What’s better than crawling into a soft, warm bed after a long day of skiing? Well, very few things, but an après-ski spa session may just top it! It’s not only that during a treatment your muscles can finally relax after so many hours of tension, but spa treatments also allow your mind to float away into a whole other dimension in which checking your work email or stressing over what to make for dinner is not even a dot in the horizon. With a wide array of world-class treatments, gorgeous facilities, and unique, tranquil vibes, these spas are your best bet for some après-ski pampering.
The full-service spa also offers salon services.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is a five-pearl, full-service resort in the mountains above Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort. Along with luxe rooms, fine dining, and ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, the Ritz-Carlton offers many other recreational activities — including multiple outdoor pools and whirlpools that are open year-round. However, one of the best features of the hotel is its huge spa, complete with a wonderful fitness center with mountain views, and an outstanding treatment menu that ranges from organic mani-pedis to stone massages.
- Our favorite spa treatment: The hotel’s Signature Package includes a 50-minute organic massage, a 50-minute organic facial, and a 50-minute organic manicure and pedicure.
Read More »
Tagged as:
Aspen,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Placid,
Lake Tahoe,
Ski Travel,
Telluride,
Vail
Akin to that elusive “nineteenth hole” in golf, après-ski scenes are more about socializing than sporting. Groups gather after the last run of the day to drink, dance, and relive any hairpin turns they might have experienced on the slopes. We’ve traveled to North America’s premier ski locales and every time, after a blustery day on the mountains, nothing has warmed us up faster than a hot toddy by the fire in some of our favorite hotel bars. Featuring cozy ambiances, stunning views, and custom drinks, these hot spots are just the ticket for a solid après-ski social hour.
The Granary offers phenomenal views and cuisine in Jackson Hole.
This après-ski gem in Jackson Hole offers delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. Cocktails are tasty and the views…well, the views pretty much speak for themselves. With The Granary set in a wildlife refuge more than 700 feet above the Jackson Valley, it’s no wonder that the views are the most stunning of the Tetons in the area. Read More »
Tagged as:
Apres Ski,
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Foodie,
Hotel Bars,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Placid,
Lake Tahoe,
Park City,
Ski Travel,
Telluride,
Vail,
Whistler
For many of us, family ski trips are some of the fondest memories from our childhoods; they often involved fire pits, heated pools, hearty meals, and, well, maybe a few kamikaze-style downhill runs as well. We know from experience that kids always have a great time in the snow, and they’re usually so tired after an entire day of skiing that parents can even snatch some time alone after the little ones are in bed. But there are so many hotels that cater to families and groups that picking the right one can be tricky. No need to fret — we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of our favorite family-friendly hotels in the top ski destinations, so that all you need to do is have some fun!
The resort offers multi-room suites with kitchens and sitting areas.
Located at the top of Carriage Way, a winding road in Snowmass Village, the mid-range Top of the Village offers great ski-in/ski-out access, an outdoor year-round pool, two whirlpools, and a small fitness center. Because the 88 units range from two to five bedrooms, Top of the Village tends to draw large parties and families. The fact that it’s the only hotel in Snowmass where you can ski or walk down to the Village Mall, and then take the free shuttle back up, is an added bonus.
- Our favorite family-friendly feature: Some units offer sleeper sofas that can accommodate up to two other guests, so families on a tighter budget can book a one-bedroom suite instead of a more expensive two-bedroom condo, and still have separate rooms for the parents and the kids.
Read More »
Tagged as:
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Jackson Hole,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Lake Tahoe,
Park City,
Ski Travel,
Telluride,
Vail
Bryggen is home to quaint -- and colorful -- 17th-century buildings.
We just got back from Norway and we didn’t waste a second of our time there. From taste-testing the local food to checking out the best hotels, we explored every nook and cranny of this gorgeous country. And of course we didn’t miss the major attractions: Though Norway may be known for its beautiful fjords, it has a lot more the offer than just that. Check out our slideshow of the top 10 attractions in Norway — and convenient places to stay nearby!
Tagged as:
Norway
At this point in the season we’re all more than ready for some sun and high temperatures. You only need to check your friends’ Facebook statuses to know that you’re not the only one who’s feeling a little cranky about the recent cold snap. Heading to Miami, or an island in the Caribbean, may be the easiest way to escape the winter chills. But we tend to forget that the U.S.’s winter season can be the best moment to visit tons of great destinations in the Southern Hemisphere and just above the Equator, where the sunny, warm days are in full swing and the dry season starts to kick in. Whether you’re looking to trek to the top of a volcano or discover historic sites in a big city, we’ve got the destination for you. Check out our top picks for escaping the cold, and start packing!
For the Adventurous Type: Costa Rica
The Arenal Volcano is one of the top attractions in Costa Rica, and it is still possible to see some fumaroles activity.
Costa Rica can be anything from a peaceful oasis to a crowded and touristy spot depending on the time of the year and the region visited — but it’s still far less developed than most popular beach destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean. December through April is the best time to visit, as rainfall drops to a minimum, and days are long and sunny. The country is home to hundreds of diverse habitats, making it easy to enjoy beach days, eco-tourism, and outdoor adventures all in the same trip, and without having to travel long distances. The geography is infinitely varied, ranging from rugged coastlines and bustling towns to misty forests and active volcanoes.
Rico Tico Bar & Grill boasts gorgeous ocean and jungle views.
A staple in the beautiful Manuel Antonio resort area, the 58-room Si Como No is carefully built into a lush hillside, which means great views and winding paths surrounded by colorful flowers and wildlife. The amenities are a main draw here: two pools, two restaurants, a spa, a movie theater, and a wildlife refuge across the street. Unplugged rooms aren’t particularly luxurious, but you’ll want to be spending your time outdoors anyways.
Read More »
Tagged as:
Belize,
Buenos Aires,
Costa Rica,
Rio de Janeiro,
Sydney
by Devon on January 28, 2013
It’s that time of year again, when football fans gather around the big-screen to witness the greatest day in American sports. And this year, a lucky few (thousand) fans will make the trek down to New Orleans to see the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens face off in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Because we’re big fans of the Big Easy, we found the best places to stay on game day, no matter which team you’re rooting for — And we’re not about to say which side of the dome we’ll be sitting on!
Just down the block from the Superdome, this hotel gets fans close to the action.
You can’t get much closer to the action than the InterContinental New Orleans, just a two-minute drive from the Superdome. This Central Business District hotel not only boasts a great location for Super Bowlers, but also has a heated rooftop pool and a savvy concierge who can offer all the inside tips on navigating through the sure-to-be-packed. Read More »
Tagged as:
New Orleans
by Jane on January 18, 2013
Skiing is one of our favorite winter pastimes: There’s just something about getting out in the fresh air (and fresh powder) that does a body good. And whether you’re doing the “pizza” down the bunny slopes or have mastered the double black diamond, you’ll be sure to have a great time, especially considering all the other offerings ski destinations and hotels have: gorgeous spas, fabulous shopping, heated pools, you name it. So without further adieu, here’s a roundup of our favorite ski hotels that go above and beyond with amenities such as ski-in/ski-out locations, elegant rooms, and activity-packed itineraries.
Viceroy Snowmass
Viceroy Snowmass is easily the most luxurious resort in Snowmass Village, and is packed with top-notch amenities, including a 7,000-square-foot spa with a stunning relaxation room, a solid fitness center, and a lovely pool area with heated saline pool, cabanas, and fire pit. It also offers phenomenal ski valet service (valets will take care of everything from scheduling lessons to putting your boots on for you) and a prime ski-in, ski-out location. There’s a daily resort fee, and you’ll have to pay for valet, but that’s to be expected at a resort of this caliber.
Read More »
Tagged as:
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Deer Valley,
Jackson Hole,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Lake Tahoe,
Luxury Hotels,
Park City,
Romantic Hotels,
Ski Travel,
Snowmass,
Vail,
Whistler
by Jane on January 17, 2013
Seattle may be known for its rain (among many other things — Starbucks, anyone?) but that shouldn’t stop you from getting out and exploring all the city has to offer. Fortunately, our “What to See in Seattle” half-dozen video includes outdoor and indoor fun just in case the clouds get too ominous. Whether you want to hit up the major tourist sights or do as the locals do, we have an activity for you, and a hotel that’s convenient for each.
Watch more Oyster videos here »
Tagged as:
Oyster half-dozen,
Seattle,
Video
Unique, exciting, gorgeous: Going on a safari honeymoon is all that and more.
This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana‘s Okavango Delta isn’t a hotel, it’s an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay. At the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, newlyweds can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife on both land and water (think: lions and hippos), and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. The nine safari “tents” are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private plunge pools, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere.
Tinged with the sense of excitement that comes from being on safari — especially here as the camp is not enclosed — a honeymoon to Botswana is definitely going to be a memorable one. As an added bonus, the &Beyond Lodges offer a great honeymoon package that newlyweds might consider. Brides receive a 50 percent discount on their accommodations, and other special requests — such as private excursions — can also be made in advance. Check out more honeymoon inspired photos of the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp here »
Read More »
Tagged as:
All-Inclusive Resorts,
Botswana,
Boutique Hotels,
Honeymoons,
Luxury Hotels,
Romantic Hotels
by Jane on January 1, 2013
