HNHO - No. 124 Brighton | Highlight - OTO | December 11, 2024

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

‘Tis the season of holiday parties!

Last week Jason and I were at a holiday party at the Langham Hotel in Boston. I loved the subtle touches of pink.

I missed the same party last year because I was hiking in Patagonia, so I was looking forward to seeing people that I only see at this event. And… playing craps.

After dinner there is a full casino set up (Legally. No money exchanges hands – instead you win prizes).

My favorite casino game is craps. I learned how to play when I was 24 years old living in NYC while on a spontaneous weekend to Atlantic City with my roommate.

Since then I’ve taught countless people how to play. It’s so much fun! I highly recommend you learn if you don’t already know how to play.

But even more fun than winning chips were the text exchanges going back and forth between Jason and I and two of our college kids. They were at a fraternity party together – sending us pictures of them laughing and dancing in the DJ booth late into the night. We in turn sent them pictures of us gambling and hanging out late into the night. Tit for tat – it was a comparison of fun evenings out and we all won.

Have I mentioned how much I love having adult kids?! It’s the best!

This morning’s email is coming a bit later because I had my first workout in a loooong time with a new trainer. I loved it! Shout out to Gina for inviting me into the group.

If it weren’t for Gina I wouldn’t have found out about him.

It reminded me of sending friends and clients off on adventures around the world. The connections I have are what allow me to find the best guides and experiences for you. And I love doing it. There are so many fascinating and fun people in the world and I love introducing you to them!

Do you remember Isbreen the Glacier – the incredible destination in Norway I shared with you in an August newsletter? Read about it here.

Their manager wrote me yesterday that they just had a cancellation for the most coveted week of the year. Four nights and five adventurous, all inclusive days over Christmas. December 22-26, 2024. If you wanted to get away for the holidays to somewhere absolutely magical, this is your chance. Send me a note if you are interested.

Other than squeezing in a last minute Isbreen trip (Which I would do for you because I know how special it is. If I didn’t already have a trip planned I’d snap this up for our family immediately!), my schedule for planning custom trips is completely full until I return from Costa Rica the week of January 13.

If you are planning to go away in 2025, especially to coveted places during peak times, now is the time to begin! Start by filling out a safari inquiry form or trip inquiry form.

Did you find some inspiring gift items in last week’s newsletter? I hope it helped make your holiday shopping a little easier. For those of you new to the newsletter, you can find the gift edition here. Last week’s most popular gift list article was The 44 Best Gifts for Teens.

This week’s inspirational articles include the 10 best hotels in Madrid, how young to take kids on safari, a luxurious upgrade to the longest flight in the world, the best 5 star hotel openings in 2025, 6 warm getaways and the best tennis hotels.

Also articles on Mexico, Ritz Carlton yachts, NYC, Sri Lanka, Canada, South Africa and Iceland.

The informational articles include the challenges getting an airport Uber, how expensive NYC is to visit and Delta doubling down on luxury to attract high end fliers. I’m just shy of Platinum status, and need to make it over the line by December 31!

Where to next for you?

Enjoy this holiday season!

Warmly,

Below:

This week’s highlight – OTO
Hot New Hotel Opening – No. 124 Brighton
Inspiration + Information

OTO

Our clients are heading to Iceland over new years and I’m so excited for them! This family with their two adult daughters have much to celebrate!

Iceland in winter makes me think of the Northern Lights, roaring bonfires, soothing hot springs, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, fat biking and Nordic saunas alternating with cold plunges.

Delightful!

We’ll share more about their lodge in an upcoming Where to Next.

But Iceland also has an incredible food scene – Reykjavik is full of chefs that have trained in Michelin star kitchens, food markets with local delicacies and bars with mixologists ready to impress you with their Icelandic themed cocktails.

As I was reviewing restaurant recommendations for my clients one of them that caught my eye is OTO.

Its vibe is lively, making it perfect for a fun night out with friends or family. Chef Sigurður Laufdal has been working in celebrated kitchens since he was 15 years old. He’s trained in impressive places like Geranium in Copenhagen and Olo in Helsinki.

And the special touch of his menu is that the local Icelandic ingredients are turned into dishes inspired by the flavors of Japan and Italy. What a unique combination!

Check out the menu and add it to your list for your adventure to Iceland!

Reach out to plan your trip to

Iceland

🌟 No.124 Brighton Hotel opened this fall in a lively coastal city in the south of England.

Why visit No. 124 Brighton?

Charming Boutique Accommodations: No. 124 is a cozy respite, with some rooms featuring sea views, while others have private balconies. Don’t miss the Hideout Suite, with its own entrance, lounge and even a secret passage leading into the hotel!
Prime Location: Just steps away from Brighton’s iconic seafront, visit the renowned Brighton Pier, the majestic Royal Pavilion and the quirky Lanes – a maze of narrow alleys filled with independent shops, cafés, and boutiques.
Delicious Dining Options: The Pearly Cow serves locally sourced shellfish and top-quality cuts of meat cooked over an open flame. Meanwhile, The Ground Floor features a bar, lounge, and terrace with sea views, serving up cocktails, wood-fired pizzas and an array of small plates.
Family- Friendly Perks: Traveling with kids? No. 124 has you covered! They offer Yoto players with a library of cards, bedtime books, mini teepees and sand toys for beachside fun. Plus the hotel pantry is stocked with self-serve treats, available to guests at any time.

And for an active adventure, a short drive away is one of the best hiking trails in the southern UK – Seven Sisters Cliffs. Enjoy sweeping sea views from the clifftops ending at Birling Gap, where you can spot the iconic Beachy Head Lighthouse.

Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.