Just Back: First U.S. Bhutan Tourism Fam Trip
As soon as the Drukair plane begins to descend into the Kingdom of Bhutan, passengers excitedly congregate around the nearest window, taking pictures and letting out audible gasps. The narrow landing into Paro International Airport is known as one of the most difficult in the world, yet the pilots execute it effortlessly. As we are…
Just Back: Sari Explores the Land of the Thunder Dragon
As many of you know, The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small Buddhist country in South Asia, situated in the Eastern Himalayas between India and China. Home to the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Bhutan has a mystical, spiritual, and magnificent culture. In fact, we like to call it a “Living Cultural Museum”. I…
Just Back: June Fam Trip to Park Gstaad
Written by Brunilda DeJesús I recently had the chance to escort a few key advisors to Switzerland for a special stay at the Park Gstaad, a chalet-style luxury boutique hotel. As expected, from the moment we walked in, we were welcomed by friendly staff and immersed in a world of top-notch service and luxury. Park…
Just Back: June Fam Trip to St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
Written by Sari Freeman I had a fabulous experience returning to Crete and staying at St. Nicolas Bay Resort & Villas. This time, I invited several travel industry pros along for the ride! Last summer, this Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Reader’s Choice Award winning resort (#5 in Greece), was already beautiful, but with so many…
Unlock Your Potential at Chenot Palace Weggis
by Brunilda DeJesús Perfectly located amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Weggis, Switzerland, Chenot Palace stands as an unrivaled retreat where luxury meets wellness. Recognized as providing the World’s Best Detox Program in the 2022 World Spa Awards for the second year running, Chenot Palace Weggis is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and holistic approach to…
Tasting Spain with Spain Inside & SmartFlyer
Written by: Brunilda DeJesus, Director of Marketing & Sales Spain has always been my favorite country for a variety of reasons. As my “second home”, I was excited to host a great small group of SmartFlyer travel advisors alongside our DMC partner, Spain Inside. We kicked the trip off in Malaga, one of the trendiest…
Brunilda DeJesús Appointed to Director of Marketing & Sales
On August 1st, Passages of Distinction, a leader in the luxury travel industry representation business, announced the promotion of Brunilda DeJesús, Director of Sales, to the position of Director of Sales and Marketing. DeJesús started working at Passages of Distinction just over six years ago, bringing a wealth of experience in sales and operations from…
Sari’s Trip to Crete: Discover St. Nicolas Bay Resort & Villas
As I always say, I love working with privately owned luxury hotels, resorts, and DMCs where the mission of the management is to make the guest feel welcomed and cared for! I must say that St. Nicolas Bay Resort & Villas goes above and beyond in this way. From the moment we arrived to when…
FAM Trip Review: Travel Design, Morocco
Written by: Brunilda DeJesús, Director of Sales Ah, Morocco, a place where even the most jaded traveler can find surprising adventures. I recently returned from a familiarization trip with a few wonderful advisors, each at the top of their game — and each with their own respective list of questions regarding how this magical place…
A Magical Trip to Venice with Venice Luxury Services
Read about Sari’s experience with our boutique DMC partner, Venice Luxury Services!
Celebrate & Rejuvenate: Sari’s Trip to Royal Champagne and Chenot Palace Weggis
Sari Freeman was on the road before and after ILTM Cannes 2021, and got the opportunity to experience Royal Champagne during festive season as well as Chenot Palace Weggis for a 7-day detox program! The two properties were celebratory in completely different and complimentary ways; the first was a place to celebrate with friends in…
Emily (in Paris) at the Palais Royal!
Paris is the city of light and love and truly my favorite city in Europe! I was so delighted to finally get back last month after so long. I wanted to test out our exciting new ‘Emily in Palais Royal’ offer released just in time for Season 2! It all started almost 18 months ago….…
Hotel Sacher Salzburg Launches New Rooftop Sky Suite
After almost two years of construction and more than €2 million in costs, the top level of Sacher Salzburg is ready just in time for the Salzburg Festival, the iconic festival of music and drama established in 1920 held each summer. Co-owners Alexandra Winkler and Georg Gürtler opened the new Sky Suite at Hotel Sacher…
Free to Roam: First FAM Trip of 2021 to Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa
Free to Roam – It feels like the best dream ever! There was something very inspiring about my first international trip in almost one full year! Now, several weeks later, it truly feels like a fabulous dream! It felt like a rebirth… going from my warm and cozy cocoon in New Jersey, to breaking out of my shell and going back out into the world. I was busting out like a butterfly! It felt like traveling for the very first time, a little like Madonna’s “Like…
CIRE Travel Re-Post: 8 Questions With… Sari Freeman, Founder of Passages of Distinction
Original blog post published by CIRE travel posted here. Fluent in two languages, conversational in three, yoga enthusiast, world traveler and one of the original “Club Kids” (literally…her parents owned famed 60s night club, The Electric Circus), Sari Freeman is a true Renaissance Woman. Sari, who is also Founder of Passages of Distinction, has been…
Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte Reopens with Exciting New Renovations
Since the hotel was first built in 1922, the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte has seen a lot of change–and the past year has been no exception. With its incredible location perched on the Tuscan Seaside, the historic hotel took time this year to enhance and redecorate much of the public spaces and restaurants. The…
5 Romantic Luxury Travel Destinations for Couples
Privately-owned hotels have innate intimate qualities to them. As many of us will be staying home this Valentine’s Day, we can dream of planning a luxurious romantic vacation next year. Whether your client has a honeymoon to plan, an anniversary, birthday, or another special occasion, we want to highlight five of our hotel partners that…
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa Reopens with Awards, Press, & New Specials
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa Reopens with New Specials for travelers.
POD’s First Panel Interview Opens Up an Honest Conversation with Travel Advisors
It is unimaginable that our beloved travel business has been in a holding pattern for so long! With so much uncertainty and fear all around, we’ve all been wondering when it would end. However, during these times. I did my best to remain positive and find the silver lining in the lock down; afterall, I…
Back on the Road Again
How wonderful it was to be back on the road! After almost five months of stagnation, spending time by the beach and the ocean was so relaxing and freeing! As the end of summer was approaching, I wanted to get away and spend time with my daughters, so we planned a little road trip to…
Sacher Hotels Post-COVID: How the Iconic Austrian Hotels Reopened in Style
With hotels around the globe forced to shut down due to COVID-19, saying the past four months have felt uncertain would be an understatement. How will the hotel industry overcome the challenges of social distancing, sanitation, the health and well-being of staff and guests, and other safety concerns? Would they be enough to assure guests…
How Big The World Is
Me and my mom share the same birthday, meaning we are both Sagittarius. She will tell you that it’s where we get our shared love of travel, but I think I can chalk it up to growing up with her work in the Luxury Travel Business. Wherever it came from, I couldn’t be more grateful…
Travel + Leisure features Le Barthelemy in Top Caribbean Hotels Reopening Video
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At the end of summer 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused massive destruction in the Caribbean, striking islands like the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Barbuda, St. Martin, Puerto Rico, Dominica, and St. Barth’s. Le Barthelemy was severely damaged during the hurricanes but has big plans of reopening this October. Le Barthelemy has been featured…
The Dolder Grand’s Culinary Masterclass
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Do you love good food and have you always wanted to learn some cooking secrets from your favorite chefs? If so, this Masterclass hosted by The Dolder Grand is the perfect event for you. On Saturday, September 15, 2018 The Dolder Grand will be showcasing an array of different culinary delights throughout the Hotel. At…
10 Years of Redefining Luxury at the Dolder Grand
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The curtain was raised in the spring of 2008. After nearly four years of renovation under the direction of famed British architect Lord Norman Foster, the Dolder Grand emerged to reveal a shining synthesis of tradition and modernity. 10 years ago, on April 3, 2008 we welcomed the first guest to the Dolder Grand. Now…
Like Living in a Palace Unsurpassed Sacher Luxury in the New Bel Etage Suites
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The Hotel Sacher Wien has seven new suites. During the renovation of the Bel Etage in the Hotel Sacher Wien, exquisite parts of the historical interior were rediscovered and elaborately restored, bringing historical Vienna to life yet with all the amenities of 21st century comfort and convenience. Puccini Suite, La Bohème Suite, Tosca Suite, Manon…
The New Sacher Eck and Sacher Confiserie
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“At the Hotel Sacher, time never stands still. A fact that is impressively displayed in seven new suites on the bel étage, the new Sacher Eck and the new Sacher Confiserie. There is a lot going on behind the imperial facades of the Sacher Hotel in Vienna. In 2017, the owner family embarks on an…
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa Re-Opens in 2018
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Following the hotel’s recent closure due to Hurricane Irma, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa which opened last fall as this destination’s newest hotel, announces its plans to re-open as soon as possible in 2018. “This time last year we were diligently preparing for the grand opening of Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, but damage to…
Axel Rüdlin of the Park Gstaad awarded “Hotel Chef of the Year” by BILANZ
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We are excited to announce that Executive Chef Axel Rüdlin of Avenue Montagne at the Park Gstaad has just been awarded “Hotel Chef of the Year” by BILANZ a Swiss business magazine. Axel Rüdlin’s experience roots from top restaurants in Germany, Austria, and most recently in St. Moritz before starting in December 2016 at Avenue…
Living Paris like a true Local
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How about breakfast overlooking the beautiful city of Paris? At the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal guests staying in a Panoramic Suite can wake up and enjoy this view each morning. Imagine sipping your coffee while looking out on this magnificent city. Truly spectacular! Learn more: https://passagesofdistinction.com/europe/grand-hotel-du-palais-royal-paris/
Largest Penthouse in the Swiss Alps
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My Gstaad Chalet at the Park Gstaad in Switzerland is the largest penthouse suite in the Swiss Alps, measuring 400sqm. It offers views of the Wispile Mountain and is accessed privately through its own secluded entrance. The chalet features four spacious bedrooms, each with their own black granite en-suite bathroom, dressing room, bar and kitchen…
Staying Chic only at the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
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Step inside the 5-star luxury boutique Grand Hotel du Palais Royal with this exciting video.
Wine of India – Travel Scope India
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For the average wine connoisseurs India is perhaps not the top destination on one’s mind. Having held a rich history of wine cultivation, India is actually home to some highly unique vineyards. Travel Scope India seeks to provide off-beat journeys which include some amazing trips through these wineries as well as a close look into…
Experience the Spirit of St. Barths
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One of the most enjoyable experiences in St. Barths is beach hopping. There is no better way to experience this then riding along in a Moke with beach chairs, picnic basket, and umbrella in hand. You can experience this with your next stay at Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa with there great Spirit of St…
Luxury Fitness Retreat at the Park Gstaad
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Let the Park Gstaad get you moving this 2017 with a PopUp luxury fitness retreat hosted by celebrity fitness instructor Olivia Cooney. Get your blood pumping and muscles working with this extended weekend filled with dedicated healthy menu options, and special exercise programs. Enjoy the picturesque setting, fresh mountain air, and much more. For more…
Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa Opening November 1
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Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa recently opened its doors to welcome their first guests on November 1 to this beautiful oasis on St. Barths. Set on a perfect crescent bay, Le Barthelemy is refined and fresh, as elegant and restorative as its stunning beachfront location. With interiors by celebrated designer Sybille de Margerie and cuisine…
Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Celebrating 150 Years
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At the spot where formerly the attendants hut of the Lederer Gate (a former city gate) was and the sandy shores of the Salzach. The leadership of building contractor Carl Frei herr von Schwarz the street named after him Schwarzstraße was created. On the most beautiful part of the newly gained ground on the banks of the Salzach Schwarz built…
St. James’s Hotel & Club – Summer Kick-Off
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As summer climbs into full swing St. James Hotel and Club would like to offer an additional 15% off the best available rate to kick off the summer. Relax in luxury while still having the ease of travel to such locations as Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, and the theaters of West End. Enjoy a…
Travel Scope India – Festive Food Trails
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All month long, Travel Scope India is celebrating the county’s culinary history. India is best known for their year-round festivities, and for foodies, there is no better time to celebrate gastronomic delight. During festivals, from homes to restaurants, a variety of specialties are prepared: sweetmeats, local delicacies, foods for the gods! With the start of…