Time flies when you’re having fun, they say. And so, after 12 months of hectic but infinitely rewarding travel, I find, somewhat to my amazement, that it is time once again to announce our annual Reader Survey. Each year, I ask you to tell me about your recent journeys, and a gratifying number of subscribers take the trouble to do so. Clearly, a large part of my task is to discover new hotels and resorts, possibly in areas of the world to which you had not previously thought to travel. But I also want to research and write about the countries for which you already feel the greatest affinity, and to provide the kind of travel news that is most relevant to your interests. No editor can ever know enough about his readers. Obviously, I want to learn about your favorite hideaways — hotels with 50 or fewer rooms — places with individual character and superior personal service. However, I am also keen to find out more about your best-loved city hotels and favorite spas and family resorts, as well as your preferred cruises and safari lodges. Which discovery in the past year gave you the greatest thrill? And what stay proved the saddest disappointment? Among recent Hideaway Report stories, which have you found most useful and of the greatest interest? Which countries would you like to read more about in the coming year? And where in the world do you dream about visiting next? All of this information is fascinating and immensely valuable.
As an added inducement, I am offering a sweepstakes prize of a two-night stay at The St. Regis Aspen, right at the base of Aspen Mountain, a wonderful resort with a notable restaurant, Chefs Club by FOOD & WINE, plus an indulgent Remède spa.