Frenchman Mikael Audebert, has been in the business of making dreams come true for hundreds of travelers since 2000. Born with the “itch” to travel and owner of vast experience in the travel industry, he has extensively explored the four corners of the earth and continues to do so several times a year, as leader of our Escorted Voyages Division.
Mikael moved to the U.S in 1992 to pursue a career in tourism. From the very beginning, he saw the end of the traditional travel agency coming and quickly developed a customized approach to more individually-tailored, travel planning and travel management for his clients. As a result, Mikael and Art In Voyage have received impressive recognition for professional excellence, including being named to the Orlando Business Journal’s “40 under 40”, Watermark Media's “Most Remarkable Person of the Year” for 2013, the Orlando Business Journal's 2012 list of “Businessmen to Watch” and has received numerous awards for his charity work in the Orlando., Florida marketplace.
And, when we say that we don’t send you anywhere that we haven’t been, we aren’t kidding! Mikael is so committed to vetting guest’ interests before booking them, he even personally checked out the paragliding launch pad at Six Senses' Zighy Bay in Oman. The view is one of peace, quiet and absolute beauty and the thrill is running toward the cliff for a 10-minute flight. It’s now his favorite spot, too!
His Favorite retreat:
Six Senses Zighy Bay (Oman): Looking for heaven on earth? Look no more. That property, located in the bay of Zighy (overlooking the Gulf of Iran) boats 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas, all equipped with their own private pools. The experiences offered (from scuba diving to paragliding and sun downers) are just the icing on the cake when it comes to the serenity and tranquility one will find when staying there.
There is no describing the beauty of South Africa without including the kindness of its people, the extraordinary culinary experiences, the exceptional wine and the 150+ National Parks, each offering a little bit for everyone.
How can one not be proud of one's home region. Provence continues to win my heart at each visit, and I proudly showcase it to guests who, without any surprises, get to fall in love with its people, its food, its wine and most importantly, its endless and diverse exceptional scenery.
While my best moment in Sri Lanka was riding the train, in 3rd class please, through the jungle and tea plantations (with live music on board from joyful locals), I fell in love with its people first and foremost. A patchwork of cultures and religions that seem to co-exist in peace with great pride.
Aix En Provence, France
We were rarely able to afford it, which could explain my passion for travel, and our work in making our journeys unique and memorable.
Spain, probably 10
On my first trip to the US, at age 17. I knew from that moment that I had to expand my horizons, meet new people, immerse in new culture and that without it, I would never be quite content.
Private Villa so long there is concierge service :-)
Don't overthink it and for Pete's sake, make sure your carry-on has enough to get you by the first 2 days!!!
Paris, always! Then Cape Town and
I have two: My "water cleansing" in Ubud (Bali) and my week-long biking in Namibia when I had a chance to truly disconnect from technology and admire the beautiful world for what it is
I can't divulge who is on my black list :-)
A small one Michelin Star restaurant in San Gimignano: Cum Quibus. WOW!
Not always having covered the basics of the local language and going all English on them!
Milan
My week long biking in Namibia. That pushed my limits to levels I did not know could be reached while making me look at myself, and the world in general in a whole different way.
Atacama desert in Chile
I become anti-social, focus on myself and then go fly over the winelands to remember how incredible the world is from above
I love driving
Swiss Alps
When I was building hotel cardboard models at age 13
Well we had Kathy Griffin and Mario Cantone on a 2008 journey to Bora Bora. Looking back, I would definitely have Mario back, and add Tom Holland, Richard Branson, Neil Patrick Harris and Kathy Bates
My bed
Italy, by far
Canon
