Jea Breshears

I’ve been watching Seven Seas Prestige come together for months now, and, honestly, it’s the first new Regent ship class in a decade, so I couldn’t not pay attention. My clients tend to be chasing the bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip, and this ship was clearly built with exactly that traveler in mind. It’s not just that the suites are bigger; it’s the thought behind the space, the new restaurants, the whole feel of a ship meant for people who want to slow down at sea instead of rush through it. I don’t get giddy over new ships often. This one, I do.

I’ve made this crossing myself, and it’s one of the few trips that genuinely changes your sense of scale. You start in the Atacama, the driest desert on Earth, and spend eight days moving through mineral-bright Bolivian lagoons, a prehistoric geyser field at nearly 16,000 feet, a desert littered with wind-sculpted rock, and finally, the largest salt flat on the planet. This route is for travelers who want to feel genuinely small in the world: no beach clubs, no resort pools, just some of the most remote and cinematic terrain in the Southern Hemisphere. It needs to be planned right, and when it is, it stays with you permanently.

I live in Chicago, and I can tell you this city knows how to show up for a big event. In September 2026, the Presidents Cup comes to Medinah Country Club for the first time ever, bringing the best American and International players to a course that has already hosted the Ryder Cup, three U.S. Opens, and two PGA Championships. For companies hosting clients, this is the rare event that pairs world-class golf with a truly world-class city just 45 minutes away, where Michelin-starred dinners, private river cruises, and five-star suites turn a tournament week into a relationship-building week. As a Chicago-based advisor, I plan these weeks end to end, from hotel blocks and ground transfers to the dinners and experiences that happen after the final putt drops.

There are hotels that put you near a destination, and then there are hotels that put you inside it. Capella Kyoto is the latter. Nestled in the historic Miyagawa-cho district, steps from Kenninji Temple and the storied Kaburenjo theatre where geiko and maiko still train and perform, this is a property that doesn’t just reference Kyoto’s cultural legacy but genuinely lives inside it. I visited just a month after opening, making this one of the first opportunities to experience Capella Kyoto firsthand. Arriving in spring, with Kyoto’s ancient streets still carrying that particular soft quality the season brings, the combination of centuries-old tradition and one of the most thoughtfully designed hotels I’ve ever stayed in made for an experience I’ll be recommending to clients for years to come.

Tokyo has a way of overwhelming you in the best possible sense, and The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon is exactly the kind of property that makes the city feel effortless. Having had the chance to visit and explore the hotel firsthand, I can say it strikes a balance that’s rare: genuinely calm and design-forward, yet deeply connected to the energy of one of the world’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It doesn’t feel like just another luxury hotel, it feels like a destination in itself. It’s also worth noting that the hotel has been recognized as No. 45 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, a first for any EDITION property, and everything I experienced during my visit made that honor feel entirely well-deserved.

Patagonia is a destination where effort and reward are deeply connected. I have explored this region firsthand, hiking its trails, experiencing its lodges, and navigating its changing weather, which has shaped how I design trips here. The landscapes are dramatic and humbling, but the experience is best when thoughtfully paced and well-supported. With the right planning, Patagonia offers an unmatched blend of adventure, beauty, and comfort.

Tallinn feels truly magical at Christmas, with its medieval old town glowing under twinkling lights and fresh snow. The Christmas market in Town Hall Square is one of the most charming in Europe, filled with handcrafted gifts, warm mulled wine, and traditional Estonian treats. Wandering the cobblestone streets in winter makes the city feel like a real-life fairytale. It’s a destination that captures the cozy, nostalgic spirit of the holidays in a way few places can.

Rovaniemi feels like stepping into a real-life winter fairytale. Between the magic of Santa Claus Village, the quiet forests blanketed in snow, and the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights, it’s a place that brings out a sense of wonder no matter your age. What makes it special to me is how it blends pure joy with Arctic adventure, creating unforgettable moments from sunrise to midnight. It’s the kind of destination that stays with you long after you leave.

Tanzania is nothing short of amazing. If you want an unforgettable destination wedding, elopement, or honeymoon, look no further than Tanzania. From the beaches, wildlife, hospitality, people, food, and culture, this place is incredible.

Washington, DC is a city where history, culture, and innovation converge. From iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol, to vibrant neighborhoods filled with diverse cuisine and art, the city offers something for everyone. It is a place where every street corner tells a story, whether it is tied to the nation’s past, a global event, or a local tradition. Living here means being surrounded by constant inspiration, with world-class museums, green spaces, and a thriving community at your doorstep.

The Dolomites were breathtaking. Not just with their dramatic peaks and alpine beauty, but with the way they made me feel small in the best possible way. From peaceful mornings in mountain villages to unforgettable hikes with panoramic views, every moment felt like magic. It’s a place where adventure meets stillness, and where nature speaks louder than words. A place that is truly postcard-worthy. I can’t wait to help others experience the wonder for themselves.