Jill MedingerFrom exotic escapes and opulent luxury, to wild adventures, the options are endless.
The Lindis, New Zealand
LUXURY WOVEN WITH WILDERNESS IN NEW ZEALAND.
Near the bottom of the habitable world lies the breathtaking, pristine Ahuriri Valley. Carved over millions of years by the fierce glacial waters of the Ahuriri River, this valley is now a tranquil, rugged slice of paradise on New Zealand’s South Island. There, resting almost imperceptibly on the valley floor, is the Lindis, a truly unique modern luxury lodge.
A sanctuary of high-country hospitality, the lodge offers five generously proportioned suites with sweeping views of the valley and modern accommodations. Nearby, the resort also has three glass pods nestled into the landscape offering a more unique experience. Guests can enjoy hiking, horse trekking, e-biking, or fly fishing, as well as helicopter tours, spa treatments, and contemporary, refined seasonal New Zealand cuisine with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. The lodge’s design was built to pay special homage to the land, with a slatted roof mirroring its contours, spotted-gum wood, bluestone masonry, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Introducing guests to the wilderness is an important part of the Lindis experience. The region is known for its ever-changing weather, often experiencing wind, snow, and sun all on a single day, making for a true four-season experience. As such, visitors are advised to bring versatile clothing for warm and cool temperatures, sun protection, and comfortable hiking shoes. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to coordinate custom excursions, from a gentle (or not so gentle) trail ride to a fishing trip or an evening of stargazing.
The Correntoso Lake & River Hotel
TRADITION AND HISTORY IN THE ANDES OF ARGENTINA.
Nestled in the shadows of the Andes, Correntoso Lake and River Hotel has a spectacular setting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. A historic retreat for adventure and nature lovers since 1917, this charming and sophisticated hotel provides gourmet cuisine, an inviting spa, and access to various adventurous outdoor activities in Argentina’s Lake District. The area’s glacial lakes and dense pine forests have been called “Argentina’s Switzerland.”
The hotel has a traditional feel, with a library, welcome hall, wine bar, Herbal Hammam, spa, gardens, lake dock, and panoramic viewing decks. There is a focus on the locality and the culture of the Andes, as well as an appreciation for the history of the lake. The great hall offers an ancient map of the region where guests can learn about the area.
The hotel has lake and mountain views from every room, a gourmet Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving local cuisine, and a long list of Argentine wines. The hotel’s unique pool is half indoors and half out. The lakeside placement makes for fun in the forest, the water, and the snow, with activities like fly fishing, trekking and horseback riding, kayaking, yoga, mountain biking, and winter skiing. Many visitors especially enjoy picnicking at nearby Nahuel Huapi National Park.
The library’s fireplace is the perfect place to gather and socialize, while an outdoor BBQ grill and mud oven, used during the summer season, offer a unique and wonderful dining experience. To properly soak up the Patagonian feeling, enjoy a Pisco Sour with a traditional smoked cold meat platter as an afternoon treat.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern
A WINE COUNTRY DREAM IN LOS OLIVOS, CALIFORNIA.
From its earliest incarnation in 1886 as a popular stagecoach stop to its years as a surreptitious hangout during Prohibition, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern has long held a fabled place in Central Coast lore. Revered and raucously enjoyed for generations, the beloved landmark opened a new chapter when it was remade into one of the most luxurious destinations in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Just north of Santa Barbara, in an area known as Los Olivos, the inn serves as an escape from cities and the action of Southern California in a region with award-winning vineyards, horse ranches, and a slow-paced charm. Nestled among acres of old-growth palm trees, the inn is rich with rustic sophistication and legitimate history. The original cottages were painstakingly restored to preserve their distinctive details, while new buildings sit alongside, seamlessly blending with the original structures. The guest house, designed to complement the original structures, offers airy clapboard bedrooms featuring white-painted wood cladding, local artwork, and exposed construction, each with a patio or terrace.
The inn serves up vibrant, seasonal flavors at its open-air restaurant, and guests can enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool followed by stories and s’mores around the firepit. The nearby area offers live music, art galleries, wine tasting, trail riding, and a plethora of ways to be outdoors.
Alentejo Marmòris
HISTORY WRITTEN IN STONE IN PORTUGAL.
The distinguished Alentejo Marmòris Hotel and Spa is located in the center of Vila Viçosa, a small principality steeped in history stretching back to antiquity, known for its marble.
The hotel makes extensive and creative use of the stone in its design. Guest rooms and suites offer simple elegance with Art Deco and subtle Moorish influences, especially in the luxurious Arabic Suite. The hotel’s architect is Miguel Câncio Martins, who’s best known for the Buddha- Bar in Paris.
The hotel’s Primavera Grill brings together the best produce from the fields and gardens of Vila Viçosa to create modern interpretations of the traditional cuisine of Alentejo, centered around a massive table made from a single block of marble found on site.
Other offerings at the hotel include a snack bar, wine bar, private garage, and cultural guide. For the historically minded, the hotel is a starting point for discovering the area, full of rich cultural heritage, medieval castles, beautiful churches, and a royal palace. One of the property’s standout features is the Stone Spa, set in a natural quarry, which includes four treatment rooms, a hammam, heated hot tubs, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and a gym. The spa’s original walls dripping water and the initial formation of stalactites make for a tranquil yet unique experience.
Villa Geba
A SOPHISTICATED GETAWAY WITH A TOUCH OF MYTHOLOGY IN MONTENEGRO.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the iconic Sveti Stefan island, Villa Geba offers a tranquil and luxurious retreat. This award-winning boutique hotel, recognized by the World Travel Awards, provides an intimate experience inspired by mythology and designed for modern comfort.
Villa Geba takes its name from the goddess of youth and brides, a daughter of Zeus. A statue of Geba, sculpted by Roberto Manzano, greets guests upon arrival, hinting at the hotel’s focus on hospitality and celebration.
The hotel features seven designer suites and a private villa, all showcasing stunning views of Sveti Stefan’s terracotta roofs. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the Muse Restaurant and Bar, unwind in the spa with its jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and infinity pool, and enjoy the services of a private butler.
A short walk down the hillside leads to California Beach, known for its clear waters and pebble beach. The island of Sveti Stefan, a fortified village with a rich history, is a short distance away, connected to the mainland by a sandbank. The nearby Milocer Park, with its origins in the early 20th century, offers a peaceful escape. The hotel provides a shuttle to the private Galija Beach for added convenience. Guests can also visit the neighboring ancient town of Budva, nestled within ramparts, which offers a glimpse into the region’s past. The citadel provides panoramic views, and the historic Saint-Sava Church is a must-see.
Hotel Jerome
ELEVATED SERVICE AT A HIGH ALTITUDE IN ASPEN, COLORADO.
Located in the heart of Aspen, the 99-room Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, is one of the great hotels of the American West. The 134-year-old historic landmark, which is part of the National Register of Historic Places, boasts luxurious, contemporary accommodations and modern amenities that honor the property’s iconic mountain spirit. The hotel’s two luxurious residential penthouses offer everything from a private elevator entrance to spectacular mountain views. Sophisticated amenities include the legendary J-Bar, an Aspen institution; Prospect, a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant; après-ski favorite; the Living Room bar and lounge; sultry underground bar Bad Harriet; the award-winning spa; state-of-the-art fitness facilities; ski concierge; and outdoor pool and hot tub.
Breathtaking alpine vistas, backcountry adventures, culture, shopping, and nightlife come together in the ski and mountain scene in the Rockies. From adrenaline-packed excursions to lively cultural festivals, each family member can find their best trip.
Horseback rides, from pony rides for children under 7 to two-hour rides and up to overnight trips, are available through the breathtaking Aspen groves, Snowmass wilderness, or even the Maroon Bells.
The hotel also takes “ski in/ski out” to the next level. After checking in at the hotel, guests visit the in-house experts at Wild Willow Outfitters for a personalized fitting to secure everything needed for a day on the mountain, which will be ready and waiting in your private Snowmass locker the next day. Hotel Jerome’s fleet of Lexus vehicles and drivers makes the journey to Snowmass seamless and comfortable. Also available at Snowmass is the Elk Camp tubing, where lift-served runs are lit at night, including the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which winds through over a mile of forest on an elevated track at speeds of up to 28mph.