Grand Voyages Weekly Digest

🚢 Three destinations everyone's suddenly asking about

July 05, 2025

Happy Saturday, Grand Voyagers!

The past two weeks have been absolutely wild with inquiries - I'm not kidding when I say Barcelona, Croatia, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are completely dominating my inbox! It's one of those moments where you realize certain destinations just hit the zeitgeist perfectly. Since I keep getting the same questions over and over, I figured it was time to share what I've learned from all those trips. 🚢

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🏛️ BARCELONA'S LUXURY SECRET

Three clients this week asked about Barcelona, and what's funny is they all had the same concern: "We want luxury but don't want to blow our entire budget on the hotel." I totally get it, and here's what I always tell them - Barcelona's luxury secret isn't about spending the most money, it's about knowing where to find incredible style and service under $500.

I've been to Barcelona more times than I can count, and through all those visits, what strikes me most is how each hotel captures a completely different slice of the city's personality.

Take Wittmore in the Gothic Quarter - this place feels like stumbling into a secret members' club. Plush red velvet, dim lighting, and they literally have a no-photos rule because privacy matters that much. When you're sipping cocktails on their rooftop terrace with those candy-striped loungers, you forget you're in one of Europe's busiest cities.

Then there's Almanac Barcelona in Eixample, where I always end up recommending clients stay when they want to be near Gaudí's masterpieces without the tourist chaos. The service is so personalized - they remember your coffee order after one morning, and their rooftop pool situation is perfect for those "do I explore more architecture or just relax?" afternoons.

What I love most? These places deliver luxury experiences that let you spend your money on incredible dinners and spontaneous flamenco shows rather than just accommodation.

My complete guide breaks down exactly which hotels work best for different travel styles

🏝️ WHY EVERYONE'S OBSESSED WITH CROATIA?

Am I the only one who's been waiting forever for people to discover Croatia? Because seriously, the inquiries this month have been insane! After traveling around the country multiple times, I keep thinking "finally!" - this destination has been quietly delivering everything sophisticated travelers want.

What's fascinating is how each client discovers Croatia differently.

Some come for the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, others hear about Hvar's lavender fields and yacht parties. But what hooks everyone is realizing you can have breakfast inside a Roman emperor's palace in Split, then be island-hopping on a catamaran by lunch.

Here's what I always warn clients about though - Croatia's regions are so distinct that you really need to think about what type of experience you're craving.

Want old-world elegance and dramatic coastal walks? Dubrovnik's your answer. Prefer a mix of history and buzzing café culture? Split delivers that perfectly. Looking for that Ibiza-meets-lavender-farm vibe? Hvar Island all the way.

The logistics have gotten so much smoother too, which honestly makes my job easier. Ferry connections actually work reliably now, and the hotel partnerships I can access mean clients get perks like daily breakfast and resort credits that genuinely enhance the experience.

My guide covers all the regional personalities plus where to stay in each spot

⛵ RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION HAS ME CURIOUS

Speaking of dominating my inbox - what's with everyone suddenly asking about Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection? Particularly those European summer itineraries that do look pretty stunning, I'll admit.

I'm honestly intrigued by what they're creating here. Maximum 298 guests means you get that intimate boutique feel while accessing ports that massive cruise ships can't even reach. The European routes this summer hit places like hidden Greek islands and French Riviera spots that feel genuinely special rather than overly touristy.

What I'm watching closely? Whether the actual experience lives up to the Ritz-Carlton standards we expect on land. Sometimes when luxury brands expand into new territory, the execution can be hit or miss. But if they nail it, this could be exactly what sophisticated travelers want - discovery without sacrificing comfort.

WHICH ONE'S CALLING YOU?

It's been fascinating watching these three destinations capture so much attention simultaneously. Whatever's driving it, I'm excited!

There's something satisfying about matching the right traveler with the perfect destination - whether that's a design hotel in Barcelona's Eixample or an intimate yacht exploring hidden Croatian islands.

I'm genuinely curious - what draws you to these destinations? Is it Barcelona's incredible architecture and design scene? Croatia's blend of history and stunning coastlines? Or are you intrigued by this new yacht collection approach to luxury cruising?

Thanks for joining me on another edition of travel discoveries. I love hearing which places are capturing your imagination!

Stacey