Personally I am through 90 of my 120 meetings, and although the networking goes on far beyond the fixed conversations, I'm going to highlight destinations and properties that are new to me. I know the team have had enough Wow moments to fill at least 3 blog posts and that may be what we do. Anyway, all the below got my travel juices flowing in a big way.

Here's the Top 5 of Virtuoso Travel Week (so far) for me.

Top 5 - The Wows of Virtuoso Travel Week

1. Awasi
Awasi run just 3 all-inclusive luxury lodges in Atacama and Patagonia, Chile and at Iguazu on the Argentinian side of the Falls. All-inclusive in this case means all the incredible activities offered are at no extra charge. I'm going to focus on Patagonia (above and below), but I have been hooked by all 3.
Situated in a private reserve overlooking Torres del Paine National Park, the Patagonia lodge has just 14 villas and a main lodge. Each villa is assigned with a private guide and 4WD so guests can explore at their own pace, visiting where they want, when they want.
After days spent out in the elements, return to Awasi Patagonia for a soak in your hot tub, a drink by the fire and long evening meals in the Relais & Chateaux restaurant.
Awasi Patagonia has views over the Torres del Paine Mountain Range, the Patagonian Steppe and Lake Sarmiento and it is the world's southernmost Relais & Chateaux hotel.

2. Northwest Territories
A meeting with the Tourist Board of Canada's Northwest territories opened my eyes to an incredible destination, and if the stats are to be believed, this is the best location in the world to experience the Northern Lights (above). On top of that possibility there is Nahanni National Park Reserve (below) that only allows 1,000 visitors a year. Flying in on a seaplane is the only way to reach the destination unless you are a very serious hiker. There are no roads.
By the way, the waterfall below is twice the height of Niagara, and there is the strong possibility your small private group could be the only ones to view it on any given day. That might be my new personal definition of luxury.

3. Six Senses Shaharut, Israel (above and below)
I can't beat the words of Six Senses own marketing...
"Fascinating, enchanting, and of biblical proportions, the Negev Desert is the epitome of desert landscapes. It is on this boundless horizon that Six Senses Shaharut resort and spa in Israel nestles into a dramatic cliff, at one with the almost-supernatural panorama, where sunsets meld into the orange dunes to become an inky sky scattered with stardust."

4. Songstam
I have discovered a destination management company who only specializes in Tibet. As well as operating 10 of their own boutique luxury lodges, they coordinate everything needed to make a Tibet journey complete including transport and guides. They have several sample itineraries to choose from and can also fully customize.
I think the photos above and below do all the talking. For me, perhaps the Lodge featured below is my favorite. Facing Laigu glaciers, Songtsam Lodge Laigu (lower left of photo) is located between snow mountains, glaciers and lakes under a sky, that makes the location feel like a mystery. As the highest property and the most difficult construction ever undertaken by Songtsam, Laigu lodge was awarded as Winner for best Architectural Design / Heritage Architecture by The Architecture MasterPrize 2019.

5. Mandarin Oriental Canouan, St Vincent & the Grenadines (above and below)

So I've realized the first 4 Wows above all feature almost complete isolation. Perhaps I really want to escape, but all 4 simply got my heart racing.
For my last Wow this week, I return to just little more civilization and here's a property I have featured before, but have not sent a client there yet.
Nestled along a white powder stretch of Godahl Beach, Mandarin Oriental Canouan promises impeccable attention to detail. The resort is home to a collection of atmospheric restaurants offering a variety of culinary delights accompanied by stunning ocean views. Offering just 26 suites and 13 villas (up to 4 bedrooms, featured in photo below), the resort is an all-ocean view luxury hideaway perfect for families and friends.

If you are looking to book one of these incredible WOWs we would be happy to plan the ultimate vacation for you! Click the button below to get started.

I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.

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