Just Got Back – The Cotswolds

Erica Neher – Travel Consultant

Email / Telephone Number

Erica.neher@altour.com / 516 714 0857

Where did you Just Get Back from?

Cotswolds, UK

When were you there?

October 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience!

The Cotswolds is a hidden gem located in the English Countryside. The picturesque villages are filled with lovely people and exceptional food. Activities like visiting the Wildlife Park or hiring a classic car to drive through the towns will keep you busy throughout your entire stay. The Cotswolds deserves a place in everyone’s bucket list.

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

My first thought upon arrival was “when can I move in?” The old village is incredibly charming, the people are warm and welcoming, it has a rich history and it is a luxury oozes through the walls of the old town homes.

Where did you stay?

Ellenborough Park Hotel, Prestbury UK. Located just outside Cheltenham, this is a boutique hotel set in a 15th century manor house with all of the modern amenities you expect to find in a luxury property.

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

Whether it be a romantic getaway to the countryside or a family reunion, this hotel can accommodate your needs.

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip

The Cotswold Way is a 112 mile trail from Chipping Camden to the steps of the Bath Abbey. It can be explored on foot, horseback or car. Whether it is just one section or the entire trail, it goes through small villages, pubs and beautiful panoramas.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

Spring through Fall is the best time to enjoy the outdoor activities, however a Manor House getaway is a great time to spend the Winter months.

Anything else to add?

Only a short train ride away from Paddington Station, The Cotswolds is a great option for a city escape to add for a trip to London. Staying between 3 and 10 nights would be ideal to take full advantage of what the region has to offer.

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Just Got Back – Mexico City

mexico city

Name

Valerie Fortunel, Housing Coordinator

Email / Telephone Number

Valerie.fortunel@altour.com/310-954-3342

Where did you Just Get Back from?

 Mexico City, Mexico

When were you there? 

April 2017

Where did you stay? 

Hotel NH collection Mexico City Reforma

A stately contemporary hotel offering phenomenal views of Mexico City.  Recently refurbished and great location in the tourist area of the city.

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience! 

Was travelling for a wedding with another couple and was eager to experience the food, culture, and nightlife that the city had to offer. It’s a large city so hard to really make a dent in just a few days but thoroughly enjoyed my stay there!  The city is rich with history like ruins in the center of the city that you can visit, old restaurants and museums in the park. The food is fantastic and can have an amazing dinner in a little whole in the wall spot. Overall loved it and had a great time there!

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Driving into the city it doesn’t visually blow you away so was a little apprehensive at first. But after just a few hours of exploring I realized how much the city had to offer. It was a lot of fun to discover little restaurants, cafes and the people are very nice!

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

I would recommend this hotel to couples, adults travelling with friends, and those travelling for business.

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip.

One of the most popular day trips from Mexico City is the Teotihuacan pyramids. It’s really pretty and impressive to see. Our favorite part though is that just a few minutes’ drive away from the pyramids is a restaurant called, La Gruta, where you dine in a cave. The food is top notch and service is great.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

I thought spring was a great time to go, wasn’t too hot or too cold and was sunny the whole time. I think it could be great year-around though.

Anything else to add?

Very little English spoken so even knowing a little Spanish will go a long way!

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Just Got Back – Cancun

                                                                 Belmond Maroma

Judith Davison – Independent Contractor – Specialty high end FIT adventure travel.

Email / Telephone Number

Judi.davison@altour.com / 212-706-0748

Where did you Just Get Back from?

Cancun

When were you there?

February 2017

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience!

The hotel is hidden away in the edge of the jungle, which makes for a dramatic arrival. The 63-room hotel has incredibly fresh Mexican cuisine, crystal clear beaches and a spa to complete a perfect recipe for a long getaway!

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Upon entering the gates and driving through jungle an immediate feeling of tranquility rained over us.

Where did you stay?

Belmond Maroma

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

The newly renovated suites and junior suites are perfectly done and are great for families with children. This is a great retreat for any client of any age who just wants a few days of warm sunshine and Mexican hospitality!

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

If you live on the East Coast it is such an easy and quick escape from winter in New York! The transition from the city to the Belmond is seamless thanks to the quick flight and complimentary transfers. In the blink of an eye you will find yourself on the beach enjoying the sunshine.

Anything else to add?

The three pools on property disperse the crowds and the secluded adult pool is meant for total relaxation or swimming laps in the mostly empty pool.

The spa offers a great variety of treatments including a tasteful couples chocolate massage.

Our ocean front room had not been renovated, however it was in pristine condition. Lying in the hammock on the patio watching the sunset was one of the serene moments of the trip. I did a site inspection and saw the renovated accommodations – they were beautiful, modern, and still had the Mexican flavor and all the amenities of a 5 star property.

The hotel offers snorkel tours out to the reef, which is incredibly lively thanks to the variety of fish and fauna.

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Just Got Back – Seattle

Name

Andrea Welker – Entertainment Travel Specialist, Office of Karin Lacy

Email / Telephone Number

 andrea.welker@altour.com / 661-347-1168

Where did you Just Get Back from?

 Seattle

When were you there? 

March 2017

Where did you stay?

The Four Seasons

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience! 

As a girl from the Midwest, currently soaking up the SoCal lifestyle, I was eager to experience the “Emerald City.” We took advantage of Seattle’s walkable distances to explore not only it’s urban attractions, but also the natural beauty surrounding the city.  

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Upon arrival, we were greeted by an incredible view of a snowcapped Mt. Rainer. It’s imposing size on the city’s skyline left us wide eyed and filled with excitement to begin exploring Seattle.

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

The Hotel offers a quiet and soothing atmosphere perfect for couples and families with older children.  

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip.

After taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island, we sat on the edge of the water, listening to the water wash up on the side of the nearby boats. The mountains on the other side reflected on the surface of the water making it look as though there were two skies, one laying on top of another. The serenity of the place was almost palpable.

 What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

 Summer

Anything else to add?

 Eating breakfast at the Biscuit Bitch was one of the highlights of our trip. Get there early or get ready to wait in line at this great local spot.

Source Link:  Just Got Back – Seattle

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Just Got Back – Japan

Erica Neher – Leisure Travel Consultant
Email / Telephone Number

Erica.neher@altour.com / 516 714 0857

Where did you Just Get Back from?

Japan

When were you there?
 
March 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience! 

The Japanese culture and rich history live on in perfect harmony with the modern, clean and efficient cities.

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Though the flight is long, once I stepped out of the plane a feeling of euphoria rushed through my veins. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I was ready to hit the ground running and explore this wonderful country.

Where did you stay?

Park Hotel – Tokyo – 1 night
Mandarin Oriental – Tokyo – 4 nights
Ritz-Carlton – Kyoto – 3 nights

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel? 

Park Hotel Tokyo – The centric hotel is great for business and leisure travelers looking for a clean and reasonably priced hotel. The Tokyo Fish Market, one of the busiest markets in the world is just a mere 5 minute drive away.
Mandarin Oriental – Located in the posh shopping district of Ginza, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the best hotels in Tokyo. Its proximity to subway stations is perfect for travelers looking to wander around the city.
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – A perfect mix between the Western and Japanese worlds, the Ritz is located on the banks of the Kamo River. Families, couples and business travelers looking to immerse themselves into the deep Japanese culture will enjoy this beautiful hotel.

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip:

The Tsukiji Fish Market is not to be missed when in Tokyo. The largest tuna fish auction in the world is well worth the early morning call of 3 am.
Geishas roam the crooked streets of the Gion District lined with Ryokans, traditional Japanese guest houses. Kyoto’s shrines, temples and gardens all contribute to its cultural charm and are not to be missed. A hole in the wall ramen place always hits the spot after a long day of sightseeing. Miyoshi is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious sample of the local cuisine.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

Early March through June are the best times to visit Japan. The incredible Cherry Blossom is one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Though it gets quite busy during “Sakura,” you might be able to miss the crowds by going in early spring and might even catch a Sumo match.

Anything else to add?

If exploring Asia is on your list, Japan is the perfect place to start. While some Asian cities can be intimidating for first timers, Tokyo and Kyoto are fairly easy to navigate. The people were helpful and warm and the cultural sights really captivate you to learn more.

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Strategic Meetings Management in simple terms is program that will help your company organize various Business meetings and events. Strategic meetings comprise of many minute details that are being overlooked by us. We, The Altour will help you take care of that minute details and other unimportant tasks so that you can accomplish your meeting successfully.

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Just Got Back: Hong Kong

 

Jenny Cook, Director Legal Travel Division (Corporate, Law Market) and Stefanie Behrens, Director of VIP Services, West Coast

Where did you Just Get Back from? Hong Kong

When were you in Hong Kong? April 2016

“Hong Kong is an exciting, vibrant, clean and easy to navigate busy city with breathtaking views! Hiking trails and islands add more to the destination than just being a stopover or shopping location. We were there to explore and to experience, and that we did!”

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: We were met by the Manager of Airport services for Ritz Carlton. Joe Ku has been with Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong for 25 years. Although we arrived at 6:00am after a 15 hour flight, we had opted to take the Airport Express to the hotel. Joe facilitated the process and even carried our luggage on board. The kindness and warm welcome will never be forgotten. Travel tip for Hong Kong: Make use of the Airport Express and the subways. They are clean, easy to use and all directions are in English!

Where did you stay? Ritz Carlton, Kowloon (incredible views from the top of the 118th floor); The Langham Hong Kong (central location with easy subway access- affordable luxury); Four Seasons (Contemporary luxury, beautiful spa, amazing unobstructed views, Four Seasons service)

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel? Hong Kong has an abundance of hotel opportunities for everyone. Part of our exploration was spent taking the time to see the location, layout and uniqueness of a variety of properties. Hotels to be noted in addition to where we stayed- The Peninsula Hong Kong (Kowloon Island), The Mandarin Oriental (Hong Kong), Landmark (Hong Kong) and the Upper House (Hong Kong).

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip: Spring Deer Restaurant for authentic Peking Duck. The Big Buddha — Lantau Island for adventure to include 30 minute tram ride, plus 250 steps to the largest seated Bronze Buddha in the World. High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel. Sunset & drinks at the Upper House.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? October — March, summer time is hot and humid. The good news is that many buildings are accessed through air-conditioned underground complexes.

If you’re interested in traveling to Hong Kong contact Jenny.Cook@ALTOUR.com & Stefanie.Behrens@ALTOUR.com and they’ll put together your perfect adventure.

 

 

 Source Link: Just Got Back: Hong Kong

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Just Got Back: Mexico

Mark Dorenfast, Corporate/Leisure Travel

Where did you Just Get Back from? Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

When were you in Cabo? April 2016

“This was my first time to Cabo and my expectations were quite varied. It was a pleasant surprise to discover how easy it was to drive myself around and how everything is mostly located off one main road. Each hotel is an oasis escape from the surrounding desert and mountains.”

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived: After picking up the rental car at the airport and starting the drive towards the beach, I thought, “Oh God, why am I here?” As soon as I drove into the tunnel to Pedregal though, it all clicked and I was instantly in love.  It was like being greeted by close friends welcoming me to their home.

Where did you stay?
I stayed at the Resort at Pedregal, El Ganzo in San Jose Del Cabo, and One & Only Palmilla.

With whom would you recommend staying at these hotels? Each hotel had a different feel; Pedregal is great for couples, but they also have large villas for big families. El Ganzo has a younger, hipster vibe with really cool artwork and complimentary bikes to ride into town, which is great for people in their 20s-30s. Palmilla is romantic for couples and honeymooners, but has large enough grounds to keep any member of the whole family occupied.

Tempt us- Name the most special place you discovered on this trip: The spa at Pedregal was perfection. They offer a beverage upon arrival that changes with the lunar cycle, allow you to select from among five aromatherapy scents, and every treatment begins with a five minute foot massage using herbs and spices.  It was so comfortable, I could have spent hours here.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion? Whale watching season is considered the best time to visit, November through March. The weather in April was gorgeous.

Anything else to add? 

On this trip, I was able to visit a number of other properties, each beautiful and unique.

Esperanza has an amazing new room product, like entering a luxe magazine.
Las Ventanas has outrageously large beachfront villas and some rooms offer the opportunity to sleep outside, under the stars.

The Cape is very trendy and feels like West Hollywood in Mexico. The whole hotel has great ocean views of the famous Arch.

Mar Adentro opens in October and is one to watch. It was one of the most stunningly modern places I have ever seen.

If you’re interested in traveling to Cabo San Lucas contact Mark at Mark.Dorenfast@altour.com or 310-571-6077.

Source Link: Altour American Express
            

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