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It snowed yesterday!

1/30/2023

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For about 15 minutes, it snowed big fluffy flakes. The pretty kind. It looked like something out of a movie.
But then it stopped and the little bit of white on the ground quickly melted away. Later in the day, it started to rain, which it feels like it's been doing nonstop for weeks. I am tired of these gray days and I miss the snow.
In January, I'm usually dreaming of warm, sunny, beach places, and my clients usually are too. I've been booking Anguilla, Jamaica, Antigua, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, and Grand Cayman.
However, this January, I'm also dreaming about being at a ski chalet, not skiing of course, I don't want to hurt myself or the people around me. But curled up in front of a fire with a mug of hot chocolate and watching big fat fluffy snowflakes come down.
How about you, where are you dreaming of this January?
What to do in St Moritz
Skiing is an obvious answer, but what if you are ski-challenged like I am? The hot chocolate in front of the fireplace is just one available option.
  • There are other winter sport options besides skiing. Some are active, such as hiking, but tobogganing is a less active, very fun alternative.
  • Take the funicular railway to the Muottas Muragl, which is only accessible by rail. Here you can do more outdoor sports or you can relax and have lunch while enjoying the scenic views.
  • Go for a hike in one of the ice caves of the Morteratsch Glacier.
  • Enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow.
  • Take a plunge into an ice bath and enjoy the health benefits that they say come from it. The cold shock response releases adrenaline, endorphins and anti-inflammatory corticoids.
  • Visit one of the many restaurants to try traditional alpine dining. The mountain restaurant Trutz or the Michelin-starred IGNIV are two options.
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Hotels You Should Know
Carlton Hotel - St. Moritz, Switzerland
Open only from December through March, The Carlton Hotel is everything that you want in a ski retreat - including a fireplace with cozy couches to curl up on. All of the 60 rooms and suites are south-facing with breathtaking views of the Lake St Moritz and the mountains.
There are two restaurants onsite - Romanoff and the 2 Michelin-starred Da Vittorio St. Moritz. Both serve first-class culinary delights in an authentic and informal setting. There is also the Carlton Bar & Lobby – which Forbes ranked as one of the 45 best bars in the world –where you can enjoy a cocktail on the large sun terrace with view over Lake St. Moritz.
Make sure to spend some time at the spa. Set over three floors, the Carlton Spa is a space made for relaxation after a day exploring outside. Unwind in the sauna, practice yoga, or just enjoy one of the many holistic treatments on offer.
Hotel Tip - If you want to experience something out of the ordinary or simply to see something different, make sure to utilize the Carlton Outdoor Butler. They will take you where you want to go.
Clients of Grand Explorations receive the following perks:
  • Daily buffet breakfast for two per bedroom
  • A $100 food and beverage credit
  • An upgrade on arrival (if available)
  • A $100 spa credit
  • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability​
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February's Clients of the Month - Scott and Connie H

2/12/2020

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The Best Ways to Travel Home with Wine

2/10/2020

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​Is there anything nicer than opening a bottle of wine, taking in its fragrant aromas, enjoying its delicious taste and remembering the far away destination where you purchased it? If you are in a destination with great vineyards then buying wine as part of your vacation or honeymoon is a wonderful experience. I often include a tour and tasting at one of these vineyards. It can be difficult to enjoy a visit of this kind without also wanting to bring home at least a few bottles to enjoy later.

​The trick, though, is just how to go about traveling home with the wine you purchased, and without causing it to lose some of its charms or even to end up a broken bottle of wine instead of a vintage to enjoy weeks or months later. ​
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Hotels in Tuscany

2/3/2020

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When it comes to Tuscany, there are a lot of different hotel options.  All of that choice can be a little overwhelming. How do you know which location is best in comparison to what you want to do?  How can you be sure that the hotel you choose will look like it’s pictures and be exactly what you were hoping it would be? A good place to start is with the hotels below.  These are three of my favorites in the Tuscany region.
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I ❤️ Tuscany (And Why You Will Too!)

1/28/2020

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Tuscany is one of my favorite places in Italy.  It may be because it was one of the first places that I visited, however I think it's more than that.  There is so much beauty and culture in Tuscany.  Keep reading to see five reasons why I love Tuscany, or just watch the video below.

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January 2020 Clients of the Month - John and Eric

1/14/2020

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My clients of the month for January 2020 are John and Eric and their trip to Paris.  Paris is a magical place during any time of the year, but during Christmastime the city really kicks it up a notch.  

I've helped John and Eric plan a few trips in the past, but I got to know them a lot better this past November as they were part of my group to Africa.  They are a lot of fun and delightful couple and I'm happy to feature them this month and showcase their trip to Paris.
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Oui, Paris!: See the Best of Paris, Beyond the Popular Tourist Stops

11/4/2019

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​Everyone knows that you have to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre while you’re in Paris. These must-see attractions are worth the visit every time, whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth. However, there is so much more to see and do in Paris beyond the standard tourist fare. You owe it to yourself to take a little time to explore the hidden gems in the City of Light.
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Wellness Travel - Why You Should Take This Type of Trip

10/23/2019

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A lot of us avoid "trendy" travel ​because it so often translates to "crowded" travel.  However, there is a remarkable trend that has emerged in the world of as of late, and it is known as wellness travel.  It is a form of travel that provides you with a way to begin, enhance, or maintain a healthier lifestyle.  A journey of this kind is only going to boost your sense of wellbeing.
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Top Five Reasons for Visiting Cartagena, Columbia

10/21/2019

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Ask anyone interested in other cultures about traveling to Cartagena, Columbia and it is likely that they will gush about this beautiful and unique destination.  One of the most frequently visited cities in the region, it is a historic walled city (reason enough to pay a visit and tour the ancient sites), but it is also a city with an amazing waterfront, a truly unique combination of cultures, and a place with an unbeatable Caribbean climate all year round.
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Hotels in Grenada: Picking Your Perfect Getaway

8/13/2019

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​There are a lot of different hotels and resorts in Grenada, which offers a wide selection but can also make the choosing process that much harder. Fortunately, if you know what you are looking for, it can be easy to find the best places to stay. For a truly unique experience that includes luxury accommodations and stunning Caribbean views, start your search with the hotels below. 
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La Sagesse Beach

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