We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Martindale and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Adam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have worked in hospitality all my life as Food and Beverage Director in Hotels, Resorts, Conference Centers, a museum and for major cruise lines. I wanted to start my own business and do what I know and love so decided to purchase a travel franchise with Cruise Planners/American Express and focus on Food and Wine Group Cruises 5 years ago.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Utilizing my 30 years of experience, working for 4 major cruise lines, luxury hotels and resorts as Food and Beverage Director, as well as my love for food, wine & travel, I focus my business on group food and wine travel, specifically wine cruises, which personally escort. I also specialize in more intimate LGBT+ groups with ‘Meet Me On Board”. I am very proud of my achievements over the past 5 years and just reached “Millionaires Club” status again with Cruise Planners for my bookings for 2021. I am on the board for San Diego ASTA.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would stay at the Pendry Hotel in the Gaslamp to start our journey and would start the week at Balboa Park, the center and one of the most historic parts of San Diego history. There are so many things to do in Balboa Park but would probably start with a personal morning guided walk with a friend of mine who performs tours here and then lunch at the Prado. We would visit a museum or two and then head back to the hotel and dinner at “Lionfish” in the Pendry, a great restaurant in the gaslamp. Day 2 I would head to La Jolla and take in the shoreline, maybe take a kayak tour here. Visit the sea-lions. Lunch at “George’s at the Cove” and enjoy the view. I would enjoy the afternoon at the hotel pool, chill out and then head to “Coasterra” for dinner on Harbor Island. Day 3 – Take the ferry from downtown to Coronado and rent a bike to tour Coronado. Lunch at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. Take a ride along the beach front and head back to the ferry landing after enjoying the day in Coronado. Afternoon stroll around the Gaslamp and Happy Hour on the roof-top at the Nolen. Dinner at Animae. Day 4 – Back to Balboa Park and spend the day at the San Diego Zoo! Dinner in Little Italy at “Barbusa”. Day 5 – Head to Pacific Beach and check into “Tower 23” Hotel. Lunch on their deck overlooking the roller bladers and beach strollers. Enjoy the view. Maybe spend the afternoon on the beach…dinner at “Water Bar” for a casual evening. Day 6 – Head to mission beach, enjoy the rollercoaster and this area in the morning. Head to Mission Bay and enjoy the day! Dinner in Old Town. Enjoy!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my career in hospitality I was fortunate to work for some great leaders who helped me realize my potential. Working for major hotel companies and cruise lines prepared me for my leap into my own business 5 years ago. The experience I gained by working with over 30 nationalities on cruise ships around the world for 17 years was one of the best educational opportunities I could ever have.
Website: www.cruisewinetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winecruisingguy/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambrit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adambrit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.martindale.14
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyY67Vbgx4mpwbML9ojZBgA