Southern Hospitality, Without the “Yee-Haw:” Virgin Hotels Nashville with Millennials in Travel

Nashville, TN has been on my local wander-list for a while now – and I had the good fortune to experience this electrifying city with Millennials in Travel, and the even better fortune to stay at the captivating Virgin Hotels Nashville in the heart of Music City’s Music Row.

The energy of Nashville is so well captured at Virgin Hotel’s newest property, having just opened in July of 2020. The moment you walk through the main entrance, following the plush red carpet to the Front Desk, be sure to look up at one of the most unique pieces of art – a band of deconstructed instruments that look as if they’re falling towards you. The subtle but highly influenced nods to “Music City” can be found throughout the property, most notably in their subterranean speakeasy; you haven’t heard of it because you’re not a famous musician – hate to break it to you. But the chances of you rubbing shoulders with one in an elevator are high!

Virgin Hotels profound focus on comfort with optimal functionality is obvious in their “chambers” – branding on point. Every few feet there is an outlet and USB port to ensure you are always charged. The charming décor, SmartTV, vanity table with chair and unique coffee set up all had me feeling like a VIP.

The hardest decision I had to make during my stay… did I want to have a cocktail on the rooftop or on their spacious outdoor terrace off the Lobby at Commons Club? Spoiler alert: I did both! The Pool Club on the roof offers incredible views of Downtown Nashville and the pool is certainly the place to be seen. Highly recommend reserving a cabana for some guaranteed shade and drink service, but there is not a bad seat to be had. Downstairs, the plentiful and fun seating of Commons Club will make you never want to leave. Bar stool, fire pit lounge seat, or the swings… yes, enjoy a drink and swing!

The one thing that wins over my heart, no matter where I travel, the food! We had the extreme pleasure of gaining a sneak peak into The Kitchen, set to open June 1st. “Fall fork over heels” for Chef Ryan Lachaine’s globally inspired food menu, now taking reservations!

I would be remised to not mention my time spent exploring Nashville, of what I can remember… Nashville has a knack for bringing out your inner 22-year-old and I am not mad at it one bit. Street after street, from 10AM till late into the early morning, there is live music pouring out from the restaurants and bars in every direction. You may not be a dancer; you may not know the words to the songs but I guarantee you will be moving and singing right along. You’ll know you had a great time if you wake up in your chamber with a cowboy hat on! I highly recommend walking right down the street from Virgin Hotels and getting your whole entourage to hop on The Nashville Pedal Tavern, the most hysterically entertaining way to get around and see the iconic strip of Broadway.

There is – to my personal surprise – a ton of stuff to do in Nashville! In my few days, I was able to see and experience a lot and these are some of my top recommendations:

• Visit the brand-new National Museum of African American Music and learn about the origin of music from a new perspective, build a playlist and take your chance at some interactive

• Explore a more local neighborhood like The Gulch or 12South for brunch, BBQ and boutiques

• Speaking of BBQ; eat and listen to music at Martin’s BBQ just a couple blocks off of Broadway, or check out Peg Leg Porker in The Gulch, and definitely eat at Edley’s BBQ in 12South.

• Take a break from the Broadway scene at Pins Mechanical Co. where you and your friends can play classic arcade games, try Duck Pin bowling or just sip a craft beer outdoors and play some lawn games.

• Nashville doesn’t count if you didn’t get some Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, be sure to get it hot!

• A little off the normal path but highly recommended; have a few drinks in Printer’s Alley.

• Finally, you’ll probably want to sweat some of those carbs off; enjoy a great stroll through Cumberland Park with views of the Cumberland River, Downtown Nashville’s skyline and Nissan Stadium home to the Tennessee Titans.

Many thanks to our guest blogger, Abby Estevez, for sharing this post! Abby is an MIT Member and Travel Advisor at Spear Travel Group who participated in this FAM.

Millennials in Travel Explores the Old and New in Charleston

Vibrantly colorful, hauntingly mysterious, and full of luxury – Charleston is the perfect mix of old and new.  Millennials in Travel was graciously hosted by the iconic Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel in the heart of historic Charleston.  

Charleston has been named the #1 City in America by Conde Nast Traveler and also the Friendliest city by Fodor.  I don’t know if it’s the colorful homes, walkability, southern hospitality, or amazing food that makes this a must-see destination, but all of that made it a memorable trip!  

We checked in VIP style with a luxury transfer from the Charleston Airport to the Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel.  The hotel has done a great job with Covid-19 protocol from a waiver signed upon arrival, social distancing signs in the public areas, masks required throughout (except for when eating/drinking) and enhanced cleaning measures.  

Five agents joined on the FAM trip from California, New York, North Carolina and Michigan.  We were all eager to settle into our Club Level Premier Rooms at the Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel.  The rooms were nicely appointed and spacious with views over the historic district.  The Club Level really is the highlight, with access to breakfast and three other epicurean changes daily and premium wine, beer or alcohol definitely this an ideal option for business travelers, families or a girl’s getaways!  

Charleston Place has an anchored history in the city of Charleston.  Initially in a sketchy part of town, the then Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. had a vision for what could be and that they needed to build a luxury hotel.  So came the Charleston Place and was built in 1986 but made to match the surrounding historic architecture.  Now the city has several luxury hotels in the historic downtown area, however the Charleston Place paved the way and still remains a staple in the city.  

Gin + Tonic Frozé = Yes please!  Our first night we were generously hosted by Explore Charleston at Leon’s Poultry and Oyster Shop.  The casual ambiance, great drinks, oyster and fried chicken make this a must see while in town.  Did I mention the froze?!  They were awesome and had a refreshing G+T frozé as well as a frozen rose.  

Photo courtesy of The Graft

After dinner, we had to check out Graft Wine Shop around the corner.  The Co-Founder, Femi Oyediran was a former Sommelier at the Charleston Place.  Now he owns his own wine shop that is so special.  The vibe was cool, great music and the wine… ya’ll the wine he chose for us was awesome.  

The next day, we woke up and enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread at the Club before we joined Brenna our host from the Charleston Place for a site tour.  We saw one of the Presidential Suites which is ideal for large families, girls getaway or entertaining while on business.  It connects to another room with two beds which really makes it perfect for lots of space to enjoy.  

After our tour, we headed to the water to get on the Schooner Pride tall ship to scout out some dolphins in the Charleston harbor.  It was a peaceful sail, as there wasn’t much wind or waves, but it was so relaxing with our mimosas in hand.  We passed Fort Sumpter, several mansions on the harbor and lots of dolphins.  

Lunch was hosted at The Palmetto Café where we all indulged in the tastiest crab salad ever.  If in Charleston you have stop by just for this salad, it was divine!  Following lunch, we were each treated to either a 50-minute massage at the Spa or a blowout at the Salon.  

After a relaxing afternoon, we all met up at the Thoroughbred Club for happy hour and then proceeded to the legendary Charleston Grill.  With live music playing in the background, the wood clad walls make for an intimate backdrop for our dinner.  The Executive Chef, Michelle Weaver brings a southern menu with innovative twists.  The Charleston crab cakes were delicious and the rack of lambs was so flavorful, but to be honest everything looked mouth-watering.  If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is the place to go!  

The next morning, we went on a horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown with Palmetto Carriage tours.  It’s a unique process as the horse-drawn carriage tours business is the booming in Charleston.  Guests can’t simply request where they want to go due to congestion issues, the carriages first stop by an office that runs a bingo-likes lottery system that designates where each carriage tour will go.  I had my heart on going to Rainbow Row and Battery Park…. And that’s the lottery we got!  Talk about fate.  Our driver was knowledgeable and shared lots about the history of the area.  Many of the mansion owners he knew first hand and it was a great tour overall.  Just comes down to the luck of the draw, but the other areas would also offer robust history of Charleston.  

We finished out of trip with a final lunch together at the casual restaurant called Meeting at Market.  Great for sports lovers, beer drinkers and people watching.  It’s right on the corner overlooking the main street where the carriages pass by.  Just a fun way to end our time with the Millennials in Travel group hosted by Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel with Natalie Aldridge and Brenna Emerson with Belmond and Ike High with Explore Charleston.  

Thank you again MIT, Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel and Explore Charleston for the hospitality!  

For more information about Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel and to book your Charleston trip for you or your clients, please reach out to Brenna Emerson, Director of Travel Industry Sales: brenna.emerson@belmond.com. 

MIT Host & Author: Janelle Ruhumuliza, Lilacs & Chai 

A Chat with RepFest on "What's New for the 2021 event?"

Millennials in Travel will be at RepFest 2021 taking place from April 20-22, 2021!

RepFest is a virtual trade show, modeled after a music festival, that brings together the curated collections of premiere luxury travel representation companies over the course of three days offering creative content for you to view live or at your leisure. October’s inaugural RepFest brought content from KAI, Index Select, Bennett+Mercado, TL Portfolio and Janine Cifelli Representation. April’s RepFest will have several additional and well respected representation companies as well as a few other surprises.

While the first RepFest was a ‘Celebration of Travel,’ April’s event strives to be a ‘Celebration of the Travel Advisor’. We sat down three of the event organizers, Andrew Finn, Business Development Manager at KAI, Tyler Lamont, Co-Owner of Index Select, and Beatrice Mercado, Co-Owner of Bennett+Mercado  and asked them to share some tidbits about RepFest.

MIT: How does RepFest compare to other trade shows? 

Finn: There is nothing else like RepFest right now.  We are proud of that fact and have already seen some of the larger players in the industry take note of RepFest and start implement key elements of RepFest into their own offerings.  At RepFest you won’t be forced into 1-on-1 meetings that aren’t right for you, mandated to be online at certain times, or even get out of your comfy clothing.  We give full control of how to spend time at RepFest to the participants – after all, no one knows how to spend your time better than you. 

Beatrice Mercado

Mercado: While we can’t travel to many places right now, RepFest virtually brings hotels and destinations to life. Don’t expect another slide presentation, but rather engaging sessions where our hospitality partners virtually transport you to their corner of the world. Expect to learn cooking techniques from the best chefs in Africa, personally meet indigenous communities in Asia, traverse down a zip line in Central America. These are just a few examples of the unique virtual experiences attendees can expect at RepFest.

Lamont: The style and format are unique in that we don’t focus on heavy detail, information driven meetings. Think a more casual, fun approach to education and networking, as we work to bring guests something creative and inspirational from each supplier’s experience. We also launched this event to bring representation firms together in one place, offering easy access to our collections, and hopefully a space for those advisors and operators to get to know us a bit better. Also, enjoy the flexibility of the show: come in your yoga pants, join when you want for whatever you want, and simply enjoy and get inspired! And maybe the best for last – it is a NON-PROFIT event, and 2021 will be in support of the travel advisor.

MIT: How does RepFest work?

Lamont: At RepFest there will be 5 virtual stages presenting unique content simultaneously – you choose your ‘path’. You’ll also have the ability to break out into chats with any suppliers or other advisors that are also partaking in the show. Don’t forget to stop by the photo booth!!

MIT: What differences will there be from the last RepFest?

Mercado: This year, we’re encouraging travel advisors to extend invitations to their clients. While our communities are getting ready to start traveling again, let RepFest be the medium to help inspire your clients and re-ignite their wanderlust.  Advisors can remain confident that all content at RepFest will be consumer friendly. All sessions will fully advocate that all reservations are booked through travel professionals.

Tyler Lamont

Lamont: We are very excited about a couple of new additions.. for one, we are using an updated system that will allow all video content to run even more smoothly and seamless than last time. We are also opening this up to direct consumers this year, and advisors can encourage their clients to log on and get inspired to travel. This year is focused on the ‘celebration of the travel advisor’. With our industry having been devastated by the paralysis of travel, we are making an effort to support those that have always supported our organizations, and contribute to the recovery of the industry. Last but not least, introducing: a photo booth! Who doesn’t like a good photo booth?

MIT: How did you come up with the RepFest idea?

Finn: I had been hearing over and over how industry colleagues were disappointed in the new virtual trade shows.  After listening to their feedback I set out to create a different way that a virtual show could look and feel.  Ultimately, I decided to model RepFest after a music festival.  What makes the music festival concept so great is that it encourages the audience to explore all of the different options of what is being presented at any given time and decide what is the most intriguing and relevant to them.  It’s that freedom to explore and participate how and when you want that makes RepFest so unique.

MIT: What’s been your favorite part about RepFest?

Andrew Finn

Finn: For me, I’ve loved getting to know the other representation companies so well.  We have had a weekly call for 7 months now and seeing everyone’s faces is always a highlight of my week.  While I have yet to meet many of my rep colleagues in person, it feels like we are old friends by now.  I can’t wait for the day that we can all celebrate together in person.

Mercado: Myself and the team at Bennett + Mercado Hospitality truly enjoy the unexpected collaboration with our fellow RepFest hosts, who, often times, are friendly competitors. The travel industry has been one of the hardest hit segments in our country, so I feel very lucky to be a part of this group which lives up to the ideology that we really are “all in this together”.

Lamont: It’s been fun to work with our partners to get creative, and see what unique experiences they can bring to the ‘stage’. We’re even learning more about our own clients! And on a more personal note from our team at Index, we have so appreciated collaborating with our fellow representation firms – each have been so transparent, professional and simply a pleasure to work with.

You can get your ticket to RepFest HERE. As a member of Millennials in Travel, RepFest is offering you a discounted ticket using the code MITRF21. We all look forward to seeing you at RepFest in April!

Event Recap: Mind, Body & Spirit! Self-Care Time with Lush Experiences

At the start of any new year, wellness is often top of mind for many - and it goes without saying that is especially true this year after what 2020 brought for all of us. For Millennials in Travel’s first virtual event of the year, we donned our robes and slippers, calmed our minds, and came together to transport ourselves to the luxury wellness experiences we all sorely miss and share ways to best take care of ourselves in 2021.

In collaboration with our San Diego chapter and Lush Experiences, the event centered on the theme of “Mind, Body, and Spirit,” featuring incredible wellness experiences from three of Lush Experiences’ luxury collection of hotels. Here’s a recap of the fun and collaborative virtual event which left us motivated to be our best selves and committed to carving out some quality self-care time this year. 

Christina Willett, Director of Sales Western Region at Lush Experiences, welcomed the group with an overview of Lush Experiences’ expertise and knowledge. As one of North America’s most respected affluent hospitality sales & marketing representation companies, their focus is working with the finest independently-owned luxury hotels, villas, and destination curators throughout the world.

Christina then introduced the evening’s first themed experience: 

MIND

To open and relax our minds, Rosalynn Castillo, Director of Sales and Marketing, transported us first to Eden Roc Cap Cana, a five-star Relais & Chateaux resort nestled in Cap Cana, the most exclusive gated beachfront community of the Dominican Republic, with a lovely video overview of the 30,000-acre community’s pristine beaches, towering cliffs and tropical forests, bustling marina, and #1 golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico. 

It’s safe to say at that point we all would have rather been at Eden Roc than stuck in our homes!

Then, Eden Roc’s Spa Director Pedro Castillo featured how to prepare a brain booster smoothie recipe from the resort’s world-class Solaya Spa to share the importance of a healthy diet for the mind. 

The ingredients were hand-picked to include brain-boosting foods like pecan, melon & spinach, which all contain a high level of antioxidants that help protect our brains' cells. It also includes avocado and healthy fats which improve digestion, memory, and your ability to store and retrieve new information.

Try the recipe for yourself: 

BODY

For the next wellness theme (“Body”), the group welcomed Victor Vargas, Director of Sales at Le Blanc Spa Resorts in Cancun and Los Cabos, transporting us to the blissful beaches of Mexico. Both luxury all-inclusive resorts are adults only and feature chic suites with impeccable attention to detail, gourmet dining (not your average all-inclusive buffet!), and luxurious spa sanctuaries. 

After learning about the beautiful resort offerings, the group was treated to a live demo on how to create an at-home exfoliating body scrub using readily available ingredients, including coffee! 

Coffee has antioxidant and exfoliating properties that serve to remove impurities, help the elasticity, and firmness of the skin. This scrub is ideal for:

• Improving circulation and oxygenating the body.

• Helping to leave skin glowing and smooth.

• Helping decrease the appearance of cellulite.

Here’s all you need to make the scrub for yourself:

Coffee Body Scrub 

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of ground coffee

1 tablespoon of Brown sugar

3 tablespoons olive oil or honey

Mix all ingredients and rub gently in circular motions over skin. Rinse thoroughly. 

SPIRIT

Rounding out the event’s journey through mind and body wellness was Karen Whitt, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Palms and The Shore Club in Turks and Caicos, who lifted our spirits with not only an overview of the stunningly gorgeous resorts, but also puppies. Yep, you read that correctly - PUPPIES!

Did you know there is an incredible dog rescue charity in Turks & Caicos? A visit to the Potcake Place right near The Palms will certainly leave you with a smile on your face, and perhaps a puppy in your carry-on. Volunteers can help you arrange a no-cost adoption of a rescued pup, known on the islands as a “potcake,” as well as provide everything you need for travel (including customs documentation). The only fee incurred is what the airlines charge for an in-cabin pet.  

It’s safe to say the puppies were a highlight of the night, and the group chat was on fire with resounding “aww”s and “brb, heading to Turks and Caicos!”

Following the mind, body, and spirit portions of the event, the group took part in some friendly competition in a round of trivia, testing our recently gained knowledge of the incredible hotels in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Turks and Caicos. Congratulations to our trivia winners, who not only won gift cards, but also impressive titles:

Fully Realized Zen Master: Janelle Ruhumuliza, Lilacs & Chai

Leader of Leveled Up Living: Abby Lagman, Blissful Travel Company

Amaetuer Sage: Theo Laksmana, Bruvion Travel

LOOKING AHEAD in 2021

After everything the past year threw at us, it’s clear that staying healthy and well is a major priority for many. While this year has been very difficult for our beloved travel industry, the resilience of our partners and colleagues and their ability to adapt has been a beacon of light. 

It’s worth noting the ways in which all of the properties explored during the event have travelers’ wellbeing top of mind. Whether providing complimentary antigen testing, complimentary quarantine stays for those who test positive for COVID-19, or providing prepared meals for the local community during mandatory closures, hotels are innovating to ensure and promote a return to safe travel. 

Many thanks to the event sponsors and all who attended the event! If you’d like to watch the recorded event, you can do so here.

If you weren’t able to attend, or would like to join another event, be sure to regularly check out our calendar of events! 

If you’re not an MIT member yet, you can find membership information here. 

Millennials in Travel Exclusive FAM to NIZUC Resort & Spa

Millennials in Travel members joined Bennett Mercado this past June to discover the Mexican spirit and Mayan soul of NIZUC Resort & Spa.  Our very own Officer of Events for San Diego, Aimee Leon recounts the experience....

The group arrived in style as we had a private transfer waiting for us at the Cancun airport to take us on the short journey to the resort. NIZUC is located just 15 mins from the Cancun airport yet it feels very secluded as it is on a peninsula and you can’t see any other resorts nearby.

We all had fabulous Ocean View Junior Suites, which had floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a beautiful terrace featuring a private plunge pool!

We had a jam packed itinerary but it allowed us to experience the resort as well as a little bit of the culture and heritage of Mexico.

The first evening we got to know each other the best way possible – over tequila tasting in the Havana Lounge – followed by dinner in the amazing Indochine, which is the resorts Asian Fusion cuisine restaurant.

The next day, after a full site inspection, we had ceviche at “Ni” followed by a day at the spa and unwound with the Nizuc Hydrotherapy experience as well as stress relief massages.

The last day we had an all day excursion to Coba with a knowledgeable and passionate guide and had a blast riding bicycles around the Archaeological site, hiking up a large pyramid ruin and swimming in Cenotes.

We ended our FAM with a lovely, romantic dinner setting in La Punta Grill, which is the resorts Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, followed by hand rolled Cuban cigars and live music in the Havana lounge.

Thank you so much to Bennett + Mercado and NIZUC for having us for such a memorable stay!

For more information about NIZUC Resort & Spa, please contact Bennett Mercado: info@bennettmercado.com