Passages of Distinction

06/28/2024

Thank you to everyone we met in Birmingham & Atlanta! Always a pleasure seeing you in person to share our distinctive Collection and meeting new faces!

📷: McCabe World Travel, Ragan Stone Travel, Jessie Cassar (Travel Edge) Michael Gaughen, Gingerly Travel, Becky Lamb Travel

06/27/2024

Plunge into the heart of the magnificent Jazz Bar “Le 1838” at Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, and discover some of the secrets of mixology & create your own unique concoction during their cocktail masterclass. Located in the former Monnet cooperage, Le 1838 offers 300 cognacs from over 40 distilleries, as well as a wide range of spirits and champagne.

During the Cognac & Cocktails Masterclass, you’ll learn everything from the history of cognac to the art of tasting it, how it is made, and learn about the cognac houses in the region. Whether you’re a novice, an amateur or a seasoned connoisseur, you will come out feeling like an expert on this delicate, elegant spirit! 🥃

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/hotel-chais-monnet/

06/25/2024

Terrace season has begun at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, and with the new season they welcome their new Executive Chef Christophe Raoux, awarded Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2015! He invites guests to experience an authentic cuisine that highlights all the richness of the Champagne region’s terroir, or sense of place. As the only Five-Star boutique hotel in the area, Royal Champagne continues to build a distinct destination hotel for wine & food lovers from all over the globe. Kudos to the new addition! 🥂

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/royal-champagne/

06/24/2024

Summer is for celebrating, and Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa knows how to create a colorful, joyful ambiance in every moment. From dining Amis St. Barth or enjoying rosé beach or poolside, to spending the day boating or relaxing at the spa, the team knows how to make your clients feel like VIPs by finding moments to surprise and delight them during their stay.☀️

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/le-barthelemy-hotel-spa/

06/20/2024

Earlier this week, Sari Freeman paid a visit to Remote Lands, Inc. to discuss all things Department of Tourism, Bhutan. Coincidentally, Catherine, the Owner, adores so much that her dog’s name is Bhutan! 🐶

Thank you to the fantastic team for your enthusiasm and passion for this very special country. 🇧🇹

06/18/2024

When we asked Pedro, from our DMC partner, Portuguese Ways, what his favorite restaurant was in , it comes as no surprise that his answer would be a story that celebrates Portugal’s traditions, culture, and people. 🍅

One of the newer hot spots in Lisbon, Canalha is the latest project from Chef João Rodrigues. After steping down from the restaurant Feitoria — where he won 1 Michelin star — Canalha is a loud and bustling neighborhood restaurant in Junqueira, close to Belém but far enough from the crowds and tourists.

The acclaimed chef uses and showcases ingredients that he sources from a group of traditional, family-owned food producers from his previous project, Projecto Matéria, with the goal of keeping the culture of locally-sourced native ingredients at the heart of the menu.

“For me, it is a precious roadmap to Portugal’s original flavors” says Pedro. “Since last October, Chef João Rodrigues has now a stage to make all these ingredients to shine, and the few months open, he already won several awards.”

One of the many superpowers of working with a great DMC is this intimate local knowledge and the ability to transform each activity, stay, or meal into so much more.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/portuguese-ways/

06/17/2024

One of French Promise’s specialties is their VIP luxury transportation services. From a private yacht in Saint Tropez, to a helicopter drop in the Pyrénées, or your own private jet chartered to the Mediterranean island of Corsica, French Promise has a trusted network of the finest luxury transport services throughout France and Europe.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/french-promise/

06/13/2024

Clients looking for an authentic, intimate boutique hotel stay in France should look no further than Hôtel de Toiras. Located in the main harbor town on the Île de Ré, which has been likened to a French Martha’s Vineyard, the hotel is an integral part of the activities and life of the village and endows it with great natural charm. ⚓️🦪

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/hotel-de-toiras/

06/04/2024

Department of Tourism, Bhutan is delighted to unveil a landmark campaign commemorating 50 years of tourism in the Kingdom! This year marks the golden jubilee since Bhutan opened its doors to the world in 1974.

The festivities will extend over a six-month period, culminating on December 17th, 2024, in honour of Bhutan's National Day. We are so proud to represent this very special country, and hope we can help your clients visit soon!

06/01/2024

The views never disappoint at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, where guests can enjoy pleasant (not too hot) poolside temperatures and plenty of activities offered at the Kids Club to keep the little ones busy and active. Their Summer Escape package is available now, and includes perks to help your clients explore the island and enjoy the beach. 🏝️

Learn more: https://www.lebarthelemyhotel.com/en/offers/summer-escape

05/29/2024

The champagne region is in full bloom in June, and the pleasant temperatures make for perfect afternoons spent at on the terrace at Abysse Bar Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. 🥂 This wine country retreat offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing and luxurious escape from city life, with still plenty of activities and experiences to enjoy thanks to the exceptional team.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/royal-champagne/

05/23/2024

There is still time to lock in Chenot Palace Weggis’s summer special! Any new bookings made before June 30th are eligible for their exclusive promotion for stays between May and September, 2024:

Your clients can now enjoy a 7-night detox retreat and pay for only 6 nights. This offer ensures they enjoy the full benefits of their comprehensive wellness programs while saving on their stay!

⭐️ Must use Booking Code: Stay 7_Pay 6_24 ⭐️

05/22/2024

The lesser-known Greek island of is known for its fantastic hiking, churches, and cuisine. Sifnos earned its reputation as a ‘foodie’ island because of Nicholas Tselementes, a local chef who wrote the first Greek book of recipes in 1910 (his surname has been synonymous with ‘cookbook’ in Greece ever since)!

Though still quiet and charming, there are plenty of luxurious hotel and villa options on the island, and fantastic restaurants.

Our luxury boutique DMC partner Blue Cocoon can help you choose the top Greek experiences, transportation, hotel & villas, and curate unforgettable events for your VIP clients.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/blue-cocoon/

05/21/2024

Something many homeowners and interior designers spend time contemplating is choosing the right tiles. These essential, colorful elements of modern decor have a history that dates back to 4000 BC, and holds cultural significance particularly in . The Museu Nacional do Azulejo, aka the National Tile Museum, in Lisbon is dedicated to the azulejo, traditional tilework of Portugal. This incredible art museum is a must-do when visiting the vibrant capital city.

To help you plan an itinerary that intertwines history, culture and traditions, look no further than Portuguese Ways, our boutique DMC partner. 🇵🇹

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/portuguese-ways/

05/17/2024

When the infinity pool matches the sea. 🤩

Take advantage of the summer season at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa and enjoy the crystal clear waters, which pair perfectly with an ice cold glass of champagne. 🥂

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/le-barthelemy-hotel-spa/

05/16/2024

Enjoy the views of Cognac, France, from the seasonal rooftop bar at Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, and tuck in to the Michelin-starred Les Foudres Restaurant for an unforgettable evening. ✨

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/hotel-chais-monnet/

05/14/2024

Foraging enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and foodies alike can enjoy Bhutan’s Matsutake mushroom season, starting from July to September. Locally known as ‘Sangay Shamu’, this wild mushroom can only be harvested seasonally from high altidudes in the forest, making it a prized produce. The coveted Matsutake mushroom is known for its aromatic and succulent flavor, and the Bhutanese enjoy it as a staple in their plant-based diet.🍄‍🟫

The Genekha village in Thimphu hosts the annual mushroom festival during second week of August, while Ura in Bumthang celebrate Matsutake Mushroom festival during August third or fourth week.

Learn more about Department of Tourism, Bhutan: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/bhutan-tourism/

05/09/2024

Summer weather is coming and patio season Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is here! Enjoy a glass of champagne overlooking the vineyards that made it with your loved ones. This luxury hotel offers the perfect respite after spending time in the hustle-bustle of Paris or another city. 🥂

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/royal-champagne/

05/08/2024

Discover the other-worldly San Pedro de Atacama, a town set on an arid high plateau in the Andes mountains of northeastern Chile. Its dramatic landscape includes desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs. When visiting, be sure to head to the Valle de la Luna in the nearby Los Flamencos National Reserve to explore its unusual rock formations, a huge sand dune and pink-streaked mountains.⛰️

To help you plan an itinerary that includes inspiring places like this, trust the experts at GOAT DMC, our South American DMC partner that works in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/goat/

05/07/2024

Feel your best this summer with a stay at Chenot Palace Weggis, the ultimate health wellness retreat that promotes longevity, detoxification, and full-body rejuvenation at any age.

Whether your clients want to prepare for their summer vacation, relax after running a marathon, or kick off a healthy lifestyle, the team at Chenot Palace will help them prioritize their health goals.

Right now, travel advisors can take advantage of exclusive summer offers—for a limited time only. Send us a message to learn more!

05/02/2024

Which villa view would you choose? At Lebarth_villas, every villa tells a story. All have their own unique character, décor, and vantage point. What they all have in common? The exclusive benefits, amenities and perks of being a guest at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa! 🤩 Your clients will be treated like VIPs from the moment they land in St. Barths to the moment they depart.

Pictured 📸: Villa Javacanou, Villa Unik, Villa Wake Up

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/le-barth-villa-rental/

05/01/2024

✈️ To our travel advisor community, we salute you! ✈️

Thank you for your ongoing business, trust, and support of our Collection of luxury boutique hotels, DMCs, and Bhutan Tourism. It is an honor to work in this incredible industry and we can’t imagine a better place to be than working with you and our partners!

We appreciate every single one of you! 🫶🏼

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04/26/2024

If the aren’t stopping your clients from wanting to travel to France this summer, we recommend working with French Promise to help you navigate an exceptional tailor-made itinerary. Led by Philip Haslett, French Promise provides award-winning service based upon doing business with integrity, transparency, and reliability.

They only work with the finest guides, drivers, sommeliers, artisans, craftsman, hoteliers, and chefs throughout France, and their team are always doing research to stay on top of the latest new hotels, restaurants, and exclusive experiences.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/french-promise/

04/24/2024

For those who want to discover the picturesque Île de Ré, a charming island off the west coast of France, we’re proud to introduce you to Hôtel de Toiras, a small boutique luxury hotel overlooking the port in St. Martin. The hotel was formerly a 16th-century merchant’s house, set in the historic capital of the island.

Guests can explore the wine vineyards, stop at an oyster shack for a light bite and glass of wine, or tour the salt marshes that the island is known for.

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/hotel-de-toiras/

04/23/2024

Embrace the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of Crete this summer by choosing Thalassa Villas, located at St. Nicolas Bay. Featuring spacious, multi-level villas facing the Aegean Sea, Thalassa Villas are tucked away from the resort and yet are just steps away from the hotel, restaurants and spa for guests to enjoy. 🇬🇷

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/thalassa-villas/

04/22/2024

In , every day is Earth Day for visitors. How? The daily $100 Sustainable Development Tourism Fee (SDF) is invested in a range of projects that include protecting the natural environment of Bhutan. Just over 70% of the country’s land is preserved wildlife, which is what makes it so appealing to travelers.

Hiking and trekking through the sacred mountains, bird watching and spotting rare animals, and enjoying the national sport of archery are all connected to the health and sustainability of Bhutan, and they are proud to maintain their carbon-negative country status even as tourism grows! 🇧🇹

04/22/2024

We’re so thrilled to hear this! Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is donating a percentage of room sales to a local environmental organization (ATE) throughout the month of April, in honor of Earth Month. 🌍 💚

04/19/2024

We are thrilled to announce our new boutique French hotel in Cognac, France! 🇫🇷

In October 2018, Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa opened its doors, sprawling over five acres and spread over four buildings. The 92 rooms and suites are each adorned in a classic, sophisticated French decor. Designed by the renowned architect Didier Poignant, Hôtel Chais Monnet has transformed this magnificent heritage site with new life, with the charm of a historic building that combines rich history with modernity.

Learn more:

Long before Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa became a hotel, it was an ancient “Chais” (cellar) that produced Maison Monnet, which gained a reputation in the United States as one of the world’s finest cognacs in the 1950s. The stunning historical factory became the bones for a luxury boutique hotel. ...

04/18/2024

For those who really want to be “on the water” while on vacation, the Overwater Villas at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi combine the seclusion of a private villa with the service and amenities of the renowned Waldorf hotel. Set on the island of Ithaafushi, guests are treated to a variety of luxurious experiences, such as private dining on the beach, massages at their villa, fine dining at eleven distinctive restaurants, and so much more. ✨

Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/passage/waldorf-astoria-maldives-ithaafushi/