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We got to reunite with friends from all over the world, and make new ones. That’s what travel is all about, and that’s what Virtuoso Travel Week is all about too. A few of us even got to do it in person, which was a welcome change from last year. The 2021 edition of Virtuoso Travel Week was a hybrid affair, with some attendees meeting in Las Vegas and many more joining remotely. That’s part of life these days, but through it all we have maintained our sense of community. That’s one of the things that makes seeing the world so special, it unites us with a larger community and weaves the rich tapestry of life together.
Throughout the pandemic, even and especially in the darkest days, we have tried to maintain that sense of community among our partners, our clients and each other. That’s why it was such an honor to see Largay Travel win this year’s Virtuoso Travel Community Award. It was a testament to how we have worked to keep our travelers safe and informed, to make sure our colleagues are cared for and to plan for a bright future as best we can.
“We run a community of like-minded, soulful individuals,” Largay Travel CEO and Chief Culture Curator Paul Largay said in accepting the award. “The community spirit that we have in our company, we’ve been able to share that, and our success has not come at the surrender of our humanity or our humor. It is about trying to share the wealth, and when you have wealth, it’s easier to share. It is never an obligation, but an opportunity. I have such an amazing group of people that support us and support our community. I want to thank everyone who gave us the opportunity to really know what matters, and what matters is each other.”
It’s vitally important to carry that spirit as we venture out into the world once more. Travel isn’t as simple as it used to be, but it’s still an excellent way to enrich our lives, lift our spirits and help our global community.
To extend those good vibes to you, we thought we’d share a few tips we picked up from our Virtuoso partners, who are offering you exclusive benefits. We learned about great weekend getaways such as Primland in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where our travelers can enjoy a third night free, and the Inn at Five Graces, which is under new management and designed to make visitors feel right at home.
We learned about the renovations at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, which has a luxurious tropical experience without the need for a COVID test to return to the U.S. mainland. The same goes for the Andaz Maui, which includes outrigger canoe excursions, paddle board lessons, yoga classes and much more with the resort fee. We discovered that the Fairmont hotels in Western Canada are not only pet-friendly but that they donate the pet fees to local animal shelters, and that the wellness program at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit includes baby massages. We hear all about the alliance between Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys, which will take small-ship cruisers deep into the history, cuisine, language and environment of destinations across the globe.
There’s so much more to share to enhance your travels the rest of this year and into 2022 and beyond. Contact your travel advisor today to discover how to make your next trip the best one yet.