by Jan Mauer | Aug 25, 2017 | Luxury Travel, River Cruises
One of my clients recently told me how much she yearned to experience her next international trip aboard an ocean liner. She’d shared this idea with her husband, and he immediately scoffed at it, saying that he didn’t intend to spend his downtime with a hoard of partyers, sleeping in a pint-sized room on an enormous ship, while simultaneously attempting to combat seasickness. My client wanted me to give her ideas that she could slip into her husband’s ear about the luxury rooms, breathtaking views, and unique itineraries that only an ocean cruise could offer. What I told her instead was that I might have a better solution, one that could appeal both to her desire to cruise in an opulent setting, and his stipulations for a more discerning group of fellow travelers, spacious accommodations, and—perhaps most importantly for her husband—the complete absence of motion sickness. What I suggested was a luxury river cruise. I described my go-to selection of hand-picked cruise lines, which offer signature river cruises as a unique and relaxing way to experience the world. I asked her to imagine gently cruising along the Rhone or Yangtze River in their luxurious floating hotel, sailing past castles and ancient ruins. Just as I’d hoped, this caught her fancy. If it appeals to the culture-loving luxury-seeker in you, too, here are four more reasons to choose a river cruise for your upcoming vacation: Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways ONE) River cruise ships are smaller and more private than ocean liners, so they offer highly personalized service and amenities, with intimate dining and entertainment options, along with spacious staterooms and... by Jan Mauer | Aug 19, 2017 | Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, South Pacific Tahiti
Sun, sand, and hours of lying on the beach or experiencing the adventures that only an island paradise can offer beckon travelers to exotic islands around the world every year. But each is different, and how do you choose? Here’s a breakdown of some of our discerning clients’ most favored island escapes to help you make an informed decision about your next luxury getaway. Tropical Getaways The Fijian Islands White sandy beaches in Fiji Fiji may be at the pinnacle of islands offering the ultimate tropical experience, boasting more than 300 separate islands, many of which are almost completely untouched. Our clients often choose to pamper themselves in the most secluded, luxurious resorts, enjoying strolls through one of the world’s largest Asian orchid collections. Remember the stunning backdrop to the hit Tom Hanks movie, Cast Away? You can even visit the shores where his character, Chuck Noland, taught himself to fish and create fire. Submerge yourself in the breathtaking wonderland of exotic fish, gorgeous coral, and crystal-clear waters with both snorkeling and scuba diving trips. The Great Barrier Reef The stunning Whitsunday Islands of Australia For a snorkeling experience that will give you a lifetime of incredible memories, you can’t beat the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. This is the place for you if you crave something a bit wild, a bit rugged, and 100-percent original. The Great Barrier Reef is unparalleled in its beauty. Head for one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, only eight of which are inhabited, or take in a sea plane tour of the famous heart-shaped Hardy Lagoon. Islands Cut from a Different Cloth... 
