“Best of the Best” Hotels Revealed
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News, Virtuoso Life on August 30, 2010
World’s Most Prestigious Hotels and Hospitality Professionals Honored at Virtuoso’s 22nd Annual Travel Mart
Virtuoso®, along with its award-winning magazine VIRTUOSO LIFE, announced this year’s winners of the prestigious “Best of the Best” hotel awards recently at Virtuoso’s 2010 Travel Mart conference.
Virtuoso CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch, VIRTUOSO LIFE publisher, Terrie Hansen, and Virtuoso vice president of hotels, destinations & tours, Albert Herrera, revealed the award winners during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Travel Mart, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from August 15–20, 2010.
“Those named ‘Best of the Best’ deserve this honor in every respect,” said Herrera. “Characterized by the service and standards they set, these recipients are emblematic of the exceptional properties and individuals within our network. They were chosen by our travel advisors, the most knowledgeable travel professionals in the industry who also possess the most exacting standards for their clientele. These hoteliers and world-renowned properties continually deliver in their respective categories, raising the bar and guest expectations year after year. It gives us great pleasure to recognize them.”
Editors of VIRTUOSO LIFE collaborated with the organization’s elite travel advisors to select hotel nominees in ten categories that ranged from best architectural design to top hotel and hotelier of the year. Winners represent the best in their category, demonstrating innovation, dedication, social conscience and even courage.
Award categories and recipients follow:
Best Achievement in Design: Armani Hotel Dubai
Best Hotel Dining: Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, Dorchester Hotel, London
Best Bar: Sir Elly’s, The Peninsula Shanghai
Best Family Program: Rocco Forte Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
Best Spa: The Spa at Grand Velas All-Suites & SPA Resort, Riviera Maya
Most Innovative Guest Experience: Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China
Most Socially Responsible: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
One to Watch: Alan Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts
Hotelier of the Year: Claudio Ceccherelli, General Manager Park Hyatt Milano
Hotel of the Year: The Goring, London
The best way to book a hotel is through a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. Click here to find how a Virtuoso Travel Advisor can turn travel into a special event.
VIRTUOSO® & VIRTUOSO LIFE MAGAZINE REVEAL RECIPIENTS OF THE
2010 “BEST OF THE BEST” HOTEL AWARDS
World’s Most Prestigious Hotels and Hospitality Professionals Honored at Virtuoso’s 22nd Annual Travel Mart
LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2010) - Leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, along with its award-winning magazine VIRTUOSO LIFE, announced this year’s winners of the prestigious “Best of the Best” hotel awards last night at Virtuoso’s 2010 Travel Mart conference. This marks the fourth year Virtuoso has reviewed its collection of more than 800 world-class properties and recognized hotels that set new standards in luxury travel and hospitality professionals who elevate the industry through their efforts. Virtuoso CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch, VIRTUOSO LIFE publisher, Terrie Hansen, and Virtuoso vice president of hotels, destinations & tours, Albert Herrera, revealed the award winners during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Travel Mart, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from August 15–20, 2010.
“Those named ‘Best of the Best’ deserve this honor in every respect,” said Herrera. “Characterized by the service and standards they set, these recipients are emblematic of the exceptional properties and individuals within our network. They were chosen by our travel advisors, the most knowledgeable travel professionals in the industry who also possess the most exacting standards for their clientele. These hoteliers and world-renowned properties continually deliver in their respective categories, raising the bar and guest expectations year after year. It gives us great pleasure to recognize them.”
Editors of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine, the Virtuoso network’s award-winning publication, collaborated with the organization’s elite travel advisors to select hotel nominees in ten categories that ranged from best architectural design to top hotel and hotelier of the year. Winners represent the best in their category, demonstrating innovation, dedication, social conscience and even courage.
“Each year we review an exceptional list of properties and hoteliers; the most difficult task is choosing which of these wonderful hotels and individuals to nominate,” said Elaine Srnka, editorial director of VIRTUOSO LIFE. “We honor the stand-out properties that leave lasting memories with their guests, whether it’s an overall experience or a component of the hotel, and the individuals who make an impression within the travel and tourism industry.”
Travel Mart brings together more than 1,500 of Virtuoso’s member travel advisors – considered the top producers in the industry – and over 1,600 of the world’s best travel providers to participate in the industry’s preeminent networking event. The “Best of the Best” award winners will be featured in the September / October 2010 issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine (www.virtuosolife.com), reaching 250,000 upscale, world travelers.
Award categories and recipients follow:
Best Achievement in Design: Armani Hotel Dubai
Known for his classic style, Armani had his hand on everything from the A-shaped swimming pool to the zebrawood paneling. The 160-room hotel goes minimalist inside Dubai’s cloud-piercing Burj Khalifa, with curved walls, metallic finishes and limestone floors – the bronzed A-shaped arches in the triple-height lobby are one of Armani’s favorite details.
Best Hotel Dining: Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, Dorchester Hotel, London
Awarded three Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester offers contemporary French cuisine in a random and elegant décor along with professional and friendly service. Guests can book tables overlooking beautiful Hyde Park; or parties of six can book Table Lumière, a table surrounded by a shimmering curtain of 4,500 fiber-optic lights.
Best Bar: Sir Elly’s, The Peninsula Shanghai
Crowning the upper two floors of the new hotel, Sir Elly’s has an edge when it comes to gigantic views – a circular bar area and three raised sofas facing huge windows ensure everyone gets a great look at The Bund, the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline. Named for Peninsula’s founder Sir Ellis Kadoorie, this glam space seals its staying power by offering inspired cocktails and cuisine from a five-star French chef.
Best Family Program: Rocco Forte Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
With its exclusive beach, acres of wide-open countryside, two championship golf courses and idyllic climate, Vendura makes the perfect destination for a family holiday. There are kid-size bicycles, a shallow children’s swimming pool and free organized activities. Little ones enjoy mime classes, treasure hunts and biscuit making, while the Teenagers Club offers rugby, beach volleyball and golf.
Best Spa: The Spa at Grand Velas All-Suites & SPA Resort, Riviera Maya
At 89,000 square feet, The Spa at Grand Velas All-Suites & Spa Resort is the largest spa in the Yucatan. Built amid the lush jungle that hugs the resort, the Spa boasts an organic style reflective of its Mexican surroundings. A cavernous lower level takes its inspiration from the region’s underground water pools, or cenotes. A hand-hewn rock wall emerges from a winding chlorine-free pool that’s outfitted with water-bubble beds, cascades and a gurgling volcanic geyser.
Most Innovative Guest Experience: Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China
Hidden in a picturesque valley, Amanfayun enjoys a serene setting surrounded by tea fields, natural forest, quaint villages and a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples. Designed in the spirit of a traditional Chinese village, the property comprises 47 dwellings, several of which date back more than 100 years. Bonds forged with local monks at the fourth-century Temple of Goodness make it possible for guests to hike up the mountainside to join them for prayers before sunrise and afterward share a traditional vegetarian breakfast.
Most Socially Responsible: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Since 2001, the Four Seasons’ owners have been the backbone of the Growing Together program, which benefits rural communities on the Papagayo Peninsula through customized volunteer experiences that support local schools and conservation efforts. Now 12 staff ambassadors match guests who want to volunteer with communities that have the greatest need.
One to Watch: Alan Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts
As a young college graduate, Alan Fuerstman was hired as a bell captain at Rancho Las Palmas where, it is said, even J.W. Marriott himself was impressed by the young man. Fuerstman moved on and up, running good resorts and making them better. He left the Bellagio in Las Vegas to start Montage. With Utah’s Montage Deer Valley Resort set to open in December, all eyes are on the 53-year-old as he expands Montage beyond the West Coast.
Hotelier of the Year: Claudio Ceccherelli, General Manager Park Hyatt Milano
When Claudio Ceccherelli was a 25-year-old reception manager, he taught at the Aurelio Saffi hotel school in Florence. Now, at 53 years of age and the general manager of the Park Hyatt Milan, Ceccherelli is a gracious old-world gentleman who’s not too buttoned-down to come to work wearing an Inter Milan team jersey the day after a big win or don chef’s whites and cook lunch for the staff. He’s an exceptional mentor for a hotelier on his way up.
Hotel of the Year: The Goring, London
For almost a century, four generations of the Goring family have run the exceptional property. Opened in 1910, The Goring was the first hotel to introduce private bathrooms and central heating for every room. Today, the hotel is a bastion of quality and absolute individuality. Well-known British designers Nina Campbell, David Linley and Tim Gosling have all had a part of the design concept; and later this year, the hotel will debut six new Russell Sage-designed rooms done up with historic fabrics – and sheep.
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About Virtuoso
As the industry’s leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso® comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel advisors in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making it the most powerful group in luxury travel. Virtuoso is also the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Whet Your Appetite for Vacations
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™, Virtuoso Life on August 16, 2010
Inside the Virtuoso “Taste the World” travel catalog you’ll find an array of select culinary travel offerings from around the globe, ranging from fusion fare in Dubai to prime rib in Patagonia. You’ll also find Expert Tips along with editorials on must-try regional dishes and world-renowned chefs in the Virtuoso network.
View the digital version of the Taste the World Travel Catalog
Exotic Epicureans – Dine in a classic steakhouse as you sail to Cambodia, sample Russian caviar while cruising the Volga River, and try Chinese with a twist in downtown Dubai.
Global Gourmand – Whether your tastes lean toward teriyaki, traditional Italian or Relais & Chateaux fare, you’ll always find the choicest tables with these luxury cruise lines.
The Sizzling South – Feast on empanadas in Panama, ceviche in coastal Peru, and Euro-Asian dishes in Mexico — or cook up your own favorites while traveling the Caribbean.
Old World vs New World – Will it be High Tea in London, or a festive luau in Hawaii? French fare in Paris, or black-tie gala in the Adirondacks? You make the call.
Virtuoso travel advisors have the personal connections to tailor any vacation to your individual gastronomic interests — be they meeting with local winemakers, taking private cooking classes, or finding the best tapas in town. For more information on finding a travel advisor who will put the power of Virtuoso to work for you, click here.
Just Back From…French Polynesia
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards on August 13, 2010
By Betsy Goldberg, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
The vivid aqua waters. The air scented with the distinctive perfume of the tiare flower. The abundant tropical fruit – both on farms and on menus. And the gorgeous pearls for sale – not just the famed black but also ones tinged with blue, green and pink.
I recently had the great fortune to spend 10 days in French Polynesia, marveling at its postcard-perfect vistas firsthand and literally plunging into a variety of water activities. Diving the waters off Moorea brought me face to face with aquatic life from sea cucumbers to reef sharks. As I boated to the dive site, I spied a group of dolphins swimming and jumping just yards away. The first whale of the season had been spotted the day before, but was apparently in hiding the day of my dive.
I became the aquatic life during a jet-ski tour, falling off the craft three times and apparently setting a new tour record. It’s trickier than it looks. My time in the water did enable me to swim with some rays and observe more sharks at close range, lured by the bait the tour leader released into the ocean.
For visitors wanting to stick closer to shore for water fun, the Moorea Pearl offers several appealing options. The 95-room resort feels intimate yet spacious. I relaxed beside the largest pool on Moorea, a gorgeous infinity pool that seems to stretch into the ocean beyond. I also borrowed snorkel gear and took a leisurely swim around the coral reef surrounding the resort’s overwater bungalows. The Moorea Pearl also has kayaks on hand and will arrange any kind of island explorations guests desire.
I tore myself away from the water for an afternoon to see the sights of Moorea. The Opunohu Agricultural College grows everything from tropical flowers to avocados to grapefruit. Nearby are the stone ruins of ancient Polynesia temples called marae. At Jus de Fruits de Moorea, I tasted their juice and liquor offerings, made from local ingredients such as pineapple, vanilla and coconut.
Back at the Moorea Pearl, I indulged in a sensory experience at the hotel’s Manea Spa. The visit began with a soak in the large glass-tiled hot tub, set in a secluded outdoor courtyard. After refreshing myself with chilled ginger tea, I proceeded to the multi-jet rain shower before a heavenly massage with monoi oil, an ancient Polynesian blend of coconut oil and tiare scent. It was a relaxing farewell to French Polynesia and its natural wonders.
The Moorea Pearl is a Virtuoso preferred resort. To find out more about Virtuoso, click here.
Travel Aspirations Go Global
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on July 12, 2010
Virtuoso Life Magazine reveals the results of the annual Travel Dreams Survey
In 2010, travel aspirations have gone global, according to the results from the fourth annual Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey, presented by Virtuoso. Nearly 11,000 readers of VIRTUOSO LIFE, the network’s award-winning magazine, weighed in on the survey to reveal the exotic lands, life-changing experiences and thrilling adventures that upscale travelers are currently seeking.
When asked what they consider the trip of a lifetime, readers were clear that setting sail for a world cruise would be a paramount experience. Calling on all seven continents and visiting the new wonders of the world followed close behind as trips of a lifetime, indicating the desire of travelers to visit the globe. The Galápagos Islands also had a strong presence in this year’s results: This island destination was named the most alluring island escape; the second best outdoor adventure; and the third best destination for families.
“This year’s survey results reflect a shift in consumers’ motivation to travel,” said Elaine Srnka, editorial director for VIRTUOSO LIFE. “Travelers want to see the world. They are no longer content with staying in one place. Whether it’s visiting the far corners of the earth on a world cruise, hiking through remote Machu Picchu or tasting local cuisines through cooking schools, travelers want unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
The top 10 dream destinations also reflected readers’ longing to visit far-off lands, with Australia, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Greece nabbing the first five spots. Paris held onto its reign as the most romantic city to spend time with a loved one, as well as the best gourmet city. Rome remains the city with the most beautiful architecture, and Tuscany continues to be the wine region travelers want to toast the most. Again this year, readers felt going on a safari to Africa would merit the best outdoor adventure.
The Travel Dreams results largely supported Virtuoso’s 2010 Luxe Report, insight gleaned from the network’s elite travel advisors, which revealed that travelers in 2010 are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. Of the travel professionals that participated in the Luxe Report survey, 71 percent reported that clients are seeking international travel for 10 days or more.
This year, readers had extra enticement to share their opinions: an opportunity to win their own dream trip! Three lucky winners got to choose one of these trips: a ten-day exploration of the Galápagos Islands aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endeavour; a 12-day cruise aboard the Seabourn Pride from Bangkok to Shanghai; or a trip to South Africa on Virgin Atlantic Airways to spend five nights at the One&Only Cape Town.
VIRTUOSO LIFE’s Travel Dreams survey was designed to gather consumer travel trends and offer inspiration for future journeys. The 12-question survey explored readers’ opinions about everything from their dream destinations and the best cities for dining to the best destinations for romance and families. Top-line results can be found below, and the results are featured in the July/August issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE.
The survey results were tallied from responses from almost 11,000 VIRTUOSO LIFE readers who participated in the Travel Dreams Sweepstakes. Virtuoso promoted the sweepstakes via email and within the magazine.
To view a digital edition of the VIRTUOSO LIFE July/August “Readers’ Choice Travel Dreams” issue, click here.
Just back from … Hong Kong
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards on July 9, 2010
By Jen Rasmussen
International Marketing Manager at Virtuoso, Ltd.
There’s no better way to make an entrance into bustling Hong Kong than on a brand new Boeing 777-300ER plane, straight from the factory.
Cathay Pacific recently purchased its 18th Boeing 777-300ER, and they invited a group of Virtuoso members and staff to come along on the delivery flight. Together with a small group of other VIPs, we celebrated the new aircraft with a private party at Seattle’s Museum of Flight and took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Boeing factory before being whisked away to Hong Kong on the sparkling new plane, with a champagne toast, of course.
The new plane boasts super-private business class cabins. We previewed all of the great amenities available while flying in comfort—fully flat beds (complete with massage function), delicious American and Asian menu selections, a 15 inch flat screen television with hundreds of entertainment choices, mood lighting, noise canceling headphones, and, of course, Cathay Pacific’s legendary service.
12 short hours later we landed in warm, humid Hong Kong—a welcome respite from the cold rain of Seattle. We were met by the friendly staff of The Upper House, a new boutique hotel tucked away high above the city’s famous Pacific Place shopping center.
The hotel is truly an oasis from the hectic bustle of the city. Designed by Andre Fu, the Upper House is swathed in rich bamboo, a neutral color palate, and beautiful artwork around every corner. The hotel offers the biggest standard staterooms in Hong Kong, beginning at 730 square feet, and each room offers stunning floor-to-ceiling views of either the island or the harbor.
Our very short trip felt infinitely long because of the casual luxury of The Upper House, and the comfort of flying with Cathay Pacific, and on our last night in Hong Kong, not even the rain could get us down as we dined on signature dishes from famed chef Gray Kunz and watched the spectacle of the nightly Hong Kong light show through the restaurant’s 49th floor panoramic windows.
Just back from … San Sebastián
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards, Virtuoso Life on July 1, 2010
By Justin Paul, Senior Editor, Virtuoso Life
Tapas, pintxos, media-raciónes – San Sebastián, the gourmet capital of Spain, is the land of perpetual grazing. I recently had the opportunity to visit the resort city just miles from the French border for a weeklong exploration of the Basque Coast from Bilbao to Biarritz. The results: a bit rainy (they don’t call it “Green Spain” for nothing), but undeniably delicious.
It’s always happy hour in San Sebastián. From open to close, bars and cafés line their counters with a bounty of pintxos, smallish snacks that range from tortilla española to skewered peppers with anchovies or prawns to bocadillos (three-bite sandwiches); larger, often more involved tapas, such as seared goat cheese with a micro-green salad and olive tapenade; and raciónes, plates of flash-fried padrón peppers with crunchy salt or the famed Iberian ham (order media-raciónes, half portions, where possible). And that’s just the warm-up – the area is known for many of Spain’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants.
When the sun shines, San Sebastián sparkles like few places on earth, with three excellent beaches: Zurriola (best for surfers and body-boarders), and gentle La Concha and Ondarreta in front of the city’s core facing out on the sea. Though surrounded by unforgiving hills and rock outcrops, the town itself is flat, with copious bike trails and a long beachfront esplanade that make for perfect diversions between bites.
No gourmets should consider their time in Spain complete without visiting this nook of the Bay of Biscay. Make San Sebastián your base camp, then set out on day trips to Bilbao (1.5 hours west) and Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz (30 minutes to the northeast), stopping in markets and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it villages along the way. Look for a complete report and the perfect itinerary to explore the region in the September/October Food & Wine issue of Virtuoso Life.
Click here to learn more about Virtuoso Life.
Looking for an Enriching Pursuit?
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on June 28, 2010
The Virtuoso June Enriching Pursuits travel catalog is full of journeys that are sure to ignite your desire for great travel with trips that will captivate your heart. Whether its discovering family roots, helping to support fragile environments, or simply following your passions, like cooking, history, or architecture, this catalog is full of rewarding and memorable pursuits. Plus, you won’t want to miss the value-loaded perks and expert tips!
View the digital version of the Enriching Pursuits Catalog
Highlights include:
Intrigue in the East – Climb aboard a camel, the “ship of the desert,” trekking through an Arabian oasis. Or a sleek yacht exploring ports on the Indian Ocean.
Rewards in the West – Choose a gastronomic extravaganza or family fantasyland, or sail away to island cultures so remote, they still use the star-filled sky as a global positioning system.
Revelations in Europe – Discover historic architecture in Melk, a foodie revolution in Barcelona, and a wine region in the UK.
Ten Ways to Make it Personal – Have you ever dreamed of looking up long-lost cousins? Digging for ancestral roots? Perhaps making a religious pilgrimage? You provide the idea; your Virtuoso travel advisor makes it happen.
Don’t have a Virtuoso travel advisor? Find one here.
The 30 Top Honeymoons of 2010
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News on June 18, 2010
Wedding Couture used to mean the bridal gown . . . now it means the honeymoon. Niagara Falls is being replaced with zip-lining in rain forests, summer skiing in Chile, or a desert safari in Arabia, according to Virtuoso® the leading luxury travel network who today announced 30 Top Honeymoons chosen by some of the network’s most experienced honeymoon specialists. To ensure brides-to-be are aware of these top honeymoon packages, Virtuoso looked to TheKnot.com, the number one online wedding planning resource, to create an email and website promotion campaign that will be viewed by millions of registered brides-to-be.
The honeymoons range from a three-day getaway at a Mexican beach resort for $1,930 per couple to a two-week African safari for $23,834. Each trip is arranged by one of 24 featured Virtuoso honeymoon specialists, each with an average of 15-20 years in planning detailed honeymoon itineraries for their clients. Featured destinations range from nearby destinations in Florida, the Caribbean and Central America to faraway jewels in the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and New Zealand. Accommodations include over-water bungalows, luxurious safari tents, grand suites and floating palaces.
“Virtuoso’s slogan is ‘We Orchestrate Dreams,’ and no travel dream is more important than someone’s honeymoon,” said Virtuoso President, Kristi Jones. “With all the stress surrounding a wedding, it’s nice to step into a marriage with a perfectly tailored honeymoon that will set the tone for exploring the world together as a couple. Virtuoso honeymoon specialists take this job seriously, so the couple can have the time of their lives. And, we bring a wedding gift as well . . . each Virtuoso honeymoon includes something special like extra free nights, guaranteed upgrades, limousine transfers, full-day shore excursions, shipboard credits, spa treatments or bar privileges with our compliments.”
Jones said Virtuoso’s Top Honeymoons fit a wide span of budgets and personal styles. Those looking for adventure can choose from exploring ancient temples, rafting through white-water rapids, touring by helicopter, paragliding, horseback riding, or snorkeling with sharks and rays. Those seeking romance and magic may choose a private candlelit dinner on a beach, their own private pool, an overnight sailing on a luxurious junk, or even the magic of Disney. If pampering is key, almost all of the honeymoons include the ultimate in luxury, from couples massages and limousine transfers to breakfasts delivered by canoe and extraordinary accommodations with breathtaking views. And for those wanting to be on the move, a selection of luxury cruises and multiple-destination offers are perfect for those with wanderlust.
“According to The Knot Market Intelligence: 2009 Honeymoon Study, romantic surroundings, sun, sand & surf, and a casual, relaxing environment are the top three qualities brides look for when choosing a honeymoon,” said Shri Lildharrie, global travel director at The Knot Inc. “With the honeymoon market being a $7 billion industry, it’s important for Virtuoso honeymoon specialists to create incredible honeymoon packages that meet all these elements and more.”
Full details for each of the honeymoons, as well as the Virtuoso honeymoon specialists who selected them, may be found at: www.virtuoso.com/honeymoons.
Expanding on the Idea of an Enriching Journey
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Virtuoso Life on June 16, 2010
Enriching journeys are those that change and transform us. Quite simply, these are the trips that we return from somehow different. So, whether your prospects are looking to turn their passions into a life-changing experience, make the world a better place, embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, or spend time relaxing and rejuvenating, they’ll find plenty of inspiration in the June issue of VIRTUOSO INSIGHTS.
View the digital version of the June issue of VIRTUOSO INSIGHTS
Highlights include:
- Giving Back Around the Globe - Your travel dollars doing good in Haiti, Chile, and beyond.
The Land of Milk and Honey – Israel overflows with spiritually, culturally important sites.
The Long Calm – Discover your inner Zen on this serene sojourn through traditional Japan. Plus: Tokyo decadence.
Enriching Journeys – Ten transformational travels — from Passion Plays in Bavaria to birdwatching in Peru.
These trips are most effortlessly enjoyed when planned by a Virtuoso travel advisor. Find out more about Virtuoso and get connected with your own travel advisor today.
Just Back From… The Algarve
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards on June 2, 2010
By Marika McElroy Cain, Senior Editor, Virtuoso Life
Sun, sand, blue water, and wildflowers for miles. The landscape of Portugal’s southern coast is alive in the spring – and pleasantly low-key before the influx of summer visitors.
Last week, I had a chance to soak up the region’s best during a stay at Vila Vita Parc, a five-star resort on a secluded cove in the western Algarve. The 167-room property was my base for explorations of the area, from the cobblestoned streets and cafes of easterly Tavira to the precipitous cliffs of Sagres, the southwestern tip of Europe.
There was even time for a quick trip inland to the arid Alentejo region and Vila Vita’s 200-acre Herdade dos Grous estate, which produces everything from champion show-jumping horses and pata negra pigs to organic produce and impressive wines.
In addition to a glittering private beach, a spa
, and several swimming pools, Vila Vita (pictured right) has a pleasingly varied restaurant selection, especially for its size. Among the options: Michelin-starred dining overlooking the ocean, traditional Portuguese fare with a fado sound track, and a sand-in-your-toes seafood extravaganza at the hotel’s beach restaurant.
Go to the Algarve. Stay at the Vila Vita, and, if you can, charter their private yacht for a sunset cruise and toast this gorgeous, golden coastline.