surfing in Peru | | WTN? Domaine de Manville | Highlight

Lima, Peru

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

Is your household in the midst of watching March Madness? Ours is. And unfortunately my bracket has been blown. If you are participating, I hope you are faring better than I am.

Last week I suggested to my daughters that we go away between Christmas and new years. Their response was unsurprising...

YES!

When I followed up asking where they wanted to go they said "you choose."

So I asked what kind of vibe they wanted - relaxing and peaceful, active and adventurous or a bustling scene and they said "chill beach for day but fun for night because it's new years." So I began my research into best options.

I knew it would be a bit of a struggle because we only have 6 nights and many places have 7+ night minimums for that period. I did discover/confirm a few things:

I'm already late to the party for where I want to go. Several places I'm interested in are either full or have a few random rooms left. One resort has one room available December 27 and again on December 29. Clearly that's not going to work.
The flights with the schedules I want are already $$$.*

Therein lies the challenge of last minute bookings (which for highly coveted places at the end of December, is 9+ months in advance). Under normal circumstances I would have made my list and booked the first place, maybe the second. But now I will be spending more time looking at alternatives.

I thought I'd share that with you, just in case you are in a similar position thinking ahead about December vacation to sought after places. It is 100% time to begin planning.

* The way around high flight prices is not to wait - the experts do not think they will decrease. Instead, mentally get over the hurdle - the prices now may be unprecedentedly high, but if you want to get from the US to the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize etc. your only other option is to drive (and perhaps add in a boat), and that's not desirable for most of us.

Last year Europe was a popular destination during the holidays, and I personally had 25 clients traveling in London and the UK. For those destinations, you have more time, but I would encourage you to book before summer - so you get to pick the best hotels, rooms, tea times, restaurants and experiences for you.

Today I'd also like to share an update on the current status of Peru. Many of you are aware there were some issues that began late last year.

As with any significant event (like political upheaval), it takes time to recover. One of my partners in Peru has kept in almost daily contact throughout the last couple of months, sharing photos, videos and the reality of life on the ground. I am happy to report that in the major areas where you would go, all is on its way back to normal. No, the tourists are not fully back yet, but to some that is a blessing. The Hiram Bingham train (one I highly recommend!) is running three times/week. Machu Picchu is open and giving permits for visits and the hiking trails to get there.

My daughter, Jessie, arrived in Peru last week and you'll read more about that below. Personally I'm allowing her to be there so I have no out of the ordinary concerns. But I also think that everyone has a different tolerance and so it's a personal decision.

A few months ago I was not planning trips to Peru, because even if a client's trip was far in the future, I won't plan a trip to a country that is not currently open/suitable to go. I can say now that I am comfortable planning trips to Peru. So if it's always been on your list to hike Machu Picchu, now is a good time to plan ahead!

This week I've segmented the articles below by Inspiration and Information to make it easier for you to skim through and find the most interesting ones for you.

The articles include lots of travel inspiration including an inside peek at one of the world's most glamorous hotels (I'll be there in 2 weeks!), Copenhagen, Johannesburg and following the trail of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Matisse in the south of France.

Also information about warnings for passport application and Global Entry wait times and why flight experts suggest booking flights earlier. As I mentioned above, I must get on top of narrowing it down and actually booking our flights for the holidays!

Oh and the results of last week's quiz (inspired by Europe's recent announcement they will offer cell phone calls on planes)...

How do you feel about cell phone calls on planes?

100% responded it is not a good idea. I agree!

Enjoy your week!

Warmly,

Below:

This week's highlight - Umekes in Hawaii
Where to Next? Domaine de Manville in Provence
Where in the World is Jessie? Trujillo, Peru
Articles to Inspire+Inform

UMEKES

This week I'm inspired to take you to Hawaii.

More precisely to the Big Island (aka the island of Hawaii).

Why?

My older daughter, Allison, spent the last 10 days there and she was video calling me daily with reports of how much she loved it.

Mom I almost stepped on a huge turtle today! It looked like a rock!

I went snorkeling this morning and swam next to turtles and puffer fish!

The fruit smoothies here are so delicious!

Maui is a favorite of mine for active, adventurous travelers.

But I also love the Big Island (and really, all of them!).

Many of you know that I also love contrasts. I very much enjoy a beautiful hotel and especially love when they have a restaurant that's worth going to even if you aren't staying there (see a recommendation below).

But I also love adventuring around and discovering local places far from the hotel scene.

Today's Highlight is the answer to this question:

Where does the Four Seasons Hualalai resort's Cultural Ambassador dine on his day off?

Umekes

Umekes is the Hawaiian word for bowl and poke bowls are their speciality

(poke means cut into chunks).

He loves their unbelievably fresh fish,

delivered by local fishermen directly from the nearby harbor.

Their award winning poke has been voted the best in Hawaii and been featured on

Food Network's shows.

Poke is highlighted in this article as one of the 5 Hawaiian Dishes You Must Try.

In addition to poke, try their succulent oysters,

cajun grilled fish tacos and many vegetarian options.

(see their MENU)

Pair your meal up with one of their speciality cocktails - a Mai Tai, Patio Poundah slushy or Shirtless Margarita (skinny margarita with local honey & pineapple and a Hawaiian Chili Pepper Sea Salt Rim - this is what I'll be ordering!).

Try one of the beers on tap including locally brewed Kona Brewing Co. (another great place!), which he recommends ordering in one of their ice-cold schooner glasses.

If you are like me and enjoy venturing out, it's a worthy stop for a casual lunch or dinner.

And if you are going to the Big Island you need a place to stay. I have a few favorite hotels that are clustered on the best part of the island...

the northwest coast.

Mauna Lani

Four Seasons Hualalai

Mauna Kea

and the Fairmont Orchid - the best choice if you are strictly gluten free.

(of course with all of the above you get the VIP treatment and perks

when you are a Truvay Travel client)

After your visit to Umekes, if you are looking for a more refined, oceanfront option in a beautiful setting, I highly suggest the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani. One of my friends recently ate there and said "it was one of the best meals I ever had!" (meaning anywhere, not just in Hawaii)

There is so much to do on the big island, so I'm inspired to write up a list for you. I'll include a link in an upcoming newsletter.

📷 Umekes

🌟 Our clients will be heading to France in April. They are staying at the five-star Domaine de Manville in Les Baux, a hilltop village in Provence.

Why is Domaine de Manville so special?

A former working farm, the hotel has 30 rooms and 9 villas. Each villa has its own plunge pool and you may reserve a private chef or butler.
On a 250-acre estate, the hotel is surrounded by olive trees, gardens and lush green fields.
Their own Michelin starred restaurant, l’Aupiho, offers exquisite French cuisine.
Traveling with children? The kids club offers educational and fun activities in a gypsy wagon in the forest.

Do as much or as little as you like:

Play their on-property 18-hole golf course.
Relax or swim at one of the three pools - a heated indoor pool at the spa and two outdoor pools.
Enjoy the hammam, ice fountain or a Velvet Skin treatment or an exclusive massage for two at the full-service spa.
Take yoga, Pilates or have a privately designed fitness class.
Rent bikes and explore the property. Electric bikes are available for a leisurely cruise through the olive groves and vineyards. For a sportier option, rent mountain bikes and ride the rocky roads and trails through the forest.
Take a private cooking class with our favorite local chef to perfect your knife skills and learn to make quintessentially French cuisine.
Explore the nearby Parc des Ateliers. The Tower was designed by architect Frank Gehry, and you can explore the exhibits, the landscaped park and enjoy several delicious restaurants for lunch.

‼️ Don’t miss…exploring the local town of Les Baux, known as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Climb the castle ruins and enjoy views from above.

Use your credit from booking with Truvay Travel for a French cheese plate or oysters with a glass of local rosé in the courtyard or towards green fees for a morning on the golf course.

📷 Domaine de Manville

📷 MYR67

(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)

Jessie and Siska made it to Peru. To balance their last minute, over-budget flights from Buenos Aires to Lima, they opted for the bus to Trujillo, a little surf town that's their home for a bit over a week.

Most people are motivated to visit Peru to see Machu Picchu. Understandable as it's an absolutely incredible place. But there is SO MUCH more to Peru! You can read about some of my Peruvian adventures and the experiences and places that are still on my list HERE.

Trujillo would not be a typical destination for my clients, but it is perfect for these girls (and that's the goal of planning custom travels - finding the perfect places for you!). If you love surfing and want to include it in your trip, Trujillo along with beaches south of Lima and Mancora are popular destinations. When I was in Lima last October, I even saw many surfers off the coast of downtown. As well as people going parapenting (if you look closely at top photo you will see one) - which also happens right from downtown. Peru was the first place I went parapenting and I absolutely loved it! The feeling of flying, riding the air currents so peacefully above the coast is exhilarating!

Jessie and Siska are taking daily surf classes and doing twice daily yoga. Often they spend the golden hour of the sun setting surfing with a group of Peruvians and expats. You can see a photo of the sunset above and here's a video. The waves look very manageable! I know the girls are loving this more relaxed pace following the bustling city life in Buenos Aires.

On my first trip to Peru I did not go to Machu Picchu, and it's likely I'm one of the very few that have done that. But having been to MP, I can say it is absolutely worth it. And the best part is, it's one of so many adventures to have in the Sacred Valley outside of Cusco.

Look forward to more details on Peru in the next couple of weeks.

INSPIRATION

36 HOURS in Johannesburg, NYT

Inside the 60th Anniversary of One of the World's Most Glamorous Hotels,

Town & Country

Copenhagen Is Always a Good Idea—Now More Than Ever, Condé Nast

The General Manager of the hotel used in The White Lotus speaks to CNN, CNN

On the Trail of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Matisse in the South of France,

Town & Country

INFORMATION

The Next Several Months Will Be Very Annoying for Travelers, Fodor's

“Many businesses in the hospitality industry either can’t find enough people to work or the training isn’t there. As a result, we are seeing a gap between what people are paying for and the value and level of service they’re receiving.”

Global Entry Is a Mess Right Now. Here’s What You Need to Do, Fodor's

Brazil reintroduces visa requirement for US tourists, others,

AP News

Think Getting Into College Is Hard? Try Applying for These Gyms., NYT

Delta Is Adding Mexico, Costa Rica, and Caribbean Flights

from These U.S. Hubs, AFAR

Say Goodbye to Daily Hotel Room Cleaning, NYT

Passport wait times are up again. Don’t let them spoil a trip.,

Washington Post

This cheap flights expert thinks you should be booking trips earlier,

Washington Post

"There are three primary reasons to plan further in advance: cheaper flights; taking advantage of newfound flexibility; and extended happiness. But in fact, study after study finds that we get as much if not more joy from anticipating a vacation than actually being on vacation itself. In other words, our future selves aren’t the only ones who enjoy Paris or Miami; our current selves do, too."

8 things to know about traveling in Europe during labor strikes,

Washington Post

(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.)

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