November is shaping up to be a very busy month for the SWT team, with each of us heading to different parts of the world. From the plains of Botswana and the coast of South Africa to the bustle of Brussels and the serenity of Provence, we’re off to experience all the possibilities these destinations have to offer.
South Africa is beloved by many for its cosmopolitan conveniences set amongst magnificent natural landscapes. From vibrant city life and amazing restaurants to stunning coastal beaches and breathtaking safari experiences, a return trip is definitely going to be necessary. Between numerous site inspections (when we get personal tours of top hotels we think you’ll love), private tours of the nation’s most iconic landmarks, and activities hosted by our trusted partners to show off the amazing experiences that await you, we’re going to be wiped. At least we’ll be able to comfortably retire each night to Cape Town’s crème de la crème, the Belmond Mount Nelson hotel.
Botswana, considered the favorite destination in Africa by so many, is highly regarded as a pioneer in sustainable tourism and environment conservation efforts. Fewer public access areas means travel is more exclusive than in other African countries; the resulting low-volume tourism grants you a more intimate, authentic experience. Shari will experience four luxury properties during her journey through Botswana’s most magical places like the Okavango Delta and Linyanti Private Reserve. One of these incredible Camps is considered the best of the best when it comes to safari lodges and was recently named number 15 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023.
Lisbon, Madrid, Brussels, Paris are some of Europe’s top capital cities. On our European journey, these are just a sample of where we’ll visit, making sure to really taste the flavor of each. SWT picks a new hotel to stay at every time we visit a city so we can get a feel for the different personalities of each and more accurately recommend the right place to stay for you and your travel companions. (We know, our work is tough, but someone’s got to do it). We also set aside time to do site visits at luxury hotels in the area, whether we are staying there or not. This helps us expand our knowledge of the area and fortify relationships with our partners on the ground so they’ll take extra special care of SWT guests.
Provence is the ideal place for the SWT team to regroup after a long period of hopping from place to place. If you’ve ever visited the south of France, you understand why it’s one of our favorite regions in the world. If you aren’t familiar—yet—move this one up on your bucket list. We have some pretty spectacular parter properties that offer SWT-approved experiences. Since three generations of family will be gathering for Thanksgiving, we’ve chosen to stay in a private chateau nestled between a couple of small villages in the countryside. Here’s why a private villa is the perfect fit for this type of trip:
● Trips with multiples generations from one family can feel a little…. cramped. A villa or private residence allows for everyone to spread out much more than a traditional hotel layout allows, so personal space—and sanity—is assured.
● There’s no Thanksgiving dinner without Grammie’s famous brisket. A villa or private residence provides a full kitchen for us to prepare meals together and, the part that really defines “vacation” in our eyes—your hospitality team takes care of the clean up.
● When traveling often or visiting multiple places in a short amount of time, choosing a villa often provides a much needed sense of place. You can fully unpack and feel more at home than in your typical hotel room.
● Let’s face it, traveling can be draining. Our primary SWT tip when it comes to villas is if you’re moving around a lot, save the villa for last. There’s truly nothing better than finally arriving in to a private residence where everyone is focused exclusively on your comfort and enjoyment and you can fully relax. It’s the perfect reset after a high energy trip before heading back to “real” life.
