Robert Harper Atkinson

January 13, 1943 - July 13, 2025

Boise, Idaho - Robert Harper Atkinson (a.k.a. Andrew Harper), the founder and visionary force behind the pioneer Hideaway Report travel newsletter, which he wrote under the pen name of Andrew Harper, died peacefully on July 13th at age 82. He was a resident of Boise and Sun Valley, Idaho, since 1987 and served as Editor-in-Chief of the publication from 1979-2007.

Hailed by USA Today as "upscale travel's international man of mystery," Atkinson and his surviving wife, Brenda, wandered anonymously around the globe for more than 25 years seeking out enchanting, unspoiled destinations for the newsletter's loyal readers. To maintain the newsletter's exclusivity, subscriptions were limited to 25,000, mostly celebrities, CEOs and presidents of companies who desired frank reviews of secluded getaways far from the madding crowd.

"Anonymity breeds objectivity," Atkinson often said, his newsletter being the very first travel publication to wholly adopt the policy of traveling incognito paying the same rate as any typical guest when staying at hotels he reviewed. He also filled the pre-Internet void of providing information on worldwide hideaways that few people ever knew existed. "I'm just a romantic nomad in search of Shangri-la," he once told a Forbes reporter, "and I was fortunate to turn my lifelong quest into a successful enterprise."

Summing up his love for exotic places in a Wall Street Journal interview, Atkinson said: "Seclusion rates big in my book. Charm not chicness. 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."

Robert Harper Atkinson was born January 13, 1943, in Middletown, Connecticut, the son of Keith and Catherine Atkinson. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Brenda Atkinson, to whom he was married for 59 years. (He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Atkinson and Jean Driggers and is survived by his brother Richard Atkinson). Prior to his founding of Hideaway Report in 1979, he was as a copywriter and account executive for J. Walter Thompson and several other advertising agencies. He also served on Capitol Hill in the 1970s as the Press Secretary and Chief of Staff to Rep. Beverly Byron and Rep. Goodloe Byron. More recently, he served on the Honors College Advisory Board at Boise State University. He was also the editor of The Confessions of Congressman X, a shockingly frank tell-all that was a #1 Amazon bestseller in May 2016.

Based on his wishes, he was buried without ceremony at Dellwood Cemetery in Manchester Village, Vermont. According to his wife, his pre-planned epitaph reads: "Robert Harper Atkinson (a.k.a. Andrew Harper) On his way to the ultimate hideaway; no report expected."

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Published by Idaho Statesman from Jul. 19 to Jul. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Atkinson

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

6 Entries

Cindy Hanks

Earlier today

Mick and I send our deepest condolences. We loved having him as a customer and friend at "To the Nynes" in Boise. He was a fine dresser and we we loved it when Bob and Brenda stopped by. Prayers and heartfelt thought go out to Brenda.

Michael Atkinson

July 24, 2025

Aunt Brenda - I am saddened to hear Uncle Robert has passed away. He always lit up the rooms he was in with his gifts for language and storytelling. The world has gotten a little darker with his passing. Cheryl and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don N Jones

July 24, 2025

It was a sad week at Andrew Harper when we learned of the passing of our Founder, Robert Atkinson. I can confidently speak for all 70+ Andrew Harper employees, when I say, we are so proud to work for this company and to carry forward the vision and passion Robert had for Hideaway Report and Andrew Harper. While few of us had the privilege of working with Robert, we all feel a kinship to his dedication to the members and his commitment to honest reporting. To put it in his own words from the June 1999 Hideaway Report, "I would be a toady to no one. To maintain my editorial freedom of judgement and objectivity, I would travel incognito and pay the same rate as a typical guest".

Rest assured that traditions continues, and it is one of the unique attributes that gives meaning to being an Andrew Harper member.

We are grateful for what Robert created and the opportunity he gave all of us to work for such a wonderful company.

Don N Jones
Managing Director
Andrew Harper

Tracy wellard

July 23, 2025

Sorry for your loss.

jan e snyder

July 23, 2025

Brenda we are so sorry for your loss We will keep you in our prayers We know Robert is in a great place.

Jim Everett

July 21, 2025

Brenda, you have my deepest sympathy. We only got to know Robert briefly, but I will never forget him. His ability to tell stories could transport you to places you had never been and likely never will be. I could listen for hours as the two of you shared fascinating stories with humor, humility and a deep love for people all over the world. Your ability to connect with people ranging from some of the wealthiest on earth to the poorest of the poor and treating them all with respect, dignity and kindness is something we can all try to emulate. What an amazing couple. Two brilliant and curious minds with a passion for people and places. Robert will be missed on this earth. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Jim Everett

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