1. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“dYNAMI BUCKET LIST”
dynami’s divine secret: Unique Hot Spots in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico and Canada
Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destinations:
---U.S.---
---U.S.---
U.S.
Hawaii
*Halekulani, on the Beach at Waikiki, Hawaii
http://www.halekulani.com/
Best wilderness resorts – Forbes Traveler 2009
Top Ten Eco-Resorts in North America, Caribbean,
and Central America – Away.com 2009
(to name a few..)
*Kona Village Resort, Big Island, Hawaii
http://konavillage.com/
This is Kona Village where Hawaii still exists; unplugged, unpretentious, unmatched.
*Pure Maui, Maui, Hawaii http://www.puremaui.com/
Stay at one of many luxury private cottages or beach bungalows. Maui is a
diverse land of extremes. From the gentle waters of Wailea to the lush
waterfalls of Hana to the summit of Haleakala volcano at over 10,000 feet,
Maui's beautiful environments are just waiting to be explored.
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“You know a dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows.
And a dreamer's just a vessel that must follow where it goes.” ~Garth Brooks
goes.”

2. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Four Seasons Resort, Lana’i at Manele Bay,
Hawaii http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/
Discover an ocean-side paradise bordering a marine
preserve that teems with colourful reef fish and
protected species such as green sea turtles and spinner
dolphins. Laze on the white-sand beach or golf on two
world-ranked courses. Explore this untouched island
playground, and experience your own private Hawaii.
This has truly been paradise! The
hotel is gorgeous and so unique –
I’m not sure I will really be satisfied
anywhere else!
*Halona Beach Cove, Óahu, Hawaii
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/halona_beach_cove.htm
Known as "The Peering Place", this cove is situated to the right of
the Halona Blowhole. The rocky cove has a small sandy beach that
is great for swimming when the surf is calm. This beach is probably
best known as the site of the famous love scene between Burt
Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the 1953 movie, From Here to
Eternity.
California
*San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California
http://www.sanysidroranch.com/
In Southern California, built in classic bungalow style, forty one
individually decorated private cottages and suites wind along
San Ysidro's hillside creek- and tree-lined paths.
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“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.” ~Maya Angelou

3. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Malibu Beach Inn, Carbon Beach, California
http://www.malibubeachinn.com/
“...the Malibu Beach Inn reopened last fall with a casual
chic décor that blends right in with its $50 million
neighbors...” - The New York Times, May '08
*Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
http://www.postranchinn.com/
Nestled in the cliffs of Big Sur, experience the luxury resort’s
organic architecture that embraces the dramatic beauty of the
Big Sur coastline. From here you can explore all that nature has
to offer, or take a short drive to the picturesque towns of
Monterey and Carmel.
“Blackthorne Inn floats among the
treetops like a great ship” – AAA’s VIA
magazine
*Blackthorne Inn, Inverness Park, California
http://www.blackthorneinn.com/
This unique structure resembles a giant elegant treehouse. Crafted from
redwood, cedar and a 180-foot Douglas fir cut and milled on the site, the
Blackthorne Inn bed and breakfast rises through fragrant bay trees to sunny
decks on four levels. Located near the magnificent Point Reyes National
Seashore, and an hour's drive from San Francisco, and the Napa-Sonoma
wine country.
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“Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.” ~John W. Gardner

4. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs, California
http://www.korakia.com/
Welcome to a romantic retreat unlike any other. Korakia Pensione
offers a unique and relaxing getaway from day to day reality. Crafted
after a Mediterranean-style pensione, Korakia blends the silhouette of
Tangier with a whisper of the Mediterranean.
"Grab the glass of mint tea that awaits you in your
Moroccan- or Mediterranean-style room, then head
out through French doors onto your bougainvillea-
edged patio to sip and stare at the San Jacinto
Mountains." – Sunset Magazine 2009
Named one of the “Sexiest Hotels in America” –
Forbes Traveler 2008
Utah
*Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, Utah
http://www.steinlodge.com/
The European-style Lodge reflects the style of our namesake, Stein
Eriksen of Norway, the Olympic Gold Medalist who first dreamt of a
luxury hotel nestled in the slopes of the Wasatch Mountain range.
Aesthetics are only a part of the Stein Eriksen Lodge experience.
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“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” ~Anne Frank

5. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Dunton Hot Springs ranks in our
Top 10 favorite places on earth – a
Colorado romantic, magical experience
beyond words.” - Luxury Travel
*Dunton Hot Springs, San Juan Mountains of the Magazine
Rockies, Colorado http://www.duntonhotsprings.com/about-
#1 Luxury Hotel in the U.S., #5 All-
dunton.html
Inclusive in the World - 2009 Trip
Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award
Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort nestled deep in the
San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies.
*The St. Regis, Aspen, Colorado
http://www.stregisaspen.com/templates/index.php
The St. Regis Resort, Aspen in the majestic and historic town
of Aspen, is a perfect environment for superb winter skiing,
summer sports and the arts. The hotel delivers a benchmark
of personalized service and unending attention to detail
amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Our 179
guestrooms and suites, heated outdoor pool, Remède Spa and
20,000 square feet of function space ensure that our guests
can expect nothing less than a remarkable experience.
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“It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance. It is the dream afraid of waking that never
takes the chance. It is the one who won’t be taken who cannot seem to give. And the soul afraid of dying
that never learns to live.” ~Bette Midler

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Arizona
*Canyon Ranch & Resort Hotel, Tucson, Arizona http://www.canyonranch.com/resorts/tucson-home.aspx
Hike a canyon, jumpstart your exercise program, recharge
your energy, grab onto a healthier future, and fall in love
with life again. Start with a morning walk, choose from more
than 40 daily fitness classes or hit the hiking trails and bike
routes to enjoy the sunny weather and matchless scenery.
*Mondrain Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
http://www.mondrianscottsdale.com/#/home/
Drawing inspiration from the Garden of Eden, designer
Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz has created a unique sybaritic
retreat . . .his thoughtful interpretation reflects the
youthful spirit of the thriving city of Scottsdale, while
celebrating the senses with luxury, indulgence, and
amusement.
Montana
*The Lodge at Sun Ranch in Cameron, Montana
http://www.papoosecreek.com/
One of Montana’s most picturesque areas.
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“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.” ~Aristotle

7. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington, D.C.
*The St. Regis, Washington, D.C.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=193
Built in 1926, two blocks from The White House and the
Corcoran Gallery, the gracefully reimagined The St. Regis
Washington, D.C. presents itself as the most prestigious hotel
for royalty, presidents and prime ministers in the nation's
capital.
Alaska
*Ultima Thule Lodge, Anchorage,
Alaska http://www.ultimathulelodge.com/
The Ultima Thule Lodge is located in the Alaskan
Wrangell Mountains, which is out of cell phone
range. Guests spend their time discovering
glaciers, admiring the northern lights and viewing
the wilderness by small plane. At the end of the
day, visitors retire to rustic cabins and can relax
in the wood-fired sauna.
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“It is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect fruitful,
imagination.”
and gives birth to imagination.” ~Henry David Thoreau

8. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most Unusual:
---U.S.---
---U.S.---
U.S.
Connecticut
*Winvian Farm, Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
http://winvian.com/
“Helicopter cottage”- Amenities do not get more thrilling than
this – a 17,000 pound gloriously restored piece of machinery,
with all the lights,
bells and whistles to
simulate flying over
the New England
countryside.
Helicopter epitomizes
the sense of wonder such a precise piece of equipment awakens in all of us –
with the difference that here, you can touch.
Florida
*Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Florida http://www.jul.com/
Just to enter the Lodge, one must actually scuba dive 21 feet beneath the surface of
the sea. Jules’ really is underwater. Diving through the tropical mangrove habitat of
the Emerald Lagoon and approaching the world’s only underwater hotel is quite an
experience.
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“I have always said and felt that true enjoyment
cannot be described.” ~Jran Jacques Rousseau

9. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York
*The Surf Lodge, Montauk, New York
http://www.thesurflodge.com/index.html
A decidedly down-tempo summer retreat, The Surf Lodge is
the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the good life—or
secretly stalk Top Chef hunk Sam Talbot. Located on the
farthest point of Long Island in Montauk, the hotel has
hammocks overlooking the water, and elite suites have hot
tubs. Sip a frozen cocktail at the outdoor bar while listening
to live music (Julian Marley performed Memorial Day
weekend) or grab a locally grown, fresh bite in the renowned
restaurant.
Alaska
*Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska
http://www.chenahotsprings.com/index.php?id=museum
*Mount Foraker in Midnight Sun, Denali National Park,
Alaska http://www.nps.gov/dena/
Mount Foraker, or Sultana as it is known by the Athabascans, stands
proudly as Denali's wife. At 17,400 feet it is the sixth highest mountain
in North America. Sultana was renamed in honor of Ohio senator
Joseph Foraker in 1899 by Joseph Herron. Although Mount McKinley is
the park's crown jewel, standing at 20,320 feet, Mount Foraker offers
a challenging ascent and breathtaking views for experienced climbers. Japanese climber Masatoshi Kuriaki made the
first solo ascent in 2007.
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“The supreme object of life is to live. Few people live. It is true life only to realize one’s own perfection, to
make one’s every dream a reality.” ~Oscar Wilde

10. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington, D.C.
*Donavan House, Washington, D.C.
http://www.thompsonhotels.com/
Hotel rooms are unique in design, complete with cocoon spiral
showers and leather wrap around beds.
Idaho
*Dog Bark Park Inn – Bed & Breakfast, Cottonwood,
Idaho http://www.dogbarkparkinn.com/
“At Dog Bark Park Inn sleeping in
the doghouse is a good thing!”
Dog Bark Park Inn is a bed & breakfast guesthouse inside
the World's Biggest Beagle. Guests enter the body of the
beagle from a private 2nd story deck. Some of the dog's
decorative furnishings are carvings by Dog Bark Park
chainsaw artists Dennis & Frances. Inside and up another
level to the head of the dog is a loft room with additional
sleeping space plus a cozy alcove in the muzzle.
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A smile is a powerful weapon;
you can even break ice with it. ~Author Unknown

11. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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California
*Vision Quest Safari Bed & Breakfast, Monterey
County, California
http://www.iloveinns.com/innlink.php?innID=32780&city=Salinas&state=CA
The Vision Quest Ranch is a 51 acre ranch located off the Monterey
Monterey-
Salinas Highway in Monterey Co., California. It is home to 100+
wild/exotic & domestic birds and animals. Listen to the lions and
tigers roaring only yards from your canvas walled hotel suite. Each
African tent style bungalow is creatively decorated and equipped with
t
comfortable furniture and complete bathroom facilities. Wake to a
continental breakfast delivered to your tent (often by our animal
friends). Guests will sometimes be invited to join the facility t
trainers
on their evening walks with many of our Wild Things.
Ocean & Land Safari’s available http://www.iloveinns.com/innlink.php?innID=32780&city=Salinas&state=CA
*A “Human Nest" by Spirit Garden in Big Sur, California
http://www.treebonesresort.com/
To date, Fann has constructed nine nests, not counting the one he lived in 10
years back (complete with bedroom, guestroom, and a 20 20-foot-long living room).
Of the nine, only the Spirit Nest lies open to the public; the rest are secluded on
private proper
property. Bring your own sleeping bags & other gear for this night aloft
or spend an afternoon of exclusive "alone time" perched in the nest to ponder,
meditate or pray. Ask reservationist for details.
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“When you look at me,
when you think of me, I am in paradise.” ~William M. Thackeray

12. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oregon
*Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort, Cave Junction,
Oregon http://www.treehouses.com/treehouse/treesort/home.html
There are a total of 18 treehouses, you probably couldn’t have dreamt
up as a child. Many rooms have bathrooms and refrigerators. Some are
located at an amazing height of 300 feet.
Arkansas
*Beckham Creek Cave Haven, Parthenon, Arkansas http://www.ozarkcave.com/
Set on the 530-acre estate, the “Cave House” was built with the philosophy that the ongoing preservation of natural
beauty is paramount. With its perfect blend of magnificent craftsmanship and technology, it took nearly four years to
complete. Everywhere one looks, the superior design and attention to detail is obvious. Totally, secluded, the “Cave
House” delivers a comfortable and relaxing vacation, located in the Buffalo National River country with all the wild
beauty of the Ozark countryside.
Arizona
*Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale, Arizona
http://www.hotelvalleyho.com/scottsdalehotels/index.html?
Hotel Valley Ho was cool back in 1956 when it first
opened its doors, and it's every bit as chic now, after an
expansive and meticulously groomed 2005 rehabilitation.
The hotel is a classic in mid-century
design and lighthearted ambiance.
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“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to
make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work
or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” ~Earl Nightingale

13. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Wonders / Sights to See:
---U.S.---
---U.S.---
U.S.
California
*Yosemite Falls in the Sierra Nevada mountains, California
http://www.nps.gov/yose/
Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and
unusual rock formations. Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year.
*Monarch Grove
Sanctuary of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural
History, Pacific Grove “Butterfly Town,” California
http://www.ci.pg.ca.us/monarchs/default.htm ;
http://www.pgmuseum.org/
Arriving in October, the Monarch Butterflies cluster together on
the pines and eucalyptus trees of the Sanctuary. Their migration to
Pacific Grove is so unique and inspiring that Pacific Grove is
nicknamed "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." The community has always
welcomed the butterflies and sought for their protection.
Every Year, Over 25,000 Monarchs Overwinter in Pacific Grove
*Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California
These two parks testify to nature's size, beauty, and diversity: Immense mountains,
rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees!
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“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure
is the most perfect refreshment.” ~Jane Austen

14. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Muir Woods, California http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm
Muir Woods National Monument offers a quiet sanctuary in a growing urban setting. Known for its giant old growth
stand of coast redwood trees, people from all over the world come to visit this special ecosystem.
*Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California
http://www.nps.gov/alca/
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the
first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the
infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the
public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All
Tribes which saved the tribes.
*Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
http://www.holymtn.com/garden/Gallery/index_teagarden.html
The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, is the oldest public Japanese garden in California.
Most of the plants in the Japanese Tea Garden are from Japan, others are from both Japan and China, and a few are
not Japanese but are from other parts of the world. Many of the dwarf trees are old and some were among the earliest
to be planted in the Tea Garden. The oldest plant in the Tea Garden is a Japanese black pine espaliered in front of the
Tea House. It came from Japan as a potted plant and was planted by Makoto Hagiwara.
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“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

15. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wyoming
*Tetons & Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
http://www.nps.gov/grte/
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a
spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and
extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts
with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at their base, creating
world-renowned scenery that attracts nearly four million visitors per year.
*Yellowstone National Park,
Wyoming http://www.nps.gov/yell/
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national
park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety
of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within
Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's
most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone.
Washington
*Mount Rainer, Washington http://www.nps.gov/mora/
Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano (also known as a
composite volcano) in Pierce County, Washington, located
54 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington, in the United States.
It is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and Cascade
Volcanic Arc at 14,411 feet. The mountain and the surrounding
area are protected within Mount Rainier National Park. With
26 major glaciers and 35 square miles of permanent snowfields
and glaciers, Mount Rainier is the most heavily glaciated peak
in the lower 48 states.
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“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is a rapture on the lonely shore,
there is society, where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but
Nature more.” ~George Gordon

16. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona
*Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona http://www.havasufalls.net/
Havasu Falls is the second waterfall in the canyon. Havasupai is
arguably the most famous and most visited of all the falls, and is
considered one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world.
The falls are known for their natural pools, created by
mineralization. Although most of these pools were damaged in the
early 1990s by large floods that washed through the area, a small
man-made dam was constructed to help restore the pools and to
preserve what is left.
*Petrified Forest, Arizona http://www.nps.gov/pefo/
With one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of
petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, historic
structures, archeological sites, and displays of over 200-million-year-old
fossils, this is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science.
Utah
*The Virgin Rivers Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah
http://www.nps.gov/zion/
The Virgin River has carved a spectacular
gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon: 16
miles long, up to 2000 feet deep, and at times
only 20-30 feet wide. The Zion Narrows;
walking in the shadow of its soaring walls,
sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging
gardens can be an unforgettable wilderness
experience.
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“A picture is worth ten thousand words.” ~Chinese Proverb

17. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
http://www.nps.gov/brca/
Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from
the amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon National Park. Millions of
years of wind, water and geologic mayhem have shaped and
etched the pink cliffs at Bryce, which isn't actually a canyon
but the eastern slope of the Paunsaguant Plateau.
*Rainbow Bridge, Lake Powell, Utah
http://www.nps.gov/rabr/
Rainbow Bridge is the world's largest known natural bridge. The
span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time--from the
neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge
sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it
each year.
*Arches National Park, Moab, Utah
http://www.nps.gov/arch/
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone
arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other
unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have
exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary
features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors,
landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world.
Alaska
*Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Alaska
http://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/valley-of-ten-thousand-smokes-tour.htm
On June 6th, 1912, a previously unknown volcanic vent erupted in the largest volcanic
eruption of the 20th Century. The lush, green Ukak river valley was buried beneath
hundreds of feet of incandescent ash at temperatures of up to 2000°F! This caused the
water underneath the ash to become superheated and work its way up through the ash to
the surface. These discharges of steam escaped from thousands of cracks and fissures to
become fumaroles, giving the valley its name. Today, the valley floor has cooled
significantly since the eruption and the "smokes" have disappeared.
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“Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and
See their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” ~Louisa May Alcott
lead.”

18. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana
*Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana
http://www.nps.gov/glac/
The view from Hidden Lake Overlook provides a spectacular
example of the power of Ice Age glaciers. This cirque (bowl shaped
amphitheater) was carved out by huge glaciers tens of thousands of
years ago. Just beyond the ridge in the background lies Sperry
Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the park today. It is tiny
compared to the massive ice sheets that sculpted the parks
topography.
Colorado
*Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado
http://www.redrocksonline.com/
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a rock structure in Red Rocks Park near Morrison,
Colorado (west of Denver), where concerts are given in the open-air amphitheatre.
*Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Cañon City, Colorado
http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/
Located just outside Canon City is the Royal Gorge Bridge - the world's
tallest suspension bridge. The bridge is 1260 feet long and 18 feet wide,
with a wooden walkway comprised of 1292 planks. The bridge is
suspended from towers that are 150 feet high.
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“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson

19. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Pikes Peak, Colorado http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com/
The most visited mountain in North America and the second
most visited mountain in the world behind Japan's Mount Fuji,
Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs
and the Garden of the Gods. At an altitude of 14,110 feet
above sea level, Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54
Colorado peaks.
Oregon
*Crater Lake, Oregon http://www.nps.gov/crla/
Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the
Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.
It has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on
earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer
surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two
picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past.
Hawaii
* Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, Hawai’i http://www.nps.gov/havo/
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution --
processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture.
The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands
and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
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“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into
trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop
off like autumn leaves.” ~John Muir

20. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania
*Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
http://www.longwoodgardens.org/default.html
Longwood Gardens is sure to delight anyone who loves exquisite
flowers, majestic trees, and opulent architecture. Here, amid
1,050 acres with 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, you’ll find
beauty at every turn. Longwood's Conservatory is one of the
world's great greenhouse structures. It shelters 20 indoor
gardens and 5,500 types of plants. After its expansion,
presently, there are 195,668 square feet—or 4.5 acres—of
covered display, production, and research greenhouses.
On five special evenings through the summer, Longwood's famous Fireworks & Fountains entertain audiences of all
ages. Great music and from outstanding performers fill the Gardens on select evenings.
New York
This exhibit is one of a kind and always
something I look forward to during
*Holiday Train Exhibit at The New York Botanical Garden,
the Winter Holiday!
The Bronx, New York http://www.nybg.org/hts08/hts.html
Wrapped in the glow of twinkling lights, model trains and trolleys zip
along over bridges and on winding tracks past scaled replicas of New
York landmarks made by award-winning designer Paul Busse. Orange
slices, cinnamon sticks, poppy pods, pine cones, and other pant
parts are used to create more than 140 architectural reproductions.
*David Rogers’ BIG-Bugs, Glenwood Landing,
New York http://www.big-bugs.com/
When you take this remarkable and diverse group of "hidden
gardeners" and recreate them on a gargantuan scale using all-
natural materials, you have the Big Bugs.
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“The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready
for his opportunity when it comes ~ Benjamin Disraeli

21. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Statue of Liberty, New York http://www.nps.gov/stli/
Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty
Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the
people of France to the people of the United States and is a
universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of
Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a
National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on
July 4, 1986.
*Ellis Island, New York, New Jersey http://www.nps.gov/elis/ / http://www.ellisisland.org/
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the
nation's premier federal immigration station. In
operation until 1954, the station processed over 12
million immigrant steamship passengers. The main
building was restored after 30 years of abandonment
and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990.
Today, over 40 percent of America's population can
trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.
Tennessee
*Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
Tennessee http://www.nps.gov/grsm/
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North
Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life,
the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its
remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is
America’s most visited national park.
Celebrate the park's 75th Anniversary with us in 2009.
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“Vacation used to be a luxury,
but in today’s world it has become a necessity.” ~Author Unknown

22. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Dakota
*Mount Rushmore, South Dakota http://www.nps.gov/moru/
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, near Keystone, South Dakota,
is a monumental granite sculpture by Gutzon Borglum (1867–1941),
located within the United States Presidential Memorial that
represents the first 150 years of the history of the United States of
America with 60-foot sculptures of the heads of former United
States presidents (left to right): George Washington (1732–1799),
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), and
Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865).
*Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Hills, South Dakota
http://www.crazyhorsememorial.org/
The world’s largest mountain carving.
Virginia
*Natural Bridge, Virginia http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/
Natural Bridge is one of the oldest tourist destinations in the United
States. The Natural Bridge of Virginia is located in the community of
Natural Bridge, which is located in Rockbridge County. The Bridge has been
included in several "Seven Natural Wonders of the World" lists, mostly in the
19th and early 20th centuries. It has been designated a National Historic
Landmark, a Virginia Historic Landmark, and is listed in the National
Register of historic Places.
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“Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the
perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all.” ~W. Somerset Maugham

23. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida
*Everglades National Park, Florida
http://www.nps.gov/ever/
Everglades National Park, largest subtropical wilderness in the
United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been
designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere
Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to
all people of the world.
Maine
*Acadia National Park, Maine
http://www.nps.gov/acad/
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine
throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity,
early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that
became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many
plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S.
Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike
granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and
enjoy the scenery.
Washington, D.C.
*National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
http://www.nga.gov/collection/eastarch1.shtm
The dramatic geometry of architect I. M. Pei's great "H"-shaped
façade matches the equally severe walls of the West Building, which
is situated across the plaza seen in the photograph above. To
correspond in texture and color to the original building, the new
one is faced inside and out with lavender-pink marble from the
same quarry in Tennessee.
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“My heart that was rapt away by the wild cherry blossoms –
will it return to my body when they scatter?” ~Kotomichi

24. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best Activity:
---U.S.---
---U.S.---
U.S.
Colorado
*White Water Rafting down the Colorado River, Colorado
http://www.westernriver.com/trips/coloradoriver/
High in the pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness of Colorado, the mighty Colorado
River begins. After winding its way across Colorado, the river enters some of the most
spectacular river rafting destinations in the world.
Arizona
*Pink Jeep Tours, Sedona, Arizona http://www.pinkjeep.com/jeep-tours/sedona/
California
*Pure Luxury Transportation private wine tours, California http://www.pureluxury.com/create_tour.php
*Benzinger Winery’s tractor-tram tour in Sonoma Wine Country, Glen Ellen, California
www.benzinger.com
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“Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life
is to live dangerously!” ~Friedrich Nietzsche

25. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Wine Country Biking, California http://www.backroads.com/trips/BWCI/california-wine-country-biking-tour
Napa & Sonoma Counties: Vineyards, Redwoods & Coast
Like a fine wine, this classic
Backroads trip has grown beautifully
with age. Explore five valleys of
world-famous vineyards, forests of
soaring redwoods, perfect pastoral
landscapes and the captivating
Pacific Coast. Indulge after at one
of their Premiere Inns for the
ultimate luxury experience. Casual
Inns are also offered.
*Short Escape Luxury Biking Tour of Sonoma County, California
http://www.winecountrybikes.com/Short%20Escapes.htm
The first day is on a Classic Wine County Bike Tour of the bucolic Dry Creek Valley. Then you will visit the favorite
local wineries, enjoy a wonderful Sonoma style picnic lunch and pedal back to town in the late afternoon to relax with
a glass of wine by the pool or take a stroll around the Plaza. After a wonderful breakfast, day two will be spent
exploring the Alexander Valley, the Russian River Valley or another area of the amazingly diverse Sonoma County on a
custom designed self-guided tour.
*Private Segway Tour of San Francisco or
Sausalito, California http://www.sfelectrictour.com/
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“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined.” ~Henry David Thoreau

26. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii
*Island Sails: tour the island and celebrate the traditional
sailing canoes, Kauai, Hawaii http://islandsailskauai.com/home/
“Some compare it to the invention of the wheel. Others, to the moon
landing… Island Sails offers Early Morning Sail/Snorkel, Mid-Morning Sail,
Afternoon Sail, Romantic Hanalei Sunset Sail, and Honeymoon Sunset
Sail/Personalized Charters”
*Horseback Riding, Maui, Hawaii
http://www.hotelhanamaui.com/act_horseback.php
Home to 2000 head of cattle, Hana Ranch at Hotel Hana-Maui and
Honua Spa encompasses nearly 3,000 acres. A horseback ride is an
ideal way to explore some of the most beautiful, pristine land on
earth.
Utah
*Fly Fishing in Park City, Utah
http://www.troutbum2.com/index.shtml
Thousands of trout per square mile can be found on the
Lower Provo River, 40 minutes off 1-80 near Park City,
Utah. Some prime casting grounds, include Tressle, Pine
Run, and Hoover’s Hole.
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“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes
as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.”~Galileo

27. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wyoming
*Hoof into the Rookies, Laramie, Wyoming
www.medbowlodge.com
Pass through the town of Laramie and make your way to the Medicine Bow
Lodge. There, sign on for a seven-mile horseback trip through moose and
elk terrain to 10,000-ft. high Phantom Lake.
Arizona
*Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours, Arizona
http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/canyon.php ; http://www.flykenai.com/
Ranging from 629 km wide and more than a kilometre deep, nothing can quite
prepare you for the first sight of the Grand Canyon in Arizona - and
helicopter is one of the best ways to appreciate this huge abyss of sandstone
pinnacles, outcrops, ridges and chasms with colours that range from dazzling
desert yellows and oranges to deep-purple shadows.
*Grand Canyon and “Skywalk,”
Arizona http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/
Walk the Glass Bridge, the “Grand Canyon
Skywalk,” which opened in March 2007.
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“You can’t be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subversion
or challenge the ideology of a violet.” ~Hal Borland

28. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska
* Alaska Biking Tour of the Vast
Southern Wildness, Alaska
http://www.backroads.com/trips/BALQ/alaska-
biking-tour
Explore Alaska's rugged untamed wilderness by
land, water and air, and come face-to-face with
nature's grandeur. Pedal through forests of
quaking aspen and cottonwood, raft the
rapids, pass creaking glaciers and fly into the
country's largest national park. While the biking is challenging, with long distances and hills, the routes are
breathtaking and well worth the effort. It's no wonder the Aleuts call this "the Great Land."
Nevada
*Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx
A refreshing addition to your entertainment options, the Fountains of
Bellagio were destined to romance your senses. Take in a
complimentary Las Vegas show of water, music and light thoughtfully
interwoven to mesmerize its admirers. All for your amusement, the
most ambitious, choreographically complex water feature ever
conceived amazes against the beautiful backdrop of Las Vegas'
lavender sky.
*Indoor Skydiving, Perris, California
http://www.skydiveperris.com/tunnel.html
Also located at Appalachian Amusement Center, North Carolina/Vegas Indoor Skydiving/ Flyaway, Tennessee/ iFly Hollywood,
California/iFly SF Bay, California/iFly Utah/Paraclete XP, North Carolina/SkyVenture, Arizona/SkyVenture, Arizona, Colorado, New
Hampshire, Perris California, Orlando Florida, Montreal/VR Skydive, Michigan
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“I believe a leaf of grass
journey-
is no less than the journey-work of the stars.” ~Walt Whitman

29. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destinations:
---Caribbean---
Belize
*Cayo Espanto, Belize http://www.aprivateisland.com/
Cayo Espanto is a private island paradise that combines the ultimate
in luxury and seclusion. With only five villas and a staff to guest ratio
of two to one, you will always feel you have the island to yourself.
*Blancaneaux Lodge, San Ignacio, Belize
http://www.blancaneaux.com/desk/
Blancaneaux Lodge is located just outside the town of San Ignacio in the
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of Belize. It’s a truly captivating experience.
*Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
www.chaacreak.com
In 2008—Rated “Top Belize Resort” by the Belize Tourism Board, World’s Top 50 Eco
Lodges by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, World’s Best Hotels in Mexico,
Central and South America by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and World’s Best Places
to stay in Central & South America by Condé Nast Magazine, while also achieving the
Green Globe Benchmarked Bronze status.
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“The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.” ~Francis Bacon, Sr.

30. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costa Rica “A rare GEM”
*El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Bajos Del Toro, Costa
Rica http://www.elsilenciolodge.com/
El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a planet-friendly luxury hotel
located in Costa Rica’s lush central volcanic valley. Silencio,
Spanish for, is befitting of a destination where daily stress
hushes and the sounds of nature bloom.
*Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel, Spa & Nature
Reserve, San Ramón, Costa Rica
http://www.villablanca-costarica.com/index.html
This plush mountain-retreat hotel consists of a series of Tico-style casitas surrounded by 1,976 acres of farm and
forest. Spectacular scenery.
*Hotel Punta Islita, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
http://www.hotelpuntaislita.com/#
Bahamas
*Bimini Bay Resort, Marina and Spa, The
Bahamas http://www.biminibayresort.com/index.htm
Amid serenity and exotic tranquility lies the island of Bimini, Bahamas. Just 48 Nautical Miles from South Florida,
Bimini Bay Resort & Marina is the perfect tropical getaway for those with a passion for fishing or those who love to
escape the routine and experience the best of Mother Nature.
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“To unpathed waters, undreamed shores.” ~William Shakespeare

31. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Tiamo, South Andros Island, The
Bahamas
http://www.tiamoresorts.com/tiamo/resort.html
The most intimate and private of Bahamian resorts,
this 12-acre Caribbean paradise has but eleven beach
bungalows, surrounded by 125 acres of naturally
preserved wilderness. Guests are pleasantly surprised
when they discover that Tiamo is an ecoresort.
Grab a kayak or one of Tiamo’s cool trimarans and head south down the Bight to a snug
crescent beach called The Lagoon.
*The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Abaco, The Bahamas
http://www.ritzcarltonrealestate.com/residences/landing/abaco/abaco.jsp
Drive 25 minutes south of Marsh Harbour to get to The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, a glamorous private golf and
sporting club (for resident and nonresident members) set on 520 acres of stunning oceanfront property.
*Little Whale Cay, Bahamas http://www.littlewhalecay.com/
Little Whale Cay is an beautiful private island set in the Berry Islands in
the heart of the Bahamas. This private island retreat offers
accommodation for up to 12 guests in 3 luxury villas. Little Whale Cay
is steeped in local Bahamian history and is easily accessible by plane
from Florida or Nassau.
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anything
“To dream anything that you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that
you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the
courage to succeed.” ~Bernard Edmonds

32. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
French West Indies “A rare GEM”
*Eden Rock Hotel, St. Barths, French West Indies
http://www.edenrockhotel.com/en/index.htm
“Eden Rock evolved from an imaginatively sited house built
fifty years ago by Remy De Haenen, a celebrated local
adventurer…”
Sail from St. Jean Bay aboard Eden Rock’s 35-
ft. motor yacht. Take your trip at dusk so you
can watch the sunset from Colombier Inlet on
the northwest tip of the island.
St. Lucia
*Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
http://www.jademountain.com/
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“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go
into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is
yourself.” ~ Alan Alda

33. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turks & Caicos
*Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
http://www.parrotcay.como.bz/Default.aspx
A private sanctuary offering nothing but luxury, serenity
and peace of mind only a short boat ride away from
Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It
combines nature – 1000 unspoilt acres, including a mile-
long powdered beach – with understated style, cosseting
service and smiling staff.
*Amanyara, Turks & Caicos http://amanresorts.com/amanyara/home.aspx
This private and exclusive hideaway boasts scattered pavilions and villas across tropical vegetation and ponds, perched
on rugged stone headlands and rests steps from an endless fine-sand alabaster beach.
The Gallivanter’s Awards for Excellence Best Resort in Bahamas and
Caribbean Voted No. 1 in 2009 and 2008 –Gallivanter’s Guide UK
British Virgin Islands
*Peter Island Resort, British Virgin Islands
http://www.peterisland.com/
Experience a private island paradise that is truly unique.
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~Helen
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ~Helen Keller

34. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
*Young Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
http://youngisland.com/
“As I swing in a hammock beneath a thatched-
palm overhang, getting sleepy, I trick myself
once again into thinking that, when in reality
I’m actually losing years. Or rather, perhaps I
just lose track of time…”
Dress code: “barefoot chic”
Book a sunset cruise that skirts the coast of St. Vincent on the resort’s 44-ft yacht.
*Petit St. Vincent (PSV), Grenadines www.psvresort.com
A private island resort in
the Grenadines.
Panama
*Islas Secas, Panama
http://islassecas.com/index.html
Islas Secas is a boutique resort amid 16 secluded
private tropical islands…From the surface you can
observe some of the largest marine visitors to
Coiba and the Gulf of Chiriqui. Humpback whales
travel from the north and south to congregate in
the park.
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“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to
pay the price to make them come true.” ~Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenens

35. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Virgin Islands
* Caneel Bay Resort, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
http://www.caneelbay.com/
Nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John sits
Caneel Bay Resort, rimmed by seven of St. John’s finest beaches.
Little Cayman
*The Club, Little Cayman http://www.theclubatlittlecayman.com/
Nestled on secluded South Hole Sound, The Club at Little Cayman is the
newest and most prestigious accommodation available on Little Cayman
Island. The Club is an elegant collection of eight luxury condominiums. Each
unit offers three-bedroom and three bathroom opulence unequalled on the
island, and sets a new standard in luxury living.
Barbados
*The House, Barbados
http://www.thehousebarbados.com/
Discover a world of endless possibility, a
sophisticated yet refreshingly simple retreat.
A sanctuary of balance and beauty, The House is
your passage to a secluded enclave.
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“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by
our standing in our sunshine.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

36. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most Unusual:
---Caribbean---
Utila
*Nightland, Utila
http://www.jadeseahorse.com/cabins.html
Upon entering the Cabins at Nightland, the scene
unfolds like a children's pop-up book. Nightland
offers the traveler to Utila the chance to share
and live in an artist's dream.
Natural Wonders / Sights to See:
---Caribbean---
Costa Rica
* Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de
San Carlos, Costa Rica
http://centralamerica.com/cr/parks/moarenal.htm
Costa Rica’s Most Active Volcano.
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“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for
that is the stuff life is made of.” ~Benjamin Franklin

37. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Lucia
*Diamond Falls, Soufriere, St. Lucia http://www.diamondstlucia.com/
Diamond Falls is probably the main attraction of the Diamond Botanical Gardens &
Waterfall property. What makes this waterfall stand out is that its waters are laced
with minerals as its stream emanates from rainwater mixed with volcanism giving
the falls a rather colorful appearance that seems to change a lot.
Best Activity:
---Caribbean---
Costa Rica
*Monteverde Canopy Tour, Costa Rica http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/canopy/tour.htm
Sky Trek is a system of trails, suspension bridges, and zip lines that offers visitors the opportunity to observe, and
appreciate tropical vegetation from different vantage points, above the rain forest canopy. Sky Trek at Monteverde
has 9 cable systems, the longest is 2,525 feet (770 meters), and 456 feet (130 meters) high. It is a total stretch of 1.9
miles (3 kilometers) of cables.
“Enjoy yourself – it’s later than you think.” ~Chinese Proverb

38. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Tour the Rainforest, Costa Rica http://www.tirimbina.org/
Hike the trails of the Reserve for 2–3 hours with a trained naturalist guide to help
uncover and interpret the secrets of the tropical rainforest. Discover wildlife
hideouts, learn rainforest natural history, and hike some of the more remote trails of
the Reserve.
* Turtle Night Tour, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
http://www.costaricantrails.com/tours/tortuguero.html
Private Guided Evening Tour to see the nesting of Green Sea Turtles,
Leatherback or Hawksbill Turtles onshore. (no one is allowed on the
beach unaccompanied after 6pm).
Become a Research Participant Volunteer and Get Involved:
http://www.cccturtle.org/
Belize
*Scuba Diving or Snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley, Belize
http://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/parksharkrayalley.html
The dive site has been selected as one of the seven best “animal dives”
in the Caribbean.
*Caving in the Mayan Sacred Cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize
http://www.hunchiiktours.com/atm.html
“In the vast main chamber of the ATM cave—short for
Actun Tunichil Muknal, or Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher—
we wandered among human skeletal remains, sacrificial
altars, and more than 100 intact ceramic pots, some the
size of beach balls. All lay exactly as the Mayans left them
a millennium ago.”
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“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his
own nature into his pictures.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

39. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favorite Hideaway Vacation Destinations:
---Mexico---
San José del Cabo
* One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo, Mexico
http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/flash.html
At this 53-year-old property, every room has ocean views and butler
service. Service and amenities are "refined in every detail": Expect
poolside foot massages and margarita ice pops. At night, the grounds
are "lit up by small fires—it's enchanting."
Santa Fe
*Encantado: An Auberge Resort, Santa Fe,
New Mexico
http://www.encantadoresort.com/overview/
Set against the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains, Encantado is an oasis of serenity, privacy
and luxury.
Isla Holbox
*CasaSandra, Isla Holbox, Mexico
http://www.casasandra.com/en/index1.htm
A tranquil 12-room hotel on secluded Isla Holbox.
One of Sandra’s aspiration as an author was to be able to write by the sea. Her dream place had also to be
isolated, serene and the sea should provide ever-changing shades of blue from turquoise to deep indigo.
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“See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they
move in silence…we need silence to be able to touch souls.” ~Mother Teresa

40. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riviera Maya
*Mandarin Oriental, Riviera Maya, Mexico
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya/
Our luxury resort is set amidst 36 acres of tropical forests, with
calm water views over the Caribbean Sea, lagoons or our sacred
freshwater lake. Relax touring the nearby ancient Mayan ruins or
in our glorious spa, the soul of our resort. Mandarin Oriental
Riviera Maya, Mexico is a fabulous hideaway where luxury and
natural beauty are in complete harmony.
*Rosewood Mayakobá, Riviera Maya, Mexico
http://www.rosewoodmayakoba.com/en/index.cfm
Surrounded by the emerald embrace of the jungle and caressed by
warm Caribbean breezes, Rosewood Mayakobá is imbued with the
unique spirit of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Situated along a mile-
long arc of white sand on the Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakobá is
the heart of a 1,600-acre luxury resort enclave..
Punta de Mita
*Hotel de Artistes, Punta de Mita,
Mexico
http://www.hoteldesartistesdelmar.com/
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“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” ~James Dean

41. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalisco
*Hotel Desconocido, Jalisco, Mexico www.slh.com
With no phone, Internet or electricity, the Hotelito Desconocido
resort in Mexico's Playon de Mismaloya Nature Reserve is made up
of 30 palafitos, or bungalows, built on stilts on a 40-mile stretch of
beach, and lies within one of Mexico's largest turtle reserves.
World’s ultimate unplugged vacation
Nayarit
*Grand Velas, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
http://vallarta.grandvelas.com/?_vsrefdom=grandvelas
Discover a world of lavish beauty and luxury at Grand Velas All Suites &
Spa Resort. Located on magnificent Banderas Bay in Nuevo Vallarta,
Mexico, Grand Velas delivers the ultimate all inclusive vacation.
San Miguel de Allende
*Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel de
Allende, Mexico
Along some of the most typical streets of downtown
San Miguel de Allende, six mansions, originally built
in the 16th century, make up one of México´s most
cosmopolitan hotels, Casa de Sierra Nevada, now
a member of the exclusive Orient Express family.
This breathtaking property, located in the heart of
downtown San Miguel, is an ideal blend of European
finesse and Mexican beauty.
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“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has
not discovered the value of life. ~Charles Darwin

42. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acapulco
*Casa Yalma Kaan, Acapulco, Mexico
This beach front tract of land originally purchased by
a family for their private beach getaway, naturally
evolved into the current 7 cabanas to become an
exotic hideaway for the discriminating traveler. The
cabanas are rustic yet elegant. Thatched roof palapas
are innovatively detailed with creatively used
bamboo in the bathroom, intricate stone work on the
floors and a cozy balcony that´s perfect for sipping
morning coffee, watching the waves or reading your
favorite novel in peace. All cabanas are steps from
the ocean and are strategically situated on the
property to maximize your privacy and comfort.
Most Unusual:
---Mexico---
Jalisco
*Verana, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco,
Mexico
Floating above the Bay of Banderas and embraced
by the mountains of the Valle de la Sierra Oriental
rests VERANA. VERANA has just 8 guesthouses
that dot the 5-acre property, lush with tropical
plantings and fruit trees. All the guesthouses are unique in concept and feel. As Architectural Digest's Kathryn Harris
said, "The bungalows are part of an ongoing play between inside and out, past and present, privacy and community,
nature and manmade."
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“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give
soul.”
strength to body and soul.” ~John Muir