What a week.
It's peak season for suppliers and hoteliers to host events, and we sure had a hectic time attending as much as we could.
First up was a fabulous invitation from The Armani Hotel in Dubai to a lavish, intimate dinner at the Lanesborough, Park Lane.
Carly, Alexis and myself (pictured top) discovered how The Armani, a 160-room boutique-style hotel within the iconic Burj Khalifa tower is a place of stylish understated elegance.
Mark Kirby, Sales Manager, delivered a fantastic presentation where he explained that lifestyle managers greet their guests on arrival to plan their stay, from spa treatments or desert excursions to dining reservations in one of the superb restaurants.
This is a definite must stay.
Next up, days later, was a move to the Café Royal courtesy of 100% Pure New Zealand, who provided real insight in what this fabulous nation has to offer.
You probably already know about the wildlife and natural beauty, and our hosts were shrewd enough to show off some fabulous wine: Marlborough Sound boasts the biggest supply of Sauvignon Blanc to the world. The contemporary original lodge-style accommodation exhibited in both North and South Islands was equally great - Shelley and I were simply gobsmacked!
While we were sampling the splendours of New Zealand, Carly and Sophie (pictured left) were all glammed up at one of the events of the year: Caribtours' Gala Dinner at the world famous Claridges. The girls looked stunning and the evening began with a drinks reception followed by a gorgeous three-course meal.
"On arrival we handed over our business cards to go into a prize draw," said Carly. "When this usually happens I do not hold out too much hope due to how many people attend. But prize number five was drawn out and I saw the back of an Abbotts Travel business card…"
She'd won! Seven nights at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on the stunning Caribbean island of Nevis.
An amazing way to conclude the first half of September – a month with plenty more diary dates, which we'll write about soon.
Big thanks to all that hosted and looked after us and also to the team at Latin Routes and Silverseas Cruises whose invitation for a wonderful day on the Thames launching their new South American itineraries we sadly couldn’t make.