Sometimes there are those places that just really captivate you.  VIK CHILE was such a place for me.  Just 2 hours south of Santiago, yet a world unto itself, the vineyard based hotel / work of art is a sanctuary for the senses.  The setting is in a valley surrounded by picturesque hills and a lake at the bottom.  The lake dries up at the end of the summer to a stream, but still is gorgeous. 

When owner Alexander VIK happened upon a vacant estate in the Cachapoal Valley, he immediately set about creating a premier grand cru classe that would be ranked among the world’s elite wines. His holistic approach means that land, climate, water, environment, nature and state-of-the-art technology have been harnessed to grow grapes of the highest quality. The prevailing breeze that cools temperatures in summer gives the wine its freshness.

The cuisine focuses on typical Chilean dishes made with fresh local produce and specially prepared to complement the wine list. The chef will tailor dishes to your individual preference, and one of the most rewarding experiences to have is a typical asado barbecue in the surrounding woods, with panoramic views out across the landscape. For such a small property, far from civilization, the chef produces flavorful local cuisine beautifully presented.  They grow most of their own produce and buy locally for the rest. 

VIK Chile has been recently refurbished to offer 22 unique suites of different sizes, all with breathtaking views towards the distant Andes, and across the estate with its highly photogenic vineyards. Service is very personalized, and guests here not only have the opportunity to taste the incredible wines in the company of a master oenologist, but can inspect the unique wine production process, take horseback rides through the valleys and / or vineyard, hike some of the many routes through and above the estate, take out a mountain bike along one of the specially designed countryside trails, or explore the local region in a 4x4.
 

Upon landing in the capitol city of Rabat, we toured the city and then…LUNCH at Villa Diyafa in the Ambassadors district.  The starter was likely the best b’stila I had all week, it’s a phyllo type pastry called oarka containing onions, eggs, chicken, almond meal and spices.  Light and delish.  And of course our first tagine – still my favorite of the week I think.  It was light, and very fresh fish with flavors of lemon and olives.    I don’t usually do dessert, but this I managed to eat in its entirety.  A light pastry again but this time with a custard. 

The Villa Diyafa itself was a stunning oasis in the heart of the Ambassadors district of Rabat.  Crisp modern design with only 10 suites and a private villa.  The husband and wife owner & operators are Swiss born but have worked together around the globe at some of the finest hotels.  Delightful and passionate about ensuring the perfect stay for each of their guests.

On to Fez and the Riad Fez.  As we walked down a dark street in the old town, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect and through the doors lay a beautiful oasis.  Soup, tagine and great conversation with friends! 

At Villa des Orangers in Marrakech the elegant dining room was dark with touches of African design.  You could also eat outside if preferred.  Jean-Claude Olry’s unique gastronomic menu leaned French with an Arab twist.  Great fresh ingredients and beautifully presented.  Breaking from tagines, I had roasted sea bass filet, artichoke, zucchini and mushroom with a coriander sauce.

One of the best meals of the trip (have I said that already??) was at Ksar Char-Bagh. Chef Antoine Gonzalez blew me away with his expansive garden and creative cuisine.  Everything fresh and fantastic.  I didn’t take good notes on this one.  They do a traditional Berber barbecue at their farm each Saturday.  We were dining in the Library.  If staying at the hotel, you can request to have your dinner in a different room each evening.  The design is captivating and each room lends a very romantic vibe. 

Don’t laugh, but I seriously teared up at one point during this trip.  So very thankful for times like these that I am blessed to experience with treasured friends.  Amazing country with exceptional hotels and food.  Thank you Relais & Chateaux!! 

With the founder of Abercrombie &Kent as your expedition leader, you are sure to experience the best and most of each destination. 

'We don't like groups...'  I hear that a lot.  It is interesting what happens on these jet journeys.  Typically people who say they aren't group people go home with new lifelong friends.  Some are earnest in their desire to stick to travel just as a couple and not as a part of a group.  That is one of the many beautiful things about Abercrombie & Kent - can execute it with precision.  They know how to make each individual's trip an expedition of a lifetime.

A&K Website

• Come aboard our exclusively chartered Boeing 757-200ER jet and stretch out on a first-class seat that extends into a fully lie-flat bed
  
• Embark on a thrilling catamaran sailing adventure in Lana'i, Hawaii - one of the world's top water-sports destinations
• Snorkel and swim the brilliant coral reefs of French Polynesia, during your stay on an island prized for its vanilla
• Learn about Australia's penal-colony history in Tasmania, where you also cruise along scenic island cliffs
• Explore the diversity of Borneo rainforest with an expert naturalist and seek the rare orangutan
• Hike to Bhutan's iconic Tiger's Nest monastery and flight-see Mount Everest by helicopter
• Visit Armenia where you witness a performance of the famous duduk at the Zvartnots temple
• Ride a snowmobile across a glacier in Iceland, and then venture deep into the ice cap via man-made tunnels

The fairy tale like town of Sintra remains the road less traveled to most.  Set between the hills of Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean, the town itself is a quaint village full of tourist shops.  Skip the shops and head to the monuments.  Each of the monuments has extensive grounds and gardens to explore, so wear your best shoes and bring a picnic.  It would be best to go during the week and arrive early if you aren’t going to overnight.  TO get around, you can hire a driver from the train station or you can do the hop-on-hop-off buss.  I find it best to hire a driver from Lisbon for the day.
 
Things to see…………

Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace) Summer 9:30AM - 8PM; Winter 10AM - 6PM. This is one of the sites in Portugal that you should not miss. The Pena Palace is a truly unique building, that looks like it may have been the inspiration for both Gaudí's creations in Barcelona, as well as for Disneyland. It was built in the mid-19th century on the site of a former monastery by the Portuguese king-consort Dom Fernando II as a summer palace for the royal family. In doing so, he combined various architectural styles into something that at first glance most resembles a wedding cake - you either love it or hate it. The park grounds around the palace are equally worth seeing. They are beautifully laid out, with many exotic plants, quaint features and beautiful viewpoints, with a myriad of trails leading through it all.

Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle),  Summer 9:30AM - 8PM; Winter 10AM - 6PM. This castle was built in the 10th century by the Moors to defend the town of Sintra. It was further enlarged after the Christian reconquest in the 12th century. The complex was restored in romantic style by Dom Fernando II.

 Palácio Nacional (National Palace). 9:30AM - 7PM. The former royal palace of Sintra also has its origins in the Moorish period. After the re-conquest, it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, who extended and embellished the building. The current palace still looks very much like it must have looked in the 16th century. Noteworthy (and visible from a long distance) are the two enormous conical chimneys, that have become the hallmark of the town of Sintra.

Monserrate (Park and Palace of Monserrate), 9:30AM - 7PM (park closes 8PM). The Monserrate palace is a beautiful 19th century estate, blending Portuguese, Arabian and Indian architectural styles. The estate was bought in 1856 by Francis Cook, an English textile baron, who altered and extended the original neo-Gothic estate, built in 1789. The surrounding park is a wonderful botanical garden with plant species from all over the world.

Quinta da Regaleira (Regaleira Palace and Gardens), Summer 10AM - 8PM, Winter 10AM - 5:30PM. The origins of this place date back to 1697 but it was only in 1892 that Carvalho Monteiro, an eccentric capitalist that had made a huge fortune in Brazil, bought the property and hired the Italian architect Luigi Manini to conceive a place that gathered, on the one hand, a sum of artistic currents (Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance) and, on the other hand, the glorification of national history influenced by mythic and esoteric traditions. A great variety of Masonic symbols is present in Regaleira Palace and Gardens. An important example is the magnificent "Poço Iniciático" (Initiation Well), looking like an upside down tower, where at every 15 steps a plateau is reached, in a total of nine leading to the depths of the earth.  A system of sub-terrain caves are fun to explore on a hot summer’s day.  

And finally, no visit to Sintra is complete without a warm Queijadas de Sintra ("cheesecakes of Sintra") from Piriquita!  Heaven in a single pastry.

When I heard that Marriott was buying Starwood, my heart sank.  Oh, I know they are both great companies, but I like them better apart. 

People are frequently loyal to a brand for their points, so you might THINK that this expands your point reach.  I’m not so sure. 

SPG is my favorite hotel points program and the SPG Amex is a great card to acquire said points.  I am afraid that Marriott will gobble up all the good that is in the SPG program and replace it with less.  Marriott has said they will study the two programs and come out with a new program that is the best of both. But if you know Marriott they act like a bull in a china closet.  I guess time will tell.

In the meantime, get ready to use your SPG points fast or your could transfer all your SPG points to American Airlines for a 25% bonus!!  (One of my favorite features of the SPG program that I hope will stay around.)

High in the hills above Lake Wanaka (New Zealand) 4 brothers have developed a unique luxury experience!  Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station is the ultimate all-season Heli-Adventure destination.

“Minaret Station is owned and operated by four brothers each with an affinity for the outdoors. They head a friendly and experienced team, passionate about delivering memorable experiences time and time again.

It is a uniquely integrated business dating back to the early 1960’s, when their father, Sir Tim Wallis, first began introducing international guests to New Zealand’s pristine wilderness. It has come a long way since the early beginnings but it remains a humble operation with a commitment to quality and service. More often than not, guests return year after year to partake in the seasonal offerings at Minaret.

As well as being location to the Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Minaret Station is also a working high country farm, home to some 10000 deer, 7000 sheep and 1000 cattle raised for supply to premium export and domestic markets. Nestled on the western shores of Lake Wanaka and accessible only by boat or by helicopter, the 50,000 acre property acts as the heart and staging point of the business.

Helicopters have always been in the blood for the Wallis family. The company first began using helicopters in 1963 when they pioneered their use for backcountry access and heli-skiing. Since then Alpine Helicopters has grown to incorporate a modern fleet with highly trained pilots and at one time was New Zealand’s largest helicopter company.”  

With the fleet of helicopters, each day brings a different mountain experience.  Fly to the coast and catch lobster for dinner, hunt for moose, hike endless vistas, ski and so on….the ultimate adventure destination!

Each on-suite tent is covered in luxurious materials procured on the station.  

One of my top experiences ever!

The most exclusive of intimate country residences deep in the heart of Provence, Chateau de Berne promises warm service, outstanding cuisine, cultural activities and above all a genuine flavor of Provence.  The 500 hectare estate is home to sprawling vineyards, fig & olive groves and you.   Most of the rooms in this boutique country home offer fireplaces and terraces and all have stunning views.  Because of the size of the estate, there are no bad views from anywhere on property.  While the chateau is set high in the hills of Provence, there are several villages close by for dinners out and market days.  Other nearby activities include golf courses, whitewater rafting, mountain bike trails, etc.  The Chateau also offers cooking classes in the (massive) vegetable garden, ATV tours of the grounds, endless hiking possibilities a gorgeous spa or you could just lay by the pool.

It is not uncommon for helicopters to arrive for lunch or dinner at l’Orangerie – the gastronomic restaurant at the chateau.  We enjoyed dinner and each course was perfectly pared with wines from the estate, but they do also offer an extensive wine list for consideration.  In a region that is all about stellar food, l’Orangerie boasts the creations of Jérémy Czaplicki previously of the Park Hyatt Paris.  I guess he preferred the simplicity of country life to that of the city, can’t say I blame him! 

I could see spending 3-5 days at Chateau de Berne.  The peaceful quiet of the resort provides the perfect respite from the noise of our times.  Sincerely one of our favorite experiences in France!