Liza Graves, president of Sonoma-based BeautifulPlaces, a noted luxury villa hospitality company, was named to Condé Nast Traveler's elite "Travel Specialist" list featured in the magazine's December 2016 issue on newsstands now.

     This prestigious list honors just 150 travel professionals from around the world who must go through a stict vetting process by the magazine's editors.  The editors refer to their Travel Specialists as the travelers' Experience Makers as "They'll pull off the impossible and spare you the logistics."

     "I am thrilled to once again receive this honor from Condé Nast Traveler and to promote travel to the California wine country and beyond," commented Graves, who co-founded BeautifulPlaces in 2003 with her husband, Patrick Smith.

     Graves was a pioneer in the villa rental industry and is frequently called on to comment on home rental issues locally and nationally by the travel and business press.  She is a Board Member of the Sonoma County Lodging Association and the Sonoma County Vacation Rental Managers Association.  Prior to starting BeautifulPlaces, Graves was an executive at American Express and Charles Schwab.   Graves and her husband live in Sonoma County with their 17 year old twins, Margaret and Patrick who attend Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa. 

About BeautifulPlaces:

     With its portfolio of exclusive homes and historic estates, five star amenities and concierge services, BeautifulPlaces is a full service hospitality company offering guests luxurious villa vacation experiences in a variety of destinations around the world -- the wine regions of Northern California and Italy...the resort areas of Mexico, Costa Rica and the Bahamas...the winter playgrounds of Telluride, Snowmass and Aspen...the Caribbean Islands of Mustique, Barbados, Anguilla, and the US and British Virgin Islands...the jet set hideaways of The Hamptons, Nantucket and Watch Hill...and several of Europe's great cities from Paris to Prague.  Their knowledgeable concierges are at your disposal to advise and assist on all personal arrangements; plan custom itineraries; create unique experiences; provide insider tips about the destination; and are available to assist with all guests' needs and requests 24/7.  BeautifulPlaces is headquartered in Sonoma, California.  For more information, visit their website www.beautiful-places.com