the insider newsletter: june 2024

We hope you had a wonderful Father's Day weekend! We arrived in Alabama last week and are thrilled to be here visiting family.

After leaving cold and wet weather in England, the Alabama summer—despite feeling like a steam room—is still a delightful change. We'll be soaking up the warm temps and working from the central time zone until mid-July!

In this month's newsletter, you'll find:

• An update from Abbay's desk: my trip to Lake Como
• Insider tips: Colombia by yacht & land + Antigua summer promo
• Blog posts that you'll love
• Upcoming client trips - great for inspiration
• Recent client love

an update from abbay's desk

?My Trip to Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como

If you're dreaming of a glamorous Italian getaway, Lake Como should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the heart of the Italian lakes, it offers breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and a serene atmosphere that makes it the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

A couple of months ago, I had the great privilege of visiting this iconic destination and staying at the famed, Grand Hotel Tremezzo (GHT). This iconic hotel makes just about every list of top hotels in Europe and is without a doubt the Grand Dame of Lake Como, with its prized location, the best views across the lake to Bellagio, and its warmer, sunnier microclimate.

From indulging in a 5-course lunch and wine pairings to people-watching the Milanese fashionistas, also lunching at da Giacomo al Lago, every moment felt like a scene out of a movie.

Here are just a few more things I love about this property...

The prime location. Situated on the western shore, the hotel offers easy access to the region's top highlights. Explore picturesque villages like Bellagio and Varenna, or take a leisurely boat ride across the shimmering waters.

The incredible service. The staff at GHT are dedicated to providing personalized and attentive service. From arranging last-minute tours to recommending local experiences, they'll ensure your stay is nothing short of perfect.

Iconic floating pool. Relax by the unique pool that 'floats' on the lake. Read a book, take a quick dip, or watch classic wooden boats drift by. Then, treat yourself to a spritz!

Best of all, our clients benefit from special treatment such as a room upgrade (subject to availability), daily breakfast (which is amazing), a $100 resort credit, and a welcome treat.

If you are thinking of a trip to Lake Como, we can help curate the perfect Italian getaway for you. We are still taking trips for fall, so get in touch!

insider tips

Yachting Colombia's Caribbean Coast + Cartagena

Thanks to Colombia's geographic location, hurricanes have a very limited effect on?Cartagena and Colombia's Caribbean coast, making it an ideal location over the next few months.?

Also, it's super easy to get to Cartagena with direct flights?only?3?hours?from Miami and?5 hours?from New York!?

We have a few ideas on how to best enjoy Colombia...

Yachting the Caribbean Coast ??

Kick off summer with a journey?around the?Islas del Rosario?and San Bernardo Islands?on a?96-ft Ferretti Flybridge yacht.

For 3 nights / 4 days, you can enjoy:

• a private chef and all meals and snacks,
• an English-speaking butler,
• captain, skipper, and crew
• tailor-made activities (see below)

Highlights:

• Spend your days?snorkeling and scuba diving?in the most secluded?and preserved areas of Rosario & San Bernardo?archipelagos?
• Go night swimming in a?bioluminescent?bay?
• Kayak or?paddle board?along?the rich?mangrove?ecosystems of San Bernardo Island?
• Participate in a?coral reef restoration?project with the local community?
• Enjoy sunset drinks, bonfire and BBQ dinner on a?private island
• Seafood?and lobster lunch with your feet?in the sand?at?our?favorite?beach clubs?in?Barú

Experience Cartagena ??

Whether spending a few nights here before a yachting experience or before a broader tour of Colombia, add Cartagena to your list!

We can give you insider access to Cartagena's Old City and share perfectly curated recommendations of?restaurants,?cafes, bars, and shops. Just imagine shopping the top Colombian designers just across the street from your hotel.

More Highlights:

• Discover the?history, architecture, and culture?of Cartagena alongside a fascinating expert?
• Rum and chocolate tasting?with an expert sommelier (private location)
• Explore the?local life and street art of Getsemaní, one of the traditional neighborhoods of the historic district?alongside a local expert
• Select?between a?Caribbean cooking class?or?dance lessons?with professional dancers to learn a few of Colombia's many rhythms, including salsa, champeta, and cumbia

Hermitage Bay: Summer Promo!

I have yet to see this amazing adult-only and all-inclusive property offer such fantastic savings.?It is sizzling hot, so get in touch to book it now before their summer closure.

We love Hermitage Bay. With its 25 stand-alone suites and cottages, it's ideal for couples looking for an excellent all-inclusive experience.

Stay 7 nights & pay for only 5 nights

ON ANY ROOM CATEGORY

This offer is valid on stays completed by July 31, 2024.

On Property Facilities:

• Outdoor pool Hillside Pool Suites come with a private plunge pool
• Long beach great for walks
• Morning yoga, meditation and Pilates classes (on alternating days)
• Spa
• Private organic farm
• All non-motorized water sports
• Hiking

Ready to sink your toes into the sand in Antigua? Send me a DM or click here to get started.

latest travel news

• Everyone’s Talking About This New Hotel in London - Here’s Why (AFAR)
• How to enjoy spas if you’re not a spa person (The Washington Post)
• Brussels and Berlin Are Two of This Summer’s Travel Hot Spots - Here’s Why (Robb Report)
• What is Air Turbulence - and Is It Getting More Common? (CNT)

blog posts you'll love

An Englishman in Paris: Top 5 Highlights

Hi, my name is Chris, and I work with Abbay at Abbay's Escapes. I'm also her husband (which may have helped me get the job!). Nice to meet you!

Today, I'm going to be sharing with you my top 5 highlights as an Englishman in Paris.

Click here to keep reading.

Is Luxury Travel for You? 6 Things You Didn't Know About Luxury Travel

Years ago, luxury travel was synonymous only with 5-star hotels, butlers, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

While there is nothing wrong with those things, ‘luxury travel’ has since evolved...

Click here to keep reading.

upcoming client trips

Looking for inspiration? Check out some of the places where our clients are traveling this month:

• Post work conference trip visit to Bali, staying at Capella Ubud & The St. Regis Bali Resort .
• Whirlwind tour of Europe, covering 10 countries in 17 days, with hotel highlights including Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.
• Anniversary celebration on the private island, Guana Island, in the BVIs .
• Girls' trip to Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico .
• Honeymoon in St. Lucia, including being spoilt at at Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach .
• Honeymoon at the wonderful Triple Creek Ranch, Montana.
• Family trip to the Netherlands & Belgium .
• Family sabbatical to Paris, France .
• Friends golfing and sightseeing trip to Scotland .
• Family vacation capturing the highlights of England & Scotland .
• Couples trip to Italy, including a hotel stay at Grand Hotel Fasano on Lake Garda
• Couples vacation to Cap Juluca in Anguilla (a personal favorite of ours!) .

We have a lot of departures this month! Did any inspire you? Want to learn more?

Get in touch by sending me a DM!

client love

Great Experience "This was our first time working with Abbay and she was great. Very helpful in getting things booked and making sure we had everything we needed for our getaway. I look forward to working with her again." Josh, May 2024

Check out our Reviews and Recommendations page to read more about what our clients are saying.

That's all for this month. I hope you've enjoyed it