It’s the St. Regis New York!

The iconic St. Regis Hotel is a favorite of mine and many of my clients; in 2014 the hotel undertook a 90 million dollar renovation. The classic Beaux Arts architecture exemplifies a traditional New York Hotel, built in 1904 by John Jacobs Astor IV, the great grandson of the country’s first multi-millionaire. All the rooms are grand and the 24-hour butler service is an exceptional amenity. A style and service of another era, when these services were de riguer, the St. Regis is grand no matter which room you reserve. If you haven’t stayed, you certainly would recognize the stately exterior. St. Regis EntranceMy suite, with large-scale windows and a Juliet balcony overlooking Fifth Avenue could have hosted a grand cocktail party had I not been rushing off to Italy, next time! Location is perfect – in the best mid-town shopping and dining neighborhood; a brisk walk from Central Park and MOMA is a block away.

The Dior Suite

The Dior Suite

Old King Cole Bar

Old King Cole Bar, St. Regis Hotel

Don’t let the description of classic iconic hotel make you think they don’t employ ipod surround sound speakers, modern amenities, and a gym with private trainers and yoga & Pilates on request. The St. Regis New York embodies classic architecture, modern sensibilities and is host to the legendary King Cole Bar. The famous Maxfield Parrish mural is a prime draw, but stay for the exotic drinks and small plates.

In the day, Salvador Dali could be spotted in the King Cole Bar with his pet ocelot. Sophisticated and stylish, it is also a marvelous people watching perch. For over a century, it remains as one of the most stately cocktails spots. I have a New York walking map listing perfect posh places to plop for tea or cocktails and the King Cole Bar is one of my favorite haunts, truly timeless.

Table 55 King Cole Bar

Table 55 King Cole Bar

Exclusive to the King Cole Bar is Table 55 – Nestled in a private corner of the bar beneath the watchful eye of Maxfield Parrish’s Old King Cole Mural, this is the only table with access to an exclusive chef’s custom designed menu and a bespoke wine list from the hotel’s coveted cellar. Expertly curated tableware from Christofle and Bernadaud complete the stylish dining experience. Reserve with us!

For a decadent lavish New York sojourn, highly recommend the St. Regis Hotel, stay in the lap of luxury! Sophistication and modern sensibilities in New York.

Bespoke Biking

Did the endless iconic countryside of the Tour de France biking inspire you to snap on your cleats and plan a bicycling Journey?

We’ve posted several blogs on our favorite biking outfitter and it turns out the world agrees, as the firm was recently named the best Luxury Bike outfitter; as you may know, most of our well researched operators are small and selective and in this case, it happens to be true as well. A custom mountain and road bike operator, they cater to experienced travelers who expect the very best. Most firms have scheduled departures; we can organize a private trip on your schedule. Curating all details, is of course, included – boutique luxury hotels, miles of open road tailored to your experience level, gourmet food and wines, a spa to sooth your aching end of day muscles.

Please see these previous posts to understand some of the off the typical road locations. If you prefer to follow their bicycle clock, we will help you design custom Journeys all over the globe depending on the seasons. Europe, North America, Central/South America…the world is available by bike!

http://itgwenbooks.wpengine.com/2013/12/southern-hemishphere-biking-its-warm/

http://itgwenbooks.wpengine.com/2014/01/mid-coast-california-biking/

Oregon Crush Season

If you are an oenophile, the grape crush in the Willamette valley is on the horizon, late September through November.

With the Coast Range to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, the Willamette Valley is one of the top wine producing areas in the United States—not to mention one of our favorites for cycling.

Lying at the same latitude as Burgundy and featuring similar weather, it’s no surprise that the Valley is known primarily for its pinot noirs. The landscape offers over 200 vineyards as well as orchards and pine forests, comprising flats, rolling hills, and optional big climbs up Sheridan or Bald Peaks. The few small towns—McMinnville, Yamhill, and Carlton among others—boast terrific little bakeries and cafés. The Allison Inn makes for the perfect base, complete with award-winning Spa and JORY restaurant.

We agree and the world agrees our small bicycle outfitter is deserving of the best agency award by the leading Travel Magazine.