Enigmatic founder of Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report dies at 82

Robert Atkinson traveled the world incognito to uncover unspoiled destinations for subscribers to his newsletter.

CHICAGO, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For 46 years, Andrew Harper has been a pioneering travel brand, with covert reviewers scouring the world to provide sophisticated consumers with insightful, unbiased recommendations. Like the current reviewers, the identity of the original Andrew Harper has remained a closely guarded secret — until now.

Robert Harper Atkinson, hailed by USA Today as "upscale travel's international man of mystery," and the founder and visionary force behind Andrew Harper, died July 13 at age 82. He lived in Boise and Sun Valley, Idaho.

Atkinson and his wife, Brenda, who survives him, wandered anonymously around the globe for more than 25 years, seeking out enchanting, unspoiled destinations for the loyal readers of his newsletter, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report. To maintain the newsletter's exclusivity, subscriptions were limited to 25,000 — mostly celebrities, CEOs and company presidents who sought frank reviews of secluded getaways far from the madding crowd.

"Anonymity breeds objectivity," Atkinson often said. The Hideaway Report was the first travel publication to wholly adopt the policy of traveling incognito, paying the same rate as any typical guest at the hotels it reviewed. In the pre-internet world, Andrew Harper members learned about places that few people even knew existed. "I'm just a romantic nomad in search of Shangri-la," he once told a reporter from Forbes magazine, "and I was fortunate to turn my lifelong quest into a successful enterprise."

Atkinson, who was born Jan. 13, 1943, in Middletown, Conn., worked as a copywriter and account executive for J. Walter Thompson and several other advertising agencies. In the 1970s, he served on Capitol Hill as press secretary and chief of staff to Maryland Reps. Goodloe Byron and Beverly Byron.

Growing tired of the corporate world, Atkinson realized that what he enjoyed most in life were the vacations where he and Brenda explored secluded romantic destinations. But too often a promised paradise turned out to be a disappointment.

So, in 1979, Atkinson started a monthly newsletter, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, using a pen name so he could travel without being recognized and share independent, authentic and trusted reviews of peaceful, unspoiled sanctuaries around the globe with a limited group of sophisticated travelers. He typed out the inaugural six-page issue at his kitchen table and sent it to the first 87 subscribers in June 1979.

"Seclusion rates big in my book," he told The Wall Street Journal. "But most of all, I am invigorated by sublime and scenic settings, which convey a profound sense of permanence and purity that inevitably elevates the human spirit. Places where civility and contentment still prevail, where no one seems in any great hurry, and the everyday richness of life is savored to its fullest."

In 2007, Atkinson retired and appointed a new editor-in-chief who, along with a small team, continues to travel incognito, writing hotel reviews and in-depth articles about destinations, including the best restaurants, sights and activities. Using a rigorous vetting process that considers character, comfort and personal service, their task is to distinguish the merely excellent from the truly enchanting.

Today, Andrew Harper members receive the monthly Hideaway Report newsletter among other publications, as well as full-service trip planning, exclusive amenities and VIP status at more than 1,600 luxury hotels worldwide.

"I can confidently speak for all 70-plus Andrew Harper employees when I say, we are proud to work for this company and to carry forward the vision and passion Robert had for the Hideaway Report and Andrew Harper," said Don Jones, Andrew Harper's managing director.

About Andrew Harper
In 1979, our founding editor left corporate life to travel the world. In his desire for authenticity, he sought out small hideaways in unspoiled corners of the globe, sharing his findings through a monthly newsletter under the pen name Andrew Harper. Over the years, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report evolved into a members-only luxury travel site with an expanded menu of curated content, including in-depth articles about the best hotels, restaurants, sightseeing and activities in hundreds of destinations, as well as sample itineraries and articles on villas, cruises and tours. Andrew Harper members enjoy full-service trip planning and exclusive travel perks at top-tier hotels, villas, cruises, safaris and more. Members get access to private auctions and ongoing offers throughout the year from favored hotels and travel partners around the world.

CONTACT:
Karen Musgrave
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SOURCE Andrew Harper Travel