Rooms With A View

September 7, 2018

Rooms With A View

Combining comfort with adventure, these unique accommodations offer spectacular views of Mother Nature at her finest and otherworldly experiences that are certain to leave a lasting impression.

Hotel On Skis
FINLAND


Deep in the Arctic tundra of Northern Finland, guests of Off The Map hunt for the Northern Lights from the comfort of a glass-roofed cabin on skis. If the sky is clear, visitors have a 70 % chance of seeing the aurora borealis. In the daytime, go snowshoeing or just enjoy the peace of the Arctic wilderness. Local snacks, hot drinks, and breakfast provided. Cabins include comfortable bed, toilet, table, heater, and stove. Four-day itineraries start at £1,599. www.offthemap.travel

Valley Views
PERU


Guests of Skylodge Adventure Suites in the Sacred Valley near Cuzco ascend a via ferrata about 400 metres above the valley floor to enter a guest room unlike any other. Three transparent “capsules” are secured to a cliff-side, offering vistas of the scenic valley below. Each suite is appointed with four beds, dining area, and bathroom. Rates start at US$415 per night and include guides, equipment, gourmet dinner, wine, and breakfast, all overlooking the Sacred Valley. www.naturavive.com

The Human Nest
CALIFORNIA

At the Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, guests seeking an elevated camping experience can settle into a treetop, hand-woven, wooden nest for the night. Yes, it’s rustic – guests bring their own sleeping bag and pillows and there is no protection from the elements – but a stay at the Human Nest
earns points for its braggability factor. Rates start at US$175 per night. www.treebonesresort.com

Story by TED DAVIS

To The Nahanni And Beyond

September 7, 2018

Nahanni National Park, UNESCO’s First World Heritage Site, is one of Canada’s largest and most magnificent nature reserves. Accessible only by air, it borders on a portion of the Mackenzie Mountain Range. The South Nahanni River flows through the deep canyons, past steaming hot springs, across alpine tundra, and past Rabbitkettle, a 30-metre-high mound of fragile limestone layers of tufa.

The mystique surrounding the Gold Rush holds irresistible allure. Planes land on the shores, allowing visitors to step into the scenery, while river trippers portage around. Abundant wildlife – including Dall’s sheep – wander the plateaus and diverse terrain. Experience first-hand flight-seeing on a journey into some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery of untamed rivers and jagged mountains. Simpson Air, the first air charter company in Fort Simpson, offers fly-in and fly-over day tours, charters for a “plan your own tour,” or canoe rental and fly-in fishing gear rental. Whatever your dream wilderness experience is – canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, wilderness lodging, Northern Lights viewing – Simpson Air can make it reality.

A must-do stopover is the Nahanni Mountain Lodge at Little Doctor Lake, nestled at the foot of the Mackenzie Mountains where they rise from the Interior Plains. The original lodge was home to pioneers Mary and Gus Kraus who passed it on to Ted Grant, chief pilot and owner of Simpson Air, to preserve and promote their passion for this majestic land. Cast off in a motorboat to explore, or grab a canoe and paddle to the river. Throw in a line and fish for dinner. Enjoy the sandy beach and shallow waters or hike up the back of the grand buttresses through “the gap.” This historic homestead is ideal for families, groups, or your own private getaway. A unique stay with lodging, tour choice, and airfare for up to 12 guests.

Fort Simpson, the oldest established trading post in the Mackenzie Valley, can be reached by air via Yellowknife. Local services include all the basic amenities to support your journey. Reserve online at http://simpsonair.ca or talk to us about your wilderness dreams at 1-866-995-2505 or [email protected].

Bermuda Luxe

September 7, 2018

A Five-Day Escape

Bermuda’s pristine waters, old-world glam, elegant hotels, and cultural pursuits are made for leisure and luxury. Leave ordinary behind on a five-day escape tailored to those in search of exclusive experiences. Just a three-hour flight from Toronto, Bermuda feels a world away.

DAY 1
Cultural Capital

Take in a healthy breakfast at Devil’s Isle Cafe before exploring Bermuda’s cultural centrepiece, Hamilton. Discover the historic Hamilton Princes hotel and its renowned modern art collection followed by lunch at internationally acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant, Marcus. Then, shop the afternoon away at Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery for delicate jewellery inspired by the island’s pink sand, find eclectic gifts and clothing personally curated by owner Nicole Golden at Urban Cottage, and visit Della Valle, where you’ll be fitted for custom-made leather sandals. For dinner, head to Barracuda Grill for fresh seafood, suckling pig, and their signature gingerbread toffee pudding. Cap off the evening with a craft cocktail at Yours Truly.

DAY 2
Gardens & Hideaways

Take an in-depth “Arts in the Garden” tour of the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art expertly arranged by Bermuda Explorer. In the afternoon, tour the island by taxi. Bermuda’s knowledgeable drivers double as guides – a great way to gather insider info, leaving you feeling like a local. Treat yourself to dinner at the AAA Four Diamond award-winning steakhouse in a refurbished 1670 cottage, Waterlot Inn. Reservations required.

DAY 2
Gardens & Hideaways

Take an in-depth “Arts in the Garden” tour of the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art expertly arranged by Bermuda Explorer. In the afternoon, tour the island by taxi. Bermuda’s knowledgeable drivers double as guides – a great way to gather insider info, leaving you feeling like a local. Treat yourself to dinner at the AAA Four Diamond award-winning steakhouse in a refurbished 1670 cottage, Waterlot Inn. Reservations required.

DAY 3
Spa Day
For an unconventional and unforgettable spa experience, opt for an underground treatment at Grotto Bay Beach Resort’s Natura Spa. Melt away stress on a crystal-clear subterranean lake in a stunning 500,000-year-old cave. For dinner, make your way to The Beach Club At Rosewood Bermuda. Just steps away from a private beach with dramatic ocean views, the casual setting boasts a sophisticated menu.

DAY 4
Local Flavours

Join a Bermudian family for a home-cooked breakfast through Bermuda Explorer. After making new friends, head over to The Bermuda Perfumery in the town of St. George where island-inspired scents are blended and hand-bottled. They also offer tours, afternoon tea, and perfume-making workshops. Break for lunch at Tempest Bistro before visiting Fort St. Catherine, a fascinating historic military site. Enjoy a seasonal seafood menu while watching the sunset at The Beach House Restaurant.

DAY 5
On The Water

A day-long boat charter is the highlight of any Bermuda vacation. Thinking Of Bermuda boats range from casual 30-foot to honeymoon-worthy 100-foot yachts. Snorkel coral reefs and shipwrecks, sip a Dark ‘n Stormy®, and dine under the stars. Miles Market makes it a breeze to stock up on local produce and an array of international cheese, chocolates, and wine.

Pack your Bermuda best, and catch a flight to luxury’s favourite destination. For more information, visit www.gotobermuda.com.