A NOTE FROM MIMI


Good morning Mimi,


I am happily settled back in NH for a solid month. I arrived home to a sunny day with the most glorious red, orange and yellow trees. One of the reasons I love living in New England is the fall. Tigger and I headed out on a mountain bike ride the next day. 

Then on Saturday we hosted a tailgate before the Dartmouth football game. Sadly they lost big. But, since we were actually at the tailgate the entire game, we enjoyed ourselves anyway. While there I met the son of a friend's friend. He's in his late 20's, graduated from the Naval Academy and recently returned from being stationed in Japan. We talked about so many things - he's held a variety of posts on Navy vessels and commanded troops from all over the US. I believe everyone has a story, and he had many. 


Aside from learning about what his life is like in the Navy, we talked about travels, including a recent trip he took to Banff. Banff has been on my list for a long time. Every picture I see makes me want to go. I also love the Banff Film Festival and see the world tour version when it comes through Hanover each year. He showed me some of his photos and I asked if I could share with you. They are above and below. Expect sometime soon that I will do a Highlight near Banff. It's too beautiful. We all must go. 

📷 Steven

A few other notes...

The Belmond Maroma in the Riviera Maya shut down for renovations shortly after my visit two years ago. I found it charming at the time, but also in need of an update. Luckily, their famous beach bar, Freddy's, was perfection just as it was. 


Well it's opening back up in May and I am so excited to see it! I haven't made a personal plan to go back yet, but I'd love to send clients. As with most luxury hotel brands, Belmond has a group of advisors that are invited to be part of their elite club. And I am one of them. On November 1 they will open future bookings only to that group, followed by the general public weeks later. Send me a note if you'd like to go (keeping in mind my general caveat about new hotel openings - give it 6 months. Or if you are eager to go before then, set your expectations accordingly).


I know it is going to be beautiful! Belmond is one of my favorite hotel brands because they have such a strong focus on hotels that feel authentic to the place they are in and they have luxury level service. An ideal combination. 


I've been fielding several inquiries about sabbaticals lately, and if you've ever dreamt of taking your family on an extended trip, you'll find some helpful information in this week's Q&A. 


Exciting news - Adventures in Luxury Travel podcast is back! Tomorrow I record the first episode of Season 2. I'm excited to share one of the most remote hotels in the world with you. You'll find out where next week!


Last week I shared many of the incredible things we did in Peru and I promised to follow up with the list of places and experiences that are still on the list for my next visit. This week's newsletter is already full, so I'll share in the near future. 



Warmly,

WarmlyMimi.gif

Below:

  • This week's highlight - Sky-High Yoga
  • Where to Next? The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
  • Q&A - How to begin thinking about taking a family sabbatical?
  • Travel Updates
  • P.S. Favorite Articles

SKY-HIGH YOGA

Sky high yoga!

Sound fun?

After my via ferrata to the SkyLodge Adventure Suites in Peru last weekend, I think I am still in an active, thrill-seeking mood. 

I love going to NYC. And so do my clients. 

There is just such a variety of things to do that suits kids to adults.


Last winter when I was there with my daughter we walked the Highline to the Vessel, with a stop at the Little Island (see it in a previous Newsletter). 

Nearby is the Edge. We saw it from the ground, but did not go up. 

Now I'm putting it on my list for our next visit. Specifically taking this Sky-High Yoga class.

Kids as young as 6 years old can participate.


This class, run by Equinox, is on the 100th floor of a skyscraper. Not to worry you are surrounded by glass walls. 


Here's my idea of a perfect day in NYC...

Imagine waking up early on a cool early summer morning to start your day with an exhilarating 6:30a yoga class surrounded by the best views of NYC.

 By 7:30a you are done and on your way to grab a bagel and latte at

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee

From there a shower, shopping in Soho, a late lunch at Altro Paradiso (Italian) or The Woo (Korean BBQ), and a show on Broadway followed by a cocktail at The Polo Bar (if you can get a table) or Amor y Amargo


If you are feeling super adventurous/daring you can also do the City Climb. I'm not actually up for that, but if you do it, let me know how it is! 


📷 Sky-High Yoga

📷 Shelbourne Hotel

🌟Our clients recently traveled to Dublin and spent a few nights at the beautiful Shelbourne hotel. The Shelbourne was built in 1824 and has the grand reception rooms, chandeliers, soaring ceilings, stately portraits and prime position across from Saint Stephen’s Green to show for it.


Why is the Shelbourne so special?

  • One of Dublin’s oldest, most prestigious hotels where the Irish Constitution was drafted in one of the suites (an original copy is among the historic pieces in the on-site museum) 
  • Endless amenities to choose from….a luxury spa, beauty salon, gentleman’s barber shop, health club, swimming pool (perfect for kids after being out all day) and a genealogy butler 
  • Their Princess Grace Suite is one of the best 2-bedroom suites in the UK and Ireland
  • Locals are ever-present at their bar, giving you a chance to strike up a conversation with them over a beer
  • It’s a favorite for families because of the many interconnecting room options


Do as much or as little as you like:

  • Work up a sweat in the dance studio 
  • Wind down at the spa’s park-view relaxation room
  • Drop by the 1824 bar for a whiskey from one of the city’s best collections
  • Experience a traditional high tea at Lord Mayor’s Lounge with towers of pastries and a sweeping view of the gardens of St. Stephen’s Green


‼️Don’t miss…..enjoying Oysters and Guinness: a tasting of the classic Irish combination, complimentary when we book your reservation. 


Of course additional perks when we book it for you, plus a complimentary lunch or dinner for two people per room. 



Question:

We loved listening to your podcast episodes on sabbaticals and especially loved the story of the NH family. We are planning to take a family sabbatical for the 2023 - 2024 school year and are overwhelmed with figuring out where to go when, how many countries we can visit and what to budget. Can you help?


Answer: 

Of course! It's no secret I am a big fan of family sabbaticals. It was one of the most impactful decisions we made for our family. Many people find planning 1-2 weeks away a big deal, so it's understandable that an entire year in multiple destinations would feel overwhelming. To start, read through what I wrote How to begin thinking about taking a family sabbatical.

TRAVEL UPDATES


Lufthansa, American Among Airlines Investing Billions in Lucrative Premium Seats, Airline Weekly 


Fear Not, You Can Keep Putting Apple AirTags in Your Checked Bag, AFAR


You’re Going to Have to Work Harder to Keep Your Airline Status, WSJ 


Heading to France? It's running out of gas, The Points Guy 


Pandemic Travel Has Reached a Turning Point, Bloomberg 


Helpful links: CDC


The US State Department Country Specific Information is here.


INTERESTING ARTICLES


 African Safaris That Are Actually Family-Friendly, WSJ 


Trips Instead of Gifts This Holiday Season, Forbes

I love and personally practice this concept. She has some good destination ideas, although I disagree with some of the specific companies she picks. 


The World’s Best Airport Lounges Will Cost You. Are the Perks Worth It?, WSJ 

All lounges are not created equal.  I've seen a lot of very full ones lately. Do a bit of research ahead of time so you can set your expectations appropriately or make better choices. 


Where to Find the Best Ramen in Tokyo, Virtuoso 


Sidecar Tours Are The Next Big Thing in Sightseeing, AFAR


The Strong U.S. Dollar Has Americans Flocking To Europe This Fall, Forbes 


A Rafting Trip in Utah for Only the Lucky Few, WSJ 


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

7c7f860f-7391-8466-0647-05ee51955967.jpg

Do you enjoy these emails?

If so, please share with a friend who also might like them and encourage them to sign up. 

Thank you!

View as Webpage

LinkedIn Share This Email
Facebook      Instagram      LinkedIn      Email