Vivanista (V): Tell us about Our Personal Guest?

Our focus is on distinctive experiences and stellar service.

V: What is your background?

M: I have a master’s degree in 19^th century French art history, and worked for many years at Butterfield & Butterfield auction house in the Asian Art department. I’ve been able to use my art background and my understanding of high-end markets to tailor specialized cultural and artistic programs.

V: What’s the best versus most difficult business decisions you’ve had to make?

M: The best was to relocate back to San Francisco and open the west coast operations of Our Personal Guest. The most difficult was to leave New York – the center of the luxury travel industry.

V: What extravagant travels have you personally experienced?

M: Bora Bora is definitely on the list, staying in overwater bungalows at the St Regis and Four Seasons with breakfast delivered by traditional Polynesian canoe.

Also, I was recently in a converted kasbah secluded in a palm oasis about four hours east of Marrakech called Dar Ahlam. Days were spent riding Arabian stallions, hiking gorges and visiting Berber villages, followed by nightly massages in the hammam and extravagant dinners. The wonderful proprietors went above and beyond when they procured a flat-screen TV in town so we could watch the Obama inauguration.

M: Research a destination as much as possible and pack accordingly. There’s nothing worse than lacking the proper necessities (comfortable hiking boots or good sunscreen) or carrying extra weight with items that are never used. And carry on as much as possible!

V: Are you involved in any philanthropic endeavors?

0M: Our Personal Guest is deeply involved with the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT), an organization dedicated to conserving the cultural and architectural heritage of Nepal. We also sponsor a young monk in Bhutan so he can continue his studies.

I personally have volunteered extensively with New York Cares and Hands On Bay Area, two fabulous organizations that make getting involved easy for folks with limited time and unpredictable schedules.

V: When did you discover your love of travel?

M: My mother fostered my addiction to travel by first persuading me to spend my junior year abroad and then taking me on my first exotic trip…to India.

M: Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth, a collection of short stories about Indians living in the US and the struggles and cultural issues that ensue with their first-generation, Americanized children. Lahiri has an exquisite way with words and characters; you can really understand their joy and pain.

M: Don’t put off the things you want out of life for later, do it now. You never know what the future holds, so live in the moment.

M: Etta James, Alicia Keys and Federico Aubele, a singer-songwriter from Buenos Aires who mixes ambient styles with Argentine tango.

M: Mornings on vacation…waking up to sunshine and the sound of the ocean, tropical fruit and champagne for breakfast.

M: That working in luxury travel industry I have to travel first-class. I can stay at a pensione or B&B. I do, however, draw the line at hostels. Alas, those days have passed!