WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,


Today I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. I have been named a 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Travel Specialist! This is an incredible honor that only a small portion of advisors worldwide are selected for, and I feel so grateful to be recognized for my commitment and passion for elevating my client's travel experiences around the globe. As someone who has been subscribing to Condé Nast since I was in my teens, it's a bit of a surreal moment.


None of this would be possible without you, my incredible clients, who have placed your trust in me and allowed me to do what I love. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with you and create unforgettable adventures for you, your family and friends.


I have been recognized as a specialist in family travel, active travel, food+wine, Spain, Peru and Kenya. It's no surprise that those are some of my favorite types of trips to plan!


Being active is infused in every itinerary I create (of course with the contrasting relaxing downtime as well!). Spain will always hold a special place in my heart because of the year we spent there on our family sabbatical, Peru is one of my absolute favorite countries - for so much more beyond Machu Picchu and Kenya (and all African safari countries) - wildlife, adventure, outdoors, culture. Yes to it all!


Though I am excited to be designated a specialist in those areas, my biggest specialty is designing exceptional travel experiences based on your unique interests. And whether you want to go on safari, explore ancient ruins in Peru, adventure in Patagonia, dine at Michelin star restaurants in San Sebastián, hike the Milford Track in New Zealand, observe grizzlies in Alaska, take an expedition cruise to Antarctica or something totally different, let's start planning! Where do you want to go?

In addition to all of you being a part of this success, the one other key person who deserves a lot of credit is my husband, Jason. My steadfast supporter who has believed in me and supported me throughout this journey. He sees first hand everyday (probably a little more than he'd like) my passion, enthusiasm and time commitment I bring to planning your trips. Thank you, Jason. I'm lucky to have you in my life.

Now on to the regularly scheduled newsletter...


I just returned from a quick weekend away to St. Petersburg, FL. Why St. Pete? Sometimes our choice of getaway is based on different criteria. For this trip Jason and I wanted to meet up with my brother and sister in law in a warm weather spot, on a non-stop flight for a very short two night getaway. Given we planned it quite late, there were only so many options. I love exploring new places so although I wouldn't normally pick this one, we enjoyed it!


We walked (and some ran) along the water, went to the farmers market, read by the pool and ate out at a lot of great restaurants. My favorite was Urban StillHouse. This place has a very cool story behind it, but it's nowhere to be found on their website. The only reason we learned of it is because we began talking with some people who were walking out when we arrived.


Urban Stillhouse was created by Horse Soldier, a national bourbon brand. This bourbon was started by a small special operations team that was one of the first units to be sent into Afghanistan following the 9/11 attack. They have a private dining/club area upstairs to use when they come to town. They also have a great gift shop! Check it out if you are in St Pete.


We stayed at the Vinoy hotel which is centrally located and walkable to downtown shops and restaurants. It has one of the most beautiful hotel coffee shops I've ever seen! They recently renovated their historic building and rooms and they are beautiful. They are finishing up the construction project by adding a new fine dining restaurant and pool restaurant, so I might suggest waiting until later this year for a visit.

Vinoy coffee shop

This Saturday you will receive a copy of the monthly newsletter, Where to Next - Safari edition. It will have a similar format to this newsletter, but be 100% focused on safaris and only arrive once a month. You will have the option to opt in or out.


Below you will find this week's inspiration from France, the Hudson River Valley in NY and Buenos Aires.


Also lots of recent articles including on planning summer vacations, how AI wants to begin planning your trips (I'm not worried!) and Americans buying up property in Europe to have a better quality of life for less money. In addition there's a poll prompted by the news that the EU will begin allowing cell phone calls on European flights. I'm curious what you think about that?

Warmly,

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Below:

  • This week's highlight - Domaine Des Etangs
  • Hot New Hotel Opening - Wildflower Farms
  • Where in the World is Jessie? Buenos Aires!
  • Inspiration + Information
  • Poll - How do you feel about allowing cell phone calls on planes?

DOMAINE DES ETANGS

Years ago before Jason and I were married, we went on a road trip through France. We stayed at a beautiful chateaux in Burgundy. I remember waking early one morning, opening the original old wood and glass windows and watching the mist hover over the vineyards.


There is something about being in a rural European country house, villa or chateaux that just feels magical.


Domaine des Etangs, a 13th century stone chateaux is on my list for my next French getaway. It's just three hours from Paris and the perfect compliment to a few days in the city.


Beyond the stunning chateaux, the property also has suites built in the former stables and six picturesque farmhouse cottages - private and exclusive. They are set in the rolling hills and green meadows in the charming town of Massignac. Wooden beams, beautiful art and whimsical decor abound, set amidst breathtaking views of the countryside.


Enjoy your coffee on the outdoor stone terrace, a picnic in the meadow on the edge of the forest, a poolside bbq with friends or in the farm-to-table main dining room, Dyades.


Or choose to relax at the Moulin des Etangs Spa with indoor pool and steam baths or lounge by the outdoor pool on a sunny afternoon.


Consider exploring the 26,000 sq feet of vegetable gardens, or art and nature trails that run through 2,500 acres of protected lands perfect for mushroom foraging. Or learn about the inner workings of the cattle farm.


If you are looking to be active, play a game on the floating tennis court, go angling, biking or row boating on the ponds.


Beyond the property, take a vintage car tour through the French countryside, a day trip to Cognac, go horseback riding or play golf. There are so many options!


Domaine des Etangs was ranked as one of the top châteaus in France by Condé Nast Traveller in 2022. It was recently announced that Domaine des Etangs will be managed by Auberge Resorts (they also manage places like Esperaza in Cabo, Hotel Jerome in Aspen and White Barn Inn in Maine).


This is a a rural gem and I highly suggest you consider it as a complement to a Paris weekend or as a stop en route to Bordeaux.


Of course a stay at Domaine des Etangs comes with VIP treatment and amenities as a Truvay Travel client.

📷 Domaine Des Etangs

🌟 In September 2022, a new resort opened in the Hudson River Valley. Wildflower Farms is set on a 140 acre retreat ninety minutes from New York City, with 65 cabins, cottages and suites.


Why visit Wildflower Farms?

  • The rooms' wall-to-wall sliding glass doors and private terraces give you spectacular views of the wildflower fields or the Shawangunk Ridge.
  • Ridge Suites include two fireplaces, a terrace with a cedar hot tub, indoor and outdoor showers and unparalleled views of the ridge.
  • Explore the property's trails or take a short drive to the Mohonk Preserve for rock climbing and more hiking. 
  • Unique classes are offered daily. Botanical Hour is a cocktail making class that is based on an ingredient grown on the Wildflower Farm.  The drink changes monthly and you will make your own cocktail, taking home the recipe to recreate later.  Past drinks made at Botanical Hour include a basil and mint julip, a pepper infused vesper and a snap pea gin fizz. 
  • Another popular class is called Raising Blooms.  Taking a hands-on lesson with the focaccia florist, guests make a sourdough focaccia with flowers, vegetables and seasonal produce. 
  • Other activities offered include pressed flower pottery, flower arranging and foraging.  
  • Enjoy the open air fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, indoor salt water pool and hot tubs. 


A stay at Wildflower Farms always comes with VIP treatment and amenities as a Truvay Travel client.

📷 Wildflower Farms

(For those new to the newsletter, Jessie is our 19 year old daughter on a gap year. She spent the fall exploring Europe and is now adventuring around South America)


From Argentinian Patagonia Jessie and Siska flew back to Santiago and took a 24+ hour bus ride (!!!) to Buenos Aires. Let's all agree that doesn't sound like a good idea unless you are 19 years old on a limited budget.


But they had strong motivation - they'd planned ahead and purchased tickets to Lollapalooza to see Drake, Billie Eilish and many other artists who I've never heard of, perform. It was a full weekend of music and they absolutely loved it. It reminded me how fun it is to add in a special concert, professional sporting event or athletic race to your travels. It's just fun to have an anchor event like that.


Although on a strict budget, she enjoyed some of the same experience you or I would do:

  • Visit Recoleta cemetery, described as an eerily beautiful place and where Eva "Evita" Perón is buried
  • Shop at Ateneo Grand Splendid, a former theater, listed by National Geographic as the world's most beautiful bookstore
  • Eat at restaurants serving empanadas and other local foods in Palermo and San Telmo
  • Take tango lessons and then practice in a local club or simply stop to watch the tango street performers
  • A professional Argentinian fútbol game - a must if you love sports!

Ateneo Grand Splendid

They did not get out to a rural estancia to experience the local gaucho culture, but I'd suggest you include it in an Argentinian itinerary.


They also learned a valuable lesson - if you decide to book a flight 1-2 days before you want to go somewhere, it is usually $$$. It doesn't matter if you are in the US, Europe or South America. It's just expensive. After exploring all the options together, I said "Jessie, my advice to you - give yourself the gift of a decision. Decide which flight you will take. Book it and pay up for it. Then move on. Eat a few more meals of rice and beans." Live and learn. A good life lesson.


The extra bonus of the flight issue was that they delayed leaving BA, which is what created a last minute opportunity for them to see the fútbol game. She sent me videos of the roaring crowd after a goal - it's deafening!

Tonight she is en route to one of my absolute favorite countries, Peru, and I wish I was with her! Since Peru has opened back up from the political turmoil, I've had many reports from on the ground across the country - with photos and videos from Machu Picchu and the train to get there. Things are returning to normal, but the crowds aren't fully back yet, which makes it nice for those who are there. I look forward to getting Jessie's personal feedback about what it's like.


They will begin their adventure in Peru by improving their surfing skills at the beach, doing yoga, reading and relaxing. It will be a nice contrast from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.

INSPIRATION+INFORMATION


It’s Not Too Early to Start Thinking about Summer Vacation, Virtuoso


The E.U. Will Allow Phone Calls on Planes in 2023—But Is That a Good Thing?, Condé Nast


The Rugged Cool of California's Santa Ynez Wine Country, Conde Nast


Americans Head to Europe for the Good Life on the Cheap, NYT


Longing for Spring? A New Batch of Hotels Will Help You Celebrate It., NYT


Why Passport Stamps Could Soon Disappear, Condé Nast


AI Chatbots Want to Plan Your Future Trips—Should You Let Them?,

Condé Nast


Is This the New Cocktail Capital of Europe?, NYT


How To Plan A Luxury Vacation To Ensure It Is A Trip To Remember,

Luxury Travel Magazine


The World's Greatest Places of 2023 50 Extraordinary Places to Explore,

Time


Beyond New York City: where to travel in Hudson River Valley,

National Geographic


(If you aren't able to access an NYT, WSJ or Washington Post article, send me a note and I'll send it to you in a PDF.)

How do you feel about cell phone calls on planes?
Yes, it's a good idea - provided people are respectful to fellow passengers
No, it's not a good idea
I'm not sure
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