| |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
You are receiving DG Amazing Experiences as a user of private aviation. Our travel briefs are specifically designed for private aviation users, covering the best in new hotels, villas, travel adventures, and security while traveling. We have over 25,000 readers weekly in over 80 countries. If you would no longer like to receive our reports, unsubscribe here.
DG Amazing Experiences Insider Travel Briefs For Private Aviation Travelers
|
|
Special Report: Seven Days In Cuba By Private Jet |
| |
 |
|
Insider previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seaboard Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Symphony and Norwegian Breakaway
|
|
|
| |
 Cuba By Private Jet
Recently I met Johnny Considine, the Irish owner of Cuba Private Travel, who has been living in Havana for 15 years. He has been covered in the likes of the Financial Times, Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler and The Telegraph to mention a few. He recently told How To Spend It, "The quality of experience that you can have now in Cuba is top-notch. If you’re interested in Afrocentrism, you can meet with a respected historian, a key member of Cuba’s established Latin hip-hop movement or a grassroots activist working on gender empowerment for young black females in the barrio. If you’re interested in food Havana has gone from gourmet wasteland to a place that boasts Swedish restaurants and sushi bars. You can hear the backstory of still-pressing food supply issues from a top chef-restaurateur.”
Interesting for readers of this newsletter, Considine told me it’s not only possible to fly your private jet to and from Cuba but to use it for internal flights - something that will allow you to cover more ground efficiently and comfortably. If that’s surprising, perhaps it shouldn’t be. The Sunday Times wrote, "Johnny Considine is on pretty much first name terms with the whole population." In this issue, our Special Report reviews a private jet itinerary Cuba Private Travel executed earlier this year.
My New Book
Available on Amazon ($24.95), Jet Card Pricing, 19 Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Private Jet Flights gives you a detailed look at what you need to know before you buy a jet card. While there are 14 variables that can cost you money, there are five ways the way you travel can save you money - all of which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars gained or lost if you don’t know. The book is currently available free to all paid subscribers of Private Jet Card Comparisons.
All the best,
Doug Gollan Founder/Editor
Private Jet Card Comparisons
If you need help figuring out the best private aviation solution for you, your family or company, please subscribe to our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons. For $250 you will be able to compare over 250 jet card programs from 42 providers by 65 + variables, plus you’ll receive our exclusive new On-Demand Private Jet Charter Guide that has screened for you top operators and brokers.
“As usual your information is greatly appreciated. You already know what we don’t know.” – Michael, CEO, Texarkana, TX
“The spreadsheet format was easy to use and saved me hours and hours of research” – Marcia, CFO, Toronto, Canada
Our VIP assistance program will help you decide what solutions are best for you - charter, fractional or full ownership, leases and of course jet cards. Click here for more information.
Table of Contents
A. Private Aviation Headlines 1. Overview 2. Your Cuba Itinerary 3. VIP Contact 4. VIP
Security Reports 5. Executive Security Reports
6. Jet Card Insider Reports 7. Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library
A. Private Aviation Headlines
Sponsored: Built For Flying. Made For Adventure
 |
|
|
Seven Days In Cuba By Private Jet
|
| |
 |
|
1. Overview
Cuba Private Travel is a Cuba-based travel agency that will
create both a ground itinerary and assist you in getting approvals to use your own private jet for
domestic flights during your VIP tour of the island. Its owner Johnny Considine says, "We work across the whole island, and can craft any type of experience. We know the best Havana penthouses and leafy pool villas and the best place to pitch a tent in Cuba's secret, tourist-free wildernesses.”
He adds, "If you're into wild musicality, have an architectural obsession, or want to joust with a forensic cigar export or a socialist-leaning economist, we have at our fingertips the best and most educated specialist guides and contacts. If you are simply dreaming about a first-time trip with a privileged, authentic edge, we are here. A great forte of ours is crafting unique educational and cultural experiences that answer U.S. People-to-People requirements while remaining fun, individual, and above all, private.”
He notes, "When in Cuba, infrastructure challenges often mean a traveler able to roll with the punches will have an easier time accepting the realties of Cuba's still strained tourist resources and standards. But the careful and imaginative planning of Cuba Private Travel will give you the softest possible landing into this most effervescent, eccentric and life-affirming of destinations."
To use your own aircraft, you’ll need to provide in
advance your tail number, aircraft management company, licenses it hold. Cuba
Private Travel will apply
for landing permits provided by Cuban Civil Aviation and create OFAC-proofed
Itinerary and Travel Documentation, and file the flight plan. In this issue is an actual itinerary by private jet executed by Cuba Private Travel.
2. Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive by your private
jet in Havana. Upon leaving the plane you will be met by an airport rep that
will guide you through customs into the VIP lounge to wait for your luggage to
come out. There’s VIP assistance. You will pass through immigration quickly but
there is no guarantee your bags will arrive any faster. After, you will meet Cuba Private
Travel’s rep. The company’s airport representative will meet you after going
through customs and will lead you to your driver. You will have a vintage car
with an English speaking guide and a Spanish-speaking driver from for the next
two days. It takes about 35 minutes to get into Havana.
If you arrive in time,
start with lunch at Dona Eutimi situated in the heart of Old Havana just off
Cathedral Square for Cuban creole food to get you in the mood.
After, your private concierge
will welcome you at your hotel, the 5-star Kempinski and go through your
itinerary with you and make suggestions of places to see and things to do.
After, attend a private show at Lizt Alfonso Dance Company. This dance company
is known around the world after the famous music video Bailando by Enrique
Iglesias. Founded 25 years ago by Lizt Alfonso, it has performed in hundreds of
cities on five continents.
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
Rebuilt on the site of a
building originally constructed between 1894 and 1917 as the first European
style shopping arcade in Cuba, Gran Hotel Manna Kempinski (above) is located in Old
Havana with views of the Capitol and the Great Theater of Havana. The famous
Castillo del Morro is accessible within a 10-minute drive. There is a spa,
fitness center and rooftop pool. Cuba Private Travel will reserve a room or
suite of your choice.
First Night in Cuba
El Del Frente means the
one in front. The menu offers the best
ceviches tacos and tatakis in town. El Del Frente has a rooftop terrace/bar
where you can either sit for a drink and a cigar, or have a light informal
dinner surrounded by Old Havana’s historic architecture. The drinks here are
exceptional, says Considine. You can also dine at La Guarida on the expanded outdoor terrace and or stop by
the rooftop bar. End with cocktails and cigar tasting at Hotel Nacional. Sip
Daiquiris on the terrace and enjoy the old world charm of the iconic building
with its Mafia history. Your expert sommelier and cigar aficionado will guide you
through a range of top class rums pared with the very best of Cuban cigars.
Day 2
Cigar rolling at Conde
Villanueva
In the mezzanine of a
small hotel there is a Casa de Habanos, an official purveyor of Cuban cigars.
An experienced cigar roller works everyday showing how the best cigars in the
world are rolled. While this is not the factory experience it does give you a
good idea of how cigars are made with more of a chance to ask questions.
Lunch
Chef Alberto Gonzalez
won the Bronze Medal for International High Cuisine (2007) and the Golden Spoon
and Silver Fork awards (2009). He was the first Cuban chef to obtain the
distinguished Michelin Star and remained in the Michelin Guide for three years.
Afternoon
This afternoon, drive vintage sports
cars and other heritage vehicles arranged for you in advance by Cuba Private Travel.
Dinner
Dine at Tierra, a new
restaurant inside Fabrica de Arte Cubano (Cuban Art factory). It’s a culinary
tour of the world with 20 dishes and lots of drinks...Drinks are delicious and
huge, says your host.
After Dinner
Go to Fabrica del Arte,
a lounge and meeting place for artists and avant-garde arts. Enjoy music,
dance, film, art and shows. VIP access ensures you bypass the queues.
Other Hotel Options
If the Kempinski doesn’t suit your tastes, choose from faded art
deco grand dames, colonial mansions, contemporary international chains, and a
plethora of villas. If you want to stay in an original 1950s suburban home or a
penthouse Cuban Private Travel can fix arrange your own private pied-a-terre.
Day 3
Your driver will collect
you in the morning and transfer you back to Jose Marti Airport where Cuban Private
Travel has arranged all the complicated paperwork so you can travel on your own
private jet for the flight to Cayo Coco Airport. There you will be met by an
English speaking driver. You’ll have a choice between an Audi A4, A6, Lada 2018
or a Renault Fluence as well as vans, based on availability.
The Cuban government
chose Cayos Guillermo and Coco, part of the120 miles long Jardines del Rey
archipelago, a former home to pirates, as the spot to developing modern resorts.
You’ll find plump palm trees on smooth white sands lapped by shallow turquoise water. If you are seeking an authentic Cuban community within reach of your
beach holiday experience, these resorts may not be ideal. But for an
unadulterated fly and flop, or in combination with others Cuban centers of
culture, they are the best choice in Cuba, their accommodation options a cut
above the mainland resorts says Cuba Private Travel.
Cayo Guillermo, with
four all-inclusive resorts including the Melia Cayo Guillermo and the Sol Cayo
Guillermo, was the setting for the climax of Hemingway's Islands In the Stream,
and has one of Cuba's best beaches, Playa Pilar, named after Hemingway's yacht.
Cayo Coco has a massive reef to its north and about a dozen international hotels. As
the islands are resoundingly similar, you will be choosing the hotel, not the
destination. If you want a quiet, small-scale hotel, consider Villa La Bruja on
Cayo Santa Maria, a collection of quiet cabanas on a boardwalk with a small
restaurant on a tiny, sugar-white beach. Cuban Private Travel will provide you options for each stop and work with you so you can select the right ones, so in this report, we are giving you just some examples. Once you get settled,
try your hand at kite surfing.
Day 4
Fly via your private jet
from Cayo Coco to Holguin and transfer to your hotel before spending a half-day
fly-fishing via a chartered boat with expert fishing guide and equipment.
After, return to the
capital of the province to which is ringed by mountains, a pleasant city of
gardens, plazas and parks, lacking the colonial grandeur or romance of Camaguey
or Trinidad, but with its own low-key charms. The province at large is home to
some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains and isolated rural communities in
Cuba, including the idyllic property where Raul and Fidel Castro grew up,
wealthy and privileged in this poor swathe of the east. The sleepy town of
Gibara, whitewashed houses topped with red riled roofs, is an undiscovered gem
with the largest amount of artists per capita in Cuba, and is popular with
independent travellers seeking something similar to remote Baracoa, but more
accessible – Gibara (below) is only 40 minutes by car from Holguín.
If you want to
experience the most conventional delights of this stretch of coast, visit
Guardalavaca, the resort town chosen for its turquoise waves and brilliant white
beach. Decent hotels (though nothing resembling five-star) with Internet
connections and scuba facilities can be found here, and though the town cannot be described as an authentic Cuban place, the undulating,
sugar-cane-covered surrounding landscape is beautiful.
Recommended to stay is The
Ordono Hotel (above) which been restored to its original Spanish colonial grandiose splendor
and was re-opened in January 2013. Have a drink in the airy lobby bar opening
into the street or the roof terrace bar. The restoration includes the early
twentieth century paintings by León Hernández Cáceres, an artist from the
Canary Islands based in Gibara.
Day 5
Start with a horse ride
to get to natural pools where accompanied
by your guide, you will dive around the entrance to Cubas largest flooded
cavern, Tanques Azules. The cave features stalactites and stalagmites
originally formed before the cave was flooded by rising sea levels. It is one
of the most beautiful in the region with unique wildlife such as shrimps and blind
fish. Then transfer by your private vehicle from Gibara to Holguin airport,
about a 90 minute drive.
Get back into your own
private jet for the flight from Holguin to Baracoa where you will have a
private transfer from Baracoa airport to Humboldt National Park, about an
hour’s drive. Visit Alejandro de Humboldt Park and Balcon de Iberia. Alejandro
de Humboldt Park is the largest protected area of biodiversity in Cuba and was
declared as a World Heritage Site with one of the most variable ecosystems of
great beauty. Enjoy walking trails and swimming in a fresh, clear river.
For dinner is Paladar
Victor Villa Maguana, a shack on the beach that does fresh seafood and other
traditional Baracoan dishes. Tonight you will camp in outdoors tents if you wish.
Day 6
After breakfast transfer
to Baracoa Airport for your flight to Santiago de Cuba, where you will be met
and taken to your next hotel. In summer months, the city is known for its festivals
that can trace their roots back to the 17th century, each with various customs,
loud drums and the high-pitched sound of a special Chinese trumpet that proved
to be the conga special ingredient.
Geographically closer to
Kingston, Jamaica than to Havana, Santiago de Cuba is the stronghold of
Afro-Cuban culture on the island and has a fearsome musical, cultural and
political heritage. Though it's Cuba's second city, it feels compact, with a
handful of key monuments and nightspots. Visit the Casa de la Trova, where the
city's legendary rumba can be heard. Socialist to the core, Santiago was a key
stronghold during the nascent stages of the Revolution. The Moncada Barracks,
where Fidel led a failed coup in 1953, are worth a visit, as is the Castillo
del Morro, the old fortress, a romantic place to watch the sunset with
panoramic views. On the cultural side, there are a number smaller museums, such
as Museo Emilio Bacardi Moreau, the home of the cultural treasures of the
Floridian émigré and rum king (he collected everything from Egyptian mummies to
sad artifacts of slavery.
Stay in The Imperial
Hotel (above), one of the most significant pieces of Santiaguera architecture seen
throughout of the city. Dinner Palenquito provides a barbecue in the casual
backyard restaurant on the outskirts of Santiago. Grilled pork and chicken are
served with the typical sides, but the real star is dessert. Try rich zapote or
coconut ice cream in the shells of the original fruit. Portions are huge. After, enjoy music at
Casa de la Trova with local bands.
Day 7
Relax on your final
morning before your private transfer to Santiago de Cuba airport where you will
then fly to your next international destination.
3. VIP Contact
4. Executive Security Reports
5. Jet Card Insider Program Reviews
6. Our Most Popular Special Reports
If you are looking for more ideas and inspiration, check out some of our most popular Special Reports below... |
|
|
Seven hot superyachts for charter this Winter
|
| |
We checked in with Northrop & Johnson’s top brokers to find out which superyachts are hot for the charter market this winter, and in our report are seven picks arranged by pricing, high to low. For each super yacht, you’ll find a summary of length, builder, launch and renovation dates, capacity for guests, number of cabins, range of rates, where each boat will be based for the winter season, minimum charter length, captain as well as list of toys.
|
|
|
Crystal Esprit is perfect for groups up to 64
|
| |
Crystal Esprit sits in the wide gap between chartering a super yacht and even the smaller luxury cruise ships that take 200-300 passengers. There are 91 crew and 62 guests, and the passenger areas are spread across four decks.
Explore hidden harbors and out of the way island beaches, swim to shore, splash out on wave runners, water toys and your own private submarine. Crystal Esprit is a 5-star floating resort for just 62 guests. You even can charter the entire yacht for celebrations or meetings. Read more…
|
|
|
Tour Italy Like a VVIP By Super Car
|
| |
1000 All’Ora combines its insider auto industry connections with the best of Italian luxury experiences. They arrange everything from hotels to restaurant reservations, sourcing the specific super car types you want and accompany your group providing VVIP service.
They will also video your experience, including filming by drones, providing you with a memorable look back at your adventure. They arrange factory tours and behind the scenes visits to wineries, ateliers and museums. Below is a sample four-day itinerary, but at the end they will do whatever you want, wherever you want in Italy. Read more…
|
|
|
Takeovers in The Bahamas, Costa Rica and Panama
|
| |
Sometimes you want to takeover the entire place. In this issue we look at three private resorts, visiting The Bahamas, Costa Rica and Panama. Each provides the privacy and personalized service that comes with your own residence, but offer more than a typical villa, and are perfect for friends, family and special events such as wedding and even corporate retreats. Read more... |
|
|
A billionaire’s private island resort in Fiji
|
| |
Laucala Island in Fiji was once the playground of publishing mogul Malcolm Forbes. Now owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, it is a private island resort with just 25 oversized villas bringing together high luxury and South Pacific romance in a playground of soft adventure, and even an 18-hole golf course. Each villa is different, designed with an eye to traditional Fijian style and all come with private pools set amidst the palms of coconut plantations, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush green mountains. Read more…
|
|
|
Sponsored: Why You Should Buy An Airplane Now!
|
| |
 With the new tax laws, if you fly more than 50 hours per year it makes sense to explore ownership options. Ventura Air Services’ CEO Nik Tarascio has authored, “Own Your Own Airplane: It Costs Less Than You Think.”
You can schedule a free consultation with Ventura. They’ll handle everything from arranging a test flight to signing on the dotted line. For a copy of Nik’s book and to start the conversation, click here.
|
|
|
Why Waikiki is back as a luxury destination
|
| |
Waikiki is back as a destination for luxury travelers. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach has joined the Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian and Trump International as 5-star options. But the real change is that both Waikiki and Honolulu have become a destination fit for foodies, adding to the increasing quotient of luxury shopping. Most importantly, and often overlooked, a quick drive to the other side of Oahu and you will find deserted beaches, hiking, biking and all sorts of soft adventure on par with Hawaii’s outer islands. Read more...
|
|
|
Montage Los Cabos is Mexico’s newest star
|
| |
With luxury hotels and resorts popping up around the world like Starbucks, it says something that the lead travel story in the South China Morning Post’s luxury magazine was recently about a resort on the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean, in this case the Montage Los Cabos, which opened in May. Conde Nast Traveler already put the resort on its list of “New Hotels and Spas Worth Traveling For” with the headline, “You Can Finally Swim in Cabo,” a reference to its location on one of the destination’s few swimmable beaches. In this Special Report we give you a detailed, inside look at its suites, villas and residences and all the amenities and facilities. Read more…
|
|
|
Sponsored: Icon Aviation Puts You In The Pilot’s Seat
|
| |
|
|
|
Luxury on the Bund in Shanghai
|
| |
If you are visiting on leisure or have extra time, or this is your first time coming to Shanghai, The Peninsula should be at the top your consideration set. It also has a board meeting room with stunning views of The Bund on the west bank Huangpu River. The area is notable for its beautiful waterfront buildings, many of which have been restored. If you are doing a product launch, there is some nice rooftop space, indoors and outside. Read more…
|
|
|
Views of the lake in Geneva
|
| |
In the center of Geneva, convenient to private banks and the United Nations, Hotel D'Angleterre is hotel with a view of Lake Leman, both from its top suites and fine dining restaurant. Part of the Red Carnation group of boutique luxury hotels, each suite and room has its own unique decor. Don’t forget to check out its new cigar lounge. Read more...
|
|
|
About DG Amazing Experiences
|
| |
 I’ve chosen you to receive DG Amazing Experiences because I believe you share my passion for both business aviation and the best travel and luxury experiences in the world. DG Amazing Experiences is your e-newsletter guide to the best places and experiences for private jet travelers like yourself. The content is personally selected by me with the help of some of the smartest and best travel advisors in the world. My goal is to give you a look ahead at what's new, what's hot, and the best of the best. To make it easy for you, the stories are short, but detailed, and I provide plentiful links to additional, relevant information.
If you are looking for private aviation solutions from on-demand charter to jet cards, fractional and even full ownership, please visit our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons to access our buyer’s guide to over 250 jet card programs and our exclusive on-demand charter guide. Our VIP assistance program can help you decide which solutions are optimal for you.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
