Food+Travel

The 10 Commandments to Make Your Seabourn Cruise Even More Fun

2013-02-15T00:20:37Z

Written by: Debbi K. Kickham and William D. Kickham, Esq.

Follow these instructions and thou shalt have the best cruise of your life on the heavenly ships of Seabourn, voted by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2012, as being the World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise line. Seabourn is as good as cruising gets, offering all-suite accommodations, all-inclusive complimentary premium wine and alcohol; and small intimate ships with no tipping required. We recently sailed on an 18-day Christmas cruise on the 450-passenger Seabourn Quest through the Caribbean; it was nothing short of terrific, thanks to an Oscar-worthy Christmas show we would have gladly paid admission for; gingerbread houses galore in the lobby and public areas of the ship; and gourmet turkey dinners worthy of St. Nick. Three out of three wise men would agree that Seabourn is the best!

Of course, those familiar with the upscale cruise industry know that Seabourn is famous for its intuitive service. Let’s face it, on Seabourn, clairvoyance of passenger desires is part of the staff’s job description. So grab your partner – and follow our “insider’s guide” to make your cruise even more fun and fabulous. Every hard-working executive owes it to himself – or herself – to experience the luxury that is Seabourn.

1). Thou shalt dine a deux.

A major part of the cruise experience is about spending quality private time together. Request a table-for-two in the main dining room or dine inside your suite, next to your verandah, where the sea and sky surround you. For more intimacy, dine inside the lovely high-end dining venue known as Restaurant 2, which has no extra charge for a gastronomic dinner. The myriad little bites of deliciousness in this specialty dining venue can include seared beef with curried Vidalia onion rings, goat cheese panna cotta, and coconut and passion fruit gelato with almond foam. Don’t forget to kiss and canoodle between courses, and remember -- on a cruise ship, desserts are supposed to be sinful.

2). Thou shalt spa.

Book the ultimate pampering through the onboard Elemis Spa: a sensuous couples’ massage. For even more decadence, reserve the private villa ($650 for four hours) that comes with bed, private sundeck, 75-minute hot-stone massage, special bath, and lunch. Or just take advantage of the complimentary, much-loved “Massage Moments” on the pool deck.

3). Thou shalt be lazy.

Sleep late, relax by the pool, and order room service at 3AM. Every day is the proverbial “seventh day” when you should rest, together. For divine decadence, go to the Quest’s fifth-deck private pool area, which is a heavenly oasis apart from the main pool. Ask the sommelier for a delicious glass of complimentary dessert wine; nibble on exotic fruits; take the plunge; and thank the Heavens that you have arrived at this station in life.

4). Thou shalt also be active.

Seabourn offers oceans of exercise options: an outdoor deck for jogging and fast-walking, indoor gym with cardio theater, free Kinesis and Pilates instruction, ballroom-dancing lessons, slow and disco dancing in a romantically-lit lounge, strolls on moonlit decks -- everything short of walking the plank.

5). Thou shalt enjoy your suite.

The ship’s Oceanview suites (which we booked) measure 295 sq. feet and feature a couch, dining area, small refrigerator, desk, a two-sink bathroom with separate tub and shower. Fresh floral bouquets, fruit baskets, turndown chocolates, and fluffy robes and slippers are all provided. For even more room, book one of the larger suites on board. The Verandah suites measure 365 sq. feet and feature a sliding door to your verandah, where two deck chairs await you. The Penthouse suites, larger still at 534 sq. feet, feature a dining table for two to four people, and room dividers to allow for separate bedrooms. In addition to the glass slider to a verandah, this suite category adds two flat-screen TVs, in addition to a spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity. The ultimate suite on the ship is the Owner’s Suite, which, at 760 sq. feet and countered to occupy a corner of the ship, offers a full-length window and glass slider to a larger verandah, dining for four, a separate bedroom, a guest bath, two flat-screen TVs, a pantry with wet bar, a convertible sofa for one and even an in-suite whirlpool bath. On top of all this, complimentary internet/Wi-Fi service is provided to guests in the Owner’s Suite.

No matter what suite you’re in, here’s an attractive option: Make arrangements for an in-suite dinner. Want something extra special such as foie gras – or skinless breast of chicken in tomato ragout or low-fat carrot cake? Just tell the Executive Chef and give him at least 24 hours’ notice; you’ll be rewarded with the very best version of “Exactly What You Want.” Continuing with Seabourn’s in-suite comforts, one of the newest cruise amenities is the blissful bed. See Commandment Six.

6). Love thy sleep.

Seabourn offers sumptuous bedding, realizing that a good night’s sleep together, an afternoon nap, and spontaneous intimacy, are lusted-after luxuries. (This is a relatively new development on cruise ships, which have realized that they must follow in the footsteps of hotels that promise you sybaritic sleep in plush beds.) You’ll be spoiled by sleeping beauties: Seabourn beds are prepared with award-winning mattresses made by the Eastbourn company in the Netherlands. Guests love them. Likewise, the linens are from a company called Hilden in England. They are high-thread-count, Egyptian cotton in a jacquard pattern and are smart, durable and very comfortable. Seabourn’s standard pillows are king-size down and feather pillows treated with a patented hypoallergenic treatment. Most guests, even those who have long believed they cannot abide down, have been thrilled with them, as they offer an ideal “snooze cruise.”

7). Thou shalt steal stolen moments.

On cruise ships, sweethearts can steal themselves away for unexpected pleasures and new discoveries, fore and aft. Forget the “shoulds” and let yourself go – to share educational lectures; shore excursions; classical music performances; board games and any number of belly laughs, when you least expect them. For the ultimate in ‘spectacular’ category, we couldn’t miss Seabourn’s famous “Caviar in the Surf” and its superlative beach barbecue on the private island at Half Moon Cay beach in the Bahamas.

We also did something unusual when, late one night, we tucked ourselves into the Card Room where there is a huge TV screen. We dialed up a movie, laid back, covered ourselves with blankets, and even enjoyed popcorn – all in our private screening room. Steven Spielberg himself would have been envious!

You can even get married on board – at no extra charge. Just tell Guest Services and they will make arrangements to have the Captain – or the onboard priest or rabbi – officiate at a special, complimentary marriage vow renewal ceremony, complete with special cake and champagne. (Most other cruise lines charge at least $2,500 for their vow renewals.)

8). Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Samsonite.

In other words, pack these must-have items for your romantic rendezvous: Elegant room spray in your favorite fragrance (I love Diptyque’s Violette); digital camera; and a travel diary to record daily adventures. Don’t forget your nicest outfits and best jewelry; dressing up for dinner is an experience to be savored. You’ll live happily ever after for the length of your cruise. And don’t be surprised when Seabourn staffers go the extra mile. Here’s just one example from our Seabourn Files. A prominent doctor and his wife were about to sail on the Seabourn Odyssey, when a brass button popped off of his navy-blue blazer. He rummaged around and sewed it back on --with turquoise thread! Upon arrival to their suite, the doctor’s wife noticed that the button was sewed on with the wrong colored thread, which the stewardess overheard. Unbeknownst to the couple, the stewardess exited the suite with the blazer and returned 20 minutes later with the jacket button outfitted in navy-blue thread. This was such an unexpected, distinctive service that the doctor and his wife told that story for months!

9). Thou shalt create surprises.

Request a special recipe – a favorite cake, ice cream, or entree -- as a surprise. (We were thrilled when the Executive Chef prepared Nutella gelato just for us.) Arrange for milk and cookies – or hot fudge sundaes -- served to you, at the hot tub, at midnight. If there’s a birthday or anniversary (such as the day you first met) to celebrate with champagne, all the better. Better yet, ask your stewardess to prepare a specialty Pure Pampering bubble bath, made with exclusive Molton Brown products in scents such as ginseng or gingerlily. Shipboard surprises can turn memories into magic, faster than you can say “starboard.”

10). Honor thy feelings.

It’s bound to happen, so just run with it. Your cruise ends, and your loved one utters those three little words you long to hear: no, not “I love you,” but “Let’s book another!” Translation: your Seabourn Cruise sailing was everything you thought it would be – and more.

For more information, contact www.Seabourn.com or call (866) 755-5619.

Smooth Rides From BostonCoach

To get to our destination in Fort Lauderdale, where we embarked on our Seabourn cruise, we had the great pleasure to be chauffeured to and from Boston’s Logan Airport by BostonCoach. It was a thrill, because BostonCoach does everything to make everyone feel like a VIP — even if you’re just an Average Joe.

For readers of Exec Digital Magazine, you’ll be pleased to know that BostonCoach has about 30 years of experience working with executives at Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. BostonCoach and its luxury vehicles are the proverbial “well-oiled machine,” dealing with VIPs around the world in all industries, including business, sports, politics and entertainment. Luxury and reliability add to the first-class feeling of your trip. Your chauffeur does everything from opening doors for you, storing your luggage, to yes, holding signage with your name on it (including aliases for public figures who don’t otherwise want it advertised that they’re in town).

All these not-so-little touches make a big difference — they actually can turn a mundane trip into one that you won’t forget. Chauffeurs must also undergo thorough background checks and safety training, so you can sit back, know that you’re in safe hands, enjoy the ride, and forget about everything else. This experience is not some “taxi ride” by some company you’ve never heard of, where you pray they will remember to pick you up.

Another reason why you’ll be so delighted? Confirmation communications — emails — are sent out immediately after you book, and you receive them within minutes. A second confirmation email is sent to you 24 hours before your trip. Yet one more is sent to you 20 minutes before you are picked up. These special communications eliminate any anxiety, trepidation or fear you have about your trip — always a major factor with the stress that everyone feels traveling these days.

“Our mission at BostonCoach is to reduce the anxiety travelers experience by offering a sanctuary on wheels,” says Larry Moulter, President and CEO of BostonCoach. “Once you’ve made your reservation with BostonCoach, we’ll make sure you’re safe, on-time and stress-free.”

Executives can book online at www.BostonCoach.com or by calling (800) 672-7676. BostonCoach has vehicles in more than 40 countries around the world, for globetrotters of every distinction.

BostonCoach is the vroooom at the top!

About the Authors:

Debbi K. Kickham is the author of the bestseller The Globetrotter’s Get-Gorgeous Guide (www.GorgeousGlobetrotter.com) and the CEO of Maxima Marketing, a marketing/communications firm in Westwood, Mass. (www.MarketingAuthor.com)

William D. Kickham, Esq., is a Boston trial attorney and legal commentator for such media as CourtTV and The New York Times. (www.kickhamlegal.com.) When he’s not presenting cases in court, he writes about traveling the world with the love of his life, Debbi.

DMC of Hawaii Celebrates Website Launch

2013-02-11T19:33:12Z

On January 26, DMC of Hawaii founding partners Alisa Tongg and Ian Hogan celebrated the launch of their company’s new website – dmcofhawaii.com – at a historic site on Kaneohe Bay. Guests included family, supporters and members of the team. Personal adventure guide, Jimi Rocket, was in attendance, as well as Marianne Schultz, a well-regarded tastemaker on the Hawaii culinary scene.

In keeping with the company’s slogan, “Sharing six generations of Aloha,” the event was hosted at the picturesque residence of Lois and Peter Nottage, Hogan’s grandparents. The Nottages and Tongg’s late grandfather Richard “Dickie” Tongg first became friends when they were schoolmates at Punahou School. This multi-generational friendship between DMC of Hawaii’s founding families informs the company’s approach to their signature experiences, leadership development and team building experiences.

Building a business on trusted connections has allowed Tongg to explore uniquely crafted activities and venues that are decidedly off the beaten path.

“Creating this business here, back home in Hawaii, has been very rewarding,” said Tongg, who greeted each guest with lei. “Our strength has been taking these ‘off the beaten path’ authentic adventures – the kind Ian and I grew up having – adding fantastic food, knowledgeable cultural interaction and amazing settings, to give our clients a really thoughtfully designed experience in Hawaii.”

Along with the website, DMC of Hawaii is also launching new signature leadership development and team-building experiences, all set within a culturally rich environment. Hogan said, “This new role allows us to tap into the special relationships we already have within the local community to share genuine Aloha with our clients.”

Throughout the evening, gathered guests shared in a champagne toast, enjoyed words from company leaders and then sat down to a meal of Hawaiian curry together. Covering the evening’s festivities was fashion and sports photographer C.J. Dewolf, a member of the Michael Voorhees team and the featured photographer of the highly anticipated Hawaii Polo Life Magazine.

About DMC of Hawaii

A member of the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau, DMC of Hawaii is a full-service boutique destination management company with deeply rooted local connections and years of planning expertise. The company offers best-in-class service for special events, custom tour programs, transportation and meeting support services to its corporate clientele. DMC of Hawaii’s custom tours and new team-building experiences have garnered interest from corporate incentive groups and medical conferences as well as leisure travelers.

Press Contact
Alisa Tongg

Founding Partner, Client Experience
DMC of Hawaii
Sharing Six Generations of Aloha

Alisa@dmcofhawaii.com
www.dmcofhawaii.com

570-369-3955 direct

Twitter: @DMCofHawaii

Image courtesy of CJ Dewolf Photography 2013

British Airways and Twinings Take Tea To The Skies

2013-01-29T21:38:48Z

Follow @AbbyPhillips89

After a rush through customs, a stressful check in and an early morning start, there is nothing like a good cup of tea to make everything seem all right again. But until now, that has not been an option; instead you are served with a weak, luke-warm cup of tea and a sachet of milk. Not anymore. British Airways and Twining tea have joined forces to bring the comfort of a proper cup of tea to the skies.

They have promised a ‘transformation’ of tea drinking in the air, after research confirmed that taste can be reduced by 30 percent when traveling at altitude.

“British Airways has decided to lead a campaign to improve tea in the air,” Kate Thornton, Head of Product and Service, said. British Airways serves 35 million cups of tea to its customers each year, so it's something they need to get right.

The new tea is a blend of Assam, Kenyan and high grown Ceylon tea, which Twinings describes as “a classic combination giving body, strength, flavor and color.”

“Water on-board an aircraft boils at around 89 degrees centigrade, not the ideal 100 degrees for making black tea,” Mike Wright, Twinings Senior Buyer, said. “The reduced air pressure and humidity affect the functioning of the taste buds, making things taste different.”

So next time you happen to be flying with BA, don’t be afraid to order a good old fashioned cuppa, chances are, it will taste just right.

Who knew it was such a science?

New Dubai Hotel Offers Underwater Luxury

2013-01-29T18:07:10Z

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Follow @ExecDigital

Dubai is well known for its extravagant and innovative architecture, but The Underwater Discus Hotel takes it to another level (literally). Billed as the world’s largest underwater hotel, the Discus is almost space age in its appearance and can plunge up to 10m underwater.

The hotel was designed by Polish firm Deep Ocean Technology and is split into two main parts, one of which constantly remains above the surface of the water.

The submersible part of the hotel will contain 21 hotel rooms as well as an underwater diving facility and a bar. Guests will be able to observe the underwater environment and its inhabitants, and can wake up to scenes of the reef and exotic wildlife floating past their windows.

“Special lighting system of the area around the room and the miniature underwater vehicles which can be operated from inside will allow you to take a closer look at even the most microscopic underwater creatures using macro photography,” says Deep Ocean Technology.

Guests on board however will be afforded a somewhat more private experience, with luxury amenities, comfortable accommodation and freshly prepared food. It is set to be a truly out-of-this world experience for travelers who enjoy a slightly more 'wacky' holiday experience.

Is this the wackiest hotel in the world?

Exec's Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2013

2013-01-29T00:37:29Z

For Him: A Lange & Söhne Tourbillion Wrist Watch

$367,623.00

A Lange & Söhne is the quiet king of horology and has been perfecting its art for hundreds of years. Its new collection Grand Lange 1, features the super stylish Tourbillon, perpetual calendar watch, which is not only understated, classic and modern, but also exceptionally clever. Keep it running and you won’t need to adjust the date until the year 2100. If your man appreciates master craftsmanship then this is a stunning watch for his collection.

For Her: Tiffany Filigree Heart Pendant With Key

$10,950.00

If you want to make a women feel special, Tiffany jewellery will never fail to impress. On Valentine's Day this year, make the lady in your life feel like a million dollars by treating her to the Tiffany Filigree Heart Pendant. Round, brilliant diamonds are set into 18k white gold, and the pendant has Tiffany inscribed on the back, the perfect way to signify your love.

For Him: Murdock Luxury Full Service (London)

$157.00

For the ultimate grooming experience, nothing can compete with the Murdock Luxury Full Service. This treatment will leave the man in your life feeling indulged and relaxed, and looking his very best, ready for a romantic evening out. This service includes a haircut with one of Murdock of London’s accomplished stylists, wet shave and a shoe polish or male manicure to finish.

For Her: Harrods Valentines Hamper

$235.00

Treat that special someone to a luxurious valentine hamper this year, full of sweet confectionery, rose wine, raspberry vodka liqueur and heart shaped tea bags. Everybody loves a little indulgence, especially on Valentine's Day.

For Both Of You: Romantic Getaways

Tired of the everyday hustle and bustle? Do you and your loved one sometimes feel like ships passing in the night? If so, the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day this year is in each other’s company. The ultimate gift this Valentine's Day is a romantic getaway for two.

Antigua Spa Retreat: Jumby Bay

From $12,180 per person for 7 nights, based on a couple sharing

Accessed only by boat, the secluded, car-free private-island hideaway of Jumby Bay, two miles off the coast of Antigua, offers the quintessential Caribbean experience. Reopened just before Christmas after a major overhaul, Jumby Bay and the adjoining Rosewood Spa offers its guests a totally relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The resort is a perfect choice for Valentine's Day, giving you the option to enjoy a Champagne picnic under the night sky, enjoy couples treatments in the spa and take cookery lessons together. (www.elegantresorts.co.uk)

BMW, Fairmont Hotels Partnership Expands to U.S.

2013-01-25T23:00:56Z

A Canadian partnership between BMW of North America and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts will be expanded to serve guests staying at U.S.-based locations, the auto manufacturer announced Wednesday.

Fairmont President’s Club guests will be treated to complimentary rides in the BMW 750i Sedan and may choose to be chauffeured for a range of activities.

"BMW is happy to expand its partnership with Fairmont and I am confident that guests who take advantage of this service will enjoy spending as much time in our vehicles as they do in their rooms at the luxurious Fairmont properties," Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America Dan Creed said in a released statement. "I hope that our presence serves to enhance each guest's overall experience."

The partnership was originally founded in 2009, and has utilized the BMW 7 Series Sedan and BMW X5 to service Fairmont locations in Canada.

"Expanding our chauffeured car service with a respected partner like BMW was an easy decision," said Brian Richardson, Vice President of Brand Marketing & Communications at Fairmont. "It's a benefit that our frequent guests truly value and it allows us to expand on our focus of enhancing the stay experience and ensuring Fairmont guests have an opportunity to explore and connect with the destination."

Enrollment for the President’s Club is free and comes with a range of special benefits and privileges, including expedited check-in and check-out, access to exclusive vacation offerings, a members-only reservation line and complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet.

Blockbuster Worthy Winter Vacation Spots

2013-01-16T21:10:35Z

Written by Fern Pullan

With most of Europe in the icy grip of sub-zero temperatures whilst cities across the United States are enjoying balmy temperatures and wall to wall sunshine, we can all be forgiven for craving a winter getaway this season. Whether you want to swap your thermal trousers and snow boots for flip-flops, shorts and sunglasses, or feel like trading in your sundress and sandals for the cosy warmth of a turtleneck and your newest scarf set in cooler climes, there are destinations worldwide just waiting to be discovered. But why just pick your holiday destination because your best friend’s mum’s second cousin recommended a particular resort, or because you wanted to pacify your other half, thinking ‘anything for a quiet life’?

After all, travelling isn’t the only popular past-time in the depths of each winter. With the awards season well and truly underway thanks to last weekend’s Golden Globes ceremony in Los Angeles, there are many blockbusters hitting the big screen that are raking in the box office pennies, from the first instalment in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit franchise to the big name-laden film adaptation of the worldwide musical hit, Les Misèrables, from political heavyweight Lincoln to the harsh examination of the American slavery era in Django Unchained. With many of us trading our relative weather patterns for the air-conditioned or well-heated movie theatres, we are being exposed to sets and locations that are both familiar and unknown – but would we ever think of visiting them, based on our filmic experiences?

Here at Exec Digital, we’re always up for a challenge, so this is the first in a series of investigations into the locales of the Big Nine – the movies nominated for Best Picture in this year’s Academy Awards. We’ll be bringing you the best picks of where to stay, what to see and where to go to discover the stories behind the stories of the big screen.

Our first adventure is based upon the French-language film Amour, directed by Michael Haneke and starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva and Isabelle Huppert. Nominated for five Academy Awards, the film traces the story of an elderly French couple living in Paris and the problems they face when illness descends upon their house, testing their love to its limits. Paris being the undeniable ‘City of Love’, it is the ideal place for a romantic break this season in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.

Film still from Amour

The city’s history adds to its romantic atmosphere - hotels such as the popular La Maison Favart (approx. £230 per night) are located in the heart of the historical quarter, with the Louvre, the Opera Garnier and the Champs-Élysées all within fifteen minutes walking distance. If you wish to continue your cultural experiences whilst dining, the gastronomic grandeur of such restaurants as Le Meurice should be high on your list, with its mosaic floors and crystal chandeliers highlighting its truly French bones. The city is full of hidden gems to discover, from the often missed Palais Royal on the Right Bank of the Seine to the Madeleine, from the Pont Neuf (despite its name, it is the oldest standing bridge across the Seine in Paris) to the Basilica St. Denis – just a short metro ride out of the city, and treasured as the burial place for French royalty for centuries. If you exhaust your cultural and historical capabilities – not to mention severely testing the waistlines of your wardrobes – there are always events occurring in this popular city. The Paris Carnival takes over the streets on 10 February, and a Big Wheel dominates the Place de la Concorde until 19 February. Test your abilities – and your elegant landings! – on the ice rink installed outside l’Hôtel de Ville or merely stroll hand in hand around the spectacularly lit Eiffel Tower. However you choose to occupy your time, this beautiful city is a must on your holiday destinations list this year.

Don’t miss our next installment in this exploration of getaways through the hit movies nominated in the Best Picture category at this year’s Academy Awards, where we reveal the secret places to stay, eat and visit in Iran’s capital city thanks to Ben Affleck’s Golden Globe-winning masterpiece, Argo.

Would You Employ a Social Media Butler?

2013-01-14T18:53:13Z

So what do you buy the man who has everything… well that’s obvious, a social media butler of course! Yeah, you heard me correctly, a social media butler. That is exactly what the Madison in Washington D.C. will provide you with if you drop a casual $47,000 on a four night stay at the hotel as part of the “Inaugural Town and Country” package.

For your $47,000 you will receive a four-night stay for two in one of the Madison's Presidential Suites, a private Lincoln Town Car and driver, a private tour of D.C. with 22 of your closest friends, a $5,000 shopping “experience” at Brooks Brothers, a night at the Landsdowne Resort with a couple's massage, and, of course, that “dedicated social media butler.” Well you are clearly going to be far too busy to update your own Facebook status!

But in all seriousness though, what on earth could you possibly need a social media butler for? Victoria Devine at Anchor Media does just that and tells CNBC that should you engage her services, she will “chronicle your Inaugural experience so your friends and family can follow your adventures on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.”

The question to ask though, “Is this going to become the norm? Will CEOs, famous faces and the rich and famous soon all have a social media butler as part of their entourage?”

What do you think, would you employ a social media butler to document your travels and adventures and even your working week? Join this discussion on Businessfriend or Twitter and tell us what you think (or have your butler do it… we don’t mind!)

Another Hotel Stopover Or Your Home Away From Home?

2013-01-07T08:59:01Z

Written by Fern Pullan

Follow @SopranoLMU

Between returning to the nine to five and bemoaning the additional inches on our waistlines, leaving behind the inevitable extended family gatherings to renewing our gym memberships because...well, it is January – there can be a bit of a bump back down to earth after the home comforts of Christmas. You may be flying to some exotic hotspot this month while we’re all back at our desks, but some of us already have that feeling where we aren’t ready to let the comfort and homeliness of Christmas fade away and so don’t really want a repeat of last year’s hotel stopovers but with a higher price tag. With prices of everything from food basics to heating rising steadily recently, it is no surprise that hotel rates are no exception. So is it really worth paying more this year for exactly the same thing?

The Hogg Robinson Group, an international corporate services company, last year released a list of the 10 most expensive cities for hotel stopovers, and with many of them being popular destinations for the business executive travelling to conferences or meetings, the value for money is worth investigating.

The Norwegian capital of Oslo took tenth place, with a room for a business traveller costing an average of £194 per night, up 11% from the year before. A room in the Big Apple will set you back the same amount on average, with no change from 2011. With the highest increase in average nightly room rates at 37%, Istanbul takes eighth place, whilst if you’re travelling down under, a room in Australia’s largest city will cost an average of £197 as a result of Sydney’s 16% average rate increase. America’s highest placing city on the list takes only fifth place, with a 3% rise in Washington leading to an average nightly rate of £199. Stockholm strengthens Scandinavia’s presence on the list, with a fourth place spot of £202. A 5% rise takes a Paris hotel room to an average of £208, with the Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva hot on its heels, at £220 (17% rise) and £228 (13% increase) on average respectively. And for the seventh year running, Moscow tops the list, with a huge average rate of £261.

Hotels aren’t your only options, however. With cottage and villa holidays becoming increasingly popular, more and more people are letting out their homes, flats and loft conversions while they’re out of town. Whilst some may vary in quality, others offer considerable value for money, a warm and friendly host and even handy breakfast items and wi-fi, all within the comfortable environment of a true home from home. Sites such as www.airbnb.co.uk provide information about thousands of such properties worldwide, many with reviews from previous visitors, letting you know just what to expect from your stay. With your hosts being people just like you, you’ll usually find them more than happy to provide you with directions, meet you at the airport or stock the kitchen with some essentials if you’re arriving at an unsociable hour.

A spacious and newly renovated flat in central Oslo can cost as little as £57 per night, with a discounted weekly rate of £400. A quick visit to New York sees flats on the Upper West Side available at £79 per night, in Brooklyn at £95 and even Manhattan penthouses from just £145 per night – excellent ways to save money whilst still being right in the thick of the city action. Even in the most expensive city in the world for hotel stopovers, a spacious house near the airport in Moscow can set you back a relatively cheap £76 per night, whilst a 5 star apartment closer to the city centre is available for just £158.

So if you’re heading off to conferences or meetings, or even just want to plan a romantic getaway or a winter break, remember that choosing the home comforts of a home rental can often save you cash as well as allowing you to truly unwind each evening in a home away from home.

Maui: My Blue Heaven Part 2 (Segment 3 of 3)

2012-12-17T23:25:29Z

Contributed by Debbi Kickham and William D. Kickham, Esq.

By now you have read our Part One segments about Maui, figuring in the question we always ask ourselves when we are there: “Are we on Maui – or are we in Heaven?” It’s no surprise that Conde Nast Traveler has repeatedly named the island the “world’s best.” http://www.visitmaui.com.

Delicious Dining

If you’re only going to dine in one restaurant on Maui, it should be the award-winning Lahaina Grill, which has won accolades for just about everything on its menu, including the service, steak, and wine list. The food here is a revelation.

Our favorite server, Richard Olsen (who is also the sommelier) started us with warm rolls with garlic-compound butter, which were a meal in itself. Our salads of baby spinach and marcona almonds included oh-so-sweet caramelized onions that were so yummy they necessitated a separate serving. There is so much to enjoy here it is hard to list everything – tequila shrimp with firecracker rice; wild Pacific salmon baked with Pommery mustard; even grilled polenta.

La Haina Grill Cuisine

You must, must, must order the roasted Kula corn (which doesn’t even need the herb butter) and the Olawalu tomatoes broiled with olive oil. The triple berry pie featured the best berries we’ve ever eaten; the clove-pumpkin homemade ice cream was remarkable; and the flourless chocolate cake only left us wanting more, more, more. http://www.lahainagrill.com

For the complete sensation of a spectacular sunset – with a meal to match – nothing beats Sarento’s On The Beach. General Manager Ryan Hertz, and Chef Geno Sarmiento once again pulled out all the stops at this excellent restaurant, which has Four Diamonds from AAA, and a “Certificate of Excellence” in 2012 from Trip Advisor. We started with Portobello Napoleon, with the addition of hamakua mushroom bruschetta with a demi-glaze whose sauce alone was worth the trip.

There are so many great items on this menu – let us count the ways: Olawalu tomato gazpacho, Maui onion rings, baked-potato ravioli, focaccia with curry hummus, and lots of other mouth-watering Mediterranean fare including entrees of tiger shrimp scampi, ahi with goat-cheese gnocchi, and fresh catch with herb pesto. We had the homemade Tahitian vanilla beach ice cream, which is complemented by extraordinary dessert wines. www.sarentosonthebeach.com

At Nick’s Fishmarket at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, you will find fantastic fresh fish that will catch you! We sat under the stars at the Fairmont Kea Lani, a luxury resort favored by celebrities, the upscale traveler and those-in-the-know. We also fell under the spell of an overhead, vine-covered trellis with fragrant blossoms and sparkling lights, not to mention Director of Operations Donny Abernathy, who took great care of us.

Nick’s has won culinary awards too numerous to mention, including a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence again in 2012, for the 12th consecutive year. A curving granite bar provides casual seating for tasty pupus and tempting cocktails, but you may also love a romantic booth overlooking the resort. Everything on this menu impresses, and when offered, we took the bait: Olawalu tomato soup, roasted beet salad with delicious homemade pomegranate-molasses vinaigrette and Kalua pig pot stickers. Bill loved his Maui Wowee salad with feta cheese, and Moroccan-spiced salmon, while Deb swooned over the soba noodles complemented by ono and ponzu sauce. We fell for Nick’s, hook, line and sinker. www.nicksfishmarketmaui.com

Another great dining option on the delightful Kaanapali Beachwalk is Tropica Restaurant & Bar on Kaanapali Beachwalk at the Westin Hotel, spearheaded by Executive Chef Jennifer Evetushick. Here’s where you’ll find eclectic Pan-Pacific cuisine where the signature item is Vietnamese seafood pho with ginger-mint pesto, local shellfish and tomato broth.

We started with a delicious mushroom flatbread pizza – a meal in itself – and took delight in the opakapaka with a crave-worthy soy-pineapple gastrique (we even requested more) and the natural half-chicken with fingerling potatoes. Other delights include Asian aromatic steamed clams and mussels with lemongrass pesto, and beef tenderloin with vanilla-butter-poached Kona lobster. For dessert, take our cue and sample the “Study in Chocolate,” with Asian-five-spice truffle and salted-caramel-coconut-macadamia mélange. It’s the kind of learning experience we love! http://www.westinmaui.com/dining/tropica/dinner

What time was it when we went to Tommy Bahama? It was our last meal on Maui and it was also “ay-ay-ay” time, because that’s about all we could exclaim upon seeing the menu, and dining on the cuisine here. Ay, ay, ay, it was fantastically good. The tortilla soup is always terrific, and the world-famous coconut shrimp always has Debbi craving more.

Complement these goodies with a coconut-cloud martini or a cucumber smash. And we could have made an entire meal out of the hot bread with cinnamon/clove/nutmeg butter. Standouts here are Sanibel chicken with red-pepper coulis, macadamia-nut mahi with Asian salad, along with wholegrain Farro Salad. Desserts are beautifully displayed on a tray, including pina colada cake smothered with coconuts and rum, and malted mocha mud pie. We’ve already made our reservation for next year. http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Stores_Restaurants/Wailea.jsp

Contact Debbi and Bill via www.MarketingAuthor.com.

Investing In Liquid Gold

2012-12-13T18:22:31Z

Written by Andy Simpson, Founder, Whisky Highland

www.whiskyhighland.co.uk

The Whisky Investor

@whiskyinvestor

The Dalmore recently broke its own record of £120,000 for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever retailed with the sale of its 62-year old ‘Drew Sinclair’ bottle. This is one of twelve individually named bottles originally released in 2002. One of these bottles sold at auction in 2002 for £22,000 (hammer price), another bottle sold in 2005 for £32,000 (bought and drunk in a London hotel), with the most recent bottle selling for £125,000 earlier this year. That represents a 468 percent increase over a period of 10 years.

Comparing pure UK auction prices; in 2008 a bottle of the incredibly rare 1928 Macallan 50 year old sold for £4,400. Just two months ago, in October 2012, a bottle sold for £17,000; a 286 percent increase in four years.

Like any investment, to make worthwhile gains you have to understand the market inside out. Get it right and the returns can be impressive. According to the Whisky Highland index, if you’d bought the current best performing 1000 bottles of single malt Scotch whisky in 2008 (at auction in the UK) they would have increased by 107.2 percent (to the end of September 2012). If you’d done the same with the top 250 bottles, the increase is 206.1 percent and the top 100 would have gained by an impressive 276.5 percent.

However, as with all investments, the risk of getting it wrong can be catastrophic, and whisky is no exception. Over the same time period, the bottom 1000 performing bottles of whisky represent a 28.1 percent loss, the bottom 250 show a loss of 48.9 percent and the bottom 100 have decreased in value by a staggering 57.7 percent.

So why are prices for certain bottles rising at such a lively rate? The answer is simple, good old supply and demand. Whisky has never seen such high levels of global demand. The demand for premium and super premium whisky far exceeds supply and is therefore pushing up prices. However, collectable and investment grade Scotch doesn’t have to break the bank. Bottles can be bought from as little as £65. An early 2012 release from Balvenie (called “The Cooper”) originally retailed for exactly that amount, £65. It now sells for around £250 on the open market.

Rare and old whisky has become big business. It’s also gaining momentum as a viable alternative to commodities such as art and wine which have well established markets. Not only is there a regular supply of collectable whisky, but relatively few have taken the whisky route and there are plenty of gems still to be discovered. Certain whiskies are rising in price considerably faster than other commodities.

How do you go about investing in whisky?

The same rules of investing in the stock market broadly apply to the “Investment Grade Scotch” market (IGS). Clearly bottles of whisky cannot pay a dividend or provide a rental yield; the aim is to maximise capital appreciation and minimise risk. You should consider the quality and reputation of the distillery or brand you buy from, and the metrics of supply and demand.

1. Pick the right distillery – stick to the well known brands like The Macallan, The Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Ardbeg and Balvenie which cater for collectors and investors.

2. The Silent stills – Certain closed distilleries - known as ‘silent’ distilleries - are performing exceptionally well as an investment. Two of the most popular are Port Ellen and Brora. Both these distilleries closed in 1983; from that date no more whisky was produced although very limited stocks still exist in casks… but for how long?!

3. Go for old measures – bottles measured in fluid ounces rather than centilitres are sought after. Broadly speaking, as an investment, this means the older the better.

4. Go for limited editions – the fewer bottles the better, ideally cask strength, single cask with a vintage. You’ll need to be quick though. Limited editions from certain distilleries can sell out within a matter of days…. If not hours!

In these uncertain economic times people seek out different investment vehicles. Whisky (like wine in the 1980’s) has prospered and grown as an alternative investment. The popularity of rare and old Scotch whisky as both a drink and an alternative asset class is continually increasing. That said, the risks involved are every bit as real as they are with every other investment asset class. Drop it on a hard marble floor and that’s a 100 percent loss. Worst case scenario and your bottle doesn’t increase in value – drink it! Find me a share certificate you can do that with.

If you enjoyed this article, then you may also enjoy reading a piece about Bruichladdich Whisky Distillery. They have managed to become 100 percent self-sustainable. You can also buy barrels of whisky from the distillery.

Maui: My Blue Heaven Part 2 (Segment 2 of 3)

2012-12-12T22:44:27Z

Contributed by Debbi Kickham and William D. Kickham, Esq.

Check In Continued

Of course, if you thrill to a vacation spot that is as good as it gets, nothing beats the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, rated by AAA as a Five-Diamond (basically, the Oscar of hospitality). This resort always exceeds expectations of their clientele. Four Seasons resorts, especially the Four Seasons Maui, takes service – and details – to unprecedented levels, offering luxury to the umpteenth degree.

We stayed in an ocean view room, #563, which typically costs about $895 per night. This beautiful room featured a marble bathroom with double sinks, marble shower and those special little touches that signal superb attention to detail: the itty-bitty book light by the bed; the coffee station; and L’Occitane soaps. For those who crave even more luxury (and can afford it) book the Maile Executive Suite (at $15,500 per night) or the Club Floor, which offers food presentations all day long. And if you love freebies (who doesn’t?) the list of what is complimentary at Four Seasons Maui is quite remarkable – from the Kids For All Seasons children’s camp (with great activities) to the papaya-mango sunscreen doled out poolside along with snorkeling equipment.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Speaking of the pool, nothing is quite like the adults-only Serenity Pool featuring Missoni cabanas (for $495 per day) that include a direct ocean view, TV and goodies such as brownie bites and gelato. But trust us on this one – you must order one of the resort’s frozen fresh lemonades – we loved the ginger and raspberry varieties – and slush was never so satisfying.

Deb had an amazing facial in the Four Seasons Maui Spa. Aesthetician Lani (who had amazingly strong and healing hands) used iSun products in this 50-minute anti-aging facial ($215); the highlight was the edible, vegan, chocolate moisturizing mask that Lani described as “food for your skin.”

That evening, to cap off the quintessential paradise day, we dined at Ferraro’s, where manager Alec van Meijeren served up classy and fabulous fare including our favorite roasted tomato soup made with Pernod. Here, you’ll sit under stars at what is the most romantic location in all of Maui.

Our entrees included the local catch with eggplant caponata, and chicken Involtini with tomato confit and goat cheese. Dessert – the best part – was a chocolate lava cake with a sumptuous jammy strawberry-and-cream gelato that only left us wanting a slice the size of Volcanoes National Park. http://www.fourseasons.com/maui

There’s also a new kid in the block in Wailea – the Hotel Wailea, where honeymooning couples can enjoy a luxurious 900-square-foot suite starting at $200 nightly. Book the “partial ocean view” such as Suite #152; it comes with refrigerator; stovetop; microwave and lots more. This beautiful resort features a shuttle to the Grand Wailea beach; comped Mai Tais at the pool on Tuesdays from 4-4:30; workout facilities; a Japanese spa; and – get this – its own orchard where you can pick your fruity favorites on Monday mornings. One caveat – we insist that you visit the lobby bar to eat the scrumptious pupu of artisanal cheeses and the local Kula strawberries macerated in honey from the resort’s own apiary. They were the strawberries of our dreams. http://www.hotelwailea.com

There’s no dearth of activities on Maui, and one of our favorites is to jet-ski. We found the red umbrella of Pacific Jet Sports at the Hyatt Regency Maui (www.mauiwatersports.com) and we were set. A half-hour ride is $75 for one jet-ski; you’re given a brief instruction, and then go on your merry way in the water. Buoys provide direction, and you are also free to do figure-eights. But we have to say – the best part of our ride together on one jet-ski, Elvis and Ann-Margret style – was when we wiped out and fell into the Pacific. You can even get professional photos taken of your adventure.

Look for Segment 3 and 3 of Debbi and William's Hawaiian Adventure on www.execdigital.com in the days to come.

Contact Debbi and Bill via www.MarketingAuthor.com.

Maui: My Blue Heaven Part 2 (Segment 1 of 3)

2012-12-11T23:34:47Z

Contributed by Debbi Kickham and William D. Kickham, Esq.

Check In

If you’re going to stay on Kaanapali Beach, to take advantage of all that it offers – fabulous hotels, Maui’s best beach, great restaurants and lots more – our money is on the Kaanapali Alii Resort Condominiums. We have stayed at this property scores of times, and it always gets better each time. This luxury condo property underwent an extensive recent renovation, including construction of an absolutely beautiful, state-of-the-art 3,000-sq.ft. gym that is one of the most fabulous we have ever, ever encountered in our travels. It features treadmills, StarTrac equipment, fitness classes, free weights and two spa treatment rooms. Love that.

We were happily ensconced in Unit #263, a stunning two-bedroom bungalow that is as high-end as it gets. It features a full-kitchen with granite countertops, Sub-Zero refrigerator, upscale appointments throughout, and master bedroom with a shower that could accommodate five people (don’t get any ideas!) The property also added a quiet pool (which adults love).

The beach here is one of the very best on all of Maui and Kaanapali; bring a tube, bask in the sunshine, and take in the fact that you are very lucky to be here, indeed. If you stay here, order the Alii’s “breakfast provisions” amenity in which a wealth of goodies will be ready and waiting for you in the refrigerator, upon arrival. Now that’s a good morning on Maui! http://www.kaanapalialii.com

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa will, in 2013, celebrate its 50th anniversary as the first resort on Kaanapali. Many factors make this property special. Executives should book the resort’s Alii Suite, #5111, offering a huge bathroom with a TV screen imbedded into the mirror, full kitchen, and wraparound lanai.

The award-winning Spa at Black Rock (www.blackrockspa.com) offers six treatment rooms, where Deb enjoyed an incredible Vitality Facial given by Rajita, featuring Eminence Organics products. It was the berries – especially the chocolate-and-blueberry repair masque that felt like silk – and left Deb’s skin looking that way.

The Sheraton Maui Resort

At sunset, visit the Sheraton’s Cliff Dive Bar, where you can imbibe reduced-price cocktails from 3-5 p.m. Later, watch the sunset Cliff Diver Ceremony when a local Hawaiian plunges into the Pacific from atop Black Rock. Follow it up with dinner at Black Rock Steak and Seafood; order the grilled fish that comes with four special sauces, and you must try the signature Checkerboard Cake featuring coconut ice cream, chocolate cake, and marzipan. Sweet! http://www.sheraton-maui.com

Look for Segments 2 and 3 of Debbi and William's Hawaiian Adventure on www.execdigital.com in the days to come.

Contact Debbi and Bill via www.MarketingAuthor.com.

It's Time To Demand Hotel Style Service At The Office

2012-12-11T18:03:40Z

We thought so.

Increasingly, business executives are asking themselves the same questions. The internet has transformed our world, and, consequently, our business habits. In an era in which the United Nations considers internet access a human right, and when it is completely possible to start up a successful business armed with nothing more than a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, the business landscape has begun a dramatic evolution.

When setting up a new venture or running a business, leases and contracts are often a worrying constraint, so many business and entrepreneurs have eschewed traditional office space, installing themselves at home, or in the nearest café instead. But, let’s face it: Starbucks isn’t really the ideal working environment. After a day sifting through reports and emails in a café, most business people are nursing an earache from the constant whirring of coffee machines and endless screaming children.

Step forward Dryland, a new concept of Business Members’ Club which offers a beautiful and inspiring environment in which to work, hold meetings and take breaks. The brainchild of Jon Hunt founder of Foxtons, the first (of many) Drylands is located in Kensington High Street opposite the tube. It provides three levels of flexible, all-inclusive membership, from use of the lounges to your own private office pod or private office suite. The environment is stunning, with an attention to detail most of us would expect in a five star hotel (chauffeur driven Maserati, anyone?), and a commitment to an old fashioned level of personal service one might only expect to find elsewhere in the finest of St James’s clubs. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But it gets even better.

Flexible office spaces like Dryland are not merely a functional solution to a financial problem. They represent an overhaul in the old-fashioned ways in which most of us work. Hunt and his daughter Emma designed beautiful common areas in which entrepreneurs can mingle, share ideas and network, with regularly organised events such as seminars and a Film Club. After all, when you’re inspired by a new concept, why limit yourself to just hearing feedback from your colleagues? At Dryland, business men and women linger over cakes, sandwiches, sharing platters and tapas painstakingly prepared by a chef who learnt her trade in three Michelin-starred restaurants, all the while building valuable connections. And for those tied to their desks by a pressing contract, the food can be ordered from the public-facing Dryland Grand Café straight to them so they don’t have to miss out.

Reception area

Comfortable working spaces

Dryland Cafe

Spaces like Dryland also provide a practical solution to a business landscape where companies rapidly change and adapt to their markets – adding on extra membership, increasing the number of company ‘Pods’ or increasing office space is simple, with no long term commitment.

Regular readers of this website will know that our writers are consistently looking out for the best in travel and leisure trends. That’s because we know that executives have come to expect luxury, efficiency, and vision in the hotels, restaurants and bars that they frequent. Concepts like Dryland pose a simple question: why expect any less from your office?

Stunning interior

It's the detail that counts!

Hunt decided to create a work-space that was designed with the same pride and care that you would lavish on your home. Paul Smith upholstered chairs dot the conference rooms, carefully commissioned artworks hang on the walls, and a bespoke Bruce Munro chandelier twinkles above the central spiral staircase. But before you go thinking it’s all too corporate, there’s a bit of the weird and wacky thrown in, too: life-size chimpanzee statues are strategically positioned on every floor, contrasting with the Damian Hirst butterfly print wallpaper in the sound-proofed telephone booths! We never knew going to work could be so much fun.

Dryland points to a revolution in the way that business people work, network and do business. Nowadays, executives no longer even raise an eyebrow at crossing the globe for a meeting. In a truly international age, calls for this kind of flexible, affordable office hub – with the latest of secure technology and an on-site Tech Concierge - will surely only become louder. Dryland’s inspiring design has jumped headfirst into the future of business; we think it’s time for the rest of the world to take the plunge as well.

What the rest of the world is saying about Dryland

Gift Rémy Martin XO Gold to Make an Impression

2012-12-07T22:56:53Z

The man who seems to have it all poses a challenge when choosing an appropriate Christmas gift. Suppose he has good taste and the bar is set even higher. Everyone has one on their list – your boss, perhaps, or a new or prospective father-in-law.

The elusive gift you’re looking for is found in a bottle: the special edition RémyMartinXO Gold. Available for a limited time at Harrods, this exquisite cognac is available for £130 (roughly $210). The limited edition of the French drink maker’s RémyMartin XO features a gold gift box and shimmering gold-accented decanter. In honor of the 2012 holiday season, the brandy was unveiled as part of the XO Excellence Fine champagne cognac line earlier in the year.

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Click here to read the latest edition of Exec Digital

Perfect for sipping by the fire on a wintry night or toasting with friends, RémyMartin has been a favorite drink of cognac drinkers for over 200 years. Tasting notes detailed on Cognac Fans include, “Ripe notes of late summer figs and candied plum complimented by a dash of cinnamon and dried fruits of autumn.” With that description, dare yourself not to picture flickering firelight, softly lighting a glass of the amber liquid from behind.

Proceeded by its reputation (and supported by the hope that the lucky receiver will choose to crack the seal on the spot and spread some holiday cheer), gifting a bottle of RémyMartinXO Gold seems like a no-brainer during this mentally taxing season of the year.