My Blog

New York is full of exciting and quirky neighbourhoods, and SoHo certainly fits both of those descriptions.  A true example of urban gentrification, SoHo delights visitors with fascinating shops, excellent restaurants, interesting architecture, and art galleries.  (In case you were wondering, the name SoHo is an acronym for "SOuth of HOuston Street").

Yesterday I was introduced to a very nice chap from the Trump Soho Hotel.  This is New York City's premier boutique hotel.  

   

Rising over Spring Street, this impressive 46-story SoHo hotel has floor to ceiling windows in its deluxe room and suites, boasting incredible views of the city and of the Hudson River. Relax with your Kindle and "kawfee" in The Library, and enjoy cocktails at Bar d'Eau, with its fabulous landscaped pool deck and boules court.  The spa at Trump SoHo has indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms, a salon and first class gym.  I was told it also features New York's only private hammam (Turkish bath).  The Trump SoHo is a dramatic yet elegant 5 star hotel - perfect for romantic breaks, fun-filled trips with friends and for family holidays (the hotel will turn kids into Donald Trump's 'little apprentices' by providing them with their very own business cards!)

 Why not enjoy New York City with Grand Tourist.

New York will keep you captivated as you explore skyscraper-studded Manhattan, experience first class world cuisine, and of course - investigate those all important shops!  My suggestions would be to:

- book a table at the Antique Garage Restaurant.  This unpretentious celebrity hangout offers delicious Mediterranean mezes and live jazz performances.

- explore the shops of Madison Avenue.  Ralph Lauren, D&G, Louboutin, DKNY, Barneys and more!

- visit the Guggenheim Museum.  When it comes to modern art, the Guggenheim has it all.

- treat yourself and pop into Mariebelle.  This famous chocolatier is just a couple of blocks from the Trump SoHo Hotel!

   

The Trump SoHo really is an amazing hotel to stay in as part of your tailor-made New York City experience. Contact naomi@grand-tourist.com for more information

Read More...

It's been a busy start to the year for Grand Tourist - trips to organise, clients to call. So far we've already confirmed several trips to Monaco Grand Prix, A birthday celebration in New York and a super luxury touring holiday in Europe.

My favourite request so far though has been a gentleman, with limited sight, wanting to stay by the sea - as close to the sea as possible. So that he can enjoy the noise of the waves, the sounds of the sea and the smell of the sea in the air. We have him staying in an amazing old fortress (now a comfortable hotel) on France's West Coast over-looking the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

We've also got a massive family trip to organise around the Western half of the USA by RV, it's looking like a 40 footer will be required - and believe it or not you don't even need a special licence (a regular driving licence will do)! So whatever your dream Grand Tourist can deliver it for you. Don't delay call us today! www.grand-tourist.com 01829-751038

Read More...

The Grand Tourist team recently jetted off to Cork and headed to Kinsale to enjoy a meal at the “Fishy Fishy Café” and it certainly lived up to our (already high) expectations! Kinsale in County Cork is an acclaimed gastro-hub of Ireland.

 

The fisherman we met on the quayside was a wonderful character and we spotted the harbour’s resident seal and learned he’s known as the “gourmet seal” only taking the finest pickings from the returning fishermen – rejecting pollock for monkfish!

Martin – the owner and chef at "Fishy Fishy Café" was fascinating and talked about the rich variety of seafood chowders and his simple yet wonderful approach to cooking working with the finest, freshest fish. Everything is prepared to order and served fantastically quickly… and the proof was in the tasting, which was quite delicious.

Needless to say "Fishy Fishy Café" is firmly established on the map as one of the best fish restaurants in Europe. When it comes to cooking fish, Martin's mantra is “no skin, no bones, no fear” and he has built up a brilliant reputation as a restauranteur in the esteemed Kinsale's Good Food Circle. He's also reached a wider audience especially with published cookery books and recent TV series.

The restaurant and food was even better than I’d remembered from my previous visit (Summer '97) when I devoured an incredible seafood platter under the parasol looking out across the harbour – yet another seriously fantastic and memorable meal!

Please contact catherine@grand-tourist.com for further information – for foodie fun in Ireland and beyond.

Read More...

Join Grand Tourist at the Historic Monaco Grand Prix in May 2012.

Fantastic classic cars, fabulous dining and stunning scenery. This is the Cote d'Azur and the principality of Monaco in particular.

 

Join Grand Tourist in Monaco for the Historic Grand Prix.

Read More...

With the Indian Grand Prix this weekend and then the excitement of Abu Dhabi and Brazil coming up we have an exhilerating set of weekends to look forward to. The end of the GP season is imminent and people have started to think about Monaco next year.

Grand Tourist are delighted to be offering luxury programmes at both The Fairmont Hotel and The Metropole Hotel in 2012. So for luxury, incredible race viewing and a truly tailor made Monaco experience don't delay - contact us for more details. www.grand-tourist.com

View our dedicated mini-site at www.luxury-monaco-grand-prix.com

 

 

Read More...

It's 24 degrees in Tuscany at the moment so it's not too late to catch some sunshine (and enjoy a spot of designer shopping) in the incredible city of Florence. 

This is a wonderful city of art and culture - and home to the recently opened Gucci Museum.  The museum displays a fabulous collection of clothing, accessories, glamorous gowns and rare home and lifestyle items - and a travel themed room displaying luggage pays tribute to Gucci's job as a porter at London's Savoy Hotel in the late 19th century.  There's even a Gucci customized Cadillac! 

A celebration of yet another iconic Italian designer can be found just a short walk from the Gucci Museum.  The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum holds an impressive collection of photographs, drawings, footwear and wooden casts of various famous feet.

        
Grand Tourist can create the perfect short break for you this autumn - combining stylish accommodation, museum visits and shopping opportunities in the city of Florence and its surrounding desginer outlets.  Go on - treat yourself!  We would love to hear from you!

info@grand-tourist.com

 

 

Read More...

It is just a year since the refurbishment of London's Savoy Hotel - and I have to say it is smarter, grander and better than ever.

 There is even a Boodles Jewellery shop in the lobby.

For a little bit of luxury you can't get better than Boodles and The Savoy - I'm taking my daughter down to see the Musical 'Legally Blonde' as soon as she has a few days free.

For a few days of fun in London contact Grand Tourist for a luxurious pampering experience in the heart of our capital!

 Don't forget if it is luxury travel you are after then don't look further than Grand Tourist - www.grand-tourist.com

 

Read More...

A magical private peninsula in the South of France awaits you. Private, secluded and just two hours from the UK.

Here on the Cote d'Azur the sun is still shining - yesterday the temperature was 26 degrees. At Cap Estel you enter a world of peace and tranquility, fabulous views of the Mediterranean Sea and extensive gardens. Just 25 minutes from Nice Airport.

Grand Tourist would like to suggest a two night stay at Cap Estel in a deluxe double room, air travel to/from the UK, private car transfers to the hotel. Prices are from  £ 995 per person, based on two people sharing.

 Why not push the boat out and go for a Junior Suite, spacious, luxurious and with private terrace! We can even charter a jet for you. Contact janet@grand-tourist.com or holly@grand-tourist.com or phone the office: 01829 751038

We'd be happy to set up a wonderful trip to the Cote d'Azur just for you!

 

Read More...

It's Autumn now - the leaves are golden and the sky is blue - a perfect day for a walk across the fields or for truffle hunting in Tuscany! Thinking ahead you might like to join us on one of  our 'signature trip' Learn Italian in Tuscany courses which will run next year as follows:

23rd-30th June AND 15th-22nd September, 2012

   

If learning a language is not your thing how about a trip to the Monaco Historic Grand Prix - a must for classic car enthusiasts. To discuss your perfect trip to the Monaco Historic Grand Prix next May phone or e mail us now - Janet, Holly, Naomi and Catherine at info@grand-tourist.com

We'd love to welcome you in Monaco or Tuscany in 2012!

   

 

www.grand-tourist.com

 

Read More...

The Grand Tourist girls have had a great idea - we've hired a luxury coach and on Thursday, 20th October we are heading down to Bicester for a day of designer shopping.

From the moment we get on the coach it is going to be a fun day out - coffee & tea, breakfast pastries and bacon paninis will be served by the lovely Victoria - there's even champagne for the hardened party goers!

What's more this isn't any old coach - there are comfortable tables and chairs at the front - whilst at the back there is a lounge area with leather sofas and even a flat screen tv.

We'll be down in Bicester by late morning giving you a full afternoon to shop in the amazing designer outlet stores including Gucci, Anya Hindmarsh, Tods, Hugo Boss and many more! Did you know that Japanese ladies fly over to England especially to grab a few bargains at Bicester!

We'll leave for home about 6 o'clock in the evening. Then the fun really starts, delicious refreshments and champagne will be served - what a great way to pass the journey!

If you'd like to join us on this great day out e-mail naomi@grand-tourist.com

or holly@grand-tourist.com or phone 01829 751038 to reserve your place.

The cost is £149 per person including breakfast, supper & even a glass or two of champagne!

 We'd love to have you on board for our great 'day out' at the Designer Outlets!

Read More...