This week brought us an understandably muted National Travel and Tourism Week, and Wednesday was National Travel Advisor Day. We upped our social media game a little to gently begin the process of instilling hope in ourselves and our clients that travel will return. However that runway to take-off is still looking rather long.

So we think it's about time we offered something a little larger than a weekly blog to help you keep dreaming of hitting the road again, and we are delighted to make available to all our subscribers, a complimentary electronic download of Virtuoso's Best of the Best USA. This magazine features a whopping 316 properties that are luxury through and through. We are able to offer included amenities at every single one of these properties, plus VIP service. Click the button below to view our Thank You note and download your copy. Please don't forget to give us a call when you're ready to pick one or two!

It's also time we highlighted our top supplier recommendation for private/small group tours, Context Travel. Their guides are all exceptional in their fields, from top art historians to amazing chefs.

With all their docents currently unable to entertain guests, Context recently put out an open call asking if they would have interest in leading seminars online. They responded... in droves and from this Context Conversations were born:

• A live virtual learning experience
• Led by an expert in the field talking about a particular topic
• 90 minutes duration (including Q & A)
• A way for you to connect with and support these amazing experts

The range of offerings is huge from Prohibition & the Perfect Manhattan: NYC Cocktail History with Diana Pittet to Walking with Michelangelo: The Vatican Museums with Lauren Golden.

Click on the Manhattan Cocktail below for the full menu of Context's seminars and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount code for the entire month of May - VIRTUOSOMAY
Cheers and Happy Mothers Day this weekend!

Meanwhile, maintaining our recent theme of potential domestic travel, here's our pick of the Top 5 Spa Resorts in the USA. Any one would make a rather nice Mother's Day present if you're willing to look at booking for the future.

1. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX (above)

A lakeside retreat of 40 casually elegant guest rooms offering a wealth of included activities and world-class spa facilities, Lake Austin Spa Resort was recently voted the Top Destination Spa in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler. Rooms are designed to inspire and rejuvenate while embracing the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country. Spend an afternoon reveling in relaxation at the spa, exploring the lake by kayak, or practicing yoga on a paddleboard. Whether you’re participating in a chef-led cooking class or indulging in one of the three meals included in your overnight stay, you will find satisfaction is best served by the water.
Our tip: Try one of the unique, water-inspired wellness activities, such as floating meditation or an aquatic massage.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus a $100 Spa Services credit.

2. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, PA (above and below)
The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning, all-inclusive destination spa resort in Pennsylvania’s lake region, 95 miles from New York City. Your rate includes three crafted gourmet meals daily, MindBody classes, and outdoor adventures. Enjoy superb pools with Hydromassage WaterWalls, indoor/outdoor whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and a state-of-the-art CardioWeight studio. You’ll also discover inspiring ways to overcome challenges and achieve contentment, thanks to stimulating speakers/workshops, creative arts, and gourmet cooking demonstrations.
Our tip: The Deep Forest Ritual, inspired by the detoxifying benefits of local flora, includes exfoliation with a dandelion and coffee black mud and a therapeutic birchwood, evergreen, and citrus massage to ease tension.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus a signature amenity and a $100 Spa Services credit per stay.

3. Gurney's Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, Montauk, NY (above and below)
This is Montauk’s only year-round resort. Stroll the 2,000-foot private sand beach, choose from five distinctive eating and drinking venues (including Scarpetta Beach, seaside sister of the beloved Manhattan eatery), and hide away in the acclaimed spa, especially known for its ocean-fed seawater pool, the only one of its kind in North America. Grab a king-size daybed on the beach, order a cocktail and a light snack, and revel in this most iconic of the Hampton's experiences.
Our tip: Keep an eye out for exciting programming and pop-ups, such as a celebrity hairstylist or a fashion activation, with brands including Jimmy Choo, Maje, and Sandro.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus $100 resort credit.

4. Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA (below)
Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort sits in the heart of the wooded Berkshires within walking distance of the lovely, culture-rich town of Lenox. Your personalized getaway will be whatever you want it to be. You could meet with experts on everything from exercise physiology to food and nutrition before retreating to your gracious accommodations. Indulge in sumptuous spa treatments and dine on healthful cuisine with plenty of choices at every meal. Enjoy outdoor activities from hiking and kayaking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Inclement weather is no problem in this 126-room haven; glassed-in walkways connect the facilities.
Our tip: The spa has fantastic outdoor activities, and Tanglewood concerts make for special evenings (when we are allowed to gather again).
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks + $160 service allowance per stay.

5. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ (above and below)
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive destination resort and spa located on 400 scenic acres of Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains. Offering an array of dynamic growth and development programs; one-of-a-kind, luxurious spa treatments; authentic, flavorful, and healthful cuisine; and an expert staff of renowned well-being specialists, it’s no wonder this resort received Virtuoso’s 2019 Best Wellness Program award. A variety of year-round packages are available to choose from, including all meals, airport transfers, unlimited participation in daily wellness activities, and newly renovated accommodations.
Our tip: The Floating Meditation, in which you’re gently rocked in a silk hammock during a guided meditation accompanied by the sounds of crystal bowls.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus $100 resort credit per person, per stay and a Miraval journal per guest.

If you want help planning your best getaway, let us know by clicking here.

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