By Sascha Zuger
No need to traipse through art museums for a beauty fix when the natural landscape of your escape is this picturesque. These unforgettable and inspiring destinations glorify the fine art of travel.
( Singita Serengeti House- Tanzania Image would not upload)
Singita Serengeti House – Tanzania
For a relaxing oasis in a thrilling setting (cheetah, bearded wildebeest, black rhino, Maasai giraffe, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard could pop by), this luxe four-suite property is located on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill in the expansive 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserves of the “Great Migration” route. Daily onsite management and staff at the exclusive retreat include a house host, chef and sommelier (the Signita wine list is renowned, encompassing approximately 222 labels and 20,000 bottles). Also noteworthy: the private Land Rover safari and bush walk guide, valet and Bush Spa masseuse whose specialty body ritual, Njozi za Africa “Dreams of Africa,” includes a wrap and exfoliation before a Uhai balancing full body massage.
Singita.com/Serengeti-House
Las Ventanas al Paraíso – Los Cabos
Eat, drink, and be feliz at this serene Mexican resort. Whether you’re looking for a siesta or fiesta, this is the place to be pampered. The location between the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez on the tip of the 1,000-mile Baja Peninsula means scant crowds for those interested in watersports or learning to hang 10. The Spa at Las Ventanas, with its indoor-outdoor thatched palapa and private cabana design, can work out those sore paddling muscles. (If the massage doesn’t help loosen you up, the resort’s “Tequila Lessons” will probably do the trick.) Locally sourced fish and produce mean serious fireworks for the palate on The Restaurant’s “Baja-Mediterranean” menu, although those looking for casual bites can enjoy the same freshness at the resort’s Tequila, Ceviche and Sushi Bar.
RosewoodHotels.com/LasVentanas
Palazzo Avino – Italy
This five-star stunner sits high above the Amalfi Coast. A former 12th century private villa in the hilltop medieval village of Ravello, guests can enjoy two-star Michelin dining at Rossellinis, or go lighter with a visit to the Lobster and Martini terrace bar with the succulent local delicacy expertly paired with Prosecco or champagne. And, 1,000 feet below, fishing boats bob on the sparkling Mediterranean, adding to the charm of this romantico escape.
PalazzoAvino.com
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Maldives
From touchdown of the 30-minute seaplane flight arrival, guests share this idyllic piece of Indian Ocean paradise with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and endless colorful reef fish. Whether outside the glass wall of their stilted villa, below the depths of the resort’s two spas, within a three-man submarine, or even during dinner at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant where sharks and schooling fish glide overhead as you pick your entrée, the unity between the natural world and this amazing resort’s décor make for an unforgettable getaway.
ConradMaldives.com
