Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Life is so hectic these days with graduations, kids’ activities, juggling schedules, and preparing for upcoming trips. I hope you’re hanging in there and finding small moments of quiet.
It was another busy week in travel land! I was very inspired on Wednesday by one of my favorite hotel groups, Belmond. It’s a 5-star brand that’s truly a hidden gem for clients who want that extra-special experience.
Here’s a snippet from their website: “It all began in 1976 when we received the keys to the legendary Cipriani, a Belmond hotel in Venice (personal note – I was just there and it’s amazing!!). A year later we began collecting the carriages for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which launched in 1982 to whisk intrepid travelers to La Serenissima in style. For over 40 years we have followed our pioneering spirit and passion for authenticity to create and uncover some of the world’s greatest travel adventures. Today, our collection includes one-of-a-kind hotels, trains, river cruises, and safari lodges in stunning destinations across the globe. Each has an incredible story to tell.”
Each Belmond hotel and experience is unique and special! This newsletter highlights some of the experiences Hidden Gem Travel clients can have when they stay at Belmond hotels (with loads of insider perks!). Read on for the scoop…
The Grand Tour: Italy, Spain, Portugal
Deep dive into Italy’s most iconic destinations. Spend seven unforgettable nights in two or more of the Belmond hotels in Italy.
Unearth Venice’s hidden history with exclusive access to the city’s secret archives. Enjoy cooking lessons at a Portofino farm or gaze up at the enchanting starry skies over Tuscany. Food lovers are spoilt for choice. Enjoy cooking lessons with an acclaimed chef in Florence, sample the exquisite produce of Mount Etna on its lunar-like slopes, or join the Chef’s Table on the Amalfi Coast for a gourmet journey like no other.
Looking to add an island to your trip? Hop over to art-filled La Residencia, a Belmond hotel in Mallorca, Spain, or oceanside Reid’s Palace, a Belmond hotel in Madeira, Portugal.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re already intrigued, you can schedule a chat with me here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact.
Florence, Tuscany & Beyond
Combine a visit to Renaissance Florence with a stay in the Tuscan countryside.
Take four nights and spend them as you wish. Perhaps two at Villa San Michele, with its façade designed by Michelangelo, and two at Castello di Casole, a 10th-century estate set among vineyards and olive groves. Everything is taken care of; you just need to relax and enjoy the best of both worlds.
During the transfer between hotels, you’ll discover Castello di Ama, a renowned winery and contemporary art estate. Marvel at the quaint architecture and landscape, situated in a magical Etruscan hamlet near Chianti. Stroll through vineyards, cellars, and galleries, followed by a glorious lunch with curated wine pairings.
Another option in Italy is Sicily where Belmond has two incredible hotels!
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Wondering how to navigate international travel? Click here to schedule a chat and I’ll talk you through it.
Discover Peru
Explore unmissable experiences from Lima to Machu Picchu in a week in incredible Peru. Below are a few highlights…
Explore Lima’s downtown, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, City Hall, Archbishop’s Palace, and Larco Museum. Overnight at Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel.
Embark on a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Arrive at the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. Your next stop will be the town of Pisac, renowned for its enormous colorful market and ruins.
Travel to the Inca citadel aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train. Enjoy a private tour of Machu Picchu and an overnight stay at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, the only one adjacent to the ruins.
Southeast Asia Through The Ages
Discover the fascinating history of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Starting in buzzing Singapore, board the Eastern & Orient Express for a fabled train journey through the exotic East. Meet local villagers and tour their rice paddies in remote Labu Kabong.
Whether you’re more interested in history or bustling wet markets, customize your day in Kanchanaburi, west Thailand. Marvel at stūpas and other ornate architecture in Bangkok.
Dive into Siem Reap in Cambodia with its explosion of color, flavor, and mystical intrigue. Tour intricate Angkor temples or cycle through the emerald-hued countryside. Explore local gastronomy or ascend the sacred Cambodian Phnom Kulen mountain range. The choice is yours!
Inspired? If you’re thinking about a bucket list trip or grand voyage here’s the link to schedule a chat with me 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
