Borneo, Orangutans, Birute Gladikas and Orion Expedition Cruise - booking deadline September 30th!

Dr.Birute and me discussing Borneo cruise at Virtuoso Travel Mart

Please be advised that space is filling and we have had to move the deadline for the group to the end of this month - September, 2011 for my February 17 - 27 Orion Expedition voyage.

This is your chance participate in an amazing experiential and learning expedition with one of the world's leading authorities on the Orangutan and the third  "Leakey" lady, Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas, who had been in Borneo since 1971 studying, rescuing and fighting to save from extinction these wonderful, gentle red apes.




Orangutan



In addition you will have access to Jo-Anne McArthur (her participation is based on full group booking) an award winning photographer and champion of animal rights throughout the world.

Add to this your experience of all the wonders of Borneo aboard a luxury expedition cruise ship of just 100 passengers with 75 crew.

Extend your vacation with a stay in Bali, Singapore or beyond; as your Virtuoso travel advisor I have an array of top notch properties and suppliers to choose from where you will receive VIP treatment and extra amenities others do not have access to (the cruise is Virtuoso as well).
There are a number of new and exciting properties like the Bulgari and Ritz Carlton as well as the highly regarded original Aman resorts - something for every taste and budget. I will custom design what is right for you.
Borneo is on every tour operators radar now - so my advice to you is to book this trip and not only will you have a trip of a lifetime you will beat the crowds!

Call or email me to book and I will add a special amenity as a thank you for your booking.

Travel Mart - Las Vegas Aug 13-18

arriving at the gate for Travel Mart

I have just returned from an amazing, inspiring and informative travel conference! This annual event brings together the best of the best in travel; close to 1700 speakers, hotels, cruiselines, tour operators, destination and tourism representatives along with almost 1700 travel agents.
We spent long days meeting with, and learning about, the people who represent the product; in the evenings we were hosted for cocktails and dinners and got to know the people on a more personal note and to celebrate their successes - there were two awards nights. This fun but exhausting event allows us, your travel advisors, to absolutely do the best for you when we plan your vacations. I am so glad I took the time to go to Vegas in the middle of summer (would not be my first choice of a summer destination let me tell you).
I am now so much better equiped to advise my clients and design their itineraries with everything I learned, and all the connections I made, at Travel Mart!

my hosts and winners of best children's program -  Hotel Montage Deer Valley

Power of One | SUCCESS Magazine | What Achievers Read

Power of One SUCCESS Magazine What Achievers Read

Nature and Expedition Trips - Feb 2012 Borneo; Farm Sanctuary Oct 2011

I am working on re-focussing my travel business, to put my energy into developing and promoting itineraries to destinations I am passionate about and which get people engaged with the places they visit, whether locally or far away. I want to promote travel to places my clients are passionate about and in a way that fosters that passion; to encourage people to take their children along and teach them to travel responsibly. There are great things that can come from travel if we all try to be engaged with the people and places we visit.

I left the travel industry to go back to University in the summer of 1978; I took an Economics and an Anthropology course and I got the same mark in both courses. While studying Anthropology really was my passion, Economics was interesting and practical. As I am ever the practical person I chose to study Economics.

My interest in wildlife and particularly the big apes and the “Leakey” women who studied them and championed their survival (Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas) never waned. When I visited Kenya in 2006, I was able to visit the Chimpanzee sanctuary at Sweetwaters . The Chimp’s stories were heart-breaking, but seeing them in a healthy, safe environment and the clear bonds they had with one another was heart-warming. Although not the life they should have had it was so much better than what they had been living. Watching them was mesmerizing – I could have stayed there for days.

"George" - photo Karl Schulz



"Paco" - photo Karl Schulz



After my trip, I was lucky enough to meet the amazing Jane Goodall, but unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to travel with her or to her famous camp in Gombe. I will however, travel with Birute Galikas on the Orion II, an expedition cruise from Bali to Singapore in February. I have invited local animal activist, photographer and filmmaker, Jo-Anne McArthur, to lead my group. These two women are extraordinary in their own right and this will definitely be a once in a life time experience. To get close to wild and rehabilitated Orangutans and other wildlife in the forests of Borneo and to have experts there to inform and interpret what we are seeing – wow!

Orangu-tan photo courtesy of Orion Expeditions

Orion Expeditions

I am also planning a two night trip to the Farm Sanctuary in upstate New York, October 12th. Rescued farm animals, on their way to a certain death, have found safe and loving homes here. We will stay at the farm’s B and B and have the staff and Jo-Anne McArthur teaching us  to appreciate these animals as living, feeling creatures – not just as our food. Activities will include photography with Jo-Anne, hikes, village and winery visits.

Farm Santuary founder and friend - Jo-Anne McArthur photo

Jo-Anne McArthur and friend "Ndele"

For more information please see my links and the following:

www.weanimals.org

www.orangutan.org/dr-galdikas-bio

http://www.farmsanctuary.org/farm/newyork/

The Ritz Carlton Toronto

I just stayed at the new Ritz Carlton on Thursday night.  It is a beautiful and intelligently designed hotel; the employees are well trained and everyone seems genuinely nice – in fact being a nice person is a prerequisite to being hired.  I am a critical person and it takes a lot to impress me – The Ritz impressed me.

The decor is modern Canadian done in soft colours - maples, browns and creams with some red highlights (chandeliers).  They used all Canadian woods and there is a lot of marble and leather. They have over 400 works of art through the hotel all done by Ontario artists.

The menus (restaurant and spa) are focussed on Canadian influences. TOCA is the main dining room – full of light and fresh decor in the front, breakfast area and all dark woods and warm lighting in the dining area. It has a cheese room with two cheese specialists (the only restaurant in Canada to feature this) and two wine specialists on staff, a private dining room for 12 and a wine tasting room.
They offer a Chef's table experience in the kitchen; it seats 6 to 10 guests for an interactive experience.

Chef's Table






TOCA Breakfast

TOCA BAR is a raw bar with an amazing mixologist who creates unusual custom drinks. I had a rum, watermelon and aloe drink - very interesting presentation.
The other restaurant and bar is DEQ – it has the feel of a living room with a cozy nook like a library with a fireplace. The restaurant is for sharing plates and features a charcuterie table and custom flatbreads. It has an outdoor pizza oven with a large heated deck and a fireplace.


DEQ Charcuterie Table



The hotel has a signature fruit infused water (changes daily) in coolers available in various spots around the hotel.
Everywhere you look there are lots of neatly rolled towels. When I mentioned the showers are confusing (multi-heads and taps with no labels to be seen- without my glasses) the spa attendant listened to my comments and came back to tell me that they would be labeling them better. I was impressed by that and the fact she was always quietly there anticipating my needs – a pillow for my head in the jet pool, a bathmat coming out of the shower (which I had failed to put down) in addition to keeping the place spotless!
The relaxation room is large and light filled with many large comfy recliners and blankets, club chairs, a balcony which wraps around the treatment rooms. There is a service table with waters, teas and snacks (fruit and nuts and cookies). There is also a spa menu for food and drink.

The hotel rooms are all the same, but they are very well appointed, spacious and comfortable; an upgrade is to a higher floor and view. There is an in-mirror TV in the bathroom as well as heated marble floors, a Bose sound system (upgraded in the suites), Flat screen TV, Blu-ray DVD player, complementary bottled water. For additional charge but unique treat they have a martini ingredients and shaker set up with a recipe card in the bar (beautiful glassware in the rooms), as well as a choice of interesting snacks. Internet and Wi-Fi is available for a fee but is free in executive level rooms.

Minibar martini fixins and truffles

The executive rooms are on the 18th - 20th floors. The club lounge is lovely with nice views, lots of windows. They serve 5 light meals per day, teas coffee, waters and alcohol is included here. It would be worth the premium to upgrade

Executive Lounge

There are 56 corner suites (650 sf) with a powder room, living area with pull-out sofa, chair and ottoman and desk with leather chair; a larger bathroom and the bedroom area can be shut off from the living area. There is good closet space and all the suites have views. The suites can be connected to a standard room by an extra door leading to the main hall.

Suite 

There are two floors of meeting rooms and conference space which can be configured to different sizes. There is also an executive boardroom with a private lounge area for the group’s food and beverage service.
There are three sets of elevators off the lobby - one for the meeting rooms, one for the guest rooms and one for the parking and underground tunnels access.
Finally there is a gift shop off the lobby with high quality Ritz and other branded gift items, food and toiletries. The spa has a larger gift shop selling product and clothing.



EExecutive Lounge Breakfast


A five star addition to Toronto for sure – don’t wait to experience it!















 

Jost Van Dyke, BVI's; Easter week, 2011

Just returned from a nine night chill vacation with my husband and son. We stayed at the lovely White Bay Villas - we had a 2 bedroom, self catering Hillside Unit - the Coconut. Very clean and pleasant accommodations with killer sunset views.
It is a steep hike from here to the beach or town - a car is needed. We had big plans to get to know the surroundings - rent a dingy, do some sailing, maybe a day trip to St John's to check it out. However, we did  very little but relax. We read some books, drank some rum punch, hiked a little, ate a lot, took in a bit of sun and a little island music at Foxy's, Ivan's Stress Free Bar and the Soggy Dollar Bar.
There are a lot of party boats that come into the bay by the Soggy Dollar now, but it remains more a sailboat haven right next door at Ivan's. Things have changed though since our last visit in 2006 - unfortunately for those of us who like peace and quiet. For those who like to party it is all good though.

We drove the amazingly step and somewhat questionable roads to get to restaurants in Little Bay and beyond, dodging goats and rocks while driving on the left side. On our last day we got trapped in Ivan's parking lot (not really a parking lot, but a street access which became a parking lot) when we went to the beach and then a wedding ceremony happened while we were gone. We had to wait for all the SUV's to vacate before we could get out. Got to love the islands!
It was all lovely. I am still trying to restart my motor, but I think I left the starter on Jost! I guess I will have to go back for it:).

Photos coming soon.

Meet+Yvette%3A+The+Chimp+Who+Survived+30+Years+in+Medical+Research

Meet+Yvette%3A+The+Chimp+Who+Survived+30+Years+in+Medical+Research

Travel Tips: What to Do When the Weather Doesn't Cooperate | Frommers.com

Travel Tips: What to Do When the Weather Doesn't Cooperate | Frommers.com

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The 10 Best North American Rail Trips Under $25 Slideshow at Frommer's

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Cheap Flights with subtitles

WE ANIMALS | Jo-Anne McArthur | www.weanimals.org

WE ANIMALS | Jo-Anne McArthur | www.weanimals.org

Travel To Malaysia - book now - special pricing expires on Thursday!

Please have a look at the wonderful trip my fellow agent, Terry Larke, has put together for her guided tour for this fall. She has vast experience of, and great love for, this part of the world; what better person to guide you through the region?

Visions of Malaysia
Departing from Kuala Lumpur to Malaysia on 09/21/2011.
Duration of vacation is 15 days.


September 21, 2011 - 15 Days/12 nights
Book by March 31, 2011 and pay CA $3,249 p.p. Land Only fare - Air from Halifax or other gateways available upon request.
Single Supplement - CA $1,020


Detailed Itinerary

September 21st 2011 | Depart Canada for flights to Kuala LumpurFlight Arrangements on your Own.

September 23rd 2011 | KUALA LUMPUR-MALACCA Arrive Malaysia. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by coach to Malacca, a historic city. Evening enjoy dinner at the local restaurant followed by a visit to the night market & Antique Row. Overnight  Bayview Hotel Malacca (D)

September 24th 2011 | MALACCAFree Day to explore at leisure or take optional cruise, excursions. Overnight Bayview Hotel Malacca (B)

September 25th 2011 | MALACCA-KUALA SELANGOR-KUALA LUMPUR
This morning enjoy the Malacca Heritage city tour Visit Stadhuys, Chinatown and Kampumg Kling Mosque. After lunch   drive to Kuala Selangor. Upon arrival, tour with local Seafood Dinner and  Firefly tour. Overnight Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur (B & D)

September 26th 2011 | KUALA LUMPUR ~ After breakfast, enjoy the Kuala Lumpur City Tour  visit the National Museum, Lake Gardens, China town, Royal Palace, Jamek Mosque and OE design. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur  (B )

September 28th 2011 | KUALA LUMPUR-CAMERON HIGHLAND ~ Depart for Cameron Highland, en-route sightseeing to Batu Caves, Ambassadors Row in Ampang, Batik stop, Pewter at Royal Selangor on route  to Cameron Highlands, visit  Lata Iskandar Waterfall. Evening steamboat dinner in hotel.  Overnight  Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highland (B & D)

September 29th 2011 | CAMERON HIGHLAND-IPOH-PENANG ~
Departs for Penang via Ipoh, en-route sightseeing the Tea Plantation, Cactus farm, tea factory native village, market squar, e proceed to Ipoh, visit Poh Long Cave Kenangan Museum, Kelly Castle and Kuala Kangsar.  Arrive in Penang check in to hotel. Evening free to explore local cuisine & night market. Overnight  Shangri La Golden Sands Hotel (B & D)

September 30th 2011 | PENANG ~ Today full day excursion, tour of historical Georgetown, Kek Lok Si Temple, Khoo Kongsi, Yap Kongsi. Wat Chayamakara lam Burmese temple, Batik factory, Malay Villages and Penang  Hill. Evening enjoy cultural dinner & rickshaw ride. Overnight Shangri La Golden Sands Hotel (B & D)

October 1st 2011 | PENANGFree day at leisure to explore on your own,. Complimentary shuttle to Georgetown is available and optional excursions will be provided. Overnight  Shangri La Golden Sands Hotel (B)

October 2nd 2011 | MALAYSIA AIRLINES  PENANG to LANGKAWI PENANG-LANGKAWI ~  Transfer to airport for  your domestic flight  to Langkawi. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Optional fishing trip, to see the elephants, shops, fishing marina area,  Alligator attraction nearby or Aquarium and ECO Park. Overnight  Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort  (B)

October 3rd 2011 | LANGKAWI ~
Enjoy a half day Round Island tour, explore the island and the myths and legends behind it. Delve into the mysteries and curses that surround Mahsuri’s tomb. visit Batik Village before heading for Kuah Town for some shopping.  Overnight Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort (B & D)
SPECIAL AUTHENTIC Experience – Cooking with Shuk at his Malay Home

October 4th 2011 | LANGKAWI ~ Full day is free at leisure to relaxing at the beach or explore on your own. Optional excursions may include golf, Cultural Cooking Classes, fishing, eco-tourism cruise. Evening farewell dinner at Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort, Western Set dinner at Beach Overnight Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort (B & D)

October 5th 2011 | MALAYSIA AIRLINES  LANGKAWI to KUALA LUMPUR 
Transfer to Airport for flight to Kuala Lumpur and connecting to flights back to Canada

Package Excludes: - All entrance fees and meals NOT STATED in itinerary
- all personal incidentals
- International Air and Insurance.


 All fares are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability at time of booking.  Escorted based on a minimum number of travelers. 

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3 Knockout Island Destinations: Anguilla, Tahiti and the Grenadines

Palm Island in the Grenadines for a week with my family over New Year’s; a nine day agent inspection trip to six islands in French Polynesia; two trips to Anguilla – one a family holiday in February and another in June to become an Anguilla Travel Connoisseur.

These are the trips I have made to my favorite island destinations in the last year. And why would you want to hear this? Seems a bit rude and boastful telling people all the wonderful places I have been. But I am telling you this to explain that while I travel with my family for enjoyment, I also travel to experience and learn about many wonderful places in the world. These travel experiences allow me to specialize in destinations and then offer firsthand knowledge and advice to clients.

So what do these three island paradises offer and which one should you go to? They are all a little off the beaten path and involve a little extra time and effort to get to, but it is well worth the effort.



Viceroy, Anguilla



Anguilla is a little island off the coast of St Maarten/St Martin – about twenty minutes by ferry or eight minutes by air.  It offers 33 beaches, about 100 restaurants, boutique resorts, B and B’s and private villas. What it doesn’t have; crowds, casinos or cruise ships. Celebrities love it for the anonymity it offers and the friendly people. It’s a fabulous spot for a wedding, honeymoon, family re-union or friend getaway. It is the little island that could!



Petit St Vincent, Grenadines



The Grenadines is a chain of islands running south from volcanic and lush St. Vincent down to Bequia with its famous port and ship building heritage, to the royal and celebrity hangout of Mustique, to Canouan home to the luxury golf  and villa resort (formerly Raffles), the hub of the south, Union Island, and the resort islands of Palm and Petit St Vincent and of course the Tobago Cays.

These islands offer relaxation and seclusion and great snorkeling and scuba. From Canada the best access is through Barbados and then onward via Grenadines Air.

You can sail the islands on your own or charter a boat and crew – a great way to discover secluded coves and beaches.

Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

And finally the Tahitian islands, which beckon with their romance and beauty. There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, but most people know only of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.  Television, films and magazines have given us a glimpse of her lush landscapes and coral motus surrounding multi-hued blue lagoons, but they remain unspoiled and un-crowded. The islands are far from Toronto five hours to Los Angeles and another eight to Papeete and expensive, but the rewards are many. No one comes home from French Polynesia disappointed! And guess what? The low season in Tahiti is our winter. Whether you cruise or island hop, stay in a five star overwater bungalow or a pension, this paradise will capture your heart

So which will you choose?

Hilton Moorea Stay

Belvedere

On leaving the Legends Resort we drove up to the Belvedere - the iconic Moorea photo stop. Unfortunately there were a few other people there and it seems I took a photo of someone taking a photo...

Next stop was our home for the night, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. Formerly the Sheraton this is the most American resort in terms of bedding and bathroom comfort - big comfy beds and claw foot bathtub and walk in shower.

Welcome to the Hilton

the pool

The resort offers 104 bungalows in six categories- garden pool to panoramic over water. There are two restaurants, two bars, pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and spa and aquatic activities. The hotel offers various cultural activities and Polynesian evenings - like other resorts in the islands.
We were treated to a sunset cocktail at the Toatea Bar by the over water bungalows and later a lovely dinner at the Rotui grill restaurant.
Next day we went off to the Sofitel for a site inspection. The Sofitel has the best beach and clearest water on Moorea, but it lacks the sunset view. It does however look back toward Tahiti and offers views of the sunrise. It is also close to both the airport and the ferry.

The resort has garden, beach and over water bungalows. The rooms are a good size with cool, contemporary styling; a nice blend of Polynesian and European style with splashes of colour. The over water bungalows have glass inserts in the living room floor which open to view and feed the fish. There are two restaurants - I like the Restaurant K for romantic dinners in the sand.

Moorea continued

After lunch we had a quick visit of the beautiful Legends Villa Resort which sits on the hill behind the Intercontinental; it offers the most amazing views in Moorea.

View from the top

When you enter the lobby you are graced with the most stunning view over the infinity pool to the beautiful waters of the lagoon below.

Legends Resort Pool and view

There are a number of villas spread across the hillside each with commanding views from a wrap around deck complete with jacuzzi, lounge chairs and a sheltered dining area. Indoors there is a modern kitchen/ dining bath and bedrooms and comfortable sitting area - with fresh comfortable decor. A great place for a wedding or a gathering of friends and family.

Jacuzzi, loungers and dining area

second bedroom

Living area of larger villa

Tahiti to Moorea - Fam day 2

After touring Tahiti hotels and some island sights, we boarded the Aremiti ferry for the 30 minute trip to Moorea. We were met at the ferry by Moorea Explorer - the yellow bus -and taken to the Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa. I checked into my garden pool bungalow, had a rest and dip in my private plunge pool prior to cocktails and a lovely dinner hosted by our charming host.

garden pool bungalow - Moorea Pearl

Next day we had breakfast and a tour of the property. The Pearl is a lovely resort with many on site amenities - bar, restaurant, pool, spa, shops, water sports and activities - but it is also walking distance to shopping and local restaurants. There are a number of different room categories to suit all needs.
They have a beautiful open air lobby where you are received with a cold towel, drink and sit down check in service.

poolside - Moorea Pearl

Next stop was the Intercontinental Resort and Spa - still one of my favourite hotels on Moorea. As with the Pearl you are met with a cold towel and refreshing drink with sit down lobby check in service. It is a larger property set a little further away from other amenities, but it is a beautiful property. There are lagoon and garden view rooms in the main building; garden bungalows with recently added plunge pools, beach and over water bungalows. The over water bungalows here are different - you enter from land and enter the water from the balcony. They have two restaurants, bars, two beautiful new pools with a swim up bar, expanded beach, a  turtle rehabilitation centre and a dolphin centre.

Intercontinental Moorea - looking toward Legends Resort

Both hotels have local artisans displaying their wares for sale in the lobby. I was pleased to see Nathalie of L'atelier du Chat at the Intercontinental. We bought a beautiful Tiki carved by her husband on our first visit to Moorea in 2004. We were treated to a nice lunch in the poolside restaurant and were then off to see the Legends Villa resort - on the mountain behind the Intercontinental.