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Critics Choice Vacations
Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Continuing on the blog from the trip with my son in OCT (I may just finish this before the year ends....at least that is my goal, we still have Paris and Normandy to discuss.....), our next quick stop (about 36 crazy hours) was amazing Monaco.
We had the honor to stay at the most lovely Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. The room was out of this world spacious and beautifully appointed, with an outside balcony and set up just especially for us (as we had a dear friend join us during our short visit). The bathroom was large enough for a 15 person party (no joke, but we did not have one, not enough time..lol) and the beds were heaven! The wonderful Director of Sales, adorable Ms. Anne Marie Pinsault took such great care of us including a beautiful personal welcome upon arrival and a surprise belated and delicious birthday cake (it was out of this world delicious, just sorry I don't have a photo as it was on my phone I lost in Paris). Anne Marie made everything perfect, along with her kind staff. Breakfast the following morning overlooking the sea in the famous main restaurant, Joël Robuchon, was amazing and our server, Hans, who had been at the hotel 22+ years was generously kind, gracious and so attentive. Staff at the property was warm and welcoming and quietly friendly. The hotel lay out is comfortable, cozy with many lovely small areas to sit and talk, have a drink or relax. The location within Monaco cannot be beat. You are literally a short walk from anything you might want to see or do.
We had amazing balmy weather and my son was in "car" heaven. For those of you who are F1 fans, you will appreciate some of these shots below. For those of you who are not, feel free to inquire......We had time for a great tour at the Prince's private car collection. A great museum to visit to get a real feel for much of Monaco and it's fantastic history. A few shots to enjoy from our short time there and please feel free to click here for the full album: Monaco Album. The next stop on our 12 day, 4 country whirlwind tour was Paris.....I hope to have that blog up for you next week.
Like so many other parents this Fall, my husband and I became “Empty Nesters”. Our baby girl, and youngest of three was heading off to college and we were faced with the reality of being alone for the first time in 26 years. We decided that this was a life milestone that we should observe, rather than dread. We had spent years devoting endless time and energy to our children and now they were all out in the world as healthy, happy, productive members of society. We had much to celebrate. So, after dropping our daughter off at college we traveled to Montana’s Paradise Valley and spent a few days at Sage Lodge to mark this special occasion. Montana’s Paradise Valley starts near Livingston, which sits on I-90, and stretches south along highway 89 towards Yellowstone National Park. It is the major river valley of the Yellowstone River and is flanked by the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. Highway 89 was the original entrance into Yellowstone National Park, although there are now two additional entrances, one each in Montana and Wyoming. Along with its unmatched beauty and world-class fly fishing on the river, the valley also offers other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs.
Ernest Hemingway once described Switzerland as “a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and stuck all over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo clock style of architecture.” Susan’s recent travels between Geneva and Zurich proves that a lot has changed in the Swiss hotel scene since Hemingway’s observation. While she has lots of experience setting up pre- and post-river cruise activities and private trips in the area, this “self-imposed” familiarization was to acquaint herself with Virtuoso’s Swiss properties. Susan’s excited to share her thoughts on this diverse list of hotels, as well as the historic cities they call home.
This past fall, Susan was invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the German National Tourism Offices out of New York City. In partnership to boost tourism to Germany, she toured two of the country’s most iconic cities. From the eclectic coffee and artistic scenes of Hamburg, to an exploration of the tumultuous history of Berlin, there was a lot to take in. Susan hopes her journey will shed light on why Germany should be the destination of your next European vacation. Below you’ll find some incredible places to stay, cuisine to sample, and experiences that will put the discovery of German culture at the forefront of your travels.
With Paris and Rome, London forms the trifecta of must-visit cities for those first taking the dive into European culture. A hub of history, politics, architecture (both very old and very new), and the arts, London has a little bit to offer everyone. This November, Susan had the opportunity to tour over a dozen of the city’s best boutique hotels so you know where to stay during your visit. In addition, Susan also toured some of the charming villages that surround London that are perfect for a day trip, or quick weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. She hopes her exploration of this British metropolis will help you know where to start when planning your first (or next) European getaway.
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