By R. Caligaris
Ideally located a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, in the very heart of Venice, facing St.Mark’s Basin and San Giorgio’s Island, the Luna Hotel Baglioni is a short distance from the city’s most famous historical attractions. A private landing stage allows guests to arrive straight to the hotel’s elegant entrance by gondolas or water taxi. This historic Venetian hotel dates back to the 12th Century. It is recorded as having given shelter to the Knights Templar in 1118.
In 1574 it was already known as Locanda della Luna. During the 18th Century the building was decorated with frescoes by Pupils of Gianbattista Tiepolo, which now adorn the sumptuous Marco Polo Ballroom. Recent renovations have enhanced the hotel with new spacious suites giving guests breathtaking views over the Lagoon and St. Mark’s Basin.
Housed in a beautiful and aristocratic building, this luxurious hotel provides its guests with a warm, intimate atmosphere and impeccable service. The hotel has that unique hospitality that welcomes back generations of guests year after year. The stamp of glamour and sophistication is evident in the frescoes, antique furniture and imposing crystal chandeliers which adorn the foyer and the public rooms. The Luna Hotel Baglioni is a hotel for discerning travelers who are looking for luxury and romance.
All the spacious rooms are tastefully furnished and equipped with every modern comfort. The most exclusive Suites of the Luna Hotel Baglioni feature large terraces with magnificent views of the Lagoon and St. Mark’s Basin. A recent renovation has added beautifully styled Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and Suites.
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By LINDSEY EPPERLY
When Patsy Leary and Frankie Brown asked me to put together a road trip that would take them back in time, I started doing my research – I love a good challenge. Both of their husbands, cousins Ralph Leary and Kenny Brown, are history buffs and the group wanted to explore the original Lewis and Clark Expedition. Since the entire 3,700 mile trail would have taken quite some time to drive, I mapped out a condensed version that would cover about 1,300 miles. While not a stop on the original trail, the Leary’s and Brown’s requested some time in Rapid City, South Dakota, which is where their trip began.
They hopped on a day tour that featured incredible views of Mount Rushmore and highlighted Custer State Park, where they enjoyed buffalo stew at the State Game Lodge, best known as the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge. After two days of sightseeing in Rapid City, the couples drove up Highway 212 to catch part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in Billings, MT. The recurring joke on the trip revolved around the expansive highway, which seemed to last forever. “Kenny kept saying, ‘How long is this road?’,” laughed Patsy as she retold stories from their trip, “but we enjoyed it because there was so much to see, especially wildlife.”
During the length of their 10 day trip, the couples observed plenty of wildlife, including eagles, elk, bison, prairie dogs, and much more. “Patsy’s our spotter,” Frankie informed me while showing off photos of the different animals. From Billings, I mapped out directions to Great Falls, Montana, where I hoped the group would enjoy the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. With multiple movies and hands-on exhibits that recreated everything from weaponry to boating, the exhibit exceeded their expectations.
The next stop, Lolo, Montana, offered a unique addition to the trip’s historical theme: Traveler’s Rest Park, the only archeologically verified Lewis and Clark campsite in the world. Through a series of excavations and comparisons with Lewis and Clark’s journals and military records, archeologists have been able to identify specific areas of the campsite. The couples loved the significance and history behind each city they visited and were thrilled to have followed in the steps of Lewis and Clark.
Since the modern day Lewis and Clark Expedition isn’t known for five-starhotels, I wanted to give the couples a luxurious ending to their trip. Having them fly out of Missoula worked out perfectly: Triple Creek Ranch, an all inclusive luxury resort in Darby, MT, is only an hour south of the airport.
Located in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, Triple Creek is a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers who still enjoy the finer things. Triple Creek boasts 23 cabins, each complete with a fireplace, outdoor hot tub, and personal golf cart to use on property. The fridge is restocked daily and every morning the staff brings fresh fruit, granola, and trail mix for guests to snack on.
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Cascada Calientes
Uninterrupted relaxation, exploring natural wonders and the possibility of daring adventures are just a few things that make Costa Rica an unforgettable vacation hot spot. By Lindsey Epperly
Cascada Grande
My whirlwind tour of Costa Rica began with a one night stay in thecountry’s capital of San Jose. As a tourism destination, San Jose is not much to see, but the best destinations in Costa Rica take at least a couple of hours to get to from San Jose, so travelers might have to spend the night here before beginning their tour. If this is the case, settle for nothing less than a club level room at the Intercontinental San Jose.
El Silencio
El Silencio Forest
El Silencio is perfect for honeymooners and nature lovers. Guests have access to nature trails, a cultural discovery tour, bird watching, guided hiking tours, and can even go fishing for their trout dinner. Almost all of El Silencio’s menu items are grown and raised right on property, plus, three daily a la carte meals are included in the room rates.
Cascada Grande Laguna Bar
Los Perdidos Bar
After a few days in La Fortuna, it was time to experience a more laid-back beach town. During our five hour transfer, our guide stopped the bus at Tárcoles River Bridge, a sightseeing spot best known for the crocodiles relaxing beneath the bridge. At our guide’s instruction, we walked onto the two-foot sidewalk. Beneath us, five crocodiles sunbathed on the riverbank, another six snaked through the water, and a countless number swam beneath the river’ssurface, undetected by the naked eye.
Suite and deck at El Silencio
Los Altos Resort and Spa
Whether it’s soaring through the jungle on zip lines or viewing wildlife in a national park,Costa Rica certainly has it all for the adventurous traveler.
Baston del Rey Flower
White Faced Capuchin Monkey
Lindsey Epperly is a luxury travel consultant who enjoys preparing custom-made vacations
for her clients. To find out more about Lindsey’s travel planning and to request a trip, please visit www.vacationsbylindsey.com.
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Despite its location almost smack in the center of the Caribbean Sea,the island of Jamaica doesn’t blend in easily with the rest of the Caribbean archipelago.To be sure, it boasts the same addictive sun rays, sugary sands and pamperedresort-life as most of the other islands, but it is also set aparthistorically and cultural
BY LINDSEY EPPERLY
GoldenEye
Creative types will feel right at home with GoldenEye’s rich history; the resort boasts one of the most unique biographies in the Caribbean. Originally purchased in the 40s by playwright Noel Coward, the property eventually became the private home of Ian Fleming, who penned all 14 of the James Bond novels at GoldenEye. It later changed hands in the 1970s when Chris Blackwell, owner of Island Records, purchased the property and turned it into the resort it is today. Since then, the hideaway has hosted countless writers and musicians; Sting even wrote the hit, Every Breath You Take while staying on property.
Beach lovers will find themselves right at home in one of the spaciou beach cottages, which start at 1,110 square feet for a one-bedroom located right on the gorgeous white sands and just steps away from the water. Guests interested in channeling Fleming’s creativity can rent the Fleming Villa, an estate consisting of the three-bedroom main house, one pool-side and one cliff-side cottage, complete with a private pool, secluded beach, outdoor showers and tubs, and a media room.
Half Moon, A Rock Resort
Another resort with an iconic past, Half Moon is deeply rooted in old Hollywood luxury. With guests like Clark Gable and President John F. Kennedy, the hotel, which was opened in the 1950s, was an oasis for the rich and famous. Today, the classic property maintains the highest level of quality paired with the classic decor of the 50‘s, from the lobby’s marble floors to the vintage black and white awnings.
No other resort on the island, maybe even the entire Caribbean, has more to do on property than Half Moon. From a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course to a private dolphin lagoon, the 400-acre property offers more than enough to make guests feel right at home. Other notable attractions are the Il Giardino Restaurant,equestrian center, 2-mile long white-sand beach, and top-notch children’s andteen’s programs, so every member of the family can find their niche while at the resort.
Sandals Royal Plantation
Sandals Royal Plantation stands out above other Sandals properties by itsaffiliation with The Leading Hotels of the World, an honor that distinguishesthe boutique resort in terms of service and quality. Each of the 74 suites comewith 24 hour room service, beautiful ocean views, and a personal butler toassist with everything from ironing to pampering. Because the lower-levelsuites only have french balconies, the St. Anne Honeymoon OceanfrontVerandah Suite, complete with a 178-square foot balcony, offers the best value.
Not only can couples enjoy all that Royal Plantation has to offer, they can also take the two-minute car ride next door to Sandals Grande Riviera. This massive resort offers plenty of dining options and several beaches, ensuring that Royal Plantation guests have all they need for a good time. In order to maintain Royal Plantation’s air of exclusivity, Grande Riviera guests cannot come on their property, so the crowd is always kept to a minimum.
Lindsey Epperly is a luxury travel consultant who enjoys preparing custom made vacations for her clients. To find out more about Lindsey’s travel planning and to request a trip, please visit www.vacationsbylindsey.com
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The second largest country in the world should by no means stand in the shadow of its more boisterous southern neighbor. Canada’s 3,854,085 square miles of land, lakes and life brings its own signature flavor to the North American continent. When temperatures are soaring into desertlike conditions here in Georgia, many are longing for a cold-weather escape. To beat the heat, my family and I explored the best cities and villages in Western Canada, from the energy of British Columbia to Rocky Mountain escapes in Alberta, and everywhere in between.
by Lyndsey Epperly
We began our trip to Canada in British Columbia, starting with a long weekend in Vancouver, a bustling city with an array of dining options, luxury accommodations, and plenty of activities. We enjoyed a fantastic stay at the Fairmont Waterfront, where my hotel representative took the time to show me around the city. My favorite stop was Capilano Suspension Bridge, where a small admission fee allows travelers to enjoy several attractions, like a treetops adventure and, of course, the actual suspension bridge.
Instead of staying in Vancouver for the entire long weekend, we decided to check out the picturesque ski village of Whistler. One of the best ways to travel and sightsee in Canada is by rail, so we hopped on the Whistler Mountaineer for our day trip.
We were treated to a spectacular train ride (and the best scones I’ve ever eaten) with great staff and meals, all while witnessing beautiful views, like Brandywine Falls, Howe Sound, and Cheakamus Canyon. Once in Whistler, I fell in love with the atmosphere—despite the drizzling rain, the little village was alive with adventure.
However, I highly recommend seeing the Rockies by rail, just like I did between Vancouver and Whistler. Having never previously traveled by train, my eyes were opened to a new world of travel. The Rocky Mountaineer provides a comfortable, luxurious opportunity to experience nature like never before. There are multiple levels of service but GoldLeaf, the highest, is well worth the splurge.
GoldLeaf service grants passengers a 360 degree view from the second story dome car, as well as access to a full-service, all-inclusive restaurant on the floor below. Friendly, on-board hosts serve as tour guides, giving detailed accounts of the surrounding history and nature. The Rocky Mountaineer is not just a way to get from one place to another, it is truly an experience – open air train cars give access to the best views, so guests don’t miss any of the beauty when the train slows down for Kodak moments.
During our motor coach tour, we stopped at Jasper National Park for the once in a lifetime experience of walking on a glacier. We took an Ice Explorer, a massive, tank-like vehicle made specifically for traversing the icy surfaces, onto the 3-mile long Athabasca Glacier and had a blast sliding around on the frozen mass. In the same day, we spotted two black bears, a big horned sheep, and, upon arriving to my lodge in Jasper, a herd of elk grazing on the front lawn.
After a couple of nights in Jasper, a sleepy little town with the best wildlife viewing on the trip, we made our way down to Banff. During our drive down, we stopped at a mostly frozen Lake Louise. The sheets of ice made the iconic lake unrecognizable from its usual shade of emerald green. However, cracks in the ice revealed hints of color and made for spectacular photos.
Once in Banff, we checked out the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The world renowned “Castle in the Rockies” is an extraordinary property – no other accommodations in Banff compare. To be honest, most accommodations in Canada cannot compare to the Fairmont properties. The service, accommodations, and unique architecture leave travelers truly amazed
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by Lindsey Epperly
When I received an invitation to visit French Polynesia on a travel consultant educational, it didn’t take me long to sign the dotted line and mark off the dates on my calendar. A little over a month later, I was well on my way to the other side of the world, which, to my surprise, wasn’t too far away.
After a four-hour flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, where I overnighted in an airport hotel, I boarded my window seat on Air Tahiti Nui with ten other agents, eager for the eight-hour flight to Papeete, Tahiti. The travel time from Los Angeles isn’t too bad when you consider the distance from Atlanta to Europe – it’s exactly the same!
While the island of Tahiti is beautiful, the fun of French Polynesia is island jumping, and we did plenty of that. I explored the crystal lagoons of Bora Bora via jet ski, relaxed in the private island paradise of Taha’a, and had the adventure of a lifetime with sharks and rays in Moorea.
Here’s my advice and experience from my three favorite French Polynesian islands:
BORA BORA
With its quiet crystal lagoons and overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is the epitome of exotic. The minute I boarded the yacht transfer to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, I felt like I had stepped into an issue of Travel + Leisure. Upon arrival, I was intrigued by the bungalows – they were decently sized, but I had no idea what to expect when walking into one. Little did I know, the luxuries of a modern hotel room would greet me inside of their walls. Every element of the room highlighted the island’s natural surroundings, from the glass enclosed coffee table, which slides open so that guests can feed the fish, to the breathtaking view of Mount Otemanu from the bedroom —not to mention the private dock leading directly into the lagoon.
While the Intercontinental was wonderful in its own right, another notable hotel is the St. Regis Bora Bora. This resort, where Couples Retreat was filmed, boasts a perfectly manicured property with multiple room options, from private beach villas with pools to multi-room overwater bungalows.
While I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the lavish hotels, the highlight of my time in Bora Bora was a private jet-ski excursion. Gliding across the glass-like lagoon, watching the colors change from a bright cerulean blue to a deep aquamarine, was truly spectacular.
TAHA’A
While still boasting exquisite accommodations, Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa offers a tranquil, more authentic escape for travelers in search of the ultimate in relaxation. The property is true not only to the Polynesian culture, from the wooden, natural decor in the rooms, but also to the surrounding nature.
Upon arrival, I instantly noticed the lack of music and whirring golf carts – the loudest sound was the lapping of low waves against the shore. As a fairly active traveler, it took me a while to get used to the peacefulness of Taha’a.
However, the atmosphere that this property captures is one of pure relaxation. It is by far the most romantic property that I visited and, once I did embrace the calmness, it was hard to leave.
Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa is a Relais and Chateaux property, an association of privately owned luxury resorts that are esteemed for their superior service and incredible dining.
This resort went above and beyond its reputation during our six-course meal in a private area of the restaurant. After dinner, I toured one of the beach villas, a sprawling accommodation complete with a private garden boasting an outdoor shower and tub, plunge pool, and beach access. While the overwater bungalows here are impressive, this is definitely the top-notch room category.
MOOREA
Known as the “Magical Island,” there’s no shortage of unique activities in Moorea, like my favorite excursion of the trip: swimming with sharks and rays. Personally, I am terrified of sharks, to the point where Shark Week on the Discovery Channel is a form of torture. This excursion started out with a docile tour of the lagoon, our Polynesian tour guide pointing out landmarks of Moorea. However, when our boat pulled up to the shallow lagoon teeming with dozens of sharks and rays, I knew it was either sink or swim (or stay in the boat). Through a mixture of peer pressure and adrenaline, I forced myself into the shark-infested waters.
Ironically, the five-foot-long black-tipped reef sharks gracefully swam by, not bothering anyone. It was the stingrays that I learned to look out for. These four foot-wide beasts were like slippery Labrador puppies that just wanted to play. Before I knew it, our tour guide had attached one of them to my back. When the stingray refused to leave my side, I embraced my new slimy friends and had the time of my life. This incredible tour ended with an authentic motu picnic where we learned to make poisson cru, the native dish of French Polynesia.
It’s experiences like this that make Moorea the ideal destination for the adventurous at heart. Travelers can go deep-sea fishing, traverse the mountainous landscape, or set out on their own and explore the surrounding towns. All the while, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, like the Moorea Pearl resort, where I stayed in a garden villa with a private plunge pool.
With choices like the exotic and lush Bora Bora, the quiet tranquility of Taha’a, and the unique activities of Moorea, French Polynesia is well worth the travel time and easily accessible from the U.S. I encourage you to think about French Polynesia for your next romantic getaway or family trip—it’s a once-in-a lifetime vacation spot that you’ll remember for years to come.
Lindsey Epperly is a luxury travel consultant at Columbus Travel who enjoys preparing custom-made vacations for her clients. To find out more about Lindsey’s travel planning and to request a trip, please visit her personal planning siteat www.lindseyepperly.com.
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Dorchester Collection hotels are landmarks of individuality, prestige and comfort with peerless reputations that continue to attract royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and an international set accustomed to the finer things in life. Whether you are staying in London, Beverly Hills, Paris, Milan or Los Angeles, each of their hotels offers a rich and unique provenance, embodying the distinctive culture of the world’s finest cities.
After a multimillion-pound refit, completed in 2003, the Park Lane dowager isn’t her blousy old self anymore (some of the 250 rooms were getting a bit droopy—as tends to be the case with anyone born in 1931). Now all is freshly English-countrified with Colefax & Fowler and Zoffany fabrics and papers, with custom-made fruitwood and mahogany furniture alongside the antiques.
The hotel’s been hiring, too—a team of e-butlers and Vivienne Westwood’s preferred florist are now on staff. Bathrooms are lovely, in Art Deco-style Carrera marble with windows, and, yes, there’s quite a spa. The Grill Room is a riot of tartan, but the poor Oriental—despite being London’s first Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant—didn’t make the cut. Instead there’s David Tang’s sumptuous China Tang restaurant with mirrored pillars, highly lacquered surfaces, and carp murals, and, more recently, an Alain Ducasse restaurant.
The Dorchester Hotel, is prominently positioned on Park Lane, W1. ‘The’ address in London. Mayfairis considered one of London’s most exclusive areas with some of the most expensive real estate in London.
The Dorchester is the epitome of London 5 star establishments with Celebrities, Head’s of State and Dignitaries from every corner of the globe returning to the hotel year after year.
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Set to become a Manhattan favorite, the third Mondrian opened its doors on Crosby Street this week. Similar to its sisters in Los Angeles and South Beach, this design-led hotel promises entertainment and wild nightlife in a supremely stylish setting.
Interiors come from Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, the man behind the Mondrian Los Angeles, and the hotel’s in-house team. Taking inspiration from Jean Coucteau’s 1946 French fantasy film La Belle et la Bête, guestrooms are romantic, with powdery blue-and-white-patterned textiles, enormous mirrors and saturated blue floors. And in the lobby, custom furniture, designed by Noriega, is scattered to form a casual seating area.
Close to a number of fashion emporiums and the New Museum, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring this hip neighborhood. And Chef Sam Talbot’s new restaurant, Imperial No. Nine is expected to draw a crowd of A-listers and fashionistas hungry for sustainable seafood and thirsty for handcrafted cocktails so there will be people watching aplenty.
Situated near a metro station, this New York hotel is close to Children’s Museum of the Arts, Museum of Chinese in Americas, and Eldridge Street Synagogue. Also nearby are Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building.
At one point, this building was known as Le Grand Palais. Now known as The Mondrian, it is named after the great modernist painter famed for his “Broadway Boogie Woogie” designs of colored grids.
Prices from $259. To book visit www.mondriansoho.com
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From romantic couples retreats to stylish family getaways, some of Saint Lucia’s top destinations await you.
By Lindsey Epperly
As a honeymoon specialist, I’m always looking for the most romantic getaways for brides and grooms, which is why the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia is one of my best-selling destinations. I took a quick trip to this tropical paradise to explore thirteen resorts in four days, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top three picks for honeymooners.
CAP MAISON
With its white villas set against the perfect backdrop of a cerulean blue sea, Cap Maison is perhaps the most picturesque of St. Lucia’s resorts. The first thing I noticed was the welcoming environment. With only 50 rooms, the property feels more like a private residence than a hotel. “Nothing was designed on the drawing board to make it romantic,” said General Manager Ross Stevenson, “but the end product is a place where people feel very comfortable.” Producers of The Bachelor certainly agreed; they selected Cap Maison as their resort of choice for the penultimate rose ceremony on Season 14.
The resort’s most popular accommodation among honeymooners boasts picture-perfect views from a private terrace and rooftop pool. Stevenson even suggests having the staff set up a private dinner on the rooftop terrace. “We like to make it as personal and focused on the couple as we possibly can.” Cap Maison is the perfect choice for honeymooners who want the privacy of a villa and the convenience of resort amenities. Guests can choose to relax in Spa Maison and dine at Cliff at Cap, which changes menus daily to accommodate guests’ needs. As an added benefit, wine enthusiasts will love the on-property wine cellar and private tastings from the collection of over 200 hand selected wines from 13 countries. Rooms starting at $405 per night plus 18% tax based on double occupancy.
Ask me to set up a private dinner at Rock Maison, a deck located on a rocky crag surrounded by the ocean. Order an extra bottle of champagne and the bartender will send it down by way of a champagne zip line!
SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN
During my time in St. Lucia, I stayed at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian in the comfort of a butler-level suite. My personal butler took care of my every need, like unpacking my bags upon arrival, bringing me an extra piña colada on the beach, and drawing up rose petal baths in the evening. I welcome anyone to challenge this level of service. Since Sandals Grande St. Lucian is an all inclusive resort, guests won’t have to stress over budgeting during their trip. All food and drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, airport transfers, gratuities, and non-motorized water sports are included in the upfront price. “We offer our clients more value for their money,” says General Manager Winston Anderson. Anderson held true to his word when he invited my group to dine inside the iconic Sandals Sunset Tower, where that value was evident. We were treated to succulent lobster tails and the finest cuts of steak, as well as premium drinks.
This level of quality extends to the seven on-property restaurants, which consist mainly of intimate, à la carte options for the most romantic experience. For even more choices, Sandals Grande St. Lucian provides an hourly shuttle to the other two Sandals properties in St. Lucia, taking the total number of included dining options to a whopping seventeen. Because the property is adults and couples only, guests need not worry about screaming children at the pool or spring breakers partying in the room next door. A honeymoon at Sandals is all about focusing on one another. “Everything we do here is for two people in love,” Anderson stated. Although the Grande St. Lucian is about 300 rooms, the smaller property size gives it an intimate feel. For a truly unique experience, check out the Rondovals, which are round, villa-like accommodations that Anderson refers to as, “Suites with a difference.” Rooms starting at $452 per night, based on double occupancy.
Ask me about arranging a helicopter transfer from the airport to the resort. The included car transfer takes about an hour and a half, but the helicopter gets you there in half an hour and you get to see the island of St. Lucia by sky!
JADE MOUNTAIN
Honeymooners seeking the most serene environment for relaxation and romance should look no further than Jade Mountain. With its winding walkways and bubbling koi ponds, I immediately noticed a feeling of tranquility. “Jade Mountain has been designed for the celebration of life and, above all, love,” explained Karolin Troubetzkoy, Director of Operations. Perhaps this is why Jade Mountain has been voted the most romantic resort in the Carribean.
Because of its hilltop location, each sanctuary has stunning views of the Piton Mountains, St. Lucia’s most notable geographic landmarks. The boutique property of less than 30 rooms boasts magnificent accommodations. Each room, or “sanctuary,” is missing the fourth wall, which allows couples a unique open-air experience in their room. Almost all of the sanctuaries feature private infinity pools, which softly cascade over the edge of the missing wall, creating the illusion that the pools are spilling into the distant sea.
While not relaxing in their private sanctuaries, honeymooners can enjoy the two white sand beaches, escorted snorkeling trips, and much more. Couples staying at Jade Mountain also have exclusive privileges to Anse Chastanet resort, which provides more on-property dining options and resort facilities. Room rates at Jade Mountain start around $950 per night for a room with a jacuzzi (not the pool rooms).
Ask me about arranging a private sunset cruise on Serenity, Jade Mountain’s private yacht. svm
COLUMBUS TRAVEL PERKS
Cap Maison: Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily break - fast, 4 nights or more receive a $100 spa credit.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian: Honeymoon amenities including sparkling wine upon arrival, a flower petal turndown service for your first night, and breakfast in bed one morning.
Jade Mountain: $100 Spa credit, Upgrade on Arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast
LINDSEY EPPERLY is a luxury travel consultant at Columbus Travel who enjoys preparing custom-made vacations for her clients. To find out more about Lindsey’s travel planning and\ request a trip, please visit her personal planning site at www.lindseyepperly.com.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a valley near the western border of Ohio. Named by early trappers after the sensation that they were entering a hole from the relatively steep slopes of the mountains nearby, Jackson Hole offers up the stunning heart of America’s wildlife for viewing. Valleys surrounded by mountains, rivers and streams make this picturesque place the ideal camping ground or vacation spot.
Surrounded by sprawling mountains and thousands of acres of green, Jackson Hole is the epitome of idyllic American wilderness.
Jackson Hole’s Stagecoach has been in operation for over 90 years and taking guest around the Jackson Hole town square for over 50 years. For more information, visit alljacksonhole.com.
Belle Cose offers many beautiful things: seasonal decor, china, housewares, pewter, cocktail napkins, linens and kitchen ware. Locals come here for all of their entertaining and cooking needs. Visitors come for tasteful western souvenirs. Pewter western-themed salt and pepper shakers — buffalos, elk and bears — are very popular. For more information, visit bellecose.com.
The romance of this small ski town is only enhanced by the Snake River Grill’s sophisticated spin on Wild West dining. With its wood-burning oven and luxe log-cabin atmosphere, “the SRG” (as locals call it) sets the mood for delicious dishes like elk osso bucco and goose leg confit. For more information, visit snakerivergrill.com.
Whatever your dream of the West, it’s real here at the Spotted Horse Ranch. The valley cradling the Hoback River has been cultivated by working ranchers for generations. As times changed, the simple log homes and rustic barns gave way to guest ranches for the “dudes” who came up from the cities. Fresh air, unspoiled natural surroundings, and the feeling that time is suspended were in demand then and still in ample supply. For more information, visit spottedhorseranch.com.
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