a puppy! | WTN - Park Hyatt Sydney | Highlight - Cornelius in Norway

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

What a difference a week makes.

Last week our home was quiet, the weather was rainy (sometimes absolutely pouring).

Then on Thursday we picked up a foster dog, Banjo. He’s such a sweet pup! He was rescued from a place in VT by Potter’s Angels. Over the course of the last five days he has been coming out of his shell and showing us his playful side, adding lots of joy to our home.

He will be up for adoption soon. Reach out if you know someone who might be interested.

Then Saturday two of our college kids came home. Our foyer overflowed with duffles, suitcases, laundry baskets, shoes (all types – running, Crocs, biking, flip flops, boots, sandals), bike gear and so much more. To their credit it has since all been removed 🙂

The energy and activity makes me happy.

Plus the skies are sunny!

May has been full of travels and travel planning.

Where are our clients going?

Morocco, Norway, Greece, Amsterdam, Denmark, Croatia, London, Australia, Banff, Anguilla, Hawaii, Greece and as usual so many clients to Italy – Rome, Sicily, the Dolomites, Venice, Tuscany.

Also several savvy travelers booking ahead for 2026 – most recently African safaris and Japan.

With so much going on, it is a good time to mention that, like last year, I will be taking a month off this summer. Exact dates TBD but between July and August. As with last year I will of course still be working on existing trips that are traveling, but I will not be taking on new trips during that time. If you know you will want to plan a trip in the near future, reach out to get on my calendar.

I’m leaving in two weeks for a whirlwind trip to Washington DC (to enjoy a few days exploring with my daughter before her internship), Madrid (for a conference) and Slovenia (on a scouting trip). All new trip inquiries will be followed up on when I return.

As always I look forward to sharing what I learn with you!

Last week’s most popular article was 2025 list of the world’s 50 best beaches.

This week’s inspirational articles include 36 hours in Santa Fe (if you’ve never been – put it on your list! It has so much to offer), 15 things to do in London and the 12 best bike tours in the world (did you know we can book your group bike tour and plan a pre or post stay that balances the active trip with some relaxing and luxuriating?).

Also articles on Spain, Italy, Ecuador and Ibiza.

The informational articles include the new rules of visiting National Parks, the difference between Millennial, Boomer and Gen X travel habits (very entertaining) and six hacks for flying with your sports gear.

Where to next for you?

Warmly,

Below:

Highlight – Cornelius in Norway
Where to Next? Park Hyatt Sydney
Inspiration + Information

CORNELIUS

Last summer we took our family on a big adventure to Norway, Copenhagen and Sweden.

\We all loved it!

Hiking, biking, zip lining, rib boating, fishing, kayaking, eating delicious meals – from street markets to seafood platters straight from the sea.

We stayed in a restored farmhouse from the 1300’s, boutique hotels, resorts with amazing spas and a former lighthouse captain’s home.

There is so much to love about Northern Europe!

If you don’t like super hot weather, it is a great summer option.

This summer I’m so excited for my clients, a mom and her two adult daughters, who will be going to Norway, Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

They have so many incredible adventures ahead of them!

As I was curating suggestions for their dinners out in Bergen, one place that caught my eye is Cornelius.

On a small island, Bjørøyhavn, near Bergen is one of the best seafood restaurants in Norway. So it’s not quite IN Bergen, but it’s an easy boat ride away (which is part of the adventure). The restaurant runs a daily scheduled charter to make it easy.

Their main restaurant is Havsalongen and they have a Seafood Bar which serves tastings of local shellfish accompanied with commentary so you learn about what you are eating (see below).

Tailored by the chefs on a daily basis, at dinner they serve a five course Meteorological Menu. It is based on the daily catch of the local fishermen.

If you are a shellfish lover, they have a Meteorological Shellfish Tower. Always with the fresh catch which might include hand-picked mahogany clams, horse mussels, native Norwegian flat oysters, scallops and sea urchins. Their signature starter is littoral crab soup, made from shrimps, mussels, lobster and Norwegian brown crab.

They also have a wine cave, Vingrotten, which is carved into the mountain behind the restaurant. The natural cooling from the sea keeps the wine at ideal temperatures.

Visit the cave with their sommelier to see more than 8,000 bottles from winemakers from all over the world. They choose the labels to perfectly compliment the variety of seafood served. From renowned appellations to hand selected up and coming labels.

Utværet is located on the 1st floor of the “Glass House.” A rustic and distinctive room, with a casual atmosphere. It is located on the dock, with large sliding doors that can be opened up in the nice weather. Utværet has its own boathouse kitchen and bar.

Skjæret is located on the 2nd floor of the Glass House. Both the glass walls and the ceiling can be fully opened. Skjæret has a casual and relaxed atmosphere in a rustic environment.

Shellfish talk:

“We recommend shellfish legend Alf Roald’s famous shellfish talk, which is a fun and educational start to any event. The talk lasts for 40 minutes. It describes how Cornelius started, and some breakneck business dealings. It is a story spiced with escapades with women, financial ups and downs, innovative use of raw materials and a good deal of Western Norwegian never-say-die spirit!” – VisitBergen

Put it on your list for an adventure to Norway!

📷 Cornelius

🌟 In February, our clients traveled to Australia for work, then stayed longer to explore the country. While in Sydney, they stayed at the renowned Park Hyatt Sydney. Since I just stayed there last fall, I knew they would absolutely love it! (one of my favorite room’s balcony is at the top of the newsletter)

Why is Park Hyatt Sydney so special?

Situated between the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms, providing breathtaking views of the harbor.
The most special suite? The Sydney Suite spans 3,800 sqft and includes two bedrooms, a spacious living area with a central gas fireplace, a private outdoor terrace with near 360-degree views and a fully equipped kitchen.
Savor modern Australian cuisine at The Dining Room, renowned for its seasonal menu and waterfront views. (You can see the view from my seat at evening cocktails below.)
The breakfasts are to die for! A buffet of pastries, local fruits and Aussie specialties plus an a la carte menu where I ordered the fluffiest pancakes.

Do as much or as little as you like?

Take in sweeping views from the rooftop pool, a year-round heated oasis that invites you to relax while soaking in the beauty of Sydney’s harbor skyline.
Just steps from the hotel, discover the historic charm of The Rocks. Stroll along cobblestone lanes, explore local art galleries, browse unique boutiques, and experience the lively weekend markets filled with artisanal goods and gourmet bites.
Prefer a quiet evening? Sip your favorite cocktail on your private balcony as the sun sets over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—an unforgettable end to any day.

‼️Don’t miss…. the Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal Walk. A stunning 4 mile cliffside trail with ocean views, rock pools and beaches. Along the way there are cafés, bars and eateries to enjoy.