Connections Luxury Travel

09/04/2024

I love talking world class resorts almost as much as I love staying at them. Thanks Travel Weekly for letting me weigh in on my experiences staying at The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

Mark Gerling and Sarah Bogaczyk talk wow factors, being a fit for all and tips on maximizing a stay at the property.

28/02/2024

VIP Partner Alila Ventana Big Sur is offering all suites at 25% off for travel in 2024 when you book by March 29th. Yup 25%!!!!!

🔹No blackout dates.

🔹No restrictions to length of stay.

🔹Just you, your calendar, and the great outdoors of the Big Sur / Ventana area of California.

Perched 1,200 feet above one of the most dramatic stretches of the state’s Central Coast, this adults-only, rustically romantic resort has just completed a multimillion-dollar transformation.

Situated on 160 acres of redwood forests and meadows, every accommodation has a private balcony or patio — or even a private hot tub when you book a Big Sur Spa Suite.

🔹And that’s just where the adventure — *your* adventure — begins.🔹

Imagine going to a luxe summer camp for grown-ups, where your stay includes (yes, INCLUDES) meals, non-alcoholic beverages, transformative well-being programming, exclusive amenities, and a captivating collection of curated experiences with bespoke itineraries. Consider it a sanctuary for the journey you want to create: be it a focus on active exploration, wellness, or cultural immersion. (Just be sure to include the campfire s’mores in the plans, ok?)

Book with me and Alila Ventana Big Sur elevates your stay even further with priority upgrades, resort credit, and the kind of treatment that reminds you of just how good time away can feel. Should feel. WILL feel.

17/02/2024

The best souvenir 📸 You may have seen my stories a few weeks ago as I was sharing snippets from clients’ adventures in Africa. Upon returning home, they were kind enough to share some of the images captured on their travels. Aside from being astounding photos, each one speaks to the experience (often up close!) they had with nature and the animal kingdom as their main event.
I truly pinch myself that I get to be a part of making trips like this happen. I’m so grateful that you all put your faith in me and my partners - and thrilled when you come home with memories like these.
Thank you for sharing your photographer’s eye on this latest trip. Good luck narrowing down all of your beautiful images for a coffee table book!

Thinking of your own safari? I’m sure you have a million questions and I’m here to help you navigate each and every one of them. If you are considering one, it’s ideal to plan at least about a year out for best availability options. And if you need family room set ups with kids - earlier is better. Lodges are typically small and can book up early especially in peak seasons.

Happy to chat more - fill out the inquiry form on my website (link in profile) if you’d like to talk Africa 🦁 🐘 🦓 🐆

16/02/2024

❤️The love continues to flow this February for VIP Partner Acqualina — and they’re gifting you a Fifth Night free by way of celebration.

Recently awarded the #1 Best Hotel and #1 Best Resort in the U.S. in the 2024 U.S.News & World Report’s Best Hotels rankings, Acqualina has also been honored by
Forbes Travel Guide with two Five Star achievements. That’s a rare double Five Star rating.

In the travel industry that’s two BIG thumbs up and a solid way of saying “this hotel is pretty incredible”.

A destination within itself, the property exudes the allure of a Mediterranean villa and beachfront elegance. The Miami Beach resort has been named a Five Star Hotel for 12 consecutive years with its elegant accommodations, exceptional amenities, and exemplary service.

Reach out to grab your Complimentary 5th Night, along with these elevated amenities: fee-free
access to the AcquaMarine children’s program, daily breakfast, resort credit, priority upgrade, and more.

09/02/2024

S L O W. D O W N.
My client reached out looking for a coastal destination that had towns to wander, wineries to walk, beaches and hiking to explore - and options to unplug from the crowds at their own pace. After chatting 3 options, we landed on Mallorca.

Often times I’m putting clients in the slightly more bustling town of Palma de Mallorca as a perfect hub for their stay. But this client’s vision led us to stays on two different parts of the island.

They will kick off with a check-in at . This 17th-century mansion has been turned into a 5-star hotel offering guests charming accommodation. A welcoming house in a rural town with 32 rooms and suites. It also boasts a spa and a central garden with a swimming pool surrounded by cypresses and olive trees. It is the ideal place for people wishing to unwind.

From there they will end their trip at the stunning in Deia, a town fueled by artists and and a gem of a resort set in the mountains, but offering a view of the sea.

This couple will have a car to hop to the various beach coves and towns dotted throughout Mallorca - and while most of their days will be slow and unscripted, we had to include a food tour in Palma for a kick of local cuisine and urban buzz. It can’t be too quiet, right?!

I have a few other clients heading to this same island this summer and love how it can offer something for each client. What would your Mallorcan dream look like?

08/02/2024

I’m often highlighting far-flung locales here – so consider this your reminder that there are places closer to home that still manage to make you feel like you’ve gone 1,000,000 miles away.
I’m heading to Cabo this spring to brush up on this popular destination and can’t wait to stay and soak up time learning about
This easy-to-access spot offers direct flights from so many airports which means you can be wheels up in the morning and toes in the sand by afternoon.
Stay tuned for more to come on this beloved property. But if you need a sunshine filled escape before then - I’m just an email away!

19/01/2024

There’s road trips, and then there are ROAD TRIPS. This latest booking to the Canadian Rockies 🇨🇦 🏔️ is less about just getting from point A to point B and more about every single landscape and activity in between.

This summer my clients will hit the open road in Canada, setting out from Banff and wrapping in Jasper. Home to turquoise glacial lakes, snowcapped, mountains, abundant wildlife, and canyons filled with waterfalls - there will be no shortage of spectacular scenery at every turn.

And when they aren’t driving through the landscapes they will be settling into iconic hotels in each area, going on private guides hikes, canoeing those calm blue waters, and just enjoying a morning coffee with one heck of a view.

11/01/2024

🇪🇸 Booked: My clients are summer-ready with plans in place for a family-filled Spain sojourn.
There is just so much to see in this beautiful country so I loved this client’s laser focus on Barcelona and Mallorca.
They appreciate having unscheduled time to roam in destinations, so we’ve avoided over scheduling them and focused on hotels in great locations - looking at you and .
Their itinerary will be filled with suggestions on places to go and top sites to see, when pre-purchasing tickets is a must do, and where to find the best paella. The boat day in Mallorca is booked and the dining list is being polished. This city and seaside escape is going be filled with tasty tapas, leisurely strolls through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, amazing architecture, and at least a few glasses of Sangria.

04/01/2024

I may get a * little * too excited when I book a client at a property that I’ve been to and loved.
Doing a major happy dance over here as I finished an express booking for a delayed honeymoon to Cape Town South Africa. These clients will be touring from city, to Winelands, to the coast. One of their stops is in Franschoek wine region, where my clients can indulge in farm and garden fresh food grown on property, wine and olive oil tastings, leisurely bike rides through the property, and dramatic scenery at every turn. It’s a special place and will undoubtedly be worth the wait!

22/12/2023

Buon Natale to my clients! 🇮🇹
I just booked a stay at two memorable Italy properties for their May vacation.

This kid free escape will involve a very light itinerary. No schedules. No schlepping.
Just leisurely days sipping spritzes in the secret garden of Rome’s and watching the boats go by from the Infiniti pool overlooking the Amalfi Coast
Dreamy, right?

Booked with my Belmond Bellini Club and Rocco Forte perks for the bow on top of this perfect present 🎁

Best gift all year.

20/12/2023

🇬🇷 Athenian Riviera has a new neighbor 🇬🇷
I fell in love with the stunning design of the when I stayed there last year. The One and Only brand manages to work their hotels into the land in a jaw-dropping way. And then they follow it up with warm, personalized service and incredible food and beverage on property.

So when I heard they were adding a new property in Greece my ears perked up (and there’s another coming to Big Sky soon!)

Take a peek at - Tucked away on the Athenian Riviera, just a short drive from Athens’ legendary landmarks. This cooler-than-cool, mid-century-inspired seafront resort features 127 rooms, bungalows, residences, and villas.

The on property dining includes just what you want in Greece - Greek mezes, seafood, and meat dishes. Enjoy curated experiences from sunset surfing lessons and guided hikes to dips in Lake Vouliagmeni’s thermal springs (yes please!)

Escape to the tranquility of the secluded adults-only beach, "Mystiko" and indulge in a day of pure relaxation. It would come easily here!

Be among the first to discover this VIP Partner and enjoy the elevated treatment and amenities that come with being a Connections Luxury Travel client.

19/12/2023

GALAPAGOS :: Loved pressing send on my clients’ final pre-departure email. This family of 5 is proving to me that family adventures can continue even when your “kids” become adults.
On this latest adventure they are heading to Ecuador to explore Quito and the surrounding areas. But the real highlight will be their time spent and exploring the Galapagos.

The Galápagos are famous for their large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his theory of evolution by means of natural selection.

Many clients do this portion completely on a boat, but this client wanted some solid ground without trading out too much of the access that the boat experience offers. So happy with where we landed and cannot wait to hear about their wildlife sightings and sea life spottings!

It’s a logistics heavy trip so I’m thankful I had a client that read her documents on this one (I know some of you aren’t as thorough 😉) so they don’t miss a beat and can focus on the adventure ahead.
🐢

13/12/2023

✨ Gift yourself a literal landmark moment with a Complimentary Third Night offer from Lotte New York Palace. ✨

The landmark-designated Villard Houses serve as entrance to the hotel, and stand as one of the rare remaining mansions of the Gilded Age and Millionaire’s Row. That legacy continues to be beautifully expressed in the most modern of ways, with something to offer every type of traveler.

🎁 History buff? The hotel literally has history at its heart. Built in 1884 with interiors that continue to dazzle, historical tours of the 15,000 square-foot residence are exclusive to hotel guests.

🎁 Architecture lover? The art deco Chrysler Building and nearby Empire State Building define Midtown East’s skyline, Grand Central Station is just steps away, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral is right across the street.

🎁 Pop culture fan? The Towers served as home to Gossip Girl (xoxo), as well as backdrop to episodes of Succession, Inventing Anna, 30 Rock, and so many more….

🎁 Arts and culture a must? The Theater District, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Lincoln Center are all close by.

🎁 First-time visitor? Easily add in visits to Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, the Highline, and more.

🎁 Big wow factor? Ask about the Towers at Lotte New York Palace, a hotel within a hotel offering rooms and suites that elevate the glam and the views even higher.

Truly a gift that keeps on giving, the Third Night Complimentary offer is good for travel ALL the way through September 2, 2024. And as a Connections and Partner, Lotte at New York Palace treats our clients with the best in complimentary amenities and VIP treatment.

05/12/2023

Scotland is calling ☎️ And so many clients are listening!
I’ve been busy booking several clients for this destination. Each itinerary brings its own treats and twists.

Visiting spots like Edinburgh, Inverness, to Isle of Skye and planning fun including hiking, whiskey tasting, food touring, bagpipe workshopping, Loch Ness exploring, and castle spotting.

So much to explore and discover! Let me know if this destination is on your list! 📸

04/12/2023

✨Let’s Dream Big this December ✨ For starters, how about checking mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda off your list?
One&Only Resorts offers a glorious route via two properties to make that dream come true. My colleagues have recently experienced this incredible adventure and it’s now on my own personal “must do” list!

Here’s what I’m thinking:

🦍 Feel at one with nature at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, a luxury resort set against the historic mountains of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Stay in one of 21 treehouse-style lodges or suites framed by eucalyptus and rain-forest views. Savor local, seasonal cuisine and bespoke cocktails in the jungle-chic Nest Restaurant or Nest Bar. And when it’s time to explore, the resort offers a range of truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from drumming circles to once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounters.

🦍 At One&Only Nyungwe House, you become attuned to the lush surroundings: a working tea plantation set on the edge of ancient rain forest in mountainous southwest Rwanda. Clusters of rustic villas house 22 rooms and suites designed to frame the stunning landscape. Extended balconies create private havens to watch wildlife. And the earthy interiors showcase local textiles and artwork, with beamed ceilings and crackling fireplaces. Expect organic, farm-to-table cuisine and highly tailored experiences, ranging from locally-inspired spa treatments to chimpanzee tracking.

And at both: Rwandans gather together to give back to local communities, with opportunities for guests to join in and take part in infrastructure, environmental, and other projects.

Let me help you take that dreaming to reality

27/11/2023

Best message to start a Monday:
“This over water room is insane and exactly what we were looking for. Thanks for your help in finding this place!”

My clients are in the Maldives enjoying every shade of blue at . As you can guess, these over water bungalows can be a splurge (although sometimes not as big of one as you may think!). But in this case we got creative so my clients could experience this iconic in-ocean stay without having to shorten their trip. We’ve set them up for a split stay at the same resort; half overwater bungalow, half beachfront villa. Not a bad option either way you slice it. While I don’t focus on discount travel, I am always your champion for squeezing value out of your travels so you can spend another day in paradise!

26/11/2023

If you know me, you know I love a good sale. Pull out that 2024 planner and see if you can plan for an escape to some of my favorite
🌟 Explore some of the resorts offering deep discounts
🌟 Pick your favorite
🌟 Message me your dates (you can check rates on the resorts website if you want a quick budget check!)
🌟 Get the escape at a discount AND my VIP Perks added (free daily breakfast, $100+ in resort credits, top priority for upgrades, etc).

Not sure which resort is to go t for you - reach out as I have all the opinions to share!

*some blackout dates and min stays required

20/11/2023

When my client decided they need a special spot for an extra special celebration this January, I was ready for this request!
They came in with a few destination ideas but I love that they trust my suggestion for an island (Anguilla) and a resort ( Cap Juluca) that is wholly new to them.
They are now booked in a junior suite at the exquisite where they will not only experience the best of Anguilla - but they also get my Bellini Club perks included ($220 in resort credits and a $500 credit towards a future stay to start!).
I bet they’ve never wanted January to roll around so quickly before!