Episode 7: Checking In w/Robin from Luxe Recess on New England Resorts, Blackberry Farm, Luxury Disney and Orlando

Robert chats with Robin Hutson from Luxe Recess about trends she’s seeing in the luxury travel market. They compare notes on recent travels with an eye towards planning for the coming year.

Last Chatted in January, 2021 (listen)

• Vaccines were just becoming available
• Things looked like they were getting better, then Delta variant
• What are you seeing in terms of travel hesitancy right now?
• And how are future bookings impacted? More short term trips planned opportunistically?

3:20 Spring/Summer Travels

• Mansion at Ocean Edge
• Newport rental
  • Q: If I liked both of these, what options should I consider in the Northeast? Especially interested in Maine personally but what other options should everyone consider?
  • Some New England resorts to consider:
  • The Inn at Hasting Park in Lexington, MA
  • Cliff House in Cape Neddick, ME
  • Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, ME
  • Migis Lodge in South Casco, ME
• Liked Ventana Big Sur for its boutique outdoor rustic all-inclusive luxury
  • Q: What else might I like?
  • A: Perhaps Blackberry Farm

22:00 Disney Dining

• What are you hearing/experiencing at Disney World dining venues post-Covid?
• Some (though not all) seemed to be sputtering a bit on our Labor Day weekend trip (show notes from chat w/Joe Cheung)
• Roll into high expectations and how to identify places that are doing well these days to avoid disappointment? Especially when paying luxury prices. I feel like most pre-Covid reviews are out the window and I need to hear from someone that’s stayed there recently and has good discernment.
• Are you looking forward to Space 220? (menus)

37:20 Orlando Luxury Options

• Four Seasons Orlando: Best of the best, close to Disney but quite expensive
• Ritz-Carlton Orlando: Kind of far from Disney, basic rooms, Club Level good – but is it open/still good since Covid?
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando
  Want to talk about this from an excellent recent stay in Waldorf Corner Suite w/Disney View
  Fantastic stay, totally bounced back after a lackluster first experience a few years ago in an entry-level room
• JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes in the conversation? New JW Marriott Orlando, Bonnet Creek?
• Swan Reserve coming soon
• Conrad Orlando coming soon?

50:30 Luxury Disney

• New Disney Wish Cruise Ship
• Disney Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser

Thanks to Robin for sharing her expertise! You can find her at Luxe Recess.com