http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/ en Tue, 21 May 2013 06:11:05 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.luxurylink.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/ http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/presidents-link-re-living-luxury-link-social-experience-1674/ Mon, 20 May 2013 18:09:52 GMT Attachment 1725 (http://www.luxurylink.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=1725) *Dear Friends,* What do you get when you mix chili powder,...

Dear Friends,

What do you get when you mix chili powder, a hot stone massage and a horse? I'm not sure what your answer is, but mine is the Luxury Link Social Experience. Of course, it was a lot more than just that. From May 3 - 6, ten loyal Luxury Link travelers were treated to a glorious weekend at Travaasa Austin in Texas, complete with luxury accommodations, spa treatments, private dinners straight off the pages of Food & Wine, a chili cook-off with tequila tasting (on Cinco de Mayo, no less), and an encounter with horses that ended up teaching us a lot more about ourselves than the noble equine. The trip wasn't all about relaxing in the lap of luxury, however. Our attendees were required to blog, post, Tweet, Instagram and Tumblr their way through the weekend, spreading the word about Travassa Austin, part of Preferred Hotel Group. The fun part is our Luxury Link live blog updated throughout the trip is our most-viewed post of 2013, and the social media activities of our participants have generated thousands of likes, posts, Tweets and comments about the resort.

So how do I get invited on the next trip, you say? It's simple. Just keep buying Luxury Link packages, and visiting our hotel partners' websites. Every time you book directly with one of our hotels, let them know you saw them on Luxury Link. Get active on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blog in the Luxury Lounge, our online community. Tell your friends about Luxury Link; the first time they buy a Luxury Link package you get $50 in travel credits on us, and your name is entered in the invitation pool for the next Luxury Link Social Experience. We haven't selected our next destination yet, but it's sure to be extraordinary. After all, it's Luxury Link.Cheers,







Diane McDavitt
President & Co-Founder
Luxury Link

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To read the full May edition of President's Link, click here ]]> dmcdavitt http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/presidents-link-re-living-luxury-link-social-experience-1674/ http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/all-inclusive-luxury-you-bet-1572/ Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:30:45 GMT by Diane McDavitt
Luxury Link President
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It’s been a long time since the term “all-inclusive luxury” was considered an oxymoron. And the benefits of an all-inclusive holiday – convenience, value – are obvious. That said, there are still some uninitiated travelers out there. This blog is for you.

Let’s take cruises. There are enough options for every type of traveler, but when it comes to “luxury” and “cruising” you’ve got the best combination since caviar and blini. Crystal, Silversea, and Seabourn are a few of our favorites, in addition to Holland America and the river cruise specialists. And any vacation that includes all your meals and activities and gets you from Point A to Point B while you’re relaxing on a deck chair has my vote.

Back on land, it won’t surprise most to know Club Med was the first to introduce the “all-inclusive” resort concept when the company launched in 1950. But today’s Club Med is not at all what you might hazily recall from that post-college graduation trip. A massive reinvention after 9/11 focused the brand on exclusive, upscale experiences for families and it has paid off with substantial growth and multiple awards: Club Med Ixtapa was recently named the #1 hotel in Mexico for families by TripAdvisor, as one example. Pssst: there’s a sale for Club Med Columbus Isle in the Bahamas live on Vacationist through February 18. Unheard of rates, air included. But you didn’t hear it from me!

For something completely different, what about an exquisitely restored ghost town just across the mountain from Telluride, that also happens to be one of the most extraordinary all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.? Dunton Hot Springs is worth a look.

And when it comes to pure, unadulterated pampering, there are some terrific all-inclusive options available in the traditional luxury resort category. Spend a week at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya (well, any Zoetry property, for that matter). It starts with private chauffeured airport transfers, ocean front suites, daily gourmet dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and unlimited cocktails. They even include a sunset Catamaran sail and daily shopping excursions by boat. They call it Endless Privileges®. (Why didn’t I think of that?) Of course, I must give a shout out to my personal “go to”, Miraval Resort & Spa. There’s always a zip line, a hot stone massage and a kaffir lime cocktail waiting.

And a final thought. Even though a resort may not be branded “all-inclusive”, the option to include all meals is often available. So if you’re planning to spend a week on the beach at a fabulous resort in the Caribbean and don’t intend to get up for anything other than a dip in the sea and a rum punch, be sure to ask about meal plans and other options to bundle your costs. It could be the best vacation decision you’ve ever made.

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya

]]> dmcdavitt http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/all-inclusive-luxury-you-bet-1572/ http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/they%92re-getting-married-where-1548/ Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:33:45 GMT Hungarian Wedding Yields Hidden Gem Budapest is not really a last-minute destination, at least not when one lives in Los Angeles Attachment 1225...

Hungarian Wedding Yields Hidden Gem

Budapest is not really a last-minute destination, at least not when one lives in Los Angeles as I do. But a nephew’s unexpected wedding announcement and two weeks’ notice prompted a scramble for air and hotel accommodations in Hungary's capital city. Fortunately, I had some inside information (I work at Luxury Link, after all): it turns out one of Budapest’s most unique boutique hotels - St. George Residence - is also one of its best kept secrets.

For those unfamiliar with Budapest, it is actually two very distinct cities - Pest, on the east bank of the Danube River, and Buda, on the west. We opted to stay in Buda because of its fascinating history, and chose St. George Residence as our home while there, a remarkable inn housed in a 700 year-old building on Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built on a medieval foundation on an ancient street, St. George Residence is a unique lend of old and new. Marble-floored breezeways and sky-high ceilings create a feeling of luxuriousness and authenticity. The property is comprised of just 26 suites, most featuring hardwood flooring, period-style furniture and art; all are also equipped with flat screen T.V.s, complimentary internet access and fully equipped kitchens. The historic nature of the building means there are variations in rooms – no two are exactly alike.

That said, your best bets are the Bronze or Silver suites versus the higher-category Gold or Diamond. In fact, though we had reserved Gold accommodations, we voluntarily “downgraded” after seeing the Bronze and Silver suites, which feature parquet floors, enormous windows and lots of natural light. (Gold and Diamond suites are substantially larger but can be dark due to fewer windows and lower ceiling height; some are also carpeted). Were it not for my husband’s omnipresent iPad we could have been in an elegant townhouse in 18^th century Budapest.

The Castle District itself features some of Budapest’s most important attractions including the former Royal Palace (which now houses the National Gallery), Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and picture postcard images of the Danube and Budapest’s iconic Parliament building from virtually every vantage point. All are within walking distance of St. George Residence. Plus, the hotel is located just steps from Ruszwurm, arguably the best pastry shop in Hungary. And because cars are not allowed in the District (other than taxis and autos owned by residents), the area is peaceful and simple to navigate on foot.

Though the hotel does have a restaurant on site (which served the best goulash we tasted while in Hungary), there are many charming cafes and restaurants just a cobblestone’s throw from the property that would be a shame to miss. And should you decide you cannot leave Buda without sampling a pastry at Ruszwurm, do keep in mind its reputation precedes it – it can be crowded and the tables are tiny but the wait (and the calories) are worth it.

As for the wedding…it was beautiful. The ceremony was held at yet another lovely place – a spectacular castle hotel in the Hungarian wine country, three hours outside Budapest. Twenty-five people attended, most in traditional dress, and less than half spoke English. All was going well until the interpreter broke her ankle and had to leave before the “I do’s”. But that’s another story. ]]> dmcdavitt http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/they%92re-getting-married-where-1548/ http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/three-camels-elephant-holy-cow-road-india-1527/ Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:14:39 GMT by Diane McDavitt
Luxury Link President & co-Founder

The prospect of a trip to India, one week following my return from a conference in Mexico, left me with mixed emotions. Being away from home and the office again - this time for two weeks - was a daunting thought. Not to mention the time it would take to get there; let’s face it...India is a commitment. But to those of you have not yet been – those who have already know – it’s worth every frequent flyer mile, every conference call missed.

The impetus for the trip was the annual meeting of Preferred Hotel Group (an important Luxury Link partner), held this year in New Delhi. As always, Preferred did not disappoint. Then it was time to visit some of the hotels that are featured on Luxury Link, most notably two exquisite jewels in the crown of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts: Amarvilas in Agra and Udaivilas in Udaipur.

Once outside Delhi city limits, my life was literally in the hands of Akhtur, our incredibly calm and capable driver. We were off first to Agra, home of three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most famous of which is the Taj Mahal. Entering Agra was an experience and my first real brush with the “functional anarchy” of Indian roads (to quote Daniel Moynihan, former U.S. Ambassador to India). Donkeys, goats, pigs, monkeys, dogs, camels, and literally tons of “holy cows”, competing with rickshaws, bicycles, trucks, cabs, and pedestrians – forget about which lane you’re supposed to be in, is there actually even a lane? – and always the horns, honking incessantly. Hair-raising doesn’t begin to cover it. Yet, amazingly, I felt completely calm in Akhtur’s pristine white car – as chaotic and disorganized as it all seems, it does flow in a very civilized manner. (As opposed to here in Los Angeles, where it is very structured but often as uncivilized as you can get within the confines of a 4-door sedan.)

Now, let’s get to what you really want to know. There is simply no other option for Agra accommodations than The Oberoi Amarvilas. Oh, there are other hotels. But nothing like this. Do not question the rate. It’s worth every penny. From the traditional Indian welcome to the morning tea service delivered precisely at 7:00 AM, the spectacular terraced lawns to the richly authentic interiors, this is a magnificent hotel. But the pičce de résistance? Every room has a view of the Taj Mahal. So after your seamless in-room check-in, relax on your terrace with a glass of champagne and watch the sun set on this exquisite monument to love. Yes. You are actually here.

Then it was on to Udaipur and The Oberoi Udaivilas, a lauded resort on the shores of Lake Pichola. Udaivilas is, in a word, stunning. (I’m trying to avoid too many superlatives but when one is writing about Oberoi, well, it’s just hard to do.) The grounds are exquisite, the room was divine: overlooking my semi-private pool and the City Palace in the distance. Incense and sitar music wafted through the air. But the thing I will remember most is the service, summed up with one simple story: after a day of meetings I arrived back at my room to find three eyeglass cases lined up in a row on the desk, along with a note from Ritu, the head of housekeeping. She noticed I had a lot of eyeglasses but no cases, and she thought these might be helpful. Enough said.

By the way, I arrived in Udaipur by way of Jaipur, where I took my first elephant safari. More on this adventure in a later post. Until then - Namaste...

]]> dmcdavitt http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/three-camels-elephant-holy-cow-road-india-1527/ http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/luxury-less-1486/ Fri, 17 Aug 2012 21:46:57 GMT *by Diane McDavitt President and Co-Founder Luxury Link Travel Group* Luxury for less. We hear the phrase a lot, but what does it mean? In... by Diane McDavitt
President and Co-Founder
Luxury Link Travel Group

Luxury for less. We hear the phrase a lot, but what does it mean?

In most cases it’s code for “distressed” inventory that can’t be sold at regular prices. Last season’s handbag, a whole shipment of designer shoes with scratches on the heel, a spectacular suite at the Ritz…for tomorrow night.

That said, recent economic challenges have changed the definition of “distressed” for many retailers and that’s been a boon for buyers, particularly in the travel sector where the inventory is perishable. Rooms at some of the finest resorts in the world – in high season, no less – have shown up on sale sites around the web.

But what happens next, as the economy improves, supply tightens up and demand increases, but we’ve all been spoiled into expecting 50% off or more? The good news is there will always be exceptional travel values available, regardless of economic conditions. Will you have to look a little harder for them? No doubt. But those deals will exist. Here are a few ways to find them.

1) Flash Sale Sites
This phenomenon exploded on the web a couple of years ago; I’m pretty sure my mother was operating a travel flash sale site out of her home office at one point. Offering room night-only, limited time sales to a private membership group, the deals on these sites can be amazing though the selection is narrow. Some of these upstart companies have already shuttered but the big ones will remain standing because hotels will always have seasonal holes or last minute cancellations. Tip: Sign up for the top three (Vacationist and a couple others…I’ll let you Google them ;)) and be prepared to pounce when you see a great deal. Save now, travel later should be your mantra.

2) Travel Auction Sites
The advantage here is a shot at an exceptional deal; the ‘disadvantage’ is you might be competing for it. That said, the wait and the bitten fingernails are often worth it – Luxury Link offers high-end vacations including luxury room accommodations, meals, spa services and other extras you can’t find anywhere else; average winning bids are 50% of the best available rate. The good news is Luxury Link’s deals are offered year round regardless of the economy – luxury hotels use the site for exposure to an affluent audience. For less fancy fare, SkyAuction and Priceline offer the opportunity to bid for hotel stays in the mid to lower end range. Tip: Do your research. Check the hotel’s own web site to verify rates to be sure you’re getting a deal.

3) Off-Peak
Take a serious look at shoulder and off-season for the destinations you wish to visit. Rates are lower, crowds are smaller – you can stay in some of the finest hotels in the world for a relative song if you’re willing to travel off peak. And let’s face it, regardless of your budget, do you really need to pay double to stand in line? Tip: Remember “off peak” is not only related to time of year; for some destinations it could mean Sunday to Thursday (Napa, anyone?) or weekends (New York City). ]]> dmcdavitt http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/luxury-less-1486/ http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/pack-purpose-1412/ Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:56:27 GMT I want to share a story that has inspired us all at Luxury Link. In 2002, Rebecca and Scott Rothney took what would become a life-changing trip to... I want to share a story that has inspired us all at Luxury Link. In 2002, Rebecca and Scott Rothney took what would become a life-changing trip to Botswana. Avid travelers, the Rothneys saw amazing sites around the world but too often also saw sincere need in surrounding communities. Schools with few basic supplies. Orphanages where children used rags tied together with string as mock soccer balls. They wanted to help. Sound familiar? Inspired, they created a vision: they could learn what communities specifically need and help travelers to that region meet those needs in a simple act—by telling them what to bring. And it doesn’t take much. By simply leaving that extra pair of shoes at home and packing 4 deflated soccer balls or 150 pencils instead, you can make a big impact on the lives of children in the destinations you visit.



The Rothneys founded Pack for a Purpose®, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping travelers make an impact in the communities they visit, one vacation at a time. And now, as seen in O, Oprah Winfrey’s magazine, National Geographic and global media everywhere, their cause is gaining steam. With Luxury Link’s help, they will connect even more travelers and hotels to help the communities of the amazing places our customers love to visit.

How can you make a difference? Look for the Pack for a Purpose® logo on participating Luxury Link properties in your desired destination. Visit Pack for a Purpose® to learn what you can bring to make a difference in that community. Stop by the Luxury Link/PfaP page for more information. And watch for Luxury Link auctions that benefit PfaP – a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Pack for a Purpose to further their great cause.Small space. Little effort. Big Impact. Who knew it could be so simple?

Sincerely,

Diane McDavitt, President & Co-Founder, Luxury Link Travel Group ]]> dmcdavitt http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/dmcdavitt/pack-purpose-1412/