The Power of Virtuoso

"What is Virtuoso?" It's a question often asked by new clients and people who are unfamiliar with the world of luxury travel. Virtuoso is a prestigious, by-invitation-only network of the industry's best travel agencies and travel providers worldwide. In total, there are only 300 Virtuoso agencies in the country, and Sterling Brownell (my firm) is one of them.

As a Virtuoso advisor, I leverage this exclusive network to bring tangible value to my clients. Complimentary upgrades, special amenities, privileged access and invitations to private events are just a few of the perks I'm able to deliver to my clients because of my affiliation with Virtuoso.

So when I'm asked the question of how booking travel with me is different from going online and doing it yourself, I simply answer "The power of Virtuoso." Here's an example of that power and the value it brings to consumers savvy enough to work with a Virtuoso advisor:

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Pay for 2 nights and receive the 3rd night free

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina is a Mobil Five Star oceanfront resort and spa located off the coast of Charleston. The hotel feels like a seaside mansion and captures the true essence of the beautiful south. It is an ideal getaway for both families and couples, and it offers a wide array of activities both on and off the beach. World class golf, tennis, dining, and a gorgeous spa are just a few of the ways guests can enjoy their time while staying at the Sanctuary.

Between now and March 4, 2009, clients booking through a Virtuoso advisor pay for two nights and receive the third night complimentary. It is an excellent deal and just one example of the many ways that Virtuoso advisors deliver exceptional value to their clients.

Why Rent a Villa in the Caribbean?

In search of that perfect home away from home when traveling to the Caribbean? Then renting a villa might be the best choice for you. With an abundance of homes available for rent on many different islands, there's a property out there to fit any family or group. Having access to a fully stocked kitchen, enjoying larger living spaces and splashing around in your own private pool are just a few of the benefits of choosing to stay in a villa. Many homes also come fully staffed with cooks, butlers, and babysitters if you're looking for the ultimate pampered experience.

The key to selecting the perfect Caribbean villa for your vacation is determining how much space you need to comfortably accommodate your group, as well as choosing the right island and location on that island based on your personal preferences. A trusted travel advisor is the best person to help you sort through these issues and find a reputable rental company. While the internet is full of "book on your own" options, there's no way to know who is legitimate and who isn't. My firm has access to an elite group of excellent villa companies who will deliver a product that is worth the price.

The islands of the Caribbean are much more diverse than many people realize. Some of them such as Anguilla and Eleuthera are relatively flat with stunning white sand beaches. On islands like these, most villas are located directly on the beach. Jamaica, Grenada and St. Barts are examples of lush and mountainous islands where one can find villas both on the beach and in the hills with spectacular ocean views.

Contact me for assistance with locating the best island and villa for your next tropical getaway.

Boston Getaway

I recently spent a weekend in Boston to celebrate the marriage of an old friend. I began my weekend by checking into the historic and beauitful Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel. After an extensive renovation and restoration, the hotel is truly gorgeous. It was originally built in 1912, and guests feel as if they are stepping back into a bygone era of elegance and splendor as soon as they enter its doors.

I opted for a Fairmont Gold level room, which is located on the fourth floor of the hotel. "Fairmont Gold" is the equivalent of a club level room at other properties, but Fairmont goes above and beyond to deliver value for the modest additional cost. My husband and I were immediately directed to the private check-in desk on the Fairmont Gold floor and received a warm and personalized welcome from the staff. We had arrived just in time for afternoon hors d'ouevres in the private lounge. I couldn't believe how many different treats were offered!

In addition to a fully stocked honor bar, Fairmont Gold guests can take advantage of complimentary coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks and bottled water throughout the day. Breakfast was complimentary as well...and it did not disappoint! Everything from eggs to smoked salmon to fresh fruit was offered, along with fresh pastries, meats, cheeses, etc. After lingering over my delicious breakfast, I made my way to one of the available computers to catch up on emails, all complimentary as part of my Fairmont Gold room rate.


The next morning, I toured the Boston Public Library, one of the most interesting buildings in the city from an architectural standpoint. It was located directly across the street from my hotel, which made my visit there particularly convenient. I took in a fascinating photography exhibit before heading out to explore more of the city via the Freedom Trail. Marked with special red bricks, the trail covers sixteen different sites which are most important to the American Revolution. I opted to explore the Trail on my own, but costumed and audio guides are available for those who are interested.

One of my favorite stops was The Boston Common, our country's oldest park. After a visit to Faneuil Hall, a structure which has served as an open forum meeting hall and marketplace for over 250 years, my husband, friends and I made our way to The Salty Dog for lunch. It offered lots of local, fresh seafood along with some of the city's traditional dishes such as Boston Creme Pie. My lobster sandwich was divine! In the afternoon, the men headed back to the Oak Room at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for a drink, while the ladies visited Newbury Street for shopping. Newbury Street offers block after block of small boutiques and restaurants - it is a shoppers haven!

The next day, I took a tour of the USS Constitution, more fondly known as "Old Ironsides." She's the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, and the tour was fascinating. The ship dates back to 1797 and played a critical role in many battles fought to preserve our country's freedom. Also located at the Charlestown Navy Yard was a very educational USS Constitution Museum. I stayed there quite awhile, reacquainting myself with much of our country's history I'd forgotten since my school age years. Both the museum and the USS Constitution herself are must-see spots for anyone visiting Boston. While in the area, we also ventured to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. It is a trek straight up of 294 steps but worth the effort given the expansive view of the city which rewards those who make it to the top.

The remainder of the weekend was spent enjoying wedding festivities, and I left Boston Sunday morning with wonderful memories of a vibrant and historic city offering a little bit of something for everyone.