a storybook season | HNHO – ROKI Collection Queenstown | What are we working on? | February 2, 2026

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

5:30am January 18th.

I was back at Logan Airport.

Just over a day earlier I’d stepped off a plane after 22 hours of flying home from New Zealand – well rested – but ready for my own bed.

Now I was wide awake, full of anticipation as we headed to Miami.

Indiana University – my undergrad alma mater, where two of my kids go to college, where bad football wasn’t just a season, it was a decades-long tradition – had made it to the national championship.

If you’d told me this would happen when either of my kids chose IU as their school, I would have laughed in disbelief. But here we were, meeting our son to witness something we never thought we would see.

The game itself? A storybook ending to a storybook season. The most exhilarating sporting event of my life – and I’m a Cubs fan who lived through 2016. But this was different. This was us, together, watching an historic sports moment happen right in front of our eyes. Read more about it below.

What made it even more surreal was the wild contrast: just days before, Jessie and I had been on the other side of the world, hiking remote New Zealand trails and collecting six (!!) small-world moments. From that quiet adventure to the roaring chaos of a championship game – from mother-daughter serenity to mother-son euphoria.

These contrasts – the unexpected pivots, the beautiful collision of experiences – they’re what make travel, and life, extraordinary.

Those long flights to New Zealand provided lots of reading time. I finished a novel somewhere between Auckland and Queenstown that I loved so much I want to share it. I’m sending it to five of you. If you haven’t recently read a book with a feather on the cover and want a surprise in the mail, email me your address and I’ll select five at random.

The January February 2026 issue of Virtuoso magazine is out.

It’s all about cities.

Casa Polanco in Mexico City graces the cover. It’s in the Polanco neighborhood, an affluent area with great shops and restaurants. It’s one of my two favorites in the city.

A few of the inspiring articles…

• Tokyo’s hot dining spots
• The World’s vibey-est hotel bars (in London, Amsterdam, San Miguel de Allende), Bangkok, Hong Kong, NYC)
• A fashion designer’s guide to Cape Town
• Skiing in Lech, Austria
• Aspen off-piste attractions (I love their art museum!)

If you are a client or future client and would like a subscription to Virtuoso in the mail – send me a note and I’ll add you to the list.

The last newsletter’s most popular article was Why Wealthy Americans Are Moving to This New Zealand Golf Resort.

• The article highlights how NZ has eased up on their golden visa rules so it’s a good time to consider it. After my recent trip to NZ, and the frigid US temps this winter, I’m ready to move there for a month or two next year. TBD!

This week’s inspirational articles include wellness trends, Spain’s Michelin-starred restaurants opening in tiny towns, epic vacations to turn your kid’s passions into real life adventures (I love helping create these!), the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast and America’s coziest hotels to visit this winter.

Also articles on Miami, Namibia, South Africa, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Paris, Brazil, the Olympics, hot new luxury hotel openings and London.

The informational articles include 2026 projections on trends, golden visas, the best places to travel and a new bill that could ban dual citizenship in the US. 🙁

I’ve just returned from our son’s fraternity’s mom’s weekend. Although bitter cold, it was so fun to be with him, his friends and their moms.

Next up – at 3am Wednesday I leave for a little private island off of Panama that I’ve sent many clients to and want to take my family to (but just haven’t found the right time). From there, an overnight in Miami en route to a little private island off the Turks & Caicos. I can’t wait to share more about it with you!

Where to next for you?

(I hope either somewhere hot and sunny or with fresh, fluffy powder!)

Warmly,

Below:

• Recent client feedback 
• One night in Miami
• What are we working on?
• Hot New Hotel Opening – ROKI Collection Queenstown
• Inspiration + Information

Feedback from our clients – both the glowing praise and the constructive insights – means everything to us. It confirms we’re on the right track, doing what we set out to do: planning adventures and experiences that light people up, bring them joy and create space for meaningful connection.

Thank you for trusting us with your most treasured time with your family and friends.

Last night, 60,000+ people witnessed something extraordinary in Miami while 30 million more watched on their TVs.

Indiana University with an undefeated season, zero five-star recruits, led by a coach in his 2nd year at IU – won the national championship. My son, husband and I were in the stadium (just in front of President Trump). Our daughter watched from a bar in Sydney with a bunch of students on their semesters abroad.

The tickets were expensive. Outrageously so. But my son thanked me repeatedly – so appreciative of the opportunity to be there.

Here’s what we actually experienced:

My family watched this team through 16 games. Week after week, we saw discipline. Teammates focused on the team, not individual glory. We heard Coach Curt Cignetti’s words after the game: “If you keep your nose down in life and keep working, anything is possible.”

We watched Fernando Mendoza, Heisman Trophy winner – a quarterback who credits his mom, team and coaches constantly, who radiates humility – run on a gutsy call on 4th down and 4 – getting clocked twice and launching himself into the end zone, because that’s what his team needed.

📷 Carmen Mandato, Getty Images

We had months of conversation about what it means to show up. To be relentless. To lead with kindness and humility at the highest level.

My son experienced us investing in something that mattered to him – and witnessed examples of hard work, discipline, leadership and grace.

The game was the culmination of an extraordinary season. The strategic byproducts were conversations about shared values, character and witnessing discipline, authenticity and grace in action. The kind of examples our world needs.

A memory my kids will carry forever.

This is what I help families create – not just in stadiums, but on safari in Kenya,

hiking hut to hut in Patagonia, exploring hidden corners of Thailand. Not trips

they’ll look back on and think “that was nice.” But experiences indelibly printed in their memories. Opportunities for shared experiences and conversations that impact who they will become.

Yes, we invested a lot in those tickets. And in return, we created memories that will never be forgotten.

Worth every penny. 

Whether it’s splurging on sports – tickets to the Olympics, the World Cup, watching your NFL team play in Madrid, or Wimbledon – or being active: skiing in Telluride, hiking hut to hut in the Dolomites, scaling a via ferrata in New Zealand, teeing off at St Andrews.

Experiences that will stay with you and your kids forever.

That’s what I do: create the conditions for moments that matter – both the ones we orchestrate and the serendipitous ones we leave room for.

My dad, an avid Chicago and college sports fan, would have loved this season and this team. I wish he was here to see last night. I would have received a

voicemail after the game: “Muffet, I can’t believe it. What a game. That

Mendoza is something else.” I know he’s looking down smiling.

Anything is possible.

Go Hoosiers! 🔴⚪️

Curious what we have been working on? A lot! Check out some of our recent and upcoming client trips…

Epic Galapagos cruise for a family with college kids

Blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, delicious meals, world-class guides and a 2:1 staff to guest ratio on their expedition ship led to a trip of a lifetime! More feedback in a future newsletter.

A safari to South Africa for a family with 2 adult daughters

It started in Cape Town (a must if you’re in South Africa!) – hikes on Table Mountain, wine tasting in Franschhoek, side car rides along the coastal cliffs.

“Our guide, Gavin, in Cape Town was one of the best guides we’ve ever had!”

Then they flew to Greater Kruger National Park where in addition to seeing the big 5, they got up close with anti-poaching efforts. They took a patrol flight over the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and met the sniffer dogs who patrol night and day to keep the wildlife safe.

More feedback in a future newsletter.

And so many more fun ones…

• A family with young teens split their Hawaiian escape between Maui and the Big Island and witnessed whales’ mating rituals on an epic whale watching trip.
• A family with college daughters took a relaxing getaway to a 5* all inclusive with Michelin star dining in Mexico.
• Multigenerational family trip to the Four Seasons Anguilla for fun, relaxation and being active.
• Lots of warm weather escapes to the Caribbean (it’s been a cold winter, so this is not surprising!).

What’s coming up soon?

Spring break

• Mom and teenage son on a spring break trip to Japan – visiting Tokyo’s famous fish market, going on a food tour to taste small bites of Japanese foods at izakayas, visiting a mini pig cafe, taking the Hakone Ropeway for a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji, enjoying a private tea ceremony led by a master, riding in the back of a rickshaw, seeing a geisha dance eating at coveted restaurants – and so much more!
• Family spring break to Rome and Sicily to see their daughter studying abroad. With guides who can span the interests of little kids through adults they’ll see the main sites, take a gladiator lesson, make mosaics, make pasta dishes from scratch, visit a famous fish market, hike the Mt Etna volcano and if the weather is good, spend some time on the water.
• Family trip to southern Spain – for cultural experiences, delicious tapas, tasting Spanish wines, learning about history in the Alhambra, attending a professional soccer game and a stay at one of my top favorite hotels in the world.
• A mom and adult daughter trip to Amsterdam and Rome to see millions of tulips, the Van Gogh Museum (my favorite!), the iconic sites of Rome, take a cooking class and zip around on the back of a Vespa.
• Family getaway to Costa Rica including a stay at Nayara Tented Camp, one of my favorites in Costa Rica. Hiking to waterfalls, crossing hanging bridges, spying wildlife on a safari float and spending lots of time at the beach.
• A couple’s Mexico wellness escape to nurture their minds and bodies.
• More warm Caribbean and Mexico escapes for couples and families!

We are currently immersed in the planning stages for:

• Mom & daughter’s first time trip to Paris to celebrate the daughter’s 18th birthday. The day they arrive they hop on motorcycle side cars for an overview of the city. Then they’ll learn the secrets to perfect macarons with a former chef of The Ritz Paris, immerse in an exclusive perfume Workshop at Maison Molinard, have a targeted (teen-length) tour of the Louvre and take a cultural and gourmet sweets tour on the Left Bank. 
• Two week couple’s first time trip around Italy – hitting the highlights of Cinque Terre, Amalfi, Rome, Tuscany and Milan. For this trip – there are no big brand name hotels – I’ve selected the most delightful boutique hotels, with invested owners who create a true sense of place to immerse you in the destination. They’ll be boating off the Amalfi Coast, hiking between the towns of Cinque Terre, riding Vespas through the rolling hills of Tuscany, drinking the wines of Val D’Orcia, cooking “la cucina di nonna” (grandma’s cuisine), having picnic in a magical setting and seeing the Last Supper just before they depart.
• A week long couple’s Croatia adventure. Croatia is one of my favorite places to send travelers to. Everyone loves it! (that goes for Italy too!) Tasting oysters straight from the sea, exploring Diocletian’s Palace and walking the old walls of Dubrovnik, learning to make soparnik, a local delicacy. Then truffle hunting, island hopping on my favorite Colnago boat through the Pakleni islands, swimming and kayaking in the Adriatic Sea and staying in my favorite hotel on Hvar, Palace Elisabeth.

🌟Roki Collection Queenstown opened this fall, perfectly positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and offering sweeping panoramic views of both the lake and the stunning Remarkables mountain range.

Stephen McAteer, the General Manager, graciously gave me a site visit of Roki and shared lots of insights about the hotel – it was built on the location of a backpacker’s hostel (and the contrast is as extreme as you can get!).

There are 15 suites, ranging from intimate junior rooms to large multi-bedroom luxury suites.  For a splurge, the 7-bedroom Grand ROKI Suite that has a sauna, rooftop plunge pool, private chef, butler service and a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Cullinan for local transfers is a must. This was the only room available during my time in Queenstown so we didn’t stay here, but we did go see it. It’s stunning!

I absolutely LOVED this hotel. The location, the rooms, the views, the culinary options – everything is top notch! These are three on-site options if you want a bite to eat…

• Essence – with a fine dining tasting menu, led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, one of New Zealand’s top chefs.
• The Terrace – seafood-focused dining with spectacular views.
• Library Bar – relaxed yet refined setting wth a superb wine list and cocktails.

ROKI Pure is their wellness sanctuary featuring an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, thermal zones, private treatment suites and curated rituals designed to help guests relax and unwind.

Jessie enjoying the incredible view of the Remarkables from the terrace…
I could sit here for hours watching life go by on the lake out front.

The hotel is a short walk to Queenstown’s city center, botanical gardens, the Skyline Gondola, Steamer Wharf and other local attractions.

Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel. Definitely put it on your list!

📷 ROKI Collection Queenstown and Mimi

INSPIRATION

9 wellness travel trends to try in 2026, Women’s Health
I am staying at Capella Ubud later this spring and
will update you after my visit

Where to Eat and Drink in Miami, AFAR

Big Flavors, Small Villages: Why Spain’s Star Chefs Are Setting Up Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Tiny Towns, AFAR
Like to self-drive? This would make a perfect road trip!

These Epic Family Vacations Turn Your Kid’s Passions Into Real-Life Adventures, AFAR

The Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast, Condé Nast

Andiamo! Travel to All the European Locations in Emily in Paris Season 5, Netflix

The best trips our editors took in 2025, Condé Nast

Waterfalls and Wildflowers: Hiking South Africa’s Highest Mountains, NYT

36 Hours: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, NYT
we stayed here before hiking in the Dolomites – a fun, walkable town
surrounded by spectacular scenery and active adventures

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventure in Miami, Outside

The Best Hotels in Paris, From Five-Star Grande Dames to Design-Forward Boutiques, Vogue

America’s 13 Coziest Hotels to Visit This Winter, AFAR
I love so many on this list

The Southwestern State Hiding Hot Springs, Swimming Holes, and Natural Waterslides, AFAR

What are ‘football pilgrimages’ and why are they on the rise?, National Geographic

Brazil’s lagoon-filled desert you can hike barefoot, BBC
this is on my personal list to visit

How to spend the perfect day in Sydney, National Geographic

35 Best Restaurants in Paris, According to a Local Food Writer,

The 39 Most Hotly Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings of the Year, Robb Report
I’m most excited about…Explora El Calafate, Singita Elela – their first lodge in Botswana and Corinthia Rome

Jet Lag Cures, Pub Etiquette, and Secret Menus: These Are the Ultimate London Hacks, Town & Country
TIPS: Take day flight to London (overnight from East coast is barely 6 hours
– not enough time for good night’s rest) If you are willing to forgo a car
transfer, the Heathrow Express zips you to Paddington Station 4x/hour in 15
minutes flat!

2026 PROJECTIONS

Seven travel trends that will define 2026, BBC
Ultra personalized over one-size-fits-all.
Gone are the days of booking the same trip as everyone else: the travel
industry is moving towards hyper individuality on a grand scale.

Off-grid over tried-and-tested.

“More and more of our travellers, especially the anti-Instagram brigade, are
turning away from overcrowded hotspots that rarely live up to their over-
filtered, uncluttered online image.”

Quiet over everything.
“This movement centres on comfort, silence and finding a way to escape the
compounding stresses of modern life.”

The best places in the world to travel to in 2026, National Geographic

The 20 best places to travel in 2026, BBC

52 Places to Go in 2026, NYT

Revealed: the luxury travel trends set to shape 2026, Spears

The Top 14 Destinations Bazaar Editors Want to Explore in 2026, Harpers Bazaar

SAFARI

Booking your first safari holiday in 2026? Here’s why Namibia should be top of your list, Stylist
It would be a very rare instance that I would recommend Namibi
as first safari. But I do always bring a Buff. 

INFORMATION

The Golden Visa Trends Shaping 2026, Forbes

TSA wants more biometric data from PreCheck travelers, USA Today

As snow becomes scarcer, billionaires turn skiing private, Spears

Surviving Picasso, Air Mail

How to Choose a Restaurant When You’re Traveling, NYT

Tuscany’s mysterious ‘cave roads’, BBC

A New Bill Could Ban Dual Citizenship in the U.S.—Here’s What It Means for Travelers, Travel & Leisure

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