Hospitality Awards 2024 | 41 cheese and charcuterie provided alongside the likes of salad niçoise and plenty of homemade desserts. Finally, rounding the day off, champagne, cocktails, and canapés are all found in the bar. All of these offerings must be exemplary to compete with quality wines that are also served, as every course is paired with either a Burgundy Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to further enhance it. One of the primary aims for the six-person crew over the course of a vacation is to allow their guests to sample as much of this Burgundy wine as possible, and since the region is home to countless vineyards, many of which are visited across the course of this niche getaway, there are opportunities aplenty for authentic tastings to be had. Beyond sampling wine, the Grand Victoria and its English-speaking crew also offer a series of guided tours, with these excursions including everything from castles and cathedrals to traditional markets offering a variety of homegrown produce. Moreover, also included in the price is lunch at the restored Abbaye de la Bussiere in La Bussière-sur-Ouche, which was once a pilgrimage retreat and is now home to a hotel and Michelin star restaurant. When guests are not out exploring on guided tours or sitting down to a freshly cooked meal in the dining area, there are plenty of opportunities to either relax as the boat gently rocks them to sleep on the deck, enjoy the yacht’s hot tub, or even carry on immersing themselves in the history and culture as their journey continues. The latter is made possible by the fact that many of Burgundy’s old locks are tended by lockkeepers, individuals who are quick to chat as they work the lock, which itself is an exciting watch for guests. A family-run operation that is committed to providing tourists from all over the world with an intimate and authentic look at the beautiful Burgundy region of France via its waterways, Grand Victoria Cruises, made possible thanks to Waterways & Beyond, LLC, is redefining the canal and river vacation experience, making it more than deserving of a place in this programme. Contact: Cindy Unvericht Company: Waterways & Beyond, LLC Web Address: https://frenchbargevacations.com/ The canals of France have been traversed by barge dating all the way back to the 16th century, but the experience then was a far cry from the luxury vacations available now, thanks to Grand Victoria Cruises and its parent company, Waterways and Beyond, LLC. The picture-perfect Burgundy region of the country where the former is based is best explored through its canals and rivers, which take visitors through the heart of the country whilst offering them unparalleled views of its countryside and quaint towns and villages. Best Luxury Canal Vacation Specialists 2024 t the heart of the unique canal vacation experiences provided by Grand Victoria Cruises, a luxury canal cruise operator that has been serving up escapes to this remarkable region of France for nearly a decade, is the exquisite namesake river yacht the Grand Victoria. Acquiring this boat from famous distillers the De Kuyper family, American couple Edward and Cindy Anderson set about renovating this private yacht for eight into a luxury charter for between four and six, complete with lavish accommodation. Boasting spacious cabins that make every guest feel as if this yacht is their own personal boat, the Grand Victoria’s accommodation has been purposefully designed to strike the balance between cosy familiarity and a unique sense of style – right down to the contemporary artworks of its owners which adorn the walls. Guests can then enjoy all of the amenities they would expect from their temporary floating home, from en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers to US king-sized beds with the softest sheets of Egyptian cotton. Equally as exceptional are the dining experiences had aboard the Grand Victoria, which represent some of the best that France has to offer when it comes to both food and drink. Served in a modern, casual dining area, guests benefit from an on-board private chef whose delectable and artistic cuisine changes with the seasons, ensuring its quality and freshness. Be it butter and cheese that is sourced locally, meat from regional butchers, or fruits and vegetables picked from the countryside, every ingredient embodies France. It is not only dinner where excellent food can be found, as the allinclusive nature of the Grand Victoria means guests can enjoy a breakfast comprised of fresh croissants and local jam, fresh fruit, omelettes, pancakes, French toast, and more. When it comes time for lunch, this takes many forms on the boat, with a delectable selection of A Sep24053
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==