In the Zone

As 19-year Members of Exclusive Resorts, Nathan and Barb Brown have been to many destinations and enjoyed many Once-in-a-Lifetime Journeys with The Club. Avid adventurers and sports fans, they lean toward active pursuits with their three college-aged kids, yet also love a stellar glass of white burgundy and a Michelin-starred meal. So, when their Club Ambassador called them two months before the Paris Olympics with a spontaneous opportunity to attend the event via The Travel Desk, they jumped at the chance.

“We had been talking to our Ambassador about Wimbledon, so she knew we were interested in sporting events,” says Barb. She adds, “We quickly said yes to the opportunity to attend the Paris Olympics. Through The Travel Desk we were able to also add on a trip to Normandy, which we’ve always wanted to experience.”

As such, the couple began in Normandy for four days before heading to Paris. “Normandy was on our bucket list,” Nathan explains. “It was an incredible trip that exceeded our expectations. We saw several of the landing beaches and cemeteries, including the U.S., Canadian and British.” History enthusiasts, the couple enjoyed walks near their chateau in the mornings and then took privately guided tours to top historic attractions, including the D-Day sites and the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO Heritage Site. “The guide went out of his way to point out interesting and significant locales that may have not been on the original itinerary,” adds Barb. “And our hotel in Normandy was just incredible.”

After Normandy, it was off to Paris and the Olympics. Roadtrips, a Travel Desk partner, created a personalized itinerary and guidebook to outline their daily schedules, which made navigating the Olympic crowds a cinch. Their first evening was spent at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and then for the remainder of their trip the couple was immersed in Olympic events. They witnessed several Olympic sports, including excellent seats at the women’s gymnastics. The most unforgettable setting, they both attest, was the beach volleyball.

“The volleyball was right beside the Eiffel Tower and was just incredible,” says Barb. “They set up a whole area around it where you could play your own volleyball games and try different interactive activities.” They really appreciated the women’s Kenya versus Brazil volleyball game. “The Brazilian fans were so enthusiastic and knew all the players. They cheered and sang, and it was such a festive atmosphere.” On that note, one of the biggest takeaways was witnessing so many fans from different countries enjoying the games — a once-in-a-lifetime experience impossible to replicate. “It was such an international crowd,” Nathan says. “Everyone was so positive, and people were cheering for other countries, not just their own.”

As for what’s next on the couple’s travel list, “we're using The Club more for hotel stays and last-minute trips,” Nathan says, adding they are looking forward to visiting their daughter in California soon and staying at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. He also has family who have recently joined Exclusive Resorts, too. After vacationing for years as an extended group — the Browns have taken multi-generational trips with their parents, siblings, children, and friends — his sister joined The Club as well. “She saw the benefit of taking great vacations with access to spacious homes in great locations,” Barb explains.

When asked if Wimbledon remains on their bucket list, both say they will make it happen, thanks to The Club. Nathan adds, “we witnessed something historic at the Paris Olympics, and we were right in the middle of the action.  We look forward to replicating that experience in future trips with The Club.”