It’s been a bit of a whirlwind week here at the office, and I mean that in the best possible way.
I’m thrilled to share that for the sixth year running, we’ve been named to the Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist global list. On top of that, we’ve earned Virtuoso Cruise Icon status, which—to put it in plain English—places us in the top 1% of cruise sales globally. It’s lovely to be recognized, of course, but these accolades aren't just for the trophy cabinet; they are the "teeth" behind the promises we make to you.
Behind the Velvet Curtain
People often ask me what we actually do all day. Is it just booking flights and picking out pretty rooms? Well, not exactly. There are layers to this profession—some you see, and many you don’t.
In the world of high-end travel, true value isn't found on a search engine; it’s found in what I like to call the "quiet architecture of influence." We spend decades building a sophisticated ecosystem designed to ensure that when you check in, you aren't just another name on a spreadsheet. You are a prioritized VIP.
This starts with our strategic alliances with elite firms that curate the world’s finest independent hotels. It grows through our "invitation-only" memberships in 16 different preferred partner programs with the most prestigious brands on the planet. And at the heart of it all is our partnership with Virtuoso.
This expansive web of connections ensures that our influence precedes your arrival, wherever in the world you might land.
Five New Gems to Put on Your Radar
To show you exactly what this network looks like in practice, I’ve pulled five brand-new additions to the Virtuoso portfolio. These are all represented by our dear friends at Waterstone, and they are, quite simply, spectacular.
Think of this as the crown jewel of the Austrian Riviera. It’s an iconic yellow castle on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, dating back to the 1590s. It’s the perfect marriage of Renaissance grandeur and modern chic. If you’re a fan of "slow food" and alpine lake swimming (the warmest in Europe), this is your spot. It’s a mere hop from Vienna or Salzburg, yet feels worlds away.
For those who find Mykonos a bit too "loud," the Korali offers a sophisticated breath of fresh air. It’s a Relais & Châteaux property that takes the classic white-and-blue Greek palette and adds warm woods and pops of color. The views from the balcony Jacuzzis are positively cinematic. Plus, you’re just a mile from the iconic windmills and the bustle of town—close enough to enjoy the nightlife, far enough to escape it.
This is where Byzantine heritage meets serious health science. It’s an adults-only sanctuary carved into a forest at the foot of Mount Taygetus. Whether you’re looking for traditional Chinese medicine or modern metabolic science, the four-story spa is unparalleled.
- My Top Tip: Don’t just stay for the treatments. Give yourself a few extra days to explore the UNESCO site of Mystras and hike the mountain trails. It’s good for the soul.
Just east of Genoa lies Nervi, where the Capitolo Riviera is proving that "sustainability" can be incredibly sexy. It’s a minimalist, 37-room retreat tucked between the Mediterranean and lush gardens. You can swim from the indoor pool straight to the outdoor one, or charter a sailboat for the day to see the Ligurian coast properly. The restaurant, Botanico, is a love letter to the region’s local produce.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re living inside a Nature documentary (but with a proper wine cellar), Mashpi is the answer. Located in a massive cloud forest reserve near Quito, you can explore the canopy via a mile-long cable car or even a "sky bike." It only hosts 48 guests, making it a wonderful, intimate cocoon to return to after a day of exploring waterfalls.
- My Top Tip: This makes for the absolute perfect add-on if you’re planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands.
Ready to see what these connections can do for your next holiday? Drop us a line. We’d love to put our "architecture of influence" to work for you.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built 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.
