Your Connection to Luxury Hotels
It has been a busy few weeks around here with moving, many new inquiries and proposals that I am working on, and suddenly a bunch of in-person travel events to attend! Just this past week, I had the fortunate opportunity to attend two events hosted by two elite hotel partner programs.
Through my host agency, Gifted Travel Network, I have access to these programs…which means by booking with me, you can receive the amenities and benefits at the partner hotels that you can’t get on your own.
BTW: If you are thinking about an international trip soon and need to renew your passport, do it asap! Standard passport processing times are estimated at 8 to 11 weeks right now so don't wait until it's too late and you're scrambling (and paying for expedited processing).
On Monday night, Hyatt Prive hosted a group of travel advisors at the Thompson Buckhead. The event was held in their beautiful rooftop lounge with views of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. It was a gorgeous early Spring night that felt like Summer, so what better place to spend it than on a chic hotel rooftop?
Hyatt Prive offers additional benefits for advisors with special access to key contacts at Hyatt properties where my guests are staying, exclusive promotions, and additional resources to ensure that I choose the best Hyatt property for my clients. Hyatt Prive properties include the more exclusive, higher-end Hyatt properties around the world. Some you may not even realize are part of the Hyatt family!
Although there were representatives from various Hyatt Prive properties around the world at this event, I somehow managed to find my way into conversation with some of the representatives from the Hawaiian properties - and now I am really wanting to plan a getaway to Hawaii!
Expect a different type of Maui vibe at Andaz Maui (photos below): farm-to-table dining, direct access to Mokapu Beach, and an authentic luau experience celebrating the Polynesian culture and history of Maui. The hotel offers 321 rooms which include suites and luxury villas - great for family travel. Located on the south shore of the island, you’ll have access to land and underwater adventures - snorkeling, hiking the volcano at Haleakala, or taking a helicopter tour to see Maui’s amazing views.
If you’re looking to get off the grid while you’re in Hawaii, think about spending a few days at Hana Maui (above). This is a boutique property on the famous Road to Hana that stretches along Maui’s northern coast. This will be your secluded luxury oasis, the perfect place to escape, unplug, relax and recharge. You’ll be right in the middle of renowned beaches, tropical forests and waterfalls, right on the Pacific Ocean. VIsit the nearby Hana Lava tuba - one of the island’s most incredible geologic wonders - or the Black Sand Beach.
It’s possible to combine your stay at Andaz and Hana if you like - think 3-4 nights at Andax and 2 nights at Hana. They offer uniquely different experiences on the same island.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai (below) is the premier luxury property on the island offering white sand beaches, lush gardens, and acres of pools, a spa, and golf. You’ll have views of the resort’s garden, the Pacific Ocean or the lush mountainside from the patio of your spacious guestroom. There are plenty of activities on site at the resort, but you are also encouraged to get out and explore all of the incredible attractions on Kauai.
Tuesday night was all about Belmond. If you are not familiar with Belmond’s properties, I encourage you to check out some of the highlights below (and those I’ve mentioned before here, here, and here).
My host agency is a part of the Belmond Bellini Club - this membership is advantageous to my clients in more ways than just added amenities. As your advisor, I can access an elite level of contact and service when working with Belmond that is not available to other agencies or if you book directly.
Belmond’s properties stand out because they are truly one of a kind. Belmond doesn’t build new hotels - rather they take over existing properties, whether they are hotels, monasteries, convents, private homes - and turn them into stunning luxury properties. They also have luxe train lines (Orient Express, anyone?), incredible barges that travel the canals of France in summer, and safaris in Botswana. Wherever you choose to stay, expect signature drinks, design and cuisine that celebrates local tradition and artisans - a truly authentic luxury experience. And it’s not just the properties - Belmond offers unique excursions and experiences for their guests that you can’t get elsewhere.
While not all of the properties were represented on Tuesday, I was able to meet with reps from around the globe and I am really excited about some of the properties below: (Yes, they are all amazing, I am just choosing a few!)
Combine a trip to Cape Town with safari in Botswana - this can all be packaged together so you can experience it all. Mount Nelson, in Cape Town, has views of Table Mountain and is located in the Soho of Cape Town so you’ll be near all of the trendiest shops, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy their Sunday Jazz Brunch and daily signature afternoon tea service. Then travel to Botswana - Belmond has luxury lodges in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park so you’ll be able to enjoy a sundowner on your balcony and see elephants and big cats nearby. These lodges are breathtaking and so is what you'll see while on safari.
Maroma (photo below) - This hotel is newly renovated and reopening in May 2023 (booking is open through me now). Located in the Riviera Maya, you’ll see special touches with attention to detail for all of the interiors - Mexican artisans were brought in for the redesign and you’ll see handcrafted details in every room. The resort is steps from the beach and offers a combination of rooms, suites, and oceanfront villas. Another resort perfect for multigenerational travel!
Belmond has multiple properties around Peru which means you can combine stays in Lima (Miraflores), Sacred Valley (Rio Sagrado), Machu Picchu (Sanctuary Lodge), and Cusco (Monasterio). In Machu Picchu, the hotel is located at the entrance so you won’t have to get up as early to hike and you’ll be able to see the sunrise and sunset at Machu Picchu from the hotel). There’s also a Belmond train line (Hiram Bingham) in Peru that can take you on a two-night journey from Lima to Lake Titicaca where you’ll stay the night and witness sunrise over the lake.
And, the next new Belmond property will be opening in 2024 in Sardinia!
These are not the only hotel programs my host agency is a part of - but hopefully this gives you a taste for what you can access when you work with me to plan your travel. I look forward to planning your next adventure, hopefully to one of these beautiful locations!
