Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Guarda Val - An Alpine Fairyland


Guarda Val, high in the Swiss Alps, is a destination so absolutely magical that it transports you to another time and place. Combining authentic Alpine tradition with a contemporary concept of Alpine design this peaceful retreat is a place of serenity and pristine natural beauty. Guarda Val has 50 tranquil guestrooms, most of them in charming individual rustic huts and barns that are centuries old and luxuriously updated with with modern amenities.

Visit the holistic on-site Spa which offers a variety of soothing treatments reflecting the fresh, invigorating spirit of the Alpine region. An elegant dining and a roof terrace offers breathtaking views over the Lenzerheide valley and an ambiance that is unequaled.

Whether planning a winter holiday or a summer vacation, this thrilling mountain destination offers the adventure of downhill or cross country skiing, hiking, mountain biking or water sports in an atmosphere of exhilarating natural beauty. So indulge yourself. Bask in the beauty of this remarkable hotel in the Swiss Alps. Breathe in the clear Alpine air. It's a natural high you'll never forget.

Friday, November 11, 2011

The North, South and West of It

Bed and breakfasts are the windows to America's soul and there can be nothing more satisfying than experiencing the warmth and comfort of the countryside in the magical inns across America. Established in 1795 in Northern Vermont, Rabbit Hill Inn is a romantic and luxurious Vermont bed and breakfast country inn – the perfect New England vacation destination for intimate getaways, honeymoons, celebrations and relaxing escapes. While visiting, travel the breathtaking Vermont country roads leading you to some of the most beautiful places in New England.

Treat yourself to a romantic, relaxing stay at Virginia's The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm on 70 acres offering commanding views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend your day touring magnificently preserved presidential homes at Monticello, Ashlawn Highland, and Montpelier, visiting the University of Virginia or the many award winning wineries. If you choose to spend the day at the inn enjoying the panoramic views of Shenandoah National Park, the seclusion of this Blue Ridge Mountain getaway offers hiking, touring, enjoying the forests and streams of Sugar Hollow, or just relaxing. You may want to stay longer.

Set on a hilltop in a beautiful land called Oregon, the Youngberg Hill Vineyard & Inn
is a great place to make new friends and meet people from all over the world who have a common interest of good wine and good food. The Inn provides the perfect retreat, centrally located in the Willamette Valley and the 22 year old vineyard is farmed organically and well known for producing award winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines. Taste and enjoy.

Just explore the back roads to revive your spirit. Can you imagine how relaxing it must be to wake up in any one of these glorious inns? We think we can!


Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Very Grand America

Nestled in the downtown area of Salt Lake City with the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains on either side is an opulent old world property of American scale. The Grand America is resplendent in exquisite details, offering marble adorned lobby and hallways with the elegance of Italian crystal chandeliers, French cherry-wood furniture and English wool carpeting. There is afternoon tea and often a classical musician playing in the lobby.

Their legendary hospitality begins even before you leave home, when you're contacted about any special requests or advance reservations that you may need. This same level of service is evident throughout your stay from the valet service, to the front desk where water bottles and cookies greet you in the lobby, to the concierges, the spa staff and housekeeping all going beyond what’s expected to make a stay memorable.

The spacious and elegant guestrooms are full of comforts and amenities - lots of wonderful pillows of all types, a nightly turn down service with chocolates, an Italian marble bathroom with huge bathtub and separate shower. Huge walk-in closets come with Robeworks plush robes for your pleasure. The balconies access fresh air and incredible views from virtually every room - the suites on the upper floors overlook the night lights of Salt Lake City.

All of Utah's major ski resorts and Salt Lake City's excellent golf courses are less than an hour's drive from the hotel. Recreational opportunities abound nearby in the magnificent national forests and state parks, several of which can be accessed from the hotel in 40 minutes or less. A trolley just steps from the lobby offers a free ride to the city's shopping, dining, and other attractions

This AAA Five Diamond Hotel is itself a destination with an infinity-edge pool, elegant manicured gardens and The Grand America Spa and Salon offering its guests the peaceful tranquility of soothing, healing treatments. For a warm and gracious experience look no further than this splendid European style hotel providing the charm of the old world with modern luxury and comfort for today's discerning traveler.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Into the West - The Snake River Lodge and Spa


A journey through the heart of the Tetons takes you to the doorstep of this beautiful lodge nestled at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Snake River Lodge and Spa is a short ride to the abundant natural wonders of Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, and 50 miles from the awe-inspiring natural treasures of Yellowstone National Park.

To get the most out of your visit to this luxurious Grand Teton resort, let Snake River's dedicated staff help you arrange the trip of a lifetime. Resort activities in this western wonderland include rafting, hiking, fly fishing, riding and, of course, skiing in more than 500 inches of annual fresh powder.

Voted to the 2009 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and set in a landscape as beautiful as any on earth, the country comfort of this Jackson Hole hotel offers world-class accommodations, impeccable service and a wide range of luxury amenities. After a day on the mountains indulge at the Avanyu Spa a truly luxurious sanctuary with waterfalls cascading into the indoor/outdoor pool and spa tubs tucked into steam-filled grottos. With a pampering staff and nourishing treatments it is the perfect complement to soothe the most intrepid adventurer.

Let yourself be swept away by the wild and exhilarating beauty of the Tetons, be spoiled by the Ski Valet or explore the back roads of Jackson Hole. The Snake River Lodge is the perfect base to discover the legendary American West.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

In Africa with Bushmans Kloof


Bushmans Kloof
The award-winning five-star Bushmans Kloof is located in the heart of the wilderness of the Western Cape. "Deeply enriching" and "beyond all expectations" sum up this 18,000 acre farmstead turned wildlife-rich eco-lodge. With 16 luxurious African and European designed rooms and suites fusing modern and African "the service is impeccable on every level." Wrap up with microfiber and terry cloth lined bathrobes from Robeworks at the Spa, offering you the chance to bathe in rock pools or waterfalls and providing a wide variety of indoor and outdoor treatments to soothe mind, body and soul. Fine dining options, many of them under the stars, include Makana, ‘to feast’ in the ancient language of the Bushman, serving an afternoon tea that is "in a class of its own—pure confection."

Set amid waterfalls, open plains, staggering rock formations and renown as one the 'world's largest open air art galleries' the property protects over 130 ancient Bushman rock art sites. This remarkable ecological oasis is also home to an on-site heritage center displaying artifacts from the Bushman culture. Hiking, canoeing, bicycling and fly fishing are but a few of the many other outdoor activities available to guests seeking to experience the beauty of this wilderness reserve.

As part of the distinguished Red Carnation Luxury Collection it was voted the "Best Hotel in the World" on the 2009 US Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards Reader Survey. When you choose to explore the splendid, unique beauty of Africa, visit Bushmans Kloof - it's pure magic.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Healing Waters of Glen Ivy

Two Southern California locations share the spirit of the healing waters that were home to Native Americans and Spaniards who gathered to absorb its unique magic and energy. Smaller than the original 11-acre retreat, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona, the day spas at Brea and Valencia provide contemplative escape with services and products that rejuvenate the soul of every person who walks through the door. Restorative qualities of their signature aromatherapy massages incorporate the healing scents of orange blossoms, eucalyptus, lavender and sage, while their unique body treatments are therapies that cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize, soothing the body, mind and soul.

Perhaps that’s why these day spas have garnered several major awards including “Distinguished Day Spa of the Year” from The Day Spa Association, “Best Day Spa” from the American Spa Magazine and “Best Day Spa in Orange County” from the OC Register. So when you think natural, think relaxation, think rejuvenation - think Glen Ivy complete with a plush spa bathrobe from Robeworks. You deserve it.