Luxury, amid a stark and extreme desert? The Oasis at Death Valley is just that. A delightful contrast, it is a destination vacation off the beaten track, yet accessible and bucket-list worthy. It will take you a couple of hours from Las Vegas, or 4-hours from Los Angeles to be transported to a spectacular location.
Nestled in Italy’s Chianti region, among the rolling hills of Tuscany, is an Italian castle offering 5-star accommodations with a perfect balance of Old World charisma and modern comforts.
Opened April 16, 2013, the Tudor Inn, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, fulfills the promise of treating its guests like royalty. Stepping through the front door you are transported back in time and across the ocean to the sumptuous luxury of 15th century England. Henry VIII’s era is the inspiration but the decor which gives the inn its ornate character simply begs you to relax and enjoy.
Remember those sleepless nights lying on a rickety camp bed — or worse, on rough ground? Well, this yurt has a large, super comfy double bed and bunk beds for the youngsters. Forget wandering across to the shower block to freshen up in the morning. There’s a modern bathroom with double sink and shower.
Imagine staying in a hotel built for a king, or sleeping where Prince Rainier III of Monaco and his princess Grace Kelly honeymooned. Picture a hotel in a time so regal that celebrities were refused accommodation, considered to be “not the type” for the Ritz.
Hosteria La Perla is a hotel built right on the beach. It is only a short walk through the back gate until your toes are in the sand. The first thing you notice when you reach the beach is a small island about five miles offshore. At the end of the island, it appears as if there is a giant Army boot. Legend has it that pirates would hang treacherous buccaneers on the island.
One by one we boarded the old ranch van. Our tour guide, Karen, drove us to a restricted part of the ranch that includes Georgia O’Keeffe’s home. We walked in the arroyos and horse trails, being careful not to step off the trails and damage any of the fragile flora or fauna. The longtime drought had taken its toll on the landscape. Karen pointed out the tiny plants that were struggling to survive the hot, arid climate of New Mexico.
As you drive past sprawling vineyards and orchards ripe with juicy grapes, tart cherries, and crisp apples, you will see a rustic red barn perched amidst a 60-acre field of golden wheat. On first glance, you would not suspect this proud reminder of simpler days to be a sanctuary for those in need of relaxation.
There is so much to explore and so many ways to do it, through hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, camping, and various other outdoor activities. But have you ever thought about staying in an active forest fire tower? Through a reservation one can rent and stay at an active forest fire lookout tower during the off seasons. This is a unique getaway experience and grants spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.
