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Vol. 7, No. 5X
Private Hotels, Castles, Trains, Barges

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, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, 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, and Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

Private Hotels, Castles, Trains

Whether it’s in the coming months or next year, more folks are thinking about group celebrations - a sort of post-COVID reunion with family and friends.

If you are looking for a spectacular venue, in this week’s issue we highlight hotels, river barges, castles and trains for groups of 10 to 200.

JET CARD DECIDER 2.0 from PRIVATE JET CARD COMPARISONS

Welcome to JET CARD DECIDER 2.0 exclusively by PRIVATE JET CARD COMPARISONS. It’s a new, improved way for subscribers to find the right private aviation solution for their needs.

- Is a jet card right for you?
- What about full, fractional, or shared ownership?
- Should you just charter flight-by-flight?

The automated solution enables users to request a custom analysis online via smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The entire process takes minutes.

Answer brief questions about your private aviation flying needs and click the submit button. Within 3 business days, you receive a customized analysis based on your specific needs along with the option of a follow-up telephone consultation. There are no extra charges - It’s included in your subscription.

Private Aviation Reference Guide

Who are the biggest private jet companies? Which airports are busiest? What are the most popular private jets? Who’s buying who? The answers are one click away:

- 2020 Top Part 135/91k Fractional and Charter Operators
- 25 Biggest Private Jet Charter Operators ranked for 2020
- Top 25 Busiest Private Jet Airports for 2020
- 2020 Most Popular Private Jets by Category
- 2020 Private Jet Flights by State, Region, and Quarter
- New Private Jet Deliveries by OEM and Type (2015 to 2020)
- PRIVATE AVIATION DEAL BOOK - Catalog of Mergers, Acquisitions, Launches, IPOs, Capital Raises, and Bankruptcies by Business Aviation Operators

I hope all of your travels are amazing!

All the best,
Doug
Doug Gollan
Founder/Editor
douggollan@dgamazingexperiences.com

Table of Contents

A. Private Aviation Headlines
B Private Jet Performance Guide
Private Hotels, Castles, and Trains
1. Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
2. Belmond Afloat in France  
3. La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel, Bordeaux, France  
4. Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland   
5. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland
6. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
7. La Réserve Paris Apartments  
8. Executive Security Reports
9. Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library
10. Jet Card Provider Directory

A. Private Aviation Headlines

1. Branded private jet charter operators set flight records in March
2. Wheels Up takes Meals Up to the Masters
3. Jet charter brokers must offer refunds when not disclosing operator
4. JSX adds LAX to Las Vegas semiprivate flights starting at $99
5.   Wheels Up’s Chung honored for breaking racial, gender barriers
6. Private Jet Card Comparisons adds Guide to Shared Private Jet Services
7.   Golfing great Phil Mickelson scores with VistaJet
8.   Charter broker boss says private jet passengers need to green up
9. Alliance hits 75 jet card members; Plans to increase fleet
10. VistaJet adds trip cancellation insurance
11. GrandView expands to Van Nuys
12. SetJet adds by-the-seat flights to Los Cabos
13. Data breach at Wheels Up’s Avianis impacts large operators
14. Flexjet’s contactless boarding

Partner News:
Fine Dining, Golf, Shopping, and Fun...

You want to come back to Vegas. Wynn Las Vegas wants you back. Why not start with the best? Voted #1 by readers of Travel + Leisure's in its 2020 World’s Best Awards, awarded 5-stars by the inspectors of Forbes Travel Guide, Wynn Las Vegas is ready to welcome you back. There’s fine and fun dining, golf, shopping, the famous pools, private cabanas, the spa, and of course, gaming.

Where to stay? How about a 3-bedroom penthouse with a billiard room? Or maybe a villa with your own private pool overlooking Wynn Golf Course. Perhaps, your perfect suite has its own massage room. Click here to start planning your Wynn experience.

Private Aviation Special Reports

1.   Comparing the Private Jet Sharing Options
2.   Understanding Part 135
3.   Fractional Ownership and Leases - The Pros, Cons and Options
4.   Booking On-Demand Charter Flights
5.   On-Demand Charter vs. Jet Cards - Which One Is Right For You?
6.   How Not To Get Burned When Buying A Private Jet Membership Program
7.   101: Our First-Timer Guide to Private Aviation Options
8. 40 Steps To Buying A Private Jet For First-Timers

B. Private Jet Performance Guides

Flight Time Calculator

How long is your flight? Our calculator factors in live or seasonal winds for over jets, props, and helicopters between more than 5,000 airports

NEW: Popular Private Jets and Turboprops

Partner News:
Best of the Best in Los Cabos

Located in a gated community with 5-star amenities and full services, 5-bedroom Espiritu Casita 101 overlooks the Sea of Cortez from every angle and provides a magnificent residence to have the world on your own terms for a few days or a few weeks.

For more information and other availability, click this link, email sean@elegantmexico.com or call Elegant Mexico at +1 949.388.8590 ext. 200.

Private Hotels, Castles, Trains, Barges

Whether it’s in the coming months or next year, more folks are thinking about group celebrations - a sort of post-COVID reunion with family and friends.

If you are looking for a spectacular venue, in this week’s issue we highlight hotels, river barges, castles, and trains for groups of 10 to 200.

1. Splendido Mare, Portofino

# of bedrooms: 14
# of guests: 32
Price: Starts at $29,000/night with a minimum two-night stay

Located down the hill from the iconic Hotel Splendido, the 14-room Splendido Mare is reopening on April 16 following a major renovation led by Paris-based designers FESTEN Architecture.

Inspired by its history in a fishing village, the design will reflect the cultivated casual atmosphere with natural woods, ropes and brass accents along with traditional Ligurian colors of sea green, terracotta and amber. Extended families and small groups will enjoy this charming guesthouse in the heart of Portofino – complete with a traditional gozzo to explore the coast of the Italian Riviera.

Belmond Splendido Mare

2. Belmond Afloat in France  

# of bedrooms: Total of 7 river barges ranging from 2 to 6 bedrooms  
# of guests: 4-12 guests  
Price: Starts at 40,000 Euro for a six-night itinerary based on eight passengers, fully inclusive

Collectively known as Belmond Afloat in France, Belmond’s fleet of seven luxury barges is available for private charters with a nearly 1:1 crew to guest ratio that can accommodate anywhere from four to 12 passengers. More akin to floating villas, the barges feature a dining room, lounge and sundeck as well as private floating pools. The week-long itineraries are all-inclusive and completely customizable to meet the individual needs of each guest. Want to hop off for a scenic bike ride along the river? No problem! 

Belmond Afloat in France
  
3. La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel, Bordeaux, France  

# of bedrooms: 8   
# of guests: 16   
Price: Starts at $20,000/night  

Located in the heart of a 200-acre vineyard in Bordeaux, La Chartreuse is the private residence of Michel Reybier, the owner of La Réserve hotels in Paris, Ramatuelle, Geneva, and Zurich. The Cos d’Estournel vineyard is one of just 14 Chateaux ranked as Second Growth in 1855. 

The Jacques Garcia-designed house is decorated in a mix of European antiques and Asian tapestries has six bedrooms and two suites; a library; dining room; hammam;  indoor and outdoor swimming pools; and a wine cellar, of course.

La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel
  
4. Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland   

# of bedrooms: 97  
# of guests: 190  
Price: Starts at $33,000/night  

Set on 450 acres with gardens based on the same designs as the Gardens of Versailles, Dromoland Castle in Ireland can make all your regal dreams come true. Originally built in the 16th century as the home of the O'Brien family (whose lineage dates back to one of the last High Kings of Ireland), the property is steeped in Irish heritage, and showcases that unspoken Irish warmth more today than ever before. 

Former guests include none other than the Beatles who frolicked on the lawn in the ‘60s. There’s no shortage of activities at Dromoland Castle, from the 18-hole golf course to falconry. Groups can also rent out sections of the castle if they don’t need quite so much space. 

Dromoland Castle
 
5. Royal Scotsman, Scotland

# of cabins: 12
# of guests: 24

Price: Two-night itineraries start at 35,000 GBP and three-night itineraries start at 55,000 GBP. The rate includes all meals onboard with bespoke menus, complimentary beverages (including alcoholic drinks), tailored excursions with a dedicated vehicle, a Belmond host on-board, traditional Scottish entertainment after dinner, and complimentary Wifi.

As part of Belmond’s new Exclusive Places offer, groups can charter the entire train for a private experience through Scotland. Departing from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, Belmond Royal Scotsman travels on circular routes through the heart of the Highlands and is Scotland’s only luxury sleeper train.

With only 24 passengers on-board, the train replicates a ‘Country House on Wheels’ and has two- or three-night journeys. Guests can also tailor itineraries with bespoke excursions depending on each traveler’s preferences, including stargazing in the Cairngorms, which boasts some of the darkest skies in Europe; hiking the gorges of Aviemore; canoeing on Loch Ness; clay pigeon shooting at Rothiemurchus Estate, or teeing off for golf at some of the country’s most famous courses.

Royal Scotsman
 
6. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

# of cabins: 4
# of guests: 8
Price: Starts at $50,450 for a one-night journey in a private carriage with four cabin suites or three Grand Suites

Guests can book an entire carriage on the 1920s Art Deco gem as it traverses across Europe from London to Venice. A private carriage consisting of four cabin suites can accommodate up to eight passengers or three Grand Suites can be connected for groups of six. Each Grand Suite features a separate living area and an en-suite marble bathroom and shower.

Groups will also enjoy a dedicated 24-hour steward, free-flowing champagne, a private dining table in the Cote d’Azur car, and private transfers to and from the train station. For the ultimate experience, the entire train can also be fully privatized for 96 passengers. A one-night journey from London to Venice will start at $365,000, fully inclusive.

Venice Simplon Orient-Express

7. La Réserve Paris Apartments  
 
# of bedrooms: a total of 10 apartments ranging from 1- to 4-bedrooms   
# of guests: up to 40
Price: Starts at 1,700 Euro/night for the one-bedroom apartment; starts at 25,000 Euro/night for a full buyout

Overlooking the Trocadero in the capital’s 16th arrondissement with unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower are the 10 La Réserve Paris Apartments. There are one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom flats, ranging from 1,500 to 3,000-plus square feet. Guests staying long-term can select original artwork to adorn the walls and have a home gym or theater set up.

The area is known for being more residential than the retail-heavy 1st or 8th arrondissements – this is truly the place to live like a local. The 16th is also home to the Bois du Boulogne, the 2,000+ acre forest – known as one of the ‘lungs’ of Paris because of the oxygen its woods breathe into the city. The former hunting grounds of French kings dating back to the 7th century, the forest is now home to hiking trails, ponds, and the Roland Garros tennis courts, where the French Open is held. Guests of the La Réserve Paris Apartments get exclusive access to the courts. 

La Reserve Paris

8. Executive Security Reports

1. Executive security insights for HNWs
2. 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

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...

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 about Swiss luxury...

Going back to Las Vegas

If you are ready for a dose of 5-star luxury, Wynn Las Vegas is open and ready. From fine dining to expansive suites and better shopping than Rodeo Drive, it’s all under one roof. Read more about Wynn Las Vegas...

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 about rooftop dining...

Fishing, 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 about Yorkshire...

Better Bahamas: The Cove at Atlantis Reopens

If you are looking for a warm-weather getaway, fine and fun dining, award-winning accommodations, lots of watersports options, fishing, golf, tennis, and fun for all ages, The Cove at Atlantis has long been popular. Without having to fly into the deep Caribbean, its Paradise Island location is just a walking bridge to the shops of Nassau – if you even want to leave. Read more about The Cover at Atlantis.

Amazing luxury residences in Los Cabos

Escape to a gated luxury community in Los Cabos with beautiful private residences and 5-star level service. These expansive homes span up to 12,000 sq. ft. and come with on-site home management, your personal chef, and full concierge services. They are perfect for family celebrations, including long-stays or short vacations. Read more about Los Cabos luxury...

Hiking, helicopters, rafting, and lodges in Costa Rica

For those of you who want a bit of adventure, Costa Rica is one of the most eco-diverse countries in the world, and its luxury lodges provide an authentic way to see volcanos and rain forests while hiking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, and white water rafting. Read more about Costa Rica...

Yacht charters starting under $40,000

These yachts are perfect for first-timers. With availability in Florida, the Caribbean, and Europe, these floating resorts are perfect for a socially-distanced vacation. Once you charter a yacht, you’ll be back. Here are a few of the best options to get you headed out to the fun seas. Read more about chartering a yacht…

Dining, Shopping, Spa, and Golf in Las Vegas

If you are somebody you know desires some retail therapy, amazing dining, some spa relaxation, and maybe a round of championship golf, we have the solution. Best of all, it's all under one roof. Click here and you'll say Viva Las Vegas...

Highland adventures in Scotland

The Fife Arms restores a Victorian-era coaching inn with modern touches and over 14,000 pieces of original art and artifacts. Perfect for outdoor activities from hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and shooting to golf and skiing, and a great venue for celebrations or even corporate retreats, you can make easy helicopter transfers from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Read more about luxury in Scotland...

10. Jet Card Provider Directory and News Pages

Our sister site Private Jet Card Comparisons is the authority on private jet cards and memberships. For each of the more than 50 companies in our database, we also provide an updated news index. Just click on the link below for the company you want to track.

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.

Vol. 7, No. 5X Private Hotels, Castles, Trains, Barges

NEW: Popular Private Jets and Turboprops

Private Hotels, Castles, Trains, Barges

Vol. 7, No. 5X
Private Hotels, Castles, Trains, Barges