Hotel Palacio Estoril

More than FIT for purpose

There are many great things about Portugal, not least the ease and speed with which you can get there. After an early Monday morning start from Stansted, I was already on the road from Lisbon to the small, coastal suburb of Estoril, by noon. Once the favoured resort of the Kings and Queens of Europe, Estoril is also home The Hotel Palacio, where they chose to stay, and my home for the next 36 hours.

Hotel Palacio is without question the town’s most elegant and well-connected building, sandwiched between the pretty seafront and the renowned Casino Estoril. This grande white dame may be elderly, but she is exquisitely preserved and still giving off more than a whiff of decadence and glamour. Service is strictly old school here with no stone left unturned; every guest is treated like royalty at the Palacio.

My opulent suite with a double balcony overlooking both the Adriatic and the casino, was hard to leave (especially with a tempting plate of the hotel’s famous Portuguese custard tarts awaiting me), but I was here in the pursuit of wellness. During my short stay I would be experiencing the health-promoting benefits of the hotel’s exceptional (but up until now relatively undiscovered) spa and wellness centre and sampling some of its unique facilities and treatments. I couldn’t wait.

Located in a separate, state-of-the-art building across the road from the hotel itself, the spa and wellness centre can be reached via a rather clever corridor and lift route leading directly from the hotel. So making your way from your room straight to the spa is a doddle – you can do it in your robe and slippers if you choose.

In contrast to its grandiose parent, the wellness centre is a contemporary high-rise with sharp, clean lines and a cool, slick interior. Arriving at ground level, I was greeted by the rich, warm tones and delicious jasmine oil aroma of the Banyan Tree Spa reception and given my schedule for the afternoon. An hour in the Dynamic Pool, followed by a 90-minute traditional Thai massage and relaxation – I love my job!

The Dynamic Pool was a revelation. A giant pool filled with comfortably warm water and a number of different ways to reap its benefits. From the gently soothing bubbles of the Jacuzzi at one end to the extremely powerful jets at the other, designed to pummel any shoulder and back tension into submission, this was no ordinary swimming pool. In the centre, a strong circular current enables you lay back and be transported around without the slightest effort, or alternatively you can choose to swim against the flow and get a really good workout.

Completing the Hydro Banyan Circuit there is a hammam, sauna, steam room and refreshing sensations showers, making this watery wonderland the perfect place to relax, unwind and reconnect with a work-weary body. It worked wonders for me, and when the therapist arrived to take me for my Thai massage the morning rush hour and airport chaos already felt like a distant memory.

The massage, on the other hand, is something I won’t forget in a hurry. And for all the right reasons.

Having suffered from neck and shoulder pain for sometime, I took the brave step and opted for a ‘strong’ massage, softened slightly by the rose-scented essential oils that accompanied it. All of the Banyan Tree Spa therapists are trained in Thailand in traditional techniques and you can definitely tell that you’re getting the real McCoy. After 60 minutes of serious pressure and gentle body strokes pulling me this way and that I was offered a very welcome pot of ginger tea and floated back to my hotel room in a delicious daze. I can’t remember the last time I felt so totally relaxed and after an early ‘clean’ dinner of salmon and lemon vegetables in the Bougainvillea restaurant, I fell into my big comfy bed and slept like a baby. 

Next morning I was up with the larks (and a few other willing bodies) for my 8.15am Hydrobike group fitness in the Wellness Centre. I took the lift up to the second floor, left my clothes and my inhibitions in the super-smart changing rooms and joined the rest of the class in the special healing waters of the thermapool. Much like a spin class, but with the bike and your bottom half under water for the duration, hydrobike is a great way to burn calories and strengthen leg, arm and core muscles without putting any strain on your joints. It’s certainly not a soft option, but the low impact of pedalling in water and pushing against its weight with your arms, makes it suitable (and popular) for all levels of fitness. Our enthusiastic instructor did a brilliant job of making herself understood in both English and Portuguese and we all finished feeling wide awake and ready to face the day.

Butt buffed and bingo wings banished, I was led to the epi-centre of the wellness clinic where the seriously impressive treatments take place. In direct contrast to the deep brown tones and intoxicating aromas of the Banyan Tree Spa downstairs, the Wellness Centre is a clean, white clinical space. It boasts a number of specialised treatment rooms and an outstanding role call of reputable doctors and practioners, ranging from oesteopaths to hydrologists, rheumatologists, podiatrists, nutritionists and experts in anti-ageing. Here I was treated to a jet shower that involved being blasted from a distance by something resembling a fireman’s hose. The clever therapist turned up the pressure as my body became more acclimatised to the assault and then made tiny circles with the end of the hose to give every muscle on my body a serious pummelling. Designed to improve circulation, encourage the elimination of toxins and tackle cellulite, you can feel this treatment breaking down the fat and getting your system working – I would have one very morning if I could.

Hard work over, what comes next is pure pampering. Submersion in a warm hydromassage bath filled with moisturising almond milk-enhanced water, while gently bubbling jets soothe your muscles. Then it was into the next room for an invigorating deep tissue Vichy Shower Massage conducted under warm sprinkling water to soothe away aches, pains and any lingering cares you might still have after 24 hours in healing heaven.

Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by the whole experience I decided to finish my Hotel Palacio Spa and Wellness Centre experience with a group yoga class. It’s been an amazing 36 hours and as I board the plane to come home I look and feel like I’ve been on holiday for a week or more.

Hotel Palacio Estoril offers a range of superb value 3 to 7 night Spa and Wellness packages, from beauty boosters to anti-ageing, detox to weight loss, all including accommodation, treatments, classes and specified meals. To find out more contact lisa@highlifemarketing.com, or click on the link: http://www.palacioestorilhotel.com/wellness/packages

La Reserve Ramatuelle Fam Trip Sept '16

Heaven is a place on earth. And it’s called La Reserve Ramatuelle.

I hadn’t been to the south of France for many years and so the opportunity to accompany six luxury tour operators on an educational to this stunning five star resort and spa was simply too good to turn down. The Cote D’Azur was even more vivid and beautiful than I had remembered and as we took the picturesque coastal road from Nice airport alongside the sparkling Mediterranean, the sky seemed to be competing with the sea for blueness.

We arrived at lunchtime to a warm welcome and a chilled glass of champagne while we took in the breathtaking views that greeted us in the lobby. White muslin curtains blew gently in the lovely breeze, bringing the outside in to the cool, contemporary reception area. A neutral palette of whites, creams and soft pebble colours combine with natural textures, like leather, local stone, terracotta and glass, to provide the perfect contrast to the vivid blues and greens of the rugged coastal landscape. There is no formal check-in to interrupt the immediate feeling of calm and relaxation that pervades as soon as you set foot in the hotel, so we enjoyed taking our time to savour our surroundings and La Reserve’s faultless hospitality. I cannot remember a more leisurely or pleasant arrival.

A ‘light’ lunch with deputy manager Veronique – and visiting counterpart from La Reserve Geneva, Claudine – proved to be an equally leisurely affair as several courses of delicious fish, chicken and salads were served in the light and airy La Voile restaurant. All accompanied by a crisp local Rose wine that looked as good as it tasted, in a beautifully decorated bottle.

Food at La Reserve Ramatuelle is fresh, natural, organic and healthy. Clean eating and general wellbeing is an important part of the philosophy here, but don’t let the idea of a ‘healthy menu’ put you off. This food is seriously scrumptious and incredibly creative. Two Michelin-starred chef, Eric Canino, manages to make the most saintly ingredients taste wickedly indulgent – it’s the dream combination. If only we could take him home!

After a longer than expected lunch (after all, what’s the rush?), we were treated to a memorable massage in the super-stylish spa. Gleaming white walls and surfaces again provide the perfect foil to the brilliant blues of the scenery that can be seen from every treatment room, thanks to large windows and lots of glass everywhere. Products used here include those from Swiss brand Nescens, which focuses on better aging, and beauty editors’ favourite, Crème de La Mer. I can thoroughly recommend the signature ‘better-aging body massage’ that left me floating back to our truly fabulous five-bedroom villa in a blissful state. I might not have looked 10 years younger after just 90 minutes, but I definitely felt it.

So, the villa…there are no words! If you’ve never witnessed a room of silent travel professionals before, you should bring them to Villa 19, it really is breath (and speech) taking. One of 16 villas here –  ranging from three to six bedroom, each different from the next – ours had five bedrooms and had recently been completely refurbished. The view from the huge living room, and two of the main bedrooms is spectacular, looking out as it does across a terraced seating area, sparkling infinity pool and perfect manicured lawns, down to the Mediterranean beyond.

We were all amazed at how big the villa was with four, more-than-generous double rooms and one twin-bedded room, each with their own state-of-the-art bath and/or shower room en-suite. The kitchen is fully equipped and, again, HUGE, with a range-style cooker, excellent coffee maker, giant fridge and separate wine chiller for all that lovely Rose. Plus, there’s a large dining table leading straight off the kitchen area for great dinner parties and family lunches.

The beauty of the villas at La Reserve is that you can self-cater, order home delivery from the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef, or pop into the picture-postcard village of Ramatuelle for a bite to eat at one of the charming (and extremely good) restaurants there. I can personally recommend La Forge after a wonderful meal on our first night. All that, and the glamour and buzz of St Tropez and its famous beach clubs just a 15 minute drive away, makes for the perfect holiday home-from-home.

Every villa has the services of a housekeeper for six hours a day who will happily prepare breakfast out on the terrace, afternoon tea and take care of the all the general household duties, including laundry. On the second morning, we also booked for one of the Personal Trainers from the spa to come up to the villa at 8am for a yoga and stretch session in the sunshine around the pool. It was a great way to start the day and while we worked out, a delicious organic breakfast of fresh fruits, warm, nutty breads, pancakes and granola was prepared and served on the terrace as our reward. Sounds wonderful, right? But the great thing is if you don’t want to be disturbed by anybody, just leave a sign on the door, or call down to the hotel, and you’ll be left in total peace.

It’s not hard to imagine a family or group of friends living here really comfortably for a couple of weeks, or even longer – it’s just such an easy place to be. Stunning, exclusive and totally private, yet completely understated and unpretentious in any way. That pretty much sums up the whole experience at La Reserve Ramatuelle. I cannot wait to return.

La Reserve Ramatuelle

To say I was excited about my trip to La Reserve Ramatuelle would be an understatement and having already visited La Reserve Geneva and the exquisite La Reserve Paris, my expectations were high! They say timing is everything and when I arrived at Nice airport to be greeted by a throng of press, I wondered if mine was not ideal!

“Of course “, I thought it’s Cannes Film Festival and they were waiting for Angelina and Brad, George and Amal, not me and my two partners in crime -  industry colleagues! Nevertheless, we were swiftly whisked away by our very friendly and efficient driver and in one and a half hours arrived at La Reserve Ramatuelle (though the journey can take up to two hours in high season).

My initial impression was “Wow”. As you enter the lobby you cannot help but be drawn to the amazing rugged coastline vista before you. It struck me how modern the property is in comparison to the other La Reserve hotels. It felt clean and crisp with white, ochre and neutral shades, very relaxed and inviting .There is no formal reception desk but attentive, smiling staff to take you to your room or villa either on foot or in a golf cart.

I checked into my Junior Suite and had that “Gosh I love my job” feeling! The Junior suite is the third room category (superior & deluxe being the lead in room types) and I would definitely suggest this room type as the best option.  The room felt huge, approximately 55 sqm all to myself, not to mention the garden terrace on the other side of the picture window. I stood for a moment taking in the ever changing hues of the Mediterranean.....even in the drizzle, it was spectacular!

There was a welcome gift of perfectly formed marshmallows, a small lemon cake and chocolate bites and a bottle of rose, all so beautifully presented that I did not dare touch them.

Lunch was calling. La Voile restaurant is close to the lobby area and very open in style with many different terraces and a small garden  which come into play in high season .Chef Eric Canino , formerly with Michel Guerard has two Michelin stars and incredibly manages to combine indulgence with balance so nothing I ate felt heavy or excessive. The lunch menu is comprehensive and the whole ethos of Eric Canino’s cuisine is to cater for those who want to enjoy healthy food without sacrificing taste and creativity. Dishes range from €30-60 for lunch.

In true French style, it was a long lunch finishing at 4.30pm (we were late arriving!) and had time to relax and enjoy the facilities before leaving the hotel to dine in Ramatuelle that evening. Ramatuelle is a quaint little, hilltop village far from the madding crowds with a handful of good local restaurants and a wonderful art gallery – well worth a visit and I can certainly recommend La Forge a family run Italian with great food and hospitality.

La Reserve Ramatuelle provides a complimentary shuttle service for guests between the resort and   Ramatuelle or St Tropez.

I slept like a baby and awoke to glorious blue skies, perhaps a little earlier than I would have liked but keen to experience the Nordic walk which starts at 8am and forms part of La Reserve Ramatuelle’s Bootcamp programme. I hasten to add that this was the only part of the programme we tried!

Our guide was eagerly awaiting us at reception so after a “green juice” off we went, all so thrilled to see blue skies and a glistening sea. The coastal walk took us though rugged terrain with spectacular views of the sea and many photo opportunities of little bays and single yachts that had moored overnight in a tranquil piece of heaven.

For those who want to explore the region, there is a plethora of activities on offer from vineyard tours in Domaine de la Tourac and local Provençal markets to golf, helicopter rides and yacht charters. 

In addition to the 28 resort rooms, there are 14 stunning villas at La Reserve Ramatuelle. I was surprised by the standard of the villas – each one could have been a privately owned stand-alone villa finished to a very high spec and with individual interiors, homely and stylish. The individuality of each means that guests can have a different experience each year as they have lots of repeat clients. Villas range from three to six bedrooms (just one) and include a housemaid six hours per day who will prepare breakfast afternoon tea, ensuring that guests are relaxed and well looked after throughout their stay. Each has its own pool, lovely garden with barbeque area so for those clients seeking total privacy, they are an excellent choice. Two new villas will open  earlier than planned on July 7^th – villa No .1 (5 bedrooms) , a vintage villa dating back to the 1970s and lovingly restored maintaining many of the original features such as the tower section and Villa No .2 (3 bedrooms) a panoramic villa overlooking L’Escalet.  Guests can access all the hotel facilities and  avail of the complimentary shuttle service to St Tropez and Ramatuelle which operates between 8am and 10.30pm subject to availability.

Our last night was a gourmet sensation with the  7 course Gourmet menu in La Voile – there are not enough superlatives but unusually when dining in a  two Michelin star restaurant, I did not need a crane to lift me from the table! The lemon and lime melee for dessert was the highlight for me. I tried to recreate it at home but failed miserably.

From June onwards guests can enjoy the fabulous Roof Terrace which will welcome a new Japanese chef for this season so sushi and champagne on a candlelit terrace - it doesn’t get much more romantic and it can be privatised for proposals or private parties.

The next morning we were treated to a wonderful treatment in the anti-aging Nescens spa which is a destination spa and was recently featured in Conde Nast Traveller.

Needing all the help I can get these days in an effort to rejuvenate myself, I opted for the Better – aging body massage. The description read “Combined with the use of a lymph drainage device for the 80 minute treatment, this massage releases blockages and eases tension, while activating cell regeneration and stimulating skin oxygenation and muscle tone.” That was enough for me. I came out feeling like a new woman and did not relish the thought of packing my bags to leave this wonderful resort. I would highly recommend it whether for a family villa holiday, romantic and relaxing couple getaway or a few days rejuvenation in the spa!  

Back to reality!

Portetta Fam Trip

 My first trip to Portetta started off early with an 8am flight from Heathrow to Lyon. However I was delighted to find that once on board the new British Airways aircraft that I had a whole row of seats to myself, one of quite a few perks I noticed while visiting Portetta in low season. After a very comfortable 90 minute flight we regrouped at the baggage reclaim area and made our way through a very quick and painless passport control. On the other side we were greeted by Sebastian who was holding a Portetta sign at the arrivals area, he took us to our private mini bus and we started our two hour transfer to Portetta.

We arrived in Portetta’s heated driveway ahead of schedule and I was eager to see the hotel for myself. We walked into the warm cosy reception and I instantly felt relaxed, we were greeted by Nicolas and Mehdi the hotel director and assistant manager and were shown to our rooms. My valley facing room was simply gorgeous; it was rustic in style with exposed wooden beams and plush, cosy textiles that created a sense of warmth and comfort. After I unpacked I was keen to see the rest of the hotel.

We walked through the large spacious lounge and into the new bar area and restaurant Cucina Angelina and I could see that the interiors throughout have been designed to the highest standard, with large open fireplaces and elegant furnishings - think alpine-chic with a warm, laid-back vibe! The hotel had everything one could need for the perfect ski break, a top notch ski room and shop where staff will even warm your boots for you to a lavish spa where you can relax and rejuvenate after a long day of skiing. I was very impressed but more importantly after a busy morning I was very hungry, it was time to experience what culinary delights Portetta had to offer.

We made our way outside to the Fire and Ice Bar, Portetta’s outdoor terrace bar which is right at the bottom of the main piste and took a seat. The sun was shining down on us and view was breath-taking. I perused the menu and I was spoilt for choice, the Italian influenced mountain food included pastas, salads, grills, pizza and more and I wanted to try everything! Finally I decided to try an old favourite of mine and an Italian dish carbonara and I was not disappointed.  We decided that despite the fact that we were already full to burst it would be rude not to try a dessert and make the most of this sunny afternoon so I ordered the chocolate torte and felt no ounce of guilt.

After an absolutely perfect lunch there was only one thing to do, take a nap in my peaceful room and prepare for dinner which was only a couple hours of away (maybe I shouldn’t of had dessert!).

We met in the lounge for a quick glass of champagne before we went to visit the lodges which were simply stunning, each one unique and furnished to the highest standard by Laure the lodge manager who joined us for dinner in Blanchot. It was clear to see from spending a short amount of time with Laure just how passionate she is about the lodges and how much she strives to make sure that each guest has a great experience. She is involved in every aspect of their stay from the booking right through to departure to make sure everything runs smoothly.

We enjoyed a delicious three course meal cooked by the wonderful chef Céline before retiring to the hotel for a quick night cap and an early night before a busy day on the slopes.

Today was my first day skiing and to say I was apprehensive would be an understatement. Nevertheless I got into my ski gear and met the rest of the group downstairs in Portetta’s very own ski room. I was greeted by my instructor for the day the lovely Christine from the ESF 1650 ski school who quickly made my nerves disappear. Our first stop was the baby slope which I managed to complete with ease so we then moved up to a slightly steeper slope which I must admit I was a lot more ‘wobbly’ on. After a few successful runs on the learning slope Christine decided I was ready for my first green run and I thought she had gone crazy! So I found myself on my first drag lift which I absolutely loved! The views were incredible and the weather was simply perfect, I could have easily stayed on the lift all day but I think Christine had other ideas.

My first run resulted in a few crash landings but after that I started to get the hang of it and really enjoyed myself; Christine was amazing and kept pushing me to tackle more difficult slopes. So after a long morning on the slopes I was exhausted and ready for my next meal. We decided to try a local French restaurant a short walk away from the hotel which was superb, I had my first tartiflette which is a French dish from the Savoie and Haute Savoie region of France. I spent the rest of the afternoon in the hotel spa relaxing my very tired legs.

Dinner this evening was in Cucina Angelina, Portetta’s brand new restaurant in partnership with top chef Angela Hartnett. The restaurant builds on the relaxed, casual style at Portetta with rustic mountain chic interiors. The food was simply divine and I enjoyed every single bite! It was the perfect end to a fabulous stay at Portetta. Now I’m home and ready to hit the gym after an indulgent few nights. 

Danielle McDaid

Mustang Monument Fam Trip - Nevada, USA

Having not been away all summer and with the depressing weather, I was very much looking forward to my trip to Mustang Monument in mid-August so with my cowboy chic wardrobe safely packed, I boarded my flight to Vegas which I thought would be an exciting stop over, having never been.

I was making myself comfortable and relishing the thought of being able to read the Saturday Telegraph undisturbed when my fellow passenger, a friendly American on her way home asked where I was going so I told her “Mustang Monument" to which she replied "oh are you nervous about going there?" "Why would I be nervous?" I queried rather confused. "Well you know, it's men only?" I laughed and explained that this was definitely not the case.

Evidently there is a similarly named establishment of ill repute so Mustang Monument Wild Horse Eco Ranch is not to be confused with this one.

 After checking in to the Four Seasons Vegas, we had a quick turnaround before being collected by Maverick Tours for our sunset helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon .There was a little too much waiting around for my liking ...almost an hour from arriving at the terminal to departure but they had to weigh everyone and allocate groups on that basis so I guess there is not much one can do to change that. We met our very suave pilot Kevin; clearly straight out of Top Gun and after a safety briefing we boarded the helicopter. This was my first helicopter ride since a very unfortunate incident in one some five years ago so I was feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation but as we rose over Hoover Dam with the bright sun shining over the Canyon, I relaxed and took in the incredible views below. One can certainly appreciate why it is listed amongst the wonders of the world.

We landed to enjoy the sunset deep in the Canyon where rustic wooden benches had been built to host champagne and snacks. As I sat there in awe, it struck me just how insignificant we are as humans when one takes in this feat of nature and yet we think we are so powerful.

Flying back into the sunset and along the "strip" now illuminated for the nights activities, I thought about how lucky I am and would definitely recommend this experience for clients.

We were transported back to our hotel and had intended to go out to see the nightlife but by 9pm the jetlag was taking hold and so after a delicious slice of New York cheese cake, I nestled into the divine Four Seasons bed....

I didn’t need the 5am alarm call - I was up and ready for the next stage of our trip, the reason for being here  - to visit Mustang Monument Eco Horse Resort (mustang monument.com)and was very excited.

We left the hotel at 6am for the short drive to the airport with a very chirpy cab driver who insisted on giving his opinion of USA politics .We nodded and smiled politely, well as much as we could muster at 6am on a Sunday after a transatlantic flight!

We had the usual queues for check in and paid for our bags on Delta (which I have not experienced before), grabbed a leisurely coffee and made our way to the gate 20 minutes before departure only to be told by a very discourteous member of Delta staff that we would not be boarding the flight and it became apparent when she said to another woman who looked very embarrassed "Do not speak to them”.  After much debate it transpired that she had sold our seats which is evidently not that unusual with American carriers and with only standby status for the next flight, we decided to hire a car and drive from Vegas to Salt Lake City!

As we stood at the Avis desk the receptionist said "Do you ladies know what you are doing driving through Death Valley when there is a heat warning? Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks as there is nowhere to stop!"

At that point I was wondering whether this was a good decision but the alternative was sitting in Vegas airport all day so we had little choice and figured it would be fun to do a road trip!

Actually the journey passed incredibly quickly, the highlight being stopping for a Haagan Daaz which  had almost melted by the time we'd walked back to the car....There were actually several places to stop and refuel so admittedly we had a day of eating trash but after six hours we recognised the  iconic tepees  of Mustang Monument on our right and finally we arrived at the ranch at 5pm. Sadly we had missed the days ride up Spruce Mountain which the other guests said was amazing, particularly the picnic lunch with breath taking views across the valleys.

I checked in to my cottage which was a very high end version of something from "Home on the Range", beautifully furnished with a big bathroom featuring a free standing bath. With 20 rooms in total, there is a choice of accommodation, tepee or cottage and the general consensus from the group was that the cottages are preferable for adults mainly due to the fact that the bathroom is outside in the tepees but we all agreed that the tepees were fabulous for maybe one night or definitely for teenagers. They too are beautifully designed but much colder at night.

There are also a number of dining tepees and dinner was served in one of the larger ones that night ...a unique experience and hats off to the waiters who have to negotiate the low level entrance when serving each course!

Owner Madeleine Pickens is currently building a new kitchen and restaurant overlooking the plains which will be ready for next season and this will make a huge difference to the food service as currently they have to walk quite a way from kitchen to dinner venues.

Traditionally everyone retires to the Saloon after dinner and I have to say this was my favourite place of all in the ranch be it for cocktails, lunch or cards and games. It has been beautifully restored in true Wild West style with original saddle seats and tasteful throws; it really comes to life in the evening.

Breakfast the next morning was served at the saloon deck and offered an array of fresh fruits, homemade oatmeal and scones, yoghurts and smoothies.

It was a very relaxed affair and I am told that when Madeleine is in house, guests are invited to her house for breakfast.

After breakfast we were taken out to feed the horses which was an incredible experience as there is clearly a pecking order in which they feed and during the course of two hours , the mustangs come to feed , some more nervous than others but with them all together including young foals, it was a spectacle to behold. A big part of the whole experience at Mustang Monument is undoubtedly chatting to Clay, head rodeo and his team whose knowledge of these horses and close support of Madeleine's cause to save America's mustangs is very apparent. Hearing all about how Madeleine started and the lengths they have gone to thus far was fascinating. I have no doubt that this would be a highlight of the whole guest experience as well as the expert riding and plethora of activities on offer.

Lunches tended to be delicious salads and cold meats or fish and these were well presented and served mainly in the saloon. It's fair to say that we all looked forward to the lunches.

The afternoon of Day 2, we left in convoy for the 90 minute drive to Goshute Valley for what I had considered the highlight of the trip and the part I was most looking forward to (a little ironic as I like my creature comforts!)

We were treated to a session on the shooting range under the expert guidance of Niks, an ex US Navy seal and whose main priority was safety but he made it fun and even by his own admission was surprised at the expertise of his all female group!

Those who did not want to do shooting went on a safari drive and saw herds of mustang cantering across the spectacular valley.

Dinner was a barbeque, served by the Mustang Monument team and as all meals and drinks (excluding champagne) are included, guests were offered a selection of wines, beers and a mean punch which went down far too easily!

There are nine Californian trail wagons in situ at the Goshute Valley and all can accommodate two people. They are basic but clean and there are plenty of blankets as it did get chilly during the early hours. Each has hot water and a basin but we were told to just take our toothbrush and PJs. Being the cold creature I am, I wore PJs and my clothes and at one point with Clint Eastwood nowhere in sight, I was still tempted to hop in beside my colleague Frangelica! Next morning, we discussed placing fleecy pyjamas in the wagons for next year.  

Of course we had all woken up early and breakfast was a simple affair with fruit, yoghurts and the most delicious homemade lemon cake and brownies. I have to admit I have never actually had cake for breakfast but I thought I'd try it and ended up having both ....in hindsight it was good preparation for the Napa Valley experience ahead where we were tasting wine at 11am!

On journeying back to the ranch, we were all looking forward to a hot shower but actually when Niks suggested taking the mavericks out, we found renewed energy and decided the shower could wait as we were going to get very dusty anyway! Wow ... What an experience that was! If your clients like adrenalin fuelled activities, they will love this. There are four people to a maverick and we nominated our American travel industry colleague as our driver, little did we know that she clearly had Ayrton Senna blood in her somewhere. We drove up Ruby Mountain at great speed and at the top climbed to the top of the ridge which had the most incredible vista. It was on the way down that the "girl racer" kicked in and boy was I scared.

Once we reached home, I got out, heart racing but pleased that I had opted in for such an exhilarating experience. Be warned....

Dinner on the last night was in the saloon and with much to talk about Clay and the team gave us a great send off. We had shared much fun and laughter and created memories which would stay with us for a long time to come.

The alarm was set for 4.15 am for the drive back to Salt Lake City for the next leg of our trip to Napa Valley which I thought would combine well with Mustang Monument.

We were met at San Francisco airport by Michael of Napa Valley Tours and Transportation who turned out to be our guardian angel for the next three days.

Having arrived at Auberge du Soleil slightly later than planned due to heavy traffic, we had a quick turnaround before a site inspection and dinner. I loved this hotel and we were made to feel so welcome by Carol and Renee and their colleagues.

Dinner was absolutely spectacular and of course accompanied by delicious wines from the region expertly explained by the sommelier.

The next morning we were leaving early to visit some wineries and see what all the fuss is about!

For me the olive oil tasting at Round Hill winery was very special. We learnt all about the process involved in making the different oils from traditional olive oil to orange, basil and lime fusions, each one tastier than the other and the small bites we were served to taste the oils were scrumptious.

It's fair to say that between us we did considerable damage in the shop before leaving!

Merus was the second winery we visited and this is by appointment only and much smaller operating for private members only. As I am not a wine drinker and there was no champagne in sight I took my colleagues word for the fact that each one excelled .Here we tasted wine at $800 per bottle so one for your discerning wine lovers.

Lunch was at Calistoga Ranch where we were greeted by the iconic General Manager Connie and her team and enjoyed yet another outstanding lunch at the Lake House restaurant overlooking Lake Rommel. Calistoga Ranch is all about nature and actually fits extremely well with Mustang Monument as a two centre combination. There are over 100 acres in which to explore be it hiking, cycling or running followed by relaxation in their state of the art spa.   

Dinner that evening in The Cave was a real treat - such a unique venue as the name implies and ideal for private family affairs and weddings. As we walked in we were all wondering how we would actually face another meal but Chef Aaron Meneghelli who has an impressive CV which includes Carneros Inn did us proud and we soon forgot that we had been eating virtually all day!

Aaron is inspired by nature and uses virtually everything in the gardens at Calistoga Ranch and I mean everything so you will find flowers and unusual wild herbs in his creative dishes, all beautifully presented.

After a busy but wonderful culinary day, we waddled to bed....

Four of us booked a wakeup call for 7am to do a hike before we left and after the previous day’s indulgence we were so glad we did, not just for the spectacular views in the morning mist but also to make up for all our sins the day before!

Before we left, we visited the chicken coup which may sound rather an odd thing to do but trust me you have never seen anything like this chicken coup. It is Connie’s treasure and the chickens (Connie’s girls as they are affectionately known) enjoy art work on the walls including a portrait of Connie and a fabulous chandelier. She is even talking about putting a shower in for them. Rumour has it that when she needs a break, she goes and talks to her girls!

After collecting our eggs and enjoying a delicious omelette, we were met by trusty Michael who would transfer us to our last destination, San Francisco.

We were greeted enthusiastically by all the team at Loews Hotel (previously  Mandarin Oriental). Loews is located in the financial district but actually it was only a 10 minute walk to Union Square and the main shopping area. We had been allocated Superior City View rooms which were very spacious and comfortable. The views were indeed amazing and Greg Nigh the DOS had generously arranged for us all to have a complimentary massage in their lovely spa which was a haven away from the buzz of the city. The hotel itself feels slightly corporate but the staff were absolutely superb and dinner on Friday night was very pleasant.

On Saturday morning we hit the shops (unfortunately we did not have time to do Alzcatraz) which was very successful as there was a huge sale at Macy’s with one of the group purchasing six pairs of shoes....well a girl can never have enough!

One of the highlights for me was wandering around The Ferry Building which was just a five minute walk from Loews and on a Saturday morning there is an amazing organic food market. There was a great buzz and with Golden Gate Bridge in the background I would definitely recommend it. We had a light lunch in the sun and then treated ourselves to an ice cream from the infamous Humphry Slocombe...it had to be done especially as we’d starved ourselves all week!

So that was the end of our trip and we headed for the airport mentally preparing for our forthcoming detox......  

My first visit to Petit St Vincent - Caribbean

I had not travelled at all during the winter which was disappointing and so was very much looking forward to my trip to a Petit St Vincent to embrace the balmy temperatures and warm hospitality of the Caribbean. I was on the 11.20 B.A flight to Barbados, a civilised departure time compared to some of the European trips I do and lucky enough to be at the front of the bus! The flight seemed to pass so quickly- by the time I had done some “homework "and had a sleep, it was time to land.

On arrival in Barbados, I was whisked off to the Mustique Airways check in by Rose, a vivacious Barbadian who meets all PSV guests and ensures a smooth transit to Union Island .I didn't even have to collect my bag and when I asked Rose for the third time " Where's my bag?" She assured me it would be loaded on the Union flight using the bag tag I had given her and so it was. There are two scheduled flights a day to Union - one at 12.30 and the one I took at 4pm (cost is $615 per person return). Within an hour of landing in Barbados, I was boarding the twin engine light aircraft for the 50 minute hop to Union Island. I could not resist asking the pilot "Is my bag on board?" And he replied that it was always the English who ask about their bags....I took that as a yes! There's a $30 fee when departing from Union but PSV add this to guests' bills and give them cash on check out which makes it a lot easier.

Once in Union, there was a 5 min car ride to the port where a PSV boat awaited me and took me on the 30 minute transfer to the resort (chargeable at $35 per person). Greeted by managers Matt & Anie my old friends from Fundu Lagoon days, the long journey paled into insignificance. I checked into my cottage on the Bluff which was really extensive, comprising of a bedroom, lounge and a big private terrace and bathroom. The overall style is rustic but high end rustic. There is no Wi-Fi In the rooms which may be a disappointment to some (me included!) but after Day 1, I acclimatised and saw the benefits of “Switching off" especially if you were here with a partner/family. PSV is purposefully a digital detox. Guests can connect via the Wi-Fi in the main house but for those who are "addicted” to their phone, this is probably not the place ..... Or maybe it is!

After unpacking and enjoying a cup of tea and homemade cookie on my terrace taking in the most spectacular ocean view, I met Matt & Anie for dinner in the beach restaurant and Friday night is BBQ night so I savoured the fresh king prawns and mahi mahi lightly seasoned with Cajun spices .All meals are included as are non alcoholic drinks. For me though, the best part was the steel pan band playing lively, well known tunes and they even had couples up dancing on the sand...definitely recommended. The clientele were relatively young 30-50 with a good mix of nationalities; in fact about 40% of guests are European.

The following morning, I awoke very early at 3.20am and instinctively reached for my phone to check my emails but the deliberate absence of connectivity began to make sense. The PSV ethos is to encourage us all to "unplug" from the technological grip we are all in and enjoy the surroundings and each other. Matt assured me that if guests need news or FTSE index updates, they will be delivered by the Butler each morning or at any point in the day. I tried to get back to sleep and dozed in and out of consciousness until 5.45 when I had to get up and surprisingly felt full of beans!

I decided to test the system for breakfast - so they have a box in the room with notelets requesting breakfast, lunch and dinner ( with menu options ) and guests put their note let in a bamboo horn at the entrance to their cottage and raise a yellow flag for service . I was told that butlers check the flags every 15-20 minutes (there’s a red flag for Do not disturb) and sure enough my breakfast arrived right in time at 8am so the system seemed to work.

The view from my terrace was spectacular and the only sound, the lapping of the waves and birdsong. This is a place to be shared though so I was a little sad to be having breakfast alone in such an idyllic setting! After breakfast, I had a tour of the island and saw several cottages as there were several departures today. There are 22 suites in total - 16 one bedroom cottages and six 2 bedroom beach villas (numbers 6-11) and each one has a very different but spectacular vista. I also learnt that guests can dine in their cottage as often as they want and some guests take every meal in private.

Following lunch at the Beach restaurant and the most delicious ice cream I have ever tasted, I visited Mopion Island which is a small sand island just a 10 minute boat ride away from PSV where guests can enjoy a romantic picnic or indeed get married in the middle of the ocean! It is a unique place.

I decided that since Matt had told me the ice cream was made purely from cream rather than milk that I had better attend the 4pm complimentary yoga class with Frankie, a Balinese instructor whose wife is a masseuse at the resort. The yoga platform has stunning views and with three complimentary classes a week, one cannot help feeling relaxed. As always, the 10 minute relaxation at the end sent me into oblivion!

Not content with the fact that the room service system had worked for breakfast, I had to try it again , ordering a frozen Margherita for 6.30 and guess what right on the dot, it arrived ....

Matt had shown me around the island today and one can't help but be impressed by all the eco measures in place here- they have their own water plant converting sea water into drinking water and recently introduced their own bottling plant. They are proud if their organic vegetable garden and 200 chickens. Children can collect the eggs for breakfast and learn how the fallen leaves, cut grass and seaweed are used as fertiliser. Glass containers and cans are crushed and transformed back into sand and small particles. There is also a Children's Scholarship Fund which funds 80% of educational costs for employee’s children from the age of 3 right through to University. I hope to introduce more family activities for guests next July and August 2016.Dinner tonight was in the Main Restaurant, the more formal of the two restaurants and obviously a popular choice.
Day 3 - I had packed my phone away in the safe and was concentrating on more important issues like what to do today. All non-motorised water sports are complimentary at PSV and they also have a fleet of 5 boats and I could see that Matt has a passion for them! Black Pearl is a sexy speedboat but my favourite was a sloop called Beauty expertly captained by Geoff and one of the reasons why guests return year after year .Today he took us to a remote beach and cooked up a BBQ " like only Geoff knows how" Fish has not tasted the same since ....it was sensational and so healthy!

Later that afternoon , I had a tour of the cottages I had not seen, my favourites being 10,17,18,19 as they are close to the beach but number 1-5 on the bluff are so private, you feel like you're on a desert island ( oh I am!) What I really loved was that there are no room keys at PSV.

Day 4- I am feeling thoroughly spoilt by now as I never normally stay more than three nights anywhere but Matt had insisted that I stay four to get the full experience ....very indulgent but I was so glad I had because I had a wonderful day ahead.

After breakfast and checking emails (the weekend was over!) I joined a group for snorkelling at Tobago Cays, the most stunning collection of five cays each more beautiful than the last in crystalline waters and a protected marine park for the turtles. We then went to Mayreau a small island with only 320 inhabitants and 56 houses where many of the super yachts moor to get supplies, fresh fish, ice, eggs etc. I had not realised there is a whole industry based around the yachts passing through. It was fascinating. Young fishermen were cleaning out sea urchin prepared to order for the yacht captains. There is even a boat taxi industry should yacht owners wish to come ashore and browse the little stalls of clothes and jewellery and of course stop at the iconic rum punch bar for a mandatory tipple! I really enjoyed seeing these simple yet resourceful people pleased to see and chat to visitors about their lives and families.

On the return, we passed by Union Island which seemed vast in comparison to Mayneau and saw the boat used in Pirates of the Caribbean which can evidently be chartered for day sails. One of my favourite spots was a restaurant called Chatham (local fare) which is totally remote and a favourite with repeat guests to PSV. Our last stop was at Happy Island, close to PSV and built from rocks and conch shells by its eccentric owner Janti Ramage who advocates "rum therapy". The island is actually only a few feet above water but Janti is quite the host and for every punch you buy, there's one on the house!! It is a must to visit here - www.rumtherapy.com
It was a busy and most enjoyable day so I opted for dinner in my cottage that night. It is the same menu as the main restaurant and the table whether alfresco or inside is set as if in the restaurant. It's an extremely romantic thing to do - I just needed George Clooney to walk through the door! 

Palazzo Avino Fam Trip 2015 - Amalfi Coast, Italy

I have probably been to Palazzo Avino (formerly Palazzo Sasso) a dozen times now (yes I am lucky!) but it just gets better every time I go.
Every year I host a familiarisation trip, usually in April but this time we decided to change it to May so that our guests could experience the beach club and wow did we experience it!
The 3.20am wakeup call on Monday had been praying on my mind during most of Sunday but actually I was awake at 3am in anticipation of what I knew would be a lovely trip so did my "automatic pilot" routine for the 6.35 flight from Gatwick to Naples. Arriving to glorious sunshine, we were soon in our comfortable vehicle for the one hour transfer to the hotel.
Sitting at Terrazza Belvedere for lunch by 12 .15 with a glass of prosecco and looking in to the glass like sea below, the early morning start was just a distant memory!
Feeling revived after a, nutritious salad with homemade breads and of course delicious olive oil, few of us wandered into Ravello (only a five minute walk). Ravello is such a unique place , known globally as somewhere on most people's " bucket list".It is unique in its charm , full of locals and whilst a tourist attraction , still unspoilt with its stunning art galleries, cashmere shops and stylish boutiques. I defy anyone to come away without treating yourself!
Cocktails on the terrace at 7pm and whilst waiting for the group, I observed all the happy couples (and a family group) making the most of this special place and creating memories, taking photos that they would look back on sentimentally in years to come. Palazzo Avino oozes elegance and what struck me as I sat there was the understated luxury of the place. Guests are obviously used to the best in life but there is a subtlety about the service. The staff are friendly and professional but confident in what they do and very evidently love working here.
Having enjoyed our cocktail, we opted for a local pizzeria, La Vecchia Cantina just a ten minute walk from the hotel where we enjoyed the most delicious hors d'oeuvres - fresh squid, anchovies, roasted vegetables, the mandatory buffalo mozzarella and smoked salmon. That would have been enough for me but the came two of the most enormous platters of pizza I have ever seen! Unlike our pizzas though they were light (or so I convinced myself!) the service was attentive and friendly and they certainly did not take note of “no thank you" when it came to second helpings! Our fellow diners were a mix of locals and tourists and created a lovely atmosphere in casual surroundings.
At 11pm we called it a day and wandered back through the square looking forward to the soft frette linens awaiting us!
I had promised myself that I would get up early on the Tuesday and do the 1600 steps to Minori and back so full of enthusiasm, I jumped out if bed and donned my trainers to greet the beautiful morning with not a soul around .The descent was fine, taking in the breath-taking vista of the Amalfi coast at its best - a mirror like sea, lemon groves in abundance and little houses scattered around with their owners waking up to start their day in this magical corner of Italy. It struck me as I walked how simple their lives probably are and I wondered if they truly appreciate what a special part of the world they live in. I met three young children walking to school, aged 8 or 9 which made me contemplate what do we really need in life? As I pondered, I came to the conclusion that these people might have it all! -a small house, beautiful views, nature, fresh, organic food, friends and a culture that nurtures family life!
The ascent was much more challenging than I had remembered and soon put an end to my philosophical thinking...... I consider myself to be reasonably fit but it was very tough, the morning sun adding to the challenge...
Eventually I made it back to the hotel and joined the group for a well-earned breakfast selecting from the gorgeous array of fruits, hams, cheeses and breads.
After the hotel site inspection, we took the hotel's shuttle bus to Palazzo Avino's beach club which is exclusive to hotel guests only (15 minutes from the hotel) where Giuseppe and Maria Elena gave us the best of welcomes, showing us the three different levels where we could base ourselves. We opted for the lower level, closest to the sea and a couple of brave colleagues jumped in! The Clubhouse by the sea is a great alternative to the hotel pool for those who want to swim in the ocean, do kayaking or snorkelling or just have a change of scenery. I would certainly recommend any guest at the hotel to spend at least half a day there and it is ever popular with families.
With Giuseppe attentively serving us drinks and issuing towels and cushions to make us feel even more pampered, we collectively agreed that we loved our jobs!
En route back to the hotel, we took a detour (only fifteen minutes from the Beach club) to visit Amalfi which was extremely busy with the many tour buses that stop there as part of a coastal trip and of course many of the boats to Positano, Capri etc depart from here so it is generally never quiet and a complete contrast to Ravello.
We stopped at Sacha in the main square for a gelato  ... need I say more and a great spot for people watching.
Once back at the hotel which is only another fifteen minutes from Amalfi, I took myself up to the roof terrace sadly to check emails but there are a lot worse places this could be done. Two couples were enjoying a bottle of prosecco, dipping periodically into the Jacuzzi. I wasn't at all jealous! The roof top terrace is a must to catch the last of the day’s sun and witness the glorious sunset.
At 6.30pm I decided to try out the spa and so booked a back and shoulder massage which was wonderful except that I could have stayed for another hour! The spa is small but stylish and offers an adequate choice of treatments.
After sampling Salvatore's cocktail recommendations in the lobster and martini bar, we experienced what can only be described as a culinary masterpiece in the Michelin starred and newly renovated Rossellini's restaurant. Chef Michele Deleo kept producing what were more like works of art than food, every one better than the last. My favourite however was the  lobster course steamed and served with buffalo mozzarella cream, eggplant confit  and its aromatic bisque as well as  the “pre dessert " course of fish and chip ice cream!!
It is not often a group of eight travel agents are stuck for words but they were definitely "wowed" a big thank you to Michele and his team for such a gastronomic experience.
I had an early wakeup call on Wednesday to fly home but the rest if the group were doing a guided tour of Ravello and then Pompeii en route to the airport for the late BA flight out of Naples.
I had stayed just two nights at Palazzo Avino and came back feeling very spoilt and privileged to be representing such an incredible resort.