In a bold quest to find the most impressive places to spend the night, an increasing number of travelers have checked into a range of rare and wonderful accommodations in remote and exciting locations all over the world. Lofty Pursuits Sitting directly above turquoise blue, crystal-clear waters (with a magnificent view worth the trip itself) are the Intercontinental® Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa bungalows. As French Polynesia’s first resort with all over-water villas and an over-water wedding chapel, the resort sets the standard for a Polynesian bungalow experience. Wake up each morning with breakfast delivered by canoe, and enjoy a truly unique five-star experience day after day.Our favorite tree dwellings are the Treehouses at Lion Sands Game Reserve which are distinguished as a “million-star experience” because you quite literally sleep in a tree beneath the stars. Also up in the sky are the Hanging Gardens of Bali featuring airy villas and a two-tiered pool overlooking a vast expanse of lush jungle. In Scandinavia, Finland’s Arctic Treehouse Hotel features luxurious glass houses on a wooded slope, while Sweden’s Treehotel takes the glass theme to new levels with the mesmerizing, fort-like Mirrorcube. Image Credit: Intercontinental® Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Built-in View Voted one of the seven resorts with the most spectacular views in the world by CNN Travel, The Springs Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica is where the word “vacation” is truly defined. Whether traveling as a family, couple, or group, guests will be overwhelmed in every aspect of quality, service and design.Image Credit: The Springs Resort & Spa For those who truly wish to be one with the landscape, the Canaves Oia Hotel & Suites, located in Santorini, is carved into the cliffs of the isle’s northwestern tip – overlooking Oia Santorini’s stunning Caldera and the beautiful turquoise Aegean Sea; and the Adrere Amellal Ecolodge, in Egypt’s Western
In a bold quest to find the most impressive places to spend the night, an increasing number of travelers have checked into a range of rare and wonderful accommodations in remote and exciting locations all over the world.
Lofty Pursuits
Sitting directly above turquoise blue, crystal-clear waters (with a magnificent view worth the trip itself) are the Intercontinental® Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa bungalows. As French Polynesia’s first resort with all over-water villas and an over-water wedding chapel, the resort sets the standard for a Polynesian bungalow experience. Wake up each morning with breakfast delivered by canoe, and enjoy a truly unique five-star experience day after day.Our favorite tree dwellings are the Treehouses at Lion Sands Game Reserve which are distinguished as a “million-star experience” because you quite literally sleep in a tree beneath the stars. Also up in the sky are the Hanging Gardens of Bali featuring airy villas and a two-tiered pool overlooking a vast expanse of lush jungle. In Scandinavia, Finland’s Arctic Treehouse Hotel features luxurious glass houses on a wooded slope, while Sweden’s Treehotel takes the glass theme to new levels with the mesmerizing, fort-like Mirrorcube.
Image Credit: Intercontinental® Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Built-in View
Voted one of the seven resorts with the most spectacular views in the world by CNN Travel, The Springs Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica is where the word “vacation” is truly defined. Whether traveling as a family, couple, or group, guests will be overwhelmed in every aspect of quality, service and design.Image Credit: The Springs Resort & SpaFor those who truly wish to be one with the landscape, the Canaves Oia Hotel & Suites, located in Santorini, is carved into the cliffs of the isle’s northwestern tip – overlooking Oia Santorini’s stunning Caldera and the beautiful turquoise Aegean Sea; and the Adrere Amellal Ecolodge, in Egypt’s Western Desert, feels primitive and luxurious all at once. But, not to miss is Italy’s Grotta Palazzese hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea – a study in contrasts with crisp, clean, modern suites above elegant dining in a rugged stone cave below.Image Credit: Canaves Oia Santorini
Outdoor Envy
Situated on the banks of the river from which it has taken its name, Elewana Sand River Masai Mara replicates the 1920s era of exclusive tented camps. Located within Kenya’s picturesque Masai Mara National Reserve on the Tanzania border, the hotel is optimal for those wishing to enjoy exceptional big-game viewing.Image Credit: Elewana Sand River Masai MaraSimilarly, the Gran Meliá Iguazú in Argentina is the only hotel in the world within Iguazú National Park, and it stands beside one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Iguazú Falls. All 183 rooms and suites feature terraces overlooking either the jungle or “Devil’s Throat” – a view you can also enjoy from the incredible 55-yard infinity pool.Under Canvas® travelers are also reconnecting with the outdoors in safari-inspired glamps across the United States. Word is, the acoustic campfire music at the outfit’s Great Smoky Mountains camp in Tennessee is worth the journey alone. Meanwhile, for bubble enthusiasts, the Finolhu Beach Bubble Tent on Baa Atoll in the Maldives and the Buubble hotel in Iceland, also called the “5 Million Star Hotel,” will make anyone’s Pinterest dreams come true.
Image Credit: Gran Meliá Iguazú
We’re So Cool
Just a little over 45 minutes from Banff lies Fairmont Château Lake Louise, a destination among a destination. This Rocky Mountain retreat is a year-round sanctuary nestled among soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier, and a glistening emerald lake. Take advantage of the glorious natural surroundings by canoeing and hiking in the summer, or by skiing and ice skating on Lake Louise in the winter to truly embrace your “cool.”Looking for someplace to ogle the Northern Lights? The Ice Hotel in the Swedish Lapland village of Jukkasjarvi is an established favorite. This one-of-a-kind hotel features both warm and cold room accommodations and changing ice art exhibitions. Other equally thrilling options include Iglu-Dorf in Zermatt, Switzerland, the magical Kaksluauttanen Arctic Resort inside the Arctic Circle in Finland, and Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in the northernmost region of Norway.
Image Credit: Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Don’t Mind if I Do
The only property in the Caribbean with Palace distinction, we won’t have to twist your arm to visit Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France. Echoing French refinement in a glamorous ambience, the hotel features French designer, Jacques Grange’s new architectural concept. However, perhaps what the property does best is celebrate the art of living in the tropics by providing culinary and cultural journeys in a renowned way. Lastly, Giraffe Manor, from The Safari Collection, is a boutique hotel just outside Nairobi, Kenya, which is popular among a herd of wild Rothschild’s giraffe. The elegant and amiable creatures visit at dawn and dusk, often peeking in the windows to receive treats. For extra bragging rights, ask for the Karen Blixen suite, named for the author of Out of Africa.
Whether you’re craving star-struck nights in the desert, stunning sunrises over the sea, softly falling snow, dense rainforests, or all of the above, if you look hard enough, you’ll find the world is full of unique places to lay your head. Which will you visit first?
Image Credit: Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France / Main Image Credit: Intercontinental® Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
The locals see Riviera Maya as a spiritual destination where you can energize, relieve your daily stress, and reconnect with your loved ones. During times of uncertainty, when unexpected events impact their lives, there are various ways in which we reconnect with the wonders of mother nature to gain energy, heal and find balance. Temazcal Temazcal, meaning “house of hot stones,” is a group ceremony where participants enter a sweat lodge similar to an igloo-shaped hut where they experience high temperatures through hot stones and water to release tensions and toxins, and to purify their souls. It also clears skin and aids blood flow. According to the scientific journal Age and Ageing, the Temazcal practice can also help decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Tip: Forget about your makeup because the steam will take it all off. Once you complete the ceremony, you will feel your skin and your body differently as the ceremony includes aromatherapy with healing plants allowing your mind to reach optimal clarity. Cenotes (Sinkholes) “Cenote” is derived from the Yucatec Mayan word “dz’onot,” which is used to indicate where water is accessible. There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula, and most of us locals, as well as tourists, go swimming in them because they are rich in nutrients with an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and protein that nourish the body. When traveling to Riviera Maya, we suggest visiting the Cenote Ik Kil, in Chichen Itza, not far from the ruins, Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum, and the Grand Cenote. Tip: If you are getting married in Riviera Maya, visit a cenote during a full moon and ask to receive a blessing of cenote water to pray for thankfulness and harmony in your marriage. Chichen Itza Chichen Itza is not just another archeological place;
The locals see Riviera Maya as a spiritual destination where you can energize, relieve your daily stress, and reconnect with your loved ones. During times of uncertainty, when unexpected events impact their lives, there are various ways in which we reconnect with the wonders of mother nature to gain energy, heal and find balance.
Temazcal
Temazcal, meaning “house of hot stones,” is a group ceremony where participants enter a sweat lodge similar to an igloo-shaped hut where they experience high temperatures through hot stones and water to release tensions and toxins, and to purify their souls. It also clears skin and aids blood flow.
According to the scientific journal Age and Ageing, the Temazcal practice can also help decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Tip: Forget about your makeup because the steam will take it all off. Once you complete the ceremony, you will feel your skin and your body differently as the ceremony includes aromatherapy with healing plants allowing your mind to reach optimal clarity.
Cenotes (Sinkholes)
“Cenote” is derived from the Yucatec Mayan word “dz’onot,” which is used to indicate where water is accessible.
There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula, and most of us locals, as well as tourists, go swimming in them because they are rich in nutrients with an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and protein that nourish the body. When traveling to Riviera Maya, we suggest visiting the Cenote Ik Kil, in Chichen Itza, not far from the ruins, Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum, and the Grand Cenote.
Tip: If you are getting married in Riviera Maya, visit a cenote during a full moon and ask to receive a blessing of cenote water to pray for thankfulness and harmony in your marriage.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is not just another archeological place; it is a wonder of the world. The Pyramid of Kukulkan, the 80-foot stone, is set where the sun creates shadows down the steps of the pyramid resembling a snake descending. This event drags big crowds during the March and September equinox.
For those who have traveled the world connecting to sacred spiritual places, Chichen Itza is a magical place where many ask for humanity and for individuals who struggle in life.
Tip: We suggest visiting Chichen Itza during the equinox as some people say the sacred energy expands and contracts then. And, they claim that is when you can manifest incredible healing or well-being for others.
Mayakoba
When visiting the Riviera Maya, make sure to visit Mayakoba. Enjoy family dinners at our El Puerto overlooking the waterways. Enjoy yacht charters and catamaran tours. Go snorkeling and kayaking in the Caribbean Sea. Shop in downtown Playa del Carmen for that perfect souvenir. A vacation in Mayakoba comes naturally!
With more than 700 islands and cays, reefs, beaches, parks, botanical gardens and churches, The Bahamas offers endless options for families, couples, friends, and even multi-generation groups. Picture sapphire-blue skies, turquoise water, pure white or pink-sand beaches, endless activities, and the beautiful, warm Bahamian people – the perfect setting for your dream tropical vacation. So, what are you waiting for? The uniqueness and seclusion of The Bahamas’ Out Islands await you. The Abacos The Abacos are a group of islands and cays that form a 120-mile long chain stretching over 650 square miles. It’s best known as one of the world’s top boating and sailing destinations and are also known for their incredibly scenic locations. Great Abaco Island and Little Abaco serve as the ‘mainland.’ Marsh Harbor is the lively downtown area, Treasure Cay boasts miles of pristine beaches, including one of the top 10 beaches in the world, and Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay are old English loyalist settlements where you will find beautiful preserved colonial architecture with a touch of Bahamian pastels. Eleuthera Intimate and naturally beautiful with secluded pink-sand beaches – Eleuthera is the perfect Bahamian island for a romantic getaway. It’s an island of casual sophistication, well-developed resorts, rocky bluffs, and massive coral reefs that make it ideal for photo opportunities. It was once ranked as “The Best Island in the Caribbean” by Travel & Leisure magazine, and at one time, it was the capital of The Bahamas. Image Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation Long Island Breathtaking cliffs, brilliant coral reefs, and serene beaches – Long Island is home to it all. Dramatic cliffs tower over the eastern shore while the island’s western shore is a bit more tranquil. Here, you will find soft pink and-white sand beaches that gradually slip into
With more than 700 islands and cays, reefs, beaches, parks, botanical gardens and churches, The Bahamas offers endless options for families, couples, friends, and even multi-generation groups.
Picture sapphire-blue skies, turquoise water, pure white or pink-sand beaches, endless activities, and the beautiful, warm Bahamian people – the perfect setting for your dream tropical vacation. So, what are you waiting for? The uniqueness and seclusion of The Bahamas’ Out Islands await you.
The Abacos
The Abacos are a group of islands and cays that form a 120-mile long chain stretching over 650 square miles. It’s best known as one of the world’s top boating and sailing destinations and are also known for their incredibly scenic locations. Great Abaco Island and Little Abaco serve as the ‘mainland.’ Marsh Harbor is the lively downtown area, Treasure Cay boasts miles of pristine beaches, including one of the top 10 beaches in the world, and Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay are old English loyalist settlements where you will find beautiful preserved colonial architecture with a touch of Bahamian pastels.
Eleuthera
Intimate and naturally beautiful with secluded pink-sand beaches – Eleuthera is the perfect Bahamian island for a romantic getaway. It’s an island of casual sophistication, well-developed resorts, rocky bluffs, and massive coral reefs that make it ideal for photo opportunities. It was once ranked as “The Best Island in the Caribbean” by Travel & Leisure magazine, and at one time, it was the capital of The Bahamas.
Image Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation
Long Island
Breathtaking cliffs, brilliant coral reefs, and serene beaches – Long Island is home to it all. Dramatic cliffs tower over the eastern shore while the island’s western shore is a bit more tranquil. Here, you will find soft pink and-white sand beaches that gradually slip into peaceful turquoise waters. Long Island is also home to “Dean’s Blue Hole”, the deepest blue hole in the world.
Exuma
You will not find a more adventurous place in the Bahamas than Exuma. Miles of gorgeous beaches offer picture-postcard shots with turquoise waters reaching over the horizon behind you. Numerous cays, charming churches, and several cultural sites provide endless possibilities for travelers. But, perhaps the number one thing on travelers’ to-do lists while visiting Exuma is swimming with the pigs, an experience you will never forget.
Image Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation
Bimini
Known for big-game fishing, uncrowded beaches, and partying nightlife, Bimini is one of the livelier Out Islands. It’s comprised of two islands – North and South Bimini – and is only a little over 50 miles from Miami. You can actually take a two-hour ferry from Miami to Bimini or a short 30-minute flight making it incredibly accessible. Bimini has only recently hit tourists’ radars, so it’s a great destination for a long weekend in a lavish tropical setting.
Image Credit: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation
