We enjoyed many memorable destinations and special moments and so did our many traveling clients. Thanks to all of our partners, colleagues, and friends who made 2024 such a wonderful year in travel. Let's make 2025 even better!
We've been in love with Spain and Portugal for years, but 2024 was the year that cemented our relationship with both countries for a lifetime. We spent a month in Portugal first, renting villas in Vilamoura and Lagos, with a short break for a Bachata Festival in Seville, Spain with our favorite superstar Bachata couple, Daniel and Desiree, at their D&D BeUnlike Festival. Our focus, aside from enjoying the people and culture, was on relaxing on the best beaches (plus surfing), and reveling in the amazing food and wine scene. In Spain, the suckling pig and Iberian pork was a favorite, and in Portugal, hard to beat the fresh grilled octopus. And then we finally made our decision - after 10 years of looking around the globe for "our place" in the world to settle in (aside from Jackson Hole), we chose Lagos, the perfect combination for us (Old Town, marina, beaches, amazing restaurants, laid-back lifestyle, and not expensive)....and now we have our own villa near the ocean. Looking forward to spending many months there in 2025!
OK, another dream we've had for many years - attending the D&D Be Unlike Bachata Festival in Seville, Spain - came true this past September. Organized by Daniel and Desiree (champions of Spain, runners-up in Europe, two consecutive years world champions), Sergio and Marichu (Daniel's brother, Desiree's sister!), and Desiree's father, Jesus Guidonet, this is a world-class family affair, with world-class dancers and teaches, workshops, pool parties, stage shows, and rocking all-night social dances. Plus amazing to see and learn from other favorite instructors including Dario and Sara, Belen and Antoni, and Ronald and Alba. The even was even better than we imagined, and we're going back in September 2025 for D&D Be Unlike....and this will be an annual event for us as long as we can still move. If you want to join us, email Stephen for details.
Madrid, Spain - our favorite capital city in Europe...so we rented an apartment in our favorite neighborhood, Salamanca, for a month! Whether you're a history buff, art connoisseur, museum aficionado, food and wine lover, passionate explorer, or a Bachata fanatic, Madrid is your place to embark on an unforgettable journey that promises to tantalize all your sense. We enjoyed so many simple, yet special experiences, just walking out of our apartment onto Calle Serrano and joining the local scene - restaurants and bars, shops, galleries, wine stores, fresh markets, visiting our hotel partners properties, and of course, taking Bachata classes every night followed by social dancing. And in the process we learned the art of the long after lunch, two or three hours of fine dining (suckling pig, roasted lamb, paella were favorites), a bottle or so of wine, followed by a long walk and then a nap. The perfect set-up for a night of dancing. And while we loved renting an apartment, we also enjoy staying in our partner hotels (our friends and clients agree) including: Four Seasons, Rosewood Villa Magna, Mandarin Oriental, The Madrid Edition, and Totem Boutique Hotel are our top recommendations. Get in touch to begin booking your trip.
It's been a while, so we decided to head back to Mexico's Caribbean Coast - Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, the land of the mystic Mayas, sensational beaches, and fabulous resort hotels. Best of all is the Mayakoba Resort, and exclusive private enclave that includes four world-class hotels - Rosewood, Fairmont, Andaz, and Banyon Tree. Hard to choose between these four...so we stayed at all four so we could give you the inside story on the best place for you. Get in touch to begin booking your trip. P.S. And if you enjoy fly-fishing like we do, our guide team will pick you up at your resort and take you for an amazing day of flats fishing in Ascension Bay.
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Greece 2024 - From ancient times to modern luxury - We custom-design every trip just for you.4/18/2024 When it comes to the discovery of intriguing places and new experiences, Greece is the ultimate destination combining fascinating locations, luxury accommodations and exclusive adventures to satisfy all expectations. The weather is a dream. Beautiful sandy beaches are everywhere. The history and culture are marvels - from ancient mythology to the Roman Empire. And the Greek people are among the warmest and most welcoming on earth. Plus it's all affordable, and the food and wine are a cultural treat.
We invite you to discover the unparalleled allure of Greece, a destination that transcends the ordinary and offers an immersion into luxury and history. Each Greek island promises a unique journey, and with our expertly crafted itineraries, you can explore the majestic beauty of places like Mykonos, Crete, and Paros - each a jewel in the Aegean Sea. Santorini, with its world-renowned sunsets and breathtaking cliffside views, has long been the epitome of romantic escapism. Contrary to the fleeting nature of digital snapshots, our travel experiences in Santorini are designed to foster lasting memories, allowing you to live in the moment and indulge in the luxury of timeless beauty. Then on Crete, we take you beyond the well-known sites and scenes to an island so vast and rich in culture it feels like a country unto itself. From the vibrant streets of Heraklion to the enchanting allure of Chania and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos, Crete offers an escape not solely dependent on tourism but alive with authentic Greek heritage. And of course our travel services extend beyond the islands. In the historic heart of Greece, the Peloponnese awaits with its dramatic coastlines and ancient treasures in Sparta, Olympia, Nafplio, and Costa Navarino. And we can't forget the capital city of Athens, where history and culture blend in a unique way not to be missed. Our dedicated team of travel designers are committed to creating high-end, tailor-made experiences that blend luxury accommodations with exclusive adventures, ensuring every moment of your Greek holiday is nothing short of sublime. From nonstop international flights to luxurious inter-island ferry rides, your journey to and within Greece is seamless and filled with comfort.
THIS SEASON IS GOING GREAT! Most of our preferred lodges and guides are booked into June, but there are a few spots here and there still available. See Soul Fly Lodge dates and info below. And so now we are looking ahead to two of our favorite months - OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2024. This is prime time, the flats have been rested and the bones and their friends are on the prowl. And it's not too early for booking Winter and Spring 2025 either! To fish with the top guides at the best lodges you need to book well in advance. Let's start organizing your trip now! EMAIL STEPHEN. Last Minute May 2024 Opening at Soul Fly Lodge - 8 rods just opened up and are available during the peak of the spring season at Soul Fly Lodge. People love May in the Bahamas, and so do we! It’s one of those months that we could fill several times over. Stable weather, good fishing and great times. This last minute opening is primetime in the Bahamas. I expect these dates will book quickly… first come, first served! 5 days Fishing May Arrive - May 12, 2024 Fish - 5 days Depart - May 18, 2024 Available - 6 rods // 3 boats and 4 rooms Tides - Low tide at 9a on first day of fishing. This trip has a smaller tidal exchange at the start of the week and increases to an average tidal flow. Nice bonefishing and permit tides. Great time of year for species diversity. Half moon on May 15th. Plenty of wading this week! 4 Days Fishing May Arrive - May 13, 2024 Fish - 4 days Depart - May 18, 2024 Available - 2 rods // 1 boats and 2 rooms Tides - Low tide at 9:45a on first day of fishing. This trip has a smaller tidal exchange at the start of the week and increases to an average tidal flow. Nice bonefishing and permit tides. Great time of year for species diversity. Half moon on May 15th. Plenty of wading this week! EMAIL Stephen now for details, and to reserve this prime time for you and your friends.
Plus many more idyllic locations and incredible fishing opportunities including: Bair's Lodge, South Andros....Kamalame Cay Resort, North Andros/Joulters Cays.....Staniel and Fowl Cays, Exuma Cays...Stella Maris Resort, Long Island.....Coral Sands, Harbour Island........And much much more! Email Stephen to get started planning your ideal trip.
Or visit our Tight Loop Travel website for the Best of Worldwide Fly-Fishing Destinations, including Argentina/Patagonia, Chile/Patagonia, Iceland, Mexico, Seychelles/Maldives, Jackson Hole Wyoming and the U.S. West, and more. We enjoyed many memorable destinations and special moments and so did our many traveling clients. Thanks to all of our partners, colleagues, and friends who made 2023 such a wonderful year in travel. Let's make 2024 even better!
How about a floating breakfast in your villa's private pool in the Maldives? Thanks to our friends at Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island, we enjoyed this special treat. Next, thanks to our friends at COMO Maalifushi Maldives for any amazing stay, wonderful food and service, sensational spa treatments, and of course fly fishing the remote flats around the atoll with new guide friends. And a special thanks to JOALI Being Maldives, such a wonderful and welcoming staff, and our pick as the best wellness resort in the world. And our first trip to Dubai, what a fun and unique city - thanks to our Jumeirah friends for all the hospitality, and to the sensational Atlantis The Royal, for a memorable stay in one of the most luxurious resorts we've ever visited. Happy New Year to everyone, and wishing you all a tremendous 2024 wherever your travels may take you!
Magnificent Italy, Spain, Portugal - Sun and Sand, Food and Wine, Culture and History - Want an unforgettable experience on Capri, that's easy, stay at Jumeirah Capri Palace and treat yourself to dinner in their fabulous two Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Olivio, simply sublime.
And as long as you are in the Naples area, why not visit the Ruins of Pompeii, the vibrant city of Sorrento, and of course, the Amalfi Coast. We loved it all, but a special lunch at the The Caruso grill in the Belmond Hotel in Ravello was our favorite stop.
Sticking with sand and sea fun, we loved our week-long stay on Spain's gorgeous island of Majorca, especially our time at the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel. Stunning cliffside location overlooking the Balearic Sea, and the charming town of the same name. Our favorite moment, close, but we go with our romantic sunset dinner at Jumeirah's signature seafood grill restaurant. And second favorite, lunch at another Belmond Hotel, La Residencia, great food and tasty craft cocktails.
We also enjoyed our time in Majorca's main city, Palma, cool culture, some salsa dancing, fine dining, lots of street art and fun shopping. Then on to our favorite European country, Portugal. It's always good, and easy traveling, to stop in Lisbon first, to enjoy the local vibe and culture, luxury hotels, fine restaurants, shopping, and of course Latin Dancing - Cuban Salsa and Sensual Bachata. We love staying at the Corinthia and the Four Seasons, but for this trip we chose our favorite boutique spot; Valverde Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux property, so if you don't feel like going out, the food here is spectacular, casual (not really) for lunch, fine dining for dinner, with a sensational wine list. And don't forget to ask them about their extensive selection of Ports. And for this trip, our favorite dining experience was at Davvero, in the Sublime Hotel.
And we'll wrap this up with our overall favorite place in the world, the Atlantic coast of Portugal south of Lisbon, and the Algarve, maybe our next home - what's not to love - warm sunshine, gorgeous beaches, charming seaside villages, casual tapas bars, restaurants on the beach where you have your toes in the sand, lights out fine dining, villas with private pools, small boutique hotels, and world-class resorts with golf, tennis, and more. On the way driving from Lisbon to the Algarve, Comporta is the new hot stop, and staying at Sublime Comporta is wonderful. But even more, we especially love staying in Palmares Beachouse Hotel, on Praia Meia beach adjacent to Lagos and across the lagoon from Alvor. And here, our favorite Michelin-star dining experience at Al Sud.
Well, while we enjoy a little skiing here at home (and praying for more snow), we are still dreaming of those beaches in Portugal and Spain. Hasta pronto......and Happy New Year to all.
Want to visit any of our favorite places, and enjoy your own unique experiences? We here to help, and to plan you customized dream vacation.The Micato Classic Safari Collection abounds with incomparable luxury Safari options for solo travelers, groups, couples, and families. Whether you want to explore a specific country, celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or graduation, or indulge a particular interest, we offer fabulous choices. And please note that any of the Classic Safaris can easily be converted into a Private Classic safari exclusively for your family or friends.
Some of our favorite safari itineraries include: The Micato Grand Safari (15 days door-to-door service) - The grand, glamourous, unabashedly luxurious safaris are central to East Africa’s heritage as one of the world’s most desired destinations. This Grand Safari is Micato’s homage to those old and romantic days, to their indulgent and exquisite grace. The Hemingway Wing Safari (14 days door-to-door service). - The unforgettable highlights of Kenya and Tanzania. The Tanzania Spectacular (10 days door-to-door service). - Ok, we know many of you are busy in your work and family lives, and time is precious. And so we offer this safari to three major contributors to the East African mystique: the classic game lands of Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the fabled Serengeti - all in a mere but marvelous 10 days. OK, yes, this is just the tip of the African iceberg, yet each of these adventures will deliver unforgettable experiences and life-long memories. Get in touch with us today to choose the African adventure of your dreams.
We're just back from a month long trip to Europe. Our first stop was in southern Italy, arriving in Naples, visiting the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, enjoying the luxury of Capri, the lively city of Sorrento, and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. This renowned region of Italy offers something for everyone; from ultraluxury hotels, dining, and yachting, to laid back resorts and beaches, wine tasting, and strolling ancient streets to take in the art and shops. Want the details so we can begin planning your trip? September and October are prime months. Let's get started.
After a smooth fifty minute ferry ride from Naples, we arrived on the renowned island of Capri, where our Jumeirah partners met us, and drove us up the mountain to the spectacular Capri Palace. Class and luxurious the Capri Palace is much more than just a hotel, it is an experience within a special destination. Surrounded by pristine beauty, it feels like an oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean, nested in Anacapri, the highest location of the Island, and just ten minutes from the super chic town of Capri. Beautiful suites with balconies present a stunning ocean over the inviting swimming pool. The Two MIchelin-starred restaurant, L'Olivio, is an unforgettable experience all it's own with impeccable service, food that combines unique flavors and art, and a wine list you could read for days. Then you have the glamorous 'll Riccio Restaurant and Beach Club where you need to keep an eye out for the rich and famous in for lunch off their yachts. Amazing seafood here, and one of the most incredible dessert parlors on earth. And of course, a fabulous wellness spa and gym to balance out the irresistible food and wine.
We decided to make a day of our transfer from Capri to Sorrento. First the ferry, then our private driver met us (driving in this area is crazy, best to have a driver) and gave us an orientation of the the large bay that stretches from Naples, past Pompeii and a section of the wine country before curving around toward Sorrento. Our first stop was a wonderful local winery for lunch accompanied by a splendid wine pairing. Then off to Pompeii, where we met our private guide, and spent two hours in the ancient city, destroyed by the eruption, then found and painstakingly resorted. Also incredible to see how the eruption filled in the land and pushed the sea back from the city for miles. And fascinating to see the private homes filled with art, bakeries, shops, restaurants, and streets so perfectly laid-out, which made it possible to imagine the life the people lived at the time.
We really enjoyed the lively vibe of Sorrento and staying at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a pure pleasurer. Depending on your suite location you can overlook the beautiful orange groves, or enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Vesuvius. Large pool and pool bar, Michelin-starred restaurant, soothing spa, and an elevator to take you down to the hotel's private beach. Walk out the front door and you're in Sorrento's main square, and from there you can walk in any direction for find local artisan shops, name brand shopping, casual restaurants and pizzerias, or fine dining options galore. And if you like gelato, you'll be in heaven each evening strolling along and trying to decide which enticing shop to order from. The answer is Raki. You'll have to wait in line but it's worth it. Sorrento is also the perfect place to stay to explore the entire Amalfi coast by boat, preferably, or if you want to stay on the coast, our recommendation is the Caruso, Belmond Amalfi Coast in Ravello. The sea views are ridiculous, and your out of the fray during the day, then at night you can head down to Amalfi and Positano for more leisurely shopping and fine dining with the best Italian wines.
OK, Italy was fantastic, but next up is Mallorca, Spain. Stay tuned. And get in touch soon so we can start planning your trip.
COMO Maalifushi, true barefoot luxury, ideal for fly fishing and surfing enthusiasts, diving with whale sharks, and a haven for family vacations. |
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There is no place quite like the Maldives. Arguably the best beaches on the planet are complemented by some of the world's most sumptuous remote stays. Each resort in the Maldives features private island experiences accessible by boat and/or air transfers from Male, the nation's capital. World-class diving and snorkeling over pristine reefs teeming with sea life, seemingly endless breaks for dynamite surfing, virgin fly fishing flats, and romantic over-the-water bungalows await you.
We also found the Maldivian culture to be one of the most warm and welcoming in the world, the people friendly and charming. Plus the diversity of the staff and guests, from over 100 countries in the world, add to the unforgettable experiences you encounter each day.
We also found the Maldivian culture to be one of the most warm and welcoming in the world, the people friendly and charming. Plus the diversity of the staff and guests, from over 100 countries in the world, add to the unforgettable experiences you encounter each day.
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Travel Tip: We will customize your international flights to match your chosen itinerary. Most travel from North American and Europe is through Dubai, UAE or Doha, Qatar. We highly recommend a stop-over in one of these unique and exciting cities for one to three nights if you have the time. Email Stephen to begin planning your trip.
Some of the hotels we love in Dubai include: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah; Atlantis The Royal Dubai; Jumeirah Al-Naseem; Jumeirah Al Qasr; One & Only The Palm, Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.
Some of the hotels we love in Doha include: Four Seasons Doha; W Doha; Park Hyatt Doha; Fairmont Doha; St. Regis Doha. Email Stephen to begin planning your trip.
Some of the hotels we love in Doha include: Four Seasons Doha; W Doha; Park Hyatt Doha; Fairmont Doha; St. Regis Doha. Email Stephen to begin planning your trip.
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If you ever watched the old TV show Fantasy Island, you'll know about the seaplane arriving - "The plane, boss, the plane" - and how all your vacation fantasies can come true. Well...it's even better than that at the new luxury JOALI BEING resort.
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Whatever we write here, it will maybe just give you an idea of the true sense of peace and relaxation, adventure and exhilaration, connection and emotion, magic and pure joy we have felt during our body and mind altering vacation here this month. We expected it to be amazing, but it was way beyond that.....all we can say is that you need to visit and see for yourself. Get in touch and we can arrange your trip in seamless fashion to the this private island paradise.
Nestled on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, amid crystalline lagoons, pristine beaches and lush coconut palms, JOALI BEING is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport. With 68 villas, each with its own butler or “Jadugar” and private pool, this is the region’s first wellbeing island retreat. And from the moment you arrive, the you will be treated better than royalty, and being your journey to "weightlessness".
Nestled on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, amid crystalline lagoons, pristine beaches and lush coconut palms, JOALI BEING is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport. With 68 villas, each with its own butler or “Jadugar” and private pool, this is the region’s first wellbeing island retreat. And from the moment you arrive, the you will be treated better than royalty, and being your journey to "weightlessness".
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Culinary delights - Yes, the food is all fresh and there is a focus on natural ingredients and health, but each dining experience is made perfect by the service and your sense of well-being....and the food is delicious and creative. And don't worry, if you like meat, the finest Wagyu beef is available, along with the freshest seafood, and cuisine flavors from around the world. From the bar, delightful craft cocktails, beer selection, and fine wines.
Immerse in the vibrancy of FLOW, an open-plan interactive dining space featuring three signature kitchens. Plantae offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Su serves ocean-to-table pescatarian fare, and B’Well features a signature JOALI BEING menu, including a selection of Earth-to-Table meals. For sunset seekers, there is Mojo – our tropical beach sanctuary located on a three-layered sundeck and is an ideal lunch and sundowner spot by the pool. Culinary arts at JOALI BEING focus on an earth-to-table initiative, promising ingredient traceability and offering fresh, locally harvested foods that support small farms and are sustainably sourced.
Activities - One of the best spas in the world (including cryotherapy), diving, snorkeling, watersports, fishing, yoga, beach picnics, and sunset cruises....or just hang by your private pool and do nothing but live in the dream of the moment.
Immerse in the vibrancy of FLOW, an open-plan interactive dining space featuring three signature kitchens. Plantae offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Su serves ocean-to-table pescatarian fare, and B’Well features a signature JOALI BEING menu, including a selection of Earth-to-Table meals. For sunset seekers, there is Mojo – our tropical beach sanctuary located on a three-layered sundeck and is an ideal lunch and sundowner spot by the pool. Culinary arts at JOALI BEING focus on an earth-to-table initiative, promising ingredient traceability and offering fresh, locally harvested foods that support small farms and are sustainably sourced.
Activities - One of the best spas in the world (including cryotherapy), diving, snorkeling, watersports, fishing, yoga, beach picnics, and sunset cruises....or just hang by your private pool and do nothing but live in the dream of the moment.
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Travel Tip: We will customize your international flights to match your chosen itinerary. Most travel from North America and Europe is through Dubai, UAE or Doha, Qatar. We highly recommend a stop-over in one of these unique and exciting cities for one to three nights if you have the time.
Stop-overs in Dubai and Doha - Both Emirates and Qatar Airlines have superior service to the Maldives through Dubai and Doha.
Some of the hotels we love in Dubai include: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah; Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach; Atlantis The Royal Dubai; Jumeirah Al-Naseem; Jumeirah Al Qasr; One & Only The Palm.
Some of the hotels we love in Doha include: Four Seasons Doha; W Doha; Park Hyatt Doha; Fairmont Doha; St. Regis Doha.
Some of the hotels we love in Dubai include: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah; Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach; Atlantis The Royal Dubai; Jumeirah Al-Naseem; Jumeirah Al Qasr; One & Only The Palm.
Some of the hotels we love in Doha include: Four Seasons Doha; W Doha; Park Hyatt Doha; Fairmont Doha; St. Regis Doha.
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We specialize in custom-designing fly-fishing and luxury adventure travel throughout Iceland, and are recognized for our creative approach and uncompromising customer service. Our local team is constantly exploring, searching for exciting adventures, special restaurants, new rivers and lakes to fish, and off-the-beaten path places to stay. This is rewarding work, which allows us to tailor-make unforgettable experiences for you.
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And along with our focus on fishing, we work with other exclusive local partners to design and integrate additional adventure and cultural activities to round out your overall vacation experience. Enjoy the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, play golf, go diving or snorkeling, horseback rid in the Highlands, explore ancient glaciers and ice caves, sea kayak in the spectacular Glacier Lagoon, ride ATVs on black sand beaches, descend into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano, soak in the therapeutic waters of The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon, take a whale watching sea adventure, and enjoy the delicious sea-to-table cuisine.
Email Stephen to learn more about this special destination.
Email Stephen to learn more about this special destination.
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2022 was a fun year for us, and for so many of our clients and friends. Great to see friends we haven't seen since COVID. Eating, drinking, enjoying so many super days on the water, and of course catching some amazing fish. Looking forward to even more fun in 2023! Get in touch to begin planning your trip with us. It's prime fishing time somewhere in the world all year round! [email protected]
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Author
Stephen and Kim Vletas
Fly-fishing, skiing, and adventure travel aficionados.
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