Highlights from My Latest Journeys: From Paris to Chile!
As many of you know, I was in Europe in December and attended a Luxury Travel conference called ILTM in Cannes. I went there via Paris and why not? Paris is always a good idea and after about 8 visits in my life, there are still plenty of hotels I have not seen.
PARIS
This time I stayed at two properties and the stand out was the Lutetia that will be managed by Mandarin Oriental going forward. It is in my favourite neighbourhood the Saint Germain de Pres on the left bank of the Seine and is housed in a beautiful historical building hence all the rooms can be slightly different. What sets the hotel apart is the rare blend of historic elegance of Art Deco refinement and Art Nouveau sensuality with contemporary luxury. This has attracted many artists, intellectuals and discerning travellers for decades. Combined with a popular jazz bar and two gastronomic experiences inhouse, it is the perfect base for a repeat visitor to the city of Love.
CANNES
The Carlton Hotel in Cannes had undergone a huge $150m renovation to bring this icon to its former glory and believe me it shows. It is the Grand Dame once again on the Boulevard de la Croisette now!! The yellow and white awnings on the windows ooze French Riviera elegance.
The Seaview Junior Suites I stayed in are beautifully appointed and attention to details is outstanding. It completely surpassed my expectations!
DEAUVILLE, NORMANDY
Next stop was the Normandy area exploring Deauville, the Coastal weekender town of the Parisian aristocracy for over a hundred years with all the glamourous shops, an impressive beach, a world famous horse auction house and the home of apple cider. We stayed at the historic La Barriere hotel that oozes history and timeless elegance. Only a little over two hours from Paris a great place to get away from the tourist crowds and immerse yourself like a Parisian into their coastal life. Just another idea when looking for a path less travelled by the masses…
HAPAG LLOYD – EUROPA 2
In February I was invited to experience a few days onboard of one of Germany’s flagship cruise vessels that had been awarded best cruise ship by Berlitz guide for many many years and rated higher than its international competitors: HAPAG LLOYD, EUROPA 2.
Read my Full Experience
CHILE
Last but not least I just returned from Chile!!! What a diverse country and am still digesting all the fantastic places I got to see and experience. Patagonia was on my bucket list and did not disappoint!! But to see and enjoy those pristine wilderness areas free from bus tours and mass tourism was simply mind-blowing. You do need to have an open mind and a bit of a sense of adventure as it will take a bit longer to get there, But I promise you will not have any regrets!!!
I saw a lot of hotels and lodges and am definitively well equipped to design an unforgettable itinerary combined maybe with Antarctica or Peru and Galapagos if those destination are still on your bucket list.
But you could easily spend 2-3 weeks just in Chile!!
To get a good visual of the hotel look & feel please visit my Instagram account and check out the latest reels as I videoed my journeys for beautiful memories.
TIERRA ATACAMA REOPENS IN CHILE
Baillie Lodges proudly unveils the reimagined Tierra Atacama, now open following a spectacular US$25 million transformation. Nestled in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert—celebrated as the world’s driest nonpolar desert—this iconic lodge places guests amid one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
With panoramic views of sweeping sand dunes, the majestic Licancabur Volcano, and the Andes Mountains, the lodge’s design seamlessly blends indoors and out. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite invite the desert in, creating a profound sense of connection with this ancient, otherworldly setting.
Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic scenery, stargazing skies, or immersive cultural experiences, Tierra Atacama offers a renewed and luxurious gateway to it all.
WILD BUSH LUXURY WINTER SPECIAL
BAMURRO PLAINS
On the coastal floodplains of Australia’s Top End.
A safari-style lodge with exclusive access to 300 km of floodplains and savanna woodland on the Mary River, bordering Kakadu National Park – dual-listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
STAY A LITTLE LONGER — ON US!
Enjoy a 3rd Night Complimentary at Bamurru Plains & Arkaba Homestead
Two of Australia’s most unforgettable wilderness retreats—Bamurru Plains, near Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, and Arkaba Homestead, nestled in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia—are offering something special:
Stay three nights for the price of two for new bookings between 1 June and 30 September 2025.
📅 Book by: 30 June 2025
📍 Stay between: 1 June – 30 September 2025
ARKABA CONSERVANCY
A Wild Bush Luxury property in the Flinders Ranges.
A private 63,000-acre wildlife sanctuary in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, where just ten guests at a time share a beautifully restored 1850s homestead. Wildlife is abundant—kangaroos, emus, rare birds—alongside ancient landscapes and expert field guides who bring it all to life.
CRYSTAL: Back in Australia & NZ Water 2026
Crystal is heading back to Australia and New Zealand waters in early 2026! This offers an incredible opportunity to experience cruising with Crystal close-to-home.
Here below is a sneak peak to its newly planned itineraries for 2026 around Australia and New Zealand!
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out—I’d be delighted to help you make the most of current offers and the added benefits available through my personal travel affiliations.
✨ For example, right now when I confirm a new cruise booking before 30 June 2025, you can save up to AUD$6,000 per suite. Plus, you’ll receive an “As You Wish” onboard credit of USD$500 per suite to spend as you please while sailing.
Virtuoso Life Magazine – May/June 2025 issue
The latest edition of Virtuoso Life (May–June 2025) is here!
Enjoy the digital issue now on my Virtuoso website—click here for direct access.
When adventure calls, Virtuoso Life answers. Get inspired by thrilling journeys across New Guinea, Canada, Thailand, the Swiss Alps, and even a touch of fly-fishing in Scotland. There’s an adventure waiting for every kind of traveller!