Happy Thanksgiving! | WTN? Hamilton Island | Highlight - Lo Que Hay

? Mohonk Mountain House

WHERE TO NEXT?

Hello Traveler,

I heard rumbling outside my window this morning and realized it was a plow truck scraping up the icy snow that fell overnight. On a positive note, the weather is supposed to improve from here, and I hope for all of your traveling this weekend the skies are clear and the flights go smoothly.

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving, there are some tips in the Information articles below. We are getting ready for our Thanksgiving weekend at Mohonk Mountain House with our extended family. When I return I have about an 16 hour turnaround before I depart for Chilean Patagonia. Today I will be packing for both!

I’ve had several recent inquiries for travel to Japan and it continues to be one of the hottest destinations. I reached out to one of my partners about a trip in May and she responded…

“I really wish that we could assist, but we are unfortunately already completely sold out for the spring season. All of our vetted guides and drivers are fully booked.”

She and I share the perspective that we do not want to take on trips if we cannot guarantee the quality of guides or services. So if you are thinking of a trip to Japan consider planning at least 7+ months in advance. We are now looking ahead to July and beyond.

A note on upcoming newsletters:

November 29th our annual Gift Issue will arrive. I’ll be sharing lots of gift lists, and favorite products and experience ideas from my partners, colleagues and friends. If you are looking for inspiration – you will find it here!

Given my travel to remote parts of Patagonia where the wifi is limited to none, at least one, but maybe two, newsletters will be “lite.” I’ll hope to have wifi to be able to share highlights from Patagonia. But just in case – follow Truvay Travel on instagram to see the stories I post on the places we go, people we meet and experiences we have. Everything I do, you can do too – especially if you plan ahead!

This week’s inspiring articles include the best places to go in Africa in 2024, favorite ski resorts on every continent, the best women owned hotels, a different kind of family tradition – a big holiday trip together and other articles on Finland, New Zealand, Peru, Austria, Namibia and the Philippines.

The informational articles include preparing for Thanksgiving, parents who fly in business or first class and put their kids in coach and the answer to What exactly is a boutique hotel?

A note of gratitude…

I am grateful for you, my wonderful clients and readers, who allow me to create magical memories for your families and love what I do each day.

“If you think it’s happiness that makes you grateful, think again. It’s gratefulness that makes you happy.” – Buddhist monk – David Steindl-Rast

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warmly,

Below:

This week’s highlight – Lo Que Hay
Where to Next? Hamilton Island in Australia
Articles to Inspire+Inform

Lo Que Hay

We have a client who is taking her family to Panama over the new year. My assistant, Michelle, is also taking her family to Panama over Thanksgiving. With them in mind, I’ve been seeking out the best restaurants in Panama City.

My partner in Panama highly recommends Fonda Lo Que Hay, voted one of Latin America’s Best Restaurants in 2022. “Fondas are to Panamanians what coffee bars are to Italians. These inexpensive roadside restaurants are an integral part of daily life – unpretentious pitstops where neighbours meet after long shifts at work and owners nod to regulars over steaming pots of beef stew.”

Her favorite dish is the Cassava Tostada with Tuna Carpaccio and onion ceviche (below). It was one of the first dishes on the menu when the restaurant opened six years ago and since day one, it was so popular it was impossible to take it off the menu!

For dessert she suggests raspao’ en paila (shaved ice). It’s a DIY to prepare at the table but as you would eat it in the street.

The vibe: casual, noisy and fun where food is served at the center of the table to share.

Lo Que Hay only accepts reservations during the week (Wed-Fri) until at latest 7pm. After 7pm or Saturday and Sundays it’s first come first served … but worth the wait!

? Lo Que Hay

?Our clients recently celebrated their honeymoon in Australia. They spent a few days exploring Sydney, then flew north to the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is part of the spectacular Whitsunday Islands – I floated around these islands for a few days years ago and the beaches are pristine and the sea is breathtaking!

Why is Hamilton Island so special?

There are two luxury accommodations on Hamilton Island – qualia and Hamilton Island Beach Club and both have so much to offer guests!
The Beach Club is an adults only boutique hotel on Catseye Beach with views of the Coral Sea. qualia is on the tip of Hamilton Island and our favorite rooms are the ones offering private plunge pools.
There are fantastic restaurants on the Island. Start at the romantic Beach Club Restaurant that offers secluded beachside dining. Try South East Asian at coca chu, local seafood at Mariners or Mexican at TAKO.

Do as much or as little as you like:

You have complimentary access to catamarans, paddle boards, kayaks, windsurfers and snorkeling equipment. Our clients loved having the water toys so easily accessible.
Stay active at the gym and tennis courts on the property. Relax at the infinity pool and enjoy direct access to Catseye beach.
Tee off at Hamilton Island Golf Club, the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island.

‼️ Don’t miss…… visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Sail, snorkel, dive or tour by helicopter.