Among our favorites are the three intimate small Orient Express camps. Often we will plan a visit that spends time in each of the camps, because each offers such a different experience. The camps have no more than 15 luxury safari tents, each heated and air conditioned. There’s an internet room as well as some spa services.

Savute Elephant Camp, in Chobe National Park, is known for elephants, and the watering hole just outside the dining area often allows you to dine in the company of these gentle beasts. Lions are also found around Savute. Eagle Island is a water based camp, allowing trips along the waterways via mokoro, a narrow canoe, viewing birdlife as well as larger game like hippo. Eagle Island also has a helicopter on premises, providing 45-mintue rides over the area to guests. Khwai River Lodge is at the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, and is rated as one of the better lodges in Botswana for viewing wildlife. The exceptional location of Khwai makes it a regular host to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs.

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

Capella Ixtapa is earthy, exotic and wildly romantic! Each of the accommodations is complete with private infinity plunge pool, perfect for an evening under the stars in the comfort of ones individual space. Food and beverage are absolutely delicious, fresh and organic. I just could not get enough of the house made Chilaquiles for breakfast, red snapper and artichoke sandwich for lunch, or mushroom and chicken ravioli for dinner. The chef at Capella Ixtapa really knows his stuff! My toughest decision was whether to order another Mujer Elegante (fresh muddled cucumber, agave nectar, tequila blanco and lime) or glass of the most delicious Merlot I have ever sipped (Mexican Merlot I might add)! So I chose all of it and often and never with a regret! 

Capella Ixtapa is simply and exquisitely decorated, with the use of indigenous materials and fabrics yet has an edge of contemporary sophistication. There’s a heady aroma of bamboo and citrus throughout the public areas and lush foliage with Zen-like fountains flanking the exterior surroundings. The library was a favorite hang out of mine. It’s a cozy place to catch up on a cool new read while nestling into buttery soft lounge furniture. And for those seeking a unique work out setting, Capella not only offers a gym high on the top floor with wonderful ocean views to pass the treadmill time, but they have an open air yoga deck at the summit of the building with a panoramic sky view of the sea. The spa is wonderful and delivers some of the best treatments I have come across.

The staff of Capella Ixtapa delivers a service unsurpassed! Upon arrival I felt as though I was a much anticipated guest treated with a level of care fit for beloved royalty. Every staff member possesses a sincere smile as big as their heart so leaving was like saying goodbye to a favorite family member in a distant place who I will miss with a deep affection. The good news for me is that I plan to send and return with more soon-to-be-fans even at the risk of wearing out my welcome…which by Capella standards will not be possible! I invite you as well to a tasting of Capella Ixtapa and guarantee you’ll want to go back for more and wonder why you left so soon in the first place.

Kelli Alexander
kelli@planetkelli.com

We were delighted to fly Lan Air and were treated to excellent service and enjoyed in business class some of the best sleeper seats we have experienced. Upon arriving in Lima we were greeted by the representatives of Orient Express and from this moment on everything was organized to perfection throughout the journey.

We stayed in Lima at the beautiful Miraflores Park Hotel. Our rooms were facing the ocean, very beautiful and comfortable in every way.  The hotel is impressive and the food and service outstanding. For a couple of nights we found Lima to be an interesting city with all kinds of archaeological sights, museums and wonderful shopping.

Cuzco was our favorite place. The Hotel Monasterio  is a magical place. Used to be a monastery which has been transformed into a beautiful hotel without losing it’s charm.  The rooms are very comfortable, some of them have oxygen piped directly into the room via the air conditioning system. Cuzco is at a very high altitude and some people will experience altitude sickness the first night, a doctor is on site to take care of any problems.

The Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu was a wonderful experience in true Orient Express fashion.
Machu Picchu was everything we had hoped for.   You truly have a special feeling standing on the Inca ruins. The Sanctuary Lodge, located right on the site, is small but a lovely property.  After a site inspection we were treated to High Tea.

After another night in Cuzco we departed for Colca Canyon. We flew into Arequipa and proceeded to drive for 3 ½ h to Las Casitas de la Colca. What a surprise we had. In the middle of nowhere is this beautiful property belonging to Orient Express. In our own casitas we were surrounded by luxury and charm.  As far as the hotels are concerned, it was our favorite and well worth the long drive. The excursion to Colca Canyon to see the Condors was spectacular. We were luckY enough to see many birds. One of our highlights was feeding the baby Lama’s and Alpaca’s, which roam across the hotel grounds freely and keep the lawns mowed.

All together we learned a lot and can hardly wait to share this firsthand experience with our clients.

Lisl Griffin and Marianna Monaco
lisl.g@travelstoreusa.com
marianna.m@travelstoreusa.com

On a recent visit I stayed at the newly redesigned Ocatillo building, a concierge wing referred to as a boutique hotel within a hotel, with its own pool and a spacious lounge that offers breakfast and  tasty hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, along with complimentary internet service. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and well appointed with wide flat screen TVs, large bathrooms with double sinks, separate bathtub and large walk-in shower.

Also newly opened at the resort is the new Frank and Albert’s restaurant, serving up comfort food, and named after Frank Lloyd Wright and Albert Chase, the original architects. The food throughout the property was a pleasant surprise, as every meal during our stay was creatively presented and prepared, and tasty.

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

Pantanal Wildlife Center - Excellent, a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts. We saw an incredible number of birds, mammals and reptiles on our outings and just around the hotel.  They have platforms so you can get a good view of a stork nest and an owl’s nest.  In addition we saw two tapirs.  That’s a very rare mammal, difficult to see in other places (when we went to Manu in 2007, we stayed up all night just to get a glimpse of one for about 30 seconds). 

While driving into the Pantanal, I saw most of the other “eco-lodges” I investigated before the trip.  They are right on the side of the dusty road - not good.  The Wildlife Center, on the other hand, is about fifteen minutes off the road, totally secluded and right on the river.  It’s peaceful and quiet, and there are animals everywhere.

None of the places in the Pantanal are fancy.  These are, after all, hotels in the absolute middle of nowhere, catering to wildlife and fishing enthusiasts.  But the Wildlife Center was clean and well run.  It had an attentive staff and great food (authentic Brazilian dishes).  They even had ice cold beer and a wine list.  Not bad for a wildlife lodge.  And this place really is conservation minded.  They don’t just claim to be an “eco-lodge.”  They are committed to the study and preservation of the Pantanal and its wildlife, Our guide, Helder, was great.  Very nice and incredibly knowledgeable.

Jaguar Research Center - What can I say?  They are bold enough to virtually guarantee that you’ll see jaguars.  And they deliver!  In under three days, Shannon and I had ten jaguar sightings.  That’s right, ten.  We saw a jaguar hunting caiman (alligators).  And we saw a jaguar mother with her cub (incredibly rare).  I can’t tell you how amazing it was.  There is simply nowhere that you can see jaguars like this.  Believe me, I’ve looked into it.  They are shy, reclusive animals, almost never seen in the wild.  But the jaguars in this particular area of the Pantanal like to hunt and sit on the river banks, and the people at the Jaguar Research Center know how to spot them.   From the safety of a boat, you can spot a jaguar, drop anchor and take photos to your heart’s content.  For a wildlife lover, it is a dream come true.  We never thought we’d be able to see jaguars like this. 

The Research Center is what you’d call a “tented camp,” on the banks of a river about half and hour upriver from the nearest town.  Like all tented camps, you’re roughing it a bit.  There are bugs, you don’t have a modern flush toilet like at a regular hotel, etc. But the place was clean and efficiently run.  The staff was great.  The food was really good. They had a Brazilian woman in the kitchen who was churning out all kinds of authentic dishes and desserts. 

Like the Wildlife Center (which is owned and operated by the same company), the Jaguar Research Center is very conservation minded.  The manager is a wildlife biologist who specializes in jaguars.  They are actively doing research on the jaguars and taking steps to protect them.  So, by going there, not only did we see a lot of jaguars, but we felt that we were supporting the efforts to protect them, not just exploiting them or being part of the problem. Our guide, Bea, was a very bright biologist who taught us a great deal about birds. Can’t recommend this place highly enough for people into wildlife.  Just amazing.

Atlante Hotel - Recife - Did not  like this hotel.  Felt very old, in desperate need of remodeling.  Our first night, we had a decent room, but it clearly hadn’t been painted or remodeled since the 1960’s.  It was like stepping into a time machine.   On our second night there (coming back from Fernando de Noronha) we were given a terrible room - outdated looking like the others, but also dirty.  The grout around the tub was stained, etc.    We found several bugs in the room as the night wore on - totally unacceptable for a hotel like that.  Tried the pool but it was gross.  The next morning, we had to wait in line for a half-hour to check out because they have only one person at the front desk who can accept payment.  So there are three people at the front desk doing nothing, and one person doing all the check-outs.  It was crazy.  And then she was having problems with her ancient computer. 

The Atlante just feels like a place that was considered nice in the 60’s or 70’s and hasn’t changed since then.  Whatever I spent for that place, it was too much.  I would not send your clients here unless there’s nothing better in Recife.  If that’s the case, I feel sorry for Recife.

Fernando de Noronha -  Amazing.  The beaches, snorkeling, hiking… all incredible.  And the fact that they only allow a few hundred tourists at a time ensured that nothing was too crowded.  We had entire beaches to ourselves sometimes.  A total paradise.  Can’t recommend it highly enough.

Pousada Maravilha -  Wonderful place.  It looked fantastic inside and out.  The view from the patio/pool is amazing.  The staff is incredibly nice and helpful, and things just get taken care of.  We said we wanted snorkel gear, they took our information down and brought it to us.  We said we wanted to rent a dune buggy, it showed up out front a half-hour later and we drove off in it with minimal paperwork or hassle.  They gave us great snorkeling advice, too.  A wonderful experience, very romantic, couldn’t ask for more for your honeymoon.  The only criticism I have is of the restaurant.  I think it’s one of, if not the, nicest restaurant on the island.  The service is very, very good.  They had a full wine list, etc.  But the food was a little ho-hum.  

Thanks for all your hard work, Ken.  Another successful trip.

Erik Sommers,
client of Ken Gulko
Ken.g@travelstoreusa.com

The Four Seasons Whistler is a pet-friendly resort with 275 spacious rooms, featuring darker woods and in-room fireplaces. Most are in the superior and executive suite categories (and range from $525 - $825 per night, though the resort currently has a 3rd night free program. Rates during the 2010 Winter Games are significantly higher.)

In the Resort building, there are three townhouse-style accommodations, complete with kitchen, living area and private ouotdoor hot tub. These units can sleep up to 6 guests and have two bedrooms and a convertible sofa. In addition there are a couple of units with floor-to-ceiling windows, for those that may desire the best viewing of the surrounding mountains. The Resort features a beautiful pool spa area.

The Residences are located next door (unfortunately there’s no easy connection between the two buildings for those using the spa or dining facilities in the Resort), and feature 37 two-storey 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom accommodations. The units are gorgeous, and each bedroom features a full bathroom. For families, some residences hav units wit bunk beds in one of the bedrooms.

Kudos for including free internet access. For those with vehicles, valet parking is offered (the overnight rate is currently $32.)

The Four Seasons is not a ski-in, ski-out property, but features its own facility at the base of of the mountain for storing/renting hi-performance gear. For those combining a visit to Whistler with a stay in Vancouver, the Four Seasons Vancouver Hotel, in the heart of downtown, just underwent a major renovation.

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

With the expansion of the highway from Vancouver, which has shaved a half hour off the drive time, Whistler is closer to a two-hour drive from Vancouver Airport, depending on traffic. A relatively newer option is the Whistler Mountaineer, a luxury train that departs from North Vancouver and takes about three hours, allowing passengers to enjoy the stunning scenery enroute along with a fine meal. (When booking your trip to Whistler, we can set up your rail or private transfer service from Vancouver, as well as other options.)

What options? Just about any outdoor activity is readily available in Whistler. One of the newest and perhaps most popular attractions is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola that now connects Whistler Mountain with Blackcomb Mountain: 2.73 miles across, it’s the world’s highest and longest unsupported span for lift of this kind, and takes 11 minutes to get across.

For mountain biking, Whistler is now a premier world reknowned destination. There were hundreds of bikers of all nationalities and all ages availing themselves of the various routes available, coded as Easist, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. Beyond careening down Whistler’s rugged terrain, there are numerous less treacherous trails one can enjoy off the mountain, and plenty of locations at which equipment can be rented.

For those less inclined, other popular activities one can book include ATV trips and Hummer tours that head out on rugged logging roads. ATV tours are also available from atop the mountain. Looking for bears is popuar, as a number reside in the rea. Another popular activity is ziplining, and there are two outfits operating: one features tandem lines (two cables side by side so couples can zip together). ZipTrek Ecotours, the one I experienced, offers three different route options, and combines ziplining through the forest above Fitzimmons Creek with a bit of commentary along the way about the environment. Of course, there are lots of wonderful hiking opportunities about the area or on the mountains, and horseback riding is also available in nearby Pemberton. Golfers will delight in four championship courses in the area.

Water based activities can include river rafting, canoeing or kayaking, fishing and parasailing in Squamish, while airborne activities can include parasailing. Rock climbers will thrill to the opportunities available as well. Kids are thoroughly entertained with a variety of options, too, not least of which is the Adventure Zone set up a the base of Blackcomb Mountain, or the primal fun and games of Wild Play.

Canada is coming into its own for fine dining and locally-produced wine. There are over 100 wineries in the Okanagan Valley alone, and it’s fun to pair local vintages with local game or seafood at a number of fine restaurants. A new culinary activity is the Whistler Tasting Tours, operating daily. Whether for your private group or you can join others, you’ll enjoy a progressive dinner as you visit four or five different dining venues and enjoy a course at each, paired with wine. Beyond being a great way to sample cuisine at some of the better restaurants along with local wines, the company’s escorts make it quite fun as well. Our experience included meeting one of the executive chefs to discuss his preparation techniques, having appetizers in the basement wine cellar of another as we learned to slice open a champagne bottle with a knife, a tradition dating back to Napoleon’s day. The Whistler Tasting Tours are popular and book up, so it’s best to book early, and of course, we can make arrangements for you in advance. As an added value, participants receive a coupon card providing discounts on select restaurants and activities.  Otherwise, the Rimrock Cafe is excellent for seafood and game, and a favorite with local.

On the culture side, there are several art galleries of note worth visiting, as well as the Aboriginal Cultural Centre + Museum, also known as the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Center, where you can learn about the fascinating native American culture and crafts of the two nations that reside(d) here.

As for the Winter Games, if you’re heading that way, contact us for lodging arrangements and tickets (which we have some access to while available).

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

While our clients that have cruised on DCL have found the experience praiseworthy, DCL charges a hefty premium for the luxury of sailing aboard their brand.  There are a number of alternatve cruise lines offering excellent product in Alaska, Mexico and Europe that charge less, and do an excellent job with family cruises. Not to take anything away from “the Disney experience”– they generally know how to do things right, and may bring out the kid in you! If you’ve cruised on Disney Cruise Line, feel free to share your comments!

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

Friends of the Earth has released its report card on cruise ships. While the report is controversial and its methods being challenged (cruise lines have made huge strides in improving enviornmental quality, and  the new Celebrity Cuise Line ship, Solstice, for example, is the first to incorporate solar power onboard). Nonetheless, the report does provide some basis to review and assess where improvements may be warranted.

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

The staff was superb, the Spa was Fab, room service for breakfast was perfect!  Unfortunately did not have a chance to try the restaurant or lounge. Super beds and baths – I love this hotel!

Sally A. Kiernan
sally.k@travelstoreusa.com