From: Stuart Somerstein
To: CollectionEditors@RobbReport.com
Subject: Big Five Tours
Big Five Tours & Expeditions (www.bigfive.com) of Florida planned a trip for us to the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu. The company exceeded our expectations by far. Every detail was seen to, from paying the airport tax to making sure our luggage was where it was supposed to be. The hotels recommended were great, and the people in Ecuador and Peru were professional and there when they should have been. This is one great company.
Stuart Somerstein

From: Ed Rossman
To: CollectionEditors@RobbReport.com
Subject: Ulysse Nardin
Thanks to Robb Report, I traded in my Rolex, and now I’m the proud owner of a Ulysse Nardin (www.ulysse-nardin.com) rose gold Maxi Marine Diver (266-58-3/92), which I bought at Jackson Square Fine Jewels (www.jacksonsquare.com) in Redwood City, Calif.
Ed Rossman

From: Carolyn W. Paddock
To: CollectionEditors@RobbReport.com
Subject: Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France
My recent stay at the Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France (www.isle-de-france.com) on the island of St. Barthélemy was so outstanding that I felt compelled to do something I’d never done before in all my years of traveling: I wrote a thank-you note to the proprietors, Charles and Mandie Vere Nicoll. For the six days I stayed at their luxurious, beautifully appointed hotel I felt as if I were receiving special treatment. But then I realized the Vere Nicolls are such genuinely warm and charming hosts that all the other guests felt the same way. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, and the service is always attentive without being intrusive.

My elegantly appointed, light and airy room was no more than 30 steps from Flamands Beach, where I took my morning walk. I have to admit that I never wanted to wander too far because everything I could want or need was right on the premises: the beautiful Molton Brown spa, the fully equipped gymnasium, a wide range of water sports, a gift shop full of stunning items to buy, and wonderful modern French cuisine served all day.

On the morning of my (reluctant) departure, Charles made a point of finding me in the dining room to tell me that high winds on the island might complicate my morning departure. Because of his thoughtfulness I went to the airport early and rebooked on an earlier flight.
Carolyn W. Paddock
In-Flight Insider
www.inflightinsider.com
New York, New York

We Want to Hear from You
Give credit where credit is due. Tell us and other readers about a mouth-watering culinary experience, a skilled
tailor, an exceptional hotel, an unexpected wine discovery, a memorable travel event, a concierge with all the right contacts, or a purchase that exceeded your expectations. To submit your comments, send us an e-mail at CollectionEditors@robbreport.com. We will print your name and location, or if you prefer, you can remain anonymous. We appreciate your input, and so will the deserving companies, establishments, and people you mention. —The Editors