Your travel specialist on: Inspiring Retreats

I’ve traveled around the world and only a few hotels and resorts transport you beyond the ordinary. Immersing yourself in the local culture elevates your journey to the next level. Dive into four alluring destinations where life moves at a more leisurely pace, the locals are welcoming and you can discover a true sense of place. These luxury resorts are seamlessly integrated into their surroundings, allowing you to unwind in five star settings as you embrace the rhythms of life beyond the beaten path.

La Dolce Vita in Montalcino, Italy
The town of Montalcino sits atop a gentle hill, hemmed by a centuries old fortress from which olive groves and cypress trees stretch into the horizon. This region is famous for its wine, Brunello of Montalcino, thanks to vintners who championed the sangiovese grape starting in the l7th century and pioneered the oak barrel aged wines that have become a treasured Italian export.

A stay at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco deepens your immension into Montalcino’s celebrated wine culture. The 800 year old estate, beautifully integrated into an Italian village boasts a world class vineyard and winery. Pluck grapes straight from the vines and enjoy a barrel tasting in the estate cellars. Explore culinary traditions with a hands on cooking class, just steps from the resort’s fragrant kitchen gardens where 180 varieties of vegetables and herbs thrive under the Tuscan sun. Uncork a vintage bottle at the Ristorante Campo del Drago as you overlook the property’s hewn stone farmhouse villas and raise a toast to la dolce vita.
Countryside Escapes in Perthshire, Scotland

Only an hour north from the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Perthshire , Perthshire is a secluded hideaway that calls to mind a perfectly painted landscape, snow melts into bubbling waterways that run through lush glens and woodlands, The region’s favorite drink is a lovely amber color, whisky has been distilled at Edradour since 1825 along with several other distilleries that offer the chance to our and taste your fill of wee drams. Visit the exclusive cellars at Gleneagles Hotel, an iconic resort that has been an integral part of the Perthshire countryside for more than ninety years. You can create your own custom blend and sample exceptional spirits plucked from some of the rarest reserves.

The resort boasts 850 acres devoted to tranquil accommodation and Scottish pursuits. Try your hand at Falconry, one of Scotland’s oldest sports and a traditional Royal pastime. Golf enthusiasts can practice their swing on three legendary greens, including the crown jewel, the King’s Course which predates even the resort itself and the PGA Centenary Course that hosted the 40th Ryder Cup match.

Coastal Adventures on O’ahu’s North Shore
A lovely scenic one hour drive from Waikiki leads you to O’ahu’s fabled North Shore, an enclave on the opposite side of the majestic Koolau Rang. Island bliss meets rural retreat in the community of Kahuku. Discover seven miles of pristine coast and uncover local secrets like plump shrimp bathed in garlic and butter served from roadside food trucks.

Gleaming white beaches give way to astonishing waves that tower up to five stories tall, making the North Shore a prime location to spot legendary surfers. I love to sit on the beach and just watch the people riding these huge waves. The snorkeling is excellent here, see coral reefs, sea turtles and absolutely brilliantly colored fish. I’ve seen people do paddleboard yoga many times. Get a picnic lunch and go to a private beach.

Turtle Bay Resort has redefined luxury thanks to a $45 million renovation to its 400 rooms and suites. It has a lovely spa, with Oceanside cabanas. A lovely unique property, with seaside strolling paths, a bird sanctuary, and lots of authentic Hawaiian culture and ambiance.

Artistic Endeavors in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
In San Miguel de Allende cobblestone streets are lined with burnt sienna buildings and flowering jacaranda trees as the spires of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel’s punctuate the skyline in the UNESCO World Heritage town square. The city’s vivid palette of pink stucco and cobalt blue pottery inspires your private visit to local art galleries. At Fabrica la Auora, savor a glass of wine on the café-gallery’s tiled terrace before stopping into the studios to meet some working artists. Purchase an original piece, perhaps a painted tin box or hand stitched silk embroidery to add to your treasure trove of memories.

Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada embodies Mexico’s colonial allure, rendered in stone arches and sun whitened wooden doors within the historic center of San Miguel de Allende. Scattered along six casonas (historic mansions) the hotel has 37 rooms with one of a kind antiques and stone fireplaces. The Andanza Restaurant is outstanding. Lovely gardens and courtyards all add to make this a unique place to visit.

Because we are part of the Signature Travel Network, with close to 1000 hotels around the world in its hotel directory, our clients get exclusive benefits, including breakfast for two daily, a unique value added privilege which varies by hotel. In addition, hotels in the collection offer upgrades, early check in late check out when available. Go on our website www.allhorizonstvl.com and see what our connections can get for you.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.