WTN - Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat | Highlight - a glimpse into my personal notes from my global travel conference

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

At 6:30am yesterday I looked out my window of the Four Seasons Chicago past the John Hancock building to the sun rising over Lake Michigan on a blue sky morning. Today the view is socked in with fog. Lightning just momentarily brightened up the sky followed by a thunderous boom. What a difference a day makes.

Last night at 11pm, after 47 hours of meetings and networking over four days, with 68 appointments in the last two days, my conference was officially over.

Was it exhausting?
Yes!
Fun?
Yes!
Educational?
Yes!

I learned so much and have selected a (large) handful of nuggets to share with you below in this week’s Highlight. After writing this for the last 3+hours, I’ve realized I can’t possibly squeeze in everything. So I’ll share other inspiring bits in the coming weeks.

I always love being in Chicago. I grew up outside the city, two of my kids were born just a few blocks from here and my husband and I went to graduate school at Northwestern. I have so many fond memories that I reminisce over while walking down memory lane each time I’m back.

Last week’s most popular article was National Geographic’s 8 of Europe’s best beginner hikes. Trails in Italy, France, England, Sweden, Germany and Austria.

This week’s inspirational articles include Finland’s offer to teach tourists to be happy, under-the-radar NY experiences, a flurry of new luxury hotels in London and 7 over the top suites in the world’s most glamorous destinations.

Also articles on Milan, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka.

The informational articles include extreme travelers, reconsidering flying with a child on your lap and whether travel insurance could help travelers whose vacations were ruined by the Heathrow power outage.

Where to next for you?

Warmly,

Below:

Highlight – sharing insights from my inspiring travel conference
Where to Next? – Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel
Inspiration + Information

SHARING TRAVEL INSIGHTS

As I mentioned last week, Brownell Academy is the best conference of the year because I am here with my favorite colleagues, who love to travel the globe like I do, and our partners who help us make magic happen when our clients are in their home countries.

Occasionally people give me a bit of ribbing for taking notes. But I learn so many new things during these meetings, that without taking notes it would be impossible for me to remember all of the deliciousness to share with you now and for your future trips.

Enjoy!

NEW (expect some of these to show up in future Hot New Hotel Openings)

Rosewood Hotels opened their brand new Mandarina resort in Mexico just yesterday. With a new highway from the airport it’s a quick 50 minutes to get there. They are also opening a new hotel in Amsterdam in May.
White Elephant – of Nantucket fame, will be opening a hotel in the center of Aspen this fall.
A brand new, gorgeous(!) phinisi yacht made by a family of master craftsmen. Phinisis were originally built as cargo vessels, but this one was designed for 5* barefoot luxury cruising through Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Komodo National Park.
A new fleet of yachts to take out for the day from Santorini including Ferrettis and my favorite, a Pardo.
L’Observatoire Suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. “Inspired by astronomical observatories, world acclaimed artist JR has designed a carriage-sized suite that encourages you to gaze up, out, and beyond.” The oculus in the bedroom and tearoom ceiling opens at your command to reveal enchanting views of the sky.
Four Seasons is building a new hotel 15 minutes south of Dubrovnik. Currently scheduled to open in 2027.
Nekajui – the new Ritz Carlton Reserve in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, opened a few weeks after I was in Costa Rica in January. My clients who stayed next door at the Four Seasons last week, went there for drinks and raved about it.
Aman will be re-opening the Rosa Alpina in the Dolomites this summer and a new resort near the Four Seasons near Cabo, Mexico in 2026.

GOLF

I talked with one of my Scottish partners who can secure guaranteed tee times on the St. Andrews Old Course. This is on Jason’s bucket list, so I’m following up with him for a personal trip.
In Bend, OR you can play golf year ’round. I learned of a resort with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio golf courses. If there are also non-golfers in your group there is plenty to do – take a guided tour into 60,000 year old lava tubes, play pickleball, take a spin on a quad bike, swim, sauna, hike or do yoga.

EUROPE

One of my partners in Rome told me about his favorite guides – one ideal for families with kids who brings the history and art alive with games, treasure hunts and stories. Another who charms sophisticated clients with her deep knowledge of Italian history and contemporary culture and shopping.
If you are looking for an off the beaten path trip in Europe that your friends haven’t been to, Malta is the place to go. I’ve not been, but one of my colleagues loves it! She spent a month there years ago and has always told me what a special place it is. It’s an easy ferry from Sicily, Amalfi or Sardinia. With 6 Michelin starred restaurants, it’s guaranteed your stay will be delicious. My partner there grew up on the island and knows everyone. You will be delighted by exclusive experiences with locals who share their love of their craft, homes and lifestyle with you! There are also lots of ways to be active in the outdoors – mountain and road biking, scuba diving, kayaking, trekking, rock climbing and sailing.
In Montenegro, a new-to-me hotel on an island off the coast. Mamula Island, a former fortress (aka prison), it is now a 5* hotel. Check out the video here.

📷 Mamula Island

Chartering a luxury river barge for you and 3 other couples would be the most fun way to travel with ease through canals and rivers in Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne. Floating down the river, watching the world go by, stopping in little villages to hop on a bike, play golf, visit wineries or simply explore. An all-inclusive luxury experience.

📷 Belmond

The best new restaurant in Oia, Santorini, that serves authentic Greek food in a spectacular setting overlooking the caldera – Adãmi.
Soaking in hot springs on your trip to Iceland is a must. I learned of a new lagoon opening this summer! Laugarás Lagoon, nestled in the mountains on the banks of the Hvítá river, in the Golden Circle. It looks amazing!

📷 Laugarás Lagoon

Also in Iceland this summer – an extra expedition ship was added and since they have extra space to fill they are offering 50% off for kids traveling with their parents. The best part? Kids are up to 22 year old!
Slovenia is another off the beaten path place most people haven’t been to. I have a trip planned there in June and look forward to sharing more details with you when I return. I was lucky to sit next to my Slovenian partner at dinner and have a meeting with him. He shared more details about all of the adventures to have in his beautiful country – some of which I will be doing. One I’m particularly excited about…a culinary safari in Goriška Brda wine region. We will hear stories about the secret smuggling routes that lead to the other side of the ex-border to Collio. By Jeep we will travel through vineyards, tasting homemade delicacies, stopping by to see their friends, to meet the winemakers whose wine we will taste. I can’t wait! I also learned of a newly opened hotel, once the destination of elite society, designed after a wooden hunting lodge.
I took advantage of some extra time with my Spanish partner to ask a personal question. I’m thinking of living in Tuscany or Spain for a month or two this fall or next. What villages would she recommend to me for this adventure? Nothing touristy or too big. Just a place where I can immerse myself back in the Spanish lifestyle that I love. She gave me a handful of good ideas. Combining those with my already established list from asking my Spanish friends the same question, I think I need to plan a recon trip to scope them all out!

WILDLIFE

Africa – one of my favorite places on Earth. I love sending families and couples to Africa. Sometimes for a small family, multigenerational family or a group of friends, having a private guide travel with you gives you an even more luxurious experience. When booking your trip with a private guide it will now come with high quality binoculars for each couple and with a Nikon Z50 to use. Your guide (my favorite of which I was hanging out with this week) will teach you the tips for capturing incredible wildlife photos. Truly a special experience.
Deep in the Pantanal of Brazil there is a lodge with a 90% chance of seeing jaguars in the wild. It’s an amazing place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors – hiking, canoeing or in a safari Jeep. The Pantanal is now on my personal bucket list.

Looking to cruise on the Amazon River? There are a lot of boats to choose from. I have one favorite – that will give you the most luxurious experience. See sloths, monkeys and piranhas. Go kayaking, biking, swimming (where there are no piranhas), visit indigenous communities and take guided jungle walks. If you are a wildlife lover, the Amazon is a must!
Galapagos – there are so many ways to “do” the Galapagos. Expedition ship, chartered yacht for your family, taking one suite on a super yacht or land-based. I have options I love in each category and will help you understand the differences and choose the right one for your family.

CARIBBEAN

St. Barths – so much for winter being peak season. Some of the hotels are already at 90% occupancy in July!
One of my colleagues just returned from a family trip to Bonaire and the rep from her hotel was here sharing the highlights with us. If your family wants to get scuba certified, this is a very family friendly place to do it, where you are surrounded by beautiful reefs. And it’s below the hurricane belt, making it a year ’round destination.

ANTARCTICA

Antarctica expedition cruise – also on my personal list. I know I will go on one of two ships when I eventually plan my adventure. I’m all in on crossing the Drake Passage by ship. But other people want to take the flight option. Just know if you do, there is A LOT of variability in when you go…. and when you return! As you might imagine the weather has a huge impact on flights. And the flight option comes with a 4% chance of this happening – if you can’t get there day 1 or day 2 or day 3 then you are going home without going to Antarctica.

SOUTH PACIFIC

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, when you book a villa, you also get as a bonus – an overwater bungalow to use as you wish! This way you don’t have to choose between the beach or overwater.

SMALL GROUP ACTIVE TRAVEL

There are a lot of options in this corner of the travel market. I have just a handful of favorites. The ones I know provide a luxurious experience and have trusted guides with deep connections to the local areas you are visiting. These are often bike trips but also have multi-adventure trips that include hiking, biking, kayaking, river rafting and even a via ferrata (my favorite!). Our family did our first small group travel trip last year and we loved it so much we are doing another one this summer.

OTHER LEARNINGS

I learned about Operation Benjamin, whose mission is to identify WWII Jewish soldiers at American military cemeteries all over the world who were mistakenly buried under Latin Crosses and replace the headstones with a Star of David. This happened a lot in Normandy. I had no idea.
Multigenerational destinations. Often people want to stay stateside to help make it more likely their whole family can attend. I met with a handful of destination properties that are perfect for multigenerational families – activities on site, accommodations in large houses and with shared living spaces that bring the family together.

SPECIAL MENTION

One person was notably absent from our meetings. A dear friend and travel industry icon, who knew Latin America inside and out. Clark Kotula. A dad, husband, adventurer and all around good person with a heart of gold. He was an incredible resource for me on detailed questions about his hotels and resorts in Latin America. He also generously spent an hour on the phone with my daughter before her gap year trip to Patagonia, sharing his favorite trails, advice on prepping for her 5 day trek and how to navigate the long bus rides across South America.

He and his team were given a well-deserved award for representing our core values: Passion, Integrity, Graciousness, Innovation, Excellence and Curiosity. He was taken too soon and is dearly missed. I will forever be grateful to have known and learned from him.

🌟 Last month our client spent a weekend at Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel. Located on the stunning French Riviera in the picturesque town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, it is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

His feedback…“Everything was incredible. The hotel was amazing and everyone was friendly and personable.”

Why is the Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat so special?

The hotel is perched on the tip of the Cap-Ferrat Peninsula, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Its lush, expansive grounds and secluded setting make it incredibly private and tranquil, yet close enough to explore the French Riviera’s most glamorous destinations like Nice, Monaco and Cannes.
Rooms are designed to feel like a luxurious private residence, with high ceilings, large windows and tasteful décor.
The hotel is home to Le Cap, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite French cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Also, La Veranda, with Mediterranean inspired dishes, and alfresco dining overlooking the Mediterranean.

Do as much or as little as you like:

Enjoy signature treatments at La Prairie Spa, yoga and meditation programs and outdoor activities like tennis, cycling and sailing.
Relax and soak up the sun at the outdoor poor overlooking the sea, private beach and access to a private yacht.
Hike to the Cap-Ferrat Lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

‼️Don’t miss…. Explore the French Riviera from the sky with a helicopter tour. Take in the stunning views, vibrant colors and scenic coastline. See the region’s most iconic sites in Monaco, Menton, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes from a unique and exclusive perspective. Our client did this and he said…

“The helicopter tour in Monaco was by far one of the best experiences I’ve done while I have been abroad.”