Reaching New Heights!
Issue | June 1, 2022
It makes our hearts happy to see our team together, meeting with fantastic hotel partners, and discovering new properties that are the perfect fit for our clients. Last week our advisors had the pleasure of meeting with Auberge Resorts Collection, whose hotels span from Solage in Napa Valley (pictured above) to Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica, and so many more unique properties in between. They offer a diverse portfolio of hotels with exciting new additions on the horizon, such as the Inn at Mattei's Tavern debuting in Los Olivos, California this Fall.
From Left to Right: Shelby Vega, B.J. D'Agnolo, Brittany Taylor, Jenna Tornese, Betsy Donley, Lauren Carter & Colby Hammond.
We are beyond thrilled to announce that not just one, but TWO, of our advisors were hand selected to be Travel Agent Central's 30under30 this year! This prestigious accolade means so much to our team, especially considering the difficult few years our industry has endured. Jenna Tornese and Nick Moran used the last few years to be innovative and constructive, never wavering their positive attitude and desire to do right by their clients by always going above and beyond. We congratulate them and are excited to see them continue to make an impact in the industry! The below quotes are excerpts and the full article may be found HERE.
"Jenna Tornese of Camelback Odyssey Travel in Phoenix, Arizona, and her team created Wanderlust with Us, a blog and weekly newsletter, last year to inspire clients stuck at home to travel again. Practical, but light-hearted posts—like recipes and destination playlists—were not only entertaining Tornese’s clients, but also helpful in garnering new business once restrictions began to lighten.
Now, Tornese is booking nonstop: she is preparing ski trips, couples’ trips to France Wine Country, wellness retreats to Miraval, family trips to Greece and honeymoons in Turks and Caicos, to name a few. One of her specialties is honeymoons. And, as a result, she books the Caribbean and Mexico quite frequently. One of her favorite properties in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit is One&Only Mandarina which, she says, is a top-sell for couples due to its private cliffside and treehouse accommodations."
"Not everyone stayed put during the pandemic. In October 2020, Nick Moran, an independent contractor with Camelback Odyssey Travel, executed a $400,000 51st birthday extravaganza for an A-list celebrity to Turks and Caicos.
'This involved the booking and coordination of seven private villas, hotel block for 27 staff, 15 separate luxury room reservations for guests coming and going throughout the week (some from across the pond), flights, yacht and activity bookings, security and drivers at disposal and directed. I actually sent a partner to the destination itself to oversee operations as countless last-minute changes inevitably occur with a group of this size and level of taste. We navigated the proper planning of gatherings and parties to provide an unforgettable experience while abiding by local curfew rules put in place last minute,' says Moran."
Gleneagles - Auchterarder, Scotland
Read more about James' experience in the blog post HERE.
"Whether staying for a few nights or more than a week, Gleneagles delivers authentic luxury in the simplest of form. The environment is enjoyable, the activities are fun, and the experience is anything but boring. It is the perfect destination for a couple looking to get away or a family looking for the combination of connection and freedom." - James Donley
Try THIS Instead of THAT - Unique Tours to Beat the Crowds
Paris, France
Instead of: Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets
Try This: Private Seine River Cruise
Don't be fooled by the name, you can still expect to wait in line even with the advance purchase of skip the line tickets for the Eiffel Tower. As the most iconic sight in Paris, tourists flock to see the historic monument in droves. So that's why we are recommending a different view - from the Seine River. During the private tour, enjoy champagne and relax as you view Paris' most iconic sights: the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, Louvre, and Notre Dame de Paris, all from the comfort of your own luxurious Venetian water taxi.
London, England
Instead of: Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tour
Try This: Private Fat Tire Bike Tour
It's hard to miss the massive double decker busses that offer tourists the opportunity to hop on and off to explore London on their own. But what you wont miss is the packed bus with other tourists, sudden stops, and blurry pictures. Take the guess work out of navigating the bustling city with a private bike tour. Customize your tour with the sights you actually want to see and enjoy the flexibility of spending as little or as much time at each location - you set the pace!
Rome, Italy
Instead of: Full Day City Tour
Try This: Private Savoring Rome Walking Food Tour
If you consider yourself a foodie or this is not your first visit to Rome, we suggest opting for a more immersive tour where you get to taste your way through the city as you learn about the gastronomic culture and history. Arrive hungry as you will enjoy numerous samplings, including coffee, pizza, and mouthwatering gelato. Craving some cured meats and cheeses? Just let your guide know and they will make an impromptu stop along the way!
Dublin, Ireland
Instead of: Self-Guided Pub Crawl
Try This: Private Guinness Storehouse Tour, including a Guinness STOUTie (your face on a pint!)
After you've visited a few different Irish pubs, they may all start to look alike. Take your interest in Ireland's most iconic beer to new heights with a private tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the history of Guinness in Dublin, how it is expertly brewed, and the cultural impacts across time. Learn how to pour your own perfect pint with the six step ritual and then create a STOUT-ie, your selfie printed on the head of the iconic black and white stout.
