Travel

SANTA FE,
NEW MEXICO

BY CAROLINE

Sante Fe has a transporting, desert landscape revered by its twenty three Native American cultures. For over a century artists, healers and kindred spirits have created a cultural community at the foothills of the mountains. I visited one August, which means it was very hot and dry.  On assignment to take in the spa and integrative healing offerings, I spent time at a rustic Japanese inspired Ten Thousand Waves spa soaking under junipers and pine trees. 

As anyone who has spent time in the desert in the summer months knows, it is best to head out for activities at dawn before the heat of the day. I took this sentiment as law, and hiked and biked along the foothills in the early hours of the day. 

Below are my favorite Santa Fe, NM destinations:

THE GEORGIA O’KEEFFE MUSEUM

TEN THOUSAND WAVE SPA

SANTA FE CONSERVATORY TRUST TRAILS

the inn of five graces

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GREETINGS
FROM
MOAB

BY THE STEPWELL

STAY UNDER CANVAS IN MOAB

I spent a couple of summers at sleep away camp in the Adirondack mountains. I have transporting memories canoeing crystal blue lakes even for days. The accommodations at the 4-year old Under Canvas corporation operating fully-outfitted canvas tents with cowhides and 4 poster beds have nothing in common with my abysmal canoe-trip tent. Last summer I packed my 8 year old son into an SUV and drove from Vail to Moab, Utah. I set out to introduce him to the wonders of an adventure trip...camping (albeit “glamping”). While Under Canvas luxury “safari tents” are overrated, the tents are comfortable, cool, and casual chic. 

undercanvas.com
@undercanvasofficial

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DINE AT THE SORREL RIVER RANCH

The Sorrel River Ranch is the best of Farm-To-Table dining. And there’s no shortage of things to choose from with the River Grill, Outdoor Dining, and Epic Bar.

Per social distancing rules, reservations are required and seating is limited.

Further, if you want a more luxury experience than sleeping under canvas- the Sorrel River ranch is a great place to stay while in Moab. Hike all day, and then come back to a luxurious resort at night.

sorrelriver.com
@sorrelriverranch

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FOR THE EXTREME-SPORT SEEKERS

Moab is a Mecca for extreme-sport seekers. You can opt for extreme hiking, off roading, white water rafting, rock climbing, or horseback riding.

The Moab Adventure center offers packages and information for all kinds of cool adventures

moabadventurecenter.com

@moabadventurecenter

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SUMMER 2020 REOPENING DATES

May 28 Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
June 4 Under Canvas Zion and Under Canvas Moab
June 11 Under Canvas Grand Canyon and Under Canvas Yellowstone
June 19 Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
July 1 Under Canvas Glacier

Check out private tours from the moab adventure center for more information of staying safe while still having a blast: moabadventurecenter.com

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MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA

BY CAROLINE

I love water sports. Mnemba Island offers an array of water sport and fishing, unparalleled in the most gorgeous turquoise waters. I was lucky enough to spend time on this exquisite natural masterpiece floating in the Indian Ocean. Open-air guest houses allow for the sounds of of lapping water and salty breezes. If you cannot nap on your quiet porch here, you cannot nap anywhere.

The days are spent swimming, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. All meals overlook the ocean and at night the moon glistens. The scuba master here is a trusty guide in the fast currents and when you come in sight of sharks. Stand up paddle boards and skiffs are all on hand. Be sure to arrange  for a sunset sail. The team was helpful but not amazing. There was a crow the staff shot dead which we gave a proper burial.

All other aside, it’s a ocean sport destination.

andbeyond.com

In January, the Mnemba Island Lodge was written up in The Financial Times. The lodge is Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen’s favorite island hotel.

“Mnemba is a very private, unpretentious paradise, with 12 bandas with thatched roofs. They are hidden within tropical foliage just metres from the beach; each has its own private veranda where you can sit and look out over the turquoise waters. I’d wake up every morning and jump out of bed and run right into the ocean.”

Read the full article here.

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Postcard from provence

by THE STEPWELL

In 2005 I worked on a joint venture with French fragrance and body care company L’Occitane. L’Occitane was founded by the eclectic Olivier Bauson who originates from the Haute-Provence region. Olivier developed a line of distilled essential-oils into an international consumer brand. Initially he harvested lavender and plants from the local fields and soon married them with emollient shea butter from Africa.As the brand grew he recruited in-house chemists and developed scents with the finest fragrance houses in Grasse. The corporation I worked for in the US partnered with L’Occitane to bottle their artisanal ingredients and storytelling. The inspiration behind the brand is a convent called Le Couvent des Minimes.

The convent was home to a group of charitable sisters and an ancient apothecary where garden grown ingredients were fused into healing balms. This little commercial venture breathed new life into the centuries-old convent which was renovated, replanted, and revived into a Relais Chateaux spa and inn. I can not vouch for the rooms but it is a little green oasis: perfect for a refreshing swim and summer lunch.

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Postcard
from Ibiza

by THE STEPWELL

For many people Ibiza conjures an overcrowded party island. Ibiza has a free-loving, hard partying reputation leftover from the 1960’s. The island has long been a welcoming refuge for revelers and explorers dating back to ancient Carthage and Rome. But for insiders, there is another side to Ibiza, a beguiling one. For as many beaches bustling with beach clubs there are as many serene stretches. Beyond the fray, Ibiza is dotted with pristine beaches flanked plunging cliffs. Meander inland hill towns and low key, chic plazas. Two properties will transport you far from the crowds and into rural elegant properties. 

DINE AT RESTAURANTE CAN DOMO

The first is Can Domo, a secluded agroturismo inn and restaurant dating back to the 17th Century.  The property, surrounded by native pine and olive trees, is owned by chef Paul Barba and his creative wife, Alexandra Vermeiren.

Insiders come from all over the island to dine under the romantic garden arbour. Vegetables and herbs come fresh from their generous garden. Chef Barba follows the natural harvest cycle so the extensive menu evolves year-round. I order the freshest fish while my friends come for the suckling pig and langoustines. The pastry chef is skilled and playful.

Come early to sip a cocktail overlooking their olive grove. Beyond the lovely grounds, the rustic hotel has been thoughtfully restored by co-owner, Alexandra, a Belgian interior designer. Think of white-washed Ibizan structures softened with faded Belgian linens surrounded by lush vines, agave plants and old stonework. 

Read more here.

THE FARM AT LA GRANJA FOR DINING AND ACCOMMODATIONS

“[Here,] fertile soil is sown for the free-flowing exchange of energy and restorative growth. Signed and labeled garden plots encourage open access and self-guided tours, and guests can learn about biodynamic agriculture through a series of workshops, classes and community-based projects.” — lagranjaibiza.com

“This project spoke to me on so many levels. Easing the old farm back to life and returning the soil quality was paramount. But it had to be done with a gentle approach, using available resources like captured rainwater and tiered terraces for water management in an area prone to drought.” — Andy Szymanowicz, the Farmer

EXPERIENCE THE BEST SUNSET AND DINE AT SUNSET ASHRAM

“The last paradise lost in Ibiza. We are Nature filled with nature. So it is, everything that can be told about the Sunset Ashram is not enough. You have to come to check it, see it and believe it. Believe in the nature that you represent, what you feel when watching a sunset. It is a fusion of the inner nature and the environment.”
— sunsetashram.com

Serving Hindu, Mediterranean, and sushi, the cuisine is absolutely worth the trip.

Read more here.

CHECK OUT THIS IBIZA INSPIRED PLAYLIST VIA SPOTIFY:

Pikes Ibiza · Playlist · 21 songs · 128 likes

And, if you can’t make it to Ibiza, but you want to dress in the spirit check out LOEWE PAULA'S IBIZA Collection:

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