Did you know that the world’s finest travel agencies and advisors are Virtuoso?

With my worldwide network of Virtuoso connections, I can provide you with:

• Customized travel experiences
• First hand knowledge and expertise
• Exclusive amenities and VIP access
• Trust and confidence.

Quinta Bela Vista, Madeira

Next Departure:  April 12 – 25 2012

Join Brenda and her husband Jon on this Lifestyle Luxury Tour of Portugal – our first with Vision2000 Travel Group, where you will feel the history as we visit medieval castles, baroque palaces, ancient monasteries, culture through art walks, music and dining experiences, partake in Afternoon Tea at the famous Reid’s Palace Hotel in Madeira, flowers through Madeira Island’s world-famous Flower Festival and wine through several special and privileged tastings.   We will stay in beautiful hotels, both contemporary and traditional, and our private Guides will share their in-depth knowledge of the different regions while your hosts will add their travel tips along the way.   Over a period of eight days, our small group will explore  mainland Portugal, spending the remaining 6 days on Madeira Island – Portugal’s semi-tropical garden in the Atlantic.  Your hosts will show you the island where they have set up their second home and welcome you to their home for a farewell evening of Fado and Food – a combination of traditional Portuguese music and locally sourced cheeses, seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables.

Tour price:  $4848 CAD per person sharing/1.393 Euro. Our route

Read more about our tour …

Virtuoso welcome amenities at Four Seasons Lisbon

I haven’t had the time to write very much lately, other than a tweet here and there and a posting on my Facebook page.  I love blogging but I love my work even more, and add to a busy schedule a home move, it becomes obvious why I am writing this at 12.52 am PST!

I have just returned from a one month business trip that included Madeira, Lisbon, Barcelona, Istanbul, Dubai and Perth, Western Australia.  I visited and reviewed new hotels and restaurants and re-established contact with suppliers to the luxury travel industry.  The world is changing so fast that I have to stay up to date with my recommendations!

Whenever I travel, I continue to work just as I would at home, but in awe of the ability of my partner, technology, to keep my client communications seamless.

Upon my return to Vancouver, I finalized the seemingly endless documentation for my clients who are travelling at the moment, and every day starting new files for those who wish to travel later in the year.  At this time, I have clients in South Africa, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Holland and each client expects and receives the personal attention that comes with my role as a Virtuoso Travel Advisor.  You see, in this role, I get to create and execute Dreams – your Dreams.  I love my work and actually feel as though I travel the world every day – from my computer – as I stay in touch with, and work with, colleagues all over the world through Skype, telephone, Email, Twitter and Facebook.   All this takes time.

Building Dreams takes time – lots of time – as well as a healthy cocktail of patience  and perfection to pull all the pieces together.  Only then, when the final itinerary is approved will I rest a little.  Virtuoso coined the phrase:  ‘Return on Life.’  My job is to make it happen!

One last point … having built a successful specialization in Turkey as a destination, I am now doing the same for Portugal.  So far, I have spent a total of four months touring this beautiful and diverse country that offers beautiful historic sites, divine cuisine and excellent value for money.  And, while I am still learning about this lesser-known destination, during frequent visits, I can honestly say that the people I work with in that country, including those on the spectacular island of Madeira are top-notch professionals who are proud of their country and all it has to offer.  So, if you like history, excellent wine, locally produced  foods, and accommodation that ranges from farmhouse to luxury on the mainland and charming Quintas to luxury on Madeira Island, you will love this destination.  And Madeira is the perfect destination for escaping a chilly winter because the temperature rarely dips below 18 degrees or rises above 24 degrees.  All year around!  With sub-tropical flora and fauna and beautiful blue skies and warm ocean, it is a perfect option for a long-stay.   Ask me about long-term rentals if you prefer to stay in a Villa, apartment or family-sized home rather than an hotel.

I hope you have a wonderful Summer!

Lifestyle Getaways

An article in a British magazine suggests that girls’ spa getaways are being replaced by “booty camps” where instead of pampering, a group of friends will take a lifestyle break together to re-evaluate their options.

It brought to mind a recent event when I put my market researcher skills to work and moderated an informal group discussion of women who wanted to explore their options for their futures.  One or two were friends, others were acquaintances or friends of friends.  Most were professional women, some were moms wanting more than housework to stimulate their minds, and others were stuck at a crossroads – in a job, but wanting to change direction and unsure how or where to go.

We drank a glass of wine and nibbled on some goodies, and after posing each of six key questions to the group, I used a flip chart to record their answers and to provide further stimulus for clarification and discussion.  We didn’t find any answers, or identify brilliant guiding stars during that evening, but several new friendships began and further conversations of support and brainstorming began between various women.

This single event demonstrated the value of sharing thoughts, ideas and developing themes for consideration.  If a “lifestyle getaway” appeals to you, your book-club group, or women’s group, I’d love to hear from you.  Who knows, perhaps we can organize something for the future.

Click here to read that article.