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

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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!

 

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Without meaning to wish the year away, my attentions have turned to celebrating New Year in Berlin. 

The cosmopolitan and exciting German capital has it all - world-class art, architecture, attractions and nightlife. Combining the big city vibe with acres of parkland and meandering walkways. Berlin has been spectacularly reinvented and revived and is a destination which can be as relaxed or wild as you like!

   

Berlin is also "the place" to celebrate New Year. The laser, light show and spectacular fireworks at Brandenburg Gate is a sight to behold. Some of the top hotels host the finest New Year's Eve balls with commanding views across the city to ensure you benefit from seeing the night sky lit up in all its splendour. Alternatively, we will book you a restaurant with a wonderful view to make it a celebratory night to remember. There are a plethora of excellent restaurants to suit your tastes, including the fabulous two Michelin starred Fischers Fritz for the full gourmet experience, and we will book a superb four-star hotel in a central location making this a memorable start to your city break.

There are plenty of things to see in Berlin. For modern architecture, visit the imposing steel and glass dome of the Reichstag, designed by Norman Foster. On a historical note, you can also trace the Berlin Wall route, marked by yellow footprints tracing its route through the city and consider those risking everything to escape Communist East Germany. The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie small museum details photographs of escape tunnels, improvised balloons and tells the story of this once divided city.

During your stay, we suggest you take a half day trip to the nearby city of Potsdam. Spend time exploring this beautiful city with the Sanssouci palace - the former summer residence of King Frederick the Great and the vast landscaped park with a replica Dutch windmill, Chinese tea pavilion and Italian Romanesque villa which are just some of the many interesting sights here.

    

There's shopping abound - from funky boutiques, expensive designer stores, and undiscovered trends, often at more reasonable price tags than other European cities. Be sure you visit KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens, translated as Department store of the West), Berlin's largest department store and on the sixth floor showcases 400 different kinds of bread, 2,400 wines, 1,300 cheeses and 1,200 types of wurst (sausage)! Take time to savour some oysters and champagne in the bar afterwards!

For further details about visiting this fabulous city, get in touch with me today by phone or e-mail catherine@grand-tourist.com

 

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Just an hour’s drive from the cultural city of Florence there’s a magical world of rolling green hills, hill top towns and historic castles. This is the Valley of the River Arno, green and verdant, charming and authentic.

   

Here in the Tuscan hills Grand Tourist is delighted to offer short walking holidays (with walks in the Casentino National Park) and our signature trip ‘Learn Italian in Style’ (a one week language course designed to improve your Italian). 

Staying in a comfortable family-run country house hotel is the perfect way to experience the ‘real’ Italy.  Delicious food, friendly staff and incredible views – this really is a magical destination.

     

Nearby you can find fascinating Arezzo – with its incredible piazzas and palaces. On the doorstep there are characterful villages, weekly fruit & vegetable markets and small vineyards.

Magical Tuscany awaits you!

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After enjoying a delicious plate of oysters for lunch (we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at our local gastro-pub today!) I started to think about the Galway Oyster Festival....

Oysters have been hailed as a precious gourmet delight by food lovers throughout the centuries, beginning with the Roman emperors who paid for them by their weight in gold. The Greeks served them with wine and the Romans were so enthusiastic about these marvellous molluscs that they sent thousands of slaves to the shores of the English Channel to gather them.  Kick back on the west coast of Ireland at the Galway International Oyster Festival (23rd - 25th September 2011).  The festival began in 1954 and was recently described by the Sunday Times as "one of the greatest shows on earth".  Sip on champagne and enjoy fresh oysters as traditional Irish musicians, a colourful parade and "champion oyster openers" keep you entertained! 

   

Enjoy award-winning cuisine and some of the warmest hospitality in Galway (the City of Tribes) with Grand Tourist.  We will arrange private transfers and overnight accommodation in a luxurious and atmospheric hotel, and can arrange outstanding spa treatments, or even a round of golf - providing you with the perfect short break in this delightful part of the world.

Travel in style and fly into Galway from the airport of your choice on a luxury private jet.  A relaxed and convenient airport experience, polite and courteous pilots and complimentary refreshments on board - the finest experience in luxury travel awaits you.   Contact info@grand-tourist.com for your personalised trip.

 

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Just about to watch the Spanish Grand Prix and then its time to pack the bags and head out to Monaco for probably the most exiciting and cerrtainly the most glamourous of the European Grand Prix.

Staying right in the heart of Monaco at The Fairmont Hotel, helicopter transfers in & out of the principality, fantastic balcony viewing of the famous Monaco hair pin - what better way to spend next weekend!!

www.grand-tourist.com

 

 

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The birds are singing in the trees, the blossom is out and Spring is here!

Just six weeks to the Monaco Grand Prix - which promises to be a great race.  Enjoy the  atmosphere and the excitement from our private balcony - www.grand-tourist.com and www.cheshireclassiccars.co.uk will be hosting an afternoon of fun over-looking the Monaco hair pin!

 

The brand new and exciting Formula One season continues this weekend with the Malaysian Grand Prix - very exciting!!

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your luxury Monaco Grand Prix package with Grand Tourist.

We now have our own dedicated Monaco site with all things Grand Prix and Monaco. Please visit it at www.luxury-monaco-grand-prix.com

Our luxury Monaco packages include helicopter transfers to/from Nice,  fantastic accommodation at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, super yacht access for arrival day party, champagne reception, grand prix viewinig from our private balcony..................

Don't delay and contact us today to create your dream Monaco Grand Prix luxury package on +44 (0) 1829 751038 or email janet@grand-tourist.com for a quotation and a tailor-made programme

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I'm thinking of heading off to Milan for a little bit of retail therapy. It's almost impossible to buy Prada Red Label if you don't live in London. So I'm thinking I'll go straight to the source and have a couple of days in Milano for the whole purpose of stocking up on every day Prada stuff and maybe treat myself to a little piece or two of Etro - maybe one of their lovely funky skirts.

When you spend your days designing luxury holidays it's important to look after yourself and more importantly to have fun. 

 

Monaco is the perfect destination for jet-setting with Grand Tourist this spring.  With the most exciting Formula One racing in years, this year's event is a 'must' for any racing fanatic!  The exclusive and stylish event takes place May 27th - 30th

Ladies - if you're heading out to the Monaco Grand Prix with a true F1 enthusiast, allow your speed-hungry partner to become completely absorbed with the race as you escape the noise and unwind at the Fairmont Hotel's Willow Stream Spa.  Located in one of Monaco's finest hotels, this award winning spa is the perfect place to slip away for utter indulgence!

Located in one of the world's most fabulous places and with its Mediterranean inspired surroundings, the Willow Stream Spa is a wonderfully unique.  Open until 9pm, the spa offers a hammam and eight private treatment rooms with steam showers and tubs.  We suggest unwinding in your own private retreat by experiencing an exfoliating salt scrub followed by a lavender and ylang ylang  whirlpool bath - heaven!  You can even experience a manicure and pedicure while watching the race!

The first-class spa offers an array of luxurious treatments, including their "Elements" ritual which involves a medicinal Moor mud wrap (earth), rejuvenating mineral bath (water), aromatherapy (air) and incredible warm massage (fire).  The "Monaco Power of the Sea" treatment includes a detoxifying sea algae body wrap, sea salt bath, luxurious facial and head massage.

The superb Fairmont Hotel pool is located on the roof terrace of the hotel, with amazing views of both the Mediterranean and of the race track (the hotel literally sits on the famous hair-pin bend!).  This is the perfect spot for basking in the Riviera sun, while sipping on a glass of chilled Champagne.

 For your perfect Monaco Grand Prix luxury package, please call +44 (0)1829 751038 or email info@grand-tourist.com

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