Exploring The Vibrant And Historic Amsterdam

Exploring The Vibrant And Historic Amsterdam


DE 309 | Amsterdam

 

Amsterdam, “The Venice of the North,” is the capital of the Netherlands and is renowned for its historical attractions, amazing art, and well-preserved old neighborhoods. It’s one of the most culturally diverse cities on the planet – drawing more than 5 million international visitors each year.

Today, we’ll be exploring Amsterdam with the General Manager of The Hilton Amsterdam, Alessio Colavecchio. And sharing the stage is Remi Oerlemans, the creator and owner of Amsterdam’s De Deli and Borri Box, with his take on this incredible city.

We are excited to explore this great European capital city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Amsterdam.

Watch the episode here.

Exploring The Vibrant And Historic Amsterdam With Alessio Colavecchio And Remi Oerlemans

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth take us into the vibrant city of Amsterdam! With so much history and art, it is a great destination for all kinds of purposes. Culture and art enthusiasts will enjoy traveling across museums containing rich pieces from notable artists and figures. Even those traveling for business would also appreciate the diversity of the city. It is very walkable with lots of shops and restaurants, making it a great place for meetings and events.

Some notable cultural sites to visit

  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Rembrandt House Museum
  • Anne Frank House

Helping you make your travel experience even more memorable, they invite two great guests! They sit down with the General Manager of The Hilton Amsterdam, Alessio Colavecchio, and the creator and owner of Amsterdam’s De Deli and Borri Box, Remi Oerlemans.

Growing up in Sicily, Alessio Colavecchio found his place in the hotel business at fourteen years old. He then moved to the Netherlands in 1999 and started working his way up at The Hilton Amsterdam—from being a waiter to now as the General Manager. Looking at Amsterdam from Alessio’s lens, here are the things he loves about the city and hotel:

  • Destinations are measured by bike – Amsterdam is all about its bike-friendly experience. So much so that the distance is measured by how many minutes it takes you to bike to your destination.
  • The Hilton Amsterdam – Located at the heart of both business and leisure, the hotel sits in a neighborhood that is proudly local. Its lobby alone boasts a view of the city, where you can trace its developments. Fun fact: it is also the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous “bed-in” protest.
  • Roberto’s Restaurant – This restaurant situated in The Hilton Hotel promotes the idea of a regional kitchen, with dishes made from pure ingredients according to the season.

From a historical site, we go to a relatively new place that you won’t want to miss while visiting Amsterdam. Andy and Todd talk to the owner and executive at De Deli, Remi Oerlemans. Deli is all about the lively energy brought by people meeting to have a great experience. They bring that personal energy to the food they present during the dine-in experience and take-out. It is a place of energy to share both on the spot and at home.

Remi also provides some great recommendations.

  • Hortus Botanicus – This place contains a botanical garden that is very close to ARTIS – Amsterdam Zoo as well as The Resistance Museum.
  • Canals of Amsterdam – What is an Amsterdam trip without experiencing its canals? You can find a number of beautiful boat tours to explore them.
  • Winter Season – Experience Amsterdam’s canals in a different way during the winter season as you glide across the frozen rivers and ice skate!

Destination Favorites

  • Bike-friendly city –With over 800,000 bikes in the city, Amsterdam has more bikes than people. You can go from neighborhood to neighborhood, museum to museum, all by yourself. All you need to do is rent!
  • Jordaan Neighborhood – This neighborhood boasts a number of cafes, bars, restaurants, boutiques, and Noordermarkt (a farmer’s market and flea market all in one!). It is also home to the must-see Anne Frank House.
  • Westergas – An old complex converted to bars, restaurants, and entertainment complexes, Westergas is a great place to visit from late afternoon to early evening. You might also want to check out Mossel & Gin.
  • Rijksmuseum – Home of the Dutch masters, this museum houses works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, among many others.
  • De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets) – If you love to shop, this shopping district is a go-to. Aside from the one-of-a-kind stores, cafes, and galleries, you would surely appreciate its pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.

About Alessio Colavecchio

DE 309 | AmsterdamI come from Taormina, in the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily, Italy. It was during the first summer jobs that I became captivated by the hospitality industry and decided to forego a career in engineering to fully focus on my passion for hotels. My studies? They had nothing to do with the hotel business but rather building houses and streets like my father before me.

I started my hospitality journey at Hilton Amsterdam, in 1999, as a Food & Beverage Supervisor. I then worked for the Radisson Blu Amsterdam Airport before returning to Hilton Amsterdam as the Restaurant & Bars Manager. After going to work for the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam for a few years as their Food & Beverage Manager, I came back again to Hilton Amsterdam as the Director of Operations.

After that, I got promoted to my first General Manager position for Hilton Madrid Airport in 2012 but came back to Hilton Amsterdam not long after as General Manager until mid-2018, when I joined Hilton Lake Como as General Manager for almost 4 years and ultimately came back to Hilton Amsterdam in February 2022. So in total, this is my 5th time at this iconic property in my 6th position, from waiter to General Manager.

As you can see through my professional journey, there is something that keeps making me come back to Hilton Amsterdam. There is just something about this hotel that is very unique and continues to surprise me every time. At the same time, there is a familiarity to it, as this is the place where my hospitality career started, and I love to have been part of the history of this hotel in various roles throughout the years and take the hotel to its next chapter surrounded by a great team.

In my free time, I love to cook for my family and friends. As an Italian, I am also a proud football supporter of the Juventus team and love to watch my sons play.

About Remi Oerlemans

DE 309 | AmsterdamI am a serial entrepreneur, who worked for about 18 years in the corporate world, event marketing. Co-owned an international event agency and opened up my own delicatessen cafe in Amsterdam. Since 2016 I have worked as a creative director for international event agencies such as Balich Worldwide Shows. (Balich Wonderstudio) For a period, I taught event management at Hogeschool Zuyd for a few years. I still guide/coach entrepreneurial students. Covid pushed me to a change, more into strategic marketing consultancy. My old restaurant changed 360 degrees. I also did a 3-year trajectory to become a breathwork coach, which I am developing further.

Local Cuisine With Award-Winning Chefs From Our Last Two Seasons

Local Cuisine With Award-Winning Chefs From Our Last Two Seasons


DE 304 | Award Winning Chefs

Food is at the heart of any travel experience. In this special episode, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list their top four chefs from all over the world that they’ve featured over the last two seasons. Check-in and get to know who made the list and where you can visit their restaurants for an out-of-this-world, local cuisine dining experience. Stay tuned!

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Hong Kong to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.americanmeetings.com.

Watch the episode here

Local Cuisine With Award-Winning Chefs From Our Last Two Seasons

Our Favorite Award-Winning Chefs and Their Top Cuisine

Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list their top four favorite chefs from all over the world, featured in the last two seasons of Destination Everywhere.

Sarah Grueneberg

Sarah is the owner of Monteverde restaurant and Pastificio in Chicago’s West Loop. She offers Italian dishes influenced by her travels, combining traditional Italian methods with some unconventional delicious ingredients. Our recommended menu? Try the Tortellini in Brodo on your next visit.

Dean Fearing

Also known as the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine,” Dean hails from further south in Dallas, Texas. He worked as a chef at The Mansion at Turtle Creek for a while and now has his own restaurant called Fearings in partnership with Ritz-Carlton, coined as the number one hotel dining in the U.S., according to Zagat. Dean is a jack of all trades, and on top of being a restaurateur, he is also an author, kitchen designer, and he’s part of a band consisting of local chefs. If you must try anything from his restaurant, we recommend ordering his Tortilla Soup.

Rudy Stefan

Rudi Stefan is a self-taught chef from Sibenik, Croatia. He is the owner of Pelegrini, a Michelin star restaurant and is known for using natural local ingredients. Located across the Cathedral of St. James, the place offers an amazing outdoor experience on top of great cuisine. Check out their incredible seafood menu on your next visit.

José Avillez

Chef Jose is a Portuguese chef whose focus is making Portugal a top gastronomic destination and is considered one of the premier experts in Portuguese cuisine. If you want to visit his restaurant and have a culinary experience you won’t get, visit his two-star Michelin restaurant, Belcanto at Lisbon and Porto. Make sure to book your reservations early because as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, it’s the place to be for traveling foodies.

Make sure to tune in next season for more amazing chefs, incredible cuisine, and top-notch culinary recommendations that will satisfy your worldly travel cravings.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort



The Grand Rio Mar Resort offers amazing amenities and embraces the community by fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. Today’s guest is Evy Garcia, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort. She sits down with host Andy McNeill to discuss the many beautiful offerings of this luxurious event destination. From scenic views courtesy of its ocean-side location backdropped by the beautiful El Yunque National Forest, there’s plenty of areas to explore and enjoy. Evy also shares how they’ve helped restore and reforest the area after the destruction caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria. With the help of the community, the guests, and the resort itself, the forest has been reopened and enjoyed by many ever since. Learn more about the many programs offered by Wyndham Grand Rio to care for its nature and the abundant recreational activities to enjoy in Puerto Rico in this episode of Destination Everywhere!

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.americanmeetings.com.

Watch the episode here:

Grand Rio Mar Resort

In this special spotlight episode of Destination Everywhere, Andy McNeill is joined by Evy Garcia of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort overseeing the 400-room hotel, two world-class golf courses, the country club, and the Rio Mar community. They discuss the destination’s luxurious amenities and how they’re giving back to the community by taking care of its nature.

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort is located on the northeastern side of the island of Puerto Rico, just half an hour from the airport. A convenient location for tourists and non-natives who are not familiar with the landscape. The entire hotel sits right on the ocean backdropped by the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States forest system. You are assured of a scenic view from every direction. The beautiful rainforest offers guests various activities such as a relaxed walk around the forest to enjoy and immerse in nature. You can also scale the area and go to the towers to enjoy the beautiful views and vegetation all around. If you’re looking for an adventure, you can opt for a hike around the area for a chance to dip into the waterfalls within the rainforest.

Wondering about what creatures you might encounter? The resort also offers birdwatching activities for you to enjoy and satisfy your curiosities. If you listen closely, the sound of coqui frogs, native in Puerto Rico, roaming around the forest. You have the opportunity to enjoy both fauna and flora without leaving the resort premises.

Another activity you can enjoy across the wide area of the resort is horseback riding. You can follow a trail to the creek in the rainforest, which also flows and connects to the golf course and the river.

With the devastation left behind by hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar people took it upon themselves to embrace the rainforest to rehabilitate and reopen it. With that followed other community-serving programs such as tree-planting and clean-up trails to continually liven the rain forest. The resort has deemed it part of its corporate social responsibility to consistently encourage planting trees in the area and take care of the creeks and trails. After all that work, volunteers reap their rewards by enjoying the beautiful freshwater pools from the waterfalls with free meals courtesy of the resort.

The resort also offers other fun activities to help you get in touch with nature. There’s an annual project surrounding turtle nesting where we welcome leatherback turtles and secure the areas so that when the hatchlings are ready to go, the guests can help bring them back into the ocean safely. For some interaction available all year round, the resort also offers iguana feeding for the whole family to enjoy safely. It is an exciting opportunity to commune and see the magnificent beauty of nature in action.

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort boasts two great golf courses and spacious tennis centers. The resort offers spa services and yoga classes for businesspeople or even family members looking to relax. You can also enjoy mixology classes and a unique rum tasting experience immersed in Puerto Rican culture and music for more fun adult activities. You may also join in the feasts of the coffee for when the beans are ready for harvest in the different plantations. You can also experience the longest Christmas in the world as well as the San Sebastian Street Festival from November to January with artistic, musical days and wild carnival nights.

About Evy Garcia

DE 50 | Grand Rio Mar ResortJoining the Wyndham Grand family in March 2018, Evy Garcia has led the communications initiatives for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort as the Director of Sales & Marketing overseeing the 400-room hotel, two world-class golf courses, country club, and the Rio Mar community. With over 20 years of expertise in the hospitality industry at Caribbean resorts, and as a corporate planner, Evy is a seasoned marketing veteran who has been at the forefront of major business strategies while navigating several crises. Prior to joining Wyndham, Evy led the sales team at El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

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Dubai

Dubai


DE 27 | Dubai

 

Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? When you are in Dubai, you can have the best of both worlds. In this episode, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth dive deep into the Jewel of the Middle East, Dubai! They are joined by TV Host, Ryan Pyle, who will explore with us why this city of gold is the top business hub, charting with us its dynamic growth over the last few decades. He takes us to some of the great hotels and destinations that are fit for meetings, events, and, of course, travel!

In line with that, Andy and Todd also sit down with Omar Souab of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk to share with us some of the unique opportunities offered in this luxury hotel. He also takes us outside to give his recommendations on how best to enjoy the city. Join this episode for some fun and luxurious travel options, where you get to enjoy the finer things in life while discovering a different culture that just might enhance your appreciation of respect and tolerance.

Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Dubai to corporate event management, their team sources corporate event venues with and meeting planners for clients worldwide. They provide ideas for convention themes and how to run global meetings and events in Dubai and around the world. For more information go to www.americanmeetings.com.

Watch the episode here:

Dubai

TV Host Ryan Pyle Calls The City Of Gold The Top Business Hub, And Explore Luxury Dubai Hotels With Omar Souab Of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Who says traveling for business has to be a task? In Dubai, you can mix business with pleasure as you enjoy not only its growth as a global business hub but also its many luxurious travel destinations. Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth dive deep into the Jewel of the Middle East with none other than two great people who live there who can share with us all there is you need to know about the city.

First up, they sit down with Ryan Pyle. After realizing a lifelong dream, Ryan took off from his hometown in Toronto, Canada, to China, where he became a regular contributor to the New York Times. In 2009, he was listed by PDN Magazine as one of the 30 emerging photographers in the world. Having designed a career-making travel television based on the aspirational idea of making people want to travel and see the world, he shares what drew him into the city of gold and what he is seeing that makes it so attractive to business people travelers alike.

Ryan regards as Dubai his home. He talks about why it has a fantastic social club with so many things happening all the time—from people in entertainment to the incredible restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Lest you forget the old world in this cosmopolitan environment, Ryan shares his top must-try things and must-visit places in the city that are unlike no other:

  •     Walk through the gold market
  •     Cruise in a morning boat along the Dubai Creek
  •     Visit some of the deserts just north or south of the city

Plus, if you want to bask in the beautiful sunset with unforgettable views and a fine and luxurious experience, then you don’t want to miss visiting Burj Khalifa.

From one great landmark to the next, Andy and Todd also sit down with Omar Souab, the General Manager of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk—the second largest in the world and largest in the Middle East and Africa. Fit for a luxurious city, Omar talks about the great things that make this luxurious hotel unique:

  •     One, this iconic building is adorned with a gold pyramidion and in the shape of an obelisk, representative of the Luxor Obelisk currently in Paris.
  •     Two, it is in a great downtown spot, just 10 minutes away from the airport.
  •     Three, it houses five amazing restaurants.
  •     Four, it offers the Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane
  •     Five, it has three signature suites inspired from the emperor Napoleon and Cleopatra and designed by an Italian designer

Going out to the city, Omar then shares his recommendations that any international visitor must try:

  •     Safaris in the desert
  •     Boat trips in the Arabian sea
  •     Indoor activities such as ski slope and diving
  •     Shopping malls

Through it all, Dubai has proven itself to be one of the must-visit places, be it for business or pleasure or both. Before we forget, it helps to be reminded of the cultural differences any well-meaning traveler needs to know about Dubai. So get yourself acquainted with their culture and, most of all, always keep in mind to be respectful.

Capping this amazing episode off, here are Andy and Todd’s bucket-list items to do in Dubai:

  •     Sand Dune Bashing and Sandboarding
  •     Visit the Dubai Souks (Markets)
  •     Lounge 152 stories up at Burj Khalifa
  •     Zipline across the Dubai Marina
  •     See the world’s largest natural flower garden at the Dubai Miracle Garden
  •     Experience the culture during Ramadan
  •     Attend the activities at the Dubai Opera House
  •     Enjoy the Arabian Gulf on a private yacht

About Ryan Pyle

DE 27 | DubaiBorn in Toronto, Canada, Ryan Pyle spent his early years close to home. After obtaining a degree in International Politics from the University of Toronto in 2001, Ryan realized a lifelong dream and traveled to China on an exploratory mission.

In 2002 Ryan moved to China permanently and in 2004 Ryan became a regular contributor to the New York Times. In 2009 Ryan was listed by PDN Magazine as one of the 30 emerging photographers in the world.

In 2010 Ryan began working full time on television and documentary film production and has produced and presented several large multi-episode television series for major broadcasters in the USA, Canada, UK, Asia, CHINA and continental Europe.

About Omar Souab

DE 27 | DubaiAs General Manager of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Omar Souab leads the strategic direction and managed the pre-opening and current operations of Sofitel Hotels & Resorts largest property in the Middle East.

Souab brings a wealth of hospitality experience with an in-depth background in operations and sales following a 15-year career with Accor Group in Morocco and the UAE.

Souab holds a Bachelor in International Business from Santa Monica College in Los Angeles, USA, a Bachelor of International Business majoring in Marketing from Schiller International University in Madrid, Spain, and a Masters in Hospitality from Accor’s International Hospitality Management Program in Paris, France.

In his free time, Souab is a keen golfer, enjoys running – aiming for a semi-marathon – and discovering new Hospitality as well as Food & Beverage trends.

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London

London


 

From famous movie sets to afternoon tea, Sophie Malerba shares her Blue-Badge Guide knowledge on all things London for your next corporate meeting or event planning. Plus, from the official hotel of London Fashion Week and London Film Festival, The May Fair Hotel’s Anjie Keegel shares some insider tips.

Together with Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth see London as you’ve never seen before, for business, pleasure or both. Curating unforgettable experiences for your next London trip, this episode will give you a glimpse of the London scene through the eyes of locals.

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing venues in London, to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.americanmeetings.com.

Watch the episode here:

London

London. Official Blue Badge Guide Sophie Malerba Shares Best Things To Do In London, And Catch Iconic Events With The May Fair Hotel’s Anjie Keegel

There is a reason why London is simply a must-visit travel destination. From its medieval history to pop culture, this United Kingdom capital has something to offer every traveler. From famous movie sets to afternoon tea, Sophie Malerba joins this episode to share her Blue Badge Guide knowledge on all things London. Plus, as the official hotel of London Fashion Week and London Film Festival, hear from The May Fair Hotel’s Anjie Keegel. Together with Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth, they take us into a view of London as we’ve never seen before, be it for business or pleasure or both.

Starting with the basics, Andy and Todd dive deep into the world of tour guides. Bringing you only the best experience, they talk to Sophie Malerba to share the prestige that comes with being a Blue Badge Guide.

A Blue Badge Guide stands out from all other guides in the city. One, it is not just a summer job; it’s a profession. People wearing this badge have to go through a tough and competitive 2-year course with roughly 30 people a year. From entry exams to written and practical, the Blue Badge ensures that any traveler, no matter where they come from and what language they speak, is getting high-quality standards.

Kicking off this tour in the most English way, Sophie gives us an insider perspective of London, revealing some of the city’s secrets.

Her top three places to visit for an afternoon tea are:

  •     The Goring Hotel – This hotel is a family-run hotel just outside Buckingham Palace frequented by the Royals.
  •     Ham Yard Hotel – This hotel offers design-oriented, beautiful interiors. They do afternoon tea for £25, which is a steal in London.
  •     Fortnum & Mason – This final entry serves not only the three tiers but after you finish them, they then bring along the cake trolley with more cakes to choose from.

From there, Sophie takes us to the streets, but not just like any other streets out there, because for her, “Whenever you’re in London, don’t stay on the main streets. Go to the side streets.” Everybody knows Piccadilly, but not many know the treasure that is St. James. If you want to shop where the Royals go, then this is the place to be! A lot of shops here have Royal Warrants, which means they produce goods and services for the Royal Family.

If you’re into the arts, then Sophie recommends the East End of London’s Shoreditch, London’s creative hub. Most people nowadays are familiar with this area as the place where street artist Banksy started. Since then, this has become the holy grail of the world’s best street artists.

Moving on from the Royals to A-listers, Andy and Todd also sit down with Anjie Keegel of The May Fair Hotel, which is the official hotel of the iconic London Film Festival and the London Fashion Week. She shares some insider stories, celebrity encounters, and high-end events that take place in this great hotel.

Going deeper, Anjie tours us to some of the little gems around The May Fair area, where musicians, celebrities, and the Royals also love to visit:

  •     The Coach & Horses – One of the oldest pubs in May Fair
  •     Shepherd’s Market – Located just at the back of the hotel where you can visit a few galleries, pubs, and restaurants

Curating unforgettable experiences for your next London trip not only with a great hotel but also with equally great bucket list items to match, listen to this episode and have a feel of the London scene—be it the lifestyles of the rich and famous or exploring the city through the eyes of locals.

About Sophie Malerba

DE 22 | Iconic London EventsSophie Malerba has been a Blue Badge Guide of London for 5 years and absolutely loves it! She mainly works with the US market, both private bookings (families and couples) and Incentives.

Her past experience is in the travel industry, where she worked for an Italian DMC for 8 years, before returning home to London.

She then worked for a London DMC, before fulfilling her dream to be a guide, which takes 2 years training.

About Anjie Keegel

DE 22 | Iconic London EventsAnjie Keegel has been in the industry for over 20 years.

She started out in operations (reservations, reception/ front of house) prior to moving in to reactive sales, then proactive sales.

Some of her previous roles includes, Corporate Sales Manager, Director of Leisure & Group Sales, Business Development and Director of Sales (property based) for hotels in London, Heathrow and Manchester UK.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Anjie moved to the UK over 25 years ago and never looked back.

 

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