the insider newsletter: november 2024

Bonjour!

This month, I’m bringing a little slice of southern France straight to your inbox. I’ll be sharing highlights from my recent journey to Provence and the C?te d’Azur. From dreamy vintage markets to glitzy Riviera vibes, I gathered the insider tips and luxe experiences to inspire your next getaway. We'll dive into the magic of France together—because learning (and exploring) for you is always the best part of my job!

For this month's insider newsletter, you'll find:

• An update from Abbay's desk: The Magic of France!
• Insider tips: Wimbledon, Tulip Season in Amsterdam, and the UK's ETA needed from Jan 2025
• Blog posts that you'll love
• Upcoming client trips - great for inspiration
• Recent client love

an update from abbay's desk

The Magic of France

I’m excited to share the highlights of my recent trip to France, which also happens to be the recipe for one of my favorite French getaways: the perfect trio of Paris, the picturesque villages of Provence, and a finale in the sun-drenched C?te d’Azur.

I began with one night in Paris, as this was the easiest gateway to France for me (and because Paris is always a good idea!). However, the focus was on the adventure through Provence and the C?te d’Azur—a delightful mix of rustic charm, amazing French food, and Riviera elegance.

Over six magical days, I soaked up the flavors, culture, and timeless allure of each these iconic spots—with my eye on crafting unforgettable experiences just for you!

Here’s a peek into my itinerary, along with some insider tips I picked up along the way:

Provence Highlights

• St-Rémy-de-Provence: This charming hilltop town was one of my favorites. In spring and summer, the market is every Wednesday and Saturday. My tip? Visit early for the best market finds and then head to your 1pm lunch reservation (that has been pre-booked).
• Isle sur La Sorgue: Wandering this delightful riverside town famed for its antiques and market was a delight. Popular with artists and designers, this is THE place to come for antiques
• Les Carrières des Lumières: This immersive art experience is a must. Seeing masterpieces come to life in this former quarry is pure magic—arrive early to avoid crowds.

The C?te d’Azur Highlights

• Chateau d’Esclans: Whispering Angel fans, this is your holy grail! I recommend booking a private tour and tasting for an intimate introduction to their world-class rosé.
• Perfume Workshop in Cap d’Antibes (or brought directly to your villa!): Learning the art of perfume-making was unexpectedly fun! The best part is that you get to take home a custom fragrance as a unique souvenir to relive the Riviera escape every time you spritz it!

And Where to Stay?

While we love a luxury hotel, this trip was focused on villas—and let me tell you, staying in these traditional Proven?al properties felt like stepping into a postcard .

Villas in France offer something truly special: a mix of privacy, space, and local charm that’s ideal for multigenerational families or groups of friends.

Imagine everyone under one roof, with plenty of room to gather for lazy breakfasts on sun-drenched terraces or cozy evenings by the pool. Villas often include fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to whip up fresh market finds or indulge in the services of a private chef for a special dining experience.

Plus, their locations can’t be beaten—whether nestled in Provence’s rolling hills or perched along the C?te d’Azur’s glittering coastline, they deliver an authentic taste of French living in total comfort.

Whether you'd like a full service villa with all the bells and whistles, i.e. daily breakfast, housekeeping, turndown service, a dedicated chef, and daily itinerary OR a more pared back version of this, we can help curate the perfect villa experience for you!

This trip was a beautiful reminder of why these regions are so special. Whether you’re seeking the quiet elegance of Provence or the lively glamour of the Riviera, we’d love to help plan your perfect escape and add a touch of French joie de vivre to your next adventure! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

insider tips

London: Hot Tennis Tickets ??

We are delighted to announce that our travel partners now have 2025 tickets for Wimbledon, taking place from June 30th and ending July 13th.

Played since 1877, Wimbledon is the quintessentially British tennis championship rooted in history. It's no surprise that it consistently brings record numbers of spectators from across the globe, who want to experience this highlight of the British summer sporting calendar. And we love helping our clients secure these coveted tickets!

With our access to premium seats, you will have an incredible view of the court to get the best experience of the action from the day’s play.

And for the perfect 'match' we support with hotels, transfers, and experiences to give you a well-rounded English experience!

Lastly, just a short ride away on the Eurostar, we also have tickets for Roland-Garros (Paris), taking place next May and June 2025.

Amsterdam: How to Experience Tulip Season ??

As November’s chilly temps settle in, we're here to brighten your days with a burst of springtime inspiration, and what better place for this than the Netherlands?

Here, tulip season runs from late March to early May, and while Keukenhof Garden is a must-see, we also recommend either an adventurous tulip bike ride or indulging in a luxurious scenic drive.

?? For cyclists, there is no better way to discover the beauty of the Dutch countryside on two wheels. Cycle through stunning fields of tulips in full bloom, while our expert guides lead you on a personalized route designed to showcase the very best of the season. Whether you're a photography enthusiast seeking the perfect shot of blooming tulips or a nature lover eager to explore hidden gems, we will craft an itinerary that caters to your interests.

?? For those who prefer a the comfort of a luxury vehicle, we get it! We recommend a knowledgeable and engaging driver at your service and several stops along the way to immerse yourself in this picture-perfect landscape and to capture that postcard-worthy shot!From here, it only makes sense to continue your journey to nearby Noordwijk aan Zee, a sophisticated seaside resort where flower-filled countryside meets coastal elegance. After a scenic tour, unwind on the 8 miles of sandy beach and explore the picturesque dunes followed by lunch in our favorite stylish beach club, adored by locals. Sip on a refreshing glass of Rosé and treat yourself to their famous Pavlova for dessert—the perfect finale to your tulip-filled adventure.

??Where to stay? As always, we'll make the best recommendations based on your preferences, but the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is one that we particularly love. We usually recommend a room or suite with a canal view, unless it's spring, and then you'll certainly want a room that overlooks the UNESCO protected garden

Interested in planning with us? Our local guides are more than just companions on your journey; they are engaging storytellers, sharing the rich history and cultural significance of the tulip fields. You can learn about the centuries-old tradition of tulip cultivation and the tales that have shaped this unique corner of the world. From hidden pathways (that only locals know!) to charming villages, every moment offers a deeper connection to the landscapes and the vibrant colors that define spring in the Netherlands.

Reply to this email or fill out our intake form to ask us about how we can customize the perfect itinerary for you!

UK Travel in 2025: Key Update ????

Heads up, travelers! Starting January 8, 2025, all visa-exempt visitors—including our friends in the US and Canada—will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter or pass through the UK.

The simplest way to apply is to by downloading the UK ETA app. If you prefer a laptop, no worries—you can apply online too (click?here to start your application).

Need a hand? That’s what we’re here for! Your trusted travel advisors are ready to help you navigate the ins and outs of these new requirements so you can focus on enjoying your next adventure across the pond.

latest travel news

• Best Places To Go In 2025 (CNT)
• Travel Trends Report 2025: Soft Travel (Forbes)
• Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The Best Experiential Travel And Culture Gifts (Forbes)
• I Brought My Baby on an African Safari — Here's What I Learned on the Adventure of a Lifetime (Travel + Leisure)

blog posts you'll love

A Secret to Traveling Well

While there are many ways to travel well, I’m focusing on one today that most people, especially millennials, don’t know about. Ready for it?

The secret lies in a network called Virtuoso....

Click here to keep reading.

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.

upcoming client trips

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

• Couple's Patagonia adventure, including stays at the?Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires ?and?Awasi Patagonia ?.
• Solo wellness getaway to Bali, including a stay at?Capella Ubud ?in one of their?River Tents ?.
• An adventure small group tour in Panama .
• Couple’s fall beach vacation, staying at Amanpulo in the Philippines .
• Australia & New Zealand honeymoon, with stays at Matakauri and the Park Hyatt Sydney .
• Romantic escape to Belmond Cap Juluca , Anguilla .
• Couple’s retreat at Half Moon Resort , Jamaica's .
• Vacation to Cuba, with our great travel partner, Cultural Cuba .
• Family stay at The Cove in the Bahamas .

If you're feeling inspired to think about your own getaway, please get in touch.

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!