HNHO - Rosewood Miyakojima | Highlight - El Cocinero + Fabrica de Art

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

On March 12th I received the exciting news I was selected as a 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist. Life has been a bit full since then so I’m just now sharing the news. I was so happy to receive this designation for the 3rd year in a row!

As with most successes in life, I didn’t receive this award or build my company alone and I have many people to thank.

To you, my clients, who allow me the privilege of planning your most important time – with your loved ones. Whether you travel with family or friends, the memories you create are in your hearts forever. I’m grateful to play a small part in that process.

To my partners around the world who welcome you into their countries, the guides who deliver meaningful and authentic experiences on the ground, the professional drivers who deliver you promptly and safely, my colleagues who inspire me every day and my assistant, Michelle, who helps ensure the details of your trips are buttoned up.

To my family – Jason, Allison, Jessie and Trevor, who are the OG Truvay Travel clients (before there was a Truvay Travel) – you are the best testers of travel experiences I could ask for.

And most notably to my dad, Bruce Morical, who passed away last month at 93 after a full life. He is the source of both my wanderlust and entrepreneurial spirit. Our trip together to Hong Kong and Macao when I was 26 one of my most memorable.
The day before my dad passed away, we also suddenly lost our beloved pup Tigger to cancer. She was my constant companion on hiking, biking and snowshoeing adventures and by my side every day. If I could have taken her around the world with me I would have. Some of you know her from our Zoom calls – watching her tail rapidly wagging looking for shadows on the ground.

I miss them both very much.

Last week’s most popular article was The NY Times’ Under-the-Radar New York Experiences (Bars in subway stations, a tour of an abandoned hospital, the real Little Italy—and more attractions you probably haven’t heard of). We have several friends and relatives who have recently moved in the city. I am looking forward to many visits in the year ahead!

Did you know MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host eight games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the final July 19th, 2026? I’ve already told Jason I’d like to go. NYC will be a fun home base for the games.

This week’s inspirational articles include going on safari with your friends, 6 grande dame hotels with recent major renovations – from NYC to Lake Como, speculation on where White Lotus Season 4 will take place and the 12 best whale watching locations around the globe.

The informational articles include preparing for the unexpected when visiting US National Parks this year and can TSA search your phone?

Also articles on Slovenia, Tanzania, Finland, Dolomites, Thailand, London and Asia.

My next few trips are Stateside – to visit family.

Where to next for you?

Warmly,

Below:

This week’s highlight – El Cocinera + Fabrica de Art
Hot New Hotel Opening – Rosewood Miyakojima
Inspiration + Information

EL COCINERO + FABRICA DE ART

Often I have so much more I want to share with you than fits in this newsletter or I have time to write about. Today I’m squishing together two places that are intertwined, as they are right next door to each other.

El Cocinero, a delicious, artsy, stylish open air restaurant in an old peanut oil factory in Havana.

We dined on delectable foods – warm popovers with honey and butter, mahi mahi ceviche, fresh lobster and swordfish. While also enjoying my favorite cocktails of the trip – a Paloma and Passionfruit Mezcal margarita.

I don’t live in a big city, but I do go out to eat a lot. Each night when we paid for dinner (in cash because US credit cards don’t work in Cuba) I was shocked at the price. I think the largest bill was $80/couple for a meal of appetizers, cocktails, main dishes and desert. Lobster tacos, swordfish, dorado, filet mignon, empanadas, fresh greens, cheese cakes, homemade ice creams are some of the foods we enjoyed. If you are used to big city or Caribbean resort prices, you will be pleasantly surprised in Cuba!

The sunsets from the rooftop are breathtaking…

After dinner at El Cocinero, we were invited to the home of a prominent local artist. His art was colorful and creative. His restored 1800’s mansion with 20 foot high ceilings was a beautiful combination of rustic and elegant.

I loved learning about his history, his evolution as an artist in Cuba and his family. He is one of the many fascinating people you will meet on your trip to Cuba.

It was now approaching 10pm and unlike home when I’m getting in bed, the night was still young. Our guide took us to the Fábrica de Arte.

Chosen by Time magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Places in the World, this former cooking oil factory (it’s attached to El Cocinero) is now a multi-level art venue. And the variety of art and the type of expression is vast.

It is both a local hangout and a place where people like me go. A group of artists in 2014 took this near-decrepit building and turned it into one of the trendiest venues in Havana. Go for the art, the people watching, the music, the dance lessons and a cocktail from one of the many bars. It’s a perfect way to end your evening in Havana!

📷 El Cocinero + Visit Cuba

Reach out to plan your trip to

Cuba

🌟 Rosewood Miyakojima opened last month in one of the blue zones, southwest of Okinawa, Japan.

Why visit Rosewood Miyakojima?

The guest villas and houses beautifully blend modern Japanese minimalism with design elements that foster a serene ambiance. Every room offers stunning ocean views and features a private pool.
Okinawa is renowned for being home to some of the world’s healthiest people. Delve into the secrets of longevity as you explore ancient philosophies, savor local ingredients and discover the influence of martial arts on well-being.
Connect with local artisans and learn the craft of Adan weaving or Tsuboya pottery. For a unique adventure, try spear fishing with an expert and learn to prepare your catch for a delicious, authentic meal (our family went spear fishing in Belize once and it is a memorable experience!).
The resort is located on one of Japan’s most picturesque beaches – the soft white sand and turquoise water are a perfect spot to luxuriate. For the best beach weather, plan your stay between March and October.
Go for a little walk to see the impressive natural rock formation or snorkel on Yabiji Reef and you may spot a resident sea turtle. For the pièce de résistance end your day watching the glorious sunset.

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