I was one of eight fortunate travel advisors selected to participate in the recent NYC Luxury Travel Famil, hosted by NYC Tourism and United Airlines.
From the moment I departed Melbourne Airport until the moment I arrived home, this truly was luxury at its finest.
Our journey began with United Airlines’ Polaris business class…and what a way to start.
The comfort was exceptional, with spacious flat-bed seating and an impressive selection of entertainment.
The Polaris Lounges in both San Francisco and Newark were equally impressive and it quickly became clear why they have received so many acclaimed awards.
A Tale of Two Luxury Hotels
For my first two nights, I stayed at Faena New York in Chelsea. This stylish property is filled with magnificent artwork and is located right next to the High Line.
The hotel features some of the most glamorous and contemporary artwork I have ever seen in a hotel, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
Faena is also home to the mouth-watering La Boca Restaurant and The Living Room, where guests can enjoy delicious cocktails accompanied by live music.
For my final three nights, I was hosted by JW Marriott Essex House, located in Midtown Manhattan overlooking Central Park. I really had to pinch myself when I woke each morning and looked out at the spectacular view of Central Park from my window.
This trip was designed to showcase the different neighbourhoods of New York City and travelling through each area gave us a wonderful insight into just how diverse and dynamic this incredible city is.
VIP Experiences Around Every Corner
We were incredibly spoilt throughout the trip with a fantastic itinerary of VIP tours, site inspections and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1 began with a site inspection of Faena New York, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then headed to Mercer Labs, a real highlight of the trip, where we experienced an extraordinary multi-sensory art museum.
From there we visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum, where we had the opportunity to pay our respects and remember those who lost their lives.
The afternoon continued with a site inspection and delicious lunch at the stylish Wall Street Hotel, followed by some well-deserved relaxation at AIRE Ancient Baths, where we enjoyed a spa treatment.
That evening, we inspected The Edition Times Square, which hosted us for cocktails before we headed off to Broadway to see Just in Time.
Day 2 began with breakfast and a site inspection at the Equinox Hotel. This property is all about wellness and boasts one of the most impressive hotel fitness facilities I have ever seen.
We then made our way to the Empire State Building, where we enjoyed panoramic views across the city.
That evening, it was time for a site inspection at JW Marriott Essex House, followed by dinner and a very special surprise – a Broadway singer who performed two songs for us while we were inspecting one of the hotel’s suites.
Day 3 took us to the American Museum of Natural History. This is truly one of the largest museums I have ever visited and offers something for everyone.
I could have spent hours exploring the incredible collections, from dinosaurs and precious gems to butterflies, sports heroes and so much more.
Next, we visited the famous Plaza Hotel for a site inspection, followed by a delicious High Tea in the beautiful Palm Court.
Later that evening, we enjoyed dinner at Paris Bar before heading to Summit One Vanderbilt. This immersive, multi-level observation experience was another highlight and is certainly a must for anyone visiting New York City.
Day 4 was our last full day in this vibrant and wonderfully diverse city. We began at Rockefeller Center, which has so much to see and experience, before enjoying some free time to explore.
Naturally, I made sure to sample a slice of pizza at a New York restaurant. I also wandered through the bustling Chelsea Market before finishing the day with some shopping along Fifth Avenue. A visit to the famous Tiffany & Co. store was an absolute must for me!
Day 5 took us to the Park Lane Hotel for our final site inspection, followed by breakfast. The property boasts memorable views of Central Park and is wonderfully located for exploring the city.
Then it was time to bid farewell to New York City and begin the long journey home. Thankfully, the return trip was made considerably easier thanks to United Airlines and another Polaris business class experience.
A City I Won’t Forget
This NYC Luxury Travel Famil was an incredible opportunity to experience the city from a luxury traveller’s perspective while gaining valuable insight into the many hotels, neighbourhoods, attractions and experiences that New York has to offer.
From spectacular hotel views and world-class dining to immersive experiences, Broadway entertainment and unforgettable city sights, New York once again proved why it remains such a must-visit destination.
I returned home with plenty of memories, a wealth of knowledge to share with my clients and, of course, a strong desire to return to the city that never sleeps.
