Village Travel Laguna Beach

09/12/2026

Just left mainland China and arrived in Hong Kong for a few days before heading back to my apartment in Shenzhen.

I’ve really enjoyed Shenzhen. It’s an incredible, modern city and such an interesting experience, but there’s definitely a learning curve. Everything from paying to ordering food to getting around is app-based, and you really have to learn how things work.

Hong Kong feels completely different — very international, tourist-friendly and incredibly easy to navigate. Credit cards everywhere, lots of English, and I even saw someone pay with cash! Had I come here first, I probably would have thought it was challenging. After Shenzhen, it feels like a walk in the park.

First time in Hong Kong, staying at the fabulous Four Seasons, taking in this colorful, vibrant city — and I finally found an amazing bowl of wonton soup.

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08/26/2026

Another unforgettable day in Bora Bora!

Today gave us a little bit of everything. We were lucky enough to see a beautiful dolphin coming right out of the water, and then it was our turn to get in—we swam with blacktip reef sharks and the most incredible stingrays.

It was definitely a windy day in Bora Bora, so the snorkeling conditions weren’t exactly perfect, but honestly, when you’re surrounded by that gorgeous turquoise water and the mountains of Bora Bora, it’s pretty hard to complain!

Wind, waves, sharks, stingrays and dolphins… just another day in paradise. 🌊

08/20/2026

Today’s adventure on Ua Pou Island in the Marquesas — about a two-mile hike through a lush tropical jungle to the beautiful Vaiea Waterfall. Definitely hot and humid getting there, but completely worth it! The best part was jumping into the waterfall at the end — and surprisingly, the water was actually warm and incredibly refreshing.

Another amazing day exploring French Polynesia. If you like a little adventure mixed into your luxury, you’ll love Paul Gauguin.

08/13/2026

Today’s adventure at The Brando — the Ultimate Excursion — and it definitely lived up to the name.

We headed out to one of Tetiaroa’s remote, practically deserted motus and walked through the jungle, where we found some of the coolest little residents — incredible bright blue and red land crabs everywhere. Definitely not something you see every day!

Then it was on to the beautiful Queen’s Bath, a natural pool tucked away in this incredible setting, where we stopped for a swim. Warm water, untouched scenery, and that feeling that you’re about as far away from the real world as you can possibly get.

This is what I love about The Brando. Yes, the resort is spectacular, but getting out and actually exploring Tetiaroa — its wildlife, lagoons, jungle and history — is what makes this place so special.

Another bucket-list day in French Polynesia.

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08/13/2026

I have no problems at this moment

08/13/2026

Dinner at Les Mutinés du Bounty, The Brando’s French fine-dining restaurant — and what an experience.

Fun fact: the restaurant’s name means “The Mutineers of the Bounty,” a nod to the famous HMS Bounty story. Even the gorgeous place settings carry the theme.

The menu combines classic French cuisine with the flavors of French Polynesia — mahi mahi, local oyster mushroom ravioli, chateaubriand, breadfruit, coconut, passion fruit, island honey and Tahitian vanilla.

Beautiful food, incredible presentation and a restaurant that actually feels connected to where you are.

Definitely one of those “only at The Brando” experiences.

08/11/2026

🚨 ROOM TOUR ALERT — FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA 🚨

Come take a look inside our overwater bungalow at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora — mountain views, gorgeous turquoise water, and our own private plunge pool.

And here’s a little travel-agent tip…

We’re technically here during the higher-season weather, but I’ve also been to French Polynesia during the lower season — and guess what? The weather was actually BETTER!

So does paying more for “high season” guarantee perfect weather? Nope. Weather is weather, and Mother Nature does whatever she wants.

If you’re flexible with your dates, traveling during the lower season can sometimes save you a pretty penny — and you may end up with weather that’s every bit as beautiful. That’s where having a travel advisor who knows the destination can really help.

Now…come see this bungalow! The Four Seasons Bora Bora definitely knows how to do an overwater stay.

Village Travel Laguna Beach

08/11/2026

Yes, this kind of thing even happens to travel agents.

We had a great plan: The Brando. One of those very special, exclusive, bucket-list places that we’ve been looking forward to for a long time.

But Mother Nature had other plans.

The Brando has a small private airstrip, and because of the unusually strong winds, flights haven’t been able to get in or out since Saturday. The weather itself isn’t particularly bad — it’s the wind. Even my son, who’s a pilot, took one look at the conditions and basically said, “You’re not getting in there.”

So after waiting around airports yesterday and trying to figure out what to do next, we had to pivot.

And I have to say… Plan B doesn’t exactly suck.

Welcome to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

I send a lot of my clients here, and it really is a spectacular property. So here I am this morning, drinking my coffee overlooking my private plunge pool in Bora Bora. There are definitely worse travel problems to have.

Would I still love to get to The Brando? Absolutely. Will we? Maybe. The winds are still looking pretty strong today, so we’ll see what happens.

But this is travel. Sometimes things simply don’t go according to plan. Flights get delayed. Weather changes. Airports happen. And sometimes you have to pivot, roll with it, and make Plan B pretty darn good.

Apparently, even the travel agent of the century cannot convince Mother Nature to cooperate.

So for now… coffee, plunge pool, Bora Bora, and we’ll see where the wind takes us next.

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07/22/2026

07/22/2026

****Limited availability *****

Croatia is already working its magic… and this is just the preview.

Amar Santana and Negar Sheikhtaheri have been scouting the incredible places we’ll experience together on our 2027 luxury cruise, and these photos are just a taste of what’s waiting for us. Highlight Top Chef Broadway by Amar Santana Vaca Restaurant - DTLA

Join us September 27 – October 4, 2027, for an unforgettable journey through the Adriatic filled with amazing food, breathtaking ports, and unforgettable experiences.

We’re getting very close to selling out, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time.

Message me or call Village Travel Laguna today for details and to reserve your suite before they’re gone! Village Travel Laguna Beach

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