12/18/24

14 min read

2024

We’re coming down the home stretch of 2024 in style! From our entire team, thanks for everything you do to help us learn and grow. Here’s a look at the highlights from our best year yet and a glimpse of what’s to come!

All the Hacks

Many of our fellow travelers know that we love to play the points and miles game! I’ve learned so much from colleagues and podcasts. Recently, the spirit moved me to write to one of my favorite pod hosts to tell them how much I’d learned and to offer my sincere gratitude. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I heard Chris Hutchins read my email on the show, All the Hacks, and shout out Terroir Tours! Here’s a link where you can listen to the episode. (1:02)

This year we led 2 amazing groups through Portugal. We began by getting to know Lisbon with our friend Eddie. I love the city for it’s history, street art, food and it’s overall gritty attitude.

The palaces of Sentra were a big highlight of our tour. The Pena Palace is the crown jewel of the collection.

Lisbon’s rival to the north, and Portugal’s second city, is Porto. Incredibly moody but as romantic and charming as any city in Europe. Our friend Beatriz showed us here home town and helped us unlock parts of the city not often available to visitors.

I’ve been to a few beautiful places in the world. Tuscany and Stellenbousch are two of the most naturally stunning regions I’ve visited. The Douro Valley in Portugal is on the same level. Our group stayed at an old school Quinta that not only grows grapes for wine production, but a variety of other fresh produce. I’m who was there is shaking their heads in agreement!

Research

Before we lead tours in a new area, Lauren and I always take time to do “research”, always on your behalf, friends! This year, we spent 10 unforgettable days exploring to prepare for our 2025 Delicacies of France Tour.  From Avignon to Beaune, Colmar to Champagne and we finished in Paris. I can’t wait to bring you guys next year to introduce you to our new friends!

Women’s & Wellness Retreats

This year, we expanded our offerings to include wellness retreats. In this endeavor, we’ve collaborated with Alisha Wielfaert - life coach, artist & founder of Yoke & Abundance. The inaugural retreat took place in the Tuscan countryside, at a spa resort in the charming village of Bagno Vignoni. Next year, they’re heading to the south of France - a handful of spots are available. More info here.

In 2025 we will conduct our most ambitious agenda yet. Tours through Portugal, France and Italy for a total of 5 incredible adventures. We’ve also booked research tours in Spain, Sicily and Washington St. Follow us for all the latest details.

French Language for Travelers Course

Speaking of France, I'm excited to announce the much anticipated French Language for Travelers course at Rioja next semester. You'll find all the details below, please let me know if you have questions, I know you'll get great benefit from our course.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @terroir_tours and @perks_and_rec for highlights, details and the latest updates. 

Remember, I’d love to hear from you. Please send me your questions, comments, complements, rebuttals and stories from the road. It’s great to know that you guys are reading the newsletter and I truly hope you get a ton of value.

All I want for Christmas is for you to please consider sharing this newsletter with friends and family.

Happy Holiday Season!

September - 2024

Miraval

Toward the end of summer this year, I planned a writer’s retreat with my sister. We booked five days at the Miraval Wellness Resort & Spa in Arizona. I wasn’t entirely sure what I had signed up for, but it sounded high-end, and I’m always up for an adventure… especially one that’s bookable with points! As a proud travel hacker, I love to optimize rewards programs for unique experiences. This trip felt like a perfect opportunity to put those skills to good use. After confirming our reservation, we had a variety of decisions to make. The activities list was stacked: archery, mountain biking, an iPhone photography class, pickleball, and the intriguingly named “equine experience.” There was also a spa menu featuring hot stone massage, acupuncture, Thai massage, and even traditional Indian treatments. Add to that a buffet of wellness activities and nutrition classes led by professional instructors. The pièce de résistance? A restaurant serving fresh, delicious meals with a new menu every day, all courtesy of a young chef and her team. Recommended dress code for the restaurant? Yoga clothes. The vibe was clear: relaxed, mindful, intentional.

My sister and I were excited. The plan was to tackle the cool activities in the mornings and afternoons, then spend the sweltering middle of the day writing. She’s an incredible mystery/crime noir author, and I hoped to complete the rough draft of my first book on leveraging credit card points and miles for epic free vacations.

But then, at the last minute, Sami had a conflict and couldn’t make it! I considered canceling. But Lauren was in Italy, our dog was already booked at the local spa for five days, and I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. So, I decided to wander into the unknown and see what I could find.

Pro Tip: Because I booked with points, I was able to speak with customer service and get a partial refund.

For context, Miraval sits in the desert just outside Tucson. After a quick connection in ATL (my Delta flight was free via Amex points), I was greeted at the Tucson airport by a host who escorted a group of us to a private shuttle. Bottled water, journals, and handy totes were distributed before we set off.

The landscape was stunning: large red rock hillsides, adobe architecture, towering cacti, stone sculptures, fountains, and even a giant gong. The property’s clusters of guest rooms were connected by lighted walkways. No loud music, no spring break vibes—just serene pools scattered throughout. As I explored, I kept noticing people walking around in bathrobes. My first thought was where’s Jennifer Coolidge?

At reception, a cheerful man named “Energy” checked me in before passing me off to “Fancy Nancy” for orientation. I explored the grounds and made my way to the spa, where I promptly fumbled around the locker room like the obvious newbie I was. But as I got into the swing of things, I realized… I loved it. No overthinking, no stress—just turn off the brain and chill.

Later, I showered and headed to the bar area, still reflecting on the calm and rejuvenation I felt after my first spa experience. Crudites, olives, fresh juices, and dips were laid out for snacking. I grabbed a glass of wine and settled at one end of the bar with a book. Around 7:30 p.m., the restaurant host let me know my table was ready. The dining room smelled like home-cooked food, with dim lighting and tall windows that framed the sunset over the red rocks.

As I sat down, I noticed something peculiar: nearly everyone in the room was wearing bright white bathrobes. Dinner in a restaurant, at a proper table, in a robe? Why not!

The service was fantastic. That night’s menu featured gazpacho, duck confit, and a refreshing mint sorbet to finish. I pulled out a Grand Cru Chablis from my bag, poured myself a glass, and thoroughly enjoyed dining solo. Post-dinner, I wandered to a bonfire where a drum circle was forming under the stars. Very woo-woo… and I was into it.

One activity I’d been particularly excited about was the equine experience. I’m not a “horse person” and can’t recall if I’ve ever actually ridden one, but I was intrigued. Our small group of seven was chauffeured to a neighboring farm. We were greeted by “Unbridled” who introduced us to the property and led us to a fenced enclosure with two massive horses.

Turns out, there’d be no riding involved. This was about feelings. At first, I was a bit disappointed, but I went along with it. Each participant was invited into the ring to connect with the horses. Watching a 1,500-pound animal lean into someone and snuggle is surprisingly moving. When my turn came, I decided to take my horse for a stroll. It wasn’t easy. I petted him, whispered, pleaded… but he wouldn’t budge. Finally, I took a deep breath, looked forward, and started walking. He followed.

After completing the loop, Unbridled asked how I felt. I shared, “I was trying to be the hero. I need to learn to be the guide.” This earned me a standing ovation and high-fives from the group.

Next up was archery. Surely, this would be straightforward, right? Wrong. After a brief safety demo, our group lined up, and one by one, arrows thudded into the targets. Except mine. I could barely hit the ground.

Then came the twist: We were instructed to write down something we wanted to let go of on a yellow sticker and place it on the target. My word? “Grouch.” Everyone laughed as I explained I was trying to find balance and be more calm in general. With that intention set, I stepped back to the line. This time, every arrow I fired hit the mark. The lesson I shared, “be intentional and focus on a specific goal, and it’s much easier to hit the target.”

By my last day at Miraval, I’d finally embraced the experience. My phone stayed in my room, and I felt great. I discovered that I’m officially a “massage guy” and started daydreaming about bringing Lauren on a wellness retreat.

As I packed up, I reflected on what I’d learned. Growth happens when you get out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself. Unplug. And maybe, once a year, wear a bathrobe to dinner.

P.S. I finished the book! Look for it soon wherever eBooks are sold.

Upcoming Adventures

Wine & Wellness Retreat in the South of France - 2025

Click HERE for Details

Majesty of Northern Italy - 2025

Click HERE for Details

Vintage Sicily - 2026

Click HERE for Details

Northern Spain’s Basque Country - 2026

Click HERE for Details