I find that many of the business sellers I work with don’t really have plans to totally retire after a sale of their company. Instead, many have other entrepreneurial ambitions or philanthropic endeavors they seek to pursue. Regardless of whether you plan on playing golf, starting a new business, spending more time with your family, writing the great American novel, or leading a non-profit my question is “what are you going to do IMMEDIATELY after the sale of your business?!?”
After spending years of hard work building a successful business, you deserve a break. Here are a few suggestions for vacations based on some of my favorite vacation spots in the world:
The Boulders at Singita, South Africa
This African Game Resort has only 12 bungalows on the property. The bungalows are a spectacular blend of traditional African design and materials with a modern feel. Each has an enormous private deck with outdoor shower and private soaking pool, and a wall of glass separating the interior from the exterior. The gourmet food is excellent and the game viewing is abundant (leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, lions, rhinos, elephants, hippos, etc.). Don’t just take my word for the quality of this resort. It has been rated number 1 or 2 in the world by many of the leading travel magazines including Travel & Leisure’s #1 Hotel in the World for 2008 and Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice #1 in Africa and the Middle East in 2006. Looking for a tented safari? May I suggest contacting Ker & Downey Safari Company for assistance with planning a tented safari in Botswana?
Kea Lani Resort in Maui, HI
While the island of Maui has lots of great things to do, I could easily spend a week at the Kea Lani and never leave the property. With five excellent restaurants on site, a private beach, 3 swimming pools (including an adults only pool), and a full service spa it’s a great place to unwind at a leisurely pace. If you want a little more activity the award-winning Wailea Golf Courses are a stones throw away.
Fusion Suites, Amsterdam
This is my ultimate boutique hotel. Some may consider it a bed and breakfast because it only has four suites, but referring to Fusion Suites as a bed and breakfast doesn’t do it justice. This is more like staying in a friend’s mansion. The decor rivals that found at the finest hotels in the world. The proprietors, Sharmilla and Alex, demonstrate exceptional attention to detail that leads to an unparalleled customer experience. The location is in a tony neighborhood next to beautiful Vondelpark – removed from the seedy areas of Amsterdam, but still close to many tourist sites and excellent restaurants.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite vacation spots. It seems like it can sometimes be difficult to locate resort and hotel properties that are truly unique and special. One hotel/resort website directory that seems to have done a great job of screening quality properties that I would like to share with you is Kiwi Collection, www.kiwicollection.com
