The romance of a mountain hideaway - and so much more!
Why do I travel to remote and fascinating destinations? A calculated strategy made this adventure a "gold mine", as I unearthed precious gems that will help us as we work together to create a richer and more authentic travel experience for you.
Several blog entries ago I detailed my summer experience at a luxury ranch. Back in June my immediate thought was that this would also be a wonderful adventure in the winter. Which ranch to spend your precious vacation time at is an extremely important decision. Because I am immersed in this industry day in and day out, I know which ranches deliver over-the-top experiences.
I researched and chose this property because it is an ideal spot for people who are interested in outdoor activities but are not fanatical about them. Most of my clients fall into this category. This vacation can be as busy or as laid back as you want it to be. The stately lodge has a large reading room with beautiful wood furniture and oh so comfy sofas. Guests come here to sip cocktails in the loft bar and gaze at the spectacular mountain scenery.
The pool area surrounded by cabins, steps away from the main lodge.
The dining room is glass-enclosed made for extreme viewing, and the food is delicious. It is here that we recounted all the day's adventures. A small fitness center is located in a cabin overlooking the woods, and a masseuse is on staff. The larger one- and two-bedroom cabins have living areas with fireplaces, a kitchenette, comfortable chairs and a dining area. Packages are available for special events or weekend activities, including wine tastings, fishing workshops and cattle drives. Nearly everything is included in the rates, from meals to wine and fully stocked wet bars, to fly-casting lessons and ski-lift tickets.
The amenities are top notch and the service is the best I have experienced anywhere! Couples and small groups will enjoy this one-of-a-kind property.
After a day of skiing, horseback riding, or photo safari, could you think of a more inviting way to relax?
Taken by me on a photo safari! (Hard to believe?)
We enjoyed so many wonderful activities, but my favorite was the private photo safari. A rugged SUV was necessary to explore the places where the ranch specialists thought we would most likely be able to spot wildlife. We were each given a beautiful Canon camera with a telephoto zoom lens. The ranch than downloaded our photos and emailed them to us the next day!
Without a doubt this was an incredibly authentic experience in a new destination which offered it all... a diverse selection of activities, relaxation, and of course time to reconnect with loved ones over gourmet meals.
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A short flight to San Francisco takes me to a different kind of heaven. The springboard for a Northern California adventure is in Sausalito, California. Sausalito hugs the waterfront just inside the Golden Gate, offering unforgettable
views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz and San
Francisco itself. Be sure to let me know if you are heading out this way as I can book you into an amazing Virtuoso property with wonderful access to San Francisco.
Awesome views!
Napa Valley...am I in Tuscany, Italy?
Only an hour from San Francisco, the Sonoma Valley is the birthplace of America's wine region and encompasses a rolling patchwork of vineyards and quaint farms. The legendary Napa Valley has become prominent as America's great wine capital. Home to over 650 wineries, it is a delight for food and wine enthusiasts. My mission is simply to look at properties and of course to enjoy the amazing wine choices!
70 degrees and absolutely beautiful...in January!
I'll say it one more time! This adventure was incredible in every possible way. There are so many wonderful properties and experiences - here in our backyard. No passport necessary! Please be sure to give me a call as my knowledge is extensive and I would enjoy working with you in the planning process.
kathymoran@kmorantravel.com 630.267.3054
