Archive for category Return On Life™
Pick Your Perks
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™, Virtuoso Life on April 25, 2013
The benefits of working with Virtuoso travel advisors are immeasurable and often intangible, from the huge time savings (just researching air schedules makes my head swim, much less attempting to coordinate a family vacation) to their impressive global connections and know-how. And by know-how, I don’t just mean expertise in where and when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and how to do it – though that is a pretty impressive wealth of knowledge. I mean know-how in you: your preferences and peeves, your hobbies and interests, your calendar and budget, among others. One of the more tangible benefits of working with a travel advisor is Virtuoso’s hotel program. With nearly 1,000 properties in more than 100 countries around the globe, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you prefer sprawling resorts or intimate family-run inns, established classic hotels or trendy new properties. (For a peek at the latter, turn to page 80 of Virtuoso Life for a roundup of the year’s hottest hotel openings.)
Virtuoso hotels vary in size, style, and location, but they all offer five-star service, personalized attention – and perks you wouldn’t receive if you’d booked the hotel on your own. Every single property in our portfolio includes in its Virtuoso rates breakfast for two, as well as upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout, when available. But Virtuoso travelers also receive extra benefits, from bottles of wine t
o spa treatments, dining credits, and creative offerings such as horseback rides, rounds of golf, cooking classes, snorkeling excursions, and more. These amenities add value to your vacation – plus, they’re a fun reminder of the VIP treatment you receive when you work with a Virtuoso advisor.
My daughter and I enjoyed many such perks when I took her to Paris for the first time (read about our trip on page 144). Our favorite: At the Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the Virtuoso amenity (in addition to a $30 dining credit) is entrance for two to Versailles Palace, which is walking distance from the hotel.
Here’s to the perks of traveling like a VIP.
Virtuoso’s New Hotels Spotlight Nature and History
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards, Return On Life™ on April 10, 2013
Virtuoso’s four newest additions to the esteemed Hotels & Resorts program are all unique luxury properties. Two of them are outstanding for their settings of peaceful natural beauty, and two of them offer thoroughly modern accommodations and service in distinctive historic buildings. Discover why these properties are worth booking and how, when you book with a Virtuoso travel advisor, you will benefit from the exclusive amenities they offer.
Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador
The contemporary, sophisticated and intimate Mashpi Lodge – located three hours northwest of Ecuador’s capital, Quito – provides the perfect base for nature adventures amid its 1,300-hectare private reserve, part of the highly biodiverse Andean rainforest known as the Chocó. The 22-suite lodge – built with the latest in low-impact techniques – will delight guests who seek to discover this world while enjoying creature comforts, fine dining, an extensive wine list and fantastic service. The Lodge is perfect for families, nature lovers, and well-travelled guests with distinguished tastes who think they have seen it all. Virtuoso guests receive a $100 credit for treatments in the Wellness Area.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado, Puerto Rico
With its serene coastline and palm-fringed beaches under the Caribbean sun, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a tropical enclave. Situated on three miles of coastline with 1,400 acres of natural beauty, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Americas offers a remarkable luxury retreat, including 115 spacious accommodations directly on the beach, a restaurant by José Andrés, a five-acre Spa Botánico, an eco-adventure program by Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment and three championship golf courses. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve creates memories that will last a lifetime. The Virtuoso amenities are an American breakfast for two, $150 resort credit and upgrade at check-in upon availability.
Monastero Santa Rosa & Spa, Conca dei Marini, Italy
A 17th-century former monastery perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Monastero Santa Rosa is the Amalfi Coast’s newest gem. More than a decade was spent transforming the property into a boutique luxury hotel with 20 unique rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant with coastal views and a full-service spa. Secret gardens, canopied lounge chairs, and rooms with soaking tubs make the resort an ideal romantic getaway, while an infinity pool, 24-hour room service, and attentive staff make it perfect for any occasion. Virtuoso amenities include a welcome drink and fruit basket in room on arrival, three-course lunch or dinner for two, and a 50 Euro spa credit per room with a minimum three-night stay.
The Ritz-Carlton Vienna, Austria
Enter a world of history, contemporary design and impeccable service. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna (Austria) is an elegant building composed of four former palaces from the 19th century and is located in the heart of the city with breathtaking views of Vienna’s landmarks from its rooms and rooftop bar. This truly unique property combined with our personal service will make your stay a memorable experience. Virtuoso guests receive an upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), continental daily breakfast for two guests and a € 85.00 food and beverage credit (not applicable for alcohol, in-room dining or mini bar).
Virtuoso amenities are only available when you book through your Virtuoso travel advisor. Don’t have a travel advisor? Find one here.
Virtuoso’s World of Award-Winning Restaurants are a Foodie’s Delight
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Postcards, Return On Life™ on March 25, 2013
Looking to wow a foodie who seemingly has experienced it all? Look no further than the incredible wealth of culinary delights housed in Virtuoso hotels worldwide. With the help of your Virtuoso Travel Advisor, you can book some of the best tables in the world helmed by celebrated chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Joel Robuchon and Daniel Boulud.
With 94 Michelin-starred restaurants in 13 countries and a total of 143 stars, Virtuoso properties are thriving in the culinary tourism boom. The foodie blog The Daily Meal has also included 53 restaurants at Virtuoso hotels on its list of the 101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World.
Part of the appeal of an outstanding meal while traveling, stated Catherine Scown, is the desire to experience things in person rather than on a computer screen. The senior director of marketing at Virtuoso hotel Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong said, “What we cannot experience through sight, we need to experience with the other senses of our body. And so we travel to see these things in the flesh.”
Scown’s property occupies a unique position in the culinary pantheon. Four Seasons Hong Kong is the only hotel in the world to house two restaurants with three Michelin stars. Lung King Heen is a mecca for dim sum lovers, with dishes like garoupa fillets with ginger and spring onion soy in a bamboo basket. On the other side of the culinary coin, French-themed Caprice serves mouthwatering langoustine lasagne and chanterelle mushrooms in a shellfish bisque.
Part of the thrill of culinary travel is savoring local specialties and ingredients. Aude Bourgouin Lebarbier, press relations manager at Virtuoso property Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, commented, “Eating is really part of local habits and sharing local culinary habits is a good way to discover a foreign way of life.” The hotel’s three-star restaurant, Alain Ducasse, celebrates local culture with meals like the one-dish cookpot homard pommes de mer featuring lobster from the Brittany region.
Travelers’ desire to sample local cuisine to have a more profound experience has played a significant role in the foodie boom. “Travelers are genuinely interested in understanding where their food comes from,” observed Jennifer Chiesa, senior public relations manager at Virtuoso hotel Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena, California. “They want to learn about the region they are dining in and why it’s so special so that they feel even more connected.” The Restaurant at Meadowood brings that to life with its farm-to-table philosophy, such as its locally sourced guinea hen baked in a salt crust with Meadowood garden herbs. The Restaurant is one of only two restaurants in the Western U.S. to earn three Michelin stars.
By planning ahead, Virtuoso member advisors can provide their clients with a trip-making meal. Many restaurants are booked weeks or even months in advance. A good rule of thumb: book the meal, then the flight. When making a reservation, ask questions, and determine how the restaurant can cater to each client with perks like special tasting menus and wine pairings. It also pays to get a feel for the cuisine of different regions, both through travel and advance research.
“People will travel to the ends of the earth for a unique culinary experience,” commented Scown. “They will save to splurge. The pleasure of enjoying good food or discovering new cuisine is worth travelling for – and it is very much part and parcel of the entire experience.” With the right guidance, Virtuoso member advisors can make that experience something to savor for a lifetime.
Find out more about working with a Virtuoso Travel Advisor.
Create Your Virtuoso Travel Wish List
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™, Virtuoso Life on March 12, 2013
Looking for a fun way to create a travel wish list? The Virtuoso Life Travel Dreams Survey, now available at www.virtuoso.com, is a fast, entertaining and simple tool that compiles your globetrotting aspirations, and leaves you not only longing for your next vacation, but with a “where to next” list that you can save, share, print and use to plan your next getaway.
Here’s how it works. The survey first asks you to select a travel personality.
Are you?
The Trendsetter: It’s all about what’s new and what’s next. An early adopter of emerging destinations, maiden voyages, and new itineraries, you’d rather not return to the same place. Instead, you’re a collector of experiences – the more passport stamps, the better.
Or maybe,
The Go-Getter: You want to see it all, and your active and adventurous itineraries are packed from morning until night to make sure you check off the requisite sights, sites, and experiences.
If neither of these personalities is a good fit for you, there are others to choose from. The travel personality you select sets the stage for the destination and experience questions that come next.
Once the survey is completed, you receive your own personal travel wish list – a summary of all your responses plus Virtuoso recommendations for additional destinations and experiences you might want to consider. This wish list is the perfect place to start travel planning with your Virtuoso travel advisor.
Those needing added motivation need look no further than the sweepstakes’ Grand Prize giveaway: a 10-day cruise for two in a stateroom verandah cabin aboard Crystal Serenity sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden on July 30, 2013. Five first prize winners will each receive $1,000.
Look for the comprehensive survey responses to be revealed in the VIRTUOSO LIFE Travel Dreams issue this July. To better understand what you’ll get out of the survey, watch this inspirational video.
The VIRTUOSO LIFE Travel Dreams Survey and sweepstakes entry form and complete rules, terms, and conditions are available at www.virtuoso.com.
Must be a valid U.S. resident to be eligible to win. Non-U.S. residents are invited to take the survey here.
Travel Wish Lists
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™, Virtuoso Life on February 27, 2013
We all have a travel wish list of places we want to go - for milestone celebrations, family vacations, long weekend getaways, and the like.
Costa Rica was one of those places for my family, and tales of zip-lining, white-water rafting, and colorful wildlife made us want to see if for ourselves. We did just that a few months ago (read about the trip on page 96), and the destination did not disappoint, from the scenery – it was so green! – to the outdoor adventures and the people we met. Though I tend not to repeat too many destinations - so many places to see, so little time, and I want to check off as many as possible – Costa Rica’s one of those rare places I want to return to again and again.
So what kind of traveler are you, and what’s on your wish list? Find out when you take our Travel Dreams Survey at www.virtuoso.com. The survey is fun, fast, and enlightening: choose your travel personality, then tell us what tops your travel dreams, whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a trip of lifetime. When you finish, the survey will create your personal travel wish. You can download and print it for future reference to what destinations and experiences most entice you. Better yet: Share that list with your travel advisor, who can help you map out a plan to make those wishes a reality.
My own survey results? I’m a “Trendsetter” travel personality: “It’s all about what’s new and what’s next. You’re a collector of experiences – the more passport stamps, the better.” (Sound familiar?) The dream destinations that top my list:
- Seychelles
- Antarctica
- Australia
Those last two? My goal is to call on all seven continents; only five down.
Try it yourself – you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a ten-day cruise for two from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Stockholm, Sweden, with Crystal Cruises; five other luck winners will receive $1,000 cash prizes. Here’s wishing you good luck. (Only U.S. residents are eligible to win prizes, however, consumers living outside the U.S. are invited to take the survey at www.virtuoso.com/traveldreams)
Elaine Srnka
Editorial Director
Virtuoso, Ltd.
P.S. Do it soon – the survey ends March 31.
Historic Europe Hotels Offer Virtuoso Exclusives
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™ on January 31, 2013
Virtuoso introduces four distinct properties in Europe that blend the charm of history with five-star service and modern luxuries. Take a look at these properties and discover what makes them unique – and how you will benefit from stays with them.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Alexandria, Scotland, UK (exclusive)
A magnificent baronial mansion surrounded by 100 acres of woodland, Cameron House on Loch Lomond blends traditional Scottish inspirations with contemporary influences in the finest surroundings. Guests will enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, a luxury spa with rooftop infinity pool, and a range of outdoor pursuits including unique seaplane flights, all served with the heartiest of Scottish hospitality. Virtuoso guests can choose either a formal afternoon tea for two with champagne served by butlers in the drawing room overlooking the lake or a UK65 food & beverage credit. The credit is valid for any of the four restaurants from a loch side seafood restaurant to a Michelin-star establishment.
Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt, Switzerland (exclusive)
At the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn – Switzerland’s symbol – lies the newly renovated Mont Cervin Palace. For 160 years, this legendary great hotel of the Alps has brought together hospitality and Swiss tradition at the highest level. Arrive in the hotel‘s red horse-drawn carriage, enjoy one of the 14 restaurants, or be on Cloud Nine in the spa and wellness area. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, in the heart of the authentic and carfree village, guests can explore the great outdoors and breathe the pure air. Virtuoso amenities are an upgrade upon availability, US$100 credit, buffet breakfast daily, WiFi and free soft drinks from the minibar.
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, St. Moritz, Switzerland (exclusive)
The Kempinski in St. Moritz is a grand building that has created and cultivated a rich tradition. International guests feel welcome in a unique and uncomplicated atmosphere. Attentive service with a genuine smile and comprehensive advice from the concierge is given throughout the stay. Enjoy the Swiss Alps in elegant rooms and suites, in the three award-winning restaurants or in the Alpine Kempinski The Spa. The Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains is located in St. Moritz Bad, with direct access to the cable car station to the ski and mountain region Corviglia. Virtuoso amenities include an upgrade on arrival, subject to availability; a 100 CHF food & beverage/spa services credit; and early check-in/late check-out subject to availability.
Palazzo Seneca, Norcia, Italy
Palazzo Seneca is a charming Umbrian palace from the 16th century, offering a unique fusion of design, tradition, simplicity and quality. It is owned by Vincenzo and Federico Bianconi, the sixth generation of a family that has been offering hospitality since 1850. The skilled restoration by the best Umbrian craftsmen has made Palazzo Seneca a memorable destination. The property is perfect for people who love gastronomy (truffle hunting, cooking classes, olive oil and wine tasting), nature (trekking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding) and shopping (Umbria is well known for its cashmere). Virtuoso amenities are an upgrade upon availability and dinner for two (excluding alcohol).
Virtuoso amenities are only available through a Virtuoso member travel advisor. If you don’t have a Virtuoso travel advisor, click here to learn more.
Virtuoso’s Luxe Report Reveals Top Emerging Destinations And Other Key Trends For 2013
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News, Return On Life™ on December 20, 2012
Virtuoso recently revealed the top destinations for 2013 as determined by the network’s annual Virtuoso Luxe Report. Based on input received from a survey of the world’s best travel advisors, the report provides insight on where, when and how travelers will go next – whether on land or afloat – be it couples, families and adventure-seekers, alike.
With the debut of Myanmar, Bhutan and Chile to the “most popular emerging destinations” list, findings indicate that Virtuoso’s clients are eager to venture into new territory, no matter how far-flung or remote. In these instances, the opportunity to explore lesser developed destinations to gain a richer experience outweighs the desire for more traditional “luxury.” Meanwhile, Cuba and Vietnam maintained their respective places among the top five emerging locations in the world, garnering attention from travelers in the know.
As baby boomers continue to drive travel sales, and the desire to spend time with loved ones prominently factoring into decisions, it is no surprise that the top and recurring trend for the upcoming year is multigenerational family travel. Ocean cruising is predicted to have renewed strength in 2013, with the Baltic Region making a new appearance on the list aside perennial favorites like Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. River cruising continues its strong growth trajectory, especially on the European waterways, and the addition of new routes throughout Asia will only bolster its popularity in the coming year.
Italy continues its reign as the top destination for international travel in 2013, followed by South Africa, France and Australia. This year Latin America emerges with Argentina making a first-time appearance on the list.
The biggest change from 2012 to 2013 is within the U.S. travel market. Napa Valley/Sonoma claim the top spot as the most sought after U.S. destination, bumping both Maui and New York from their touted positions. While Las Vegas remains on the list, the city now shares an unlikely fourth place juxtaposed with the state of Alaska.
For families traveling in 2013, Italy will remain the chart-topper, with adventurous Costa Rica moving up in popularity to join England. New to the list this year is Mexico, breaking through to capture fourth place in the ranks of family travel. France, the Galapagos Islands and Turks & Caicos all tie for fifth place.
The most popular destinations for romantic travel continue to be Italy, French Polynesia, France, and Bali. This year Fiji joins the list of exotic locations, reconfirming that romance knows no boundaries.
As in past reports, the motivation behind high-end travel continues to be: seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; rest and relaxation; personal enrichment; seeking adventure; and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones – again, supporting the emerging destinations as well as emphasizing multigenerational travel as one of the biggest trends for 2013.
“This year’s Luxe Report has unveiled fascinating first-timers to the list. Myanmar, Bhutan and Chile are destinations growing in appeal to the savvy traveler and our 2013 report reflects this passion for exploring something new,” says Virtuoso Chairman and CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch , CTC. “The multi-faceted Virtuoso traveler wants to reconnect with loved ones, explore new destinations, and seek out opportunities for personal growth. These are all areas where collaborating with a Virtuoso travel advisor is essential, as their goal is to help travelers realize these dreams.”
The 2013 Luxe Report also predicts there will be a rise in longer trips (eight days and longer) to international destinations and suggests that when necessary, travelers are willing to book lower room categories in order to stay in nicer hotels. Travel advisors still continue to be the lead influencer in determining their clients’ travel decisions, followed closely by input from friends and family, which shows that crowd-sourcing will continue to factor into the travel planning process. Meanwhile, Business Class is still the preferred way to fly, with Economy Plus gaining popularity as more airlines introduce and expand this on-board product.
Find out more about the top destinations featured in the Luxe Report here.
For more information, go to www.virtuoso.com.
New Virtuoso Destination Guide Features Island Adventures
Posted by Cristine Lammers in Return On Life™, Virtuoso Life on November 14, 2012
Discover Treasured Islands and Adventures Down Under.
What arouses your travel passion and ignites your imagination? Perhaps it’s the romantic allure of a sun-soaked day spent on a private beach. The enjoyment of savoring unique island cuisines. Or discovering the peculiar wildlife, unrivaled wine routes and ancient cultures waiting Down Under.
The November, Island Adventures Destination Guide, features an amazing and unsurpassed collection of cruise itineraries, vacation packages and exclusive values. To enjoy the digital version in its entirety, click here.
Whether you explore Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii or the South Pacific by land or sea, your Virtuoso travel advisor can create the best travel experience that features an array of exclusive amenities you simply can’t find anywhere else. When a Virtuoso travel advisor plans your vacation, they deliver:
• Value – We have access to pricing, amenities, perks, upgrades and experiences not available anywhere else.
• Customized experiences – Designed with you and for you.
• Confidence – You’ll rest easy knowing we’re handling all the details before, during and after your trip.
A travel advisor provides invaluable assistance that will make your Island Adventure truly extraordinary. For a weekend getaway or the trip of a lifetime, call on us. Don’t have a travel advisor? Click here to find one.
Luxury Rail Travel: A Stylish and Novel Experience
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News, Return On Life™ on November 2, 2012
Eleanor Hardy’s clients had been saving for years to take their trip of a lifetime: a European tour on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. “When they arrived at the station in Venice and saw that beautiful, deep blue train with the cream-colored roof, they burst into tears,” says Hardy, owner of The Society of International Railway Travelers in Louisville, Kentucky, a Virtuoso member. “It was their dream come true.”
Luxury trains top the bucket lists of many travelers who feel they’ve done everything else. “People into train travel tend to be older,” notes Julie Lemish, president of Virtuoso member Rex Travel in Chicago, Illinois. “Mostly couples, a few singles, not many families. The quarters on trains are pretty small.”
Because the classic trains are expensive to maintain and the service level is top-notch, a luxury rail trip can cause sticker shock for the uninitiated. For train buffs with deep pockets, the service and ambience are worth every penny. “It’s like a rolling, elegant cocktail party,” Lemish says.
Anna Skubiak, director of strategic partnerships for Virtuoso supplier Orient-Express, agrees: “Elegant bar cars where guests mingle with fellow travelers are so very indicative of the golden age of travel.”
In addition to the iconic Orient Express, luxury rail lines roll across multiple continents. “The Pride of Africa has a lovely, open-air deck,” says Hardy, “and I love the Royal Scotsman because it is so intimate.”
In western Canada, Virtuoso supplier Rocky Mountaineer offers a first-class tour. “Along our rail routes, our guests marvel at the ferocious rivers, still blue-green glacial lakes, waterfalls in the distance and the stunning Canadian Rockies,” says Karen Wiseman, Rocky Mountaineer’s director of sales, U.S.
For travelers who want more modern adventures, some rail lines are adding amenities. “Some trains have hair salons, libraries, video facilities, and wi-fi,” says Owen Hardy, CEO of The Society of International Railway Travelers. “One, in India, even has a spa car where you can get a massage or workout.” From the South African Blue Train’s safaris to the hiking and biking excursions from the Trans-Siberian Express, luxury rail can accommodate adventurous as well as lower-key passengers.
Virtuoso membership makes it easy for advisors to incorporate luxury rail into customized itineraries. Because trains are typically just one piece of a client’s trip, the transfers, hotel nights, and on-the-ground tours are important, too. “Virtuoso provides access,” says Linda Barber, partner at Virtuoso member Travelwizard.com in Nelson, B.C., Canada. “When I talk to Virtuoso On-Sites around the world, I can trust my network to provide a high class of service to my clients.”
For the been-there, done-that traveler, luxury rail offers a special experience. The Orient Express’ Paris-Istanbul journey stands out in Owen Hardy’s mind. “Everything about this trip is over the top. Since this trip is done just once a year, the train’s arrival in Budapest, Bucharest, Istanbul and other stops is a celebratory occasion for the local populace. Waving from your compartment, you feel like an international celebrity.”
For more information about booking your own rail travel vacation, call your Virtuoso travel advisor. Don’t have a travel advisor? Click here to learn more.
Unique Culinary Programs Distinguish Virtuoso Properties
Posted by Cristine Lammers in In the News, Return On Life™ on October 5, 2012
From world-class restaurants to local specialties, memorable meals can be a destination in and of themselves for travelers. Virtuoso suppliers have responded to the growth in culinary travel by transforming mealtime into an unforgettable experience. These three properties have created innovative programs to make delicious cuisine a true adventure.
Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico found that many guests enjoyed cooking and sharing favorite recipes. He also noted the popularity of cooking competition shows such as “Top Chef.” Thus the “Challenge the Chef” game was born.
This light-hearted competition gives guests the opportunity to cook any dish they wish under the tutelage of a chef. Guests begin the game with a pre-meal consultation. Then on the evening of the event, the guest prepares the dish in an open kitchen on the property. “It is the perfect time for guests to prepare their famous dishes with help of equipment and ingredients that are generally not available in a home kitchen,” explains Guisset.
After tasting the results, Guisset gives pointers on ingredients, preparation and presentation so that guests can improve their culinary prowess. The most common mistake? Guisset says it’s an unbalanced dish, such as one that’s too sweet or salty.
Guest chefs receive a “Challenge the Chef” diploma and a shot at culinary stardom: winning dishes are added to the resort menu for a week with the guest’s name. Mouthwatering past winners include a double pork chop roasted with fettuccine cake and port-glazed onion, and fish with prosciutto and mango chutney. The service is $130 for set-up and $85 per person.
At the Virtuoso-exclusive property Four Seasons Resort Nevis, guests can go a step beyond preparation and catch their own meal. The “Dive and Dine” experience gives certified divers the opportunity to search for their own lobsters in the warm Caribbean waters.
Guests are taken by boat to hotspots for hunting the elusive lobsters, where the Nevisian crew helps divers capture their dinner using traditional methods. British author Dominic Midgley recently tried the experience and noted, “Lobsters may not look like the cheetahs of the sea but when someone tries to lasso them with twine on a stick they can move with lightning speed, when…it’s safely in the dive master’s net bag there’s a real sense of achievement.”
The day’s catch is prepared for a private beach dinner, where guests can take turns slathering on sauces and picking up tips at the grill. Meals feature in-season ingredients, such as fresh mango glaze. Created as an over-the-top luxury experience, the service costs $1,950 for the first two people and $500 for each additional one.
For guests looking for an easier route to delicious cuisine, the Hotel Arts Barcelona in Spain, another Virtuoso-exclusive property, offers a new Michelin dining program. “Many disciples of [famed Spanish chef] Ferran Adria have started their own restaurants, and increasing the popularity of the region amongst foodies,” explains hotel representative Lorriane Lacy. In response to this growing enthusiasm, the hotel gives guests VIP access to the region’s top restaurants by making lunch reservations and providing quick, luxurious transportation via helicopter.
The journey begins with a five-minute transfer from the hotel to a heliport, then a scenic flight of 45 minutes to an hour. It includes a bird’s eye tour of Barcelona with glimpses of famous sites such as Sagrada Familia and Montjuïc. The rest of the journey could include sweeping views of coastal Catalan towns and beaches or rocky inland landscapes.
Part of the program’s appeal is the guaranteed reservations at some of the most sought-after tables in the region, where access usually takes months to arrange. Guests may choose among the two and three-star rated restaurants El Celler, Miramar and Les Cols, enjoying avant-garde tasting menus and artistic creations such as fresh tomatoes and caviar drizzled with olive oil and quail egg tempura. All for $4,923 per couple.
These hotel stays, and other unique hotel experiences, are best when planned by your Virtuoso Travel Advisor. Don’t have an advisor? Click here to find out more.
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