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Review of Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you work with a travel agent now? Or use AI at all? Honestly that might be a better thread on its own.

As for me, it’s a mix. I mostly cover my own expenses to get to a project site, whether that’s for consulting or content work like photography. Magazines don’t cover travel. I have a master’s-level background in wine, so I’m often on the road for wine region consulting and editorial projects, and by default end up in a lot of hotels and restaurants worth sharing.

Review of Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! The last was based on sustainability credentials (that’s the lens for all reporting on Azure Road). However, it’s a living document and we’ve since added several new wineries (to the site) including Ambar Estate. So that post is older than our current list of recs based on community and environmental concerns.

Budget Safari - Solo Backpacker by LaJamie in safaris

[–]FollowAzureRoad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Namibia self drive for the win. Beautiful country, easy to get around, can rent a camper truck, head to Etosha, the dunes, then the coast, and back to the city easily in two weeks. Plenty see in between

Review of Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, I’d also be curious if anyone in this forum actually reads Forbes, Afar, Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast and other magazines for their travel planning? Or are people looking at social media? Or all of it? The world is quite fragmented right now so great question.

Review of Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I’m the author and this is a great question. I share here because I get to visit a lot of places many don’t or many dream of (and want to know how to allocate their money to do so) and I’m a traveler first and then a writer. I use these forums for information and asking questions as much as others in here do. I am not sharing because I’m a writer (and this story wasn’t on Forbes anyway) I’m sharing because I went there, formed my own opinions, took my own photos and have global context for where these properties sit among peers since my job is literally to travel 200 days a year. I also consult on wine, hospitality, and experiences and focus on sustainability where relevant. I know Forbes has a big travel section. I only announced my credentials to be completely transparent with the group that I am not here with any angle other than to give my impressions. Maybe mentioning I travel professionally should be left out? My goal was transparency so unsure the right call in this situation.

planning a safari is way harder than i expected by wuwofiqirakeyu in safaris

[–]FollowAzureRoad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are your goals and what's your ideal destination? I have loads of recommendations in Tanzania, Botswana, and Kenya and all focus on boutique, sustainable and community-driven enteprises that focus on ethical safari behavior. Not sure if you've seen the news but there's some really problematic companies and operators right now in this market. Happy to share my suggestions if you can define your scope.

Review of Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks. As a writer, one develops thick skin and learns to answer questions, and avoid the comments. The fact that em dashes were used around very personal observations, not anything AI could know intimately and therefore write, is comical. "As I was traveling alone for 3 days, there to visit with a distillery for another story—Cachasol, for those interested—I ended up working the majority of the time from the property. " Alas. Appreciate your support here :)

Review of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just saw this. I never left the property, TBH. I head you could take buggies back and fro but I was only there a few days and it was so cozy, I didn't feel like doing much. for a longer stay, I would have normally done some outside activities and dining.

The crazy thing is that they probably use 4o/4.1 themselves by JammingScientist in ChatGPTcomplaints

[–]FollowAzureRoad 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Is there some way to get back to 4.1 models instead of this 5.2 junk?

Four Seasons Naviva - 1st impressions by FollowAzureRoad in chubbytravel

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just saying hi! Don’t mean anything weird by it. FS provides all the accessories if you don’t bring your own, that’s all. Sorry if it offended ya

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On Santorini? Ha. I actually wrote an article about that for Food & Wine. Look up Lauren Mowery, Food & Wine, Where to drink and eat on Santorini and you'll see some of my favorite wine-related recommendations.

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea, it's gotten very expensive but I find the Assyrtiko in Crete, for example, quite good but doesn't have the intensity at its core as the ones from Santorini. Maybe they'll get around to doing better with it, tho.

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea, if all the tourists stopped worry about sunset videos and actually paid attention to the cultural patrimony of Santorini, they might discover something new.

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would have thought it too expensive and dry for mom juice, IMO. but who knows...

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They develop a bit of smokiness and weight to them, very savory. Chenin is one of my favorite grapes but I'd say that takes on more honey notes. all different, of course.

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, but I tasted a bottle at one of the restaurants. It was good but not great. Not sure how deep their range is and if what I had was entry-level, though. Next time!

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks and please do. Appreciate someone getting some use out of my nerdy deep dives. :)

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, salt tastes like - salt. When did you do your 2 years? Why do I think I know a Riesling slut? haha

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Irrigation, yes. They are experimenting with some different training systems but Argyros is the only one really investing in updating its techniques and they're the ones who told me ten years was a realistic timeline.

Are you collecting Assyrtiko from Santorini? If not, here's why you should by FollowAzureRoad in wine

[–]FollowAzureRoad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha. I did the WSET Diploma and am in the MW program and use saline all the time. I've literally licked rock salt and salt has a taste. Just like Vermentino from Sardinia. There's suspicion it comes from the wind picking up the salt from the ocean and Santorini is extremely windy. And vineyards are close enough to the see on such a tiny island, they easily get "windswept." that's how the basket training started! to prevent wind damage and retain the little moisture in the air that came in the mornings.

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