Twin Farms named Forbes 5-Star for 2010
Not new to the scene, Twin Farms has set the standard for the past 16 years
November 23, 2009 – Barnard, Vermont.
Twin Farms has been awarded the 2010 Forbes (formerly Mobil) 5-Star for excellence in service. Since opening in 1993, Twin Farms has consistently earned this award.
Twenty (20) exquisite accommodations, this unique country estate pairs understated elegance with classic New England architecture. This all-inclusive resort features rooms with wood burning fireplaces, featherbeds, down pillows, fine linens, spacious bathrooms, hand blended bath and body products, stocked refrigerators and seasonal snacks. Relax in the Out of the Woods Spa or explore nature. Sumptuous meals and fine wines in an intimate setting of rustic elegance serving only the highest quality ingredients from local providers; the quintessential Vermont escape.
Until December 22nd, the hotel is welcoming guests with a “Pay for 2 nights and get the 3rd night free”. The hotel is all-inclusive and accomodations are priced per room. Additionally, mention the code “JCR Rewards” and get $100 spa credit. For reservations, call Twin Farms at 800-894-6327 or email info@twinfarms.com
An Interview with Gordon & Steven MacGeachy, A Rare World
Steven and Gordon MacGeachy, Co-Publishers, A Rare World Newsletter
It’s A Rare World that’s all in the family
I’m excited to bring you our next interview in our series that familiarizes you with leaders in the luxury travel business. This month I had the chance to talk with two really neat brothers that are continually setting trends, Gordon and Steven McGeachy, Co-Publishers of A Rare World www.arareworld.com.
Gordon is the oldest, but you wouldn’t know it if you looked at him. He lives in Los Angeles, is single, and available. Steven is 10 years younger, but you wouldn’t know if you looked at him. He lives in Chicago, is married has a son JP, and is unavailable. This October, they introduced their subscription travel newsletter, “A Rare World”. I spoke with the guys about their life, business, family and managing it all.
Jaj of Travel: So tell us about the new company and what lead you to start it?
Gordon: A Rare World is the beginning of a new chapter for us following the successful sale earlier this year of Mint Lifestyle, our Travel and Concierge Company. At Mint we became known as “the source” for travel advice, planning and execution, both in the industry and among the 400 families we worked with. With A Rare World, we hope to share our knowledge and information with a much larger audience worldwide.
Jaj of Travel: Please give us some details regarding the Newsletter and anything else you want our readers to know about subscription?
Gordon: A Rare World is published 10 times per year. One-year subscriptions include both digital and print editions and are available for $199.00 for addresses in the United States and $249.00 for the rest of the world.
Jaj of Travel: How do you think this will impact the luxury travel market?
Gordon: We honestly don’t know, but we hope it will add value, make our readers smile occasionally and possibly even rethink their travel plans based on some of our experiences.
Jaj of Travel: What are you offering that’s different from your competitors?
Gordon: First of all, A Rare World is fun to read and with color photography, short, sharp and to the point reviews we hope to get our message across without being boring and monotonous. In addition, we travel as ourselves and not incognito. We expect our readers to be treated the same way and ask them to let a property know that they are staying with them because they read about them in ARW.
Jaj of Travel: What do you think is the best feature that the newsletter offers?
Gordon: Our reviews are unedited and without the bias of advertising or the selling of travel or travel related services.
Jaj of Travel: On the fun side, here are a few easy ones. What book are you reading/last book read?
Gordon: I’m reading “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga, learning more about India. Steven is reading the October issue of “First Class Flyer” and looking for a deal.
Jaj of Travel: Do you have any role models or mentors?
Gordon: Our mother and father whom we worked with for years before branching out on our own. Our father for his honesty and integrity and our mother for her work ethic and “can do” attitude.
Jaj of Travel: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
Gordon: We are determined to play ourselves, which probably means there will never be a movie.
Jaj of Travel: Finish this statement, “I can’t travel without …..
Gordon: …my brother”
Thanks guys. We wish you all the best with A Rare World. To reach either Gordon or Steven, email Gordon@arareworld.com & Steven@arareworld.com
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach earns AAA Five Diamond
The Leading Beachfront Destination in South Florida Joins an Elite List of Luxury Resorts Providing the Utmost in Superior Quality and Service
SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla., Nov. 6 — Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, the Sunny Isles ultra-luxury destination, has earned the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for 2010. Acqualina is the only hotel in South Miami chosen to receive this esteemed award. Poised as South Florida’s most elite beachfront haven, Acqualina is a coveted member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a premier Florida retreat situated on a nearly five-acre sprawl of prime beachfront real estate. With the first ESPA-branded spa in the United States and the famed Il Mulino New York restaurant, Acqualina is the ideal relaxation and rejuvenation retreat for refined travelers.
“It is an honor for our property to receive such an influential and distinctive award,” said Sase Gjorsovski, general manager, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach. “We pride ourselves on offering luxury, comfort and exceptional service to ensure we provide our guests with most enjoyable experience possible. ”
The AAA Diamond rating system is North America’s premier rating program covering the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. AAA ratings are one of the top considerations that members and travelers recognize and trust when selecting hotel accommodations. Cleanliness, comfort and security are implicit, but it is Acqualina’s pristine Mediterranean landscape, luxurious accommodations and consummate staff that push it to the ultimate in unsurpassed quality and service. Approximately only 162 properties receive the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award out of the more than 60,000 properties that are AAA Diamond Rated.
Acqualina boasts 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of stunning Atlantic coastline, 188 residences, 97 impeccable guestrooms and suites, a 20,000 square-foot ESPA award-winning oceanfront spa lauded by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Top Spas in the Americas and Caribbean, two oceanfront restaurants, including acclaimed Il Mulino New York, four swimming pools and an innovative marine biology-based children’s AcquaMarine program.
From a selection of rooms offering magnificent views of the Intracoastal Waterway or the piercing blue Atlantic to guest gatherings such as beach barbeques, poolside cinema nights and wine tastings, everything at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach revolves around its incredible beachfront setting and its mix of traditional and contemporary elements. Acqualina’s guest rooms and suites are capsules of luxury featuring marble flooring and fully-stocked private bars. Dine in crimson-colored cabanas along the beach, enjoy breakfast on the airy terrace of Aaria Bar & Lounge, or wake up just in time to lunch beneath an umbrella-laden table at the beachside Costa Grill. Reflexologists are standing by at Acqualina’s three oceanfront pools for impromptu, soothing poolside treatments.
With such attention to all facets of enjoyment and a focus on complete guest satisfaction, it comes as no surprise that Acqualina has been awarded the renowned honor of the AAA Five Diamond Award.
About Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach:
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is a place where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach and is the recipient of the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award for 2010. Located on 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline, Acqualina features 188 residences and 97 impeccable guests rooms and suites, a 20,000 square foot ESPA oceanfront spa, two oceanfront restaurants including the acclaimed Il Mulino New York, three oceanfront swimming pools and the innovative children’s AcquaMarine program. Acqualina is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious hospitality organization representing the world’s finest hotels and resorts. Acqualina is located at 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Please visit www.acqualina.com for more information or for reservations, please call or 305-918-8000 or 888-804-4338 (outside the US).
US Sales Representation:
(732) 473-9982
jc@janinecifelli.com
Conde Nast Traveler Announces Hotel Le Toiny, St Barths named 3rd Best Hotel Caribbean/Atlantic at its 22nd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards
Poolside at Hotel Le Toiny, St Barths
Conde Nast Traveler Announces Hotel Le Toiny, St Barths named 3rd Best Hotel Caribbean/Atlantic at its 22nd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards
NEW YORK, October 2009 — Conde Nast Traveler announced the results of its 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, resorts, and car rental agencies worldwide. The awards appear in the November issue (on newsstands October 20) and are derived from the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice survey. This year, 25,008 readers voted on more than 10,000 properties and destinations.
Guest enjoy privacy, private pools and oceanviews in all of the rooms at Hotel Le Toiny
“We’ve put in a tremendous effort to make Hotel Le Toiny one of the worlds’ best hotels and I’m proud of the entire staff on earning this fantastic award” says Dagmar Lombard, General Manager of Hotel Le Toiny. “What’s great is that it comes directly from the readers and I believe it’s a direct reflection on the service that our guests experience every time they stay with us.”
Hotel Le Toiny wants you to come to St. Barths for the holidays. Check on last minute available dates for Thanksgiving and the Festive Season. Click here for reservations or for more information, please visit the website at www.letoiny.com
Book early at Acqualina Resort & Spa; get your last night free when staying 4 or more nights
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida – Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is giving the “early bird” a FREE night with stays of 4 nights or more. Make your reservation at Acqualina by November 30th, 2009 to stay between January 4 – March 30th, 2010 and receive access to the Early Bird Offer which includes:
- Welcome Amenity
- Complimentary Wireless Internet Access
- Complimentary access to our fitness center
- Spa Access to the thermal heat areas including the Crystal Steam Rooms and Finnish Saunas
- $40.00 Spa Treatment credit daily per person
Deluxe Intracoastal Room
The Destination
Acqualina is located on 4.5 beachfront acres and features 97 impeccable guest rooms and suites, an ESPA oceanfront spa, two oceanfront restaurants including the acclaimed Il Mulino New York, three oceanfront swimming pools and the innovative marine biology based AcquaMarine Children’s Program.
Offer valid on new bookings only. Excludes Super Bowl dates of February 4-8, 2010. Offer is per room, based on double occupancy, and is subject to availability and 13 % tax. The Acqualina spa treatment credits can not be combined with each other. Each spa credit must be used on separately purchased treatments.
Hammocks on the Beach
Reservations
Please call your travel professional to make your reservation or call 305.918.6777 with any questions.
Visit the website at www.acqualinaresort.com
Virtuoso & Virtuoso Life Honor Palazzo Sasso (Ravello, Italy)in naming it “Best of the Best”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – (August 26, 2009) – Leading luxury travel network Virtuoso® has awarded PALAZZO SASSO a prestigious “Best of the Best” Award in the category of BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE. The Best of the Best Awards, presented solely to the cream of the crop among the world’s finest hotels, were revealed on August 19, 2009, by VIRTUOSO LIFE Publisher, Terrie Hansen, and Virtuoso Hotels, Destinations & Tours Vice President, Albert Herrera, during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Virtuoso’s 21st annual Travel Mart. More than 2,800 select travel advisors and preferred suppliers participated in the travel industry’s top networking event, held August 16–21, 2009 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, NV.
“The hotels, hotel company and individuals named as Best of the Best this year have earned this honor in every respect,” says Albert Herrera, Vice President of Hotels, Destinations & Tours for Virtuoso. “Today, luxury is no longer defined by physical attributes, but rather the ability to transform travel into an experience that reshapes lives and brings people closer together. This increased ‘Return on Life ™,’ as we termed the philosophy at Virtuoso, comes in many forms and we’ve selected the hotels and individuals that exemplify this concept with every guest and within their own communities. We are proud to recognize PALAZZO SASSO for its excellence in “BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE.”
VIRTUOSO LIFE editors, in collaboration with Virtuoso’s member travel advisors, selected nominees representing the pinnacle of service, design, and luxury in the industry. Palazzo Sasso was selected above other nominees as the very best in its category demonstrating innovation, dedication, a heightened social conscience and even courage. As a Best of the Best property, Palazzo Sasso is featured in the September/October 2009 issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine, reaching 250,000 upscale world travelers.
Best Culinary Experience:
Award description: Recognizes the hotel restaurant that offers exemplary food, service, ambience, wine list and even views.
- Rossellinis, Palazzo Sasso, Ravello, Italy
Nominees in this category:
- Addison, The Grand del Mar, San Diego, USA
- Restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic, Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lake House Luxury Hotel-Restaurant-Spa, Daylesford, Australia
- Le Bristol Restaurant, Hotel Le Bristol, Paris, France
About Palazzo Sasso
Palazzo Sasso is a stunning five star hotel on Italy’s famous Amalfi coat. It was built during the 12th century as a palace for royalty. It opened as a hotel following World War II but closed during the 1970s. The hotel reopened in July 1997, following a $20 million refurbishment. The hotel has 32 rooms and 11 suites and boasts a staff to guest ratio of 2 employees per room. Palazzo Sasso is home to Rossellinis’, a two Michelin stars restaurant, and two other restaurants serving unique and delicious, unforgettable food.
In 2009 Palazzo Sasso added Sasso by the Sea - a private villa acquired by the hotel that sits mere steps away from the pristine waters. Guests of Palazzo Sasso will have exclusive access to Sasso by the Sea daily during the season with a free private shuttle operating from the hotel to the seaside villa in the village of Marmorata, just a short drive away or an invigorating downhill walk. Sasso by the Sea’s amenities include a heavenly salt water pool, lush gardens with two cabanas, one men’s and one women’s changing room plus two “relaxation living” rooms. No need to pack a lunch because on the peaceful terrace there will be a small restaurant serving local favorites including fabulous pizzas and seafood pulled directly from the waters surrounding the property as well as a full service bar.
Additionally Palazzo Sasso added an amenity choice program whereby anyone booking a King Sea View room or higher category directly through the hotel has the added benefit of choosing a bonus amenity on to their stay – at no additional charge. Guests can choose from a spa treatment (massage, manicure or pedicure only) or a 20% discount on all lunch charges in house or parking in hotel garage for entire stay or mini bar usage for entire stay, or a guided walking tour of Ravello (approximately two hours) or one transfer to Amalfi and back from the hotel or internet access for entire stay or laundry service for entire stay (excluding dry cleaning) or in-room movies for entire stay or fresh flowers and fruit upon arrival.
For reservations and information: +39089818181 or info@palazzosasso.com
Website: www.palazzosasso.com
Media Relations: Janine Cifelli, Janine Cifelli Representation Palazzo Sasso – Public Relations USA Phone: 732.473.9982 Email: jc@janinecifelli.com
A Conversation with Leigh Sullivan, VP of Regency Travel
Ms. Leigh Sullivan, VP Regency Travel, Memphis
I’m so happy to announce the first of what I hope will be a series of interviews with travel industry experts, colleagues and friends. This month I’ll be talking with one of the travel industry’s best agents and an industry leader and she just happens to be one of my favorite people in the world, Ms. Leigh Sullivan.
Leigh is the VP for Regency Travel. She has been in the biz for 18 years. Her agency is one of the top in the country. A southerner at heart, she lives in the Memphis area with her husband and two girls Jessie 23, and Danner 16.
Leigh and I spoke about her life, business and family and managing it all.
Question: So what got you into the travel business? I was divorced and needed a job so I went to my ex-husband’s best friend who had just acquired an agency and begged for a job and he agreed!
What is the most fun vacation you’ve ever arranged? My own trip to South Africa for my brother’s 40th birthday.
What is the strangest request you’ve had from a client? Nothing really strange. . . . just interesting requests like “ride a camel” in Morocco; rent a large yacht for a dinner cruise for 2 “a la Robert Redford”; a week with a local chef from a chef; private jet to Pebble Beach; just fun stuff like that.
If you plan your ideal vacation, what would it be? Anywhere I haven’t yet been yet, with my husband.
Who’s your most favorite person in the travel business (besides me!) The owner of Regency and my mentor, Mr. Terry Beaty.
Do you have a favorite hotel? I love the Mandarin in New York City. At Columbus Circle, it is a great location for both shopping and theatre and has a wonderful spa and the lobby starts on the 35th floor overlooking Central Park…stunning!
Do you have a favorite city or destination? Paris and France.
What’s your favorite drink? Champagne.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Reece Witherspoon.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? Too many to count!
Finish this statement, “I can’t travel without my…iPod and Chanel #5.
Orlando Bloom or Johnny Depp? Johnny!
Thanks so much Leigh, we had fun. Leigh can be reached at (800) 278-8924 or email her at lsullivan@regencytravel.net
Celebrate the Autumn Harvest, Vermont Style
TWIN FARMS, Barnard, Vermont is most glorious in the autumn when the fever of summer slows, the hillsides prepare for the long silent winter ahead and the countryside gives up its bounty of fine ingredients for our harvest tables and stores. Twin Farms invites you to join them in several special programs to celebrate this extraordinary landscape and everything it has to offer. Cuisine during these programs will incorporate foraged ingredients, honeys, honey wines and organic cheeses from local producers.
Twin Farms Organic Gardens Cocktail Outing September 13, Sunday Enjoy a cocktail and canapé in our organic gardens while our chefs discuss herbs, berries, vegetables and edible flowers and how best to incorporate these ingredients into recipes at home. Conversation will entail varieties, cultivation, organic methods and what organic really means, its benefits, how to harvest, and best of all, use in your kitchen.
A Taste of Vermont September 14, Monday Tucked away in the jewel-toned mountains and just a few short minutes from Twin Farms are several fresh food producers including maple sugar houses, Fable Farm a small organic farm, and cheese artisans. Experience the true taste of Vermont firsthand as you sample sweet, rich maple syrup, crisp organic produce, and tangy local cheeses.
Secrets of the Woods September 15, Tuesday Hunting the woods and fields for wild foods, Nova Kim and Leslie Hook will host a walk and discuss the art of wild-crafting. We will visit the woods and forest to explore edible blossoms, berries, bulbs, greens, roots, fruits, herbs and the occasional surprise ingredient. Our natural environment is full of wonderfully delicious and “invisible” foodstuffs which provide for our table as well as for medicinal use. Learn about habitat preservation, plant identification, and how to harvest, prepare, store and use these delectable “secrets of the woods”.
Honey Health September 16, Wednesday The value of bees in our lives cannot be overstated. It is estimated that approximately 40 percent of the foods we eat are dependent on pollination by insects. Todd Hardie, of Honey Gardens Apiaries in Ferrisburgh, Vermont will introduce us to the world of bees, from raising bees to making honey and creating honey wine or “mead”. Mead Master, Dana Matthews will be on hand for a tasting of this delicious beverage with roots that can be traced back to ancient days.
FALL FOLIAGE WINE TREAT
Grapes of Happiness October 19-October 29 You may already know that Twin Farms is an all inclusive resort, except for premium wines. However, guests who stay with us between October 19-29, 2009 will receive a gift of a bottle of wine of their choice from our “Reserve Wine List” for each two nights stay (a few exceptions) Celebrate the grape harvest season with some of the most sought after wines from around the globe, such as Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Opus One and Silver Oak. Don’t hesitate to make your reservations, we have limited space available.
For reservations, call Twin Farms direct at 800-894-6327, www.twinfarms.com
Luxury villa rental from Sanctuary Retreats with a refreshing twist
You may have clients who are wine connoisseurs looking for a wine-orientated break, or maybe, just interested in discovering more about the age-old techniques and traditions of wine-making. With Sanctuary Retreat’s portfolio incorporating many luxurious villas located close to or indeed on wine estates, a villa holiday could be the perfect solution.
SPECIAL OFFERS
There’s no doubt that the perfect time to visit the vineyards is during the harvest in October. Detailed below are two excellent wine-related special offers valid for 2009 bookings – one offering a complimentary wine class and the other a complimentary wine tour.
For reservations or booking information, please click here.
Palazzo Sasso in the Top 10 in World’s Best Service in Travel & Leisure’s June 2009 issue
PALAZZO SASSO NAMED IN THE WORLD’S BEST
Travel & Leisure’s 2009 World’s Best in Service has named Palazzo Sasso in their Awards survey. Palazzo Sasso, Ravello, Italy was ranked in the Top 10 for European Hotels.
Palazzo Sasso continues to be recognized for delivering the highest level of service. But it doesn’t stop there. They have recently added “Sasso by the Sea”, a private seaside villa complete with salt water pool, restaurant and bar, men’s and women’s changing rooms and shuttle service.
