Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! How’s August been for you? Many are in back-to-school mode now – or soon to be. Summer vacation season is almost over, and I hope you made the most of it.
It was kind of back-to-school mode for me professionally last week as I was in Las Vegas for travel’s equivalent to ‘fashion week.’ For the last two years, I attended virtually, and this year it was back to in-person meetings on a grand scale. And when I say grand scale, I’m not exaggerating – there were over 4,000 attendees from 100 countries across the globe with meetings and events in the Bellagio, Vdara, and Aria hotels (if you’re familiar with the LV scene).
I met with tourism boards, hoteliers, resort managers, tour operators, travel-related service providers, etc. with the goal of developing relationships and knowledge to further uplevel my clients’ vacations. I learned new skills in professional development classes and networked with people who shared best practices in our industry. Phew – it was a lot but so valuable to my business and ultimately you.
Bonus for me – my step count averaged 16K steps/day!
Read on for the scoop with some highlights about the ‘fashion week’ for travel…
Wow Hotels
I’ve said many times that your hotel isn’t just a place to sleep. The right hotel can make your entire vacation! Granted, upgrading to a better quality hotel is usually a bigger investment, but the value you receive is well worth it.
For example – the new EDITION hotel in Reykjavik (top photo), Iceland is pretty awesome with its chic rooftop bar with views of Mt. Esja and the Snæfellsjökull Glacier. And did you know that you may see Price William when staying at The Stafford in London? He’s a regular drop-in to the bar. Their courtyard in the center of London is pictured above.
Wherever you dream of traveling, there’s a WOW hotel for you. Not only do Hidden Gem Travel clients get breakfast included in their stay but are eligible for a room upgrade when available.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re already intrigued, you can simply reply to this email or schedule a chat with me here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact.
Holiday 2022
Availability has been almost non-existent for this year’s holiday week for some time. My reps at a few stunning resorts said they have some space (as of our meeting) so reach out to me if you’re interested in celebrating the week off in Phuket, Curacao (pictured), Orlando, Cayman Islands, or a lesser-known area north of Los Cabos, Mexico.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: When availability is tight because it’s peak season or you’ve started planning too late, I can help you find more unusual but equally wonderful options. Note – you will likely pay more than if you planned well in advance unless you’re open to places off the beaten path.
Award Winners: Best of the Best
Note – Hidden Gem Travel clients get VIP perks with all of the exceptional partners below.
Winners of the Best of the Best Awards as voted by the Virtuoso network include…
Best Hotel – Gleneagles, Scotland
Best New or Reimagined Hotel – Cheval Blanc Paris
Hotelier of the Year – Grand Hotel Tremezzo (pictured) & Passalacqua, Lake Como
Best Innovative Guest Experience by a Hotel – One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
Best On-Site – Southern Crossings, Australia, and New Zealand
Best Tour Operator – Abercrombie & Kent
Best Tourism Board – Los Cabos Tourism Board
These winners have provided beyond excellent service and an overall top-notch experience for our clients – well deserved recognition!
Turks & Caicos Night
I leave you with a chuckle. Five of the seven fabulous Virtuoso resorts on the Caribbean island of Turks & Caicos hosted a super creative, Alison In Wonderland themed evening. Excellent job shout out goes to…
- The Shore Club & The Palms (sister properties)
- Grace Bay Club
- Ritz Carlton Turks & Caicos
- COMO Parrott Cay
*These resorts offer some valuable amenities and VIP upgrades when you book your stay through Hidden Gem Travel. They vary by the hotel so reach out to me for the details.
You may have read my recent newsletter about Turks. If you’d like me to send you or a friend a copy, respond to this email and I’ll be happy to give you the link.
Inspired? Reach out to me now for 2023 and schedule a chat here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
