Travel Tribe Up Next!

On my horizon and should be on yours for next year! As I prepare to depart to bustling Bangkok, sightseeing and staying in several five-star hotels, and then onward to an amazing 12-day Aman Resort jaunt in Bhutan, I want to remind you to begin planning for next year!

New Zealand

New Zealand – a few new lodges, exclusive activities always exceptional golf, yachting, chills and thrills with a plethora of activities for couples or families. The perfect itinerary begins with three nights at the fabulous villa ‘The Boathouse’ at The Landing Residences, located in a beautiful private property in the northern Bay of Islands region. The Landing collection of residences are exquisitely built and The Boathouse sits in a prime waterfront position in the bay. It has two bedrooms but one bathroom so it is perfect for a couple. The following day we have included a private cruise on The Landing’s own boat Iti Rangi to explore the region from the water. A day at leisure allows guests to explore the property with its numerous hiking trails, mountain bikes, tennis court, water sports and kiwi on property to spot in the evenings.

Japan

Japan oh, so very popular …plan now for spring, early summer or fall.
Obscure island locations include amazing art, biking and hiking. Add vibrant cities for cultural experiences, fine dining, museums…the list is long and wildly interesting.

Four Seasons Maldives

Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa

Maldives – There aren’t enough superlatives to fully and accurately describe the staggering natural beauty of the Maldives. From the air, nothing prepared me for the extraordinary glimpse of the turquoise seas, the oval halo of atolls and islands, in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean, crystal clear seas in a thousand shades of indigo, accented by white sugar sandy beaches…it was breathtaking!  Two stunning Four Seasons two resorts on different islands, adore both – must stay! OR Four Seasons Private Island for extended family or a gathering of friends.

Amanzoe, Greece

Athens Greece

Greece – Tourists are flocking to Athens and the sunny beaches, a major uptick in streams of travelers. The Four Seasons promises spring opening so there are several must stay options in Athens and outside the city on the beach. My recent visit to Greece was overwhelmingly positive, so much so, that I hope to return in spring for a second visit. Aman junkies will be deliriously happy in the land of myths and legends, at Amanzoe, amid the rocky rolling Argolid hillsides of the Peloponnese. According to ancient Greek mythology the Peloponnese is where the gods walked the earth. The elegant breathtaking resort, like the Acropolis, is situated on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves, underplanted rows of fragrant lavender, and spectacular views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Oh, did I mention the soundtrack of the cicada summer symphony?

Chable Resort Merida Mexico

Chable Resort Merida Mexico

Mexico – we love the Spanish Colonial City of Merida, stay at the newish Chablé Resort, which is situated amid sleepy authentic villages and the bustling historic colonial city of Mérida. One of my favorite GM’s, Rocco Bova, has taken the helm at Chablé, if anyone inspires magic, it is Rocco! Each white limestone Casita is privately situated off a short path, with a slightly deep plunge pool, comfy dining terrace, outdoor rain shower and acres of glass to view the untamed jungle. I never closed my massive shutters or drapes, preferring to peer out of my glass box to the swaying green trees filled with jabbering jungle birds! Woodpeckers, Chic Bul, Northern Cardinals, cooing Doves, and of course, the social fly catcher chatter all day while hummingbirds dart and dance. Chablé is located in a cultural area brimming with Mayan Ruins. We have access to sophisticated knowledgeable local guides for day trips to Uxmal, Chichen Itza, The Puuc Route Ruins, among other important sites; additionally, visits to private cenotes and biosphere reserves, as well as some of the region’s best museums, art galleries and thriving colorful markets. Just 25 minutes from the Merida International Airport.

Mongolia

Mongolia on your Travel List? We can offer cultural experiences ranging from 3-4 or 7 days traversing some of Mongolia’s most remote and beautiful terrain. From the capital of Ulaanbaatar to the arid Gobi Desert to the fertile fields of Khan Khentii, you’ll not only be immersed in nature, but in Mongolian culture. Much of rural Mongolia is undeveloped and the people here lead nomadic lifestyles, raising horses and other livestock, and living in ger camps. On this journey, you’ll have the chance to stay in a selection of different ger camps for a truly authentic Mongolian experience.

Mongolia

Camelback, your style? Imagine traditional camel passage through Zorgol Hairhan Mountains.  Trace the 12-mile-long sand dune that makes up the North Gobi today, on the back of a camel. If camelback is not your preferred mode of transportation, you may also choose to trek or drive the same route. Here, you may spot wolves, who have made a home in the area. Get up close and personal with Mongolian culture on our tour of the Gobi Steppe, a treeless grassland inhabited by Mongolian nomads. Here, you’ll experience their traditional lifestyle, from the equestrian nature of their transportation, to their nomadic ger tents. Plod across a 12-mile-long sand dune on the back of a majestic camel. Make friends with local families, who will help you out along the way and allow you a window into their incredible culture.

Travel Tribe – Where is your Next Journey?
There are numerous posts on these locations at gwenbooks.com, just search!

 

 

 

Giddy Up, Buckaroos! Triple Creek Ranch Spring Events

Save the dates! Triple Creek Ranch is an award-winning luxury ranch resort in western Montana, approximately 75 miles south of Missoula. An all-inclusive mountain retreat for adults and children aged 16 and older. Our favorite ‘adult’ Dude Ranch offers Signature events January – June. In the spring, following the high spirits of winter holidays, the ranch settles down to a leisurely pace that affords opportunities to share their Signature Events, delving deeper into their indoor ranch passions. Food, Wine, Art, Fly fishing and Cowboy culture, explore the Triple Creek Ranch experience, with a long starter weekend and come back for summer riding!

The intrinsic beauty of Montana, the expertise of their event partners, and the camaraderie of kindred spirits all converge in the serene mountain ranch resort setting, creating unforgettable encounters. With a small number of exceptions for select activities, the unique programming during their Signature Event weekends commands no additional fee for participation. They provide keepsake chef aprons, art supplies, exquisitely talented professionals and an awful lot of fun.

Their vintner partners work hard throughout the year tending to vines, harvesting, pressing and devoting constant attention to the fermentation process. When they join Triple Creek for their signature Vintner Weekends, they get to relax and share the fruits of their labor with guests. Vintners join guests at play, enjoying various ranch activities. Wine tastings and pairings are enhanced by the knowledge imparted during informal seminars and impromptu conversation.

Wine tasters or puzzlers – rope your partner or round up a group of girlfriends to ride and sip!

Triple Creek Ranch has a robust schedule of Vintner Events lined up for 2019. These Signature events are infused with the distinct personalities of each vintner partner and offer guests an intimate experience with preeminent winemakers from the fertile valleys of Northern California and Oregon. They are an ideal combination of adventure and some serious wine appreciation in our serene mountain setting. Over the course of the weekend you’ll enjoy wine tastings with the visiting vintner, wine pairing dinners, special activities and seminars, plus outdoor and indoor activities ranging from fly-fishing and horseback riding to hiking and guided nature tours. Whether you are a budding wine connoisseur or a seasoned professional, Vintner weekends promise to please the palate of foodies and oenophiles alike.

  • January 18 to 21      Chloe Wine Collection and Complimentary Dog Sledding!
  • February 14 to 17     Rasa Vineyards Treat your Valentine!
  • March 14 to 17        Spottswoode Estate
  • May 16 to 19           Hill Family Estate
  • May 23 to 26           Chappellet Winery
  • 
May 30 to June 1      Ridge Vineyards

Stave Puzzles Save the Date April 25 – 29, 2019 Stave Puzzle Weekend!

Triple Creek Ranch is proud to be in partnership with Vermont based Stave Puzzles. For over 40 years, Stave Puzzles has been handcrafting wooden jigsaw puzzles, each custom piece meticulously hand cut from cherry wood. Irregular edges, special cutting features and whimsical silhouette puzzle pieces are trademarks of these notoriously clever works of art that provide endless hours of entertainment. As a Relais & Chateaux luxury resort partner with Stave, the Ranch displays their customized puzzle boards in the Activity Center and the Rooftop Lounge. Upon completion, each puzzle is replaced with a new challenge. These are no ordinary puzzles and be warned, just like their Sapphire Panning, Stave Puzzle solving is habit-forming!