Irecently returned from a whirlwind week in Europe visitingcosmopolitan London, the Dolomite region of Italy, and San Remo onthe Italian Riviera. I traveled with a group of colleagues and ourtrip was focused on learning more about the destinations, the hotelswe visited, and the enriching experiences we could offer our clients.

London,England

Londonwas the first stop. Music and London go hand in hand think rockbands, symphony, theatre, opera the list goes on. This visitdefinitely had a focus on music.

TheRoyal Garden Hotel, located in fashionable Kensington adjacent toHyde Park, has hosted many in the music industry, includingcelebrities such as Sonny & Cher, Michael Jackson, Abba, TheMonkees, and Justin Bieber. Its just a few minutes walk toKensington Palace and and the Royal Albert Hall. We were thereduring PROMS (music festival) and watched a rehearsal for hip hopmusic with break dancers strutting their stuff.

Westopped at a lovely neighborhood pub, The Queens Arms, for a drinkbefore heading to see the musical, Come From Away (how Gander,Newfoundland came together on 9/11 to house and feed the airplanepassengers diverted to their city). There was not a dry eye in thehouse during this amazing performance.

Thenext day, we took the Kensington Rock Tour, taking us to the homes ofrock-n-roll legends and the opportunity to have our own photo opcrossing Abbey Road.

TheDolomites Corvara, Italy

Thefamily owned La Perla hotel in Corvara, Italy snuggled in DolomiteMountains was the next stop. If youve never been to this region,you might think that the Sound of Music was filmed here!

Thisis the perfect destination for hikers, skiers and serious cyclists.During winter in Alta Badia, skiers can enjoy 130 kilometers ofslopes with 53 lifts. When the snow is gone, its a paradise forhikers and especially for serious mountain cyclists. The July bikemarathon receives over 30,000 applicants and can accept only 9,000riders. If youre a serious cyclist, this should be on your list.

Wehiked in the mountains in the crisp mountain air to a family farm tosee how they live simply yet create delicious Ladin (localstyle of food) cuisine in their small hut (restaurant/home).

Imso delighted that I was able to visit this lesser known area of Italyand meet our gracious hosts, the Costa Family at La Perla. Thislovely property offers a tremendous value to its guests with itsfive-star accommodations, Michelin star restaurant with focus on farmto table cuisine, and a proud history in this beautiful town.

ItalianRiviera San Remo, Italy

Thelast stop was the Royal Hotel San Remo which has hosted a marquee ofroyalty and celebrity guests sincethe late 1800s. This 5-star resort is a relaxing beach retreatand wonderful base for exploring the Italian and French Rivieras.

Iloved this citys serenity. We explored the pedestrian streetswith lovely shops, including Princess Graces favorite, and spenttime in the Medieval section where locals have lived their entirelife. San Remo is great value and authentic and relaxing way to seethe Riviera.

Ifyouve been to England and Italy before and want to return, Irecommend you see them in new ways and visit less traveled regionsand tap into new and enriching experiences.

HelenJordan is the owner of Jordan Luxury Travel, an independent affiliateof Brownell Travel, a member of Virtuoso. She can be reached athelen@jordanluxurytravel.com.

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London, Dolomites, and Riviera - Sonoran News