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AFRICA
 MARRAKECH & MOROCCO'S HIGH ATLAS:
The city of Marrakech is still exotic and mysterious the way I had always envisioned it. The main square if filled with snake charmers, story tellers, magicians and henna painters. The souks are an endless maze of rugs, copper, silver, handicrafts and very eager salesmen offering tea at every turn.
The Riyads in the old city are a delightful oasis in which to retreat, dine, swim, sleep and watch the city bustle from the rooftops above. After the intoxicating city, nothing could be more distinct than a Berber village retreat in the High Atlas mountains. My favorite memory is watching my children snuggling baby goats encountered along the path while riding donkeys back to the Kasbah after lunch at a local Berber home.
Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
 CRUSING THE NILE & THE RED SEA:
Soon may be a great time to see Egypt from a fresh perspective. A visit to this timeless city commences in the ancient capital of Cairo along the Nile River where a visit to the Pyramids at Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the markets are an inevitable start to the Egyptian adventure.
The very best way to truly discover Egypt and get up and close to the temples, pyramids and tombs of its many rulers from the Greeks to the Romans to the Egyptians is aboard a 3 day Nile river cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
Watching life along the banks of the fertile and mighty Nile and the ability to navigate right up to the most special treasures of Egypt, often beating the crows and the traffic, and in the company of a well-informed Egyptologists is the way to make the most of this mind-blowing experience.
After absorbing vast amounts of history, culture and art, a holiday is made even greater by allowing a few days on the Red Sea at the fabulous resort of Sharm El Sheikh. My favorite memory was the way the Egyptians everywhere welcomed my children - they felt like special honored guests everywhere they turned. Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
ASIA
 TOUR OF THAILAND:
Thailand is an absolutely amazing place in terms of the people, the value, the cuisine, art, culture, and topography. The journey will always start in bustling Bangkok where touring the old city, the canals, gazing at life on the river, and negotiating the markets can keep one busy for a few days.
The Northern capital of Chiang Mai is also the arts and cultural capital where one can stay at an amazing resort on a working rice field, cook with the Chef at Thai cooking school, and shop for silks and other Thai crafts at the local night market. Next stop and likely the most special part of the Thai adventure is a visit to Four Seasons Tented Camp at the Golden Triangle. Picture 15 luxurious tents on stilts at the very spot where Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos meet.
Arrive by long tail boat, visit hill tribes, discover the fascinating Opium museum, but most importantly learn to be a Mahout on one of the four rescued elephants that are now on staff at Four Seasons Resort. Gorgeous beaches in the South conclude the perfect romantic trip of adventure and discovery and peace.
My favorite memory was a surprise dinner arranged for my husband's birthday at the elephant training ground. When we arrived, our elephants from the day's mahout trekking, were waiting with baskets of bamboo that they nudged us into feeding them. We did not need to nudge anyone to offer us the champagne.
Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
 MALDIVES ISLAND HOPPING:
There is truly no beach destination on earth more awe-inspiring than The Maldives. Imagine a country that is 90,000 square kilometers and is made up primarily of water. Of the approximately 1200 islands, grouped into atolls, that make up the Maldives, about 200 of them are inhabited either by a local village or a sumptuous and cutting-edge Maldivian resort.
From the international airport in Male, guests can reach their island homes by either speedboat if staying in the North Male Atoll or by sea plane if traveling to the more remote northern and southern atolls. Because each resort is a completely unique experience on it's very own island, travelers will best enjoy The Maldives by breaking up 7-10 days among two to three resorts.
My favorite memories include watching my children aboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni haul in a 90 pound fish and then delivering it to the local village as a gift (only after the chef cut out a small portion to serve my daughter at dinner at the restaurant that night).
The action did not stop there as soon our skilled native crew spotted and rescued three giant turtles from an entangled shrimping net, just before our boat was escorted back to island by literally 100s of show-off dolphins. Another day adventure took us to Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll where we snorkeled with dozens of manta rays spanning 15 feet while they performed their daily feed and clean ritual. It was fascinating, but not for the faint of heart - the perfectly controlled massive wing span of the mantas comes with in inches of the swimmers that were observing them!
When I thought nothing else could top our holiday, we were dropped off at a deserted sand bar for the day with a gorgeous gourmet picnic (and a cell phone, just in case). The beauty of the Maldives is ONLY surpassed by the warmth and smiles of the gorgeous Maldivian people. Service, design, and food and beverage are taken to a new level in the Indian Ocean - something unparalleled on any islands I have seen in the Americas. This is an island trip of a life time! Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
LATIN AMERICA
 PERU & MACCHU PICCHU:
Peru is for those who adore history, are inspired by indigenous cultures, enjoy an active holiday, and insist in unique and delicious cuisine. The good news is there are spectacular hotels, resorts and trains to elevate the experience to unsurpassed levels of luxury all the while keeping a distinct sense of place and culture only found in Peru.
The itinerary I love starts in the capital Lima, continues on to the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the elevations, and then offers a magnificent 3 night/4 day hike along the Inca Trail culminating in the entrance to the Gateway of the Sun at dawn at the ancient lost city of Macchu Picchu.
A special hotel awaits at Macchu Picchu for those wanting an overnight experience at this ancient citadel. My pick is to descend into the magical and preserved indigenous and Spanish city of Cusco on the famed Harem Bingham Orient Express Train followed by a stay at the luxurious yet rustic Hotel Monasterio.
My favorite memory is pulling into Cuzco on the luxurious Harem Bingham at night when the city is lit up in the most magical way - the colorful indigenous locals, the sounds of the Peruvian flute, and the smells of the most amazing cuisine created a sensory over load. Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
 BUENOS AIRES & CARMELO:
There is not city in the western hemisphere quite as exciting at Buenos Aires. The people, the passion, the cuisine and wines, the tango, and the shopping. There are fantastic hotels in the city and of course I have my favorites. Who can beat staying up way too late with amongst so many beautiful people, shopping your heart out in the morning and relaxing poolside with a sauvignon blanc by 3pm in the midst of a bustling city?
After a few days of carrying on, take a 12-seater plane just 20 minutes across the mighty Rio de la Plata where you land on a small air strip at Carmelo International Airport. Bellmen from the swank 44 Bungalow Resort that sits on the river meet your plane to whisk you away for a few days amongst Uruguayan cowboys, 150 year old Italian and German wineries, and pure rustic heaven. A great combination of Argentina and Uruguay, an even better mix of city and country, and all effortless.
My favorite memory is celebrating our Thanksgiving dinner in a private cabana as sunset on the Rio de la Plata and our private chef manned a Uruguayan barbecue just for us. Who needs turkey anyway? Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
CRUISING & YACHTING
 For those that have never
consider a cruise as a way to travel, let me let you know that I too thought
this was not "my thing" until I cruised aboard the Seabourn Pride to
Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. I absolutely loved how our small ship
could navigate into tiny ports and islands that larger ships simply can not get
close to. To be able to stop in Saigon, Danang, or Hanoi and do a day or
two of site seeing and then retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city to
the ship for day at sea and relaxation is the perfect way to travel.
Seabourn is one of just a few top end luxury cruise lines that offer
exceptionally personalized service, beautiful suite accommodations, and great
entertainment throughout the voyage. I love the all inclusive nature
where absolutely all amazing meals and fine wines and drinks, as well as tips
are included. Not once do you have to sign a bill and the service is always
offered with a smile and no expectation of any additional compensation.
It seemed every day our circle of friends grew from those we met during our
shore excursions of meals.
My best memory is that every night, not
matter where we dined, the staff knew our name and the variety, creativity and
quality of the menus was astonishing. We looked forward to every meal be
it a themed dinner in the specialty restaurant, an a la carte at the captains table,
a picnic for our boat ride on Halong bay, or caviar and champagne sent to our
room - simply top quality and all included! Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
SKIING
 Jackson Hole - Ski in and Ski Out
access, steaming swimming pools where smores and hot chocolate are served, town
of Jackson has spectacular restaurants, the infamous Million Dollar Cowboy bar,
the National Museum of Wildlife, and the Ski school for the kids is first rate!
Whistler - I love the sleek
residences at the Four Seasons with top of the line kitchens, entertainment
system sad fireplaces. The spa and heated swimming pools make for a wonderful
après ski, the ski concierge at the base of the mountain is waiting for the
guests with their skis and equipment each morning, I love the European feel and
amazing gastronomy found at the myriad of restaurants through the charming
village.
If you are looking for the newest
and hottest ski resorts, the ones to visit currently are Four Seasons Resort
Vail and the Montage Deer Valley. Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
USA HOLIDAYS
 SANTA BARBARA - Santa Barbara is a
still a west coast hidden gem and secret to many. The affluent coastal
town reeks of old money and Hollywood glamour but in a very understated and
romantic way. The charming Spanish mission style and influence, near
perfect climate, active life style, and myriad of restaurants, boutiques and
wineries make this a must for a long weekend get-a-way. My favorite
memory is following in the footsteps of the movie, "Sideways" to all
of the wineries and vineyards show in the film.
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara is old Hollywood elegance in the most
sophisticated Spanish Mission style hotel and cottages.
Three fantastic experiences to
consider stateside for this summer with the family are the Inn at Palmetto
Bluff just outside of Savannah, the Ranch at Paws Up in Montana, or Blackberry
Farm in Tennessee. All offer the best of
the great outdoors with charming and luxurious cottages of all sizes -perfect
for hosting a multi-generational reunion, a milestone celebration, or the
uniting of a group of special friends. Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
 THE INN AT PALMETTO BLUFF - Located just 30 minutes north of the Savannah Airport in
South Carolina on 22,000 acres of pristine wilderness along the May
River.This surprisingly delightful retreat is an exceptional
multi-generational family get-a-way as much as it is an very romantic weekend
escape for couples.
The Inn does a spectacular job of making all
guests feel as though they are the only guests being
spoiled. I recommend the river front cottages for the couples who want to laze
on their porch with a glass of wine, take long bike rides on the 22,000 acres of
tree-lined trails, or simply float down the May River on the
Grace. For families, extraordinary
period-decorated Village Homes from 2 to 4 bedrooms, are as comfortable and
personal as your family's own holiday home, and with all of the top end
amenities one expects every day. Children are
welcomed and catered to but couples will find that the River-Front cottages and
adults-only pool creates a very soothing environment for those that are escaping
for some romance! Spring and Fall are the prime time to visit, but even February can
have absolutely perfect sunny weather for a boat trip, game of croquet, round of
golf, a swim in one of the two pools, or a day of horse back riding. The activities are endless from fishing, to kayaking, to historic day
trips to Daufuskie Island and environmental tours through the vast South
Carolina lowland marshes. One thing that is unique is the history of
the 1902 Winston estate and the absolutely breathtaking and idyllic restoration
of the grounds. Once guest take the 4 mile drive into the property, they are
taken back in time by the quaint village feel complete with shops, restaurants,
and even a chapel - a stunning setting for a
wedding. I immediately pictured my own family here riding bikes to the Lawn and
Racquet Club for the "big competition", meeting up at the River House or Canoe
Club for a cold beverage, or taking a boat out from the town dock. The
cuisine throughout the resort will surprise and delight even the biggest foodies
with its dedication to locally sourced and organic farming.
Under the direction
of an engaging Southern-born and raised food and beverage director, the team
brings to life the history of low country cooking in a way that is modern and
creative but honors its roots and local traditions - including using staff
grandparent's recipes for the house cured sausages, home-made biscuits, and
stone ground grits. Keep in mind the the shrimp and oysters come
right from the May River and could not be more memorable. Dining and
wining at the Inn will certainly delight! My score is an A+++ because the resort is
so unexpected, so welcoming, elegant but casual, and makes guests feel that they
have traveled a million miles away, rather than just 30 minutes from the
Savannah Airport. Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
BIKING ADVENTURES
 I am passionate about active travel
and there is no better way to see a place from a “slower perspective”. Biking though Argentina, Italy, or the
Canadian Rockies allows you to get up close and personal to the way people
really live and to see the unspoiled natural beauty not always accessible
during other forms of travel. Though I
am all about a great work out, I certainly do not want to miss out on staying
in beautiful inns and boutique hotels and enjoying the gastronomy of a
region. Both Backroads and Butterfield
& Robinson organize first class biking, hiking and multisport trips that
are expertly coordinated for maximum enjoyment to varying levels of athletic
tendency. Weather traveling alone, with
your spouse, a group of friends or the entire family, the small group nature of
the trips, make for a very social and personal experience. Don’t worry, the van is never far behind if
you get tired of pedaling and a glass of local vino is always at the next stop!
Laura, please personalize this itinerary for my next holiday!
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