Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community, and Happy Motherâs Day to all the moms who read this newsletter. When my kids were young (and full-on 24/7), I wished for a little peace and quiet on Motherâs Day. Now, I look forward to seeing and spending time with them; life is full circle.
Recently, I enjoyed dinner and a show (often a lovely Motherâs Day gift), but this one was travel-style. Hoteliers and destination-specific representatives travel together in small groups to meet travel advisors like me and discuss their offerings and updates. This time, it was a dinner in Greenwich, Connecticut with travel suppliers from Barcelona, Croatia, Greece, Switzerland, Panama, Indonesia, and Dubai. I enjoyed every presentation and wanted to pass on a bit of what I learned in this weekâs newsletter.
Read on for the scoop â and let me know if youâd like more information on any of these destinations.
Croatia
If youâve already checked Italy and Greece off your travel bucket list, itâs time to consider Croatia. Iâve written a few newsletters about Croatia which you can read here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/blog.
A classic vacation in Croatia includes visiting its gorgeous islands and coves by boat and traveling inland to its stunning national parks.
You can easily visit nearby Montenegro, and if time, other neighboring countries like Slovenia and Italy.
Having been there myself – I absolutely loved my experience – Iâm pleased to have partners based in Croatia who work with me to design seamless, dream vacations for my clients.
đHidden Gem Tip: Wondering about food and wine? In one word â delicious!
Panama
This place is a WOW and true hidden gem.
If youâre dreaming of a remote island paradise, Islas Secas in Panama is the ideal place. The area is a 14- Island Archipelago 20 miles from civilization, and this ultimate eco-resort is small with only 7 casitas for up to 24 guests. Youâll have your own spacious outdoor living room with ocean views. Yes, itâs all-inclusive given its location, and the food is amazing.
When you arrive in Panama, youâll take a private air transfer to Isla Secas. Once there, how you spend your time is up to you. If you love the water, the marine activities are diverse including:
⢠World Class Fishing
⢠Diving
⢠E-Foiling
⢠Sea bobbing
⢠Whale-watching
⢠Kayaking
⢠Paddleboarding
⢠Surfing
⢠Marine Safaris
Time on land can be spent relaxing by the ocean or in the Jungle Spa or for more active pursuits thereâs hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, and more, Your experience is personalized.
While perfect for couples, families and groups come to Isla Secas for a Thanksgiving escape, a family reunion, a quick luxury weekend getaway, or a longer tropical vacation. Together can take private boat tours in the extraordinary Gulf of ChiriquĂ to watch whales or try scuba diving, enjoy private island picnics, and beach family scavenger hunts. Days can be as action-packed or chilled-out as you like.
Side note – if you’re interested in this type of experience in Asia, I have an incredible recommendation for you!
Barcelona, Spain
I enjoyed eating dinner seated next to the Senior Sales Manager of the Almanac hotel in Barcelona. It was timely since Iâll be in Barcelona this month checking out hotels, tours, and other components of my clientâs itineraries. Iâm excited to meet him again, tour the hotel and rooms, and end with a cocktail on the gorgeous rooftop! More to come after my tour.
If you love a city rooftop with a view, Iâll add a list of the best ones to your itinerary. Stay tuned to Hidden Gem Travelâs social media pages for my photos of the Almanacâs rooftop!
Hidden Gem Travel clients get some fab perks at this and many other hotels around the world! Want to book a hotel on your own and get upgrades and perks? Follow this link: https://www.virtuoso.com/advis…
Inspired? Reach out to me now to begin the planning process and get your questions answered.
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
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Make your own Wanderlist for 2023! As a reminder, Wanderlist is an online portal where you can research, explore, and create shareable lists of destinations and experiences. Share your list with me so I can make it happen for you.
