The Affluent Travelers

The Most Lavish Suites Afloat

Jutting out at each side of the Queen Mary 2 at the stern are the Balmoral and Sandringham Grand Deluxe Apartments. Each is often combined with  the neighboring Penthouse to make  well suited  accomodations for the family. 

If you are in a particularly expansive mood, you can reserve both Grand Duplexes with the 3 Deluxe Apartment in between to create a  8,288 sq palazzo

Here your concierge and a personal butler anticipate your needs and comply with the utmost speed and efficiency. Lavish amenities include marble baths with whirlpool tubs, towel warmers, walk-in closets, en-suite bars stocked with selected spirits or wine and soft drinks, fresh flowers and pre-dinner canapés.

The enormous Grand Duplexes include sweeping living quarters - an expansive balcony downstairs, a luxurious master bedroom upstairs, and two marble bathrooms (one with a whirlpool tub and one with a separate shower). There is also an additional guest bathroom with a shower located downstairs.
info: theAffluentTravelers@mindspring.com

Balloon Over Turkey

SPECTACULAR SIGHTS via a hot-air balloon rising in the sky at sunrise in Cappadocia, an area of Turkey dominated with ''chimneys'' of stone.

 

It is a surreal environmet, flying across the dry, undulating hills and valleys of pastel tones of tan, pink and gray in the morning light. Below is a broad landscape of pointed hills carved out of the soft volcanic rock, eroded over millions of years by the winds to form cones, domes and the chimneys -- boulders of basalt balancing precariously atop thin shafts of volcanic rock or, as Cappadocians explain it, rocks carried to the top of hills by fairies.

Some of the scenes from the original Star Wars movie were filmed here, with Cappadocia -- an Anglicized spelling of the local Turkish name, Kapadokya -- standing in for Tatooine, the desert planet. During the Middle Ages, the area was home to thousands of Byzantine Christians who fled the Turkish conquest of Anatolia, carving homes and churches inside of the rock cones and in several cases, building underground cities in the rock. Visitors can tour the cities today.

Cap Juluca, Anguilla, BWI

Situated on the southwest coast of Anguilla and overlooking the mountains of St. Maarten only six miles away, Cap Juluca occupies 179 acres of land and inland waters. The resort has become to the discerning vacationer what the Cipriani is to Venice by offering the privacy and exclusivity that miles of beach allow.  Situated only 15 minutes by boat from the myriad shops, restaurants, gambling, and international flavors of Dutch and French St. Maarten, Cap Juluca remains the essence of tranquility.

Ah, Anguilla, a quiet island that has recently become "the next St. Barts," a hedonistic hideaway and magnet for the wealthy. There are certainly more affordable ways to enjoy the sun and the sea, but for those desiring impeccable service and an exclusive atmosphere, this island is one of the premier vacation spots in the Caribbean. Before you plunk down your money to vacation on Anguilla (and it will likely be a big plunk), know the ground rules: The rich and famous who go there do so because it is one of few places where they can be assured of a carefree, unhassled holiday.

Eighteen separate Moorish-style beachfront villas each house no more than 6 rooms, all decorated with the highest quality fixtures and furnishings. A complimentary Continental breakfast is served daily on your private terrace.  During the day guests gather at George's, located at the center of the beach overlooking Maundays Bay. Your favorite beach beverages, snacks and meals are available there.

For those who cannot bear to leave the beach, display your umbrella's service flag and an attendant appears to fulfill your request. George's is open for dinner as well as lunch, featuring a selection of exotic and imaginative Spanish Mediterranean cuisine by award-winning chef George Reid.  Pimms, featuring Eurasian/Caribe cuisine, is open for dinner. It is set on a coral outcrop only six feet from the bay, looking westward across the perfect half moon of azure blue waters to the lighted Moorish domes, turrets and parapets of the resort.

A British crown territory, Anguilla is 16 miles long and three miles wide. The Anguillians are renowned for their gentle friendliness and industriousness, which have earned the island  three of the top 15 international resorts. Restaurants are many and varied, and the cuisine rivals that of nearby islands. Its beaches are known as some of the best in the world.

The Orient Express

This luxury train was first built in Japan in 1972 and operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. It's carriages were then remodelled and designed by Gérard Gallet, the man behind much of the design and refurbishment of both the British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

On board the Eastern & Oriental Express, the atmosphere harks back to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the verandah, linen suits and tea dances. The on board cuisine continues the same very high standards already established by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe. The inaugural journey departed in September 1993 and the Eastern & Oriental Express quickly built for itself a highly regarded reputation as providing one of the most adventurous and exciting rail journeys in the world.

In addition to the two night journey between Singapore and Bangkok, the E&O also travels overnight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.

The E&O has two Presidential Suites. Daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night, with a separate dressing area. There is ample room to entertain one or two of your fellow guests in daytime configuration. Equipped with all the same facilities as the Pullman and State Compartments, with the addition of a complimentary bar. Prices range from $2,800-$5,800 depending on your route.

Time aboard the train is full of diversions. In the Dining Cars, waiters present gourmet Asian and European dishes and fine wines in gleaming crystal and silverware. The Bar Car with its resident pianist and variety of local entertainment provides a special opportunity to meet fellow travellers. In the Saloon car, the Boutique sells a range of exclusive Collection Eastern & Oriental Express merchandise, and there is also a Reading Room with a varied library.

The most popular place on board is the open decked Observation Car, which provides an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The E&O accommodates 132 passengers in 66 air-conditioned compartments, all furnished with beautiful fabrics, fine linens and soft towels, and a friendly room service is available 24 hours a day.