Author: The Smalls
Flexjet Private Jet Ownership
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Global, Ultimate Travel Experiences.
Flexjet offers more than private aviation—it offers mastery over time itself. With fractional ownership or customized leasing, you gain access to a fleet that includes the iconic Gulfstream G650, the agile Embraer Praetor, and interiors crafted with the precision of a Savile Row suit. Every journey begins in a private terminal—no lines, no delays—where your jet, crew, and in-flight experience are tailored entirely to your preferences.
From your first conversation with the Owner Services team, it’s clear: this isn’t about status—it’s about alignment. Your aircraft is dedicated, your captain consistent, and your cabin curated with thoughtful touches that reflect your lifestyle, not just your itinerary. Whether you’re bound for Aspen, Portofino, or Patagonia, Flexjet transforms logistics into luxury.
Red Label by Flexjet sets a new standard with custom-designed aircraft and crews assigned specifically to you. Over time, your pilot may know your schedule as well as you do, and your flight attendant will have your preferred mezcal already chilled. The experience is seamless, anticipatory, and remarkably human.
Flying becomes not just how you travel—but a reflection of how you live: intentional, elegant, and entirely on your terms.
Glacier Express Excellence Class
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities, Ultimate Travel Experiences.
The Glacier Express Excellence Class is far more than a train ride—it’s a meticulously choreographed immersion into the soul of Switzerland. Winding between St. Moritz and Zermatt, this eight-hour journey invites you to lean into stillness and savor the kind of slowness that luxury so often neglects. Through panoramic windows, the Alps unfold like a living postcard: glacial valleys, fairy-tale villages, and majestic peaks stretch endlessly in every direction.
While the world outside is cinematic, the world inside is equally exquisite. From Champagne on arrival to a curated six-course tasting menu paired with rare Swiss wines, every detail is designed for indulgence. In Excellence Class, you’re not just seated—you’re hosted. A dedicated concierge offers historical context, folklore, and recommendations with the warmth and elegance of a private guide.
Whether you choose to travel in late spring’s alpine bloom, autumn’s golden glow, or winter’s snow-globe fantasy, the magic is in the motion. The full journey is the point—anything less would be rushing past what’s meant to be felt. Westward from St. Moritz to Zermatt offers optimal light through the Oberalp Pass, where, at 2,033 meters, you’ll clink glasses mid-peak as silence meets splendor.
Onboard, the signature Rösti with black truffle and Gruyère somehow tastes even more decadent against the backdrop of the Alps. And if you’re lucky, a short stop in Brig or Andermatt may become your favorite unexpected photo—capturing something a little too perfect to plan.
This isn’t transportation. It’s transformation.
Vigne di Fagnano 1709
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Hotels.
Vigne di Fagnano 1709 is an exquisite escape where 18th-century nobility meets contemporary elegance. Set atop a hill in the Langhe and Monferrato, this adults-only eco-luxury relais features six individually designed suites—each inspired by the novels of local poet Cesare Pavese—with bespoke interiors blending antiques, iconic Italian design, and artful photography. The estate includes a serene outdoor pool, thoughtfully restored gardens, a wood-fired oven, organic vegetable garden, and eco-conscious touches like solar energy, a plastic-free ethos, and rainwater harvesting. Here, every finish is intentional: from Dyson amenities to curated libraries, gourmet pantries, and vineyard views, creating an atmosphere that’s intimate, refined, and deeply rooted in place.
Alba
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Destinations.
Alba is a culinary capital disguised as a quiet Piedmontese town. Famous for its white truffles, bold Barolo wines, and artisan chocolate heritage, it offers travelers a deeply sensorial experience rooted in the rhythms of the land. Beyond the gourmet glow, Alba reveals a rich Roman and medieval past, vibrant Saturday markets, and a palpable pride in tradition—inviting you to taste, stroll, sip, and stay awhile.
Taxi Boat Grado
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities.
Taxi Boat Grado is Grado’s premier private boat service, offering tailor-made lagoon excursions aboard a classic Venetian-style water taxi. Operated by Mariel and Captain Giuliano, the service caters to couples, families, and small groups (up to 18), guiding guests through hidden lagoon channels, casoni, and islands. Choose from immersive experiences—whether it’s a scenic hour, a reflective sunset cruise, or a full-day adventure with lunch stops on Porto Buso or a visit to the sanctuary on Barbana Island. Their wooden-hulled boat, with its refined interior and comfortable seating, makes every journey feel exclusive yet welcoming.
Tavernetta all’Androna
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Restaurants.
Tavernetta all’Androna is Grado’s elegant seafood trattoria, nestled in a picturesque square by the basilica. Since the early 2000s under the Tarlao family, it has combined regional treasures with refined technique—think steamed fish, raw crustacean platters, handcrafted pasta, and grilled seafood served amid centuries-old walls and candlelit tables.
Gelateria Lattepiù
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities.
Gelateria Lattepiù is regarded as Grado’s top artisanal gelato destination. Made daily in small batches, using high-quality organic milk and local ingredients, its traditional flavors are thoughtfully balanced—creamy without overwhelming sweetness. The shop is modest but beloved by locals for its consistency and finesse.
Villamori
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities.
Villamori is Grado’s bespoke shoemaker and accessories atelier, showcasing the finest in Italian craftsmanship. Each pair of shoes is handcrafted and customizable, made from precious materials and designed to reflect your personal style. Set in a refined yet welcoming shop near the historic center, Villamori elevates footwear into collectible art.
Trattoria ai Ciodi
Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Restaurants.
Trattoria ai Ciodi is a rustic seafood gem perched right on the Marano Lagoon, accessible only by boat. For over 30 years, this family-run, water-bound trattoria has celebrated Grado’s maritime heritage with dishes that highlight the day’s freshest catch—spaghetti alle vongole, canoce, seppie, polpo, and boreto—served on an outdoor terrace overlooking the water and reeds.





