Surviving Travel Drama Plus Some Super Cool Hotel Stays

Written By Krista Nannery

The view from my room at Rosewood Baha Mar

Packing Patience in Paradise: My Week at ILTM North America, Baha Mar

There’s a cruel irony in attending International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) North America—the luxury travel industry’s most glamorous gathering—only to realize that even we — the people selling all the business — aren’t immune to the travel hiccups our clients face.

Case in point: I was staying at the Rosewood Baha Mar, a showpiece of Bahamian chic. Gorgeous setting, impeccable décor… but at 5 PM on check in day, my hotel room still wasn’t ready. And I was a guest of the hotel (as in — they paid for my stay!) and I had an industry event to attend at 6 pm! At Baha Mar, with many of the hotel’s own exects! If that doesn’t tell you how travel is going right now, nothing will.

So here’s the truth: the “new luxury” isn’t just about thread count—it’s about flexibility. As Anthony Bourdain said,

“Just be nice. Getting angry and frustrated in much of the world doesn’t help at all... Be grateful for any hospitality offered.”

That applies whether you’re in Belgium or the Bahamas. Pack your patience. Be kind to the people behind the desk—they’re doing the best they can in a post-COVID travel world that’s still short-staffed and demand-heavy.

Oh, and yes—there was a gigantic cockroach in my shower my last night on property. Welcome to tropical travel!!

But the truly most frustrating part? I was supposed to fly home from the Bahamas at 11 am on October 10th. But there was a huge storm between Florida and the Bahamas. There was a 1pm Jet Blue flight that took off for Fort Lauderdale only slightly delayed, but our 11 am Bahamas Air flight didn’t take off til 6 pm!! (Our crew timed out and they needed to bring in fresh pilots and cabin crew.) It was so frustrating. I had so much work to catch up on and was trapped in an airport with crappy wifi and nowhere to sit. (A lot of flights were delayed because of the storm.) I didn’t get home until 8 pm that night. I should have been home by 1 pm! Sigh. As I try to remind everyone — the friendly skies just aren’t very friendly these days.

And as I write this, the FAA is reducing flights at 40 airports by 10% because of the government shutdown!

The Properties That Blew Me Away at ILTM

Enough travel drama! Let’s focus on the positive. At International Luxury Travel Market North America, I had 54 (54!) meetings with hotels, cruise lines, and tour providers. As I say to the those who ask “Why do I need a travel agent?”…remember travel is a business. All these hotel rooms aren’t going to sell themselves. They need ambassadors and advocates. That’s what we are.

Here are some of the standout properties I met with—and why they’re worth knowing, especially for families who love travel that’s refined and real. Many of them can be booked directly via my Virtuoso site. Alternatively, book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland❄️

The Retreat continues to redefine Icelandic luxury. The suites blend lava rock minimalism with geothermal serenity, and kids actually love the otherworldly feel of the lagoon—especially the private area that’s exclusive to Retreat guests. It’s the rare place where parents truly unwind and kids think they’re in a sci-fi movie. Win-win.

Sugar Beach, St. Lucia 🏝️

Tucked between the Pitons, this Viceroy property nails that “barefoot luxury” vibe. Villas come with butlers, plunge pools, and sea views that ruin you for all other beaches. Families get the best of both worlds—snorkeling in volcanic bays and spa time while the kids’ club keeps everyone happy. This is a Virtuoso property where I can upgrade your stay.

Nemacolin, Pennsylvania 🦌

Nemacolin has evolved from quirky resort to true five-star playground. Between the art collection, safari tours, and outdoor adventures, it’s like if Yellowstone met Versailles. Families love the variety—you can visit a zoo, a ropes course, and a luxury spa all in one day. This is a Virtuoso property where I can upgrade your stay.

Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel, Austria 🧀

Imagine an Alpine culinary retreat run by people who actually live for food. The Rote Wand Chef’s Table is a pilgrimage spot for gastronomes, but nearby hiking and skiing make it family-friendly too. Think Tyrolean warmth meets Michelin-level ambition. I love the clean lines of this property too. I know the owner of this property personally and know that he will take good care of my clients.

Sonnenalp, Vail, Colorado ⛷️

Still family-run after all these years, Sonnenalp delivers that rare old-school European hospitality in an American ski town. The suites feel homey, not corporate, and the pool area is a dream for après-ski families who like hot cocoa more than champagne. This is a Virtuoso property where I can upgrade your stay.

Paws Up

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana 🐎

The OG of luxury glamping. Paws Up has cracked the code for family adventure—ATVs, cattle drives, spa tents, and five-star food in the middle of nowhere. It’s pure Americana, but wrapped in cashmere.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai 🕌

A city within a city. Families get lost in the labyrinth of canals, souks, and restaurants—but in the best possible way. You can go from beach to Burj Al Arab views to dinner in an abra boat. It’s over-the-top, yes, but in Dubai, that’s the point. I am a top seller with Jumeirah hotels and can upgrade your stay at most Jumeirah properties.

ROKU Kyoto, Japan 🌿

Part of the LXR collection, ROKU is a temple to calm. The architecture feels like a poem—muted, elegant, peaceful. Families with older kids will love the Japanese cultural touches—onsen bathing, ikebana classes, and impeccable service that defines Kyoto hospitality. This is a Hilton property. As a top seller with Hilton, I can upgrade your stay at any LXR property.

Simose Art Garden Villa, Japan 🎨

This one floored me. A cluster of architectural villas set inside an art park on the Seto Inland Sea. Each villa is designed by a different Japanese architect. It’s the ultimate creative family escape—part museum, part nature retreat, entirely unique.

Verdura Resort, Sicily🍋🌿

Verdura Resort feels like Sicily at its most cinematic — olive groves, orange trees, and the Mediterranean stretching endlessly ahead. It’s sprawling but never impersonal, with Rocco Forte’s signature mix of understated luxury and local soul. Golfers, spa devotees, and food lovers all find their slice of heaven here — and if you’ve ever wanted to eat pasta with a sea breeze and zero pretense, this is the place. I am a Rocco Forte Knight — a top seller — and can upgrade your stay when you book through me.

The Bottom Line

ILTM is always about what’s next in luxury—but this year, the real takeaway was simpler:
✨ Gratitude, patience, and curiosity never go out of style.

Whether it’s a delayed room, a rogue cockroach, or a super-delayed flight—these moments remind me that travel, like life, is about rolling with it. Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, and have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My background and 20 year career in the investment management industry have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.

Ways I Can Help You

Krista Nannery
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