A Royal Morning

Being in the Caribbean, in Antigua 5 hours behind UK, meant a wake up call today at
5:30 am. Together with two billion other people I was watching the Royal Wedding.

I'm sure Kate is a result of Princess Diana, teaching her sons how to go for love...

Now they are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walking the longest carpet in Britain.And the dress by Alexander Mc Queen is beautiful.

Thousands heading for the Palace...

And waiting...

For the kiss

Thanks to BBC

-- Post From My iPhone

First Morning

First morning waking up in the Caribbean.
I'm on a mission; Island hopping for six weeks; seven islands and visiting 22 hotels. This is something I wanted to do for a long time and now I'm here. My intention is to find some lovely 'gems' and I'm sure so will happen.

I will not tell you about the hotels yet as it will take some time to sign exclusive contracts, all for the benefit for our valued clients. But you will certainly get some ideas what the Caribbean has to offer.

First morning having breakfast at the island of Antigua. The blue water and the seabreeze - what a lovely start of the day.

The small bird is sharing the afternoon snack with me on my terrace

Personal note from my room attendant - it's all about details and caring. Isn't it..

-- Post From My iPhone

Easter in London.

April in London feels like being in the Mediterranean. Wonderful weather!

More beautiful flowers!

The Georgian Terrace at Harrods is

always right in between shopping.

I can recommend the Moroccan Lamb Tagine.

So many museums and galleries and they are open at Easter!

Amaya - an indian cross over, a restaurant at Halkin Arcade. Always full, so please book in advantage.

Amaya; Truly tasteful; cakes with spinach and figs

A very good Italian choice. For Easter Sunday lunch, there was a special menu as well.

-- Post From My iPhone

Historical Afternoon

Yesterday I was invited by Noppes for a historical afternoon at Riddarhuset; the House of Nobility in Stockholm.

The House of Nobility was commissioned in the 17 th century by the Swedish nobility, to whom it still belongs. The building remains one of the most exquisite works of architecture in northern Europe.

Peter Liilliehöök is not just a friend but an excellent tourguide and entertainer. Here Peter is giving us a historical lecture before entering the House.

This was the uniform of the Nobility year 1805

And here the men of 17 th century, long hair was in fashion

The Session Hall is decorated with 2325 escutcheons of the Swedish aristocracy.

I was in this hall once before, when I was awarded the Swedish Royal Patriotic Society medal for entrepreneurship in the field of trade and industry, presented by our Majesty King Carl-Gustav, year 2009

This is the beautiful room where the dinner was taking place. I was very proud.

Carl Adam 'Noppe' Lewenhaupt is a Swedish count and also the owner of a private club in Stockholm. At the top you can see Noppes family escutcheon.

This is Noppes private club where we were enjoying drinks afterwards

-- Post From My iPhone

Great feedback

Our valued clients often write to us with feedback from their trips. Every once in a while an exceptional letter comes along, from someone so happy about their hotel experience they only have overwhelming things to say.

This happened yesterday, when we received an e-mail from clients staying at the gorgeous Alva Park outside Barcelona. They especially enjoyed the butterfly surprise and below I will let you in on their own words to the General Manager of Alva Park.

"When we arrived we were very satisfied with our junior suite, and admired its tasteful decorations and ample bathroom, kitchen and office equipment. Then, on the day after our arrival, you offered us the hotel’s very best suite! ... Apart from the splendid accommodation, we were amazed at the courtesy services offered us. They went far over and above what we could ever have expected: the welcome dinner in the wonderful Grand Butterfly Garden, the private, most interesting excursion to Girona, and finally the exquisite farewell dinner in the “secret” private dining room.
All this would not have made our stay such an unforgettable experience without the exceptional friendliness and attentiveness shown by yourself and your staff.
We hope to be able to come back to Alva Park some day. Until then we wish you all the best in running this outstanding place"

B Inspired!

Last night I attended an event at the restaurant Esperanza in Stockholm.
It was to launch the summer issue of the B Inpired Magazine

The magazine looks exciting and holds high quality

Isabel Lantz, the Art Director together with her husband, the Project Manager Karl Gracian Danielson

Tina, the owner of Ajas with her friend getting inspired.

Julia and myself having a good time.

-- Post From My iPhone

A lovely evening at Story

Last night we were a group of friends having a lovely birthday dinner at Story Hotel, celebrating Garman.

Garman is not just a good friend but also our IT guru at Select Collection.

The Story Hotel in Stockholm has a warm atmosphere and very good food.

And a cosy bar

-- Post From My iPhone

Congratulations Tord!

Tord Magnuson had a nice Champagne reception last night. My good friend Tord  is the Consul General for Mauritius and also Director for Air Mauritius in Sweden

He is Stockholm's most well-kept 70 year old and got this beautiful bike to make him even more fit!

Also at the party, Leo Razzak who works with charity for Fryshuset

Official Collaboration

Select Collection has started a collaboration with KSSS (Royal Swedish Yacht Club). We have been chosen as their travel partner which means we will do many events together in the future. The first event was a wonderful gala dinner in February and last night it was time for our second event; the yearly evening and fashion show at Grand Hotel. The guests enjoyed the show, nice food and could mingle around to see what the different suppliers had to offer. At the Select Collection stand they could browse in our shop put up only for the evening, try a short spa treatment from our wonderful therapist Emma, or of course discuss travel plans with our skilled travel consultants.

We were also proud to present one of the best prices for the evening; a 7 days stay at Kamalaya Wellness Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Fashion show in Vinterträdgården (The Winter Garden) at Grand Hotel

Hans Mäkinen from KSSS

Helene Hernmarck who organized the event

Emma performing a test treatment

In between Max and Fredrik, our Marketing team

Travel consultants Anki and Tommy

Happy lottery ticket sales people with the future ahead of them!

Guests enjoying a nice dinner