Wild times in Africa

I am writing from Africa, having arrived on the continent yesterday. My purpose of this trip is two-fold, first to go gorilla-trekking in Rwanda and Uganda (my dream trip), and then to attend the largest African travel trade show in Durban, South Africa.

I flew from Washington DC, direct service to Johannesburg, South Africa. The lie-flat seats were very comfortable and made the 15 plus hour trip relatively painless. To be fair, I have also done the same flight in coach, a little more painful, but definitely worth the discomfort! I spent one night at the fabulous Westcliff hotel located about 30 minutes drive from the Jo'burg airport (we in the know call it Jo'burg!). The rooms are spacious with beautiful marble bathrooms. The staff is warm and welcoming. Dinner at the Polo Bar was just what I needed after a long flight - a tapas-style menu with many offerings of small plates. I enjoyed the shrimp fritters and beef stir-fry, along with, I think, the best mojito I have ever had!

Off to bed to get a good night sleep before I met up with Robin Binckes, award-winning tour guide on the history of South Africa. Robin picked me up at the Westcliff early in the morning to give me as much of a tour of Soweto as he could in our limited time together. He is an excellent teacher and story-teller, and I learned so much about the complicated history of this nation. I highly recommend a tour with Robin if you are at all interested in Apartheid or the history of South Africa.

I am now at the beautiful Fairmont Norfolk hotel in Nairobi. This historical property maintains its grandeur with a history of hosting kings and presidents. The rooms do not disappoint, but my stay is all too brief, as I head out in the morning for Rwanda to trek to the mountain gorillas. There are only about 750 mountain gorillas left in the wild. They live between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently it is only safe for tourists to do these treks from Rwanda and Uganda. You must buy a permit to enter the National park as the government keeps very tight controls for the gorilla's protection. You are divided into groups of no more than 8, and assigned a gorilla family to trek to. Once you reach your family, you may only stay one hour to observe.

Stay tuned for more updates as I will post as I am able!

A Week In...London

If you've had enough of sun and sand, a big city can provide the perfect Spring Break location! I've just returned from London, England, having spent a week there with my teenage daughter. We arrived home, limping, from all of the walking. We wanted to see as much as we could in the time we had. This included visits to the National Gallery for the fine art masterpieces, the British Museum for the mummies, the Tate Modern for a little bit of everything in the contemporary art world ( a word of warning: heed the sign when it says "this room contains explicit material", especially when traveling with your teenager!) The wonderful thing about all of these museums is that they are free to visitors, although a donation is requested.

We took a day trip out to Windsor Castle and Oxford, expertly arranged by our Virtuoso on-site, Sincerely Paul. Paul provided us with a knowledgeable, friendly driver/guide who made the visits so much more enjoyable than if we were just reading out of a guidebook. We had fun visiting the Christ Church house at Oxford which served as the Hogwarts arrival hall in the Harry Potter films.

The sheer number of shows in the West End can leave you dizzy trying to decide what to see. We thoroughly enjoyed two musicals: Billy Elliott and Blood Brothers. One made you laugh and one made you cry, but both were very entertaining.

And I couldn't have visited this fair city without stopping in to see some of my favorite hoteliers. There are many luxury Virtuoso hotels in London, and they all have something different to offer. If you prefer small and homey, the Egerton House would be for you. Fancy and formal? Head to the Ritz. Can't live without a year-round swimming pool? The Berkeley would fit the bill. We stayed at the Stafford, perfectly located on a quiet street along the edge of Green Park. The rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with every modern convenience. The hotel is lucky to have Frank, the award-winning concierge, who knows all of the ins and outs of the city, and can get you into the hottest restaurants. We were so busy touring the city I barely had time to use the nicely-appointed fitness center.
I have to make special mention of The Goring hotel. They are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. This family-owned hotel, located just behind Buckingham Palace, has the nicest staff around. The rooms are stately and grand, and it's the only one with its own private garden.

We offer special rates and amenities at all of these hotels such as complimentary upgrades, complimentary breakfast and more, only for our clients. Please contact us to book your next stay and be treated like a VIP in London!

Call 248-288-9600 or toll-free 1-800-284-5258
www.beekalt.com

A Weekend In... Phoenix

I have found the perfect romantic retreat in the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Camelback mountain provides the backdrop to this tranquil resort conducive to romance and quality time spent together. The cozy rooms are decorated with a Southwestern flair. The casitas and bungalows are scattered throughout the property, which feel like a world away, with its Spanish Colonial architecture, tucked behind high walls. The Montevista spa suites include your very own steam shower and overlook a lovely courtyard filled with flowers and fountains. Many of the rooms have fireplaces and private patios. Take advantage of the fabulous spa while having a massage from a treatment room with views of the desert vistas.
It's no wonder that the Royal Palms is a very popular venue for weddings and other special events!
Book with us and receive these VIP amenities: an upgrade upon arrival based on availability, complimentary breakfast daily, $100 resort credit, and late checkout

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is a terrific destination for couples or a getaway with a group of friends! Set on the north side of Camelback mountain in Paradise Valley, this resort has magnificent views from its mountain and spa casitas. I loved the private patios and the floor to ceiling windows in the spa suites. The re-vamped restaurant, Elements, is highly acclaimed by locals and visitors alike. The menu has an Asian flair with many healthful dining options. However, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the Kobe beef hot dog with creamy cheese sauce, in a pretzel bun. Luckily the fully-equipped fitness center offers every option to help you work off that lunch. A variety of complimentary fitness classes, hikes and activities are included in your stay. Don't feel like exerting yourself too much? Head for the spa and try one of their signature treatments. This retreat offers the ultimate in relaxation.
Your VIP amenities include: complimentary upgrade, continental breakfast daily, and a complimentary 30 minute massage!

The Phoenician is one of my favorite resorts in Scottsdale. Multiple pools, a waterslide, children's program, championship golf course, tennis and spa round out this playground for kids and adults alike. The newly refurbished Canyon suites offer an oasis of solitude and a bit more privacy than the main resort. Here, you have private check-in, concierge, and a whole host of complimentary services: high speed internet access, transportation to nearby shopping, access to the fitness center, valet parking and wine tastings in the lobby each afternoon!
The Centre for Well-being provides the latest in cardiovascular fitness equipment and classes. The spa has a skylit meditation room for relaxing before or after a body or skincare treatment.

When booking with us, you will receive these VIP amenities: an upgrade upon arrival based on availability, full breakfast daily, welcome amenity of fresh fruit, $50.00 food and beverage credit and complimentary access to the fitness center ($20 value per person per day!)

Call us to book your next getaway!
248-288-9600 or toll-free 1-800-284-5258
www.beekalt.com

Summer vacation

Spring is here and it's time to start making those summer vacation plans. Ideas? Barging through France, Bicycling through Italy, Whale-watching in Alaska, Swimming with the sea lions in the Galapagos.

Shari and Mark Kalt will be your Virtuoso Voyager Club hosts on the Seabourn Odyssey sailing July 10 - 17, 2010. We invite you to join us aboard! This all-inclusive, luxury ship holds only 450 passengers, but offers amenities of larger ships such as four restaurants, six open bars and lounges, and two outdoor pools. Our itinerary sails from Istanbul to Athens, giving you the chance to explore the important historical sites of ancient Turkey and the beautiful islands of Greece. The ship has a watersports marina, from which you can waterski, kayak, swim or take a banana boat ride! Cap off the afternoon with champagne and caviar, not served poolside, but served IN the pool by your waiters in full uniform! It doesn't get more decadent than that!

Our clients will receive the Voyager Club amenities of a complimentary cocktail party and a complimentary shore excursion in the port of Bodrum, Turkey. Call us for the latest specials and 2-for-1 pricing!

Call our travel specialists to book your summer vacation today!
248-288-9600
http://www.beekalt.com/

Miami - South Beach

The South Beach area of Miami, Florida provides the perfect weekend getaway for all types of travelers!

Are you the "see and be seen" type? Head to the Gansevoort Miami Beach. The largest private shark tank aquarium provides a backdrop to the colorful and stylish lobby, perfect for people-watching. The rooms and suites are large and decorated with the same modern theme. The party starts at the rooftop swimming pool and bar area, Plunge. There are plenty of sun chairs for hotel guests, and cabanas are available for those that don't want too much sun. Walking into the David Barton Gym, the fitness center of the hotel, I wasn't sure if I was in a nightclub or a workout facility. The lights are dim, but they have all of the state-of-the-art cardio machines and a great variety of classes with edgy names like "Pain and Pleasure" and "Fight Club". I opted for the more mundane Vinyasa Yoga, which was a perfect start to my day.

Is privacy what you desire? The Setai is the place for you. The Asian-inspired decor presents an oasis of calm in the public areas as well as the guest suites. All suites have large soaking tubs, in addition to separate rainfall showers, in case you wish to have a spa treatment in the privacy of your room. Of course the spa is very luxurious and offers a wide array of Oriental rituals and body treatments. They take security very seriously here and this is one reason why it attracts the rich and famous. You can stay like a celebrity too! The Setai is offering Winter escape rates starting from $595/night.
Book with us, and you will receive the Virtuoso amenities of an upgrade upon arrival, based on availability, complimentary buffet breakfast daily, and a $100 spa credit!

Traveling with the kids? The Loews Miami Beach hotel is the perfect spot for you. This hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation to the lobby and all guest rooms. It is looking very sharp and has some great venues for food and drink. There is an adorable new ice cream parlor off the lobby that serves the creamiest gelato and decadent desserts. The pool area is expansive and very family-friendly. The Loews has lots of activities available, from the kids club to the fitness center and spa. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming throughout the resort.

Tip: Loved the international flavor of Lincoln Road. This is a great outdoor walking promenade filled with upscale shops and cafes. There are wonderful restaurants to choose from, many with outdoor dining areas. I enjoyed Sushi Samba, with its eclectic menu of sushi, Peruvian and Brazilian specialties - all of my favorites!

Call us to book your next warm weather escape!
Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600
http://www.beekalt.com/

Machu Picchu

The Peruvian government announced that Machu Picchu will be closed until April of this year. This is a result of the recent torrential rains which brought mudslides to the area, damaging sections of the rail lines which provide the only access to and from the World Heritage Site. I feel for the locals, and my friends and partners in travel who are dependent on the tourism industry. Hopefully things should be up and running again by the time high season arrives this Spring!

Update! Machu Picchu will reopen to tourists on April 1, 2010.

I was fortunate enough to have visited Machu Picchu with my family exactly one year ago. We were all left in awe by the incredible beauty of Peru: the lush, green hills of the Sacred Valley, the colonial charm of the town of Cusco, and the incredible vastness of the Colca Canyon.

We stayed at the top hotels in the area: the Miraflores Park hotel in Lima, the Monasterio in Cusco and, my absolute favorite, Las Casitas del Colca, located in the Colca Canyon in the southern part of Peru. We also traveled on the ultra-luxurious Hiram-Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. I definitely recommend this as a special once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Peru has so much to offer and is one of the most biodiverse of any South American country. It is also becoming a capital of gastronomy. Lima is easily reached from most U.S. gateways with no jet-lag to contend with. Please contact me for any information on this fabulous destination!

Fun fact: Did you know the potato originated in Peru? There are over 4,000 varieties, many of them only found in Peru!

Tip: Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Colca Canyon are located high in the Andes mountains. To avoid altitude sickness, it is important to stay hydrated, don't exert yourself too much upon arrival, and drink the local Coca tea (it really helps, although the taste leaves something to be desired!)

Last Minute Valentine's Day ideas

Haven't thought of what to give your sweetie for Valentine's Day? Forget the chocolates and flowers - surprise the one you love with a romantic getaway! Give her a certificate good for a weekend spa vacation, or an indulgent week in Italy to enjoy fabulous food and wine. For a really last minute idea, take him downtown for an overnight at a local hotel! We can recommend some great packages to make your stay romantic and memorable.

Give us a call today! Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600
http://www.beekalt.com

Tip: I love the guestrooms at the MGM Grand Detroit. They have the most comfortable beds and gorgeous bathrooms with dual rainshower fixtures in the oversized showers. Their romance package includes champagne, chocolates and a late check-out!