Flexibility and Seclusion

May 14, 2020

Airlines have been dreadfully slow to realize that customer service is actually quite important, but there is a trend emerging in future air booking policies that is very encouraging and should help to instill the much needed confidence required to kick-start us all traveling again.
I realize that Qatar Airways is very heavily government backed, but we can only hope that their new booking policy below could be copied by all competitors. Imagine a world where we always get these flexible options when we wish to cancel tickets:

You can hold onto your ticket value for two years from the date of issuance, so you can travel at a later date
You can exchange your ticket for a future travel credit, and get a further 10% bonus
You can make unlimited changes to the travel dates and destinations free of charge; you can also change the origin to another city within the same country, or you can change the destination to fly to anywhere within a 5,000 mile radius of your original destination
You can swap your ticket for Qmiles, with each USD worth of airfare getting you 100 Qmiles, so that’s a rate of one cent per mile (we need a nerdy discussion to value this properly)
If your flight actually gets cancelled you can receive a cash refund

We had a good take up of our offer last week, a complimentary electronic download of Virtuoso's Best of the Best USA featuring 316 luxury properties. We are able to include amenities at every single one of these properties, plus VIP service. In case you missed it, we will keep the big blue download button below alive for one more week and please don't forget to give us a call when you're ready to pick one or two!

Best of the Best USA 2020

It's the final hurrah of our 4 week intermission featuring domestic USA travel and this week we are focusing on isolation, tranquility and seclusion, but with a spectacular change of scenery from wherever you have been camped for the last few months!

Top 5 USA Retreats for (Almost) Total Seclusion

1. Ladder, A Ted Turner Reserve, Caballo, New Mexico (above and below)

Ted Turner operates his empire by a simple motto, "Save Everything" – and once you lay eyes on Ladder, a Ted Turner Reserve, you’ll understand why. The conservationist has diligently preserved the diverse ecosystems comprising his 156,000-acre Ladder Ranch, in south-central New Mexico; the four tributaries of the Rio Grande that traverse the land support abundant flora and fauna, such as historic bison. You have sole use of Turner’s four-bedroom family home featuring personal mementos; an on-site chef prepares meals to your taste. Expeditions are individually crafted, and all activities are included in your stay.
Our tip: The stargazing here is otherworldly. Let the ranch arrange for a guest astronomer to guide you across the night skies.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus a $100 resort credit.

2. Winterlake Lodge, Within The Wild, Remote Alaska (below)
Situated on the western edge of the Alaska Range, Winterlake Lodge settles you into wild, rugged mountains and glaciers. Nestled on 15 acres along mile 198 of the historic Iditarod Trail, the lodge overlooks peaceful Finger Lake – where guests arrive by floatplane in the summer and ski-plane in the winter. Fly-fish or raft remote rivers, travel by helicopter to dramatic active glaciers for summer dogsledding, or hike historic trails with access to Mount Denali views. All guests receive complimentary massage, yoga, cooking classes, and wine/ cheese tastings.
Our tip: Owner Kirsten Dixon is also a world-class chef; so along with wonderful days of adventure, you’ll enjoy great cuisine as well. Ask to see her two beautiful cookbooks!
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus $100 gift shop merchandise credit per stay.

3. Mii Amo, Sedona, Arizona (above and below)
Probably wrongly omitted from last weeks Spa focused ezine, this resort also qualifies under the seclusion tag. Let nature nurture your soul here. Mii Amo has been named the number-one destination spa in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. Surrounded by the striking red rocks of Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, guests embark on three-, four-, and seven-night all-inclusive journeys designed to bring forth the light within. An intimate collection of 16 well-appointed casitas provides privacy and serenity. Discover soothing body treatments, Native American-inspired therapies, culinary experiences, and more to help you tune out the noise and tune into your unique frequency.
Our tip: Each journey is co-curated and personally designed for your intentions.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus, when booking three or four nights, $100 resort credit per stay; or, when booking seven nights, $200 resort credit per stay.

4. Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores. Colorado (below)
Located just outside Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs has breathed new life into a 19th-century ghost town. The 13 rustic log cabins are all unique and surprisingly luxe, with heated slate floors and handpicked antiques; guests in the Well House enjoy their own hot springs. Others can soak weary bones in the old bathhouse or under the stars at the source. Join a trail ride into the Rockies or fly-fish along a private stretch of the Dolores River; you’ll find every conceivable winter sport, including heli-skiing. Farm-fresh meals and wine from the resort’s vineyard are shared over the Saloon’s long table.
Our tip: Butch Cassidy was just one of many characters who passed through Dunton and you can look for his name among the etchings in the Saloon’s original bar.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus a bottle of Sutcliffe wine in room upon arrival and $100 resort credit per stay.

5. Sunset Key Cottages, Key West, Florida (above and below)
Here you'll enjoy an escape on a serene 27-acre island located only 500 yards from the vibrant energy of Key West. There is a complimentary, seven-minute ferry service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, you’ll feel drawn to remain in this welcoming oasis, with its white-sand beach, spa, Latitudes restaurant, pool, and fitness center. Choose an oceanfront, ocean-view, or garden-view, two- to four-bedroom, Victorian-style cottage. A breakfast basket arrives each day, containing freshly baked muffins and other treats, including orange juice.
Our tip: Grab a complimentary fishing pole and cast your line off the dock. Latitudes restaurant will cook up your catch.
Virtuoso amenities: All usual exclusive Virtuoso perks plus $100 resort credit per stay.

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