The Luxe of the Irish- Five Top Hotels near Dublin, Ireland

28. August 2012 · 5 comments · Categories: Europe, Independent Properties, Ireland, Luxury Collection, Ritz-Carlton, Romantic Getaways · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Irish Rainbow Feature Image Sonne
Dublin Luxury Hotel

The Shelbourne’s Constitution Room

Travelers can enjoy of the luxe of the Irish, choosing the finest places while travelling the ancient footpaths and modern favorites of Dublin and environs in South East Ireland. For some high-end hotel hopping, Lisa’s Luxury Likes include a weave of city, country, seaside and garden luxury: The Shelbourne, Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Dunbrody Country Home, The Cliff House, and Barberstown Castle.

Shelbourne Dublin

In the heart of Dublin, the Shelbourne shines for deluxe treatment, rich historic atmosphere, and delightful location. Suites overlook St Stephen’s Greens, the renowned Victorian gardens. The concierge will greet you by name when you return from the Abby Theater or Temple Bar. Five minutes away, you can walk in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Jonathan Swift at Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, or head over to

The charms of Grafton Street Dublin, a five minute walk from the Shelbourne

peruse the nearby pulse of picturesque Grafton shops and street artists.

First opened in 1824, and now a Five Star Alliance Renaissance Hotel, the well-restored sanctuary shares memorable dining, more than 500 pieces of Irish art, and the “Constitution Room,” where Michael Collins oversaw the drafting of the Irish Constitution.

US, Irish, and European electrical sockets are all available, but the real energy of this cosmopolitan treat are the wonderful people who make you feel five star.

EXTRAS: Ask for the Princess Grace Suite, if you want to rest where royalty dreamed.

If you want to learn about own personal Irish history, book a session with the Shelbourne’s Genealogy Butler service that helps guests find their Irish roots.

For a day trip of time travel, arrange to visit the fascinating prehistoric monument of Newgrange.

The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Ireland

Near Irelands’ east coast, in the woodlands of County Wicklow, Powerscourt Gardens: The Ritz-Carlton is a grand scale, upscale country retreat. Play at the gentry life with horseback riding, shooting, fly fishing, and hiking in the region where scenes of Brave Heart and Excalibur were filmed. Garden lovers can stroll acres of magnificence at the Powerscourt Gardens.
For those who love eponymous luxuries, don’t miss the Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt dining experience for culinary highs, and swim laps over the 160 Swarovski crystals that light up the twenty-meter indoor pool, part of the ESPA spa facilities.

Touch pad controls for lights and curtains at the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

You can feel like a modern Lord or Lady of the manner in palatial-sized suites, with touch pad controls  for lights and curtains, and sweeping curved balconies over the expansive grounds with views of Sugarloaf Mountain.

EXTRA: The Spa is pioneering good luck “shillelagh” massages. Hand carved from wood in the nearby Shillelagh forest, the sticks have a history as ancient tools. Now they are being used in artful massage to un-do knots and tensions.

The Cliff House

For seaside luxury, don’t miss The Cliff House, a Relais and Chateaux gem and Five Star Alliance hideaway on the Irish Sea. The bedrooms are aesthetically rich and original with creative Irish arts and comforting amenities.

Sit on your seaside balcony to savor the twilight before indulging in the delectable at The House Restaurant, a Michelin one-star treat on the ground floor. The stellar inside pool offers saltwater views. Walkers can explore the churches in the nearby town, comb the seashore, or stumble upon an ancient healing well just down the row.

The lovely staff and setting make it hard to leave.

EXTRA: All the senses can be sated.

The Dunbrody Country House Hotel

Irish Countryside Outside Dublin

For memorable culinary lessons, inviting grounds, and the pleasures of country life like in the movies, relax at Dunbrody House: A Georgian Manor built in the 1830s that sits on more than 200 acres near Arthurstown, this once-private home shares charming intimacy.

Three floors offer a total of 22 rooms, each wonderfully unique. Original fireplaces and deep soaking tubs provide cozy pampering. The range of antiques make you want to see every room.

Across the way, the Dunbrody Culinary School offers lessons and tips for guests using fresh foods from the grounds and local sources, thanks to Irish celebrity Master Chef Kevin Dundon.

For day excursions, stroll the Viking towns of Wexford and Waterford. Take the Waterford Crystal  Factory Tour to see masters at work turning glass into elegant ware and art.

EXTRA: Even those who don’t think they can cook can help make great Irish soda bread and take the recipe home.

Barberstown Castle

Fine dining at the Castle built in the 13th century

If you want your Hotel to be an experience, as well as a cushy accommodation, Barberstown Castle beckons. Built in the 13th century with modern sections added more recently, the Kildare County castle welcomes exploration, and is just 40 minutes from Dublin. Once owned by Eric Clapton, the Hotel now has suites that are each named after distinguished guests through the century, including the Eric Clapton Suite. Each room is unique with antiques and special touches.

You may enjoy great conversations with the owner, meet musicians who come to play during the champagne hour, or enjoy an unforgettable six-course meal in the oldest part of the medieval castle. Barberstown Castle

EXTRA:  Stroll through the colorful village of Kilkenny and take a lesson, fun to beat, on the Irish Bodhran at the Kyteler’s Inn, (established in 1324)  or

Saunter the Castle grounds. and Candy, the dog, may walk with you through the gardens.

——

Special thanks to Tourism Ireland for making this trip possible. To enjoy additional ideas for planning your own itinerary,  you can check out www.TourismIreland.com for things to see and do all over Ireland.

Happy Travels and Good Luck finding your own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Lisa TE Sonne  for LuxuryTravelMavens.com

 Photos by Lisa TE Sonne

Which of the five top luxury hotels appeals to you  the most?

Luxury Adventure Trips in South America & Africa: Q & A with Jacada Travel Founder Alex Malcolm

21. August 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Adventure, Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador (Galapagos), Kenya, Peru, Safari, South America · Tags:
JacadaTravelFeatureImageRhino
Malcolm looks to the future of Luxury Travel

Alex Malcom in Africa
Photo provided by Jacada Travel

Heli-surfing in Chile? Private picnics above Angel Falls in Venezuela? A tailored-to-you luxury safari honeymoon in Africa? Jacada Travel prides itself on originality with its luxury adventure trips. The founder, Alex Malcolm, started life in Oxford in the United Kingdom, but found his passion for unique travel in Brazil. Since founding Jacada Travel in 2008, he has aspired to share some of the best of South America and Africa with personally crafted trips. He shares recommends and trends in this cyber interview with Luxury Travel Maven Sonne while he was in the  Amazon.

Q: How do you define luxury travel?

A: Where one has space and time. Settings and experiences which take us far from the everyday as such to renew and replenish us. The ability to experience something completely unique and beyond the reach of the crowds.

Q: How is South America different than other continents for discriminating travelers?

A:I am a great fan of the landscapes of South America. There’s such variation, even within each country. However, what I think really makes South America stand out as a destination is how one can really interact with people and the cultures of the area. The people of South America really are open to outsiders, so it’s a great place to engage with the local people.

Q: What are the unique luxuries in South America for travelers?

The variety of experience, being able to stand atop a glacier one day and to be in a tropical rainforest the next. Remote private lodges tucked between mountains where one can experience true solitude.

Jacada Travel

The remote Atacama Desert in South America
Image provided by Jacada Travel

Q: What shouldn’t be missed in South America?

A: Taking a more private experience of Patagonia and visiting the glaciers where the crowds don’t visit. Experiencing the unique atmosphere of Trancoso in Brazil, or flying over the Amazon by hydroplane to reach your luxury riverboat deep in the pristine rainforest.

Q: What are some of your favorite luxury memories in South America?

A: Watching the sunset in the Colca Valley of Peru on my own with not a sound around me. Flying over the amazing landscape of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil, a lattice of green and blue with brilliant white light shimmering on the top.

Q: What are some of your favorite luxury moments elsewhere In the world? 

A: Outside of Latin America, it has to be my time in Africa. Lying in my large tent in the Okavango Delta listening to the sound of the elephants right outside of the tent or watching the sun set from a coppice in the Samburu area of Kenya, joined by the local Samburu people as I relaxed and took in the landscape.

Q: What’s still on your dream list of luxury experiences in the world?

A: I would really very much like to get up close with the gorillas.

Q: What does Jacada offer that other travel services don’t?

A: An amazing attention to detail, from start to finish. We’ve all lived in the places that we work with, so we have a unique insight into the way the country works and how to genuinely get the best out of your time there. It’s very much like plugging into a vast network of friends.

We’ve always felt that travel is a very personal experience so we listen well and ensure our guests have the trip they are looking for. We hand pick our guides and select the right guide for the right client. We know many of the lodge/hotel managers personally and are in touch before the arrival of every client to ensure they get a special welcome on our behalf.

Jacaa Travel in the Galapagos

Galapagos Penguins are the only penguins that live in the wild north of the Eguator. Image provided by Jacada Travel.

Q: Your company sent out a press release predicting that your Travel Designers will be the future of luxury travel. What is a Travel Designer?

A: We put together a complete experience from an intimate, personal knowledge of the area the guest will be travelling to. There’s so much detail involved, from choosing the correct guide, to selecting a restaurant you will like for your trip. Or even adding in little touches and surprises.

Q: How is it different than a travel agent?

A: First of all we are not selling an “off-the-shelf product” and are really not just a booking service. The knowledge and the depth of planning that is involved from our end is exhaustive. We go the extra mile to ensure our guests have a trip that is perfect for them and it is something that we can personally vouch for on a first-hand basis.

Q: What do you predict is a trend in South American and African luxury travel?

A: We are trying to push the boundaries ourselves for our clients, creating brand new ways of experiencing the most remote, pristine, and beautiful areas away from the crowds for a privileged few.

Q: What will be offered within five years that isn’t now?

A: I think more “experience-based” properties are likely to spring up in remote locations, where clients can experience comfort in a unique, pristine environment.

Q: What are the three most popular Luxury Jacada trips?

A: In South America

  • Luxury Peru Explorer, which takes in the Amazon, Machu Picchu and Cusco
  • Luxury Argentina Explorer, which takes in Patagonia, the wine Region, and Buenos Aires

In Africa

  • Safari Wine and Waterfalls Tour, which takes in Cape Town, Wine Lands, Safari and Victoria Falls.

Q: Do you have any stories to share about how a Jacada trip changed someone’s life?

A: We had a couple on their honeymoon in Argentina. They were actually lodge managers of a safari lodge in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. After their trip, they enjoyed Argentina so much that they moved there!

by Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

 Photographs provided by Jacada Travel

Jacada Travel in Africa

Rhinos in Africa

Luxury Adventure Trips in South America & Africa: Q & A with Jacada Travel Founder Alex Malcolm

21. August 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Adventure, Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador (Galapagos), Kenya, Peru, Safari, South America · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
JacadaTravelFeatureImageRhino
Malcolm looks to the future of Luxury Travel

Alex Malcom in Africa
Photo provided by Jacada Travel

Heli-surfing in Chile? Private picnics above Angel Falls in Venezuela? A tailored-to-you luxury safari honeymoon in Africa? Jacada Travel prides itself on originality with its luxury adventure trips. The founder, Alex Malcolm, started life in Oxford in the United Kingdom, but found his passion for unique travel in Brazil. Since founding Jacada Travel in 2008, he has aspired to share some of the best of South America and Africa with personally crafted trips. He shares recommends and trends in this cyber interview with Luxury Travel Maven Sonne while he was in the  Amazon.

Q: How do you define luxury travel?

A: Where one has space and time. Settings and experiences which take us far from the everyday as such to renew and replenish us. The ability to experience something completely unique and beyond the reach of the crowds.

Q: How is South America different than other continents for discriminating travelers?

A:I am a great fan of the landscapes of South America. There’s such variation, even within each country. However, what I think really makes South America stand out as a destination is how one can really interact with people and the cultures of the area. The people of South America really are open to outsiders, so it’s a great place to engage with the local people.

Q: What are the unique luxuries in South America for travelers?

The variety of experience, being able to stand atop a glacier one day and to be in a tropical rainforest the next. Remote private lodges tucked between mountains where one can experience true solitude.

Jacada Travel

The remote Atacama Desert in South America
Image provided by Jacada Travel

Q: What shouldn’t be missed in South America?

A: Taking a more private experience of Patagonia and visiting the glaciers where the crowds don’t visit. Experiencing the unique atmosphere of Trancoso in Brazil, or flying over the Amazon by hydroplane to reach your luxury riverboat deep in the pristine rainforest.

Q: What are some of your favorite luxury memories in South America?

A: Watching the sunset in the Colca Valley of Peru on my own with not a sound around me. Flying over the amazing landscape of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil, a lattice of green and blue with brilliant white light shimmering on the top.

Q: What are some of your favorite luxury moments elsewhere In the world? 

A: Outside of Latin America, it has to be my time in Africa. Lying in my large tent in the Okavango Delta listening to the sound of the elephants right outside of the tent or watching the sun set from a coppice in the Samburu area of Kenya, joined by the local Samburu people as I relaxed and took in the landscape.

Q: What’s still on your dream list of luxury experiences in the world?

A: I would really very much like to get up close with the gorillas.

Q: What does Jacada offer that other travel services don’t?

A: An amazing attention to detail, from start to finish. We’ve all lived in the places that we work with, so we have a unique insight into the way the country works and how to genuinely get the best out of your time there. It’s very much like plugging into a vast network of friends.

We’ve always felt that travel is a very personal experience so we listen well and ensure our guests have the trip they are looking for. We hand pick our guides and select the right guide for the right client. We know many of the lodge/hotel managers personally and are in touch before the arrival of every client to ensure they get a special welcome on our behalf.

Jacaa Travel in the Galapagos

Galapagos Penguins are the only penguins that live in the wild north of the Eguator. Image provided by Jacada Travel.

Q: Your company sent out a press release predicting that your Travel Designers will be the future of luxury travel. What is a Travel Designer?

A: We put together a complete experience from an intimate, personal knowledge of the area the guest will be travelling to. There’s so much detail involved, from choosing the correct guide, to selecting a restaurant you will like for your trip. Or even adding in little touches and surprises.

Q: How is it different than a travel agent?

A: First of all we are not selling an “off-the-shelf product” and are really not just a booking service. The knowledge and the depth of planning that is involved from our end is exhaustive. We go the extra mile to ensure our guests have a trip that is perfect for them and it is something that we can personally vouch for on a first-hand basis.

Q: What do you predict is a trend in South American and African luxury travel?

A: We are trying to push the boundaries ourselves for our clients, creating brand new ways of experiencing the most remote, pristine, and beautiful areas away from the crowds for a privileged few.

Q: What will be offered within five years that isn’t now?

A: I think more “experience-based” properties are likely to spring up in remote locations, where clients can experience comfort in a unique, pristine environment.

Q: What are the three most popular Luxury Jacada trips?

A: In South America

  • Luxury Peru Explorer, which takes in the Amazon, Machu Picchu and Cusco
  • Luxury Argentina Explorer, which takes in Patagonia, the wine Region, and Buenos Aires

In Africa

  • Safari Wine and Waterfalls Tour, which takes in Cape Town, Wine Lands, Safari and Victoria Falls.

Q: Do you have any stories to share about how a Jacada trip changed someone’s life?

A: We had a couple on their honeymoon in Argentina. They were actually lodge managers of a safari lodge in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. After their trip, they enjoyed Argentina so much that they moved there!

by Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

 Photographs provided by Jacada Travel

Jacada Travel in Africa

Rhinos in Africa

Cool Summer Getaways: A Cave, A Cruise, & A Country

14. August 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Adventure, Un-Cruise Adventures, Uruguay · Tags:
Feature PhotoCoolSummerGetAwaySonne

Looking for the coolest luxury ways to beat the heat and humidity? Here are three unique ways:

  • Sleep in a Luxury Cave
  • Take a cruise in America’s fiords — in northern latitudes where sweaters are required
  • Try Uruguay, your way

Luxury Cave

Luxury Cave Sleeping at the Grand Canyon Cavern Suite

Not far from the Grand Canyon is a grand underground retreat where it’s 56 degrees year round with little to no humidity! Guests take an elevator down 22 floors to sleep in what is billed as the “oldest, darkest, deepest, quietest, and largest suite room in the world. “ This special luxury addition to Arizona’s Grand Canyon Motel has been a tourist attraction by day for decades, but now is an exclusive sanctuary by night.

My husband and I celebrated a birthday with the cave all to ourselves — both our sleeping suite (with flatscreen tv, mini-kitchen, record player, comfy bed, and a true cathedral ceiling- more than 200 feet up!) and the other “rooms” of the cave, which we explored by flashlight.

Our “room service” included special delivery by Nadine of a birthday cake to go with our champagne. Not far away, a replica of an 11,000 year old sloth made us feel quite young!

Cool Cruises

I recently enjoyed the waterfalls, wildflowers, and whales of Alaska, along with the icebergs and glaciers that kept us wonderfully cool, while triple

My cool summer vacation in Alaska (c)Lisa TE Sonne

digits were burning away at home. American Safari’s small cruise yachts keep the creatures and the creature comforts coming amidst rich scenery of forests and fiords. The company’s Alaska offerings run through September, and Pacific Northwest River cruises are also available. These “Un-Cruises” to unwind are also available in Hawaii and the Sea of Cortez for people who prefer warmer waters.

If you want to consider other cruise lines for cool summer Getaways, Luxury Travel Mavens includes years of expert cruise reporting from Andrea Rotondo’s distinguished Luxury Cruise Bible. Have fun comparing summer fantasies for high life on the high seas as you click around the  “Cruises and Yachts” section of this site.

South America Luxury

Winter wonders await below the equator, where the seasons are opposite the northern hemisphere. Every continent (Africa, Australia, South America) has cool things to do, including skiing. Check out the destinations section of Luxury Travel Mavens. For something memorable that even  well- seasoned travelers may have missed,  I recommend Uruguay.

Uruguay Resort (c) Lisa TE Sonne

For a fun way to enter Uruguay, you can fly into fabulous Buenos Aires in Argentina, and take the ferry across the widest river in the world, La Plata. Then enjoy the wonderful arts and nature of Uruguay, an under-discovered country that ranks high in peace and prosperity and low in crime and pollution (according to the indices that keep track of those things).

At sunset, locals and visitors stop to enjoy wonderful vistas and raise a glass. The organic beef and wines, the seafood, and the dynamic markets provide great eating. The beaches, mountains and estancias (ranches)  entice nature lovers, and the delightful galleries and museums are just a strand of the art in this creative culture.

You!

Do you have favorite caves or underground destinations you can recommend? What is your favorite “cool” summer cruises? What is a “don’t miss” for a trip below the equator when it’s summer in the northern hemisphere? Please email me: Lisa@LuxuryTravelMavens.com.

Or add a comment here! (See comment option near the title of the piece)

Happy Take-offs, Landings, and Cool Times Between!

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

Photos by (c) Lisa TE Sonne

Cool Summer Getaways: A Cave, A Cruise, & A Country

14. August 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Adventure, Un-Cruise Adventures, Uruguay · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Feature PhotoCoolSummerGetAwaySonne

Looking for the coolest luxury ways to beat the heat and humidity? Here are three unique ways:

  • Sleep in a Luxury Cave
  • Take a cruise in America’s fiords — in northern latitudes where sweaters are required
  • Try Uruguay, your way

Luxury Cave

Luxury Cave Sleeping at the Grand Canyon Cavern Suite

Not far from the Grand Canyon is a grand underground retreat where it’s 56 degrees year round with little to no humidity! Guests take an elevator down 22 floors to sleep in what is billed as the “oldest, darkest, deepest, quietest, and largest suite room in the world. “ This special luxury addition to Arizona’s Grand Canyon Motel has been a tourist attraction by day for decades, but now is an exclusive sanctuary by night.

My husband and I celebrated a birthday with the cave all to ourselves — both our sleeping suite (with flatscreen tv, mini-kitchen, record player, comfy bed, and a true cathedral ceiling- more than 200 feet up!) and the other “rooms” of the cave, which we explored by flashlight.

Our “room service” included special delivery by Nadine of a birthday cake to go with our champagne. Not far away, a replica of an 11,000 year old sloth made us feel quite young!

Cool Cruises

I recently enjoyed the waterfalls, wildflowers, and whales of Alaska, along with the icebergs and glaciers that kept us wonderfully cool, while triple

My cool summer vacation in Alaska (c)Lisa TE Sonne

digits were burning away at home. American Safari’s small cruise yachts keep the creatures and the creature comforts coming amidst rich scenery of forests and fiords. The company’s Alaska offerings run through September, and Pacific Northwest River cruises are also available. These “Un-Cruises” to unwind are also available in Hawaii and the Sea of Cortez for people who prefer warmer waters.

If you want to consider other cruise lines for cool summer Getaways, Luxury Travel Mavens includes years of expert cruise reporting from Andrea Rotondo’s distinguished Luxury Cruise Bible. Have fun comparing summer fantasies for high life on the high seas as you click around the  “Cruises and Yachts” section of this site.

South America Luxury

Winter wonders await below the equator, where the seasons are opposite the northern hemisphere. Every continent (Africa, Australia, South America) has cool things to do, including skiing. Check out the destinations section of Luxury Travel Mavens. For something memorable that even  well- seasoned travelers may have missed,  I recommend Uruguay.

Uruguay Resort (c) Lisa TE Sonne

For a fun way to enter Uruguay, you can fly into fabulous Buenos Aires in Argentina, and take the ferry across the widest river in the world, La Plata. Then enjoy the wonderful arts and nature of Uruguay, an under-discovered country that ranks high in peace and prosperity and low in crime and pollution (according to the indices that keep track of those things).

At sunset, locals and visitors stop to enjoy wonderful vistas and raise a glass. The organic beef and wines, the seafood, and the dynamic markets provide great eating. The beaches, mountains and estancias (ranches)  entice nature lovers, and the delightful galleries and museums are just a strand of the art in this creative culture.

You!

Do you have favorite caves or underground destinations you can recommend? What is your favorite “cool” summer cruises? What is a “don’t miss” for a trip below the equator when it’s summer in the northern hemisphere? Please email me: Lisa@LuxuryTravelMavens.com.

Or add a comment here! (See comment option near the title of the piece)

Happy Take-offs, Landings, and Cool Times Between!

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

Photos by (c) Lisa TE Sonne

Alaska’s Inside Passage: A Luxury American Safari

07. August 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Adventure, Alaska, Safari, Un-Cruise Adventures · Tags:
breaching whales 900x400

Traveling between the fjords and islands of Alaska’s Inside Passage, American Safari certainly lived up to its name last month for a luxe summer vacation that was cool in temperature and memory. Unlike African safaris, there were no lions or tigers here. But bears? Oh, my! Yes!

Whales? Yes! Minks? Yes! And otters, eagles, seals, moose, puffins and a myriad of other birds in spectacularly beautiful settings.

American Safari’s yacht, the Endeavour, carries up to 86 passengers and 35 crew who make sure the human wildlife is happy long before the happy hour. Life on this yacht features jacuzzis, massage rooms, a sauna, a well-stocked bar with creative cocktails of the day, and delicious surf, turf or vegetarian food options. Unpack once and settle in for wonder, and choices of adventure and relaxation.

The Endeavour also transports a small fleet of two kinds of kayaks for maneuvering in the rougher Pacific ocean or in the calmer inlets, as well as between icebergs. Paddling over to a luscious waterfall, we saw this bear munching on highly nutritious sedge grass. Soon the salmon will be running, and the bear will reach for the fish.

The wildlife came to us the first morning of the cruise as the Endeavour headed to the Glacier National Park. Humpback whales blew columns of spray, then headed for the yacht, rewarding the early risers. Several of us who showed up in the stern for the 6:30 yoga class stopped our own deep breathing to witness the beauties go under and along.

Another day while on shipboard, at a further distance, whales were in the front of the boat and on both sides. Photographers didn’t know where to turn. Here’s one image of a mother and baby breaching together.

Every morning and afternoon, passengers were offered choices of activities — usually different levels of hiking, kayaking or being taken out in Zodiac boats with a guide who knew how to seek animals.
At meals, people shared their experiences. One group got very close to a moose. Another had dozens of sea otters play near their kayaks. Others were thrilled by the eagle spottings—watching the majestic birds swoop down on the water and sometimes carry away a fish. There were those who looked in vain for Big Foot, and plots were even hatched to create a big foot. But no Yeti yet.

A new animal sighting for me came by surprise. The captain of our Zodiac pointed toward the high tide mark of an island where a patch of bubble kelp littered the ground. At least, that’s all I saw. Then people started to murmur quietly, but excitedly: “Oh how cute!” “There it is!”

Finally, the foot-long creature moved, and I followed the motion. A mink! She seemed curious about us, too, and would stop and stand up like a periscope to take a look.

So much about Alaska is big. We saw dozens of thousand-foot waterfalls, tons of whales (literally), and even other cruise ships 20 times larger than ours. But to see this little furry thing boldly staring at us was delightful.

Even the landscape is wildly dynamic. Long glaciers over a 100 feet high, crack loudly and calve, sending tons of ice splashing, making waves, and thrilling those of us who had been watching and waiting.

If you ask my husband about our trip, he would tell you about all the food and drink options onboard. (In fact, he intends to do just that in an upcoming guest-column.) To my friends who care about “wellness,” I describe a very healthy, happy journey. (Stay tuned for more on that, too.) But we both agree that it was the wildlife that really made this a truly American Safari.

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

–photos by ©Lisa TE Sonne

Alaska's Inside Passage: A Luxury American Safari

07. August 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Adventure, Alaska, Safari, Un-Cruise Adventures · Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
breaching whales 900x400

Traveling between the fjords and islands of Alaska’s Inside Passage, American Safari certainly lived up to its name last month for a luxe summer vacation that was cool in temperature and memory. Unlike African safaris, there were no lions or tigers here. But bears? Oh, my! Yes!

Whales? Yes! Minks? Yes! And otters, eagles, seals, moose, puffins and a myriad of other birds in spectacularly beautiful settings.

American Safari’s yacht, the Endeavour, carries up to 86 passengers and 35 crew who make sure the human wildlife is happy long before the happy hour. Life on this yacht features jacuzzis, massage rooms, a sauna, a well-stocked bar with creative cocktails of the day, and delicious surf, turf or vegetarian food options. Unpack once and settle in for wonder, and choices of adventure and relaxation.

The Endeavour also transports a small fleet of two kinds of kayaks for maneuvering in the rougher Pacific ocean or in the calmer inlets, as well as between icebergs. Paddling over to a luscious waterfall, we saw this bear munching on highly nutritious sedge grass. Soon the salmon will be running, and the bear will reach for the fish.

The wildlife came to us the first morning of the cruise as the Endeavour headed to the Glacier National Park. Humpback whales blew columns of spray, then headed for the yacht, rewarding the early risers. Several of us who showed up in the stern for the 6:30 yoga class stopped our own deep breathing to witness the beauties go under and along.

Another day while on shipboard, at a further distance, whales were in the front of the boat and on both sides. Photographers didn’t know where to turn. Here’s one image of a mother and baby breaching together.

Every morning and afternoon, passengers were offered choices of activities — usually different levels of hiking, kayaking or being taken out in Zodiac boats with a guide who knew how to seek animals.
At meals, people shared their experiences. One group got very close to a moose. Another had dozens of sea otters play near their kayaks. Others were thrilled by the eagle spottings—watching the majestic birds swoop down on the water and sometimes carry away a fish. There were those who looked in vain for Big Foot, and plots were even hatched to create a big foot. But no Yeti yet.

A new animal sighting for me came by surprise. The captain of our Zodiac pointed toward the high tide mark of an island where a patch of bubble kelp littered the ground. At least, that’s all I saw. Then people started to murmur quietly, but excitedly: “Oh how cute!” “There it is!”

Finally, the foot-long creature moved, and I followed the motion. A mink! She seemed curious about us, too, and would stop and stand up like a periscope to take a look.

So much about Alaska is big. We saw dozens of thousand-foot waterfalls, tons of whales (literally), and even other cruise ships 20 times larger than ours. But to see this little furry thing boldly staring at us was delightful.

Even the landscape is wildly dynamic. Long glaciers over a 100 feet high, crack loudly and calve, sending tons of ice splashing, making waves, and thrilling those of us who had been watching and waiting.

If you ask my husband about our trip, he would tell you about all the food and drink options onboard. (In fact, he intends to do just that in an upcoming guest-column.) To my friends who care about “wellness,” I describe a very healthy, happy journey. (Stay tuned for more on that, too.) But we both agree that it was the wildlife that really made this a truly American Safari.

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

–photos by ©Lisa TE Sonne

Space Tourism Dreams & Realities: Q&A with John Spencer

31. July 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Adventure, Space Travel · Tags:
Orbital Yacht Destiny. John Spencer

“Space Walk” courtesy of NASA

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3—- How long will it be before we can get our passports stamped for space travel? The countdowns are on for “space experiences” here on earth and out in the cosmos.  John Spencer, the founder of the Space Tourism Society took time to share with experiential Luxury Travel Maven Lisa TE Sonne some of his knowledge, predictions, and space architecture drawings. He also provided some helpful links for enthusiasts ready to buy tickets.

Q: How would you define “space tourism”?

A: John Spencer- The Space Tourism Society (STS) has a wide definition of “space tourism.” We use a triangle chart to show the three main market segments. First is real space tourism, with private citizens paying to fly into Sub-orbit and Earth orbit, and eventually including Lunar fly-bys and Lunar expeditions.

To date, seven people have paid and flown into Earth orbit to stay aboard International Space Station (ISS) for about ten days. One person has flown twice, making a total of eight voyages.

The second segment is made up of Earth-based, immersive space simulations or space attractions, such as NASA visitor centers, Space Camps, and space/science museums.

Third are media-oriented space experiences, such as TV shows, movies, games, and virtual worlds.

Q: What can people do now as a “space tourist”?

A: John Spencer- The most recent private space traveler to fly was in September 2009. There is a waiting list of people who can afford the $45 million cost, but the only place they can go is the ISS. It currently has six full-time astronauts and cosmonauts on board, with two return vehicles docked there. Each vehicle can only carry three people, so there is no room for private space travelers.

It is assumed the next place people can visit in Earth orbit will be a Bigelow Aerospace facility, which could be operating within five years.

Space Adventures has already flown 7,000 people on the zero-gravity aircraft it operates. The Russians also operate zero-gravity flights for the public. Virgin Galactic anticipates flying paying passengers on sub-orbital flights starting in late 2013 or early 2014.

There are several space attractions on Earth, plus hundreds of science and technology centers and museums around the world.

More people annually visit space-themed attractions than visit the two Universal Studio Movie Parks (11 million people).

Popular places included:

  • National Air and Space Museum
  • Disney’s EPCOT’s “Mission Space”
  • “Space World” Japan
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Johnson Space Center
  • Space Center- Alabama

Q: When it comes to space experiences, what do you predict will be possible for the affluent and curious traveler within five to ten years?

A: John Spencer- Staying a week or two on a Bigelow Aerospace space hotel. The first wedding and honeymoon will happen. Branson and a Russian

Building in Space

company are also planning space hotels. Space walks (floats) will be offered for extra training and operations cost. Space Adventures is planning the first privately-funded lunar fly-by within the next five years, at a cost of $150 million for a ticket. One of two has been sold already.

Sub-orbital flights will also start within this timeframe. The first 1,000 people milestone to do sub-orbital flights will be reached. It’s possible the first sub-orbital sky dive will also happen within this time frame.

More and more Earth-based immersive space resorts and spas will also come on line. We may succeed in funding our $1.6 billion Mars World attraction and resort for Las Vegas. More space and Mars camps are in the works, and there are major space movies and TV shows in production.

“Mars World”

Q: Why do you think Space Tourism is an important part of the future of luxury travel?

A: John Spencer- Because it’s totally new, exciting, and inspiring. It attracts famous and wealthy people, which generates international media attention. For the next 100 years, we will be doing new and exciting forms of space tourism, including Lunar tourism and eventually adventure tourism to Mars and the asteroids.

Space sports will also become an important part of the growing space experience economy.

Q: How would you describe luxury space travel?

A: John Spencer- I have modeled the space tourism industry after the high-end cruise lines and ocean-going super yachts. As such, I see luxury space tourism providing the same high quality experiences and services as these models. Fine food, private accommodations, personal services, and fun, facilitated activities. Highly trained staffs focused on the passenger experience in addition to the crew that operates the space ships or lunar resorts and spas.

Q: Why do you think space travel will follow model set by the cruise lines?

A: John Spencer- In 1982 I realized space tourism would be the largest private business off-world because people want unique and different experiences. I also realized that the cruise liners were the perfect business and operations model for space tourism because they are in the experience business and not the transportation business. Cruise ships are large and complex pieces of equipment designed to operate safely (not counting the Italians) and profitably in an extreme environment (the ocean) providing a wide variety of luxury oriented experiences.

Q: You’ve even designed a “Super Mega Yacht” for space travel. Can you explain how it is different from other vehicles?

A: John Spencer-The Destiny is a spaceship modeled after ocean-going mega-yachts. It’s designed to be assembled and operated only in Earth orbit,

John Spencer Space Tourism

Artistic rendering of Spencer’s Destiny Space Yacht

from inflated sections fused together. It’s designed to be a very beautiful ship. She would be the first of her kind, leading to a large variety of orbital and lunar space yachts and racing yacht designs.

Q: Which companies are developing space tourism for private citizens?

A: Provided by John Spencer-
Adventure Travel:
Space Adventures
Zero Gravity Company
Incredible Adventures
Xtraordinary Adventures

Space Companies:
SpaceX – Elon Musk
Scaled Composites
Blue Origin – Jeff Bezos
Stratolaunch Systems Corp. – Paul Allen
XCOR Aerospace
Virgin Galactic
Bigelow Aerospace


Q: How can people be involved in the Space Tourism Society? When and where are your meetings?

A: John Spencer: Attend our Space Experience Economy (SEE) Seminars and join the Society. We are just now starting our STS/SEE Seminar sponsorship program, so companies and people can become sponsors. The best thing is to look at our brand new STS website for more information.

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

Images provided by John Spencer, Artist: Jeffrey Coatney

Space Tourism Dreams & Realities: Q&A with John Spencer

31. July 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Adventure, Space Travel · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Orbital Yacht Destiny. John Spencer

“Space Walk” courtesy of NASA

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3—- How long will it be before we can get our passports stamped for space travel? The countdowns are on for “space experiences” here on earth and out in the cosmos.  John Spencer, the founder of the Space Tourism Society took time to share with experiential Luxury Travel Maven Lisa TE Sonne some of his knowledge, predictions, and space architecture drawings. He also provided some helpful links for enthusiasts ready to buy tickets.

Q: How would you define “space tourism”?

A: John Spencer- The Space Tourism Society (STS) has a wide definition of “space tourism.” We use a triangle chart to show the three main market segments. First is real space tourism, with private citizens paying to fly into Sub-orbit and Earth orbit, and eventually including Lunar fly-bys and Lunar expeditions.

To date, seven people have paid and flown into Earth orbit to stay aboard International Space Station (ISS) for about ten days. One person has flown twice, making a total of eight voyages.

The second segment is made up of Earth-based, immersive space simulations or space attractions, such as NASA visitor centers, Space Camps, and space/science museums.

Third are media-oriented space experiences, such as TV shows, movies, games, and virtual worlds.

Q: What can people do now as a “space tourist”?

A: John Spencer- The most recent private space traveler to fly was in September 2009. There is a waiting list of people who can afford the $45 million cost, but the only place they can go is the ISS. It currently has six full-time astronauts and cosmonauts on board, with two return vehicles docked there. Each vehicle can only carry three people, so there is no room for private space travelers.

It is assumed the next place people can visit in Earth orbit will be a Bigelow Aerospace facility, which could be operating within five years.

Space Adventures has already flown 7,000 people on the zero-gravity aircraft it operates. The Russians also operate zero-gravity flights for the public. Virgin Galactic anticipates flying paying passengers on sub-orbital flights starting in late 2013 or early 2014.

There are several space attractions on Earth, plus hundreds of science and technology centers and museums around the world.

More people annually visit space-themed attractions than visit the two Universal Studio Movie Parks (11 million people).

Popular places included:

  • National Air and Space Museum
  • Disney’s EPCOT’s “Mission Space”
  • “Space World” Japan
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Johnson Space Center
  • Space Center- Alabama

Q: When it comes to space experiences, what do you predict will be possible for the affluent and curious traveler within five to ten years?

A: John Spencer- Staying a week or two on a Bigelow Aerospace space hotel. The first wedding and honeymoon will happen. Branson and a Russian

Building in Space

company are also planning space hotels. Space walks (floats) will be offered for extra training and operations cost. Space Adventures is planning the first privately-funded lunar fly-by within the next five years, at a cost of $150 million for a ticket. One of two has been sold already.

Sub-orbital flights will also start within this timeframe. The first 1,000 people milestone to do sub-orbital flights will be reached. It’s possible the first sub-orbital sky dive will also happen within this time frame.

More and more Earth-based immersive space resorts and spas will also come on line. We may succeed in funding our $1.6 billion Mars World attraction and resort for Las Vegas. More space and Mars camps are in the works, and there are major space movies and TV shows in production.

“Mars World”

Q: Why do you think Space Tourism is an important part of the future of luxury travel?

A: John Spencer- Because it’s totally new, exciting, and inspiring. It attracts famous and wealthy people, which generates international media attention. For the next 100 years, we will be doing new and exciting forms of space tourism, including Lunar tourism and eventually adventure tourism to Mars and the asteroids.

Space sports will also become an important part of the growing space experience economy.

Q: How would you describe luxury space travel?

A: John Spencer- I have modeled the space tourism industry after the high-end cruise lines and ocean-going super yachts. As such, I see luxury space tourism providing the same high quality experiences and services as these models. Fine food, private accommodations, personal services, and fun, facilitated activities. Highly trained staffs focused on the passenger experience in addition to the crew that operates the space ships or lunar resorts and spas.

Q: Why do you think space travel will follow model set by the cruise lines?

A: John Spencer- In 1982 I realized space tourism would be the largest private business off-world because people want unique and different experiences. I also realized that the cruise liners were the perfect business and operations model for space tourism because they are in the experience business and not the transportation business. Cruise ships are large and complex pieces of equipment designed to operate safely (not counting the Italians) and profitably in an extreme environment (the ocean) providing a wide variety of luxury oriented experiences.

Q: You’ve even designed a “Super Mega Yacht” for space travel. Can you explain how it is different from other vehicles?

A: John Spencer-The Destiny is a spaceship modeled after ocean-going mega-yachts. It’s designed to be assembled and operated only in Earth orbit,

John Spencer Space Tourism

Artistic rendering of Spencer’s Destiny Space Yacht

from inflated sections fused together. It’s designed to be a very beautiful ship. She would be the first of her kind, leading to a large variety of orbital and lunar space yachts and racing yacht designs.

Q: Which companies are developing space tourism for private citizens?

A: Provided by John Spencer-
Adventure Travel:
Space Adventures
Zero Gravity Company
Incredible Adventures
Xtraordinary Adventures

Space Companies:
SpaceX – Elon Musk
Scaled Composites
Blue Origin – Jeff Bezos
Stratolaunch Systems Corp. – Paul Allen
XCOR Aerospace
Virgin Galactic
Bigelow Aerospace


Q: How can people be involved in the Space Tourism Society? When and where are your meetings?

A: John Spencer: Attend our Space Experience Economy (SEE) Seminars and join the Society. We are just now starting our STS/SEE Seminar sponsorship program, so companies and people can become sponsors. The best thing is to look at our brand new STS website for more information.

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

Images provided by John Spencer, Artist: Jeffrey Coatney

Ink48 – Boutique New York Hotel with Top City Views

24. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Kimpton Hotels, New York · Tags: , , , , ,
LuxuryTravelMavens Roof View from Ink48, Sonne

LuxuryTravelMavens-Sonne-Ink 48-GuppyLoveI took a photograph of a goldfish in a bowl on a purple yoga mat next to a 12-foot high window. In the background, a sweeping view of the Hudson River included the floating Intrepid Museum of Air, Space, and Sea —the moored aircraft carrier with the Enterprise Space Shuttle onboard. I was wearing a black and white Zebra-striped hotel robe pulled from the closet with a little card that said, “Go Wild.” Indeed! I clicked away gleefully with my camera—sailboats going by.

Welcome to Suite 1015 at Ink48, a Kimpton hotel on 11th Avenue near 48th Street. Our perch in this whimsical haven in the Hells’ Kitchen section of Manhattan has floor-to-ceiling windows stretched about 30 feet across, joining the bedroom and sitting area, as well as a corner bedroom window for some cityscape eye candy. We turned the bedroom’s actual flat-screen TV sideways, so we could watch the ships, barges, ferries, helicopters, and airplanes while sitting in bed­—real reality-programming featuring life on the Hudson River.

My husband Victor and I had flown three thousand miles to attend a June wedding and didn’t want the gorgeous newlyweds to be the only ones enjoying honeymoon-like romance. We stayed the first two nights of our trip lusciously renewing ourselves in The Pierre, a Taj Hotel with a memorable view of Central Park.

Now we wanted the luxury of a spectacular view of another Manhattan feature, and we wanted to try something with more playful vibes, not far from the theater district.  The bride and groom to be, had recommended Ink 48 on their wedding website to out of town guests as  “Located just steps from the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side, this Kimpton Hotel offers boutique style with terrific skyline views from many rooms.”

Guppy Love , Gyms, and Spas—Oh, My!

Our cab pulled up to the hotel’s entrance, where doggie treats welcomed four-legged guests at the front door. Upon check-in, when it was revealed that we did not arrive with a treasured creature, “Guppy Love” was offered. A goldfish with bright orange rocks in the bowl was brought to our room to be our pet-away-from-home.Ink48 Canines are Welcome

My husband and I are both writers, so I liked the idea of staying in a converted printing house with a publishing motif. In the elevator, the non-guest floors are named after type fonts: Courier, Garamond, and Helvetica. The restaurant next to the lobby is named The Print. The rooftop bar, renowned for outstanding views, is called The Press.

The drink coasters in the room have a definition of white space on them: “… the area that does not carry any type or image.” Another guest instruction card explains that four-color process printing uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black to make all the other colors.

There are other creative touches (some of them for the context of the location and others typical of the Kimpton line of hotels). The back wall of the elevator is very tactile. I was told it was all horsehair, because the horses that pull carriages in Manhattan board close by. Ink48 offers afternoon wine and cheese gatherings for guests, sometimes with a visiting author.

The work-out gym has typical machines and bright colored hula-hoops you can take to your room. Our suite had a yoga mat and a card with yoga positions printed on it. It may be hard to get someone on the phone, but when you do, you can ask to borrow water bottles, work-out belts, and all kinds of goodies. You can also ask to borrow bikes for a ride along the nearby Hudson River. I imagined a real adventure of riding a little further over to nearby Broadway and Times Square

We never got to the cycling, cabernets, or hula hoops, but before checking out, I did indulge in a visit to the hotels’ soothing Ink Spa and a relaxing treatment called “Indelible Expressions.” The only stress was trying to decide which essential oil I wanted/needed (i.e., did I want to be de-toxed, relaxed, or energized?)

Spa Ink48 choices

Hmmm. Hard to choose. I may need a lot of practice with such questions in the future to hone my massage decision-making acumen. Jennifer suggested I smell each oil and select the one most appealing to me. Lavender won, and in that quiet space, her skilled fingers eclectically blended massage styles to tease away knots.

Best Luxury Memories

While getting increasingly relaxed, I re-enjoyed some of my other luxury memories of Ink48, now imprinted (can’t resist) on my brain:

* We invited two married Manhattan couples we love to come visit us. We showed them the suite and enjoyed drinks on the roof, where 360-degree views include the river scene and the lights of Times Square and the Chrysler building. The night air and lofty panorama were stunning.

The husband of each couple told me separately that he hoped someday to live in a high-rise place in New York with a “real view” like the ones we had at the hotel. In this city, that’s high praise, considering one couple lives in the historic Apthorpe, one of Manhattan’s most desired addresses, and the other lives in three floors of a classic Brownstone on the West Side, a fantasy home.

LuxuryTravelMavens Roof View from Ink48, Sonne

* My next luxury memory: The bathtub was actually deep! I could bend my knees and be immersed! And if I left the bathroom door open and edged to the side, I could see the Hudson and the Intrepid! And, the tub was big enough for two people. I can tell you empirically that this is true, and that for all the dirty things couples may like to do on romantic get away vacations (Like biking), getting clean together can be very romantic.

*Lying in bed, we had an expansive view of sky only. One day it was the thrills of seeing storm clouds battle it out, but it was our last morning I remember best. We watched clouds – the fluffy clouds of childhood memories and languid days, when time seemed infinite.

We played a Zen game. Pick a cloud and think about it drifting into separate pieces until it disappears. This actually works. We would each pick a separate cloud and focus on it and watch it dissipate until it was gone. Any worries we had also seemed to become smaller and just drift away and vanish as we laid in bed on our backs staring at the sky—comfortably sharing the wonders of nature in one of the world’s greatest cities.

Luxury indeed.

—Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

view of clouds from bed, Ink48

 

 

 

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