Archive for category Postcards
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.
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.
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.
An American (Stuck) in Paris
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards, Return On Life™ on May 3, 2010
Virtuoso’s creative director of marketing, Melisa Lunt, shares how her family found big hospitality at a small Parisian boutique hotel in the aftermath of the Icelandic volcano eruption:
They say the measure of a person (or in this case, a company) is best judged in times of challenge, not in times of convenience. That could not have been more true than during our recent stay at Virtuoso property Esprit Saint Germain in Paris.
From left: Francesca La Mastra (Esprit Saint Germain GM), Djenane Poidatz (Front Office Manager), Olivia, Melisa and John Lunt.
My husband, John, 3-year-old daughter, Olivia, and I decided to treat ourselves to two nights in Paris at the highly recommended Esprit Saint Germain following a week-long vacation in Germany.
The tone for our entire stay was set when we dragged our travel-weary selves into the hotel April 14. We received a warm greeting, had our luggage whisked away and were able to go to our room right away, even though it was only 11 am. The luggage made it there before we did! Not one detail was missed in our chic lodgings, including a special bed already made for Olivia – which she wasted no time in bouncing on.
Then on April 15, the adventure really began!
We learned from the front desk that there would be “slight delays” at the airport due to a volcano eruption in Iceland. Anticipating that this would only be a one-day setback, the hotel’s general manager, Francesca La Mastra, immediately made arrangements for us in a new room. I have no idea what amount of juggling was necessary to assure that we – along with everyone else who suddenly found themselves stranded – had a place to stay. But Francesca handled the situation with grace and calm, traits we would soon learn were the norm at Esprit Saint Germain.
By Friday, April 16, it became clear that Mother Nature was in charge. Airport closures blanketed Europe. The best hope we had was a flight the following Wednesday and the news weighed heavily on us. I immediately went to see Francesca, who listened to me like an old friend I had known for years. In her take-charge manner, Francesca insisted that as long as we were stuck in Paris, we would not be turned away. She acted as if the hotel had an endless number of rooms to accommodate its guests for an indefinite period of time, behaving as a true Virtuoso in this time of stress!
By Saturday, we had settled into a routine of exploring the city between phone calls and online searches of ways to get home. And we got to know our fellow hotel guests. We assumed that we would run into at least a few travelers that had booked their stay through a Virtuoso member – we were, after all, at a Virtuoso preferred property. But we had no idea that 100 percent of the guests we met would be Virtuoso! We all became fast friends – finding ourselves together each morning at breakfast checking in on each other’s travel status – and I felt so much pride being a part of such a strong network.
The littlest Virtuoso among us – our 3-year-old daughter, Olivia – won over a few hearts, including the hotel staff. They even made her an honorary front-desk staff member!
Little details go a long way under normal circumstances, and become so much more important in times of stress. Esprit Saint Germain did not disappoint. Each afternoon we found tasty little treats in our room; perhaps grapes and oranges or fresh berries. Just the thing for tired travelers (and tiny tots!).
On Wednesday, April 21, we finally made it out of Europe and back home safely. Six days later than planned, but with memories that will last a lifetime. A million “merci’s” to Laurence, Francesca, Djenane, Vanessa, Audrey and everyone at Esprit Saint Germain – for their kindness and hospitality!
Find out more about Virtuoso here.
A Tango Story
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards on February 5, 2010
by Virtuoso Preferred On-Site in Argentina – Mai 10
The event: Virtuoso Voyager Club 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
The time: dusk on a perfect summer evening.
The place: Buenos Aires’ first tango club, El Viejo Almacén. The story begins…
As Virtuoso Voyager Club guests of the Crystal Cruises World Cruise 2010 stepped off their motorcoach, they stepped into Buenos Aires of the 1920’s, the era when tango had reached its zenith. The sights and sounds of life on the old street quickly drew the guests into the magical setting.
The flower girl, the paperboy, the patrolman and the old man were there. So, too, were the beautiful young women who vied for the attention of young men sporting finely tailored suits. A solitary couple danced in the street as a young musician played a melancholy tango. Nearby Voyager Club guests looked on as they enjoyed cocktails and appetizers.
Guests were soon invited inside the historic tango club for a private meal of the finest Argentinean cuisine and wine. The club was quaint and dark, the perfect backdrop for a stunning tango show. One after another, couples came to the stage, held each other close, and performed the exquisite steps of the tango. The passion of their music and the intensity of their dance captured the hearts of the audience. Time stood still. The enchantment was complete.
Abuzz with excited conversation about the evening’s events, Virtuoso Voyager Club guests returned to the Crystal Serenity. It was the end of their tango story. It was also the beginning of a new adventure at sea as the Serenity departed at midnight with a new heading – Cape Town.
These and other experiences are being captured in a blog by Jesse Upchurch, Chairmain of Virtuoso, Ltd. and honorary host of this historic world cruise. Read Jesse’s blog here.
Just Back From … Anguilla
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards, Virtuoso Life on February 1, 2010
By Elaine Srnka, Editorial Director, VIRTUOSO LIFE
One recent winter morning my husband and I left behind below-freezing temperatures for the Caribbean clime of Anguilla in the British Leeward Islands. My mission: To check out the new villas at CuisinArt Resort & Spa.
A low, scrubby island, Anguilla is ringed with gorgeous fine-sand beaches and stunning views of Saint Maarten – and the megayachts of the rich and famous – off the southern coast where CuisinArt is situated. Sprawling across 20 acres with two miles of beachfront, the 93-room resort (yes, of the kitchen appliance fame) boasts a unique hydroponic farm, three tennis courts (lessons with head pro Rodney Ross were a fun treat), bocce court, and an expansive new spa with a fitness center and yoga pavilion. With two restaurants, cigar bar, and wine room, executive chef Daniel Le Guenan offers creative dining options, including his chef’s table. We feasted at a decadent poolside lobster barbecue one night, enjoyed fine dining at Santorini another, and even took a cooking class at lunch, learning to prepare local specialties.
And about those villas: Wow. These six expansive new beach houses boast from one to five bedrooms and range from 1,800 to 5,100 square feet. Surrounded by lush foliage, they have a full kitchen and most have an outdoor courtyard, grill, shower, and private pool (with beachside cabanas for the oceanfront ones), offering families or couples privacy and space. We liked that the iPod docking station was wired for surround sound, and noted wistfully that the indoor-outdoor flow of the villas begged to host a cocktail party – if only we’d had friends on the island to invite.
Anguilla is home to a surprising number of quality restaurants. We ventured off property one night to Blanchard’s, an island classic deserving of its status. Everything we ordered was fantastic, and their signature rum punches were the best we’ve ever tasted. We also admired Cap Juluca’s waterside Pimms, literally perched over the water. And just a few sandy steps down the beach from CuisinArt is Banky Banks, an iconic hole-in-the-wall famed for music (funky or not, the cover charge was $15 a person the night we went).
Tennis lessons, beach walks, lobster barbecues, cooking classes, spa treatments, and plenty of rum punch – we packed a lot into our three-night stay and were sad to leave. The staff was charming and personable, starting at the top with GM Stephane Zaharia. On the last day of my quick visit, several staffers hugged us goodbye – how often does that happen? It won’t be goodbye forever, though – I definitely hope to return.
Travel Veteran Sets Sail to Rediscover the World
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards on January 20, 2010
If you think an experienced traveler would be passé about a world cruise (“been there, done that”), Virtuoso Chairman Jesse Upchurch would prove you wrong. A 50+ year veteran of the travel industry and founder of several travel companies, Upchurch has traveled the world many times over; at times calling places like Botswana and Mexico City home.
Now he’s helping Crystal and Virtuoso’s Voyager Club program celebrate their 20th anniversaries by serving as the honorary host of the Virtuoso Chairman’s Cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity – and he’s blogging about his experiences.
“I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time, and I was not disappointed,” Jesse writes about the day the Crystal Serenity left Miami for its 108-day journey around the world.
The ship will cruise the Caribbean, South America, South Africa, India, the Middle East, the Baltic region, and the Mediterranean before arriving in Southampton, England. For Jesse, it’s a chance to revisit some destinations he hasn’t seen for decades. Catch his daily experiences on his blog, and you’ll see the world from the unique perspective of a travel industry legend. Click here to follow Jesse’s voyage.
Getting Ready For The 2010 Winter Olympics
Posted by Michelle Duffy in Postcards on January 19, 2010
I spent last weekend with my family at Whistler Blackcomb – our first foray onto the slopes in this ski season. This is an exciting season in Whistler and Vancouver, with the 2010 Winter Olympics just around the corner. Here’s a quick preview into how things are shaping up for a great Winter Olympics.
Vancouver To Whistler Transportation Improvements
The sea-to-sky highway improvements are largely completed and are just fantastic. There’s now a two-lane highway almost all the way from Vancouver to Squamish. Between Squamish and Whistler there are passing lanes at regular intervals. Drive times to the resort from Vancouver and Vancouver Airport are significantly reduced.
The Snow Conditions At Whistler
January can be a hit or miss month in terms of fresh snow on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. (You can check historical statistics here). You can take it from me: the current snow conditions at Whistler Blackcomb are really great. There’s plenty of fresh powder all over the mountains.
Preparations For Olympic Events At Whistler
The Downhill and Super-G events will be raced on the Dave Murray Downhill and Franz’s runs (men’s and women’s respectively) on Whistler Mountain. These runs are in great shape with lots of snow cover all the way to Creekside. You do have to take a slight detour between upper and lower DM Downhill because of construction for what looked like a viewing stand. The helicopters flying overhead carrying loads of lumber were a new sight on the mountain.
Olympic Shopping Opportunities
There’s Olympic logo gear, toys and totchkes in most shops in the village especially those run by the resort. My boys just loved the soft toy versions of the Vancouver 2010 mascots, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.
Thank You Virtuoso For Supporting Passports With Purpose
Posted by Michelle Duffy in Postcards on December 27, 2009
Look at the smile on that face. This is the image I’ll be keeping in mind as I process the fact that Passports with Purpose 2009 has been a tremendous success and that because of this effort, some child may one day smile just like this. At a desk, in a school, learning to read and write.
Virtuoso gave us a fantastic start by committing to be our Platinum Sponsor. Virtuoso partners, the Four Seasons Seattle and the Fairmont Olympic supported by donating some excellent prizes. We’re excited to have spear-headed this effort which brought together so many different people from the online and offline travel community and truly humbled by the impact of what this community has done.