Japan Specialist

Dear Mandy, I’m still floating in a dream! Our 52nd anniversary trip to Milan, Lake Como, and Lugano was truly the journey of a lifetime—and you made every moment feel seamless, thoughtful, and extraordinary. From the moment we arrived to the moment we boarded our final flight home, we felt welcomed, cared for, and completely at ease. Every driver and guide was professional, punctual, and kind. We never once had to worry—you had already thought of everything. Staying at the Mandarin Oriental in Milan was an absolute dream. Just six minutes from all the main attractions, it was the perfect balance of elegance and convenience. And the Hotel Villa Palazzo in Como—what a gem! Nestled near the town square, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Wandering through its charming streets made me feel like I was living in a storybook. The experiences you arranged were unforgettable: a soul-stirring production of Swan Lake at the famed La Scala Theatre, a magical four-hour boat ride on Lake Como—with even a glimpse of George Clooney’s estate!—and our daily ritual of indulging in creamy, decadent gelato that brought pure joy. You fulfilled every wish and more—securing English-speaking guides, skipping lines with advance museum and cathedral tickets, and arranging exclusive access that made us feel like honored guests rather than tourists. Lunch at Villa d’Este was a dream, and our dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, which you so kindly arranged, was exquisite. And those little surprises—like the champagne gifts—were so special and brought tears to my eyes. Mandy, I was in awe of how meticulously and lovingly you planned every detail. You didn’t just organize a trip—you created memories we will cherish for a lifetime. I will never take another trip without you by my side, and I will recommend you to everyone I know.

I’ve always loved yoga retreats, but this time I wanted to explore somewhere beyond Mexico—somewhere with both adventure and quiet, grounding moments. Mandy helped my friend and me search widely, and she ultimately found the perfect place: Sansara, a retreat resort on the black-sand beaches of Panama. Getting there was an adventure in itself. We drove from Panama City—yes, it was a journey, but it was absolutely worth every mile. Sansara was everything we were hoping for: peaceful, soulful, barefoot luxury. Our mornings were spent in yoga practice, and our afternoons were filled with exploration. We rode horses along the beach, hiked through the jungle searching for monkeys, and made some life long friend with other yogis, and savored the fresh, beautifully prepared all-inclusive meals. I even took surf lessons—something I never thought I’d try—and they ended up being an unforgettable highlight. On our way back, Mandy curated two perfect nights in Panama City’s Casco Viejo (Old Town). The area felt like New Orleans meets Europe, with stunning architecture, an incredibly international food scene, and rooftop bars overlooking the Panama Canal. She recommended the Sofitel, an elegant and hotel that felt like stepping into another era. We also visited the Panama Canal museum—surprisingly fascinating and so educational. What I love most about Mandy is her ability to match the exact experience I’m seeking. Nothing she plans ever feels generic. Every trip feels bespoke—thoughtful, intentional, and perfectly suited to me and my family. This retreat was no exception; it was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

Once again, Mandy absolutely nailed it. We were starting to plan a Thanksgiving Break trip and wanted a true adventure vacation—something exciting, different, and memorable, but still manageable for a one-week college/HS break. It was me, my husband, and three of our four boys, so we needed something that would keep everyone engaged. Mandy narrowed our options down to Costa Rica and Belize, and with her guidance, we ultimately chose to explore Belize—and we’re so glad we did. Because she knows us so well and we fully trust her, the planning felt effortless. We flew into Belize City, then took a short puddle jumper to a small coastal town, which alone had the boys wide-eyed and grinning. When we arrived at our hotel, we were completely in awe. The intimate size, the warm hospitality, and our villa right on the water created the understated, elegant-rustic vibe we were hoping for. Mandy coordinated five full days of adventure: cave exploring, kayaking, ziplining, tubing, snorkeling, boating, and fishing. Every day was incredible, and every detail was perfectly thought through. We also loved meeting the locals, walking around the village, and truly feeling like we had left the USA for something new and immersive. Mandy always plans our trips, and every time she makes them feel so personalized, so seamless, and so us. Belize was another unforgettable experience thanks to her expertise—and already a family favorite.

This was my second trip to Argentina this year, so we wanted to mix things up and explore even more. Mandy planned another incredible Mother–Son trip while I visited my son during his study abroad program, and once again, she exceeded every expectation. We started with a short stay in Buenos Aires before hopping on a flight to Mendoza. We spent one night in town, exploring and eating unbelievably good food, and then our driver arrived for a full day of wine tasting that Mandy arranged perfectly. Wine tasting in Argentina is a whole different experience—the first stop was educational and intimate, and the second was an extensive tasting paired with lunch and live music. El Enemigo was absolutely unforgettable. Afterward, we drove out into the countryside and checked into the most charming small inn—Finca Adalgisa. The property was stunning, peaceful, and exactly our style. Mandy knows us so well and chose the perfect place; we’re already dreaming of going back. One of the highlights of the trip was a horseback ride through the countryside, ending with a traditional Argentine asado dinner with the gauchos. It felt authentic, warm, and truly unique—one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that stays with you. Every detail was seamless, and I always trust that Mandy will find the perfect activities for us. My only wish is that Argentina were closer, because we would return again in a heartbeat!

I wanted to plan a special Mother–Son trip to visit my junior in college while he was studying abroad in Buenos Aires. My goal was simple: learn the city he’d be calling home for the next five months, explore a bit of the countryside, and help him get set up for an incredible semester. Mandy took that vision and turned it into a truly top-notch, unforgettable experience. She found us a perfectly located hotel with a spacious room—comfortable enough for the two of us to share—which made our home base easy and relaxed. We started with a private tour of Buenos Aires with both a guide and a driver, and it was remarkable. We were able to explore so many neighborhoods we never would have found on our own, and we came away with a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and rhythm of the city. But our favorite “Mandy special”—the kind of adventure she always seems to uncover—was a full Day of Polo in the countryside. We learned to play polo (not easy!), discovered their very different saddles, and then enjoyed an authentic Argentine parrilla. It was such a unique, immersive experience that felt like something out of a movie. We finished our trip with an incredible cooking class, and we still make those recipes today—it’s a fun, delicious reminder of our time together. Mandy made everything seamless and safe, which means the world when you’re navigating a new country. She has a gift for curating meaningful experiences and uncovering the kinds of moments you never forget. Our Buenos Aires trip was truly top-notch thanks to her.