Travel Now - Egypt and Tahiti

Wanderlust with Us Issue XII - June 12, 2020

For the last twelve weeks we have spent a great deal of time advocating for clients, securing refunds, and negotiating cancellations. You see the true colors of a partner during times like these. As the world reopens, each week we’re going to feature the partners and properties that considered our clients’ best interests and remained true partners. Welcome back!

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Partner Profile: Gary Murphy, AmaWaterways

Vice President & Co-Owner

Gary, tell us what you've been doing...

"Most of my days are being spent on Zoom meetings with Ama staff and with our travel advisor partners. These calls are a productive means to stay in touch with our team, and the agency community. For the past few weeks, much of the focus with our travel advisors is to keep them updated on how the virus is impacting their clients bookings and our policies.

Now, advisors are looking for more product information, learning about our new itineraries and offers in the market. A more positive outlook seems to be embracing the travel community.

For me, when I have a moment, I have been spending more time on my BARK, a prone paddle board. Getting into the water helps clear the mind. And as the beaches open, hopefully I will be able to get out for an early morning surf more often.

I have also been sneaking into the office once per week. I enjoy being in my office, even if I’m the only one in the building."

Hot Off The Press: Cruise the Egypt and Nile River on the new AmaDahlia. Sailings begin September 2021, round trip Cairo. Check out a sneak preview here.

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Opening July 15th ... French Polynesia!

We are pleased to note that French Polynesia is COVID-19 free. Accordingly it will reopen to international tourism on July 15th, 2020. Air Tahiti Nui is finalizing its flight schedule between Los Angeles and Papeete as well as Paris. Flights are expected to commence on July 16th from LAX to Papeete, and then daily thereafter, and July 15th from Los Angeles to Paris.

Where to Stay: Splurge vs. Savvy

Splurge: The Brando

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Here’s an offer you can’t refuse: An exotic stay at The Brando, the former Polynesian home of Marlon Brando. The only true all-inclusive luxury resort found within the islands of Tahiti, the eco-friendly Brando fuses carefree luxury with cutting-edge technology in 36 welcoming villas on private beaches with plunge pools. Set within a bio diverse natural sanctuary, the resort offers naturalist-led tours and a professional-led photo safari. You can learn Polynesian dance or how to play the ukulele, or you can take part in plentiful water sports. Holistic spa treatments are inspired by ancient traditions.

Barack Obama picked The Brando to start the first chapter of his life post-presidency. Learn more about his stay at this once in a lifetime property here. "If Leo has been able to come here on several different occasions with different girls and not a single photo has come out, that’s where I need to go. — Barack Obama"

Savvy: Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa

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Blessed by the trademark vanilla scents of the Island of Taha'a, Relais & Châteaux's Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa is sublime. Offshore from the island, on Motu Tautau, the resort maintains an exclusive ambiance with just 45 over water suites, 10 one-bedroom Beach Villas and 2 two-bedroom Royal Beach Villas. It's a place where you may be as lazy or as active as you wish. Spend every day at TAVAI Spa or go Jet Skiing, paddling, snorkeling or diving. Choose from three dining options, including a gourmet restaurant built seamlessly into the trees.

Fun Fact: Everyone has had room service but have you ever had it delivered by canoe? When staying in the over water bungalow, opt for the canoe breakfast where you get lagoon side service!

1. We always recommend clients take the red eye flights each way to avoid an unnecessary overnight in Papeete.

2. If you want to use points to fly, Air France flies a couple of times per week, but the business seats are angle flat (vs the lie flat on the new Air Tahiti Nui Dreamliners)

3. Interested in surfing? We have our own private surf instructor that can take you out to experience the waves year-round.