annual recognition trip, honoring its top travel agency owners and managers from 65 agencies and their guests.
Virtuoso on-sites Imperial Tours and Abercrombie & Kent Asia collaborated with numerous Virtuoso preferred hotels to create an itinerary that showcased luxury tourism in China. Attendees stayed at the historic Raffles Hotel Beijing and the glittering Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. Other host hotels that sponsored events included Aman at Summer Palace, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, The Opposite House, the Park Hyatt hotels in Beijing and Shanghai, The Peninsula Shanghai, Shangri-La’s China World Summit Wing, and St. Regis Beijing.
After a brief business meeting, at which attendees heard from a tourism official, an author, and university students in China, the whirlwind trip began. In Beijing, highlights included exclusive, expert-led tours of the Forbidden City, hutong visits, bargain-shopping at the Pearl and Silk markets, tai-chi in the Temple of Heaven, and exploring the contemporary art scene in 798 District. Dinner and dancing at the National Aquatic Center (the “Water Cube” where Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics) capped off the Beijing stay. In cosmopolitan Shanghai, which dazzled with its eye-popping skyline and high-end shopping, the agenda included museum tours, Bund river cruises, and an excursion to an ancient water village.
Tourism is a top priority for China (it welcomed 184 million tourists in 2010), and these advisors enjoyed first-hand, exclusive access to this fascinating, rapidly changing country. Their insight and tips on traveling to China will be showcased in the January/February issue of Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso’s flagship luxury travel publication.
Virtuosos Celebrate Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Alliances, In the News on October 19, 2011
October 17, 2011 saw passage of a major milestone in the fast-developing arena of commercial space operations.
Fledgling space line Virgin Galactic held a dedication ceremony for their newly completed Terminal Hangar Facility, which has been aptly named Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space. Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant at Spaceport America located in Southern New Mexico.
Looking skyward, more than 800 guests marveled at Virgin Galactic’s commercial space vehicles as they soared through the skies of southern New Mexico during the dedication ceremonies of Virgin Galactic’s new home at Spaceport America. The flight of WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo was the highlight of a spectacular ceremony which featured the dedication of the Sir Norman Foster-designed building and announcements of new scientific and educational initiatives for the world’s first commercial space line.
Virtuoso’s Accredited Space Agents were on hand to witness history alongside hundreds of guests that included their Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts (those already booked on a future flight), dignitaries and members of the international media.
The Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space, a combined terminal and hangar facility, will support up to two WhiteKnightTwo and five SpaceShipTwo vehicles. In addition, The Gateway will house all of the company’s astronaut preparation and celebration facilities, a mission control center, and a friends and family area. There is also space committed to public access via the planned New Mexico Spaceport Authority’s Visitor Experience.
Contact a Virtuoso Travel Advisor to find out how you can begin your journey to space now.
To learn more about Virtuoso’s exclusive Virgin Galactic program, click here.
Need a Travel Advisor? Click here.
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