Our Story

Searching for the
Undiscovered

The idea I had for this newsletter back in 1979 – to share information about peaceful and unspoiled sanctuaries with a limited and compatible group of sophisticated travelers — remains at the core of its identity today.

There is no concealing my disdain for crowds, noise, rudeness, fast food, packaged destinations, characterless hotels and copycat resorts.

Small rates big, and I search for charm not chic. I am comforted by comfort, invigorated by serenity and scenery, and am grateful for hospitable welcomes and warmhearted service.

- Andrew Harper Founder

40 Years of Travel Inspiration

1979

Our founding editor left his corporate life to travel the world. In his desire for authenticity, he sought out small hideaways in unspoiled corners of the globe, sharing his findings under the pen name Andrew Harper.

2000

We opened a full-service travel office in response to an overwhelming number of requests from members to re-create our travel experiences.

2003

In order to meet rising demand, we opened an expanded travel office in the Chicago area.

2007

Our founding editor retired and appointed a new editor-in-chief. He continues to serve as editor-in-chief to this day.

2011

Andrew Harper and his editors started to write more in-depth articles about a destination’s best restaurants, sightseeing and activities, in addition to hotels. The additional coverage has grown the Hideaway Report, the Collection and our website into resources for researching all aspects of an upscale vacation.

2020

This summer we moved the travel office to a new space in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.

Andrew Harper editors, anonymous as always

Andrew Harper editors have traveled to more than 100 countries and have visited all seven continents, including Antarctica. Collectively, they have stayed in virtually every preeminent five-star hotel and dined in a significant proportion of the world’s Michelin two- and three-star restaurants. They have canoed down the Zambezi, hiked to Everest Base Camp, lunched with the owners of Château Margaux, sailed through the Galápagos Islands, crossed Patagonia on horseback, driven across Tibet, wreck-dived in Indonesia, climbed volcanoes in Kamchatka, sipped gin-and-tonic with the Masai on the slopes of Mount Kenya and fly-fished for bonefish in the coral lagoons of the Seychelles.

Aside from uncovering one-of-a-kind hideaways around the world, our editors have:

See our hotel review process

Our Mission

Travel the world incognito in search of hideaways and unforgettable experiences for the discerning traveler

Our Vision

To empower people to see the world differently through travel

Company Values

Be respectfully honest.
Explore with
purpose.
Realize your
potential.
Share your enthusiasm.
Communicate, commit & collaborate.

Our promise to you

Unbiased Advice

Receive exclusive access to reviews and recommendations of hideaways and travel destinations, both off the beaten path and in quintessential favorites.

Unforgettable Experiences

Search detailed itineraries, from a perfect day to the trip of a lifetime and all the stops in between.

Discerning Tastes

Travel with confidence, knowing all of our recommendations meet a certain standard of luxury and have been reviewed by like-minded travelers. Plus, enjoy amenity perks at select hotels.

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