Vacation Ideas from Ski Chalets to Sun-Drenched Beaches
With longer days and warmer temperatures on the horizon, many people are in search of vacation inspiration to break up the winter months.
Courchevel
For a luxurious ski getaway, Courchevel is the world’s largest ski area with over 170 ski lifts serving 319 pistes in the French Alps. It’s made up of six distinct villages: Saint-Bon, Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel La Tania, Courchevel Village, Courchevel Moriond, and Courchevel 1850.
Saint-Bon was the original village and home to the area’s first hotel, Lac Bleu, which opened in 1908. It’s known for a storied Baroque church and offers access to the other five villages in the 3 Vallees. The claim to fame for Courchevel La Praz is that it’s home to France’s only Olympic ski jumps as well as winding streets lined with chalets. Courchevel La Tania is the newest addition to the 3 Vallees, situated near an expansive spruce forest for fabulous tree skiing and views of the wilderness.
Courchevel Village is the hub of family activities, with a 1.5 mile toboggan run and easy access to the Aquamotion Centre with pools, indoor surfing, and spa amenities. Couchevel Moriond offers mostly beginner and intermediate terrain, abundant sun, and many locations for apres-ski, from relaxed British pubs to upscale restaurants. Courchevel 1850 is the ultimate destination for luxury, with high-end shopping, elevated nightlife options, and Michelin-star restaurants.
St. Barths
If you’re looking for a tropical escape, St Barths offers fine dining, nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Renowned for its luxurious accommodations and a frequent port of call for yachts, the capital town of Gustavia was founded in the late 1700s. Named for King Gustav III of Sweden, this waterfront locale has three historic forts from that period which were built to defend the harbor.
Upscale hotels line the beaches including Eden Rock, the island’s first hotel which is set on a rocky point overlooking St Jean Bay. This ultraluxe property offers rooms, suites, and villas set in the gardens or oceanside with amenities including private libraries and infinity pools. Hotel Eden Rock also offers private yacht charters around the globe through a partnership with Royal Yacht International. Their extensive fleet ranges from 72-foot vessels to 310-foot superyachts and can accommodate up to 36 guests for the voyage of a lifetime.
Nikki Beach has a legendary party scene with sun-kissed revelers enjoying sushi, champagne with sparklers in the cork, and DJs. Keep your eyes peeled as this is a frequent stop for celebrities who are venture onshore from yachts in the harbor. The Gyp Sea beach club on Pelican Beach offers a barbecue-centric menu, DJs, and rum cocktails in glasses shaped like parrots or pineapples. Smoothies and fresh juices are made to order and don’t miss the beach cigar cellar.
Big Sur
Spring is an ideal time for a jaunt to Big Sur, as wildflowers and wisteria bloom after the winter rainy season and mild temperatures are perfect for hiking the area’s trails. The Post Ranch Inn offers rooms and suites perched on a 1,200-foot cliff with breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a guided nature walk and a forest meditation session, followed by a soak in one of the heated infinity pools while gazing at the Pacific Ocean. Other activities include a guided art tour of the many installations throughout the property, yoga classes, and sound journey meditation.
While enjoying a scenic drive on Highway 1, stop at Limekiln State Park, with views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, access to the beach, and a waterfall. Boucher Trail offers an opportunity to see elephant seals, wildflowers, and the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.
With views of the coastline and the Saint Lucia Mountains, Nepenthe opened in 1949 and has been a local favorite restaurant for decades. The Ambrosia Burger is the most well-known item on the menu, which is rounded out by sandwiches and salads. Their wine list has 400 options, with many Pinot Noir bottles from a neighboring vineyard. The Phoenix Shop on the same property offers a curated selection of books, local art, artisan goods such as honey, soaps, and candles, a perfect stop before leaving this idyllic coastal community.