Spotlight: The Secret Side of Madrid
A Morning in Mexico City
This morning’s sunrise in Mexico City—bathed in gold—reminded me why travel has held my heart since childhood. Fresh from a reconnaissance trip to Madrid, I was struck by moments that surprise you, no matter how seasoned a traveler you are. As Felgueres Travel Group celebrates its 60th anniversary, I’m reminded that, like the finest relationships, the best journeys only deepen and improve with time.
Spotlight: The Secret Side of Madrid
Most guidebooks spotlight the Prado Museum, tapas crawls, and vibrant nightlife. But the true magic of Madrid reveals itself at dawn, before the crowds arrive.
Last week, I spent three unforgettable days in Lavapiés with Carlos, a fifth-generation Talavera ceramicist whose work graces Four Seasons suites. Through a trusted Rosewood connection, I arranged a private workshop visit—an experience not usually open to outsiders. There, tradition meets innovation: Carlos’s daughter, newly graduated from Barcelona’s leading art school, blends age-old techniques with contemporary design. This exclusive encounter is now available only to Felgueres clients.
Coming soon: a full Madrid itinerary, with this ceramics workshop at its heart, reimagining Spain’s capital in a fresh light.
Behind the Velvet Rope
Tokyo: The Peninsula Tokyo’s new private sake cellar promises more than a tour. In a hidden tasting room, master sommelier Tanaka-san pairs vintage sakes with seasonal kaiseki dishes for just six guests. I can secure exclusive access.
Bhutan: Under a “high value, low impact” tourism policy, daily fees have risen—but so have authentic, uncrowded encounters. I’m coordinating with Bhutan’s Ministry of Tourism to offer temple ceremonies once off-limits to foreigners. Ideal for fall 2025.
Antarctica: Le Commandant Charcot, the ultra-luxury expedition ship, now carries a helicopter and submarine. I’ve locked in priority booking for the 2025–2026 season—only 12 suites meet our rigorous standards. If Antarctica calls, now is the moment to answer.
The Felgueres Files
Rosewood Venice (Opening October 2025): Restored 14th-century palazzo, canal-view suites, and private boat transfers that feel straight out of a film.
Modena Culinary Retreat: Chef Massimo Bottura invites eight guests to his estate for a farm-to-table private dining journey, complete with stories that redefine Italian gastronomy.
European Rail Renaissance: The Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” debuts in 2026. I’m already securing inaugural-journey reservations.
Spring 2026 in Japan: Visitor numbers are capped to preserve the cherry-blossom experience. Luxury accommodations are 60% booked—reserve now to guarantee your place.
The Fora Advantage
Our strategic partnership with Fora Travel, which encompasses 5,000+ preferred alliances, supercharges our personal service. Through Fora’s platform, I secure complimentary perks, priority upgrades, and VIP treatment worldwide. Combined with my 43 years of insider relationships, this is the perfect fusion of bespoke expertise and global reach.
Client Chronicles: A Tuscan Family Affair
Last month, a three-generation family celebrated their patriarch’s 80th birthday in Tuscany. The grandmother yearned for cooking classes, the teens sought adventure, and Dad wanted to trace his roots. In a 500-year-old farmhouse outside Montalcino, they discovered their ancestor’s winemaking legacy. The current owner, whose family had nurtured the same vineyard, opened his private cellar to share history-laden vintages.
Phones were forgotten, laughter and tears flowed, and the grandmother mastered homemade pasta. This is why I craft experiences—not merely trips but moments that become cherished family legend.
Next Week’s Horizon
I depart tomorrow for Cape Town to inspect the new Rosewood resort. Look out for my insights on South Africa’s emerging luxury scene—and an insider’s guide to Franschhoek’s private wine estates that will forever change your view of the Cape Winelands.
Until then, keep exploring.
Enrique Felgueres
P.S. Virgin Galactic’s 2026 commercial flights are confirmed. As an Accredited Space Agent, I hold priority access—because seeing Earth from 50 miles up really does change you forever.es up really does change you forever.
