Vol 6, No 2 - Top Suites of Charleston, Are You Running An Illegal Charter, Should You Book Your Jet Online, and more

View this email in your browser

Vol 6, No 2
Southern Charm: Top Suites of Charleston

Check out our DGAE Library featuring:

Insider reviews of unique experiences from VIP supercar tours of Italy, treks to see the Polar Bears, safaris in Africa, Cuba by private jet and previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seaboard Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Symphony, Norwegian Breakaway, Celebrity Edge, and Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

New luxury hotels

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a fantastic new decade!

What better way to start the new year than to start thinking about places to get away for the weekend. What’s the best city in the U.S.? Again, according to the readers of Travel + Leisure, it's Charleston, South Carolina.

This week we take a look at the best suites in the top hotels in the awarding winning destination.

PS - Check-out our Flight Time Calculator - Your flight between over 5,000 airports, by aircraft type, and even with winds!

I hope all of your travels are amazing!

All the best,

Doug Gollan

Founder/Editor
dougollan@dgamazingexperiences.com

Find The Best Private Aviation Solutions For You

Introducing Private Jet Card Comparisons 2.0

With Private Jet Card Comparisons 2.0, in less than 5 minutes, you can search our database by over 65 variables to find the programs that best match your needs

Search by a specific company from more than 50 providers.

Search by type of aircraft you want, cabin size, number of seats, how the aircraft are sourced

Compare pricing, and see if there are fuel surcharges and other extra fees, including the number of peak days and peak day surcharges

Search by safety standards, the lead time for bookings and cancelations, segment and daily minimums, availability of WiFi, policies on bringing pets or the minimum age for sending unaccompanied minors

Make sure you don’t miss out

Find the programs that best meet your needs

Put yourself in the know. An annual subscription to Private Jet Card Comparisons is only $250

Know before you buy!

Table of Contents

A. Private Aviation Headlines, including
B Private Jet Performance Guide ranking over 150 aircraft by size, range, speed, cabin, and baggage space
C. Before You Buy Reports - Jets, Yachts, Villas
D. The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers
Seven Great Charleston Hotels and their Top Suites
1.    The Spectator Hotel
2.    Belmond Charleston Place
3.    Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
4.    The Dewberry Charleston
5.    Wentworth Mansion
6.    The Planter’s Inn
7.    French Quarter Inn
8. Executive Security Reports
9. Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library

A. Private Aviation Headlines

1. Should you charter a private jet online?
2. You might be running an illegal charter (and not know it
3. Minnesota, North Carolina highlight business aviation’s economic impact
4. FAA warns pilots, consumers about illegal charters; lists red flags
5. FAA investigation of Uber for private flights Blackbird highlights serious problems
6. NetJets recaps 2019, including nearly 70 new jets
7. An A to Z list of the 1,929 Part 135 charter operators
8. Air France private jet partner Wijet has stopped accepting reservations; Closing French subsidiary
9. Here’s how Business Aviation works for America
10. Flexjet sells G650 shares by the day
11.   NetJets, Flexjet, VistaJet - Comparing the branded large cabin options
12.   Is NetJets worth the price?

Special Reports:

1. Comparing the Private Jet Sharing Options
2. Understanding Part 135
3. How not to get burned when buying a private jet membership program
4.   Fractional Ownership and Leases - The Pros, Cons and Options
5.. On-Demand Charter vs. Jet Cards - Which One Is Right For You?

Jet Card Buyer’s Tips

1. Buyer’s Tip #1 Know the company behind your program
2. Buyer’s Tip #2 Fixed rates or dynamic pricing?
3. Buyer’s Tip #3 Do I need guaranteed availability?
4. Buyer’s Tip #4 Make sure your program’s Primary Service Area matches your flight
5. Buyer’s Tip #5 What you need to know about Peak Days
6. Buyer’s Tip #6 Roundtrip and one-way pricing

B. Private Jet Performance Guides
(provided by Conklin & de Decker)

Range
Compare Light Jets by range
Compare Midsize Jets by range
Compare Large Cabin Jets by range

NEW: Popular Private Jets and Turboprops

Beechcraft King Air 350
Bombardier Global Express guide, including Global 7500, Global 6000, Global 5000, and Global Express XRS
Bombardier Challenger 350
Bombardier Challenger 300
Cessna Citation Latitude
Cessna Citation X
Cessna Citation XLS, XLS+ and Excel
Dassault Falcon 2000
Embraer Phenom 300
Gulfstream G650
Gulfstream G550
Gulfstream G450
Pilatus PC-12

NEW: Private Jet Flight Time Calculator

Find out how long your flight will take by aircraft type, including jets, turboprops, pistons, and helicopters, including seasonal and live winds. Search between over 5,000 airports! Click here.

C. Before You Buy Reports

1. Before you charter a superyacht
2. Before you rent a villa
3. Before you charter a private jet
4. Before you buy a jet card

Partner Promotion:
Los Cabos Villa Spotlight from Elegant Mexico

Encompassing 12,000 sq. ft of interior living space with eight bedrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms, dressing areas, and patios, Casa Luna Escondida is ideal for either extended families, couples or friends groups. There is a full-size addition to the spectacular pool with shallow shaded lounging areas and two of the guest casitas have their own private plunge pools. In addition to the state-of-the-art technology, your staff includes a house manager, butler, chef and concierge services.

Located in the private resort community of Villas Del Mar this home has welcomed many high profile guests, from celebrity entertainers and royalty to Fortune 500 CEOs, looking for the privacy and anonymity that cannot be found at traditional resorts. For more information, click this link or call Elegant Mexico at +1 949.388.8590 ext. 200.

D. The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers

With the help of our friends, we’ve curated a list of 143 restaurants in 60 cities around-the-world that each has memorable views, cuisine to match, and are all located on the top floors or rooftops of leading hotels.

In other words, if you are on a tight schedule, don’t worry about fighting traffic. Dinner (or lunch) is just an elevator ride away, like your private jet, saving you time. For the entire list, click here.

Partner Promotion:
Turks & Caicos Villa Spotlight from HostedVillas

The opulent La Dolce Vita Villa sits on the shores of Provo’s Long Bay Beach. Featuring a striking modern design both inside and out, the villa stretches out over more than 12,300 sq. ft. and offers more than 430 feet of beachfront. With 2 oceanfront pools and 2 oceanfront hot tubs, chances are you’ll find yourself frequently gazing out to sea, either watching the sunrise with your morning coffee or watching it set, all the time surrounded by family and friends. And as this villa features a total of 9 bedrooms, there’s certainly room for everyone. Take a 3-D Tour or for more information visit HostedVillas or contact Aurélie Gilles, Experience Manager, aurelie@hostedvillas.com mobile 647-523-4275 or office 1-800-374-6637 Ext. 310

Best Hotels and Top Suites of Charleston

Overview

Charleston is the best U.S. city according to the readers of Travel + Leisure. Here’s what the magazine says: “The jewel of the South Carolina coast has crowned our list of favorite American cities since 2013. But that doesn’t mean the Lowcountry destination isn’t evolving. Thanks to an influx of business, Charleston is bustling with revitalized energy. A new generation of restaurateurs, helmed by Sean Brock of Husk and McCrady’s, is turning the city into an international food destination.” Writes one reader: “I love the history, the art, the grits, and the proximity to Kiawah and other beautiful coastal areas. This is the perfect city for a girls’ weekend, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway.” Here are the best suites for you to stay in.

1. The Spectator Hotel

Located in Charleston’s historic district, The Spectator Hotel evokes the exuberance of the Jazz Age and the genteel glamour of the Old South. Readers of Travel + Leisure voted the hotel #1 in Charleston, #2 in the U.S. and #61 in the world.

Premier Balcony Suite

Start your mornings with fresh coffee and a gourmet continental breakfast on your private furnished wraparound balcony. In the afternoon sit back and enjoy a drink as you overlook the activity below on Lingard and State Streets. The suite features a marble bathroom, custom millwork, and furnishings and a built-in armoire.

2. Belmond Charleston Place

Belmond Charleston Place evokes the feeling of a grand 17th-century residence from the Italian marble lobby with its Georgian Open Arm staircase and 12-foot crystal chandelier to a variety of suites. The hotel has hosted celebrities, princes, and politicians. It is located in Charleston's historic downtown. Dine at the award-winning dining Palmetto Cafe and Charleston Grill restaurants, or try the full-service spa with rooftop indoor-outdoor pool and Jacuzzi

Presidential Suite

The 1,000 sq. ft. Presidential Suite is located on the Club Level, including private elevator access. The Club offers a private personal concierge; an Italian marble bathroom; a separate soaking bathtub, and a walk-in shower. There is a large entry area with a half-bathroom and pantry; living room; sitting area; one bedroom; one master bathroom; can connect to a Club guest room to create a two-bedroom suite. You also get full access to the newly renovated, two-story Club Lounge, which includes an expanded marble bar and complimentary all-day food and drinks.

3. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Located across the harbor from downtown Charleston, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina offers three outdoor pools including one with a Tiki Bar, spa, and full-service marina with the College of Charleston Sail School located on-site. Combining Low Country design aesthetic and a coastal color pallet with custom-made beds, furniture with hand-painted details. The Charleston Harbor Fish House provides a waterfront dining experience with views of historic downtown, and a menu featuring locally-sourced sustainable seafood, produce, and vegetables. The Bridge Bar offers an open-air environment with fresh seafood and cocktails, and the Reel Bar provides an indoor setting with teak captain chairs crafted from a ship that sank off the coastline. The Estuary Spa and Salon provides a range of treatments and services featuring natural and organic skincare products. There are multiple treatment rooms, including a couple's massage room. Guests can also schedule inshore and offshore fishing charters departing from the hotel's docks. There's a grand porch for relaxing, as well as a tropical pool deck with private cabanas.

Admiral’s Suite

The two-bedroom Admiral’s suite is 800 sq. ft. and situated on the hotel’s top floor – the 4^th floor. It offers harbor views with a king and queen bed, two full baths and a separate living area, including a large refrigerator and microwave.

4. The Dewberry Charleston

The Dewberry Charleston overlooks Marion Square in a revitalized mid-century modern building with views of the Charleston Harbor and Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge, Brasserie, the Living Room, a gathering space, a walled garden, and a spa. You are steps from historic sites, and King Street shops and restaurants. Rooms have handcrafted custom furniture, Irish mattresses and linens, and original artwork by local artists. Henrietta's has a French brasserie feel mixed with Southern influences. Go for brunch on the weekends. The Living Room is designed as a gathering place transforming from a morning coffee spot to a mid-day space for afternoon tea and cocktails in the evening. The Spa offers low country-inspired treatments infused with local ingredients such as dewberry plant and sea extracts. Modeled after the hotel founder's carriage house, the spa has cypress-covered spice-scented walls, Southern artwork, and handcrafted floral wallpaper.

Charleston Flat Studio Suites

There are 24 of the 511 sq. ft. Charleston Flat studio suites, four on each floor, each located in one of the corners. The hotel doesn’t guarantee which one you will get but request a high floor. Views are either city or city and harbor.
There is a canopy bed and hardwood floors, the area furnished with leather wingback chairs, in-room dining areas, and glass-enclosed bath suites.

5. Wentworth Mansion

A member of Small Luxury Hotels, Wentworth Mansion is a historic house with period features, chandeliers, and stained glass windows. The Circa 1886 restaurant, in the old carriage house, serves American and Southern cuisine using fresh, local produce. Housed in the original stables, the spa with its vaulted ceilings and exposed beams offers a full range of treatments. Look for special touches such as complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine each afternoon in the Harleston Parlor and complimentary port, sherry, and brandy in the evening.

Grand Mansion Suite

The 1,000 sq. ft. Grand Mansion Suite provides a separate bedroom and living room with two floor-to-ceiling marble gas fireplaces, original Italian chandeliers, and Tiffany stained glass.

6. The Planter’s Inn

A Relais & Chateau property in Charleston’s Historic District, the 64-room Planter's Inn features uniformed doormen who welcome every arrival, ushering guests into the restored circa 1844 building. Ten-foot ceilings, dozens of working fireplaces, and a large collection of antiques and Baker Historic Charleston décor, including a four-poster bed in every guest room, create an ambiance described by Travel + Leisure magazine as "akin to an overnight with well-to-do friends in their old Charleston mansion." A hidden courtyard illuminated by flickering carriage lanterns provides a beguiling entry to Peninsula Grill, the city’s foremost dining experience.

St. Philip Suite

The 1,460 St. Philip Suite is situated on the top floor of the hotel and designed to feel like a private apartment. There’s a handcrafted four-poster plantation-style from the Baker Historic Charleston Collection and hemstitched bedding by Italian luxury linen brand Mascioni. There’s a separate living room with soaring ceiling and custom crown molding. You can host guests with a kitchen and dining table with seating for up to 10 guests. There is an en-suite travertine marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and double vanity.

7. French Quarter Inn

Conde Nast Traveler says of French Quarter Inn, “This classic Charleston mainstay is a must for those in the know.” It continues, “It’s a fairly small hotel, which makes for a more personalized experience—upon arrival, guests are greeted with Champagne and in the evening, turndown service comes with complimentary port wine and cookies. One thing we love about this perennial Southern belle is that it’s sophisticated, but not stuffy. The lobby is carpeted in a rich midnight blue brightened by far-reaching floral patterns, and the marble spiraled staircase that dissects it looks fresh and fancy rather than old and tired.”

Grand Market View Full Terrace Suite

The Grand Market View Terrace Suite features two queen size beds with triple-sheeted, classically simple European bedding, custom armoire, and writing desk. The room features a large terrace overlooking the open-air Charleston City Market. A separate living room area features a full-size sofa bed and a fireplace. The large bathroom features a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower.

8. Executive Security Reports

1.   What you should consider before you get behind the wheel in Cuba
2.   Preventing a robbery while traveling
3.   How to survive a terrorist attack
4.   Seven ways your flight crew can improve security
5.   Six travel security scenarios you should be prepared for
6.   Family travel safety and security advice
7.   Four trends in executive travel security

9. Our Most Popular Special Reports

If you are looking for more ideas and inspiration, check out some of our most popular Special Reports below...

You don’t have to be a high roller to stay in these suites

Viva Las Vegas. Some of the most spectacular suites you will find anywhere in the world are in Sin City. However, many are reserved for high rollers. In this issue, we look at impressive suites anyone can stay in, as long as you can pay. Check out the best from Aria, the Bellagio, the Delano, the new Nomad, and more. Read more...

A week of Swiss luxury

Although it’s a bit smaller than Vermont and New Hampshire combined, there are few places that offer more beautiful views of lakes, mountains, and medieval cities combined with five-star hotels and fine dining. Winter or summer, Switzerland is always a great place to spend a week. Read more...

5-star dining atop 5-star hotels

If you hate having to rush across town to dinner when you’re traveling, with the help of our friends, we’ve curated a list of 143 restaurants in over 60 cities around-the-world each with memorable views, cuisine to match, and all are located on the top floors or rooftops of leading hotels. Read more...

Sentosa Villa on the famous Grace Bay

Enjoy direct beachfront access at this outstanding 8-bedroom villa located on the famed Grace Bay Beach. Perfect for special events, such as a family reunion, wedding or other milestone celebration, revel in the perfect ocean views and soak in the lovely ambiance at Sentosa.

The main house holds 6 bedrooms, while the other 2 are in the guest house. Just about every room has a large opening that lets light and ocean breezes flow freely throughout. Outside, the terrace and beach offer lots of comfortable lounge chairs and sunbeds alongside the infinity pool and ocean. Read more...

Five bedrooms of luxury in Turks & Caicos

A gorgeous getaway for your group of family and friends, the 5-bedroom Beach Enclave offers luxury-filled days and nights. Furnished to the highest standards, enjoy a bespoke private villa experience with your stay here.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself slipping into the natural island rhythm. Inspired by an open Caribbean living concept, the villa features wide glass doors and multiple terraces that together allow the indoors and out to blend seamlessly. Spend days relaxing with a good book, cooling off in the pool, snorkeling in the ocean, or flying high on a kiteboard. Read more...

VIP British Columbia and Alaska by helicopter

Two of the most beautiful and rustic spots in the world are in Western North America, in British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska. One of the great advantages of private jets is you don’t waste travel time getting between places, and to that end Entrée Destinations combines the best of the outdoors in both places in one week, connected of course by your private jet. Read more…

Five stunning villas in Los Cabos

Located next to One&Only Palmilla, Del Mar Los Cabos is a luxury gated. Expansive homes up to 12,000 sq. ft. are built to the highest standards of construction, and you have your own butler and private chef. Elegant Mexico handles all pre-arrival planning and concierge services. You get your own golf cart, Club Ninety-Six beach club and kids club access, Club Espiritu fitness club and spa, Offsite activity coordination services, in-residence spa services, 24-hour gated security, and 24-hour emergency medical response are all included. Read more...

Fishing, shooting, castles, and Harry Potter in Yorkshire

Voted Europe’s Best Travel Destination at the World Travel Awards, the first time the award went to a non-city, Yorkshire in northern England is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, Norman castles, medieval abbeys, national parks and cities that were the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Read more...

Fine and Fun Skyscraper Dining in Bangkok

lebua at State Tower in Bangkok has become the epicenter of Thailand’s move to award-winning internationalizing, with 2-star Michelin restaurant Mezzaluna, Breeze, Sirocco, and soon Chef’s Table under the direction Vincent Thierry of the 3-star Michelin Caprice in Hong Kong. Of course, the nightlife is not restricted to restaurants with a multitude of specialty bars from The Flute A Perrier Jouet and Alfresco 64, a Chivas bar, lebua No. 3, with its caviar shooters and of course the bar that launched a worldwide trend, Skybar (pictured left). Read more...

A golfer's paradise in Northern California

The Northern California coast offers stunning Pacific views and has long been a desirable weekend getaway spot for Golden State residents. However, if you don’t happen to be from the state and are going to be visiting the Bay Area, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is convenient to extend your trip or an excellent base to visit the region’s many attractions. Read more…

About DG Amazing Experiences

My name is Doug Gollan. I am a strong advocate of the private aviation industry. You can read my frequent coverage of private jets and luxury travel at Forbes.com.

I’ve chosen you to receive DG Amazing Experiences because I believe you share my passion for both business aviation and the best travel and luxury experiences in the world.

DG Amazing Experiences is your e-newsletter guide to the best places and experiences for private jet travelers like yourself. The content is personally selected by me with the help of some of the smartest and best travel advisors in the world. My goal is to give you a look ahead at what's new, what's hot, and the best of the best. To make it easy for you, the stories are short but detailed, and I provide plentiful links to additional, relevant information.

If you are looking for private aviation solutions from on-demand charter to jet cards, fractional and even full ownership, please visit our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons to access our buyer’s guide to over 250 jet card programs and our exclusive on-demand charter guide. Our VIP assistance program can help you decide which solutions are optimal for you.

Baggage Capacity

Fastest and Slowest

Cabin Size Compared