El Camino de Santiago | HNHO - Casa Pestagua | Highlight

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

I've been home for almost a week and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! It's the graduation season and last weekend was full of graduation festivities. Many of our friends' kids graduated high school and Dartmouth and we enjoyed celebrating with them all.

I was also lucky to be the croupier in the casino at our high school's All Night Party which was the first time back since the pandemic. It is such an incredibly fun event for the kids and I'm so happy it's back! I hope all of your school's graduation events are also back.

One friend I caught up with just returned from a solo hike of the Camino Trail in Spain. It's something that has been on my personal list for a while and I soaked up all of her stories. She didn't have the expected 35+ days needed to do the entire trail (she had to make it back for her son's college graduation), but she did have 30, so she compromised. She went on her own, well prepared with research - the right gear, the right expectations. But nothing can ever fully prepare you for a trip like that. Similar to Jessie's gap year, it must be experienced first hand.

There are many ways to hike the Camino - on your own with nothing planned ahead like she did, or guided and fully supported through the entire trail or shortening it up and just doing a section. You can stay on floors of guest houses or in more comfortable small inns.

To listen to her describe the experience - the kindness of strangers, the camaraderie, the required consistent effort needed to cover the average 14+ miles/day - inspired me even more. She started out very strong as she met some younger people who were getting in 17+ miles/day which allowed her to make more progress than she anticipated.

In the end, it was such an impactful experience, she decided to get a tattoo of the famous Camino shell, a symbol used along the trail to show the direction. A reminder of the meaningful experience she had traveling solo on this special route.

Have you ever considered a solo trip? Would you? Yes, it can take a bit of courage, but stepping out of your comfort zone, spending extended time alone in the outdoors with so much time to think will have many strategic byproducts. It could be clarity on your life's direction, reflection and appreciation for past relationships or increased confidence from tackling something that you thought was beyond your abilities. The benefits will stick with you for years to come.

I just finished reading my latest book, Stolen Lives, a real life account of Malika Oufkir, a young Moroccan girl adopted into the royal family. Her royal life abruptly ended when her dad tried to kill the king and her whole family was sent to a desert prison, where they stayed for almost 20 years until they escaped. I can't say this is a book that will specifically inspire you to want to take a trip to Morocco, but it is a fascinating story that will motivate you to learn more about how Morocco has changed in the last few decades. For more summer reading ideas, see the articles below.

This week I've fielded many requests for summer travel to Europe, which I have had to politely decline. I'm hopeful next year the tide will turn a bit. You'll see in an article below that the demand for travel may finally be softening. Maybe this means summer 2024 in Europe will be a little less crazy and there will be more reasonable prices for all. But I still suggest you plan ahead to get exactly the best places and guides for your trip!

You are all beginning your fun summer travels this month. Where are you going?

Here are a few of the places our clients are off to... Bora Bora, Croatia, Paris, Alaska, Costa Rica, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, London, Wyoming, Spain and Portugal.

The Inspiration + Information section below includes articles on how it's never too late to travel the world with your best friend, fun experiences to have in Costa Rica and the best European city for a family-friendly trip.

Also information on navigating the crowded summer travel season in Europe.

To all of the dads - happy Father's Day!

Warmly,

Below:

This week's highlight - Bostani Farm-to-Table
Hot New Hotel Opening - Casa Pestagua in Columbia
Inspiration + Information

BOSTANI FARM-TO-TABLE

I have Greece on my mind this week. My brother's family is currently there, as are friends of ours and I'm in the midst of planning an island-hopping yacht adventure to the Greek Islands for a few couples next summer (impressive job planning ahead!).

In my opinion chartering a yacht or catamaran is always a good idea! After deciding on a boat and crew, my next favorite part is helping travelers decide where to go. One under-the-radar destination is the island of Spetses. It's quite the opposite of the party island of Mykonos - no cars are allowed and the preferred transportation method is a horse drawn carriage.

One of the highlights on Spetses is a visit to Bostani Farm-to-Table, a local organic farm owned by the Poseidonion Grand Hotel. It is here that you can enjoy a beautiful al-fresco dining experience immersed in the culinary traditions of Greece.

Your experience starts with a short tuk tuk ride from the hotel. Along the way you'll enjoy the rural landscape and stunning views.

"Close your eyes and inhale the country air infused with the aroma of pines and wild herbs. Taste the almost imperceptible salt from the sea, carried inland on a light breeze. This is the scent of Spetses that inspired the fifteenth-century Venetians to call it the ‘island of spices’, and these natural perfumes are captured in the traditional dishes of local cuisine, where the primary requirement is simply the use of fresh, natural ingredients."

Taste Greek wines, gaze out at the blue sea, enjoy homemade pita bread, fresh local feta and fish.

If you'd like to be a bit more immersed, attend one of their cooking classes under the sky, where you'll learn about traditional Greek organic farming techniques, pick the veggies and herbs for your meal and experience Greek cooking under the warmth of the setting sun.

Enjoy the class as an exclusive experience or if you are in a social mood, just book a few seats for you and and your fellow travelers and enjoy meeting others who share your interest in Greek wine and foods while you make a common meal.

While you're on the island, relax in one of their beautiful white sand cove beaches during the day and for the evening, go a little retro and spend the night in one of their two open-air cinemas.

📷 Bostani

🌟 Casa Pestagua reopened this year in Cartagena, Columbia after a grand $15 million renovation project. It is unusual we feature a reopening under HNHO, and when we do, there's a reason - I love it!

Why visit Casa Pestagua?

It is said that Casa Pestagua is the most beautiful house in Cartagena.
The building is in an historic 18th century mansion. The Spanish colonial architecture was meticulously preserved while incorporating modern amenities.
Casa Pestagua is Colombia’s only Relais & Châteaux affiliated hotel.
The suites and rooms are unmistakably romantic, each designed with unique décor and character. The hotel has a pool, library, gym, bar and restaurant but is small enough to have a secluded, intimate feel.
The gourmet restaurant Amina serves Columbian cuisine and is one of the best in the city. Amina translates in latin to "the soul." Chef Heberto Elijach creates an authentic Colombian menu with the feel of an aristocratic meal.
The location is superb - located within the UNESCO walled city and on a street known for great shopping and top restaurants.

Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.