Six Senses Zighy Bay - Review

Our Verdict

Six Senses Zighy Bay - Review

Escape to the hidden jewel of Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay. This resort is nestled in Oman's dramatic Musandam Peninsula where rugged mountain peaks dive into crystal clear waters. This village-inspired resort in Oman offers luxurious accommodations in a range of villas, suites and beachfront retreats. Each accommodation offers a private pool, traditional summer house and plenty of space to spread out and relax. This luxury oasis offers something for everyone including unique dining with both local and international cuisine featuring locally grown organic ingredients, an amazing spa and more than 30 unique experiences.

At Six Senses Zighy Bay you will be free from the distractions of life. Six Senses properties are all about reinvigorating your senses and that's just what a stay at Zighy Bay will do for you. Take time to disconnect so you can reconnect with yourself and with others.

Zighy Bay is located 120 kilometres or 120 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, which is the gateway city to Six Senses Zighy Bay. Guests have a choice of arrival experiences which include a scenic fifteen-minute speed boat trip or a drive down from the top of the hill overlooking the bay. For an additional charge, guests can choose to be a companion passenger with the Six Senses professional para-glider!

In total, the 82 suites, villas and beachfront retreats at Six Senses Zighy Bay are traditional Omani style with modern amenities. With pops of color, the cool interiors lead out to private pool areas with cobblestone walls, sun loungers and shaded summer houses.

Whether you stay in a one-bedroom accommodation, a multiple bedroom accommodation or an extraordinary villa, they all offer a spacious and personal environment with rustic chic décor, and bathrooms extending to an outdoor shower.

Marhaba means “welcome” in Arabic. And a warm marhaba greets you at Six Senses Zighy Bay which is set between the Hajar Mountains and the sea. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, you've come to the right place.

This review is based on our personal stay in March of 2022. If you are planning to stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), full daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two guests per room (once during stay), early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Our Room

Talk about VIP treatment, during our stay at Zighy Bay we got to stay in the Private Reserve. Located at the secluded end of Zighy Bay, tucked up against the mountain, on its own stretch of private beach, The Private Reserve has been carefully designed to reflect the traditional local Omani architecture.

The exclusive entrance leads to an open court which overlooks the three buildings that make this a true Arabian Palace of Wonders. With its four bedrooms, the Private Reserve - the largest of its type in the Middle East – offers a variety of separate living and dining room areas for entertaining, a wine cellar, staff quarters, a 60 feet (17 meters) infinity swimming pool and a 24x7 GEM (Guest Experience Maker).

The master bedroom on the second floor was our home during our stay. It featured a large living room with balcony, the separate bedroom, large closet/changing room, full bathroom with copper bathtub, and an outdoor shower.

All of the accommodations at Six Senses Zighy Bay include the following amenities: individually controlled air-conditioning and ceiling fans, working and dressing table, private wine cellar, personal safe, hairdryer and espresso machine, IDD telephone, wireless internet and cordless phone, tea and coffee making facilities, CD, DVD Home Integrated Theatre System, flat panel TV with satellite TV channels, oversized bathtubs, large daybeds, private sun lounge and outdoor dining suite, infinity-edged pools, and more.

Most of the bath products you find at Six Senses are created with natural and sustainable ingredients. In fact, the bar soap is created on property at The Earth Lab.

Amenities

Perhaps one of the best amenities at Six Senses Zighy Bay is the 1 mile of pristine white sandy beach that the resort sits on. And if the beach isn't for you, there is a large fresh water swimming pool with poolside service, offering meals, beverages and homemade ice creams. Or perhaps you'd prefer to take a dip in the 100-foot salt water pool, the only one in the Gulf with Roman steps and a swim-round island.

Is wellness important to you? The resort features a well-equipped fitness center, outdoor jungle gym and outdoor yoga pavillion. And if you're interested, there are wellness programs to improve your movement, stamina and tone.

And it wouldn't be a true Six Senses experience without the Six Senses Spa. The spa features 9 treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, two Arabian hammams (bathhouse), steam room, sauna and ice cave within male and female changing rooms, and an Alchemy Bar. One really cool thing about Six Senses Spas is that they have the latest technology combined with local traditional healing techniques.

Whether you want a simple treatment like a massage, facial, or a more personalize and comprehensive program such as one focused on wellness, sleep, detox or immunity booster, this is the place to connect with yourself.

During our stay we had a 60 minute massage and it was one of the top five massages we've ever had. The therapist tailored the massage from start to finish to exactly what each of us needed. During the treatment, silicone cups, hot stones and warm compresses are used, depending on the individual’s needs.

Another great amenity of Six Senses Zighy Bay is their activities center that is located adjacent to the lobby. The setting of Zighy Bay is ripe for adventure and thrill seekers. Activities include: paragliding, microlight, village trek, a visit to a local farm in the neighboring town of Dibba, handline fishing, a sunset cruise, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, archery and more.

During our stay we were very adventurous and went paragliding. One minute you’re on the launch pad (next to Sense on the Edge Restaurant) at 960 feet above sea level. And the next minute you’re soaring through the sky before gently descending to the soft sandy Zighy beach below. The flight time is dependent on current conditions but lasts on average about 5 minutes.

The pilot made sure we were comfortable during our flight and even helped us take some great photos!

We also went out on a traditional Dhahab Dhow (Oman boat) for a day trip. The trip included swimming, drinks, lunch and beautiful scenic views.

Dining

The culinary program at Six Senses Zighy Bay celebrates unique, fresh and local ingredients. Some of the ingredients are grown on property at the organic garden and a majority of the rest come from a farm in the neighboring city of Dibba.

Six Senses Zighy Bay has six food and beverage outlets on property. Summer House serving contemporary international cuisine (open for lunch, bites, drinks and dinner), Spice Market serving delicacies of Arabic origins (open for breakfast and dinner), Sense on the Edge serving Spanish inspired cuisine (open for dinner), Zighy Bar serving drinks and bites (open from (9:30 pm to Midnight), Shua Shack serving traditional lamb cooked in the sand (open for lunch & dinner), and the Wine Cellar serving pairing menus (open for private dinners).

For breakfast one morning, we had a private in-villa breakfast which was incredible. It was like the breakfast buffet at Spice Market that was brought to our villa. There was fresh fruit, charcuterie, a variety of pastries, breakfast meats, quiche, fresh made yogurts, a juice bar, a coffee bar and more.

Both the food and the service at the in-villa breakfast were incredible. If you wanted things that weren't on the buffet such as eggs made to order or anything special, the staff was very accommodating.

For lunch we dined at Shua Shack which offers an incredible view while your feet rest in the sand. The service during lunch at Shua Shack was superb. We didn't feel rushed and we were well attended to.

Our favorite meal we had at Zighy Bay was the Asian Street Food night. This was setup near Summer House and included a variety of stations where chefs were preparing dishes made to order. There was sushi, Pad Thai, fried rice, duck soup, a kabob station, a dessert bar and more.

Breakfast at Spice Market is a must! This breakfast buffet has a little bit of everything. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something here. You'll find traditional Arabic dishes, the most delicious fresh baked Zaatar croissants, fresh fruit, fresh juices, freshly made yogurts including plant based yogurt, an egg station, and more.

Service

Sustainability is a the heart of what Six Senses does. This is no different at Zighy Bay. Zighy Bay is big on reducing waste by grinding up glass and repurposing it, creating their own soap in the Earth Lab, and eliminating plastics. Six Senses Zighy Bay actually employs a full time sustainability officer to continue to make the resort more and more sustainable and self sufficient.

Six Senses Zighy Bay actually pulls water from the ocean, puts it through a filtration process and creates their own fresh drinking water. This infrastructure not only supports the resort, but also treats water for the neighboring village adjacent to the resort. At Six Senses you'll improve your own health and the health of the planet.

Service at Six Senses is personal, connected and catered to each individual guest. Service that is emotional and truly helps you reawaken your senses is just what you'll get.

All of the staff including our GEM (Guest Experience Maker) really treated us like family and made an effort to get to know us.

Overall Impression

From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you will experience your senses. You'll leave stimulated, energized and resorted. The

Six Senses brand strives to embody a passion for wellness, community, sustainable design and smiles. And after staying at our first Six Senses, we can't wait to visit another property.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Six Senses Zighy Bay with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a room upgrade (if available at check-in), full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, in restaurant or via In-Room Dining, complimentary 50-minute massage per person, for up to two guests per room (once during stay), early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya - Review

Our Verdict

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya - Review

Located in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Etéreo is an ocean front retreat. The resort floats over a protected mangrove forest and faces the beautiful white sand beaches of the Caribbean. Etéreo — meaning ethereal, something spiritual and heavenly — invites you to visit and explore the cycle of renewal of that which enriches life: relationships, inspiration, connection to nature, senses, rhythm, and appreciation.

At Etéreo, you’re freed from the distractions of modern life and supported by three pillars - extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking encounters with nature and an Auberge Spa so you can relax and recharge. And if you know anything about Auberge properties, they are all about creating one-of-a-kind experiences.

Discover Mexico through its culture, makers, history, sights and sounds. All of the activities at Etéreo are designed to enliven your senses through discovery and renewal. The curated list of activities range from golfing in Riviera Maya, having the sauna to yourself with a healing ritual, exploring cenotes of Mexico, snorkeling the Great Mayan Reef, setting the days intentions during a coffee or tea ritual, indulging in the history of cacao, capturing the sunset on canvas, calm the mind with chromatic breathing and more.

Like we mentioned Auberge is all about creating one-of-a-kind experiences and there is truly an activity for everyone.

Each of the 75 accommodations (57 studios, 14 suites and 4 penthouses) at Etéreo has dramatic mangrove and ocean views, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows connecting you to the surrounding nature. Whether you stay in a Studio or Suite, the accommodations at Etéreo are unforgettable. Studio-style rooms feature a private terrace, plunge pool, ocean views and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open up to let in the breeze of the Caribbean Sea. The expansive suites feature space to spread out, relax and spend time on your private rooftop deck or private hot tub.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, boutique and personalized experience in Riviera Maya, then Etéreo should be at the top of your list of places to visit. During your stay at Etéreo you’ll feel relaxed, recharged and connected with yourself and with nature.

This review is based on our personal stay in January of 2022. If you are planning to stay at Etéreo, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily $70 USD breakfast credit and a welcome amenity.

Our Room

Both the architecture and interiors of the accommodations blend contemporary and modern design with local and natural materials. Each accommodation celebrates local artisans with unique furnishings, textiles and carved wooden walls by revered artist Manuel Felguérez.

During our stay we stayed in a Mangrove Studio with Plunge Pool. Even though, this is the entry level room category it packs a wow factor. Our studio was 875 square feet of indoor/outdoor open living space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of the lush mangroves and out to the Caribbean Sea.

The outdoor terrace featured a small lawn, private in-ground plunge pool and seating area. While the pool is your own pool, it isn’t completely private. There are floating walkways suspended above the lush mangroves that take you to the beach, to Itzam (restaurant), and to the pool that are just steps away.

The Mangrove Studios with King Bed can be connected to a Mangrove Studio with 2 Queen beds. The open concept studios feature a beautiful wrapped leather bed, a hand-carved wooden accent wall by artist Manuel Felguérez.

All of the accommodations at Etéreo feature a complimentary offering of snacks and beverages that are replenished daily, down duvets, robes and slippers, a yoga mat, a steamer, insect repelent, bug bite ointment and more.

Our Mangrove Studio featured a large open concept bathroom with dual vanity, large soaking tub, water closet and separate shower.

Etéreo features their own toiletries that are local to Mexico.

Amenities

Etéreo is arranged in three islands. The first island is the front drive where you arrive, front desk, SANA an Auberge Spa and meeting space. The second island is the guest rooms, and boutique. And the third island is the restaurants pool and beach. There certainly isn’t a lack of things to do at Etéreo, The activities will inspire you expand your horizon and challenge the realm of your familiarity.

There are two pools at Etéreo, the upper pool closest to the guest rooms is a family pool and the lower pool and Jacuzzi is the adults pool.

And if the pool isn’t for you there is a gorgeous beach with cabanas that are first come, first serve. A couple of shaded lounge areas to rest and relax and a beachside restaurant and bar.

Sana, an Auberge Spa delivers an unparalleled healing space inspired by its surroundings. Sana features seperate men’s and women’s locker rooms and facilities that include a cenote, steam, sauna, sound, and clay rooms and outdoor spa pool and jacuzzi.

Indulge yourself on a guided journey of the spa facilities whether you’re having a treatment or not. The spa facilities are available for use by all guests, they just require an appointment.

During our stay we participated in a guided journey starting with 10 minutes in the steam room. The spa attendant placed eucalyptus salt into the steam source and in 10 minutes returned to guide us to the next step. The next step on our journey was 10 minutes in the sauna where the attendant placed cucumber slices over our eyes and a chilled towel over our face. The second to last step was participating in a sound healing ritual which was quite nice. With our eyes closed the sounds brought southing thoughts that made the stresses of everyday life disappear. And we finished our journey with a soak in the cenote.

The whole experience of staying at an Auberge Resorts Collection property is all about the journey and Sana is no different. All of the treatments at Sana offer innovative Mayan healing practices, therapies for energy dispersion, and modern self-care.

If you want to focus on your wellness, Etéreo has a beautiful state-of-the-art fitness center, Movement and Studio (great place to stretch, do yoga, etc.) The fitness center is equipped with Techno-Gym equipment and featured 2 stationary bikes, 5 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, a stair master, a couple of squat racks, a cable machine and free weights.

Dining

The culinary program at Etéreo celebrates renewal throughout the journey. With menus built to connect, native ingredients are utilized to pique interest in the flavors of Mexico for both locals and visitors alike.

Etéreo has 5 food and beverage outlets on property. Itzam is their main restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. El Carrito (a cart) offers complimentary coffee in the morning along with a selection of pastries and in the evening offers evening cocktails.

Itzam is the main restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner. Itzam’s menu is conscientiously focused on local products that are both sustainable and organic.

The service during both breakfast and dinner at Itzam was very quick, through and efficient. We never felt rushed, but we did feel well attended to.

Itzam has a great view of the beach and the ocean making for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.

For breakfast we tried the chilaquiles one morning which were excellent. And another morning we tried their gourmet oatmeal.

Dinner at Itzam….

Alberca which is the poolside menu offers light bights and fresh cocktails using the freshest ingredients. At the pool we enjoyed tacos and the blue fin tuna bowl. The portions were enough to fill you up, but light enough to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the pool.

Che Che is the other restaurant at Etéreo. Currently it’s only open for the pool menu which we enjoyed for dinner one night as an early dinner.

If you're looking for the best catch of the day prepared in many ways, check out El Changarro. El Changarro offers in-the-sand dining for lunch. The menu focuses on the daily local catch served in myriad ways – as ceviche, tacos or simply grilled and accompanied by market vegetables. Guacamole, daily tortas, Mexican session beers and fresh juices make for complementary additions.

Service

Etéreo is our casa away from home. From the moment we met the first staff member at the Cancun airport, everyone we encountered during our stay made an effort to make sure we were well taken care of. I mean the staff even brought us towels to the hot tub so we didn't have to get out all dripping wet.

Every wish is your command at Etéreo.

Overall Impression

Discover your own journey at Etéreo. This oceanfront retreat offers extraordinary cuisine, breathtaking encounters with nature and rejuvenation at the spa.

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Etéreo Resort with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection Review

Our Verdict

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection Review

Located in the Meadows of Dan, Virginia, Primland is a back-to-nature escape. The resort sits on a private 12,000 acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains that offers luxurious accommodations, one-of-a-kind wilderness experiences, farm-to-table culinary offerings, world class golf and more.

At Primland, activities are endless, offering an experience of nature at its finest no matter the season. Wander the banks of streams alive with trout, experience the rush of mountain biking and gaze at primeval views and star-filled skies. From horseback riding to paddle boarding, take to the great outdoors and experience all Primland has to offer with activities that are both engaging and educational for everyone.

Consummately private, elegantly appointed, and all with exceptional views, Primland’s varied accommodations from lofty suites and treehouses to mountain homes reflect the 12,000-acre estate’s abundance of space.

Are you looking to reconnect with nature, disconnect from the world and soak in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Auberge Resort Collection is all about enjoying fulfilling, luscious shared experiences that connect you to the local culture, its welcoming people, and the beauty of the land, all while doing good and making memories and dreams that will be forever embedded in your soul. And that is exactly how we felt while staying at Primland.

This review is based on our personal stay in September of 2021. If you are planning to stay at Primland, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity.

Our Room

On to the elegantly appointed accommodations. During our stay we stayed in one of the Pinnacle Cottages. Named after the famous Pinnacles of Dan, four gracious, chalet-like cottages each offer accommodation for up to 12 people with birds-eye views of the valley below. Don't let the word ‘cottage’ mislead you, however. While charming, these generously-proportioned, two-story abodes are stylish eyries with serene interiors and space to spare.

The Pinnacle Cottages can be configured to be multiple bedrooms. We stayed in a Cedar Bluff Room. The Cedar Bluff Rooms are situated within each of the four Pinnacle Cottages. With a king-size bed and elegant furnishings, the bedrooms are complemented by spacious bathrooms with similar awe-inspiring views.

It’s worth noting that all of the accommodations at Primland feature a complimentary offering of snacks and beverages that are replenished daily, down duvets, plush Frette robes and slippers, and custom-designed Frette sheets satisfy the senses on every level.

Our Cedar Bluff Room featured a spacious bathroom with a dual vanity, large soaking tub with a sweeping view of the valley below, a large walk-in shower, and separate water closet.

Primland features BVLGARI bath products. And besides Le Labo, these are some of our favorite hotel toiletries.

Amenities

A stay at Primland isn’t your typical escape as nature is a huge focus of the experience. There isn’t a lack for things to do since there is a golf course, hiking trails, mountain biking, horse back riding, all-terrain driving, hunting activities, fishing, a spa, and more.

The indoor pool is located in Auberge Spa and is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We enjoyed the pool and spa facilities on a rainy day which was a great way to spend a day indoors.

Embark on a spa journey designed for you. Taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, the Spa combines Native American healing rituals with cutting edge modern spa techniques, organic products and essential oils to provide the most revitalizing and beneficial experience possible.

As you can imagine, spa treatments look quite different these days due to COVID. Auberge Spa at Primland takes COVID health and safety precautions very seriously and offered hand sanitizer, wore facial coverings and helped to keep spa guests socially distanced in the waiting area.

We enjoyed massages during our stay which were fantastic. Each of our therapists started our treatment by asking us to draw a card from a pile. One of our cards had a buffalo on it. After the massage was over the therapist dropped us off in the waiting room and flipped open a book to the buffalo which talked about what your body was needing, feeling etc. (much like a horoscope).

Rejuvinate and recharge in the mountain air. With views to keep you going, the spacious fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment. The indoor heated swimming pool is chlorine-free and ideal for swimming laps or cooling off after a workout. Within the spa locker rooms, you'll find a sauna and steam room to round out the hydrotherapy facilities. There is also a soft-surface tennis court, two open-air yoga/meditation decks and Bootleggers Outdoor Gym and Fitness Trail.

The fitness center has plenty of equipment to get a workout in, including a Peloton bike. But, to be honest the best workout you can get while at Primland is to go hike and explore the great outdoors.

Dining

if your looking for farm-to-table culinary options, look no further than Primland. Primland has three food and beverage outlets on property; Elements, 19th Pub and Stables Saloon.

Elements is the main restaurant, which is located in the lodge and is where breakfast and dinner is served. This is where Virtuoso breakfast is served.

Before we get to the meals we had, the service at Elements for both breakfast and dinner was excellent. The waitstaff was extremely attentive and service was quick but not rushed.

Part of dining at Elements is the ambience. The restaurant has large windows that look out onto the rolling hills of Primland and the fireplace in the middle of the room keeps you cozy.

For dinner we had an incredible meal including local trout and steak. Most of the vegetables and herbs used are grown on property in the garden you will pass on the drive up to the lodge.

While we didn’t eat at at 19th Pub, it’s located in the lodge and is open from 11 am to 11 pm. 19th pub is the perfect place to grab a more casual meal after a day exploring Primland or after a round of golf.

Now onto what was perhaps our favorite meal we had while at Primland. Stables Saloon, the former horse stable at Primland, is now one of the signature restaurants and experiences. Stables Saloon is where you go if you want a low key dinner with live music. Stables Saloon serves southern comfort food such as fried chicken, smoked meats, macaroni and cheese and more.

The meal at Stables Saloon is served family style and they bring a selection of meats and sides to the table and you can ask for more if you like something.

Stables is such a unique experience at a luxury resort. We love getting dressed up to go to a nice dinner, but this was a nice change of pace. We’d highly recommend you dine one night at Stables Saloon.

Service

The service at Primland gives you the sense that you’re not staying at a resort, but yet someone’s home. The bell staff, front desk agents, house keepers, servers and everyone else we encountered made an effort to get to know us and was super friendly.

Overall Impression

At Primland Resort every moment is one to savor. The sense of place and being you get while on the Primland estate is truly unique. What other resort can you visit that sits on 12,000 acres and has it’s own observatory!?

Extra Perks

And don’t forget, when you book Primland Resort with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.

Winter Weekend Getaway Ideas

Whether you want to escape the cold or embrace it, head to these convenient U.S. spots during snow season.

Escape to LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort for a warm winter holiday.

Beach Scene: Naples, Florida

If the winter chill wears on you, retreat to the land of endless summer: South Florida. December through February, temps average in the mid to high 70s. The  powder-sand coast provides a place to relax, savor a Gulf sunset, and snuggle up by a beachfront fire pit at the 189-room LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. The hotel pulls out all the stops for the holidays. A four-course stars local seafood on Christmas Eve. On Christmas, expect a traditional Christmas dinner served on elaborate tables piled high with fixings.

The whole Naples area gets in on the fun, including the mid-December Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay. At the Naples Botanical Garden’s annual Night Lights event, thousands of twinkle lights illuminate the garden’s tropical plants, accompanied by live music and gourmet food (November 29 through December 23). With New Year’s Eve comes a spectacular fireworks display, followed by the Naples New Year’s Art Show. It features works by more than 250 artists from around the country.

Newport’s historic mansions are the perfect place for winter weekend getaways.

Urban Exploration: Newport, Rhode Island

Newport thrums with activity during the high season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). But during the destination’s unsung prime time, winter, a festive vibe infuses the city’s historic inns, colonial neighborhoods, and Gilded Age mansions.

November 23 through January 1, poinsettias, wreaths, and Christmas trees swathe the famous summer “cottages” of the Vanderbilts and other wealthy families. When attention shifts to New Year’s resolutions, Newport hosts a mid-January Wellness Week with spa treatments, fitness classes, and healthy-eating workshops. Come February, attend the Newport Winter Festival for a chili cook-off, concerts, and ice sculpting.

Where to stay? There’s nothing more intimate than the 20-room The Chanler at Cliff Walk’s period suites, outfitted with in-room Jacuzzis.

The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch sparkles with winter spirit.

Ski Retreat: Avon, Colorado

For purists in search of a traditional winter getaway, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch delivers. This 202-room ski-in, ski-out lodge sits on more than 1,800 acres of Beaver Creek Mountain terrain. Take advantage of the ski and snowboard school, as well as other handy services such as ski concierges and a ski-nanny program. For a change of pace, frosty fun also takes the shape of snowshoeing outings with the resort’s canine ambassadors, Bachelor and Scout.

Warm up afterward next to a fireside bar hosted by Moët & Chandon Champagne. Or, the pinnacle of hygge: ride a horse-drawn sleigh to a turn-of-the-century log cabin to dine on bison chili and Colorado trout next to a wood-burning fire.