TomTravel2

In four days of meetings I met with over 400 representatives of luxury travel suppliers. These included hotels, cruise lines, tour companies, airlines, visitors bureaus, specialty providers and on sights. Most occurred at this cluttered table that Judi and I shared. One to three people from each supplier would come to the table and talk to us about their product or service. Each meeting lasts for four minutes. The meetings are split into morning and afternoon sessions and between the two sessions 100 are scheduled each of the 4 days. There are two “tracks” due to the large number of suppliers that come to Travel Mart. We were on the “B” track, though Judi often would switch over to an “A” table next to us if she had a particular supplier that wasn’t our track she wanted to meet.

It is a lot to take in! The process is at the same time stimulating and exhausting. The people who attend this event are an enthusiastic group. Often conversations continue in the halls between the sessions. Some people who are on different tracks seek one another out in less formal meetings. One such meeting occurred in the alcove in front of the elevators. This enthusiastic lady was one of my acquaintances from Twitter and caught me on my way up to the room. Her company is new to Virtuoso and to me. I recognized her name from Twitter when she pointed out we had tweeted at times together. I was really glad we ran into each other as her customized Asian tours looked amazing. So thanks @catherineheald for finding me!Other informal meeting places are at cocktail mixers, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Networking is non-stop from early morning to late at night.

It would be impossible to share all that I learned at this intense event. What I most want to convey is the sense of connection that we make at Virtuoso Travel Mart. The motto for this event is “The Power of One to One.” We attend this event to create and reaffirm the partnerships we have between travel agents and travel suppliers. This is something that is, and will forever be, absent from the internet booking process. The other important thing that we agents gain is a breadth of knowledge about the products and services available to meet all of our clients travel needs. We are doing the research for our clients so that we can help them avoid the tedious task of learning all this on their own. Everything you need to know about travel can be found on the internet now if you have the patience and time to seek it out. It is much easier and less time consuming to talk to someone who already knows what you would have to find on your own.

What follows is some of the highlights of what I learned at Virtuoso Travel Mart meetings. I will focus on the new vendors, the less known, the unusual, and on some of the presentations that were creative or amusing. I will also present some of our old friends that we know and love. As I reviewed my notes I realized there is a whole world of travel that comes to Travel Mart. Here is one slice of that world…

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises informed us that the very generous sales offers they have had starting in the winter of this year will mostly end by September 30th. If you want 2 for 1 pricing and included air call your travel agent soon! One of the special offers is going to be a regular inclusion and that is the free shore excursions. What an exceptional value with included beverages, gratuities, and now shore excursions!
• Cruise West’s new more luxurious ship The Spirit of Oceanus is offering speakers from the Smithsonian Institute on 14 of it’s voyages. This ship is also embarking on a 350 day world cruise. It is broken up into segments that can be booked separately. They are following the voyages of the great explorers of history. As a small ship it will take passengers to more unusual ports and up close and personal with natural wonders. One of their mottos is “will stop for whales and dolphins.” They will literally vary an itinerary schedule if it means special experiences for their guests.
• Ritz Carlton is opening new hotels and resorts in Lake Tahoe (ski in-ski out), Dove Mountain near Tucson, Charlotte, and a villa resort in Thailand.
• Princess Cruises focused on new itineraries. They have added to their “exotics” offerings for 2010 and beyond. They are also offering 7 night sailings in Europe for the first time.
• We are very familiar with the Four Seasons Prague and the Four Seasons Budapest. Seeing the wow factor of these two lovely hotels in pictures was a great reminder.
• A new river cruise ship named the Volga Dream will be cruising between St. Petersburg and Moscow in Russia. It looks like a very modern and luxurious ship.
• Spain is excited about the completion of more high speed rail connections throughout the country. They have also opened new state of the art airports in Barcelona and Madrid.
• Our favorite Virtuoso On Sight in Spain “Made for Spain” is offering private tours with art historians at the many wonderful art museums. They also are featuring a hands on experience at a fighting bull ranch for the would be bull fighters out there. Other tours will focus on wine, regional dance, culinary classes, and Jewish heritage.
• The Marques de Riscal in the Rioja region has major wow factor. This hotel was designed by the famed architect Frank Gehry. It is an ultra modern twisting design that is truly one of a kind. It is reminiscent of the Bilbao Museum that has become an icon of modern architecture. The spa offers a red wine barrel bath. They also offer perfume making programs and a two hour tasting dinner. This is one unique luxury resort in a rural setting.
• The Kempinski Bruges is in a former palace of a Burgandy King. It features both modern decor and historic decor in it’s various suites. Bruges has one of the most famous Christmas Markets of Europe. It is also a city known for it’s large number of gourmet restaurants.
• Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat has completed a 70 million euro makeover and the results are stunning! They now feature 8 suites that each have a huge private pool.
• Le Couvant des Minimes is housed in a 17th century convent. The rustic stone exterior contrasts with the very sleek and modern decor within. This 46 room retreat is a member of Relais & Chateau and has a beautiful new spa. It is in a rural setting in Provance.
•  Chateau Saint-Martin and Spa occupies a hilltop with Mediterranean views near Vence, France. It has 51 huge suites on 14 lush acres. There are Roman ruins on the property and a lovely pool. The private helipad gives easy access to nearby attractions and cities.
• The Four Seasons Resort Provence occupies 260 lushly landscaped acres in a scenic rural setting. It offers easy access to nearby market towns. The resort is inland, but not far from Nice and Cannes. This family friendly resort has several pools including an indoor pool that is absolutely gorgeous!
• The Luna Baglioni in Venice, Italy will complete a 100% renovation by February. This is one of our favorite classic retreats on the canals of Venice. Balcony views from upper level suites here are stunning.
• I met the Villa Palazzo Aminta Beauty & Spa in Lake Maggiore Italy. They have stunning lake and mountain views in most suites. Pampering service in a lovely setting is the focus here. They are part of Small Luxury Hotels.
• Have your cliff top view and beach it too at Il San Pietro di Positano! Their elevator will take you to the sand beach and back up to your sea view room. They are offering cooking classes on the beach. They also have 2 hour coastal sailings twice daily on their private yacht which are complimentary to guests.
• Grand Hotel Westin Excelsior in Florence Italy has added a rooftop restaurant. This is not just any dining venue, it is on the tallest building in this lovely city and has floor to ceiling glass walls. Eat while you are afforded a 360 degree view of one of the most view worthy places on earth.
• L’Albereta is a vine rural covered gem in Italy focused on spa, cuisine, and their private winery. This 59 room boutique features one room on the top floor with a retractable roof! A luxury hotel that lets you sleep under the stars!
• Bushman’s Kloof focuses on place and culture. The setting is breathtaking with rock formations and panoramic views. They offer tours to rock art and have their own museum of indigenous artifacts. Opportunities to view game, fly fishing, and a seasonal desert wildflower display explodes in August to September. The rooms? Wow!
• Park Hyatt Goa is a glitzy ultra modern beach resort outside Goa India. Set on 46 acres of tropical gardens it has a huge pool on a white sand beach. The rooms are also large and the bold design says wow! The full service spa is state of the art and chic. They offer Yoga classes daily.
• Pezula in South Africa has added “Pezula Castle” which is a more luxurious resort within the resort. This coastal property is on a point between the ocean and a lagoon. 78 “afro-chic” designed suites all offer butler service. Spa and golf by the sea.
• Amirandes Resort on a sandy beach in Crete keeps it earthy and local with wood stoves and local source cuisine. Suites offer private swim out pools. The resort pool is large and lovely. Family friendly.
• The Intercontinental Amsterdam has historic charm and canal views in all suites. Elegant design features high ceilings and wood floors.The pool has a river view. They offer a saloon boat for dining on the water and private tours. Michelin star dining.
• The Dorchester London added a new spa at the cost of 52 million pounds. Glamour and indulgence are the keywords here. “Spati’cery dining” is offered within the sumptuous spa. This is a rather English take on spa food which features dessert and Champaign. I said indulgence!
• The Lodge at Doonberg Golf This Irish resort features a Greg Norman golf course, spa, modern decor, local culture, and  fishing. They made a most amusing presentation! These are people who like people!
• The Old Course Hotel in Scotland is now owned by Kohler. They have built a great new spa and are a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
• Intercontinenal London Park Lane at Hyde Park Corner has rooms with a view of the Queen’s back yard. They offer a full culinary school program. The decor is “cozy London.” They now offer automatic upgrade to club level access with Virtuoso at the time of booking!
• The Scotsman Hotel is housed in a 1905 news paper office building. They feature lovingly restored marble walls and pillars and classic decor. The location is at the center of Edinburgh and convenient to all historic sites. They are offering 50% off all dining with Virtuoso bookings!
• Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is actually in Hyde Park! Guests can dine al fresco as the Royal Horse Guards parade just feet away! Classic British style and Michelin star dining are offered. The spa was named #1 in London by Conde Nast.
• Bovey Castle Exeter occupies an historic castle on the border of England and Wales. Local laws still allow shooting the Welsh if they approach though no shooting occurs these days. Being part Welsh I found this amusing. This member of Small Luxury Hotels offers PGA golf, falconry, fishing, shooting, and equestrian. Virtuoso bookings include transfers and luggage porterage.
• Isle of Eriska Is a private island golf and spa resort on a nature reserve. Only 25 rooms make this a private retreat. This was one of the most amusing presentations with many visual aids. Very personable people here!
• Londolozi a game lodge in Krueger National Park South Africa is going green. They now offer electric vehicles for game drives and soon all of their vehicles will be electric. They have 3 lodges and 2 camps which are family friendly. This is one of the best places to see leopards. They offer a photography instructor.
• Shangri La Hotel Xian is the first Virtuoso lodgings for those visiting the famous terra cotta warriors. It is stylish and contemporary and offers huge suites. There is a health spa and multiple dining options including Thai and Chinese cuisine.
• Amankora in Bhutan has five Himalayan luxury lodges. They focus on an immersion in local culture and Buhddism.
• Amangiri brings Amanresorts ultimate luxury to Lake Powell country on the Arizona Utah border. Occupying 600 acres and nestled below red rock cliffs this resort has rooms that say “wow!” The spa focuses on Navajo healing and yoga. Activities include biking, hiking, climbing, horse back riding, Colorado River and Lake Powell boating.
• Four Seasons has three new resorts in Thailand. Combining two or all three can make a varied vacation experience. Koh Samui is on the beach, Chiang Mai is designed like a Thai village, and Golden Triangle has a spa and offer elephant encounters.
• Treetops has been garnering acclaim far and wide from Travel & Leisure, Conde Naste, and as a Best of the Best finalist from Virtuoso. “Made Out of Dreams” is this 24 guest resort on 2,500 acres. Suites and villas are huge and they are now moving to 100% hydropower. Fine cuisine and wine are included. Enjoy hot springs, fly fishing (one of the best in the world), visit a private island by helicopter, and private transfers by car or helicopter.
• Orion Expedition Cruises is offering new itineraries and some old favorites. For the first time you can take a shorter 7 night cruise on this Australian owned and operated luxurious purpose built expedition ship.  They are offering 20% savings for bookings made before December 14th. Tasmania voyages join the line up in 2010.
• Fairmont Hotels Canada: Chateau Whistler is offering ski free or golf free. Fairmont Empress will have all of it’s Gold Floor rooms renovated by December (tea at the Empress is a must do). Fairmont Banff has added a Gold Floor (this is the club level area at many Fairmont properties with private Gold room offering breakfast and h’ors devours and private concierge). Fairmont Lake Louise has doubled the number of Gold Floor rooms. Banff and Lake Louise offer unlimited canoe rentals.
• Trails of Indochina has a new luxurious river ship sailing the Mekong river. This 27 cabin ship offers 7 night sailings between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Siem Riep. They also offer home hosted dinners at the U.S. Ambassadors residence. Cultural immersion, culinary experiences and customized private travel are their speciatles.
• The Nines brings modern design to Portland, Oregon in a convenient location. Located in the top nine floors over a Macy’s department store this is shopping heaven. It has a huge atrium, a rooftop restaurant, and a club level floor.
• The Fearrington is a family farm turned country resort. A member of Relais & Chateau each room has it’s own unique English country style decor. 5 diamond contemporary American cuisine featuring specialties from their own extensive gardens. Historic farm buildings are incorporated into the resort including a large wooden barn that is a grand spot for a wedding.
• The Cloister Sea Island in Georgia has completed 100% of their renovation. Rooms start at 750 square feet and have wood ceilings. The offer 5 diamond dining, 2 golf courses, tennis, equestrian, kayaking, and fishing including their own charter for offshore fishing.
• Four Seasons Hotel Seattle on the waterfront 1 block from Pike’s Market has 147 rooms starting at 550 square feet. Rustic rock and stone lobby is highlighted with many original art pieces. There is an infinity pool on the roof that is visually stunning. 160 wines by the glass, spa, and free cruise drop off are just some of what they offer.