Travels with Tesa

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Travels with Tesa

Boutique Travel Company specializing in affordable luxury travel -- beautiful experiences that won'
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16/12/2023

A C C O R Partners Luncheon at ILTM Cannes

One of my favorite get-togethers because of and and the largest portfolio of hospitality brands:

As a preferred partner in Accor’s STEP program, our clients have access to VIP amenities - upgrades, resort credit, early checkin and late checkout. DM me to VIP your next hotel stay.

05/11/2023

Thrilled to be included in this recent piece on 20 Best European Cities to Visit in the Winter.
Swipe to see my choices and head to link.in bio to see the full list.

05/11/2023

Thrilled to be included in this recent piece on 20 Best European Cities to Visit in the Winter.
Swipe to see my choices and head to link.in bio to see the full list.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-european-cities-to-visit-in-winter-8385298

28/10/2023

U P C Y C L I N G

I love these used sacks upcycled into carrying /tote bags of all sizes. The graphics are quite fun and I can’t wait to carry them in NYC to/from the grocery store.

Cost INR 80-100, approx $0.95-1.20 and very sturdy too.

28/10/2023

Breakaway Moment

When traveling with a group, you can expect most experiences to be collective so it was an absolute delight to keep bumping into these two and finally sitting down with them for some masala chai at

and are newly engaged and was here with their parents on recon for their wedding venue. A thoroughly modern couple yet so respectful of tradition and culture, both entrepreneurs and the love and care for each other radiated such positive vibrations.

Wellness is a very important component of their lives and I think the is the perfect venue for them. I can only imagine how beautiful their wedding will be. ❤️❤️❤️

27/10/2023

Six Senses Fort Barwara
Rajasthan, India

Location Location Location

When a discovery walk through the property becomes endless opportunities for photos. The most ideal destination for a wedding or just to unplug, rewind and reset with one of the prisoners of sustainability in hospitality.

Thank you 🙏

21/10/2023

Photo tip at

The doorman at the property is an excellent photographer and knows all the best architectural angles. Thank you 🙏 for the impromptu photo sesh.
This lakeside resort is simply breathtaking.

20/10/2023

Jain Temples in Ranakpur

The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. The 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are individually carved and no two pillars are the same. Legend says that it is impossible to count the pillars.

Located in the countryside outside of Udaipur and worth a visit. Thank you for taking us here.

15/10/2023

Not just any other breakfast but an Indian culinary journey at who make each touch point an opportunity to showcase luxury and the world’s best in service and hospitality.

15/10/2023

Amazing degustation lunch at one of the world’s best restaurants followed by a sneak peek at Sunder Nursery Museum (hush hush no photos) and a quick visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO heritage site and precursor to the Taj Mahal Agra.

15/10/2023

Incredible access to the Presidential Palace in New Delhi for

Thank you 🙏

12/10/2023

V A R A N A S I

Loved the walk through the old city sampling food along the way and browsing through the shops. Banares is known for their silk brocades and this is the #1 item to purchase here. The best lassi can be had at Blue Lassi as well.

12/10/2023

V A R A N A S I

at some point I’ll find the words to explain it but know that it needs to be felt at dawn and sunset.

The pilgrims on the mighty River Ganges celebrating life and death 24hours daily is a miracle in itself.

Travel to India sooner rather than later. It’s one country made up of many worlds.

📸

11/10/2023

V A R A N A S I

At dawn is an experience unlike any other. We are staying at the which has an enviable position on the Ganges. We walked on the river banks and witnessed life, prayer, and cremation unfolding. Varanasi is the holiest place for Hindus.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

08/10/2023

Not AI, but OG - Oil on Canvas
by

I commissioned Paul years ago for my mom’s portrait. Mom had given me a share of her proceeds from the sale of our family’s sugar farm in the Philippines. I wanted to spend it on fine art that would celebrate and immortalize her. Her painting is a prominent feature in my home and one that I look at all the time.

I knew then that I would want a portrait of my own but wasn’t sure then of what that would look like. This month I celebrate my 60th birthday. I’m in a good place health wise, married to a loving and supporting husband, surrounded by loyal family and friends, and working in an industry that I love.
So I said to myself, “why not, let’s capture this moment in time.”

I gifted myself an oil portrait.

Paul and I started the conversation in March, over lunch and continued over WhatsApp. We went through different iterations: standing vs sitting, mariner shirt vs kaftan, shorter hair, less gray. The one thing I never asked to redo was my face because he got it right. It looks like me everyone says.

Swipe right to see the process. Thank you for your talent, patience and collaboration.

29/09/2023

Congratulations to for 25 years of design and thanks for including me in your stories❤️

Sustainable Luxury Fashion With a Conscience Designed and Produced in New York By Women for women.

I’m a big fan and purchase a few pieces every year. They are timeless, desirable and perfect to travel with.

A big plus for me is that the clothes are made in New York. It also helps that her Bleecker Street shop is literally 3 blocks from my apartment.

And my shop gal takes care of me every time and gives me honest and constructive dressing room feedback.

28/09/2023

When beloved clients from Vail CO come to NYC and we finally meet in person, hug, share a meal and walk around my neighborhood - this IS a special day.

🙏 thank you for trusting me with your travels ❤️❤️❤️

How did they find me? you’d be pleased to know, through magazine A-List issue ❤️

14/09/2023

A Fitness Center/Spa at like no other and deserving of its own post.

The Spanish revival building is keeping in style with The Cloister with fountains and water running through as a main feature. Flanked by koi ponds at the entrance, the spa/fitness center is located between The Cloister and Beach Club. Windows to the gardens in every room, stunning climatized indoor pool, squash courts, yoga, Pilates, spinning, weights, a fitness haven! The spa is heavenly with a gorgeous rock pool atrium relaxation room.

I’ve always wondered why people closet themselves in windowless gyms when they can be outdoors. At Fitness Center/Spa they bring the outdoors to an indoor air-conditioned (we know how important that is in the South) wellness environment.

And their retail outposts are well curated and priced!

10/09/2023

The Georgian Room
at The Cloisters, Sea Island GA

Exceptional fine dining and service here at The Georgian Room. The ribeye one of the best I’ve had with perfectly cooked asparagus on the side. The piece de resistance is their dessert called The Cigar - sweet rolled dough over chocolate ganache with meringue “ash” over butterscotch. One of a kind in terms of presentation and taste. Sooo amazing and out of this world!

09/09/2023

Morocco 🇲🇦 on my mind

As news of the devastation in Morocco reaches us, I realize that today I’m wearing a handcrafted handbag that I bought from a father and son in Marrakech. The father made the bags but spoke no English so it was his young son who helped me with my purchase.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Morocco and all its people who welcomed us and took great care of my family when we traveled there last year.

04/09/2023

The travel industry’s loss is Shelter Island’s bagel 🥯 gain when co-founder Darryn Weinstein left the biz to devote his passion for bagels full-time here in SI, that is when he’s not boating or fishing. Enter

Personally I was drawn to him in the kitchen with the hugest smile on his face, joy, happiness and love radiating from him to his bagels. With his 3am-3pm daily schedule you’d think he’d tire of bagels at this point. I asked him if he still eats bagels and he said, “of course, at least twice a day!”

I had the “New Yorker” (lox, cream cheese, tomato, red onion, capers) on an everything bagel and it was 😋😋👍

The line is out the door so have their freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies 🍪 while you’re waiting.

06/08/2023

Suðureyri

I’d come back here if I returned to Iceland. It’s a good base to explore the Westfjords. It’s small, quiet and quaint except when busloads of us tourists descend on day trips.

05/08/2023

B L U E L A G O O N

Is all I really wanted to do in Reykjavik. I had tickets for the premier package at the regular Blue Lagoon, not The Retreat and went there independently of the cruise shore excursion which gave us a lot more time to relax and imbibe the waters.

The premium package gives you three types of masks and a free drink. First is black lava to open the pores. Second is white silica to exfoliate. Last you can choose between moisturizing or Green Algaei anti-aging and I chose the latter. Spent 3.5 hours in the mineral rich waters and left totally rejuvenated and satisfied.

Dream fulfilled ✔️

04/08/2023

Shop Local

Found the perfect hand-knitted Icelandic wool sweater for me. If you’re ever in Akureyri, at the center of town there’s one shop selling only handmade in Iceland. Every sweater takes 30 hours to make and it’s one of a kind. I went out on a day like this without a jacket and was perfectly comfortable. How do I clean it I asked. The shopkeeper said, “just air it out in cold weather”. Just think of your dry cleaning savings 😝

About Iceland’s forests, they’re good for erosion but detractors hate that they block the sweeping views.

01/08/2023

🌟 Client DESTINATION: ITALY - Venice ➡️ Florence ➡️ Rome

Client REVIEW: WE ENJOYED EVERY SECOND WE HAD IN ITALY!
Tesa and her local support in Italy hit everything out of the park. It was truly a memorable time and a trip my family and I will remember forever. Nothing was left to worry about, the tours, reservations, guides, drivers, porters, and accommodations were all taken care of. The accessibility of our itinerary on the App added convenience to our day. It truly was a special time and we enjoyed every second we had in Italy! I can't wait to plan my next trip with Travel with Tesa.

S.Hallows, NC - 18 July 2023

28/07/2023

Djupivogur, Iceland 🇮🇸

A 5.5hr shore excursion to visit glacier in

Scenic landscape and pleasant road trip both ways- thrilled to be finally here, my 64th country.

📸

22/07/2023

I always enjoy meeting new people in our industry. Such notables on this trip, thank you for putting it together so well 👏👏👏

22/07/2023

H A M I L T O N

Even if you haven’t yet seen on Broadway, this tour in Nevis (his birthplace) is a must for fans. Explore his home grounds (now a museum), visit St Paul’s Anglican Church which used to be an elementary school where he must have studied at. Therein lies the tombstone of Ann & Katherine Thomson who lived during Hamilton’s childhood and must have been friends with him. Visit the Jewish cemetery 1670 and Cottle Church 1824 the first de-segregated church in the Caribbean. And lastly a quick stop to buy mangoes that have been spared by the monkeys.

This verdant island holds so much beauty and history. should be on your radar for your next Caribbean getaway.

21/07/2023

Finding our fellow Filipinos everywhere we go.
Here at with Grace, Liz and MJ
Who pamper us with fresh mangoes 🥭 from the kitchen as it’s not served at the buffet.
Salamat 🙏

🇵🇭

19/07/2023

Out and About in NEVIS with to explore the 36 square mile island that has (gulp) 51 churches and more green vervet monkeys 🙈 🙉 🙊 than people.

Nevis Peak (2nd highest mountain 🏔️ in the Caribbean after Jamaica’s Blue Mountain showed off her peak just in time as we visited a charming colonial boutique hotel in the hills.

And hamming with Hamilton himself.

18/07/2023

Thank you to and for hosting us on Turtle 🐢 Week and so happy to be sharing this with Mom

Starting in November, Jet Blue will be flying non-stop to SKB from the East Coast making this Caribbean destination more accessible so mark your calendars.

When you arrive at the airport in St Kitts, it’s a 15-20min drive to the harbor and another 15-20mjn boat ride to Nevis. Relax onboard with a cold island drink of Barbie pink grapefruit soda Ting. Your seamless transfer is by

Both our first time here in St Kitts and Nevis and immediately we are struck with the warmth, smiles, care and friendliness of its people. After our cocktail reception last night, our server Claire gave her arm and escorted Mom through the lobby. Mom has asked to be called “Lola” which means grandmother in Filipino.

is open year round and exudes laid back luxury because this property is the first FS Resort so it’s roots go deep.

Did you know Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis? Follow along as we explore the resort, the island, Hamilton’s past and witness sea turtles life cycle this week

14/07/2023

🌟 CLIENT Destination: Greece - Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Spetses with day trips to Hydra and Monemvasia

CLIENT Review: "This trip was truly magical. The travel process was perfectly planned and tracked to eliminate typical worry and stress, which allowed us to relax and enjoy every minute. The itinerary of sightseeing and cultural tours was well balanced with shopping, relaxing and beaching. Our accommodations and related services were First Class in every respect. We can hardly wait to visit again and will certainly use Tesa and team to assist!!" - A.Deckas

GREECE is one destination that's near and dear to my heart having celebrated many birthdays there and sailed to 34 islands. My favorites are the less trafficked ones where the pace is slower and you're surrounded by nature and locals vs tourists. Find out about my favorite Greek island on my blogspot ( #1 on searches according to Google Analytics), https://www.travelswithtesa.com/stories/discover-sifnos-greece?rq=sifnos

13/07/2023

A great evening at the Vineyard with the one and only and his family. Travel is a great connector.

09/07/2023

Shout out to for creating this

Been using this for a few weeks now and love how the serum and cream live side by side simplifying my daily routine.

08/07/2023

Working Summer in the City means getting together with colleagues from out of town (Pittsburgh, Tenerife, Barcelona) and visiting NYC properties
p.otoole

07/07/2023

Client Honeymoon Destination: Azores + Lisbon

Client Brief:
“This is our honeymoon, so we're looking for a mix of relaxation, nice hotel/resort experience, great food, local cuisine, great views and adventure with the natural hot springs, nature activities like hiking, exploration. We are avid mountain bikers so would like to take advantage of enduro bike trails, swimming, some architecture and cultural/historical tours/scenes.”

Client Review:
“Our trip to the Azores and Lisbon was the first time I'd worked with a professional to plan a trip. It was for our two-week honeymoon and we were hoping for a trip of a lifetime and that's exactly what we got! Every detail from accommodations to planned tours and recommended activities seemed perfectly tailored to us and our interests. When we first had the idea to visit the Azores, we'd done some initial planning before working with Tesa, but with her advice, we were able to make better decisions on where to stay and how to hit all the islands we wanted to see. With the stress of planning a wedding, Tesa was able to make the honeymoon one less thing to worry about, she took care of the plans, the arrangement, end to end. It felt like all we had to do was show up to the airport on time. Now that we've worked with Tesa, I can't imagine planning a trip any other way!”

I’m so honored to be a part of this couple’s special celebration. It’s the best part of my job and what gives me great satisfaction and pleasure. Thanks for trusting me with your honeymoon. 🙏

06/07/2023

I N D I A 🇮🇳

Still very much on my mind and it should be on yours too!

How lucky I am to travel with my husband who can capture the emotion of a time and place so perfectly. Private cocktails and sunset drinks in a family’s private fort (seriously yes) in Rajasthan.

📸

27/06/2023

CLIENT Destination: Slovenia 🇸🇮to Croatia 🇭🇷 to Montenegro 🇲🇪

“Once again, you nailed it! James, Beau, and I express our sincere gratitude for the fantastic travel memories you created for us. Your attention to detail and dedication to curating the perfect trip was appreciated.

You had thoughtfully planned every aspect of our trip, from the accommodations to the activities. I especially enjoyed Truffle hunting and spending time with locals in their they were homes. James loved the bike tour; he still could not stop talking about our tour guide's excellence! He was a walking encyclopedia! Beau's favorite was the sea kayaking around Dubrovnik.

As usual, the level of detail and planning that went into our trip was incredible. Last year bef,ore our annual summer vacation you took the time to get to know our interests and preferences, and you created an itinerary that was perfect for us. We never had to worry about anything, as you had everything taken care of.

We had an incredible experience on our trip to Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro. We would not have had such a wonderful time without your help. We are beyond grateful we found you and will always have you curate memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you again for everything!”

Sincerely,
The Landers ❤️

🙏 Grateful to have families trust me with their precious time together and to partners who are the best in the industry and destination.

21/06/2023

Y O G A

On this day, International Yoga 🧘‍♀️ Day, I am thankful to have adopted this practice as part of my lifestyle and have been able to incorporate it in my travels.

Thanks to all the resorts that include yoga classes in their programming . Often the class locations are outdoors and happen early morning - some stunning scenery to take in with every breath. 🙏

Scroll ➡️ along and yoga with me around the globe.

1 - Chiang Mai, Thailand - Four Seasons Resort

2 - Bacalar, Mexico - Habitas Bacalar

3 - Tsavo West, Kenya - Finch Hattons

4 - Mumbai, India - Taj Mahal Mumbai

5 - Bangkok, Thailand - Capella Bangkok

6 - Udaipur, India - Taj Lake Palace

7 - Tulum, Mexico - Habitas Tulum

8 - Antigua - Curtain Bluff Resort

9 - AluLa, Saudi Arabia - Habitas AluLa

19/06/2023

Great catch-up with and the companies they represent:

I ❤️ Curtain Bluff in Antigua with its two beaches, pro tennis courts, water sports, dining and wine cellar. Above all, true Caribbean hospitality and warmth. Repeat guests are 65% of their business! So nice to see you in my island ❤️

And to meet the exquisite Hari London hotel which is now a personal favorite because of a personal connection with the family behind their London and HK property. It’s a small world after all. 👋👋👋

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

917-664-2293

Website

http://www.travelswithtesa.com/

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Videos

The Great Wildebeest Migration - Tanzania Throwback to October 2020 when we embarked on an incredible and brave adventure: an international trip to Tanzania for an unforgettable safari experience. We explored the wild and were blessed to witness the mesmerizing "greatest show on earth" alongside only a handful of safari jeeps on the banks of the Mara River. We witnessed two major crossings in Northern Serengeti. Little did I know that capturing those breathtaking moments with my iPhone would receive over 606K views on YouTube! See the short film on YouTube, https://youtu.be/h8Df7yVntsc 🌍🦁✨ #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatotanzania #travelswithtesatoafrica #Throwback #TanzaniaSafari #GreatestShowOnEarth #YouTubeCreator #wildebeestmigration #serengeti #marariver #wildebeest #greatwildebeestmigration

👋 B A R C E L O N A Hotel Arts 👋 Room Tour ❤️❤️❤️ my corner ocean view suite that was ready when I rolled in at 8:30am 🙏 Thank you @hotelartsbarcelona for that and the upgrade 🙌🏼 And that Frank Gehry sculpture outside my window - amazing! Now for some breakfast, a quick shower, change of clothes and I’m off to explore the city. #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatospain #traveladvisor #virtuosoadvisor #luxurytravel #buycatalunya #catalunya #barcelona #spain #marriott #marriottbonvoy #hotelarts #hotelartsbarcelona

I G A L (Black goat hair cord worn over the red/white keffiyeh to keep it in place) How lucky were we to witness the creation of the iconic IGAL in Old Town Riyadh Souk. This man only sold his hand-made Igals. It’s not everyday when we still meet artisans practicing their craft. Thank you for the demonstration 🙏 #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatosaudiarabia #traveladisor #travelandleisure #tltab #saudiarabia #saudi #visitsaudi #visitsaudiarabia #igal #agal #riyadh #riyadhfashion #visitriyadh

Good Morning from Habitas AlUlA No filter needed No music needed Just wonder, magic, excitement, belief, and gratitude 🙏 We arrived late last night and it was well past midnight when I rolled in to my Canyon Villa. Set my alarm for 6am because I don’t want to miss anything realizing how special it is to be here where so few have gone before. The word pioneer comes to mind but in truth everything has been arranged for us so expertly by @travelandleisure @experiencealula and Saudi Tourism Authority. We are here to learn, see and experience first hand what natural treasures Saudi has to offer. Along the way we have broken bread with the locals, had some surprise and charming encounters, feasted on very very good food, and felt safe throughout as the previously unknown is now becoming somewhat familiar. #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatosaudiarabia #traveladvisor #travelandleisure #tltab #visitsaudi #experiencealula #ourhabitas #habitasalula #liveinspired

ADVENTURES IN LUXURY That’s the best way to describe the Crafted Ireland Experience I had most recently. As a travel advisor, having firsthand knowledge and experience in a destination makes all the difference in designing a client’s trip of a lifetime. So excited for my clients leaving for Ireland tomorrow. May the road rise to meet them. 📸 @craftedireland @conradoppermann #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatoireland #virtuosotraveladvisor #tlalist #travelandleisure #travelanddestinations #tlworldsbest #luxurytravel #adventuretravel #changeworlds #transformationaltravel #luxurydestination #Ireland #visitIreland #iloveirealnd #luxuryhotel #travelgram #traveladvisor #luxurytraveladvisor #travelismylife Special thanks to: @theadaremanor @theshelbournedublin @ashfordcastle @sheenfalls @ballyfindemesne @thekclubireland @mountjulietestate @westburydublin @shenaniganswalks @cormacscoast @mikeyryans

BOOKED for discerning clients looking to relax, unwind and recharge. The One & Only Mandarina in Mexico 🇲🇽 ticked all their boxes. Can’t wait from them to enjoy their vacation from their luxury treehouse. 📸 @oomandarina #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatomexico #traveladvisor #virtuosotraveladvisor #virtuosotravel #oneandonly #oneandonlymandarina #mexico #méxico #luxuryresort #luxury

FITZWILLIAM DUBLIN Deluxe Terrace Yes please. Imagine having breakfast 🥞 at your private terrace. Or afternoon tea 🫖 Or a sunset 🌅 bubbly because the light in Ireland at this time is quite poetic. 🙏 @navigatinnate for the 📸 skillz #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatoireland #travelsadvisor #virtuosotraveladvisor #ireland #dublin #luxuryhotel #visitireland #visitdublin #craftedireland #fitzwilliamdublin #indexselect

Sailing ⛵️ away from Napflio on a hydro-propulsion ship, very smooth and quiet. @atlasoceanvoyages #worldnavigator #travelswithtesa #travelswithtesatogreece #atlasoceanvoyages #napflio #greekcruise #greekislands