Archive for the Orient Express Tag

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Maroma: The difference between Yoga in a palapa and Mayan Boot Camp on the beach

Our first full day here began with a 9:00 a.m. yoga practice with William.  It took place in a “palapa” atop the spa with huge open windows and was situated high enough to catch the sea breezes.  We began benignly enough with meditation and before we knew it, we were being pushed to our edge with Warrior 1, 2, and
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Maroma Resort & Spa: An Orient-Express Property

Aside from the one hour delay leaving Charlotte, and 45 minutes standing in the longest customs line I’ve ever seen in Cancun, we got here smoothly.  Just outside the airport, we were met a smiling face and hopped into the waiting suburban with the AC already on (which I like!).  A chilled cloth and cold bottle of water were welcome
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A Speedy Three Days in Cusco

I feel as if I’ve been here a whole week, but really it has only been three days.  Amazingly, the party debris disappeared magically and a quiet hush prevailed at breakfast.  I went for a walk looking for one of the local ladies holding a young lamb to photograph, which you often see in Cusco, but none prevailed this morning
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A Gala to Remember

Another perfect day dawned with the crispy morning air warmed by a rising sun.  I was a little more experimental with my morning juice bar selection and added mango and tangerine to my concoction.  It was a second day slated for meetings — this time, we were joined by both Orient Express’ CEO, Philip Mengel and the COO, Filip Boyen,
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Orient-Express: Insider Access

I am here in Cusco to attend the Orient Express Advisory Board Meeting, and having spent Day 1 acclimating to the elevation, Day 2 was spent all day in meetings, round table discussions and updates on Orient Express product.  For example, the legendary property, El Encanto, in Santa Barbara will re-open its doors after a $134 million overhaul in March
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Eastern Shore Retreat a Success

After a six hour drive from Pittsburgh, Steve and I happily entered the tree lined, stone driveway at The Inn at Perry Cabin, located on the far end of Talbot Street in the quintessential town of St. Michaels. An uneventful drive and speedy check-in process, we easily settled into room 34, a one bedroom suite, overlooking a small area of
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Incas & Iguanas: En-route to Quito, Ecuador

We checked out of the Monasterio and we all admitted we were sad to leave Peru, but we were all excited to make our way to the Galapagos Islands.  Today is a travel day to Quito, Ecuador and our two flights via Lima departed on time and we actually arrived in Quito 30 minutes early.  Quito is the capital city
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Incas & Iguanas: Machu Picchu

We checked out of Tambo del Inka and traveled back to Ollantaytambo to meet our very early train to Aguascalientes scheduled at 6:40 a.m., allowing us to maximize our time at Machu Picchu.  The deluxe Inca Rail train was very comfortable and we had the VIP car to ourselves where we enjoyed breakfast and refreshments.  The train ride is about 90
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Incas & Iguanas: Arrival in Lima

Mike Fitzgerald, Jr. and Kristene Matelan have embarked on a Frontiers Hosted Departure. They are hosting a group of clients on a cultural journey through Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Guayaquil and concluding with a 5-night private expedition cruise aboard the M/Y Grand Odyssey Yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Be sure to stay tuned in to the blog
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East Coast Retreat: The Inn at Perry Cabin

The city of St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern shore has long captured my attention. The nautical ambiance this small Chesapeake Bay town portrays tugs at some of the very things that drive my passions: all things water (sail boats, kayaks, fly fishing), and all things seafood (oysters, crabs… really, anything that comes from the sea), in addition to an appealing
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