Baker & Co Concierge Travel

17/06/2024

If you are signed up to our email database, you would of seen the amazing special we sent out on two inaugural expeditions with Captain Cook Cruises to Tonga!

Two departures this August featuring the annual hummpback whale migration, you will cruise through the Southern Lau and Tongan waters, aswell as Fiji’s rarely visited remote outer islands.

~OFFER~
14-NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 8
THAT'S 6 NIGHTS FREE!

Pricing from $8,792 AUD per person, twin share in a Standard Suite.

Or why not try out the 7 Night Souther Lau Cruise and travel 4 nights free PLUS free solo supplement!

See our recent email sent out for more information or contact us by
email: [email protected]

14/06/2024

Traveling to Europe in June, July and August is getting hotter and hotter. It’s not only uncomfortable, and tiring, not to mention crowded with long queues everywhere, you’ll also be disappointed when tourist sites close due to heat waves. Smart travelers heed their travel agent’s advice and travel outside of these busy times.

13/06/2024

Dubai’s allure reaches new heights. From indie shops to beach clubs, here’s how to get the most from the city.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/city-guide-a-creative-turn-in-dubai

Image: Paul Thuysbaert

11/06/2024

Trek to a gourmet picnic by a hot spring or enjoy a post-hike reflexology treatment beside a soothing waterfall at these properties.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/hike-sleep-repeat-at-these-trek-friendly-five-star-hotels

Image: Sensei Lanai

06/06/2024

On these expedition cruises, you can access tropical islands, untamed coastlines, and wildlife-packed waters.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/heres-where-to-go-on-your-next-expedition-cruise

Image: Luis GarcÍa

04/06/2024

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Oman, where you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality, taste the finest dates, and explore desert landscapes.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/heres-how-to-spend-12-days-in-oman

Image: Paul Thuysbaert

29/05/2024

Cathy has just returned from a stunning 12 night cruise on Explora 1, LA to Panama City. Nothing like an impressive brand new ship with huge suites and modern Italian elegance. There really is no other ship like her for the price point.

29/05/2024

We certainly agree with this rating! Congratulations again Qatar Airways!

Qatar Airways has been named the Airline of the Year for 2024 by the leading industry organisation, Airline Ratings. In addition to the Airline of the Year accolade, Qatar Airways has also won Best Business Class for the fifth consecutive year, as well as Best Catering.


https://www.gulf-times.com/article/683541/qatar/qatar-airways-named-airline-of-the-year-for-2024-

29/05/2024

Check out our new website!! Keep up to date with all the great offers we have, make enquiries and get inspiration.

28/05/2024

Here’s a first look at chef Sam Fox’s debut hotel, The Global Ambassador. The 141-room East Phoenix property overlooks Camelback Mountain.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/first-look-phoenixs-global-ambassador-hotel

Image: The Global Ambassador

26/05/2024

Wow! Something to tick off your bucket list when travelling to Italy.

This famous Cave Restaurant is located in Polignano a Mare, Puglia on the east, south coast of Italy!

Let us know in the comments below if you have been here

Italy's Famous Cave Restaurant
Who Would You Have Dinner With?

26/05/2024

Only two days left of the Oceania Flash Sale!
Save up to 30% off plus Free Inclusions

Cruise on one of our favourite Itineraries on board the Nautica, 10 Day Tahitian Legends from Papeete departing Februrary 2025.
Price from $6,650* per person for a B2 Verandah Stateroom

Many more cruises on sale. Limited availability with only 2 days left on the sale.

Contact us to book
[email protected]

*prices based on twin share. Pricing may change or sell out

23/05/2024

Portland’s close-knit culinary community helps foster a crop of talent. Try one of these pop-up restaurants when you’re in the city!

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/portland-oregon-is-the-capital-of-pop-up-restaurants

Image: Keanu Banayat

23/05/2024

Large super yacht or small ship sailing, we have got the goods.

23/05/2024

Awww….😞

The Las Vegas Strip is losing another iconic hotel property, dimming the lights for the last time at The Mirage later this summer.

The announcement marks the second hotel and casino closure on the Strip after The Tropicana Las Vegas shuttered in April, just shy of its 67th anniversary.

The Mirage, which opened in 1989, helped usher in a transformative era for the area, making way for future luxury and megaresorts in the desert destination.

Read more: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/_FfpNo

21/05/2024

Snorkel up and dive in with Tahiti’s gentle giants.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/this-is-the-reason-to-travel-all-the-way-to-french-polynesia

Image: Rachel Moore

19/05/2024

📍 Bellagio, Lake Como

Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is a picturesque town nestled at the intersection of the lake’s three branches. Boasting cobbled lanes, elegant villas, and terraced gardens, Bellagio exudes an old-world charm that has captivated travelers for centuries. Its waterfront promenade offers breathtaking views of Lake Como’s azure waters against a backdrop of majestic Alps. The town’s serene atmosphere, combined with its vibrant flora and historic architecture, makes Bellagio a timeless retreat for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and Italian sophistication.

18/05/2024

16/05/2024

Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Val d’Orcia, a picturesque winery-filled valley located south of Siena.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/the-secrets-of-tuscanys-val-dorcia

Image: Anthony Lanneretonne

15/05/2024

A little West Hollywood boutique hotel gem Cathy stayed in this week. Just off the Sunset Strip, not for from Beverley Hills and Hollywood, without the WEHO price tag! Nothing replaces an agent with real life experience!
All suite hotel, huge rooms with fire place, lounge area and balcony and a cute rooftop pool!

14/05/2024

From safari sanctuaries to private islands, these properties offer all the traditional five-star amenities, with some serious ecotourism credentials.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/5-resorts-that-double-as-ecotourism-havens

Image: The Brando

13/05/2024

Are you a luxury solo traveller?

Silversea are offering 0% single supplement on selected 2024/2025 voyages!

Cruise in luxury with Silversea to destination such as Iceland, Italy, Alaska, Greece, Australia, New Zealand and lots more!

PLUS receive an additional 10% off!

Must book before 31 May*

*limited cabins available, subject to availability.

10/05/2024

The Mount Pilatus Experience is a bucket list activity for any trip to Switzerland.

This is the perfect day trip from Lucerne and an amazing mountain adventure.
Mount Pilatus is an icon of Switzerland and an experience you’ll never forget.

Let our experts plan your next Switzerland adventure!

email: [email protected]

A visit to Mount Pilatus is the perfect day trip from Lucerne and an amazing mountain adventure. You can either take the world’s steepest cog railway (a 48 percent grade in one section) from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm in the summer or board a panorama gondola in Lucerne partway up the mountain be...

09/05/2024

Get a sneak peek of Avalon Alegria, the first ship from Avalon Waterways to set sail on Portugal’s village- and vineyard-lined “River of Gold.”

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/avalon-alegria-debuts-on-the-douro-river

Image: Mel Born

07/05/2024

The city of Zürich shines bright in the sun. Discover how Switzerland’s largest city comes alive with sailboats and much more during the summer in this city guide.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/city-guide-summer-in-zurich

Image: Clara Tuma

07/05/2024

Join Cathy from 12 May as she experiences Explora Journeys from LA to Panama City. We will have exclusive offers throughout her journey if you want to try this luxury Italian cruise line for yourself.

https://explorajourneys.com/ch/en/destinations-globe/caribbean/journeys/losangeles-panamacityamador-a-journey-of-pacific-pleasures-and-the-panama-canal.

07/05/2024

Emirates Airlines are increasing fares! Prices go up on 13 May. Beat the price rise and book with us this week!

03/05/2024

Our trusty travel research team will be all over this and the rest of Sanur in June. Looking to experience Bali in luxury- we are the experts!

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The biggest mall in Southeast Asia is about to open its doors in Bali.

The new ICON Mall in Sanur is due to open to the public on the 17th of May and comes as part of the massive tourism redevelopment project in Sanur.

ICON Mall in Bali is set to be just that, a new icon of Bali.

The shopping complex will eclipse Kuta Beachwalk Mall, Bali Galeria Mall, and even Living World Mall in Denpasar, which is currently the biggest retail park and mall on the island.

ICON Mall is set to be an extravaganza of a shopping mall and so much more. The new 8 Wonders of Bali will find their homes at ICON Mall in Sanur, which includes a Butterfly Park, Edible Garden, Immersive Vertical Forest, and Indoor Cultural Amphitheatre.

Two beach clubs will form part of the ‘seamless beach experience’: the Beach Sunset Laser Watershow, the Icon Beach Gallery, and perhaps the most interesting of all, the new Jaje Bali Floating Market.

ICON Bali says that the Jaje will be “the largest indoor floating market in Southeast Asia. JAJE BALI is dedicated to local vendors selling Balinese food, desserts, and knick-knack favorites to residents and tourists.

Visitors interact directly with the sellers operating from their boats, shoulder-carried display stands, bicycles, and rick-shaws. Located on the beach floor of ICON BALI, this area is the center of the mall’s cultural activities with more than 50 sellers that are mostly home-based small businesses.”

The ICON Bali will be a highly accessible and family-orientated shopping facility. There will be plenty of parking spaces, VIP parking, and valet services, a taxi queue so there’s no squabbling over who goes next, dedicated disabled parking bays, a ladies’ parking area, free WiFi throughout the center, a tax refund counter for those bigger investment items, a prayer room, a mothers room, and pet-friendly areas.

ICON Bali say “You will find that there is absolutely no shortage of hang-out place here. There are numerous new cafes, restaurants and seaside dining offering a wide range of international and local cuisines including vegetarian, vegan and healthy choices.”

“For budget meals, visitors can try many delicious nasi campur type warungs (local diners) and the Pasar Malam (Night Market) at the northern end of Jalan Danau Tamblingan.”

They add, “For those that love to cycle, Sanur is probably the only tourist area in Bali that has a dedicated lane for bicycles on the street. Sanur’s coastline also has a 5-kilometer cycle path, enabling you to enjoy the famous Sanur sunrise on the early morning ride.

“Sanur has become the hub for visitors who wish to dive and explore the underwater splendors of the neighboring islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. Hence the abundance of dive centers in Sanur.”

Sanur is undergoing a huge tourism redevelopment, including the opening of the Bali International Hospital in Q4 of 2024. Along with the renovations to the Grand Bali Inna Hotel, now known as The Meru Sanur, there is so much newness to discover in Bali’s OG beach resort.

The full store directory for ICON Bali has yet to be revealed, but what we know so far is that there will be an Aldo, Asics, Birkenstock, Calvin Klein Jeans, Converse, Flying Tiger, Gant, Krisna Oleh-Oleh, LEGO Store, Lacoste, Mango, Marks and Spencers, Pandora, Sensatia Botanicals, Swarovski, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger and many more yet to be revealed.

ICON Bali has created the Sanur Now campaign to help communicate all the changes that have been made in the resort area and how these developments will play out and create the Sanur of the future.

ICON Bali says, “We see Sanur two years from now with strong positivity and optimism. Investments by the government and the private sector are really focused on making Sanur a more attractive tourist destination without losing its charm. Sanur will once more be one of the premier destinations on the island of the Gods.”

They add, “The government and private sector are working together to revitalize Sanur, make it a strong destination once more, and present more opportunities for the economy. Sanur will remain popular of its village charm, but it will be a village that has everything.”

03/05/2024

Cathy will be inspecting a few luxury Virtuoso properties in Cabo in mid May!! Any questions, suggestions welcome.

Los Cabos is no stranger to posh addresses. Check out these 14 Virtuoso-approved stays along Baja's Pacific Coast and Sea of Cortés.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/cathbake85453/travel/articles/the-best-luxury-resorts-in-los-cabos-mexico

Image: The Cape, a Thompson Hotel