WHERE TO NEXT?
Dear Traveler,
Today I woke up at 5am, even before my alarm went off, to go to my personal trainer. Despite the early hour, it’s one of my favorite mornings of the week.
On a high after a great workout with friends, I was driving home along the winding road that hugs the Connecticut River.
The sun had just come up, the moon was still out and the snow on the banks of the river had receded from a week ago. I felt both serene and positive. Spring is coming. The days are getting longer. Today is going to be a great day!
It reminded me of this post I saw on social media last week (it had no attribution).
Today I wish for you a life full of the luxuries above.
Last week’s most popular article was Vogue’s The Best Places to Visit in Europe, From Dramatic Coastlines to Historic Castles. There are a lot of inspiring ones, many of which my clients are doing this year. Here’s a short-cut of what is included…
• World Heritage Canals in Amsterdam
• Wine Tasting in Western Slovenia (I’ll be doing this in June!)
• Wilderness Glamping in Greenland
• Coastal Excursions in Croatia (our family will be here in August)
• Neighborhood Charm in Paris
• Iconic Architecture in Puglia
• Dramatic Coastlines in Wales
• Eternal Opulence in Vienna
• Ancient Ruins in Athens
• Medieval Villages in Alentejo
• Train Journeys in the Swiss Alps
• Off-Road Drives in the Scottish Highlands
• Cultural Crossroads in the Dolomites
• East Meets West in Bosnia
• Green Spaces in Berlin
• Christmas Markets in Bavaria
• Countryside Castles in Western Ireland
• Vintage Shopping in London
• Sleepy Villages in Provence
• Classic Cuisine in Spanish Basque Country
• Traditional Folklore in Romania
• Design & Architecture Hotspot in Copenhagen
This week’s inspirational articles include a journey through Bhutan, Gordon Ramsay reaches new heights with London’s highest restaurant, how F1 cecame the sport to travel for, recs from a Hawai’i concierge and driving Ferraris and Lamborghinis in Italy.
Also articles on luxury sleeper trains, Venice and Croatia.
The informational articles include reasons another country can refuse to let you in, how citizenship is becoming a luxury asset and another delay in Europe’s new travel rule.
Where am I going next?
Cuba 💃🏻 and Chicago.
Where to next for you?
- This week’s highlight – Jondal à La Vigie on the French Riviera
- Where to Next? – Ritz Carlton Aruba
- Client Q&A
- Inspiration + Information
JONDAL À LA VIGIE
Last week we had clients on the French Riviera and in Monte Carlo. I’ll share their hotel, which they loved, in an upcoming Where to Next. Today, as I dream of warmer weather ahead, their trip inspired me to highlight an iconic spot on the Riviera, Jondal à La Vigie.
La Vigie Monte-Carlo (though it’s technically in France) is where you go to celebrate the best of summer.
What words come to my mind?
Timeless elegance, chic, glamorous, exclusive.
Perched at the end of the Monte-Carlo Beach peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it’s where you go to luxuriate, gazing out at breathtaking views.
You have your choice of arrival – via a path in the pine forest or by private yacht. It may seem like an adults only spot, but it’s not. They have a kids club that will keep your littles engaged while you are relaxing under the warm summer sun.
Enjoy lunch or dinner with seafood specialties and tapas infused with Spanish flavors. For a bit more exclusivity, secure a Cabanon for your own private spot (see below).
As the sun sets, dusk arrives and the twinkling lights ignite. It becomes the perfect setting for a romantic dinner with the backdrop of the lapping of the waves.
Jondal à La Vigie opens June 21 for the summer.
The nightlife in Monaco and the French Riviera is legendary! Looking for the best places for your family or friends? Send me a note.
📷 Jondal à La Vigie
🌟 Last month our clients took their grandson on a special trip to the Ritz Carlton Aruba.
Why is the Ritz Carlton Aruba so special?
- Situated on the beautiful Palm Beach, the resort offers gorgeous views of the turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches. It’s an ideal spot for both relaxation and water sports.
- The rooms and suites are spacious, many with ocean view balconies giving you a perfect place to unwind after a day on the water.
- Enjoy a meal at BLT Steak, a chic steakhouse with a bistro vibe, or savor fresh sushi and handcrafted cocktails at Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge.
Do as much or as little as you like:
- Take advantage of the complimentary snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks and water hammocks. For a thrill, try windsurfing or sailing, perfect for taking in the steady trade winds that Aruba is known for.
- Relax by the two pools—an infinity pool and an adults-only pool—complete with cabanas and stunning sea views.
- Tee off at the nearby Tierra del Sol Golf Course, with views of Aruba’s rugged terrain and coastline.
- Discover the island on land with an exciting Jeep Safari tour or by sea on a relaxing sunset cruise along the coast.
‼️Don’t miss…. an active adventure to Arikok National Park. Wander through the unique dessert landscape, see caves with ancient Indian paintings and natural landmarks like the ruins of Natural Bridge and the remaining Baby Bridge.
Her note to me when she returned home…
Everything went flawlessly in Aruba. We were stunned on our arrival to be greeted with the special guide who just whisked us through the airport. We had Prosecco and cupcakes immediately when we arrived at the hotel and later in our room had a plate of fruit for us all and chocolates for our grandson.
We did not have to worry about anything. The trip exceeded our expectations!
We appreciate your help. It had been a while since we had travelled and we appreciated your being accessible and so kind to answer all of our questions.
I love helping families celebrate time with loved ones!
📷 Ritz Carlton Aruba
Reach out to plan your trip to
Question:
We realized our daughter’s passport expires in October. If she renews it now are we able to book flights before it arrives or should we wait to until after? I renewed mine in January and received it in 10 days.
Answers:
You can buy airline tickets before renewing a passport – just make sure to use her passport name when you purchase them. You can update the passport number later.
Passports have been arriving more quickly recently. Although I’m not sure if any recent government cuts will impact the future turnaround time, so it’s a good idea to do asap or to expedite.
INSPIRATION
A journey through ancient and modern Bhutan, Spear’s
Gordon Ramsay reaches new heights with London’s highest restaurant, Spear’s
In the Land of the Jaguars, NYT
How F1 Became the Sport to Travel For, Condé Nast
I’m a Concierge at a Top Hawai‘i Hotel—and These Are the Recs I Don’t Tell Just Anyone, AFAR
Yes, You Can Visit Venice Without the Crowds. Here’s How., AFAR
Luxury Resorts Are Selling Hawk Walks—and They’re a Hit, WSJ
Immersed in Elegance as the World Rolls By: Luxury Sleeper Trains, NYT
A Guide to Korčula, Croatia, a Hidden Gem on the Dalmatian Coast, Condé Nast
Touring Italy’s ‘Motor Valley,’ Where You Can Drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and More, NYT
INFORMATION
12 Reasons Another Country Can Refuse to Let You in, Fodor’s
How citizenship is becoming a luxury asset, Spear’s
Marrakech me if you can: Delta’s first flight to Morocco takes off October 2025, Delta News Hub
State Department Plan Would Impact Americans in Europe, Fodor’s
What’s in Your Emergency Travel Bag?, NYT
(If you aren’t able to access an NYT or Washington Post article, send me a note and I’ll send it to you in a PDF.)