View of Victoria Falls- Zimbabwean Side

What a thrill to buzz the Falls!!

Heading off to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe

I will update my blog everyday I can get Internet. Http://catherinewhitworth.wordpress.com

Highlights of the Starwood Luxury Showcase- Al Maha

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa in the desert outside of Dubai. A member of Starwood Luxury Collection, this resort is quite intriguing. Offering over the top desert tented experience, the Al Maha is in a category by itself. Activities include camel trekking, falconry, dune driving, archery, and wildlife exploration excursions.

Table Decorations at the Starwood Luxury Showcase

Club Lounge at the Westin Riverside Chicago

In Chicago for the Fabulous Starwood Luxury Showcase

My goodness, I had always heard that Chicago was cold, but standing out waiting for the car made me a believer. This city is FRIGID!

I am thrilled to be here to meet folks from Starwood hotels all over the world.

Starwood hotels are Westins, W’s, Sheratons, Luxury Collection, and the ever incredible St Regis properties.

I am here to learn about the new resorts, and meet personnel from these hotels.

It is those personal connections that make my clients have an extra special experience.

I am always so surprised when I write a note to a hotel about a client’s arrival. Inevadibly, I get a response immediately from the General Manager or someone in management within the hotel. They really make an effort and it shows. Looking forward to seeing what properties are here!

Thrilled to have a write up in Virtuoso Life! 25 Must see destinations: Tanzania

View from my table at the Westin Palace Madrid

Having Andalusian Gazpacho, and Filet of Sole. Love this hotel and crazy about Madrid!!

This is the result! Cocktail Party for PURE at the Sofitel Imperial Palace- Marrakech

Spectacular party.

Cocktail Party for PURE-Sofitel Imperial Palace, Marrakech

Cocktail party given by Sofitel Imperial Palace for PURE- Marrekech

Breakfast Sofitel Imperial Hotel Marrakech

I don’t know what the meeting is about, but good food will result!

Marrakech

Villa Des Orangers-Marrakech Morocco

PURE Conference in Marrakech, Morocco

One of the most coveted conferences to attend is the PURE conference in Marrakech. The conference committee scours the world for the best of the best and it shows. All of the suppliers are top notch. Perfect for learning about new destinations, hotels, camps, destination management companies, and most importantly new experiences. PURE is about experiential travel. I am privileged to be going and I hope to share my experience with my clients and friends. They are the ones that will benefit as much as I will.

Stunning new hotel in Ireland, Ballyfin- picture courtesy of Ballyfin Ireland

Organic Pumpkin Soup-yummmmm…

Thai Chef’s Table- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok executive Thai Chef Vichit Mukura

Pomelo Salad

Sticky Rice with Mango

Walkway Siam Bangkok

Screening room, Siam Bangkok

Note the “film” border on the floor and the collage of old theatre tickets on the sides of the screen.

Traditional side of the Siam Bangkok

Personal Plunge pool, Siam Hotel Bangkok

The Siam! Brand new luxurious hotel in Bangkok. Wow!!!

Walking to the Spa- Yao Noi

Beach overlooking Phang Nga Bay- Yao Noi

Fruit and cold cuts portion of the breakfast buffet- Yao Noi

Part of the breakfast buffet- a gazillion jelly choices, all homemade! Yao Noi

View of Phang Nga Bay from the Hilltop Bar- Six Senses Yao Noi

Mesmerizing!!!!

Ocean View Villa with pool- Six Senses Yao Noi , Phang Nga Bay

Sunrise view from our villa – Six Senses Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay Thailand

Six Senses Yao Noi- it’s about the view!!

Cruising the Islands near Krabi Thailand

Cruising the islands near Krabi Thailand

Entering a secret lagoon- Krabi Thailand

Khun Annie

Best Butler I have ever encountered – taking notes on our daily needs. Number 1!

Recipe from the Thai restaurant Ritz Phulay Bay – Krabi Thailand

The best Thai Soup -Chicken in Coconut milk, I have ever tasted.

Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay – Krabi Thailand

Ritz Carlton Reserve Phulay Bay- Krabi Thailand

A little slice of heaven, I think this is one of the most beautiful hotels and settings I have ever experienced.  It was filmed in the movie Hangover 2 as the destination for the “wedding”.  Service is far beyond anything I have encountered, and Asian service is legendary!
Our butler is Kun Annie( Kun is a reference of respect), and I would REALLY  like to take her home. She sees after our every wish, from laundry to boat tours of the islands, arranging transfers to our next destination, trips into the village,  and as insignificant as how to to how to operate the TV.  She appears at  our poolside sala with pen in hand to take notes for our latest wishes. Oh my gosh. 
The resort has three restaurants, a Thai, an International, and a Seafood restaurant. 
We dined in the Thai restaurant last night, and the Chicken soup in Coconut milk was the best I have ever tasted. Tonight will be the Seafood restaurant.  
One other observation: the music at the pool is outstanding sort of Buddha Bar- Cafe Costes compilations. Recipes are coming from Phulay Bay’s French chef and I will post them soon.

Stunning resort! Ritz Carlton Reserve Phulay Bay – Krabi Thailand

Bagan Myanmar

Inside a Temple – Bagan Myanmar

Bagan Myanmar- land of 2000 pagodas

Road to Mandalay- heavenly cruise on the Irrawaddy River in Burma

Governors suite -Road to Mandalay

Governor’s Suite – Road to Mandalay

Feeding Koi at the Aureum Hotel, Bagan

Burmese Monks lining up for their first meal of the day

Burmese Monasteries and Monks

Monasteries and Monks have a tremendous influence in the predominately Buddhist country of Burma.   We were privileged to visit the Mahagandahyon Monastery in Mandalay- one of the most important and holy monasteries in Burma.   It houses 1000 monks from age 12- 90. 
Every Burmese man must become a monk for at least one week; there are 500,000 monks in Burma. Highly revered, they take their vows seriously and spend most of their time studying and living Buddhism. Buddhist Monks only eat twice a day at around 8AM and again at 11AM and that is the last meal of the day for them. 

Novice Monks- Mandalay

Young Nuns – Mandalay

Buddhist Monk – Mandalay

Close up of the carving on the Golden Palace- Mandalay

The Golden Palace-Mandalay

Seen 10 years ago at a hidden Pagoda complex Shwe Inn Dein- Inle Lake

Sadly, gone today.

Hidden Pagoda Complex found 10 years ago on Inle Lake Myanmar

When we were in Burma 10 years ago, we were taken to a newly opened ancient pagoda and temple complex called Shwe Inn Dein. We went by boat and we had to jump dikes to get there. It was uphill and In a remote part of Inle lake. 
The complex was completely empty, overgrown with jungle and absolutely spectacular. 
The tin covered walkway, about a half mile long, led to a central temple and there were 1059 pagodas around it. Nothing was “restored” and it was beautiful.  The picture of the Buddha heads was taken 10 years ago and sadly, they were gone. We were delighted that we found it again. Now a small village has grown up around it and we hardly recognized the entrance. 

Parking for Five tribe market day- Inle Lake

Five tribe market day- Inle Lake Burma

Shwe Inn Dein Temple complex – Inle Lake Burma

1100 pagodas recently opened by the government.

Inle Lake Burma

Fisherman on Inle Lake

Rice fields in Burma

Hidden Stupa, Burma

Inle Princess Hotel, Inle Lake Burma

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok- like coming home

It’s the little things: being welcomed with jasmine bracelets
Orchids all over the room 
The elevator attendant that punches your floor without being told.
Being called by name by everyone. 
Ice, our maitre’d at breakfast,  who always has a plate of mangosteens and fresh sliced  mangos at my place.
Eating breakfast on the river- watching the ever vibrant boat traffic.
600 count sheets
Local fruit placed in our room everyday.
The hall butler who runs to unlock our door before I can fumble for my key
The white chocolate elephant with candies and personally signed welcome notes.
The pool beverages constantly being refilled without being asked
Smiles on every employee 
The night note on our pillow with an orchid
Bright lights in the bathroom 
Unlimited refreshing bath salts

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Pool

Welcome note from the Mandarin Oriental

White chocolate elephant- yum!!!

One of 8 buffet tables at the Mandarin Oriental breakfast

New Sky Club – ATL International Terminal

Big, bright and it has showers! There is also a Varsity right outside the door- yay!

My visit to Vicente’s

One of my favorite summer trips is a visit to one of my oldest friends, and longest running clients, Vicente Wolf. His house in Montauk looks like it is right out of a magazine, and it is! It has been been published many times.
Vicente is one of the top designers in the world.  A genius with spatial design, he holds licences in accessory , fabric , lamp , flatwear, crystal , and furniture design.  ! He is also a well established photographer, and has published three books incorporating travel with design.
He travels during the year on an extensive round the world exploration, photographing the destinations he is visiting. He is also busy buying for his shop, VW Home and for personal clients.
Many of these destinations are highlighted in his books: Learning to See, Crossing Boundaries, and Lifting the Curtain on Design. He is endlessly fascinated with tribal cultures, local handicrafts, tribal art and extreme exotic locations.
The harder to reach, the better.  It is about learning and experiencing new cultures, pushing the envelope and at the same time escape, says Vicente

Our friend Vicente- Sea Island- a few summers ago.

A home in Montauk

Singita Sabora Tented Camp- amazing food quality from a tent!

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

Recipes from the Road- Singita Grumeti Camps

Singita Sasakwa- image courtesy of Singita Sasakwa

Singita Sasakwa- image courtesy of Singita Sasakwa

Recipes from the Road: Singita Grumeti Sasakwa

Probably the finest resort in East Africa, Singita Sasakwa is unrivaled in elegance.
Patterned after an English Manor House, Sasakwa sits over the Grumeti Plain offering magnificent views of game below.

Recipes from the Road- picture courtesy of One and Only Capetown

ROASTED PEARS WITH ORANGE-DATE PUREE, BRANDY ANGLAISE AND CRISP CINNAMON WAIVERS

9 pears, peeled, cored and quartered
1 cup sugar syrup
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pulp and pod of 1 vanilla bean
6 medjool dates, julienned, plus 3 chopped
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ cup water
Pear-brandy anglaisse

Cook the pears with the sugar syrup, lemon juice and vanilla pulp and pod over medium heat for 10 minutes or until tender.
To prepare the dates: cook the julienned dates in orange juice until just warm. Remove the dates and reserve the juice. Dice 2 tablespoons of the dates for garnish.
To make the date puree, place 3 chopped dates in a blender with the water and the reserved orange juice. Puree for three minutes or until smooth.

Pear-brandy anglaisse
¼ cup sugar
½ cup cream
½ ripe pear, peeled, cored and diced
2 tablespoons brandy

Dissolve the sugar in the cream over medium heat. Add the pear and simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the pear is softened. Puree the mixture and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in the brandy. Re-blend just before serving.

Crisp cinnamon, ginger wafers
1 cup caster sugar
4½ oz golden syrup
1 stick plus 1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
4½ oz plain flour
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper. Combine sugar, golden syrup, butter, orange juice and zest in a sauce pan over low heat until the butter has melted. Stir thoroughly, and then remove from the heat. Sift the flour and spices into a bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the golden syrup mixture and stir until well combined and smooth. Drop small teaspoons of the batter onto the prepared baking trays, leaving 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 minutes, until an even golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

One and Only Capetown- picture courtesy of O&O

Recipes from the road: Spice Village -Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India

From time to time I come across a particularly special food item and I ask for the recipe. We were in Southern India at Spice Village Resort. We were amazed at the quality of the food there, of course all organically grown,fresh from the garden, and totally wholesome. The menus were inventive and presentation was beautiful. This is a small out of the way resort, so we had not expected great dining and we were pleasantly surprised!! We were up for an early morning hike and these cookies were piled on a large platter for fortification. Divine! Thanks to chef PJ Aneesh
WHOLE MEAL CHOCOLATE & COFFEE COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

BUTTER 175 GRAMS
BROWN SUGAR 200 GRAMS
EGG (OPTIONAL) 1 NUMBER
PLAIN FLOUR 70 GRAMS
BAKING SODA 1 TEASPOON
WHOLEMEAL FLOUR 70 GRAMS
BRAN 1 TEASPOON
CHOCO CHIP 200 GRAMS
ROLLED OATS 85 GRAMS
COFFEE POWDER 1 TEASPOON
MULTIGRAIN MIXES 100 GRAM

METHOD

CREAM THE BUTTER & SUGAR .FOLD IN THE EGG TO IT.
MIX TOGETHER REMAINING ALL INGREDIENTS AND GENTLY MIX IT WITH THE BUTTER-SUGAR CREAM TO MAKE SMOOTH DOUGH.
TAKE AROUND 10 GRAMS OF MIX & PRESS IT BETWEEN THE PALMS TO GET A MEDALLION SHAPE.
PLACE IT ON A GREASED TRAY. REPEAT FOR THE ENTIRE DOUGH.
BAKE IT ON 160 C FOR 20-22 MINUTES.
REMOVE FROM OVEN & COOL IT ON WIRE RACK.

Chef from Spice Village, holistic retreat in Southern India

The Dollar is at a new high! Perfect time to travel!

The Euro is trading at 1.27- lowest in two years. Now is the perfect time to plan that trip to Ireland, France, Italy, Turkey, Prague, Germany or anywhere the Euro is traded. Now the luxury hotel you have been dying to see is in reach! Restaurants are affordable again! Cultural offerings are possible! I would love to help plan your dream trip. It’s a great value opportunity!

Euro is down! Now is the time to perfect time to plan a trip to Europe with a view like this!

Amanzoe- Picture courtesy of Amanresorts

Amanzoe- Picture courtesy of Amanresorts

Amanresorts to open another spectacular property this summer- Amanzoe!

Amanresorts, the ultra luxurious collection of beyond fabulous hotel resort properties will open another resort this summer- Amanzo’e.
This from Anamresorts:
Comprising a 38-suite resort and an Aman Spa, Amanzoe is Amanresorts’ third Mediterranean retreat – the Greek complement to Montenegro’s Aman Sveti Stefan and Turkey’s Amanruya. Drawing its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and zoe (pronounced zoi), the Greek word for ‘life’, Amanzoe is situated on a hilltop close to the quaint town of Porto Heli on the east coast of the Peloponnese. The resort offers almost 360º panoramic sea views as well as a private Beach Club in a picturesque bay.
If it is anything like the other carefully thought out resorts, it will be a smashing success! Can’t wait to see!

Delta to cut back on Transatlantic Flights

Hammered by the weak euro and the risk of spikes in fuel prices,Delta Air Lines is cutting back on trans-Atlantic flights and shifting its focus southward.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that, just after opening the Atlanta airport’s new international terminal with additional gates, the airline is cutting five percent of its trans-Atlantic capacity. Delta will also cut one to two percent of Pacific flight capacity, for capacity cuts totaling three to four percent, deeper than the two to three percent cuts the company had previously planned.

At the same time, Delta is expanding its New York service southward with more flights to 10 destinations inFlorida, Bermuda and the Caribbean from JFK Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

The new flights, which will begin in late 2012 and early 2013, are in addition to Delta’s previously announced expansion at New York-LaGuardia, where the airline is adding more than 100 new flights to 26 new destinations this summer.

When its full schedule is implemented, Delta will operate more than 260 daily flights between LaGuardia and more than 60 cities, exceeding any other carrier.

Delta reports it is also optimizing its schedule at JFK to facilitate convenient connections to international flights. JFK is a major global gateway for Delta, which operates nonstop flights to more than 45 international destinations from the airport.

Spectacular welcome home everyday!

Wellesley Knightsbridge opening in London 2012

I am delighted to hear that Stefano Lodi and his team are opening a fabulous new hotel in London – December 2012.
Located on one of London’s most prestigious addresses in Knightsbridge is the site for a new 36 suite luxury hotel scheduled to open on 1st December 2012, which will parallel the very best of hotels in the world.
The Wellesley, is located at 11 Knightsbridge, managed by City and Country Hotels and is being developed by Rhimesong at a cost of £36 million, the property was formerly commercial offices.
The hotel will take on both a contemporary and classic style with interiors created by award-winning design experts Fox Linton, combining the building’s 1920s art deco history and glamour with stylish contemporary touches. In addition to its 36 suites, the hotel will incorporate a Cigar Lounge and Terrace, The Crystal Bar, The Oval Restaurant, and the Jazz Room.
Can’t wait to see!

Suite rendering of the cool new Hotel Wellesley opening in London Dec 2012

Soon to be HOT new hotel opening in London Dec 2012

Favorite Destinations: Bagan Myanmar

Favorite destinations: Bali

Favorite destinations- Masai Mara Kenya

There is nothing like the smell of Magnolias!

Favorite travel destinations- Tanzania

Favorite Travel destinations- Tanzania

Favorite travel destinations- Tanzania

Favorite Destinations: Zambia

WEBSITE IN PROGRESS!

Thanks for your interest. We are in the progress of creating a new website. I am working with a cool website planner, Pagepoint and we hope to have it finished shortly.

Temple ruins Inle Lake, Myanmar

Young Monk in Myanmar

I am fondly looking forward to my return to SE Asia.

I have started to plan my semiannual return to Bangkok, another visit to magical Myanmar, and site inspections in Krabi and Phuket Thailand.  Myanmar is a really hot travel destination and I want to do a run on the fabulous Road to Mandalay- the Orient Express cruise on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar. I also want to check the iconic Strand Hotel  and Governor’s Residence in Yangon. I am so happy to see Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake again. The people of Myanmar are so dear, and so happy to have guests again visiting their country. I am including some pictures from my last visit. Visas are necessary for Myanmar so I have sent off my visa application. One has to apply 3 months out. Weather will be hot and humid- yay!

Tiger at Ranthambore Park India

Tiger Safari- Ranthambore India- what a thrill!

Repost of our tiger tracking adventure

We are now in Ranthambore Preserve- the biggest and best of all. It was the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur.The park was nationalized b y the Brisitsh and turned into a park in 1974. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting the first park director Fateh Singh rathore, who photographed the tigers in that park for 30 years. His driver for those 30 years had a son Salim Ali, and Salim was our guide. I would send any client with Salim unless he is off filming with a crew from BBC, National Geographic or Toby Sinclair. Toby did the film Land of the Tiger- a must see on National Geographic channel and it was our privilege to have him with us guiding the trip the all the way until he had to leave in VarNASI. He is off working on a film about the black Tiger at the present.
We sighted 2 tigers the first days at Ranthambore, and on the 2nd afternoon had an unbelievable adventure!

To be continued….

Repost of our Tiger Tracking experience- last day, last game drive

For the last afternoon game drive at Ranthambore only Martha Gaughen, Suhail and I visited the park. The rest of the girls stayed at
Vanyavilas. Upon entering the second gate to the park, we had the privilege of meeting Salim’s father who was Fateh Singh Rathore’s driver( the 1st director of Ranthambore National park). Salim’s father drove Fateh Singh Rathore for 30 years, and they photographed tigers for 8 books. As I wrote in the last blog, Salim’s father looked at us and said “the tigress awaits”. Which of course threw us into a fit of excitement. True to his word and because Salim is such an instinctive guide, we saw a rare happening- a tiger charging a Shambar deer! THEN we followed the tiger (who missed the deer) 2 more times and that video is also amazing.

Suhail Gupta, me, Salim Ali, Martha Gaughen

Best tiger experience on the last day, last drive

The elusive tiger

Toby Sinclair – greatest guide in India

Our illustrious guide for the last game drive- Salim Ali and his father

Welcome To Atlanta’s New Internatio​nal Terminal

I just received this from Delta concerning their exciting new terminal:

On May 16th, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal will open at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This state-of-the-art, LEED-certified terminal will accommodate more passengers and make international travel a breeze.

Most international flights will arrive at Concourses E or F, although some international flights from “pre-cleared” countries will arrive on Concourses T through D.

If Atlanta is your final destination:
You will proceed through Passport Control and claim your baggage at the new international terminal.
You will no longer need to recheck your baggage upon exiting Customs.
There is a passenger pickup area and ground transportation center at the new international terminal.
From the international terminal, complimentary shuttles are available to both the domestic terminal which includes MARTA, as well as to the rental car center.
Since you are departing Atlanta prior to the new terminal’s opening and returning after its opening, please note the following:
If you parked at the domestic terminal and your flight arrives at the international terminal, you may take the complimentary shuttle bus to the domestic terminal.
If someone is picking you up at the airport, please let him or her know you will arrive at the new international terminal, which is accessible from Interstate 75.
Please visit delta.com for more information about the international terminal.

A&K 100 Club with Royal Malewane’s Liz Biden

A&K 100 Club meeting -Chicago

I am in Chicago to attend the A& K semi annual meeting. We meet all the A&K representatives from around the world and get the latest information about Abercrombie and Kent and their tours around the world.  It’s always an exciting meeting and so much fun to see alL of the people we work with during the year. The meeting also has luxury vendors from around the world such as Liz biden from Royal Malewane.We get all the latest information, and offerings from everyone so we can better serve our clients

Sunrise Chicago!

500 calorie lunch Allium Chicago

VinaVik with our host Gonzague de Lambert

Harvest time at Vina Vik

Carmere grapes Vina Vik vineyards

Vina VIK Vineyards 10,000 acres

VIK Vineyards

Dining room Singular Patagonia

Sunrise at Singular Patagonia

Explora Patagonia

I tried my panorama lense.

Room at Explora Patagonia

View from Explora Patagonia. Hard to beat

The Towers. Torres del Paine park

Explora Patagonia lobby

Singular Patagonia

Hallway Singular Patagonia daytime

Top Hotels in Southern Chile

Rooftop bar. W Hotel Santiago THE place to be!

W hotel Santiago. Awesome!!

Patagonia glacier

Glacier drops

More glaciers!

My first up close and personal glacier!!!

Winds were 50 Miles an hour he-yulp

Patagonia

Devil’s horns Torres del Paine National park Patagonia

Great travel buddies

Wind was 50 miles an hour. Hey -yulp!

View hiking Torres del Paine national park

View from Explora Patagonia