What's your dash? | WTN? Ojai Valley Inn | Highlight - Encanto in Portugal

A NOTE FROM MIMI

Good morning Mimi,

"Why did you hard launch our family vacation in your newsletter?"

That was the question I received from one of my teenagers last week. Luckily it was asked with a smile. :) And now I know one of my kids actually reads my newsletter. I guess I hadn't officially told them that was the plan yet. But as with all travels, it's not a guarantee until it's actually booked, and I still haven't finalized it yet.

I love creating this newsletter for you every week. And I also love reading other travel newsletters. On of my favorites is the NYT’s Travel Dispatch. I highly recommend it if you have room for one more.

I've been traveling a lot over the last year and as I was flipping through my passport I realized the pages are almost all filled up. With a quick google search I learned that the ability to order extra pages ended in 2016. Instead, 5 years ahead of schedule I have to get a new passport. In case you run into a similar issue - you can order a new passport with either 32 or 52 pages. I'll be getting 52 this time. This topic is related to this week's Q&A below - How many passport pages do I need for my trip to ____?

I receive a lot of emails from travel suppliers. So many I can't possibly open or read them all. Sometimes something intrigues me and I open it. Last week I was glad I chose to open the one from Kruger Shalati. The train/hotel on the bridge in Kruger National Park that was a previous Highlight.

They shared about a well-known poem called The Dash and I was inspired to share it with you.

"It speaks of a friend's funeral where the pastor referred to the dates on the tombstone – the beginning and the end. Between those dates was the dash, which was the part that mattered most. It represented the person's life and everything that happened while they were on earth."

We all get one shot at living our dash well. It is filled with everything from going to school, studying, building a career, making a difference, family, all the to-do's, and life in general. Yet, inside this dash are a few pauses when you step off life's treadmill and breathe – a pause where you fill up through an exceptional experience. And we get to choose how we spend these pauses. If we choose well, we end up with incredible memories because these pauses are those holy days of holidays, weekends, breakaways, family days, romantic days, and me-days.

Enjoy your week!

Warmly,

Below:

One of my favorite types of vacations
This week's highlight - Encanto in Lisbon
Where to Next? Ojai Valley Inn in California
Favorite Articles

One of my favorite types of vacations are chartering catamarans. We've chartered four times - in the BVIs, Panama, Belize and Thailand. I still have many other places on my list - Croatia, Turkey, the South Pacific, Raja Ampat. It is soooo much fun! And depending upon the boat, it is often all inclusive. If you have 2+ families with kids who are friends, it's even better! A flotilla of fun!

Here are a few examples of charters to consider:

This catamaran is perfect for a family of 4-8.

What we❤️ about this catamaran:

Crew's passion for the underwater world and watersports
Chef's professional training allows her to cater to the fussiest foodie or ratchet it down for picky eaters
Forward deck area - perfect for sundowners plus a second "flybridge" deck
3 queens and one double cabin
Array of watersports including onboard diving

Inclusive rates from $28,000/week for 8 guests; $24,000/6 nights.

This 2021 custom yacht packs a lot into 102 feet including 5 guest staterooms.

What we ❤️ about this yacht:

Dynamic and creative crew that dazzled us with their circus theme party
The aft deck plunge pool
32' tender fully rigged for sport fishing
Ginormous full beam owner's cabin with panoramic views
Flexible berths - king, 4 queens and twin; convert one of the queens to a twin

$115,000/week plus expenses for up to 10 guests.

This boat epitomizes catamaran luxury. Ideal for an adventurous family or an epic fun-splashed milestone celebration.

What we ❤️ about it:

4-person jacuzzi on the second deck (a rarity on a cat)
Fold down balcony in the master cabin
Arsenal of toys - from scuba to e-foils to sea scooters
2 kings and 2 oversized queen cabins with custom mattress toppers
All-star crew of 4

If you want to consider one of the above yachts and enjoy yourself in one of the absolute best ways to travel, send me a note.

ENCANTO

"Welcome to this enchanted place of haute cuisine where vegetables are celebrated as stars."

A single, 12 course 100% vegetarian tasting menu.

If you are a meat eater, the food is so delicious you will not miss it at all.

Encanto by José Avillez

José Avillez's restaurant next door, Belcanto, was the first restaurant in Lisbon to be distinguished with two Michelin stars and José Avillez the first Portuguese chef to receive this accolade in Portugal.

"At Encanto, we want to celebrate the work of local Portuguese farmers and

cede the spotlight to seasonal products."

It occupies the space of the former Belcanto, which moved to better integrate

the guests into the kitchen experience. (I suggest you book a table there too)

While gathering a bit of extra intel on Encanto I learned that two of the most famous chef's in the world, Pía León & Virgilio Martínez, of Central in Lima, in March 2022 collaborated with José, bringing their local Peruvian products with them to Lisbon and creating a magical dinner.

You can see more in this video.

Watch it to see some of the beautiful creations coming out of the kitchen.

📷 Encanto

There are a lot of charming, boutique hotels in Lisbon. As always, depending upon who you are going with and what your priorities are, I would have different recommendations.

One to consider - Bairro Alto.

With their center-city location, recent renovation, rooftop bar and beautiful artwork lining the walls - it's a great choice. And of course comes with VIP perks when I book it for you.

I was inspired to pick a Portuguese destination today because we have clients arriving in Portugal later this week. Portugal has been gaining in popularity and is considered a hot destination. It's a great choice for your upcoming spring or summer trip.

The weather, the coast, the Duoro Valley, the casual luxurious boutique hotels, horseback riding, vineyards, hot air balloons, the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge (a previous Highlight), Lisbon and of course the food.

Plan a trip to Portugal.

Book a table at Encanto. And Belcanto.

Listen to Fado.

Relax on a rooftop.

Shop at the markets.

Taste the white Vinho Verdes and red Ribera del Dueros.

Learn about the local cork industry.

Rent a villa on the beach.

Learn to surf.

Play golf.

Kayak the Duoro River.

Why wouldn't you go to Portugal?!

📷 Bairro Alto

📷 Ojai Valley Inn

Where to Next?

🌟 Our clients recently traveled to California. They toured wineries, hiked trails and ate at Michelin starred restaurants. They also stayed at the beautiful, Ojai Valley Inn, in southern California.

Why is the Ojai Valley Inn so special?

9 restaurants at the Inn, from the star of the resort, Olivella, to Pixie, where you can dine poolside
The world class Ojai Country Club is on site for a round of golf and the whole place has a country club vibe
Close to the town of Ojai filled with galleries, restaurants, breweries, wineries and boutiques
Great for a couples’ getaway or with the family

Do as much or as little as you like:

Book services at the spa or relax by their two pools – one adults only and one for families
Work out in the fully-equipped gym or take Mind & Body classes
Bike to into town for shopping, dining and exploring. Have lunch at Pinyon Ojai for seriously good wood-fired pizza
Take a food tour of the Ojai Valley to taste delicious bites from multiple places
Pick a nearby hike – an easy 1.1 mile route to Rose Valley Falls or a hard 12+ mile with 2600+ feet of elevation gain on the Gridley Trail

‼️ Don’t miss… the Bluegrass Brunch, outside with live bluegrass music, classic breakfast options, a carving station, raw bar and decadent desserts on Sunday mornings at The Oak.

QUESTION

My passport pages are almost filled up. How many pages do I need for my trip to Zambia?

ANSWER

The most common answer is 1 or 2, depending upon the country. However there are some countries that require more. Zambia requires 3 and Namibia requires 6. If you are getting close and need a specific amount for an upcoming trip, I suggest you paperclip some of the blank pages together to guide the Immigration officers to stamp other pages. I did that before Kenya and didn't have any issues. See the number of blank passport pages required by country here.