The overall trip was nicely done
The overall trip was nicely done. We really enjoyed the added touch given to visits to special places like Chef Antoine’s place to learn how to cook, the meat and cheese stores, the oyster farm, Saint Emilion, etc… these all now hold a special place in my heart. Our very first dinner with the group was a really nice introduction to everyone and to France in general. We enjoyed our meal overlooking the Arcachon Basin and the Pilat Dune. It was a generally nice location for everyone to get to know each other better with a great meal along with the awesome views. Yours and Hela’s relationships with the people we encountered throughout all the trips was really nice to see. It made for drama-free situations in all the locations, especially when you are hosting a big group. This is probably a result of your repeated ongoing visits that help develop your special relationships with them. We also appreciate all the information you provided prior to the trip. As for feedback on improvements, it would have been better if the tips were already included. The price was a bit high for it not to include the tips. If by chance, your guests still want to give you the added tip post completion of the vacation, this then will be a great indication of how well you did. The information provided prior to our trip set expectations on whether to tip or not and the way it was written somehow lends for the unintended quiet pressure to do so. I personally don’t mind tipping, but I want to make sure it is deserving and not out of feeling pressured. Also, it wasn’t made clear that there will be two guides. That would have been helpful to know ahead of time. As for the boat trip, I would recommend to give your guests some safety information before departing. Whenever there are any possibilities of any compromising situations, safety is key. For hiking tours with steep stair cases, there should be an exit or alternative plans for people who have physical challenges. It would be good to provide options to address any of your guest’s concerns. As for the Farewell Dinner, I personally think this could have been done at a much better location. The location of choice was a bit loud and too casual. A more intimate setup to celebrate all of our accomplished group bonding would’ve been better and would have made for a great ending! Overall, we enjoyed our Bordeaux trip with you and Hela. You are both fun and made our trip very memorable. Thank you for a wonderful trip!