Poe Travel

Tanzania - Singita Grumeti Reserves - Many of you will remember Grumeti Reserves, three of the finest game lodges in Africa - located in the heart of the Serengeti and ideally situated for the annual migrations across the East African savannah. Well, it was only a matter of time before the style wonks at Singita moved north to take over. Perhaps the most alluring feature of Singita Grumeti is not the artfully renovated lodges but rather the complete privacy allowed by the 380,000 acre concession on which they reside.

Vermont - Twin Farms is an estate resting on 300 acres of fields, forests, gardens and lake at Barnard, VT about 10 miles north of picturesque Woodstock. The original 1795 farmhouse has been transformed into gracious living and dining rooms, plus four elegant guest suites. Surrounding this are finely detailed guest cottages, a handsome pub, a fitness center and a separate building housing a Japanese furo. Simply put, it’s one of the most romantic retreats New England has to offer. To celebrate, we’re offering an exclusive “Heart of Romance” package including three nights in a private cottage, Dom Perignon and hand-dipped chocolate berries on arrival, all meals, all beverages (including wine and liquor), a private dinner in the wine cellar, and an in-room massage for two!

Austria - Hotel Sacher Condé Nast Traveler-named Central Europe Specialist, Ellison Poe, is delighted to report major renovations at one of the few remaining privately owned hotels in the world - Hotel Sacher of Vienna!

Poe Travel’s amenities for 2007 include an upgrade on arrival, daily full breakfast, Original Sacher Torte and Sacher Cuvee sparkling wine, and more. Guests in Top Deluxe rooms will receive a complimentery one-way transfer to the airport or rail stations!

Thailand - Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Words cannot adequately describe what is easily one of the world’s most luxuriant sanctuaries. It was conceived eight years ago by a Thai businessman of means who came to northern Thailand and fell in love with the indiginous Lanna style of art, architecture and antiquities. He immediately began a project to collect as much as he could to include in what would become a living museum - Chiang Mai’s Dhara Dhevi. Covering 60 acres, it resembles an ancient royal complex, replete with priceless artifacts from throughout Burma, Northern Thailand and Laos. It engulfs a working rice farm and includes artisan workshops, a fabulous library, a cooking school and a ridiculously oppulent spa built to resemble a Lanna-style temple complex.

East Africa - Africa House Our long-term business partner in Nairobi, David Sugden, (shown here with Sue Roth) headed A&K East Africa for 19 years prior to starting his own safari company three years ago, named Africa House.
Imagine traveling by private helicopter accompanied by Africa House's own legendary safari guide Peter Behr as he takes you on an unrivaled East African adventure. Luxuriate in rustic opulence along the way at private homes unavailable to others. “Rough it” in the bush at custom designed Africa House mobile tented camps. Africa House tailors to those with only the best in mind.

Indonesia - 51 Silolona - When Ellison Poe first came upon the Silolona this year in Singapore, she immediately erupted, “Serendipity!” Seldom does one encounter a vessel so evocative and enchanting. Silolona is a 163 foot, hand-crafted, Phinisi schooner built in Borneo using traditional techniques. No expense was spared ensuring all modern comforts.

She sleeps ten and has a crew of 17 sailing in Indonesia from April to November before moving up to the West Coast of Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, from December to March.

Sail aboard Silolona in ultimate luxury among the little-known yet fascinatingly diverse, island cultures east of Bali. In-depth explorations aboard this magnificent ship include the ancient cultures rimming the Savu Sea. Think Komodo dragons, “ikat” textiles, volcanic crater lakes and indiginous war dances. Each day reveals new island landscapes - smoldering volcanoes, the craggy peaks of Komodo and tiny harbors bustling with traditional fishing craft. Most of the islands are blessed with deserted white sand beaches, transparent turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs waiting to be explored.

In the Andaman Sea, sail from Langkawi among the serene kharst limestone islands of Koh Bulan, Koh KhaoYai and Koh Phetra Islands. Dive the crystal clear waters and coral gardens of the Butang group in the Tarutao Marine National Park in ultimate privacy. All islands offer secluded anchorages and private beaches.

To give an indication of the level of quality and service aboard this unique ship, consider that both AMAN Resorts and TUGU Hotels have been working in tandem with Silolona sending their more independent guests on the Indonesian departures.

Could this possibly be the most idyllic family journey ever? Better make plans now. Word is getting out!

Morocco - Spain - Turkey - S. Africa: Heritage Tours

Poe Travel has partnered with Heritage Tours, specialists in private travel to the exotic destinations of Morocco, Spain and Portugal, Turkey and Southern Africa. Experience special entrée and access that will give you an unequalled and privileged look into these magical places. Be welcome guests in the sprawling estate of a Marques in Spain whose family name is one of the most famous in Spain. Participate with the World Wildlife Fund as part of a team whose mission is to dart and microchip the endangered white rhino in South Africa. Enjoy a private cooking lesson with a South African celebrity chef credited with the renaissance of Cape Malay cuisine. Or perhaps a private encampment at the foot of the largest dunes in the Sahara desert.

Visit art museums with staff curators, experience private wine tastings in closed-to-the-public wine estates, visit a working De Beers diamond mine, private shopping tours with fashion industry insiders, private flamenco lessons, music festivals, African drumming lessons, private tours led by insiders, artists, architects, designers...the list goes on and on! “For Your Eyes Only” is about travel as experience. About meeting real people in real places. Perfect for families, couples or friends. All private. All brought to you by Poe Travel. Of course.

All over Asia - Six Senses Resorts -
Upon meeting him, you’d never guess that the gentle and unassuming Sonu Shivdasani is the Chairman and CEO of one of the most cutting-edge, innovative and environmentally conscious resort and spa brands ever. Sonu and his business partner and wife, Eva, have a sharp eye and a vision they have been executing with impeccable precision since 1995.

Six Senses is redefining responsible leisure lifestyle with their ever-growing portfolio of properties, spas and spa products. There are currently nine resorts and thirteen spas spanning the countries of Vietnam, Thailand, India, the Maldives, Mauritius, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland. Numerous new projects are under way in even more countries with due dates over the next couple of years.

Ellison Poe was interviewed for a story about the Maldives in the January, 2006 issue of travel trade magazine, Luxury Travel Advisor. “I like doing a combination of staying at the Soneva Fushi for the ‘Robinson Crusoe’ jungle feel and then going to their sister property, the Soneva Gili, for the over-water bungalow feel. ”She continued, “At all of these resorts, the key words are luxury, service, romance and relaxation. ”She also noted that the Maldives are the perfect destination to end a trip after “roughing it” in India and Sri Lanka. If you don’t already know about them, you will surely be seeing them more in the travel magazines this year and beyond!

South Africa - Bushman's Kloof
Imagine a drive 3.5 hours north of Cape Town through rolling wheat fields, sprawling vineyards, fragrant citrus orchards and Rooibos tea plantations. The road turns to dirt at the spectacular Cedarburg Mountains which form a craggy moonscape unlike anything you’ve seen before. Eventually, you come to Bushman’s Kloof, a privately owned wilderness reserve, renowned for over 130 rock art sites. Idyllically nestled into a pristine oasis of sorts is the converted Cape-Colonial farm homestead - now a 16 room Relais & Chateaux property. Accommodations overlook inviting pools, lush landscaping and a crystal-clear meandering stream. Beyond that, the bush beckons as it has for millennia.

Top-notch rangers are paired up with guests according to their interests for all kinds of explorations of the (predator-free!) area. Among our favorite activities: a springtime nature walk in the bush accompanied by a local botanist; scrambling around creek beds and rock outcroppings to discover incredibly well-preserved San rock art; an expert treatment at the renowned spa; inspired regional meals worthy of the coveted Relais & Chateaux moniker! This might be the best place EVER for jet-lag recovery. Transfer directly by air charter from Cape Town and ease into your African experience in style!

Sri Lanka - Tea Trails
They don’t call it the “Land of Serendib” for nothing! Situated high in the rolling green hills of central Sri Lanka on a sprawling working tea estate are four classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. Each meticlulously restored 4-6 room house comes with its own manager, chef and butler.

Envision sweeping lawns and swimming pools. English gardens filled with roses, dew filled agapanthus and spring crocus. Lunch al fresco with 180 degree views of the viridian lake and mountains behind. Unwind in the beautiful gardens, visit a tea factory for a gentle education in the art of making the world’s finest tea or spend an adventure filled day trekking, biking or white water rafting. Fly in by private seaplane from Colombo in only 30 minutes! Special thanks are due to our partners at Sri Lanka InStyle for introducing us to this amazing place! Watch for it in all the travel magazines this year!

Southern Africa - "Explorations" by Wilderness Safaris are a new take on the safari experience. The idea behind this program is to keep an open itinerary, tracking and 'leapfrogging' the movements of the wildlife in any given area. Rather than sticking to a set schedule moving between lodges and camps, your dedicated guides (among the best anywhere) will keep you where the action is throughout your journey! These safaris come in two stripes: Discoverer Explorations (more luxurious) and the more "down to earth" Adventurer Explorations.

One of the advantages of traveling with Wilderness is that their private concessions in Botswana , Malawi and Namibia are among the least impacted in the region. They also maintain active environmental integrity programs which are helping keep them that way. Poe Travel's close relationship with Wilderness Safaris ensures that every booking we make is tailor made for us at the very top. Whether you wish to take in the simple pleasure of walking with elephants in the Okavango Delta, go on a photo-safari by small plane along Namibia's wild Skeleton Coast or go mountain biking through Malawi - Wilderness Safaris will change your life. It just doesn't get any better in Southern Africa!

Bali - We've found one of the best kept secrets in Indonesia! The Anhar family has been quietly perfecting their six unique museum-like properties across the archipelago. Probably the finest incarnation (a Relais & Chateau, no less) is Hotel Tugu Bali . The 26-suite hotel features all of the cursory amenities of an über-deluxe hotel - AND is adorned with over 1,000 antique pieces from all over Indonesia and especially Bali . T hatched-roof suites and pavilions constructed in traditional Balinese style, gracefully punctuate wild lotus ponds and a private beach. Most have private plunge pools and en-suite massage facilities. Among many other activities, the hotel offers Indonesian gastronomy, dancing and Gamelan courses.

Global - MedjetAssist is an annual travel assistance and medical evacuation membership program for people who travel for business or pleasure, in the United States or abroad. If you are hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, MedjetAssist will come fly you out and get you to the hospital of your choice at no charge in a fully-staffed air ambulance that is actually a flying ICU! An unplanned emergency evacuation can easily cost as much as $150,000. Now, for only $205 per year, MedjetAssist will come to your rescue anywhere in the world. Even better: Family membership plans are only $325!! Save even more by buying three and five year memberships. Best of all: Now you can read up, enroll and purchase MedjetAssist from our website! poetravel.com/links.html. MedjetAssist could very well be the best thing since sliced bread.

Morocco
La Sultana Marakkech is a luxury hotel full of the splendor of the riads of yesteryear! La Sultana has become a destination in itself after 2 years of stunning renovation to the structural monuments within the compound. A fairytale atmosphere permeates, with art and artifacts scattered throughout. Unique überluxe interiors are found in each of the riads, which are more like private homes - nestled together with an intimate sense of being a part of the whole. Spacious terraces offer a dazzling 360° view of the city of Marakkech , the snow-capped Atlas Mountains , and nearby royal palaces. Cap your day by taking advantage of a range of hammams, saunas, pools and top-notch spa treatments. Pure magic!

NYC Chambers Hotel - This Soho property with a Midtown address is in the center of famous 5th Avenue shopping - Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Prada. The location is in the immediate vicinity of uptown galleries and cultural highlights of New York , including MOMA, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Inspired by the downtown art scene and neighboring International fashion houses, Chambers combines the

industrial feel of an artist's loft with the luxuriousness of traditional fabrics, natural construction materials and contemporary furnishings; not unlike a wealthy art collector's Manhattan townhouse! Over 500 original artworks from the brightest up-and-coming artists are installed throughout the guestrooms, hallways and public spaces - all part of a permanent collection. Imagine dwelling in a private museum - in Midtown Manhattan!

London - 51 Buckingham Gate - Located in the heart of Westminster, this all-suite gem is a stones throw from many of London 's most famous landmarks. Three former townhouses have been converted into 82 deluxe suites ranging from one to five bedrooms - each containing a full kitchen with chef service available! Take the Prime Minister's Suite and entertain up to 80 guests! If you're feeling more modest, you can take a junior suite at a very affordable price (believe it or not). Book this year with Poe Travel and amenities will include daily breakfast, two complimentary spa treatments, butler service, tickets for the London Eye or the Queens Gallery as well as a chauffeur pick up for stays of 3 nights or more. In other words: The definition of VALUE! Insider tip from our friend Andrew Hartley at 51: The hotel has THE best Indian restaurant in London.

New York City - Becketts Black Book In a unique twist to personalized fashion tours, legendary fashion journalist Kathleen Beckett has opened her "little black book" to share the contacts she developed during her days at Vogue, Elle and harpers Bazaar. Choosing from over 100 designers, Kathleen personally customizes each day-long tour, making appointments based on your taste and budget. What Becket does is unique, excusive and offers opportunities and access that clients simply could not arrange on their own. She will make appointments for individuals and small groups of women at the private ateliers, showrooms and boutiques of the country's top fashion designers. Meet the designers. Place orders for made-to-measure creations. Shop off-the-rack at very favorable prices. However you want to do it. Oh yes: You can't shop without eating! A customized day includes lunch at a restaurant from one of New York 's top chefs and restaurateurs.

Greenwood , MS The Alluvian - Situated in the Mississippi Delta is one of the most exciting new boutique hotels in North America! It was love at first sight for Fred Poe. The Alluvian could be in any big metropolitan area. Instead, it stands as a centerpiece for the new renaissance happening across rural America . The Alluvian is the brainchild of Viking Range CEO and veteran 'boutiquer' Fred Carl. He envisioned a luxury hotel where Viking distributors could stay during their annual pilgrimage to Viking Range Corporation headquarters . Luxury is an understatement! It is nothing short of breathtaking. The historic facades of three adjoining buildings are juxtaposed with contemporary interior spaces featuring exclusively Mississippi artists. Guest rooms have all the latest amenities. The perfect weekend getaway: Arrive Friday and have a world class meal at the legendary in-house restaurant, Giardina's. Saturday, take a Blues Tour around the area - or trek across the street for a treatment at the new spa. Top it all off with a class at the fabled Viking Cooking School. Perfection!

Warsaw - The Rialto Poland finally has a deluxe boutique hotel! Sure, plenty of new hotels have opened up all over the country since the wall fell, but nothing on par with Warsaw 's Rialto , which opened in June, 2003. The Rialto soon gained über-credibility by joining the exclusive Design Hotels network (beloved by our own Evelyn Mizell). The building and renovation project stand as a testament to pre-war Warsaw architecture, interior design and art. Drawing on Art Deco themes, each of the 44 rooms is unique, featuring furniture and accessories from the '20s and '30s. In fact, for several years prior to opening, the owners sought out and collected the pieces from all over the world exclusively for this project. The hotel is perfectly situated on the edge of the city's business district. Our local Polish friends tell us the hotel has become the hippest hangout in town! Go figure.

Italy - Villa Feltrinelli
Gracefully hugging the banks of Lake Garda is a superb 19 th century country estate that has been transformed into one of the finest small hotels in Italy . Just a few short years ago legendary Regent Hotels founder, Bob Burns, bought the villa and took it upon himself to create a sanctuary coveted by the most discerning travelers in the world. The interiors have been painstakingly renovated, combining the villa's antique elegance with the best in modern comfort. Naturally, service is of paramount importance at the Villa. Management boasts of "any service, any place, any time". Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the eight-acre grounds is the magnificent classical Italian garden. Century-old trees line the perimeter of an olive grove and tiered lemon garden punctuated by a long, granite-lined swimming pool at the center. Fifty two species of trees grow on the park-like premises. Our friend and General Manager Markus Odermatt calls it a "spa for your mind". Need we say more?