A Luxury Travel Blog

Todd Harris is Senior Vice President for Hospitality and Member Services at Exclusive Resorts, a luxury destination club offering members hundreds of vacation residences around the world. He supervises all aspects of the member experience. Previously Todd spent 14 years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, serving as General Manager of some of their most acclaimed hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado and international properties in Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

What is it that you do exactly?

I oversee the overall service experience at Exclusive Resorts, to ensure that our members have a first-class vacation every time they travel with us.  This includes responsibility for the travel planning services our members receive from their dedicated Member Services Managers, as well as the in-residence experience they enjoy when they are staying with us in our homes.  I spend my day speaking to members, reviewing their feedback, and supporting hundreds of service staff (housekeeping, concierge, and property maintenance) across nearly 40 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and elsewhere.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love my relationships and connections with my staff.  As you can imagine, with on-site service personnel supporting nearly 400 club residences as well as our Denver-based Member Services Managers, we have quite a team.  I’ve really enjoyed building our service model, finding enthusiastic and expert service professionals to add as we expand, and working with all of them to identify new ways to not only continue enhancing our the services we offer, but also to surprise and delight our members on their vacations.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

To me, the best travel experiences are often to celebrate important family occasions.

1.   Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica – In addition to my role with Exclusive Resorts, I’m also a member of the club.  About two years ago, my wife and I were fortunate to share a memorable wedding with a small group of close friends and family at the Exclusive Resorts “enclave” in Peninsula Papagayo.  The homes were stunning, the wildlife and landscape fascinating, and working with our onsite concierge team in Costa Rica on all the details made everything simple, so we were really able to relax and enjoy that special weekend.

2.   Hawaii’s Big Island –We took my wife’s family to Kohala Coast on the Big Island to celebrate her mom’s 60th birthday recently. None of my wife’s family had ever traveled to Hawaii before, and I was happy to be able to help organize a trip that brought everyone together for a family reunion in a destination that was new to them and has long been a favorite of mine.

3.   Sea Island, Georgia – My wife and I invited all eight members of my immediate family for a fantastic family reunion in Sea Island, Georgia. The Cloister at Sea Island is truly an exceptional resort property, with a terrific array of activities, five miles of private beach, and the amazing 65,000 square foot Cloister Spa.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I think the most memorable dining experience I’ve had was probably when I was living in Japan. As an expatriate hotel manager for a five star hotel brand, I was fortunate to be able to travel around Japan and experience many unique aspects of their culture. I specifically remember one dinner in Fukuoka where I couldn’t communicate with the local staff so I asked for the “set menu”. One dish included them pulling a live squid out of a tank in the middle of the restaurant and clipping off its tentacles and serving them directly onto my plate. I had the hardest time picking them up with my chop sticks as they were still squirming and jumping all over my plate.  I loved trying the local cuisine while living abroad, and this particular meal has definitely remained vivid in my memory.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Andre Agassi and his wife Steffi Graf are members of Exclusive Resorts, and I have had the opportunity to spend some time with them at a couple of club destinations where they were conducting tennis clinics for their foundation.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

This one is easy because we’ve been planning a trip for our members here at Exclusive Resorts, as part of our unique Once in Lifetime program, that is at the top of my personal list:  a South African experience, combining a stay in Cape Town, South Africa with a luxurious safari experience in Kruger National Park. To go on a world-class safari (complete with luxury accommodations and private guides) and enjoying the local beaches and wineries of Cape Town sound like a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.  Experiencing the many different aspects of South Africa on a trip like that is something I would love to do someday.

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Todd.  I can appreciate how a plateful of squirming tentacles must have stuck in the memory!

Iconic Cape Town Hotel Ellerman House will introduce Apple iPads to each of its eleven luxurious rooms and modernist villa over the coming months – the only hotel in South Africa to offer iPads for guests’ use. The iPad is fast becoming an indispensible item within the gadget market and a supremely useful tool in the hospitality industry, due to both its numerous practical uses and leading entertainment.

This is Ellerman House’s latest move in a drive to enhance the guest experience through contemporary themes, bespoke luxury experiences and new technology. The introduction of in-room iPads will give guests uninterrupted internet access; the chance to read their favorite books and magazines online; up to date information on Cape Town’s latest restaurant openings, events and activities and real time hotel updates such as interactive room tours, virtual tours of the hotel’s world renowned art collection and unique music compilations, tailored to guest’s preferences.

Within close proximity of top quality shopping and dining at Sandton Central, Athol Place Boutique Hotel is a fabulously indulgent luxury hotel where you can be assured an unforgettable stay. The hotel has ten individually-designed, stylish suites that provide a sanctuary of comfort and tranquillity; each has large doors opening out onto a private balcony, contributing to a feeling of light and space within. Luxurious duck-down duvets and soft, silky cushions serve as finishing touches to opulent beds made up in crisp white percale Frette bed linen imported from Italy. Rooms also feature comfortable lounge chairs and sofas, writing desks, flat screen televisions, and en suite bathrooms with bath, shower, double vanity, and underfloor heating.

The Taj Cape Town has been called the city’s oldest new hotel because of the two historic buildings it occupies, but its location in the heart of the city is also what sets it apart.  It is housed in the Board of Executors (1896) and the original South African Reserve Bank (1932) buildings. And now seventeen new storeys have been added, offering panoramic views of the city and Table Mountain.

The 177-room hotel is set in a precinct steeped in history, from the
neighbouring Slave Lodge to St. George’s Cathedral, where Nobel Laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu stood against apartheid. The heart of Cape Town with its art, culture, cuisine and entertainment is on the doorstep.

If you really want to splurge, go for the top floor where you’ll find a two-bedroom, split-level Presidential Suite with its own massage and steam rooms, fully equipped kitchen, office, gym and an expansive top-floor deck for outdoor entertainment.

As the sun sets over the African bush, what could be more romantic than spending a night in a private hide-out with magnificent views and only cocktails and candlelight for company? Sleeping out under the stars, surrounded by the astounding sights and sounds of the wild, is possible at Makanyane Safari Lodge – the only lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve to have an exclusive sleep-out hide.

Hidden deep in the bush, Makanyane’s hide overlooks a waterhole – a favourite place for the ‘Big Five’ to drink – and offers incomparable views over the vast African plains. Beds can be made up on the upper deck of the hide, offering guests the chance to soak up the incredible ambience of the bush at night. Hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks, binoculars, lanterns, torches and spotlights are all provided and guests also have the reassurance of constant contact with the lodge via radio communication – alternatively a guide will stay on at guests’ request. The experience of sleeping under the enormous African sky, even for those used to camping in the bush, is simply unforgettable.

For less intrepid guests, Makanyane’s eight secluded glass-walled suites are furnished with rich African textures and sumptuous fabrics and feature uninterrupted views of the tranquil Marico River and surrounding landscape. Makanyane also offers a handful of rustic day-time hides, which have been carefully positioned in idyllic locations on the lodge’s private land, enabling guests an ever-changing view of animals grazing nearby and moving across the vast plains.

Just a 3.5 hour drive or a 45 minute flight from Johannesburg, Makanyane Safari Lodge is ideally situated on 1,800 hectares of private ground within the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve – home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as a myriad of other animal and bird species.

Rooms start from £365 per person per night, all inclusive and based on two sharing.

The Leading Hotels of the World annual directory for 2010 was released worldwide this week.  There are 13 new Leading Hotels in the handsome hardcover volume which showcases more than 450 members in over 80 countries across the globe.  They are as follows:

Royal Spa Kitzbühel, Jochberg, Austria
The Augustine, Prague, Czech Republic
Kameha Grand Bonn, Cologne, Bonn, Germany
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily, Agrigento, Italy
Hotel Villa Magna, Madrid, Spain
One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Chateau Star River, Guangzhou, P.R. of China
Zendai Hotel Yin, Shanghai, P.R. of China
Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Bristol Buenaventura, Buenaventua, Panama
Tivoli São Paulo Mofarrej, São Paulo, Brazil

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is situated on the Eastern Head of Knysna in South Africa, just a short drive from George Airport and only a 40-minute flight from Cape Town. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches Pezula is perfect for a romantic break away for you and your loved one in 2010.

Celebrating an anniversary? Preparing for a romantic proposal? Why not indulge in some private time in the lap of luxury and treat your loved one with a stay in one of the seventy-eight stylish suites housed in elegant African villas. Or for a spectacular treat or grand gesture make a statement by staying in the ultra-luxurious Pezula Private Castle on Noetzie Beach.

In 2010 Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is offering a sensational deal. Arriving in George you will be treated to a luxury transfer to Knysna where you will be greeted by your personal butler and shown to your suite. From the moment you arrive you are free to explore all that Pezula has to offer: enjoy a guided tour through the surrounding indigenous forests, hit a hole in one on the 18-hole championship golf course or simply enjoy some quality time lazing beside the pool.

From the 6th January 2010 to 5th January 2011 take advantage of the Living La Vida Package at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa. This exclusive, five night deal includes:

• Transfers from/ to George Airport
• Accommodation and breakfast daily
• Your own personal butler
• Complimentary mini bar and fully stocked gourmet pantry on arrival
• A deluxe private picnic on the breathtaking Noetzie Beach
• Your choice of one of our multi awarding spa treatments
• A private half day gallery or Knysna tour
• A private sunset cruise including champagne and canapés
• A scenic helicopter flight to admire the stunning vistas of the Knysna area
• Prices start at ZAR 59400 (£4,818.92)

The package is based on two people sharing a suite. All packages are mutually exclusive and cannot be combined or used with any other promotions.

The five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town was recently voted the No. 1 City Hotel and No. 1 Hotel Spa in Africa and the Middle East in Travel & Leisure’s 2009 World’s Best Awards, and gained an impressive score of 94.2 in the Condé Nast Traveler magazine 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards. And this fine hotel has now been further enhanced with an extensive multi-million Rand structural and interior design refurbishment.

President and Founder Beatrice Tollman and her daughter Toni, inspired by the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and towering peaks of the Twelve Apostles Mountains, have created a fresh and calming design scheme that artfully combines sophistication with simplicity and comfort with elegance.

The glorious seclusion of the surroundings has been used to great effect with the natural feel and character of the environment being echoed throughout the individually designed bedrooms, lobby, corridors, the 24-hour Cafe and the one of a kind Presidential Suite. The ambiance has been achieved with light yet warm fabrics, natural wooden shutters in the bedrooms, plus various designs and colours of Bodrum marble and Thassos beige and white marble to create a delightfully decadent feeling in all the custom-built bathrooms – for convenience a pale blue LED night light provides subtle illumination.

Each en suite bedroom has been carefully decorated to suit every very taste, using luxurious fabrics and soothing colour hues, beautiful antiques and custom furniture. White hardwood plantation shutters adorn the windows, which lead out to private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or to the famous fynbos vegetation nestling below the magnificent Twelve Apostles Mountain range. Beds are the ultimate in luxury, complete with 400 thread count sheets allowing guests the most perfect nights sleep.

Skilled craftsmen from the local area, and further afield, provide a number of the more unusual items, such as chandeliers made from recycled clay and candy stripe wool carpets to emphasise the relaxed beach feel of Cape Town. A host of other thoughtful details have been added to meet every conceivable need and desire with the latest technology flat screen TVs in all rooms, iPod docking stations and wi-fi for sheer business convenience, all discreetly in evidence, while the walls are adorned with impressive art purchased from local artists and from antique houses round the world. The extensive grounds, already boasting a superb selection of sculptures, have become a showcase for the work of the most talented local artists.

The piece de résistance is the magnificent Presidential Suite, which has undergone a complete transformation, finished with perfect architectural details and the utmost attention to detail. Taking up almost the entire top floor of the hotel, the layout is immensely flexible with a large lounge, wood panelled study and dining area. The suite easily transforms to provide 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms en suite as required. The principal bathroom and bedroom have been significantly extended, affording sweeping uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head and the Twelve Apostles Mountains.

A freestanding, antique marble bath allows guests to relax and unwind while taking in the breathtaking views and the immensity of the blue ocean. The superb seclusion of the private terrace offers the most perfect setting for an intimate cocktail at sunset, or private dinner for two. The decor of brilliant white silks, taffeta and lush custom fabrics in ice blues offers a fresh and vibrant feel of lightness and soothing tranquillity. Chests of drawers have custom crystal knobs and the principal bedroom’s custom made headboard is upholstered in ice blue silk is tufted with over 600 clear crystal buttons.

The floors are cool white marble throughout with under floor heating, white chandeliers from Capri, Italy and walls adorned with antique mirrors; some clad with a specially designed sculptural effect and exquisite mosaics. The dining area seating ten, allows their Executive Chef to prepare for you and your guests a private dinner according to your personal selections and while these are prepared, enjoy a specially mixed cocktail of your choice at your private bar while sitting on Italian designed barstools covered in pale blue leather.

The Oyster Box Hotel with its long, celebrated history and following an extensive two-year renovation and refurbishment programme, will again open her doors for business on 1st October 2009, with previous General Manager Wayne Coetzer, at the helm.

With all the luxurious comforts, elegance and charm of a bygone era, together with its historic lighthouse and breathtaking views, the new Oyster Box promises to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning visitor and hopefully launch it straight to the top of South Africa’s own hotel ‘A-list’ always giving value to the guests.

Luxury abounds at the new Oyster Box, with 90 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, eight Garden Villas, each with its own private pool and a magnificent 450 sqm Presidential Suite, complete with private pool. The varied accommodation options will suit the needs of every guest, from individuals, to honeymoon couples and families (including your pets). Children are welcome with special facilities and a Kids Club provided, to give parents the rest they deserve.

Take a step back to the romantic appeal of the ‘Golden Age of Aviation’ as you travel through southern Africa in a DC-3. Experienced 4th generation local guides tailor the voyage to the interests of a select group of 14 travellers as you explore Zululand, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa with Travcoa Flying Safaris. You¹ll be a distinguished guest at a private ceremony, the Zulu King¹s Reed Dance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to observe a celebration of 20,000 African maidens rekindling their people¹s pride in dance and traditional culture.

Knysna is renowned for the quality of its oysters, which are celebrated each year during the Knysna Oyster Festival, one of South Africa’s longest-running festivals. This year the event takes place from 3rd to 12th July 2009 and offers a jam-packed programme of sport, entertainment and more than 200,000 oysters. There will be numerous competitions to enter or watch – sporting events including a full marathon and cycle race – and oyster-related activities such as oyster shucking (opening) and of course plenty of eating.

Situated on the world famous Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town, the New Kings Hotel is centrally locatd in Sea Point with panoramic views of Lions Head and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel comprises 42 designer rooms boasting all the high tech modern conveniences one would expect from such a sophisticated boutique hotel. This newly established hotel is a mere 35 minutes drive from Cape Town International Airport, minutes from the city centre, the sun-drenched beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and within easy access to the award-winning Winelands.

Along the magnificent Dolphin Coast of South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal province, lies the undisputed “jewel in the crown” of the east coast of Africa – Zimbali Coastal Resort. Zimbali is a breathtaking 700-hectare coastal resort situated on a pristine stretch of beach and features architecture inspired by the magnificent environment and which incorporates an Indonesian influence. Known for its lush vegetation and abundant indigenous wildlife, it is a spectacularly beautiful destination and a fine example of an environmentally sensitive South African residential resort.

In keeping with the heritage and reputation of the Fairmont name, the Fairmont Zimbali is offering an exclusive selection of luxury properties for discerning investors. This exclusive property portfolio includes:

• 6 Signature Beachfront Villas,
• 56 executive designer Apartments,
• 6 hillside Villas,
• 21 Golf Suites,
• 30 Hotel Condos,
• 25 Garden Suites and
• 99 hotel rooms comprising Kings, Queens, Suites and Royal Suites.

As part of his ongoing support of Virgin Unite, the not for profit foundation of the Virgin Group, actor Christian Slater returned to Ulusaba, Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa, last week to visit a new classroom built at the Jeremiah Crèche, which he, Branson and guests of Ulusaba and Leopard Hill’s Lodge jointly funded. The crèche is supported by Pride ‘n Purpose, the charity arm of Ulusaba, and will benefit over 60 disadvantaged children living in the communities adjacent to the reserve.

In 2007 Christian and his son travelled to Ulusaba where they tracked the ‘Big Five’, relaxed in the peaceful surroundings and set out to learn more about the nearby communities. He was deeply moved and touched by Pride ‘n Purpose and their commitment to the local community after encountering the daily lives of the Shangaan people firsthand. Subsequently, Christian donated his home video of their safari experience, enabling Ulusaba to produce a charity DVD “Our Safari Diary” to raise money for Pride n’ Purpose.

My husband and I were indeed fortunate and privileged to stay for three nights at Bushmans Kloof.  I had been hankering to stay there for many years as I had heard much about it and it certainly did not disappoint us in any way.  The beauty of the site is breathtaking – so tranquil and unspoilt but the quality of the staff, the service and attention to detail to ensure a happy stay is literally second to none.  Nothing is too much trouble for anyone.

Our Deluxe room (one of 6) that shared a beautiful outdoor pool with our neighbours was vast, had two bathrooms, lounge area and enormous private patio with dining table, chairs and settee. We were able to make use of the lounges in the Homestead which were well stocked with an extensive book and DVD library along with Internet access and were intrigued by all the Bushman artefacts in the Heritage Centre.  The gardeners were eloquent guides around the medicinal herb garden and also explained how most of the fruit and vegetables served by the excellent kitchen were grown organically in the walled garden despite regular raids by the resident troop of baboons.  Unfortunately time did not permit us to make use of the Spa.

We dined in three different venues during our stay – each magical in its setting but perhaps the greatest surprise was the drive out to Embers which is out in the reserve set high up amongst the rocks under the star-filled skies.  There we had a wonderful braai (barbecue) complete with an explanation of the stars we could see that night.  Every detail had been thought of for our delight and delectation from the gas flares in the rock to the rugs for our shoulders in case we felt cold.  The staff had set everything up during the day and nothing was too much trouble.

Chris Mare the Executive Chef very kindly gave us a tour of the kitchens and explained the ethos behind the cuisine at Bushmans Kloof where they use indigenous fynbos plants and herbs to create an imaginative contemporary Cape cuisine.  Chris is obviously a very talented young chef and is someone to watch in the future.  He also took us out to Kadora, meaning a Tinderbox of Stories, where guests can choose to dine at this secret dining location in the reserve with their own chef.  This is a wonderful spot deep in the reserve lit by candles and oil lamps making a very romantic setting. 

Each guest is allocated a Ranger who looks after them during their stay at Bushmans Kloof and is there to explain all the wild life, walking trails but in particular the art of the Bushmen.  Our Ranger, Regardt Boshoff was very knowledgeable and brought everything to life for us.  He explained how the more potent ochre and yellow colours had survived the test of time better than the black colours derived from charcoal and manganese dioxide along with the whites from clay as these had faded in most cases.  There was one spot however where he took us that was well protected and there we saw a magnificent black painting of a buffalo.

Considering that the tools used by the Bushmen to paint were twigs, grasses and feathers and that some of the art is over 10,000 years old, these paintings can only be described as remarkable.  Bushmans Kloof is fortunate to have over 130 pristine sites of rock art on the reserve making it one of the few places in the world to see such a diversity of these oldest recorded examples of human art.

Our stay at Bushmans Kloof was a pure delight.  We have been fortunate to stay at many very special places throughout the world but we both reluctantly left the reserve in the Cederberg mountains feeling refreshed and invigorated having been cosseted in a beautiful part of South Africa surrounded by majestic, wind sculpted reddish sandstone rock formations.  The Lodge is situated within the Cederberg Wilderness Area forming part of the Cape Floral Region which is a World Heritage Site.  It is also a member of Relais & Châteaux.

Set in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, Ulusaba brings the thrill of adventure and safari traditions of Africa to life in an exclusive and luxurious setting. With over 13,500 hectares of unspoilt, game-rich bush, guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives and safari walks tracking the ‘Big Five’. Guests staying at Ulusaba between now and the end of April 2009 can take advantage of the ‘4 nights for the price of 3’ offer, or for those wishing to stay longer ‘5 for 4’, or if they wish to stay even longer the ‘7 for 5’ offer. Rates start from ZAR 4,600 per person per night based on double occupancy.