Preparing for an 'Epic Trip' - Shrewsbury & London

Preparing for an 'Epic Trip' - Shrewsbury & London - September 2024

30/9/2024

It is now 10 years since this blog started at Four Seasons, Chiang Mai. To mark/ celebrate this a 6 week 'Epic Trip' to the Middle & Far East starts on Wednesday evening.

This trip now includes 5 countries and 14 luxury hotels (7 of which are Four Seasons).

Memorable Amman, Jordan

I will fly Business Class with Royal Jordanian and stay at Four Seasons, Amman for a second time to see its stunning refurbishment and meet with the Chairman of Arab Jordan Investment Bank at their Head Office. Still deciding whether to visit Petra again.

While staying at Four Seasons, Amman I shall eat food from Chef Toshikazu Kato from Four Seasons, Geneva.

Unbelievable Thailand

In Thailand I will stay at the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; the So, Bangkok (formerly the Sofitel So) who created Christian Lacroix clad Greta; the new Four Seasons, Bangkok; the iconic Four Seasons, Chiang Mai where Sean is GM. We met at Four Seasons, Sayan in Bali 10 years ago; the 'dream come true' Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle; and the renowned Sukhothai Bangkok.

Even simple Thai food is extraordinary but I will eat Chef Gaggan Anand's food again, as well as Chef Alain Ducasse's cuisine in Icon Siam and Chef Mauro Colagreco's dishes at the Capella, Bangkok.

The 'First Customer' of Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay

I will fly Qatar Airways First Class to stay at Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay again and eat Chef Wolfgang Puck food at 'CUT'.

Thursday Evening Drinks at Four Seasons, Doha

On Thursday 31 October I will be part of 'After Work Drinks' at Four Seasons, Doha. I will be staying at The W Hotel Doha that evening.

Superlative Dubai

In Dubai I will stay at The Lana, Dorchester Collections new hotel in the UAE. While in Dubai I will have Saturday brunch at Chef Jason Atherton's 'City Social' with my best friend in Dubai.

While in Dubai I will visit Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, I was also the 'First Customer' of this Four Seasons and visit Atlantis The Royal, Dubai.

Unbeatable Doha

My trip will culminate with stays at flawless Mandarin Oriental, Doha, now Thomas is GM, and unparalleled Four Seasons, Doha.

On Friday 8 November I will be part of a brunch at Four Seasons, Doha with some of my closest friends in Qatar. I will then fly home to the UK in Qatar Airways QSuites.

A Mum I Love Too Much

Before I embark on this 'Epic Trip' I spent a long weekend in Shrewsbury, confirming everything was in place to ensure mum is well looked after while I am away.

All is in place for a '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 'Epic 6 Week Trip'.

20 Comments

AISHA

30/9/2024 08:39:08 pm

Love the picture of mum with you and friends. She looks very happy and relaxed.

Looks like you are going to have a wonderful 6 weeks travelling to so many different countries. What a great way to celebrate the last 10 years. Some amazing places and people. Great to be remembering old friends and the places you have stayed and meeting more people and making some more wonderful memories. I hope you have a fabulous time and await your next blog with great anticipation.

Happy travels, stay safe 😊🤗

Si Frew link

30/9/2024 08:56:12 pm

Thanks for saying that. After the last few years, really need this trip.

Maryann Benedetti

30/9/2024 11:51:40 pm

Well my head is spinning from reading about "Oh All The Places You Will Go"!!! So happy you were able to see Mum and ensure all will be well while you are away. What a fascinating 6 weeks you will be having.. This will be quite a blog when you return.. An "October surprise" for us all to view!! I think that Dubai will be awesome! My Dr. visits there often and tells me all about how stunning it is there. Can't wait to see real photos from there and also of the beautiful Hotels you will be staying at and Oh the food selections will be unbelievable I am sure. You will have to have another apartment at the Barbican for all of your memorabilia.. Make sure to keep track of Izzy.. it is good that he likes to travel just like you.. Safe travels my friend.. Be safe and well....

1/10/2024 01:29:54 am

Just asked about bagpipes in Jordan. It will be an awesome 6 weeks. Thanks for saying this.

Peter Gong

1/10/2024 12:26:53 am

Simon, what a fantastic glorious 6-weeks trip through 5 countries and residing at 14 posh luxury hotels. Indeed, it is an epic trip.

How sweet that before your massive trek through Middle East and Asia, you made some precious time to spend with your dear maman to ensure she will be care for while you are away. I am sure that the people who are near and dear to your maman will not disappoint.

Your first stop to Amman, Jordan sounds amazing. This is one country I would to visit for the sheer history and what a heritage site Petra is. I encourage you see it again. The stay at the Four Seasons Amman will be phenomenal and sounds so inviting. The food which I can imagine must be amazing.

Thailand, a country, I have never been able to visit, I know of its amazing sights and delicious foods. Cannot wait to see the photos on the next blog.

Bahrain Bay, Dubai, and finally Qatar. What an itinerary. Just reading it made me dizzy. This epic trip is so well planned and so organized like a proper British Banker with a panache for organisation. I like that in a man.

As you end your epic journey at Doha on 8 November, which is my birthday and such a coincidence, I shall end by saying safe travels, you healthy traveler. Go forth and make memories for us mere mortals can only dream. Yes, we must meet again and again.

1/10/2024 01:33:27 am

We will raise a glass to you on the 8th of November at Four Seasons, Doha! Sending love back.

Gus

1/10/2024 02:29:02 am

Loved the fabulous picture of your mother and her friends and yourself at the Golden Cross. I am sure you will miss her very much.

Gallavanting around Asia for six weeks, staying at 14 of the world's best hotels sounds like an incredible adventure filled with affluence, indulgence and unapologetical divine decadence! I wish I was going too! I am very much looking forward to hearing from it all.

Fare-thee-well.

1/10/2024 07:09:21 am

Thanks for saying all that. Will try to send some postcards.

Nick and Rick

1/10/2024 03:44:33 am

Rick and I are absolutely thrilled for your upcoming six-week adventure, Simon! We're so excited to follow along on all your incredible travels. You must try Knafeh, Jordan’s famous dessert, and be sure to ask the Four Seasons Amman for their recommendation on the best spot. We’re especially looking forward to hearing about your stay at The Lana in Dubai—the rooftop pool looks spectacular!

Thailand sounds beyond unbelievable, especially with Mayuree and Amanda making your stay even more special. And we’re so excited for your Thursday drinks at Four Seasons Doha—just like back in the day. Don’t miss the sublime brunch, either!

We can’t wait to hear about your QSuites flight—be sure to visit the new Garden Lounge at Doha Airport, which is said to be even more stunning than the Jewel in Singapore! And who knows, you might even get to experience the exclusive Louis Vuitton lounge—the only one in the world.

Safe travels, Simon! We’re beyond excited for all the amazing stories and moments to come!

Nick + Rick

1/10/2024 07:12:00 am

Thanks for the various tips. Amanda is in Hong Kong.

1/10/2024 10:56:20 am

Have a wonderful trip and hope that it exceeds all your expectations.
Look forward to seeing you on your return.

1/10/2024 11:45:20 am

Thanks so much for these kind words.

Samantha Garvin

2/10/2024 03:54:13 am

Si - of course you do see Petra.

And please send a big hug from me to the Doha crew. I wish that I could be there to join in the festivities.

Have a wonderful time. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Xx

2/10/2024 07:25:40 am

Will give Emma, Edd & Katrina a hug from you. Just hope the skies over Jordan are quieter this evening.

Patricia Frost

4/10/2024 05:49:57 pm

Wow how fantastic does this trip sound. I am sure you will have a fabulous time & I look forward to reading more about it. You really need this time to relax & clear your head, you will be able to keep your mum entertained with details of your trip when you get back. 6 weeks of being looked after by the best, brilliant. Have fun xx

4/10/2024 06:56:58 pm

So kind of you to say that. In Four Seasons heaven here in Amman, Jordan & really needed this. Petra again tomorrow.

Kathy

6/10/2024 06:16:51 am

What an awe inspiring trip you have lined up Si. I expect nothing less with this first class itinerary and look forward to the photos, reviews and anecdotes to come. Safe travels and lots of love.

9/10/2024 09:43:17 pm

Thanks for saying that & glad you enjoyed my Barbican place.

9/10/2024 05:34:11 pm

What an amazing trip you have planned Si ! I Evie t nothing less from #luxury. Looking forward to hearing about your travels and hope that both you and Issy are treated as the VIPs that you deserve to be. Hope you enjoy all of the fruit baskets. #jealous #raininghere

9/10/2024 11:11:33 pm

Amanda Hyndman just emailed. She is now COO of Mandarin Oriental Group.

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Preparing for an 'Epic Trip' - Shrewsbury & London - September 2024

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