Some days you just want to a break from it all and spend some quality time with your friends or family. You may desire to visit a historic place, go hiking or relax at a beach with those who matter to you. Here are some great ideas for destinations you can visit with your loved ones for an unforgettable experience.
Iceland
If you are with an adventurous squad, explore the Icelandic beauty. Shop till you drop at the shops of Reykjavik, drink coffee at the Reykjavik Roasters, visit the National Museum of Iceland, or maybe enjoy a dinner reservation at the exquisite Perlan restaurant. Make sure you cross out visiting iconic places in Golden Circle such as the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir of all geysers off your bucket list. Don’t miss swimming at the Blue Lagoon.
Montreal
Montreal is a closer choice than Europe with almost the same feel. Update your French-speaking skills and shop at the boutique Hotel Le St. James. Savor delicious cuisine at the numerous beautiful restaurants, buy some bagels at Saint-Viateur, and take a quick stroll with friends along one of Montreal’s oldest public markets, Jean-Talon.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Kohler has many lodges and clubs with lush accommodations, stylish dining choices, various activities, and a top-notch spa. Go during winter so you and your group can master the art of Bavarian curling or go pheasant hunting. However, if your visit is in the summer, you can go golfing, horseback riding, fishing, or trap shooting. There’s always something for everyone.
Napa Valley, California
If you are a sucker for good food, fine wine, and stunning landscapes, then Napa Valley is for you. There isn’t a BAD time to visit, but perhaps the best time to visit Napa Valley is during Cabernet Season, from November to April. You can visit in January and attend Napa Valley Truffle Festival. Eat your way through St. Helena, ride the Wine Train, or go to a concert in Pioneer Park in Calistoga. There are guest lodges perfect for a group at Calistoga Ranch. One notable feature of these lodges is the spa with curative properties perfect for relaxing after a busy day.
Cartegena, Columbia
Contrary to Netflix’s drug war series, Narcos, Colombia has developed into a nonviolent country with rich local culture, exciting dining centers, and amazing coffee. Visit the oldest port city in the Americas in Cartegena, to experience that beachy feel with a modern twist. Stay at one of the many luxurious hotels opening in the area, explore the bohemian Getsemani region, and tour Old City during your vacation. Take a boat ride to Playa Blanca on the Isla de Barú to relax at the pristine beach.
Los Angeles, California
You don’t have to rent a car to tour Los Angeles any longer, just take an Uber. Stay at the comfortable and luxurious NoMad Hotel located at Downtown where you get to enjoy delicious cuisine from renowned chef Daniel Humm. Also tour the recently modernized downtown LA, explore the Getty Museum, go hiking the Runyon Canyon, and buy tickets to the Broad.
Helsinki, Finland
For ultimate luxury, lodge at the well-designed and equipped Hotel Indigo. Check out the shops in the design district, visit the Kiasma art museum, dining at the vivacious Holiday restaurant, or sweat it out at the public sauna, Löyly. The state capital of Finland is really an amazing place to visit.
Saint Lucia
Get that hot summer body on with your friends as you work off the extra weight at BodyHoliday in St. Lucia. This all-inclusive resort includes spa treatments, meals, and fitness routines like Spoga (which means spinning + yoga) and science to make a wholesome body experience that is surprisingly exciting, healthy, and relaxing. If you are the athletic type you can play tennis or go golfing and if you are feeling adventurous, you can go cave diving or rappelling.
Nashville, Tennessee
For music lovers, visit iconic landmarks in Nashville such as the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Bluebird Café, and the Ryman Auditorium where famous musicians like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash have been hosted. Lodge at the sleek Thompson from where you can just stroll to the musical landmarks and restaurants.
Sedona, Arizona
Nature lovers will absolutely adore Sedona, the home of vortexes. Go shopping at Tlaquepaque and shops along Highway 89A, explore the art galleries, treat yourself to Ayurvedic fare at ChocolaTree Organic Eatery, or just watch the sunset over the desert mesas. Lodge at L’Auberge de Sedona and enjoy in-room massages, which come in handy after spending the day hiking through Red Rocks State Park.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visit the set of Game of Thrones in the alluring medieval fortress town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. This city has many buildings with state-of-art architecture, bustling nightlife, and extensive views of the Adriatic Sea. Take a group picture at the Maritime Museum, stroll down the streets of Old Town, go clubbing, and visit the Old Pharmacy (the third oldest in the world) for your best hangover cure.
Austin, Texas
Watch the big and bright stars of the capital city of Texas and the culinary epicenter. Experience the traditional Southern-style at the Four Seasons or check out the vibrant luxury of W Austin. Cool off at Barton Springs Pool or Lady Bird Lake like the locals do. Watch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse or go to a concert at the Moody Theater. Everything is bigger and better in Texas including food!
Italy
When it comes to activities, Italy has a buffet. From shopping for fine Italian leathers and shoes to viewing mesmerizing Renaissance artwork and sampling fine wines. If you want a more energizing trip then go skiing in the Dolomites or sun-bathing in the Aeolian Islands, or strolling through the Roman museums and the city of Pompeii. You can even get a private tour of the Vatican with a behind-the-scenes view of its mosaic shop.
Danube River Cruise
Explore ancient castles and towns along a Danube River cruise as you make several European stops. You can ride bicycles along the river; try climbing treetops for a glimpse of the Austrian Alps, visit an ancient salt mine, take a ride across an underground lake or enjoy chocolate tastings inside a Baroque palace with your loved ones. You can make it a luxury cruise by attending a Mozart and Strauss concert in a Viennese palace while lodging at the most luxurious suites onboard.
United Kingdom
There’s more to the UK than London and Edinburgh. For lovers of nature, enjoy North Wales’ Llŷn Peninsula, where you’ll see various seaside villages, beaches, and walking trails with onshore views. For those with a sweet tooth, go to Sheffield where the Cocoa Wonderland chocolate shop can be found encompassed by hills, providing chocolates in abundance to all those who desire a chocolate-themed afternoon tea.
Knowing where to go with your group is one thing, having the time of your lives is another. Contact me for more info on how to have a memorable experience with your group in a great destination.