Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Lake Como When Italy calls, it’s a good idea to answer. I was thrilled to have been invited to go to Italy on a trip with IDI and Virtuoso for eight nights in October. I stayed in four different hotels, and did site inspections at an additional six hotels. The trip started in Lake Como with a two night stay at Villa d’Este. It has a great location on the lake for sightseeing, and is perfect for lazing away an afternoon while soaking in the views with a

Christmas Market in Heidelberg I am not known as being fond of cold weather (and I can be a bit “bah humbug” about Christmas), but I had only heard wonderful things about the Christmas Markets in Germany, so when I received an invitation to go for a week in December I knew I had to say yes. My trip started with a short jet-lag recovery stay at Villa Kennedy, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Frankfurt. It’s a quick seven mile ride from the airport, and my room was perfect for catching u

Northern Lights Is Iceland on your list of must-visit destinations? I spent six nights in Iceland in January 2017 and I had an amazing time. Definitely one of my top five all-time favorite places, and one that I would love to return to soon. How was Iceland in January? I have lived in Boston for the past thirteen years and I am finally more or less acclimated to the cold. Of course, every year is different, but when I was looking at the weather the week before I left, Boston

People love Rome for the history, art and architecture. They loathe Rome for the ever present crowds of people. Popular destinations have earned that distinction for a reason. If you would like to check Rome off of your list, but want to avoid the masses, then private touring is the perfect fit for you. Speaking of the masses, we spend the last two nights of our trip to Italy at the Westin Excelsior. Technically, this is a Virtuoso hotel. However, the reality was that my room

Sunset in Tuscany We left Florence at 11:00 AM for our first stop at Castello della Paneretta for a tour, wine tasting and delicious lunch. A lovely place to learn about wine and view sixteenth century frescoes from the Florentine painter Bernardino Poccetti. The food was simple, fresh, and delicious. The hosts were gracious. A wonderful stop on your journey through Tuscany. Our next stop was a quick stroll in San Giminiano, before heading to our hotel for the evening, The Gr

US Airways 718 PHL-FCO Business Class In October 2015 I went on a whirlwind nine day trip to experience some of the best of Florence, Tuscany, and Rome with one of my favorite Virtuoso on-sites, Italian Dream Incorporated Travel (IDI). I found a great deal on Business Class tickets to Rome, so I set aside my general aversion to flying out of my way and booked the tickets from Boston via Philadelphia. Technically, I was starting my trip in Florence, but when I looked at the fl

A stay at Great Fosters is a wow experience from start to finish. The hotel dates to 1550 and was likely originally built to be a royal hunting lodge. Located in Egham a suburb of London, Great Fosters is only approximately 20 minutes from London’s Heathrow Airport. This makes it the perfect place to recover from a long flight from the United States, or to end your stay in the countryside before heading home. The location is also central for exploring many popular tourist des

The Nare truly is as described, a country house hotel by the sea. Located a scenic four hour train ride from London, or a quick one hour flight, this is the perfect warm weather destination for hitting the beach or exploring the famous gardens in the area. In the winter months, The Nare is a quiet and relaxing place to rest and recharge. During this season some guests enjoying visiting when they know a large storm will be coming in from the Atlantic; an activity appropriately

For fans of the British Royal Family, there is no better hotel in London to get in touch with your inner princess than at The Goring. Located steps from Buckingham Palace, the same family has been in charge of the hotel since its founding in 1910 by Richard Otto Goring. This continuity of care and guest service for over a century is exemplary. In fact, in 2013 the hotel was granted a Royal Warrant for Hospitality Services by Her Majesty The Queen. My stay started with a warm

The Corinthia Hotel in London exudes freshness and warmth through a combination of abundant natural light, airy spaces, and beautiful design elements. Located steps from the River Thames, it is a great location for exploring all that London has to offer. I arrived before the scheduled check in time without having given the hotel advance warning of when I would show up, and was warmly greeted and taken to my Executive King Room. My favorite thing about the space was the small

How does a hotel manage to be brand new, yet timeless? Quintessentially British, but neither stiff nor stuffy? Romantic, yet not frilly? Modern, yet comfortable? In many ways my stay at Rosewood London defied the usual London hotel stereotypes. Check in was a breeze as I was escorted directly to my Premier Suite upon arrival. A quick tour of the space and I was officially a resident. It felt like I had my own flat in London. The space had everything that I needed – a Nespress

When was the last time you visited London? When I ask my clients I usually receive one of two responses. One, not since I went with my family when I was a kid. Two, not since I went on my college backpacking trip across Europe. It’s a wonderful cosmopolitan city that truly offers something for every age and travel interest. Plus, one of the great things for those of you living on the East Coast is that London is close enough to visit for a long weekend. The truth is, I had no

When guests arrive in Rosewood London’s magnificent inner courtyard, they are entering the gentle embrace of what might be the city’s best hospitality. Informed by British tradition as well as contemporary expectations, Rosewood London aims to push the boundaries of five-star luxury service. Imbued with warmth and personality, and always aware of each detail, service at Rosewood London is focused on making guests’ stays as smooth and enjoyable as possible, whether they are tr

There are a few hotels in the world for which I have an instant and insatiable admiration. Ballyfin is one of those hotels. What is not to love? It manages to feel as though it exists in a place that time forgot. A place that is formal, yet relaxed. Gilded, yet comfortable. Old, yet modern. A place where the staff genuinely care about your experience. There is no trying at Ballyfin. Things are done, and they are done well. Gorgeous gardens, a roaring fireplace, wellies for bo

I had the pleasure of spending a week in Ireland thanks to Tourism Ireland (and Hillarie), Failte Ireland (and Ellen), and Aer Lingus. Also, special thanks to Ally for being a wonderful guide, all around lovely person, and a treasure trove of knowledge and wit. To our driver Donnie, there is none better in all of Ireland. Thank you for your amazing driving skills. Apologies for my sixty pound suitcase. What an amazing experience! My previous visit to this beautiful and welcom