A Luxury Travel Blog

Joseph Amissah is the founder of Blue Cube Aviation and decided to set up the company to meet the growing demand for International private jet travel, for clients seeking an alternative form of transportation other than commercial airlines. Recently, the company has seen a sharp rise in the number of charter request due to the increasing number of clients wishing to escape the inconvenience of flight delays, and the hassle factor of increased security checks. They want to fly direct, do their business, and be back at the earliest opportunity. Blue Cube Aviation’s service allows them this possibility.

What is it that you do exactly?

At present I am busy setting up our European offices in Monaco, Istanbul, Marbella and Moscow, which will come under the umbrella of our UK Head Office located in Pinewood Film Studios. My time is also spent planning the various International launches where we will be promoting Blue Cube Aviation and its services.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I have always had a passion for aviation ever since I was a child. Simply being involved in the industry brings me the most satisfaction. Especially as my father was a senior manager for a state owned airline. I see it as kind of continuing a family tradition, which I hope that one day, one of my sons will take on from me.  I love being able to visit the hangar, and could quite easily spend the whole day just walking around the aircraft that are in Blue Cube Aviation fleet.

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

Stockholm - I lived there for approximately 3 years, and loved every moment. I found the Swedes to be very warm and friendly. I try to get back out there as often as I can. Can highly recommend the Nordic Light Hotel.

Miami -  Wow… what a city!!! Stayed at the Mondrian Hotel which was just pure luxury!

Tokyo - Spent one glorious week in Tokyo a few years ago, and have it at the top of my ‘places to visit again’ list. Such a vibrant city.

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

As I have a home in the South of Spain (Marbella), I guess that I am spoilt when it comes to fantastic fresh seafood. There is a great beach restaurant (chiringuito) located in Marbella called Victors Beach where my fiancé and I usually spend our Saturday afternoons. It’s great because it’s located right on the beach, where on a clear day you actually get to see the peaks of the Atlas mountains in Morocco in the far distance.  The restaurant is always full of locals, which adds to the atmosphere.

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

It’s hard to be involved in the private jet industry and not come into contact with the rich and famous! It’s almost like an occupational hazard :-) With our UK office located in Pinewood Film Studios, we are responsible for making travel arrangements for a number of A-List UK and US celebrities. The important thing is not to get star struck, and focus on getting them to their destination with the minimum amount of fuss as possible.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

Other than another trip out to Tokyo, I really want to visit the Huvafen Fushi resort out in the Maldives. That for me is the epitome of paradise on earth.

Thank you, Joseph. And good luck with getting Blue Cube Aviation on the map.

Kevin May is editor of Travolution, an industry-focussed magazine for online travel and division of Reed Business Information.  It consists of a blog, e-news service and a physical magazine, and is a leader in its field with an advisory board that comprises some of the biggest names in the travel industry.

What is it that you do exactly?

I am responsible for all editorial content on Travolution, including our magazine, website and blog. I also produce our fortnightly podcast, The Purple Pod, and organise our conferences and other events as well as oversee the Travolution Awards. It’s a busy job!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The most rewarding aspect of editing Travolution is being able to track and analyse such a wonderfully diverse and innovative industry as travel and its use of the web. Equally, as a journalist at heart, when we set the record straight or uncover a scoop still gives me an incredible buzz. I’m very lucky to work with some fantastic writers and reporters.

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

Hanoi: easily the most fascinating city I have ever visited. My wife and I stayed there during a seven-month jaunt around Asia in 2000. We were mesmerised by the colour and smells, the French and traditional Vietnamese quarters, and - whether it exists in reality or not is another question - a sense of proud nationhood. A remarkable capital in a remarkable country.

Varanasi (Benares): This central Indian city is an assault on the senses and consciousness. Despite it being a place where many people come to die (simply because of its proximity to the holy Ganges river), life abounds everywhere. The customs associated with death, while perhaps alien and odd to some westerners, are seen as life affirming to Hindus, giving it the feeling of being a place where people actually come to celebrate life. My wife was also taken very ill here so I have the utmost respect for Indian medical staff forced to work in, er, challenging conditions.

Lake Toba, Sumatra: The most beautiful place I have had the pleasure of visiting. Once a sunken caldera (super-volcano), currently a giant lake, Toba has incredible feature, plant life and a real feeling of isolation. There are few places on earth that have had such a dramatic physical history and the laid-back attitude of the people is in absolute tune with the environment around them. An almost perfect location on many levels.

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

I spent four days practically marooned on a slow boat travelling across the Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia. I ate rice every meal as - being a strict vegetarian - the boiled ’something’ didn’t appeal and there was absolutely nothing else to eat. After finally arriving in Siem Reap, I ate almost everything I could on the menu at the guesthouse - mounds of vegetables, a huge omelette, slice after slice of bread, any fruit I could get my hands on, cereal, yoghurt… everything. It might not sound like a feast for a king, but it tasted so good.

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

I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful and talented people through work or when travelling, although I have a tendency to steer away from so-called celebrities, even when given the opportunity. In fact, most of the “richest” people I’ve met are probably those that have created a fantastic business and subsequently reaped the rewards for their innovation and passion for travel and the Web.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I am currently at that stage, with a young family, where I am yearning to return to places I have visited previously, primarily - though not guaranteed at all (!!) - in the vain hope of sharing the experiences I had. I hope to return to Angkor Wat in Cambodia one day and also trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (a three-week hike). Egypt, Mexico, Peru and New Zealand would also make my current wishlist.

Unfortunately the overseas trips of a business magazine editor these days consist primarily of enjoying the inside of some very nice hotel conference suites. A shame really…

Thank you, Kevin. And keep up the good work at Travolution!

Michael Groux is CEO and President of justLUXE Magazine and Founder and CEO of The Privileged Collection brand. justLUXE was launched in the summer of 2004. It resides under the parent company, LUXEmont, a luxury lifestyle publication. justLUXE focuses on the affluent lifestyle of world travelers. The magazine covers, luxury air travel, mega-yachts, fine real estate, world shopping and exotic destinations. Think of it as your ultimate portal to everything luxurious. The Privileged Collection is an online magazine publication that branches off the justLUXE name. The Privileged Collection is also a luxury lifestyle portal however it is dedicated only to air travel. It is one of the few online publications focusing only on luxury aviation. It is your source for news, current events and trends when flying like the rich and famous. Whether it be chartering your own private jet or flying first class from New York to Tokyo, The Privileged Collection covers it all.

What is it that you do exactly?

I am currently working on launching another branch off the Privileged Collection Brand called, JETprivileged.com. JETprivileged.com is a luxury travel concierge. Through JETprivileged.com you can charter a jet, purchase an aircraft, sell an aircraft and even be accommodated with luxury services ranging from chauffeurs to personal security details. With so much competition in the private aviation industry, JETprivileged.com saves the hassle of searching for a reliable and reasonable charter company when flying exclusively. JETprivileged.com is expected to launch Fall 2008.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love having the flexibility of overseeing the two companies; justLUXE and The Privileged Collection. It allows me to expand my knowledge of the travel industry and my markets as well as develop my multitasking skills when overloaded with challenges from both companies. I work closely with a small group of people. We don’t have any big offices or headquarters spanning over states or continents; however even though we might operate from small hubs and even some of us, from home offices, our reach in our market is as if we had an office in 10 major cities around the globe. A small group in a large business in a selective niche market, allows us to really focus on the little key points that make our companies succeed.

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

One remarkable place I stayed at was, the Conrad Hotel in Tokyo Center, Japan. It was quite some time ago, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. If you are travelling to Japan and don’t mind laying down up to $800 a night on a standard suite, this is definitely the place. Everything is white glove service with the finishing touches.

I recently stayed at the Howard Swissotel London in the city center. Everything about this hotel is done with Swiss tradition; prompt, clean and extraordinary. They focus on the little things that make your stay all worth it. For $550USD a night, you’ll have a spacious suite with views of the River Thames.

A few years back I was fortunate enough to score an upgrade at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas while on vacation with my family. For $6,500 a night you’ll be pampered with butlers, maids and chauffeurs and taken care of as if you were royalty. If you have the extra cash and have nothing better to do with it, I’d say it was worth a try.

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

I remember taking a road trip with my father and grandparents through the Swiss alps and into the French speaking side of Italy, Lugano. The restaurant was called Les Falaises, which is French for The Cliffs. The small, family-owned hotel and eatery was situated on the cliff of a mountain overlooking the bay and marina down below. From the hillside you had magnificent views and could just sit there all day with a drink and good book and gaze out. The food was excellent. The eatery as well as the hotel itself attracted locals as well as tourists travelling through the village.

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

Well here in New York City, you can be walking down the street and catch Bill Cosby walking his dog down Madison Ave, or be standing in line at the grocery store next to Ralph Lauren or even see Lindsay Lohan partying it up at one of the trendy meatpacking nightclubs, and not even know it the whole time. To see a celebrity here in the city is an everyday thing. We don’t get excited over it because it is so common and natural. I will say I’ve had the pleasure of bumping into and starting a pleasant conversation with Hillary Clinton (as she lives 10 minutes from my father’s house), rapper, DMX and legendary actor, Chevy Chase, just to name a few. Hopefully with the launch of JETprivileged.com travel concierge, I will be privileged enough to meet some new exclusive clients.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I would definitely have to say, Bangkok, Thailand or Rio, Brasil. I have seen so many European and Middle Eastern cities, Id like to make my way to the other side. I hear the beaches are amazing in Rio as well as the nightlife and that the culture experience and dining experience in Thailand is one to live.

Thanks, Mike. Funnily enough, I shall be flying into Lugano from Zurich in just a couple of weeks.  Does that restaurant/hotel still exist, do you know?  I can’t seem to find it on the ‘net…

Heather Holman is the owner and architect of Hotels of the Rich and Famous. She currently resides in the United States near the Capital of Washington D.C., has travelled to over 20 countries and visited hundreds of luxury hotels. Her hobbies include wine tasting, shopping, photography and, of course, travelling. Heather hopes to one day open her own luxury hotel in either the United Kingdom or France, two of her favorite countries.

What is it that you do exactly?

I let people know where their favorite celebrities like to vacation by searching the popular media such as television, magazines and of course the internet. Also I receive tips from hotel guests and workers via my website.

A typical day for me… I wake up, let my dog out in to our yard, brush my teeth then off to work! Luckily for me I run Hotels of the Rich and Famous out of my home office so the commute isn’t too bad at all! I first check my emails and tips then get to searching for luxury hotels and celebrity hotel related stories. Afternoon I head to the gym and flip through celebrity magazines with my notebook ready to take any notes while on the treadmill or bicyles. When I get home I watch the travel channel and E! with my laptop on my lap. I’m a huge fan of Samantha Brown, I’d rather have her job but mine isn’t too bad!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Traveling! Last summer my husband and I spent 2 months in Europe. This fall we have a cross country vacation planned in America. I also love talking with celebrities for interviews - it’s fun!

I wanted to combine two billion dollar industries in to one unique idea. People love hotels, people love celebrities – why not have both? Hotels of the Rich and Famous was born! I get excited when I get my tips via email of people spotting celebrities at hotels. It lets me know it’s not just me who loves to share their hotel and celebrity experiences and that I do indeed have a target audience.

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

Well, until my website is a bit more established my limit on a hotel room is $1,500 a night which limits me but I’ve still stayed in some pretty great places, Here are my favorite 3:

Chateau d’Etoges in the Champagne region of France.

The Borgata in Atlantic City – it really has brought a higher level of class to the whole town, the suites are amazing!

Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel – my husband and I were married here. It’s an amazing hotel with a deep history and is very luxurious.

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

I don’t know if this is because I just wrote an article on it and its fresh in my mind but Chateau d’Etoges comes to mind again. If you’ve ever eaten in France you know its quiet a culture shock with the level of service from waiters. I’ve been told the French like to be left alone while they eat and so the waiter only takes your order, drops off your food, and then gives your check an hour later. As an American, I hate this! What if I run out of beverage? What if something is wrong with my food? I don’t want to go chase someone down if I need something - I want to be checked on! At the chateau the wait staff almost out-numbered the dinner guests and it was almost a full house. They also took stand near the wall and watched to see if people’s drinks were low or there were any problems and dealt with this before I even noticed my glass was low. I loved it.

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

I’ve seen Eminem and his posse at the Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia, Jesse Metcalf from Desperate Housewives at The Borgata, I’ve also interviewed Hal Sparks from Queer as Folk and Mike Holman (no relation but it did get me the in to talk to him) from Jackass on MTV. I have a few upcoming plans for interviews but I don’t want to jinx them so I won’t mention them yet!

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

Japan! I’ve seen so many European countries, I’d like to start seeing some Asian ones! Also the country is so rich in history but still so technosavy! It will be a blast!

Thank you, Heather. And good luck with the site.

Tanya Schliff is founder of DirectoryofHotels.com, a unique hotel guide focusing on global travel.  She started the site because she found that, when researching her own travels, there were very few resources that gave her direct access to the hotel for questions and reservations. She favours independent travel rather than using booking agents or travel agents and believes that travellers benefit greatly from having direct contact with the hotel they have chosen.

What is it that you do exactly?

As Founder and Editor, I write reviews and report on “all things” travel for our blog, TravelerWIRE and our monthly newsletter, answer questions from our readers and am constantly researching new and exciting places of interest.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I am not going to lie, traveling is a blast and I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do. In addition, I get great pleasure from having the creative freedom to write about, promote and support the hotelier, especially bringing light to the small to medium properties.

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

It is very difficult to pick just three, as every travel affair will always have a place close to my heart.

Four Seasons Bali at Sayan and Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia - I had the pleasure of staying at both properties in Bali, they are each different experiences and not to be missed. Jimbaran Bay brings traditional old world charm, cool breezes, sprawling grounds, rocky peninsula and gorgeous views of the vast blue sea.  The villas are over 2000 square feet, comprised of three thatched roofs including an outdoor living area, the abode with a king-sized canopy mosquito-net bed, sandstone floors, indoor/outdoor shower and each with a private plunge pool. Sayan is situated close to Ubud, an artist´s colony in hills, and is structured with modern lines.  The entryway is stunning, and infinity edged lotus pond overlooks the Ayung river and surrounding rice fields. Again the villas, are striking with a modern Balinese twist, outdoor dining area, deep soaking tubs, separate dressing areas, private outdoor plunge pools.  No stone left unturned.

Maroma Resort & Spa, Mayan Riviera, Mexico  - a secluded oceanfront resort and spa where everyone calls you by name.  One sip of there house margarita, scented with anise, and you won’t want to leave. My favorite experience was the Temazcal where I endured an extraordinary ancient Mayan rebirthing ceremony (reminiscent of a North American Indian sweat lodge) where super heated lava rocks doused with herb-infused water create an intoxicating and healing experience.

Il Pelicano, Porto Ercole, Italy - a stylish and exclusive retreat with an outstanding restaurant and wine cellar and an equally profound and intimate bar. Surrounded by centuries old olive trees and situated above the Mediterranean Sea with a path that leads down to a heated seawater pool and beyond a sunbathing rock platform by the sea.  The property was awarded the “Purple Lily” by Relais & Chateaux and exudes old Hollywood glamour filled with romantic history.

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

I have had the pleasure of dining at some wonderful places, but this little restaurant in the medieval village of Capalbio, Le Mura, was something special. Delivering a surreal and intimate dining experience, Le Mura’s hosts, a husband and wife team, where Roberta cooks and Gerry guides you through local history in their cozy home, formerly the castle bakery.  There is no menu at Le Mura, only four tables each night and everything is fresh and made to order. Even as the only guests that night, our experience lasted no less than 5 hours. If you are lucky, like I was, Roberta took me into the kitchen where I threw on a chef’s cap and she taught me her recipes for the evening. All local delights and masterful creations like wild boar, rabbit and freshly made pasta. Magical! Guests have included the likes of Mario Batali.

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

Living so close to Los Angeles, where my husband is a native, it is not difficult to bump into celebs from Madonna at L’Orangerie, Paris Hilton at Peninsula Beverly Hills to Gwyneth Paltrow at Esperanza Resort.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I have always dreamed of hunting the winter white truffle in Piemonte, Italy.

Thanks, Tanya. Le Mura sounds like a fascinating little find… how did you get to hear about it?

As one of the co-developers of The Porches in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Bruce Shugart brings more than 40 years of custom home building and commercial development experience to the project. Bruce serves as co-principal and manager of Structural Associates, where he oversees all aspects of The Porches as well as projects in a variety of other mountain communities in the Rocky Mountain region including Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Vail. His unique development philosophy embraces quality of service and product while maintaining value and a strong commitment to teamwork.

What is it that you do exactly?

I am a developer of The Porches in Steamboat Springs, a unique upscale community offering whole ownership as well as fractions in its Private Residence Club. Situated at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, The Porches combines the best in personal service with the comfort of spaciously elegant luxury residences built with meticulous planning and a quality of craftsmanship never before found in the area.

My job profile entails attending many meetings regarding current and future development and master planning; researching new developments and plots of land; overseeing daily operational business. I also sneak in time to fly - I’m a pilot - and travel with my wife, Jan.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

As a third generation builder and contractor, I haven’t really known much different. I love living in the Rocky Mountains and my job allows me to soak in every favorable aspect of mountain living. I also love the people I work with, both at Structural Associates and The Porches, as well as our owners.

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

Hotel de la Gavina on the Costa Brava in Spain. It is in the Catalonia Region north of Barcelona near Girona.

L’Olmo, a locanda in Terra Di Siena, Italy. An old country house between Rome and Florence in the Southern Tuscany Region.

LeBear on Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Fabulous beaches and stunning blue water.

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

A small winery/vineyard north of Verona in the Veneto region of Italy. The family hosted us for a seven course lunch paired with wines from their vineyards. The mother, father and one of the sons prepared all the savory food and served us. The other son, who spoke little English, sat with us and explained the regional cuisines we were eating and the accompanying wines. We received an entire lesson on grape growing and wine making. It was an intimate and unforgettable experience.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

My wife and I are looking forward to a trip to the Istria Peninsula in Croatia.   

Thanks, Bruce.  That property in Tuscany looks to be quite a find… I’ve made a mental note!