My Virtuoso Travel Week Report
September 2, 2014 | By Donna Peacock
As a “newbie” to Virtuoso’s Travel Week held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas from August 9-15, I must admit I was a bit overwhelmed! As agents we were quickly immersed in the culture and style that only Virtuoso can offer. After the opening session and my first introduction to Matthew Upchurch, the CEO of Virtuoso, I was very convinced of the importance of my being there!
Personally, I had 352 appointments with travel suppliers ranging from cruises to hotels, private guides to safaris, golf to camel polo (yes, I said camel polo), trains to truffles and anything else the luxury traveler could hope to experience. While the numbers alone were staggering, I found that each supplier was able to provide something that would stick with me after the week was over. Below are just a few highlights, as it would be virtually impossible to cover them all.
Travel advisor and supplier meetings at VTW
Expo Milano: “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” Over 22 million visitors are expected in Milan, Italy beginning May 1, 2015 and continuing until October 31, 2015. Visitors will enjoy live concerts, food festivals and cultural celebrations. The Park Hyatt Milano is offering packages that include guaranteed visits to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” along with concert tickets and wine and food tastings.
The Pierre New York City is currently offering “Stay 4, Pay 3” night packages. Clients enjoying one of the Pierre’s suites will also receive a Bergdorf Goodman gift card to use as they please.
The Madeline Telluride has wonderful off season rates for the fall. Golf, horseback riding and their luxurious spa makes for a great fall getaway. Don’t forget they are ski in/ski out once winter hits!
Montage Deer Valley offers residences up to 4 bedrooms for those families looking for their “home away from home” this ski season. Remember, no snowboarding at Deer Valley!
Phulay Bay Thailand is the ultimate luxury destination on the Andaman Sea. The resort offers 54 pavilions and villas for a Thai experience of a lifetime. Enjoy a lavish buffet breakfast while relaxing on your balcony, go kayaking, take a jungle trek on the back of an elephant or try out “candlelight yoga”.
Fullerton Singapore is offering excellent pre- and post-cruise rates. The hotel is only 10 minutes from the cruise port and clients will enjoy all of those wonderful Virtuoso amenities!
Cathay Pacific Airlines offers a designated cabin for their premium economy customers.
One & Only Hayman Island (formerly Hayman Island Resort) sitting on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been completely refurbished and is now offering luxurious suites, rooms and villas.
Ritz Carlton Istanbul is offering their club level guests the use of a FIAT 500 complimentary during their stay.
Brown’s Hotel London is offering guaranteed early check in during the winter season. Also, the hotel will guarantee connecting rooms for families and offer a discount for the children’s room.
Mandarin Oriental New York City offers hotel guests a private parade-viewing party of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Scotland: Golf enthusiasts now have an opportunity to play the fabled Muirfield. We were able to establish contacts that will allow avid golfers to play with members of this famed private golf club.
Luna Baglioni Hotel Venice is offering 25% off of their suites and will guarantee connecting rooms for families.
Le Sereno St. Barth still has villa space available during the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Donna (second from left) with some of the other Andavo advisor attendees
For additional information or to book a stay and enjoy exclusive Virtuoso benefits, please contact me at donna.peacock@andavotravel.com or call me at 205-874-8545.