visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok?

If you are visiting Bangkok and plan to see the Grand Palace (and you should), please be aware of some dress requirements over the next 100 days. Princess Bejaratana died on July 27, and Thailand is in a period of national mourning. Palace protocol requires that anyone planning to visit the Grand Palace in the 100 days following her death should wear dark colors or black clothing.

One of the most incredible sights you'll ever see, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is an incredibly ornate complex of buildings that staggers the imagination. My thought, on visiting the palace, was that it rivals Versailles in its ornate style. Not even Versailles has 24-karat gold plated roofs!

Be aware of the dress requirements from now until the beginning of November so that you do not miss out on one of Bangkok's most incredible attractions.


Grand Palace Bangkok (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Cuba | hot new Caribbean destination

Cuba is the hot new Caribbean destination. Just this week, my agency sent out an email blast from luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent announcing a fall and winter tour — Cuba: the Forbidden Isle Revealed. An 11-day, 10-night tour, the itinerary includes the opportunity to "walk the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, savor the unspoiled beauty of Trinidad, meet families in culture-rich Mantanzas, and experience Hemingway's Cuba with a visit to Finca Vigia, his seaside home." Two clients emailed back, expressing an interest, and I phoned A&K this morning to inquire about available dates and costs.

All tours had immediately sold out, probably an experience unparalleled in A&K's years of selling luxury tours, but this is evidence of a huge demand for travel to Cuba, just 90 miles south of Key West. Once the U.S. Government lifts restrictions on travel to Cuba, the potential for Cuban tourism is unlimited. One hopes that development will be intelligently planned so that the character of the island is not lost. It would be sad if Cuba were to become just another Miami Beach or Waikiki.


travel to Cuba (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Four Seasons Vail | Rocky Mountain High

Four Seasons Vail is one of the newest resorts in the Four Seasons worldwide family of hotels, and it joins the FS properties in Whistler and Jackson Hole as one of the preeminent ski resorts in North America. But winter is not the only time to come to Vail. Summer is a great season for families to enjoy outdoor activities in the clean Rocky Mountain air.

Fresh back from her site inspection trip to Four Seasons Vail, my associate Anne was enthusiastic about the resort and the available summer activities. Hiking, horseback riding, golf, tennis, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, and whitewater rafting are a partial list of summertime activities. In the winter, Vail is one of the best ski destinations in the United States.

Four Seasons always offers great luxury value with complimentary perks that include free Kids for All Seasons, free meals for kids age 5 and under from the Children's Menu, and Ski Concierge service right at the base of Vail Mountain. And with the additional amenities offered by any Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency — free daily Full American Breakfast for two (including room service), $100 spa credit, and room upgrade if available upon check-in — Four Seasons Vail is a compelling value for summer recreation or winter sports.



Four Seasons Vail (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Four Seasons Nevis | fabulous sunsets and more

There's a silver lining inside every rain cloud. When the skies cleared after a day of rain showers at Four Seasons Nevis, guests at the resort were treated to this stunning sunset in shades of blue, pink, and purple. My associate Sarah just returned from a site inspection trip and was truly impressed with the property.

The resort is set on Pinney's Beach on the western, leeward shore of Nevis. The Caribbean waters are warm and very swimmable, and the resort offers countless other recreational activities from golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, and Scuba ... or just stroll along the beach into historic Charlestown, the capital city of Nevis and the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. As with every Four Seasons resort, the Kids for All Seasons program is complimentary for children between 3 and 9 years old. The eight hour supervised children's program gives parents an opportunity to play or explore on their own.

Summer values abound! Mountainside rooms start at just $345 with third night free and include your exclusive Preferred Partner amenities (free breakfast for two daily, upgrade if available, and a $100 Spa or Golf credit), so consider FS Nevis for your last-minute summer vacation getaway. Check the NOAA website or StormCarib to make sure the weather is clear ... and book your flights. Nonstop flights to St. Kitts (SKB) are available from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, and London on selected days.


Four Seasons Nevis (search here on Google)

copyright  (c)  2011 by David Ourisman LLC.  All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

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3 reasons to consider Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

I am frequently asked to compare the two major Virtuoso resorts on Maui, the Four Seasons Wailea and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Both are excellent choices for the upscale vacationer planning a family holiday in Hawaii. Here are three reasons to consider the Ritz:

(1) Lots of space. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a resort where you can truly spread out. Its 463 rooms and suites are located on 54 acres, all set within the 23,000 acre Kapalua Resort. All of this gives guests a sense of spaciousness. A large, three-tiered swimming pool is at the center of the property, and there are tennis courts, an eco-adventure program, a spa, and direct beach access — not to mention some outstanding restaurants.

(2) Two golf courses. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a paradise for golfers with two 18-hole championship golf courses and the Kapalua Golf Academy for those who want to work on their game. With some picturesque holes nestled right by the sea, the Ritz offers a beautiful and challenging setting for serious golf addicts.

(3) Beautifully renovated rooms and suites. In addition to gorgeous guest rooms (pictured above), the Ritz provides one and two-bedroom Residential Suites. This is perfect space for families, and quite reasonably priced! With a separate Master Bedroom and living room (with pull-out sofa), these accommodations provide a fully equipped kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher - perfect if you want to have some meals in your room.

There are many promotions offered at various times during the year, but you can always take advantage of the Virtuoso amenities (daily full breakfast for two, $100 F&B or Spa credit, room upgrades subject to availability, and 4 p.m. late check-out) at the best available flexible rate. Just contact your Virtuoso travel consultant.


Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Midnight in Paris

This afternoon I saw Woody Allen's new film Midnight in Paris. If you're a lover of Paris (as I am), that's reason enough to see this film... and if you're a fan of Woody Allen's movies (which I also am), then Midnight in Paris is absolutely a must see.

The movie has a very creative plot twist (which I won't divulge). Gil Pender (the Woody Allen-esque character played by Owen Wilson) has a most imaginative engagement with some of the iconic literary and artistic figures of Paris from the 1920's and 1890's. I thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic narrative. Midnight in Paris is one of the best films I have have seen in a long time. But beyond the plot and characters, you should see this film for the beautiful scenes shot in and around Paris. The cinematography is stunning and is reason enough to spend an afternoon or evening at the movies.

Two Parisian hotels provide the setting for several significant moments in the film. One evening after dinner at the three-star Michelin restaurant at Le Meurice, Owen Wilson's character makes a fateful choice in a scene shot outside the hotel's entrance. The characters actually stay at another Parisian luxury hotel, Le Bristol, with several scenes shot in one of the hotel's beautiful suites. Having spent evenings at both of these properties, it was fun seeing these hotels again, albeit in a different context.

Would you like to stay in one of these hotels? Le Meurice and Le Bristol are both members of Virtuoso, meaning you can enjoy added-value amenities such free breakfast every morning, room upgrades, and other perks that can include a free airport limousine transfer. Contact your Virtuoso travel consultant for a complete list of amenities.


Midnight in Paris (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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