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Active Experiences Far & WideThis summer, Gray & Co.’s private trips went to destinations far and wide – from biking Japan’s Seto Inland Sea to kayaking Alaska’s glacial lakes, hiking Utah’s parks, rowing Norway’s fjords and even visiting Santa in Lapland. Also in the destination mix was my ancestral homeland of Scotland, where pro photographer Ken Kochey documented Team Gray & Co. in expert Highland action. Crafting the ultimate active traveler experiences based from a castle and from the Belmond Royal Scotsman train required epic team creativity, flexibility, dedication, and execution - plus a whole lot of laughs. Join us in the months ahead as we shift focus to Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, South Africa, Patagonia and beyond.
Cheers, Cari + Team Gray |
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| | | BEHIND THE SHUTTER: Pretrip 101Ken Kochey is one of the world's best photographers, sought-after by the likes of Condé Nast, Town & Country, Aman, and BMW to list a few. His seemingly casual style, manic curiosity, and boundless energy made him the perfect pick to document Team Gray & Co. in bonnie Scotland. Check out the team in full “pretrip” mode in his curated selection of shots. And yes - to best ensure seamlessness on every departure, our team tests and experiences each activity, expert, accommodation, chef and more first hand. |
Guides on the trail, Scotland - Photo by Ken Kochey |
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 Villa Åmot in Bygstad, Norway |
IN THE PRESS: Robb Report Winner Villa Åmot When Robb Report comes calling to Gray & Co. for their "50 Greatest Hotels" contributions, we know to dig deep. To our delight, Villa Åmot made their most recent list in 4th place. They write: "Åmot redefines luxury, but with a soul, a completely restored farmhouse done in impeccable taste,” says Gray & Co’s Cari Gray of this Fjord-region exclusive-use property, which sleeps up to 14. Indeed, nature at Åmot has been so unsullied by mankind that it’s almost unnerving, adds Gray: “You can drink the water right from the streams.” Explore Norway in 2025! |
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MORE IN THE PRESS: AFAR Road SafetyGray & Co weighs in on "safety on the road" in Billie Cohen's AFAR's article on What to Do When You Get Hurt or Sick on a Trip. Writes Cohen: “It falls to the company to decide how seriously they take their responsibility and to know the clinics and English-speaking doctors in their destinations. On our trips, we vet all that before anyone gets there—especially because we’re doing biking and hiking trips,” says Gray. “Having your medical history is a big one, including what medications, supplements, and vitamins you’re on.” Gray says. |
Trekking Denali National Park, Alaska |
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Admiring Kusama's Red Pumpkin, Naoshima |
WHERE TO GO in 2025: Greece, Rome, Menorca, Ireland, JapanGray & Co. is always at the ready with new trip ideas. Instead of the islands, consider the stone villages and clear rivers of northern Greece. Walk the circumference of Spain’s trendy Menorca along the route of the Knights Templar, and picnic on one of the islands 360+ beaches. Explore a major city like Rome or the countryside of Ireland in November when the crowds have lessened. In Japan, visit the many modern installations on Naoshima’s Art Island. Don’t miss Teshima, the “cuter” island next door. And up near Nikko National Park, the new Ritz Reserve is a biker's delight. So many places to go! |
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UP NEXT: Experiences BeyondWith travelers as savvy as ours, Gray & Co. planners and producers are constantly being pushed to craft experiences way beyond the ordinary. We’ve harvested oysters in Portugal, tagged elephants in Namibia, renewed vows in India, tracked tapirs in Costa Rica, walked the path of saints along the Camino de Santiago, biked past baboons in South Africa, shared teatime with lemurs in Madagascar, hugged sled dogs in Alaska, ridden camels at sunset in Jordan, been blessed by monks in Cambodia, and played with Elena, a baby boar, in Tuscany. Bring us your wildest dreams and we'll will bring them to life! |
Camel riding at sunset in Wadi Rum, Jordan |
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