Real Time Reviews - Passages of Distinction

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ISTINCTIVE
ASSAGES
A PASSAGES OF DISTINCTION NEWSLETTER • SPRING 2016 • VOLUME 25
Beyond All Inclusive
Velas Resorts Joins Passages of Distinction
Joining Our Destinations Experts
Privilege Italia &
Boutique Journeys of Europe
Sari Returns Home to London &
Linda’s Passage to Italy
Infinity Pool, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Velas Resorts Joins Passages of Distinction
Our Impression of Mexico’s Finest Group of Hotels
This past October we welcomed Velas Hotels & Resorts to the Passages of Distinction
family. The two flagship hotels, Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Grand Velas Riviera
Nayarit, are both 5 Diamond awarded and the most luxurious in their respected destinations. Casa Velas offers an exclusive all-adult option. Velas Vallarta, the original,
features a relaxed family environment with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments in a
resort environment. Keeping true to our Collection, this magnificent group of Resorts
is owned and operated by the Vela family, making them the most authentic Mexican
luxury hotels in their destinations of Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta. Acclaimed
as “Beyond All-inclusive” the family has created a brand that surpasses guests expectations of not only what to expect from an all-inclusive resort, but it’s award winning
restaurants and spa’s rival any cuisine and wellness centers globally.
Linda Lomelino
to your deck, as well as various bird
and fish species and the occasional
monkey! Most people traveling to
Cancun opt to stay on the beach, and
we don’t blame them, but for a truly
unique experience, the Zen Class at
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is your
best choice.
During my visit to the Grand
Velas Riviera Maya, I had
the opportunity to experience
several of the 5 gourmet
restaurants including the casual
bistro. The gourmet restaurants
offer a range of fine dining starting
with the Piaf restaurant that offers fine
French dining, which, during our stay,
had a Best of France event with four
French chefs presenting a 10 course
dining experience complimentary
to all guests. Frida offers traditional
Mexican fine dining; Lucca offers
Italian and Mediterranean cuisine;
Sen Lin offers Asian fusion; and
Cocina de Autor offers eclectic fine
dining where I participated in a
cooking class and became an “eclectic
chef ”.
At the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
in Puerto Vallarta, there are three
gourmet restaurants, Friday, Lucca,
Piaf and a casual bistro and poolside
eatery. I experienced the fine dining
at Frida and then Marco Hernandez,
the chef at Piaf, guided us through a
hard working class and we ended up
eating the results with oohs and ahhs.
French chefs – here we come with our
expertise!
Adam Szymanski
There are so many things that
help make Grand Velas
Riviera Maya one of a kind.
The selection of on-site
restaurants, the staff, and the
location are a few and the list goes
on! Where else can travelers choose
between staying on the beach or
staying in the middle of a jungle?
The Zen class at Riviera Maya does
just that! Often overlooked by the
fabulous Grand and Ambassador
Classes, Zen is the perfect option for
those looking to stay along a secluded
river in luscious mangrove forests.
All rooms on the first floor in the
class include a private terrace that
sits directly on the river where local
turtles can be seen swimming up
Over the past couple of the months, Linda, Adam, Joe, Brad, and Sari, had the chance
to experience these wonderful properties first hand. Below are some of their impressions from their trips.
Casa Velas is one hotel that should be
included on every traveler’s MexicoBucket-List. The secluded location
directly on the golf course provides
guests with a very comfortable homeaway-from-home feeling (and offers
some unbeatable views as well)!
However, one thing sets this hotel
apart from the rest is their Beach Club.
The beach club is a beachfront estate
La Ribera Restaurant, Velas Vallarta
turned private guesthouse for guests
of the hotel. It not only sits directly
on the beach, it offers the same, allinclusive amenities you’ll find on-site.
Privacy is not an issue. All guests
must enter through a private gate,
and access is limited to Casa Velas
guests only. It’s the perfect solution
to provide travelers with both a golf
My fondest memory of the Grand
Velas Riviera Nayarit is the beautiful
infinity pool. The three tiered pool
that stretches out to the beach makes
you feel as though you are in your own
space while still seeing the beautiful
views. The pool closest to the beach
features a swim up bar where you can
enjoy a premium cocktail. Sip on it
Velas Resorts also offers Casa Velas,
a luxury resort with an intimate,
serene, all-adult ambience. Located
just minutes from the beach (and
their own private beach club!) in the
beautiful town of Puerto Vallarta,
Casa Velas is surrounded by an 18hole golf course and nestled amongst
lush tropical gardens. Regal palms
videos, disco, and a complete snack
and beverage bar, this club made me
jealous that I could not stay and hang
out with the younger crowd!
Cooking Class, Velas Resorts
Sari Freeman
The Pool at Zen Class, Grand Velas Riviera Maya
and beach option during their stay in
Puerto Vallarta
Joe Decker
My first trip to Puerto
Vallarta couldn’t have been
better. During my stay I had
the pleasure of staying at the
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Velas
Vallarta, there are so many aspects of
my stay I could choose to gush over,
between, the spacious rooms, or the
private balconies overlooking the
water. Sadly, there are not enough
pages in the newsletter to convey all
the details that makes these hotels
special. So I have chosen a unique
point for each and I leave the rest up
to you to discover.
either at the bar or on the ledge of
the infinity pool while you watch the
sun set over the water.
The dining options at Velas Hotels
and Resorts are exceptional, and La
Ribera Restaurant at Velas Vallarta is
no exception. The outdoor, oceanfront
restaurant offers breathtaking views
of the water and the beautiful
mountains. Open all day, it is the
perfect place to dine either alone or
with the family.
Brad Beaty
Although more commonly
known for the their “Grand”
Resorts which feature literally
every option under the sun,
create an oasis around an oversize
swimming pool and plush cabanas. I
personally loved the hotel’s resident
peacocks roaming freely on the lawns.
One of the offerings that took me
by surprise was the Teen’s Club at
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. I have
worked and represented many resorts
with fine children’s programs, but
have never been so impressed by a
resort that “gets it” so right with teens.
Having two teenage boys of my own,
I wished so much they had been there
to see this ultra-cool hangout. From
the most up-to-date gaming stations,
private cubby hotels with bucket
seats, billiards, air hockey, foosball,
Apple TV stations for streaming
From the moment I
arrived, I loved Velas
Vallarta! It is a beautiful
beachfront resort built around
magnificent lush gardens and
three wonderful pools, including a
cascading waterfall, all overlooking a
gorgeous beach and the Sierra Madre
mountains. Ideal for families, they
offer a range of suites all at a fabulous
“all inclusive” value! They have a brand
new kids club that looks like lots of
fun! I would love to go back with my
family to this amazing resort!
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an
elegant, world class resort with the
finest service and quality. One of
the top spas in North America and
restaurants of the highest caliber
are part of this “all inclusive” value.
The spa, a destination spa within
the resort, is truly a Zen experience.
It won Virtuoso’s “Best Spa in the
World” award a few years back!
My Mayan Journey treatment left
me feeling pampered, rested and
rejuvenated.
The therapist was
one of the most skilled I have ever
experienced and the treatment had
some lovely rituals woven into the
90 minute journey. Don’t forget to
allow extra time for the guided water
experience which is both invigorating
and relaxing.
Returning Home
to the
St. James’s Hotel & Club
By Sari Freeman
H
ow wonderful to return to the St. James’s Hotel & Club to discover
that I love it just as much, if not more, than I always have! The
more I travel with our wonderful business, the more I appreciate
the intimate, home like experiences of a boutique hotel. Don’t get me
wrong, I enjoy the amazing options of a larger property, but traveling alone, I
feel more comfortable in smaller hotels. When I arrived at the St. James’s
Hotel & Club on Park Place, just
off Piccadilly, I felt that I was
returning home! As you approach
the quiet cul-de-sac, on the left you
find this beautiful red Victorian
building where the doorman awaits
your arrival and greets you by name.
Now that is what I call service!
I stopped for just one night, to meet
with our new General Manager
Anjana Pandya, and re-discover the
hotel after several years. Therefore, I
was on a mission, to experience all I
Winter in London
St. James’s Hotel & Club
could in just 18 hours! I had planned a meeting for dinner in Williams Bar and
Bistro, since Seven Park Place was booked during holiday season. However,
much to my surprise and delight, due to a last minute opening, we were
escorted into Seven Park Place, the elegant and intimate Michelin-starred
restaurant. Headed by Chef William Drabble who has proudly retained his
Michelin Star for 6 years running by taking his classical French culinary
training and infusing it with fresh seasonal British ingredients. Needless to
say this five-course dinner was one of the culinary highlights of my life!
After dinner, John offered to escort me around the hotel for a
quick refresher. The design throughout the entire property is gorgeous!
It is a wonderful combination of traditional and contemporary style, with
magnificent artwork throughout. Each and every room is thoughtfully
decorated with the comfort and care of the guests in mind.
I was so sorry to say goodbye after too short a time but alas, we are all travelers
moving forward to our next adventure and amazing client experiences!
Lake Como and Florence with CastaDiva Resort & Spa and Hotel Brunelleschi
By LinDa LomeLino
R
ecently I had the opportunity to visit our
hotels in Lake Como and Florence with
travel advisors from the New York area. Delta
Airlines, Alitalia provided the air and Rail
Europe took care of train travel throughout Italy.
We started with CastaDiva Resort & Spa on
Lake Como – a beauty with unsurpassed history.
CastaDiva is located down the hill from a gated
entrance ending at the edge of Lake Como.
We stayed in Villa Dorabella with its large,
contemporarily designed rooms with stunning
lake view balconies and gardens. CastaDiva is
filled with the history of one of its original owners,
Giuditta Pasta, a soprano in the 19th century.
The main house, Villa Roccabruna was a social
draw for many of the 19th century music greats.
We had the opportunity to enjoy Lake Como by
boat, departing from the hotel’s own dock. Then
there is the Spa which offers an exclusive one of
a kind experience which prepared us for our next
adventure in Italy.
We embarked on our train from the small rail
station in the charming town of Como (a 15
minute drive from CastaDiva), to Florence. Just
a short 10 minute drive from the rail station and
our first glimpse of the Hotel Brunelleschi was the
historic Pagliazza Tower built in the 6th century
which houses the Pagliazza Suite, the only suite in
the world in a Byzantine Tower.
The Hotel Brunelleschi kept us well fed
throughout our stay! Our group experienced fine
During our walking tour of Florence
in the historic area we realized that the outside
courtyard entrance of the hotel is ideally located
just a few steps from the Duomo, Uffizi,
Ponte Vecchio and the great shopping
streets where our group definitely
contributed to the Italian economy! The
graciousness of the staff left me with the
impression that with all the history, beauty,
and culture of this great city, it is the
service and charm of the staff that stands
out as one of the best reasons to stay at
the Hotel Brunelleschi.
Lobby, CastaDriva
Resort & Spa
dining at Santa Elisabetta in the
Pagliazza Tower with original
cooking creations and wine tasting
from preferred Tuscan cellars;
our morning breakfasts at the
Liberty room and the typical
Tuscan food and wine at
the Osteria della Pagliazzo.
Pagliazza Tower Suite, Hotel Brunelleschi
FPO
Parlamento, Budapest (top center)
Historic Burg Theater with Tram, Vienna (top)
Amalfi Coast (middle)
The Best of Florence (bottom)
Privilege Italia &
Boutique Journeys of Europe
By Joe Decker
T
he new year always brings exciting change and 2016 is no
different. We at Passages of Distinction are proud to announce
the continued growth of our Destination Specialists Division with the
addition of two of the most respected ground operators in the industry,
Privilege Italia and Boutique Journeys.
Boutique Journeys (formerly Mosaic Journeys) presents an exciting new
vision of travel, designed by its passionate and knowledgeable founders,
while delivering the finest in customized travel to Central Europe. Boutique
Journeys has been arranging exclusive and customized travel for the past ten
years, constantly striving to showcase all the developments in the area, while
maintaining and promoting an understanding of its rich history.
“Our primary focus at Boutique Journeys is to provide the highest level of
custom-tailored service – service that leads to unsurpassed experiences of
comfort, style, and the ease of mind that comes with knowing that all the
details are taken care of. Our local knowledge ensures that our programs
will match each traveler’s unique wishes and preferences. Boutique Journeys
services range from privately guided day trips to exclusive access visits to
intricate multi-country journeys. We offer accommodations at exclusive hotels,
boutique hotels, charming family-owned inns, and luxury resorts.”
Privilege Italia, born from over 50 years family travel industry experience.
Growing up in the industry, tourism is in their blood. The concept for Privilege
Italia was born from the desire to not only provide people with the opportunity
to just visit this amazing country, but to give them an unforgettable experience
along the way. Something that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
This sense of immersion is at the heart of everything they do. Not even a
museum trip will be routine. The ultimate objective of Privilege Italia is
to provide their clients with a diverse selection of exclusive and bespoke
experiences that could evocate the most unique and authentic memories that
an Italian voyage cold deliver.
We look forward to showcasing these unique companies and working with you
directly for your clients visiting Italy and Central Europe.
Real Time Reviews
HOTEL SACHER VIENNA - “We have never seen any hotel with such attention to detail as the Sacher.
We have stayed at the luxury hotels throughout the world and never have experienced this kind of service nor
details of fixtures, plates, bedding, etc. Absolutely dazzling.”
- Clients of Ellen and Stuart Markus, Worldview Travel
BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL AND THE DOLDER GRAND - “I just returned from Switzerland this weekend, and wanted to say a big THANK YOU to each of you for making this dream trip a reality.
My husband and I had a fantastic time taking in all of the stunning views of Switzerland, while also enjoying
the delicious food, and the gorgeous spas at the Dolder Grand Resort and Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. It was a blast
being in Switzerland during the heat wave and watching all of the locals jump into the lakes. My husband
even joined in the fun and took a dip in a small lake near St Moritz.”
- Nicole Granacki, Global Adrenaline
THE FULLERTON HOTEL AND FULLERTON BAY HOTEL SINGAPORE - “The rooms
were great, service was excellent, food superb. It’s in a great area and definitely where clients want to be staying. The views are outstanding. Both properties as an option allows for us to appeal to both older and younger
clients. There’s really nothing I can say, even as far a constructive criticism, about the Fullerton properties, so a
great pair of properties for POD to have in their collection.”
- Joshua Smith, Private Travel, TRAVCOA
News & Events
The Collection
ARGENTINA
LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT, Patagonia
LOS CAUQUENES RESORT & SPA, Ushuaia
AUSTRIA
HOTEL SACHER, Salzburg
HOTEL SACHER, Vienna
CARIBBEAN
LE BARTHELEMY HOTEL, St. Barths
THE PALMS ON TURKS & CAICOS
DENMARK
HOTEL D’ANGLETERRE, Copenhagen
ENGLAND
ST. JAMES’S HOTEL & CLUB, London
FLEMINGS MAYFAIR, London
FRANCE
GRAND HOTEL DU PALAIS ROYAL, Paris
HOTEL POWERS, Paris
PLAZA TOUR EIFFEL, Paris
VILLA BELROSE, St. Tropez
GERMANY
ALTHOFF SEEHOTEL, Bavaria
THE DOLDER GRAND KID’S ROOM
Kids are always welcomed at the Dolder Grand. At the Kid’s Room
qualified specialists will keep an eye on children aged 3 to 12 years of
age. Parents will be free to explore downtown Zurich for a few hours
with its many museums, art galleries, historical sites, and wonderful
shops and restaurants.
BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL CELEBRATES 120 YEARS!
The legendary Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz
will be celebrating their 120th anniversary in 2016. To
commemorate this the hotel has created their “120,000
Package” which will be available in both winter and the
summer season in the celebratory year. The package includes
a private jet transfer to/from St. Moritz, either from Zurich
or Milan. Guests will be staying in the beautiful BeauRivage Suites, and will enjoy a 120 minute helicopter
flight over the surrounding areas. Lastly, they will dine on a
12-course gourmet dinner.
FULLERTON HOTEL SINGAPORE’S BUILDING EARNS LANDMARK STATUS
The Fullerton Building has been honored as Singapore’s
71st National Monument. Since 1928, the building as stood
prominently at the Singapore River, watching over the inspiring
transformation of the Lion City. Today, The Fullerton Hotel is
proud to make her mark in the annals of Singapore’s illustrious
past.
FLEMINGS MAYFAIR RECEIVES A NIP & TUCK
The Grand Old Dame of Mayfair is undergoing a small operation,
that will be lasting until the Summer of 2016. During this simple procedure, the 150 year old Flemings
Mayfair will continue to be revitalized, and invigorated. As she has appointed a Michelin starred chef to
oversee a big part of the operation, her restaurant and bar will be closed during this time. She has made
dining options available in her small Drawing Room and of course will still function a 24-hour room
service. Acknowledging how disruptive this might be though, Flemings is offering very special ‘Nip &
Tuck’ rates with up to 25% off.
LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT LAUNCHES MY FOREST LLAO LLAO
On January 8th, 2016, the Llao Llao launched “My Forest Llao Llao” a care and reforestation program
they are developing in an area of their land in collaboration with “Asociación Civil Sembrar”. The proposal
is to offer guests the chance to make their stays more sustainable by donating and if they so wish, planting
a native tree on the hotel grounds. With these actions, the Llao Llao will be helping to recover the
depleting areas of native woodlands while simultaneously promoting the development of environmentally
educated citizens.
ITALY
CASTADIVA RESORT & SPA, Blevio, Lake Como
HOTEL BRUNELLESCHI, Florence
MARINA RIVIERA, Amalfi
SANTA CATERINA HOTEL, Amalfi
THERASIA RESORT SEA & SPA, Sicily
MEXICO
GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA
GRAND VELAS RIVIERA NAYARIT
VELAS VALLARTA, Puerto Vallarta
CASA VELAS, Puerto Vallarta
SINGAPORE
THE FULLERTON HOTEL
THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL
SWITZERLAND
BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL, St. Moritz
THE DOLDER GRAND, Zurich
Distinctive Experiences
BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS OF EUROPE, Europe
DELUXE DRIVERS, France
TRAVEL SCOPE, India
ISRAEL MY WAY, Israel
PRIVILEGE ITALIA, Italy
VIP TOUR GROUP, South America
Email: [email protected]
www.passagesofdistinction.com
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Butler, NJ 07405
Phone: 973.838.0899
1029 Broad Street. 2nd Floor
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Phone: 973.337.6905