Lime, along with British Airways and New Orleans & Company, had the pleasure of organising our most prestigious event, the Lime Rewards Trip. This is our way of celebrating and rewarding the loyalty of our top performing Tour Operator Partners. For 2024, our chosen destination was none other than the vibrant city of New Orleans.
Stacey, Head of Sales and Partnerships, joined some of our Tour Operator Partners on an unforgettable visit. Keep reading to hear all about what she got up to while she was there!
Day One: A luxurious start
Our journey began early at London Heathrow, but the excitement (and a glass of champagne) made the early start worthwhile. The British Airways Club Galleries lounge at Terminal 5 provided the perfect setting for our group to mingle. With spacious seating, a well-stocked bar, and even a visit to the new Whispering Angel Bar at B Gate, the trip was off to a delightful start.
Boarding in Club World, our guests enjoyed the premium experience of British Airways’ new Club World Suite. With a 6ft 6-inch fully flat bed, direct aisle access, a personal door for privacy, and state-of-the-art flight entertainment, the flight to New Orleans provided the group with a better understanding of the new Club World Suite.
Upon landing, we checked into the Sheraton New Orleans, our home for the trip. Dinner that evening was a quintessential New Orleans experience at Desire Oyster Bar, where we sampled local delicacies such as Chargrilled Oysters and Gumbo. For the night owls who wanted to venture out after dinner, Bourbon Street offered a taste of the city’s iconic nightlife.
Day Two: Jazz, brunch, and a walking tour of the French Quarter
No morning in New Orleans is complete without a Jazz Brunch, and ours at The Palace Café was just what we needed. Located at the edge of the French Quarter, the café served up live jazz and the famed Bananas Foster, flambéed to perfection.
For the afternoon we embarked on a walking tour of the French Quarter and Garden District. We marvelled at historic landmarks, encountered a world-renowned jazz musician who to our delight was freely playing in the street, and strolled through the homes of New Orleans’ elite within the Garden district. From Sandra Bullock to John Goodman, it’s no wonder celebrities are drawn to the houses in this neighbourhood.
The evening brought us to the charming and most beautiful Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone. Known for its rotating bar, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors. Following cocktails, we then dined in style at Domenica, where a private dining room set the stage for an elegant meal amongst our new friends.
Day Three: A taste of tradition and a view from the top
Our final full day began at the iconic Mother’s Restaurant, established in 1938. Famous for its Po’ Boy sandwiches, this eatery is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ culinary culture. Fully fuelled, we headed to The Vue, a spectacular indoor and outdoor observatory offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Standing on the deck, we all reflected on the places we’d explored during our whirlwind visit.
The next stop was Sazerac House, a celebration of New Orleans’ signature spirit. A guided tour led us to a private tasting room, where we sampled the potent 90-proof elixir. Cheers to those who emptied their glasses, it was no small feat!
We visited Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub, Bourbon Street’s oldest jazz club, where we listened to live music whilst enjoying (yes you’ve guessed it) another cocktail or two. For our grand finale, we dined at the historic Antoine’s, established 176 years ago. Their Reveillon dinner was a rather sumptuous affair, and featured creole classics like Oysters Rockefeller and the dramatic Baked Alaska. You have to see this to believe it. Toasting with champagne, we enjoyed every moment of our last night in New Orleans.
Farewell, New Orleans
As our trip came to an end, we reluctantly bid farewell to this amazing city. One that I must say truly surpassed my expectations. A final cocktail in the comfort of the Club World Suite aboard British Airways, paired with fluffy White Company socks and a cosy eye mask, was the perfect way to reflect on all the memories we’d made.
New Orleans truly left an incredible mark on all of us. Until next time, here’s to the next Lime Rewards adventure.
