A couple of months ago, I enjoyed four days at my most favorite industry event of the year. Our very own Brownell Academy, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. My days were spent immersed in connection, collaboration, and inspiration. For those unfamiliar, Brownell is the most highly regarded travel company in North America and a pioneer in luxury travel planning—renowned for our deep relationships and highly personalized service. At this annual gathering, we were joined by a selection of our most trusted global partners—the visionaries behind the world’s most exceptional travel experiences. They came ready to share what’s new, what’s next, and how they’re continuing to elevate the ways our clients see the world.

My bucket list grew by the hour. From brand-new hotel openings to soul-stirring cultural experiences, here are just a few standouts I’m most excited to share with you:

Ashford Castle, Ireland

🏰 Ashford Castle, Ireland – Storybook charm, falconry, and legendary service.

Walk in the footsteps of royalty and Hollywood legends at this 800-year-old estate, where every stay feels like a fairytale.

Come for the romance, stay for the fireside whiskey tastings and lakefront serenity.

🍷 Pa.Te.Os, Alentejo, Portugal – Striking minimalist design meets slow-living in wine country.

This architectural gem invites you to savor olive oil tastings, vineyard picnics, and golden hour by the infinity pool.

It’s the perfect reset for design lovers craving authenticity and calm.

🏝 Jumby Bay Island, Antigua – Private-island barefoot luxury at its finest.

With no cars, pristine beaches, and extraordinary cuisine, it’s the definition of relaxed exclusivity.

Arrive by boat, kick off your shoes, and let time slow to a dreamy pace.



🦙 Peru’s Sacred Valley + the Amazon & Lake Titicaca – Imagine combining Machu Picchu with an Amazon river cruise, stargazing in the desert, and immersive village visits near Titicaca.

This itinerary blends ancient tradition with natural wonder—and offers a deeper connection to Peru’s spirit.

End your journey sleeping under the stars in a luxury tented camp among the Andean peaks.

Pa.te.os, Portugal

🐑 Scotland – A private sheepdog demonstration in the Highlands, followed by an oyster boat ride with a local farmer? Yes, please.

It’s heritage-meets-hospitality, and a chance to experience rural Scotland through the eyes of its proudest locals.

Top it off with a stay in a historic manor and a dram of local whisky by the fire.

⛰ The Dolomites & Bangkok with Aman – Two new Aman properties are on the horizon, from alpine serenity to urban chic.

Expect serene design, impeccable service, and the kind of detail that turns a stay into a soul-level experience.

Perfect for the Aman loyalist—or anyone seeking the height of stillness and sophistication.



🌊 Four Seasons Dubrovnik – Opening soon, this is one to watch for next summer’s European escape.

Just outside the Old Town, it promises classic Four Seasons luxury with views over the Adriatic that rival postcards.

Imagine a morning swim in the sea followed by sunset cocktails with medieval rooftops as your backdrop.

Aman Rosa Alpina - Dolomites

🚂 The Orient Express: Venice to Paris – A cinematic journey through Europe in unmatched style.

Sip Champagne in your Art Deco cabin as the Alps rush by—this is slow travel with serious glamour.

Each carriage tells a story, and every meal is a celebration of timeless elegance.

🇬🇷 Santorini or Mykonos? Let’s talk about which Greek island fits your travel rhythm.

Santorini whispers romance and sunsets, while Mykonos pulses with energy, beach clubs, and buzzy restaurants.

Both deliver stunning views and world-class hospitality—just in very different ways.



🌊 Lake Como + Portofino – The dream Italian pairing: elegance on the lake with seaside glamor just a short drive away.

Imagine mornings on a Riva boat and evenings on a terrace with prosecco in hand—this is la dolce vita, perfected.

Pair grand hotels with boutique gems to experience both opulence and intimacy.

Mykonos, Greece

🏋️‍♀️ Fitness in London – Did you know one top luxury London hotel offers complimentary personal training with every stay? Ask me which one.

Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just want to stay balanced while traveling, this is a true insider perk.

Combine spa rituals with customized workouts in the heart of the city.

🌴 Panama: The New Costa Rica? – Boutique jungle lodges, tribal cultural immersion, Caribbean islands, and world-class diving—Panama is emerging as the lesser-known gem.

It’s wild, diverse, and beautifully authentic—with fewer crowds and more curiosity.

Add a few nights in Panama City for a splash of culinary innovation and colonial charm.

🌸 Deauville, France – This is where Parisians escape in summer. Think of it as the French Hamptons, with the elegant Barrière hotel right on the boardwalk.

Stroll the famous boardwalk, catch a film festival, or just enjoy oysters and rosé on the beach.

It’s the perfect pairing with a few chic nights in Paris or Normandy’s countryside estates.

Lake Como, Italy

Milka Hotel, Slovenia

🌲 Milka Hotel, Slovenia – A 6-room design sanctuary in the Julian Alps with its own Michelin star. Quiet luxury with serious culinary chops.

It’s intimate, elevated, and completely under-the-radar—a place to disconnect and be wowed.

You’ll feel like you’ve discovered Europe’s best-kept secret—because you have.

🦓 African Safari, Elevated – Whether it’s the Great Migration in the Serengeti or a private conservancy in Botswana, safari is the ultimate transformative journey.

Think game drives at dawn, lantern-lit bush dinners, and the quiet thrill of watching wildlife in its natural rhythm—all with five-star comfort and conservation at its core.

From family safaris to honeymoon hideaways, every itinerary is customized down to the sundowner cocktail.

❄️ Lapland, Finland – A true winter wonderland where reindeer rides, Northern Lights, and cozy glass igloos make for an unforgettable Arctic escape.

Perfect for families, couples, or adventurers, it’s one of the few places on earth where you can snowshoe by day and watch the aurora dance from bed at night.

Lapland, Finland

Tanzania