VICARIOUS | Turn-Key Tourist

Story | Jeff Voth

"turn-key (adjective): of or involving the provision of a complete service that is ready for immediate use."

Florida is a favourite winter and spring destination, especially for northern climate residents seeking solace from the cold. There are few resorts in the sunshine state that compare to The Pearl Hotel. Designed in a beach house style, the classic white and black colour scheme promotes relaxation the moment you step through the front door.

A total of 41 guest rooms, 9 suites, 4 cabanas rooms, and the ultimate Pearl Suite (from $1,299 per night) offer guests signature bath amenities, complimentary beach chairs and umbrella on a private beach, guest services integrated iPads to stay connected, and much more. There is also a free stocked mini-fridge as well as Keurig coffee and tea for those early morning ocean sunrises.

Dining takes place at 30A Restaurant under the promise of four guiding principles; your life, your happiness, your relationships, your success. More casual fare is enjoyed at the Havana Beach Bar & Grill and Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge. Ernest Hemingway would be proud.

Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, Florida, 32461 Website: www.thepearlrb.com

Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco

Tuscany is renowned as one of the world’s exceptional winegrowing terroirs, producing rich reds and surprising whites with an exceptional bouquet in palate-pleasing flavours. It is also one of the best places to drive a sports car on winding two-lane country roads, an experience you will never forget and well worth the rental car investment. Get a convertible!

Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco resides in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. An 800-year old Tuscan treasure, the 5,000-acre estate encompasses old castle ruins, an ancient church, and the original village. Suites and villas offer the very best in luxury accommodations. Leisure activities include attending classes at the Osteria La Canonica Cooking School, truffe hunting, landscape painting classes, horseback riding, walking tours, and golf at The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, a private course.

The Spa at Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco features a full menu of services and soothing ambience. Relax, you’re in Tuscany and life is good.

Address: Località Castiglion del Bosco, 53024 Montalcino (Siena), Italy Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/castiglion-del-bosco

Fogo Island Inn

If the thought of enjoying ice in your morning breakfast coffee alongside warm French toast dripping with maple syrup sounds appealing, Fogo Island Inn is for you. The ice I am referring to will be several kilometres out in the ocean as you watch icebergs float lazily past from April to June. It is a sight to behold.

Situated on what the Flat Earth Society considers to be one of the four corners of the earth, Fogo Island Inn is both wild and tame at the same time. The island itself highlights spectacular geology, birds including puffns, harlequin ducks, white-winged scoters, and much more, plus breaching whale pods in the summer.

The Inn looks to be part of the natural landscape, paying homage to the island with its unique take on a traditional Newfoundland outport design. A total of 29 guest rooms and suites offer spacious surroundings, relaxed colour schemes, exceptional amenities, and handcrafted touches throughout. The dining room features floor to ceiling windows with awe-inspiring views stretching to infinity. An art gallery, 37-seat cinema, guided tours, soaking in the hot tub, and star gazing are just a few of the ways to enjoy this uniquely Canadian locale.

Address: 210 Main Road, Joe Batt’s Arm, Newfoundland, Canada A0G 2XO Website: www.fogoislandinn.ca

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

Tenerife is part of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwestern coast of Africa. Gettng there is easy, with flights from Madrid offered daily. Once on the island, white and black sand beaches provide the perfect settng for vacationers. Mt. Teide, an active volcano located in the Teide National Park, dominates the view and is worth the trip inland. Roads here are exceptional, another reason to visit for those who enjoy driving on winding, two-lane highways with incredible seaside scenery at every turn.

The Ritz-Carlton Abama is a grand resort on the scale of a small city. Rooms, suites, and villas offer the very best in accommodations and décor. Dining is offered at a total of 12 different locations across the resort. At the top of the list is MB, awarded two Michelin stars and Abama Kabuki, also a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring a fusion of Japanese and Western culinary techniques.

Additional onsite activities include championship golf, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, a private beach, multiple pools including adults-only facilities and a world-class spa.

Address: Carretera General, TF-47, km 9, Guia de Isora Tenerife, 38687 Spain

Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/spain/abama

Blanket Bay

Lake Wakatipu is located inland on the South Island of New Zealand. It is the longest lake in the country and it’s third largest after Lake Taupo and Lake Te Anau. Queenstown resides on its shores and The Remarkables mountain range lies on the southeastern edge. It is on this lake, and in a settng famously portrayed as Lothlorien in the Lord of The Rings movie trilogy, that Blanket Bay reigns as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated lodges.

An experience more so than just a lodge of imminent beauty, there are a host of exclusive activities to choose from when staying at this resort property. Heli-skiing, fly and Heli-fishing, horseback riding, following the wine trail, golf and discovering Milford Sound during a 4-hour helicopter ride is just part of the adventure that guests can take advantage of.

Lodge rooms offer spacious accommodations designed to reflect the mountainous settng using schist stone and old steamer wharf timber beams. Four separate chalet suites offer exclusive views of the lake. Dining takes place in the main lodge under the watchful eye of award-winning New Zealand chefs. The nightly five-course meal can, of course, be paired with the areas renowned Pinot Noir.

Address: Rapid 4191 Glenorchy, New Zealand Website: www.blanketbay.com

Design Hotel Navis

Croatia is one of those countries that can easily slip under the radar when considering must-see places to visit around the world. It should instead, be right at the top of your list as it claims some of the most magnificent scenery in Europe, exquisite beaches, incredible architecture and beautifully paved highways and sideroads to get lost in and enjoy every moment. Exploring Croatia is a highlight reel at every turn.

Design Hotel Navis is located in the traditional seaside town of Opatija, a popular summer resort and winter getaway destination. A total of 40 superior suites and rooms all look outwards to the sea. Morning coffee, or an evening glass of wine under the stars is best served on your private terrace with views of the Kvarner archipelago. The design theme is uber-stylish with a touch of whimsical and the amenities are all first-class.

The hotel restaurant highlights dark walls, modern artwork, fisherman’s lights and floor-to-ceiling windows. Fish is a specialty given the location with Adriatic tuna a favourite. The spa offers massage, a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath, as well as an indoor pool with unobstructed views of the sun and sea.

Address: Ivana Matetića Ronjgova 10, HR-51410 Opatija, Croatia Website: www.hotel-navis.hr

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