Hello from Kenya! | WTN - Four Seasons Resort Mallorca | Highlight - La Lanterna & holidays in NYC

WHERE TO NEXT?

Jambo from Kenya,

I’m four days into my Kenyan adventure and just like my last safari in Kenya, I’m completely captivated. There’s something about this country – the scale of the landscapes, the incredible wildlife, the warmth of the people – that makes it so special. Every family I send to Kenya comes back with the same glowing feedback and many cry when they leave.

This trip has a special thread running through it: every lodge I’m staying in is family owned, with the owners living right on property. There’s a magic to that – the passion and care you feel when someone’s dream is your short-term retreat. I’m excited to share all about what I’m discovering with you, but I’ll wait until I’m home so you get the full story.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was packed full with all three kids home for 5+ days, a family wedding, then Thanksgiving in NY and a long weekend in NYC with family and friends.

I took advantage of knowing I would be in NYC and booked the non-stop Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi. I was very curious what their business class is like because I’ve had clients consider it before (just like with destinations, I love trying something out to be able to tell you if it’s worth it).

I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not Singapore Airlines or Emirates, but it is comparable to Turkish Airlines. Best of all it was a non-stop 13.5 hour flight, giving me ample time for a full night’s sleep. (If flying through Amsterdam or Munich the overnight leg is too short to get solid sleep from the east coast).

The November/December issue of Virtuoso magazine is out!

Articles about Japan, Andorra, Thailand, Croatia and Australia – including the Kimberleys, which are on my personal list, are a few of the destinations highlighted. Plus a list of the 10 best places to travel in 2026. Click the cover below to flip through it.

The last newsletter’s most popular article was a tie between 7 Winter Family Vacation Ideas to Shake Up Your Holiday Routine and Why Wealthy Americans Are Moving to This New Zealand Golf Resort.

This week’s inspirational articles include four luxurious New Zealand lodges (all amazing options, but missing the #1 luxury lodge in NZ), the most magical long walks in the world (a must read if you like long walks/hikes while traveling) and 36 hours in Chiang Mai and Kauai.

The informational articles include why guaranteed departures are important for small group adventures and 5 types of trips to book earlier – a lot earlier!

Warmly,

Below:

Highlight – Bar Next Door at La Lanterna & holidays in NYC
Where to Next? Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor
Inspiration + Information

BAR NEXT DOOR AT LA LANTERNA

I say this a lot, because it’s true – I love hanging out with our adult kids! Both at home and on vacation. After our Thanksgiving dinner outside the city with Jason’s family, we drove to NYC for a long weekend.

We missed the parade but we squeezed in a lot of fun in three days! Whether it’s NYC, London or Paris – I love being in cities decked out for the holidays!

We skated at Rockefeller Center (the VIP ticket to skip the line and have a cozy spot for putting on skates and drinking hot chocolate is worth it!), ate dim sum in China Town, went to a comedy show in the West Village, ate lots of bagels (Pop Up is a new favorite – basic but delish) and at delicious restaurants, took the Metro, walked all over, saw Hamilton (again) – worth the splurge on great seats, and spent more time with family and friends. (We also had tickets to a live Peloton class, but couldn’t go – a longer story).

Saturday night we went out with friends who were our next door neighbors until last January when they sold everything in their Hanover, NH house and moved to NYC (appealing!). We saw their cozy apartment, went out for cocktails, dined at Shuka and ended the night watching comedians.

I LOVED her recommendation for our cocktail spot – warm, low ceilings, dark and a cozy but lively vibe. It is the Bar Next Door at La Lanterna. The Bar Next Door is great for a glass of wine or cocktail and also for a casual, delicious Italian dinner. Put it on your list for your next NYC visit.

After dinner we went to the 10PM comedy show at the Comedy Cellar. If you have a young adult who is not quite 21, they will still let them in, as long as they are with a parent. We left just before the final act and it was already after midnight. It’s hard to believe there was another show after ours!

*Tip: The comedians are not known until closer to show date, but if you wait to find out who will be there, the show will be sold out. For ours, they took our reservation and sent us a QR code, but did not charge for the seats in advance. So best to book it in advance if you think you can go and cancel later if needed.

I highly recommend a reservation for almost everything in NYC!

I’ve been taking my kids to the city since they were little and I love that their repeated visits have made them comfortable getting around. Navigating NYC is a life skill.

I haven’t lived in the city since I was 25, but I’m ready to spend more time there again. I’m lobbying for a month long stay next year. I think it would be so fun to rent an apartment on the Upper West Side for a month, then later the West Village, Tribeca etc. Allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the local communities – eating at new restaurants, finding live music spots, walking in the neighborhoods, taking a class. And of course seeing Broadway shows, watching sporting events, visiting museums, walking in Central Park.

It’s going on my bucket list.

🌟Last month while traveling through Spain and Italy, I spent a few nights at the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor.

Why is Four Seasons Mallorca at Formentor so special?

It’s historic. Originally opened in 1929, the guests arrived by boat because the road connecting Formentor was not finished until six months later. The inspiring environment provided a retreat for Winston Churchill and European and Hollywood stars such as Charles Chaplin, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and John Wayne.
Set on the secluded Formentor Peninsula in northern Mallorca, the resort spans a 100-acre estate of woodlands, cliffs and crystal-clear seas. It’s a true nature escape, turquoise water, fragrant pines and complete serenity far from city bustle.
Every room includes a terrace overlooking either the lush gardens or the sea, and many offer private plunge pools.
With seven dining venues showcasing Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, you can enjoy remarkable food paired with equally stunning views.

Do as much or as little as you like:

Wander scenic nature paths, discover hidden beaches and explore the peninsula’s hiking trails. Head out on snorkeling adventures, boat trips to sea caves or visits to remote coastal villages.
Experience the resort’s working vineyard with guided tastings.
The spa draws inspiration from the surrounding sea, sun and pine forest for a holistic, restorative atmosphere with a sauna, cold plunge, vitality pool and outdoor yoga.
Enjoy a cocktail while watching live music a few nights a week (I loved this!)

‼️ Don’t miss…. sunrise at Formentor Lighthouse. The drive (or in my case, e-bike) up the long, winding road with its dramatic hairpin turns leads you to the lighthouse perched high on the rugged cliffs of Cap de Formentor for an unforgettable, almost otherworldly moment as the sun breaks over the Mediterranean. The photo below is from my morning ride. It was spectacular!