With countless luxurious retreats to choose from all over the world, how does one decide on a good fit?
Well, here are some highly recommended suggestions that put the word “treat” in “retreat.”
Margaritaville Island Reserve, Cap Cana, in Punta Cana
Opened in 2022, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana is the newest all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic. It lies on the gorgeous blue water Juanillo Beach, a private beach in the Punta Cana area. They’ve integrated the very best of resort amenities and added their own design flair. Each room spells luxury and comfort, designed with nautical decor, furnished patios, and makes any guest feel at home. Specialty ground floor suits even have their own private outdoor pools. The resort itself has six different pools to choose from, be it for splashing around or lounging on a deck chair. There’s an outdoor hot tub as well.
Enjoy all you can eat globally-inspired cuisine such as Japanese, Mexican, American South, Italian, Greek, and much more, at ten food and beverage venues. A staple of any Margaritaville experience, the 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar, is the go-to place for live concerts and poolside cocktails. Island Ambassadors that serve as concierges and vacation-planners, are on-call to answer questions, and to make any stay memorable. There’s much family fun, where kids can play ping pong, foosball, or learn crafts and cookie decorating and more.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye in Belize.
Launched in March 2023, Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye in Belize is the latest in the franchise chain.
A family-friendly hideaway, it’s steps away from a breathtaking crystal-clear Caribbean beach, that’s home to the second-largest coral reef in the world, at 190-miles long. The all-inclusive experience encompasses island-inspired dining options, spacious accommodations, and unforgettable activities. They boast the best spa on the island, such as an invigorating massage, local fruit Body Scrub, Gingerita Body Scrub, or a Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Pedicure.
Guests can get hands-on, using any one of the four shore-side BBQ and picnic areas, and the resort will even provide BBQ kits. For those looking for a little pampering, they can have a private chef look after the cooking!
Much for the adventurer to plan. Dive into the ocean with a snorkel, mask, and fins, to spot an array of exotic marine life and vibrant coral. Enjoy a deep-sea fishing excursion, non-motorized water sports, and more. For something a little bit low key, there are horseshoe tournaments, pickleball matches, or culinary and mixology classes.
MTN House by Basecamp in Canmore, Alberta
A luxury four-story 99-room hotel just opened in Canmore, created by the Basecamp franchise. Offering mountain views from every angle, the hotel features a large outdoor patio dining area, and chic espresso and cocktail bars. Sitting on three and a half acres of land, the property includes an upscale Rhythm & Howl restaurant, with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients, helmed by renowned Canadian chef, Jason Leizert.
MTN is a short walk to or from downtown Canmore, a gem of the Canadian Rockies, it is located in proximity to Banff National Park. Local recreational offerings include skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and hiking. Their Nordic Spa will open in the Summer 2024, offering premium hydrotherapy, dry and wet sauna, and massage services.
Living Water Resort and Spa, Collingwood, Ontario
Living Water, a Collingwood icon, is a four-season vacation resort nestled between the Blue Mountains and Georgian Bay. Modern condos are available that feature a full kitchen, dining room and living room – designed to give you the at-home feel, with vacation decadence.
The resort has added a new hotel that includes an award-winning spa, the award-winning Lakeside Seafood and Grill, and a banquet/conference facility. Living Shore Spa provides treatments like relaxation massages, nourishing facials, invigorating body treatments, and restorative manicures and pedicures. At the Aquapath, immerse yourself in this 45 minute wellness journey, as you are guided between eight rejuvenating water stations. For the adventurer, there’s so much to do, rent bikes, skis, snowshoes, or offsite jet skis; or enjoy hummer tours, and water-skiing activities.
Terranea Resort, Los Angeles
Terranea touts itself as Los Angeles’ premier oceanfront resort. This green-certified gem offers an experience for anyone —whether it’s a relaxing weekend getaway, or an extended stay. Featuring luxury accommodations, ranging from guestrooms and suites to villas and bungalows. Enjoy a game of golf, splash around in four swimming pools, go Zen at the spa, take archery lessons, then unwind with exquisite dining. Fun fact: the resort makes their own locally-sourced, infused sea salts and seaweed, for both dining and spa experiences, processed on-site at a custom greenhouse. They also make, and serve, honey from Terranea’s own beehives.
Dave Gordon | Contributing Writer
