As we arrived at the Taipei international airport, we could tell we were close to the tropics as the warmth enveloped us immediately. We made it to customs hall where quite a line awaited us, but it went very quickly as the officers efficiently processed the visitors. We were immediately met outside by the Mandarin Oriental greeter who ushered us to their waiting Mercedes which quickly headed off to the hotel. [Read more…] about Mandarin Oriental, An Exclusive Taipei Experience
Aman at Summer Palace
This was my second visit to this amazing place. I landed from a superb flight with Singapore Airlines on one of their beautifully outfitted A380’s. After a quick trip through the airport, I met up with my transfer and made my way to Aman at Summer Palace. An incredible property that used to be the summer home to Emperors of China. It was a quick and comfortable 30-minute transfer before I arrived at the property.
To the Rock and Back in 16 Hours
I was especially looking forward to this trip as my son Ian 2 was joining me. He has been my Marketing Manager for the past two years now, and enjoys the industry just as much as I do. Over those two years, he and I have been exploring parts of the globe together – whether it be looking for new properties and experiences or searching out new destinations to offer to our travelers; and now it was time for another adventure! [Read more…] about To the Rock and Back in 16 Hours
Safari in the Mara
I left Nairobi early in the morning and hopped on a short flight to The Mara. The Mara is an extremely large game reserve in Kenya. It was named to honor the ancestral inhabitants of the area, the Maasai people. “Mara”, in their native tongue, means “spotted”. From great distances, the circles of trees, shrubs, cloud shadows and savanna create a brilliant shadow effect that inspired the name, “Mara. I always enjoy hearing these cultural stories – really helps you to immerse yourself in your surroundings -having a bit of knowledge of how it came to be. [Read more…] about Safari in the Mara
Family vacation continues in Sydney
There is always this special feeling I get when I land in Sydney – always something new to the city or exciting people to meet. This time, after only a short flight from Hamilton Island and our island getaway at Hayman – it felt great to re-immerse into city life. And, with the fairly new tunnel system, it was a quick 15-minute transfer to the InterContinental Sydney, where we would be spending the next three nights. [Read more…] about Family vacation continues in Sydney
Wolgan Valley and my incredible stay
It had been over a year since I last visited this beautiful lodge, and my how things have changed. During the interim and under the guidance of Joost (the GM) and Ben (Manager of Conservation and Activities), thousands of trees have been planted and wildlife safety and conservation has been at the forefront of operations. [Read more…] about Wolgan Valley and my incredible stay
