Named to Condé Nast Traveler World’s Top Travel Specialists List 2008, 2009, 2010

MONTCLAIR, NJ – AUGUST 2010– JILL SIEGEL, owner of South American Escapes has been named one of the world’s 128 Top Travel Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler magazine for the third consecutive year.  By combining first hand experience and 28 years of knowledge within the Brazilian Travel Industry, the  specialists named to Condé Nast Traveler’s World’s Top Travel Specialists list provide their clients with the most up-to-date, exclusive information out there.  Out of thousands of candidates, 135 made the list this year.

“To be included on the list, travel specialists need to remain ahead of online travel sites, and they need to offer a combination of insider advice, local connections, added value, and special access,” said Condé Nast Traveler Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin.

“Working within the Brazilian Travel Industry for the last 28 years has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience and I am honored to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler for being one of the world’s top travel specialists,” said Jill Siegel.

Brazil Travel Specialist – Jill Siegel, focuses on exclusive out of the way places that provide the very best in the Brazilian hospitality and tourism sector.  From coordinating travel to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to arranging private travel arrangements for clients as diverse as Susan Sarandon or the great great grandson of Charles Darwin–Jill’s six years of living and working in Brazil makes her a true insider.

Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Travel Specialists list began as a service travel directory 9 years ago, yet it has turned into a must-have list of the most impressive, knowledgeable, and experienced travel specialists in the world.

Each year, Condé Nast Traveler Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin leads a team of editors in evaluating applicants.  Listed travel specialists have undergone a rigorous screening process that includes a 47-question application with sample itineraries and client references, then continues with phone interviews and, in most cases, road-testing by Condé Nast Traveler staff.  Perrin receives hundreds of letters annually from around the world reporting back on the trips that were planned by these specialists, and you can read the most recent ones on Wendy Perrin’s blog at perrinpost.com.

About Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler does not accept free travel and accommodations, and its correspondents, as far as possible, travel anonymously.  The result is travel the way consumers experience it — good and bad, with reporting that is fair and honest.  Condé Nast Traveler has a circulation of over 800,000 and is published by Condé Nast Publications, Inc.

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jill@southamericanescapes.com

Phone: (973) 783-2277
Toll Free in USA and Canada: (888) 462-7428

Call Jill for custom designed itineraries to Brazil and expert travel planning.

Overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Brazil, Villas de Trancoso offers guests superb private luxury accommodations that are sophisticated, exquisite and perfectly idyllic.  Look no further for a perfect honeymoon or relaxed week long retreat, Villas de Trancoso succeeds on every level.

Each of the 5 one and two bedroom luxury villas is surrounded by lush gardens with access to a white marble pool, alfresco dining restaurant, and pristine beach area with shaded palms, showers and lots of comfortable furnishings and cushions.

Each Villa has its own private deck or outdoor lounge and spacious bedrooms as well as  bathrooms furnished with rare and exotic Brazilian hardwoods.  Other amenities include beds draped in mosquito nets, Direct TV, DVD, CD players, cordless phones, refrigerators, safes and of course air conditioning.

Villa Sky is a dramatic two story villa with dining and entertainment on the first level and the master suite on the second level.  In the center of the home is an atrium that rises to a glass skylight on the second level. From the master bedroom one can gaze into a star filled sky throughout the night.

Water sports, boating, fishing, diving, hiking to secluded beaches, horse back riding and access to Trancoso’s world class Terra Vista Golf Course are just some of the many activities available.  There is also a health and fitness centre, personal trainers, cycling, kayaking, body surfing and massage.

Villas de Trancoso has one of the areas best restaurants.  Chef Sidnei’s dishes coupled with his caring and attentive staff make dining under the stars and around the pool an unforgettable experience.

According to owner Galen Briggs – “The great thing about being small is we can do exactly what the guest requests.  Our starry nights are amazing!  We have even had guests that asked to sleep under the stars on the beach.  A starry night combined with the soft crashing of waves is a most amazing experience!”

Airport:  Porto Seguro

Facilities: Swimming pool,  golf, horse back riding, health and fitness centre, personal trainers, cycling,  kayaking, body surfing, massages.

Weather: All year round destination

Contact Jill for reservations and availability.

Located on Brazil’s stunning emerald coast, Ponta dos Ganchos offers the ultimate in romance and world class sophistication.   The 25 private bungalows afford guests with sweeping views of the sea, each one decorated in lush, rustic and refined style featuring Brazilian hardwood and natural stone. 

Each bungalow comes with luxury linens, fireplace, state of the art music systems, internet connections and flat screen TVs.  Most bungalows also feature private plunge pools affording the spectacular views of the emerald sea below.

Romantic and private dinners may be enjoyed on your own private island illuminated by tropical torches and serenaded by a guitarist or simply by the gentle lapping waves.   All meals are included in the packages and are served at any hour of the day.    Casual lunches and gourmet evening meals are served in the tri-level Beach Restaurant.  The contemporary regional cuisine features freshly caught fish, prawns, oysters and mussels.  The extensive wine list features over 250 labels including Chilean, Brazilian, Portuguese and Argentinian wines.

Scuba diving in the Marine Reserve of Arvoredo as well as chartered schooner cruises and sailing are available.  Guests have use of all resort amenities including heated indoor pool, fully equipped fitness room, an oceanside tennis court, billiard game room, kayaks, canoes and laser dinghies, ecological trails and running track and a secluded beach for swimming and snorkeling. The resort also has an on-site cinema with a library of 300 films for guests enjoyment.

Wedding packages are available.  Packages include 02 massages or Dior Spa Treatments, hairdresser and manicure, make-up artist, wedding ceremony on the island, Veuve Clicquot champagne, dinner on the island, breakfast served in the bungalow the next day, live music – guitar and violin, and red rose bouquet.

Jill can also arrange one of Brazil’s top wedding photographers to capture the magic of your special day.  Most recently  photographer Lauro Maeda photographed the gorgeous wedding of Donald Graham and Ingrid Schau at Ponta dos Ganchos. 

Please contact Jill for availability and prices.

Closest Airport: Florianopolis International Airport, 50-min drive

JILL SIEGEL, OF SOUTH AMERICAN ESCAPES NAMED

ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

BY CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER

MONTCLAIR-Based Travel Specialist One of 128 Travel Specialists

Named to Condé Nast Traveler World’s Top Travel Specialists List

MONTCLAIR, NJ - AUGUST 2008– JILL SIEGEL/SOUTH AMERICAN ESCAPES has been named one of the world’s 128 Top Travel Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.  By combining first hand experience and years of knowledge, the travel specialists named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 World’s Top Travel Specialists list provide their clients with the most up-to-date, exclusive information out there.  Out of thousands of candidates, 128 made the list this year.

“To be included on the list, travel specialists need to remain ahead of online travel sites, and they need to offer a combination of insider advice, local connections, added value, and special access,” said Condé Nast Traveler Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin.

“Working within the Brazilian Travel Industry for the last 26 years has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience and I am honored to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler for being one of the world’s top travel specialists,” said Jill Siegel.

South American Escapes focuses on that special, exclusive out of the way place that provides the very best in the Brazilian hospitality and tourism sector.  From coordinating travel to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to arranging private travel arrangements for clients as diverse as Susan Sarandon or the great great grandson of Charles Darwin–Jill’s six years of living and working in Brazil makes her a true insider.

Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Travel Specialists list began as a service travel directory 9 years ago, yet it has turned into a must-have list of the most impressive, knowledgeable, and experienced travel specialists in the world.

Each year, Condé Nast Traveler Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin leads a team of editors in evaluating applicants.  Listed travel specialists have undergone a rigorous screening process that includes a 47-question application with sample itineraries and client references, then continues with phone interviews and, in most cases, road-testing by Condé Nast Traveler staff.  Perrin receives hundreds of letters annually from around the world reporting back on the trips that were planned by these specialists, and you can read the most recent ones on Wendy Perrin’s blog at perrinpost.com.

About Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler does not accept free travel and accommodations, and its correspondents, as far as possible, travel anonymously.  The result is travel the way consumers experience it — good and bad, with reporting that is fair and honest.  Condé Nast Traveler has a circulation of over 800,000 and is published by Condé Nast Publications, Inc. 
 

With a privileged location on a bluff overlooking the sea, this spectacular private villa was designed by Robert Novogratz  to reflect Trancoso’s laid back atmosphere and lifestyle.  Secluded and private, the large interior spaces all open to the breathtaking natural landscape that surrounds the villa.

Sip caipirinha’s poolside, horseback ride on the beach or walk to Trancoso’s famous Quadrado to enjoy the hip boutiques, restaurants and impromptu musical performances and parties.  You will never want to leave this place.

This hideaway sleeps 12 guests comfortably and is ideal for a large family.
Includes: 4 air conditioned Bedrooms with private decks, large living and dining rooms, flat screen TV / DVD room with A/C, modern kitchen, poolside bar, swimming pool, CD player, 6 bathrooms, 5 showers and English Speaking Housekeeper.

Please contact Jill for availability and prices. (Daily, weekly and Christmas rates available)

Closest Airport: Porto Seguro

(Click photos to enlarge)

Like stepping into an exotic edition of Architectural Digest, each of Etnia’s five bungalows will transport you to a different far off land.  Step into the Arabian Nights in the Maroccos Suite or lose yourself in the African inspired Tribal Suite.  If you prefer the local Brazilian flavor, the Trancoso Suite’s rustic style will feel like home.

Surrounded by banana, mango and Pau Brasil trees, Etnia Pousada enjoys a unique location.  Close enough to Trancoso’s Quadrado to enjoy festive Brazilian nights and close enough to the ocean for an early morning dip before breakfast.

A modern swimming pool surrounded by a wooden sun deck is the perfect place to enjoy your afternoon snack or a light meal.  Take a yoga class in the afternoon or luxuriate with a relaxing massage in the Etnia Therapy Center.

Services: Restaurant, pool and bar, antique boutique shop

Activities: ocean or pool swimming, horse back riding, eco-tourism, boating

Rates: Please contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Porto Seguro

Achieving a perfect balance between sophistication and informality, Estrela d’Agua is a tranquil ocean front retreat surrounded by 20 kilometers of pristine beaches, cliffs and natural pools.  Suites and tastefully appointed bungalows are built around Brazilian tropicalismo singer Gal Costa’s former beach home. 

Enjoy long lazy hours beach combing, swimming, fishing or just curling up in a hammock on a sun drenched verandah.  The muted natural tones of the airy interiors counterpoint the vivid colors of the tropical gardens.  Estrela’s native chef will indulge you in divine cuisine prepared from fresh local produce including fantastic seafood from an abundant daily catch.  In the evening stroll to the village “Quadrado” and join in the nightly festivities.

Rooms: 14 Suites, 2 Master Suites, 2 Bungalows w/minibar, TV, telephone, air conditioning, verandah and hammocks.

Services: 2 pools, gardens, verandah bar and beach bar, massage, gym and internet.

Activities: Boating, Horse back riding, ultra-light flying, tennis, golf course, eco-tours through the Atlantic Rainforest, boat tours to Espelho and Curuipe beaches.

Rates: Contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Porto Seguro

 Luxuriate in oxygen enriched rooms 11,000 feet above sea level at Cuzco’s only museum hotel -  Hotel Monasterio.  Built over three centuries ago, the colonial San Antonio Abad Seminary has been completely transformed into a five star luxury hotel while still maintaining its Incan and Spanish style.  Many of the rooms offer charming views of the ancient city and the colorful rooftops of Cuzco.

Lunch and dinner may be enjoyed adjacent to the Main Square at the hotel’s Illary Restaurant, while the sumptuous breakfast buffet and Saturday night Incan dinners are offered at the El Tupay Restaurant located in the original refectory of the ancient monastery.

Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Dynasty is an ideal base from which to explore the ruins of one of the world’s greatest heritage sites – Machu Picchu, only a scenic three hour train ride away.

Rooms: 109 Guest Rooms, 12 Junior Suites, 1 Deluxe Suite, 2 Royal Suites and 3 Presidential Suites.

Services: Illary Restaurant, El Tupay Restaurant, Lobby Bar, Massage Spa Services, Business Services

Activities: Walking tours of the ancient city, Tour of the Sacred Valley, Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, fishing and horse back riding.

Rates: Please contact Jill for rates.

Closest Airport: Cuzco

Set among a 100 hectare coconut grove, Txai Resort’s private bungalows offer guests the ultimate in laid back sophistication and barefoot luxury. The flavor and colors of Brazil are everywhere here from the mesmerizing sea views to the unspoiled Atlantic Rainforest. Enjoy exploring the endless secluded beaches, trekking to waterfalls, horse back riding, surfing or a game of tennis.

Txai’s restaurant features the same Bahian delicacies made famous by Brazil’s beloved literary giant – Jorge Amado in “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.” Savor the flavors of a “moqueca de peixe”, fish stewed with coconut milk, or the Bahian shrimp favorite, “Bobó de Camarão” all the while taking in the breathtaking natural setting.

Rooms: 10 Suites and 16 private bungalows.  5 bungalows with jacuzzi, built individually on stilts and surrounded by wooden decks spread out among the coconut groves to ensure maximum privacy. 1 triple bungalow accommodates up to 8 guests in three adjoining suites – the largest of which is a loft with mezzanine, accommodating up to 4 guests.

Services: Restaurant, living room, 25m swimming pool steps from 4k beachfront, children’s pool, TV and internet access, 2 illuminated tennis courts and spa.

Activities: Canoeing, eco-tourism, fishing, horse back riding, nature trails, snorkeling, surfing, swimming and white water rafting.

Rates: Please contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Ilhéus in Southern Bahia State

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

Emerald green lakes and breathtaking mountain chains create a magical setting within the Torres del Paine National Park. It is here that Explora en Patagonia welcomes guests to experience the spirit of exploration in the legendary footsteps of famous adventurers such as Magellan, Drake, Humboldt and Darwin.With unusually shaped granite peaks, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, plus unique flora and fauna, Torres del Paine is considered one of the world’s most spectacular parks. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.Strategically set on the shore of Lake Pehoé, Explora’s Hotel Salto Chico was conceived as an exploration base site. It features refined comfort for total relaxation and the best gear ideally suited for exploring Patagonia. Each day choose from five different explorations on foot, horseback, van or boat, accompanied by Explora’s expert bilingual guides. After a day of invigorating activities, return to the comfortable environs of the lodge that has been carefully designed utilizing traditional lenga and cypress woods plus handcrafted slate and copper accents. Enjoy the indoor heated lap pool, exercise machines, sauna, massage rooms and open-air Jacuzzis at the nearby Casa de Baños del Ona.Explora’s restaurant features locally grown produce, regional cuisine and wine from the lodge’s own vineyards at Viña Gracia de Chile.

Rooms

• 6 Exploradores Suites with a view of Macizo del Paine
• 36 Cordillera Paine rooms with a view of Macizo de Paine
• 7 Salto Chico rooms with a view of Salto Chico Waterfall
• 1 Rio Paine room with a view of Salto Chico Waterfall

Services: Dining room, Bar, Room Service, telephones with international direct dialing, game and music room, library, laundry, safe boxes in rooms, internet, indoor heated pool, sauna, fitness center, massage, open air Jacuzzis.Activities: Daily explorations by foot, horseback, van or boat.

Please contact Jill for current rates.

Closest Airport: Punta Arenas

Time Lapse Video: Torres del Paine

Flowers and trees and birds and stars and glaciers, and all the other wonderful things that surround us in the world. We have all of this beauty around us and yet grown ups often lose themselves in offices and imagine they are doing very important things. Can you recognize the flowers by their names and the birds by their singing? … Young people, I hope you will take a long time growing up! Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)