Grand Voyages Weekly Digest

Happy Sunday, Grand Voyagers!

I'm just back from a month traveling around Europe - lots of new properties to report on and recommend to you! Especially in Paris where we literally hotel-hopped for ten straight days (yes, ten different hotels - it was exhausting and amazing).

Hit me up if you're planning a trip there as I have so much new intel to share! Down in the south of France, I also got to experience an ultra-luxury River cruise up the Rhone River on Riverside which was spectacular.

If you enjoy French food and wine this is a really special way to immerse yourself in the region while not having to rent a car, move yourself from place to place, or deal with any drama lol - everything is taken care of for you down to having your own butler assigned (I may or may not have had my morning coffee delivered to the room every day!).

Highly recommend and would be happy to regale you with all the details if you wanna schedule a call to talk all things River Cruising.

This week we're covering last-minute Thanksgiving and festive season Caribbean and Mexico opportunities that are still available, plus insider guides to New Zealand and Patagonia for those bucket list dreamers ready to start planning their 2026 adventures.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR FESTIVE SEASON CARIBBEAN

I've been doing a lot of last minute Thanksgiving and festive season bookings this past week. And honestly? I'm thrilled to report there are still some incredible opportunities if you've been putting off any trips around the holidays or thinking about relocating the family for festive season.

What surprised me this week?

How much availability remains at truly spectacular properties!

We're not talking about settling for second-best here. These are the kinds of places that would normally be fully booked months in advance, and they're still taking reservations (I may have checked twice because I couldn't believe it).

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya: Only 15 minutes from Cancun airport yet a world away! Reviews from fellow travel advisors say "It feels like you've slipped into a private hideaway" and "where luxury whispers not shouts." Every room has an ocean view - if you're looking for a quiet retreat and a few days of relaxation, there's no reason to leave the property. Currently offering 3rd night free.

One&Only Mandarina: 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Reviews from fellow travel advisors say: Treehouses! "James Bond in the rainforest"... and "a jungle paradise." This is the kind of property that makes you completely rethink what a beach escape can be.

Rosewood Mandarina or Mayakoba: Opposite coasts but equally sublime. Both properties are running 3rd and 4th night free promotions right now - perfect timing for extended holiday stays when you actually want to settle in and experience these properties the way they're meant to be enjoyed.

Hotel Esencia: One of my personal favorites for ultimate privacy - many of my celebrity clients head there for exactly this reason. When you want to completely disappear for the holidays, this is where you go.

Last-minute doesn't mean compromising on quality. These properties deliver exceptional experiences, and with the current promotions, you're getting remarkable value for festive season travel.

Contact me for Caribbean or Mexico last minute opportunities - let's find your perfect holiday escape before these fill up! Sound like your kind of festive season?

NEW ZEALAND NEEDS MORE THAN JUST GOOD INTENTIONS

In my client conversations lately, New Zealand keeps coming up - and for good reason.

This is one of those destinations that requires real insider knowledge to do right. New Zealand feels both wild and welcoming, with landscapes that shift from geothermal valleys to jagged peaks and deep fjords. The investment is significant, and getting the timing and property selection right makes all the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one.

Three things you need to know:

North Island vs South Island: The North Island weaves together Māori traditions, geothermal wonders, and cinematic landscapes - think Hobbiton, glowworm-lit caves, and Rotorua's bubbling hot pools. The South Island is New Zealand's outdoor stage, filled with glaciers, fjords, and alpine lakes. Milford Sound is the crown jewel, though fickle weather makes a backup plan essential.

Timing matters: Fall (March–May) and spring (September–November) offer great outdoor weather for hiking and fewer tourists. Summer (December–February) brings warm weather but larger crowds and higher prices. Plan at least eight to 10 days to make the long journey worthwhile.

The lodges aren't all equal: Properties like Rosewood Matakauri in Queenstown deliver lakeside luxury with views of the Remarkables, while Blanket Bay in Glenorchy captures high-country elegance with stone and timber architecture. On the North Island, Wharekauhau offers elegant country retreats on working sheep stations.

I've put together a complete insider's guide to New Zealand that covers where to stay, what to do, the best time to visit, and how to experience the country without feeling rushed. Read through the guide, get inspired, and then let's talk about making it happen.

PATAGONIA ISN'T A TRIP YOU WING

The other destination that keeps appearing in my client conversations? Patagonia.

This is one of those places where you absolutely need expert guidance. Chilean Patagonia sits at the southern tip of South America on the western side of the Andes - picture jagged mountain peaks, crystal blue glaciers, and dramatic sunsets. The weather is unpredictable, the distances are vast, and knowing which experiences are worth the trek is crucial.

Here's what matters:

The regions have personality: Puerto Varas in the Lake District offers German architecture and volcanic slopes. Torres del Paine delivers what most people imagine - towering granite peaks, impressive glaciers, and diverse wildlife. You can also pair land adventures with cruises from Punta Arenas for penguin colonies and the legendary Strait of Magellan.

You don't have to rough it: Lodges like Explora Torres Del Paine and Awasi Patagonia respect the pristine terrain through sustainability while delivering style and comfort. Imagine days filled with horseback rides, treks, and wildlife spotting, then returning to your lodge to unwind fireside with Chilean wine.

Plan for the journey: October to April offers the best weather, with temperatures from 40°F to 65°F. You'll need 7-10 days minimum to explore at least two different areas. Flights are long (12+ hours from the US), with no direct flights - most travelers connect through Santiago to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales.

I've put together a definitive guide to Chilean Patagonia that tackles the complex logistics, unpredictable weather, and which properties and experiences actually deliver. These are serious expeditions that benefit enormously from professional planning.

I'm genuinely excited about both of these destinations. The kind of places where natural beauty meets real adventure meets genuine luxury - and you come home changed.

Which one's calling your name? Let's talk about making 2026 your year for that bucket list trip you've been dreaming about.

Until the next adventure,

Stacey

[email protected]