During my recent visit to Ireland, I took the opportunity to visit the four Virtuoso hotels in Dublin City, as well as one that lies about an hour west of Dublin in the heart of Ireland. Dublin, Ireland is a vibrant artistic city with plenty to offer its visitors. US travellers come in droves, often […]
I recently spent a few days in Barcelona as part of a Barcelona Tourism and Catalonia Tourism FAM trip. We toured the city and the region, visiting hotels in Barcelona as well as Catalonia, and tasting wine, chocolate, and olive oil, and learning about the history of this rich region as it relates to our […]
If you missed the first post about hotels in Portugal, you can read it here. That post covered the first four properties we stayed at during my recent Virtuoso study tour to Portugal. This post focuses on the Portugal hotels we stayed at in Sintra and Lisbon as well as the two hotels we toured […]
Portugal has long enticed adventurous travellers with it sun-soaked shores, rich history, fabulous outdoors, and delightful towns. It is one of the oldest European states and was a powerful maritime empire thanks to it’s strategic location on the Iberian peninsula. In late 2017, Portugal made several lists of travel trends for 2018. It’s on the […]
As most of you are aware, especially if you’re following my Instagram stories, I’m in Portugal on a Virtuoso study tour. These trips are great ways for us advisors to get to know the properties personally. Most of this trip has been focused on food and wine and Virtuoso wellness properties, but we have had […]
In mid-December, I went to meet my cousin in Budapest. We were spending just a few days there before heading to Italy for Christmas. Before I left the States, I reached out to preferred partner Four Seasons Budapest to see about a site tour. When they came back with an industry rate, I accepted. Four […]
On my way home from the Shetland Islands back in early February, I had one night in Edinburgh. Since I was with my parents, I reached out to one of my suppliers to ask about hotels. They came back to me with the Old Town Chambers, serviced apartments in the heart of the old city […]
On our way to the Shetland Islands for Up Helly Aa, my parents met me in Edinburgh, Scotland for Burns Night. This national night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns, most well known for Auld Lang Syne. With only one night, we stayed at the luxurious Prestonfield House in Edinburgh and attended their gala Burns Supper. […]
Recently, while in Edinburgh, Scotland, I had the chance to visit The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel. This five star property sits atop Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s main train station. It’s well known for its clock tower, which is visible from almost anywhere in Edinburgh, and its kilted doormen who also meet guests trainside. The Balmoral […]
Florence, Italy is on everyone’s list of places to go in Italy. Its narrow, cobblestones Renaissance streets, towering Duomo, and exquisite food and wine top the list of reasons to go. But where do you stay in Florence, Italy? What are the best hotels? It ought not surprise you that there are some impeccable Virtuoso […]